Gigabyte GA-P55-S3 User manual

GA-P55-S3
LGA1156 socket motherboard for Intel®Core™i7 processors/
Intel®Core™i5 processors/Intel®Core™i3 processors/
Intel®Pentium®processors
User's Manual
Rev. 1301
12ME-P55S3-1301R

Motherboard
GA-P55-S3
Jun. 21, 2010
Jun. 21, 2010
Motherboard
GA-P55-S3

Copyright
©2010 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 Classications
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&Downloads\Motherboard\Technology Guide page on our website.
For product-related information, check on our website at:
http://www.gigabyte.com
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-P55-S3 Motherboard Layout.....................................................................................7
GA-P55-S3 Motherboard Block Diagram ........................................................................8
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation .....................................................................................9
1-1 Installation Precautions.................................................................................... 9
1-2 ProductSpecications.................................................................................... 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 Installing the Memory..................................................................................... 15
1-4-1 DualChannelMemoryConguration .....................................................................15
1-4-2 Installing a Memory ...............................................................................................16
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card ......................................................................... 17
1-6 Back Panel Connectors.................................................................................. 18
1-7 Internal Connectors........................................................................................ 19
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ..................................................................................................25
2-1 Startup Screen ............................................................................................... 26
2-2 The Main Menu .............................................................................................. 27
2-3 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)........................................................................ 29
2-4 Standard CMOS Features.............................................................................. 38
2-5 Advanced BIOS Features .............................................................................. 40
2-6 Integrated Peripherals.................................................................................... 42
2-7 Power Management Setup............................................................................. 44
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 Application Software ...................................................................................... 52
3-3 Technical Manuals.......................................................................................... 52
3-4 Contact........................................................................................................... 53
3-5 System ........................................................................................................... 53
3-6 Download Center ........................................................................................... 54
3-7 New Utilities ................................................................................................... 54
Chapter 4 Unique Features...........................................................................................55
4-1 Xpress Recovery2.......................................................................................... 55
4-2 BIOS Update Utilities ..................................................................................... 58
4-2-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility.............................................................58
4-2-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility .............................................................61
4-3 EasyTune 6 .................................................................................................... 62
4-4 Q-Share.......................................................................................................... 63
4-5 Auto Green..................................................................................................... 64
Chapter 5 Appendix ......................................................................................................65
5-1 ConguringAudioInputandOutput............................................................... 65
5-1-1 Conguring2/4/5.1/7.1-ChannelAudio...................................................................65
5-1-2 ConguringMicrophoneRecording........................................................................68
5-1-3 Using the Sound Recorder .....................................................................................70
5-2 Troubleshooting.............................................................................................. 71
5-2-1 Frequently Asked Questions ..................................................................................71
5-2-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ....................................................................................72
5-3 Regulatory Statements................................................................................... 74

- 6 -
Box Contents
GA-P55-S3 motherboard
Motherboard driver disk
User's Manual
Quick Installation Guide
Two SATA cables
I/O Shield
Optional Items
2-port USB 2.0 bracket (Part No. 12CR1-1UB030-5*R)
2-port SATA power cable (Part No. 12CF1-2SERPW-0*R)
•The box contents above are for reference only and the actual items shall depend on the product package you obtain.
The box contents are subject to change without notice.
•The motherboard image is for reference only.

- 7 -
GA-P55-S3 Motherboard Layout
(Note) Due to a hardware limitation, the PCIEX1 slot can only accommodate a shorter PCI Express x1
expansion card. For a longer expansion card, use other expansion slots.
KB_MS
CPU_FAN
ATX_12V
ATX
F_AUDIO
AUDIO
B_BIOS
PCIEX4
PCIEX1 (Note)
DDR3_1 DDR3_3
DDR3_2
DDR3_4
BAT
F_PANEL
F_USB2
iTE
IT8720
Intel®H55
SATA2_1
SATA2_3SATA2_5
SATA2_0
SATA2_2
SATA2_4
PCI2
PCI3
CLR_CMOS
CODEC
SYS_FAN1
M_BIOS
PCIEX16
F_USB1
SYS_FAN2
LGA1156
GA-P55-S3
PWR_FAN
R_USB_1
USB_LAN
Realtek
RTL8111E
PCI1
R_USB_2
R_USB_3
PCI4

- 8 -
GA-P55-S3 Motherboard Block Diagram
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
x16
1 PCI Express x16
PS/2 KB/Mouse
LGA1156
CPU
DMI
Interface
4 PCI
PCI Bus
PCI CLK
(33 MHz)
PCI Express Bus
CPU CLK+/- (133 MHz)
6 SATA 3Gb/s
Dual BIOS
DDR3 2200/1333/1066/800 MHz
Dual Channel Memory
LPC Bus iTE
IT8720
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
PCI Express Bus
x1
LAN
x4
x1
12 USB 2.0/1.1
1 PCI Express x4
PCI Express x1
Realtek
RTL8111E
RJ45
Line Out(Front Speaker Out)
MIC(Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out)
Line In(Rear Speaker Out)
CODEC
Intel®H55

- 9 - 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 com-
ponents such as a motherboard, CPU or memory. If you do not have an ESD wrist strap,
keepyourhandsdryandrst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 sup-
ply 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 hard-
ware 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 sys-
tem 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certiedcomputertechnician.
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

Hardware Installation - 10 -
1-2 Product Specications
CPU Support for Intel®Core™i7 processors/Intel®Core™i5 processors/
Intel®Core™i3 processors/Intel®Pentium®processors in the LGA1156 package
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
L3 cache varies with CPU
Chipset Intel®H55 Express Chipset
Memory 4 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 16 GB of system memory (Note 1)
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for DDR3 2200/1333/1066/800 MHz memory modules
Support for non-ECC memory modules
 SupportforExtremeMemoryProle(XMP)memorymodules
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and
memory modules.)
Audio    Realtek ALC888B codec
 HighDenitionAudio
 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
LAN 1 x Realtek RTL8111E chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (PCIEX16) (Note 2)
(The PCIEX16 slot conforms to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x4 (PCIEX4)
1 x PCI Express x1 slot
4 x PCI slots
Multi-Graphics Support for ATI CrossFireX™technology (Note 3)
Technology
Storage Interface Chipset:
- 6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors supporting up to 6 SATA 3Gb/s devices
USB Chipset:
- Up to 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (8 on the back panel, 4 via the USB brackets
connected to the internal USB headers)
Internal 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
Connectors 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power 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
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x clearing CMOS jumper

- 11 - Hardware Installation
Back Panel 1 x PS/2 keyboard port
Connectors 1 x PS/2 mouse port
8 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 IT8720 chip
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU/System temperature detection
CPU/System/Power fan speed detection
CPU overheating warning
CPU/System/Power fan fail warning
CPU fan speed control (Note 4)
BIOS  2x8Mbitash
Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Support for DualBIOS™
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 5)
Support for Auto Green
Support for ON/OFF Charge
Support for Q-Share
Bundled Software Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Operating System Support for Microsoft®Windows®7/Vista/XP
Form Factor ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 19cm
(Note 1) Due to Windows 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) For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed, be sure to
install it in the PCIEX16 slot.
(Note 3) The PCIEX16 slot operates at up to x4 mode when ATI CrossFireX is enabled.
(Note 4) Whether the CPU fan speed control function is supported will depend on the CPU cooler you install.
(Note 5) Available functions in EasyTune may differ by motherboard model.

Hardware Installation - 12 -
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler
1-3-1 Installing the CPU
A. Locate the alignment keys on the motherboard CPU socket and the notches on the CPU.
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. (Or you may
locate the notches on both sides of the CPU and alignment keys on the CPU socket.)
• 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 dam-
age of the CPU may occur.
• SettheCPUhostfrequencyinaccordancewiththeCPUspecications.Itisnotrecommended
thatthesystembusfrequencybesetbeyondhardwarespecicationssinceitdoesnotmeetthe
standard requirements for the peripherals. If you wish to set the frequency beyond the standard
specications,pleasedosoaccordingtoyourhardwarespecicationsincludingtheCPU,graph-
ics card, memory, hard drive, etc.
NotchNotch
Alignment Key
Alignment Key
LGA1156 CPU
LGA1156 CPU Socket
Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket
Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU

- 13 - Hardware Installation
Step 1:
Gently press the CPU socket lever handle down
andawayfromthesocketwithyournger.Then
completely lift the CPU socket lever and the metal
load plate will be lifted as well.
Step 3:
HoldtheCPUwithyourthumbandindexngers.
Align the CPU pin one marking (triangle) with the
pin one corner of the CPU socket (or you may
align the CPU notches with the socket alignment
keys) and gently insert the CPU into position.
Step 5:
Push the CPU socket lever back into its locked
position.
Step 4:
Once the CPU is properly inserted, use one
hand to hold the socket lever and use the other
to lightly replace the load plate. When replacing
the load plate, make sure the front end of the
load plate is under the shoulder screw.
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.
NOTE:
Hold the CPU socket lever by the handle, not the
lever base portion.
Step 2:
Remove the CPU socket cover as shown. Hold
yourindex ngerdownontherear sideofthe
socket cover and use your thumb to lift up the
front edge (next to the "REMOVE" mark) of the
socket cover and remove it. (DO NOT touch
socket contacts. To protect the CPU socket,
always replace the protective socket cover when
the CPU is not installed.)

Hardware Installation - 14 -
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler
Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler on the motherboard. (The following procedure uses
Intel®boxed cooler as the example cooler.)
Step 1:
Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease
on the surface of the installed CPU.
Male Push
Pin
Female
Push Pin
The Top
of Female
Push Pin
Direction of the
Arrow Sign on
the Male Push
Pin
Step 2:
Before installing the cooler, note the direction of
the arrow sign on the male push pin. (Turn-
ing the push pin along the direction of arrow is to
remove the cooler, on the contrary, is to install.)
Step 3:
Place the cooler atop the CPU, aligning the four
push pins through the pin holes on the mother-
board. Push down on the push pins diagonally.
Step 4:
You should hear a "click" when pushing down
each push pin. Check that the Male and Female
push pins are joined closely. (Refer to your CPU
cooler installation manual for instructions on
installing the cooler.)
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.
Step 5:
After the installation, check the back of the moth-
erboard. If the push pin is inserted as the picture
above shows, the installation is complete.
Step 6:
Finally, attach the power connector of the CPU
cooler to the CPU fan header (CPU_FAN) on the
motherboard.

- 15 - Hardware Installation
1-4-1 Dual Channel Memory Conguration
This motherboard provides four DDR3 memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. After the
memoryisinstalled, theBIOSwillautomatically detectthespecicationsand capacityofthe memory.En-
abling Dual Channel memory mode will double the original memory bandwidth.
The four DDR3 memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as
following:
Channel 0: DDR3_1, DDR3_2
Channel 1: DDR3_3, DDR3_4
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 supported memory speeds and memory modules.)
•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 direc-
tion. If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.
DualChannelMemoryCongurationsTable
(SS=Single-Sided, DS=Double-Sided, "- -"=No Memory)
Due to CPU limitations, read the following guidelines before installing the memory in Dual Channel mode.
1. Dual Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one DDR3 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 for optimum performance. When
enabling Dual Channel mode with two memory modules, be sure to install them in the DDR3_1 and
DDR3_3 sockets.
DDR3_2 DDR3_1 DDR3_4 DDR3_3
- - DS/SS - - DS/SS
DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS
Two Modules
Four Modules
If only one DDR3 memory module is installed, be
sure to install it in the DDR3_1 or DDR3_3.
DDR3_2 DDR3_1 DDR3_4 DDR3_3

Hardware Installation - 16 -
1-4-2 Installing a Memory
Notch
DDR3 DIMM
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.
DDR3 and DDR2 DIMMs are not compatible to each other or DDR DIMMs. Be sure to install
DDR3 DIMMs on this motherboard.
ADDR3memorymodulehasanotch,soitcanonlyt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n-
gers 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.

- 17 - Hardware Installation
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.
PCI Slot
PCI Express x1 Slot
PCI Express x16 Slot
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 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 slot. Make
sure the card is securely seated in the slot and
does not rock.
•Removing the Card:
Press the white latch at the end of the PCI Express slot to release the card and
then pull the card straight up 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 .
USB 2.0/1.1 Port
 TheUSBportsupportstheUSB2.0/1.1specication.UsethisportforUSBdevicessuchasaUSBkey-
board/mouse,USBprinter,USBashdriveandetc.
RJ-45 LAN Port
The Gigabit Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 1 Gbps data rate. The following de-
scribes the states of the LAN port LEDs.
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 Gbps data rate
Green 100 Mbps data rate
Off 10 Mbps data rate
Activity LED
Connection/
Speed LED
LAN Port
• Whenremovingthecableconnectedtoabackpanelconnector,rst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.
Tocongure 7.1-channelaudio,youhavetouseanHDfrontpanel audiomodule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congurationinChapter5,"Conguring2/4/5.1/7.1-ChannelAudio."
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conguration.
Mic In Jack (Pink)
The default Mic in jack. Microphones must be connected to this jack.

- 19 - Hardware Installation
1-7 Internal Connectors
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
5
4
6
9
10
7
3
4
1) ATX_12V
2) ATX
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN1/2
5) PWR_FAN
6) SATA2_0/1/2/3/4/5
7) F_PANEL
8) F_AUDIO
9) F_USB1/F_USB2
10) BAT
11) CLR_CMOS
11
8
6

Hardware Installation - 20 -
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
131
2412
ATX
ATX:
PinNo. Denition
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 2x12-pin ATX)
24 GND (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)
PinNo. Denition
1 3.3V
2 3.3V
3 GND
4 +5V
5 GND
6 +5V
7 GND
8 Power Good
9 5VSB (stand by +5V)
10 +12V
11 +12V (Only for 2x12-pinATX)
12 3.3V (Only for 2x12-pinATX)
1/2) ATX_12V/ATX (2x4 12V Power Connector and 2x12 Main Power Connector)
With the use of the power connector, the power supply can supply enough stable power to all the com-
ponentsonthemotherboard.Beforeconnectingthepowerconnector,rstmakesurethepowersupply
is turned off and all devices are properly installed. The power connector possesses a foolproof design.
Connect the power supply cable to the power connector in the correct orientation. The 12V power con-
nector mainly supplies power to the CPU. If the 12V power connector is not connected, the computer will
not start.
•Use of a power supply providing a 2x4 12V power connector is recommended by the CPU
manufacturer when using an Intel Extreme Edition CPU (130W).
•To meet expansion requirements, it is recommended that a power supply that can withstand
high power consumption be used (500W or greater). If a power supply is used that does not
provide the required power, the result can lead to an unstable or unbootable system.
ATX_12V
3 4
1 2
ATX_12V:
PinNo. Denition
1 GND
2 GND
3 +12V
4 +12V