GA-P55-USB3 LGA1156 socket motherboard for Intel® Core™ i7 processor family/ Intel® Core™ i5 processor family User's Manual Rev.
Motherboard GA-P55-USB3 Dec. 24, 2009 GA-P55-USB3 Motherboard Dec.
Copyright © 2009 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved. The trademarks mentioned in this manual are legally registered to their respective owners. Disclaimer Information in this manual is protected by copyright laws and is the property of GIGABYTE. Changes to the specifications and features in this manual may be made by GIGABYTE without prior notice.
Table of Contents Box Contents....................................................................................................................6 Optional Items..................................................................................................................6 GA-P55-USB3 Motherboard Layout.................................................................................7 GA-P55-USB3 Motherboard Block Diagram....................................................................
Chapter 3 Drivers Installation.........................................................................................61 3-1 3-2 3-3 3-4 3-5 3-6 3-7 Installing Chipset Drivers................................................................................ 61 Application Software....................................................................................... 62 Technical Manuals........................................................................................... 62 Contact.....................
Box Contents GA-P55-USB3 motherboard Motherboard driver disk User's Manual Quick Installation Guide One IDE cable Two SATA 3Gb/s cables I/O Shield • The box contents above are for reference only and the actual items shall depend on the product package you obtain. The box contents are subject to change without notice. • The motherboard image is for reference only. Optional Items Floppy disk drive cable (Part No. 12CF1-1FD001-7*R) 2-port USB 2.0 bracket (Part No.
GA-P55-USB3 Motherboard Layout CPU_FAN KB_USBj PHASE LED ATX_12V_2X4 R_SPDIF LGA1156 R_USB_2 ATX PWR_FAN R_USB_1 R_USB30 USB_LAN NEC AUDIO GA-P55-USB3 PCIEX1_1 (Note) BAT PCI1 SPDIF_I SPDIF_O CODEC CD_IN SYS_FAN2 GIGABYTE SATA2 PCIEX1_2 IT8720 DDR3_3 DDR3_4 DDR3_2 PCIEX16 RTL8111D IDE SYS_FAN1 DDR3_1 F_AUDIO Intel® P55/H55 GSATA2_6 GSATA2_7 PCIEX4_X1 PCI2 B_BIOS PCI3 LPT FDD F_USB2 M_BIOS CLR_CMOS F_USB1 SATA2_3 SATA2_0 SATA2_4 SATA2_1 SATA2_5 SATA2_2 F_PANEL COMA j Only
GA-P55-USB3 Motherboard Block Diagram PCIe CLK (100 MHz) CPU CLK+/- (133 MHz) 1 PCI Express x16 Gen 2 x1 Switch PCIe CLK (100 MHz) PCI Express x1 (PCIEX1_1) 2 SATA 3Gb/s PCI Express x1 (PCIEX1_2) x1 Switchj x4j/X1k NEC x1 Gen 1 PCI Express Bus 1 PCI Express x4 2 USB 3.0 RJ45 RTL8111D Dual Channel Memory DMI Interface x16 PCI Express Bus LAN DDR3 2200/1333/1066/800 MHz LGA1156 CPU Intel® P55/H55 Dual BIOS PCI Express Bus 6 SATA 3Gb/s x1 x1 14 USB 2.0/1.
Chapter 1 1-1 Hardware Installation Installation Precautions The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can become damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Prior to installation, carefully read the user's manual and follow these procedures: • Prior to installation, do not remove or break motherboard S/N (Serial Number) sticker or warranty sticker provided by your dealer. These stickers are required for warranty validation.
1-2 Product Specifications CPU Support for an Intel® Core™ i7 series processor/Intel® Core™ i5 series processor in the LGA1156 package (Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.) L3 cache varies with CPU Chipset Intel® P55/H55 Express Chipset Memory Audio 4 x 1.
USB Chipset: - Up to 14 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (Note 5) (10 on the back panel, 4 via the USB brackets connected to the internal USB headers) j - Up to 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (Note 5) (8 on the back panel, 4 via the USB brackets connected to the internal USB headers) k NEC chip: - Up to 2 USB 3.
BIOS Unique Features w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w 2 x 16 Mbit flash Use of licensed AWARD BIOS Support for DualBIOS™ PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI 1.
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the CPU: • Make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU. (Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.) • Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing the CPU to prevent hardware damage. • Locate the pin one of the CPU. The CPU cannot be inserted if oriented incorrectly.
B. Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU into the motherboard CPU socket. Before installing the CPU, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the CPU. Step 1: Gently press the CPU socket lever handle down and away from the socket with your finger. Then completely lift the CPU socket lever and the metal load plate will be lifted as well. Step 2: Remove the CPU socket cover as shown.
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler on the motherboard. (The following procedure uses Intel® boxed cooler as the example cooler.) Direction of the Arrow Sign on the Male Push Pin Male Push Pin The Top of Female Push Pin Female Push Pin Step 1: Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on the surface of the installed CPU. Step 2: Before installing the cooler, note the direction of the arrow sign on the male push pin.
1-4 Installing the Memory Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the memory: • Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended that memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used. (Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest memory support list.) • Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing the memory to prevent hardware damage. • Memory modules have a foolproof design.
1-4-2 Installing a Memory Before installing a memory module, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the memory module. DDR3 and DDR2 DIMMs are not compatible to each other or DDR DIMMs. Be sure to install DDR3 DIMMs on this motherboard. Notch DDR3 DIMM A DDR3 memory module has a notch, so it can only fit in one direction. Follow the steps below to correctly install your memory modules in the memory sockets.
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card Read the following guidelines before you begin to install an expansion card: • Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual that came with your expansion card. • Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing an expansion card to prevent hardware damage. PCI Express x1 Slot PCI Express x16 Slot PCI Slot Follow the steps below to correctly install your expansion card in the expansion slot.
1-6 Back Panel Connectors j USB 2.0/1.1 Port The USB port supports the USB 2.0/1.1 specification. Use this port for USB devices such as a USB keyboard/mouse, USB printer, USB flash drive and etc. PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port Use this port to connect a PS/2 keyboard or mouse. Optical S/PDIF Out Connector This connector provides digital audio out to an external audio system that supports digital optical audio.
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out Jack (Orange) Use this audio jack to connect center/subwoofer speakers in a 5.1/7.1-channel audio configuration. Rear Speaker Out Jack (Black) Use this audio jack to connect rear speakers in a 4/5.1/7.1-channel audio configuration. Side Speaker Out Jack (Gray) Use this audio jack to connect side speakers in a 7.1-channel audio configuration. Line In Jack (Blue) The default line in jack. Use this audio jack for line in devices such as an optical drive, walkman, etc.
1-7 Internal Connectors 1 3 20 2 5 12 7 4 10 9 13 14 15 8 11 18 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) ATX_12V_2X4 ATX CPU_FAN SYS_FAN1/2 PWR_FAN FDD IDE SATA2_0/1/2/3/4/5 GSATA2_6/7 BAT 17 16 19 6 11) 12) 13) 14) 15) 16) 17) 18) 19) 20) F_PANEL F_AUDIO CD_IN SPDIF_I SPDIF_O F_USB1/F_USB2 LPT COMA CLR_CMOS PHASE LED Read the following guidelines before connecting external devices: • First make sure your devices are compliant with the connectors you wish to connect.
1/2) ATX_12V_2X4/ATX (2x4 12V Power Connector and 2x12 Main Power Connector) With the use of the power connector, the power supply can supply enough stable power to all the components on the motherboard. Before connecting the power connector, first make sure the power supply is turned off and all devices are properly installed. The power connector possesses a foolproof design. Connect the power supply cable to the power connector in the correct orientation.
3/4/5) CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/SYS_FAN2/PWR_FAN (Fan Headers) The motherboard has a 4-pin CPU fan header (CPU_FAN), a 4-pin (SYS_FAN2) and two 3-pin (SYS_ FAN1) system fan headers, and a 3-pin power fan header (PWR_FAN). Most fan headers possess a foolproof insertion design. When connecting a fan cable, be sure to connect it in the correct orientation (the black connector wire is the ground wire). The motherboard supports CPU fan speed control, which requires the use of a CPU fan with fan speed control design.
7) IDE (IDE Connector) The IDE connector supports up to two IDE devices such as hard drives and optical drives. Before attaching the IDE cable, locate the foolproof groove on the connector. If you wish to connect two IDE devices, remember to set the jumpers and the cabling according to the role of the IDE devices (for example, master or slave). (For information about configuring master/slave settings for the IDE devices, read the instructions from the device manufacturers.
9) GSATA2_6/7 (SATA 3Gb/s Connectors, Controlled by GIGABYTE SATA2) The SATA connectors conform to SATA 3Gb/s standard and are compatible with SATA 1.5Gb/s standard. Each SATA connector supports a single SATA device. The GIGABYTE SATA2 controller supports RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD. Refer to Chapter 5, "Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s)," for instructions on configuring a RAID array. 7 1 GSATA2_6 GSATA2_7 A RAID 0 or RAID 1 configuration requires at least two hard drives.
11) F_PANEL (Front Panel Header) Connect the power switch, reset switch, speaker, chassis intrusion switch/sensor and system status indicator on the chassis to this header according to the pin assignments below. Note the positive and negative pins before connecting the cables.
12) F_AUDIO (Front Panel Audio Header) The front panel audio header supports Intel High Definition audio (HD) and AC'97 audio. You may connect your chassis front panel audio module to this header. Make sure the wire assignments of the module connector match the pin assignments of the motherboard header. Incorrect connection between the module connector and the motherboard header will make the device unable to work or even damage it. 1 2 9 10 For HD Front Panel Audio: Pin No.
14) SPDIF_I (S/PDIF In Header) This header supports digital S/PDIF In and can connect to an audio device that supports digital audio out via an optional S/PDIF In cable. For purchasing the optional S/PDIF In cable, please contact the local dealer. 1 Pin No.
16) F_USB1/F_USB2 (USB Headers) The headers conform to USB 2.0/1.1 specification. Each USB header can provide two USB ports via an optional USB bracket. For purchasing the optional USB bracket, please contact the local dealer. 9 10 1 2 Pin No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Definition Power (5V) Power (5V) USB DXUSB DYUSB DX+ USB DY+ GND GND No Pin NC • Do not plug the IEEE 1394 bracket (2x5-pin) cable into the USB header.
18) COMA (Serial Port Header) The COMA header can provide one serial port via an optional COM port cable. For purchasing the optional COM port cable, please contact the local dealer. 9 10 1 2 Pin No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Definition NDCDNSIN NSOUT NDTRGND NDSRNRTSNCTSNRINo Pin 19) CLR_CMOS (Clearing CMOS Jumper) Use this jumper to clear the CMOS values (e.g. date information and BIOS configurations) and reset the CMOS values to factory defaults.
20) PHASE LED The number of lighted LEDs indicates the CPU loading. The higher the CPU loading, the more the number of lighted LEDs. To enable the Phase LED display function, please first enable Dynamic Energy Saver™ 2. Refer to Chapter 4, "Dynamic Energy Saver™ 2," for more details.
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Chapter 2 BIOS Setup BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) records hardware parameters of the system in the CMOS on the motherboard. Its major functions include conducting the Power-On Self-Test (POST) during system startup, saving system parameters and loading operating system, etc. BIOS includes a BIOS Setup program that allows the user to modify basic system configuration settings or to activate certain system features.
2-1 Startup Screen The following screens may appear when the computer boots. A. The LOGO Screen (Default) Function Keys B. The POST Screen Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG, An Energy Star Ally Copyright (C) 1984-2009, Award Software, Inc. Motherboard Model BIOS Version P55-USB3 D4 . . . . : BIOS Setup : XpressRecovery2 : Boot Menu : Qflash 12/04/2009-P55-7A89TG0DC-00 Function Keys Function Keys: : POST SCREEN Press the key to show the BIOS POST screen.
2-2 The Main Menu Once you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main Menu (as shown below) appears on the screen. Use arrow keys to move among the items and press to accept or enter a sub-menu. (Sample BIOS Version: D4) CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2009 Award Software MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.
The Functions of the and keys (For the Main Menu Only) F11: Save CMOS to BIOS This function allows you to save the current BIOS settings to a profile. You can create up to 8 profiles (Profile 1-8) and name each profile. First enter the profile name (to erase the default profile name, use the SPACE key) and then press to complete.
2-3 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2009 Award Software MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) M.I.T Current Status Advanced Frequency Settings Advanced Memory Settings Advanced Voltage Settings Miscellaneous Settings } } } } } BIOS Version BCLK CPU Frequency Memory Frequency Total Memory Size D4 133.27 MHz 3198.64 MHz 1332.71 MHz 1024 MB CPU Temperature PCH Temperature 45oC 40oC Vcore DRAM Voltage 1.280V 1.
CPU Clock Ratio Allows you to alter the clock ratio for the installed CPU. The adjustable range is dependent on the CPU being installed. CPU Frequency Displays the current operating CPU frequency. Advanced CPU Core Features CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2009 Award Software Advanced CPU Core Features Intel(R) Turbo Boost Tech.
C3/C6/C7 State Support (Note) Allows you to determine whether to let the CPU enter C3/C6/C7 mode in system halt state. When enabled, the CPU core frequency and voltage will be reduced during system halt state to decrease power consumption. The C3/C6/C7 state is a more enhanced power-saving state than C1. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting. (Default: Auto) CPU Thermal Monitor (Note) Enables or disables Intel CPU Thermal Monitor function, a CPU overheating protection function.
BCLK Frequency(Mhz) Allows you to manually set the CPU base clock. The adjustable range is from 100 MHz to 600 MHz. This item is configurable only if the Base Clock(BCLK) Control option is enabled. Important: It is highly recommended that the CPU frequency be set in accordance with the CPU specifications. Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) (Note) Allows the BIOS when enabled. Disabled Profile1 Profile2 (Note) to read the SPD data on XMP memory module(s) to enhance memory performance Disables this function.
Advanced Memory Settings CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2009 Award Software Advanced Memory Settings Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.
Profile QPI Voltage The value displayed here is dependent on the CPU being used. Channel Interleaving Options are: Auto (default), 1~6. Rank Interleaving Options are: Auto (default), 1~4.
tWTP Options are: Auto (default), 1~31. tWL Options are: Auto (default), 1~10 tRFC Options are: Auto (default), 1~255. tRTP Options are: Auto (default), 1~15. tFAW Options are: Auto (default), 1~63. Command Rate(CMD) Options are: Auto (default), 1~3. >>>>> Channel A/B Misc Timing Control B2B CAS Delay Options are: Auto (default), 1~31. Round Trip Latency Options are: Auto (default), 1~255.
CPU Vcore The default is Auto. Dynamic Vcore(DVID) The default is Auto. QPI/Vtt Voltage The default is Auto. >>> MCH/ICH PCH Core The default is Auto. CPU PLL The default is Auto. >>> DRAM DRAM Voltage The default is Auto. DRAM Termination The default is Auto. Ch-A Data VRef. The default is Auto. Ch-B Data VRef. The default is Auto. Ch-A Address VRef. The default is Auto. Ch-B Address VRef. The default is Auto.
Miscellaneous Settings CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2009 Award Software Miscellaneous Settings Isochronous Support Virtualization Technology (Note) Enter: Select : Move F5: Previous Values Item Help Menu Level [Enabled] [Enabled] +/-/PU/PD: Value F10: Save F6: Fail-Safe Defaults ESC: Exit F1: General Help F7: Optimized Defaults Isochronous Support Determines whether to enable specific streams within the CPU and Chipset.
2-4 Standard CMOS Features CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2009 Award Software Standard CMOS Features } } } } } } } } } } Date (mm:dd:yy) Time (hh:mm:ss) Thu, Dec 3 2009 22:31:24 IDE Channel 0 Master IDE Channel 0 Slave IDE Channel 1 Master IDE Channel 1 Slave IDE Channel 2 Master IDE Channel 3 Master IDE Channel 4 Master IDE Channel 4 Slave IDE Channel 5 Master IDE Channel 5 Slave [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] Drive
• Auto • Manual Access Mode Lets the BIOS automatically detect IDE/SATA devices during the POST. (Default) Allows you to manually enter the specifications of the hard drive when the hard drive access mode is set to CHS. Sets the hard drive access mode. Options are: Auto (default), CHS, LBA, Large.
2-5 Advanced BIOS Features CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2009 Award Software Advanced BIOS Features } Hard Disk Boot Priority Quick Boot First Boot Device Second Boot Device Third Boot Device Password Check HDD S.M.A.R.T. Capability Limit CPUID Max.
Limit CPUID Max. to 3 (Note) Allows you to determine whether to limit CPUID maximum value. Set this item to Disabled for Windows XP operating system; set this item to Enabled for legacy operating system such as Windows NT4.0. (Default: Disabled) No-Execute Memory Protect (Note) Enables or disables Intel Execute Disable Bit function. This function may enhance protection for the computer, reducing exposure to viruses and malicious buffer overflow attacks when working with its supporting software and system.
2-6 Integrated Peripherals CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2009 Award Software Integrated Peripherals eXtreme Hard Drive (XHD) j PCH SATA Control Mode SATA Port0-3 Native Mode USB Controllers USB Legacy Function USB Storage Function Turbo USB 3.0 (Note) Azalia Codec Onboard H/W LAN Green LAN } SMART LAN Onboard LAN Boot ROM Onboard USB 3.
USB Storage Function Determines whether to detect USB storage devices, including USB flash drives and USB hard drives during the POST. (Default: Enabled) Turbo USB3.0 (NEC USB 3.0 Controller) (Note) Determines whether to set the PCIe speed of the NEC USB 3.0 controller to PCIe Gen 2. Please note that when only one graphics card is installed on the PCIEX16 slot, it will operate at up to x8 mode if either one of the two controllers is set to PCIe Gen 2. Enabled Sets the PCIe speed of the NEC USB 3.
Link Detected Displays transmission speed. Cable Length Displays the approximate length of the attached LAN cable. Note: The Gigabit hub will only operate at a speed of 10/100 Mbps in MS-DOS mode; it will operate at a normal speed of 10/100/1000 Mbps in Windows mode or when the LAN Boot ROM is activated. When a Cable Problem Occurs... If a cable problem occurs on a specified pair of wires, the Status field will show Short and then length shown will be the approximate distance to the fault or short.
2-7 Power Management Setup CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2009 Award Software Power Management Setup ACPI Suspend Type Soft-Off by PWR-BTTN PME Event Wake Up Power On by Ring Resume by Alarm x Date (of Month) Alarm x Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm HPET Support (Note) HPET Mode (Note) Power On By Mouse Power On By Keyboard x KB Power ON Password AC Back Function EuP Support Enter: Select : Move F5: Previous Values [S3(STR)] [Instant-Off] [Enabled] [Enabled] [Disa
Resume by Alarm Determines whether to power on the system at a desired time. (Default: Disabled) If enabled, set the date and time as following: Date (of Month) Alarm: Turn on the system at a specific time on each day or on a specific day in a month. Time (hh: mm: ss) Alarm: Set the time at which the system will be powered on automatically. Note: When using this function, avoid inadequate shutdown from the operating system or removal of the AC power, or the settings may not be effective.
2-8 PC Health Status CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2009 Award Software PC Health Status Reset Case Open Status Case Opened Vcore DDR15V +5V +12V Current System Temperature Current CPU Temperature Current CPU FAN Speed Current SYSTEM FAN2 Speed Current POWER FAN Speed Current SYSTEM FAN1 Speed CPU Warning Temperature CPU FAN Fail Warning SYSTEM FAN2 Fail Warning POWER FAN Fail Warning SYSTEM FAN1 Fail Warning CPU Smart FAN Control CPU Smart FAN M
CPU Smart FAN Mode Specifies how to control CPU fan speed. This item is configurable only if CPU Smart FAN Control is set to Enabled. Auto Lets the BIOS automatically detect the type of CPU fan installed and sets the optimal CPU fan control mode. (Default) Voltage Sets Voltage mode for a 3-pin CPU fan. PWM Sets PWM mode for a 4-pin CPU fan. Note: The Voltage mode can be set for a 3-pin CPU fan or a 4-pin CPU fan.
2-9 Load Fail-Safe Defaults CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2009 Award Software MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.
2-11 Set Supervisor/User Password CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2009 Award Software MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.
2-12 Save & Exit Setup CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2009 Award Software MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.
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Chapter 3 Drivers Installation • Before installing the drivers, first install the operating system. • After installing the operating system, insert the motherboard driver disk into your optical drive. The driver Autorun screen is automatically displayed which looks like that shown in the screen shot below. (If the driver Autorun screen does not appear automatically, go to My Computer, double-click the optical drive and execute the Run.exe program.
3-2 Application Software This page displays all the utilities and applications that GIGABYTE develops and some free software. You can click the Install button on the right of an item to install it. 3-3 Technical Manuals This page provides GIGABYTE's application guides, content descriptions for this driver disk, and the motherboard manuals.
3-4 Contact For the detailed contact information of the GIGABYTE Taiwan headquarter or worldwide branch offices, click the URL on this page to link to the GIGABYTE website. 3-5 System This page provides the basic system information.
3-6 Download Center To update the BIOS, drivers, or applications, click the Download Center button to link to the GIGABYTE website. The latest version of the BIOS, drivers, or applications will be displayed. 3-7 New Utilities This page provides a quick link to GIGABYTE's lately developed utilities for users to install. You can click the Install button on the right of an item to install it.
Chapter 4 4-1 Unique Features Xpress Recovery2 Xpress Recovery2 is a utility that allows you to quickly compress and back up your system data and perform restoration of it. Supporting NTFS, FAT32, and FAT16 file systems, Xpress Recovery2 can back up data on PATA and SATA hard drives and restore it. Before You Begin: • Xpress Recovery2 will check the first physical hard drive(Note) for the operating system.
Step 3: When partitioning your hard drive, make sure to leave unallocated space (10 GB or more is recommended; actual size requirements vary, depending on the amount of data) and begin the installation of the operating system. Step 4: After the operating system is installed, right-click the Computer icon on your desktop and select Manage. Go to Disk Management to check disk allocation. Step 5: Xpress Recovery2 will save the backup file to the unallocated space (black stripe along the top).
D. Using the Restore Function in Xpress Recovery2 Select RESTORE to restore the backup to your hard drive in case the system breaks down. The RESTORE option will not be present if no backup is created before. E. Removing the Backup Step 1: If you wish to remove the backup file, select REMOVE. Step 2: After the backup file is removed, no backup image file will be present in Disk Management and hard drive space will be freed up. F. Exiting Xpress Recovery2 Select REBOOT to exit Xpress Recovery2.
4-2 BIOS Update Utilities GIGABYTE motherboards provide two unique BIOS update tools, Q-Flash™ and @BIOS™. GIGABYTE Q-Flash and @BIOS are easy-to-use and allow you to update the BIOS without the need to enter MS-DOS mode. Additionally, this motherboard features the DualBIOS™ design, which enhances protection for the safety and stability of your computer by adding one more physical BIOS chip. What is DualBIOS™? Motherboards that support DualBIOS have two BIOS onboard, a main BIOS and a backup BIOS.
B. Updating the BIOS When updating the BIOS, choose the location where the BIOS file is saved. The following procedure assumes that you save the BIOS file to a floppy disk. Step 1: 1. Insert the floppy disk containing the BIOS file into the floppy disk drive. In the main menu of Q-Flash, use the up or down arrow key to select Update BIOS from Drive and press . • The Save Main BIOS to Drive option allows you to save the current BIOS file.
Step 4: Press and then to exit Q-Flash and reboot the system. As the system boots, you should see the new BIOS version is present on the POST screen. Step 5: During the POST, press to enter BIOS Setup. Select Load Optimized Defaults and press to load BIOS defaults. System will re-detect all peripheral devices after a BIOS update, so we recommend that you reload BIOS defaults. CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2009 Award Software MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.
4-2-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility A. Before You Begin 1. 2. 3. 4. In Windows, close all applications and TSR (Terminate and Stay Resident) programs. This helps prevent unexpected failures when performing a BIOS update. During the BIOS update process, ensure the Internet connection is stable and do NOT interrupt the Internet connection (for example, avoid a power loss or switching off the Internet). Failure to do so may result in a corrupted BIOS or a system that is unable to start.
4-3 EasyTune 6 GIGABYTE's EasyTune 6 is a simple and easy-to-use interface that allows users to fine-tune their system settings or do overclock/overvoltage in Windows environment. The user-friendly EasyTune 6 interface also includes tabbed pages for CPU and memory information, letting users read their system-related information without the need to install additional software.
4-4 Dynamic Energy Saver™ 2 GIGABYTE Dynamic Energy Saver™ 2 (Note 1) is a revolutionary technology that delivers unparalleled power savings with a click of the button. Featuring an advanced proprietary hardware and software design, GIGABYTE Dynamic Energy Saver™ 2 is able to provide exceptional power savings and enhanced power efficiency without sacrificing computing performance. The Dynamic Energy Saver™ 2 Interface A.
B. Total Mode In Total Mode, users are able to see how much total power savings they have accumulated in a set period of time since activating Dynamic Energy Saver™ 2 for the first time (Note 3).
4-5 Q-Share Q-Share is an easy and convenient data sharing tool. After configuring your LAN connection settings and Q-Share, you are able to share your data with computers on the same network, making full use of Internet resources. Directions for using Q-Share After installing Q-Share from the motherboard driver disk, go to Start>All Programs>GIGABYTE>Q-Share. exe to launch the Q-Share tool.
4-6 Smart 6™ GIGABYTE Smart 6™ (Note 1) is designed with user-friendliness in mind, and offers a combination of 6 innovative software utilities that provide easier and smarter PC system management. Smart 6™ allows you to speed up system performance, reduce boot-up time, manage a secure platform and recover specified files easily with a click of the mouse button.
SMART Recovery With SMART Recovery, users can quickly create backups of changed data files (Note 2) or copy files from a specific backup on PATA and SATA hard drives (partitioned on NTFS file system) in Windows Vista. Instructions: In the main menu, click the Config button to open the Smart Recovery Preference dialog box.
SMART Recorder SMART Recorder monitors and records the activities in a system such as the time when the computer was turned on/off or even when large data files were moved within the hard drive or copied to an external storage device (Note 5). Instructions: Select the Enable check box at the bottom of the ON/OFF Recorder or File Monitor tab to enable the recording of system on/off time or files copying. Entering the Smart 6™ password is required before you make any changes to the previous settings.
4-7 Auto Green Auto Green is an easy-to-use tool that provides users with simple options to enable system power savings via a Bluetooth cell phone. When the phone is out of the range of the computer's Bluetooth receiver, the system will enter the specified power saving mode. The Configuration dialog box: First, you have to set your Bluetooth cell phone as a portable key. On the Auto Green main menu, click Configure and then click Configure BT devices.
4-8 eXtreme Hard Drive (X.H.D) j With GIGABYTE eXtreme Hard Drive (X.H.D)(Note 1), users can quickly configure a RAIDready system for RAID 0 when a new SATA drive is added. For a RAID 0 array that already exists, users also can use X.H.D to easily add a hard drive into the array to expand its capacity. All with a simple click of a button, X.H.D helps to enhance your hard drive read/write performance without the need for complex and time-consuming configurations.
Chapter 5 5-1 Appendix Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s) To configure SATA hard drive(s), follow the steps below: A. B. C. D. E. Install SATA hard drive(s) in your computer. Configure SATA controller mode in BIOS Setup. Configure a RAID array in RAID BIOS. (Note 1) Make a floppy disk containing the SATA RAID/AHCI driver for Windows XP. (Note 2) Install the SATA RAID/AHCI driver and operating system.
B. Configuring SATA controller mode in BIOS Setup Make sure to configure the SATA controller mode correctly in system BIOS Setup. Step 1: Turn on your computer and press to enter BIOS Setup during the POST (Power-On Self-Test). To create RAID, set PCH SATA Control Mode under the Integrated Peripherals menu to RAID(XHD) (Figure 1) (IDE by default). If you do not want to create RAID, set this item to IDE or AHCI.
C. Configuring a RAID array in RAID BIOS Enter the RAID BIOS setup utility to configure a RAID array. Skip this step and proceed with the installation of Windows operating system for a non-RAID configuration. Step 1: After the POST memory test begins and before the operating system boot begins, look for a message which says "Press to enter Configuration Utility" (Figure 2). Press + to enter the P55 RAID Configuration Utility. Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - option ROM - 9.5.0.
Step 3: After entering the CREATE VOLUME MENU screen, enter a volume name with 1~16 letters (letters cannot be special characters) under the Name item and press . Then, select a RAID level (Figure 4). RAID levels supported include RAID 0, RAID 1, Recovery, RAID 10, and RAID 5 (the selections available depend on the number of the hard drives being installed). Press to proceed. Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - option ROM - 9.5.0.1037 Copyright(C) 2003-09 Intel Corporation.
Step 5: Enter the array capacity and press . Finally press on the Create Volume item to begin creating the RAID array. When prompted to confirm whether to create this volume, press to confirm or to cancel (Figure 6). Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - option ROM - 9.5.0.1037 Copyright(C) 2003-09 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. [ CREATE VOLUME MENU ] Name : Volume0 RAID Level : RAID0(Stripe) Disks : Select Disks Strip Size : 128 MB Capacity : 111.
Recovery Volume Options Intel Rapid Recover Technology provides data protection by allowing users to easily restore data and system operation using a designated recovery drive. With the Rapid Recovery Technology, which employs RAID 1 functionality, users can copy the data from the master drive to the recovery drive; if needed, the data on the recovery drive can be restored back to the master drive. Before you begin: • The recovery drive must have equal or greater capacity than the master drive.
Step 3: Press under the Select Disks item. In the SELECT DISKS box, press on the hard drive you want to use for the master drive and press on the hard drive you want to use for the recovery drive. (Make sure the recovery drive has equal or larger capacity than the master drive.) Then press to confirm. (Figure 10) Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - option ROM - 9.5.0.1037 Copyright(C) 2003-09 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Delete RAID Volume To delete a RAID array, select Delete RAID Volume in MAIN MENU and press . In the DELETE VOLUME MENU section, use the up or down arrow key to select the array to be deleted and press . When prompted to confirm your selection (Figure 12), press to confirm or to abort. Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - option ROM - 9.5.0.1037 Copyright(C) 2003-09 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Name Volume0 Level RAID0(Stripe) [ DELETE VOLUME MENU ] Drives Capacity 2 223.
5-1-2 Configuring GIGABYTE SATA2 SATA Controller A. Installing SATA hard drive(s) in your computer Attach one end of the SATA signal cable to the rear of the SATA hard drive and the other end to available SATA port on the motherboard. On this motherboard, the GSATA2_6 and GSATA2_7 ports are supported by the GIGABYTE SATA2 SATA controller. Then connect the power connector from your power supply to the hard drive. B.
C. Configuring a RAID array in RAID BIOS Enter the RAID BIOS setup utility to configure a RAID array. Skip this step and proceed to the installation of Windows operating system for a non-RAID configuration. After the POST memory test begins and before the operating system boot begins, look for a message which says "Press to enter RAID Setup Utility" (Figure 2). Press + to enter the RAID setup utility. GIGABYTE Technology Corp. PCI Express to SATAII HOST Controller ROM v1.07.
Create a RAID Array: In the main screen, press on the Create RAID Disk Drive item. Then the Create New RAID screen appears (Figure 4). Gigabyte Technology Corp. RAID Setup Utility v1.07.
3. Assign Array Disks: After a RAID mode is selected, RAID BIOS automatically assigns the two hard drives installed as the RAID drives. 4. Set Block Size (RAID 0 only): Under the Block item, use the up or down arrow key to select the stripe block size (Figure 6), ranging from 4 KB to 128 KB. Press . Gigabyte Technology Corp. RAID Setup Utility v1.07.
When finished, the new RAID array will be displayed in the RAID Disk Drive List block (Figure 8). Gigabyte Technology Corp. RAID Setup Utility v1.07.
7. Save and Exit Setup: After configuring the RAID array, select the Save And Exit Setup item in the main screen to save your settings before exiting the RAID BIOS utility, then press (Figure 10). Gigabyte Technology Corp. RAID Setup Utility v1.07.
5-1-3 Making a SATA RAID/AHCI Driver Diskette (Required for AHCI and RAID Mode) To successfully install operating system onto SATA hard drive(s) that is/are configured to RAID/AHCI mode, you need to install the SATA controller driver during the OS installation. Without the driver, the hard drive may not be recognized during the Windows setup process. First of all, copy the driver for the SATA controller from the motherboard driver disk to a floppy disk.
5-1-4 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System With the SATA RAID/AHCI driver diskette and correct BIOS settings, you are ready to install Windows Vista/ XP onto your hard drive(s). The followings are examples of Windows XP and Vista installation. A. Installing Windows XP Step 1: Restart your system to boot from the Windows XP setup disk and press as soon as you see the message "Press F6 if you need to install a 3rd party SCSI or RAID driver" (Figure 1).
For the GIGABYTE SATA2: Insert the floppy disk containing the SATA RAID/AHCI driver and press . Then a controller menu similar to Figure 3 below will appear. Select RAID/AHCI Driver for GIGABYTE GBB36X Controller (x32) and press . Windows Setup You have chosen to configure a SCSI Adapter for use with Windows, using a device support disk provided by an adapter manufacturer. Select the SCSI Adapter you want from the following list, or press ESC to return to the previous screen.
B. Installing Windows Vista (The procedure below assumes that only one RAID array exists in your system.) For the Intel P55: Step 1: Restart your system to boot from the Windows Vista setup disk and perform standard OS installation steps. When a screen similar to that below appears (RAID hard drive will not be detected at this stage), select Load Driver (Figure 4).
Step 3: When a screen as shown in Figure 6 appears, select Intel(R) ICH8R/ICH9R/ICH10R/DO/5 Series/3400 Series SATA RAID Controller and click Next. Figure 6 Step 4: After the driver is loaded, select the RAID/AHCI drive(s) where you want to install the operating system and then click Next to continue the OS installation (Figure 7). Figure 7 The install menus described in this chapter are for reference only and may differ by driver version.
For the GIGABYTE SATA2: Step 1: Restart your system to boot from the Windows Vista setup disk and perform standard OS installation steps. When a screen similar to that below appears (RAID/AHCI hard drive(s) will not be detected at this stage), select Load Driver (Figure 8). Figure 8 Step 2: Insert the motherboard driver disk (Method A) or the floppy disk/USB flash drive that contains the SATA RAID/ AHCI driver (Method B), then specify the location of the driver (Figure 9).
Step 3: When a screen as shown in Figure 10 appears, select GIGABYTE GBB36X Controller and click Next. Figure 10 Step 4: After the driver is loaded, select the RAID/AHCI drive(s) where you want to install the operating system and then click Next to continue the OS installation (Figure 11). Figure 11 The install menus described in this chapter are for reference only and may differ by driver version.
C. Rebuilding an Array Rebuilding is the process of restoring data to a hard drive from other drives in the array. Rebuilding applies only to fault-tolerant arrays such as RAID 1, RAID 5 or RAID 10 arrays. The procedures below assume a new drive is added to replace a failed drive to rebuild a RAID 1 array. (Note: The new drive must have equal or greater capacity than the old one.) For the Intel P55: Turn off your computer and replace the failed hard drive with a new one. Restart your computer.
• Performing the Rebuild in the Operating System While in the operating system, make sure the chipset driver has been installed from the motherboard driver disk. Then launch the Intel Rapid Stroage Technology utility from All Programs in the Start menu. Step 2: Select a new drive to rebuild the RAID and click Rebuild. Step 1: Go to the Manage menu and click Rebuild to another disk in Manage Volume. The Status item on the left of the screen displays the rebuild progress.
• Restoring the Master Drive to a Previous State (for Recovery Volume only) When two hard drives are set to Recovery Volume in Update on Request mode, you can restore the master drive data to the last backup state when needed. For example, in case the master drive detects a virus, you can restore the recovery drive data to the master drive. Step 1: Select 4. Recovery Volume Options in the MAIN MENU of the RAID Configuration Utility.
For the GIGABYTE SATA2: Turn off your computer and replace the failed hard drive with a new one. Use either the RAID setup utility or the GIGABYTE RAID CONFIGURER utility in the operating system to perform the rebuild. • Rebuilding with the RAID setup utility Step 1: When the message "Press to enter RAID Setup Utility" appears, press + to enter the utility. In the Main Menu block, select Rebuild Mirror Drive and press . The selection bar will move to the degraded array.
• Rebuilding in the operating system Make sure the GIGABYTE SATA2 SATA controller driver has been installed from the motherboard driver disk. Launch the GIGABYTE RAID CONFIGURER from All Programs in the Start menu. Step 2: When the Rebuilding RAID Wizard appears, click Next. Step 1: In the GIGABYTE RAID CONFIGURER screen, right-click on the array to be rebuilt in the RAID LIST block. Select Rebuild Raid. (Or click the Rebuild icon in the tool bar.
5-2 Configuring Audio Input and Output 5-2-1 Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio The motherboard provides six audio jacks on the back panel which support 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel (Note) audio. The picture to the right shows the default audio Center/Subwoofer Line In Speaker Out jack assignments.
Step 2: Connect an audio device to an audio jack. The The current connected device is dialog box appears. Select the device according to the type of device you connect. Then click OK. Step 3: On the Speakers screen, click the Speaker Configuration tab. In the Speaker Configuration list, select Stereo, Quadraphonic, 5.1 Speaker, or 7.1 Speaker according to the type of speaker configuration you wish to set up. Then the speaker setup is completed. B.
5-2-2 Configuring S/PDIF In/Out A. S/PDIF In The S/PDIF In cable (optional) allows you to input digital audio signals to the computer for audio processing. S/PDIF In Cable Optical S/PDIF In Coaxial S/PDIF In 1. Installing the S/PDIF In Cable: Step 1: First, attach the connector at the end of the cable to the SPDIF_I header on your motherboard. Step 2: Secure the metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw. 2.
B. S/PDIF Out The S/PDIF Out jacks can transmit audio signals to an external decoder for decoding to get the best audio quality. 1. Connecting a S/PDIF Out Cable: S/PDIF Coaxial Cable S/PDIF Optical Cable Connect a S/PDIF coaxial cable or a S/PDIF optical cable (either one) to an external decoder for transmitting the S/PDIF digital audio signals. 2. Configuring S/PDIF Out: On the Digital Output screen, click the Default Format tab and then select the sample rate and bit depth. Click OK to complete.
5-2-3 Configuring Microphone Recording Step 1: After installing the audio driver, the HD Audio Manager icon will appear in the notification area. Double-click the icon to access the HD Audio Manager. Step 2: Connect your microphone to the Mic in jack (pink) on the back panel or the Mic in jack (pink) on the front panel. Then configure the jack for microphone functionality. Note: The microphone functions on the front panel and back panel cannot be used at the same time. Step 3: Go to the Microphone screen.
Step 4: To raise the recording and playback volume for the microphone, click the Microphone Boost icon on the right of the Recording Volume slider and set the Microphone Boost level. Step 5: After completing the settings above, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Sound Recorder to begin the sound recording. * Enabling Stereo Mix If the HD Audio Manager does not display the recording device you wish to use, refer to the steps below.
Step 3: When the Stereo Mix item appears, right-click on this item and select Enable. Then set it as the default device. Step 4: Now you can access the HD Audio Manager to configure Stereo Mix and use Sound Recorder to record the sound. 5-2-4 Using the Sound Recorder A. Recording Sound 1. Make sure you have connected the sound input device (e.g. microphone) to the computer. 2. To record the audio, click the Start Recording button . 3. To stop recording audio, click the Stop Recording button .
5-3 Troubleshooting 5-3-1 Frequently Asked Questions To read more FAQs for your motherboard, please go to the Support&Downloads\Motherboard\FAQ page on GIGABYTE's website. Q: In the BIOS Setup program, why are some BIOS options missing? A: Some advanced options are hidden in the BIOS Setup program. Press to enter BIOS Setup during the POST. In the Main Menu, press + to show the advanced options.
5-3-2 Troubleshooting Procedure If you encounter any troubles during system startup, follow the troubleshooting procedure below to solve the problem. START Turn off the power. Remove all peripherals, connecting cables, and power cord etc. Make sure the motherboard does not short-circuit with the chassis or other metal objects. No Yes Isolate the short circuit. The problem is verified and solved. Check if the CPU cooler is attached to the CPU securely.
A When the computer is turned on, is the CPU cooler running? Yes No The power supply, CPU or CPU socket might fail. The problem is verified and solved. Check if there is display on your monitor. Yes No The graphics card, expansion slot, or monitor might fail. The problem is verified and solved. Turn off the computer. Plug in the keyboard and mouse and restart the computer. Check if the keyboard is working properly. Yes No The keyboard or keyboard connector might fail.
5-4 Regulatory Statements Regulatory Notices This document must not be copied without our written permission, and the contents there of must not be imparted to a third party nor be used for any unauthorized purpose. Contravention will be prosecuted. We believe that the information contained herein was accurate in all respects at the time of printing. GIGABYTE cannot, however, assume any responsibility for errors or omissions in this text.
Finally, we suggest that you practice other environmentally friendly actions by understanding and using the energy-saving features of this product (where applicable), recycling the inner and outer packaging (including shipping containers) this product was delivered in, and by disposing of or recycling used batteries properly.
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