Gigabyte GA-8I945PL-G User manual

GA-8I945PL-G
Intel®Pentium®D / Pentium®4 LGA775 Processor Motherboard
User's Manual
Rev. 1002
12ME-8I945PLG-1002R
* 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-8I945PL-G
Sep. 28, 2005
Sep. 28, 2005
Motherboard
GA-8I945PL-G

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.
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 "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-8I945PL-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 ................................................................................................ 29
The Main Menu (For example: GA-8I945PL-G / BIOS Ver.: F1) ............................. 30
2-1 Standard CMOS Features ............................................................................. 32
2-2 Advanced BIOS Features .............................................................................. 35
2-3 IntegratedPeripherals ..................................................................................... 37
2-4 Power Management Setup ............................................................................. 40
2-5 PnP/PCI Configurations ................................................................................. 42
2-6 PC Health Status ........................................................................................... 43
2-7 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ....................................................................... 45
2-8 Load Fail-Safe Defaults ................................................................................... 48
2-9 Load Optimized Defaults ................................................................................. 48
2-10 Set Supervisor/User Password ..................................................................... 49
2-11 Save & Exit Setup ......................................................................................... 50
2-12 Exit Without Saving ....................................................................................... 50

- 5 -
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 ........................................................................ 60
4-1-4 2- / 4- / 6- / 8- Channel Audio Function Introduction ...................................... 69
4-2 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 73

- 6 -
GA-8I945PL-G Motherboard Layout
KB_MS ATX_12V
CPU_FAN
LGA775
COAXIAL
LPT
ATX
GA-8I945PL-G
USB
COMA
RF_ID
BAT
CD_IN
ICH7
BIOS
PCI2
PCI3
SYS_FAN
SATAII2
FDD
F_PANEL
CLR_CMOS
PCI1
F_USB GREEN_USB
CODEC
IDE1
Broadcom
5789
SPDIF_I
CI
DDRII1
DDRII2
USB LAN
F_AUDIO Intel 945PL
AUDIO1
PCIE_16
IT8712
AUDIO2
OPTICAL
PCIE_1
PCIE_2
IT8212
IDE3 IDE2
SATAII3
SATAII0
SATAII1
DDRII3
DDRII4
PWR_LED

- 7 -
Block Diagram
LGA775
Processor
CPUCLK+/-(133/200MHz)
PCI Express x16
33MHz
Host
Interface
Intel
945PL
MCHCLK (133/200MHz)
66MHz
48MHz
DDRII 533/400MHz DIMM
Dual Channel Memory
COM Port
Floppy
PS/2 KB/Mouse
24MHz
33MHz
4 SATA 3Gb/s
ATA33/66/100
IDE1 Channels
14.318MHz
BIOS
8 USB
Ports
PCICLK
(33MHz)
3 PCI
PCI Bus LPT Port
PCI-ECLK
(100MHz)
RJ45
Broadcom
5789
Line-Out
MIC
CODEC
Line-In
SPDIF In
SPDIF Out
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Side Speaker Out
Surround Speaker Out
PCI Express Bus
x 1
PCI-ECLK
(100MHz)
IT 8712
IDE2/IDE3
IT8212
IDE RAID
Intel
ICH7
x 1 x 1
2 PCI Express x1

- 8 -

Hardware Installation- 9 -
English
1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation
Preparing Your Computer
The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can
become damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Thus, prior to installation, please
follow the instructions below:
1. Please turn off the computer and unplug its power cord.
2. When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.
3. It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) cuff when handling electronic components
(CPU, RAM).
4. Prior to installing the electronic components, please have these items on top of an antistatic pad or
within a electrostatic shielding container.
5. Please verify that the power supply is switched off before unplugging the power supply connector
from the motherboard.
Installation Notices
1. Prior to installation, please do not remove the stickers on the motherboard. These stickers are required
for warranty validation.
2. Prior to the installation of the motherboard or any hardware, please first carefully read the information
in the provided manual.
3. Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors are connected.
4. To prevent damage to the motherboard, please do not allow screws to come in contact with the
motherboard circuit or its components.
5. Please make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or
within the computer casing.
6. Please do not place the computer system on an uneven surface.
7. Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to system
components as well as physical harm to the user.
8. If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the product,
please consult a certified computer technician.
Instances of Non-Warranty
1. Damage due to natural disaster, accident or human cause.
2. Damage as a result of violating the conditions recommended in the user manual.
3. Damage due to improper installation.
4. Damage due to use of uncertified components.
5. Damage due to use exceeding the permitted parameters.
6. Product determined to be an unofficial Gigabyte product.
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

GA-8I945PL-G Motherboard - 10 -
English
CPU Supports Intel®Pentium®D / Pentium®4 LGA775 CPU(Note 1)
Supports 800/533MHz FSB
L2 cache varies with CPU
Chipset Northbridge: Intel®945PL Express Chipset
Southbridge: Intel®ICH7
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
Memory 4 DDR II DIMM memory slots (supports up to 2GB memory)
Supports 1.8V DDR II DIMM
Supports dual channel DDR II 533(Note 2)/400 DIMM
Slots 1 PCI Express x 16 slot
2 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)
- Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
2 IDE connection (UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100/ATA 133), compatible with
RAID, allows connection of 4 IDE devices(IDE2,IDE3) (Note3)
FDD Connections 1 FDD connection, allows connection of 2 FDD devices
Onboard SATA 3Gb/s 4 SATA 3Gb/s connections
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
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 PS/2 keyboard port
1 PS/2 mouse port
Onboard LAN Onboard Broadcom 5789 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) Memory frequency will be reduced from 533MHz down to 400Mhz when
a. use DDRII1 / DDRII2 at the same time.
b. use DDRII3 / DDRII4 at the same time.
c. use DDRII1 / DDRII2 / DDRII3 / DDRII4 at the same time.
(please refer to page15)
(Note 3) Only support ATAPI mode for HDD.
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 connection
SPDIF Out connection (coaxial+optical)
CD In
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
On-Board IDE RAID Onboard GigaRAID IT8212 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
Supports ATA133/RAID mode switch by BIOS
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 fan speed detection
CPU warning temperature
CPU / System fan failure warning
CPU smart fan control
BIOS Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Supports Q-Flash
Additional Features Supports @BIOS
Supports EasyTune 5 (Note4)
Overclocking Over Voltage via BIOS (CPU/DDR/PCIE/FSB)
Over Clock via BIOS (CPU/DDR/PCIE)
Form Factor ATX form factor; 30.5cm x 22.0cm
(Note 4) EasyTune functions may vary depending on different motherboards.

GA-8I945PL-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. 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-8I945PL-G Motherboard - 14 -
English
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.
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 II
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 Memory Configuration
GA-8I945PL-G supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operating the
Dual Channel Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus will add double.
GA-8I945PL-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 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 mode will not be enabled if only one DDR II memory module is installed.
2. To enable Dual Channel mode with two or four 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)
Memory Frequency will be reduced form 533MHz down to 400MHz in the following memory
configuration table: (DS: Double Side, SS: Single Side)
2 memory modules
3 memory modules
4 memory modules
DDR II 1 DDR II 2 DDR II 3 DDR II 4
SS SS X X
X X SS SS
SS SS DS/SS X
SS SS X DS/SS
DS/SS X SS SS
X DS/SS SS SS
SS SS SS SS
2 memory modules
4 memory modules
DDR II 1 DDR II 2 DDR II 3 DDR II 4
DS/SS X DS/SS X
DS/SS X X DS/SS
X DS/SS DS/SS X
X DS/SS X DS/SS
SS SS SS SS

GA-8I945PL-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 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 latch at the end of the PCI
Express x 16 slot. When you try uninstall
the VGA card, please press the latch as the
picture to the left shows to release the card.

Hardware Installation- 17 -
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).
LPT (Parallel Port)
The parallel port allows connection of a printer, scanner and other peripheral devices.
COAXIAL (SPDIF Out)
The SPDIF coaxial output port is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or
• compressed AC3 data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder via a coaxial cable.
OPTICAL (SPDIF Out)
The SPDIF optical output port is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or com
pressed AC3 data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder via an optical cable.
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
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.
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.
1-6 I/O Back Panel Introduction

GA-8I945PL-G Motherboard - 18 -
English
1-7 Connectors Introduction
1) ATX_12V
2) ATX (Power Connector)
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN
5) FDD
6) IDE1/IDE2/IDE3
7) SATAII0 / SATAII1 / SATAII2 / SATAII3
8) F_AUDIO
9) PWR_LED
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 de-
fault Mic In jack ( ) . Please refer to the 2-/4-/6-/8- channel audio setup steps for detailed software
configuration information.
10) F_PANEL
11) CD_IN
12) SPDIF_I
13) F_USB/GREEN_USB
14) RF_ID
15) CI
16) CLR_CMOS
17) BAT
6
7
5
15
4
8
13
12 13
11
132
10
14
16
6
9
17

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.
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 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
Pin No. Definition
1 GND
2 GND
3 +12V
4 +12V
113
24
12
1
3
2
4

GA-8I945PL-G Motherboard - 20 -
English
3/4) CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN (Cooler Fan Power Connector)
The cooler fan power connector supplies a +12V power voltage via a 3-pin/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
1
CPU_FAN
SYS_FAN
Pin No. Definition
1 GND
2 +12V
3 Sense
4 Speed Control
(Only for CPU_FAN)
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.
1
2
33
34