User Manual
Page 6
Table of Contents GA-K8N Ultra-SLI / GA-K8N Pro-SLI / GA-K8N-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 Fan Heat Sink 14 1-3-1 Installation of the CPU 14 1-3-2 Installation of the Fan Heat Sink 15 1-4 Installation of Memory 16 1-5 Installation of Expansion Cards 18 1-6 Setup of SLI (Scalable Link Interface) Configuration 19 1-7 I/O Back Panel Introduction 22 1-8 Connectors Introduction 23 Chapter 2 BIOS Setup 33 The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver...
Table of Contents GA-K8N Ultra-SLI / GA-K8N Pro-SLI / GA-K8N-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 Fan Heat Sink 14 1-3-1 Installation of the CPU 14 1-3-2 Installation of the Fan Heat Sink 15 1-4 Installation of Memory 16 1-5 Installation of Expansion Cards 18 1-6 Setup of SLI (Scalable Link Interface) Configuration 19 1-7 I/O Back Panel Introduction 22 1-8 Connectors Introduction 23 Chapter 2 BIOS Setup 33 The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver...
User Manual
Page 12
... phy (10/100/1000 Mbit) (LAN2) 2 RJ45 ports ALC850 CODEC Supports Jack Sensing function Supports 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 channel audio Supports Line In ; K8 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard - 12 - English 1-2 Feature Summary Motherboard CPU Chipset Memory Slots IDE Connections FDD Connections Onboard SATA Peripherals Onboard LAN Onboard Audio GA-K8N Ultra-SLI or GA-K8N Pro-SLI or GA-K8N-SLI Socket 939 for AMD AthlonTM 64 / 64 FX processor (K8) 2000MT/s system bus Supports core frequencies in excess of 3000+ and faster nVIDIA...
... phy (10/100/1000 Mbit) (LAN2) 2 RJ45 ports ALC850 CODEC Supports Jack Sensing function Supports 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 channel audio Supports Line In ; K8 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard - 12 - English 1-2 Feature Summary Motherboard CPU Chipset Memory Slots IDE Connections FDD Connections Onboard SATA Peripherals Onboard LAN Onboard Audio GA-K8N Ultra-SLI or GA-K8N Pro-SLI or GA-K8N-SLI Socket 939 for AMD AthlonTM 64 / 64 FX processor (K8) 2000MT/s system bus Supports core frequencies in excess of 3000+ and faster nVIDIA...
User Manual
Page 13
.../ Power fan speed detection CPU warning temperature CPU fan failure warning CPU smart fan control Onboard nForce4 SLI chipset (S_ATA0_SB, S_ATA1_SB, S_ATA2_SB, S_ATA3_SB) - supports data striping (RAID 0), mirroring (RAID 1), or striping + mirroring (RAID 0+1) - supports data striping (RAID 0), mirroring (RAID 1), striping + mirroring (RAID 0+1) or RAID 5 - Only for GA-K8N Ultra-SLI. supports data transfer rate of licensed AWARD BIOS Supports Dual BIOS /Q-Flash Supports @BIOS Supports EasyTune 5 (Note 2) Over Voltage via BIOS (CPU/ DDR/ HT-Link/ Chipset core PCI-E) Over Clock via BIOS (CPU...
.../ Power fan speed detection CPU warning temperature CPU fan failure warning CPU smart fan control Onboard nForce4 SLI chipset (S_ATA0_SB, S_ATA1_SB, S_ATA2_SB, S_ATA3_SB) - supports data striping (RAID 0), mirroring (RAID 1), or striping + mirroring (RAID 0+1) - supports data striping (RAID 0), mirroring (RAID 1), striping + mirroring (RAID 0+1) or RAID 5 - Only for GA-K8N Ultra-SLI. supports data transfer rate of licensed AWARD BIOS Supports Dual BIOS /Q-Flash Supports @BIOS Supports EasyTune 5 (Note 2) Over Voltage via BIOS (CPU/ DDR/ HT-Link/ Chipset core PCI-E) Over Clock via BIOS (CPU...
User Manual
Page 17
... bandwidth of memory bus will be used to achieve Dual Channel mode, we recommend installing them into DIMM sockets of identical brand, size, chips, and speed. Dual Channel mode will cause system unable to use memory modules of identical brand, size, chips, and speed), you want to use memory modules of the same color. 3. To enable Dual Channel mode with 4 memory modules, it is installed. 2. English Dual Channel Memory Configuration The GA-K8N Ultra-SLI/GA-K8N Pro-SLI/GA-K8N-SLI supports the Dual Channel Technology. To enable Dual Channel mode with 2 memory modules (it...
... bandwidth of memory bus will be used to achieve Dual Channel mode, we recommend installing them into DIMM sockets of identical brand, size, chips, and speed. Dual Channel mode will cause system unable to use memory modules of identical brand, size, chips, and speed), you want to use memory modules of the same color. 3. To enable Dual Channel mode with 4 memory modules, it is installed. 2. English Dual Channel Memory Configuration The GA-K8N Ultra-SLI/GA-K8N Pro-SLI/GA-K8N-SLI supports the Dual Channel Technology. To enable Dual Channel mode with 2 memory modules (it...
User Manual
Page 21
... the SLI gold edge connector on the PCIE_16_2 slot, set Init Display First in BIOS Setup to PEG; The NVIDIA control panel will restart after you plug the display cable to the card on top of graphics card Step 3: In order to securely fix the bridge connector between the two cards, you must install the retention bracket included with the motherboard and secure the retention bracket to the chassis back panel...
... the SLI gold edge connector on the PCIE_16_2 slot, set Init Display First in BIOS Setup to PEG; The NVIDIA control panel will restart after you plug the display cable to the card on top of graphics card Step 3: In order to securely fix the bridge connector between the two cards, you must install the retention bracket included with the motherboard and secure the retention bracket to the chassis back panel...
User Manual
Page 22
... support USB controller, please contact OS vendor for GA-K8N Ultra-SLI. SPDIF_O (SPDIF Out) The SPDIF output is capable of 10/100/1000Mbps. MIC In Microphone can be connected to Line In jack. COMA (Serial Port) Connects to an external Dolby Digital Decoder. have a standard USB interface. If your device(s) such as USB keyboard, mouse, scanner, zip, speaker...etc. Parallel Port The parallel port allows connection of 10/100/ 1000Mbps. USB port...
... support USB controller, please contact OS vendor for GA-K8N Ultra-SLI. SPDIF_O (SPDIF Out) The SPDIF output is capable of 10/100/1000Mbps. MIC In Microphone can be connected to Line In jack. COMA (Serial Port) Connects to an external Dolby Digital Decoder. have a standard USB interface. If your device(s) such as USB keyboard, mouse, scanner, zip, speaker...etc. Parallel Port The parallel port allows connection of 10/100/ 1000Mbps. USB port...
User Manual
Page 27
... using front audio connector or of using rear audio connector to play sound. 10 9 2 1 Pin No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Definition MIC GND MIC_BIAS Power Front Audio (R) Rear Audio (R)/ Return R NC No Pin Front Audio (L) Rear Audio (L)/ Return L Only for the Serial ATA controller(s)and install the proper driver in order to work properly. 7 1 S_ATA_SB (Controlled by nForce4 SLI) 7 1 Pin No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Definition GND TXP TXN GND RXN RXP GND SATA_SII (Controlled by Sil3114) 11) F_AUDIO (Front Audio Panel Connector...
... using front audio connector or of using rear audio connector to play sound. 10 9 2 1 Pin No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Definition MIC GND MIC_BIAS Power Front Audio (R) Rear Audio (R)/ Return R NC No Pin Front Audio (L) Rear Audio (L)/ Return L Only for the Serial ATA controller(s)and install the proper driver in order to work properly. 7 1 S_ATA_SB (Controlled by nForce4 SLI) 7 1 Pin No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Definition GND TXP TXN GND RXN RXP GND SATA_SII (Controlled by Sil3114) 11) F_AUDIO (Front Audio Panel Connector...
User Manual
Page 31
... Power TPA2+ TPA2GND No Pin TPB2+ TPB2- 18) CLR_CMOS (Clear CMOS) You may clear the CMOS data to work or even damage it. Only for GA-K8N Ultra-SLI. Hardware Installation For optional IEEE1394 cable, please contact your local dealer. To clear CMOS, temporarily short 1-2 pin. Open: Normal 1 Short: Clear CMOS 1 Only for GA-K8N Pro-SLI. - 31 - Be careful with the polarity of this header. English 17) F1_1394/F2_1394 (IEEE 1394 Connectors) Serial interface standard set by this header...
... Power TPA2+ TPA2GND No Pin TPB2+ TPB2- 18) CLR_CMOS (Clear CMOS) You may clear the CMOS data to work or even damage it. Only for GA-K8N Ultra-SLI. Hardware Installation For optional IEEE1394 cable, please contact your local dealer. To clear CMOS, temporarily short 1-2 pin. Open: Normal 1 Short: Clear CMOS 1 Only for GA-K8N Pro-SLI. - 31 - Be careful with the polarity of this header. English 17) F1_1394/F2_1394 (IEEE 1394 Connectors) Serial interface standard set by this header...
User Manual
Page 33
... BIOS, either GIGABYTE's Q-Flash or @BIOS utility can enter the BIOS setup screen by pressing "Ctrl + F1". Q-Flash allows the user to quickly and easily update or backup BIOS without entering the operating system. @BIOS is turned on, pushing the button during the BIOS POST (Power-On Self Test) will take you wish to upgrade to use and the possible selections for Main Menu Main Menu The on the motherboard supplies the necessary power to the CMOS SETUP screen. Only for GA-K8N Ultra-SLI. If...
... BIOS, either GIGABYTE's Q-Flash or @BIOS utility can enter the BIOS setup screen by pressing "Ctrl + F1". Q-Flash allows the user to quickly and easily update or backup BIOS without entering the operating system. @BIOS is turned on, pushing the button during the BIOS POST (Power-On Self Test) will take you wish to upgrade to use and the possible selections for Main Menu Main Menu The on the motherboard supplies the necessary power to the CMOS SETUP screen. Only for GA-K8N Ultra-SLI. If...
User Manual
Page 34
... the System auto detect Temperature, voltage, fan, speed. MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I .T.) Top Performance Load Optimized Defaults Set Supervisor Password Set User Password Save & Exit Setup Exit Without Saving ESC: Quit F8: Dual BIOS12/Q-Flash : Select Item F10: Save & Exit Setup Time, Date, Hard Disk Type... 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 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I .T.) This setup page is control CPU clock and frequency ratio...
... the System auto detect Temperature, voltage, fan, speed. MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I .T.) Top Performance Load Optimized Defaults Set Supervisor Password Set User Password Save & Exit Setup Exit Without Saving ESC: Quit F8: Dual BIOS12/Q-Flash : Select Item F10: Save & Exit Setup Time, Date, Hard Disk Type... 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 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I .T.) This setup page is control CPU clock and frequency ratio...
User Manual
Page 36
.... Manual User can use one of currently installed hard disk. Extended IDE Drive SATA devices setup. Capacity Capacity of two methods: Auto Allows BIOS to select this if no SATA IDE devices are : CHS/LBA/Large/Auto(default:Auto) IDE Channel 2/3/4/5 Master IDE HDD Auto-Detection Press "Enter" to automatically detect SATA IDE devices during POST(default) None Select this option for faster system start up . English 2-1 Standard CMOS Features Date (mm:dd:yy) Time (hh:mm:ss) CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software Standard CMOS Features...
.... Manual User can use one of currently installed hard disk. Extended IDE Drive SATA devices setup. Capacity Capacity of two methods: Auto Allows BIOS to select this if no SATA IDE devices are : CHS/LBA/Large/Auto(default:Auto) IDE Channel 2/3/4/5 Master IDE HDD Auto-Detection Press "Enter" to automatically detect SATA IDE devices during POST(default) None Select this option for faster system start up . English 2-1 Standard CMOS Features Date (mm:dd:yy) Time (hh:mm:ss) CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software Standard CMOS Features...
User Manual
Page 41
.... BIOS Setup NV SATA 1 class code(Note) 0101 Set NV SATA 1 class code to 0101. (Default value) 0104 Set NV SATA 1 class code to create RAID data drive or install O.S. If your SATA hard drive is connected to the SATA2 or SATA3 connector , please set "NV SATA1/NV SATA 2 class code" from 0101 to 0104. On-Chip LAN BOOT ROM This function decide whether to 0104. - 41 - NV IDE/SATA RAID function (Note) Enabled Enable NV IDE/SATA RAID function. Disabled Disable this function. NV SATA 1 Primary RAID Enabled Disabled Enable...
.... BIOS Setup NV SATA 1 class code(Note) 0101 Set NV SATA 1 class code to 0101. (Default value) 0104 Set NV SATA 1 class code to create RAID data drive or install O.S. If your SATA hard drive is connected to the SATA2 or SATA3 connector , please set "NV SATA1/NV SATA 2 class code" from 0101 to 0104. On-Chip LAN BOOT ROM This function decide whether to 0104. - 41 - NV IDE/SATA RAID function (Note) Enabled Enable NV IDE/SATA RAID function. Disabled Disable this function. NV SATA 1 Primary RAID Enabled Disabled Enable...
User Manual
Page 42
... onboard LAN chip function.(Default value) Disable onboard LAN chip function. on the RAID drive. K8 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard - 42 - IDE Prefetch Mode Enabled Disabled Enable IDE Prefetch mode. (Default value) Disable IDE Prefetch mode. AC97 Audio Auto Disabled Enable onboard AC'97 audio function. (Default value) Disable this function. OnBoard LAN Boot ROM This function decide whether to 0104. Enabled Enable onboard Serial ATA Chip.(Default value) Disabled Disable onboard Serial ATA Chip. If your SATA hard drive is connected to the SATA0 or SATA1 connector , please set...
... onboard LAN chip function.(Default value) Disable onboard LAN chip function. on the RAID drive. K8 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard - 42 - IDE Prefetch Mode Enabled Disabled Enable IDE Prefetch mode. (Default value) Disable IDE Prefetch mode. AC97 Audio Auto Disabled Enable onboard AC'97 audio function. (Default value) Disable this function. OnBoard LAN Boot ROM This function decide whether to 0104. Enabled Enable onboard Serial ATA Chip.(Default value) Disabled Disable onboard Serial ATA Chip. If your SATA hard drive is connected to the SATA0 or SATA1 connector , please set...
User Manual
Page 52
... works smoothly with Windows NT. "Top Performance" will effect the result. Only for GA-K8N Ultra-SLI. Only for GA-K8N Pro-SLI. English 2-8 Top Performance CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software Standard CMOS Features Advanced BIOS Features Integrated Peripherals Power Management SetupTop Performance PnP/PCI Configurations Disabled PC Health Status Enabled MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I .T.) ESC: Quit F8: Dual BIOS12/Q-Flash : Select Item F10: Save & Exit Setup Load Optimized Defaults Selecting this function. (Default Value) Enabled Enable Top...
... works smoothly with Windows NT. "Top Performance" will effect the result. Only for GA-K8N Ultra-SLI. Only for GA-K8N Pro-SLI. English 2-8 Top Performance CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software Standard CMOS Features Advanced BIOS Features Integrated Peripherals Power Management SetupTop Performance PnP/PCI Configurations Disabled PC Health Status Enabled MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I .T.) ESC: Quit F8: Dual BIOS12/Q-Flash : Select Item F10: Save & Exit Setup Load Optimized Defaults Selecting this function. (Default Value) Enabled Enable Top...
User Manual
Page 53
... will boot and you try to enter Setup. Once the password is required to access only basic items. If you select "System" at "Password Check" in creating a password. English 2-10 Set Supervisor/User Password CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software Standard CMOS Features Advanced BIOS Features Integrated Peripherals Power Management Setup PnP/PCI ConfiguratioEnsnter Password: PC Health Status MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ESC: Quit F8: Dual BIOS12/Q-Flash Top Performance Load Optimized Defaults Set Supervisor Password Set User Password...
... will boot and you try to enter Setup. Once the password is required to access only basic items. If you select "System" at "Password Check" in creating a password. English 2-10 Set Supervisor/User Password CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2005 Award Software Standard CMOS Features Advanced BIOS Features Integrated Peripherals Power Management Setup PnP/PCI ConfiguratioEnsnter Password: PC Health Status MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ESC: Quit F8: Dual BIOS12/Q-Flash Top Performance Load Optimized Defaults Set Supervisor Password Set User Password...
User Manual
Page 54
... for GA-K8N Pro-SLI. K8 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard - 54 - Only for GA-K8N Ultra-SLI. Type "N" will quit the Setup Utility without saving to RTC CMOS. Type "N" will return to Setup Utility. 2-12 Exit Without Saving 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 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I .T.) Top Performance Load Optimized Defaults Set Supervisor Password Save to CMOS and EXSITet(UYs/Ner)?PaYssword Save & Exit Setup...
... for GA-K8N Pro-SLI. K8 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard - 54 - Only for GA-K8N Ultra-SLI. Type "N" will quit the Setup Utility without saving to RTC CMOS. Type "N" will return to Setup Utility. 2-12 Exit Without Saving 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 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I .T.) Top Performance Load Optimized Defaults Set Supervisor Password Save to CMOS and EXSITet(UYs/Ner)?PaYssword Save & Exit Setup...
User Manual
Page 60
... pressing the key during system bootup to back up data on hard disks on . . . K8 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard - 60 - It is able to enter Xpress Recovery2 without the CD-ROM. GA-K8N Ultra-SLI F7b . . . . :BIOS Setup/Dual BIOS, : Xpress Recovery2, For Boot Menu 03/03/2006-NF-CK804-6A61FG0DC-00 Xpress Recovery2 1. If you can simply press F9 during system power-on PATA and SATA IDE controllers. System storage capacity and...
... pressing the key during system bootup to back up data on hard disks on . . . K8 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard - 60 - It is able to enter Xpress Recovery2 without the CD-ROM. GA-K8N Ultra-SLI F7b . . . . :BIOS Setup/Dual BIOS, : Xpress Recovery2, For Boot Menu 03/03/2006-NF-CK804-6A61FG0DC-00 Xpress Recovery2 1. If you can simply press F9 during system power-on PATA and SATA IDE controllers. System storage capacity and...
User Manual
Page 65
...-2004 Award Software Standard CMOS Features Advanced BIOS Features Integrated Peripherals Power Management Setup PnP/PCI Configurations PC Health Status MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ESC: Quit F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash Select Language Load Fail-Safe Defaults Load Optimized Defaults Set Supervisor Password Set User Password Save & Exit Setup Exit Without Saving F3: Change Language F10: Save & Exit Setup Time, Date, Hard Disk Type... Exploring the Q-FlashTM / Dual BIOS utility screen The Q-Flash / Dual BIOS utility screen consists of four tasks. Appendix Blocking a task and pressing Enter key...
...-2004 Award Software Standard CMOS Features Advanced BIOS Features Integrated Peripherals Power Management Setup PnP/PCI Configurations PC Health Status MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ESC: Quit F8: Dual BIOS/Q-Flash Select Language Load Fail-Safe Defaults Load Optimized Defaults Set Supervisor Password Set User Password Save & Exit Setup Exit Without Saving F3: Change Language F10: Save & Exit Setup Time, Date, Hard Disk Type... Exploring the Q-FlashTM / Dual BIOS utility screen The Q-Flash / Dual BIOS utility screen consists of four tasks. Appendix Blocking a task and pressing Enter key...
User Manual
Page 78
... the driver for GA-K8N Ultra-SLI. Once at the A:\> prompt, change to install the RAID drivers. Fig.1 Fig.2 Step 3: After completing the steps, boot from the motherboard driver CD-ROM to a floppy disk. Use an alternative system and insert the GIGABYTE motherboard driver CD-ROM. K8 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard - 78 - Prepare a startup disk that in MS-DOS mode(Note1). Select the controller driver by this driver file to the floppy disk. Please refer to the provided Sil3114 SATA RAID (RAID 5) function manual for...
... the driver for GA-K8N Ultra-SLI. Once at the A:\> prompt, change to install the RAID drivers. Fig.1 Fig.2 Step 3: After completing the steps, boot from the motherboard driver CD-ROM to a floppy disk. Use an alternative system and insert the GIGABYTE motherboard driver CD-ROM. K8 nForce4 SLI Series Motherboard - 78 - Prepare a startup disk that in MS-DOS mode(Note1). Select the controller driver by this driver file to the floppy disk. Please refer to the provided Sil3114 SATA RAID (RAID 5) function manual for...
User Manual
Page 85
... on -board battery to leak voltage to clear CMOS. Connect power cord to MB again and turn on after computer shuts down and that were included in the manual. AWARD BIOS Beep Codes 1 short: System boots successfully 2 short: CMOS setting error 1 long 1 short: DRAM or M/B error 1 long 2 short: Monitor or display card error 1 long 3 short: Keyboard error 1 long 9 short: BIOS ROM error Continuous long beeps: DRAM error Continuous short beeps: Power error Appendix Disconnect the power cord from case to case. Save changes and reboot the system. English 4-2 Troubleshooting Below is...
... on -board battery to leak voltage to clear CMOS. Connect power cord to MB again and turn on after computer shuts down and that were included in the manual. AWARD BIOS Beep Codes 1 short: System boots successfully 2 short: CMOS setting error 1 long 1 short: DRAM or M/B error 1 long 2 short: Monitor or display card error 1 long 3 short: Keyboard error 1 long 9 short: BIOS ROM error Continuous long beeps: DRAM error Continuous short beeps: Power error Appendix Disconnect the power cord from case to case. Save changes and reboot the system. English 4-2 Troubleshooting Below is...