GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY GA-970A-D3P User manual

GA-970A-D3P
User's Manual
Rev. 1001
12ME-970AD3P-1001R

Motherboard
GA-970A-D3P
May 24, 2013
May 24, 2013
Motherboard GA-970A-D3P

Copyright
©2013 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
The trademarks mentioned in this manual are legally registered to their respective owners.
Disclaimer
Information in this manual is protected by copyright laws and is the property of GIGABYTE.
Changes to the specications and features in this manual may be made by GIGABYTE
without prior notice.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, transmitted, or published in
any form or by any means without GIGABYTE's prior written permission.
Documentation Classications
In order to assist in the use of this product, GIGABYTE provides the following types of docu-
mentations:
For quick set-up of the product, read the Quick Installation Guide included with the product.
For detailed product information, carefully read the User's Manual.
For product-related information, check on our website at: http://www.gigabyte.com
Identifying Your Motherboard Revision
The revision number on your motherboard looks like this: "REV: X.X." For example, "REV:
1.0" means the revision of the motherboard is 1.0. Check your motherboard revision before
updating motherboard BIOS, drivers, or when looking for technical information.
Example:

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Table of Contents
Box Contents...................................................................................................................6
Optional Items .................................................................................................................6
GA-970A-D3P Motherboard Layout................................................................................7
GA-970A-D3P Motherboard Block Diagram...................................................................8
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation .....................................................................................9
1-1 Installation Precautions ................................................................................... 9
1-2 ProductSpecications................................................................................... 10
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler............................................................... 13
1-3-1 Installing the CPU ..................................................................................................13
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler ......................................................................................15
1-4 Installing the Memory .................................................................................... 16
1-4-1 DualChannelMemoryConguration ....................................................................16
1-4-2 Installing a Memory................................................................................................17
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card......................................................................... 18
1-6 Back Panel Connectors................................................................................. 19
1-7 Internal Connectors ....................................................................................... 21
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup..................................................................................................29
2-1 Startup Screen............................................................................................... 30
2-2 The Main Menu.............................................................................................. 31
2-3 M.I.T. .............................................................................................................. 33
2-4 System ........................................................................................................... 41
2-5 BIOS Features ............................................................................................... 42
2-6 Peripherals..................................................................................................... 45
2-7 Power Management....................................................................................... 48
2-8 Save & Exit .................................................................................................... 50
Chapter3 ConguringSATAHardDrive(s) ..................................................................51
3-1 ConguringSATAControllers........................................................................ 51
3-2 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System ..................... 57

- 5 -
Chapter 4 Drivers Installation .......................................................................................61
4-1 Installing Chipset Drivers............................................................................... 61
4-2 Application Software...................................................................................... 62
4-3 Technical Manuals......................................................................................... 62
4-4 Contact........................................................................................................... 63
4-5 System........................................................................................................... 63
4-6 Download Center........................................................................................... 64
Chapter 5 Unique Features...........................................................................................65
5-1 BIOS Update Utilities..................................................................................... 65
5-1-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility.......................................................... 65
5-1-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility........................................................... 68
5-2 EasyTune 6 .................................................................................................... 69
Chapter 6 Appendix......................................................................................................71
6-1 ConguringAudioInputandOutput.............................................................. 71
6-1-1 Conguring2/4/5.1/7.1-ChannelAudio..................................................................71
6-1-2 ConguringS/PDIFOut.........................................................................................73
6-1-3 ConguringMicrophoneRecording.......................................................................74
6-1-4 Using the Sound Recorder ....................................................................................76
6-2 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................. 77
6-2-1 Frequently Asked Questions..................................................................................77
6-2-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ...................................................................................78
Regulatory Statements............................................................................................. 80
Contact Us ................................................................................................................ 83

- 6 -
Box Contents
5GA-970A-D3P motherboard
5Motherboard driver disk
5User's Manual
5Quick Installation Guide
5Two SATA cables
5I/O Shield
Optional Items
2-portUSB2.0bracket(PartNo.12CR1-1UB030-6*R)
eSATAbracket(PartNo.12CF1-3SATPW-4*R)
3.5"FrontPanelwith2USB3.0/2.0ports(PartNo.12CR1-FPX582-2*R)
COMportcable(PartNo.12CF1-1CM001-3*R)
The box contents above are for reference only and the actual items shall depend on the product package you
obtain. The box contents are subject to change without notice.

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GA-970A-D3P Motherboard Layout
KB_MS_USB CPU_FAN
Socket AM3+
ATX
GA-970A-D3P
F_AUDIO
AUDIO
PCIEX4
DDR3_4
DDR3_3 DDR3_2 DDR3_1
BAT
F_PANEL
F_USB2F_USB30F_USB3
SYS_FAN2
TPMCOMASPDIF_O
ATX_12V
AMD 970
AMD SB950
SATA3
PCI1
PCI2
R_USB2
R_USB1
R_USB30
CODEC
PWR_FAN
SYS_FAN1
PCIEX1_2
PCIEX1_1(Note)
OPTICAL
USB_LAN
PCIEX16
PCIEX1_3
F_USB1
M_BIOS B_BIOS
CLR_CMOS
(Note) Duetoahardwarelimitation,thePCIEX1_1slotcanonlyaccommodateashorterPCIExpressx1
expansion card. For a longer expansion card, use other expansion slots.
Realtek®
GbELAN
0 3
1 4
2 5
iTE® Super I/O
VIA®VL805

- 8 -
GA-970A-D3P Motherboard Block Diagram
AMD 970
CPUCLK+/-(200MHz)
Dual Channel Memory
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Line Out
MIC
Line In
S/PDIF Out
Side Speaker Out
Rear Speaker Out
CODEC
PCI Bus
AM3+/AM3 CPU
2 PCI
PCI CLK
(33MHz)
DDR32000(O.C.)/1866/1600/
1333/1066MHz
Dual BIOS
14 USB 2.0/1.1
6 SATA 6Gb/s
AMD SB950
PCI Express Bus
PCI Express Bus
PCI Express Bus
PCIe CLK
(100MHz)
PCIe CLK
(100MHz)
1 PCI Express x16
x16
x4
x1 x1 x1
3 PCI Express x1
1 PCI Express x4
x1
PCIe CLK
(100MHz)
4 USB 3.0/2.0
x1
VIA®
VL805
Hyper Transport
Bus
Fordetailedproductinformation/limitation(s),referto"1-2ProductSpecications."
PS/2 KB/Mouse
iTE®
Super I/O
LPC
Bus
COM
LAN
RJ45
Realtek®
GbELAN

- 9 -
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, make sure the chassis is suitable for the motherboard.
•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 supply
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 hardware
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 system
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.

Hardware Installation
- 10 -
1-2 ProductSpecications
CPU AM3+ Socket:
- AMDAM3+FXprocessor
- AMD AM3 Phenom™II processor/ AMD Athlon™II processor
(GotoGIGABYTE'swebsiteforthelatestCPUsupportlist.)
Hyper Transport
Bus 4800 MT/s
Chipset NorthBridge:AMD970
South Bridge: AMD SB950
Memory 4x1.5VDDR3DIMMsocketssupportingupto32GBofsystemmemory
* DuetoaWindows32-bitoperatingsystemlimitation,whenmorethan4GBofphysical
memoryisinstalled,theactualmemorysizedisplayedwillbelessthanthesizeof
the physical memory installed.
Dual channel memory architecture
SupportforDDR32000(O.C.)/1866/1600/1333/1066MHzmemorymodules
* TosupportaDDR31866MHz(andabove)memory,youmustinstallanAM3+CPU
rst.
SupportforExtremeMemoryProle(XMP)memorymodules
 (GotoGIGABYTE'swebsiteforthelatestsupportedmemoryspeedsandmemory
modules.)
Audio VIA®VT2021codec
HighDenitionAudio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF Out
LAN Realtek®GbELANchip(10/100/1000Mbit)
Expansion Slots 1xPCIExpressx16slot,runningatx16(PCIEX16)
* Foroptimumperformance,ifonlyonePCIExpressgraphicscardistobeinstalled,
besuretoinstallitinthePCIEX16slot.
1xPCIExpressx16slot,runningatx4(PCIEX4)
3 x PCI Express x1 slots
(AllPCIExpressslotsconformtoPCIExpress2.0standard.)
2 x PCI slots
Storage Interface South Bridge:
- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors supporting up to 6 SATA 6Gb/s devices
- Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and JBOD
USB South Bridge:
- Upto14USB2.0/1.1ports(8portsonthebackpanel,6portsavailable
throughtheinternalUSBheaders)
VIA®VL805chip:
- Upto4USB3.0/2.0ports(2portsonthebackpanel,2portsavailable
throughtheinternalUSBheader)

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Hardware Installation
Internal
Connectors
1x24-pinATXmainpowerconnector
1x8-pinATX12Vpowerconnector
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan header
2 x system fan headers
1 x power fan header
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x S/PDIF Out header
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 header
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x serial port header
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
1xTrustedPlatformModule(TPM)header
Back Panel
Connectors
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
1 x RJ-45 port
6xaudiojacks(Center/SubwooferSpeakerOut/RearSpeakerOut/SideSpeaker
Out/LineIn/LineOut/Microphone)
I/O Controller iTE®I/O Controller Chip
Hardware
Monitor
System voltage detection
CPU/System temperature detection
CPU/System/Power fan speed detection
CPU overheating warning
CPU/System/Power fan fail warning
CPU/System fan speed control
* Whetherthefanspeedcontrolfunctionissupportedwilldependonthecooleryou
install.
BIOS 2x32Mbitash
Use of licensed AMI EFI BIOS
Support for DualBIOS™
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI 2.0a

Hardware Installation
- 12 -
Unique Features Support for @BIOS
Support for Q-Flash
SupportforXpressInstall
Support for EasyTune
* AvailablefunctionsinEasyTunemaydifferbymotherboardmodel.
SupportforON/OFFCharge
Bundled
Software NortonInternetSecurity(OEMversion)
Operating
System SupportforWindows8/7/XP
Form Factor ATXFormFactor;30.5cmx22.4cm
* GIGABYTEreservestherighttomakeanychangestotheproductspecicationsandproduct-relatedinformationwithout
prior notice.
* PleasevisittheSupport & Downloads\UtilitypageonGIGABYTE'swebsitetocheckthesupportedoperatingsystem(s)
for the software listed in the "Unique Features" and "Bundled Software" columns.

- 13 -
Hardware Installation
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler
1-3-1 Installing the CPU
A. Locatethepinone(denotedbyasmalltriangle)oftheCPUsocketandtheCPU.
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the CPU:
•Make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.
(GotoGIGABYTE'swebsiteforthelatestCPUsupportlist.)
•Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing the
CPU to prevent hardware damage.
•Locate the pin one of the CPU. The CPU cannot be inserted if oriented incorrectly.
•Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on the surface of the CPU.
•Do not turn on the computer if the CPU cooler is not installed, otherwise overheating and damage
of the CPU may occur.
•SettheCPUhostfrequencyinaccordancewiththeCPUspecications.Itisnotrecommended
thatthesystembusfrequencybesetbeyondhardwarespecicationssinceitdoesnotmeetthe
standard requirements for the peripherals. If you wish to set the frequency beyond the standard
specications,pleasedosoaccordingtoyourhardwarespecicationsincludingtheCPU,graphics
card, memory, hard drive, etc.
AM3+/AM3 CPU
A Small Triangle Marking
Denotes CPU Pin One
AM3+ Socket
A Small Triangle Marking
Denotes Pin One of the Socket

Hardware Installation
- 14 -
B. Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU into the motherboard CPU socket.
•Before installing the CPU, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the
power outlet to prevent damage to the CPU.
•DonotforcetheCPUintotheCPUsocket.TheCPUcannottiniforientedincorrectly.Adjustthe
CPU orientation if this occurs.
Step 1:
Completely lift up the CPU socket locking lever.
Step 2:
AligntheCPUpinone(smalltrianglemarking)withthetrianglemark
on the CPU socket and gently insert the CPU into the socket. Make
surethattheCPUpinstperfectlyintotheirholes.
OncetheCPUispositionedintoitssocket,placeonengerdownon
the middle of the CPU, lowering the locking lever and latching it into
the fully locked position.
CPU Socket
Locking Lever

- 15 -
Hardware Installation
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler
FollowthestepsbelowtocorrectlyinstalltheCPUcooleronthemotherboard.(Thefollowingprocedureuses
theGIGABYTEcoolerastheexample.)
Use extreme care when removing the CPU cooler because the thermal grease/tape between the CPU
cooler and CPU may adhere to the CPU. Inadequately removing the CPU cooler may damage the CPU.
Step 1:
Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on
the surface of the installed CPU.
Step 2:
Hook the CPU cooler clip to the mounting lug on
one side of the retention frame. On the other side,
push straight down on the CPU cooler clip to hook
it to the mounting lug on the retention frame.
Step 3:
Turn the cam handle from the left side to the
rightside(asthepicture above shows) tolock
intoplace.(RefertoyourCPUcoolerinstallation
manualforinstructionsoninstallingthecooler.)
Step 4:
Finally, attach the power connector of the CPU
coolertotheCPUfanheader(CPU_FAN)onthe
motherboard.

Hardware Installation
- 16 -
1-4 Installing the Memory
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. For optimum performance, when enabling Dual Channel mode
with two memory modules, we recommend that you install them in the DDR3_1 and DDR3_2 sockets.
DualChannelMemoryCongurationsTable:
(SS=Single-Sided,DS=Double-Sided,"--"=NoMemory)
DDR3_4
DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_1
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.Enabling
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 A: DDR3_2, DDR3_4
Channel B: DDR3_1, DDR3_3
DDR3_4 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_1
Two Modules - - DS/SS - - DS/SS
DS/SS - - DS/SS - -
Four Modules DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS
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supportedmemoryspeedsandmemorymodules.)
•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 direction.
If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.

- 17 -
Hardware Installation
1-4-2 Installing a Memory
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ngers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.
Notch
DDR3 DIMM
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.

Hardware Installation
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1-5 Installing an Expansion Card
PCI Slot
PCI Express x1 Slot
PCI Express x16 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:
Gently push back on the lever on the slot and then lift the card straight out from
the slot.
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.

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Hardware Installation
1-6 Back Panel Connectors
USB 2.0/1.1 Port
TheUSBport supports theUSB2.0/1.1 specication. Usethisport for USBdevicessuchas aUSB
keyboard/mouse,USBprinter,USBashdriveandetc.
PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port
Use this port to connect a PS/2 mouse or keyboard.
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.
USB 3.0/2.0 Port
TheUSB3.0portsupportstheUSB3.0specicationandiscompatibletotheUSB2.0/1.1specication.
UsethisportforUSBdevicessuchasaUSBkeyboard/mouse,USBprinter,USBashdriveandetc.
RJ-45 LAN Port
TheGigabitEthernetLANport providesInternetconnectionatupto1Gbps datarate.Thefollowing
describesthestatesoftheLANportLEDs.
•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.
Activity LED
Connection/
Speed LED
LANPort
Activity LED:Connection/Speed LED:
State Description
Orange 1 Gbps data rate
Green 100 Mbps data rate
Off 10 Mbps data rate
State Description
Blinking Data transmission or receiving is occurring
Off Nodatatransmissionorreceivingisoccurring

Hardware Installation
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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)
Thisjackcanbeusedtoconnectfrontspeakersina4/5.1/7.1-channelaudioconguration.
Side Speaker Out Jack (Gray)
Usethisaudiojacktoconnectsidespeakersina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.
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6,"Conguring2/4/5.1/7.1-ChannelAudio."