Gigabyte GA-8I945PL-G: Chapter 1 Hardware Installation
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation: Gigabyte GA-8I945PL-G
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Chapter 1 Hardware Installation
1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation
Preparing Your Computer
The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can
become damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Thus, prior to installation, please
follow the instructions below:
1. Please turn off the computer and unplug its power cord.
2. When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.
3. It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) cuff when handling electronic components
(CPU, RAM).
4. Prior to installing the electronic components, please have these items on top of an antistatic pad or
within a electrostatic shielding container.
5. Please verify that the power supply is switched off before unplugging the power supply connector
from the motherboard.
Installation Notices
1. Prior to installation, please do not remove the stickers on the motherboard. These stickers are required
for warranty validation.
2. Prior to the installation of the motherboard or any hardware, please first carefully read the information
in the provided manual.
3. Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors are connected.
4. To prevent damage to the motherboard, please do not allow screws to come in contact with the
motherboard circuit or its components.
5. Please make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or
within the computer casing.
6. Please do not place the computer system on an uneven surface.
7. Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to system
components as well as physical harm to the user.
8. If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the product,
please consult a certified computer technician.
Instances of Non-Warranty
1. Damage due to natural disaster, accident or human cause.
2. Damage as a result of violating the conditions recommended in the user manual.
3. Damage due to improper installation.
4. Damage due to use of uncertified components.
5. Damage due to use exceeding the permitted parameters.
6. Product determined to be an unofficial Gigabyte product.
Hardware Installation- 9 -
1-2 Feature Summary
®
®
®
®
(Note 1)
CPU Supports LGA775 Intel
Pentium
Processor Pentium
D / Pentium
4
L2 cache varies with CPU
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Front Side Bus Supports 800/533MHz FSB
®
Chipset Northbridge: Intel
945PL Chipset
®
Southbridge: Intel
ICH7
LAN Onboard RTL8111B chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Audio Onboard ALC880 chip
Supports 2 / 4 / 6/ 8 channel audio
Supports SPDIF In/Out connection
Supports CD In connection
Storage ICH7 Southbrigde
- 1 FDD connector, allowing connection of 2 FDD devices
- 1 IDE connector (IDE1) with UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100 suppport,
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 DDR II DIMM memory slots (supports up to 2GB memory)
Supports dual channel DDR II 533/400 unbuffered DIMMs
Supports 1.8V DDR II DIMMs
Expanstion Slots 1 PCI Express x 16 slot
2 PCI Express x 1 slots
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 SPDIF In connector
1 power LED connector
2 USB 2.0/1.1 connectors for additional 4 ports by cables
1 RF_ID connector
Rear Panel I/O 1 PS/2 keyboard port
1 PS/2 mouse port
1 RJ-45 port
1 SPDIF Out connection (coaxial+optical)
1 Serial port
4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
6 audio jacks (Line In / Line Out / MIC In/Surround Speaker Out (Rear
Speaker Out)/Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out/Side Speaker Out)
GA-8I945PLGE-RH Motherboard - 10 -
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I/O Control IT8712 chip
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU temperature detection
CPU / System fan speed detection
CPU 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
Supports Xpress Install
Supports Xpress Recovery2
Supports Xpress Rescue
Bundle Software Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Form Factor ATX form factor; 30.5cm x 19.0cm
(Note 1) For further CPU support information, please go to GIGABYTE's website.
(Note 2) 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:
1. Please make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.
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2. Please take note of the one indented corner of the CPU. If you install the CPU in the wrong
direction, the CPU will not insert properly. If this occurs, please change the insert direction
of the CPU.
3. Please add an even layer of heat sink paste between the CPU and heatsink.
4. Please make sure the heatsink is installed on the CPU prior to system use, otherwise
overheating and permanent damage of the CPU may occur.
5. Please set the CPU host frequency in accordance with the processor specifications. It is not
recommended that the system bus frequency be set beyond hardware specifications since it
does not meet the required standards for the peripherals. If you wish to set the frequency
beyond the proper specifications, please do so according to your hardware specifications
including the CPU, graphics card, memory, hard drive, etc.
HT functionality requirement content :
Enabling the functionality of Hyper-Threading Technology for your computer system requires all
of the following platform components:
®
- CPU: An Intel
Pentium 4 Processor with HT Technology
®
- Chipset: An Intel
Chipset that supports HT Technology
- BIOS: A BIOS that supports HT Technology and has it enabled
- OS: An operation system that has optimizations for HT Technology
1-3-1 Installation of the CPU
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Metal Lever
Gently lift the metal
Remove the plastic
lever located on the
covering on the CPU
CPU socket to the
socket.
upright position.
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Notice the small gold
Once the CPU is
colored triangle located
properly inserted,
on the edge of the CPU
please replace the
socket. Align the
load plate and
indented corner of the
push the metal lever
back into its original
CPU with the triangle and gently insert the CPU into
position.
position. (Grasping the CPU firmly between your
thumb and forefinger, carefully place it into the socket
in a straight and downwards motion. Avoid twisting or
bending motions that might cause damage to the CPU
during installation.)
GA-8I945PLGE-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 is
the surface of the installed CPU.
to remove the heatsink, on the contrary, is to install.)
Please note the direction of arrow sign on the male
push pin doesn't face inwards before installation. (This
instruction is only for Intel boxed fan)
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Place the heatsink atop the CPU and make sure
Please make sure the Male and Female push pin are
the push pins aim to the pin hole on the
joined closely. (for detailed installation instructions,
motherboard.Pressing down the push pins
please refer to the heatsink installation section of the
diagonally.
user manual)
Fig. 6
Fig. 5
Finally, please attach the power connector of the
Please check the back of motherboard after
heatsink to the CPU fan header located on the
installing. If the push pin is inserted as the picture,
motherboard.
the installation is complete.
The heatsink may adhere to the CPU as a result of hardening of the heatsink paste.To prevent
such an occurrence, it is suggested that either thermal tape rather than heat sink paste be used for
heat dissipation or using extreme care when removing the heatsink.
Hardware Installation- 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 DDR II memory modules, where by BIOS will automatically detect memory
capacity and specifications. Memory modules are designed so that they can be inserted only in one direction.
The memory capacity used can differ with each slot.
Notch
DDR II
Fig.1
The DIMM socket has a notch, so the DIMM memory module
can only fit in one direction. Insert the DIMM memory module
vertically into the DIMM socket. Then push it down.
Fig.2
Close the plastic clip at both edges of the DIMM sockets to
lock the DIMM module.
Reverse the installation steps when you wish to remove the
DIMM module.
GA-8I945PLGE-RH Motherboard - 14 -
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Dual Channel Memory Configuration
The GA-8I945PLGE-RH supports the Dual Channel Technology. After oper-
ating the Dual Channel Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus will add
double.
The GA-8I945PLGE-RH includes 2 DIMM sockets.
If you want to operate the Dual Channel Technology, please note the following explanations
due to the limitation of Intel chipset specifications.
1. Dual Channel mode will not be enabled if only one DDR II memory module is installed.
2. To enable Dual Channel mode, please insert two DDR II memory modules (it is recom-
mended to use memory modules of identical brand, size, chips, and speed) into DDRII1
and DDRII2 memory sockets.
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 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.
GA-8I945PLGE-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).
LPT (Parallel Port)
The parallel port allows connection of a printer, scanner and other peripheral devices.
COAXIAL (SPDIF Out)
The SPDIF coaxial output port is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or
• compressed AC3 data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder via a coaxial cable.
OPTICAL (SPDIF Out)
The SPDIF optical output port is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or com-
pressed AC3 data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder via an optical cable.
Serial Port
Connects to serial-based mouse or data processing 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 support USB controller,
please contact OS vendor for possible patch or driver upgrade. For more information please
contact your OS or device(s) vendors.
LAN Port
The provided Internet connection is Gigabit Ethernet, providing data transfer speeds of
10/100/1000Mbps.
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.
Hardware Installation- 17 -
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
The default Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out jack. Center/Subwoofer speakers can be connected to
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out jack.
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Side Speaker Out
The default Side Speaker Out jack. Surround side speakers can be connected to Side Speaker Out
jack.
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 de-
fault Mic In jack ( ) . Please refer to the 2-/4-/6-/8- channel audio setup steps for detailed software
configuration information.
1-7 Connectors Introduction
1
3
8
2
4
16
11
17
6
10
15
12 1314
5
7 9
1) ATX_12V
10) F_PANEL
2) ATX (Power Connector)
11) CD_IN
3) CPU_FAN
12) SPDIF_I
4) SYS_FAN
13) F_USB1/F_USB2
5) FDD
14) RF_ID
6) IDE1
15) CI
7) SATAII0 / SATAII1 / SATAII2 / SATAII3
16) CLR_CMOS
8) F_AUDIO
17) BAT
9) PWR_LED
GA-8I945PLGE-RH Motherboard - 18 -
1/2) ATX_12V/ATX (Power Connector)
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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
1 GND
3
4
2 GND
1
2
3 +12V
4 +12V
12
24
Pin No. Definition
Pin No. Definition
1 3.3V
13 3.3V
2 3.3V
14 -12V
3 GND
15 GND
4 +5V
16 PS_ON(soft On/Off)
5 GND
17 GND
6 +5V
18 GND
7 GND
19 GND
8 Power Good
20 -5V
9 5V SB(stand by +5V)
21 +5V
10 +12V
22 +5V
11 +12V(Only for 24-pin ATX)
23 +5V (Only for 24-pin ATX)
1
13
12 3.3V(Only for 24-pin ATX)
24 GND(Only for 24-pin ATX)
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
CPU_FAN
2 +12V
3 Sense
1
4 Speed Control
(Only for CPU_FAN)
SYS_FAN
5) FDD (Floppy Connector)
The FDD connector is used to connect the FDD cable while the other end of the cable connects to the
FDD drive. The types of FDD drives supported are: 360KB, 720KB, 1.2MB, 1.44MB and 2.88MB.
Please connect the red power connector wire to the pin1 position.
2
34
1
33
GA-8I945PLGE-RH Motherboard - 20 -
6) IDE1 (IDE Connector)
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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).
3940
2
1
7) SATAII0/SATAII1/SATAII2/SATAII3 (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
1
7
4 GND
5RXN
6 RXP
7 GND
Hardware Installation- 21 -
8) 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
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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.
1
2
9
10
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 70 about
the software settings.
9) PWR_LED
PWR_LED is connected with the system power indicator to indicate whether the system is on/off.
It will blink when the system enters suspend mode.
Pin No. Definition
1 MPD+
2 MPD-
1
3 MPD-
GA-8I945PLGE-RH 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.
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SPEAK-
Speaker Connector
SPEAK+
NC
Power
Switch
PW-
RES+
RES-
Reset Switch
PW+
MSG-
HD-
MSG+
HD+
IDE Hard Disk Active LED
2
1
Power/
Sleep LED
Message LED/
HD (IDE Hard Disk Active LED) (Blue) Pin 1: LED anode(+)
Pin 2: LED cathode(-)
SPEAK (Speaker Connector) (Amber) Pin 1: Power
Pin 2- Pin 3: NC
Pin 4: Data(-)
RES (Reset Switch) (Green) Open: Normal
Close: Reset Hardware System
PW (Power Switch) (Red) Open: Normal
Close: Power On/Off
MSG(Message LED/Power/Sleep LED) Pin 1: LED anode(+)
(Yellow) Pin 2: LED cathode(-)
NC ( Purple) NC
Hardware Installation- 23 -
11) CD_IN (CD IN)
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_I (SPDIF In)
Use SPDIF IN feature only when your device has digital output function. Be careful with the polarity
of the SPDIF_IN 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
1
2 SPDIFI
3 GND
GA-8I945PLGE-RH Motherboard - 24 -
13) F_USB1 / F_USB2 (Front USB Connectors)
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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.
2
10
1
9
Pin No. Definition
1 Power (5V)
2 Power (5V)
3 USB DX-
4 USB Dy-
5 USB DX+
6 USB Dy+
7 GND
8 GND
9 No Pin
10 NC
14) RF_ID
This connector allows you to connect external devices to use extra function. Check the pin
assignments before you connect the external device cable. Please contact your nearest dealer for the
optional GIGABYTE external device.
Pin No. Definition
1 Power
2 RFID_RI-
1
3 RF_TXD
4 RF_RXD
5NC
6 GND
Hardware Installation- 25 -
15) 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
1 Signal
2 GND
16) CLR_CMOS (Clear CMOS)
You may clear the CMOS data to its default values by this jumper. To clear CMOS, temporarily
short 1-2 pin. Default doesn't include the "Shunter" to prevent from improper use this jumper.
1
Open: Normal
1
Short: Clear CMOS
GA-8I945PLGE-RH Motherboard - 26 -
17) BAT(Battery)
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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.
Hardware Installation- 27 -
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GA-8I945PLGE-RH Motherboard - 28 -
Оглавление
- GA-8I945PLGE-RH Motherboard Layout
- Block Diagram
- Chapter 1 Hardware Installation
- Chapter 2 BIOS Setup
- Chapter 3 Install Drivers
- Chapter 4 Appendix
