Gigabyte GA-M68M-S2 User manual

GA-M68M-S2
AM2+/AM2 socket motherboard for
AMD Phenom™II processor/ AMD Phenom™processor/
AMDAthlon™II processor/ AMDAthlon™processor/
AMD Sempron™processor
User's Manual
Rev.1001
12ME-M68MS2-1001R

Motherboard
GA-M68M-S2
Aug. 14, 2009
Aug. 14, 2009
Motherboard
GA-M68M-S2

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Copyright
©2009 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.All rights reserved.
Thetrademarksmentionedinthismanualarelegallyregisteredtotheirrespectiveowners.
Disclaimer
Informationinthis manualisprotected bycopyrightlaws andistheproperty ofGIGABYTE.
ChangestothespecificationsandfeaturesinthismanualmaybemadebyGIGABYTEwithoutprior
notice. Nopartofthismanualmaybereproduced,copied,translated,transmitted,orpublishedinany
formorbyanymeanswithoutGIGABYTE'spriorwrittenpermission.
Documentation Classifications
Inordertoassistintheuseofthisproduct,GIGABYTEprovidesthefollowingtypesofdocumentations:
Fordetailedproductinformation,carefullyreadtheUser'sManual.
ForinstructionsonhowtouseGIGABYTE'suniquefeatures,readordownloadtheinformation
on/fromtheSupport&Downloads\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:

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Table of Contents
BoxContents ................................................................................................................. 6
OptionalItems................................................................................................................. 6
GA-M68M-S2Motherboard Layout................................................................................ 7
BlockDiagram................................................................................................................ 8
Chapter 1 HardwareInstallation .................................................................................... 9
1-1 InstallationPrecautions ..................................................................................... 9
1-2 ProductSpecifications .................................................................................... 10
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler.............................................................. 12
1-3-1 Installing the CPU ................................................................................................ 12
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler ................................................................................... 14
1-4 InstallingtheMemory ..................................................................................... 15
1-4-1 Dual Channel Memory Configuration................................................................ 15
1-4-2 Installing a Memory............................................................................................. 16
1-5 Installing anExpansionCard ......................................................................... 17
1-6 Back PanelConnectors ................................................................................. 18
1-7 InternalConnectors ........................................................................................ 20
Chapter 2 BIOSSetup................................................................................................. 31
2-1 StartupScreen................................................................................................ 32
2-2 TheMainMenu .............................................................................................. 33
2-3 MBIntelligentTweaker(M.I.T.) ....................................................................... 35
2-4 Standard CMOSFeatures ............................................................................. 38
2-5 Advanced BIOS Features.............................................................................. 40
2-6 IntegratedPeripherals ..................................................................................... 42
2-7 PowerManagementSetup ............................................................................. 45
2-8 PnP/PCIConfigurations................................................................................. 47
2-9 PC Health Status ........................................................................................... 48
2-10 LoadFail-SafeDefaults................................................................................... 50
2-11 LoadOptimizedDefaults ................................................................................. 50
2-12 Set Supervisor/User Password..................................................................... 51
2-13 Save & Exit Setup......................................................................................... 52
2-14 ExitWithoutSaving ....................................................................................... 52

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Chapter 3 DriversInstallation ...................................................................................... 53
3-1 InstallingChipsetDrivers ............................................................................... 53
3-2 ApplicationSoftware....................................................................................... 54
3-3 TechnicalManuals.......................................................................................... 54
3-4 Contact........................................................................................................... 55
3-5 System........................................................................................................... 55
3-6 DownloadCenter............................................................................................ 56
Chapter 4 UniqueFeatures......................................................................................... 57
4-1 XpressRecovery2 ......................................................................................... 57
4-2 BIOS Update Utilities..................................................................................... 60
4-2-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility...................................................... 60
4-2-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility ....................................................... 63
4-3 EasyTune6.................................................................................................... 64
Chapter 5 Appendix .................................................................................................... 65
5-1 ConfiguringSATAHardDrive(s) .................................................................... 65
5-1-1 Configuring the Onboard SATA Controller......................................................... 65
5-1-2 Making a SATA RAID/AHCI Driver Diskette for Windows XP........................ 70
5-1-3 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System ...................... 71
5-2 ConfiguringAudioInputandOutput................................................................. 75
5-2-1 Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio ............................................................ 75
5-2-2 Configuring S/PDIF In/Out .................................................................................. 78
5-2-3 Configuring Microphone Recording ................................................................... 80
5-2-4 Using the Sound Recorder................................................................................. 82
5-3 Troubleshooting............................................................................................... 83
5-3-1 Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................. 83
5-3-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ................................................................................ 84
5-4 RegulatoryStatements ................................................................................... 86

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Box Contents
GA-M68M-S2motherboard
Motherboarddriverdisk
User'sManual
OneIDE cable
OneSATA3Gb/scables
I/O Shield
Optional Items
Floppydiskdrivecable(Part No. 12CF1-1FD001-7*R)
2-portUSB2.0bracket(PartNo.12CR1-1UB030-5*R)
2-portSATApowercable(Part No. 12CF1-2SERPW-0*R)
S/PDIF in and out cable (Part No. 12CR1-1SPINO-1*R)
•Theboxcontentsaboveare for reference only andtheactualitemsshalldepend on product package youobtain.
Thebox contentsare subject tochange withoutnotice.
•Themotherboardimageisforreferenceonly.

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GA-M68M-S2 Motherboard Layout
KB_MS
LPT
ATX
Socket AM2
COMA
ATX_12V
F_PANEL
PWR_LED
CLR_CMOS
PCI1
PCI2
IT8718
BAT
F_USB1
F_USB2
CODEC FDD
CD_IN
GA-M68M-S2
IDE
NVIDIA®
GeForce 7025/
nForce 630a
SYS_FAN
CPU_FAN
R_USB
DDR2_1
DDR2_2
RTL8201CL
PCIEX1
USB LAN
SATA2_0
SATA2_1
VGA
SPDIF_IO
M_BIOS
B_BIOS
CI
F_AUDIO PCIEX16
AUDIO
HDA_SUR

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Block Diagram
DDR2 1066/800/667 MHzDIMM
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz) AM3/AM2+/AM2
CPU
CPU CLK+/-(200 MHz)
Hyper Transport Bus
2 SATA 3Gb/s
ATA-133/100/66/33
IDE Channel
PCI Bus
8 USB Ports
Dual Channel Memory
LPC BUS
PCI CLK
(33 MHz)
2 PCI
D-Sub
LAN RJ45 RTL8201CL
PS/2 KB/Mouse
COM Port
LPT Port
Floppy
1 PCI Express x16
PCI Express x16
1 PCI Express x1
PCI Express Bus
x1
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
IT8718
Dual BIOS
Line Out
MIC
CODEC
Line In
S/PDIF In
Side Speaker Out
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Surround Speaker Out
S/PDIF Out
NVIDIA®
GeForce 7025/
nForce 630a

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 unpluggingthepowercordfromthepoweroutletbefore
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 AM3/AM2+/AM2 processors:
AMD Phenom™II processor/ AMD Phenom™processor/
AMD Athlon™II processor/ AMD Athlon™processor/
AMD Sempron™processor
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
Hyper Transport Bus 2000 MT/s
Chipset NVIDIA®GeForce 7025/nForce 630a chipset
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 1066/800/667 MHz memory modules
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest memory support list.)
Audio Realtek ALC883 codec
High Definition Audio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel (Note 2)
Support for S/PDIF In/Out
Support for CD In
LAN RTL8201CL chip (10/100 Mbit)
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16
1 x PCI Express x1 slot
2 x PCI slots
Storage Interface NVIDIA®GeForce 7025/nForce 630a chipset:
- 1 x IDE connector supportingATA-133/100/66/33 and up to 2 IDE devices
- 2 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors supporting up to 2 SATA 3Gb/s devices
- Support for SATA RAID 0 and RAID 1
iTE IT8718 chip:
- 1 x floppy disk drive connector supporting up to 1 floppy disk drive
USB Integrated in the NVIDIA®GeForce 7025/nForce 630a chipset
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 24-pin ATX main power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x floppy disk drive 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
1 x surround/center audio header
1 x CD In connector
1 x S/PDIF In/Out header
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers

Hardware Installation- 11 -
Internal Connectors 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/System temperature detection
CPU/System fan speed detection
CPU/System 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
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)
Bundled Software Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Operating System Support for Microsoft®Windows®Vista/XP
Form Factor Micro ATX Form Factor; 24.4cm x 22.5cm
(Note 1) Due to Windows Vista/XP 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) A 5.1/7.1 surround cable (optional) needs to be installed if you wish to enable 7.1-channel
audio output.
(Note 3) Whether the CPU fan speed control function is supported will depend on the CPU cooler you
install.
(Note 4) Available functions in EasyTune may differ by motherboard model.

Hardware Installation - 12 -
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.
•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 frequency
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 pin one (denoted by a small triangle) of the CPU socket and the CPU.
AM3/AM2+/AM2CPU
AM2Socket
A Small Triangle Mark
Denotes Pin One of the
Socket
ASmallTriangleMarking
Denotes CPU Pin One

Hardware Installation- 13 -
Step 2:
Align the CPU pin one (small triangle marking)
with the triangle mark on the CPU socket and
gently insert the CPU into the socket. Make
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, lowering the locking lever and latch-
ing it into the fully locked position.
Step 1:
Completely lift up the CPU socket locking lever.
CPU Socket Locking
Lever
Do not force the CPU into the CPU socket. The CPU cannot fit in if oriented incorrectly. Adjust
the CPU orientation if this occurs.
B. Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU into the motherboard CPU socket.
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.

Hardware Installation - 14 -
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.
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler
Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler on the CPU. (The following procedure uses
the GIGABYTE cooler as the example.)
Step 1:
Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease
on the surface of the installed CPU.
Step 2:
Place the CPU cooler on the CPU.
Step 4:
Turn the cam handle from the left side to the
right side (as the picture above shows) to lock
into place. (Refer to your CPU cooler installa-
tion manual for instructions on installing the
cooler.)
Step 3:
Hook the CPU cooler clip to the mounting lug on
one side of the retention frame. On the other side,
push straight down on the the CPU cooler clip to
hook it to the mounting lug on the retention frame.
Step 5:
Finally, attach the power connector of the CPU
cooler to the CPU fan header (CPU_FAN) on
the motherboard.

Hardware Installation- 15 -
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 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.
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 as following:
Channel 0: DDR2_1
Channel 1: DDR2_2
Due to CPU 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.
DDR2_1
DDR2_2

Hardware Installation - 16 -
1-4-2 Installing a Memory
Notch
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.
DDR2 DIMM
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- 17 -
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card
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.
PCI Express x1 Slot
PCI Express x16 Slot
PCI Slot
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.

Hardware Installation - 18 -
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 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 Fast Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 100 Mbps data rate. The following
describes the states of the LAN port LEDs.
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
ActivityLED
Connection/
Speed LED
LAN Port
•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.

Hardware Installation- 19 -
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 4/5.1/7.1-channel audio configuration.
Mic In Jack (Pink)
The default Mic in jack. Microphones must be connected to this jack.
To configure 7.1-channel audio, you need to install a 5.1/7.1 surround cable (optional) 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."

Hardware Installation - 20 -
1-7 InternalConnectors
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.
1
2
8
3
15
16
14
11
17 7
6
54 10
9
13
1) ATX_12V
2) ATX
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN
5) FDD
6) IDE
7) SATA2_0 / SATA2_1
8) PWR_LED
9) BAT
10) F_PANEL
11) F_AUDIO
12) HDA_SUR
13) CD_IN
14) SPDIF_IO
15) F_USB1 / F_USB2
16) CI
17) CLR_CMOS
12