Gigabyte GA-F2A55-DS3 User manual

GA-F2A55-DS3
User's Manual
Rev. 1001
12ME-F255DS3-1001R

Motherboard
GA-F2A55-DS3
Aug. 13, 2012
Aug. 13, 2012
Motherboard GA-F2A55-DS3

Copyright
©2012 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
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.
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-F2A55-DS3 Motherboard Layout ..............................................................................5
GA-F2A55-DS3 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 ..................................................................................................22
2-1 Startup Screen ............................................................................................... 22
2-2 The Main Menu .............................................................................................. 23
2-3 M.I.T. .............................................................................................................. 24
2-4 System ........................................................................................................... 31
2-5 BIOS Features ............................................................................................... 32
2-6 Peripherals..................................................................................................... 35
2-7 Power Management....................................................................................... 38
2-8 Save & Exit..................................................................................................... 39
Chapter 3 Drivers Installation........................................................................................41
Chapter 4 Appendix ......................................................................................................41
4-1 ConguringSATAHardDrive(s)..................................................................... 41
4-2 Regulatory Statements................................................................................... 44

- 5 -
GA-F2A55-DS3 Motherboard Layout
KB_MS SYS_FAN1
Socket FM2
ATX
GA-F2A55-DS3
F_AUDIO
AUDIO
PCIEX1_4
DDR3_2 DDR3_1
BAT
F_USB3TPMSPDIF_O
ATX_12V
AMD A55
SATA2
PCI1
PCI2
HDMI
R_USB2
R_USB1
CODEC
SYS_FAN3
PCIEX1_2
PCIEX1_3
PCIEX1_1
COM
USB_LAN
PCIEX16
F_USB2 F_USB1 F_PANEL
M_BIOS
B_BIOS
CLR_CMOS
Realtek
GbE LAN
2 1
Box Contents
5GA-F2A55-DS3 motherboard
5Motherboard driver disk 5Two SATA cables
5User's Manual 5I/O Shield
iTE Super I/O
F_USB4
0
3
5 4
SYS_FAN2
CPU_FAN
* The box contents above are for reference only and the actual items shall depend on the product package you obtain.

- 6 -
GA-F2A55-DS3 Motherboard Block Diagram
UMI
AMD A55
PCI Bus
AMD APU
2 PCI
PCI CLK
(33MHz)
COM
LPC
Bus
PS/2 KB/Mouse
Dual BIOS
14 USB 2.0/1.1
6 SATA 3Gb/s
PCI Express Bus
PCI Express Bus
PCIe CLK
(100MHz)
PCIe CLK
(100MHz)
3 PCI Express x1
x1
x1 x1x1 x1
LAN
RJ45
Realtek
GbE LAN
APUCLK+/-(100MHz)
DISPCLK+/-(100MHz)
Dual Channel Memory
HDMI
DDR31866/1600/1333/1066MHz
x16
1 PCI Express x16
1 PCI Express x1
iTE
Super I/O
Fordetailedproductinformation/limitation(s),referto"1-2ProductSpecications."
S/PDIF Out
LineOut(FrontSpeakerOut)
MIC(Center/Subwoofer
SpeakerOut)
LineIn(RearSpeakerOut)
CODEC

- 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, make sure the chassis is suitable for the motherboard.
•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, APU 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 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certiedcomputertechnician.
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

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1-2 ProductSpecications
APU FM2 Socket:
- AMD A series processors
- AMD Athlon™series processors
(GotoGIGABYTE'swebsiteforthelatestAPUsupportlist.)
Chipset AMD A55
Memory 2 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 64 GB of system memory
* Due to a 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thesizeofthephysicalmemoryinstalled.
* The maximum 64 GB of system memory can be supported using 16 GB (or above)
memory modules. GIGABYTE will update the memory support list on the ofcial
website when the memory modules are available on the market.
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for DDR3 1866/1600/1333/1066 MHzmemory modules
 SupportforAMDMemoryProle(AMP)/ExtremeMemoryProle(XMP)memorymodules
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and memory
modules.)
Onboard
Graphics
APU:
* To use the onboard graphics ports, you must install an AMD APU with integrated
graphics.
- 1 x HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920x1200
Audio Realtek ALC887 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 RealtekGbELANchip(10/100/1000Mbit)
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16
4 x PCI Express x1 slot
(All PCI Express slots conform to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
2 x PCI slot
Multi-Graphics
Technology
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14USB2.0/1.1ports(6portsonthebackpanel,8portsavailable
throughtheinternalUSBheaders)
Internal
Connectors
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
1 x APU fan header
3 x system fan headers
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x S/PDIF Out header

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Internal
Connectors
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
1 x Trusted Platform Module (TPM)header
Back Panel
Connectors
1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port
1 x serial port
1 x HDMI port
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 I/O Controller Chip
Hardware
Monitor
System voltage detection
APU/System temperature detection
APU/System/Power fan speed detection
APU overheating warning
APU/System/Power 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 AMI EFI BIOS
Support for DualBIOS ™
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI 2.0a
Unique Features
Support for @BIOS
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Xpress Install
Support for EasyTune
* Available functions in EasyTune may differ by motherboard model.
Support for Smart Recovery 2
Support for Auto Green
Support for ON/OFF Charge
Support for 3TB+ Unlock
Support for Q-Share
Bundled
Software
Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Operating
System
Support for Microsoft®Windows 8/7/Vista/XP
Form Factor
ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 19.0cm
* GIGABYTE reserves the right to make any changes to the product specications and product-related information without
prior notice.
* Please visit GIGABYTE's website to check the supported operating system(s)for the software listed in the "Unique
Features"and "Bundled Software"columns.

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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 damage
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,graphics
card, memory, hard drive, etc.
APU
FM2 Socket
A Small Triangle
Marking Denotes
APU Pin One
A Small Triangle
Marking Denotes Pin
One of the Socket

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1-4 Installing the Memory
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 memory modules, it is recommended that memory of
the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used for optimum performance.
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 direction.
If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.
DDR3_2 DDR3_1
DualChannelMemoryConguration
This motherboard provides two 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.EnablingDual
Channel memory mode will double the original memory bandwidth.
The two DDR3 memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has one memory socket as
following:
Channel 0: DDR3_2
Channel 1: DDR3_1
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.

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(Note) MakesurethedriversfortheChipset,onboardgraphics,andexternalgraphicscardareproperly
installed.
Procedure and driver screen for enabling the AMD Dual Graphics technology may differ by
graphics card and driver version. Refer to the manual that came with your graphics card for more
information.
1-6 SetupoftheAMDDualGraphicsConguration
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(withtheBIOSupdatedtothelatestversion)
andcorrectdriver(makesuretheonboardgraphicsdriverversionisRev.8.981orabove)
-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 Peripherals\GFXConguration menu:
-Set Integrated Graphics to Force.
-Set UMA Frame Buffer Size to 512M or above.
Save the settings and exit BIOS Setup. 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 Radeon™Dual Graphics and ensure the Enable AMD
Radeon Dual Graphics check box is selected.

- 13 -
1-7 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.
Serial Port
Use the serial port to connect devices such as a mouse, modem or other peripherals.
HDMI Port
HDMI(High-DenitionMultimediaInterface)isanall-digitalaudio/videointerfacecapableoftransmitting
uncompressed audio/video signals. The HDMI port is HDCPcompliant 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.
After installing the HDMI device, 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.)
In Windows 7, select Start>Control Panel>Hardware and
Sound>Sound>Playback, set Realtek HDMI Output - ATI
HDMI Audio to the default playback device.
In order to get better playback quality, when playing the Blu-ray discs, refer to the recommended system
requirements(orbetter)below.
•Processor: AMD A series processors
•Memory:Two1GBDDR31333MHzmemorymoduleswithdualchannelmodeenabled
•BIOSSetup:Atleast512MBofUMAFrameBufferSize(refertoChapter2,"BIOSSetup,""Peripherals\
GFXConguration,"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)

- 14 -
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.
•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.
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
keyboard/mouse,USBprinter,USBash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.
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.
Activity LED
Connection/
Speed LED
LAN Port
Activity LED:Connection/Speed LED:
State Description
Orange 1 Gbps data rate
Green 100 Mbps data rate
Off 10 Mbps data rate
State Description
Blinking Data transmission or receiving is occurring
Off No data transmission or receiving is occurring

- 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
2
4
4
6
5
1210
9
11 8
1) ATX_12V
2) ATX
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN1/2/3
5) CLR_CMOS
6) SATA2 0/1/2/3/4/5
7) BAT
8) F_PANEL
9) F_AUDIO
10) SPDIF_O
11) F_USB1/F_USB2/F_USB3/F_USB4
12) TPM
4
3
7

- 16 -
1/2) ATX_12V/ATX (2x4 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 components
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 connector mainly supplies power to the APU. 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.
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
131
24
12
ATX
ATX:
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
95VSB(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:
Pin No. Denition
1GND(Onlyfor2x4-pin12V)
2GND(Onlyfor2x4-pin12V)
3 GND
4 GND
5+12V(Onlyfor2x4-pin12V)
6+12V(Onlyfor2x4-pin12V)
7 +12V
8 +12V
ATX_12V
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
5
8
1
4

- 17 -
3/4)CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/SYS_FAN2/SYS_FAN3(FanHeaders)
All fan headers on this motherboard are 4-pin. 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speedcontrolfunctionrequirestheuseofa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 APU and system from
overheating. Overheating may result in damage to the APU 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
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
1
CPU_FAN:
Pin No. Denition
1 GND
2 +12V /Speed Control
3 Sense
4 Speed Control
SYS_FAN1:
Pin No. Denition
1 GND
2 +12V /Speed Control
3 Sense
4 Reserve
5) CLR_CMOS(ClearCMOSJumper)
 UsethisjumpertocleartheCMOSvalues(e.g.dateinformationandBIOScongurations)andresetthe
CMOSvaluestofactorydefaults.TocleartheCMOSvalues,useametalobjectlikeascrewdrivertotouch
the two pins for a few seconds.
Open: Normal
Short: Clear CMOS Values
•Always turn off your computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before clearing
the CMOS values.
•Aftersystemrestart,gotoBIOSSetuptoloadfactorydefaults(selectLoadOptimizedDefaults)or
manuallyconguretheBIOSsettings(refertoChapter2,"BIOSSetup,"forBIOScongurations).
SYS_FAN1
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
1
DEBUG PORT
G.QBOFM
1
SYS_FAN3
SYS_FAN2/3:
Pin No. Denition
1 GND
2 +12V
3 Sense
4 Speed Control
SYS_FAN2
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
1

- 18 -
6) SATA2 0/1/2/3/4/5 (SATA 3Gb/s Connectors)
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 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.
•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.
Pin No. Denition
1 GND
2 TXP
3 TXN
4 GND
5 RXN
6 RXP
7 GND
7) BAT (Battery)
 Thebatteryprovidespowertokeepthevalues(suchasBIOScongurations,date,andtimeinformation)
in the CMOS when the computer is turned off. Replace the battery when the battery voltage drops to a low
level, or the CMOS values may not be accurate or may be lost.
You may clear the CMOS values by removing the battery:
1. Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Gently remove the battery from the battery holder and wait for one minute.
(Oruseametalobjectlikeascrewdrivertotouchthepositiveandnegative
terminalsofthebatteryholder,makingthemshortfor5seconds.)
3. Replace the battery.
4. Plug in the power cord and restart your computer.
•Always turn off your computer and unplug the power cord before replacing the battery.
•Replace the battery with an equivalent one. Danger of explosion if the battery is replaced with
an incorrect model.
•Contact the place of purchase or local dealer if you are not able to replace the battery by yourself
or uncertain about the battery model.
•Wheninstallingthebattery,notetheorientationofthepositiveside(+)andthenegativeside(-)
ofthebattery(thepositivesideshouldfaceup).
•Used batteries must be handled in accordance with local environmental regulations.
7
7
7
1
1
1
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
0 3
1 4
2 5 SATA2

- 19 -
8) F_PANEL(FrontPanelHeader)
Connect the power switch, reset switch, speaker, chassis intrusion switch/sensor 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 assignments are
matched correctly.
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
•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,"formore
information).
•SPEAK (Speaker,Orange):
Connects to the speaker on the chassis front panel. The system reports system startup status by issuing
a beep code. One single short beep will be heard if no problem is detected at system startup.
•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

- 20 -
9) 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
connector 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 simultaneously.
•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.
10) SPDIF_O(S/PDIFOutHeader)
 ThisheadersupportsdigitalS/PDIFOutandconnectsaS/PDIFdigitalaudiocable(providedbyexpansion
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 expansion card.
1
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
5LineOut(R)
6 NC
7 NC
8 No Pin
9LineOut(L)
10 NC
Pin No. Denition
1 SPDIFO
2 GND
F_USB30 F_AUDIO(H)
DB_PORT
F_PANEL(NH) F_PANEL
(H61M-D2)
ACPI_CPT
(GA-IVB)
BIOS_PH
(GA-IVB)
SMB_CPT
(GA-IVB)
CLR_CMOS
CI
DIS_ME
GP15_CPT
(GA-IVB)
XDP_CPU
XDP_PCH
(GA-IVB)
TPM
w/housing
Voltage measurement module(X58A-OC)
PCIe power connector (SATA)(X58A-OC)
DIP
123
DIP
123
DIP
123
DIP
123
1
1
1
1
BIOS Switcher (X58A-OC)
PWM Switch (X58A-OC)
M_SATA
PWM Switch (SW1)(X79-UD7)
DIP
1 2 3 4 5
Voltage measurement points(G1.Sniper 3) BIOS Switcher (SW4)
9 1
10 2