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(2) Configuring SATA controller mode and boot sequence in BIOS Setup

You have to make sure whether the SATA controller is configured correctly in system BIOS Setup and set BIOS boot sequence for the SATA hard drive(s)/RAID array.

Step 1:

Turn on your computer and press Del to enter BIOS Setup during POST (Power-On Self Test). In BIOS Setup, go to Integrated Periperals -->Serial-ATA RAID Config (Figure 1).

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2006 Award Software

Integrated Peripherals

Serial-ATA RAID Config

[Press Enter]

 

 

Item Help

On-Chip IDE Channel0

[Enabled]

 

 

 

Menu Level

On-Chip MAC Lan

[Auto]

 

 

 

 

On-Chip MAC1 Lan

[Auto]

 

 

 

 

NV Serial-ATA Controller

[All Enabled]

 

 

IDE Prefetch Mode

[Enabled]

 

 

 

 

Onboard Audio Function

[Auto]

 

 

 

 

SMART LAN

 

[Press Enter]

 

 

Onboard 1394

 

[Enabled]

 

 

 

 

Onboard LAN Boot ROM

[Disabled]

 

 

 

 

Onboard SATA/IDE Ctrl Mode 1

[IDE]

 

 

 

 

Onboard Serial Port 1

[3F8/IRQ4]

 

 

Onboard Parallel Port

[378/IRQ7]

 

 

Parallel Port Mode

[SPP]

 

 

 

 

x ECP Mode Use DMA

3

 

 

 

 

On-Chip USB

 

[V1.1+V2.0]

 

 

USB Keyboard Support

[Disabled]

 

 

 

 

USB Mouse Support

[Disabled]

 

 

 

 

Legacy USB Storage detect

[Enabled]

 

 

 

 

: Move

Enter: Select

+/-/PU/PD: Value

F10: Save

ESC: Exit

F1: General Help

F11/12: Profile

F5: Previous Values

F6: Fail-Safe Defaults

F7: Optimized Defaults

Figure 1

Ensure that NV SATA RAID function is enabled (Figure 2). For example, if you wish to create RAID with hard disks on the SATAII0 and SATAII1 connectors, ensure that NV SATA 1 Primary/Secondary RAID are enabled (Figure 2).

 

 

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2006 Award Software

 

 

 

Serial-ATA RAID Config

 

 

 

NV SATA RAID function

[Enabled]

 

 

Item Help

 

NV SATA 1 Primary RAID

[Enabled]

 

 

Menu Level

 

NV SATA 1 Secondary RAID

[Enabled]

 

 

 

 

NV SATA 2 Primary RAID

[Disabled]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NV SATA 2 Secondary RAID

[Disabled]

 

 

 

 

NV SATA 3 Primary RAID

[Disabled]

 

 

 

 

NV SATA 3 Secondary RAID

[Disabled]

 

 

 

 

: Move

Enter: Select

+/-/PU/PD: Value

F10: Save

ESC: Exit

F1: General Help

 

F11/12: Profile

F5: Previous Values

F6: Fail-Safe Defaults

F7: Optimized Defaults

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 2

The BIOS Setup menus described in this section may not show the exact settings for your motherboard. The actual BIOS Setup menu options you will see shall depend on the motherboard you have and the BIOS version.

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

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Gigabyte GA-M59SLI-S5, GA-M59SLI-S4 user manual Enabled Menu Level

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.