(4) Making a SATA Driver Disk

To install operating system onto RAID disks successfully, you need to install the SATA RAID driver during OS installation. Without the driver, the hard disk may not be recognized during the Windows setup process. Skip this step if you do not want to create RAID. First of all, copy the driver for the SATA controller from the motherboard driver CD-ROM to a floppy disk. See the instructions below about how to copy the driver in MS-DOS mode(Note). Prepare a startup disk that has CD-ROM support and a blank formatted floppy disk.

Step 1: Insert the prepared startup disk and motherboard driver CD-ROM in your system. Boot from the

startup disk. Once at the A:\> prompt, change to the CD-ROM drive (example: D:\>). At the D:\> prompt, type the following two commands. Press ENTER after each command (Figure 10):

cd bootdrv

menu

Step 2: When the controller menu (Figure 11) appears, remove the startup disk and insert the blank formatted disk. Select the controller driver by pressing the corresponding letter from the menu.

For example, from the menu in Figure 11, press D to select (D) nVIDIA C51 Series Raid (XP) if you wish to install Windows XP (32-bit). Your system will then automatically zip and transfer this driver file to the floppy disk. Press 0 to exit when finished.

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Figure 10

Figure 11

(Note) For users without a startup disk:

Use an alternative system and insert the GIGABYTE motherboard driver CD-ROM. From the CD-ROM drive folder, double click the MENU.exe file in the BootDrv folder (Figure 12). A command prompt window will open similar to that in Figure 11.

Figure 12

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Appendix

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Intel GA-N650SLI-DS4 user manual Making a Sata Driver Disk, Cd bootdrv Menu

GA-N650SLI-DS4 specifications

The Intel GA-N650SLI-DS4 is a notable motherboard designed for gaming and high-performance computing enthusiasts. This ATX motherboard supports Intel processors and is built on the NVIDIA nForce 650i chipset, making it a solid choice for users looking to harness the power of dual graphics cards through SLI technology.

One of the standout features of the GA-N650SLI-DS4 is its support for NVIDIA's SLI technology, which allows users to connect two compatible NVIDIA graphics cards for enhanced gaming performance. This feature is particularly appealing to gamers who demand high frame rates and advanced graphical settings. With dual PCI Express x16 slots, users can easily install multiple GPUs and benefit from improved rendering and smoother gameplay.

Another significant aspect of this motherboard is its DDR2 memory support. The GA-N650SLI-DS4 can accommodate up to 8GB of DDR2 RAM, which provides ample memory for modern applications and multitasking. The board supports memory speeds ranging from 533 MHz to 800 MHz, ensuring that users can take advantage of the latest memory technology available at the time.

The layout of the GA-N650SLI-DS4 is thoughtfully designed, featuring an impressive array of connectivity options. It includes multiple SATA ports for connecting storage devices, supporting RAID configurations for data redundancy and performance. Additionally, the motherboard comes equipped with a variety of USB ports, including USB 2.0 and headers for front panel connections, allowing users to connect peripherals with ease.

In terms of audio, the board features integrated 8-channel HD audio, creating a rich sound experience for gaming and multimedia. The Realtek ALC888 audio codec ensures high fidelity sound, providing an immersive experience for gamers and media consumers alike.

The GA-N650SLI-DS4 also utilizes advanced cooling technologies to keep the system operating efficiently. With dedicated heatsinks for the chipset and power phases, users can enjoy improved thermal management, essential for maintaining performance during extended gaming sessions.

In summary, the Intel GA-N650SLI-DS4 is a well-rounded motherboard that caters to gamers and power users alike. Its support for dual GPUs, ample memory capacity, a variety of connectivity options, and robust audio capabilities make it a strong contender for anyone looking to build a high-performance system. As technology continues to evolve, the features of the GA-N650SLI-DS4 remain relevant, providing a solid foundation for an impressive gaming setup.