Gigabyte GA-7N400S-L User manual

GA-7N400S / GA-7N400S-L
AMD SempronTM / AthlonTM XP / AthlonTM / DuronTM Socket A Processor Motherboard
User's Manual
Rev. 1003
12ME-7N400S-1003

Motherboard
GA-7N400S
Oct. 18, 2004
Oct. 18, 2004
Motherboard
GA-7N400S

Copyright
© 2004 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
The trademarks mentioned in the manual are legally registered to their respective companies.
Notice
The written content provided with this product is the property of Gigabyte.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, or transmitted in any form or by any
means without Gigabyte's prior written permission. Specifications and features are subject to
change without prior notice.
Product Manual Classification
In order to assist in the use of this product, Gigabyte has categorized the user manual in the
following:
For quick installation, please refer to the "Hardware Installation Guide" included with the
product.
For detailed product information and specifications, please carefully read the
"Product User Manual".
For detailed information related to Gigabyte's unique features, please go to the
"Technology Guide" section on Gigabyte's website to read or download the information
you need.
Fore more product details, please click onto Gigabyte's website at www.gigabyte.com.tw

- 4 -
Table of Contents
GA-7N400S/GA-7N400S-L Motherboard Layout .......................................................... 6
Block Diagram ............................................................................................................... 7
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation ................................................................................... 9
1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation ................................................................. 9
1-2 Feature Summary .......................................................................................... 10
1-3 Set System Clock (CLK_SW) ....................................................................... 11
1-4 Installation of the CPU and Heatsink ............................................................ 11
1-4-1 Installation of the CPU .......................................................................................... 12
1-4-2 Installation of the Heatsink ................................................................................... 12
1-5 Installation of Memory ................................................................................... 13
1-6 Installation of Expansion Cards .................................................................... 15
1-7 I/O Back Panel Introduction .......................................................................... 16
1-8 Connectors Introduction ................................................................................ 17
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ............................................................................................... 27
The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver. : E17) ..................................................... 28
2-1 Standard CMOS Features ............................................................................. 30
2-2 Advanced BIOS Features ............................................................................. 32
2-3 Advanced Chipset Features .......................................................................... 34
2-4 Integrated Peripherals ................................................................................... 35
2-5 Power Management Setup ............................................................................ 39
2-6 PnP/PCI Configurations ................................................................................ 41
2-7 PC Health Status ........................................................................................... 42
2-8 Load Fail-Safe Defaults ................................................................................ 43
2-9 Load Optimized Defaults ............................................................................... 43
2-10 Set Supervisor/User Password ..................................................................... 44
2-11 Save & Exit Setup ......................................................................................... 45
2-12 Exit Without Saving ....................................................................................... 45

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Chapter 3 Drivers Installation ..................................................................................... 47
3-1 Install Chipset Drivers ................................................................................... 47
3-2 Software Application ...................................................................................... 48
3-3 Software Information ..................................................................................... 48
3-4 Hardware Information .................................................................................... 49
3-5 Contact Us ..................................................................................................... 49
Chapter 4 Appendix ................................................................................................... 51
4-1 Unique Software Utilities ............................................................................... 51
4-1-1 Xpress Recovery Introduction .............................................................................. 51
4-1-2 Flash BIOS Method Introduction .......................................................................... 54
4-1-3 Serial ATA BIOS Setting Utility Introduction ......................................................... 63
4-1-4 2- / 4- / 6- Channel Audio Function Introduction ................................................. 69
4-2 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................. 77

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GA-7N400S/GA-7N400S-L Motherboard Layout
ATX_12V
CPU_FAN
nVIDIA nForce 2
Ultra 400
AGP
CODEC
IR
IT8712
nVIDIA
nForce 2
MCP RAID
BIOS
PCI1
PCI2
DDR1
F_USB1 F_USB2
DDR2
DDR3
SATA0
BAT
ATX
IDE2
FDD
CLR_CMOS
SYS_FAN
GA-7N400S
KB_MS
SOCKET A
MIC_IN
COMA
LPT
USB LAN*
R_USB
RTL8100C*
F_AUDIO
CD_IN
F_PANEL
PWR_LED
COMB
LINE_OUT LINE_IN
CLK_SW
IDE1
PCI3
PCI4
PCI5
SATA1
AUX_IN
SUR_CEN
SPDIF_IO
-L*
* Only for GA-7N400S-L.

- 7 -
Block Diagram
* Only for GA-7N400S-L.
AMD-K7
CPU
CPUCLK+/-(100/133/166/200MHz)
nVIDIA
nForce 2
Ultra 400
HCLK+/- (100/133/166/200MHz)
DDR 400/333/266MHz DIMM
PCICLK
(33MHz)
5 PCI
PCI Bus 33MHz
DDR
33MHz
48MHz
IT8712
14.318MHz
BIOS
Floppy
PS/2 KB/Mouse
LPT Port
NBGCLK 66 MHz
2 COM Ports
Line In
Mic In
ATA33/66/100/
133 IDE
Channels
nVIDIA
nForce 2
MCP RAID
CODEC
Line Out
RJ45*
RTL8100C*
8 USB
Ports
33MHz
24MHz
AGPCLK 66MHz
AGP 4X/8X
AC97 Link
2 Serial
ATA

- 8 -

Hardware Installation- 9 -
English
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.
Chapter 1Hardware Installation

GA-7N400S(-L) Motherboard - 10 -
English
Motherboard GA-7N400S or GA-7N400S-L
CPU Socket A for AMD SempronTM / AthlonTM XP / AthlonTM / DuronTM processor
Supports 200/266/333/400MHz FSB
Supports 1.4GHz and faster
Chipset Northbridge: nVIDIA®nForceTM 2 Ultra 400
Southbridge: nVIDIA®nForceTM 2 MCP RAID
Memory 3 DDR DIMM memory slots (supports up to 3GB memory)
Supports dual channel DDR 400/333/266 DIMM
Supports 2.5V DDR DIMM
Slots 1 AGP slot supoorts 8X/4X(1.5V) mode
5 PCI slots
IDE Connections 2 IDE connections (UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100/ATA 133), allows connection
of 4 IDE devices
FDD Connections 1 FDD connection, allows connection of 2 FDD devices
Onboard SATA 2 Serial ATA ports from nVIDIA®nForceTM 2 MCP RAID (SATA0, SATA1)
Supports data striping (RAID 0) or mirroring (RAID 1) function
Peripherals 1 parallel port supporting Normal/EPP/ECP mode
2 serial ports (COMA, COMB)
8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (rear x 4, front x 4 via cable)
1 front audio connector
1 IR connector
1 PS/2 keyboard port
1 PS/2 mouse port
Onboard LAN* Onboard RTL8100C chip (10/100 Mbit)*
1 RJ 45 port*
Onboard Audio ALC655 CODEC
Supports Jack Sensing function
Supports 2 / 4 / 6 channel audio
Supports Line In (Rear Speaker Out) ; Line Out (Front Speaker Out) ;
MIC In (Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out)
SPDIF In/Out connection
CD In/Aux In connection
I/O Control IT8712
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU / System temperature detection
CPU / System fan speed detection
Thermal shutdown function
BIOS Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Supports Q-Flash
Additional Features Supports @BIOS
Supports EasyTune 5 (Note)
Overclocking Over Clock via BIOS (CPU/ DDR/ AGP)
Form Factor ATX form factor; 30.5cm x 21.0cm
1-2 Feature Summary
* Only for GA-7N400S-L.
(Note) If you want to use EasyTune utility, please set Memory Frequency under Advanced Chipset Features to
Auto in BIOS Setup (refer to page 34). You also have to use DDR memory module(s) with frequencies equal
to or faster than the FSB frequency of the CPU you install. For example, when using a CPU with 333Mhz FSB,
you have to install DDR333 or DDR400 memory module(s).

Hardware Installation- 11 -
English
1-4 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.
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.
1-3 Set System Clock (CLK_SW)
The system bus frequency can be switched at 100/133/166/200MHz by adjusting CLK_SW.
(The internal frequency depend on CPU.)
ON: Auto (133/166/200MHz, supports the 266/333/
400MHz FSB CPU, Default)
OFF: FORCE 100MHz (supports the 200MHz FSB
CPU)
When you use a CPU with 200MHz FSB, please do
set the CLK_SW to OFF (100MHz).
CLK_SW
Default setting: ON
ON
OFF
ON
OFF

GA-7N400S(-L) Motherboard - 12 -
English
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.
1-4-2 Installation of the Heatsink
Fig. 1
Before installing the heat sink, please first add an
even layer of heat sink paste on the surface of the
CPU. Install all the heat sink components (Please
refer to the heat sink manual for detailed installa-
tion instructions).
Fig. 2
Please connect the heat sink power connector to
the CPU_FAN connector located on the
motherboard so that the heat sink can properly
function to prevent CPU overheating.
Position lever at a
90-degree angle
Fig. 1
Gently lift the CPU socket lever and up to a
90-degree angle.
Fig. 2
A gold-colored triangle is marked one edge of the
CPU. Please align this edge with the socket edge
closest to the CPU lever. Gently place the CPU into
position making sure that the CPU pins fit perfectly
into their holes.
Once the CPU is positioned into it socket, gently
press the metal lever back into its original position.
1-4-1 Installation of the CPU
Pin 1(indented corner)
A Socket A CPU has two indented corners and these corners must be properly positioned during
installation.
indented corner

Hardware Installation- 13 -
English
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 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.
1-5 Installation of Memory
The motherboard supports DDR memory modules, whereby BIOS will automatically detect memory capacity
and specifications. Memory modules are designed so that they can be inserted only in one direction. The
memory capacity used can differ with each slot.
Notch
DDR
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-7N400S(-L) Motherboard - 14 -
English
Dual Channel DDR
GA-7N400S / GA-7N400S-L supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operating the Dual Channel
Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus will add double up to 6.4GB/s(DDR400) or 5.3GB/s(DDR333).
GA-7N400S / GA-7N400S-L includes 3 DIMM sockets as following:
Channel A : DDR 1, DDR 2
Channel B : DDR 3
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 memory cannot be used if one DDR memory module is installed.
2. If two DDR memory modules are installed (same storage capacity), one must be added to the
Channel A slot and the other in the Channel B slot in order to use dual channel memory. Dual
channel memory cannot function if both DDR memory modules are installed on the same channel.
3. If three DDR memory modules are installed, please use memory of the same storage capacity in
order to use dual channel memory and for BIOS to detect all the DDR memory modules.
We'll strongly recommend our user to slot two DDR memory modules into the DIMMs with the same color in
order for Dual Channel Technology to work.
The following table is for Dual Channel Technology combination: (DS: Double Side, SS: Single Side)
DDR 1 DDR 2 DDR 3
DS/SS X DS/SS
X DS/SS DS/SS
DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS
2 memory module
3 memory module

Hardware Installation- 15 -
English
1-6 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 AGP VGA card:
Please carefully pull out the small white-
drawable bar at the end of the AGP slot
when you try to install/uninstall the VGA
card. Please align the VGA card to the
onboard AGP slot and press firmly down on
the slot. Make sure your VGA card is locked
by the small white-drawable bar.

GA-7N400S(-L) Motherboard - 16 -
English
1-7 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).
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 ven
dor for possible patch or driver upgrade. For more information please contact your OS or device(s)
vendors.
Parallel Port
The parallel port allows connection of a printer, scanner and other peripheral devices.
COM A / COM B (Serial Port)
Connects to serial-based mouse or data processing devices.
LAN Port *
The provided Internet connection is fast Ethernet, providing data transfer speeds of 10/100Mbps.
Line In
Devices like CD-ROM, walkman etc. can be connected to Line In jack.
Line Out
Connect the stereo speakers or earphone to this connector.
MIC In
Microphone can be connected to MIC In jack.
You can use audio software to configure 2-/4-/6-channel audio functioning.
*
* Only for GA-7N400S-L.

Hardware Installation- 17 -
English
1-8 Connectors Introduction
1) ATX_12V
2) ATX (Power Connector)
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN
5) FDD
6) IDE1 / IDE2
7) SATA0 / SATA1
8) PWR_LED
9) BAT
10) F_PANEL
11) F_AUDIO
12) SUR_CEN
13) CD_IN
14) AUX_IN
15) SPDIF_IO
16) F_USB1 / F_USB2
17) IR
18) CLR_CMOS
12
7
5
17
3
6
4
13
14
15
9
18
10816
11
12

GA-7N400S(-L) Motherboard - 18 -
English
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.
13
24 Pin No. Definition
1 GND
2 GND
3 +12V
4 +12V
Pin No. Definition
1 3.3V
2 3.3V
3 GND
4 VCC
5 GND
6 VCC
7 GND
8 Power Good
9 5V SB (stand by +5V)
10 +12V
11 3.3V
12 -12V
13 GND
14 PS_ON(soft on/off)
15 GND
16 GND
17 GND
18 -5V
19 VCC
20 VCC
1
10
11
20

Hardware Installation- 19 -
English
3/4) CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN (Cooler Fan Power Connector)
The cooler fan power connector supplies a +12V power voltage via a 3-pin power connector and
possesses a foolproof connection design.
Most coolers are designed with color-coded power connector wires. A red power connector wire
indicates a positive connection and requires a +12V power voltage. The black connector wire is the
ground wire (GND).
Please remember to connect the 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.
CPU_FAN
SYS_FAN
1
Pin No. Definition
1 GND
2 +12V
3 Sense
5) FDD (FDD Connector)
The FDD connector is used to connect the FDD cable while the other end of the cable connects to the
FDD drive. The types of FDD drives supported are: 360KB, 720KB, 1.2MB, 1.44MB and 2.88MB.
Please connect the red power connector wire to the pin1 position.
34
33
2
1
1

GA-7N400S(-L) Motherboard - 20 -
English
6) IDE1 / IDE2 (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).
7) SATA0 / SATA1 (Serial ATA Connector)
Serial ATA can provide 150MB/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
2 TXP
3 TXN
4 GND
5 RXN
6 RXP
7 GND
17
2
40
1
39
17
SATA1
SATA0