Gigabyte GA-946GMX-S2 User manual

GA-946GMX-S2
LGA775 socket motherboard for Intel®CoreTM processor family/
Intel®Pentium®processor family/Intel®Celeron®processor family
User's Manual
Rev. 1001
12ME-946GMX2R-1001R
* 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-946GMX-S2
Apr. 13, 2007
Motherboard
GA-946GMX-S2
Apr. 13, 2007

Copyright
©2007 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
The trademarks mentioned in this manual are legally registered to their respective owners.
The logo is exclusively licensed to GIGABYTE UNITED INC. by GIGA-BYTE
TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
GIGABYTE UNITED INC. is designated by GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD as the exclusive
global distributor of GIGABYTE branded motherboards.
Disclaimer
Information in this manual is protected by copyright laws and is the property of GIGABYTE.
Changes to the specifications and features in this manual may be made by GIGABYTE without prior
notice. No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, transmitted, or published in any
form or by any means without GIGABYTE's prior written permission.
Documentation Classifications
In order to assist in the use of this product, GIGABYTE provides the following types of documentations:
For detailed product information, carefully read the User's Manual.
For instructions on how to use GIGABYTE's unique features, read or download the
information on/from the Support\Motherboard\Technology Guide page on our website.
For product-related information, check on our website at:
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw
Identifying Your Motherboard Revision
The revision number on your motherboard looks like this: "REV: X.X." For example, "REV: 1.0" means
the revision of the motherboard is 1.0. Check your motherboard revision before updating motherboard
BIOS, drivers, or when looking for technical information.
Example:

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Table of Contents
OptionalItems ................................................................................................................. 6
Box Contents ................................................................................................................. 6
GA-946GMX-S2 Motherboard Layout ............................................................................ 7
Block Diagram ................................................................................................................ 8
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation .................................................................................... 9
1-1 Installation Precautions ..................................................................................... 9
1-2 Product Specifications .................................................................................... 10
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler .............................................................. 12
1-3-1 Installing the CPU ................................................................................................ 12
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler ................................................................................... 14
1-4 Installing the Memory ..................................................................................... 15
1-4-1 Dual Channel Memory Configuration ................................................................ 15
1-4-2 Installing a Memory ............................................................................................. 16
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card ......................................................................... 17
1-6 Back Panel Connectors ................................................................................. 18
1-7 Internal Connectors ........................................................................................ 20
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup................................................................................................. 31
2-1 Startup Screen ................................................................................................ 32
2-2 The Main Menu .............................................................................................. 33
2-3 Standard CMOS Features ............................................................................. 35
2-4 Advanced BIOS Features .............................................................................. 37
2-5 IntegratedPeripherals ..................................................................................... 40
2-6 Power Management Setup ............................................................................. 43
2-7 PnP/PCI Configurations ................................................................................. 45
2-8 PC Health Status ........................................................................................... 46
2-9 Frequency/Voltage Control ............................................................................. 48
2-10 Load Fail-Safe Defaults ................................................................................... 50
2-11 Load Optimized Defaults ................................................................................. 50
2-12 Set Supervisor/User Password ..................................................................... 51
2-13 Save & Exit Setup ......................................................................................... 52
2-14 Exit Without Saving ....................................................................................... 52

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Chapter 3 Drivers Installation ...................................................................................... 53
3-1 Installing Chipset Drivers ............................................................................... 53
3-2 Software Applications ..................................................................................... 54
3-3 Driver CD Information .................................................................................... 54
3-4 Hardware Information ..................................................................................... 55
3-5 Contact Us ..................................................................................................... 55
Chapter 4 Unique Features ......................................................................................... 57
4-1 Xpress Recovery2 ......................................................................................... 57
4-2 BIOS Update Utilities ..................................................................................... 62
4-2-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility ...................................................... 62
4-2-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility ....................................................... 65
4-3 EasyTune 5 .................................................................................................... 67
Chapter 5 Appendix .................................................................................................... 69
5-1 Configuring Audio Input and Output ................................................................. 69
5-1-1 Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio ............................................................ 69
5-1-2 Installing the S/PDIF In and Out Cable (Optional) ............................................ 72
5-1-3 Configuring Microphone Recording ................................................................... 74
5-1-4 Using the Sound Recorder ................................................................................. 76
5-2 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 77
5-2-1 Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................. 77
5-2-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ................................................................................ 78

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Box Contents
GA-946GMX-S2 motherboard
Driver CD-ROM
User's Manual
Intel®LGA775 CPU Installation Guide
One IDE cable and one floppy disk drive cable
One SATA 3Gb/s cables
I/O Shield
The box contents above are for reference only and the actual items shall depend on product package you obtain.
The box contents are subject to change without notice.
Optional Items
2-port USB 2.0 bracket (Part No. 12CR1-1UB030-51/R)
4-port USB 2.0 bracket (Part No. 12CR1-1UB030-21/R)
SATA bracket (Part No. 12CF1-3SATPW-01R/11R)
COM port cable (Part No. 12CF1-1CM001-31/R)
S/PDIF in and out cable (Part No. 12CR1-1SPINO-11/R)

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GA-946GMX-S2 Motherboard Layout
KB_MS CPU_FAN
LGA775
ATX
GA-946GMX-S2
F_AUDIO
SYS_FAN
PCIE_16
IDE
BATTERY
IT8718
ATX_12V
Intel®946GZ
Intel®ICH7
USB LAN
AUDIO
LPT
R_USB
COMA
CLR_CMOS
FDD
SATAII0
F_PANEL
PWR_LED
SATAII1
CI
CD_IN F_USB1
CODEC
SPDIF_IO
DDRII1
DDRII2
MBIOS
PCI1
PCI2
RTL8110SC
F_USB2
PCIE_4 SATAII2
SATAII3
COMB
VGA

- 8 -
Block Diagram
LGA775
Processor
Host
Interface
Intel®
946GZ GMCH CLK (266/200/133 MHz)
DDR2 667/533 MHz (Note)
Intel®
ICH7
BIOS
2 PCI
PCI Bus
PCI Express Bus
Dual Channel Memory
4 SATA 3Gb/s
PCI CLK
(33 MHz)
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
PCI Express x16
8 USB Ports
IT8718
Floppy
PS/2 KB/Mouse
LPT Port
CPU CLK+/- (266/200/133 MHz)
VGA
1 PCI Express x4
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz) x4
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Line-Out
MIC
Line-In
SPDIF In
SPDIF Out
Side Speaker Out
Surround Speaker Out
CODEC
(Note) Use of a 1066/800 MHz FSB CPU is required if you wish to install DDR2 667 MHz memory.
LAN
x1
RTL
8110SC
RJ45
ATA-100/66/33 IDE Channel
COM Ports

Hardware Installation- 9 -
English
1-1 Installation Precautions
The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can become
damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Prior to installation, carefully read the user's
manual and follow these procedures:
•Prior to installation, do not remove or break motherboard S/N (Serial Number) sticker or
warranty sticker provided by your dealer. These stickers are required for warranty validation.
•Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the power outlet before
installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware components.
•When connecting hardware components to the internal connectors on the motherboard,
make sure they are connected tightly and securely.
•When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.
•It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when handling electronic
components such as a motherboard, CPU or memory. If you do not have an ESD wrist strap,
keep your hands dry and first touch a metal object to eliminate static electricity.
•Prior to installing the motherboard, please have it on top of an antistatic pad or within a
electrostatic shielding container.
•Before unplugging the power supply cable from the motherboard, make sure the power supply
has been turned off.
•Before turning on the power, make sure the power supply voltage has been set according to
the local voltage standard.
•Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors of your hardware
components are connected.
•To prevent damage to the motherboard, do not allow screws to come in contact with the
motherboard circuit or its components.
•Make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or
within the computer casing.
•Do not place the computer system on an uneven surface
.
•Do not place the computer system in a high-temperature environment.
•Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to system
components as well as physical harm to the user.
•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.
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

GA-946GMX-S2 Motherboard - 10 -
English
1-2 Product Specifications
CPU Support for an Intel®CoreTM 2 Extreme processor/
Intel®CoreTM 2 Quad processor/Intel®CoreTM 2 Duo processor/
Intel®Pentium®processor Extreme Edition/Intel®Pentium®D processor/
Intel®Pentium®4 processor Extreme Edition/Intel®Pentium®4 processor/
Intel®Celeron®D processor in the LGA 775 package
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
Support for Intel®Hyper-Threading Technology
L2 cache varies with CPU
Front Side Bus 1066/800/533 MHz FSB
Chipset North Bridge: Intel®946GZ Express Chipset
South Bridge: Intel®ICH7
Memory 2 x 1.8V DDR2 DIMM sockets supporting up to 2 GB of system memory
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for DDR2 667/533 MHz (Note 1) memory modules
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest memory support list.)
Onboard Graphics Integrated in the North Bridge
Audio Realtek ALC888 codec
High Definition Audio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF In/Out
Support for CD In
LAN RTL 8110SC chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot
1 x PCI Express x4 slot
2 x PCI slots
Storage Interface South Bridge:
- 1 x floppy disk drive connector supporting up to 1 floppy disk drive
- 1 x IDE connector supporting ATA-100/66/33 and up to 2 IDE devices
- 4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors supporting up to 4 SATA 3Gb/s devices
USB Integrated in the South Bridge
Up to 8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 on the back panel, 4 via the USB brackets
connected to the internal USB headers)
Internal Connectors 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector
4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan header
1 x system fan header
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x CD In connector
1 x S/PDIF In/Out header
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x chassis intrusion header
1 x power LED header

Hardware Installation- 11 -
English
Back Panel 1 x PS/2 keyboard port
Connectors 1 x PS/2 mouse port
1 x parallel port
1 x serial port
1 x VGA port
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x RJ-45 port
6 x audio jacks (Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out/Rear Speaker Out/Side
Speaker Out/Line In/Line Out/Microphone)
I/O Controller iTE IT8718 chip
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU/System temperature detection
CPU/System fan speed detection
CPU overheating warning
CPU/System fan fail warning
CPU fan speed control
BIOS 1 x 4 Mbit flash
Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.3, ACPI 1.0b
Unique Features Support for @BIOS
Support for Download Center
Support for Q-Flash
Support for EasyTune (Note 2)
Support for Xpress Install
Support for Xpress Recovery2
Support for Virtual Dual BIOS
Bundled Software Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Operating System Support for Microsoft®Windows®Vista/XP/2000
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for operating system support information.)
Form Factor Micro ATX form factor; 22.0cm x 24.4cm
(Note 1) Use of a 1066/800 MHz FSB CPU is required if you wish to install DDR2 667 MHz memory.
(Note 2) Available functions in Easytune may differ by motherboard model.

GA-946GMX-S2 Motherboard - 12 -
English
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the CPU:
•Make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
•Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before
installing the CPU to prevent hardware damage.
•Locate the pin one of the CPU. The CPU cannot be inserted if oriented incorrectly. (Or you
may locate the notches on both sides of the CPU and alignment keys on the CPU socket.)
•Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on the surface of the CPU.
•Do not turn on the computer if the CPU cooler is not installed, otherwise overheating and
damage of the CPU may occur.
•Set the CPU host frequency in accordance with the CPU specifications. It is not recom-
mended that the system bus frequency be set beyond hardware specifications since it
does not meet the standard requirements for the peripherals. If you wish to set the fre-
quency beyond the standard specifications, please do so according to your hardware
specifications including the CPU, graphics card, memory, hard drive, etc.
1-3-1 Installing the CPU
A. Locate the alignment keys on the motherboard CPU socket and the notches on the CPU.
NotchNotch
Alignment Key
Alignment Key
LGA 775 CPU
LGA775 CPU Socket
Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket
Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU
Hyper-Threading Technology System Requirements:
(Go to Intel's website for more information about the Hyper-Threading Technology)
•An Intel®CPU that supports HT Technology
•A chipset that supports HT Technology
•An operating system that is optimized for HT Technology
•A BIOS that supports HT Technology and has it enabled
(Refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Advanced BIOS Features," for instructions on enabling
the HT Technology.)

Hardware Installation- 13 -
English
B. Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU into the motherboard CPU socket.
Step 2:
Remove the protective socket cover.
Step 4:
Hold the CPU with your thumb and index
fingers. Align the CPU pin one marking (triangle)
with the pin one corner of the CPU socket (or
you may align the CPU notches with the socket
alignment keys) and gently insert the CPU
into position.
Step 3:
Lift the metal load plate on the CPU socket.
Step 5:
Once the CPU is properly inserted, replace
the load plate and push the CPU socket lever
back into its locked position.
Before installing the CPU, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power
cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the CPU.
Step 1:
Completely raise the CPU socket lever.
CPU Socket Lever

GA-946GMX-S2 Motherboard - 14 -
English
Use extreme care when removing the CPU cooler because the thermal grease/tape between
the CPU cooler and CPU may adhere to the CPU. Inadequately removing the CPU cooler may
damage the CPU.
Step 3:
Place the cooler atop the CPU, aligning the
four push pins through the pin holes on the
motherboard. Push down on the push pins
diagonally.
Step 4:
You should hear a "click" when pushing down each
push pin. Check that the Male and Female push pins
are joined closely. (Refer to your CPU cooler instal-
lation manual for instructions on installing the cooler.)
Step 5:
After the installation, check the back of the
motherboard. If the push pin is inserted as the
picture above, the installation is complete.
Step 6:
Finally, attach the power connector of the CPU
cooler to the CPU fan header (CPU_FAN) on
the motherboard.
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler
Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler on the motherboard. (The following procedure
uses Intel®boxed cooler as the example cooler.)
Step 1:
Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease
on the surface of the installed CPU.
Step 2:
Before installing the cooler, note the direction
of the arrow sign on the male push pin.
(Turning the push pin along the direction of
arrow is to remove the cooler, on the contrary,
is to install.)
Male
Push Pin
Female
Push Pin
The Top
of Female
Push Pin
Direction of
the Arrow Sign
on the Male
Push Pin

Hardware Installation- 15 -
English
1-4 Installing the Memory
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the memory:
•Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended that memory of
the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest memory support list.)
•Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before
installing the memory to prevent hardware damage.
•Memory modules have a foolproof design. A memory module can be installed in only one
direction. If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.
DDRII1 DDRII2
1-4-1 Dual Channel Memory Configuration
This motherboard provides two DDR2 memory sockets and supports Dual Channel
Technology. After the memory is installed, the BIOS will automatically detect the
specifications and capacity of the memory. Enabling Dual Channel memory mode
will double the original memory bandwidth.
The two DDR2 memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has one memory
socket as following:
Channel 0: DDRII1
Channel 1: DDRII2
Due to chipset limitation, read the following guidelines before installing the memory in Dual Channel mode.
1. Dual Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one DDR2 memory module is installed.
2. When enabling Dual Channel mode with two memory modules, it is recommended that
memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.

GA-946GMX-S2 Motherboard - 16 -
English
1-4-2 Installing a Memory
Step 1:
Note the orientation of the memory module. Spread the retaining
clips at both ends of the memory socket. Place the memory
module on the socket. As indicated in the picture on the left,
place your fingers on the top edge of the memory, push down
on the memory and insert it vertically into the memory socket.
Notch
DDR2 DIMM
Step 2:
The clips at both ends of the socket will snap into place when
the memory module is securely inserted.
A DDR2 memory module has a notch, so it can only fit in one direction. Follow the steps below to
correctly install your memory modules in the memory sockets.
Before installing a memory module , make sure to turn off the computer and unplug
the power cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the memory module.
DDR2 DIMMs are not compatible to DDR DIMMs. Be sure to install DDR2 DIMMs on this
motherboard.

Hardware Installation- 17 -
English
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install an expansion card:
•Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual that
came with your expansion card.
•Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before
installing an expansion card to prevent hardware damage.
Follow the steps below to correctly install your expansion card in the expansion slot.
1. Locate an expansion slot that supports your card. Remove the metal slot cover from the chassis back panel.
2. Align the card with the slot, and press down on the card until it is fully seated in the slot.
3. Make sure the metal contacts on the card are completely inserted into the slot.
4. Secure the card's metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.
5. After installing all expansion cards, replace the chassis cover(s).
6. Turn on your computer. If necessary, go to BIOS Setup to make any required BIOS changes for
your expansion card(s).
7. Install the driver provided with the expansion card in your operating system.
PCI Express x16 Slot
PCI Slot
PCI Express x4 Slot
Example: Installing and Removing a PCI Express x16 Graphics Card:
•Installing a Graphics Card:
Gently push down on the top edge of the card
until it is fully inserted into the PCI Express x16
slot. Make sure the card is securely seated in
the slot and does not rock.
•Removing the Card:
Gently push back on the lever on the slot and then lift the card straight out
from the slot.

GA-946GMX-S2 Motherboard - 18 -
English
1-6 Back Panel Connectors
PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Port
Use the upper port (green) to connect a PS/2 mouse and the lower port (purple) to connect a PS/2
keyboard.
Parallel Port
Use the parallel port to connect devices such as a printer, scanner and etc. The parallel port is also
called a printer port.
Serial Port
Use the serial port to connect devices such as a mouse, modem or other peripherals.
VGA Port
The VGA port supports a 15-pin VGA connector (D-Sub). Connect the monitor's VGA cable to this port.
USB Port
The USB port supports the USB 2.0/1.1 specification. Use this port for USB devices such as an
USB keyboard/mouse, USB printer, USB flash drive and etc.
RJ-45 LAN Port
The Gigabit Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 1 Gbps data rate. The following
describes the states of the LAN port LEDs.
•When removing the cable connected to a back panel connector, first remove the cable
from your device and then remove it from the motherboard.
•When removing the cable, pull it straight out from the connector. Do not rock it side to side
to prevent an electrical short inside the cable connector.
Connection/
Activity LEDSpeed LED
LAN Port
Connection/Activity LED:Speed LED:
State Description
Orange 1 Gpbs data rate
Green 100 Mpbs data rate
Off 10 Mpbs data rate
State Description
Blinking Data transmission or receiving is occurring
On No data transmission or receiving is occurring
Off LAN link is not established

Hardware Installation- 19 -
English
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 ( ). Refer to the instructions on setting up a 2/4/5.1/
7.1-channel audio configuration in Chapter 5, "Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio."
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out Jack (Orange)
Use this audio jack to connect center/subwoofer speakers in a 5.1/7.1-channel audio configuration.
Rear Speaker Out Jack (Black)
Use this audio jack to connect rear speakers in a 4/5.1/7.1-channel audio configuration.
Side Speaker Out Jack (Gray)
Use this audio jack to connect side speakers in a 7.1-channel audio configuration.
Line In Jack (Blue)
The default line in jack. Use this audio jack for line in devices such as an optical drive, walkman, etc.
Line Out Jack (Green)
The default line out jack. Use this audio jack for a headphone or 2-channel speaker. This jack can
be used to connect front speakers in a 4/5.1/7.1-channel audio configuration.
Mic In Jack (Pink)
The default Mic in jack. Microphones must be connected to this jack.

GA-946GMX-S2 Motherboard - 20 -
English
1-7 Internal Connectors
1) ATX_12V
2) ATX (Power Connector)
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN
5) FDD
6) IDE
7) SATAII0 / 1 / 2 / 3
8) PWR_LED
9) BATTERY
10) F_PANEL
11) F_AUDIO
12) CD_IN
13) SPDIF_IO
14) F_USB1 / F_USB2
15) COMB
16) CLR_CMOS
17) CI
Read the following guidelines before connecting external devices:
•First make sure your devices are compliant with the connectors you wish to connect.
•Before installing the devices, be sure to turn off the devices and your computer. Unplug the
power cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the devices.
•After installing the device and before turning on the computer, make sure the device cable
has been securely attached to the connector on the motherboard.
1
2
12 15
4
9
10
5
14
7
3
6
8
11
13
16
17