Gigabyte GA-M68SM-S2 User manual

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GA-M68SM-S2
AM2 socket motherboard for
AMD AthlonTM 64 FX processor/
AMD AthlonTM 64 X2 Dual-Core processor/
AMD AthlonTM 64 processor/AMD SempronTM processor
User's Manual
Rev. 1002
12ME-M68SMS2-1002R

Motherboard
GA-M68SM-S2
Jul. 27, 2007
Motherboard
GA-M68SM-S2
Jul. 27, 2007

Copyright
©2007 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
The trademarks mentioned in this manual are legally registered to their respective owners.
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-
sive global distributor of GIGABYTE branded motherboards.
Disclaimer
Information in this manual is protected by copyright laws and is the property of GIGABYTE.
Changes to the specifications and features in this manual may be made by GIGABYTE without prior
notice. No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, transmitted, or published in any
form or by any means without GIGABYTE's prior written permission.
Documentation Classifications
In order to assist in the use of this product, GIGABYTE provides the following types of documentations:
For detailed product information, carefully read the User's Manual.
For instructions on how to use GIGABYTE's unique features, read or download the
information on/from the Support\Motherboard\Technology Guide page on our website.
For product-related information, check on our website at:
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
motherboard BIOS, drivers, or when looking for technical information.
Example:

- 4 -
Table of Contents
Box Contents ................................................................................................................. 6
OptionalItems ................................................................................................................. 6
GA-M68SM-S2 Motherboard Layout ............................................................................. 7
Block Diagram ................................................................................................................ 8
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation .................................................................................... 9
1-1 Installation Precautions ..................................................................................... 9
1-2 Product Specifications .................................................................................... 10
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler .............................................................. 13
1-3-1 Installing the CPU ................................................................................................ 13
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler ................................................................................... 15
1-4 Installing the Memory ..................................................................................... 16
1-4-1 Dual Channel Memory Configuration ................................................................ 16
1-4-2 Installing a Memory ............................................................................................. 17
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card ......................................................................... 18
1-6 Back Panel Connectors ................................................................................. 19
1-7 Internal Connectors ........................................................................................ 21
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup................................................................................................. 31
2-1 Startup Screen ................................................................................................ 32
2-2 The Main Menu .............................................................................................. 33
2-3 Standard CMOS Features ............................................................................. 35
2-4 Advanced BIOS Features .............................................................................. 37
2-5 IntegratedPeripherals ..................................................................................... 39
2-6 Power Management Setup ............................................................................. 43
2-7 PnP/PCI Configurations ................................................................................. 45
2-8 PC Health Status ........................................................................................... 46
2-9 Load Fail-Safe Defaults ................................................................................... 48
2-10 Load Optimized Defaults ................................................................................. 48
2-11 Set Supervisor/User Password ..................................................................... 49
2-12 Save & Exit Setup ......................................................................................... 50
2-13 Exit Without Saving ....................................................................................... 50

- 5 -
Chapter 3 Drivers Installation ...................................................................................... 51
3-1 Installing Chipset Drivers ............................................................................... 51
3-2 SoftwareApplications ..................................................................................... 52
3-3 Driver CD Information .................................................................................... 52
3-4 Hardware Information ..................................................................................... 53
3-5 Contact Us ..................................................................................................... 53
Chapter 4 Unique Features ......................................................................................... 55
4-1 Xpress Recovery2 ......................................................................................... 55
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 EasyTune 5 .................................................................................................... 65
4-4 Windows Vista ReadyBoost ........................................................................... 66
Chapter 5 Appendix .................................................................................................... 67
5-1 Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s) .................................................................... 67
5-1-1 Configuring the Onboard SATA Controller ......................................................... 67
5-1-2 Making a SATA RAID/AHCI Driver Diskette ..................................................... 72
5-1-3 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System ...................... 73
5-2 Configuring Audio Input and Output ................................................................. 78
5-2-1 Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio ............................................................ 78
5-2-2 Installing the S/PDIF In and Out Cable (Optional) ............................................ 80
5-2-3 Configuring Microphone Recording ................................................................... 82
5-2-4 Using the Sound Recorder ................................................................................. 84
5-3 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 85
5-3-1 Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................. 85
5-3-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ................................................................................ 86

- 6 -
Box Contents
GA-M68SM-S2 motherboard
Motherboard driver disk
User's Manual
One IDE cable and one floppy disk drive cable
Two SATA 3Gb/s cables
I/O Shield
The box contents above are for reference only and the actual items shall depend on product package you obtain.
The box contents are subject to change without notice.
Optional Items
2-port USB 2.0 bracket (Part No. 12CR1-1UB030-51/R)
4-port USB 2.0 bracket (Part No. 12CR1-1UB030-21/R)
2-port IEEE 1394a bracket (Part No. 12CF1-1IE008-01/R)
SATA bracket (Part No.12CF1-3SATPW-11R)
COM port cable (Part No. 12CF1-1CM001-31/R)
S/PDIF in and out cable (Part No. 12CR1-1SPINO-11/R)

- 7 -
GA-M68SM-S2 Motherboard Layout
KB_MS
Socket AM2
ATX
GA-M68SM-S2
USB LAN
CD_IN
F_AUDIO
AUDIO
BIOS
FDD
PCIE_1
IDE
DDRII_1
DDRII_2
DDRII_3
DDRII_4
F1_1394
TSB43AB23
PCIE_16
PCI1
BATTERY
F_PANEL
CI
CODEC
ATX_12V
USB 1394
COM
DVI
LPT
PWR_LED
F_USB1
CLR_CMOS
RTL 8211BL
CPU_FAN
SATAII0
SATAII3
SATAII2
F_USB2
F_USB3
PCI2
SPDIF_IO
SYS_FAN
nVIDIA®
GeForce 7025/
nForce 630a
SATAII1
VGA
IT8716

- 8 -
Block Diagram
PCI CLK
(33 MHz)
AMD
Socket AM2
CPU
CPU CLK+/-(200 MHz)
Hyper Transport Bus
2 PCI
PCI Bus
1 PCI Express x1
PCI Express Bus
2 IEEE 1394a
TSB43AB23
DDR2 800/667/533 MHz DIMM
Dual Channel Memory
4 SATA 3Gb/s
10 USB
Ports
Line-Out
MIC
CODEC
Line-In
SPDIF In
SPDIF Out
Side Speaker Out
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Surround Speaker Out
ATA-133/100/66/33
IDE Channel
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
PCI Express x16
LPC BUS
Floppy
LPT Port
COM Port
PS/2 KB/Mouse
LAN
RJ45
RTL
8211BL
x1
D-Sub
DVI-D
nVIDIA®
GeForce 7025/
nForce 630a
IT8716
BIOS

Hardware Installation- 9 -
English
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation
1-1 Installation Precautions
The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can become
damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Prior to installation, carefully read the user's
manual and follow these procedures:
• Prior to installation, do not remove or break motherboard S/N (Serial Number) sticker or
warranty sticker provided by your dealer. These stickers are required for warranty validation.
• Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the power outlet before
installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware components.
• When connecting hardware components to the internal connectors on the motherboard,
make sure they are connected tightly and securely.
• When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.
• It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when handling electronic
components such as a motherboard, CPU or memory. If you do not have an ESD wrist strap,
keep your hands dry and first touch a metal object to eliminate static electricity.
• Prior to installing the motherboard, please have it on top of an antistatic pad or within a
electrostatic shielding container.
• Before unplugging the power supply cable from the motherboard, make sure the power supply
has been turned off.
• Before turning on the power, make sure the power supply voltage has been set according to
the local voltage standard.
• Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors of your hardware
components are connected.
• To prevent damage to the motherboard, do not allow screws to come in contact with the
motherboard circuit or its components.
• Make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or
within the computer casing.
• Do not place the computer system on an uneven surface.
• Do not place the computer system in a high-temperature environment.
• Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to system
components as well as physical harm to the user.
• 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.

GA-M68SM-S2 Motherboard - 10 -
English
1-2 Product Specifications
CPU Support for Socket AM2 processors:
AMD AthlonTM 64 FX processor/AMD AthlonTM 64 X2 Dual-Core processor/
AMD AthlonTM 64 processor/AMD SempronTM processor
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
Front Side Bus 2000 MHz FSB
Chipset nVIDIA®GeForce 7025/nForce 630a chipset
Memory 4 x 1.8V DDR2 DIMM sockets supporting up to 16 GB of system memory (Note 1)
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for DDR2 800/667/533 MHz memory modules
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest memory support list.)
Audio Realtek ALC888 codec
High Definition Audio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF In/Out
Support for CD In
LAN RTL 8211BL chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot
1 x PCI Express x1 slot
2 x PCI slots
Storage Interface nVIDIA®GeForce 7025/nForce 630a chipset:
- 1 x IDE connector supporting ATA-133/100/66/33 and up to 2 IDE devices
- 4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors supporting up to 4 SATA 3Gb/s devices
- Support for SATA RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1 , RAID 5 and JBOD
iTE IT8716 chip:
- 1 x floppy disk drive connector supporting up to 1 floppy disk drive
IEEE 1394 T.I. TSB43AB23 chip
Up to 2 IEEE 1394a ports (1 on the back panel, 1 via the IEEE 1394 bracket
connected to the internal IEEE 1394 headers)
USB Integrated in the nVIDIA®GeForce 7025/nForce 630a chipset
Up to 10 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 on the back panel, 6 via the USB brackets
connected to the internal USB headers)

Hardware Installation- 11 -
English
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
4 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 CD In connector
1 x S/PDIF In/Out header
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x IEEE 1394a headers
1 x serial port header
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 DVI-D port
1 x D-Sub port
1 x IEEE 1394a port
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x RJ-45 port
6 x audio jacks (Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out/Rear Speaker Out/Side
Speaker Out/Line In/Line Out/Microphone)
I/O Controller iTE IT8716 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 2)
BIOS 1 x 4 Mbit flash
Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI 1.0b

GA-M68SM-S2 Motherboard - 12 -
English
Unique Features Support for @BIOS
Support for Download Center
Support for Q-Flash
Support for EasyTune (Note 3)
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®Vista/XP/2000
Form Factor Micro ATX form factor; 24.4cm x 24.4cm
(Note 1) Due to Windows 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) Whether the CPU fan speed control function is supported will depend on the CPU you install.
(Note 3) Available functions in Easytune may differ by motherboard model.

Hardware Installation- 13 -
English
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler
1-3-1 Installing the CPU
A. Locate the pin one (denoted by a small triangle) of the CPU socket and the CPU.
AM2 CPU
AM2 CPU Socket
A Small Triangle Mark
Denotes Pin One of the
Socket
A Small Triangle Marking
Denotes CPU Pin One
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 fre-
quency beyond the standard specifications, please do so according to your hardware
specifications including the CPU, graphics card, memory, hard drive, etc.

GA-M68SM-S2 Motherboard - 14 -
English
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- 15 -
English
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.

GA-M68SM-S2 Motherboard - 16 -
English
If two memory modules are to be installed, it is recom-
mended that you install them in the DDRII_1 and DDRII_2
sockets.
1-4 Installing the Memory
Two Modules
Four 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
Dual Channel Memory Configurations Table
(SS=Single-Sided, DS=Double-Sided, "- -"=No 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 four 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 four DDR2 memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory
sockets as following:
Channel 0: DDRII_1, DDRII_3
Channel 1: DDRII_2, DDRII_4
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 or four memory modules, it is recommended that
memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used and installed in the same
colored DDR2 sockets for optimum performance.
DDRII_1
DDRII_2
DDRII_3
DDRII_4

Hardware Installation- 17 -
English
1-4-2 Installing a Memory
Notch
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.
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.
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.

GA-M68SM-S2 Motherboard - 18 -
English
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.
Example: Installing and Removing a PCI Express x16 Graphics Card:
PCI Slot
PCI Express x1 Slot
PCI Express x16 Slot
•Installing a Graphics Card:
Gently insert the graphics card into the PCI Ex-
press x16 slot. Make sure the graphics card is
locked by the latch at the end of the PCI Ex-
press x16 slot.
•Removing the Card:
Press the white latch at the end of the PCI Express x16 slot to release the
card and then pull the card straight up from the slot.

Hardware Installation- 19 -
English
1-6 Back Panel Connectors
•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.
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.
DVI Port
The DVI-D port supports DVI-D specifictation. Connect a monitor that supports DVI-D connection
to this port.
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.
IEEE 1394a Port
The IEEE 1394 port supports the IEEE 1394a specification, featuring high speed, high bandwidth
and hotplug capabilities. Use this port for an IEEE 1394a device.
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 Gigabit Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 1 Gbps data rate. The following
describes the states of the LAN port LEDs.
•This motherboard provides two ports for video output, DVI and D-Sub, and supports dual
view function.
•Due to an nVIDIA GeForce 7025/nForce 630a chipset limitation, the GA-M68SM-S2
does not support dual view function via the graphics card installed in the PCI Express
x16 or PCI slot.
Activity LED
Connection/
Speed LED
LAN Port
Activity LED:
State Description
Blinking Data transmission or receiving is occurring
Off No data transmission or receiving is occurring
Connection/Speed LED:
State Description
Orange 1 Gpbs data rate
Green 100 Mpbs data rate
Off 10 Mpbs data rate

GA-M68SM-S2 Motherboard - 20 -
English
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 ( ). 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."
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out Jack (Orange)
Use this audio jack to connect center/subwoofer speakers in a 5.1/7.1-channel audio configuration.
Rear Speaker Out Jack (Black)
Use this audio jack to connect rear speakers in a 4/5.1/7.1-channel audio configuration.
Side Speaker Out Jack (Gray)
Use this audio jack to connect side speakers in a 7.1-channel audio configuration.
Line In Jack (Blue)
The default line in jack. Use this audio jack for line in devices such as an optical drive, walkman, etc.
Line Out 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 4/5.1/7.1-channel audio configuration.
Mic In Jack (Pink)
The default Mic in jack. Microphones must be connected to this jack.