Gigabyte GA-K8NS Pro user manual Configuring the Nvidia RAID Bios, Entering the RAID Bios Setup

Page 75

Please follow the steps below to construct a complete RAID array:

1)Have ready your hard drives for RAID construction.

Note: To achieve best performance, it is recommended that the hard drives used are of similar make and storage capacity.

2)Please attach the hard drive connectors to their appropriate location on the motherboard ie. IDE, SCSI, or SATA.

3)Enter the motherboard BIOS and locate RAID setup (Please refer to the section on Integrated Peripherals).

4)Enter RAID setup in the BIOS and select the RAID type (For instance, enter F10 to select NVIDIA RAID; Ctrl + S to select Silicon Image).

5)Complete driver installation.

6)Complete RAID utility installation.

More information on steps 4 and 5 is provided. (For more detailed setup information, please visit our website at http:\\www.gigabyte.com.tw)

Configuring the NVIDIA RAID BIOS

The NVRAID BIOS setup lets you choose the RAID array type and which hard drives you want to make part of the array.

Entering the RAID BIOS Setup

1.After rebooting your computer, wait until you see the RAID software prompting you to press F10. The RAID prompt appears as part of the system POST and boot process prior to loading the OS. You have a few seconds to press F10 before the window disappears.

NVIDIA RAID IDE ROM BIOS 4.22

Copyright (C) 2003 NVIDIA Corp.

Detecting array ...

Press F10 to enter RAID setup utility ...

2. Press F10.

The NVIDIA RAID Utility - Define a New Array window appears (as Figure below).

NVDIA RAID Utility Feb 13 2004

- Define a New Array -

RAID Mode: Mirroring

Striping Block: Optimal

Free Disks

Array Disks

Loc

Disk Model Name

Loc

Disk Model Name

1.0.M

ST3120026AS

 

 

1.1.M

ST3120026AS

[J] Add

 

 

 

[I] Del

 

 

[F6] Back [F7] Finish

[TAB] Navigate [KL] Select [ENTER] Popup

English

- 75 -

Technical Reference

Image 75
Contents GA-K8NS Pro Mother Board Motherboard GA-K8NS Pro Read Me First Prepare your computer Installing the motherboard to the chassisTable of Content Table of Content Introduction Features SummaryBios GA-K8NS ProCPU Block DiagramEnglish Step Hardware Installation ProcessInstall the Central Processing Unit CPU English DDR Install Memory ModulesInstall Expansion Cards Install I/O Peripherals Cables PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse ConnectorUSB/LAN Connector Audio Connectors Parallel Port, Serial Ports Coma / CombPlease note Connectors Introduction ATX ATX Power Connector ATX12V +12V Power ConnectorSysfan System Fan Connector Cpufan CPU Fan ConnectorNbfan Chip Fan Connector Pwrfan Power Fan ConnectorIDE1 / IDE2 IDE1 / IDE2 Connector FDD Floppy ConnectorIDE3 / IDE4 IDE3 / IDE4 Connector, RAID/ATA133 Fpanel 2 x 10 pins Connector Pwrled 15 2XLED BatterySurcen Surround Center Connector Faudio Front Audio ConnectorCdin CD In Connector Spdifio Spdif In / Out Connector22 F11394 / F21394 Front IEEE1394 Connector FUSB1 / FUSB2 Front USB ConnectorIrcir Game Game ConnectorClear Cmos Clear Cmos InfolinkEnglish Bios Setup Main Menu For example Bios Ver. E11 Set User Password Load Fail-Safe DefaultsLoad Optimized Defaults Set Supervisor PasswordIDE Channel 0 Master/Slave IDE Channel 1 Master/Slave Standard Cmos FeaturesDate TimeMemory Floppy 3 Mode Support for Japan AreaDrive a / Drive B Halt onBoot Up Floppy Seek Advanced Bios FeaturesHard Disk Boot Priority First / Second / Third Boot DevicePassword Check Flexible AGPInit Display First Integrated Peripherals IDE Function SetupIDE Channel 1 Slave RAID IDE Channel 0 Master RAIDIDE Channel 0 Slave RAID IDE Channel 1 Master RAIDSerial ATA Function Onboard LAN Boot ROMParallel Port Mode ECP Mode Use DMACIR Port Address IDE DMA transfer accessMidi Port Address Midi Port IRQModem Ring On Power Management SetupResume by Alarm PME Event Wake UpAC Back Function Power On by MousePower On by Keyboard KB Power on PasswordINT PnP/PCI ConfigurationsPC Health Status Frequency/Voltage Control Top Performance Load Fail-Safe DefaultsSet Supervisor/User Password Load Optimized DefaultsExit Without Saving Save & Exit SetupEnglish Technical Reference @BIOSTM IntroductionFlash Bios Method Introduction What is Dual Bios Technology?How to use Dual Bios and Q-Flash Utility? Halt On Error DisableDefault, Enable Wide Range Protection DisableDefault, EnableBoot From Main BIOSDefault, Backup Bios Auto Recovery EnableDefault, DisableWhat is Q-Flash Utility? How to use Q-Flash?Save Main Bios to Floppy / Save Backup Bios to Floppy What is DualBIOS technology? Answer Whats DualBIOS?IV. Q Who Needs DualBIOS technology? Answer III. Q How does DualBIOS technology work? AnswerMethods and steps Method 2 @BIOS UtilityEnglish 6- / 8- Channel Audio Function Introduction Stereo Speakers Connection and SettingsChannel Analog Audio Output Mode English English English Spdif Output Device Optional Device Introduction of audio connectors Jack-Sensing and UAJ IntroductionAuto-detecting Manual setting Enable UAJ functionUAJ Introduction Xpress Recovery Introduction What is Xpress Recovery ?How to use the Xpress Recovery F9 For Xpress Recovery Exit and Restart Remove Backup Image  Remove backup image. Are you sure? Y/NRAID 1 Mirroring Serial ATA Bios Setting Utility IntroductionRAID Levels RAID 0 StripingEntering the RAID Bios Setup Configuring the Nvidia RAID BiosSelecting the Striping Block Size Using the Define a New Array WindowCompleting the RAID Bios Setup Selecting the RAID ModeBBS Cd bootdrv Menu Installing the RAID driversEnglish English Pictures below are shown in Windows XP Install DriversItem Description Software Application Software Information FAQ Troubleshooting END Technical Support/RMA Sheet Acronyms Ioapic English English English English Taiwan Headquarters Contact UsChina Shanghai

GA-K8NS Pro specifications

The Gigabyte GA-K8NS Pro is a reliable and feature-rich motherboard designed for users seeking high performance, particularly for AMD Athlon 64 processors. Launched in the early 2000s, this ATX form factor motherboard is still noted for its robust features and expandability options, making it a solid choice for both gamers and general users.

One of the key features of the GA-K8NS Pro is its support for the AMD K8 architecture, allowing it to handle AMD Athlon 64, Athlon 64 FX, and Sempron processors. This compatibility ensures that users can experience significant processing power, particularly beneficial for multi-threaded applications and gaming.

The motherboard boasts a versatile memory architecture with support for up to 4GB of DDR RAM running at 400 MHz. This capacity allows for smooth multitasking and improved overall system performance. The presence of four DIMM slots provides users with the option to upgrade their memory easily, accommodating varying needs from gaming to heavy-duty graphical tasks.

In terms of connectivity, the GA-K8NS Pro features an impressive array of options. It includes three PCI slots, one AGP 8x slot for graphics cards, and various onboard connectors. This ensures flexibility and expandability, allowing users to install additional components, such as sound cards or network adapters, to fit their specific requirements.

The motherboard comes equipped with a total of four SATA II ports, facilitating high-speed data transfer rates, and it also includes two IDE ports for connecting legacy drives. Gigabyte has incorporated RAID support, enabling users to configure their storage in RAID 0, 1, or 0+1 setups, enhancing data performance and reliability.

Additionally, the GA-K8NS Pro features Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, ensuring fast networking capabilities suitable for online gaming and large file transfers. Audio support is provided through an integrated Realtek ALC655 codec, delivering decent sound quality suitable for gaming, multimedia playback, and general use.

For reliability and longevity, the motherboard is designed with Gigabyte’s renowned durability characteristics, including high-quality capacitors and efficient thermal management solutions. The inclusion of Dual BIOS technology enhances system stability by providing a backup BIOS, preventing any potential failures from affecting the system boot process.

In conclusion, the Gigabyte GA-K8NS Pro remains a commendable motherboard, delivering a solid foundation for users seeking performance, expandability, and reliability in their computing experience. With its support for a variety of processors, ample memory capacity, and numerous connectivity options, it continues to be an appealing choice for those looking to build or upgrade their systems.