Gigabyte GA-MA790GPT-UD3H: Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

1-1 Installation Precautions

The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can

become damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Prior to installation, carefully read

the user's manual and follow these procedures:

• Prior to installation, do not remove or break motherboard S/N (Serial Number) sticker or

warranty sticker provided by your dealer. These stickers are required for warranty validation.

• Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the power outlet before

installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware components.

• When connecting hardware components to the internal connectors on the motherboard,

make sure they are connected tightly and securely.

• When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.

• It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when handling electronic com-

ponents such as a motherboard, CPU or memory. If you do not have an ESD wrist strap,

keep your hands dry and rst touch a metal object to eliminate static electricity.

•

Prior to installing the motherboard, please have it on top of an antistatic pad or within an

electrostatic shielding container.

• Before unplugging the power supply cable from the motherboard, make sure the power sup-

ply has been turned off.

• Before turning on the power, make sure the power supply voltage has been set according to

the local voltage standard.

• Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors of your hard-

ware components are connected.

• To prevent damage to the motherboard, do not allow screws to come in contact with the

motherboard circuit or its components.

• Make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or

within the computer casing.

• Do not place the computer system on an uneven surface

.

• Do not place the computer system in a high-temperature environment.

• Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to sys-

tem components as well as physical harm to the user.

• If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the

product, please consult a certied computer technician.

- 9 - Hardware Installation

1-4 Installing the Memory

Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the memory:

• Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended that memory of the

same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.

(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest memory support list.)

• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing

the memory to prevent hardware damage.

• Memory modules have a foolproof design. A memory module can be installed in only one direc-

tion. If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.

1-4-1 Dual Channel Memory Conguration

This motherboard provides four DDR3 memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. After the

memory is installed, the BIOS will automatically detect the specications and capacity of the memory. En-

abling Dual Channel memory mode will double the original memory bandwidth.

The four DDR3 memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as

following:

Channel 0: DDR3_1, DDR3_3

Channel 1: DDR3_2, DDR3_4

Dual Channel Memory Congurations Table

DDR3_1 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_4

Two Modules

DS/SS DS/SS - - - -

- - - - DS/SS DS/SS

Four Modules

DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS

(SS=Single-Sided, DS=Double-Sided, "- -"=No Memory)

If two memory modules are to be installed, it is rec-

ommended that you install them in the DDR3_1 and

DDR3_2 sockets.

DDR3_1

DDR3_2

DDR3_3

DDR3_4

Due to CPU limitations, read the following guidelines before installing the memory in Dual Channel mode.

1. Dual Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one DDR3 memory module is installed.

2. When enabling Dual Channel mode with two or four memory modules, it is recommended that

memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used and installed in the same colored

DDR3 sockets for optimum performance.

Hardware Installation - 16 -

1-4-2 Installing a Memory

Before installing a memory module, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power

cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the memory module.

DDR3 and DDR2 DIMMs are not compatible to each other or DDR DIMMs. Be sure to install

DDR3 DIMMs on this motherboard.

Notch

DDR3 DIMM

A DDR3 memory module has a notch, so it can only t in one direction. Follow the steps below to correctly

install your memory modules in the memory sockets.

Step 1:

Note the orientation of the memory module. Spread the retaining

clips at both ends of the memory socket. Place the memory module

on the socket. As indicated in the picture on the left, place your n-

gers on the top edge of the memory, push down on the memory and

insert it vertically into the memory socket.

Step 2:

The clips at both ends of the socket will snap into place when the

memory module is securely inserted.

- 17 - Hardware Installation

1-5 Installing an Expansion Card

Read the following guidelines before you begin to install an expansion card:

• Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual that came

with your expansion card.

• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing

an expansion card to prevent hardware damage.

PCI Express x1 Slot

PCI Express x16 Slot (PCIEX16_1)

PCI Express x16 Slot (PCIEX8_1)

PCI Slot

Follow the steps below to correctly install your expansion card in the expansion slot.

1. Locate an expansion slot that supports your card. Remove the metal slot cover from the chassis back panel.

2. Align the card with the slot, and press down on the card until it is fully seated in the slot.

3. Make sure the metal contacts on the card are completely inserted into the slot.

4. Secure the card’s metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.

5. After installing all expansion cards, replace the chassis cover(s).

6. Turn on your computer. If necessary, go to BIOS Setup to make any required BIOS changes for your

expansion card(s).

7. Install the driver provided with the expansion card in your operating system.

Example: Installing and Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card:

• Installing a Graphics Card:

Gently push down on the top edge of the card until

it is fully inserted into the PCI Express slot. Make

sure the card is securely seated in the slot and

does not rock.

• Removing the Card from

• Removing the Card from

the PCIEX16_1 slot:

the PCIEX8_1 slot:

Gently push back on the

Press the white latch at

lever on the slot and then

the end of the slot to re-

lift the card straight out

lease the card and then

from the slot.

lift the card straight out

from the slot.

Hardware Installation - 18 -

™

1-6 Setup of the ATI CrossFireX

Conguration

A. System Requirements

- Windows Vista or Windows XP operating system

- A CrossFireX-supported motherboard with two PCI Express x16 slots and correct driver

- Two CrossFireX-ready graphics cards of identical brand and chip and correct driver

(Note)

- Two CrossFire bridge connectors

- A power supply with sufcient power is recommended (Refer to the manual of your graphics cards for

the power requirement)

B. Connecting the Graphics Cards

Step 1:

Observe the steps in "1-5 Installing an Expansion Card" and install two CrossFireX graphics cards on the PCI

Express x16 slots.

(Note)

Step 2:

Insert the CrossFire bridge connectors in the CrossFireX gold edge connectors on top of the two cards.

Step 3:

Plug the display cable into the graphics card on the PCIEX16_1 slot.

C. Conguring the Graphics Card Driver

After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go to

the ATI Catalyst Control Center. Browse to the CrossFireX menu

™

and ensure the Enable CrossFireX

check box is selected.

(Note) The bridge connectors may be needed or not depending on your graphics cards.

Procedure and driver screen for enabling CrossFireX technology may differ by graphics cards.

Refer to the manual that came with your graphics cards for more information about enabling Cross-

FireX technology.

- 19 - Hardware Installation

™

1-7 Setup of the ATI Hybrid CrossFireX

Conguration

Combining the onboard GPU with a discrete graphics card, ATI Hybrid CrossFireX can provide signicantly

advanced display performance for AMD platform. This section give instructions on conguring an ATI Hybrid

CrossFireX system.

A. System Requirements

(Note 1)

- Windows Vista or Windows XP

operating system

- An ATI Hybrid CrossFireX-supported motherboard and correct driver

(Note 2)

- An ATI Hybrid CrossFireX-supported graphics card

B. Connecting the Graphics Cards

Step 1:

Observe the steps in "1-5 Installing an Expansion Card" and install an ATI Hybrid CrossFireX-supported

graphics card on the PCI Express slot.

Step 2:

Plug the display cable into the onboard graphics port on the back panel.

C. BIOS Setup

Enter BIOS Setup to set the following items under the Advanced BIOS Features menu:

(Note 3)

- Set Internal Graphics Mode to UMA+SidePort.

(Note 3)

- Set UMA Frame Buffer Size to 256MB or 512MB.

- Set Surround View to Disabled.

- Set Init Display First to OnChipVGA.

D. Conguring the Graphics Driver

After installing the motherboard driver in the operating system, go

™

™

to the ATI Catalyst

Control Center. Select CrossFire

on the

Graphics menu on the upper left corner and ensure the Enable

™

CrossFire

check box is selected.

(Note 1) For Windows XP, you must install AMD chipset driver version 8.51 or later.

(Note 2) You do not have to install the graphics card driver if the motherboard chipset driver has been in-

stalled.

(Note 3) To change the Internal Graphics Mode or UMA Frame Buffer Size setting in BIOS Setup, be sure

to disable the CrossFire function in the operating system rst.

Hardware Installation - 20 -

1-8 Back Panel Connectors

(Note 1) (Note 2)

(Note 2)

USB Port

The USB port supports the USB 2.0/1.1 specication. Use this port for USB devices such as a USB key-

board/mouse, USB printer, USB ash drive and etc.

PS/2 Keyboard or PS/2 Mouse Port

Use this port to connect a PS/2 keyboard or PS/2 mouse.

D-Sub Port

The D-Sub port supports a 15-pin D-Sub connector. Connect a monitor that supports D-Sub connection

to this port.

DVI-D Port

The DVI-D port supports DVI-D specictation. Connect a monitor that supports DVI-D connection to this

port.

HDMI Port

The HDMI (High-Denition Multimedia Interface) provides an all-digital audio/video interface to transmit

the uncompressed audio/video signals and is HDCP compliant. Connect the HDMI audio/video device to

this port. The HDMI Technology can support a maximum resolution of 1920x1080p but the actual resolu-

tions supported depend on the monitor being used.

• After installing the HDMI device, make sure the default device for sound playback is the HDMI

device. (The item name may differ by operating system. The following screen is from Win-

dows Vista.)

• Please note the HDMI audio output only supports AC3, DTS and 2-channel-LPCM formats.

(AC3 and DTS require the use of an external decoder for decoding.)

In Windows Vista, select Start>Control Panel>Sound, select Realtek

HDMI Output and then click Set Default.

(Note 1) The DVI-D port does not support D-Sub connection by adapter.

(Note 2) Simultaneous output for DVI-D and HDMI is not supported.

- 21 - Hardware Installation

A. Dual Display Congurations:

This motherboard provides three ports for video output: DVI-D, HDMI and D-Sub. The table below shows the

supported dual display congurations.

Dual

Combination Supported or Not

Display

DVI-D + D-Sub Yes

DVI-D + HDMI No

HDMI + D-Sub Yes

B. Playback of HD DVD and Blu-ray Discs:

In order to get better playback quality, when playing the HD DVD or Blu-ray discs, refer to the recommended

system requirements (or better) below.

• Memory: Two 1 GB DDR3 1066 MHz memory modules with dual channel mode enabled

• BIOS Setup: At least 256 MB of UMA Frame Buffer Size (refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Advanced

BIOS Features," for more information)

• Playback software: CyberLink PowerDVD 8.0 or later (Note: Please ensure Hardware Acceleration is

enabled.)

• HDCP compliant monitor(s)

Optical S/PDIF Out Connector

This connector provides digital audio out to an external audio system that supports digital optical audio.

Before using this feature, ensure that your audio system provides an optical digital audio in connector.

IEEE 1394a Port

The IEEE 1394 port supports the IEEE 1394a specication, featuring high speed, high bandwidth and

hotplug capabilities. Use this port for an IEEE 1394a device.

RJ-45 LAN Port

The Gigabit Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 1 Gbps data rate. The following de-

scribes the states of the LAN port LEDs.

Connection/

Speed LED

Activity LED

Connection/Speed LED:

Activity LED:

State Description

State Description

Orange 1 Gbps data rate

Blinking Data transmission or receiving is occurring

Green 100 Mbps data rate

Off No data transmission or receiving is occurring

Off 10 Mbps data rate

LAN Port

• When removing the cable connected to a back panel connector, rst remove the cable from your

device and then remove it from the motherboard.

• When removing the cable, pull it straight out from the connector. Do not rock it side to side to

prevent an electrical short inside the cable connector.

Hardware Installation - 22 -

Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out Jack (Orange)

Use this audio jack to connect center/subwoofer speakers in a 5.1/7.1-channel audio conguration.

Rear Speaker Out Jack (Black)

Use this audio jack to connect rear speakers in a 7.1-channel audio conguration.

Side Speaker Out Jack (Gray)

Use this audio jack to connect side speakers in a 4/5.1/7.1-channel audio conguration.

Line In Jack (Blue)

The default line in jack. Use this audio jack for line in devices such as an optical drive, walkman, etc.

Line Out Jack (Green)

The default line out jack. Use this audio jack for a headphone or 2-channel speaker. This jack can be

used to connect front speakers in a 4/5.1/7.1-channel audio conguration.

Mic In Jack (Pink)

The default Mic in jack. Microphones must be connected to this jack.

In addition to the default speakers settings, the ~ audio jacks can be recongured to perform

different functions via the audio software. Only microphones still MUST be connected to the

default Mic in jack ( ). Refer to the instructions on setting up a 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel audio con-

guration in Chapter 5, "Conguring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio."

- 23 - Hardware Installation

1-9 Internal Connectors

1

3 5

2

8

12

6

21

13

20

4

14

15

16

9

18 7

17

19

114 10

1) ATX_12V_2X4

12) F_AUDIO

2) ATX

13) CD_IN

3) CPU_FAN

14) SPDIF_IN

4) SYS_FAN1/SYS_FAN2

15) SPDIF_OUT

5) PWR_FAN

16) F_USB1/F_USB2/F_USB3

6) NB_FAN

17) F_1394_1/F_1394_2

7) FDD

18) COM

8) IDE

19) CI

9) SATA2_0/1/2/3/4/5

20) CLR_CMOS

10) PWR_LED

21) BATTERY

11) F_PANEL

Read the following guidelines before connecting external devices:

• First make sure your devices are compliant with the connectors you wish to connect.

• Before installing the devices, be sure to turn off the devices and your computer. Unplug the

power cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the devices.

• After installing the device and before turning on the computer, make sure the device cable has

been securely attached to the connector on the motherboard.

Hardware Installation - 24 -

1/2) ATX_12V_2X4/ATX (2x4 12V Power Connector and 2x12 Main Power Connector)

With the use of the power connector, the power supply can supply enough stable power to all the com-

ponents on the motherboard. Before connecting the power connector, rst make sure the power supply

is turned off and all devices are properly installed. The power connector possesses a foolproof design.

Connect the power supply cable to the power connector in the correct orientation. The 12V power con-

nector mainly supplies power to the CPU. If the 12V power connector is not connected, the computer will

not start.

• To meet expansion requirements, it is recommended that a power supply that can withstand

high power consumption be used (500W or greater). If a power supply is used that does not

provide the required power, the result can lead to an unstable or unbootable system.

• The power connectors are compatible with power supplies with 2x2 12V and 2x10 power

connectors. When using a power supply providing a 2x4 12V and a 2x12 power connector,

remove the protective covers from the 12V power connector and the main power connector on

the motherboard. Do not insert the power supply cables into pins under the protective covers

when using a power supply providing a 2x2 12V and a 2x10 power connector.

ATX_12V_2X4:

Pin No. Denition

8

4

1 GND (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)

2 GND (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)

3 GND

5

1

4 GND

ATX_12V_2X4

5 +12V (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)

6 +12V (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)

7 +12V

8 +12V

ATX:

Pin No. Denition

Pin No. Denition

2412

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 5VSB (stand by +5V)

21 +5V

10 +12V

22 +5V

11 +12V (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)

23 +5V (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)

131

12 3.3V (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)

24 GND (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)

ATX

- 25 - Hardware Installation

16) F_USB1/F_USB2/F_USB3 (USB Headers)

The headers conform to USB 2.0/1.1 specication. Each USB header can provide two USB ports via an

optional USB bracket. For purchasing the optional USB bracket, please contact the local dealer.

Pin No. Denition

10 9

1 Power (5V)

2 Power (5V)

3 USB DX-

2 1

4 USB DY-

5 USB DX+

6 USB DY+

7 GND

8 GND

9 No Pin

10 NC

• Do not plug the IEEE 1394 bracket (2x5-pin) cable into the USB header.

• Prior to installing the USB bracket, be sure to turn off your computer and unplug the power

cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the USB bracket.

17) F_1394_1/F_1394_2 (IEEE 1394a Headers)

The headers conform to IEEE 1394a specication. The IEEE 1394a header can provide one IEEE 1394a

port via an optional IEEE 1394a bracket. For purchasing the optional IEEE 1394a bracket, please con-

tact the local dealer.

Pin No. Denition

9

1

1 TPA+

10

2

2 TPA-

3 GND

4 GND

5 TPB+

6 TPB-

7 Power (12V)

8 Power (12V)

9 No Pin

10 GND

• Do not plug the USB bracket cable into the IEEE 1394a header.

• Prior to installing the IEEE 1394a bracket, be sure to turn off your computer and unplug the

power cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the IEEE 1394a bracket.

• To connect an IEEE 1394a device, attach one end of the device cable to your computer and

then attach the other end of the cable to the IEEE 1394a device. Ensure that the cable is se-

curely connected.

Hardware Installation - 32 -

18) COM (Serial Port Header)

The COM header can provide one serial port via an optional COM port cable. For purchasing the op-

tional COM port cable, please contact the local dealer.

Pin No. Denition

1 NDCD-

2 NSIN

9

1

10

2

3 NSOUT

4 NDTR-

5 GND

6 NDSR-

7 NRTS-

8 NCTS-

9 NRI-

10 No Pin

19) CI (Chassis Intrusion Header)

This motherboard provides a chassis detection feature that detects if the chassis cover has been re-

moved. This function requires a chassis with chassis intrusion detection design.

Pin No. Denition

1

1 Signal

2 GND

- 33 - Hardware Installation

20) CLR_CMOS (Clearing CMOS Jumper)

Use this jumper to clear the CMOS values (e.g. date information and BIOS congurations) and reset

the CMOS values to factory defaults. To clear the CMOS values, place a jumper cap on the two pins to

temporarily short the two pins or use a metal object like a screwdriver to touch the two pins for a few

seconds.

Open: Normal

Short: Clear CMOS Values

• Always turn off your computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before clear-

ing the CMOS values.

• After clearing the CMOS values and before turning on your computer, be sure to remove the

jumper cap from the jumper. Failure to do so may cause damage to the motherboard.

• After system restart, go to BIOS Setup to load factory defaults (select Load Optimized De-

faults) or manually congure the BIOS settings (refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," for BIOS

congurations).

21) BATTERY

The battery provides power to keep the values (such as BIOS congurations, date, and time information)

in the CMOS when the computer is turned off. Replace the battery when the battery voltage drops to a

low level, or the CMOS values may not be accurate or may be lost.

You may clear the CMOS values by removing the battery:

1. Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Gently remove the battery from the battery holder and wait for one

minute. (Or use a metal object like a screwdriver to touch the positive

and negative terminals of the battery holder, making them short for 5

seconds.)

3. Replace the battery.

4. Plug in the power cord and restart your computer.

• Always turn off your computer and unplug the power cord before replacing the battery.

• Replace the battery with an equivalent one. Danger of explosion if the battery is replaced with

an incorrect model.

• Contact the place of purchase or local dealer if you are not able to replace the battery by your-

self or uncertain about the battery model.

• When installing the battery, note the orientation of the positive side (+) and the negative side (-)

of the battery (the positive side should face up).

• Used batteries must be handled in accordance with local environmental regulations.

Hardware Installation - 34 -