Gigabyte GA-K8NS Pro User manual

GA-K8NS
User's Manual
AMD Socket 754 Processor Motherboard
Rev. 1001
12ME-K8NS-1001
Copyright
© 2004GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
Copyright by GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.("GBT"). No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any from
without the expressed, written permission of GBT.
Trademarks
Third-party brands and names are the property of their respective owners.
Notice
Please do not remove any labels on motherboard, this may void the warranty of this motherboard.
Due to rapid change in technology, some of the specifications might be out of date before publication of this booklet.
The author assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions that may appear in this document nor does the author make a
commitment to update the information contained herein.

Apr. 2, 2004
Mother Board
GA-K8NS

Motherboard
Apr. 2, 2004
GA-K8NS

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English
When you installing AGP card, please make sure the following notice is fully understood and
practiced. If your AGP card has "AGP 4X/8X (1.5V) notch" (show below), please make sure
your AGP card is AGP 4X/8X(1.5V).
Caution: AGP 2X card is not supported by nVIDIA®nForceTM 3 250. You might
experience system unable to boot up normally. Please insert an AGP 4X/8X card.
AGP 4X/8X notch
Read Me First!

5 Read Me First
English
Installing the motherboard to the chassis…
If the motherboard has mounting holes, but they don't line up with the holes on the base and there
are no slots to attach the spacers, do not become alarmed you can still attach the spacers to the
mounting holes. Just cut the bottom portion of the spacers (the spacer may be a little hard to cut off,
so be careful of your hands). In this way you can still attach the motherboard to the base without
worrying about short circuits. Sometimes you may need to use the plastic springs to isolate the
screw from the motherboard PCB surface, because the circuit wire may be near by the hole. Be
careful, don't let the screw contact any printed circuit write or parts on the PCB that are near the
fixing hole, otherwise it may damage the board or cause board malfunctioning.
Preparing Your Computer
Computer motherboards and expansion cards contain very delicate Integrated Circuit (IC) chips. To
protect them against damage from static electricity, you should follow some precautions whenever
you work on your computer.
1. Unplug your computer when working on the inside.
2. Use a grounded wrist strap before handling computer components. If you do not have
one, touch both of your hands to a safely grounded object or to a metal object, such as
the power supply case.
3. Hold components by the edges and try not touch the IC chips, leads or connectors, or
other components.
4. Place components on a grounded antistatic pad or on the bag that came with the
components whenever the components are separated from the system.
5. Ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off before you plug in or remove the ATX
power connector on the motherboard.
The manufacturer assumes no liability for any damage, caused directly or indirectly, by improper
installation of any comfortable performing the installation, consult a qualified computer technician.
Damage to system components, and injury to yourself may result if power is applied during
installation.

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English
Table of Content
Read Me First! ........................................................................................ 4
Chapter 1 Introduction ............................................................................ 8
Features Summary ...................................................................................... 8
GA-K8NS Motherboard Layout .................................................................. 10
Block Diagram ........................................................................................... 11
Chapter 2 Hardware Installation Process ............................................. 13
Step 1: Install the Central Processing Unit (CPU)..................................... 14
Step 2: Installing Memory Modules ........................................................... 16
Step 3 Install expansion cards .................................................................. 17
Step 4: Install I/O Peripherals Cables ....................................................... 18
Step 4-1: I/O Back Panel Introduction............................................................................ 18
Step 4-2: Connectors Introduction .................................................................................. 20
Chapter 3 BIOS Setup ......................................................................... 33
The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver. : E19) ...................................... 34
Standard CMOS Features......................................................................... 36
Advanced BIOS Features .......................................................................... 38
Integrated Peripherals ............................................................................... 40
Power Management Setup ....................................................................... 43
PnP/PCI Configurations ............................................................................. 45
PC Health Status........................................................................................ 46
Frequency/Voltage Control ........................................................................ 47
Top Performance ...................................................................................... 48
Load Fail-Safe Defaults ............................................................................. 48

Table of Content
English
- 7 -
Load Optimized Defaults ........................................................................... 49
Set Supervisor/User Password .................................................................. 49
Exit Without Saving .................................................................................... 50
Save & Exit Setup ....................................................................................... 50
Chapter 4 Technical Reference ........................................................... 53
@BIOS™Introduction ................................................................................. 53
Flash BIOS Method Introduction ............................................................... 54
2- / 4- / 6- / 8- Channel Audio Function Introduction ................................. 65
Jack-Sensing and UAJ Introduction .......................................................... 71
Xpress Recovery Introduction ................................................................... 73
Serial ATA BIOS Setting Utility Introduction ............................................... 76
Chapter 5 Appendix ............................................................................. 83

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Chapter 1 Introduction
CPU ySocket754forAMDAlthlon™64processor (K8)
y1600MHz system bus
ySupportscorefrequenciesinexcessof1.6GHz(2800+)andfaster
Chipset ynVIDIA®nForce3TM 250
Memory y3 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets, support up to 3GB DRAM (Max.)
ySupportsDDR400/333/266DIMM
ySupports DDR DIMM
Slots y1AGPslotsupports8X/4X(1.5V)mode
y5 PCI slots
On-BoardIDE y2 IDE controllers provide IDE HDD/CD-ROM (IDE1, IDE2) with
PIO,BusMaster(DMA33/ATA66/ATA100/ATA133)operationmodes
On-BoardFloppy y1 Floppyport supports 2 FDD with 360K, 720K,1.2M, 1.44Mand
2.88M bytes
On-BoardSATAy2 SerialATAconnectors
On-BoardPeripherals y1 Parallelport supports Normal/EPP/ECP mode
y2 Serial ports (COMA & COMB)
y8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 x rear, 4 x front by cable)
y1Frontaudioconnector
y1IrDAconnectorforIR/CIR
y1 PS/2 keyboard
y1 PS/2 mouse
On-Board LAN yBuilt-inICS1883(10/100Mbit)
y1RJ45port
On-BoardSound yALC850 CODEC (UAJ)
ySupportsJackSensingfunction
ySupports2-/4-/6-/8-channel
yLine Out / Line In / Mic In
ySurroundBackSpeaker(byoptionalSurround-Kit)
ySPDIF In / Out
yCD In / Game connector
On-Board SATARAID yBuilt-innVIDIA®nForce3TM 250
(SATA0_SB, SATA1_SB) ySupportsdiskstriping(RAID0)ordiskmirroring(RAID1)
ySupportsJBODfunction
ySupports UDMA up to 150 MB/sec
yUp to 2 SATAdevices
Features Summary
tobecontinued...

Introduction
English
- 9 -
I/O Control yIT8712
HardwareMonitor yCPU/Systemfanrevolutiondetect
yCPU/System fan fail warning
yCPUtemperaturedetect
yCPUwarningtemperature
ySystemvoltagedetect
yThermalshutdownfunction
BIOS yLicensedAWARD BIOS
ySupportsQ-Flash
AdditionalFeatures ySupports @BIOS
ySupportsEasyTune
Overclocking yOver clock (CPU/AGP) by BIOS
yOver voltage (CPU/AGP/VCC12_HT/DDR) by BIOS
FormFactor yATXsizeformfactor,30.5cmx23.0cm

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English
nVIDIA®
nForce™3 250
CD_IN
GA-K8NS
KB_MS
COMB
LPT
USB
LAN1
ATX_12V
SOCKET 754
CPU_FAN
IDE1IDE2
DDR2
COMA
PWR_LED
BAT
PCI1
PCI2
PCI3
F_USB1
IT8712
CODEC
DDR3
PCI4
PCI5
GAME
F_AUDIO
IR_CIR
RAM_LED
ATX
SYS_FAN
DDR1
SPDIF_IO
SUR_CEN
2X_DET
AUDIO
F_PANEL
GA-K8NS Motherboard Layout
INFO_LINK
AGP
FDD
ICS 1883
F_USB2
R_USB
BIOS
CLR_CMOS
SATA0_SB SATA1_SB

Introduction
English
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Block Diagram
CPUCLK+/- (200MHz)
System Bus
1600MHz
AGP Slot
4X/8X
AGPCLK
(66MHz)
5 PCI
PCICLK
(33MHz)
RJ45
ICS 1883
AMD K8
Socket754
CPU
DDR400/333 DIMM
DDR RAM
nVIDIA
nForceTM 3
250
LPCBUS
8 USB
Ports ATA33/66/100/133
IDE Channels
IT8712
24MHz
33MHz
Game Port
Floppy
LPT Port
PS/2 KB/Mouse
2 COM Ports
BIOS IR/CIR
LAN
AC97 Link
MIC
LINE-IN
LINE-OUT
AC97
CODEC
2 Serial ATA

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English

Hardware Installation Process
English
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To set up your computer, you must complete the following steps:
Step 1 - Install the Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Step 2 - Install Memory Modules
Step 3 - Install Expansion Cards
Step 4 - Install I/O Peripherals Cables
Chapter 2 Hardware Installation Process
Step 2
Step 4
Step 3
Step 1
Step 4
Congratulations! You have accomplished the hardware installation!
Turn on the power supply or connect the power cable to the power outlet. Continue with the
BIOS/software installation.
Step 4

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Step 1: Install the Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Theinstallationoftheprocessorandcoolingfanisperformedinfourmainsteps:
Beforeinstallingtheprocessorandcoolingfan,adheretothefollowingwarning:
1. Pleasemake suretheCPUtypeissupportedbythemotherboard.
2. Theprocessorwilloverheatwithouttheheatsinkand/orfan,resultinginpermanent
irreparabledamage.
3. IfyoudonotmatchtheCPUsocketPin1andCPUcutedgewell,itwillcauseimproper
installation.Pleasechangetheinsertorientation.
4. Applythermalgreasebetweentheprocessorandcoolingfan.
5. Neverruntheprocessorwithouttheheatsinkproperlyandfirmlyattached.Permanent
damagewillresult.
6. PleasesettheCPUhostfrequencyinaccordancewithyourprocessor'sspecifications.
Wedon'trecommendyoutosetthesystembusfrequencyovertheCPU'sspecification
becausethesespecificbusfrequenciesarenotthestandardspecificationsforCPU,
chipsetandmostoftheperipherals.Whetheryoursystemcanrununderthesespecific
busfrequenciesproperlywilldependonyourhardwareconfigurations,includingCPU,
Memory, Cards…etc.
Step1-1. First, 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.
Figure 1.
Pull the rod to the 90-degree directly.
Figure 2.
Pin 1 location on the Socket and Processor. Move
the socket lever to the locked position while holding
pressure on the center of the processor.
SocketLever

Hardware Installation Process
English
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Step1-2. When the processor is installed in the socket, apply thermal grease to the processor(as shown
in Figure 3) prior to installing the heatsink. Phase change materials develop strong adhesive
forces between the heatsink and processor. Removing the heatsink under such condi-
tions can cause the processor to be removed from the socket without moving the
socket lever to the unlocked position and then damage the processor pins or socket
contacts.
** We recommend you to apply the thermal tape to provide better heat conduction between
your CPU and heatsink. (The CPU cooling fan might stick to the CPU due to the hardening of
the thermal paste. During this condition if you try to remove the cooling fan, you might pull the
processor out of the CPU socket alone with the cooling fan, and might damage the processor.
To avoid this from happening, we suggest you to either use thermal tape instead of thermal
paste, orremove the cooling fan with extreme caution.)
Figure 3.
Application of thermal grease to the processor.
Step 1-4. Connect the fan power wires to the header on the motherboard as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Connecting the fan power wires.
Step 1-3.Once the thermal grease has been applied to the processor, the heatsink can be attached to
the processor. Align the heatsink assembly with the support frame mating with the backer plate
standoffs as shown in Figure 4 & 5.
Figure 4 & 5.
Alignment of heatsink assembly
with standoffs.

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Step 2: Installing Memory Modules
Before installing the memory modules, adhere to the following warning:
1. When RAM LED is ON, do not install / remove DIMM from socket.
2. Please note that the DIMM module can only fit in one direction due to
the notch. Wrong orientation will cause improper installation. Please
change the insert orientation.
The motherboard has 3 dual inline memory module (DIMM) sockets. The BIOS will automatically
detects memory type and size. To install the memory module, just push it vertically into the DIMM
socket. The DIMM module can only fit in one direction due to the notch. Memory size can vary
between sockets.
1. The DIMM socket has a notch, so the DIMM memory
module can only fit in one direction.
2. Insert the DIMM memory module vertically into the DIMM
socket. Then push it down.
3. 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.
DDR
Notch

Hardware Installation Process
English
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Step 3 Install expansion cards
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.
When an AGP 2X (3.3V) card is installed the 2X_DET will light up, indicating a non-supported
graphics card is inserted. Informing users that system might not boot up normally due to AGP
2X (3.3V) is not supported by the chipset.
AGP Card
Please carefully pull out the small white-drawable bar at the end of the AGP slot when you try to install
/ uninstall the AGP card. Please align the AGP card to the onboard AGP slot and press firmly down on
the slot. Make sure your AGP card is locked by the small white-drawable bar.

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Step 4: Install I/O Peripherals Cables
Step 4-1: I/O Back Panel Introduction
This connector supports standard PS/2
keyboard and PS/2 mouse.
PS/2 Mouse Connector
(6 pin Female)
PS/2 Keyboard Connector
(6 pin Female)
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.
LAN connector is fast Ethernet with 10/100Mbps
speed.
USB 2
USB 3
LAN
USB 0
USB 1
PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Connector
/USB/LAN Connector

Hardware Installation Process
English
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After install onboard audio driver, you may
connect speaker to Line Out jack, microphone to
MIC In jack. Devices like CD-ROM, walkman
etc. can be connected to Line-In jack.
Please note:
You are able to use 2-/4-/6-/8-channel audio
feature by S/W selection.
If you want to enable 8-channel function you can
refer to page 27, and contact your nearest dealer
for optional SUR_CEN cable.
If you want the detail information for 2-/4-/6-/8-channel audio setup
installation, please refer to page 65.
Line In (Rear Speaker)
MIC In (Center and Subwoofer)
Line Out (Front Speaker)
According to your motherboard, please see the
following descriptions for the devices. Device
like printer can be connected to Parallel port;
mouse and modem etc. can be connected to
Serial ports.
Parallel Port (25 pin Female)
COMA COMB
Serial Port (9 pin Male)
Audio Connectors
Parallel Port, Serial Ports (COMA / COMB)

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Step 4-2: Connectors Introduction
1) ATX_12V
2) ATX (Power Connector)
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN
5) FDD
6) IDE1 / IDE2
7) SATA0_SB / SATA1_SB
8) PWR_LED
9) F_PANEL
10) RAM_LED
11) 2X_DET
12) F_AUDIO
13) SUR_CEN
14) SPDIF_IO
15) CD_IN
16) F_USB1 / F_USB2
17) IR_CIR
18) GAME
19) INFO_LINK
20) CLR_CMOS
21) BAT
18
3
8 9
2
5
13
1
6
16
17
11
10
12
14
4
7
15
19
20
21