Gigabyte GA-M59SLI-S5 Setup of SLI Scalable Link Interface Configuration, Before you begin

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1-6 Setup of SLI (Scalable Link Interface) Configuration

nVIDIA® nForce 590SLI 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 innovations within NVIDIA GPU (graphics processing unit) and the nVIDIA® nForce 590SLI chipset. Together, the NVIDIA SLI technolo- gies 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- M59SLI-S5/GA-M59SLI-S4 motherboard.

Before you begin--

The exact power requirements will depend on your overall system configurations. You need a power supply that can provide sufficient and stable power to your system and the two SLI graphics cards. Please refer to the table below to check recommended power for different systems.

If you wish to enable the SLI function, install two SLI-ready graphics cards into the PCIE_16_1 and PCIE_16_2 slots. (It is recommended to use graphics cards of identical brand and chips. For example: GIGABYTE GV-NX76T256D-RH).

If you want to set up a single graphics card system, we recommend installing the graphics card on the PCIE_16_1 slot to ensure better display performance.

GA-M59SLI-S5/GA-M59SLI-S4 Motherboard

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Contents GA-M59SLI-S5 / GA-M59SLI-S4 Motherboard Copyright Product Manual ClassificationTable of Contents Drivers Installation Item Checklist GA-M59SLI-S5 Motherboard Layout GA-M59SLI-S4 Motherboard Layout AMD Page Considerations Prior to Installation Installation NoticesInstances of Non-Warranty Preparing Your ComputerFeature Summary LANBios English Installation of the CPU and CPU Cooler Installation of the CPUInstallation of the CPU Cooler Installation of Memory Dual Channel Memory Configuration Installation of Expansion Cards Setup of SLI Scalable Link Interface Configuration Before you beginConnecting Two Graphics Cards Graphics Card Driver Setting I/O Back Panel Introduction MIC Connectors IntroductionLine Out Front Speaker Out ATX12V2X / ATX12V Power Connector ATX Power Connector Pin No Definition 12V PCIE12V Power Connector 6 Cpufan / Sysfan / Pwrfan Cooler Fan Power ConnectorSbfan Chip Fan Connector IDE1 IDE ConnectorFDD FDD Connector Pwrled Fpanel Front Panel JumperFaudio Front Audio Connector Cdin CD In Connector Spdifi SpdifFUSB1/FUSB2/FUSB3 Front USB Connectors 18 F11394 / F21394IEEE 1394 ConnectorTPM Connector Trusted Platform Module Clrcmos Clear CmosCI Chassis Intrusion, Case Open English Status Page Setup Menu / Option Page Setup Menu Main MenuBios Setting Recovery Main Menu For example Bios Ver. F2F12 For Boot Menu „ Standard Cmos Features „ Advanced Bios Features„ Power Management Setup „ PnP/PCI ConfigurationStandard Cmos Features DateTime IDE Channel 0 Master, SlaveIDE Channel 2/3/4/5/6/7 Master Drive a / Drive BFloppy 3 Mode Support for Japan Area Halt onMemory Base MemoryBoot Up Floppy Seek Hard Disk Boot PriorityFirst / Second / Third Boot Device Init Display First Password CheckAway Mode Integrated Peripherals IDE Prefetch Mode NV Sata RAID functionNV Sata 1 Primary RAID NV Sata 1 Secondary RAIDOnboard Smart LAN LAN Cable Diagnostic FunctionOnboard LAN Boot ROM Onboard SATA/IDE Ctrl Mode Parallel Port ModeECP Mode Use DMA Onboard Serial PortPower-On by Alarm PME Event Wake UpModem Ring On USB Resume from SuspendPower On By Mouse Power On By KeyboardKB Power on Password AC Back FunctionPCI 1 IRQ Assignment PnP/PCI ConfigurationsPCI 2 IRQ Assignment Current System/CPU Temperature Current CPU / Power / System FAN Speed RPMSystem/CPU Warning Temperature Case OpenedCPU Smart FAN Mode CPU Smart FAN ControlNoteCPU FrequencyMHz Pcie ClockSB MHzCPU Clock Ratio Robust Graphics BoosterDDR2 OverVoltage Control Chipset/PCIE VoltageCPU Voltage Control Normal CPU VcoreLoad Fail-Safe Defaults Set Supervisor/User Password Save & Exit Setup Exit Without SavingBios Setup English Drivers Installation Install Chipset DriversSoftware Applications Driver CD InformationHardware Information Contact UsEnglish User Interface Overview Unique Software UtilitiesEasyTune 5 Introduction System requirements Xpress Recovery2 IntroductionHow to use the Xpress Recovery2 Limitations Main Screen of Xpress Recovery2Precautions How to use Dual Bios and Q-Flash Utility? Flash Bios Method IntroductionWhat is Dual Bios Technology ? Boot From Main BIOSDefault, Backup Bios Halt On Error DisableDefault, EnableMethod 1 Q-FlashTMUtility Before You BeginExploring the Q-FlashTM / Dual Bios utility screen Task menu for Dual Bios utilityEntering the Q-FlashTMutility Task menu for Q-Flash utilityUsing the Q-FlashTMutility StepsBios file Press Y on your keyboard to save and exit Exploring the Q-FlashTMutility screen FlashTMutility barCongratulation!! You have updated Bios successfully Method 2 @BIOSTM Utility Methods and stepsEnglish Before you begin Enabled Menu Level Step Save and exit Bios Setup Configuring RAID set in RAID Bios YES BBS Cd bootdrv Menu Making a Sata Driver DiskInstalling Sata controller driver during OS installation ENTER=Select F3=Exit Enter= Continue R=Repair F3=Exit Configuring a bootable RAID array with Microsoft Windows SolutionsYES Appendix RAID Step Save and exit Bios Setup Configuring RAID array in RAID Bios Create Array StepsJraid RDD0 Jraid Status MembersHDDx Delete Array Making a Sata Driver Disk Required for Ahci and RAID Mode 101 Select Gigabyte GBB363 RAID ControllerWindows XP/2003 64bit 103 Stereo Speakers Connection and Settings HD AudioChannel Audio Setup English 107 Sound Effect Configuration Enabling the DTS Digital Theater Systems function Digital PCM Output Setup Introduction of Dolby Digital LiveRealtek ALC883 Codec Channel Audio Setup 113 English 115 Troubleshooting 117 Contact Us Taiwan HeadquartersGigabyte Global Service System 120

GA-M59SLI-S4, GA-M59SLI-S5 specifications

The Gigabyte GA-M59SLI-S4 and GA-M59SLI-S5 are motherboard models that cater to users seeking performance and stability, particularly in gaming and high-performance computing scenarios. Both motherboards leverage the NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI chipset, which allows for multiple graphics card setups, making them an excellent choice for gamers and professionals working with graphic-intensive applications.

One of the key features of both models is the support for AMD's AM2 and AM2+ processors. This versatility ensures that users can tap into a wide range of CPUs, from budget-friendly options to high-end models, allowing for extensive customization based on performance needs. The motherboards support dual-channel DDR2 memory, which enhances the bandwidth and overall performance of the system. The GA-M59SLI-S4 supports up to 8GB of RAM, while the GA-M59SLI-S5 can handle a similar capacity, providing an adequate foundation for gaming and multitasking.

Both motherboards are equipped with multiple PCI Express slots, enabling SLI configuration with NVIDIA graphics cards. This is a standout feature that enhances gaming performance by allowing two graphics cards to work together for increased graphic output and frame rates. Furthermore, the motherboards come with SATA connections and RAID support, allowing for flexible storage options and data redundancy.

In terms of connectivity, the GA-M59SLI-S5 offers additional features compared to the S4 model. It often includes extra USB ports and an additional LAN controller, enhancing the overall connectivity options for peripherals and networking. The southbridge chipset incorporates Gigabit Ethernet, ensuring fast and stable network connections, essential for online gaming and data-heavy tasks.

These motherboards also feature durable build quality with solid capacitors and an advanced thermal design, which helps in maintaining system stability and longevity. The integrated audio capabilities boast support for high-definition sound, enhancing the multimedia experience for users.

In conclusion, the Gigabyte GA-M59SLI-S4 and GA-M59SLI-S5 are solid choices for building a powerful gaming or workstation setup. Their support for SLI graphics configurations, extensive connectivity options, and robust memory capabilities make them particularly attractive for tech enthusiasts looking for performance-oriented motherboards. With their reliable build and features, both models stand out in the competitive landscape of early AMD-based motherboards, catering to the needs of gamers and professionals alike.