Chapter 2 BIOS Setup

BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) includes a CMOS SETUP utility which allows user to configure required settings or to activate certain system features.

The CMOS SETUP saves the configuration in the CMOS SRAM of the motherboard.

When the power is turned off, the battery on the motherboard supplies the necessary power to the

CMOS SRAM.

When the power is turned on, pressing the <Del> button during the BIOS POST (Power-On Self Test) will take you to the CMOS SETUP screen. You can enter the BIOS setup screen by pressing "Ctrl + F1". If you wish to upgrade to a new BIOS, either Gigabyte's Q-Flash or @BIOS utility can be used.

Q-Flash allows the user to quickly and easily update or backup BIOS without entering the operating system.

@BIOS is a Windows-based utility that does not require users to boot to DOS before upgrading BIOS but directly download and update BIOS from the Internet.

CONTROL KEYS

< > < > < > <

> Move to select item

<Enter>

Select Item

<Esc>

Main Menu - Quit and not save changes into CMOS Status Page Setup Menu

 

and Option Page Setup Menu - Exit current page and return to Main Menu

<Page Up>

Increase the numeric value or make changes

<Page Down>

Decrease the numeric value or make changes

<F1>

General help, only for Status Page Setup Menu and Option Page Setup Menu

<F2>

Item Help

<F5>

Restore the previous CMOS value from CMOS, only for Option Page Setup

 

Menu

<F6>

Load the fail-safe default CMOS value from BIOS default table

<F7>

Load the Optimized Defaults

<F8>

Dual BIOS / Q-Flash utility

<F9>

System Information

<F10>

Save all the CMOS changes, only for Main Menu

<F11>

Save CMOS to BIOS - CMOS Profiles

<F12>

Load CMOS from BIOS - CMOS Profiles

Main Menu

The on-line description of the highlighted setup function is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Status Page Setup Menu / Option Page Setup Menu

Press <F1> to pop up a small help window that describes the appropriate keys to use and the possible selections for the highlighted item. To exit the Help Window press <Esc>.

Because BIOS flashing is potentially risky, please do it with caution and avoid inadequate operation that may result in system malfunction.

Only for GA-M59SLI-S5.

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BIOS Setup

English

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Image 37
Gigabyte GA-M59SLI-S4, GA-M59SLI-S5 user manual Main Menu, Status Page Setup Menu / Option Page Setup Menu

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.