Gigabyte GA-EP43-DS3L User manual

GA-EP43-DS3LR/
GA-EP43-DS3L/
GA-EP43-S3L
LGA775 socket motherboard for Intel®CoreTM processor family/
Intel®Pentium®processor family/Intel®Celeron®processor family
User's Manual
Rev.1006
12ME-EP43DS3L-1006R

May 23, 2008
Motherboard
GA-EP43-DS3L/GA-EP43-S3L
Motherboard
GA-EP43-DS3L/ GA-EP43-S3L
May 23, 2008

Oct. 9, 2008
Motherboard
GA-EP43-DS3LR
Motherboard
GA-EP43-DS3LR
Oct. 9, 2008

Copyright
©2008 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGYCO., LTD.All rights reserved.
Thetrademarksmentionedinthismanualarelegallyregisteredtotheirrespectiveowners.
Disclaimer
Informationinthismanualisprotected bycopyrightlaws andisthe propertyofGIGABYTE.
ChangestothespecificationsandfeaturesinthismanualmaybemadebyGIGABYTEwithoutprior
notice. Nopartofthismanualmaybereproduced,copied,translated,transmitted,orpublishedinany
formorbyanymeanswithout GIGABYTE's prior written permission.
Documentation Classifications
Inordertoassistintheuseofthisproduct,GIGABYTEprovidesthefollowingtypesofdocumentations:
Forquickset-upoftheproduct,readtheQuickInstallationGuideincludedwiththeproduct.
Fordetailedproductinformation,carefullyreadtheUser'sManual.
For instructions on how to use GIGABYTE's unique features, read or download the
informationon/fromtheSupport\Motherboard\TechnologyGuidepageonourwebsite.
Forproduct-relatedinformation,checkonourwebsiteat:
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
motherboardBIOS,drivers,orwhenlookingfortechnicalinformation.
Example:

- 5 -
Table of Contents
BoxContents ................................................................................................................. 7
OptionalItems................................................................................................................. 7
GA-EP43-DS3LR/DS3L/S3LMotherboard Layout ........................................................ 8
BlockDiagram................................................................................................................ 9
Chapter 1 HardwareInstallation ...................................................................................11
1-1 InstallationPrecautions ....................................................................................11
1-2 ProductSpecifications .................................................................................... 12
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler.............................................................. 15
1-3-1 Installing the CPU ................................................................................................ 15
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler ................................................................................... 17
1-4 InstallingtheMemory ..................................................................................... 18
1-4-1 Dual Channel Memory Configuration................................................................ 18
1-4-2 Installing a Memory............................................................................................. 19
1-5 InstallinganExpansion Card ......................................................................... 20
1-6 BackPanelConnectors ................................................................................. 21
1-7 InternalConnectors ........................................................................................ 23
Chapter 2 BIOSSetup................................................................................................. 35
2-1 StartupScreen................................................................................................ 36
2-2 TheMainMenu .............................................................................................. 37
2-3 MBIntelligentTweaker(M.I.T.)....................................................................... 39
2-4 StandardCMOSFeatures ............................................................................. 46
2-5 Advanced BIOS Features.............................................................................. 48
2-6 IntegratedPeripherals ..................................................................................... 51
2-7 PowerManagementSetup ............................................................................. 54
2-8 PnP/PCIConfigurations................................................................................. 56
2-9 PC HealthStatus ........................................................................................... 57
2-10 LoadFail-SafeDefaults................................................................................... 58
2-11 LoadOptimizedDefaults ................................................................................. 58
2-12 Set Supervisor/User Password..................................................................... 59
2-13 Save & Exit Setup......................................................................................... 60
2-14 ExitWithoutSaving ....................................................................................... 60

- 6 -
Chapter 3 DriversInstallation ...................................................................................... 61
3-1 InstallingChipsetDrivers ............................................................................... 61
3-2 ApplicationSoftware....................................................................................... 62
3-3 TechnicalManuals.......................................................................................... 62
3-4 Contact........................................................................................................... 63
3-5 System........................................................................................................... 63
3-6 DownloadCenter............................................................................................ 64
Chapter 4 UniqueFeatures......................................................................................... 65
4-1 XpressRecovery2 ......................................................................................... 65
4-2 BIOS Update Utilities..................................................................................... 70
4-2-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility...................................................... 70
4-2-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility ....................................................... 73
4-3 EasyTune6.................................................................................................... 74
4-4 Dynamic Energy SaverAdvanced ................................................................ 75
4-5 Q-Share ......................................................................................................... 77
4-6 TimeRepair .................................................................................................... 78
Chapter 5 Appendix .................................................................................................... 79
5-1 ConfiguringSATAHardDrive(s) ................................................................ 79
5-1-1 Configuring the Onboard SATA Controller......................................................... 79
5-1-2 Making a SATA RAID/AHCI Driver Diskette ..................................................... 85
5-1-3 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System ...................... 87
5-2 ConfiguringAudioInputandOutput................................................................. 92
5-2-1 Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio ............................................................ 92
5-2-2 Installing the S/PDIF In Cable (Optional)........................................................... 94
5-2-3 Configuring Microphone Recording ................................................................... 96
5-2-4 Using the Sound Recorder................................................................................. 98
5-3 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 99
5-3-1 Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................. 99
5-3-2 Troubleshooting Procedure .............................................................................. 100
5-4 RegulatoryStatements ................................................................................. 102
Only for GA-EP43-DS3LR.

- 7 -
Box Contents
GA-EP43-DS3LR or GA-EP43-DS3L
orGA-EP43-S3Lmotherboard
Motherboarddriverdisk
User'sManual
QuickInstallationGuide
OneIDEcableand one floppy diskdrivecable
TwoSATA3Gb/s cables
I/O Shield
Optional Items
2-portUSB2.0bracket (Part No.12CR1-1UB030-51R)
2-portSATApowercable(PartNo. 12CF1-2SERPW-01R)
S/PDIF in cable (Part No. 12CR1-1SPDIN-01R)
COM port cable (Part No. 12CF1-1CM001-32R)
LPTportcable(PartNo.12CF1-1LP001-01R)
•Theboxcontentsabovearefor reference only and theactualitemsshalldependonproduct package you obtain.
Thebox contents are subject tochange withoutnotice.
•Themotherboardimageisforreferenceonly.

- 8 -
GA-EP43-DS3LR/DS3L/S3L Motherboard Layout
Only for GA-EP43-DS3L.
Only for GA-EP43-S3L.
Only for GA-EP43-DS3LR.
"*" The GA-EP43-DS3LR/GA-EP43-DS3L adopts All-Solid Capacitor design.
KB_MS CPU_FAN
LGA775
ATX
GA-EP43-DS3LR/DS3L/S3L
F_AUDIO
ATX_12V
Intel®P43
SYS_FAN2
F_PANEL
PWR_LED
F_USB2
IDE
F_USB1
CD_IN
FDD
PCIEX1_1
CODEC
PCI1
PCI2
BATTERY
IT8718
Intel®ICH10
Intel®ICH10R
CLR_CMOS
CI
DDR2_1
DDR2_2
DDR2_3
DDR2_4
SPDIF_I
SATA2_3
RTL8111C
SATA2_2
SATA2_1
SATA2_0
PHASELED
AUDIO
R_SPDIF
COAXIAL
R_USB_1
USB_LAN
PWR_FAN
JMicron 368
M_BIOS
SATA2_5
SATA2_4
LPT
COMA
SPDIF_O
PCIEX16
PCIEX1_2
PCIEX1_3
SYS_FAN1
R_USB_2
R_USB_3
B_BIOS
PCIEX1_4

- 9 -
Block Diagram
Only for GA-EP43-DS3L.
Only for GA-EP43-S3L.
Only for GA-EP43-DS3LR.
1 PCI Express x16 LGA775
Processor
Host
Interface
Intel®
P43
Dual BIOS
2 PCI
PCI Bus
6 SATA 3Gb/s
PCI CLK
(33 MHz)
12 USB Ports
CPU CLK+/-
(400(O.C.)/333/266/200 MHz)
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Line-Out
MIC
Line-In
SPDIF In
SPDIF Out
Side Speaker Out
Surround Speaker Out
CODEC
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
PCI Express x16
4 PCI Express x1
PCI Express Bus
x1
x1
ATA-133/100/66/
33 IDE Channel
JMicron
368
x1 x1
PCIeCLK
(100MHz)
RTL
8111C
LAN
RJ45
Floppy
PS/2 KB/Mouse
LPT Port
COM Port
IT8718
LPC Bus
MCH CLK
(400(O.C.)/333/266/200 MHz)
DDR2 1200/1066/
800/667 MHz
Dual Channel Memory
x1
Intel®ICH10
Intel®ICH10R

- 10 -

Hardware Installation- 11 -
1-1 Installation Precautions
Themotherboardcontainsnumerousdelicateelectroniccircuitsandcomponentswhichcanbecome
damagedasaresult of electrostaticdischarge(ESD).Priorto installation, carefullyreadtheuser's
manualandfollowtheseprocedures:
•Priortoinstallation,donotremoveorbreakmotherboardS/N(SerialNumber)stickeror
warrantystickerprovidedbyyourdealer.Thesestickersarerequiredforwarrantyvalidation.
•AlwaysremovetheACpowerbyunpluggingthe powercordfrom thepoweroutletbefore
installingorremovingthemotherboardorotherhardwarecomponents.
•Whenconnectinghardwarecomponentstotheinternalconnectorsonthemotherboard,
makesuretheyareconnectedtightlyandsecurely.
•Whenhandlingthemotherboard,avoidtouchinganymetalleadsorconnectors.
•Itisbesttowearanelectrostaticdischarge(ESD)wriststrapwhenhandlingelectronic
componentssuchasamotherboard,CPUormemory.IfyoudonothaveanESDwriststrap,
keepyourhandsdryandfirsttouchametalobjecttoeliminatestaticelectricity.
•Priortoinstallingthemotherboard,pleasehaveitontopofanantistaticpadorwithinan
electrostaticshieldingcontainer.
•Beforeunpluggingthepowersupplycablefromthemotherboard,makesurethepowersupply
hasbeenturnedoff.
•Beforeturningonthepower,makesurethepowersupplyvoltagehasbeensetaccordingto
thelocalvoltagestandard.
•Beforeusingtheproduct,pleaseverifythatallcablesandpowerconnectorsofyourhardware
componentsareconnected.
•Topreventdamagetothemotherboard,donotallowscrewstocomeincontactwiththe
motherboardcircuitoritscomponents.
•Makesuretherearenoleftoverscrewsormetalcomponentsplacedonthemotherboardor
withinthecomputercasing.
•Donotplacethecomputersystemonanunevensurface
.
•Donotplacethecomputersysteminahigh-temperatureenvironment.
•Turningonthecomputerpowerduringtheinstallationprocesscanleadtodamagetosystem
componentsaswell asphysicalharm totheuser.
•Ifyouareuncertainaboutanyinstallationstepsorhaveaproblemrelatedtotheuseofthe
product,pleaseconsultacertifiedcomputertechnician.
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

GA-EP43-DS3LR/DS3L/S3L Motherboard - 12 -
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®Dual-Core processor/Intel®Celeron®processor
in the LGA 775 package
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
L2 cache varies with CPU
Front Side Bus 1600(O.C.)/1333/1066/800 MHz FSB
Chipset North Bridge: Intel®P43 Express Chipset
South Bridge: Intel®ICH10R /ICH10
Memory 4 x 1.8V DDR2 DIMM sockets supporting up to 16 GB of system memory (Note 1)
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for DDR2 1200/1066/800/667 MHzmemory modules
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest memory support list.)
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 1 x Realtek 8111C chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16
(The PCI Express x16 slot conforms to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
4 x PCI Express x1 slots
2 x PCI slots
Storage Interface South Bridge:
- 6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors supporting up to 6 SATA 3Gb/s devices
- Support for SATARAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10
JMicron 368 chip:
- 1 x IDE connector supportingATA-133/100/66/33 and up to 2 IDE devices
iTE IT8718 chip:
- 1 x floppy disk drive connector supporting up to 1 floppy disk drive
USB Integrated in the South Bridge
Up to 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (8 on the back panel, 4 via the USB brackets
connected to the internal USB headers)
Only for GA-EP43-DS3L.
Only for GA-EP43-S3L.
Only for GA-EP43-DS3LR.
"*" The GA-EP43-DS3LR/GA-EP43-DS3L adopts All-Solid Capacitor design.

Hardware Installation- 13 -
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
6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan header
2 x system fan headers
1 x power fan header
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x CD In connector
1 x S/PDIF In header
1 x S/PDIF Out header
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x parallel port header
1 x serial port header
1 x power LED header
1 x chassis intrusion header
Back Panel 1 x PS/2 keyboard port
Connectors 1 x PS/2 mouse port
1 x coaxial S/PDIF Out connector
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x RJ-45 ports
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/Power fan speed detection
CPU overheating warning
CPU/System/Power fan fail warning
CPU/System fan speed control (Note 2)
Only for GA-EP43-DS3L.
Only for GA-EP43-DS3LR.

GA-EP43-DS3LR/DS3L/S3L Motherboard - 14 -
BIOS 2 x 8 Mbit flash
Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Support for DualBIOSTM
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI 1.0b
Unique Features Support for @BIOS
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Virtual Dual BIOS
Support for Download Center
Support for Xpress Install
Support for Xpress Recovery2
Support for EasyTune(Note 3)
Support for Dynamic Energy Saver Advanced
Support for Time Repair
Support for Q-Share
Bundled Software Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Operating System Support for Microsoft®Windows®Vista/XP
Form Factor ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 21.0cm
(Note 1) Due to Windows Vista/XP 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.
(Note 2) Whether the CPU/System fan speed control function is supported will depend on the CPU/
System cooler you install.
(Note 3) Available functions in EasyTune may differ by motherboard model.

Hardware Installation- 15 -
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
AlignmentKey
LGA775CPU
LGA775CPUSocket
Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket
Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU
AlignmentKey

GA-EP43-DS3LR/DS3L/S3L Motherboard - 16 -
B. Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU into the motherboard CPU socket.
Step 2:
Lift the metal load plate from the CPU socket.
(DO NOT touch socket contacts.)
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:
Remove the protective socket cover from the
load plate. (To protect the CPU socket, always
replace the protective socket cover when the
CPU is not installed.)
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

Hardware Installation- 17 -
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
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
pushpin. Checkthatthe Male andFemale push pins
are joined closely. (Refer to your CPU cooler instal-
lation manual for instructions on installing the cooler.)
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 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.

GA-EP43-DS3LR/DS3L/S3L Motherboard - 18 -
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.
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 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 DDR2 sockets for optimum performance.
When memory modules of different capacity and chips are installed, a message which says
memory is operating in Flex Memory Mode will appear during the POST. Intel®Flex Memory
Technology offers greater flexibility to upgrade by allowing different memory sizes to be
populated and remain in Dual Channel mode/performance.
Two Modules
Four Modules
DDR2_1 DDR2_2 DDR2_3 DDR2_4
DS/SS - - DS/SS - -
- - DS/SS - - DS/SS
DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS
DualChannelMemoryConfigurationsTable
(SS=Single-Sided, DS=Double-Sided, "- -"=No Memory)
1-4-1 Dual Channel Memory Configuration
This motherboard provides four 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 four DDR2 memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory
sockets as following:
Channel 0: DDR2_1, DDR2_2
Channel 1: DDR2_3, DDR2_4
DDR2_1 DDR2_2 DDR2_3 DDR2_4

Hardware Installation- 19 -
1-4-2 Installing a Memory
Notch
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.
DDR2 DIMM
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.
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.

GA-EP43-DS3LR/DS3L/S3L Motherboard - 20 -
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.
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:
Press the white latch at the end of the PCI Express x16 slot to release the
card and then pull the card straight up from the slot.
PCI Express x1 Slot
PCI Slot
PCI Express x16 Slot