Gigabyte GA-MA790GP-DS4H User manual

GA-MA790GP-DS4H
AM2+/AM2 socket motherboard for
AMD PhenomTM FX processor/AMD PhenomTM X4 processor/
AMD PhenomTM X3 processor/AMD AthlonTM X2 processor/
AMD AthlonTM processor/AMD SempronTM X2 processor/
AMD SempronTM processor
User's Manual
Rev. 1001
12ME-MA790GP4H-1001R

Motherboard
GA-MA790GP-DS4H
Jul. 23, 2008
Jul. 23, 2008
Motherboard
GA-MA790GP-DS4H

Copyright
© 2009 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
The trademarks mentioned in this manual are legally registered to their respective owners.
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 quick set-up of the product, read the Quick Installation Guide included with the product.
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
Optional Items................................................................................................................. 6
GA-MA790GP-DS4H 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 Enabling the ATI Hybrid CrossFireXTM Function ............................................ 20
1-7 Configuring an ATI CrossFireXTM System ...................................................... 21
1-8 Back Panel Connectors ................................................................................. 22
1-9 Internal Connectors ........................................................................................ 25
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup................................................................................................. 37
2-1 Startup Screen................................................................................................ 38
2-2 The Main Menu .............................................................................................. 39
2-3 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ....................................................................... 41
2-4 Standard CMOS Features ............................................................................. 45
2-5 Advanced BIOS Features .............................................................................. 47
2-6 Integrated Peripherals ..................................................................................... 50
2-7 Power Management Setup ............................................................................. 53
2-8 PnP/PCI Configurations................................................................................. 55
2-9 PC Health Status ........................................................................................... 56
2-10 Load Fail-Safe Defaults................................................................................... 58
2-11 Load Optimized Defaults................................................................................. 58
2-12 Set Supervisor/User Password ..................................................................... 59

- 5 -
2-13 Save & Exit Setup ......................................................................................... 60
2-14 Exit Without Saving ....................................................................................... 60
Chapter 3 Drivers Installation ...................................................................................... 61
3-1 Installing Chipset Drivers ............................................................................... 61
3-2 Software Applications ..................................................................................... 62
3-3 Driver CD Information .................................................................................... 62
3-4 Hardware Information ..................................................................................... 63
3-5 Contact Us ..................................................................................................... 63
Chapter 4 Unique Features ......................................................................................... 65
4-1 Xpress Recovery2 ......................................................................................... 65
4-2 BIOS Update Utilities..................................................................................... 70
4-2-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility ...................................................... 70
4-2-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility ....................................................... 73
4-3 EasyTune 5 Pro ............................................................................................. 74
Chapter 5 Appendix .................................................................................................... 75
5-1 Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s) .................................................................... 75
5-1-1 Configuring the Onboard SATA Controller ......................................................... 75
5-1-2 Making a SATA RAID/AHCI Driver Diskette for W indows XP ........................ 81
5-1-3 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System ...................... 82
5-2 Configuring Audio Input and Output ................................................................. 87
5-2-1 Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio ............................................................ 87
5-2-2 Installing the S/PDIF In and Out Cable (Optional) ............................................ 89
5-2-3 Enabling the Dolby Home Theater Function .................................................... 91
5-2-4 Configuring Microphone Recording ................................................................... 92
5-2-5 Using the Sound Recorder ................................................................................. 94
5-3 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 95
5-3-1 Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................. 95
5-3-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ................................................................................ 96
Regulatory Statements ................................................................................................. 98

- 6 -
Box Contents
GA-MA790GP-DS4H motherboard
Motherboard driver disk
User's Manual
Quick Installation Guide
One IDE cable and one floppy disk drive cable
Four SATA 3Gb/s cables
2-port USB 2.0 bracket
I/O Shield
Optional Items
2-port USB 2.0 bracket (Part No. 12CR1-1UB030-51R)
2-port IEEE 1394a bracket (Part No. 12CF1-1IE008-01R)
2-port SATA power cable (Part No. 12CF1-2SERPW-01R)
COM port cable (Part No. 12CF1-1CM001-32R)
S/PDIF in and out cable (Part No. 12CR1-1SPINO-11R)
LPT port cable (Part No. 12CF1-1LP001-01R)
•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.
•The motherboard image is for reference only.

- 7 -
GA-MA790GP-DS4H Motherboard Layout
Socket AM2+/AM2
GA-MA790GP-DS4H
DDR2_1
DDR2_2
DDR2_3
DDR2_4
FDD
F_PANEL
SYS_FAN2
CI
PWR_LED
M_BIOS
B_ BIOS
CD_IN
IT8718
CODEC
AMD 790GX
RTL
8111C
SPDIF_IO
AMD SB750
PCIEX1_1
PCI1
PCI2
PCIEX1_2
PCIEX16_1
PCIEX1_3
F_USB1
F_USB2
PCIEX8_1
F_USB3
F_1394_1
COM
F_USB4
TSB43AB23
SATA2_3
SATA2_1
LPT
F_1394_2
SATA2_0
SATA2_2
ATX
IDE
SATA2_4
SATA2_5
PWR_FAN
KB_MS
USB LAN
F_AUDIO
AUDIO
BATTERY
ATX_12V_2X4
USB 1394
HDMI
CLR_CMOS
CPU_FAN
OPTICAL
SYS_FAN1
DVI VGA
SidePort
Memory

- 8 -
Block Diagram
(Note 1) Simultaneous output for DVI-D and HDMI is not supported.
(Note 2) For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed, be sure to install it in the PCIEX16_1
slot. The PCIEX8_1 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16_1 slot. When PCIEX8_1 is populated with a PCI Express
graphics card, the PCIEX16_1 slot will operate at up to x8 mode.
AMD Socket
AM2+/AM2
CPU
CPU CLK+/-(200 MHz)
Hyper Transport 3.0
3 PCI Express x1
PCI Express Bus
AMD 790GX
DDR2 1066/800/667 MHz DIMM
Dual Channel Memory
6 SATA 3Gb/s
ATA-133/100/66/33
IDE Channel
x1
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
LPC BUS
PCI Express x16
AMD SB750 12 USB Ports
GFX CLK (100 MHz)
D-Sub
DVI-D or HDMI (Note 1)
2 PCI
PCI Bus
3 IEEE 1394a
TSB43AB23
RJ45
RTL
8111C
LAN
LPT Port
Floppy
COM Port
PS/2 KB/Mouse
IT8718
1 PCI Express x16 (Note 2 )
x1 x1
x8
2 PCI Express x8 (Note 2)
Dual BIOS
x16
or
DDR3 SidePort
Memory
x1
Line-Out
MIC
Line-In
SPDIF In
SPDIF Out
Side Speaker Out
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Surround Speaker Out
CODEC

Hardware Installation- 9 -
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 an
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.
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

GA-MA790GP-DS4H Motherboard - 10 -
1-2 Product Specifications
CPU Support for Socket AM2+/AM2 processors:
AMD PhenomTM FX processor/AMD Phenom TM X4 processor/
AMD PhenomTM X3 processor/AMD AthlonTM X2 processor/
AMD AthlonTM processor/AMD SempronTM X2 processor/
AMD SempronTM processor
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
Hyper Transport Bus 5200 MT/s
Chipset North Bridge: AMD 790GX
South Bridge: AMD SB750
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 1066 (Note 2)/800/667 MHz memory modules
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest memory support list.)
Intergrated Memory 128MB DDR3 SidePort memory
Audio Realtek ALC889A codec
High Definition Audio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
Support for Dolby® Home Theater (Note 3)
Support for S/PDIF In/Out
Support for CD In
LAN Realtek 8111C chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (PCIEX16_1) (Note 4)
1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x8 (PCIEX8_1) (Note 4)
(The PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX8_1 slots support ATI Hybrid CrossFireXTM
technology, ATI CrossFireXTM technology and conform to PCI Express 2.0
standard.)
(The PCI Express x8 slot conform to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
3 x PCI Express x1 slots
2 x PCI slots
Storage Interface South Bridge:
- 1 x IDE connector supporting ATA-133/100/66/33 and up to 2 IDE devices
- 6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors supporting up to 6 SA TA 3Gb/s devices
- Support for SATA RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 and JBOD
iTE IT8718 chip:
- 1 x floppy disk drive connector supporting up to 1 floppy disk drive
IEEE 1394 T.I. TSB43AB23 chip
Up to 3 IEEE 1394a ports (1 on the back panel, 2 via the IEEE 1394a bracket
connected to the internal IEEE 1394a headers)
USB Integrated in the South Bridge
Up to 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 on the back panel, 8 via the USB brackets
connected to the internal USB headers)

Hardware Installation- 11 -
Internal Connectors 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector
6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan header
2 x system fan headers
1 x power 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
2 x IEEE 1394a headers
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x parallel port header
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 D-Sub port
1 x DVI-D port (Note 5)
1 x HDMI port
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
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 IT8718 chip
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU/System temperature detection
CPU/System/Power fan speed detection
CPU overheating warning
CPU/System fan fail warning
CPU/System fan speed control (Note 6)
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

GA-MA790GP-DS4H Motherboard - 12 -
Unique Features Support for @BIOS
Support for Download Center
Support for Q-Flash
Support for EasyTune (Note 7)
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
Form Factor ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm
(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) Whether 1066 MHz memory speed is supported depends on the CPU being used.
(Note 3) For Windows Vista/XP 32-bit operating system only.
(Note 4) For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed, be sure
to install it in the PCIEX16_1 slot. The PCIEX8_1 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16_1
slot. When PCIEX8_1 is populated with a PCI Express graphics card, the PCIEX16_1 slot will
operate at up to x8 mode.
(Note 5) The DVI-D port does not support D-Sub connection by adapter.
(Note 6) Whether the CPU/system fan speed control function is supported will depend on the CPU/
system cooler you install.
(Note 7) Available functions in EasyTune may differ by motherboard model.

Hardware Installation- 13 -
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.
AM2+/AM2 CPU
AM2 Socket
A Small Triangle Mark
Denotes Pin One of the
Socket
A Small Triangle Marking
Denotes CPU Pin One

GA-MA790GP-DS4H Motherboard - 14 -
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 -
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-MA790GP-DS4H Motherboard - 16 -
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 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: DDR2_1, DDR2_3
Channel 1: DDR2_2, DDR2_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.
Dual Channel Memory Configurations Table
(SS=Single-Sided, DS=Double-Sided, "- -"=No Memory)
Two Modules
Four Modules
DDR2_1 DDR2_2 DDR2_3 DDR2_4
DS/SS DS/SS - - - -
- - - - DS/SS DS/SS
DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS
If two memory modules are to be installed, it is recom-
mended that you install them in the DDR2_1 and DDR2_2
sockets.
DDR2_1 DDR2_2
DDR2_3
DDR2_4

Hardware Installation- 17 -
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.

GA-MA790GP-DS4H Motherboard - 18 -
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 Slot
PCI Express x16 Slot
PCI Express x8 Slot

Hardware Installation- 19 -
Example: Installing and Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card:
•Installing a Graphics Card:
Gently push down on the top edge of the card
until it is fully inserted into the PCIEX16_1/
PCIEX8_1 slot. Make sure the card is securely
seated in the slot and does not rock.
•Removing the Card (PCIEX16_1 slot):
Gently push back on the lever on the slot and then lift the card straight out
from the slot.
•Removing the Card (PCIEX8_1 slot):
Press the white latch at the end of the PCIEX8_1 slot to release the card and
then pull the card straight up from the slot.

GA-MA790GP-DS4H Motherboard - 20 -
1-6 Enabling the ATI Hybrid CrossFireXTM Function
Combining the onboard GPU with a discrete graphics card, ATI Hybrid CrossFireX can provide
significantly advanced display performance for AMD platform. This section give instructions on config-
uring an ATI Hybrid CrossFireX system.
A. Before you begin--
1. Supported Operating Systems:
Windows Vista and Windows XP*.
2. BIOS Setup:
Enter BIOS Setup to set the following items under the Advanced BIOS Features menu:
• Set Internal Graphics Mode to UMA+SidePort.
• Set UMA Frame Buffer Size to 256MB.
• Set Surround View to Disabled.
• Set Init Display First to Onboard.
3. Graphics Card Requirement:
An ATI Hybrid CrossFireX-supported graphics card.
B. ATI Hybrid CrossFireX Driver Installation and Setup
Insert the motherboard driver disk and select Installing Chipset Drivers. Click Xpress Install for
installation. Restart your system when completed. Follow the steps below to enable ATI Hybrid
CrossFireX.
Step 1:
The ATI icon appears in the system tray
after the system restarts. Right-click the icon to
enter the Catalyst Control Center.
Step 2:
Enter the CrossFire menu and select the En-
able CrossFire checkbox.
•You do not have to install the graphics card driver if the motherboard chipset driver has been
installed.
•To change the Internal Graphic Mode or UMA Frame Buffer Size setting in BIOS Setup,
be sure to disable the CrossFire function in the operating system first.
*For Windows XP, you must install AMD chipset driver version 8.51 or later.