Gigabyte GA-G41M-ES2L User manual

GA-G41M-ES2L
LGA775 socket motherboard for Intel®CoreTM processor family/
Intel®Pentium®processor family/Intel®Celeron®processor family
User's Manual
Rev.1401
12ME-G41MES2L-1401R

Jun. 30, 2010
Motherboard
GA-G41M-ES2L
Motherboard
GA-G41M-ES2L
Jun. 30, 2010

Copyright
©2010 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:
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
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-G41M-ES2LMotherboardLayout............................................................................ 7
GA-G41M-ES2LMotherboardBlockDiagram ................................................................ 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 InstallinganExpansion Card ......................................................................... 18
1-6 BackPanelConnectors ................................................................................. 19
1-7 InternalConnectors ........................................................................................ 21
Chapter 2 BIOSSetup................................................................................................. 31
2-1 StartupScreen................................................................................................ 32
2-2 TheMainMenu .............................................................................................. 33
2-3 MBIntelligentTweaker(M.I.T.)....................................................................... 35
2-4 StandardCMOSFeatures ............................................................................. 41
2-5 Advanced BIOS Features.............................................................................. 43
2-6 AdvancedChipsetFeatures ........................................................................... 45
2-7 IntegratedPeripherals ..................................................................................... 47
2-8 PowerManagementSetup ............................................................................. 50
2-9 PnP/PCIConfigurations................................................................................. 52
2-10 PC HealthStatus ........................................................................................... 53
2-11 LoadFail-SafeDefaults................................................................................... 54
2-12 LoadOptimizedDefaults ................................................................................. 54
2-13 Set Supervisor/User Password..................................................................... 55
2-14 Save & Exit Setup......................................................................................... 56
2-15 ExitWithoutSaving ....................................................................................... 56

- 5 -
Chapter 3 DriversInstallation ...................................................................................... 57
3-1 InstallingChipsetDrivers ............................................................................... 57
3-2 ApplicationsSoftware ..................................................................................... 58
3-3 TechnicalManuals.......................................................................................... 58
3-4 Contact........................................................................................................... 59
3-5 System........................................................................................................... 59
3-6 DownloadCenter............................................................................................ 60
3-7 New Utilities .................................................................................................. 60
Chapter 4 UniqueFeatures......................................................................................... 61
4-1 XpressRecovery2 ......................................................................................... 61
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 EasyTune6.................................................................................................... 68
4-4 Easy Energy Saver ...................................................................................... 69
4-5 Q-Share ......................................................................................................... 71
4-6 SMART Recovery ......................................................................................... 72
4-7 AutoGreen..................................................................................................... 73
Chapter 5 Appendix .................................................................................................... 75
5-1 ConfiguringAudioInputandOutput................................................................. 75
5-1-1 Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio ............................................................ 75
5-1-2 Configuring S/PDIF In/Out .................................................................................. 78
5-1-3 Configuring Microphone Recording ................................................................... 80
5-1-4 Using the Sound Recorder................................................................................. 82
5-2 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 83
5-2-1 Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................. 83
5-2-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ................................................................................ 84
5-3 RegulatoryStatements ................................................................................... 86

- 6 -
Box Contents
GA-G41M-ES2Lmotherboard
Motherboarddriverdisk
User'sManual
OneIDE cable
TwoSATAcables
I/O Shield
Optional Items
2-portUSB2.0bracket(PartNo.12CR1-1UB030-5*R)
2-portSATApower cable (PartNo.12CF1-2SERPW-0*R)
S/PDIF in and out cable (Part No. 12CR1-1SPINO-1*R)
COM port cable (Part No. 12CF1-1CM001-3*R)
•Theboxcontentsaboveareforreferenceonlyandtheactualitemsshalldependontheproductpackageyouobtain.
Thebox contents are subject tochange withoutnotice.
•Themotherboardimageisforreferenceonly.

- 7 -
GA-G41M-ES2L Motherboard Layout
KB_MS CPU_FAN
LGA775
ATX
GA-G41M-ES2L
F_AUDIO
SYS_FAN
PCIEX16
IDE
BATTERY
iTE
IT8718
ATX_12V
Intel®G41
USB LAN
AUDIO
LPT
R_USB
COMA
CLR_CMOS
FDD
DDR2_1
DDR2_2
VGA
Intel®ICH7
SATA2_0
F_PANEL
PWR_LED
CI
CD_IN
F_USB1
CODEC
SPDIF_IO
M_BIOS
PCI1
PCI2
F_USB2
PCIEX1
SATA2_2
SATA2_3
SATA2_1
B_BIOS
Realtek
RTL8111E
COMB

- 8 -
GA-G41M-ES2L Motherboard Block Diagram
LGA775
Processor
Host
Interface
Intel®G41 GMCH CLK
(333/266/200 MHz)
Intel®
ICH7
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
iTE
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 ATA-100/66/33 IDE Channel
DDR2 800/667 MHz
Dual BIOS
Line Out
MIC
CODEC
Line In
S/PDIF In
S/PDIF Out
Side Speaker Out
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Surround Speaker Out
RJ45
LAN
COM Ports
Realtek
RTL8111E

Hardware Installation- 9 -
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

Hardware Installation - 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/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®G41 Express Chipset
South Bridge: Intel®ICH7
Memory 2 x 1.8V DDR2 DIMM sockets supporting up to 8 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 supported memory speeds and
memory modules.)
Onboard Graphics Integrated in the North Bridge
Audio Realtek ALC888B codec
High Definition Audio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel (Note 2)
Support for S/PDIF In/Out
Support for CD In
LAN 1 x Realtek RTL8111E chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16
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 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 In/Out header
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x serial port header
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 (Note 3)
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

Hardware Installation - 12 -
Unique Features Support for @BIOS
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Xpress BIOS Rescue
Support for Download Center
Support for Xpress Install
Support for Xpress Recovery2
Support for EasyTune(Note 4)
Support for Easy Energy Saver(Note 5)
Support for SMART Recovery
Support for Auto Green
Support for ON/OFF Charge
Support for Q-Share
Bundled Software Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Operating System Support for Microsoft®Windows®7/Vista/XP
Form Factor Micro ATX form factor; 24.4cm x 19.4cm
(Note 1) Due to Windows 32-bit operating system limitation, when more than 4 GB of physical
memory is installed, the actual memory size displayed will be less than 4 GB.
(Note 2) To enable 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.
(Note 3) Whether the CPU fan speed control function is supported will depend on the CPU you install.
(Note 4) Available functions in EasyTune may differ by motherboard model.
(Note 5) Due to the hardware limitation, you must install the Intel®CoreTM 2 Extreme/ CoreTM 2 Quad/
CoreTM 2 Duo/ Pentium Dual-Core/ Celeron Dual-Core/ Celeron 400 Series CPU to enable
support for Easy Energy Saver.

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

Hardware Installation - 14 -
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- 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 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.
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.)

Hardware Installation - 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 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.
DDR2_1
DDR2_2
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:
Channel 0: DDR2_1
Channel 1: DDR2_2
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- 17 -
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.

Hardware Installation - 18 -
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.
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.
PCI Slot
PCI Express x1 Slot
PCI Express x16 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 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 Gbps data rate
Green 100 Mbps data rate
Off 10 Mbps data rate
LAN Port
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.
USB 2.0/1.1 Port
The USB port supports the USB 2.0/1.1 specification. Use this port for USB devices such as a 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.

Hardware Installation - 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.
LineOutJack (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.
To enable 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. Refer to the instructions on setting
up a 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel audio configuration in Chapter 5, "Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel
Audio."