Gigabyte GA-M68SM-S2L NVIDIA Motherboard Installation Guide

Gigabyte GA-M68SM-S2L NVIDIA Motherboard

• The sequence of installation may differ depending on the type of case and devices used. The installation instructions below apply to GIGABYTE’s desktop systems and are for reference only.
• Refer to the user’s manual included for detailed motherboard specifications.
• Before installing the devices, make sure they are compliant with the connectors on your computer.
• Before installing the devices, be sure to turn off the devices and your computer. Unplug the power cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the devices and the system components.
• Place the computer system on a stable surface to prevent improper installation resulting from shaking.

Step 1

Installing a CPU and CPU Cooler

A. Installing an Intel CPU (skip this step if the motherboard has a built- in CPU)

A- 1 Refer to the following instructions based on your CPU specifications:

• Type A:
  Lift the CPU socket lever and the metal load plate will be lifted as well.
  

  • If the protective socket cover is fastened on the CPU socket, remove it first.
  • If the protective socket cover is fastened on the metal load plate, do not remove it at this stage. The socket cover may pop off from the load plate automatically during the process of re-engaging the lever after you insert the CPU.

• Type B:
  Push lever A (closest to the ” ” marking) down and away from the socket to release it. Then push lever B (closest to the ” ” marking) down and away from the socket and lift it. Gently press lever A to allow the load plate to rise. Open the load plate.

A-2 Hold the CPU with your thumb and index fingers. Align the CPU pin one marking (triangle) with the pin one corner of the CPU socket (or you may align the CPU notches with the socket alignment keys) and gently insert the CPU into position.

A-3 Once the CPU is properly inserted, replace the load plate and push the CPU socket lever back into its locked position. Once the type B is properly inserted, carefully replace the load plate. Then secure lever B under its retention tab. The socket cover may pop off from the load plate during the process of engaging the lever. Finally, secure lever A under its retention tab to complete the installation of the CPU.

B. Installing an AMD CPU (skip this step if the motherboard has a built-in CPU)

• B-1 Completely raise the CPU socket lever. Align the CPU pin one (small triangle marking) with the triangle marking on the CPU socket and gently insert the CPU into the socket. Make sure that the CPU pins fit perfectly into their holes.
• B-2 Once the CPU is positioned into its socket, place one finger down on the middle of the CPU, lowering the socket lever and latching it into the fully locked position.
  • Do not force the CPU into the CPU socket. The CPU cannot fit in if oriented incorrectly. Adjust the CPU orientation if this occurs.
  • DO NOT touch socket contacts. To protect the CPU socket, always replace the protective socket cover when the CPU is not installed.

Installing the CPU Cooler

• C-1 Before installing the CPU cooler, please first add a thin layer of heat sink paste on the surface of the CPU. Then install the cooler (refer to the installation manual for your CPU cooler).
• C-2 Connect the CPU cooler cable to the CPU_FAN connector located on the motherboard so that the cooler can properly function to prevent the CPU from overheating.

Installing Memory

Note the orientation of the memory module. Spread the retaining clips at both ends of the memory socket. Place the memory module on the socket. As indicated in the picture on the left, place your fingers on the top edge of the memory, push down on the memory and insert it vertically into the memory socket. The clips at both ends of the socket will snap into place when the memory module is securely inserted.

Preparing the Case and Installing a Power Supply

Using the GIGABYTE desktop system as the demonstration example, please first remove both sides and the lid of the case to install the power supply. Place the power supply in the correct place in the case and secure it with screws. Installation and placement of the power supply may differ depending on the type of case used.

To ensure sufficient power can be supplied to your system, it is recommended that a power supply of good quality be used. If a power supply is used that does not provide the required power, the result can lead to an unstable or unbootable system.

Installing the Motherboard

Remove the original I/O shield from the back of the case and replace it with the motherboard I/O shield. Place the motherboard within the case by positioning it into its I/O shield. Align the mounting screw holes on the motherboard with their corresponding mounting holes on the case. Secure the motherboard in place with screws.

Installing an Expansion Card

Locate an expansion slot that supports your card and remove the slot cover from the case back panel. Then insert the expansion card into the slot. Secure the expansion card’s bracket to the case back panel with a screw.

• Before purchasing an expansion card, check the length of the card, making sure it can fit into your case.
• Make sure that the expansion card is fully seated in its slot.

Installing IDE and SATA Devices

• Install your optical drives, such as DVD-ROM and CD-ROM drives. Remove the 5.25″ drive bay cover from the front of the case. Mount the optical drive in the 5.25″ drive bay and secure it with screws.
• Install your IDE and SATA hard drives. Install the hard drive into a drive bay within the case and secure it with screws.
  • One motherboard IDE connector can connect up to two IDE devices. Before installation, check the jumper settings (master and slave) on your IDE devices.
  • If more than one hard drive is installed, enter the system BIOS Setup to set the hard drive boot sequence.

Connecting Cables to Internal Connectors

• Connect cables to internal connectors and headers on the motherboard, including IDE/SATA connectors, and front panel audio, USB, IEEE 1394 headers, etc.

• Attach the front panel module (differs depending on the case design, consisting of a power indicator, hard drive activity indicator, speakers, reset switch, power switch, etc.) from the case to the front panel header (F_PANEL) on the motherboard.

• MSG: Message/Power/Sleep LED

• PWR: Power LED

• PW: Power Switch

• SPEAK: Speaker

• HD: Hard Drive Activity LED

• RES: Reset Switch

• CI: Chassis Intrusion Header

Pin Assignments A:

Pin Assignments B:

Note: The pin assignments for the front panel header may differ by model. Refer to the motherboard user’s manual for the actual pin assignments.

Connecting Peripherals

Once the steps above have been completed, connect the peripheral devices to the computer, such as the keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc. Then connect the power, turn on the system, and install all required software.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if my system does not boot after assembly?

If your system fails to boot, double-check all connections, including power cables, RAM, CPU, and expansion cards. Ensure that everything is securely connected and that there are no loose components.

What precautions should I take before installing any devices on the motherboard?

Before installing any devices, ensure that they are compliant with the connectors on the motherboard. Also, make sure to turn off both the devices and the computer, and unplug the power cord from the outlet to prevent damage.

How do I install memory (RAM) on this motherboard?

To install memory, spread the retaining clips at both ends of the memory socket, place the memory module vertically into the socket, and ensure it snaps into place. The orientation of the memory module is important, so follow the guidelines in the manual.

What are the recommendations for preparing the case and installing a power supply for this motherboard?

The case and power supply installation process can vary depending on the type of case used. It's advised to remove the case sides and lid, secure the power supply with screws, and ensure that it's of good quality to prevent system instability.

How do I properly install the motherboard in the case?

To install the motherboard, replace the original I/O shield with the motherboard I/O shield, align the motherboard's mounting holes with those on the case, and secure it with screws.

What is the procedure for installing an expansion card on this motherboard?

To install an expansion card, locate a compatible expansion slot, remove the slot cover from the case back panel, insert the card into the slot, and secure its bracket with a screw. Check the card's length to ensure it fits the case.

How can I install IDE and SATA devices, such as optical drives and hard drives?

To install optical drives, remove the drive bay cover from the front of the case, mount the optical drive in the drive bay, and secure it with screws. For IDE and SATA hard drives, secure them in drive bays within the case with screws.

What should I consider when connecting cables to internal connectors on the motherboard?

Connect cables to internal connectors and headers on the motherboard, such as IDE/SATA connectors, front panel audio, USB, IEEE 1394 headers, etc.

How do I connect peripherals like a keyboard, mouse, and monitor to the computer once everything is installed?

After completing the hardware installation, connect peripherals, including the keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc. Then, connect the power, turn on the system, and proceed to install the required software.

Can I install an operating system on this motherboard, and how do I do it?

Yes, you can install an operating system on this motherboard. The installation process depends on the operating system you intend to use. Typically, you'll need an installation disc or USB drive.

What kind of expansion cards are compatible with this motherboard?

The motherboard supports various expansion cards, such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards.

Can I install both IDE and SATA hard drives simultaneously on this motherboard?

Yes, you can install both IDE and SATA hard drives. However, ensure that the jumper settings on your IDE devices (master and slave) are correctly configured.

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