Gigabyte Ga945gcmxs2 User Guide

							Hardware Installation - 11 -
English
1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation
Preparing Your Computer
The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can become
damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD).  Thus, prior to installation, please follow the
instructions below:
1. Please turn off the computer and unplug its power cord.
2. When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.
3. It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) cuff when handling electronic components
(CPU, RAM).
4. Prior to installing the electronic components, please have these items on top of an antistatic pad or
within a electrostatic shielding container.
5. Please verify that the power supply is switched off before unplugging the power supply connector
from the motherboard.
Installation Notices
1. Prior to installation, please do not remove the stickers on the motherboard.  These stickers are required
for warranty validation.
2. Prior to the installation of the motherboard or any hardware, please first carefully read the information
in the provided manual.
3. Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors are connected.
4. To prevent damage to the motherboard, please do not allow screws to come in contact with the
motherboard circuit or its components.
5. Please make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or
within the computer casing.
6. Please do not place the computer system on an uneven surface.
7. Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to system
components as well as physical harm to the user.
8. If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the product,
please consult a certified computer technician.
Instances of Non-Warranty
1. Damage due to natural disaster, accident or human cause.
2. Damage as a result of violating the conditions recommended in the user manual.
3. Damage due to improper installation.
4. Damage due to use of uncertified components.
5. Damage due to use exceeding the permitted parameters.
6. Product determined to be an unofficial Gigabyte product.
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation 
						

							
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1-2 Feature Summary
CPUŠLGA775 for Intel® CoreTM 2 Extreme dual-core /  CoreTM 2 Duo / Pentium® D /
Pentium® 4 / Celeron® D
Š L2 cache varies with CPU
Front Side Bus ŠSupports
 1333(Note 1)/1066/800/533 MHz FSB
Chipset ŠNorthbridge: Intel® 945 Express Chipset
ŠSouthbridge: Intel® ICH7
LAN ŠOnboard RTL8110SC chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Audio ŠOnboard Realtek ALC888 CODEC chip
Š Supports High Definition Audio
Š Supports 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 channel audio
Š Supports S/PDIF In/Out connection
ŠSupports CD In connection
Storage ŠIntel® ICH7 Southbrigde
- 1 FDD connector, allowing connection of 1 FDD device
- 1 IDE connector with Ultra AT A-33/66/100 support, allowing connection
of 2 IDE devices
- 4 SATA 3Gb/s connectors, allowing connection of 4 SATA 3Gb/s devices
O.S Support ŠMicrosoft Windows® XP/Vista
Memory Š2 DDRII DIMM memory slots (supports up to 4 GB memory) (Note 2)
ŠSupports dual channel DDRII 667/533 unbuffered DIMMs (Note 3)
ŠSupports 1.8V DDRII DIMMs
Expanstion Slots Š1 PCI Express x16 slot
Š 1 PCI Express x4 slot
Š2 PCI slots
Š3 PCI slots
Internal Connectors Š1 24-pin ATX power connector
Š 1 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
Š 1 floppy connector
Š 1 IDE connector
Š 4 SATA 3Gb/s connectors
Š 1 CPU fan connector
Š 1 system fan connector
Š 1 front panel connector
Š 1 front audio connector
Š 1 CD In connector
Š 1 S/PDIF In/Out connector
Š 2 USB 2.0/1.1 connectors for additional 4 ports by cables
Š 1 COMB connector
Š 1 Chassis Intrusion connector
Š1 power LED connector
Only for GA-945GCMX-S2.
Only for GA-945GCM-S2. 
						

							
Hardware Installation
- 13 -
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Rear Panel I/O Š1 PS/2 keyboard port
Š 1 PS/2 mouse port
Š 1 parallel port
Š 1 serial port
Š 1 D-Sub port
Š 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
Š 1 RJ-45 port
Š 6 audio jacks (Line In / Line Out / MIC In/Surround Speaker Out (Rear
Speaker Out)/Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out/Side Speaker Out)
I/O Control ŠIT8718 chip
Hardware Monitor ŠSystem voltage detection
Š CPU temperature detection
Š CPU / System fan speed detection
Š CPU warning temperature
Š CPU / System fan failure warning
ŠCPU smart fan control
BIOS Š1 4 Mbit flash ROM
Š Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
ŠPnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.3, ACPI 1.0b
Additional Features ŠSupports @BIOS
Š Supports Download Center
Š Supports Q-Flash
Š Supports EasyTune (only supports Hardware Monitor function)
 (Note 4)
ŠSupports Xpress Install
Š Supports Xpress Recovery2
ŠSupports Xpress BIOS Rescue
Bundle Software ŠNorton Internet Security (OEM revision)
Form Factor ŠMicro ATX form factor; 22.0cm x 24.4cm
(Note 1) Enable use of a Core
TM 2 CPU with 1333 MHz FSB through overclocking. You must install the
FSB 1333 MHz CoreTM 2 CPU with DDR2 533 (or above) memory module(s).
(Note 2) Due to Windows XP 32-bit operating system limitation, when more than 4 G\
B of physical memory is installed, the actual memory size displayed will be less than \
4 GB.
(Note 3) Use of a 1066/800 MHz FSB CPU is required if you wish to install DDR2 66\
7 MHz memory.
(Note 4) EasyTune functions may vary depending on different motherboards. 
						

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

							Hardware Installation - 15 -
English1-3-2 Installation of the CPU Cooler
Use extreme care when removing the CPU cooler because the thermal grease/tape between
the CPU cooler and CPU may adhere to the CPU. Inadequately removing the CPU cooler
may damage the CPU.
Fig. 6
Finally, please attach the power connector of the
CPU cooler to the CPU fan header located on the
motherboard. Fig. 3
Place the CPU cooler atop the CPU and make
sure the push pins aim to the pin hole on the
motherboard.Pressing down the push pins
diagonally.Fig. 4
Please make sure the Male and Female push pin
are joined closely. (for detailed installation
instructions, please refer to the CPU cooler instal-
lation section of the user manual)
Fig. 5
Please check the back of motherboard after
installing. If the push pin is inserted as the picture,
the installation is complete. Fig.1
Please apply an even layer of CPU cooler paste
on the surface of the installed CPU.
Fig. 2
(Turning the push pin along the direction of arrow is to
remove the CPU cooler, on the contrary, is to install.)
Please note the direction of arrow sign on the male
push pin doesnt face inwards before installation. (This
instruction is only for Intel boxed fan)
Male Push Pin
Female Push Pin
The top of Female Push Pin 
						

							GA-945GCM(X)-S2 Motherboard - 16 -
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The motherboard supports DDR2 memory modules, whereby BIOS will automatically detect memory
capacity and specifications.  Memory modules are designed so that they can be inserted only in one direction.
The memory capacity used can differ with each slot.Before installing the memory modules, please comply with the following conditions:
1. Please make sure that the memory used is supported by the motherboard.  It is
recommended that memory of similar capacity, specifications and brand be used.
2. Before installing or removing memory modules, please make sure that the computer
power is switched off to prevent hardware damage.
3. Memory modules have a foolproof insertion design.  A memory module can be installed
in only one direction.  If you are unable to insert the module, please switch the direction.
1-4 Installation of Memory
Notch
DDR2
Fig.1
The DIMM socket has a notch, so the DIMM memory mod-
ule can only fit in one direction. Insert the DIMM memory
module vertically into the DIMM socket. Then push it down.
Fig.2
Close the plastic clip at both edges of the DIMM sockets to
lock the DIMM module.
Reverse the installation steps when you wish to remove
the DIMM module. 
						

							Hardware Installation - 17 -
EnglishDual Channel Memory Configuration
The GA-945GCMX-S2/GA-945GCM-S2 supports the Dual Channel
Technology. After operating the Dual Channel Technology, the bandwidth of
memory bus will double.
The GA-945GCMX-S2/GA-945GCM-S2 includes 2 DIMM sockets.
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 mode will not be enabled if only one DDR2  memory module is installed.
2. When enabling Dual Channel mode with two memory modules, it is recommended that
memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used. 
						

							GA-945GCM(X)-S2 Motherboard - 18 -
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1-5 Installation of Expansion Cards
To install your expansion card, follow the steps below.
1. Disconnect your system from its power source and read the expansion cards installation manual
before installing the expansion card in the computer.
2. Remove your computers chassis cover, screws and slot bracket from the computer. Ground
yourself to prevent damage to your computer resulting from Electrostatic discharge (ESD).
3. Press the expansion card firmly into the expansion slot in the motherboard.
4. Make sure the metal contacts on the card are fully seated in the slot.
5. Replace the screw to secure the slot bracket of the expansion card.
6. Replace your computers chassis cover.
7. Power on the computer, if necessary, configure required settings for the expansion card in  system
BIOS Setup.
8. Install related driver in the operating system.
For example: Installing a PCI Express x16 VGA card:
When installing the graphics card,  push down
on the top edge of the card until it is fully
inserted into the PCI Express x16 slot. Make
sure the card is securely seated in the slot
and does not rock.
When removing the graphics card, gently push
back on the lever on the slot and then lift the
card straight out from the slot. 
						

							Hardware Installation - 19 -
English1-6 I/O Back Panel Introduction
PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Connector
To install a PS/2 port keyboard and mouse, plug the mouse to the upper port (green) and the
keyboard to the lower port (purple).
Parallel Port
The parallel port allows connection of a printer, scanner and other peripheral devices.
Serial Port
Connects to serial-based mouse or data processing devices.
D-Sub Port
Monitor can be connected to VGA port.
USB Port
Before you connect your device(s) into USB connector(s), please make sure your device(s) such
as USB keyboard, mouse, scanner, zip, speaker...etc. have a standard USB interface.  Also
make sure your OS supports USB controller. If your OS does not support USB controller, please
contact OS vendor for possible patch or driver upgrade. For more information please contact your
OS or device(s) vendors.
LAN Port
The provided Internet connection is Gigabit Ethernet , providing data transferspeeds of 10/100/
1000 Mbps.
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
The default Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out jack. Center/Subwoofer speakers can be connected to
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out jack.
Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out)
The default Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out) jack. Rear surround speakers can be
connected to Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out) jack.
Side Speaker Out
The default Side Speaker Out jack. Surround side speakers can be connected to Side Speaker Out
jack.
Line In
The default Line In jack. Devices like CD-ROM, walkman etc. can be connected to Line In jack.
Line Out (Front Speaker Out)
The default Line Out (Front Speaker Out) jack. Stereo speakers, earphone or front surround
speakers can be connected to Line Out (Front Speaker Out) jack. 
						

							GA-945GCM(X)-S2 Motherboard - 20 -
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1-7 Connectors Introduction
MIC In
The default MIC In jack. Microphone must be connected to MIC In jack.
1) ATX_12V
2) ATX (Power Connector)
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN
5) FDD
6) IDE
7) SATAII0 / 1 / 2 / 3
8) PWR_LED
9) BATTERY
10) F_PANEL
11) F_AUDIO
12) CD_IN
13) SPDIF_IO
14) F_USB1 / F_USB2
15) COMB
16) CLR_CMOS
17) C I
In addition to the default speakers settings, the~audio jacks can be reconfigured to perform
different functions via the audio software.  Only microphones still MUST be connected to the
default Mic In jack (
). Please refer to the 2-/4-/6-/8- channel audio setup steps for detailed
software configuration information.
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