Gigabyte GA-8I945GMF-RH User manual

GA-8I945GMF-RH
Intel®Pentium®D / Pentium®4 LGA775 Processor Motherboard
User's Manual
Rev. 1103
12ME-945GMFR-1103R
* The WEEE marking on the product indicates this product must not be disposed of with user's other household waste
and must be handed over to a designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment!!
* The WEEE marking applies only in European Union's member states.

Motherboard
GA-8I945GMF-RH
Mar. 1, 2006
Mar. 1, 2006
Motherboard
GA-8I945GMF-RH

Copyright
© 2006 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 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 Content
GA-8I945GMF-RH 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 Install expansion cards ................................................................................... 16
1-6 I/O Back Panel Introduction ........................................................................... 17
1-7 Connectors Introduction .................................................................................. 18
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ................................................................................................ 29
The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver. : F2) ....................................................... 30
2-1 Standard CMOS Features ............................................................................. 32
2-2 Advanced BIOS Features .............................................................................. 35
2-3 Integrated Peripherals ..................................................................................... 37
2-4 Power Management Setup ............................................................................. 40
2-5 PnP/PCI Configurations ................................................................................. 42
2-6 PC Health Status ........................................................................................... 43
2-7 Frequency/Voltage Control ............................................................................. 45
2-8 Load Fail-Safe Defaults ................................................................................... 46
2-9 Load Optimized Defaults ................................................................................. 46
2-10 Set Supervisor/User Password ..................................................................... 47
2-11 Save & Exit Setup ......................................................................................... 48
2-12 Exit Without Saving ....................................................................................... 48

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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 Hardware Information ..................................................................................... 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 Recovery2 Introduction........................................................................ 57
4-1-3 Flash BIOS Method Introduction ........................................................................ 59
4-1-4 2- / 4- / 6- / 8- Channel Audio Function Introduction ...................................... 68
4-2 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 72

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GA-8I945GMF-RH Motherboard Layout
KB_MS ATX_12V
CPU_FAN
LGA775
CI
BATTERY
TSB43AB23
SATAII0_1
ICH7
BIOS
PCI1
PCI2
DDRII1
DDRII2
DDRII3
DDRII4
SATAII2_3
FDD
F_PANEL
CLR_CMOS
F1_1394 F2_1394
PCIE_16
PCIE_1
F_USB
GREEN_USB
COMB
CODEC
VGA
LPT
USB LAN
CD_IN
F_AUDIO
Intel 945G
AUDIO1
ATX
IDE
USB 1394
GA-8I945GMF-RH
IT8712F
COMA
SPDIF_IO
AUDIO2
SYS_FAN
Marvell 8053
RF_ID
PWR_LED
(Optional)

- 7 -
TSB43AB23
3 IEEE1394
Block Diagram
LGA775
Processor
CPUCLK+/-(266/200/133MHz)
VGA
BIOS
PCI Express x16
33MHz
14.318MHz
DDRII 667(Note)/533/400MHz DIMM
Host
Interface
Intel
945G
GMCH
Dual Channel Memory
GMCHCLK (266/200/133MHz)
66MHz
48MHz
PCI Bus
4 Serial ATAII
IT 8712F
ATA33/66/100
IDE Channels
LPT Port
COM Ports
Floppy
PS/2 KB/Mouse
24MHz
33MHz
8 USB
Ports
Intel
ICH7
CODEC
Line-Out
MIC
Line-In
SPDIF In
SPDIF Out
Side Speaker Out
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Surround Speaker Out
2 PCI
PCI-ECLK
(100MHz)
1 PCI Express x 1 Port
PCI-ECLK(100MHz)
PCI Express Bus
PCICLK
(33MHz)
Marvell
8053
(Note) To use a DDRII 667 memory module on the motherboard, you must install an 800/1066MHz
FSBprocessor .
RJ45

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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 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

GA-8I945GMF-RH Motherboard - 10 -
English
CPU Supports Intel®Pentium®D / Pentium®4 LGA775 CPU(Note 1)
Supports 1066/800/533MHz FSB
L2 cache varies with CPU
Chipset Northbridge: Intel®945G Express chipset
Southbridge: Intel®ICH7
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
Memory 4 DDRII DIMM memory slots (supports up to 4GB memory) (Note 2)
Supports dual channel DDRII 667(Note 3)/533/400 DIMM
Supports 1.8V DDR II DIMM
Slots 1 PCI Express x 16 slot
1 PCI Express x 1 slot
2 PCI slots
IDE Connections 1 IDE connection (UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100), allows connection of 2 IDE
devices
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
FDD Connections 1 FDD connection, allows connection of 2 FDD devices
Onboard SATA3Gb/s 4 SATA 3Gb/s connections
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
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 (rear x 1, front x2 via cable)
1 front audio connector
1 PS/2 keyboard port
1 PS/2 mouse port
Onboard LAN Onboard Marvell 8053 chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
1 RJ 45 port
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
(Note 1) For further CPU support information, please go to GIGABYTE's website.
(Note 2) 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 3) To use a DDRII 667 memory module on the motherboard, you must install an 800/1066MHz
FSBprocessor .
1-2 Feature Summary

Hardware Installation- 11 -
English
Onboard Audio ALC882 CODEC
High Definition Audio
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
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
I/O Control IT8712F
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU / System temperature detection
CPU / System fan speed detection
CPU / System warning temperature
CPU / System fan failure warning
CPU smart fan control
System smart fan control
BIOS Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Supports Q-Flash
Additional Features Supports @BIOS
Supports EasyTune5 (only supports Hardware Monitor function)
Overclocking Over Clock via BIOS (DDRII)
Form Factor Micro ATX form factor; 24.4 cm x 24.4 cm

GA-8I945GMF-RH 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)
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-8I945GMF-RH Motherboard - 14 -
English
1-4 Installation of Memory
Notch
DDR II
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.
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.

Hardware Installation- 15 -
English
Dual Channel DDR II
GA-8I945GMF-RH supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operating
the Dual Channel Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus will double.
GA-8I945GMF-RH 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 3, DDR II 4
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 3 DDR II 4
DS/SS X DS/SS X
X DS/SS X DS/SS
DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS

GA-8I945GMF-RH 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 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 o the lower port (purple).
Parallel Port
The parallel port allows connection of a printer, scanner and other peripheral devices.
COM A (Serial Port)
Connects to serial-based mouse or data processing devices.
VGA Port
Monitor can be connected to VGA port.
IEEE 1394 Port
Serial interface standard set by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, which has features
like high speed, highbandwidth and hot plug. ( For optional IEEE1394 cable, please contact your
local dealer.)
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 (PCI Express Gigabit), providing data transfer
speeds of 10/100/1000Mbps.
Line In
The default Line In jack. Devices like CD-ROM, walkman etc. can be connected to Line In jack.
Line Out (Front Speaker Out)
The default Line Out (Front Speaker Out) jack. Stereo speakers, earphone or front surround
speakers can be connected to Line Out (Front Speaker Out) jack.
MIC In
The default MIC In jack. Microphone must be connected to MIC In jack.

GA-8I945GMF-RH 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) SATAII0_1 / SATAII2_3
8) F_PANEL
9) F_AUDIO
10) PWR_LED (Optional)
11) CD_IN
12) GREEN_USB/F_USB
13) F1_1394 / F2_1394
14) COMB
15) SPDIF_IO
16) CI
17) CLR_CMOS
18) RF_ID
19) BATTERY
Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out)
The default Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out) jack. Rear surround speakers can be
connected to Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out) jack.
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
The default Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out jack. Center/Subwoofer speakers can be connected to
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out jack.
Side Speaker Out
The default Side Speaker Out jack. Surround side speakers can be connected to Side Speaker Out
jack.
In addition to the default speakers settings, the ~audio jacks can be reconfigured to
perform different functions via the audio software. Only microphones still MUST be connected
to the default Mic In jack ( ) . Please refer to the 2-/4-/6-/8- channel audio setup steps for
detailed software configuration information.
13
5
2
81214 10
16
11
4
6
7
9
15 13
19
18
17

Hardware Installation- 19 -
English
113
24
12
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.
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.
Pin No. Definition
1 GND
2 GND
3 +12V
4 +12V
1
3
2
4
Pin No. Definition
1 3.3V
2 3.3V
3 GND
4 +5V
5 GND
6 +5V
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 +5V
22 +5V
23 +5V
24 GND

GA-8I945GMF-RH Motherboard - 20 -
English
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. Before attaching the FDD cable, please take note of the foolproof groove in the FDD
connector.
CPU_FAN
SYS_FAN
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.
1
1
Pin No. Definition
1 GND
2 +12V / Speed Control
3 Sense
4 Speed Control
CPU_FAN :
Pin No. Definition
1 GND
2 +12V
3 Sense
SYS_FAN :