Gigabyte GA-8I915P Dual Graphic User manual

GA-8I915PDualGraphic
Intel®Pentium®4 LGA775 Processor Motherboard
User's Manual
Rev. 1002
12ME-8I915PDG-1002

Motherboard
GA-8I915PDual Graphic
Jan. 13, 2005
Jan. 13, 2005
Motherboard
GA-8I915P Dual Graphic

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.
Nopart of thismanual may bereproduced, copied, translated,or transmitted inany form orby 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 "Technology
Guide" section on Gigabyte's website to read or download the information you need.
For more product details, please click onto Gigabyte's website at www.gigabyte.com.tw

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Table of Contents
GA-8I915P Dual Graphic 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 Installation of the CPU and Heatsink ............................................................ 12
1-3-1 Installation of the CPU .......................................................................................... 12
1-3-2 Installation of the Heatsink ................................................................................... 13
1-4 Installation of Memory................................................................................... 14
1-5 Installation of Expansion Cards .................................................................... 16
1-6 Configuring a Quad View System ................................................................. 17
1-7 I/O Back Panel Introduction .......................................................................... 19
1-8 Connectors Introduction ................................................................................20
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ............................................................................................... 31
The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver. : F1) .......................................................32
2-1 Standard CMOS Features............................................................................. 34
2-2 Advanced BIOS Features ............................................................................. 36
2-3 Integrated Peripherals................................................................................... 38
2-4 Power Management Setup............................................................................ 42
2-5 PnP/PCI Configurations ................................................................................44
2-6 PC Health Status........................................................................................... 45
2-7 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ...................................................................... 46
2-8 Load Fail-Safe Defaults ................................................................................48
2-9 Load Optimized Defaults............................................................................... 49
2-10 Set Supervisor/User Password ..................................................................... 49
2-11 Save & Exit Setup ......................................................................................... 50
2-12 Exit Without Saving ....................................................................................... 50

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Chapter 3 Install Drivers ............................................................................................ 51
3-1 Install Chipset Drivers ................................................................................... 51
3-2 SoftwareApplications.................................................................................... 52
3-3 Driver CD Information ................................................................................... 52
3-4 HardwareInformation.................................................................................... 53
3-5 Contact Us..................................................................................................... 53
Chapter 4 Appendix ................................................................................................... 55
4-1 Unique Software Utilities...............................................................................55
4-1-1 EasyTune 5 Introduction ....................................................................................... 56
4-1-2 Xpress Recovery Introduction .............................................................................. 57
4-1-3 Flash BIOS Method Introduction .......................................................................... 60
4-1-4 Serial ATA BIOS Setting Utility Introduction......................................................... 71
4-1-5 2 / 4 / 5.1 / 7.1 Channel Audio Function Introduction ......................................... 78
4-2 Troubleshooting............................................................................................. 84

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GA-8I915P Dual Graphic Motherboard Layout
KB_MS ATX_12V
CPU_FAN
LGA775
SPDIF_O
COMA LPT
USB LAN
IR
BAT
TSB43AB23
CD_IN
AZALIA_FP
Intel 915P
NB_FAN
AUDIO1
SATA0
ICH6R
Main
BIOS
Backup
BIOS
PCI2
PCI3
DDRII_1
DDR1
DDRII_2
DDR2
ATX
PWR_FAN
IDE1
SYS_FAN
SATA3
SATA2
SATA1
FDD
PWR_LED
F_PANEL
CLR_CMOS
F1_1394
F2_1394
PCIE_16_1
PCIE_1
PCI1
F_USB1
F_USB2
IT8712
CODEC
GA-8I915P Dual Graphic
SPDIF_I
AUDIO2
IDE2
IDE3
VT6410
Marvell
8001
R_USB
PCIE_16_2
SW1

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Block Diagram
(Note) To use a DDRII 600 memory module on the motherboard, you must install an 800MHz FSB
processor and overclock in BIOS.
Line-Out
MIC
Surround Speaker Out
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Back Surround Speaker Out
LGA775
Processor
CPUCLK+/-(200/133MHz)
PCIE_16_1
33MHz
Host
Interface
Intel
915P
MCH
MCHCLK (133/200MHz)
66MHz
48MHz
DDRII 600(Note)/533/400MHz DIMM
Dual Channel Memory
COM Port
Floppy
PS/2 KB/Mouse
48MHz
33MHz
IT8712
4 SerialATA
ATA33/66/100
IDE1 Channels
Intel
ICH6R
14.318MHz
Dual BIOS
8 USB
Ports
CODEC
Line-In
PCI Express x1 Bus
PCICLK
(33MHz)
3 PCI
PCI Bus
3 IEEE1394
TSB43AB23
SPDIF In
SPDIF Out
LPT Port
1 PCI Express x 1 Port
DDR 400/333MHz DIMM
Dual Channel Memory
RJ45
Marvell
8001
VT6410
IDE RAID
IDE2/IDE3
PCI-ECLK
(100MHz)
PCI-ECLK
(100MHz)
PCIE_16_2
PCI-ECLK
(100MHz)
PCIE_1

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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 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 1 Hardware Installation

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English
CPU Supports the latest Intel®Pentium®4 LGA775 CPU
Supports 800/533MHz FSB
L2 cache varies with CPU
Chipset Northbridge: Intel®915P Express Chipset
Southbridge: Intel®ICH6R
Memory 2 DDR DIMM memory slots (supports up to 4GB memory) (Note 1)
Supports 2.5V DDR DIMM
Supports dual channel DDR 400/333 DIMM
2 DDR II DIMM memory slots (supports up to 4GB memory) (Note 1)
Supports 1.8V DDR II DIMM
Supports dual channel DDR II 600(Note 2)/533/400 DIMM
(Note: Mixed mode, populating DDR and DDR II memory modules
simultaneously is not supported.)
Slots 2 PCI Express x 16 slots
1 PCI Express x 1 slot
3 PCI slots
IDE Connections 1 IDE connection (UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100), allows connection of 2
IDE devices(IDE1)
2 IDE connection (UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100/ATA 133), compatible with
RAID, allows connection of 4 IDE devices(IDE2,IDE3)(Note 3)
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 Serial port (COMA)
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 Marvell 8001 chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
1 RJ 45 port
(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.
(Note 2) To use a DDRII 600 memory module on the motherboard, you must install an 800MHz FSB
processor and overclock in BIOS.
(Note 3) Only support ATAPI mode for HDD.
1-2 Feature Summary

Hardware Installation- 11 -
English
Onboard Audio C-Media 9880 CODEC
Supports Jack Sensing function
Supports 2 / 4 / 5.1 / 7.1 channel audio
Supports Line In ; Line Out ; MIC ; Back Surround Speaker Out ;
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out ; Surround Speaker Out connection
Supports SPDIF In/Out connection
CD In
On-Board SATA RAID Onboard ICH6R chipset
supports data striping (RAID 0) or mirroring (RAID 1) function
supports data transfer rate of up 150 MB
supports hot plugging function (Only for AHCI mode)
supports a maximum of 4 SATA connections
supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
On-Board IDE RAID Built-in VT6410 chipset
(IDE2, IDE3) Supports disk striping (RAID 0) or disk mirroring (RAID 1) or
striping + mirroring (RAID 0 + RAID 1)
Supports JBOD function
Supports concurrent dual ATA133 IDE controller operation
Supports ATAPI mode for HDD
Supports IDE bus master operation
Displays status and error checking messages during boot-up
Mirroring supports automatic background rebuilds
Features LBA and Extended Interrupt 13 drive translation in
controller onboard BIOS
I/O Control IT8712
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU temperature detection
CPU / System / Power fan speed detection
CPU warning temperature
CPU / System / Power fan failure warning
CPU smart fan control
BIOS Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Supports Dual BIOS/Q-Flash
Additional Features Supports @BIOS
Supports EasyTune 5
Overclocking Over Voltage via BIOS (CPU/DDR/PCI-E/FSB)
Over Clock via BIOS (CPU/DDR/PCIE)
Form Factor ATX form factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm

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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 requires all
of the following platform components:
- CPU: An Intel®Pentium 4 Processor with HT Technology
- Chipset: An Intel®Chipset that supports HT Technology
- BIOS: A BIOS that supports HT Technology and has it enabled
- OS: An operation system that has optimizations for HT Technology
1-3-1 Installation of the CPU
Fig. 1
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. 3
Notice the small gold
colored triangle located
on the edge of the CPU
socket. Align the
indented corner of the
Fig. 4
Once the CPU is
properly inserted,
please replace the
load plate and
push the metal lever
back into its original
position.
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
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. 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.
Fig.1
Please apply an even layer of heatsink paste on
the surface of the installed CPU.
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)
Male Push Pin
Female Push Pin
The top of Female Push Pin

GA-8I915P Dual Graphic Motherboard - 14 -
English
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.
Notch
DDR II
The motherboard supports DDR II & 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
DDR

Hardware Installation- 15 -
English
Dual Channel DDR/DDR II
The GA-8I915P Dual Graphic supports the Dual Channel Technology. When the Dual Channel Technology
is activated, the bandwidth of memory bus will be double the original one.
Due to chipset limitation, if you want to operate the Dual Channel Technology, please follow the guidelines
below for Dual Channel memory configuration.
1. Dual Channel mode will not be enabled if only one DDR/DDR II memory module is installed.
2. To enable Dual Channel mode with 2 memory modules (it is recommended to use memory
modules of identical brand, size, chips, and speed), you must install them into DIMM sockets of the
same color.
The following is a Dual Channel Memory configuration table: (DS: Double Side, SS: Single Side)
2 memory modules
DDR 1 DDR 2
DS/SS DS/SS
2 memory modules
DDR II 1 DDR II 2
DS/SS DS/SS
OR
Note:Mixed mode, populating DDR and DDR II memory modules simultaneously is not supported.

GA-8I915P Dual Graphic Motherboard - 16 -
English
1-5 Installation of Expansion Cards
You can install your expansion card by following the steps outlined below:
1. Read the related expansion card's instruction document before install the expansion card into the
computer.
2. Remove your computer's chassis cover, screws and slot bracket from the computer.
3. Press the expansion card firmly into expansion slot in motherboard.
4. Be sure the metal contacts on the card are indeed seated in the slot.
5. Replace the screw to secure the slot bracket of the expansion card.
6. Replace your computer's chassis cover.
7. Power on the computer, if necessary, setup BIOS utility of expansion card from BIOS.
8. Install related driver from the operating system.
Installing a PCI Express x 16 expansion card:
Please carefully pull out the small white-
drawable bar at the end of the
PCI Express x 16 slot when you try to
install/Uninstall the VGA card. Please align
the VGA card to the onboard
PCI Express x 16 slot and press firmly down
on the slot .Make sure your VGA card is
locked by the small white-drawable bar.
The GA-8I915P Dual Graphic will allow a four-monitor configuration(Quad View) when used in
conjunction with two PCI Express graphics cards that are based on identical chips and support
dual view.

Hardware Installation- 17 -
English
Installing a device to the PCIE_1 slot when it's not enabled might damage the system.
The availability of the PCIE_16_2 and PCIE_1 slots will differ depending on the SW1 settings. Please refer
to the table below:
"*"Supports up to PCIE x 4 mode
"**"Supports up to PCIE x 1 mode
SW1 only controls the PCIE_1 and PCIE_16_2 slots; the PCIE_16_1 slot is always enabled.
SW1: ON
PCIE_16_2 Enabled*
PCIE_1 Disabled
SW1: OFF
PCIE_16_2 Enabled**
PCIE_1 Enabled
1-6 Configuring a Quad View System
Before you begin
Understanding Dual Graphic Dip Switch (SW1)--
Between the first and second PCIE x 16 slots, you should find a Dual Graphic dip switch (SW1). The Dual
Graphic dip switch has four pins. If you want to use the PCIE_1 slot, set all of the four pins to OFF. If you
want to use the PCIE_16_2 slot, set all of them to ON. If you want to set up a single graphics card system,
we recommend installing the graphic card on the PCIE_16_1 slot to ensure better display performance.
The two PCIE x 16 slots can run in two modes (remember to set all of the four pins of the SW1 to ON but the
PCIE_1 slot will not be available in this mode). You can either use them as one individual PCIE x 16 slot
(PCIE_16_1) and the other an individual PCIE x 4 slot (PCIE_16_2) or install two similar VGA cards (Example:
GIGABYTE GV-NX66T128D).
The exact power requirement will depend on your overall system configurations. You need a power supply
that can provide sufficient and stable power to your system and the two graphics cards. We recommend a
power supply that supplies 400w (or above) and 25A (or above) +12V current.
This function is supported only on Windows XP operating system.
With Quad View technology from GIGABYTE, Dual Graphic enabled motherboards offer multiple display
support on up to four separate monitors. This improves the capabilities and productivity of the user by
allowing them to spread multiple windows over four monitors and view them simultaneously. For users,
Quad View technology takes the immersive experience to new heights with the ability to open "control" and
"telemetry" windows on dedicated screens.
Multiple display support for increasing productivity
Multiple display support for immersive video / gaming experience

GA-8I915P Dual Graphic Motherboard - 18 -
English
Step 3: Graphics Cards Driver Setting
For detailed information about how to install the graphics card driver, please refer to the user’s manual for
your graphics card.
Step 2-2: In order to enable the Quad View function
correctly, you must connect all four video output
ports (D-Sub/DVI) to four different monitors. (If you
want to install only one graphic card to your
system and install it in the PCIE_16_1 slot, set the
Init Display First item to PEG; set this item to
PEG2 if the card is installed in the PCIE_16_2 slot.
Enabling Quad View Mode--
Step 1: Follow the steps below to see how to enable Quad View mode. The first step is to set all of the four
pins of the Dual Graphic dip switch(SW1) to ON.
1234
Note: The black blocks in this picture represent the four pins of the
Dual Graphic dip switch (SW1).
Step 2: Install your graphics card to PCIE_16_1 and PCIE_16_2
slots.
Step 2-1: Observe the steps in "1-5 Installation of Expansion
Cards" and install two similar VGA cards to PCIE_16_1
and PCIE_16_2 slots.

Hardware Installation- 19 -
English
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).
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.
COM A (Serial Port)
Connects to serial-based mouse or data processing devices.
USB Port
Before you connect your device(s) into USB connector(s), please make sure your device(s) such
as USB keyboard, mouse, scanner, zip, speaker...etc. have a standard USB interface.
Also make sure your OS supports USB controller. If your OS does not support USB controller,
please contact OS vendor for possible patch or driver upgrade. For more information please
contact your OS or device(s) vendors.
LAN Port
The provided Internet connection is Gigabit Ethernet, providing data transfer speeds of
10/100/1000Mbps.
Line In
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 channels to this connector.
MIC In
Microphone can be connected to MIC In jack.
Back Surround Speaker Out
Connect the back surround channels to this connector.
1-7 I/O Back Panel Introduction

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English
1-8 Connectors Introduction
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Connect the Center/Subwoofer channels to this connector.
Surround Speaker Out
Connect the surround channels to this connector.
You can use audio software to configure 2-/4-/5.1-/7.1-channel audio functioning.
1) ATX_12V
2) ATX (Power Connector)
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN
5) PWR_FAN
6) NB_FAN
7) FDD
8) IDE1
9) IDE2/IDE3
10) SATA0 / SATA1 / SATA2 / SATA3
11) PWR_LED
12) F_PANEL
13) AZALIA_FP
14) CD_IN
15) F_USB1 / F_USB2
16) F1_1394 / F2_1394
17) IR
18) CLR_CMOS
19) BAT
20) SW1
13
4
5
7
9
18
12
10
15
16
11
17
6
2
8
13
14
19
15
20