Gigabyte GA-K8NF-9 User manual

GA-K8NF-9
AMD Socket 939 Processor Motherboard
User's Manual
Rev. 1005
12ME-K8NF9-1005

Dec. 24, 2004
Motherboard
GA-K8NF-9
Motherboard
GA-K8NF-9
Dec. 24, 2004

Copyright
© 2005 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
The trademarks mentioned in the manual are legally registered to their respective companies.
Notice
The written content provided with this product is the property of Gigabyte.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, or transmitted in any form or by any
means without Gigabyte's prior written permission. Specifications and features are subject to
change without prior notice.
Product Manual Classification
In order to assist in the use of this product, Gigabyte has categorized the user manual in the
following:
For quick installation, please refer to the "Hardware Installation Guide" included with the
product.
For detailed product information and specifications, please carefully read the
"Product User Manual".
For detailed information related to Gigabyte's unique features, please go to the
"Technology Guide" section on Gigabyte's website to read or download the information
you need.
For more product details, please click onto Gigabyte's website at www.gigabyte.com.tw

- 4 -
Table of Contents
GA-K8NF-9 Motherboard Layout................................................................................... 6
Block Diagram ................................................................................................................ 7
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation .................................................................................... 9
1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation .................................................................... 9
1-2 Feature Summary .......................................................................................... 10
1-3 Installation of the CPU and Fan Heat Sink ..................................................... 12
1-3-1 Installation of the CPU ......................................................................................... 12
1-3-2 Installation of the Fan Heat Sink ........................................................................ 13
1-4 Installation of Memory .................................................................................... 14
1-5 Installation of Expansion Cards ...................................................................... 16
1-6 I/O Back Panel Introduction ........................................................................... 17
1-7 Connectors Introduction .................................................................................. 18
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup................................................................................................ 29
The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver. : F9) ....................................................... 30
2-1 Standard CMOS Features ............................................................................. 32
2-2 Advanced BIOS Features .............................................................................. 34
2-3 IntegratedPeripherals ..................................................................................... 35
2-4 Power Management Setup ............................................................................. 39
2-5 PnP/PCI Configurations ................................................................................. 40
2-6 PC Health Status ........................................................................................... 41
2-7 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ....................................................................... 43
2-8 TopPerformance ............................................................................................. 44
2-9 Load Optimized Defaults ................................................................................. 45
2-10 Set Supervisor/User Password ..................................................................... 45
2-11 Save & Exit Setup ......................................................................................... 46
2-12 Exit Without Saving ....................................................................................... 46

- 5 -
Chapter 3 Drivers Installation ...................................................................................... 47
3-1 Install Chipset Drivers .................................................................................... 47
3-2 SoftwareApplication ....................................................................................... 48
3-3 Software Information ....................................................................................... 48
3-4 Hardware Information ..................................................................................... 49
3-5 Contact Us ..................................................................................................... 49
Chapter 4 Appendix ................................................................................................... 51
4-1 Unique Software Utilities ................................................................................ 51
4-1-1 EasyTune 5 Introduction ..................................................................................... 51
4-1-2 Xpress Recovery2 Introduction ......................................................................... 52
4-1-3 Flash BIOS Method Introduction ........................................................................ 54
4-1-4 Serial ATA BIOS Setting Utility Introduction ...................................................... 63
4-1-5 2- / 4- / 6- / 8- Channel Audio Function Introduction ...................................... 69
4-2 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 75

- 6 -
GA-K8NF-9 Motherboard Layout
ATX_12V
CPU_FAN
CODEC
IR_CIR
IT8712
BIOS
PCIE_1
PCIE_2
DDR1
F_USB2
F_USB1
DDR2 DDR3
BATTERY
ATX
IDE2
FDD
CLR_CMOS
SYS_FAN
GA-K8NF-9
KB_MS
Socket 939
AUDIO1
USB USB
LAN
F_AUDIO
CD_IN
F_PANEL
PWR_LED
DDR4
IDE1
PCI1
PCI2
PCI3
PCIE_16
SPDIF_O
COMA
LPT
SPDIF_I
AUDIO2
TSB82AA2
TSB81BA3
F_USB3
F2_1394
F1_1394
S_ATA2_SB
S_ATA3_SB
S_ATA0_SB
S_ATA1_SB
VITESSE
8201
nVIDIA®
nForceTM 4 (- 4X)

- 7 -
Block Diagram
Line-Out
MIC
Line-In
SPDIF In
SPDIF Out
Side Speaker Out
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Surround Speaker Out
AMD K8
Socket 939
CPU
CPUCLK+/-(200MHz)
Hyper Transport Bus
DDR 400/333/266/200MHz DIMM
24MHz
33MHz
IT8712
4 Serial ATA
ATA33/66/100/133
IDE Channels
PCICLK
(33MHz)
3PCI
PCI Bus
10 USB
Ports
Dual Channel Memory
Floppy
PS/2 KB/Mouse
LPT Port
PCI-ECLK
(100MHz)
LPC BUS
COM Port
IR_CIR
CODEC
3 IEEE1394b
TSB82AA2
TSB81BA3
2 PCI Express x 1 Ports
RJ45
PCI Express x 1 Bus
VITESSE
8201
PCI-ECLK
(100MHz)
BIOS
PCI Express x 16
nVIDIA®
nForce4(-4X)

- 8 -

Hardware Installation- 9 -
English
1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation
Preparing Your Computer
The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can
become damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Thus, prior to installation, please
follow the instructions below:
1. Please turn off the computer and unplug its power cord.
2. When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.
3. It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) cuff when handling electronic components
(CPU, RAM).
4. Prior to installing the electronic components, please have these items on top of an antistatic
pad or within a electrostatic shielding container.
5. Please verify that the power supply is switched off before unplugging the power supply connector
from the motherboard.
Installation Notices
1. Prior to installation, please do not remove the stickers on the motherboard. These stickers
are required for warranty validation.
2. Prior to the installation of the motherboard or any hardware, please first carefully read the
information in the provided manual.
3. Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors are connected.
4. To prevent damage to the motherboard, please do not allow screws to come in contact with
the motherboard circuit or its components.
5. Please make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard
or within the computer casing.
6. Please do not place the computer system on an uneven surface.
7. Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to system
components as well as physical harm to the user.
8. If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the
product, please consult a certified computer technician.
Instances of Non-Warranty
1. Damage due to natural disaster, accident or human cause.
2. Damage as a result of violating the conditions recommended in the user manual.
3. Damage due to improper installation.
4. Damage due to use of uncertified components.
5. Damage due to use exceeding the permitted parameters.
6. Product determined to be an unofficial Gigabyte product.
Chapter 1Hardware Installation

GA-K8NF-9 Motherboard - 10 -
English
CPU Socket 939 for AMD SempronTM / AlthlonTM 64 / AlthlonTM 64 FX /
AlthlonTM 64 X2 Dual-Core processor (K8)
1600MHz system bus
Supports core frequencies in excess of 3000+ and faster
Chipset nVIDIA®nForce4(-4X) Chipset
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
Memory 4 DDR DIMM memory slots (supports up to 4GB memory) (Note 1)
Supports dual channel DDR 400/333/266/200 DIMM
Slots 1 PCI Express x 16 slot
2 PCI Express x 1 slots
3 PCI slots
IDE Connections 2 IDE connection (UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100/ATA 133), allows connection
of 4 IDE devices
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
FDD Connections 1 FDD connection, allows connection of 2 FDD devices
Onboard SATA 4 Serial ATA ports from nVIDIA®nForce4(-4X) controller (S_ATA0_SB,
S_ATA1_SB, S_ATA2_SB, S_ATA3_SB)
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
Peripherals 1 parallel port supporting Normal/EPP/ECP mode
1 serial port (COMA)
10 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (rear x 4, front x 6 via cable)
3 IEEE1394b ports (requires cable)
1 front audio connector
1 IR/CIR connector
1 PS/2 keyboard port
1 PS/2 mouse port
Onboard LAN VITESSE 8201 phy (10/100/1000 Mbit)
1 RJ 45 port
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
Onboard Audio ALC850 CODEC
Supports Jack Sensing function
Supports 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 channel audio
Supports Line In ; Line Out (Front Speaker Out) ; MIC ; Surround Speaker
Out (Rear Speaker Out) ; Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out ; Side Speaker
Out connection
SPDIF In/Out connection
CD In connection
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
1-2 Feature Summary
(Note 1) Due to 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.xxGB memory during system
startup.

Hardware Installation- 11 -
English
I/O Control IT8712F
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU temperature detection
CPU / System fan speed detection
CPU warning temperature
CPU / System fan failure warning
CPU smart fan control
Onboard SATA RAID Onboard nForce4(-4X) chipset (S_ATA0_SB, S_ATA1_SB, S_ATA2_SB, S_ATA3_SB)
- supports data striping (RAID 0) or mirroring (RAID 1) function or
striping + mirroring (RAID 0+1)
- supports data transfer rate of up to 150 MB/s
- supports hot plugging function
- supports a maximum of 4 SATA connections
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
BIOS Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Supports Q-Flash
Additional Features Supports @BIOS
Supports EasyTune (Note 2)
Overclocking Over Voltage via BIOS (CPU/ DDR/ HT-Link/ Core Power)
Form Factor ATX form factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm
(Note 2) EasyTune functions may vary depending on different motherboards.

GA-K8NF-9 Motherboard - 12 -
English
1-3 Installation of the CPU and Fan Heat Sink
Before installing the CPU, please comply with the following conditions:
1. Please make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.
2. Please take note of the one indented corner of the CPU. If you install the CPU in the wrong
direction, the CPU will not insert properly. If this occurs, please change the insert direction
of the CPU.
3. Please add an even layer of heat sink paste between the CPU and heatsink.
4. Please make sure the heatsink is installed on the CPU prior to system use, otherwise
overheating and permanent damage of the CPU may occur.
5. Please set the CPU host frequency in accordance with the processor specifications. It is not
recommended that the system bus frequency be set beyond hardware specifications since it
does not meet the required standards for the peripherals. If you wish to set the frequency
beyond the proper specifications, please do so according to your hardware specifications
including the CPU, graphics card, memory, hard drive, etc.
1-3-1 Installation of the CPU
Check the processor pins to see that none are bent. Move the socket lever to the unlocked position as shown
in Figure 1.(90oto the plane of the motherboard) prior to inserting the processor. The pin 1 location is
designated on the processor by a copper triangle that matches up to a triangle on the socket as shown in
Figure 2. Align the processor to the socket and gently lower it into place. Do not force the processor into the
socket.
Fig.1
Position lever at a 90 degree angle.
Socket lever
Fig.2
A gold-colored triangle is marked one edge of the CPU. Please align this
edge with the socket edge closest to the CPU lever. Gently place the CPU
into position making sure that the CPU pins fit perfectly into their holes.
Once the CPU is positioned into it socket, place one finger down on the
middle of the CPU and gently press the metal lever back into its original
position.
Please use extra care when installing the CPU. The CPU will not fit if positioned incorrectly.
Rather than applying force, please change the positioning of the CPU.

Hardware Installation- 13 -
English
1-3-2 Installation of the Fan Heat Sink
The heat sink may adhere to the CPU as a result of hardening of the heat sink paste. To prevent
such an occurrence, it is suggested that either thermal tape rather than heat sink paste be used for
heat dissipation or using extreme care when removing the heat sink.
Fig.1
Before installing the heat sink, please first add an even layer of heat sink
paste on the surface of the CPU. Install all the heat sink components (Please
refer to the heat sink manual for detailed installation instructions).
Fig.2
Please connect the heat sink power connector to the CPU_FAN connector
located on the motherboard so that the heat sink can properly function to
prevent CPU overheating.

GA-K8NF-9 Motherboard - 14 -
English
Before installing the memory modules, please comply with the following conditions:
1. Please make sure that the memory used is supported by the motherboard. It is
recommended that memory of similar capacity, specifications and brand be used.
2. Before installing or removing memory modules, please make sure that the computer power
is switched off to prevent hardware damage.
3. Memory modules have a foolproof insertion design. A memory module can be installed in
only one direction. If you are unable to insert the module, please switch the direction.
1-4 Installation of Memory
The motherboard supports DDR memory modules, whereby BIOS will automatically detect memory
capacity and specifications. Memory modules are designed so that they can be inserted only in one direction.
The memory capacity used can differ with each slot.
Notch
DDR
Fig.1
The DIMM socket has a notch, so the DIMM memory module can only
fit in one direction. Insert the DIMM memory module vertically into the
DIMM socket. Then push it down.
Fig.2
Close the plastic clip at both edges of the DIMM sockets to lock the
DIMM module.
Reverse the installation steps when you wish to remove the DIMM
module.

Hardware Installation- 15 -
English
Dual Channel DDR
GA-K8NF-9 supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operating the Dual Channel Technology, the
bandwidth of Memory Bus will double.
GA-K8NF-9 includes 4 DIMM sockets, and each Channel has two DIMM sockets as following:
Channel A : DDR 1, DDR 3
Channel B : DDR 2, DDR 4
If you want to operate the Dual Channel Technology, please note the following explanations due to the
limitation of nVIDIA chipset specifications.
1. Dual channel memory cannot be used if one DDR memory module is installed.
2. If two DDR memory modules are installed (same storage capacity), one must be added to a
Channel A slot and the other in a Channel B slot in order to use dual channel memory.
You can simply install the memory modules into slots of the same color but we recommend
slotting them into DDR1 and DDR2. Dual channel memory cannot function if both DDR memory
modules are installed on the same channel.
3. If four DDR memory modules are installed, please use memory of the same storage capacity
in order to use dual channel memory and for BIOS to detect all the DDR memory modules.
The following table is for Dual Channel Technology combination: (DS: Double Side, SS: Single Side)
2 memory modules
4 memory modules
DDR 1 DDR 2 DDR 3 DDR 4
DS/SS DS/SS X X
X X DS/SS DS/SS
DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS
The GA-K8NF-9 doesn't support 3 memory modules. If 3 memory modules are installed, the
system will not boot.

GA-K8NF-9 Motherboard - 16 -
English
1-5 Installation of Expansion Cards
You can install your expansion card by following the steps outlined below:
1. Read the related expansion card's instruction document before install the expansion card into the
computer.
2. Remove your computer's chassis cover, screws and slot bracket from the computer.
3. Press the expansion card firmly into expansion slot in motherboard.
4. Be sure the metal contacts on the card are indeed seated in the slot.
5. Replace the screw to secure the slot bracket of the expansion card.
6. Replace your computer's chassis cover.
7. Power on the computer, if necessary, setup BIOS utility of expansion card from BIOS.
8. Install related driver from the operating system.
Installing a PCI Express x 16 expansion card:
Please carefully pull out the small white-
drawable bar at the end of the PCI Express
x 16 slot when you try to install/uninstall the
VGA card. Please align the VGA card to the
onboard PCI Express x 16 slot and press
firmly down on the slot. Make sure your VGA
card is locked by the small white-drawable
bar.

Hardware Installation- 17 -
English
1-6 I/O Back Panel Introduction
PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Connector
To install a PS/2 port keyboard and mouse, plug the mouse to the upper port (green) and the keyboard to the
lower port (purple).
Parallel Port
The parallel port allows connection of a printer, scanner and other peripheral devices.
SPDIF_I (SPDIF In)
Use SPDIF In feature only when your device has digital output function.
SPDIF_O (SPDIF Out)
The SPDIF output is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or compressed AC3
data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder.
COMA (Serial Port)
Connects to serial-based mouse or data processing devices.
LAN Port
The provided Internet connection is Gigabit Ethernet, providing data transfer speeds of 10/100/
1000Mbps.
USB port
Before you connect your device(s) into USB connector(s), please make sure your device(s) such
as USB keyboard, mouse, scanner, zip, speaker...etc. have a standard USB interface. Also make
sure your OS supports USB controller. If your OS does not support USB controller, please contact
OS vendor for possible patch or driver upgrade. For more information please contact your OS or
device(s) vendors.
Line In
Devices like CD-ROM, walkman etc. can be connected to Line In jack.
Line Out (Front Speaker Out)
Connect the stereo speakers, earphone or front surround speakers to this connector.
MIC In
Microphone can be connected to MIC In jack.
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Connect the Center/Subwoofer speakers to this connector.
Rear Speaker Out
Connect the rear surround speakers to this connector.

GA-K8NF-9 Motherboard - 18 -
English
1-7 Connectors Introduction
1) ATX_12V
2) ATX (Power Connector)
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN
5) FDD
6) IDE1 / IDE2
7) S_ATA0/1/2/3_SB
8) PWR_LED
9) F_PANEL
10) F_AUDIO
11) CD_IN
12) F_USB1 / F_USB2 / F_USB3
13) F1_1394 / F2_1394
14) IR_CIR
15) CLR_CMOS
16) BATTERY
13
9
12
5
2
16
10
11
15
6
7
8
14
4
13
You can use audio software to configure 2-/4-/6-/8-channel audio functioning.
Side Speaker Out
Connect the side surround speakers to this connector.

Hardware Installation- 19 -
English
1/2) ATX_12V/ATX (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, please make sure that all
components and devices are properly installed. Align the power connector with its proper location on
the motherboard and connect tightly.
The ATX_12V power connector mainly supplies power to the CPU. If the ATX_12V power connector
is not connected, the system will not start.
Caution!
Please use a power supply that is able to handle the system voltage requirements. It is
recommended that a power supply that can withstand high power consumption be used (300W or
greater). If a power supply is used that does not provide the required power, the result can lead to an
unstable system or a system that is unable to start.
If you use a 24-pin ATX power supply, please remove the small cover on the power connector
on the motherboard before plugging in the power cord; otherwise, please do not remove it.
Pin No. Definition
1 GND
2 GND
3 +12V
4 +12V
Pin No. Definition
1 3.3V
2 3.3V
3 GND
4 +5V
5 GND
6 +5V
7 GND
8 Power Good
9 5V SB(stand by +5V)
10 +12V
11 +12V(Only for 24-pinATX)
12 3.3V(Only for 24-pin ATX)
13 3.3V
14 -12V
15 GND
16 PS_ON(soft On/Off)
17 GND
18 GND
19 GND
20 -5V
21 +5V
22 +5V
23 +5V(Only for 24-pin ATX)
24 GND(Only for 24-pinATX)
113
24
12
1
2
3
4

GA-K8NF-9 Motherboard - 20 -
English
3/4) CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN (Cooler Fan Power Connector)
The cooler fan power connector supplies a +12V power voltage via a 3-pin power connector and
possesses a foolproof connection design.
Most coolers are designed with color-coded power connector wires. A red power connector wire
indicates a positive connection and requires a +12V power voltage. The black connector wire is the
ground wire (GND).
Please remember to connect the power to the cooler to prevent system overheating and failure.
Caution!
Please remember to connect the power to the CPU fan to prevent CPU overheating and failure.
Pin No. Definition
1 GND
2 +12V
3 Sense
SYS_FAN
1
CPU_FAN
1