GA-8I915PL-G
Intel® Pentium® 4 LGA775 Processor Motherboard
User's Manual
Rev. 1001
12ME-8I915PLG-1001
Copyright
© 2005 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.
Table of Contents
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard Layout ............................................................................. 6
Block Diagram ............................................................................................................... 7
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation.................................................................................... 9
1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation ................................................................. 9
1-2 Feature Summary .......................................................................................... 10
1-3 Installation of the CPU and Heatsink ............................................................ 12
1-3-1 Installation of the CPU .......................................................................................... 12
1-3-2 Installation of the Heatsink ................................................................................... 13
1-4 Installation of Memory ................................................................................... 14
1-5 Installation of Expansion Cards .................................................................... 16
1-6 I/O Back Panel Introduction .......................................................................... 17
1-7 Connectors Introduction ................................................................................ 18
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ............................................................................................... 29
The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver. : D2) ....................................................... 30
2-1 Standard CMOS Features ............................................................................. 31
2-2 Advanced BIOS Features ............................................................................. 34
2-3 Integrated Peripherals ................................................................................... 36
2-4 Power Management Setup ............................................................................ 39
2-5 PnP/PCI Configurations ................................................................................ 41
2-6 PC Health Status ........................................................................................... 42
2-7 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ...................................................................... 43
2-8 Load Fail-Safe Defaults ................................................................................ 46
2-9 Load Optimized Defaults ............................................................................... 46
2-10 Set Supervisor/User Password ..................................................................... 47
2-11 Save & Exit Setup ......................................................................................... 48
2-12 Exit Without Saving ....................................................................................... 48
- 4 -
Chapter 3 Install Drivers ............................................................................................ 49
3-1 Install Chipset Drivers ................................................................................... 49
3-2 Software Applications .................................................................................... 50
3-3 Driver CD Information ................................................................................... 50
3-4 Hardware Information .................................................................................... 51
3-5 Contact Us ..................................................................................................... 51
Chapter 4 Appendix ................................................................................................... 53
4-1 Unique Software Utilities ............................................................................... 53
4-1-1 EasyTune 5 Introduction ....................................................................................... 54
4-1-2 Xpress Recovery Introduction .............................................................................. 55
4-1-3 Flash BIOS Method Introduction .......................................................................... 58
4-1-4 2- / 4- / 6- / 8- Channel Audio Function Introduction ........................................... 67
4-1-5 Jack-Sensing and UAJ Introduction ..................................................................... 71
4-2 Troubleshooting............................................................................................. 73
- 5 -
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard Layout
CPU_FAN
ATX_12V
KB_MS
LGA775
ATX
R_USB
AUDIO1
AUDIO2
Intel 915PL
IT8712
F_AUDIO
PCIE_16
Marvell
8001
PCIE_1
SATA3
SATA2
SATA1
ICH6
PCIE_2
SATA0
PCI1
CODEC
CLR_CMOS
BAT
IDE1
FDD
CD_IN
PCI2
PCI3
BIOS
PWR_LED
F_PANEL
F_USB2
IR
F_USB1
CI
SPDIF_IO
- 6 -
Block Diagram
CPUCLK+/-(200/133MHz)
LGA775
PCI-ECLK
(100MHz)
Processor
Host
Interface
DDR 400/333MHz DIMM
Dual Channel Memory
PCI-ECLK
(100MHz)
Intel
915PL
MCH
PCI Express x16
MCHCLK (133/200MHz)
66MHz
33MHz
14.318MHz
48MHz
BIOS
PCI Express x1 Bus
PCI Bus
Marvell
4 Serial ATA
Intel
ICH6
ATA33/66/100
IDE1 Channels
Floppy
LPT Port
8001
IT 8712
RJ45
COM Ports
CODEC
24MHz
33MHz
8 USB
Ports
3 PCI
PS/2 KB/Mouse
PCICLK
(33MHz)
- 7 -
- 8 -
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation
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 you 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.
- 9 -
Hardware Installation
1-2 Feature Summary
CPU
Supports the latest Intel® Pentium® 4 LGA775 CPU
Supports 800/533MHz FSB
L2 cache varies with CPU
Northbridge: Intel® 915PL Express Chipset
Southbridge: Intel® ICH6
2 DDR DIMM memory slots (supports up to 2GB memory)
Supports 2.5V DDR DIMM
Supports dual channel DDR 400/333 DIMM
1 PCI Express x 16 slot
2 PCI Express x 1 slots
3 PCI slots
Chipset
Memory
Slots
IDE Connections
1 IDE connection (UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100), allows connection of 2
IDE devices(IDE1)
FDD Connections
Onboard SATA
Peripherals
1 FDD connection, allows connection of 2 FDD devices
4 Serial ATA connections
1 parallel port supporting Normal/EPP/ECP mode
2 Serial port (COMA/COMB)
8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (rear x 4, front x 4 via cable)
1 front audio connector
1 IR connector
1 PS/2 keyboard port
1 PS/2 mouse port
Onboard Marvell 8001 chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
1 RJ 45 port
ALC850 CODEC (UAJ)
Supports Jack Sensing function
Supports 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 channel audio
Supports Line In ; Line Out (Front Speaker Out) ; MIC ; Surround Speaker Out
(Rear Speaker Out) ; Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out ;
Side Speaker Out connection
Onboard LAN
Onboard Audio
Supports SPDIF In/Out connection
CD In
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 10 -
I/O Control
Hardware Monitor
IT8712
System voltage detection
CPU temperature detection
CPU / System fan speed detection
CPU warning temperature
CPU / System fan failure warning
CPU smart fan control
Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Supports Q-Flash
Supports @BIOS
BIOS
Additional Features
Overclocking
Form Factor
Supports EasyTune 5
Over Voltage via BIOS (CPU/DDR/PCI-E/FSB)
Over Clock via BIOS (CPU/DDR/PCIE)
ATX form factor; 30.5cm x 22.0cm
- 11 -
Hardware Installation
1-3 Installation of the CPU and Heatsink
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 sink paste between the CPU and heatsink.
4. Please make sure the heatsink 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 processor 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 hardware 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 4 Processor with HT Technology
- Chipset: An Intel® 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
1-3-1 Installation of the CPU
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Metal Lever
Gently lift the metal
lever located on the
CPU socket to the
upright position.
Remove the plastic
covering on the CPU
socket.
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Notice the small gold
colored triangle located
on the edge of the CPU
socket. Align the
Once the CPU is
properly inserted,
please replace the
load plate and
push the metal lever
back into its original
position.
indented corner of the
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.)
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 12 -
1-3-2 Installation of the Heatsink
Male Push Pin
The top of Female Push Pin
Female Push Pin
Fig.1
Fig. 2
Please apply an even layer of heatsink paste on
the surface of the installed CPU.
(Turning the push pin along the direction of arrow is
to remove the heatsink, 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)
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Place the heatsink atop the CPU and make sure
the push pins aim to the pin hole on the
motherboard.Pressing down the push pins
diagonally.
Please make sure the Male and Female push pin are
joined closely. (for detailed installation instructions,
please refer to the heatsink installation section of the
user manual)
Fig. 6
Fig. 5
Finally, please attach the power connector of the
heatsink to the CPU fan header located on the
motherboard.
Please check the back of motherboard after
installing. If the push pin is inserted as the picture,
the installation is complete.
The heatsink may adhere to the CPU as a result of hardening of the heatsink paste.To prevent
such an occurrence, it is suggested that either thermal tape rather than heat sink paste be used for
heat dissipation or using extreme care when removing the heatsink.
- 13 -
Hardware Installation
1-4 Installation of Memory
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.
The motherboard supports DDR 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.
Notch
DDR
Fig.1
The DIMM socket has a notch, so the DIMM memory module
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.
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 14 -
Dual Channel DDR
GA-8I915PL-G supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operating the Dual Channel Technology, the
bandwidth of Memory Bus will add double.
GA-8I915PL-G includes 2 DIMM sockets, and each Channel has two DIMM sockets as following:
Channel A : DDR 1
Channel B : DDR 2
If you want to operate the Dual Channel Technology, please note the following explanations due
to the limitation of Intel chipset specifications.
1. If one DDR memory modules are installed: The Dual Channel Technolog cannot operate when one
DDR memory modules are installed.
2. If two DDR memory modules are installed, please use memory of the same storage capacity in
order to use dual channel memory and for BIOS to detect all the DDR memory modules.
We'll strongly recommend our user to slot two DDR memory modules into the DIMMs with the same color in
order for Dual Channel Technology to work.
The following table is for Dual Channel Technology combination: (DS: Double Side, SS: Single Side)
DDR 1
DS/SS
DDR 2
DS/SS
2 memory modules
- 15 -
Hardware Installation
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 x 16 expansion card:
Please carefully pull out the small white-
drawable bar at the end of the
PCI Express x 16 slot when you try to
install/Uninstall the VGA card. Please align
the VGA card to the onboard
PCI Express x 16 slot and press firmly down
on the slot .Make sure your VGA card is
locked by the small white-drawable bar.
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 16 -
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.
/
COM A/COM B (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 Gigabit Ethernet, providing data transfer speeds of
10/100/1000Mbps.
Line In
Devices like CD-ROM, walkman etc. can be connected to Line In jack.
Line Out (Front Speaker Out)
Connect the stereo speakers, earphone or front surround speakers to this connector.
MIC In
Microphone can be connected to MIC In jack.
Rear Speaker Out
Connect the rear surround speakers to this connector.
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Connect the Center/Subwoofer speakers to this connector.
Side Speaker Out
Connect the side surround speakers to this connector.
You can use audio software to configure 2-/4-/6-/8-channel audio functioning.
- 17 -
Hardware Installation
1-7 Connectors Introduction
1
3
2
10
7
6
11
12
4
5
14 15 16 17 13
9
8
1) ATX_12V
10) F_AUDIO
11) CD_IN
2) ATX (Power Connector)
3) CPU_FAN
12) SPDIF_IO
13) F_USB1 / F_USB2
14) IR
4) SYS_FAN
5) FDD
6) IDE1
15) CI
7) SATA0 / SATA1 / SATA2 / SATA3
8) F_PANEL
16) CLR_CMOS
17) BAT
9) PWR_LED
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 18 -
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
GND
1
2
3
4
3
1
4
2
GND
+12V
+12V
Pin No.
1
Definition
1
13
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
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
+12V
+12V
3.3V(Only for 24pins ATX)
12
24
3.3V
-12V
GND
PS_ON(soft On/Off)
GND
GND
GND
-5V
+5V
+5V
+5V
GND
- 19 -
Hardware Installation
3/4) CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN (Cooler Fan Power Connector)
The cooler fan power connector supplies a +12V power voltage via a 3-pin/4-pin (only for 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).
Please remember to connect the power to the cooler to prevent system overheating and failure.
Caution!
Please remember to connect the power to the CPU fan to prevent CPU overheating and failure.
Pin No.
Definition
GND
1
1
2
3
4
CPU_FAN
+12V
Sense
Speed Control
(Only for CPU_FAN)
1
SYS_FAN
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: 360KB, 720KB, 1.2MB, 1.44MB and 2.88MB.
Please connect the red power connector wire to the pin1 position.
2
34
33
1
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 20 -
6) IDE1 (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).
2
40
1
39
7) SATA0/SATA1/SATA2/SATA3 (Serial ATA Connector)
Serial ATA can provide 150MB/s transfer rate. Please refer to the BIOS setting for the Serial ATA
and install the proper driver in order to work properly.
Pin No.
Definition
GND
TXP
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
7
TXN
GND
RXN
RXP
GND
- 21 -
Hardware Installation
8) F_PANEL (Front Panel Jumper)
Please connect the power LED, PC speaker, reset switch and power switch etc of your chassis front
panel to the F_PANEL connector according to the pin assignment below.
Speaker Connector
Message LED/
Power
Switch
Power/
Sleep LED
2
1
20
19
Reset Switch
IDE Hard Disk Active LED
HD (IDE Hard Disk Active LED)
(Blue)
Pin 1: LED anode(+)
Pin 2: LED cathode(-)
Pin 1: Power
SPEAK (Speaker Connector)
(Amber)
Pin 2- Pin 3: NC
Pin 4: Data(-)
RES (Reset Switch)
Open: Normal
(Green)
Close: Reset Hardware System
Open: Normal
PW (Power Switch)
(Red)
Close: Power On/Off
Pin 1: LED anode(+)
Pin 2: LED cathode(-)
NC
MSG(Message LED/Power/Sleep LED)
(Yellow)
NC( Purple)
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 22 -
9) PWR_LED
PWR_LED is connect with the system power indicator to indicate whether the system is on/off. It will
blink when the system enters suspend mode.
Pin No.
Definition
MPD+
MPD-
1
2
3
1
MPD-
10) F_AUDIO (Front Audio Connector)
If you want to use Front Audio connector, you must remove 5-6, 9-10 Jumper. In order to utilize the
front audio header, your chassis must have front audio connector. Also please make sure the pin
assigment on the cable is the same as the pin assigment on the MB header. To find out if the chassis
you are buying support front audio connector, please contact your dealer.Please note, you can have the
alternative of using front audio connector or of using rear audio connector to play sound.
Pin No.
Definition
MIC
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
GND
10
2
9
1
MIC_BIAS
POWER
FrontAudio(R)
RearAudio(R)
Reserved
No Pin
FrontAudio (L)
RearAudio(L)
- 23 -
Hardware Installation
11) CD_IN (CD IN)
Connect CD-ROM or DVD-ROM audio out to the connector.
Pin No.
Definition
CD-L
1
2
3
4
1
GND
GND
CD-R
12) SPDIF_IO (SPDIF In/Out)
The SPDIF output is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or compressed AC3 data to
an external Dolby Digital Decoder. Use this feature only when your stereo system has digital input
function. Use SPDIF IN feature only when your device has digital output function.
Be careful with the polarity of the SPDIF_IO connector. Check the pin assignment carefully while you
connect the SPDIF cable, incorrect connection between the cable and connector will make the
device unable to work or even damage it. For optional SPDIF cable, please contact your local
dealer.
Pin No.
Definition
Power
No Pin
SPDIF
SPDIFI
GND
1
2
3
4
5
6
2
1
6
5
GND
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 24 -
13) F_ USB1 / F_USB2 (Front USB Connector)
Be careful with the polarity of the front USB connector. Check the pin assignment carefully while
you connect the front USB cable, incorrect connection between the cable and connector will make
the device unable to work or even damage it. For optional front USB cable, please contact your
local dealer. The "USB Device Wake up From S3" is only supported by rear USB ports.
Pin No.
Definition
Power
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
1
10
9
Power
USB DX-
USB Dy-
USB DX+
USB Dy+
GND
GND
No Pin
NC
14) IR
Be careful with the polarity of the IR connector while you connect the IR. Please contact your
nearest dealer for optional IR device.
Pin No.
Definition
Power
No Pin
IR RX
GND
1
2
3
4
5
1
IR TX
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Hardware Installation
15) CI (Chassis Intrusion, Case Open)
This 2-pin connector allows your system to enable or disable the "Case Open" item in BIOS, if the
system case begin remove.
Pin No.
Definition
Signal
GND
1
1
2
16) CLR_CMOS (Clear CMOS)
You may clear the CMOS data to its default values by this jumper. To clear CMOS, temporarily
short 1-2 pin. Default doesn't include the "Shunter" to prevent from improper use this jumper.
Open: Normal
1
Short: Clear CMOS
1
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 26 -
17) BAT(Battery)
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type
recommended by the manufacturer.
Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer's
instructions.
If you want to erase CMOS...
1.Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.
2.Remove the battery, wait for 30 second.
3.Re-install the battery.
4.Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
- 27 -
Hardware Installation
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 28 -
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup
BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) includes a CMOS SETUP utility which allows user to configure
required settings or to activate certain system features.
The CMOS SETUP saves the configuration in the CMOS SRAM of the motherboard.
When the power is turned off, the battery on the motherboard supplies the necessary power to the CMOS
SRAM.
When the power is turned on, pushing the <Del> button during the BIOS POST (Power-On Self Test) will
take you to the CMOS SETUP screen. You can enter the BIOS setup screen by pressing "Ctrl + F1".
When setting up BIOS for the first time, it is recommended that you save the current BIOS to a disk in the
event that BIOS needs to be reset to its original settings. If you wish to upgrade to a new BIOS, either
Gigabyte's Q-Flash or @BIOS utility can be used.
Q-Flash allows the user to quickly and easily update or backup BIOS without entering the operating system.
@BIOS is a Windows-based utility that does not require users to boot to DOS before upgrading BIOS but
directly download and update BIOS from the Internet.
CONTROL KEYS
<
>< >< ><
>
Move to select item
<Enter>
<Esc>
Select Item
Main Menu - Quit and not save changes into CMOS Status Page Setup Menu
and Option Page Setup Menu - Exit current page and return to Main Menu
Increase the numeric value or make changes
Decrease the numeric value or make changes
General help, only for Status Page Setup Menu and Option Page Setup Menu
Item Help
<Page Up>
<Page Down>
<F1>
<F2>
<F5>
<F6>
<F7>
Restore the previous CMOS value from CMOS, only for Option Page Setup Menu
Load the file-safe default CMOS value from BIOS default table
Load the Optimized Defaults
<F8>
Q-Flash utility
<F9>
System Information
<F10>
Save all the CMOS changes, only for Main Menu
Main Menu
The on-line description of the highlighted setup function is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
Status Page Setup Menu / Option Page Setup Menu
Press F1 to pop up a small help window that describes the appropriate keys to use and the possible selec-
tions for the highlighted item. To exit the Help Window press <Esc>.
- 29 -
BIOS Setup
The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver. : D2)
Once you enter Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility, the Main Menu (as figure below) will appear on the
screen. Use arrow keys to select among the items and press <Enter> to accept or enter the sub-menu.
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software
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Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Power Management Setup
PnP/PCI Configurations
PC Health Status
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
ESC: Quit
KLJI: Select Item
F8: Q-Flash
F10: Save & Exit Setup
Time, Date, Hard Disk Type...
If you can't find the setting you want, please press "Ctrl+F1" to search the advanced option
hidden.
Please Load Optimized Defaults in the BIOS when somehow the system works not stable as
usual. This action makes the system reset to the default for stability.
Standard CMOS Features
This setup page includes all the items in standard compatible BIOS.
Advanced BIOS Features
This setup page includes all the items of Award special enhanced features.
Integrated Peripherals
This setup page includes all onboard peripherals.
Power Management Setup
This setup page includes all the items of Green function features.
PnP/PCI Configuration
This setup page includes all the configurations of PCI & PnP ISA resources.
PC Health Status
This setup page is the System auto detect Temperature, voltage, fan, speed.
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
This setup page is control CPU clock and frequency ratio.
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Fail-Safe Defaults indicates the value of the system parameters which the system would be in safe
configuration.
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 30 -
Load Optimized Defaults
Optimized Defaults indicates the value of the system parameters which the system would be in best
performance configuration.
Set Supervisor Password
Change, set, or disable password. It allows you to limit access to the system and Setup, or just to Setup.
Set User Password
Change, set, or disable password. It allows you to limit access to the system.
Save & Exit Setup
Save CMOS value settings to CMOS and exit setup.
Exit Without Saving
Abandon all CMOS value changes and exit setup.
2-1 Standard CMOS Features
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software
Standard CMOS Features
Date (mm:dd:yy)
Time (hh:mm:ss)
Thu, Jan 6 2005
14:9:35
Item Help
Menu Level`
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IDE Channel 0 Master
IDE Channel 0 Slave
IDE Channel 2 Master
IDE Channel 2 Slave
IDE Channel 3 Master
IDE Channel 3 Slave
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
Change the day, month,
year
<Week>
Sun. to Sat.
<Month>
Jan. to Dec.
Drive A
Drive B
[1.44M, 3.5"]
[None]
<Day>
Floppy 3 Mode Suport
[Disabled]
1 to 31 (or maximum
allowed in the month)
Halt On
[All, But Keyboard]
<Year>
Base Memory
Extended Memory
Total Memory
640K
511M
512M
1999 to 2098
KLJI: Move
Enter: Select
+/-/PU/PD: Value
F6: Fail-Safe Defaults
F10: Save
ESC: Exit
F7: Optimized Defaults
F1: General Help
F5: Previous Values
Date
The date format is <week>, <month>, <day>, <year>.
Week
Month
Day
The week, from Sun to Sat, determined by the BIOS and is display only
The month, Jan. Through Dec.
The day, from 1 to 31 (or the maximum allowed in the month)
The year, from 1999 through 2098
Year
Time
The times format in <hour> <minute> <second>. The time is calculated base on the 24-hour
military-time clock. For example, 1 p.m. is 13:00:00.
- 31 -
BIOS Setup
IDE Channel 0 Master, Slave
IDE HDD Auto-Detection Press "Enter" to select this option for automatic device detection.
IDE Device Setup. You can use one of three methods:
Auto
None
Allows BIOS to automatically detect IDE devices during POST(default)
Select this if no IDE devices are used and the system will skip the automatic
detection step and allow for faster system start up.
Manual
User can manually input the correct settings
Access Mode Use this to set the access mode for the hard drive. The four options are:
CHS/LBA/Large/Auto(default:Auto)
Hard drive information should be labeled on the outside drive casing. Enter the appropriate option
based on this information.
Cylinder
Head
Precomp
Landing Zone
Sector
Number of cylinders
Number of heads
Write precomp
Landing zone
Number of sectors
If a hard disk has not been installed, select NONE and press <Enter>.
IDE Channel 2/3 Master, Slave
IDE HDD Auto-Detection Press "Enter" to select this option for automatic device detection.
IDE Device Setup. You can use one of three methods:
Auto
None
Allows BIOS to automatically detect IDE devices during POST(default)
Select this if no IDE devices are used and the system will skip the automatic
detection step and allow for faster system start up.
Access Mode Use this to set the access mode for the hard drive. The four options are:
Large/Auto(default:Auto)
Hard drive information should be labeled on the outside drive casing. Enter the appropriate option
based on this information.
Cylinder
Head
Precomp
Landing Zone
Sector
Number of cylinders
Number of heads
Write precomp
Landing zone
Number of sectors
If a hard disk has not been installed, select NONE and press <Enter>.
Drive A / Drive B
The category identifies the types of floppy disk drive A or drive B that has been installed in the
computer.
None
No floppy drive installed
360K, 5.25"
1.2M, 5.25"
5.25 inch PC-type standard drive; 360K byte capacity.
5.25 inch AT-type high-density drive; 1.2M byte capacity
(3.5 inch when 3 Mode is Enabled).
720K, 3.5"
1.44M, 3.5"
2.88M, 3.5"
3.5 inch double-sided drive; 720K byte capacity
3.5 inch double-sided drive; 1.44M byte capacity.
3.5 inch double-sided drive; 2.88M byte capacity.
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 32 -
Floppy 3 Mode Support (for Japan Area)
Disabled
Drive A
Drive B
Both
Normal Floppy Drive. (Default value)
Drive A is 3 mode Floppy Drive.
Drive B is 3 mode Floppy Drive.
Drive A & B are 3 mode Floppy Drives.
Halt on
The category determines whether the computer will stop if an error is detected during power up.
No Errors
The system boot will not stop for any error that may be detected and you
will be prompted.
All Errors
Whenever the BIOS detects a non-fatal error the system will be stopped.
All, But Keyboard The system boot will not stop for a keyboard error; it will stop for all other
errors. (Default value)
All, But Diskette
The system boot will not stop for a disk error; it will stop for all other errors.
All, But Disk/Key The system boot will not stop for a keyboard or disk error; it will stop for all
other errors.
Memory
The category is display-only which is determined by POST (Power On Self Test) of the BIOS.
Base Memory
The POST of the BIOS will determine the amount of base (or conventional) memory installed
in the system.
The value of the base memory is typically 512K for systems with 512K memory installed on
the motherboard, or 640K for systems with 640K or more memory installed on the motherboard.
Extended Memory
The BIOS determines how much extended memory is present during the POST.
- 33 -
BIOS Setup
2-2 Advanced BIOS Features
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software
Advanced BIOS Features
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Hard Disk Boot Priority
First Boot Device
[Press Enter]
[Floppy]
Item Help
Menu Level`
Second Boot Device
Third Boot Device
Password Check
[Hard Disk]
[CDROM]
[Setup]
Select Hard Disk Boot
Device Priority
#
CPU Hyper-Threading
Limit CPUID Max. to 3
No-Execute Memory Protect (Note)
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) (Note)
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) (Note)
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
KLJI: Move
Enter: Select
+/-/PU/PD: Value
F6: Fail-Safe Defaults
F10: Save
ESC: Exit
F7: Optimized Defaults
F1: General Help
F5: Previous Values
" # " System will detect automatically and show up when you install the Intel® Pentium® 4
processor with HT Technology.
Hard Disk Boot Priority
Select boot sequence for onboard(or add-on cards) SCSI, RAID, etc.
Use < > or < > to select a device, then press<+> to move it up, or <-> to move it down the list. Press
<ESC> to exit this menu.
First / Second / Third Boot Device
Floppy
LS120
Select your boot device priority by Floppy.
Select your boot device priority by LS120.
Select your boot device priority by Hard Disk.
Select your boot device priority by CDROM.
Select your boot device priority by ZIP.
Select your boot device priority by USB-FDD.
Select your boot device priority by USB-ZIP.
Select your boot device priority by USB-CDROM.
Select your boot device priority by USB-HDD.
Select your boot device priority by LAN.
Disable this function.
Hard Disk
CDROM
ZIP
USB-FDD
USB-ZIP
USB-CDROM
USB-HDD
LAN
Disabled
(Note) This item will show up when you install a processor which supports this function.
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard - 34 -
Password Check
Setup
The system will boot but will not access to Setup page if the correct
password is not entered at the prompt. (Default value)
The system will not boot and will not access to Setup page if the correct
password is not entered at the prompt.
System
If you want to cancel the setting of password, please just press ENTER to make [SETUP] empty.
CPU Hyper-Threading
Enabled
Enables CPU Hyper Threading Feature. Please note that this feature is only working
for operating system with multi processors mode supported. (Default value)
Disables CPU Hyper Threading.
Disabled
Limit CPUID Max. to 3
Enabled
Limit CPUID Maximum value to 3 when use older OS like NT4.
Disabled
Disables CPUID Limit for windows XP. (Default value)
No-Execute Memory Protect(Note)
Enabled
Enables No-Execute Memory Protect function.
Disabled
Disables No-Execute Memory Protect function. (Default value)
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)(Note)
Enabled
Enables CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) function.
Disabled
Disables CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) function. (Default value)
CPU Thermal Monitor 2 (TM2) (Note)
Enabled
Enable CPU Thermal Monitor 2 (TM2) function.
Disabled
Disable CPU Thermal Monitor 2 (TM2) function. (Default value)
(Note) This item will show up when you install a processor which supports this function.
- 35 -
BIOS Setup
2-3 Integrated Peripherals
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software
Integrated Peripherals
On-Chip Primary PCI IDE
On-Chip SATA Mode
PATA IDE Set to
SATA Port 0/2 Set to
SATA Port 1/3 Set to
USB Controller
USB 2.0 Controller
USB Keyboard Support
USB Mouse Support
AC97 Audio
[Enabled]
[Auto]
Item Help
Menu Level`
x
Ch.0 Master/Slave
Ch.2 Master/Slave
Ch.3 Master/Slave
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Auto]
Onboard H/W LAN
Onboard LAN Boot ROM
Onboard Serial Port 1
Onboard Serial Port 2
UART Mode Select
UR2 Duplex Mode
Onboard Parallel Port
Parallel Port Mode
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
[3F8/IRQ4]
[2F8/IRQ3]
[Normal]
Half
[378/IRQ7]
[SPP]
3
x
x
ECP Mode Use DMA
KLJI: Move
Enter: Select
+/-/PU/PD: Value
F6: Fail-Safe Defaults
F10: Save
ESC: Exit
F7: Optimized Defaults
F1: General Help
F5: Previous Values
On-Chip Primary PCI IDE
Enabled
Enable onboard 1st channel IDE port. (Default value)
Disabled
Disable onboard 1st channel IDE port.
On-Chip SATA Mode
Disabled
Disable this function.
Auto
BIOS will auto detect. (Default value)
Combined
Set On-Chip SATA mode to Combined, you can use up to 4 HDDs on
the motherboard; 2 for SATA and the other for PATA IDE.
Set On-Chip SATA mode to Enhanced, the motherboard allows up to 6
HDDs to use.
Enhanced
Non-Combined
Set On-Chip SATA mode to Non-Combined, SATA will be simulated to
PATA mode.
PATA IDE Set to
Ch.1 Master/Slave
Ch.0 Master/Slave
Set PATA IDE to Ch. 1 Master/Slave.
Set PATA IDE to Ch. 0 Master/Slave. (Default value)
SATA Port 0/2 Set to
This value will auto make by the setting "On-Chip SATA Mode" and "PATA IDE Set to".
If PATA IDE were set to Ch. 1 Master/Slave,this function will auto set to Ch. 0 Master/Slave.
SATA Port 1/3 Set to
This value will auto make by the setting "On-Chip SATA Mode" and "PATA IDE Set to".
If PATA IDE were set to Ch. 0 Master/Slave,this function will auto set to Ch. 1 Master/Slave.
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 36 -
USB Controller
Enabled
Disabled
Enable USB Controller. (Default value)
Disable USB Controller.
USB 2.0 Controller
Disable this function if you are not using onboard USB 2.0 feature.
Enabled
Disabled
Enable USB 2.0 Controller. (Default value)
Disable USB 2.0 Controller.
USB Keyboard Support
Enabled
Enable USB Keyboard Support.
Disabled
Disable USB Keyboard Support. (Default value)
USB Mouse Support
Enabled
Enable USB Mouse Support.
Disabled
Disable USB Mouse Support. (Default value)
AC97 Audio
Auto
Disabled
Auto detect AC97 audio function. (Default value)
Disable this function.
Onboard H/W LAN
Enabled
Enable Onboard H/W LAN function. (Default value)
Disabled
Disable this function.
Onboard LAN Boot ROM
This function decide whether to invoke the boot ROM of the onboard LAN chip.
Enabled
Disabled
Enable this function.
Disable this function. (Default value)
Onboard Serial Port 1
Auto
BIOS will automatically setup the port 1 address.
3F8/IRQ4
2F8/IRQ3
3E8/IRQ4
2E8/IRQ3
Disabled
Enable onboard Serial port 1 and address is 3F8/IRQ4. (Default value)
Enable onboard Serial port 1 and address is 2F8/IRQ3.
Enable onboard Serial port 1 and address is 3E8/IRQ4.
Enable onboard Serial port 1 and address is 2E8/IRQ3.
Disable onboard Serial port 1.
Onboard Serial Port 2
Auto
BIOS will automatically setup the port 2 address.
3F8/IRQ4
2F8/IRQ3
3E8/IRQ4
2E8/IRQ3
Disabled
Enable onboard Serial port 2 and address is 3F8/IRQ4.
Enable onboard Serial port 2 and address is 2F8/IRQ3. (Default value)
Enable onboard Serial port 2 and address is 3E8/IRQ4.
Enable onboard Serial port 2 and address is 2E8/IRQ3.
Disable onboard Serial port 2.
- 37 -
BIOS Setup
UART Mode Select
This item allows you to determine which Infra Red(IR) function of Onboard I/O chip.
Normal
ASKIR
IrDA
Set onboard I/O chip UART to Normal Mode. (Default Value)
Set onboard I/O chip UART to ASKIR Mode.
Set onboard I/O chip UART to IrDA Mode.
UR2 Duplex Mode
This feature allows you to seclect IR mode.
This function will available when "UART Mode Select" doesn't set at Normal.
Half
Full
IR Function Duplex Half. (Default value)
IR Function Duplex Full.
Onboard Parallel port
Disabled
Disable onboard LPT port.
378/IRQ7
278/IRQ5
3BC/IRQ7
Enable onboard LPT port and address is 378/IRQ7. (Default value)
Enable onboard LPT port and address is 278/IRQ5.
Enable onboard LPT port and address is 3BC/IRQ7.
Parallel Port Mode
SPP
Using Parallel port as Standard Parallel Port. (Default value)
EPP
ECP
ECP+EPP
Using Parallel port as Enhanced Parallel Port.
Using Parallel port as Extended Capabilities Port.
Using Parallel port as ECP & EPP mode.
ECP Mode Use DMA
3
Set ECP Mode Use DMA to 3. (Default value)
1
Set ECP Mode Use DMA to 1.
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 38 -
2-4 Power Management Setup
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software
Power Management Setup
ACPI Suspend Type
Soft-Off by PWR-BTTN
PME Event Wake Up
Power On by Ring
[S1(POS)]
[Instant-off]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Everyday
0 : 0 : 0
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
Enter
Item Help
Menu Level`
Resume by Alarm
x
x
Date (of Month) Alarm
Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm
Power On By Mouse
Power On By Keyboard
KB Power ON Password
AC Back Function
x
[Soft-Off]
KLJI: Move
Enter: Select
+/-/PU/PD: Value
F6: Fail-Safe Defaults
F10: Save
ESC: Exit
F7: Optimized Defaults
F1: General Help
F5: Previous Values
ACPI Suspend Type
S1(POS)
Set ACPI suspend type to S1/POS(Power On Suspend). (Default value)
S3(STR)
Set ACPI suspend type to S3/STR(Suspend To RAM).
Soft-off by PWR-BTTN
Instant-off
Press power button then Power off instantly. (Default value)
Delay 4 Sec. Press power button 4 sec. to Power off. Enter suspend if button is pressed
less than 4 sec.
PME Event Wake Up
Disabled
Disable this function.
Enabled
Enable PME Event Wake up. (Default value)
Power On by Ring
Disabled
Disable Power on by Ring function.
Enabled
Enable Power on by Ring function. (Default value)
Resume by Alarm
You can set "Resume by Alarm" item to enabled and key in Date/time to power on system.
Disabled
Enabled
Disable this function. (Default value)
Enable alarm function to POWER ON system.
If RTC Alarm Lead To Power On is Enabled.
Date (of Month) Alarm :
Time (hh: mm: ss) Alarm :
Everyday, 1~31
(0~23) : (0~59) : (0~59)
Power On By Mouse
Disabled
Disabled this function. (Default value)
Double Click Double click on PS/2 mouse left button to power on the system.
- 39 -
BIOS Setup
Power On By Keyboard
Password
Enter from 1 to 5 characters to set the Keyboard Power On Password.
Disabled
Disabled this function. (Default value)
Keyboard 98
If your keyboard have "POWER Key" button, you can press the key to
power on the system.
KB Power ON Password
When "Power On by Keyboard" set at Password, you can set the password here.
Enter
Input password (from 1 to 5 characters) and press Enter to set the Keyboard
Power On password.
AC Back Function
Soft-Off
When AC-power back to the system, the system will be in "Off" state.
(Default value)
Full-On
Memory
When AC-power back to the system, the system always in "On" state.
When AC-power back to the system, the system will return to the Last state
before AC-power off.
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 40 -
2-5 PnP/PCI Configurations
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software
PnP/PCI Configurations
PCI 1 IRQ Assignment
PCI 2 IRQ Assignment
PCI 2 IRQ Assignment
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
Item Help
Menu Level`
KLJI: Move
Enter: Select
+/-/PU/PD: Value
F6: Fail-Safe Defaults
F10: Save
ESC: Exit
F7: Optimized Defaults
F1: General Help
F5: Previous Values
PCI 1 IRQ Assignment
Auto
3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,14,15
Auto assign IRQ to PCI 1. (Default value)
Set IRQ 3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,14,15 to PCI 1.
PCI 2 IRQ Assignment
Auto
3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,14,15
Auto assign IRQ to PCI 2. (Default value)
Set IRQ 3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,14,15 to PCI 2.
PCI 3 IRQ Assignment
Auto
3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,14,15
Auto assign IRQ to PCI 3. (Default value)
Set IRQ 3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,14,15 to PCI 3.
- 41 -
BIOS Setup
2-6 PC Health Status
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software
PC Health Status
Reset Case Open Status
Case Opened
[Disabled]
No
Item Help
Menu Level`
Vcore
OK
DDRV
OK
+3.3V
OK
+12V
OK
Current CPU Temperature
Current CPU FAN Speed
Current SYSTEM FAN Speed
CPU Warning Temperature
CPU FAN Fail Warning
SYSTEM FAN Fail Warning
CPU Smart FAN Control
CPU Smart FAN Mode
33oC
4687 RPM
0
RPM
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
[Auto]
KLJI: Move
Enter: Select
+/-/PU/PD: Value
F6: Fail-Safe Defaults
F10: Save
ESC: Exit
F7: Optimized Defaults
F1: General Help
F5: Previous Values
Reset Case Open Status
Disabled
Don't reset case open status. (Default value)
Enabled
Clear case open status at next boot.
Case Opened
If the case is closed, "Case Opened" will show "No".
If the case have been opened, "Case Opened" will show "Yes".
If you want to reset "Case Opened" value, set "Reset Case Open Status" to "Enabled" and save
CMOS, your computer will restart.
Current Voltage(V) Vcore / DDRV / +3.3V / +12V
Detect system's voltage status automatically.
Current CPU Temperature
Detect CPU temperature automatically.
Current CPU/SYSTEM FAN Speed (RPM)
Detect CPU/SYSTEM Fan speed status automatically.
CPU Warning Temperature
60oC / 140oF
70oC / 158oF
80oC / 176oF
90oC / 194oF
Disabled
Monitor CPU temperature at 60oC / 140oF.
Monitor CPU temperature at 70oC / 158oF.
Monitor CPU temperature at 80oC / 176oF.
Monitor CPU temperature at 90oC / 194oF.
Disable this function. (Default value)
CPU/SYSTEM FAN Fail Warning
Disabled
Fan warning function disable. (Default value)
Enabled
Fan warning function enable.
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 42 -
CPU Smart FAN Control
Disabled
Disable this function.
Enabled
Enable CPU Smart Fan control function. (Default value)
a. When the CPU temperature is higher than 65 degrees Celsius, CPU fan
will run at full speed.
b. The speed of CPU fan will increase linearly depand on the temperature if
the temperature is more than 41 degree and less than 65 degree.
c. When the CPU temperature is lower than 40 degrees Celsius, CPU fan will
be disable.
CPU Smart FAN Mode
This option is available only when CPU Smart FAN Control is enabled.
Auto
BIOS autodetects the type of CPU fan you installed and sets the optimal CPU
Smart FAN control mode for it. (Default Value)
Voltage
PWM
Set to Voltage when you use a CPU fan with a 3-pin fan power cable.
Set to PWM when you use a CPU fan with a 4-pin fan power cable.
Note: In fact, the Voltage option can be used for CPU fans with 3-pin or 4-pin power cables.
However, some 4-pin CPU fan power cables are not designed following Intel 4-Wire fans PWM
control specifications. With such CPU fans, selecting PWM will not effectively reduce the fan
speed.
2-7 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
CPU Clock Ratio
Robust Graphics Booster
C.I.A. 2
[15X]
[Auto]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
200
Auto
[Auto]
533
[Normal]
[Normal]
[Normal]
[Normal]
Item Help
Menu Level`
CPU Host Clock Control
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz)
PCI Experss Frequency (Mhz)
Memory Frequency For
Memory Frequency (Mhz)
DIMM OverVoltage Control
PCI-E OverVoltage Control
FSB OverVoltage Control
CPU Voltage Control
x
x
KLJI: Move
Enter: Select
+/-/PU/PD: Value
F6: Fail-Safe Defaults
F10: Save
ESC: Exit
F7: Optimized Defaults
F1: General Help
F5: Previous Values
Incorrect using these features may cause your system broken. For power end-user use only.
CPU Clock Ratio
This setup option will automatically assign by CPU detection.
The option will display "Locked" and read only if the CPU ratio is not changeable.
- 43 -
BIOS Setup
Robust Graphics Booster
Select the options can enhance the VGA graphics card bandwidth to get higher performance.
Auto
Fast
Set Robust Graphics Booster to Auto. (Default value)
Set Robust Graphics Booster to Fast.
Turbo
Set Robust Graphics Booster to Turbo.
C.I.A.2
C.I.A.2 (CPU Intelligent Acelerator 2) is designed to detect CPU loading during software program
executing, and automatically adjust CPU computing power to maximize system performance.
Disabled
Cruise
Disable this function. (Default value)
Set C.I.A.2 to Cruise. (Automatically increase CPU frequency(5%,7%) by
CPU loading.
Sports
Set C.I.A.2 to Sports. (Automatically increase CPU frequency(7%,9%) by
CPU loading.
Racing
Turbo
Set C.I.A.2 to Racing. (Automatically increase CPU frequency(9%,11%) by
CPU loading.
Set C.I.A.2 to Turbo. (Automatically increase CPU frequency(15%,17%) by
CPU loading.
Full Thrust
Set C.I.A.2 to Full Thrust. (Automatically increase CPU frequency(17%, 19%)
by CPU loading.
Warning: Stability is highly dependent on system components.
CPU Host Clock Control
Please note that if your system is overclocked and cannot restart, please wait 20secs.
for automatic system restart or clear the CMOS setup data and perform a safe restart.
Disabled
Enabled
Disable CPU Host Clock Control. (Default value)
Enable CPU Host Clock Control.
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz)
100MHz ~ 600MHz
Set CPU Host Frequency from 100MHz to 600MHz.
If you use FSB533 Pentium 4 processor, please set "CPU Host Frequency" to 133MHz.If you use
FSB800 Pentium 4 processor, please set "CPU Host Frequency" to 200MHz.
Incorrect using it may cause your system broken. For power End-User use only!
PCI Experss Frequency (Mhz)
Auto
Set PCI Express frequency automatically. (Default value)
100~130
Set PCI Express frequency from 100MHz to 130MHz.
Memory Frequency For
Wrong frequency may make system can't boot, clear CMOS to overcome wrong frequency issue.
for FSB(Front Side Bus) frequency=533MHz,
2.5
3
Memory Frequency = Host clock X 2.5
Memory Frequency = Host clock X 3.
4
Memory Frequency = Host clock X 4.
Auto
Set Memory frequency by DRAM SPD data. (Default value)
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 44 -
for FSB(Front Side Bus) frequency=800MHz,
1.66
2.0
Memory Frequency = Host clock X 1.66.
Memory Frequency = Host clock X 2.0.
2.66
Auto
Memory Frequency = Host clock X 2.66.
Set Memory frequency by DRAM SPD data. (Default value)
Memory Frequency (Mhz)
The values depend on "Memory Frequency For" item.
DIMM OverVoltage Control
Please note that by overclocking your system through the increase of the DIMM voltage, damage
to the memory may occur.
Normal
+0.1V
+0.2V
+0.3V
Set DIMM OverVoltage Control to Normal. (Default value)
Set DIMM OverVoltage Control to +0.1V.
Set DIMM OverVoltage Control to +0.2V.
Set DIMM OverVoltage Control to +0.3V.
Incorrect using it may cause your system broken. For power End-User use only!
PCI-E OverVoltage Control
Normal
+0.1V
+0.2V
+0.3V
Set PCI-E OverVoltrage Control to Normal. (Default value)
Set PCI-E OverVoltrage Control to +0.1V.
Set PCI-E OverVoltrage Control +0.2V.
Set PCI-E OverVoltrage Control +0.3V.
Incorrect using it may cause your system broken. For power End-User use only!
FSB OverVoltage Control
Normal
+0.1V
+0.2V
+0.3V
Set FSB OverVoltage Control to Normal. (Default value)
Set FSB OverVoltage Control to +0.1V.
Set FSB OverVoltage Control to +0.2V.
Set FSB OverVoltage Control to +0.3V.
CPU Voltage Control
Supports adjustable CPU Vcore from 0.8375V to 1.6000V. (Default value: Normal)
- 45 -
BIOS Setup
2-8 Load Fail-Safe Defaults
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Power Management Setup
PnP/PCI C
PC Health Status
Load Fail-Safe Defaults (Y/N)? N
Exit Without Saving
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
ESC: Quit
KLJI: Select Item
F8: Q-Flash
F10: Save & Exit Setup
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Fail-Safe defaults contain the most appropriate values of the system parameters that allow minimum system
performance.
2-9 Load Optimized Defaults
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Power Management Setup
PnP/PCI C
PC Health Status
Load Optimized Defaults (Y/N)? N
Exit Without Saving
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
ESC: Quit
KLJI: Select Item
F8: Q-Flash
F10: Save & Exit Setup
Load Optimized Defaults
Selecting this field loads the factory defaults for BIOS and Chipset Features which the system automatically
detects.
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 46 -
2-10 Set Supervisor/User Password
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Power Management Setup
PnP/PCI C
Enter Password:
PC Health tt
t iai
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
ESC: Quit
KLJI: Select Item
F8: Q-Flash
F10: Save & Exit Setup
Change/Set/Disable Password
When you select this function, the following message will appear at the center of the screen to assist
you in creating a password.
Type the password, up to eight characters, and press <Enter>. You will be asked to confirm the password.
Type the password again and press <Enter>. You may also press <Esc> to abort the selection and not enter
a password.
To disable password, just press <Enter> when you are prompted to enter password. A message
"PASSWORD DISABLED" will appear to confirm the password being disabled. Once the password is disabled,
the system will boot and you can enter Setup freely.
The BIOS Setup program allows you to specify two separate passwords:
SUPERVISOR PASSWORD and a USER PASSWORD. When disabled, anyone may access all BIOS Setup
program function. When enabled, the Supervisor password is required for entering the BIOS Setup program
and having full configuration fields, the User password is required to access only basic items.
If you select "System" at "Password Check" in Advance BIOS Features Menu, you will be prompted for the
password every time the system is rebooted or any time you try to enter Setup Menu.
If you select "Setup" at "Password Check" in Advance BIOS Features Menu, you will be prompted only when
you try to enter Setup.
- 47 -
BIOS Setup
2-11 Save & Exit Setup
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Power Management Setup
PnP/PCI Configurations
PC Health
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
Save to CMOS and EXIT(Y/N)?Y
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
ESC: Quit
KLJI: Select Item
F8: Q-Flash
F10: Save & Exit Setup
Save & Exit Setup
Type "Y" will quit the Setup Utility and save the user setup value to RTC CMOS.
Type "N" will return to Setup Utility.
2-12 Exit Without Saving
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Power Management Setup
PnP/PCI C
PC Health Status
Quit Without Saving (Y/N)? N
Exit Without Saving
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
ESC: Quit
KLJI: Select Item
F8: Q-Flash
F10: Save & Exit Setup
Abandon all Data
Type "Y" will quit the Setup Utility without saving to RTC CMOS.
Type "N" will return to Setup Utility.
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 48 -
Chapter 3 Install Drivers
Pictures below are shown in Windows XP.
Insert the driver CD-title that came with your motherboard into your CD-ROM drive, the driver
CD-title will auto start and show the installation guide. If not, please double click the CD-ROM
device icon in "My computer", and execute the Run.exe.
3-1 Install Chipset Drivers
After insert the driver CD, "Xpress Install" will scan automatically the system and then list all the drivers that
recommended to install. Please pick the item that you want and press "install" followed the item; or you can
press "Xpress Install" to install all items defaulted.
Some device drivers will restart your system automatically. After restarting
your system the "Xpress Install" will continue to install other drivers.
System will reboot automatically after install the drivers, afterward you can
install others application.
For USB2.0 driver support under Windows XP operating system, please
use Windows Service Pack. After install Windows Service Pack, it will show
a question mark "?" in "Universal Serial Bus controller" under "Device
Manager". Please remove the question mark and restart the system (System
will auto-detect the right USB2.0 driver).
- 49 -
Install Drivers
3-2 Software Applications
This page displays all the tools that Gigabyte developed and some free software, you can choose anyone
you want and press "install" to install them.
3-3 Driver CD Information
This page lists the contents of software and drivers in this CD-title.
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 50 -
3-4 Hardware Information
This page lists all device you have for this motherboard.
3-5 Contact Us
Please see the last page for details.
- 51 -
Install Drivers
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 52 -
Chapter 4 Appendix
4-1 Unique Software Utilities
(Not all model support these Unique Software Utilities, please check your MB features.)
U-PLUS D.P.S. (Universal Plus Dual Power System)
The U-Plus Dual Power System (U-Plus DPS) is a revolutionary eight-phase power circuit
built for ultimate system protection. Designed to withstand varying current levels and
changes, the U-Plus D.P.S. provides an immensely durable and stable power circuit to the
CPU for solid system stability. These characteristics make it the ideal companion with the
latest LGA775 Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor as well as future Intel® processors. As well, 4
blue LED's are mounted on the U-Plus D.P.S. for intelligent indication of system loading.
M.I.T. (Motherboard Intelligent Tweaker)
Motherboard Intelligent Tweaker (M.I.T.) allows user to access and change BIOS feature
settings with relative speed and ease. Through GIGABYTE M.I.T. feature the user is no
longer required to switch into different modes within BIOS setup in order to change system
settings such as the CPU system bus, memory timings or to enabled Gigabyte's unique
C.I.A. 2 and M.I.B. 2 features. M.I.T.'s integration of all platform performance settings into
a single mode now gives any user the ability to control and enhance their computer system
to the desired level.
C.I.A.2 (CPU Intelligent Accelerator 2)
GIGABYTE CPU Intelligent Accelerator 2(C.I.A. 2) is designed to automatically adjust CPU
computing power to maximize system performance. When enabled, the program detects
the current CPU loading and automatically accelerates the CPU computing performance to
allow for a faster and smoother execution of programs. When the function is disabled, the
CPU is returned to its initial status.
M.I.B.2 (Memory Intelligent Booster 2)
Built on the original M.I.B., the new Memory Intelligent Booster 2 (M.I.B. 2) is designed
especially to maximize memory performance and boost memory bandwidth up to 10%.
With added branded memory module information, users are able to optimize memory
performance by selecting from a recommended memory module list.
S.O.S. (System Overclock Saver)
System Overclock Saver (S.O.S.) is a unique feature that eliminates system boot-up errors
resulting from system over-enhancement by the user. With GIGABYTE's proprietary
S.O.S. feature, users no longer need to open up the PC chassis and short-circuit the "Clear
CMOS" pins or the battery on the motherboard to reset the system back to factory default
settings. Instead, S.O.S. automatically resets the overclocked system settings back to their
factory defaults to provide a more user-friendly and reliable platform for users.
Download Center
Download Center allows users to quickly download and update their BIOS as well as the
latest drivers for their system. Download Center automatically runs a system check of the
user PC and provides the user with the current system information as well as displaying a
detailed list of all new drivers with the option for download.
C.O.M. (Corporate Online Management)
A web-based system management tool that allows system hardware information such as
CPU, memory, graphics card, etc. to be monitored and controlled via the Internet, C.O.M.
allows corporate MIS engineers to easily maintain corporate computers such as providing
the most up-to-date drivers and BIOS.
- 53 -
Appendix
4-1-1 EasyTune 5 Introduction
EasyTune 5 presents the most convenient Windows based system performance enhancement and
manageability utility. Featuring several powerful yet easy to use tools such as 1) Overclocking for enhancing
system performance, 2) C.I.A. and M.I.B. for special enhancement for CPU and Memory, 3) Smart-Fan
control for managing fan speed control of both CPU cooling fan and North-Bridge Chipset cooling fan, 4) PC
health for monitoring system status.(Note)
User Interface Overview
Button / Display
Overclocking
C.I.A./C.I.A.2 and M.I.B./M.I.B.2
Smart-Fan
PC Health
GO
"Easy Mode" & "Advance Mode"
Display screen
Function display LEDs
GIGABYTE Logo
Description
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Enters the Overclocking setting page
Enters the C.I.A./2 and M.I.B./2 setting page
Enters the Smart-Fan setting page
Enters the PC Health setting page
Confirmation and Execution button
Toggles between Easy and Advance Mode
Display panel of CPU frequency
Shows the current functions status
Log on to GIGABYTE website
TM
10. Help button
11. Exit or Minimize button
Display EasyTune 5 Help file
TM
Quit or Minimize EasyTune 5 software
(Note) EasyTune 5 functions may vary depending on different motherboards.
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard - 54 -
4-1-2 Xpress Recovery Introduction
What is Xpress Recovery ?
Xpress Recovery is a utility used to back up and restore an OS partition.
If the hard drive is not working properly, the user can restore the drive to
its original state.
1. Supports FAT16, FAT32, and NTFS formats
2. Must be connected to the IDE1 Master
3. Allows installation of only one OS
4. Must be used with an IDE hard disk supporting HPA
5. The first partition must be set as the boot partition. When the boot partition is backed up,
please do not alter its size.
6. Xpress Recovery is recommended when using Ghost to return boot manager to NTFS
format.
How to use the Xpress Recovery
1. Boot from CD-ROM (BMP Mode)
Enter the BIOS menu, select "Advanced BIOS Feature" and set to boot from CD-ROM. Insert the
provided driver CD into your CD drive, then save and exit the BIOS menu. Once the computer has
restarted, the phrase "Boot from CD:" will appear at the bottom left-hand corner of the screen. When
"Boot from CD:" appears, press any key to enter Xpress Recovery.
Once you have completed this step, subsequent access to Xpress Recovery can also function by
pressing the F9 key during computer power on.
.
.
Verifying DMI Pool Data
Boot from CD:
Boot from CD:
Xpress Recovery V1.0 (C) Copy Right 2003. GIGABYTE Technology CO. , Ltd.
1. Execute Backup Utility
2. Execute Restore Utility
3. Remove Backup Image
4. Set Password
5. Exit and Restart
Build 2011
- 55 -
Appendix
2. Press F9 during powering on the computer. (Text Mode)
Press F9 during powering on the computer .
Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG, An Energy Star Ally
Copyright (C) 1984-2004, Award Software, Inc.
Intel 865PE AGPSet BIOS for 8IPE1000MT F1
Check System Health OK
.
.
.
F9 For Xpress Recovery
Press DEL to enter SETUP / Q-Flash, F9 For Xpress Recovery
08/16/2002-I845GE-6A69YG01C-00
Xpress Recovery V1.0 (C) Copy Right 2003. GIGABYTE Technology CO. , Ltd.
1. Execute Backup Utility
2. Execute Restore Utility
3. Remove Backup Image
4. Set Password
5. Exit and Restart
1. If you have already entered Xpress Recovery by booting from the CD-ROM, you can
enter Xpress Recovery in the future by pressing the F9 key.
2. System storage capacity as well as drive reading/writing speed will affect backup speed.
3. It is recommended that Xpress Recovery be immediately installed after OS and all
required driver and software installations are complete.
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 56 -
1. Execute Backup Utility:
ꢀ Press B to Backup your System or Esc to Exit
The backup utility will automatically scan your system and back up data as a backup image in your hard
drive.
Not all systems support access to Xpress Recovery by pressing the F9 key during computer
power on. If this is the case, please use the boot from CD-ROM method to enter Xpress
Recovery.
2. Execute Restore Utility:
ꢀ This program will recover your system to factory default.
Press R to restore your system back to factory default or press Esc to exit
Restores backup image to original state.
3. Remove Backup Image:
ꢀ Remove backup image. Are you sure? (Y/N)
Remove the backup image.
4. Set Password:
ꢀ Please input a 4-16 character long password (a-z or 0-9) or press Esc to exit
You can set a password to enter Xpress Recovery to protect your hard disk data. Once this is done,
password input will be required to enter Xpress Recovery during the next as well as subsequent system
restarts. If you wish to remove the need for password entry, please select "Set Password" and under
"New Password/Confirm Password", make sure there is no entry and then press "Enter" to remove
password requirement.
5. Exit and Restart:
Exit and restart your computer.
- 57 -
Appendix
4-1-3 Flash BIOS Method Introduction
Method 1 : Q-FlashTM Utility
Q-FlashTM is a BIOS flash utility embedded in Flash ROM. With this utility,
users only have to stay in the BIOS menu when they want to update
BIOS. Q-Flash?allows users to flash BIOS without any utility in DOS or
Windows. Using Q-FlashTM indicating no more fooling around with any complicated instructions and
operating system since it is in the BIOS menu.
Please note that because updating BIOS has potential risk, please do it with caution!! We are
sorry that Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd is not responsible for damages of system because of
incorrect manipulation of updating BIOS to avoid any claims from end-users.
Before You Begin:
Before you start updating BIOS with the Q-FlashTM utility, please follow the steps below first.
1. Download the latest BIOS for your motherboard from Gigabyte's website.
2. Extract the BIOS file downloaded and save the BIOS file (the one with model name.Fxx. For
example, 8KNXPU.Fba) to a floppy disk.
3. Reboot your PC and press Del to enter BIOS menu.
The BIOS upgrading guides below are separated into two parts.
If your motherboard has dual-BIOS, please refer to Part One.
If your motherboard has single-BIOS, please refer to Part Two.
Part One:
Updating BIOS with Q-FlashTM Utility on Dual BIOS Motherboards.
Some of Gigabyte motherboards are equipped with dual BIOS. In the BIOS menu of the motherboards
supporting Q-Flash and Dual BIOS, the Q-Flash utility and Dual BIOS utility are combined in the same
screen. This section only deals with how to use Q-Flash utility.
In the following sections, we take GA-8KNXP Ultra as the example to guide you how to flash BIOS
from an older version to the latest version. For example, from Fa3 to Fba.
Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG, An Energy Star Ally
Copyright (C) 1984-2003, Award Software, Inc.
Intel i875P AGPset BIOS for 8KNXP Ultra Fa3
Check System Health OK , VCore = 1.5250
Main Processor : Intel Pentium(R) 4 1.6GHz (133x12)
<CPUID : 0F27 Patch ID : 0027>
The BIOS file is Fa3
before updating
Memory Testing : 131072K OK
Memory Frequency 266 MHz in Single Channel
Primary Master : FUJITSU MPE3170AT ED-03-08
Primary Slave : None
Secondary Master : CREATIVEDVD-RM DVD1242E BC101
Secondary Slave : None
Press DEL to enter SETUP / Dual BIOS / Q-Flash / F9 For
Xpress Recovery
08/07/2003-i875P-6A79BG03C-00
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
- 58 -
Entering the Q-FlashTM utility:
Step1: To use Q-Flash utility, you must press Del in the boot screen to enter BIOS menu.
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Select Language
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Power Management Setup
PnP/PCI Configurations
PC Health Status
Save & Exit Setup
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Exit Without Saving
ESC: Quit
F3: Change Language
F10: Save & Exit Setup
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash
Time, Date, Hard Disk Type...
Step 2: Press F8 button on your keyboard and then Y button to enter the Dual BIOS/Q-Flash utility.
Exploring the Q-FlashTM / Dual BIOS utility screen
The Q-Flash / Dual BIOS utility screen consists of the following key components.
Dual BIOS Utility
Dual BIOS utility bar
Boot From.........................................
Main Bios
Main ROM Type/Size.............................SST 49LF003A
Backup ROM Type/Size.........................SST 49LF003A
512K
512K
Task menu for
Dual BIOS
utility
Wide Range Protection Disable
Boot From Main Bios
Auto Recovery Enable
Halt On Error Disable
Copy Main ROM Data to Backup
Load Default Settings
Save Settings to CMOS
Q-Flash Utility
Q-FlashTM utility title
bar
Load Main BIOS from Floppy
Load Backup BIOS from Floppy
Save Main BIOS to Floppy
Save Backup BIOS to Floppy
Task menu for
Q-FlashTM utility
Enter : Run
ꢁꢂ:Move
ESC:Reset
F10:Power Off
Action bar
Task menu for Dual BIOS utility:
Contains the names of eight tasks and two item showing information about the BIOS ROM type. Blocking a
task and pressing Enter key on your keyboard to enable execution of the task.
Task menu for Q-Flash utility:
Contains the names of four tasks. Blocking a task and pressing Enter key on your keyboard to enable execu-
tion of the task.
Action bar:
Contains the names of four actions needed to operate the Q-Flash/Dual BIOS utility. Pressing the buttons
mentioned on your keyboards to perform these actions.
- 59 -
Appendix
Using the Q-FlashTM utility:
This section tells you how to update BIOS using the Q-Flash utility. As described in the "Before you begin"
section above, you must prepare a floppy disk having the BIOS file for your motherboard and insert it to your
computer. If you have already put the floppy disk into your system and have entered the Q-Flash utility,
please follow the steps below to flash BIOS.
Steps:
1. Press arrow buttons on your keyboard to move the light bar to "Load Main BIOS from Floppy" item in
the Q-Flash menu and press Enter button.
Later, you will see a box pop up showing the BIOS files you previously downloaded to the floppy disk.
If you want to save the current BIOS for backup purpose, you can begin Step 1 with "Save Main
BIOS to Floppy" item.
2. Move to the BIOS file you want to flash and press Enter.
In this example, we only download one BIOS file to the floppy disk so only one BIOS file,
8KNXPU.Fba, is listed.
Please confirm again you have the correct BIOS file for your motherboard.
Dual BIOS Utility
Boot From.........................................
Main Bios
Main ROM Type/Size.............................SST 49LF003A
Backup ROM Type/Size.........................SST 49LF003A
512K
512K
Wide Range Protection Disable
1 file(s) found
Boo
8KNXPU.Fba
512K
BIOS file in the floppy
disk.
Total size : 1.39M
Free size : 911.50K
DEL : Delete
F5 : Refresh
Save Settings to CMOS
Q-Flash Utility
Load Main BIOS from Floppy
Load Backup BIOS from Floppy
Save Main BIOS to Floppy
Save Backup BIOS to Floppy
Enter : Run
ꢁꢂ:Move
ESC:Reset
F10:Power Off
After pressing Enter, you'll then see the progress of reading the BIOS file from the floppy disk.
Dual BIOS Utility
Boot From.........................................
Main Bios
Main ROM Type/Size.............................SST 49LF003A
Backup ROM Type/Size.........................SST 49LF003A
512K
512K
Wide Range Protection Disable
Reading BIOS file from floppy ...
Don't Turn Off Power or Reset System
Do not trun off power or
reset your system at this
stage!!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.....................
Save Settings to CMOS
Q-Flash Utility
Load Main BIOS from Floppy
Load Backup BIOS from Floppy
Save Main BIOS to Floppy
Save Backup BIOS to Floppy
Enter : Run
ꢁꢂ:Move
ESC:Reset
F10:Power Off
After BIOS file is read, you'll see a confirmation dialog box asking you "Are you sure to update BIOS?"
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard - 60 -
3. Press Y button on your keyboard after you are sure to update BIOS.
Then it will begin to update BIOS. The progress of updating BIOS will be displayed.
Please do not take out the floppy disk when it begins flashing BIOS.
4. Press any keys to return to the Q-Flash menu when the BIOS updating procedure is completed.
Dual BIOS Utility
Boot From.........................................
Main Bios
Main ROM Type/Size.............................SST 49LF003A
Backup ROM Type/Size.........................SST 49LF003A
512K
512K
Wide Range Protection Disable
You can repeat Step 1 to
4 to flash the backup
BIOS, too.
!! Copy BIOS completed - Pass !!
Please press any key to continue
Save Settings to CMOS
Q-Flash Utility
Load Main BIOS from Floppy
Load Backup BIOS from Floppy
Save Main BIOS to Floppy
Save Backup BIOS to Floppy
Enter : Run
ꢁꢂ:Move
ESC:Reset
F10:Power Off
5. Press Esc and then Y button to exit the Q-Flash utility. The computer will restart automatically after
you exit Q-Flash.
Dual BIOS Utility
Boot From.........................................
Main Bios
Main ROM Type/Size.............................SST 49LF003A
Backup ROM Type/Size.........................SST 49LF003A
512K
512K
Wide Range Protection Disable
Are you sure to RESET ?
[Enter] to continure or [Esc] to abort...
Save Settings to CMOS
Q-Flash Utility
Load Main BIOS from Floppy
Load Backup BIOS from Floppy
Save Main BIOS to Floppy
Save Backup BIOS to Floppy
Enter : Run
ꢁꢂ:Move
ESC:Reset
F10:Power Off
After system reboots, you may find the BIOS version on your boot screen becomes the one you flashed.
Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG, An Energy Star Ally
Copyright (C) 1984-2003, Award Software, Inc.
Intel i875P AGPset BIOS for 8KNXP Ultra Fba
The BIOS file
Check System Health OK , VCore = 1.5250
Main Processor : Intel Pentium(R) 4 1.6GHz (133x12)
<CPUID : 0F27 Patch ID : 0027>
becomes Fab after
Memory Testing : 131072K OK
updating.
Memory Frequency 266 MHz in Single Channel
Primary Master : FUJITSU MPE3170AT ED-03-08
Primary Slave : None
Secondary Master : CREATIVEDVD-RM DVD1242E BC101
Secondary Slave : None
Press DEL to enter SETUP / Dual BIOS / Q-Flash / F9 For
Xpress Recovery
09/23/2003-i875P-6A79BG03C-00
- 61 -
Appendix
6. Press Del to enter BIOS menu after system reboots. When you are in BIOS menu, move to
Load Fail-Safe Defaults item and press Enter to load BIOS Fail-Safe Defaults. Normally the system
redetects all devices after BIOS has been upgraded. Therefore, we highly recommend reloading the
BIOS defaults after BIOS has been upgraded.
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Select Language
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Power Manag
PnP/PCI Coni
PC Health Status
Load Fail-Safe Defaults (Y/N)? Y
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
ESC: Quit
F3: Change Language
F10: Save & Exit Setup
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash
Time, Date, Hard Disk Type...
Press Y on your keyboard to load defaults.
7. Select Save & Exit Setup item to save the settings to CMOS and exit the BIOS menu.
System will reboot after you exit the BIOS menu. The procedure is completed.
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Select Language
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Power Manag
PnP/PCI Con
PC Health Status
Save to CMOS and EXIT (Y/N)? Y
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
ESC: Quit
F3: Change Language
F10: Save & Exit Setup
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash
Time, Date, Hard Disk Type...
Press Y on your keyboard to save and exit.
Part Two:
Updating BIOS with Q-FlashTM Utility on Single-BIOS Motherboards.
This part guides users of single-BIOS motherboards how to update BIOS using the Q-FlashTM utility.
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2004 Award Software
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Top Performance
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Power Management Setup
PnP/PCI Configurations
PC Health Status
Save & Exit Setup
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Exit Without Saving
ESC: Quit
F3: Change Language
F10: Save & Exit Setup
F8: Q-Flash
Time, Date, Hard Disk Type...
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
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Exploring the Q-FlashTM utility screen
The Q-FlashBIOS utility screen consists of the following key components.
Q-FlashTM utility bar
Q-Flash Utility V1.30
Flash Type/Size.................................SST 49LF003A
256K
Keep DMI Data Enable
Task menu for
Q-FlashTM utility
Update BIOS from Floppy
Save BIOS to Floppy
Enter : Run
ꢁꢂ:Move
ESC:Reset
F10:Power Off
Action bar
Task menu for Q-Flash utility:
Contains the names of three tasks. Blocking a task and pressing Enter key on your keyboard to enable
execution of the task.
Action bar:
Contains the names of four actions needed to operate the Q-Flash utility. Pressing the buttons mentioned on
your keyboards to perform these actions.
Using the Q-FlashTM utility:
This section tells you how to update BIOS using the Q-Flash utility. As described in the "Before you begin"
section above, you must prepare a floppy disk having the BIOS file for your motherboard and insert it to your
computer. If you have already put the floppy disk into your system and have entered the Q-Flash utility,
please follow the steps below to flash BIOS.
Steps:
1. Press arrow buttons on your keyboard to move the light bar to "Update BIOS from Floppy" item in the
Q-Flash menu and press Enter button.
Later, you will see a box pop up showing the BIOS files you previously downloaded to the floppy disk.
If you want to save the current BIOS for backup purpose, you can begin Step 1 with "Save BIOS
to Floppy" item.
2. Move to the BIOS file you want to flash and press Enter.
In this example, we only download one BIOS file to the floppy disk so only one BIOS file,
8GE800.F4, is listed.
Please confirm again you have the correct BIOS file for your motherboard.
Q-Flash Utility V1.30
Flash Type/Size.................................SST 49LF003A
256K
1 file(s) found
8GE800.F4
256K
BIOS file in the floppy
disk.
Total size : 1.39M
En
Free size : 1.14M
DEL : Delete
er Off
F5 : Refresh
Q-Flash Utility V1.30
Flash Type/Size.................................SST 49LF003A
256K
Do not trun off power or
reset your system at
this stage!!
Reading BIOS file from floppy ...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.....................
En
er Off
Don't Turn Off Power or Reset System
After BIOS file is read, you'll see a confirmation dialog box asking you "Are you sure to update BIOS?"
Please do not take out the floppy disk when it begins flashing BIOS.
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Appendix
3. Press Y button on your keyboard after you are sure to update BIOS.
Then it will begin to update BIOS. The progress of updating BIOS will be shown at the same time.
Q-Flash Utility V1.30
Flash Type/Size.................................SST 49LF003A
256K
Updating BIOS Now
Do not trun off power or
reset your system
at this stage!!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.........................
En
er Off
Don't Turn Off Power or Reset System
4. Press any keys to return to the Q-Flash menu when the BIOS updating procedure is completed.
Q-Flash Utility V1.30
Flash Type/Size.................................SST 49LF003A
256K
!! Copy BIOS completed - Pass !!
Please press any key to continue
En
er Off
5. Press Esc and then Y button to exit the Q-Flash utility. The computer will restart automatically after
you exit Q-Flash.
Q-Flash Utility V1.30
Flash Type/Size.................................SST 49LF003A
256K
Are you sure to RESET ?
[Enter] to continure or [Esc] to abort...
En
er Off
After system reboots, you may find the BIOS version on your boot screen becomes the one you flashed.
Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG, An Energy Star Ally
Copyright (C) 1984-2003, Award Software, Inc.
Intel 845GE AGPSet BIOS for 8GE800 F4
The BIOS file
Check System Health OK
Main Processor : Intel Pentium(R) 4 1.7GHz (100x17.0)
<CPUID : 0F0A Patch ID : 0009>
Memory Testing : 122880K OK + 8192K Shared Memory
becomes F4 after
updating
Primary Master : FUJITSU MPE3170AT ED-03-08
Primary Slave : None
Secondary Master : CREATIVEDVD-RM DVD1242E BC101
Secondary Slave : None
Press DEL to enter SETUP / Q-Flash
03/18/2003-I845GE-6A69YG01C-00
6. Press Del to enter BIOS menu after system reboots and "Load BIOS Fail-Safe Defaults". See how
to Load BIOS Fail-Safe Defaults, please kindly refer to Step 6 to 7 in Part One.
Congratulation!! You have updated BIOS successfully!!
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
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Method 2 : @BIOSTM Utility
If you do not have a DOS startup disk, we recommend that you use the
new @BIOS utility. @BIOS allows users to update their BIOS under
Windows. Just select the desired @BIOS server to download the latest
version of BIOS.
Fig 1. Installing the @BIOS utility
Fig 2. Installation Complete and Run @BIOS
Click Sart/ Programs/ GIGABYTE/@BIOS
Select @BIOS item than click Install
Fig 3. The @BIOS Utility
Fig 4. Select the desired @BIOS server
Click "ꢀ"
Click "Update New BIOS"
1. Methods and steps:
I. Update BIOS through Internet
a. Click "Internet Update" icon
b. Click "Update New BIOS" icon
c. Select @BIOSTM sever
d. Select the exact model name on your motherboard
e. System will automatically download and update the BIOS.
II. Update BIOS NOT through Internet:
a. Do not click "Internet Update" icon
b. Click "Update New BIOS"
c. Please select "All Files" in dialog box while opening the old file.
d. Please search for BIOS unzip file, downloading from internet or any other methods (such as:
8I915PL-G.D2).
e. Complete update process following the instruction.
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Appendix
III. Save BIOS
In the very beginning, there is "Save Current BIOS" icon shown in dialog box. It means to save the
current BIOS version.
IV. Check out supported motherboard and Flash ROM:
In the very beginning, there is "About this program" icon shown in dialog box. It can help you check out
which kind of motherboard and which brand of Flash ROM are supported.
2. Note:
I. In method I, if it shows two or more motherboard's model names to be selected, please make
sure your motherboard's model name again. Selecting wrong model name will cause the
system unbooted.
II. In method II, be sure that motherboard's model name in BIOS unzip file are the same as your
motherboard's. Otherwise, your system won't boot.
III. In method I, if the BIOS file you need cannot be found in @BIOSTM server, please go onto
Gigabyte's web site for downloading and updating it according to method II.
IV. Please note that any interruption during updating will cause system unbooted
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
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4-1-4 2- / 4- / 6- / 8-ChannelAudio Function Introduction
This motherboard provide 6 audio connector. You are able to use 2-/
4-/6-/8-channnels audio feature by audio software selection.
Introduction of audio connectors:
You may connect CD-ROM/DVD-ROM, walkman or
others audio input to Line In.
The front channels or earphone can be connected to
Line Out (Front Speaker Out).
Connect microphone to Mic In.
Connect the rear channels to Rear Speaker Out.
Connect the Center/Subwoofer channels to Center/
Subwoofer Speaker Out.
Line In
Rear Speaker Out
Line Out
(Front Speaker Out)
Center/Subwoofer
Speaker Out
Side Speaker
Out
Mic In
Connect the side channels to Side Speaker Out.
The installation of audio software for Windows 98/2000/ME/XP is very simple. Please follow the steps to
install the function.(Following pictures are in Windows XP)
Stereo Speakers Connection and Settings:
We recommend that you use the speaker with amplifier to acquire the best sound effect if the stereo output
is applied.
STEP 1:
Connect the stereo speakers or earphone to "Line
Out".
Line Out
STEP 2 :
Following installation of the audio driver, you find a
Sound Effect
icon on the lower right hand taskbar.
Click the icon to select the function.
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Appendix
STEP 3:
Click "Speaker Configuration" then click on the
left selection bar and select "2CH Speaker" to
complete 2 channel audio configuration.
4 Channel Audio Setup
STEP 1 :
Connect the front channels to "Front Speaker Out",
the rear channels to "Rear Speaker Out".
Front Speaker Out
Rear Speaker Out
STEP 2 :
Following installation of the audio driver, you find a
Sound Effect
icon on the lower right hand taskbar.
Click the icon to select the function.
STEP 3:
Click "Speaker Configuration" then click on the
left selection bar and select "4CH Speaker" to
complete 4 channel audio configuration.
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
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6 Channel Audio Setup
STEP 1 :
Connect the front channels to "Front Speaker Out",
the rear channels to "Rear Speaker Out", and the
Center/Subwoofer channels to "Center/Subwoofer
Speaker Out".
Front Speaker Out
Rear Speaker Out
Center/Subwoofer
Speaker Out
STEP 2 :
Following installation of the audio driver, you find a
Sound Effect
icon on the lower right hand taskbar.
Click the icon to select the function.
STEP 3:
Click "Speaker Configuration" then click on the
left selection bar and select "6CH Speaker" to
complete 6 channel audio configuration.
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Appendix
8 Channel Audio Setup
STEP 1 :
Connect the front channels to "Front Speaker Out",
the rear channels to "Rear Speaker Out", the Center/
Subwoofer channels to "Center/Subwoofer Speaker
Out", and the side channels to "Side Speaker Out".
Front Speaker Out
Rear Speaker Out
Center/Subwoofer
Speaker Out
Side Speaker Out
STEP 2 :
Following installation of the audio driver, you find a
Sound Effect
icon on the lower right hand taskbar.
Click the icon to select the function.
STEP 3:
Click "Speaker Configuration" then click on the
left selection bar and select "6CH Speaker" to
complete 6 channel audio configuration.
Sound Effect Configuration:
At the sound effect menu, users can adjust sound
option settings as desired.
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
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4-1-5 Jack-Sensing and UAJ Introduction
Jack-Sensing provides audio connectors error-detection function.
Install Microsoft DirectX8.1 or later version before to enable Jack-Sensing support for
Windows 98/98SE/2000/ME.
Jack-Sensing includes 2 parts: AUTO and MANUAL. Following is an example for 2 channels (Windows XP):
Introduction of audio connectors
You may connect CDROM, Walkman or others audio
input devices to Line In jack, speakers, earphone or
others output devices to Line Out jack, and micro-
phone to MIC In jack.
Auto-detecting:
Please connect the devices to the right jacks as
above. A window will appear as right
picture if you setup the devices properly.
Please note that 3D audio function will only
appear when 3D audio inputs.
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Appendix
If you set wrong with the connectors, the warning
message will come out as right picture.
Manual setting:
If the device picture shows different from what you
set, please press "Manual Selection" to set.
UAJ Introduction
UAJ (Universal Audio Jack) has a very smart feature: It will switch signal automatically when user plugs his
audio device to the wrong jack (Line-in/ Line-out). That means users do not need to worry the audio device
should be plug in Line-in or Line-out jack, the device will work perfectly after UAJ is activated.
Enable UAJ function:
You can click "UAJ Automatic" button to enable UAJ
function.
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
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4-2 Troubleshooting
Below is a collection of general asked questions. To check general asked questions based on a specific
Question 1: I cannot see some options that were included in previous BIOS after updating BIOS. Why?
Answer: Some advanced options are hidden in new BIOS version. Please press Ctrl and F1 keys after
entering BIOS menu and you will be able to see these options.
Questions 2: Why is the light of my keyboard/optical mouse still on after computer shuts down?
Answer: In some boards, a small amount of electricity is kept on standby after computer shuts down and
that's why the light is still on.
Question 3: How do I clear CMOS?
Answer: If your board has a Clear CMOS jumper, please refer to the Clear CMOS steps in the manual. If your
board doesn't have such jumper, you can take off the on-board battery to leak voltage to clear CMOS.
Please refer to the steps below:
Steps:
1. Turn off power.
2. Disconnect the power cord from MB.
3. Take out the battery gently and put it aside for about 10 minutes (Or you can use a metal object to
connect the positive and negative pins in the battery holder to makethem short for one minute).
4. Re-insert the battery to the battery holder.
5. Connect power cord to MB again and turn on power.
6. Press Del to enter BIOS and load Fail-Safe Defaults.
7. Save changes and reboot the system.
Question 4: Why does system seem unstable after updating BIOS?
Answer: Please remember to load Fail-Safe Defaults (Or Load BIOS Defaults) after flashing BIOS. However,
if the system instability still remains, please clear CMOS to solve the problem.
Question 5: Why do I still get a weak sound after turning up the speaker to the maximum volume?
Answer: Please make sure the speaker you are using is equipped with an internal amplifier. If not, please
change another speaker with power/amplifier and try again later.
Question 6: How do I disable onboard VGA card in order to add an external VGA card?
Answer: Gigabyte motherboards will auto-detect the external VGA card after it is plugged in, so you don't
need to change any setting manually to disable the onboard VGA.
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Appendix
Question 7: Why cannot I use the IDE 2?
Answer: Please refer to the user manual and check whether you have connected any cable that is not
provided with the motherboard package to the USB Over Current pin in the Front USB Panel. If the cable is
your own cable, please remove it from this pin and do not connect any of your own cables to it.
Question 8: Sometimes I hear different continuous beeps from computer after system boots up. What do
these beeps usually stand for?
Answer: The beep codes below may help you identify the possible computer problems. However, they are
only for reference purposes. The situations might differ from case to case.
ꢃ
AWARD BIOS Beep Codes
1 short: System boots successfully
2 short: CMOS setting error
1 long 1 short: DRAM or M/B error
1 long 2 short: Monitor or display card error
1 long 3 short: Keyboard error
1 long 9 short: BIOS ROM error
Continuous long beeps: DRAM error
Continuous short beeps: Power error
ꢃAMI BIOS Beep Codes
Computer gives 1 short beep when system boots successfully.
*Except for beep code 8, these codes are always fatal.
1 beep Refresh failure
*
2 beeps Parity error
3 beeps Base 64K memory failure
4 beeps Timer not operational
5 beeps Processor error
6 beeps 8042 - gate A20 failure
7 beeps Processor exception interrupt error
8 beeps Display memory read/write failure
9 beeps ROM checksum error
10 beeps CMOS shutdown register read/write error
11 beeps Cache memory bad
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
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Appendix
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
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Appendix
GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
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Contact Us
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- 79 -
Appendix
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GA-8I915PL-G Motherboard
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