|
GA-8N-SLI Royal/
GA-8N-SLI Pro/
GA-8N-SLI
Intel® Pentium® Processor Extreme Edition
Intel® Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 LGA775 Processor Motherboard
User's Manual
Rev. 1004
12ME-8NSLIRO-1004
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-8N-SLI Royal / GA-8N-SLI Pro / GA-8N-SLI Motherboard Layout .......................... 8
Block Diagram................................................................................................................ 9
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation ....................................................................................11
1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation ................................................................... 11
1-2 Feature Summary .......................................................................................... 12
1-3 Installation of the CPU and Heatsink .............................................................. 14
1-3-1 Installation of the CPU ......................................................................................... 14
1-3-2 Installation of the Heatsink .................................................................................. 15
1-4 Installing/Removing Cool-Plus (Northbridge Cooling Fan) ......................... 16
1-5 Installation of Memory .................................................................................... 16
1-6 Installation of Expansion Cards ...................................................................... 18
1-7 Installation of U-Plus DPS (Universal Plus Dual Power System) ................. 19
1-8 Setup of SLI (Scalable Link Interface) Configuration ....................................... 20
1-9 I/O Back Panel Introduction ........................................................................... 23
1-10 ConnectorsIntroduction .................................................................................. 24
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup................................................................................................ 35
The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver. : GA-8N-SLI Royal F3l)......................... 36
2-1 Standard CMOS Features ............................................................................. 38
2-2 Advanced BIOS Features.............................................................................. 40
2-3 IntegratedPeripherals ..................................................................................... 42
2-4 Power Management Setup ............................................................................. 45
2-5 PnP/PCI Configurations................................................................................. 47
2-6 PC Health Status ........................................................................................... 48
2-7 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ....................................................................... 50
2-8 SelectLanguage ............................................................................................. 53
2-9 Load Fail-Safe Defaults ................................................................................... 53
2-10 Load Optimized Defaults ................................................................................. 53
2-11 Set Supervisor/User Password ..................................................................... 54
2-12 Save & Exit Setup......................................................................................... 55
2-13 Exit Without Saving ....................................................................................... 55
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 6 -
Chapter 3 Drivers Installation ...................................................................................... 57
3-1 Install Chipset Drivers .................................................................................... 57
3-2 SoftwareApplication ....................................................................................... 58
3-3 SoftwareInformation ....................................................................................... 58
3-4 Hardware Information ..................................................................................... 59
3-5 Contact Us ..................................................................................................... 59
Chapter 4 Appendix ................................................................................................... 61
4-1 Unique Software Utilities ................................................................................ 61
4-1-1 EasyTune 5 Introduction ..................................................................................... 62
4-1-2 Xpress Recovery2 Introduction ......................................................................... 63
4-1-3 Flash BIOS Method Introduction ........................................................................ 65
4-1-4 Serial ATA BIOS Setting Utility Introduction ...................................................... 76
4-1-5 2- / 4- / 6- / 8- Channel Audio Function Introduction ...................................... 87
4-2 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 91
- 7 -
GA-8N-SLIRoyal/GA-8N-SLIPro/GA-8N-SLIMotherboardLayout
VRM_CONN
KB_MS
COAXIAL
ATX
LGA775
SPDIF_O
FDD
nVIDIA®
AUDIO1
AUDIO2
nForce 4 SLI
Intel Edition
CPU_FAN
PCIE_12V
ATX_12V
IDE2 IDE1
NB_FAN
PCIE_1
F_AUDIO
Marvell
8053 (LAN1)
PCIE_16_1
Main
BIOS
nVIDIA®
MCP-04
IDE3
SLI Switch Module Socket
PCIE_16_2
PCIE_2
Backup
BIOS
SYS_FAN
CLR_CMOS
TSB82AA2
RF_ID
PCI1
PCI2
PDC20779
BATTERY
TSB81BA3
ESATAII1
SATAII2
SATAII1
SATAII0
F2_1394
F1_1394
ESATAII0
SATAII3
CI
F_PANEL
PWR_LED
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 8 -
Block Diagram
2 PCIE x 8
1 PCIE x 16
CPUCLK+/-(1066/800/533MHz)
LGA775
Processor
PCI-ECLK
or
(100MHz)
Host
Interface
DDRII 667/533MHz DIMM
SLI Mode
Normal Mode
Dual Channel Memory
NBCLK (25MHz)
Switch
nVIDIA®
nForce 4 SLI
Intel Edition
PCI Express x 16 Bus
HCLK+/- (133/200/266MHz)
PCI Express Bus
x 1
x 1
x 1
PCI-ECLK
(100MHz)
Marvell
8053
33MHz
25MHz
48MHz
RJ45
2 PCI Express x 1
ROMCLK33MHz
Dual BIOS
4 SATA 3Gb/s
LAN 1
nVIDIA®
MCP-04
ATA33/66/100/133
IDE Channels
Floppy
PCI Bus
PDC20779
LPT Port
LPC BUS
24 MHz
IT8712F
TSB82AA2
TSB81BA3
COM Port
CODEC
PS/2 KB/Mouse
33 MHz
10 USB
Ports
24.576MHz
2PCI
PCICLK
(33MHz)
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 9 -
- 10 -
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 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.
- 11 -
Hardware Installation
1-2 Feature Summary
Motherboard
CPU
Š
Š
GA-8N-SLI Royal or GA-8N-SLI Pro or GA-8N-SLI
Supports LGA775 Intel® Pentium® Processor Extreme Edition/ Pentium® D /
Pentium®
4
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Supports 1066/800/533MHz FSB
L2 cache varies with CPU
Northbridge: nVIDIA® nForce 4 SLI Intel Edition (Crush 19)
Southbridge: nVIDIA® MCP-04
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
4 DDR II DIMM memory slots (supports up to 8GB memory)
Supports dual channel DDR II 667/533 unbuffered DIMM
Supports 1.8V DDR II DIMM
2 PCI Express x 16 slots(Note 1)
2 PCI Express x 1 slots
Chipset
Memory
Slots
2 PCI slots
IDE Connections
2 ports from MCP-04 (IDE1/IDE2) (UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100/ATA 133),
allows connection of 4 IDE devices
-
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
Š
Š
1 port from PDC20779 (IDE3)(UDMA 33/ATA 66/ATA 100/ATA 133), allows
connection of 2 IDE hard drives
-
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
FDD Connections
1 FDD connection, allows connection of 2 FDD devices
Onboard SATA 3Gb/s Š 6 SATA 3Gb/s ports:
4 ports from MCP-04 controller (SATAII0, SATAII1, SATAII2, SATAII3)
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
2 ports from PDC20779 controller (ESATAII0, ESATAII1)
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
-
-
Peripherals
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
1 parallel port supporting Normal/EPP/ECP mode
1 Serial port (COMA)
10 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (rear x 4, front x 6 via cable)
3 IEEE1394b connectors (requires cable)
1 front audio connector
1 PS/2 keyboard port
1 PS/2 mouse port
Onboard Marvell 8053 chip (10/100/1000 Mbit) (LAN1)
Onboard Marvell 88E1111/88E1115 phy (10/100/1000 Mbit) (LAN2)
Onboard LAN
-
Supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
Š
2 RJ45 ports
(Note 1) In SLI Mode, the two PCIE x 16 slots can run at up to x 8 respectively. In Normal Mode,
only the first PCIE x 16 slot (PCIE_16_1, color-coded blue) is available and can run at up to
x 16.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 12 -
Onboard Audio
Š
Š
Š
ALC850 CODEC
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
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
SPDIF_IN connection
SPDIF_Out (optical+coaxial) connection
CD_IN connection
IT8712F
System voltage detection
I/O Control
Hardware Monitor
CPU temperature detection
CPU / system / power
CPU warning temperature
CPU / system / power
CPU smart fan control
fan speed detection
fan failure warning
Onboard SATA 3Gb/s Š Onboard nVIDIA® MCP-04 chipset
RAID
-
supports data striping (RAID 0) or mirroring (RAID 1), striping +
mirroring (RAID 0+1) or RAID 5 function
-
-
-
-
supports data transfer rate of up to 300 MB/s
supports hot plugging function
supports a maximum of 4 SATA 3Gb/s connections
supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
Š
Onboard Promise PDC20779 chip
-
-
-
-
-
supports data striping (RAID 0) or mirroring (RAID 1) function
supports data transfer rate of up to 300 MB/s
supports hot plugging function
supports a maximum of 2 SATA 3Gb/s connections
supported on the Win 2000/XP operating systems
BIOS
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Š
Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Supports Dual BIOS /Q-Flash/Multilanguage BIOS
Supports U-Plus DPS
Additional Features
Supports @BIOS
Supports EasyTune 5
(Note 2)
Overclocking
Form Factor
Over Voltage via BIOS (FSB/DIMM/PCIE/SATA II/CPU)
Over Clock via BIOS (CPU/DIMM/PCIE)
ATX form factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm
(Note 2) EasyTune 5 functions may vary depending on different motherboards.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 13 -
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: A NVIDIA® 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.)
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 14 -
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.
- 15 -
Hardware Installation
1-4 Installing/Removing Cool-Plus (Northbridge Cooling Fan)
Fig.1
Fig.2
To attach Cool-Plus to
a heatsink, align the
extensions on both
sides with the grooves
in the heatsink as
shown. Firmly press
down until it snaps into
position.
Once the fan is prop-
erly affixed onto the
heatsink, plug the
power cable into the
NB_FAN connector.
Fig.3
Before proceeding, first check to make sure that the fan's power cable is
disconnected. Then, while applying pressure to the top of the fan, carefully
use a screwdriver to dislodge the extension on one side.
Exerting too much pressure on the fan during removal might
cause the side extensions to break-off.
1-5 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 II 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 II
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 16 -
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.
Dual Channel DDR II
GA-8N-SLI Royal/GA-8N-SLI Pro/GA-8N-SLI supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operating
the Dual Channel Technology, the bandwidth of Memory Bus will double.
If you want to operate the Dual Channel Technology, please note the following explanations due to the
limitation of Intel chipset specifications.
1. Dual channel memory cannot be used if one or three DDR II memory
modules are installed.
2. To enable Dual Channel mode with 2 or 4 memory modules, it is
recommended to use memory modules of identical brand, size, chips,
and speed.
We'll strongly recommend our user to slot two DDR II memory modules into the DIMMs of 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 II 1
DS/SS
X
DDR II 2
X
DDR II 3
DS/SS
X
DDR II 4
X
2 memory modules
4 memory modules
DS/SS
DS/SS
DS/SS
DS/SS
DS/SS
DS/SS
- 17 -
Hardware Installation
1-6 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 Ex-
press 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.
The PCIE_12V power connector supplies
extra power to the PCI Express x 16
slots. Connect this connector depending
on your system requirements.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 18 -
1-7 Installation of U-Plus DPS (Universal Plus Dual Power System)
The U-Plus Dual Power System (U-Plus D.P.S.) is a revolutionary eight-phase power circuit built for
ultimate system protection. Designed to withstand varying current levels and changes, the U-Plus DPS
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.
The U-Plus DPS can work in a Dual Power System:
Parallel Mode--
U-Plus DPS and motherboard CPU power can work
simultaneously, providing a total of 8-phase power
circuit.
How to install U-Plus DPS?
1. The U-Plus DPS socket (VRM_CONN) has a notch, so the U-Plus DPS can only fit in one direction.
2. Insert the U-Plus DPS vertically into the socket and then push it down.
3. Fix the U-Plus DPS on the motherbard with the clip.
4. Reverse the installation steps if you want to remove the U-Plus DPS.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
- 19 -
Hardware Installation
1-8 Setup of SLI (Scalable Link Interface) Configuration
The nVIDIA® nForce 4 SLI Intel Edition chipset offers blistering graphics performance with the ability to
bridge two NVIDIA SLI-ready PCI ExpressTM graphics cards! The SLI design takes advantage of the
increased bandwidth of the PCI ExpressTM bus architecture, features hardware and software innova-
tions within NVIDIA GPU (graphics processing unit) and the nVIDIA nForce 4 SLI Intel Edition chipset.
Together, the NVIDIA SLI technologies work seamlessly to allow two graphics cards to operate in
parallel and share the work and deliver heart-pounding PC performance. This section introduces steps
to configure an SLI system on the GA-8N-SLI Royal/GA-8N-SLI Pro/GA-8N-SLI motherboard.
Before You Begin--
I. Understanding the components:
ꢀ
The SLI bridge connector (GC-SLICON)
The GC-SLICON is used to bridge two SLI-capable graphics cards
in order to set up an SLI configuration.
GC-SLICON
ꢀ
The SLI switch module (GC-SLISW-C19)
The GC-SLISW-C19 switch module is installed in the SLI switch
module socket by factory default. This SLI switch module has gold
edge connectors on two sides. One is SLI Mode and the other is
Normal mode.
GC-SLISW-C19
Normal Mode: When the SLI switch module is set to Normal Mode, the first PCIE x 16 slot
(PCIE_16_1, color coded blue) is available and can operate at up to x 16 speed. Please note that
the second PCIE x 16 slot is not available in Normal Mode.
SLI Mode: In SLI Mode, the two PCIE x 16 slots can operate in two ways:
1. You can install two SLI-capable PCIE x 16 graphics cards of the same model (Example:
GIGABYTE GV-NX66T128D) and link them together with the GC-SLICON bridge to enable SLI
function to provide enhanced performance.
2. You can use them as two individual PCIE x16 slots and each slot provides up to x8
bandwidth.
ꢀ
The SLI switch module (GC-SLISW-3D1)
For users who wish to install the GIGABYTE GV-3D1 graphics card
on this motherboard, they must insert the GC-SLISW-3D1 switch mod-
ule in the 3D1 Mode direction. (The Normal Mode is the same as that
of the GC-SLISW-C19 module.)
GC-SLISW-3D1
We do not recommend removing the SLI switch module from the motherboard because in that
case, both of the PCIE x 16 slots will not be available.
II. Power Requirements:
Before installation, assure that the power supply you use is able to provide sufficient power to fully
support an SLI configuration and other components in your system. We recommend a power supply
that provides at least 20A 5V and 12V current and a minimum of 400W wattage. Please note that the
exact power requirements will depend on your overall system configurations.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 20 -
III. Supported Operating Systems:
Only Windows XP operating system is currently supported by the NVIDIA SLI technology.
Enabling SLI Mode--
Set the SLI switch module:
Note that as the switch module (GC-SLISW-C19) is preinstalled in the Normal Mode direction by factory default,
the first step to enable SLI mode on your system is to take out the module from the socket, turn it around and
insert it in the SLI Mode direction.
Step 1: Gently spread the retaining clips of the socket and the
module may then be removed from the socket. Hold the
module by the edges and lift it away from the socket.
Step 2: Position the SLI Mode side of the module above the socket at
a 25o angle. Align the small notch at the top edge of the module
with the key in the socket.
Step 3: Insert the top edge of the module into the socket. Make sure
the gold edge connectors are fully inserted.
Step 4: Gently press down on the two ends of the module until it is
locked in place by the socket clips. (You should hear a "click"
when the module is attached.)
Connecting Two Graphics Cards:
Step 1: Observe the steps in "1-6 Installation of Expansion Cards" on
page 16 and install two SLI-ready graphics cards of the same
model to the PCIE_16_1 and PCIE_16_2 slots.
- 21 -
Hardware Installation
Step 2: Insert the SLI bridge (the GC-SLICON) to the SLI gold
edge connector on top of both cards. Make sure the
two mini female slots on the bridge connector se-
curely fit onto the SLI gold edge connetors of both
Gold edge connector on the top of
cards.
graphics card
Female slots on the bridge connector
Step 3: In order to securely fix the bridge connector be-
tween the two cards, you must install the retention
bracket included with the motherboard and secure
the retention bracket to the chassis back panel with
a
screw.
place this part on the top of
the bridge connector.
retention bracket
Step 4: Plug the display cable into either one of the two
graphics cards for display output. If you plug the
display cable to the card on the PCIE_16_1 slot,
make sure to set Init Display First in BIOS
Setup to PEG; if you plug the display cable to
the card on the PCIE_16_2 slot, set Init Display
First to PEG(Slot2).
Graphics Card Driver Setting:
Step 1: After installing graphics card driver in operating
system, right-click the NVIDIA icon in your sys-
tem tray and then select NVIDIA Display. The
NVIDIA control panel will appear.
Step 2: Select SLI multi-GPU from the side menu and
then select the Enable SLI multi-GPU checkbox
in the SLI multi-GPU dialog box. System will
restart after you click Apply. Then the SLI
configuration is completed.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 22 -
1-9 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.
COAXIAL (SPDIF_O)
The SPDIF coaxial output port is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or
compressed AC3 data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder via a coaxial cable.
OPTICAL (SPDIF_O)
The SPDIF optical output port is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or com
pressed AC3 data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder via an optical cable.
COMA (Serial Port)
Connects to serial-based mouse or data processing devices.
LAN Port 2
The provided Internet connection is Gigabit Ethernet, providing data transfer speeds of 10/100/
1000Mbps.
LAN Port 1
The provided Internet connection is Gigabit Ethernet (PCI Express Gigabit), providing data transfer
speeds of 10/100/1000Mbps.
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
sureyour 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.
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.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
- 23 -
Hardware Installation
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.
1-10 Connectors Introduction
3
1
2
5
7
8
6
13
20
8
4
18
22
14
15
21
9
12
19
17
16
10 11
1) ATX_12V
12) F_PANEL
13) F_AUDIO
14) CD_IN
2) ATX (Power Connector)
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN
15) SPDIF_IN
5) PWR_FAN
16) F_USB1 / F_USB2/F_USB3
17) F1_1394/F2_1394
18) CLR_CMOS
19) CI
6) NB_FAN
7) FDD
8) IDE1 / IDE2 / IDE3
9) SATAII0/1/2/3
10) ESATAII0/1
11) PWR_LED
20) PCIE_12V
21) BATTERY
22) RF_ID
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 24 -
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
4
2
GND
+12V
1
+12V
1
13
Pin No.
13
Definition
Pin No.
Definition
3.3V
1
3.3V
-12V
GND
2
3.3V
14
3
GND
+5V
15
16
PS_ON(soft On/Off)
4
5
GND
+5V
17
GND
6
18
GND
7
GND
19
GND
20
-5V
8
Power Good
9
5V SB(stand by +5V)
+12V
21
+5V
10
11
12
22
+5V
12
24
+12V(Onlyfor24-pinATX)
3.3V(Onlyfor24-pin ATX)
23
+5V (Onlyfor24-pin ATX)
GND(Only for 24-pin ATX)
24
- 25 -
Hardware Installation
3/4/5) CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN/ PWR_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.
1
Pin No.
Definition
GND
CPU_FAN
SYS_FAN
PWR_FAN
1
2
3
4
+12V
1
Sense
SpeedControl
(Only for CPU_FAN)
1
6) NB_FAN (Chip Fan Power Connector)
If you installed wrong direction, the chip fan will not work. Sometimes will damage the chip fan.
(Usually black cable is GND)
Pin No.
Definition
+12V
1
1
2
GND
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 26 -
7) 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.
34
33
2
1
8) IDE1/IDE2/IDE3 (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).
To ensure that an IDE CD-ROM drive can work properly, please attach it to the IDE 1/IDE 2
connector.
40
39
2
1
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
- 27 -
Hardware Installation
9) SATAII0/1/2/3 (SATA 3Gb/s Connectors, Controlled by MCP-04)
10) ESATAII0/1 (SATA 3Gb/s Connectors, Controlled by PDC20779)
SATA 3Gb/s can provide up to 300MB/s transfer rate. Please refer to the BIOS setting for the
SATA 3Gb/s and install the proper driver in order to work properly.
Pin No.
Definition
GND
TXP
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
7
1
1
7
TXN
GND
RXN
RXP
GND
11) PWR_LED
PWR_LED is connected with the system power indicator to indicate whether the system is on/off.
It will blink when the system enters suspend mode.
1
Pin No.
Definition
MPD+
MPD-
1
2
3
MPD-
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 28 -
12 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)
SPEAK (Speaker Connector) (Amber)
Pin 1: LED anode(+)
Pin 2: LED cathode(-)
Pin 1: Power
Pin 2- Pin 3: NC
Pin 4: Data(-)
RES (Reset Switch) (Green)
PW (Power Switch) (Red)
Open: Normal
Close: Reset Hardware System
Open: Normal
Close: Power On/Off
Pin 1: LED anode(+)
Pin 2: LED cathode(-)
NC
MSG(Message LED/Power/Sleep LED)
(Yellow)
NC ( Purple)
- 29 -
Hardware Installation
13) 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
assigments on the cable are the same as the pin assigments 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
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
MIC
10
2
9
1
GND
MIC_BIAS
POWER
FrontAudio(R)
Rear Audio (R)/ Return R
NC
No Pin
FrontAudio (L)
Rear Audio (L)/ Return L
14) 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
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 30 -
15) SPDIF_IN (SPDIF In)
Use SPDIF IN feature only when your device has digital output function.
Be careful with the polarity of the SPDIF_IN 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
1
1
2
3
SPDIFI
GND
16) F_ USB1 / F_USB2 / F_USB3 (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.
Pin No.
Definition
Power
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Power
USB DX-
USB Dy-
USB DX+
USB Dy+
GND
10
2
9
1
GND
No Pin
NC
- 31 -
Hardware Installation
17) F1_1394/F2_1394 (IEEE 1394 Connectors)
Serial interface standard set by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, which has features
like high speed, high bandwidth and hot plug. Be careful with the polarity of the IEEE1394
connector. Check the pin assignment carefully while you connect the IEEE1394 cable, incorrect
connection between the cable and connector will make the device unable to work or even damage
it. For optional IEEE1394 cable, please contact your local dealer. IEEE1394b can approach the
maximum speed to 800Mb/S, but the speed can be achieved only when you use particular
2
16
IEEE1394b cable.
F2_1394
2
1
10
9
15
1
F1_1394
Pin No.
Definition
1
Power
Power
TPA1+
TPA1-
GND
Pin No.
Definition
TPA0+
TPA0-
GND
2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
3
4
5
GND
6
GND
TPB0+
TPB0-
No Pin
Power
Power
GND
7
TPB1+
TPB1-
Power
Power
TPA2+
TPA2-
GND
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
No Pin
TPB2+
TPB2-
18) CLR_CMOS (Clear CMOS)
You may clear the CMOS data to its default values by this header. To clear CMOS, temporarily
short 1-2 pin. Default doesn't include the jumper to prevent from improper use of this header.
1
1
Open: Normal
Short: Clear CMOS
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 32 -
19) CI (Chassis Intrusion, Case Open)
This 2-pin connector allows your system to detect if the chassis cover is removed. You can check the
"Case Opened" status in BIOS Setup.
Pin No.
Definition
Signal
GND
1
2
1
20) PCIE_12V (Power Connector)
The PCIE_12V power connector supplies extra power to the PCI Exress 16 slots. Connect this
connector depending on your system requirements.
PIin No.
Definition
NC
1
2
3
4
GND
1
GND
+12V
- 33 -
Hardware Installation
21) 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. 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 nega-
tive pins in the battery holder to makethem short for one
minute.)
3. Re-install the battery.
4. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
22) RF_ID
This connector allows you to connect external devices to use extra function. Check the pin
assignments before you connect the external device cable. Please contact your nearest
dealer for the optional GIGABYTE external device.
Pin No.
Definition
Power
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
RFID_RI-
RF_TXD
RF_RXD
NC
GND
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 34 -
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>
<F3>
Select Language
<F5>
Restore the previous CMOS value from CMOS, only for Option Page Setup
Menu
<F6>
<F7>
<F8>
<F9>
<F10>
Load the fail-safe default CMOS value from BIOS default table
Load the Optimized Defaults
Dual BIOS /Q-Flash utility
System Information
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
selections for the highlighted item. To exit the Help Window press <Esc>.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 35 -
BIOS Setup
The BIOS Setup menus described in this chapter are for reference only and may differ from the
exact settings for your motherboard.
The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver. : GA-8N-SLI Royal F3l)
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) 1984-2005 Award Software
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Power Management Setup
PnP/PCI Configurations
PC Health Status
Select Language12
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Exit Without Saving
ESC: Quit
F3: Change Language12
F8: Dual BIOS12/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.
„
„
„
„
„
„
„
„
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.
Select Language
This setup page is to select multilanguages.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 36 -
„
„
„
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Fail-Safe Defaults indicates the value of the system parameters which the system would be in safe
configuration.
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.
- 37 -
BIOS Setup
2-1 Standard CMOS Features
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
Standard CMOS Features
Date (mm:dd:yy)
Time (hh:mm:ss)
Wed, Oct 27 2004
22:31:24
Item Help
Menu Level`
`
`
`
`
IDE Channel 0 Master
IDE Channel 0 Slave
IDE Channel 1 Master
IDE Channel 1 Slave
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
Change the day, month,
year
<Week>
Sun. to Sat.
Drive A
Drive B
[1.44M, 3.5"]
[None]
<Month>
Floppy 3 Mode Support
[Disabled]
Jan. to Dec.
Halt On
[All, But Keyboard]
<Day>
1 to 31 (or maximum
allowed in the month)
Base Memory
Extended Memory
Total Memory
640K
511M
512M
<Year>
1999 to 2098
KLJI: Move
Enter: Select
+/-/PU/PD: Value
F5: Previous Values
F10: Save
ESC: Exit
F1: General Help
F3: Language12
F6: Fail-Safe Defaults
F7: Optimized Defaults
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 based on the 24-hour
military-time clock. For example, 1 p.m. is 13:00:00.
IDE Channel 0 Master/Slave; IDE Channel 1 Master/Slave
IDE HDD Auto-Detection Press "Enter" to select this option for automatic device detection.
IDE Channel 0 Master/Slave; IDE Channel 1 Master/Slave devices setup. You can use one of
three methods:
Auto
Allows BIOS to automatically detect IDE devices during POST. (Default
value)
None
Select this if no IDE devices are used and the system will skip the automatic
detection step and allow for faster system start up.
User can manually input the correct settings.
Manual
Access Mode
Use this to set the access mode for the hard drive. The four options are:
CHS/LBA/Large/Auto(default:Auto)
Capacity
Capacity of currently installed hard drive.
Hard drive information should be labeled on the outside drive casing. Enter the appropriate option
based on this information.
Cylinder
Head
Precomp
Landing Zone
Number of cylinders
Number of heads
Write precomp
Landing zone
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 38 -
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
Sector
Number of sectors
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.
.
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
ill 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.
This is the amount of memory located above 1 MB in the CPU's memory address map.
Total Memory
This item displays the memory size that used.
- 39 -
BIOS Setup
2-2 Advanced BIOS Features
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
Advanced BIOS Features
`
Hard Disk Boot Priority
First Boot Device
[Press Enter]
[Floppy]
Item Help
Menu Level`
Second Boot Device
Third Boot Device
ROM Boot Priority1
Boot Up Floppy Seek
Password Check
[Hard Disk]
[CDROM]
[PROMISE]
[Disabled]
[Setup]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[PEG]
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)
CPU EIST Function (Note)
Full Screen LOGO Show
Intel Onscreen Branding
Init Display First
KLJI: Move
Enter: Select
+/-/PU/PD: Value
F5: Previous Values
F10: Save
F6: Fail-Safe Defaults
ESC: Exit
F1: General Help
F3: Language12
F7: Optimized Defaults
"#" : This option is available only when the processor you install supports Intel® Hyper-
Threading 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
Hard Disk
CDROM
ZIP
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.
USB-FDD
USB-ZIP
Select your boot device priority by USB-FDD.
Select your boot device priority by USB-ZIP.
USB-CDROM Select your boot device priority by USB-CDROM.
USB-HDD Select your boot device priority by USB-HDD.
Legacy LAN Select your boot device priority by LAN.
Disabled Disable this function.
ROM Boot Priority
Use this function to select onboard RAID or PCI SCSI boot ROM order if the boot ROM of your
device cannot be auto initiated.
SCSI
Set boot ROM order to SCSI devices.
PROMISE
Set boot ROM order to devices on the Promise controller. (Default)
Nvidia RAID Set boot ROM order to devices on the Nvidia RAID controller.
Boot Up Floppy Seek
During POST, BIOS will determine the floppy disk drive installed is 40 or 80 tracks. 360K type is
40 tracks 720K, 1.2M and 1.44M are all 80 tracks.
(Note) This item will show up when you install a processor that supports this function.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 40 -
Enabled
Disabled
BIOS searches for floppy disk drive to determine it is 40 or 80 tracks. Note that
BIOS can not tell from 720K, 1.2M or 1.44M drive type as they are all 80 tracks.
BIOS will not search for the type of floppy disk drive by track number. Note that
there will not be any warning message if the drive installed is 360K. (Default
value)
Password Check
System
The system can not boot and can not access to Setup page will be denied if the
correct password is not entered at the prompt.
Setup
The system will boot, but access to Setup will be denied if the correct password is
not entered at the prompt. (Default value)
CPU Hyper-Threading
This option appears only when the processor you install supports Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology.
Enabled
Enable CPU Hyper-Threading feature. Please note that this feature only works
for operating system with multiprocessors mode supported. (Default value)
Disable CPU Hyper-Threading.
Disabled
Limit CPUID Max. to 3
Enabled
Limit CPUID Maximum value to 3 when using older OS like NT4.
Disabled
Disable CPUID Limit for Windows XP.(Default value)
No-Execute Memory Protect(Note)
Enabled
Enable No-Execute Memory Protect function.(Default value)
Disabled
Disable No-Execute Memory Protect function.
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)(Note)
Enabled
Enable CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) function.(Default value)
Disabled
Disable CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) function.
CPU Thermal Monitor 2 (TM2) (Note)
Enabled
Enable CPU Thermal Monitor 2 (TM2) function.(Default value)
Disabled
Disable CPU Thermal Monitor 2 (TM2) function.
(Note)
CPU EIST Function
Enabled
Enable CPU EIST function.(Default value)
Disabled
Disable CPU EIST function.
Full Screen LOGO Show
Enabled
Disabled
Display Full Screen Logo during POST. (Defaults value)
Do not display Full Screen Logo.
Intel Onscreen Branding
Enabled
Disabled
Display Intel brand logo. (Defaults value)
Do not display Intel brand Logo.
Init Display First
This feature allows you to select the first initiation of the monitor display from which card when you
install a PCI card and a PCI Express VGA card on the motherboard.
PCI Slot
PEG
Set Init Display First to PCI VGA card.
Set Init Display First to PCI Express VGA card (Slot1). (Default value)
PEG (Slot2) Set Init Display First to PCI Express VGA card (Slot2).
(Note) This item will show up when you install a processor that supports this function.
- 41 -
BIOS Setup
2-3 Integrated Peripherals
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
Integrated Peripherals
IDE/SATAII RAID Config
On-Chip IDE Channel0
On-Chip IDE Channel1
IDE1 Conductor Cable
IDE2 Conductor Cable
Serial-ATAII 1
Serial-ATAII 2
On-Chip USB
USB Keyboard Support
USB Mouse Support
AC97 Audio
[Press Enter]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Auto]
Item Help
Menu Level`
[Auto]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[V1.1+V2.0]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Auto]
Onboard LAN2 Function
Onboard SATAII/IDE31
Onboard SATAII/IDE3 Mode1
[Auto]
[Enabled]
[BASE]
Onboard 1394b Function12
Onboard LAN Function1
Onboard Serial Port 1
i-Lock
Onboard Parallel Port
Parallel Port Mode
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[3F8/IRQ4]
[Enabled]
[378/IRQ7]
[SPP]
KLJI: Move
Enter: Select
+/-/PU/PD: Value
F5: Previous Values
F10: Save
F6: Fail-Safe Defaults
ESC: Exit
F1: General Help
F3: Language12
F7: Optimized Defaults
IDE/SATAII RAID Config
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
IDE/SATAII RAID Config
Item Help
Menu Level`
IDE/SATAII RAID function
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
IDE Primary Master RAID
IDE Primary Slave RAID
IDE Secndry Master RAID
IDE Secndry Slave RAID
SATAII 1 Primary RAID
SATAII 1 Secondary RAID
SATAII 2 Primary RAID
SATAII 2 Secondary RAID
KLJI: Move
Enter: Select
+/-/PU/PD: Value
F5: Previous Values
F10: Save
F6: Fail-Safe Defaults
ESC: Exit
F1: General Help
F3: Language12
F7: Optimized Defaults
IDE/SATAII RAID function
Enabled
Enable IDE/SATAII RAID function. (Default value)
Disabled
Disable IDE/SATAII RAID function.
IDE Primary Master RAID
Enabled
Enable 1st master channel IDE RAID function.
Disabled
Disable this function. (Default value)
IDE Primary Slave RAID
Enabled
Enable 1st slave channel IDE RAID function.
Disabled
Disable this function. (Default value)
IDE Secndry Master RAID
Enabled
Disabled
Enable 2nd master channel IDE RAID function.
Disable this function. (Default value)
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 42 -
IDE Secndry Slave RAID
Enabled
Enable 2nd slave channel IDE RAID function.
Disabled
Disable this function. (Default value)
SATAII 1 Primary RAID
Enabled
Enable SATAII 1 1st SATA RAID function.(Default value)
Disabled
Disable this function.
SATAII 1 Secondary RAID
Enabled
Disabled
Enable SATAII 1 2nd SATA RAID function.(Default value)
Disable this function.
SATAII 2 Primary RAID
Enabled
Disabled
Enable SATAII 2 1st SATA RAID function.(Default value)
Disable this function.
SATAII 2 Secondary RAID
Enabled
Enable SATAII 2 2nd SATA RAID function.(Default value)
Disabled
Disable this function.
On-Chip IDE Channel0
Enabled
Enable onboard 1st channel IDE port. (Default value)
Disabled
Disable onboard 1st channel IDE port.
On-Chip IDE Channel1
Enabled
Enable onboard 2nd channel IDE port. (Default value)
Disabled
Disable onboard 2nd channel IDE port.
IDE1 Conductor Cable
Auto
BIOS autodetects IDE1 conductor cable .(Default Value)
ATA66/100/133 Set IDE1 Conductor Cable to ATA66/100/133 (Please make sure your IDE
device and cable are compatible with ATA66/100/133).
ATA33
Set IDE1 Conductor Cable to ATA33. (Please make sure your IDE device
and cable are compatible with ATA33)
IDE2 Conductor Cable
Auto
BIOS autodetects IDE2 conductor cable. (Default Value)
ATA66/100/133 Set IDE2 Conductor Cable to ATA66/100/133. (Please make sure your IDE
device and cable are compatible with ATA66/100/133)
ATA33
Set IDE2 Conductor Cable to ATA33. (Please make sure your IDE device
and cable are compatible with ATA33)
Serial-ATAII 1 (Onboard nVIDIA chipset)
Enabled
Enable Serial-ATAII 1 support. (Default Value)
Disabled
Disable Serial-ATAII 1 support.
Serial-ATAII 2 (Onboard nVIDIA chipset)
Enabled
Enable Serial-ATAII 2 support. (Default Value)
Disabled
Disable Serial-ATAII 2 support.
On-Chip USB
V1.1+V2.0
V1.1
Enable USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 controllers. (Default Value)
Enable only USB 1.1 controller
Disabled
Disable onchip USB support.
- 43 -
BIOS Setup
USB Keyboard Support
Enabled
Enable USB keyboard support.
Disabled
Disable USB keyboard support. (Default value)
USB Mouse Support
Enabled
Disabled
AC97 Audio
Auto
Enable USB mouse support.
Disable USB mouse support. (Default value)
Autodetect onboard AC'97 audio function. (Default value)
Disable this function.
Disabled
Onboard LAN2 Function (Marvell 88E1111/88E1115)
(For the GA-8N-SLI Pro/GA-8N-SLI motherboard, the item is Onboard LAN Function)
Auto
Disabled
Autodetect onboard LAN2 chip function.(Default value)
Disable onboard LAN2 chip function.
Onboard SATAII/IDE3
Enabled
Enable onboard SATAII/IDE3 function.(Default value)
Disabled
Disable onboard SATAII/IDE3 function.
Onboard SATAII/IDE3 Mode
RAID
Set onboard SATAII/IDE3 to RAID mode.
BASE
Set onboard SATAII/IDE3 to BASE (ATA) mode.(Default value)
Onboard 1394b Function
Enabled
Enable onboard IEEE1394b function.(Default value)
Disabled
Disable onboard IEEE1394b function.
Onboard LAN Function (Marvell 8053)
Enabled
Enable onboard LAN chip function. (Default value)
Disabled
Disable onboard LAN chip function.
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.
i-Lock
Enabled
Disabled
Enable the i-Lock function. (Default value)
Disable the i-Lock function.
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 and EPP mode.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 44 -
2-4 Power Management Setup
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
Power Management Setup
ACPI Suspend Type
Soft-Off by Power button
PME Event Wake Up
Modem Ring On
USB Resume from Suspend
Power-On by Alarm
Day of Month Alarm
Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm
Power On By Mouse
Power On By Keyboard
KB Power ON Password
AC BACK Function
[S1(POS)]
[Instant-Off]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Everyday
0 : 0 : 0
Item Help
Menu Level`
x
x
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
Enter
x
[Soft-Off]
KLJI: Move
Enter: Select
+/-/PU/PD: Value
F5: Previous Values
F10: Save
F6: Fail-Safe Defaults
ESC: Exit
F1: General Help
F3: Language12
F7: Optimized Defaults
ACPI Suspend Type
S1(POS)
S3(STR)
Set ACPI suspend type to S1/POS(Power On Suspend). (Default value)
Set ACPI suspend type to S3/STR(Suspend To RAM).
Soft-Off by Power button
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
This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the 5VSB lead.
Disabled
Enabled
Disable this function.
Enable PME as wake up event. (Default value)
Modem Ring On
An incoming call via modem can awake the system from any suspend state.
Disabled
Enabled
Disable this function.
Enable Modem Ring On function. (Default value)
USB Resume from Suspend
Disabled
Enable
Disable this function.
Enable USB device wake up system from suspend mode.(Default value)
Power-On by Alarm
You can set "Power-On 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 Power-On by Alarm is Enabled.
Day of Month Alarm : Everyday, 1~31
Time (hh: mm: ss) Alarm : (0~23) : (0~59) : (0~59)
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 45 -
BIOS Setup
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.
Power On By Keyboard
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.
Password
Set password to power on the system.
KB Power ON Password
When "Power On by Keyboard" is set to 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
When AC-power back to the system, the system always in "On" state.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 46 -
2-5 PnP/PCI Configurations
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
PnP/PCI Configurations
PCI 1 IRQ Assignment
PCI 2 IRQ Assignment
[Auto]
[Auto]
Item Help
Menu Level`
Assign PCI IRQ For
Device
KLJI: Move
Enter: Select
+/-/PU/PD: Value
F5: Previous Values
F10: Save
F6: Fail-Safe Defaults
ESC: Exit
F1: General Help
F3: Language12
F7: Optimized Defaults
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.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 47 -
BIOS Setup
2-6 PC Health Status
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
PC Health Status
Reset Case Open Status
Case Opened
Vcore
[Disabled]
Yes
OK
Item Help
Menu Level
`
DDR18V
OK
[Disabled]
+3.3V
+12V
OK
OK
Don’t reset case
open status
VBAT
OK
Current CPU Temperature
Current CPU FAN Speed
38oC
3245 RPM
[Enabled]
Clear case open status
and set to be Disabled
at next boot
Current POWER FAN Speed12
Current SYSTEM FAN Speed
CPU Warning Temperature
CPU FAN Fail Warning
0
0
RPM
RPM
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
POWER FAN Fail Warning 12
SYSTEM FAN Fail Warning
CPU Smart FAN Control
CPU Smart FAN Mode
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
[Auto]
KLJI: Move
Enter: Select
+/-/PU/PD: Value
F5: Previous Values
F10: Save
F6: Fail-Safe Defaults
ESC: Exit
F1: General Help
F3: Language12
F7: Optimized Defaults
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 is opened, Case Opened will show "Yes."
If you want to reset Case Opened value, enable Reset Case Open Status and save the change
to CMOS, and then your computer will restart.
Current Voltage(V) Vcore / DDR18V / +3.3V / +12V/ VBAT
Detect system's voltage status automatically.
Current CPU Temperature
Detect CPU temperature automatically.
Current CPU/POWER /SYSTEM FAN Speed (RPM)
Detect CPU/Power /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/POWER /SYSTEM FAN Fail Warning
Disabled
Disable CPU/Power /System fan fail warning function. (Default value)
Enabled
Enable CPU/Power /System fan fail warning function.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 48 -
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
CPU Smart FAN Control
Disabled
Disable this function.
Enabled
When this function is enabled, CPU fan will run at different speed depending on
CPU temperature. Users can adjust the fan speed with Easy Tune based on
their requirements. (Default value)
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.
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.
- 49 -
BIOS Setup
2-7 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
C.A.M.(Note)
[High]
[16x]
Item Help
Menu Level`
CPU Clock Ratio(Note)
C.I.A.2
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Optimal]
Auto
800.0 MHZ
800.0 MHZ
Auto
533.3 MHZ
533.3 MHZ
[100.0000]
[4x]
FSB Turbo Mode
System Clock Mode
x
x
New FSB Speed (QDR)
Current FSB Speed (QDR)
Target FSB Speed (QDR)
New MEM Speed (DDR)
Current MEM Speed (DDR)
Target MEM Speed (DDR))
PCIE Frequency (MHz)
LDT Frequency
SLI Broadcast Aperture
DIMM OverVoltage Control
PCI-E OverVoltage Control
FSB OverVoltage Control
SATAII OverVoltage Control
CPU Voltage Control
Normal CPU Vcore
[Disabled]
[Normal]
[Normal]
[Normal]
[Normal]
[Normal]
1.3875V
[Auto]
Robust Graphics Booster
KLJI: Move
Enter: Select
+/-/PU/PD: Value
F5: Previous Values
F10: Save
ESC: Exit
F1: General Help
F3: Language12
F6: Fail-Safe Defaults
F7: Optimized Defaults
Incorrect using these features may cause your system broken. For power end-user use only.
C.A.M. (Note)
High
Low
Set clock ratio for frequency-locked CPU to High. (Default value)
Set clock ratio for frequency-locked CPU to Low.
CPU Clock Ratio(Note)
This setup option will automatically assign by CPU detection. The option will display "Locked" and
read only or will not show up if the CPU ratio is not changeable.
C.I.A.2
C.I.A.2 (CPU Intelligent Accelerator 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.
(Note) This item will show up when you install a processor that supports this function.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 50 -
FSB Turbo Mode
Disabled
Enabled
Disable FSB Turbo Mode. (Default value)
Enable FSB Turbo Mode.
System Clock Mode
Optimal
Linked
Set FSB and memory speed automatically. (Default value)
Allows FSB and memory speed to be overclocked proportionally.
Enter FSB and memory speed manually.
Expert
New FSB Speed (QDR)
This item becomes active when System Clock Mode is set to Linked or Expert. Type in a new
FSB speed or use the PLUS SIGN (+)/MINUS SIGN (-) to set the FSB speed.
Current FSB Speed (QDR)
Displays the current CPU FSB speed.
Target FSB Speed (QDR)
This item depends on the value set in New FSB Speed (QDR).
New MEM Speed (DDR)
This item becomes active when System Clock Mode is set to Expert. Type in a new memory
speed or use the PLUS SIGN (+)/MINUS SIGN (-) to set the memory speed.
Current MEM Speed (DDR)
Displays the current memory speed.
Target MEM Speed (DDR)
The value changes based on the value set in New FSB Speed (QDR) and New MEM Speed
(DDR).
PCIE Frequency (MHz)
This option allows you to adjust the PCIE frequency.
LDT Frequency
This option allows you to adjust the LDT frequency.
SLI Broadcast Aperture
Auto
Set SLI Broadcast Aperture to Auto.
Disabled
Disable this function. (Default value)
DIMM OverVoltage Control
Normal
+0.1V
+0.2V
+0.3V
+0.4V
+0.5V
+0.6V
+0.7V
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.
Set DIMM OverVoltrage Control to +0.4V.
Set DIMM OverVoltrage Control to +0.5V.
Set DIMM OverVoltrage Control to +0.6V.
Set DIMM OverVoltrage Control to +0.7V.
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 to +0.2V.
Set PCI-E OverVoltrage Control to +0.3V.
- 51 -
BIOS Setup
FSB OverVoltage Control
Normal
+0.1V
+0.2V
+0.3V
Set FSB OverVoltrage Control to Normal. (Default value)
Set FSB OverVoltrage Control to +0.1V.
Set FSB OverVoltrage Control to +0.2V.
Set FSB OverVoltrage Control to +0.3V.
SATAII OverVoltage Control
Normal
+0.1V
+0.2V
+0.3V
Set SATAII OverVoltrage Control to Normal. (Default value)
Set SATAII OverVoltrage Control to +0.1V.
Set SATAII OverVoltrage Control to +0.2V.
Set SATAII OverVoltrage Control to +0.3V.
CPU Voltage Control
Supports adjustable CPU Vcore from 0.8375V to 1.6000V. (Default value: Normal)
Warning: CPU may be damaged or CPU life-cycle may be reduced when CPU is over-voltage.
Normal CPU Vcore
Display your CPU normal voltage.
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.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 52 -
2-8 Select Language
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Power Management Setu
PnP/PCI Configurations
PC Health Status
Select Language12
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
efaults
sword
MB Intelligent Tweaker(
g
ESC: Quit
ge12
F8: Dual BIOS12/Q-Flash
etup
Multi-language supports 7 languages. There are English, French, German, Spanish, Traditional Chinese,
Simplified Chinese, and Japanese.
2-9 Load Fail-Safe Defaults
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Power Management Setup
PnP/PCI C
PC Health Status
Select Language12
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Load Fail-Safe Defaults (Y/N)? N
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Esc: Quit
F3: Change Language12
F8: Dual BIOS12/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.
2-10 Load Optimized Defaults
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Power Management Setup
PnP/PCI C
PC Health Status
Select Language12
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Load Optimized Defaults (Y/N)? N
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Esc: Quit
F3: Change Language12
F8: Dual BIOS12/Q-Flash
F10: Save & Exit Setup
Load Optimized Defaults
Selecting this field loads the factory defaults for BIOS and Chipset Features which the system automati-
cally detects.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 53 -
BIOS Setup
2-11 Set Supervisor/User Password
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Power Management Setup
Select Language12
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
PnP/PCI C
Enter Password:
PC Health Status
Save & Exit Setup
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Exit Without Saving
Esc: Quit
F3: Change Language12
F8: Dual BIOS12/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.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 54 -
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
2-12 Save & Exit Setup
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated
Power Ma
PnP/PCI Configurations
PC Health Status
Select Language12
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Save to CMOS and EXIT (Y/N)? Y
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Exit Without Saving
Esc: Quit
F3: Change Language12
F8: Dual BIOS12/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.
2-13 Exit Without Saving
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Power Ma
PnP/PCI C
PC Health Status
Select Language12
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Quit Without Saving (Y/N)? N
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Esc: Quit
F3: Change Language12
F8: Dual BIOS12/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.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 55 -
BIOS Setup
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 56 -
Chapter 3Drivers Installation
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 Setup.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. The "Xpress Install" uses the"Click and Go" technology to install the drivers
automatically. Just select the drivers you want then click the "GO" button. The "Xpress Install" will execute
the installation for you automatically.
1
1
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).
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
- 57 -
Drivers Installation
3-2 Software Application
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 Software Information
This page lists the contents of software and drivers in this CD-title.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 58 -
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.
- 59 -
Drivers Installation
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 60 -
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.(Do not use C.O.M. and @BIOS at the same time.)
- 61 -
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.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard - 62 -
4-1-2 Xpress Recovery2 Introduction
Xpress Recovery2 is designed to provide quick backup and restora-
tion of hard disk data. Supporting Microsoft operating systems including
Windows XP/2000/NT/98/Me and DOS, and file systems including
FAT16, FAT32, and NTFS, Xpress Recovery2 is able to back up data
on hard disks on PATA and SATA IDE controllers. After Xpress Recovery2 is executed from CD-ROM
for the first time, it will stay permanent in your hard disk. If you wish to run Xpress Recovery2 later, you
can simply press F9 during system bootup to enter Xpress Recovery2 without the CD-ROM.
System requirements:
1. Intel x86 platforms
2. At least 64M bytes of system memory
3. VESA-supported VGA cards
How to use the Xpress Recovery2
Initial access by booting from CD-ROM and subsequent access by pressing the F9 key:
Steps: After entering BIOS Setup, go to Advanced BIOS Feature and set to boot from CD-ROM. Save
the settings and exit the BIOS Setup. Insert the provided driver CD into your CD-ROM drive. Upon
system restart, the message which says "Boot from CD/DVD:" will appear in the bottom left corner
of the screen. Press any key to enter Xpress Recovery2.
After the steps above are completed, subsequent access to Xpress Recovery2 can be made
by simply pressing the <F9> key during system power-on.
.
.
Boot from CD/DVD:
Press any key to startup XpressRecovery2.....
Boot from CD/DVD:
Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG, An Energy Star Ally
Copyright (C) 1984-2005, Award Software, Inc.
GA-8N-SLI Royal F5a
.
.
.
.
<DEL>:BIOS Setup/Q-Flash, <F9>: Xpress Recovery2, <F12>For Boot Menu
11/16/2005-C19-MCP04-6A61EG0FC-00
<F9> Xpress Recovery2
1. If you have already entered Xpress Recovery2 by booting from the CD-ROM, you can
enter Xpress Recovery2 by pressing the <F9> key in the future.
2. System storage capacity and the reading/writing speed of the hard disk will affect
the data backup speed.
3. It is recommended that Xpress Recovery2 be immediately installed once you com-
plete installations of OS and all required drivers as well as software.
- 63 -
Appendix
The Main Screen of Xpress Recovery2
1. RESTORE:
Restore the backed-up data to your hard disk.
(This button will not appear if there is no backup
file.)
2. BACKUP:
Back up data from hard disk.
3. REMOVE:
Remove previously-created backup files
to release disk space.
(This button will not appear if there is no backup
file.)
4. REBOOT:
Exit the main screen and restart the system.
Limitations:
1. Not compatible to Xpress Recovery.
2. For the use of Xpress Recovery2, a primary partition must be reserved.
3. Xpress Recovery2 will store the backup file at the end of the hard disk, so free space available
on the hard disk for the backup file must be allocated in advance. (A minimum 4GB is recom-
mended but the actual space is dependent on the size of the data to be backed up)
4. Capable of backing up hard disks installed with Windows operating systems including DOS and
Windows XP/2000/NT/9x/Me.
5. USB hard disks are currently not supported.
6. Does not support RAID/AHCI (class code 0104/0106) hard disks.
7. Capable of backing up and restoring only the first physical hard disk.
Hard disks detection sequence is as follows:
a. PATA IDE primary channel
b. PATA IDE secondary channel
c. SATA IDE channel 1
d. SATA IDE channel 2
e. SATA IDE channel 3
f. SATA IDE channel 4
Precautions:
1. When using hard disks with more than 128G under Windows 2000, be sure to execute the
EnableBigLba.exe program from the driver CD before data backup.
2. It is normal that data backup takes longer time than data restoration.
3. Xpress Recovery2 is compliant with the GPL regulations.
4. On a few motherboards based on Nvidia chipsets, BIOS update is required for Xpress Recovery2
to correctly identify RAID and SATA IDE mode. Please contact your motherboard manufacturer.
5. Xpress Recovery2 supports only PATA hard disks and not SATA hard disks on the following
motherboards (As this is a BIOS-related issue, it can be solved by BIOS update)
GA-8N-SLI Royal
GA-8N-SLI Pro
GA-8N-SLI
GA-K8NXP-9
GA-K8N Ultra-9
GA-K8NF-9 (PCB Ver. 1.0)
GA-K8NE (PCB Ver. 1.0)
GA-K8NMF-9
GA-K8U
GA-K8U-9
GA-K8NXP-SLI
GA-K8N Ultra-SLI
GA-K8N Pro-SLI
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 64 -
4-1-3 Flash BIOS Method Introduction
A. What is Dual BIOS Technology?
Dual BIOS means that there are two system BIOS (ROM) on the
motherboard, one is the Main BIOS and the other is Backup BIOS.
Under the normal circumstances, the system works on the Main BIOS. If the Main BIOS is corrupted or
damaged, the Backup BIOS can take over while the system is powered on. This means that your PC will still
be able to run stably as if nothing has happened in your BIOS.
B. How to use Dual BIOS and Q-Flash Utility?
a. After power on the computer, pressing <Del> immediately during POST (Power On Self Test) it will allow
you to enter Award BIOS CMOS SETUP, then press <F8> to enter Flash utility.
CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Power Management Setup
PnP/PCI Configurations
PC Health Status
Select Language12
Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Load Optimized Defaults
Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Exit Without Saving
ESC: Quit
F3: Change Language12
F8: Dual BIOS12/Q-Flash
F10: Save & Exit Setup
Time, Date, Hard Disk Type...
b. Dual BIOS / Q-Flash Programming Utility
Dual BIOS Utility V1.33
Main Bios
Boot From.................................................
Main ROM Type/Size...............................
Backup ROM Type/Size...........................
Wide Range Protection
Boot From
SST 49LF004A
SST 49LF004A
Disable
512K
512K
Main Bios
Enable
Auto Recovery
Halt On Error
Disable
Keep DMI Data
Enable
Copy Main ROM Data to Backup
Load Default Settings
Save Settings to CMOS
Q-Flash Utility
Update Main BIOS from Floppy
Update Backup BIOS from Floppy
Save Main BIOS to Floppy
Save Backup BIOS to Floppy
PgDn/PgUp: Modify ꢁꢂ: Move
ESC: Reset
F10: Power Off
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Pro.
- 65 -
Appendix
c. Dual BIOS Item explanation:
Wide Range Protection: Disable(Default), Enable
Status 1:
If any failure (ex. Update ESCD failure, checksum error or reset? occurs in the Main BIOS, just before the
Operating System is loaded and after the power is on, and that the Wide Range Protection is set to "Enable",
the PC will boot from Backup BIOS automatically.
Status 2:
If the ROM BIOS on peripherals cards(ex. SCSI Cards, LAN Cards,..) emits signals torequest restart of the
system after the user make any alteration on it, the boot up BIOS will not be changed to the Backup BIOS.
Boot From : Main BIOS(Default), Backup BIOS
Status 1:
The user can set to boot from main BIOS or Backup BIOS.
Status 2:
If one of the main BIOS or the Backup BIOS fails, this item "Boot From : Main BIOS(Default)" will
become gray and will not be changed by user.
Auto Recovery : Enable(Default), Disable
When one of the Main BIOS or Backup BIOS occurs checksum failure, the working BIOS will automatically
recover the BIOS of checksum failure.
(In the Power Management Setup of the BIOS Setting, if ACPI Suspend Type is set to Suspend to RAM, the
Auto Recovery will be set to Enable automatically.)
(If you want to enter the BIOS setting, please press "Del" key when the boot screen appears.)
Halt On Error : Disable(Default), Enable
If the BIOS occurs a checksum error or the Main BIOS occurs a WIDE RANGE PROTECTION error and Halt
On Error set to Enable, the PC will show messages on the boot screen, and the system will pause and wait
for the user's instruction.
If Auto Recovery :Disable, it will show <or the other key to continue.>
If Auto Recovery :Enable, it will show <or the other key to Auto Recover.>
Keep DMI Data : Enable(Default), Disable
Enable: The DMI data won't be replaced by flashing new BIOS.(recommend)
Disable: The DMI data will be replaced by flashing new BIOS.
Copy Main ROM Data to Backup
(If you boot from Backup ROM, this item will change to Copy Backup ROM Data to Main)
Auto recovery message:
BIOS Recovery: Main to Backup
The means that the Main BIOS works normally and could automatically recover the Backup BIOS.
BIOS Recovery: Backup to Main
The means that the Backup BIOS works normally and could automatically recover the Main BIOS.
(This auto recovery utility is set by system automatically and can’t be changed by user.)
Load Default Settings
Load dual BIOS default value.
Save Settings to CMOS
Save revised setting.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 66 -
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-FlashTM 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
- 67 -
Appendix
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
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash
F10: Save & Exit Setup
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 49LF004A
Backup ROM Type/Size.................. SST 49LF004A
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-FlashTM utility title
bar
Q-Flash Utility
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.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 68 -
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 49LF004A
Backup ROM Type/Size.................. SST 49LF004A
512K
512K
Wide Range Protection Disable
1 file(s) found
Boos
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 49LF004A
Backup ROM Type/Size.................. SST 49LF004A
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?"
- 69 - 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 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 49LF004A
Backup ROM Type/Size.................. SST 49LF004A
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 49LF004A
Backup ROM Type/Size.................. SST 49LF004A
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 Fba 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
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 70 -
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 Con
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
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash
F10: Save & Exit Setup
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 Coni
PC Health Status
Save to CMOS and EXIT (Y/N)? Y
t
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
ESC: Quit
F3: Change Language
F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash
F10: Save & Exit Setup
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
F8: Q-Flash
F10: Save & Exit Setup
Time, Date, Hard Disk Type...
- 71 -
Appendix
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 ...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.....................
EnDon'tTurn Off Power or Reset System
er Off
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.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 72 -
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!!
- 73 -
Appendix
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 Start/ 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:
8NSLI.F1).
e. Complete update process following the instruction.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 74 -
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
V. Do not use @BIOS and C.O.M. (Corporate Online Management) at the same time.
- 75 -
Appendix
4-1-4 Serial ATA BIOS Setting Utility Introduction
RAID Levels
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a method of combining two hard disk drives into one logical
unit. The advantage of an Array is to provide better performance or data fault tolerance. Fault tolerance is
achieved through data redundant operation, where if one drives fails, a mirrored copy of the data can be
found on another drive. This can prevent data loss if the operating system fails or hangs. The individual disk
drives in an array are called members. The configuration information of each member is recorded in the
reserved sector that identifies the drive as a member. All disk members in a formed disk array are recognized
as a single physical drive to the operating system.
Hard disk drives can be combined together through a few different methods. The different methods are
referred to as different RAID levels. Different RAID levels represent different performance levels, security
levels and implementation costs. The RAID levels which the nVIDIA® MCP-04 chipset supports are
RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+RAID 1, JBOD and RAID 5; the RAID levels which the Promise PDC20779
chip supports are RAID 0 and RAID 1.
RAID 0 (Striping)
RAID 0 reads and writes sectors of data interleaved between multiple drives. If any disk member fails, it
affects the entire array. The disk array data capacity is equal to the number of drive members times the
capacity of the smallest member. RAID 0 does not support fault tolerance.
RAID 1 (Mirroring)
RAID 1 writes duplicate data onto a pair of drives and reads both sets of data in parallel. If one of the
mirrored drives suffers a mechanical failure or does not respond, the remaining drive will continue to function.
Due to redundancy, the drive capacity of the array is the capacity of the smallest drive. Under a RAID 1
setup, an extra drive called the spare drive can be attached. Such a drive will be activated to replace a failed
drive that is part of a mirrored array. Due to the fault tolerance, if any RAID 1 drive fails, data access will not
be affected as long as there are other working drives in the array.
RAID 0+1 (Striping + Mirroring)
RAID 0+1 combines the performance of data striping (RAID 0) and the fault tolerance of disk mirroring
(RAID 1). Data is striped across multiple drives and duplicated on another set of drives.
JBOD (Spanning)
A spanning disk array is equal to the sum of the all drives when the drives used are having different
capacities. Spanning stores data onto a drive until it is full, then proceeds to store files onto the next
drive in the array. When any disk member fails, the failure affects the entire array. JBOD is not really
a RAID and does not support fault tolerance.
RAID 5 (Striping with Parity)
RAID 5 provides good fault tolerance and allows for overlapped I/O operations. Under a RAID 5 setup,
data and parity information are equally distributed to each disk member in the array. If any one of the
drives fails, the remaining drive will continue to function. After replacing the failed drive, you can rebuild
the data from the remaining data and parity. Only one drive can be safely crash without any data loss.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 76 -
Please follow the steps below to construct a complete RAID array:
1) Have ready your hard drives for RAID construction.
Note: To achieve best performance, it is recommended that the hard drives used are of similar
make and storage capacity.
2) Please attach the hard drive connectors to their appropriate location on the motherboard ie. IDE,
SCSI, or SATA.
3) Enter the motherboard BIOS and locate RAID setup (Please refer to the section on Integrated
Peripherals).
4) Enter RAID setup in the BIOS and select the RAID type (For instance, enter F10 to select NVIDIA
RAID; Ctrl + S to select Silicon Image).
5) Complete driver installation.
6) Complete RAID utility installation.
More information on steps 4 and 5 is provided. (For more detailed setup information, please visit
read or download the information you need.)
Configuring the Nvidia RAID BIOS
The NVRAID BIOS setup lets you choose the RAID array type and which hard drives you want to make
part of the array.
Entering the RAID BIOS Setup
1. After rebooting your computer, wait until you see the RAID software prompting you to press F10. The
RAID prompt appears as part of the system POST and boot process prior to loading the OS. You have
a few seconds to press F10 before the window disappears.
MediaShield IDE ROM BIOS 5.16
Copyright (C) 2005 NVIDIA Corp.
Detecting array ...
Press F10 to enter RAID setup utility ...
Press F10.
The NVIDIA RAID Utility - Define a New Array window appears (as Figure below).
MediaShield RAID Utility Feb 8 2005
- Define a New Array -
RAID Mode: Mirroring
Free Disks
Striping Block: Optimal
Array Disks
Loc
Disk Model Name
Loc
Disk Model Name
2.0.M ST3120026AS
2.1.M ST3120026AS
[ꢃ] Add
[ꢄ] Del
[ESC] Quit
[F6] Back
[F7] Finish
[TAB] Navigate
[ꢁꢂ] Select
[ENTER] Popup
- 77 -
Appendix
Using the "Define a New Array" Window
If necessary, press the tab key to move from field to field until the appropriate field is highlighted.
Selecting the RAID Mode
By default, this is set to Mirroring. To change to a different RAID mode, press the down arrow key until
the mode that you want appears in the RAID Mode box - either Mirroring, Striping, Spanning, Stripe
Mirroring or RAID 5.
Selecting the Striping Block Size
Striping block size is given in kilobytes, and affects how data is arranged on the disk. It is recom-
mended to leave this value at the default Optimal, which is 64KB, but the values can be between 4 KB
and 128 KB.
Assigning the Disks
The disks that you enabled from the RAID Config BIOS setup page appear in the Free Disks block.
These are the drives that are available for use as RAID array disks. To designate a free disk to be used
as a RAID array disk,
1. Tab to the Free Disks section. The first disk in the list is selected.
2. Move it from the Free Disks block to the Array Disks block by pressing the right arrow key (ꢃ). The
first disk in the list is moved, and the next disk in the list is selected and ready to be moved.
3. Continue pressing the right-arrow key (ꢃ) until all the disks that you want to use as RAID array disks
appear in the Array Disks block.
MediaShield RAID Utility Feb 8 2005
- Define a New Array -
RAID Mode: Mirroring
Free Disks
Striping Block: Optimal
Array Disks
Loc
Disk Model Name
Loc
Disk Model Name
2.0.M ST3120026AS
2.1.M ST3120026AS
[ꢃ] Add
[ꢄ] Del
[ESC] Quit
[F6] Back
[F7] Finish
[TAB] Navigate
[ꢁꢂ] Select
[ENTER] Popup
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 78 -
Completing the RAID BIOS Setup
After assigning your RAID array disks, press F7. The Clear disk data prompt appears.
MediaShield RAID Utility Feb 8 2005
- Define a New Array -
RAID Mode: Mirroring
Free Disks
Striping Block: Optimal
Clear disk data?s
Disk Model Name
Loc
Disk Model Name
T3120026AS
[Y] YES [N] NO
T3120026AS
[ꢄ] Del
[ESC] Quit
[F6] Back
[F7] Finish
[TAB] Navigate
[ꢁꢂ] Select
[ENTER] Popup
Press Y if you want to wipe out all the data from the RAID array, otherwise press N. You must choose
Yes if the drives were previously used as RAID drives. The Array List window appears, where you
can review the RAID arrays that you have set up.
You can select a disk array as boot device if you want to boot operating system from an array. Use the
arrow keys to select the array, then press B to specify the array as bootable.
MediaShield RAID Utility Feb 8 2005
- Array List -
Boot
No
Id
2
Status
Vendor
Array Model Name
MIRROR 111.79G
Healthy
NVIDIA
[Ctrl-X] Exit
[ꢁꢂ] Select
[B] Set Boot
[N] New Array
[ENTER] Detail
- 79 -
Appendix
Press Enter to view and verify details. The Array Detail screen appears.
The Array Detail screen shows various information about the array that you selected, such as Striping
Block used, RAID Mode, Striping Width, Disk Model Name, and disk capacity.
Array 2 : NVIDIA MIRROR 111.79G
- Array Detail -
RAID Mode: Mirroring
Striping Width : 1
Striping Block: 64K
Adapt
Channel
M/S
Index
Disk Model Name
Capacity
2
2
0
1
Master
Master
0
1
ST3120026AS
ST3120026AS
111.79GB
111.79GB
[R] Rebuild
[D] Delete
[C] Clear Disk
[ENTER] Return
If you want to mark this disk as empty and wipe out all its contents, press C.
At the prompt, press Y to wipe out all the data, otherwise press N.
Press Enter again to go back to the previous screen and then press Ctrl + X to exit the RAID setup.
Now that the RAID setup has been configured from the RAID BIOS, the next step is to configure and load
drivers under Windows.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 80 -
B. Configuring the Promise PDC20779 RAID BIOS
The Promise PDC20779 RAID BIOS setup lets you choose the RAID array type and which hard drives
you want to make part of the array.
Entering the RAID BIOS Setup
1. After rebooting your computer, wait until you see the RAID software prompting you to press Ctrl + F.
The RAID prompt appears as part of the system POST and boot process prior to loading the OS. You
have a few seconds to press <Ctrl> + <F> before the window disappears.
FastTrak 779 (tm) BIOS Version 2.00.0.25
Copyright (c) 2003 Promise Technology, Inc.
Updated in 2004
No Array is defined..............................
Press <Ctrl-F> to enter FastBuild (tm) Utility or
Press [ESC] to continue booting
Press <Ctrl> + <F>. The Promise RAID Utility window appears (as Figure below).
FastBuild (tm) Utility 2.03 (c) 2003-2005 Promise Technology, Inc.
[
Main Menu]
]
Auto Setup..................................................[ 1 ]
View/Change Drives Assignments............[ 2 ]
Define Array.............................................[ 3 ]
Delete Array............................................. [ 4 ]
Rebuild Array............................................[ 5 ]
[
Keys Available]
Press 1..5 to Select Option
[ESC] Exit
Main Menu
This is the first option screen when you enter the FastBuild Setup.
To create a new array automatically, press <1>. Promise recommends this option for most users.
To manually create an array, press <3> to enter the Define Array window. If you wish to specify block
size, you must create the array manually.
To view the disk drives assigned to arrays, press <2> to enter the View Drive Assignments window.
To delete an array, press <4> to enter the Delete Array window.
To recover from an error in a mirrored (RAID 1) disk array, press <5> to enter the Rebuild Array window.
Only for GA-8N-SLI Royal.
- 81 -
Appendix
Create Arrays Automatically
To create a new array automatically, press <1> to enter the Auto Setup window. The Auto Setup
selection from the Main Menu can intuitively help create your disk array. It will assign all available
drives appropriate for the disk array you are creating.
FastBuild (tm) Utility 2.03 (c) 2003-2005 Promise Technology, Inc.
[ Auto Setup Options Menu] ]
Optimize Array for:
Performance
[
Array Setup Configuration]
Mode.......................................................................... Stripe
Spare Drive................................................................
]
0
Drive(s) Used in Array................................................ 2
Array Disk Capacity (size in MB)............................. 240068
[
Keys Available]
[ꢄ, , Space] Change Option [ESC] Exit [CTRL-Y] Save
Under the Optimized Array for setting, use the LEFT ARROW <ꢄ> or SPACEBAR key to select
Performance (RAID 0) or Security (RAID 1). Press <CTRL> and <Y> to save the configuration.
Performance: Under the Performance setting (RAID 0), FastTrak assigns two drives to a single Striped
array. If you want a one-drive array or you want to specify block size, please go to the Define Array
window.
Security: Under the Security setting (RAID 1), FastTrak assigns two drives to a single Mirrored array.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 82 -
Create Arrays Manually
To create a new array manually, press <3> to enter the Define Array window. The Define Array
selection from the Main Menu allows users to begin the process of manually defining the drive elements
and RAID levels for one or multiple disk arrays attached to the Promise PDC20779 controller.
FastBuild (tm) Utility 2.03 (c) 2003-2005 Promise Technology, Inc.
[
Define Array Menu]
]
Logical Disk No
RAID Mode
Total Drv
Capacity (MB)
Status
Logical Disk1
Logical Disk2
Logical Disk3
Logical Disk4
----
----
----
----
----
----
----
----
-----
-----
-----
-----
----
----
----
----
Halt On Error: Disable
[
Keys Available]
]
[ꢁ] Up
[ꢂ] Down
[ESC] Exit
[Enter] Select
[Space] Change HOE Option
Use arrow keys [ꢁꢂ] to move to a logical disk set and press ENTER to enter the Define Array Menu.
Halt on Error
When enabled, if the RAID controller detects an error, the boot process will stop when the FastTrak
BIOS appears and wait for your input. At that point, you can press <Ctrl>+<F> to enter the FastBuild
utility or press <ESC> to continue booting.
When disabled, the FastTrak BIOS will appear and show the Critical array, but the computer will
continue booting if you take no action.
FastBuild (tm) Utility 2.03 (c) 2003-2005 Promise Technology, Inc.
[
Define Array Menu]
Logical Disk No
Logical Disk 1
RAID Mode
Total Drv
Status
Stripe
0
Functional
Stripe Block: 64KB
Gigabyte Rounding: OFF
[ Drives Assignments]
]
Channel:ID
1:SATA
2:SATA
Drive Model
ST3120026AS
ST3120026AS
Capacity (MB)
Assignment
120034
120034
N
N
[
Keys Available]
]
[ꢁ] Up
[ꢂ] Down
[ESC] Exit
[Space] Change Option
[Ctrl-Y] Save
RAID Mode: Use Space key to change your selection between Stripe (RAID 0) or Mirror (RAID 1)
- 83 -
Appendix
Stripe Block: For striped (RAID 0) arrays, you can manually select the stripe block size. Press the
Space bar to scroll through choices from 32 to 128KB. The default is 64KB.
Gigabyte Rounding: The Gigabyte Rounding feature is designed for Mirrored (RAID 1) arrays in which
a drive has failed and the user cannot replace the drive with the same capacity or larger.
In the following procedure, we'll create RAID 0 as an example.
1. Under the RAID Mode section, press the Spacebar to select Stripe.
2. Set the Stripe Block size. 64K is the default.
3. Under the Drive Assignments section, press UP and DOWN ARROW keys to highlight a drive.
4. Press the Spacebar to change the Assignment option to <Y>. This action adds the drive to the disk
array. Assign from one or two drives. If you assign only one drive, there will be no performance
benefit. The Total Drv section will show the number of disks assigned.
5. Press <Ctrl>+<Y> keys to save the information. The window below will appear.
Do you want to do quick initialize
or create only? (Yes/No)
Y-Create and Quick Initialize
N-Create Only
6. Press <Y> to create and quick initialize the array or press <N> to create it only.
7. After the creation is complete, the screen will return to Define Array Menu and you should see the
newly-created array in this screen.
8. Press <Esc> to return to Main Menu and press <Esc> again if you want to exit the RAID BIOS
utility.
View Drive Assignments
The View Drive Assignments option in the Main Menu displays whether drives are assigned to a disk
array or are unassigned.
FastBuild (tm) Utility 2.03 (c) 2003-2005 Promise Technology, Inc.
[ View/Change Drives Assignments ]
Channel:ID
Drive Model
Capacity (MB)
Assignment
Mode
1:SATA ST3120026AS
2:SATA ST3120026AS
120034
120034
Logical Disk 1
Logical Disk 1
U7
U7
Mode (D=DMA, U=UDMA)
[
Keys Available]
]
[ꢁ,ꢂ,Space] Change Option
[CTRL-Y] Save
[ESC] Exit
Under the Assignment column, drives are labeled with their assigned disk array or shown as Spare if
unassigned.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 84 -
Delete an Array
The Delete Array menu option allows for deletion of disk array assignments.
Deleting an existing disk array could result in loss of data. Record all array
information including the array type, the disk members, and stripe block size in
case you wish to undo a deletion.
FastBuild (tm) Utility 2.03 (c) 2003-2005 Promise Technology, Inc.
[
Delete Array Menu]
]
Logical Disk No
RAID Mode
Total Drv
Capacity (MB)
Status
Logical Disk1
Logical Disk2
Logical Disk3
Logical Disk4
Stripe
----
----
2
240068
-----
-----
Functional
----
----
----
----
----
----
-----
----
[
Keys Available]
]
[ꢁ] Up
[ꢂ] Down
[ESC] Exit
[Del] Delete
1. To delete an array, highlight the array you wish to delete and press the <Del> key.
2. The View Array Definition Menu will appear (as shown below) showing which drives are assigned
to this array. Press <Ctrl>+<Y> if you are sure to delete the array or other keys to abort.
FastBuild (tm) Utility 2.03 (c) 2003-2005 Promise Technology, Inc.
[
View Array Definition Menu]
Logical Disk No
Logical Disk 1
RAID Mode
Total Drv
Capacity (MB)
Status
Stripe
2
240068
Functional
Stripe Block: 64KB
Gigabyte Rounding: OFF
[ Drives Assignments]
]
Channel:ID
1:SATA
2:SATA
Drive Model
ST3120026AS
ST3120026AS
Capacity (MB)
120034
120034
Are you sure you want to delete this array?
Press Ctrl-Y to Delete, or others to abort...
3. Press <Y> to confirm yes to the following warning message and continue array deletion.
Do you want to clear boot sector that will
delete any existing data on your hard disks?
Y - Clear boot sector / N - Delete only
4. At th next prompt, press <Ctrl>+<Y> to remove the boot sector or any keys to abort. When the array
is deleted, the screen will return to Delete Array Menu. Press <Esc>to return to Main Menu.
- 85 -
Appendix
Installing the RAID drivers
To install operating system onto a serial ATA hard disk successfully, you need to install the SATA
controller driver during OS installation. Without the driver, the hard disk may not be recognized during
the Windows setup process. First of all, copy the driver for the SATA controller from the motherboard
driver CD-ROM to a floppy disk. See the instructions below about how to copy the driver in MS-DOS
mode(Note1). Prepare a startup disk that has CD-ROM support and a blank formatted floppy disk.
Step 1: Insert the prepared startup disk and motherboard driver CD-ROM in your system. Boot from the
startup disk. Once at the A:\> prompt, change to the CD-ROM drive (example: D:\>). At the D:\>
prompt, type the following two commands. Press ENTER after each command (Fig.1):
cd bootdrv
menu
Step 2: When the controller menu (Fig.2) appears, remove the startup disk and insert the blank formatted
disk. Select the controller driver by pressing the corresponding letter from the menu. Your system will
then automatically zip and transfer this driver file to the floppy disk. Press 0 to exit when finished.
Fig.1
Fig.2
Step 3: After completing the steps, boot from the Windows installation disk to install the RAID drivers.
Press F6 as soon as you see the "Press F6 if you need to install a third party SCSI or RAID driver"
message, then supply serial ATA controller driver by this floppy disk. Follow the on-screen instructions
to complete the installation.
(Each time you add a new hard drive to a RAID array, the RAID driver will have to be installed under
Windows once for that hard drive. After that, the driver will not have to be installed.)
(Note 1): For users without a startup disk.
Use an alternative system and insert the GIGABYTE motherboard driver CD-ROM. From the
CD-ROM drive (example: D:\) double click the MENU.exe file in the BootDrv folder. A
command prompt window will open similar to that in Fig. 2.
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
- 86 -
4-1-5 2- / 4- / 6- / 8- Channel Audio 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 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.
- 87 -
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.
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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 "8CH Speaker" to
complete 8 channel audio configuration.
Sound Effect Configuration:
At the sound effect menu, users can adjust sound
option settings as desired.
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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(or load Optimized Defaults).
7. Save changes and reboot the system.
Question 4: 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 5: 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.
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
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
*
2 beeps Parity error
3 beeps Base 64K memory failure
4 beeps Timer not operational
1 long 3 short: Keyboard error
1 long 9 short: BIOS ROM error
Continuous long beeps: DRAM error
Continuous short beeps: Power error
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
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Appendix
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- 92 -
- 93 -
Appendix
P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
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Contact Us
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- 95 -
Appendix
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P4 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard
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