Gigabyte GA-GC230D User manual

GA-GC230D
Support Intel®AtomTM 230 processor
User's Manual
Rev.1002
12ME-GC230D-1002R

Motherboard
GA-GC230D
May 30, 2008
May 30, 2008
Motherboard
GA-GC230D

Copyright
©2008 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-GC230DMotherboard Layout ................................................................................. 7
BlockDiagram................................................................................................................ 8
Chapter 1 HardwareInstallation .................................................................................... 9
1-1 InstallationPrecautions ..................................................................................... 9
1-2 ProductSpecifications .................................................................................... 10
1-3 InstallingtheMemory ..................................................................................... 12
1-4 BackPanelConnectors ................................................................................. 13
1-5 InternalConnectors ........................................................................................ 15
Chapter 2 BIOSSetup................................................................................................. 23
2-1 StartupScreen................................................................................................ 24
2-2 TheMainMenu .............................................................................................. 25
2-3 StandardCMOSFeatures ............................................................................. 27
2-4 Advanced BIOS Features.............................................................................. 29
2-5 IntegratedPeripherals ..................................................................................... 31
2-6 PowerManagementSetup ............................................................................. 33
2-7 PnP/PCIConfigurations................................................................................. 35
2-8 PCHealth Status ........................................................................................... 36
2-9 Frequency/VoltageControl ............................................................................. 37
2-10 LoadFail-SafeDefaults................................................................................... 39
2-11 LoadOptimizedDefaults ................................................................................. 39
2-12 Set Supervisor/User Password..................................................................... 40
2-13 Save & Exit Setup......................................................................................... 41
2-14 ExitWithoutSaving ....................................................................................... 41

- 5 -
Chapter 3 DriversInstallation ...................................................................................... 43
3-1 InstallingChipsetDrivers ............................................................................... 43
3-2 SoftwareApplications ..................................................................................... 44
3-3 DriverCDInformation .................................................................................... 44
3-4 HardwareInformation ..................................................................................... 45
3-5 Contact Us..................................................................................................... 45
Chapter 4 UniqueFeatures......................................................................................... 47
4-1 XpressRecovery2 ......................................................................................... 47
4-2 BIOS Update Utilities..................................................................................... 52
4-2-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility...................................................... 52
4-2-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility ....................................................... 55
4-3 EasyTune5.................................................................................................... 57
Chapter 5 Appendix .................................................................................................... 59
5-1 ConfiguringAudioInputandOutput ................................................................. 59
5-1-1 Configuring 2/4/5.1-Channel Audio................................................................... 59
5-1-2 Configuring Microphone Recording ................................................................... 62
5-1-3 Using the Sound Recorder................................................................................. 64
5-2 Troubleshooting............................................................................................... 65
5-2-1 Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................. 65
5-2-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ................................................................................ 66
RegulatoryStatements ................................................................................................. 68

- 6 -
Box Contents
GA-GC230Dmotherboard
Motherboarddriverdisk
User'sManual
OneIDE cable
OneSATA3Gb/scable
I/O Shield
Optional Items
2-portUSB2.0bracket (Part No. 12CR1-1UB030-51R)
2-portSATApower cable (PartNo.12CF1-2SERPW-01R)
•Theboxcontentsaboveare for reference only andtheactualitemsshalldepend on product package youobtain.
Thebox contentsare subject tochange withoutnotice.
•Themotherboardimageisforreferenceonly.

- 7 -
GA-GC230D Motherboard Layout
KB_MS CPU_FAN
ATX
GA-GC230D
F_AUDIO
ATX_12V
Intel®945GC
USB_LAN
AUDIO
F_PANEL
PWR_LED
IDE
CODEC
PCI
BAT1
IT8718
Intel®ICH7
CI
MBIOS
RTL8101E
COMA
LPT
VGA
SYS_FAN
DDR2
R_USB
SATA2_1
SATA2_0
F_USB1F_USB2
Intel®AtomTM
230

- 8 -
Block Diagram
Intel®
AtomTM 230
Processor
Host
Interface
Intel®
945GC GMCH CLK
(133 MHz)
Intel®
ICH7
BIOS
PCI
PCI Bus
2 SATA 3Gb/s
PCI CLK
(33 MHz)
8 USB Ports
IT8718
PS/2 KB/Mouse
LPT Port
CPU CLK+/-
(133 MHz)
D-Sub
Line-Out(Front Speaker Out)
Line-In(Rear Speaker Out)
CODEC
ATA-100/66/33 IDE Channel
COM Port
DDR2 533/400 MHz
MIC (Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out)
PCI Express Bus x1
RTL
8101E
LAN
RJ45
PCIeCLK
(100MHz)

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.
•DonotdisassembletheonboardCPUanditsfanheatsinkbyyourself toavoid damageto
thesecomponents.
•Whenconnectinghardwarecomponentstotheinternalconnectorsonthemotherboard,
makesuretheyareconnectedtightlyandsecurely.
•Whenhandlingthemotherboard,avoidtouchinganymetalleadsorconnectors.
•Itisbesttowearanelectrostaticdischarge(ESD)wriststrapwhenhandlingelectronic
componentssuchasa motherboard ormemory.Ifyoudo not haveanESDwriststrap,
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-GC230D Motherboard - 10 -
1-2 Product Specifications
CPU Built in with an Intel®AtomTM 230 CPU (1.6GHz)(Note 1)
512K L2 cache
Front Side Bus 533 MHz FSB
Chipset North Bridge: Intel®945GC Express Chipset
South Bridge: Intel®ICH7
Memory 1 x 1.8V DDR2 DIMM socket supporting up to 2 GB of system memory
Support for DDR2 533/400 MHzmemory module
(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
LAN Realtek 8101E chip (10/100 Mbit)
Expansion Slot 1 x PCI slot
Storage Interface South Bridge:
- 1 x IDE connector supporting ATA-100/66/33 and up to 2 IDE devices
- 2 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors supporting up to 2 SATA 3Gb/s devices
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)
Internal Connectors 1 x 20-pin ATX main power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x IDE connector
2 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
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x chassis intrusion header
1 x power LED header

Hardware Installation- 11 -
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/North Bridge/System fan speed detection
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
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 Dual BIOS
Bundled Software Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Operating System Support for Microsoft®Windows®XP
Form Factor Mini-ITX Form Factor; 17.0cm x 17.0cm
(Note 1) Do not disassemble the onboard CPU/chipset and the heatsinks/fan by yourself to avoid
damage to these components.
(Note 2) Available functions in EasyTune may differ by motherboard model.

GA-GC230D Motherboard - 12 -
1-3 Installing the Memory
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the memory:
•Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory.
(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.
•DDR2 DIMMs are not compatible to DDR DIMMs. Be sure to install a DDR2 DIMM on this
motherboard.
Notch
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 module in the memory socket.

Hardware Installation- 13 -
1-4 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 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 Fast Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 100 Mbps data rate. The following
describes the states of the LAN port LEDs.
•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
Green 100 Mbps data rate
Off 10 Mbps data rate

GA-GC230D Motherboard - 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.
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."

Hardware Installation- 15 -
1-5 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.
3
9
8
1
6
12
2
10
11
4
5 7
1) ATX
2) ATX _12V
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN
5) IDE
6) SATA2_0/1
7) PWR_LED
8) BAT1
9) F_PANEL
10) F_AUDIO
11) F_USB1/F_USB2
12) CI

GA-GC230D Motherboard - 16 -
1/2) ATX_12V/ATX (2x2 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, first 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 CPU. If the 12V power connector is not
connected, the computer will not start.
PinNo. Definition
11 3.3V
12 -12V
13 GND
14 PS_ON(softOn/Off)
15 GND
16 GND
17 GND
18 -5V
19 +5V
20 +5V
PinNo. Definition
1 3.3V
2 3.3V
3 GND
4 +5V
5 GND
6 +5V
7 GND
8 PowerGood
9 5VSB(standby+5V)
10 +12V
ATX:
11
1
20
10
ATX
ATX_12V
3
4
1
2
ATX_12V :
PinNo. Definition
1 GND
2 GND
3 +12V
4 +12V

Hardware Installation- 17 -
3/4) CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN (Fan Headers)
The motherboard has a 3-pin CPU fan header (CPU_FAN) and a 3-pin system fan header
(SYS_FAN). Each fan header supplies a +12V power voltage and possesses a foolproof insertion
design. When connecting a fan cable, be sure to connect it in the correct orientation. Most fans are
designed with color-coded power connector wires. A red power connector wire indicates a
positive connection and requires a +12V voltage. The black connector wire is the ground wire. For
optimum heat dissipation, it is recommended that a system fan be installed inside the chassis.
PinNo. Definition
1 GND
2 +12V
3 Sense
SYS_FAN:
1
CPU_FAN
1
SYS_FAN
5) IDE (IDE Connector)
The IDE connector supports up to two IDE devices such as hard drives and optical drives. Before
attaching the IDE cable, locate the foolproof groove on the connector. If you wish to connect two IDE
devices, remember to set the jumpers and the cabling according to the role of the IDE devices (for
example, master or slave). (For information about configuring master/slave settings for the IDE
devices, read the instructions from the device manufacturers.)
12
39
40
PinNo. Definition
1 GND
2 SpeedControl
3 Sense
CPU_FAN:

GA-GC230D Motherboard - 18 -
6) SATA2_0/1 (SATA 3Gb/s Connectors, Controlled by ICH7)
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. PinNo. Definition
1 GND
2 TXP
3 TXN
4 GND
5 RXN
6 RXP
7 GND
Please connect the L-shaped end
of the SATA 3Gb/s cable to your
SATA hard drive.
SATA2_0
1
7
SATA2_1
1
7
7) PWR_LED (System Power LED Header)
This header can be used to connect a system power LED on the chassis to indicate system power
status. The LED is on when the system is operating. The LED keeps blinking when the system is
in S1 sleep state. The LED is off when the system is in S3/S4 sleep state or powered off (S5).
PinNo. Definition
1 MPD+
2 MPD-
3 MPD-
SystemStatus LED
S0 On
S1 Blinking
S3/S4/S5 Off
1

Hardware Installation- 19 -
8) BAT1 (BATTERY)
The battery provides power to keep the values (such as BIOS configurations, 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.
•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.
YoumaycleartheCMOSvaluesbyremovingthebattery:
1. Turnoffyourcomputerandunplugthepowercord.
2. Gentlyremovethebatteryfromthebatteryholderandwaitforoneminute.
(Or use a metal object like a screwdriver to touch the positive and
negativeterminalsofthebatteryholder,makingthemshortfor5seconds.)
3. Replacethebattery.
4. Pluginthepowercordandrestartyourcomputer.

GA-GC230D Motherboard - 20 -
9) F_PANEL(Front Panel Header)
Connect the power switch, reset switch, and system status indicator on the chassis front panel to
this header according to the pin assignments below. Note the positive and negative pins before
connecting the cables.
•PW (Power Switch):
Connects to the power switch on the chassis front panel. You may configure the way to turn off
your system using the power switch (refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Power Management
Setup," for more information).
•HD (Hard Drive Activity LED)
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):
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.
•NC:
No connection
SystemStatus LED
S0 On
S1 Blinking
S3/S4/S5 Off
•MSG (Message/Power/Sleep LED):
Connects to the power status indicator on the chassis front panel. The
LED is on when the system is operating. The LED keeps blinking when
the system is in S1 sleep state. The LED is off when the system is in
S3/S4 sleep state or powered off (S5).
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, and etc. When connecting
your chassis front panel module to this header, make sure the wire assignments and the pin
assignments are matched correctly.
Message LED/
Power/
Sleep LED
Power Switch
Hard Drive
Activity LED
Reset Switch
12
910
HD-
HD+
RES+
RES-
NC
MSG-
MSG+
PW-
PW+