Gigabyte GA-M55plus-S3G User manual

GA-M55plus-S3G
AMD Socket AM2 Processor Motherboard
User's Manual
Rev. 1002
12ME-M55PS3G-1002R
* The WEEE marking on the product indicates this product must not be disposed of with user's other household waste
and must be handed over to a designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment!!
* The WEEE marking applies only in European Union's member states.

Motherboard
GA-M55plus-S3G
May 16, 2006
May 16, 2006
Motherboard
GA-M55plus-S3G

Copyright
© 2006 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
ItemChecklist ................................................................................................................. 6
OptionalAccessories ...................................................................................................... 6
GA-M55plus-S3G Motherboard Layout .......................................................................... 7
Block Diagram ................................................................................................................ 8
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation .................................................................................... 9
1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation .................................................................... 9
1-2 Feature Summary .......................................................................................... 10
1-3 Installation of the CPU and CPU Cooler ....................................................... 12
1-3-1 Installation of the CPU ......................................................................................... 12
1-3-2 Installation of the CPU Cooler ............................................................................ 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. : E21) ..................................................... 30
2-1 Standard CMOS Features ............................................................................. 32
2-2 Advanced BIOS Features .............................................................................. 34
2-3 Integrated Peripherals ..................................................................................... 36
2-4 Power Management Setup ............................................................................. 40
2-5 PnP/PCI Configurations ................................................................................. 42
2-6 PC Health Status ........................................................................................... 43
2-7 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ....................................................................... 44
2-8 Load Fail-Safe Defaults ................................................................................... 46
2-9 Load Optimized Defaults ................................................................................. 46
2-10 Set Supervisor/User Password ..................................................................... 47
2-11 Save & Exit Setup ......................................................................................... 48
2-12 Exit Without Saving ....................................................................................... 48

- 5 -
Chapter 3 Drivers Installation ...................................................................................... 49
3-1 Install Chipset Drivers .................................................................................... 49
3-2 SoftwareApplications ..................................................................................... 50
3-3 Driver CD Information .................................................................................... 50
3-4 Hardware Information ..................................................................................... 51
3-5 Contact Us ..................................................................................................... 51
Chapter 4 Appendix ................................................................................................... 53
4-1 Unique Software Utilities ................................................................................ 53
4-1-1 EasyTune 5 Introduction ..................................................................................... 53
4-1-2 Xpress Recovery2 Introduction ......................................................................... 54
4-1-3 Flash BIOS Method Introduction ........................................................................ 56
4-1-4 Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s) ........................................................................ 65
4-1-5 2- / 4- / 6- / 8- Channel Audio Function Introduction ...................................... 79
4-2 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 84

- 6 -
Item Checklist
IDE Cable x 1 & FDD Cable x 1
SATA 3Gb/s Cable x 2
I/O Shield
* The items listed above are for reference only, and are subject to change without notice.
Optional Accessories
2 Ports USB2.0 Cable (Part Number: 12CR1-1UB030-51/R)
4 Ports USB2.0 Cable (Part Number: 12CR1-1UB030-21/R)
SPDIF In and Out Cable (Part Number: 12CR1-1SPINO-11/R)

- 7 -
GA-M55plus-S3G Motherboard Layout
KB_MS
ATX_12V
CPU_FAN
nVIDIA®
GeForce 6100
SPDIF_IO
CODEC
VGA
LPT
USB LAN
F_PANEL
BIOS
PCI3
PCI4
F_AUDIO
F_USB2F_USB1
BAT
ATX
FDD
CD_IN
GA-M55plus-S3G
PCIE_16
CI
Socket AM2
IDE1
DDRII_1 DDRII_2 DDRII_3 DDRII_4
PCIE_2
F1_1394
nVIDIA®
nForce 430
AUDIO
USB 1394
PWR_LED
CLR_CMOS
SYS_FAN
Marvell
88E1116
COMA
F2_1394
IDE2
PCI1
PCI2
PCIE_1
TSB43AB23
SATAII0_1
IT8716
SATAII2_3

- 8 -
Block Diagram
AMD
Socket AM2
CPU
CPUCLK+/-(200MHz)
Hyper Transport
Bus
4 PCI
PCI Bus
2 PCI Express x1
PCI Express Bus nVIDIA®
GeForce 6100
nVIDIA®
nForce 430
3 IEEE1394a
TSB43AB23
DDRII 800/667/533/400MHz DIMM
Dual Channel Memory
4 SATA 3Gb/s
8 USB
Ports
Line-Out
MIC
CODEC
Line-In
SPDIF In
SPDIF Out
Side Speaker Out
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Surround Speaker Out
ATA33/66/100/133
IDE Channels
x1
PCIe CLK
(100MHz)
PCIe CLK
(100MHz)
PCI Express x16
VGA
Hyper Transport
Bus
LAN
RJ45
Marvell
88E1116
IT8716
LPC BUS Floppy
LPT Port
COM Port
PS/2 KB/Mouse
x1
BIOS

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-M55plus-S3G Motherboard - 10 -
English
1-2 Feature Summary
CPU Socket AM2 for AMD AthlonTM 64 FX / AthlonTM 64 X2 Dual-Core /
AthlonTM 64 / SempronTM processor
Front Side Bus 2000MHz
Chipset Northbridge: nVIDIA®GeForce 6100
Southbridge: nVIDIA®nForce 430
LAN Marvell 88E1116 phy (10/100/1000Mbit)
Audio Onboard Realtek ALC883 CODEC chip
Supports High Definition Audio
Supports 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 channel audio
Supports SPDIF In/Out connection
Supports CD In connection
IEEE 1394 Onboard T.I. TSB43AB23 chip
3 IEEE1394a ports
Storage nVIDIA®nForce 430
-1 FDD connector, allowing connection of 1FDD device
- 2 IDE connectors (IDE1, IDE2) with UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100/ATA 133
support, allowing connection of 4 IDE devices
- 4 SATA 3Gb/s connectors (SATAII0, SATAII1, SATAII2, SATAII3 ), allow-
ing connection of 4 SATA 3Gb/s devices
- Supports data striping (RAID 0), mirroring (RAID 1), striping+mirroring
(RAID 0+1), and RAID 5 for Serial ATA
O.S Support Microsoft Windows 2000/XP
Memory 4 DDRII DIMM memory slots (supports up to 16GB memory)(Note 1)
Supports dual channel DDRII 800/667/533/400 DIMMs
Supports 1.8V DDRII DIMMs
Expanstion Slots 1 PCI Express x 16 slot
2 PCI Express x 1 slots
4 PCI slots
Internal Connectors 1 24-pin ATX power connector
1 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 floppy connector
2 IDE connectors
4 SATA 3Gb/s connectors
1 CPU fan connector
1 system fan connector
1 front panel connector
1 front audio connector
1 CD In connector
2 USB 2.0/1.1 connectors for additional 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports by cable
2 IEEE1394a connectors for additional 2 ports by cable
1 SPDIF In/Out connector
1 power LED connector

Hardware Installation- 11 -
English
(Note 1) Due to the limitation of Windows 32-bit operating system, when more than 4GB of physical
memory is installed, the actual memory available for the operating system will be less than
4GB; Windows 64-bit operating system doesn't have such limitation.
(Note 2) Whether the CPU Smart FAN Control function is supported will depend on the CPU you install.
(Note 3) EasyTune functions may vary depending on different motherboards.
Rear Panel I/O 1 PS/2 keyboard port
1 PS/2 mouse port
1 parallel port
1 VGA port
1 COMA port
4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 IEEE1394a port
1 RJ-45 port
6 audio jacks (Line In / Line Out / MIC In/Surround Speaker Out (Rear
Speaker Out)/Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out/Side Speaker Out)
I/O Control IT8716 chip
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU / System temperature detection
CPU / System fan speed detection
CPU warning temperature
CPU / System fan failure warning
Supports CPU / System Smart Fan function(Note 2)
BIOS 1 4 Mbit flash ROM
Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Additional Features Supports @BIOS
Supports Download Center
Supports Q-Flash
Supports EasyTune(Note 3)
Supports Xpress Install
Supports Xpress Recovery2
Supports Xpress BIOS Rescue
Bundle Software Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Form Factor ATX form factor; 30.5cm x 21.3cm

GA-M55plus-S3G Motherboard - 12 -
English
1-3 Installation of the CPU and CPU Cooler
1-3-1 Installation of the CPU
Fig.1
Position lever at a 90 degree angle.
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.
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 pin 1 marking (the copper triangle) on 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 paste between the CPU and CPU cooler.
4. Please make sure the CPU cooler 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 CPU specifications. It
is not recommended that the system bus frequency be set beyond hardware specifica-
tions 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 hard-
ware specifications including the CPU, graphics card, memory, hard drive, etc.
Fig.2
Pin 1 location on the socket and CPU.
Gently place the CPU into position making sure that the CPU pins fit
perfectly into their holes. Once the CPU is positioned into its socket,
place one finger down on the middle of the CPU and gently press the
metal lever back into its original position.
Pin One
Check the CPU pins to see that none are bent. Move the socket lever to the unlocked position as shown
in Fig. 1 (90oto the plane of the motherboard) prior to inserting the CPU. The pin 1 location is designated
on the CPU by a copper triangle that corresponds to a triangle marking on the socket as shown in
Fig. 2. Align the CPU to the socket and gently lower it into place. Do not force the CPU into the socket.
Socket Lever

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

GA-M55plus-S3G 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 DDRII 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.
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.
Notch
DDRII

Hardware Installation- 15 -
English
Dual Channel Memory Configuration
The GA-M55plus-S3G supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operat-
ing the Dual Channel Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus will double.
Due to CPU limitation, if you wish to operate the Dual Channel Technology, follow the guidelines below:
1. Dual Channel mode will not be enabled if only one memory module is installed.
2. To enable Dual Channel mode with two memory modules (it is recommended to use memory
modules of identical brand, size, chips, and speed), you must install them into DIMM sockets
of the same color.
3. To enable Dual Channel mode with four memory modules, it is recommended to use memory
modules of identical brand, size, chips, and speed.
The following is a Dual Channel Memory configuration table:
(DS: Double Side, SS: Single Side, "--": Empty)
DIMM Socket
2 memory modules
4 memory modules
DDRII_1 DDRII_2 DDRII_ 3 DDRII_4
DS/SS DS/SS -- --
-- -- DS/SS DS/SS
DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS
If two memory modules are to be used to achieve Dual Channel mode, we recommend
installing them in DDRII_1 and DDRII_2 DIMM sockets.

GA-M55plus-S3G 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 x16 expansion card:
Please align the VGA card to the onboard
PCI Express x16 slot and press firmly
down on the slot. Make sure your VGA
card is locked by the latch at the end of
the PCI Express x16 slot. When you try
uninstall the VGA card, please gently
press the latch as the picture to the left
shows to release the card.

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.
COMA (Serial Port)
Connects to serial-based mouse or data processing devices.
VGA Port
Monitor can be connected to VGA port.
IEEE 1394a Port
Serial interface standard set by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, which has features
like high speed, high bandwidth and hot plug.
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.
LAN Port
The provided Internet connection is Gigabit Ethernet , providing data transfer speeds of 10/100/
1000Mbps.
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
The default Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out jack. Center/Subwoofer speakers can be connected to
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out jack.
Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out)
The default Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out) jack. Rear surround speakers can be
connected to Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out) jack.
Side Speaker Out
The default Side Speaker Out jack. Surround side speakers can be connected to Side Speaker Out
jack.
Line In
The default Line In jack. Devices like CD-ROM, walkman etc. can be connected to Line In jack.

GA-M55plus-S3G Motherboard - 18 -
English
1-7 Connectors Introduction
Line Out (Front Speaker Out)
The default Line Out (Front Speaker Out) jack. Stereo speakers, earphone or front surround
speakers can be connected to Line Out (Front Speaker Out) jack.
MIC In
The default MIC In jack. Microphone must be connected to MIC In jack.
In addition to the default speakers settings, the ~audio jacks can be reconfigured to
perform different functions via the audio software. Only microphones still MUST be connected
to the default Mic In jack ( ). Please refer to the 2-/4-/6-/8- channel audio setup steps for
detailed software configuration information.
1) ATX_12V
2) ATX (Power Connector)
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN
5) FDD
6) IDE1 / IDE2
7) SATAII0/1/2/3
8) F_AUDIO
9) F_PANEL
10) CD_IN
11) PWR_LED
12) F_USB1 / F_USB2
13) F1_1394 / F2_1394
14) SPDIF_IO
15) CLR_CMOS
16) CI
17) BATTERY
9125
13
6
17
2
8
14
15
4
10
16
13 11
7

Hardware Installation- 19 -
English
Pin No. Definition
1 GND
2 GND
3 +12V
4 +12V
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.
131
24
12
31
4
2
Pin No. Definition
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-pin ATX)
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 for24-pin ATX)
12 3.3V(Onlyfor24-pin ATX)

GA-M55plus-S3G 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/4-pin (only for
CPU_FAN) 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).
Remember to connect the CPU/system fan cable to the CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN connector to prevent
CPU damage or system hanging caused by overheating.
5) FDD (FDD Connector)
The FDD connector is used to connect the FDD cable while the other end of the cable connects to
the FDD drive. The types of FDD drives supported are: 360KB, 720KB, 1.2MB, 1.44MB and
2.88MB.Before attaching the FDD cable, please take note of the foolproof groove in the FDD
connector.
SYS_FAN
1
1
CPU_FAN
234
133
Pin No. Definition
1 GND
2 +12V
3 Sense
4 Speed Control
(Only for CPU_FAN)