Gigabyte GA-G31MF-S2 User manual

GA-G31MF-S2
LGA775 socket motherboard for Intel®CoreTM processor family/
Intel®Pentium®processor family/Intel®Celeron®processor family
User's Manual
Rev.1001
12ME-G31MFS2-1001R

Jan. 9, 2008
Motherboard
GA-G31MF-S2
Motherboard
GA-G31MF-S2
Jan. 9, 2008

Copyright
©2007 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.All rights reserved.
Thetrademarksmentionedinthismanualarelegallyregisteredtotheirrespectiveowners.
The logo is exclusively licensed to GIGABYTE UNITED INC. by GIGA-BYTE
TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
GIGABYTE UNITED INC. is designated by GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD as the exclu-
siveglobaldistributorofGIGABYTEbrandedmotherboards.
Disclaimer
Informationinthis manualisprotected bycopyrightlaws andistheproperty ofGIGABYTE.
ChangestothespecificationsandfeaturesinthismanualmaybemadebyGIGABYTEwithoutprior
notice. Nopartofthismanualmaybereproduced,copied,translated,transmitted,orpublishedinany
formorbyanymeanswithoutGIGABYTE'spriorwrittenpermission.
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:

- 4 -
Table of Contents
BoxContents ................................................................................................................. 6
OptionalItems................................................................................................................. 6
GA-G31MF-S2Motherboard Layout.............................................................................. 7
BlockDiagram................................................................................................................ 8
Chapter 1 HardwareInstallation .................................................................................... 9
1-1 InstallationPrecautions ..................................................................................... 9
1-2 ProductSpecifications .................................................................................... 10
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler.............................................................. 13
1-3-1 Installing the CPU ................................................................................................ 13
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler ................................................................................... 15
1-4 InstallingtheMemory ..................................................................................... 16
1-4-1 Dual Channel Memory Configuration................................................................ 16
1-4-2 Installing a Memory............................................................................................. 17
1-5 Installingan ExpansionCard ......................................................................... 18
1-6 BackPanelConnectors ................................................................................. 19
1-7 InternalConnectors ........................................................................................ 21
Chapter 2 BIOSSetup................................................................................................. 31
2-1 StartupScreen................................................................................................ 32
2-2 TheMainMenu .............................................................................................. 33
2-3 StandardCMOS Features ............................................................................. 35
2-4 Advanced BIOS Features.............................................................................. 37
2-5 IntegratedPeripherals ..................................................................................... 39
2-6 PowerManagementSetup............................................................................. 42
2-7 PnP/PCIConfigurations................................................................................. 44
2-8 PCHealthStatus ........................................................................................... 45
2-9 MBIntelligentTweaker(M.I.T.) ....................................................................... 46
2-10 LoadFail-SafeDefaults................................................................................... 48
2-11 LoadOptimizedDefaults ................................................................................. 48
2-12 Set Supervisor/User Password..................................................................... 49
2-13 Save & Exit Setup......................................................................................... 50
2-14 ExitWithoutSaving ....................................................................................... 50

- 5 -
Chapter 3 DriversInstallation ...................................................................................... 51
3-1 InstallingChipsetDrivers ............................................................................... 51
3-2 SoftwareApplications ..................................................................................... 52
3-3 DriverCDInformation .................................................................................... 52
3-4 HardwareInformation ..................................................................................... 53
3-5 Contact Us..................................................................................................... 53
Chapter 4 UniqueFeatures......................................................................................... 55
4-1 XpressRecovery2 ......................................................................................... 55
4-2 BIOS Update Utilities..................................................................................... 60
4-2-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility...................................................... 60
4-2-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility ....................................................... 63
4-3 EasyTune5Pro ............................................................................................. 65
4-4 WindowsVistaReadyBoost........................................................................... 66
Chapter 5 Appendix .................................................................................................... 67
5-1 ConfiguringAudioInputandOutput ................................................................. 67
5-1-1 Configuring 2/4/5.1-Channel Audio................................................................... 67
5-1-2 Installing the S/PDIF Out Cable (Optional) ....................................................... 70
5-1-3 Configuring Microphone Recording ................................................................... 72
5-1-4 Using the Sound Recorder................................................................................. 74
5-2 Troubleshooting............................................................................................... 75
5-2-1 Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................. 75
5-2-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ................................................................................ 76
RegulatoryStatements ................................................................................................. 78

- 6 -
Box Contents
GA-G31MF-S2motherboard
Motherboarddriverdisk
User'sManual
Intel®LGA775CPU InstallationGuide
OneIDEcableandone floppy disk drive cable
TwoSATA3Gb/s cables
I/O Shield
Optional Items
2-portUSB2.0bracket (Part No. 12CR1-1UB030-51R)
2-portIEEE1394abracket(PartNo.12CF1-1IE008-01R)
2-portSATApowercable(PartNo. 12CF1-2SERPW-01R)
S/PDIF out cable (Part No. 12CR1-1SPOUT-02R)
•Theboxcontentsaboveare for reference only andtheactualitemsshalldepend on product package youobtain.
Thebox contentsare subject tochange withoutnotice.
•Themotherboardimageisforreferenceonly.

- 7 -
GA-G31MF-S2 Motherboard Layout
KB_MS CPU_FAN
LGA775
ATX
GA-G31MF-S2
F_AUDIO
ATX_12V
Intel®G31
USB_LAN
AUDIO
USB_1394
PCIE_1
SYS_FAN F1_1394 F_PANEL
PWR_LED
F_USB2
IDE
F_USB1
CD_IN
FDD
PCIE_16
CODEC TSB43AB23
PCI1
PCI2
BAT
IT8718
Intel®ICH7
CLR_CMOS
CI
MBIOS
DDRII1
DDRII2
DDRII3 DDRII4
SPDIF_O
SATAII3
RTL8111C
COMA
LPT
VGA
SATAII2
SATAII1
SATAII0

- 8 -
Block Diagram
1 PCI Express x16
Dual Channel Memory
LGA775
Processor
Host
Interface
Intel®
G31 GMCH CLK
(333/266/200 MHz)
Intel®
ICH7
BIOS
2 PCI
PCI Bus
PCI Express Bus 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)
Line-In(Rear Speaker Out)
SPDIF Out
CODEC
ATA-100/66/33 IDE Channel
COM Port
DDR2 800/667 MHz
RJ45
LAN
RTL8111C
2 IEEE 1394a
TSB43AB23
MIC (Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out)

Hardware Installation- 9 -
1-1 Installation Precautions
Themotherboardcontainsnumerousdelicateelectroniccircuitsandcomponentswhichcanbecome
damagedasaresult of electrostatic discharge(ESD).Priortoinstallation,carefully read the user's
manualandfollowtheseprocedures:
•Priortoinstallation,donotremoveorbreakmotherboardS/N(SerialNumber)stickeror
warrantystickerprovidedbyyourdealer.Thesestickersarerequiredforwarrantyvalidation.
•AlwaysremovetheACpowerby unpluggingthepowercordfromthepoweroutlet before
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-G31MF-S2 Motherboard - 10 -
1-2 Product Specifications
CPU Support for an Intel®CoreTM 2 Extreme processor/
Intel®CoreTM 2 Quad processor/Intel®CoreTM 2 Duo processor/
Intel®Pentium®processor Extreme Edition/Intel®Pentium®D processor/
Intel®Pentium®4 processor Extreme Edition/Intel®Pentium®4 processor/
Intel®Celeron®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 4 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 MHzmemory modules
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest memory support list.)
Audio Realtek AL662 codec
High Definition Audio
2/4/5.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF Out
Support for CD In
LAN Realtek 8111C chip (10/100/1000 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 supportingATA-100/66/33 and up to 2 IDE devices
- 4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors (SATAII0, SATAII1, SATAII2, SATAII3)
supporting up to 4 SATA 3Gb/s devices
iTE IT8718 chip:
- 1 x floppy disk drive connector supporting up to 1 floppy disk drive
IEEE 1394 T.I. TSB43AB23 chip
Up to 2 IEEE 1394a ports (1 on the back panel, 1 via the IEEE 1394a bracket
connected to the internal IEEE 1394a header)
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)

Hardware Installation- 11 -
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 IEEE 1394a 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 parallel port
1 x serial port
1 x D-Sub port
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x IEEE 1394a port
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 (Note 2)

GA-G31MF-S2 Motherboard - 12 -
BIOS 1 x 8 Mbit flash
Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI 1.0b
Unique Features Support for @BIOS
Support for Download Center
Support for Q-Flash
Support for EasyTune(Note 3)
Support for Xpress Install
Support for Xpress Recovery2
Support for Virtual Dual BIOS
Operating System Support for Microsoft®Windows®Vista/XP/2000
Form Factor Micro ATX Form Factor; 24.4cm x 22cm
(Note 1) Due to Windows 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 fan speed control function is supported will depend on the CPU cooler you
install.
(Note 3) Available functions in Easytune may differ by motherboard model.

Hardware Installation- 13 -
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-G31MF-S2 Motherboard - 14 -
B. Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU into the motherboard CPU socket.
Step 2:
Remove the protective socket cover.
Step 4:
Hold the CPU with your thumb and index
fingers. Align the CPU pin one marking (triangle)
with the pin one corner of the CPU socket (or
you may align the CPU notches with the socket
alignment keys) and gently insert the CPU
into position.
Step 3:
Lift the metal load plate on the CPU socket.
Step 5:
Once the CPU is properly inserted, replace
the load plate and push the CPU socket lever
back into its locked position.
Before installing the CPU, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power
cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the CPU.
Step 1:
Completely raise the CPU socket lever.
CPU Socket Lever

Hardware Installation- 15 -
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-G31MF-S2 Motherboard - 16 -
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
DDRII3 DDRII4
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.
3. Because of chipset limitations, do not populate both DIMM sockets of the same channel
(e.g. DDRII1 and DDRII2) with double-sided memory modules to prevent system's failure to
start or incorrect detection of memory modules.
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: DDRII1, DDRII2
Channel 1: DDRII3, DDRII4
Two Modules
Four Modules
DDRII1 DDRII2 DDRII3 DDRII4
DS/SS - - DS/SS - -
- - DS/SS - - DS/SS
SS SS SS SS
DualChannelMemoryConfigurationsTable
(SS=Single-Sided, DS=Double-Sided, "- -"=No Memory)
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.

Hardware Installation- 17 -
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-G31MF-S2 Motherboard - 18 -
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install an expansion card:
•Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual that
came with your expansion card.
•Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before
installing an expansion card to prevent hardware damage.
Follow the steps below to correctly install your expansion card in the expansion slot.
1. Locate an expansion slot that supports your card. Remove the metal slot cover from the chassis back panel.
2. Align the card with the slot, and press down on the card until it is fully seated in the slot.
3. Make sure the metal contacts on the card are completely inserted into the slot.
4. Secure the card's metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.
5. After installing all expansion cards, replace the chassis cover(s).
6. Turn on your computer. If necessary, go to BIOS Setup to make any required BIOS changes for
your expansion card(s).
7. Install the driver provided with the expansion card in your operating system.
PCI Express x1 Slot
PCI 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.

Hardware Installation- 19 -
•When removing the cable connected to a back panel connector, first remove the cable
from your device and then remove it from the motherboard.
•When removing the cable, pull it straight out from the connector. Do not rock it side to side
to prevent an electrical short inside the cable connector.
ActivityLED
Connection/
Speed LED
LAN Port
ActivityLED:
State Description
Blinking Data transmission or receiving is occurring
Off No data transmission or receiving is occurring
Connection/Speed LED:
State Description
Orange 1 Gpbs data rate
Green 100 Mpbs data rate
Off 10 Mpbs data rate
1-6 Back Panel Connectors
PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Port
Use the upper port (green) to connect a PS/2 mouse and the lower port (purple) to connect a PS/2
keyboard.
Parallel Port
Use the parallel port to connect devices such as a printer, scanner and etc. The parallel port is also
called a printer port.
Serial Port
Use the serial port to connect devices such as a mouse, modem or other peripherals.
D-Sub Port
The D-Sub port supports a 15-pin D-Sub connector. Connect a monitor that supports D-Sub
connection to this port.
IEEE1394aPort
The IEEE 1394 port supports the IEEE 1394a specification, featuring high speed, high bandwidth
and hotplug capabilities. Use this port for an IEEE 1394a device.
USB Port
The USB port supports the USB 2.0/1.1 specification. Use this port for USB devices such as an
USB keyboard/mouse, USB printer, USB flash drive and etc.
RJ-45 LAN Port
The Gigabit Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 1 Gbps data rate. The following
describes the states of the LAN port LEDs.

GA-G31MF-S2 Motherboard - 20 -
Line In Jack (Blue)
The default line in jack. Use this audio jack for line in devices such as an optical drive, walkman, etc.
LineOut 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-channel audio configuration.
Mic In Jack (Pink)
The default Mic in jack. Microphones must be connected to this jack.
Refer to the instructions on setting up a 2/4/5.1-channel audio configuration in Chapter 5,
"Configuring 2/4/5.1-Channel Audio."