Gigabyte GA-VT890P User manual

GA-VT890P
Intel®CoreTM 2 Duo / Pentium®D / Pentium®4 / Celeron®D
LGA775 Processor Motherboard
User's Manual
Rev. 1001
12ME-VT890P-1001R
* The WEEE marking on the product indicates this product must not be disposed of with user's other household waste
and must be handed over to a designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment!!
* The WEEE marking applies only in European Union's member states.

Motherboard
GA-VT890P
Jan. 5, 2007
Motherboard
GA-VT890P
Jan. 5, 2007

Copyright
©2007 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
The trademarks mentioned in the manual are legally registered to their respective companies.
Notice
The written content provided with this product is the property of Gigabyte.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, or transmitted in any form or by any
means without Gigabyte's prior written permission. Specifications and features are subject to
change without prior notice.
Product Manual Classification
In order to assist in the use of this product, Gigabyte has categorized the user manual in the
following:
For quick installation, please refer to the "Hardware Installation Guide" included with the
product.
For detailed product information and specifications, please carefully read the
"Product User Manual".
For detailed information related to Gigabyte's unique features, please go to "Technology
Guide" section on Gigabyte's website to read or download the information you need.
For more product details, please click onto Gigabyte's website at www.gigabyte.com.tw

- 4 -
Table of Contents
ItemChecklist ................................................................................................................. 6
OptionalAccessories ...................................................................................................... 6
GA-VT890P Motherboard Layout .................................................................................. 7
Block Diagram ................................................................................................................ 8
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation ..................................................................................... 9
1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation .................................................................... 9
1-2 Feature Summary .......................................................................................... 10
1-3 Installation of the CPU and CPU Cooler ....................................................... 12
1-3-1 Installation of the CPU ......................................................................................... 12
1-3-2 Installation of the CPU Cooler ............................................................................ 13
1-4 Installation of Memory .................................................................................... 14
1-5 Installation of Expansion Cards ...................................................................... 15
1-6 I/O Back Panel Introduction ........................................................................... 16
1-7 Connectors Introduction .................................................................................. 17
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup................................................................................................ 27
The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver. : E5) ....................................................... 28
2-1 Standard CMOS Features ............................................................................. 30
2-2 Advanced BIOS Features .............................................................................. 32
2-3 IntegratedPeripherals ..................................................................................... 34
2-4 Power Management Setup ............................................................................. 37
2-5 PnP/PCI Configurations ................................................................................. 39
2-6 PC Health Status ........................................................................................... 40
2-7 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ....................................................................... 41
2-8 Load Fail-Safe Defaults ................................................................................... 42
2-9 Load Optimized Defaults ................................................................................. 42
2-10 Set Supervisor/User Password ..................................................................... 43
2-11 Save & Exit Setup ......................................................................................... 44
2-12 Exit Without Saving ....................................................................................... 44

- 5 -
Chapter 3 Drivers Installation ...................................................................................... 45
3-1 Install Chipset Drivers .................................................................................... 45
3-2 SoftwareApplication ....................................................................................... 46
3-3 Software Information ....................................................................................... 46
3-4 Hardware Information ..................................................................................... 47
3-5 Contact Us ..................................................................................................... 47
Chapter 4 Appendix ................................................................................................... 49
4-1 Unique Software Utilities ................................................................................ 49
4-1-1 EasyTune 5 Introduction ..................................................................................... 49
4-1-2 Xpress Recovery2 Introduction ......................................................................... 50
4-1-3 Flash BIOS Method Introduction ........................................................................ 52
4-1-4 Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s) ........................................................................ 56
4-1-5 2- / 4- / 6- / 8- Channel Audio Function Introduction ...................................... 67
4-2 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 71

- 6 -
Item Checklist
IDE Cable x 1 & FDD Cable x 1
SATA Cable x 1
I/O Shield
* The items listed above are for reference only, and are subject to change without notice.
Optional Accessories
2 Ports USB 2.0 Cable (Part Number: 12CR1-1UB030-51/R)
4 Ports USB 2.0 Cable (Part Number: 12CR1-1UB030-21/R)
COM Port Cable (Part Number: 12CF1-1CM001-31/12CF1-1CM001-12R)
S/PDIF In and Out Cable (Part Number: 12CR1-1SPINO-11/R)

- 7 -
GA-VT890P Motherboard Layout
KB_MS CPU_FAN
LGA775
ATX
GA-VT890P
USB LAN
F_AUDIO
AUDIO
BIOS
PCIE_16
PCIE_1
F_USB1
IDE1
PCI1
CD_IN
CI
DDRII_1
DDRII_2
F_USB2
BATTERY
F_PANEL
SATA0
ATX_12V
VIA PT890 Pro
VIA 8237A
PWR_LED
FDD
PCI2
SATA1
PCI3
PCI4
PCI5
USB
CLR_CMOS
COMA
LPT
CODEC
Winbond
W83627
SPDIF_IO
SYS_FAN
COMB
IDE2
RTL8201CL

- 8 -
Block Diagram
(Note) To use a DDRII 667 memory module on the motherboard, you must install a 1066/800 MHz
FSB processor.
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Line-Out
MIC
CPU CLK+/-(266/200/133 MHz)
PCI Express x16 DDRII 667(Note)/533/400 MHz DIMM
Line-In
5 PCI
PCI Bus
SPDIF In
SPDIF Out
1 PCI Express x1
PCI Express Bus
Side Speaker Out
Surround Speaker Out
PCIe CLK (100 MHz)
PCI CLK (33 MHz)
CODEC
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
VIA
PT890 Pro
VIA
VT8237A
LGA775
Processor
x1
Ultra V-link
Host Interface
RTL8201CL
RJ45
2 SATA Ports
8 USB Ports
Winbond
W83627
Floppy
PS/2 KB/Mouse
LPT Port
COM Ports
BIOS
UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100/
ATA 133 IDE Channels
LAN

Hardware Installation- 9 -
English
1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation
Preparing Your Computer
The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can
become damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Thus, prior to installation, please
follow the instructions below:
1. Please turn off the computer and unplug its power cord.
2. When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.
3. It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) cuff when handling electronic components
(CPU, RAM).
4. Prior to installing the electronic components, please have these items on top of an antistatic pad or
within a electrostatic shielding container.
5. Please verify that the power supply is switched off before unplugging the power supply connector
from the motherboard.
Installation Notices
1. Prior to installation, please do not remove the stickers on the motherboard. These stickers are required
for warranty validation.
2. Prior to the installation of the motherboard or any hardware, please first carefully read the information
in the provided manual.
3. Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors are connected.
4. To prevent damage to the motherboard, please do not allow screws to come in contact with the
motherboard circuit or its components.
5. Please make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or
within the computer casing.
6. Please do not place the computer system on an uneven surface.
7. Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to system
components as well as physical harm to the user.
8. If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the product,
please consult a certified computer technician.
Instances of Non-Warranty
1. Damage due to natural disaster, accident or human cause.
2. Damage as a result of violating the conditions recommended in the user manual.
3. Damage due to improper installation.
4. Damage due to use of uncertified components.
5. Damage due to use exceeding the permitted parameters.
6. Product determined to be an unofficial Gigabyte product.
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

GA-VT890P Motherboard - 10 -
English
1-2 Feature Summary
CPU Supports LGA775 Intel®CoreTM 2 Duo / Pentium®D / Pentium®4 / Celeron®D
L2 cache varies with CPU
Front Side Bus Supports 1066/800/533 MHz FSB
Chipset Northbridge: VIA PT890 Pro Chipset
Southbridge: VIA 8237A
LAN Onboard RTL8201CL chip (10/100 Mbit)
Audio Onboard VIA VT1708A chip
Supports High Definition Audio
Supports 2/4/6/8 channel audio
Supports S/PDIF In/Out connection
Supports CD In connection
Storage VT8237A Southbrigde
- 1 FDD connector, allowing connection of 1 FDD device
- 2 IDE connectors with UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100/ATA 133 support,
allowing connection of 4 IDE devices
- 2 SATA connectors , allowing connection of 2 SATA devices
- Supports data striping (RAID 0) and mirroring (RAID 1) for Serial ATA
O.S Support Microsoft Windows 2000/XP
Memory 2 DDRII DIMM memory slots (supports up to 4 GB memory) (Note 1)
Supports DDRII 667/533/400 unbuffered DIMMs (Note 2)
Supports 1.8V DDRII DIMMs
Expanstion Slots 1 PCI Express x16 slot
1 PCI Express x1 slot
5 PCI slots
Internal Connectors 1 24-pin ATX power connector
1 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 floppy connector
2 IDE connectors
2 SATA connectors
1 CPU fan connector
1 system fan connector
1 front panel connector
1 front audio connector
1 CD In connector
1 S/PDIF In/Out connector
2 USB 2.0/1.1 connectors for additional 4 ports by cables
1 COMB connector
1 power LED connector
1 Chassis Intrusion connector

Hardware Installation- 11 -
English
Rear Panel I/O 1 PS/2 keyboard port
1 PS/2 mouse port
1 parallel port
1 serial port
4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 RJ-45 port
6 audio jacks (Line In / Line Out / MIC In/Surround Speaker Out (Rear
Speaker Out)/Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out/Side Speaker Out)
I/O Control Winbond W83627 chip
Hardware Monitor System voltage detection
CPU/System temperature detection
CPU/System fan speed detection
CPU/System warning temperature
CPU/System fan failure warning
CPU smart fan control (Note 3)
BIOS 1 4 Mbit flash ROM
Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Additional Features Supports @BIOS
Supports Download Center
Supports Q-Flash
Supports EasyTune (Note 4)
Supports Xpress Install
Supports Xpress Recovery2
Supports Xpress BIOS Rescue
Bundle Software Norton Internet Security (OEM revision)
Form Factor ATX form factor; 30.5cm x 20.7cm
(Note 1) Due to standard PC architecture, a certain amount of memory is reserved for system usage
and therefore the actual memory size is less than the stated amount. For example, 4 GB of
memory size will instead be shown as 3.xx GB memory during system startup.
(Note 2) To use a DDRII 667 memory module on the motherboard, you must install a 1066/800 MHz
FSB processor.
(Note 3) This function is only supported on 4-pin CPU fans.
(Note 4) EasyTune functions may vary depending on different motherboards.

GA-VT890P Motherboard - 12 -
English
1-3 Installation of the CPU and CPU Cooler
Before installing the CPU, please comply with the following conditions:
1. Please make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.
2. Please take note of the one indented corner of the CPU. If you install the CPU in the wrong
direction, the CPU will not insert properly. If this occurs, please change the insert direction
of the CPU.
3. Please add an even layer of heat paste between the CPU and CPU cooler.
4. Please make sure the CPU cooler is installed on the CPU prior to system use,
otherwise overheating and permanent damage of the CPU may occur.
5. Please set the CPU host frequency in accordance with the CPU specifications. It is not
recommended that the system bus frequency be set beyond hardware specifications
since it does not meet the required standards for the peripherals. If you wish to set
the frequency beyond the proper specifications, please do so according to your hard-
ware specifications including the CPU, graphics card, memory, hard drive, etc.
HT functionality requirement content :
Enabling the functionality of Hyper-Threading Technology for your computer system requires all
of the following platform components:
- CPU: An Intel®Pentium CPU with HT Technology
- Chipset: A chipset that supports HT Technology
- BIOS: A BIOS that supports HT Technology and has it enabled
- OS: An operation system that has optimizations for HT Technology
Fig. 1
Gently lift the metal
lever located on the
CPU socket to the
upright position.
Metal Lever Fig. 2
Remove the plastic
covering on the CPU
socket.
Fig. 3
Notice the small gold
colored triangle located
on the edge of the CPU
socket. Align the
indented corner of the
Fig. 4
Once the CPU is
properly inserted,
please replace the
load plate and push the
metal lever back into
its original position.
CPU with the triangle and gently insert the CPU into
position. (Grasping the CPU firmly between your
thumb and forefinger, carefully place it into the socket
in a straight and downwards motion. Avoid twisting or
bending motions that might cause damage to the CPU
during installation.)
1-3-1 Installation of the CPU

Hardware Installation- 13 -
English
1-3-2 Installation of the CPU Cooler
The CPU cooler may adhere to the CPU as a result of hardening of the heat paste.To prevent
such an occurrence, it is suggested that either thermal tape rather than heat paste be used for
heat dissipation or using extreme care when removing the CPU cooler.
Fig. 6
Finally, please attach the power connector of the
CPU cooler to the CPU fan header located on the
motherboard.
Fig. 3
Place the CPU cooler atop the CPU and make
sure the push pins aim to the pin hole on the
motherboard.Pressing down the push pins
diagonally.
Fig. 4
Please make sure the Male and Female push pin
are joined closely. (for detailed installation
instructions, please refer to the CPU cooler instal-
lation section of the user manual)
Fig. 5
Please check the back of motherboard after
installing. If the push pin is inserted as the picture,
the installation is complete.
Fig.1
Please apply an even layer of heat paste on the
surface of the installed CPU.
Fig. 2
(Turning the push pin along the direction of arrow is to
remove the CPU cooler, on the contrary, is to install.)
Please note the direction of arrow sign on the male
push pin doesn't face inwards before installation. (This
instruction is only for Intel boxed fan)
Male Push Pin
Female Push Pin
The top of Female Push Pin

GA-VT890P Motherboard - 14 -
English
The motherboard supports DDRII memory modules, whereby BIOS will automatically detect memory
capacity and specifications. Memory modules are designed so that they can be inserted only in one direction.
The memory capacity used can differ with each slot.
Before installing the memory modules, please comply with the following conditions:
1. Please make sure that the memory used is supported by the motherboard. It is
recommended that memory of similar capacity, specifications and brand be used.
2. Before installing or removing memory modules, please make sure that the computer
power is switched off to prevent hardware damage.
3. Memory modules have a foolproof insertion design. A memory module can be installed
in only one direction. If you are unable to insert the module, please switch the direction.
1-4 Installation of Memory
Notch
DDRII
Fig.1
The DIMM socket has a notch, so the DIMM memory mod-
ule can only fit in one direction. Insert the DIMM memory
module vertically into the DIMM socket. Then push it down.
Fig.2
Close the plastic clip at both edges of the DIMM sockets to
lock the DIMM module.
Reverse the installation steps when you wish to remove
the DIMM module.

Hardware Installation- 15 -
English
1-5 Installation of Expansion Cards
You can install your expansion card by following the steps outlined below:
1. Read the related expansion card's instruction document before install the expansion card into the
computer.
2. Remove your computer's chassis cover, screws and slot bracket from the computer.
3. Press the expansion card firmly into expansion slot in motherboard.
4. Be sure the metal contacts on the card are indeed seated in the slot.
5. Replace the screw to secure the slot bracket of the expansion card.
6. Replace your computer's chassis cover.
7. Power on the computer, if necessary, setup BIOS utility of expansion card from BIOS.
8. Install related driver from the operating system.
Installing a PCI Express x16 expansion card:
Please align the VGA card to the onboard
PCI Express x16 slot and press firmly
down on the slot. Make sure your VGA
card is locked by the latch at the end of
the PCI Express x16 slot. When you try
uninstall the VGA card, please gently
press the latch as the picture to the left
shows to release the card.

GA-VT890P Motherboard - 16 -
English
1-6 I/O Back Panel Introduction
PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Connector
To install a PS/2 port keyboard and mouse, plug the mouse to the upper port (green) and the keyboard
to the lower port (purple).
Parallel Port
The parallel port allows connection of a printer, scanner and other peripheral devices.
Serial Port
Connects to serial-based mouse or data processing devices.
USB Port
Before you connect your device(s) into USB connector(s), please make sure your device(s) such
as USB keyboard, mouse, scanner, zip, speaker...etc. have a standard USB interface.
Also make sure your OS supports USB controller. If your OS does not support USB controller,
please contact OS vendor for possible patch or driver upgrade. For more information please
contact your OS or device(s) vendors.
LAN Port
The provided Internet connection is Fast Ethernet, providing data transfer speeds of 10/100 Mbps.
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
The default Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out jack. Center/Subwoofer speakers can be connected to
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out jack.
Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out)
The default Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out) jack. Rear surround speakers can be
connected to Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out) jack.
Side Speaker Out
The default Side Speaker Out jack. Surround side speakers can be connected to Side Speaker Out
jack.
Line In
The default Line In jack. Devices like CD-ROM, walkman etc. can be connected to Line In jack.
Line Out (Front Speaker Out)
The default Line Out (Front Speaker Out) jack. Stereo speakers, earphone or front surround
speakers can be connected to Line Out (Front Speaker Out) jack.
MIC In
The default MIC In jack. Microphone must be connected to MIC In jack.
In addition to the default speakers settings, the ~audio jacks can be reconfigured to
perform different functions via the audio software. Only microphones still MUST be connected
to the default Mic In jack ( ) . Please refer to the 2-/4-/6-/8- channel audio setup steps for
detailed software configuration information.

Hardware Installation- 17 -
English
1-7 Connectors Introduction
1) ATX_12V
2) ATX (Power Connector)
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN
5) FDD
6) IDE1/IDE2
7) SATA0/1
8) F_PANEL
9) F_AUDIO
10) PWR_LED
11) CD_IN
12) SPDIF_IO
13) F_USB1/F_USB2
14) COMB
15) CI
16) CLR_CMOS
17) BATTERY
31
13
2
1015
12
8
7
11
9
5
4
14
6
16
17

GA-VT890P Motherboard - 18 -
English
Pin No. Definition
13 3.3V
14 -12V
15 GND
16 PS_ON(soft On/Off)
17 GND
18 GND
19 GND
20 -5V
21 +5V
22 +5V
23 +5V (Only for 24-pin ATX)
24 GND(Only for 24-pin ATX)
Pin No. Definition
1 3.3V
2 3.3V
3 GND
4 +5V
5 GND
6 +5V
7 GND
8 Power Good
9 5V SB(stand by +5V)
10 +12V
11 +12V(Only for 24-pin ATX)
12 3.3V(Only for 24-pin ATX)
1/2) ATX_12V/ATX (Power Connector)
With the use of the power connector, the power supply can supply enough stable power to all
the components on the motherboard. Before connecting the power connector, please make sure
that all components and devices are properly installed. Align the power connector with its
proper location on the motherboard and connect tightly.
The ATX_12V power connector mainly supplies power to the CPU. If the ATX_12V power
connector is not connected, the system will not start.
Caution!
Please use a power supply that is able to handle the system voltage requirements. It is
recommended that a power supply that can withstand high power consumption be used (300W
or greater). If a power supply is used that does not provide the required power, the result can
lead to an unstable system or a system that is unable to start.
If you use a 24-pin ATX power supply, please remove the small cover on the power connector
on the motherboard before plugging in the power cord; otherwise, please do not remove it.
Pin No. Definition
1 GND
2 GND
3 +12V
4 +12V
1
3
2
4
ATX_12V
113
24
12
ATX

Hardware Installation- 19 -
English
3/4) CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN (Cooler Fan Power Connector)
The cooler fan power connector supplies a +12V power voltage via a 3-pin (SYS_FAN)/4-pin
(CPU_FAN) power connector and possesses a foolproof connection design.
Most coolers are designed with color-coded power connector wires. A red power connector wire
indicates a positive connection and requires a +12V power voltage. The black connector wire is
the ground wire (GND).
Remember to connect the CPU/system fan cable to the CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN connector to prevent
CPU damage or system hanging caused by overheating.
CPU_FAN
1
Pin No. Definition
1 GND
2 +12V/Speed Control
3 Sense
4 Speed Control
Pin No. Definition
1 GND
2 +12V
3 Sense
CPU_FAN:
SYS_FAN:
SYS_FAN
1
5) FDD (Floppy Connector)
The FDD connector is used to connect the FDD cable while the other end of the cable connects to the
FDD drive. The types of FDD drives supported are: 360 KB, 720 KB, 1.2 MB, 1.44 MB and
2.88 MB. Before attaching the FDD cable, please take note of the foolproof groove in the FDD
connector.
1
2
33
34

GA-VT890P Motherboard - 20 -
English
6) IDE1/IDE2 (IDE Connector)
An IDE device connects to the computer via an IDE connector. One IDE connector can connect to
one IDE cable, and the single IDE cable can then connect to two IDE devices (hard drive or optical
drive). If you wish to connect two IDE devices, please set the jumper on one IDE device as Master
and the other as Slave (for information on settings, please refer to the instructions located on the IDE
device). Before attaching the IDE cable, please take note of the foolproof groove in the IDE connector.
2
40
1
39
Pin No. Definition
1 GND
2TXP
3 TXN
4 GND
5 RXN
6 RXP
7 GND
7) SATA0/1 (SATA Connector)
SATA can provide up to 150MB/s transfer rate. Please refer to the BIOS setting for the
SATA and install the proper driver in order to work properly.
71
71
SATA1
SATA0
IDE1 IDE2