Chapter 5 Appendix

5-1 Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s)

To configure SATA hard drive(s), follow the steps below:

A.Install SATA hard drive(s) in your computer.

B.Configure SATA controller mode in BIOS Setup.

C. Configure a RAID array in RAID BIOS. (Note 1)

D.Make a floppy disk containing the SATA RAID/AHCI driver. (Note 2)

E.Install the SATA RAID/AHCI driver and operating system. (Note 2)

Before you begin

Please prepare:

At least two SATA hard drives (to ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you use two hard drives with identical model and capacity). If you do not want to create RAID, you may prepare only one hard drive.

An empty formatted floppy disk.

Windows Vista/XP setup disk.

Motherboard driver disk.

5-1-1 Configuring Intel® ICH10R SATA Controllers

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. If there is more than one SATA controller on your motherboard, refer to "Chapter 1," "Hardware Installation," to identify the SATA controller for the SATA port. (For example, on this motherboard, the SATA2_0, SATA2_1, SATA2_2, SATA2_3, SATA2_4 and SATA2_5 ports are supported by ICH10R Southbridge.) Then connect the power connector from your power supply to the hard drive.

(Note 1) Skip this step if you do not want to create RAID array on the SATA controller. (Note 2) Required when the SATA controller is set to AHCI or RAID mode.

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Appendix

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Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P user manual Configuring Sata Hard Drives, Configuring Intel ICH10R Sata Controllers

GA-EP45-UD3P specifications

The Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P is a motherboard that gained popularity for its superb balance of performance, features, and price, particularly catering to enthusiasts, gamers, and mainstream PC users. Launched in the late 2000s, it is built on the Intel P45 chipset, making it compatible with Intel's Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, Pentium, and Celeron processors, providing a versatile foundation for various computing needs.

One of the standout features of the GA-EP45-UD3P is its excellent support for overclocking. The motherboard comes equipped with robust voltage regulation, providing stability when pushing CPUs beyond their standard clock speeds. Additionally, its user-friendly BIOS includes extensive options for adjusting CPU and memory settings, making it an appealing choice for those looking to maximize performance.

The GA-EP45-UD3P supports DDR2 memory up to 1200 MHz, and it features four DIMM slots for dual-channel memory configuration, facilitating high memory capacities and bandwidth. With a total of 16 USB 2.0 ports and a pair of IEEE 1394 FireWire ports, connectivity is abundant, ensuring that users can connect multiple peripherals without issue.

In terms of storage, the motherboard offers six SATA ports with RAID support, allowing for flexible configurations ranging from data redundancy to performance enhancements. Furthermore, it also includes one IDE connector, which provides compatibility with legacy devices.

Another key characteristic of the GA-EP45-UD3P is its durable construction, incorporating Gigabyte's Ultra Durable technology. This includes high-quality capacitors, solid capacitors, and a 4-layer PCB design that enhances thermal performance and reliability. The motherboard is also equipped with an advanced thermal management system that features enlarged heatsinks for effective cooling, ensuring that thermal throttling doesn't hinder performance.

For audio, the GA-EP45-UD3P features a Realtek ALC889a audio codec offering eight-channel sound output, delivering a rich audio experience for gaming and multimedia applications.

In summary, the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P stands out with its robust overclocking capabilities, ample connectivity options, extensive storage support, and durable construction, making it a solid choice for those building a powerful and reliable system. Whether for intensive gaming, content creation, or general computing, this motherboard provides a well-rounded performance that still resonates with tech enthusiasts today.