Gigabyte GA-A55M-S2HP User manual

GA-A55M-S2HP
User's Manual
Rev. 1001
12ME-A55M2HP-1001R

Motherboard
GA-A55M-S2HP
Jul. 1, 2011
Jul. 1, 2011
Motherboard
GA-A55M-S2HP

Copyright
©2011 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
The trademarks mentioned in this manual are legally registered to their respective owners.
Disclaimer
Information in this manual is protected by copyright laws and is the property of GIGABYTE.
Changes to the specications and features in this manual may be made by GIGABYTE with-
out 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.
In order to assist in the use of this product, carefully read the User's Manual.
For product-related information, check on our website at: http://www.gigabyte.com
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:

- 4 -
Table of Contents
GA-A55M-S2HP Motherboard Layout ............................................................................5
GA-A55M-S2HP Motherboard Block Diagram ...............................................................6
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation .....................................................................................7
1-1 Installation Precautions ................................................................................... 7
1-2 Product Specications..................................................................................... 8
1-3 Installing the APU .......................................................................................... 10
1-4 Installing the Memory .....................................................................................11
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card..........................................................................11
1-6 Setup of the AMD Dual Graphics Conguration ........................................... 12
1-7 Back Panel Connectors ................................................................................. 13
1-8 Internal Connectors ....................................................................................... 15
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup..................................................................................................23
2-1 Startup Screen............................................................................................... 23
2-2 The Main Menu.............................................................................................. 24
2-3 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ....................................................................... 25
2-4 Standard CMOS Features ............................................................................. 29
2-5 Advanced BIOS Features.............................................................................. 30
2-6 Integrated Peripherals ................................................................................... 31
2-7 Power Management Setup ............................................................................ 33
2-8 PC Health Status ........................................................................................... 35
2-9 Load Fail-Safe Defaults ................................................................................. 36
2-10 Load Optimized Defaults ............................................................................... 37
2-11 Set Supervisor/User Password ..................................................................... 37
2-12 Save & Exit Setup.......................................................................................... 38
2-13 Exit Without Saving........................................................................................ 38
Chapter 3 Drivers Installation .......................................................................................39
Chapter 4 Appendix......................................................................................................39
Conguring SATA Hard Drive(s)............................................................................... 39

- 5 -
GA-A55M-S2HP Motherboard Layout
Box Contents
GA-A55M-S2HP motherboard
Motherboard driver disk Two SATA cables
User's Manual I/O Shield
* The box contents above are for reference only and the actual items shall depend on the product package you obtain.
KB_MS_USB CPU_FAN
ATX
GA-A55M-S2HP
F_AUDIO
AUDIO
B_BIOS
DDR3_1 DDR3_3
BAT
ATX_12V
SATA2_0
SATA2_1
SATA2_2
SATA2_3
OPTICAL
CODEC
CLR_CMOS
M_BIOS
VGA_DVI
USB_LAN
PCIEX16
PCIEX1
PCI
PCIEX4
F_USB1
F_USB2
COM
SYS_FAN
iTE
IT8720
Socket FM1
HDMI
R_USB
Realtek
RTL8111E
AMD A75/A55
SPDIF_O
TPM
SATA2_4
SATA2_5
F_USB3
F_PANEL
DDR3_2 DDR3_4

- 6 -
GA-A55M-S2HP Motherboard Block Diagram
UMI
APU CLK+/- (100 MHz)
DDR3 1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz
PCI Express Bus
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
1 PCI Express x16
1 PCI Express x4
x4
iTE
IT8720
COM Port
LPC
Bus
1 PCI
PCI Bus
PCI CLK
(33 MHz)
Dual BIOS
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
PCI Express Bus
PS/2 KB/Mouse
D-Sub
LAN
RJ45
x1
Realtek
RTL8111E
x1
1 PCI Express x1
x16
12 USB 2.0/1.1
DVI-D
HDMI
Switch
6 SATA 3Gb/s
AMD APU
DISP CLK+/- (100 MHz)
Line Out (Front Speaker Out)
MIC (Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out)
Line In (Rear Speaker Out)
CODEC
S/PDIF Out
AMD A75/A55
Dual Channel Memory

- 7 -
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 com-•
ponents such as a motherboard, CPU or memory. If you do not have an ESD wrist strap,
keep your hands dry and rst touch a metal object to eliminate static electricity.
Prior to installing the motherboard, please have it on top of an antistatic pad or within an•
electrostatic shielding container.
Before unplugging the power supply cable from the motherboard, make sure the power sup-•
ply 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 hard-•
ware 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 sys-•
tem 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 certied computer technician.
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

- 8 -
1-2 ProductSpecications
APU FM1 Socket:
- AMD A series processors/AMD E2 series processors
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest APU support list.)
Chipset AMD A75/A55
Memory 4 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 32 GB of system memory
* Due to Windows 32-bit operating system limitation, when more than 4 GB of physical
memory is installed, the actual memory size displayed will be less than 4 GB.
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for DDR3 1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz memory modules
* The 1866 MHz memory speed is supported only when one or two DDR3 1866 MHz
DIMMs are installed. It is not supported when four DIMMs are installed. (Dual channel
memory mode must be enabled when installing two DIMMs.)
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and memory
modules.)
Onboard
Graphics
APU:
- 1 x D-Sub port
- 1 x DVI-D port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920x1200
* The DVI-D port does not support D-Sub connection by adapter.
- 1 x HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920x1200
(All integrated graphics ports do not support Hot plug. If you want to change to
another graphics port when the computer is on, be sure to turn off the computer
rst.)
Audio Realtek ALC889 codec
High Denition Audio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
* To congure 7.1-channel audio, you have to use an HD front panel audio module
and enable the multi-channel audio feature through the audio driver.
Support for S/PDIF Out
LAN 1 x Realtek RTL8111E chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (PCIEX16)
* For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed,
be sure to install it in the PCIEX16 slot.
1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x4 (PCIEX4)
1 x PCI Express x1 slot
(All PCI Express slots conform to the PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
1 x PCI slot
Multi-Graphics
Technology
Support for AMD CrossFireX™ technology
* The PCIEX16 slot operates at up to x4 mode when AMD CrossFireX™is enabled.
Support for AMD Dual Graphics technology
* Only A series APUs support AMD Dual Graphics.
Storage Interface Chipset:
- 6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors supporting up to 6 SATA 3Gb/s devices
- Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, and JBOD
USB Chipset:
- Up to 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports on the back panel, 6 ports available
through the internal USB headers)

- 9 -
Internal
Connectors
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
1 x APU fan header
1 x system fan header
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x S/PDIF Out header
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x serial port header
1 x Trusted Platform Module (TPM) header
1 x clearing CMOS jumper
Back Panel
Connectors
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
1 x D-Sub port
1 x DVI-D port
1 x HDMI port
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x RJ-45 port
3 x audio jacks (Line In/Line Out/Microphone)
I/O Controller iTE IT8720 chip
Hardware
Monitor
System voltage detection
APU/System temperature detection
APU/System fan speed detection
APU overheating warning
APU/System fan fail warning
APU/System fan speed control
* Whether the APU/system fan speed control function is supported will depend on the
APU/system cooler you install.
BIOS 2 x 32 Mbit ash
Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Support for DualBIOS™
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI 1.0b
Unique Features Support for @BIOS
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Xpress BIOS Rescue
Support for Download Center
Support for Xpress Install
Support for Xpress Recovery2
Support for EasyTune
* Available functions in EasyTune may differ by motherboard model.
Support for Smart Recovery
Support for Auto Green
Support for ON/OFF Charge
Support for 3TB+ Unlock
Support for Q-Share

- 10 -
Bundled
Software Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Operating
System Support for Microsoft®Windows 7/Vista/XP
Form Factor Micro ATX Form Factor; 24.4cm x 24.4cm
* GIGABYTE reserves the right to make any changes to the product specications and product-related information
without prior notice.
1-3 Installing the APU
Installing the APU
A. Locate the pin one (denoted by a small triangle) of the APU socket and the APU.
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the APU:
• Make sure that the motherboard supports the APU.
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest APU support list.)
• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing
the APU to prevent hardware damage.
• Locate the pin one of the APU. The APU cannot be inserted if oriented incorrectly.
• Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on the surface of the APU.
• Do not turn on the computer if the APU cooler is not installed, otherwise overheating and dam-
age of the APU may occur.
• Set the APU host frequency in accordance with the APU specications. It is not recommended
that the system bus frequency be set beyond hardware specications since it does not meet the
standard requirements for the peripherals. If you wish to set the frequency beyond the standard
specications, please do so according to your hardware specications including the APU, graph-
ics card, memory, hard drive, etc.
APU
A Small Triangle Marking
Denotes APU Pin One
FM1 Socket
A Small Triangle Mark
Denotes Pin One of the
Socket

- 11 -
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 supported memory speeds and memory modules.)
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 direc-•
tion. If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.
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.
DualChannelMemoryConguration
This motherboard provides four DDR3 memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. After the
memory is installed, the BIOS will automatically detect the specications and capacity of the memory. En-
abling Dual Channel memory mode will double the original memory bandwidth.
The four DDR3 memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as
following:
Channel 0: DDR3_2, DDR3_4
Channel 1: DDR3_1, DDR3_3
Dual Channel Memory Congurations Table
(SS=Single-Sided, DS=Double-Sided, "- -"=No Memory)
DDR3_4 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_1
Two Modules - - DS/SS - - DS/SS
DS/SS - - DS/SS - -
Four Modules DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS
Due to APU limitations, read the following guidelines before installing the memory in Dual Channel mode.
1. Dual Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one DDR3 memory module is installed.
2. When enabling Dual Channel mode with two or four memory modules, it is recommended that
memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used and installed in the same colored
DDR3 sockets. For optimum performance, when enabling Dual Channel mode with two memory
modules, we recommend that you install them in the DDR3_1 and DDR3_2 sockets.
DDR3_4 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_1
The 1866 MHz memory speed is supported only when one or two DDR3 1866 MHz DIMMs are
installed. It is not supported when four DIMMs are installed. (Dual channel memory mode must be
enabled when installing two DIMMs.)

- 12 -
1-6 SetupoftheAMDDualGraphicsConguration
(Note) Make sure the drivers for the Chipset, onboard graphics, and external graphics card are properly
installed.
Combining the onboard GPU with a discrete graphics card, AMD's Dual Graphics technology can provide
signicantly advanced display performance for AMD platform. Read the following instructions on conguring a
Dual Graphics system.
A. System Requirements
- AMD A series processor
- Windows 7 operating system
- An AMD Dual Graphics technology-supported motherboard and correct driver
- An AMD Radeon HD 6000 series graphics card that supports AMD Dual Graphics technology (for more
details, please visit AMD's ofcial website ) and correct driver
B.InstallingtheGraphicsCardsandConguringBIOSSetup
Step 1:
Observe the steps in "1-5 Installing an Expansion Card" and install an AMD Dual Graphics technology-
supported graphics card on the PCIEX16 slot. Plug the monitor cable into the graphics card and start up your
computer.
Step 2:
Enter BIOS Setup to set the following items under the AdvancedBIOSFeatures menu:
- Set UMAFrameBufferSize to 512MB or 1024MB.
- Set InitDisplayFirst to Onboard.
Save the settings and exit BIOS Setup. Power off your computer.
Step 3:
Remove the monitor cable from the graphics card and plug it into the integrated graphics port on the back
panel and restart your computer.
C.ConguringtheGraphicsDriver
After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go to
the AMDVISIONEngineControlCenter. Browse to Performance\
AMDCrossFire™and ensure the EnableCrossFire™check box is
selected.

- 13 -
1-7 Back Panel Connectors
After installing the HDMI monitor, make sure to set the default sound playback device to HDMI. (The
item name may differ depending on your operating system. The screenshot below is from Windows 7.)
USB 2.0/1.1 Port
The USB port supports the USB 2.0/1.1 specication. Use this port for USB devices such as a USB key-
board/mouse, USB printer, USB ash drive and etc.
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.
D-Sub Port (Note1)
The D-Sub port supports a 15-pin D-Sub connector. Connect a monitor that supports D-Sub connection
to this port.
DVI-D Port(Note1)(Note2)
The DVI-D port conforms to the DVI-D specication and supports a maximum resolution of 1920x1200
(the actual resolutions supported depend on the monitor being used). Connect a monitor that supports
DVI-D connection to this port.
HDMI Port(Note1)
HDMI (High-Denition Multimedia Interface) is an all-digital audio/video interface capable of transmitting un-
compressed audio/video signals. The HDMI port is HDCP compliant and supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD
Master Audio formats. It also supports up to 192KHz/24bit 8-channel LPCM audio output. You can use this port
to connect your HDMI-supported monitor. The maximum supported resolution is 1920x1200, but the actual
resolutions supported are dependent on the monitor being used.
(Note 1) All integrated graphics ports do not support Hot plug. If you want to change to another graphics port
when the computer is on, be sure to turn off the computer rst.
(Note 2) The DVI-D port does not support D-Sub connection by adapter.
In Windows 7, select Start>Control Panel>Hardware and
Sound>Sound>Playback, set RealtekHDMIOutput - ATI HDMI
Audio to the default playback device.

- 14 -
A.DualDisplayCongurations:
This motherboard provides three video output ports: D-Sub, DVI-D, and HDMI. The table below shows
the supported and unsupported dual display congurations.
B.PlaybackofHDDVDandBlu-rayDiscs:
In order to get better playback quality, when playing the HD DVD or Blu-ray discs, refer to the recom-
mended system requirements (or better) below.
•Processor: AMD A series/AMD E2 series APU
•Memory: Two 1 GB DDR3 1333 memory modules with dual channel mode enabled
•BIOS Setup: At least 512 MB of UMA Frame Buffer Size (refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Advanced
BIOS Features," for more information)
•Playback software: CyberLink PowerDVD 10.0 or later (Note: Please ensure Hardware Acceleration
is enabled. Whether Hardware Acceleration can be enabled for 3D Blu-ray discs is dependent on
the APU being used.)
•HDCP compliant monitor(s)
OpticalS/PDIFOutConnector
This connector provides digital audio out to an external audio system that supports digital optical audio.
Before using this feature, ensure that your audio system provides an optical digital audio in connector.
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.
Activity LED:
State Description
Blinking Data transmission or receiving is occurring
Off No data transmission or receiving is occurring
Connection/Speed LED:
State Description
Orange 1 Gbps data rate
Green 100 Mbps data rate
Off 10 Mbps data rate
Activity LED
Connection/
Speed LED
LAN Port
(Note) Only the HDMI port is enabled.
Dual Display Combination Supported or Not
DVI-D + D-Sub Yes
DVI-D + HDMI No (Note)
HDMI + D-Sub Yes
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 conguration.
MicInJack(Pink)
The default Mic in jack. Microphones must be connected to this jack.
To congure 7.1-channel audio, you have to use an HD front panel audio module and enable the
multi-channel audio feature through the audio driver.
When removing the cable connected to a back panel connector, rst 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.

- 15 -
1-8 Internal Connectors
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) ATX_12V
2) ATX
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN
5) SATA2_0/1/2/3/4/5
6) F_PANEL
7) F_AUDIO
8) SPDIF_O
9) F_USB1/F_USB2/F_USB3
10) COM
11) TPM
12) CLR_CMOS
13) BAT
1
2
5
3
8 9
10
13
7
6
11
4
12

- 16 -
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
131
2412
ATX
ATX:
1/2)ATX_12V/ATX(2x212VPowerConnectorand2x12MainPowerConnector)
With the use of the power connector, the power supply can supply enough stable power to all the com-
ponents on the motherboard. Before connecting the power connector, rst make sure the power supply
is turned off and all devices are properly installed. The power connector possesses a foolproof design.
Connect the power supply cable to the power connector in the correct orientation. The 12V power con-
nector mainly supplies power to the CPU. If the 12V power connector is not connected, the computer will
not start.
To meet expansion requirements, it is recommended that a power supply that can withstand high
power consumption be used (500W or greater). If a power supply is used that does not provide
the required power, the result can lead to an unstable or unbootable system.
ATX_12V:
Pin No. Denition
1 GND
2 GND
3 +12V
4 +12V
Pin No. Denition Pin No. Denition
1 3.3V 13 3.3V
2 3.3V 14 -12V
3 GND 15 GND
4 +5V 16 PS_ON (soft On/Off)
5 GND 17 GND
6 +5V 18 GND
7 GND 19 GND
8 Power Good 20 -5V
9 5VSB (stand by +5V) 21 +5V
10 +12V 22 +5V
11 +12V (Only for 2x12-pin ATX) 23 +5V (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)
12 3.3V (Only for 2x12-pin ATX) 24 GND (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)
ATX_12V
21
43

- 17 -
3/4)CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN(FanHeaders)
The motherboard has a 4-pin CPU fan header (CPU_FAN) and a 4-pin system fan header (SYS_FAN).
Most fan headers possess a foolproof insertion design. When connecting a fan cable, be sure to connect
it in the correct orientation (the black connector wire is the ground wire). The motherboard supports CPU
fan speed control, which requires the use of a CPU fan with fan speed control design. For optimum heat
dissipation, it is recommended that a system fan be installed inside the chassis.
Be sure to connect fan cables to the fan headers to prevent your CPU and system from overheating. Over-•
heating may result in damage to the CPU or the system may hang.
These fan headers are not conguration jumper blocks. Do not place a jumper cap on the headers.•
CPU_FAN:
SYS_FAN:
Pin No. Denition
1 GND
2 +12V /Speed Control
3 Sense
4 Speed Control
Pin No. Denition
1 GND
2 +12V /Speed Control
3 Sense
4 Reserve
CPU_FAN
SYS_FAN
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
1
1
5) SATA2_0/1/2/3/4/5(SATA3Gb/sConnectors,ControlledbyAMDA75/A55Chipset)
The SATA connectors conform to SATA 3Gb/s standard and are compatible with SATA 1.5Gb/s standard.
Each SATA connector supports a single SATA device. The AMD A75/A55 Chipset supports RAID 0,
RAID 1, RAID 10, and JBOD. Refer to Chapter 4, "Conguring SATA Hard Drive(s)," for instructions on
conguring a RAID array.
Please connect the L-shaped end of
the SATA cable to your SATA hard
drive.
Pin No. Denition
1 GND
2 TXP
3 TXN
4 GND
5 RXN
6 RXP
7 GND
• A RAID 0 or RAID 1 conguration requires at least two hard drives. If more than two hard
drives are to be used, the total number of hard drives must be an even number.
• A RAID 10 conguration requires four hard drives.
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
SATA2_3
SATA2_4
SATA2_5
1
1
1
7
7
7
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
SATA2_0
SATA2_1
SATA2_2

- 18 -
6) F_PANEL(FrontPanelHeader)
Connect the power switch, reset switch, speaker, and system status indicator on the chassis to this
header according to the pin assignments below. Note the positive and negative pins before connecting
the cables.
The front panel design may differ by chassis. A front panel module mainly consists of power
switch, reset switch, power LED, hard drive activity LED, speaker and etc. When connecting your
chassis front panel module to this header, make sure the wire assignments and the pin assign-
ments are matched correctly.
•PW (Power Switch, Red):
Connects to the power switch on the chassis front panel. You may congure the way to turn off your
system using the power switch (refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Power Management Setup," for
more information).
•SPEAK (Speaker, Orange):
Connects to the speaker on the chassis front panel. The system reports system startup status by is-
suing a beep code. One single short beep will be heard if no problem is detected at system startup. If
a problem is detected, the BIOS may issue beeps in different patterns to indicate the problem.
•HD (Hard Drive Activity LED, Blue)
Connects to the hard drive activity LED on the chassis front panel. The LED is on when the hard drive
is reading or writing data.
•RES (Reset Switch, Green):
Connects to the reset switch on the chassis front panel. Press the reset switch to restart the computer
if the computer freezes and fails to perform a normal restart.
•CI (Chassis Intrusion Header, Gray):
Connects to the chassis intrusion switch/sensor on the chassis that can detect if the chassis cover
has been removed. This function requires a chassis with a chassis intrusion switch/sensor.
•MSG/PWR (Message/Power/Sleep LED, Yellow/Purple):
Connects to the power status indicator on the chassis front panel. The LED
is on when the system is operating. The LED is off when the system is in
S3/S4 sleep state or powered off (S5).
System Status LED
S0 On
S3/S4/S5 Off
Power LED
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
1
2
19
20
CI-
CI+
PWR-
PWR+
MSG- PW- SPEAK+ SPEAK-
MSG+ PW+
Message/Power/
Sleep LED Speaker
Power
Switch
HD-
RES+
HD+
RES-
Hard Drive
Activity LED
Reset
Switch Chassis Intrusion
Header

- 19 -
7) F_AUDIO(FrontPanelAudioHeader)
The front panel audio header supports Intel High Denition audio (HD) and AC'97 audio. You may connect
your chassis front panel audio module to this header. Make sure the wire assignments of the module con-
nector match the pin assignments of the motherboard header. Incorrect connection between the module
connector and the motherboard header will make the device unable to work or even damage it.
The front panel audio header supports HD audio by default.•
Audio signals will be present on both of the front and back panel audio connections simultane-•
ously.
Some chassis provide a front panel audio module that has separated connectors on each wire•
instead of a single plug. For information about connecting the front panel audio module that
has different wire assignments, please contact the chassis manufacturer.
For HD Front Panel Audio: For AC'97 Front Panel Audio:
Pin No. Denition
1 MIC2_L
2 GND
3 MIC2_R
4 -ACZ_DET
5 LINE2_R
6 GND
7 FAUDIO_JD
8 No Pin
9 LINE2_L
10 GND
Pin No. Denition
1 MIC
2 GND
3 MIC Power
4 NC
5 Line Out (R)
6 NC
7 NC
8 No Pin
9 Line Out (L)
10 NC
F_USB30 F_AUDIO(H)
DB_PORT
F_PANEL(NH) F_PANEL
(H61M-D2)
TPM
w/housing
Voltage measurement module(X58A-OC)
PCIe power connector (SATA)(X58A-OC)
DIP
1 2 3
DIP
1 2 3
DIP
1 2 3
DIP
123
1
1
1
1
BIOS Switcher (X58A-OC)
PWM Switch (X58A-OC)
M_SATA
1
2
9
10
8) SPDIF_O(S/PDIFOutHeader)
This header supports digital S/PDIF Out and connects a S/PDIF digital audio cable (provided by expan-
sion cards) for digital audio output from your motherboard to certain expansion cards like graphics cards
and sound cards. For example, some graphics cards may require you to use a S/PDIF digital audio cable
for digital audio output from your motherboard to your graphics card if you wish to connect an HDMI
display to the graphics card and have digital audio output from the HDMI display at the same time. For
information about connecting the S/PDIF digital audio cable, carefully read the manual for your expan-
sion card.
Pin No. Denition
1 SPDIFO
2 GND
1

- 20 -
Pin No. Denition
1 NDCD-
2 NSIN
3 NSOUT
4 NDTR-
5 GND
6 NDSR-
7 NRTS-
8 NCTS-
9 NRI-
10 No Pin
10) COM(SerialPortHeader)
The COM header can provide one serial port via an optional COM port cable. For purchasing the op-
tional COM port cable, please contact the local dealer.
9) F_USB1/F_USB2/F_USB3(USB2.0/1.1Headers)
The headers conform to USB 2.0/1.1 specication. Each USB header can provide two USB ports via an
optional USB bracket. For purchasing the optional USB bracket, please contact the local dealer.
Do not plug the IEEE 1394 bracket (2x5-pin) cable into the USB header.•
Prior to installing the USB bracket, be sure to turn off your computer and unplug the power•
cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the USB bracket.
Pin No. Denition
1 Power (5V)
2 Power (5V)
3 USB DX-
4 USB DY-
5 USB DX+
6 USB DY+
7 GND
8 GND
9 No Pin
10 NC
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
10
9
2
1
10
9
2
1