Gigabyte GA-G31M-S2L User manual

GA-G31M-S2L/
GA-G31M-S2C
LGA775 socket motherboard for Intel®CoreTM processor family/
Intel®Pentium®processor family/Intel®Celeron®processor family
User's Manual
Rev. 1103
12ME-G31MS2L-1103R

Aug. 31, 2007
Motherboard GA-G31M-S2L
Motherboard
GA-G31M-S2L
Aug. 31, 2007

Jun. 30, 2008
Motherboard
GA-G31M-S2C
Motherboard
GA-G31M-S2C
Jun. 30, 2008

Copyright
©2008 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGYCO., LTD.All rights reserved.
Thetrademarksmentionedinthismanualarelegallyregisteredtotheirrespectiveowners.
Disclaimer
Informationinthismanual is protectedbycopyrightlaws and isthepropertyof GIGABYTE.
ChangestothespecificationsandfeaturesinthismanualmaybemadebyGIGABYTEwithoutprior
notice. Nopartofthismanualmaybereproduced,copied,translated,transmitted,orpublishedinany
formor byany means without GIGABYTE's priorwritten permission.
Documentation Classifications
Inordertoassistintheuseofthisproduct,GIGABYTEprovidesthefollowingtypesofdocumentations:
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-G31M-S2L/GA-G31M-S2CMotherboardLayout..................................................... 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 InstallinganExpansionCard ......................................................................... 20
1-6 BackPanelConnectors ................................................................................. 21
1-7 InternalConnectors ........................................................................................ 23
Chapter 2 BIOSSetup................................................................................................. 33
2-1 StartupScreen................................................................................................ 34
2-2 TheMainMenu .............................................................................................. 35
2-3 StandardCMOSFeatures ............................................................................. 37
2-4 Advanced BIOS Features.............................................................................. 39
2-5 IntegratedPeripherals ..................................................................................... 42
2-6 PowerManagementSetup ............................................................................. 45
2-7 PnP/PCIConfigurations................................................................................. 47
2-8 PCHealthStatus ........................................................................................... 48
2-9 MBIntelligentTweaker(M.I.T.) ....................................................................... 49
2-10 LoadFail-SafeDefaults................................................................................... 52
2-11 LoadOptimizedDefaults ................................................................................. 52
2-12 Set Supervisor/User Password..................................................................... 53
2-13 Save & Exit Setup......................................................................................... 54
2-14 ExitWithout Saving ....................................................................................... 54

- 6 -
Chapter 3 DriversInstallation ...................................................................................... 55
3-1 InstallingChipsetDrivers ............................................................................... 55
3-2 SoftwareApplications ..................................................................................... 56
3-3 DriverCDInformation .................................................................................... 56
3-4 HardwareInformation ..................................................................................... 57
3-5 Contact Us..................................................................................................... 57
Chapter 4 UniqueFeatures......................................................................................... 59
4-1 XpressRecovery2 ......................................................................................... 59
4-2 BIOS Update Utilities..................................................................................... 64
4-2-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility...................................................... 64
4-2-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility ....................................................... 67
4-3 EasyTune 5 Pro ............................................................................................. 69
Chapter 5 Appendix .................................................................................................... 71
5-1 ConfiguringAudioInputandOutput................................................................. 71
5-1-1 Configuring 2/4/5.1-Channel Audio................................................................... 71
5-1-2 Installing the S/PDIFOut Cable (Optional) ......................................................... 74
5-1-3 Configuring Microphone Recording ................................................................... 76
5-1-4 Using the Sound Recorder................................................................................. 78
5-2 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 79
5-2-1 Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................. 79
5-2-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ................................................................................ 80
RegulatoryStatements ................................................................................................. 82

- 7 -
Box Contents
GA-G31M-S2Lor GA-G31M-S2C motherboard
Motherboarddriverdisk
User'sManual
OneIDE cableand one floppy disk drivecable
Two SATA3Gb/s cables
I/O Shield
Optional Items
2-portUSB 2.0 bracket(Part No.12CR1-1UB030-51R)
2-portSATApowercable(Part No.12CF1-2SERPW-01R)
S/PDIF out cable (Part No. 12CR1-1SPOUT-02R)
•Theboxcontentsaboveare for reference onlyandtheactualitemsshalldependon product packageyouobtain.
Thebox contents are subject to changewithoutnotice.
•Themotherboardimageisforreferenceonly.

- 8 -
GA-G31M-S2L/GA-G31M-S2C Motherboard Layout
KB_MS CPU_FAN
LGA775
ATX
GA-G31M-S2L/GA-G31M-S2C
F_AUDIO
SYS_FAN
PCIE_16
IDE
BAT
IT8718
ATX_12V
Intel® G31
USB LAN
AUDIO
LPT
R_USB
COMA
CLR_CMOS
FDD
DDRII1
DDRII2
VGA
Intel®ICH7
SATAII0
F_PANEL
PWR_LED
SATAII1
CI
CD_IN
F_USB1
CODEC
SPDIF_O
MBIOS
PCI1
PCI2
F_USB2
PCIE_1
SATAII2
SATAII3
Only for GA-G31M-S2L.
Only for GA-G31M-S2C.
RTL8111C
RTL8102E

- 9 -
Block Diagram
LGA775
Processor
Host
Interface
Intel®
G31 GMCH CLK
(333/266/200 MHz)
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+/-
(333/266/200 MHz)
D-Sub
1 PCI Express x1
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz) x1
Line-Out(Front Speaker Out)
MIC(Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out)
Line-In(Rear Speaker Out)
SPDIF Out
CODEC
ATA-100/66/33 IDE Channel
COM Port
DDR2 800/667 MHz
RJ45
LAN
RTL8111C
RTL8102E
Only for GA-G31M-S2L.
Only for GA-G31M-S2C.

- 10 -

Hardware Installation- 11 -
1-1 Installation Precautions
Themotherboardcontainsnumerousdelicateelectroniccircuitsandcomponentswhichcanbecome
damagedas aresult of electrostaticdischarge (ESD).Prior to installation,carefully readthe user's
manualandfollowtheseprocedures:
•Priortoinstallation,donotremoveorbreakmotherboardS/N(SerialNumber)stickeror
warrantystickerprovidedbyyourdealer.Thesestickersarerequiredforwarrantyvalidation.
•AlwaysremovetheAC powerbyunpluggingthepowercordfrom the poweroutletbefore
installingorremovingthemotherboardorotherhardwarecomponents.
•Whenconnectinghardwarecomponentstotheinternalconnectorsonthemotherboard,
makesuretheyareconnectedtightlyand securely.
•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
componentsaswellas physical harmtotheuser.
•Ifyouareuncertainaboutanyinstallationstepsorhaveaproblemrelatedtotheuseofthe
product,pleaseconsultacertifiedcomputertechnician.
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

GA-G31M-S2L/S2C 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 1333/1066/800 MHz FSB
Chipset North Bridge: Intel®G31 Express Chipset
South Bridge: Intel®ICH7
Memory 2 x 1.8V DDR2 DIMM sockets supporting up to 4 GB of system memory(Note 1)
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for DDR2 800/667 MHz memory modules
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest memory support list.)
Onboard Graphics Integrated in the North Bridge
Audio Realtek ALC662 codec
High Definition Audio
2/4/5.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF Out
Support for CD In
LAN RTL 8111C chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
RTL 8102E chip (10/100 Mbit)
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot
1 x PCI Express x1 slot
2 x PCI slots
Storage Interface South Bridge:
- 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
iTE IT8718 chip:
- 1 x floppy disk drive connector supporting up to 1 floppy disk drive
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)
Only for GA-G31M-S2L.
Only for GA-G31M-S2C.

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
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 Out header
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x chassis intrusion header
1 x power LED header
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 D-Sub port
4 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 IT8718 chip
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU 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 2.4, ACPI 1.0b

GA-G31M-S2L/S2C Motherboard - 14 -
(Note 1) Based on standard PC architecture, a certain amount of memory is reserved for system usage
and therefore the actual memory size is less than the stated amount. For example, 4 GB of
memory size will instead be shown as 3.xx GB during system startup.
(Note 2) Available functions in EasyTune may differ by motherboard model.
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 DualBIOS
Bundled Software Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Operating System Support for Microsoft®Windows®Vista/XP
Form Factor Micro ATX form factor; 24.4cm x 19.3cm

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
AlignmentKey
LGA775CPU
LGA775CPUSocket
Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket
Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU

GA-G31M-S2L/S2C 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 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.Checkthat the MaleandFemalepush 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.
Male
Push Pin
Female
Push Pin
The Top
of Female
Push Pin
Direction of
the Arrow Sign
on the Male
Push Pin
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.)

GA-G31M-S2L/S2C 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.
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.

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

GA-G31M-S2L/S2C Motherboard - 20 -
1-5 InstallinganExpansionCard
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 Slot
PCI Express x1 Slot
PCI Express x16 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.