Gigabyte GA-8I925X-G User manual

GA-8I925X-G
Intel®Pentium®4 LGA775 Processor Motherboard
User's Manual
Rev. 2003
12ME-8I925XG-2003

Motherboard
GA-8I925X-G
Jul. 2, 2004
Jul. 2, 2004
Motherboard
GA-8I925X-G

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.
For more product details, please click onto Gigabyte's website at www.gigabyte.com.tw

- 4 -
Table of Contents
GA-8I925X-G 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 I/O Back Panel Introduction .......................................................................... 17
1-7 Connectors Introduction ................................................................................ 18
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ............................................................................................... 27
The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver. : F1) ....................................................... 28
2-1 Standard CMOS Features ............................................................................. 30
2-2 Advanced BIOS Features ............................................................................. 32
2-3 Integrated Peripherals ................................................................................... 34
2-4 Power Management Setup ............................................................................ 37
2-5 PnP/PCI Configurations ................................................................................ 39
2-6 PC Health Status ........................................................................................... 40
2-7 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ...................................................................... 42
2-8 Select Language ........................................................................................... 44
2-9 Load Fail-Safe Defaults ................................................................................ 44
2-10 Load Optimized Defaults ............................................................................... 45
2-11 Set Supervisor/User Password ..................................................................... 45
2-12 Save & Exit Setup ......................................................................................... 46
2-13 Exit Without Saving ....................................................................................... 46

- 5 -
Chapter 3 Drivers Installation ..................................................................................... 47
3-1 Install Chipset Drivers ................................................................................... 47
3-2 Software Applications .................................................................................... 48
3-3 Driver CD 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 .............................................................................. 52
4-1-2 Flash BIOS Method Introduction .......................................................................... 55
4-1-3 Serial ATA BIOS Setting Utility Introduction ......................................................... 66
4-1-4 2- / 4- / 6- / 8- Channel Audio Function Introduction ........................................... 73
4-2 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................. 78

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GA-8I925X-G Motherboard Layout
ATX_12V
CPU_FAN Intel 925X
PCIE_16
CODEC
IR
IT8712
SATA3_SB
SATA2_SB
Intel ICH6R
Main
BIOS
Backup
BIOS
PCIE_1
PCIE_2
PCI1
PCI2
DDRII1
F_USB1 F_USB2
DDRII2 DDRII4 DDRII5
SATA1_SB
SATA0_SB
BAT
PWR_FAN
ATX
IDE
FDD
CLR_CMOS
SYS_FAN
GA-8I925X-G
KB_MS
LGA775
AUDIO1
SPDIF_I
COM
LPT
USB LAN2
USB
Broadcom
5751
AZALIA_FP
CD_IN
SPDIF_O
AUDIO2
F_PANEL
PWR_LED
PCIE_3

- 7 -
Block Diagram
Line-Out
MIC
LGA775
Processor
CPUCLK+/-(200/133MHz)
PCI Express x16
33MHz
Host
Interface
Intel
925X
MCH MCHCLK (133/200MHz)
66MHz
48MHz
DDRII 600(Note)/533/400MHz DIMM
24MHz
33MHz
IT8712
4 Serial ATA
ATA33/66/100 IDE Channels
Intel
ICH6R
14.318MHz
Dual BIOS
CODEC
Line-In
PCICLK
(33MHz)
2 PCI
PCI Bus
SPDIF In
SPDIF Out
3 PCI Express x 1 Ports
RJ45
PCI Express x 1 Bus
Broadcom
5751
8 USB
Ports
Dual Channel Memory
Floppy
PS/2 KB/Mouse
LPT Port
COM Port
Side Speaker Out
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Surround Speaker Out
PCI-ECLK
(100MHz)
PCI-ECLK
(100MHz)
(Note) To use a DDRII 600 memory module on the motherboard, you must install an 800MHz FSB
processor and overclock in BIOS.

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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 1Hardware Installation

GA-8I925X-G Motherboard - 10 -
English
CPU Supports the latest Intel®Pentium®4 LGA775 CPU
Supports 800/533MHz FSB
L2 cache varies with CPU
Chipset Northbridge: Intel®925X Express Chipset
Southbridge: Intel®ICH6R
Memory 4 DDR II DIMM memory slots (supports up to 4GB memory) (Note 1)
Supports dual channel DDR II 600(Note 2)/533/400 unbrffered DIMM
Supports 1.8V DDR II DIMM
Slots 1 PCI Express x 16 slot
3 PCI Express x 1 slots
2 PCI slots
IDE Connections 1 IDE connection (UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100), allows connection of
2 IDE devices
FDD Connections 1 FDD connection, allows connection of 2 FDD devices
Onboard SATA 4 Serial ATA ports from ICH6R (SATA0_SB, SATA1_SB, SATA2_SB, SATA3_SB)
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)
1 front audio connector
1 IR connector
1 PS/2 keyboard port
1 PS/2 mouse port
Onboard LAN Onboard Broadcom 5751 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
SPDIF In/Out connection
CD In connection
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.
(Note 2) To use a DDRII 600 memory module on the motherboard, you must install an 800MHz FSB
processor and overclock in BIOS.

Hardware Installation- 11 -
English
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
Onboard SATA RAID Onboard ICH6R chipset (SATA0_SB, SATA1_SB, SATA2_SB, SATA3_SB)
- supports data striping (RAID 0) or mirroring (RAID 1) function
- supports data transfer rate of up 150 MB
- supports hot plugging function
- supports a maximum of 4 SATA connections
- supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
BIOS Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Supports Dual BIOS/Q-Flash/Multilanguage BIOS
Additional Features Supports @BIOS
Supports EasyTune
Overclocking Over Voltage via BIOS (CPU/ DDR II/ PCI-E)
Over Clock via BIOS (CPU/ DDR II)
Form Factor ATX form factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm

GA-8I925X-G 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 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. 4
Once the CPU is
properly inserted,
please replace the
plastic covering 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)
Male Push Pin
Female Push Pin
The top of Female Push Pin
Fig. 5
Please check the back of motherboard after
installing. If the push pin is inserted as the picture,
the installation is complete.

GA-8I925X-G Motherboard - 14 -
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.
1-4 Installation of Memory
The motherboard supports DDR II 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.
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

Hardware Installation- 15 -
English
Dual Channel DDR II
GA-8I925X-G supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operating the Dual
Channel Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus will add double up to
8.5GB/s(DDR400).
GA-8I925X-G includes 4 DIMM sockets, and each Channel has two DIMM sockets as following:
Channel A : DDR II 1, DDR II 2
Channel B : DDR II 4, DDR II 5
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 or three DDR II memory modules are installed.
2. If two DDR II 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 II memory modules are installed on the same channel.
3. If four DDR II 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 II memory modules.
We'll strongly recommend our user to slot two DDR II 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)
2 memory modules
4 memory modules
DDR II 1 DDR II 2 DDR II 4 DDR II 5
DS/SS X DS/SS X
X DS/SS X DS/SS
DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS

GA-8I925X-G 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.

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 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 ven
dor 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(PCI Express Gigabit), 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
Connect the rear surround speakers to this connector.
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Connect the Center/Subwoofer speakers to this connector.

GA-8I925X-G Motherboard - 18 -
English
1-7 Connectors Introduction
1) ATX_12V
2) ATX (Power Connector)
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN
5) PWR_FAN
6) FDD
7) IDE
8) SATA0_SB/SATA1_SB/SATA2_SB/SATA3_SB
9) PWR_LED
10) BAT
11) F_PANEL
12) AZALIA_FP
13) CD_IN
14) F_USB1 / F_USB2
15) IR
16) CLR_CMOS
You can use audio software to configure 2-/4-/6-/8-channel audio functioning.
Side Speaker Out
Connect the side surround speakers to this connector.
13
4
6
14
2
5
7
12
13
15
10
16
1198

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.
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.
Please remove the sticker on the motherboard before plugging in while the ATX power supplier is 24
pins; Otherwise, please do not remove it.
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 +12V
12 3.3V(Only for 24pins ATX)
13 3.3V
14 -12V
15 GND
16 PS_ON(soft On/Off)
17 GND
18 GND
19 GND
20 -5V
21 VCC
22 VCC
23 VCC
24 GND
24
13
12
1

GA-8I925X-G Motherboard - 20 -
English
3/4/5) CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN / PWR_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 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.
1
CPU_FAN
SYS_FAN / PWR_FAN
1
Pin No. Definition
1 GND
2 +12V
3 Sense
4 Speed Control
(Only for CPU_FAN)
6) 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.
1
2
33
34