Gigabyte GA-8I915GL-MF User manual

GA-8I915GL-MF
Intel®Pentium®4 LGA775 Processor Motherboard
User's Manual
Rev.1001
12ME-I915GLMF-1001

Motherboard
GA-8I915GL-MF
Feb. 22, 2005
Feb. 22, 2005
Motherboard
GA-8I915GL-MF

Copyright
©2005 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.
Nopartofthismanualmaybereproduced, copied, translated, or transmittedinany 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:
Fordetailedproductinformationandspecifications,pleasecarefullyreadthe
"Product User Manual".
FordetailedinformationrelatedtoGigabyte'suniquefeatures,pleasegoto"Technology
Guide"sectiononGigabyte'swebsitetoreadordownloadthe informationyouneed.
Formore productdetails, pleaseclick onto Gigabyte'swebsite atwww.gigabyte.com.tw

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Table of Content
GA-8I915GL-MFMotherboard Layout ........................................................................... 6
BlockDiagram................................................................................................................ 7
Chapter1HardwareInstallation..................................................................................... 9
1-1 ConsiderationsPriortoInstallation .................................................................... 9
1-2 FeatureSummary .......................................................................................... 10
1-3 Installationofthe CPUand Heatsink .............................................................. 12
1-3-1 Installation of the CPU ......................................................................................... 12
1-3-2 Installation of the Heatsink .................................................................................. 13
1-4 InstallationofMemory .................................................................................... 14
1-5 Installexpansioncards................................................................................... 16
1-6 I/OBackPanelIntroduction ........................................................................... 17
1-7 ConnectorsIntroduction .................................................................................. 18
Chapter 2 BIOSSetup................................................................................................ 29
The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver. : E3) ....................................................... 30
2-1 StandardCMOSFeatures ............................................................................. 32
2-2 Advanced BIOS Features.............................................................................. 34
2-3 IntegratedPeripherals ..................................................................................... 36
2-4 PowerManagement Setup ............................................................................. 39
2-5 PnP/PCI Configurations................................................................................. 41
2-6 PCHealthStatus ........................................................................................... 41
2-7 MB IntelligentTweaker(M.I.T.)....................................................................... 43
2-8 LoadFail-SafeDefaults ................................................................................... 44
2-9 LoadOptimizedDefaults ................................................................................. 44
2-10 Set Supervisor/User Password..................................................................... 45
2-11 Save & Exit Setup......................................................................................... 46
2-12 ExitWithout Saving ....................................................................................... 46

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Chapter 3 InstallDrivers............................................................................................. 47
3-1 InstallChipset Drivers.................................................................................... 47
3-2 SoftwareApplications ..................................................................................... 48
3-3 DriverCDInformation .................................................................................... 48
3-4 HardwareInformation ..................................................................................... 49
3-5 Contact Us..................................................................................................... 49
Chapter 4 Appendix ................................................................................................... 51
4-1 UniqueSoftwareUtilities ................................................................................ 51
4-1-1 EasyTune 5 Introduction..................................................................................... 52
4-1-2 Xpress Recovery Introduction........................................................................... 53
4-1-3 Flash BIOS Method Introduction ........................................................................ 56
4-1-4 2- / 4- / 6- / 8- Channel Audio Function Introduction...................................... 65
4-2 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 70

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GA-8I915GL-MF Motherboard Layout
KB_MS
ATX_12V
CPU_FAN
LGA775
IR
BAT
TSB43AB23
RTL8110S
SATA0
ICH6
BIOS
PCI1
PCI2
DDR1 DDR3
SATA3
SATA2
SATA1
FDD
F_PANEL
CLR_CMOS
F1_1394
F2_1394
PCIE_1
F_USB2F_USB1
COMB
CODEC
VGA
LPT
USB LAN
CD_IN
AZALIA_FP
Intel 915GL
AUDIO1
ATX
IDE
R_USB
GA-8I915GL-MF
IT8712
SPDIF_O
SPDIF_I
AUDIO2
COMA
SYS_FAN
DDR2
DDR4
CI

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Block Diagram
TSB43AB23
3 IEEE1394
LGA775
Processor
CPUCLK+/-(200/133MHz)
VGA
BIOS
33MHz
14.318MHz
DDR400/333MHz DIMM
Host
Interface
Intel
915GL
GMCH GMCHCLK (200/133MHz)
66MHz
48MHz
PCI Bus
4 Serial ATA
IT 8712
ATA33/66/100
IDE Channels
LPT Port
COM Ports
Floppy
PS/2 KB/Mouse
24MHz
33MHz
8 USB
Ports
Intel
ICH6
CODEC
Line-Out
MIC
Line-In
SPDIF In
SPDIF Out
Side Speaker Out
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Surround Speaker Out
2 PCI
PCICLK
(33MHz)
RJ45
1 PCIExpress x 1Ports
PCI-ECLK(100MHz)
PCI Express x1 Bus
Dual Channel Memory
RTL 8110S

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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 you 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 theinformation
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 1 Hardware Installation

GA-8I915GL-MF Motherboard - 10 -
English
CPU Supports the latest Intel®Pentium®4 LGA775 CPU
Supports 800/533MHz FSB
L2 cache varies with CPU
Chipset Northbridge: Intel®915GL Express chipset
Southbridge: Intel®ICH6
Memory 4 DDR DIMM memory slots (supports up to 4GB memory)(Note 1)
Supports dual channel DDR400/333/266 DIMM
Supports 2.5V DDR DIMM
Slots 1 PCI Express x 1 slot
2 PCI slots
IDE Connections 1 IDE connection (UDMA 33/ATA66/ATA100), allows connection of 2 IIDE
devices
FDD Connections 1 FDD connection, allows connection of 2 FDD devices
Onboard SATA 4 Serial ATA connections
Peripherals 1 parallel port supporting Normal/EPP/ECP mode
1 VGA port, onboard COMA/COMB connection
8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (rear x 4, front x 4 via cable)
3 IEEE1394 ports (requires cable)
1 front audio connector
1 IR connector
1 PS/2 keyboard port
1 PS/2 mouse port
Onboard LAN Onboard Realtek 8110S chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
1 RJ 45 port
Onboard Audio ALC880 CODEC
Supports Jack Sensing function
Supports 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 channel audio
Supports Line In ; Line Out (Front Speaker Out) ; MIC ;
Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out) ; Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
;Side Speaker Out connection
Supports SPDIF In/Out connection
CD In
I/O Control IT8712
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
1-2 Feature Summary
(Note 1) Due to standard PC architecture, a certain amount of memory is reserved for system usage
and therefore the actual memory size is less than the stated amount.
For example, 4 GB of memory size will instead be shown as 3.xxGB memory during system
startup.

Hardware Installation- 11 -
English
BIOS Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Supports Q-Flash
Additional Features Supports @BIOS
Supports EasyTune 5 (only supports Hardware Monitor function)
Overclocking Over Clock via BIOS (DDR)
Form Factor Micro ATX form factor; 24.4 cm x 24.4 cm

GA-8I915GL-MF Motherboard - 12 -
English
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.
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 re-
quires 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
Gently lift the metal
lever located on the
CPU socket to the
upright position.
Metal Lever Fig. 2
Remove the plastic
covering on the CPU
socket.
Fig. 4
Once the CPU is
properly inserted,
please replace the
load plate and
push the metal lever
back into its original
position.
Fig. 3
Notice the small gold
colored triangle
located on the edge of
the CPU socket.
Align the
indented corner of the
CPU with the triangle and gently insert the CPU
into 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.)

Hardware Installation- 13 -
English
1-3-2 Installation of the Heatsink
Fig.1
Please apply an even layer of heatsink paste on
the surface of the installed CPU.
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.
Fig. 6
Finally, please attach the power connector of the
heatsink to the CPU fan header located on the
motherboard.
Fig. 3
Place the heatsink atop the CPU and make sure
the push pins aim to the pin hole on the
motherboard.Pressing down the push pins
diagonally.
Fig. 2
(Turning the push pin along the direction of arrow
is to remove the heatsink, on the contrary, is to
install.)Please note the direction of arrow sign on
the male push pin doesn't face inwards before
installation. (This instruction is only for Intel boxed
fan)
Fig. 4
Please make sure the Male and Female push pin
are joined closely. (for detailed installation
instructions, please refer to the heatsink installation
section of the user manual)
Fig. 5
Please check the back of motherboard after
installing. If the push pin is inserted as the picture,
the installation is complete.
Male Push Pin
Female Push Pin
The top of Female Push Pin

GA-8I915GL-MF Motherboard - 14 -
English
1. The DIMM slot has a notch, so the DIMM
memory module can only fit in one direction.
2. Insert the DIMM memory module vertically
into the DIMM slot. Then push it down.
3. Close the plastic clip at both edges of the DIMM
slots to lock the DIMM module.
Reverse the installation steps when you wish
to remove the DIMM module.
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.
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.
1-4 Installation of Memory
Notch
DDR

Hardware Installation- 15 -
English
GA-8I915GL-MF supports the Dual ChannelTechnology. After operating the Dual ChannelTechnology,
the bandwidth of Memory Bus will double.
GA-8I915GL-MF includes 4 DIMM sockets, and each Channel has two DIMM sockets as following:
Channel A : DDR 1, DDR 2
Channel B : DDR 3, DDR 4
If you want to operate the Dual Channel Technology, please note the following explanations due
to the limitation of Intel chipset specifications.
1. One/three DDR memory module is installed: The Dual Channel Technology can't operate
when only one DDR memory module is installed.
2. Two DDR memory modules are installed (the same memory size and type): The Dual
Channel Technology will operate when two memory modules are inserted individually into
Channel A and B. If you install two memory modules in the same channel, the Dual Channel
Technology will not operate.
3. Four DDR memory modules are installed: If you install four memory modules at the same
time, the Dual Channel Technology will operate only when those modules have the same
memory size and type.
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)
2memorymodules
4memorymodules
DDR1 DDR 2 DDR3 DDR4
DS/SS X DS/SS X
X DS/SS X DS/SS
DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS

GA-8I915GL-MF Motherboard - 16 -
English
1-5 Install expansion cards
You can install your expansion card by following the steps outlined below:
1. Read the related expansion card's instruction document before install the expansion card into the
computer.
2. Remove your computer's chassis cover, screws and slot bracket from the computer.
3. Press the expansion card firmly into expansion slot in motherboard.
4. Be sure the metal contacts on the card are indeed seated in the slot.
5. Replace the screw to secure the slot bracket of the expansion card.
6. Replace your computer's chassis cover.
7. Power on the computer, if necessary, setup BIOS utility of expansion card from BIOS.
8. Install related driver from the operating system.
Installing a PCI expansion card:

Hardware Installation- 17 -
English
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 o the lower port (purple).
Parallel Port
The parallel port allows connection of a printer, scanner and other peripheral devices.
SPDIF_O (SPDIF Out)
The SPDIF output is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or compressed AC3
data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder.
SPDIF_I (SPDIF In)
Use SPDIF In feature only when your device has digital output function.
VGA Port
Monitor can be connected to VGA port.
USB port
Before you connect your device(s) into USB connector(s), please make sure your device(s) such
as USB keyboard, mouse, scanner, zip, speaker...etc. have a standard USB interface.
Also make sure your OS supports USB controller. If your OS does not 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
Devices like CD-ROM, walkman etc. can be connected to Line In jack.
Line Out (Front Speaker Out)
Connect the stereo speakers, earphone or front surround speakers to this connector.
MIC In
Microphone can be connected to MIC In jack.
Rear Speaker Out

GA-8I915GL-MF Motherboard - 18 -
English
1-7 Connectors Introduction
1) ATX_12V
2) ATX (Power Connector)
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN
5) FDD
6) IDE
7) SATA0 / SATA1 / SATA2 / SATA3
8) F_PANEL
9) CI
10) AZALIA_FP
11) CD_IN
12) F_USB1 / F_USB2
13) F1_1394 / F2_1394
14) IR
15) COMA / COMB
16) CLR_CMOS
17) BAT
1
3
5
2
8
11
14
17
16
12
10
4
6
7
9
1315
Connect the rear surround speakers to this connector.
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Connect the Center/Subwoofer speakers to this connector.
Side Speaker Out
Connect the side surround speakers to this connector.
You can use audio software to configure 2-/4-/6-/8-channel audio functioning.

Hardware Installation- 19 -
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.
TheATX_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.
13
2
4PinNo. Definition
1 GND
2 GND
3 +12V
4 +12V
PinNo. Definition
1 3.3V
2 3.3V
3 GND
4 VCC
5 GND
6 VCC
7 GND
8 PowerGood
9 5VSB(standby+5V)
10 +12V
11 +12V
12 3.3V(Onlyfor24pinsATX)
13 3.3V
14 -12V
15 GND
16 PS_ON(softOn/Off)
17 GND
18 GND
19 GND
20 -5V
21 VCC
22 VCC
23 VCC
24 GND
1
12
13
24

GA-8I915GL-MF Motherboard - 20 -
English
1
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.
CPU_FAN
SYS_FAN
1
1
2
33
34
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
wireindicates 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.
PinNo. Definition
1 GND
2 +12V
3 Sense
4 SpeedControl
(OnlyforCPU_FAN)