Gigabyte GA-MA790X-DS4 AM2+ AMD790X FSB4000, DDR2, 2xPCIE2.0, SATA2, GbLAN, 1394a, ATX

GA-MA790X-DS4 (rev. 1.0)
AMD 790X Chipset
1. Supports AMD AM2+ Phenom™/ AM2 Athlon™ 64 series processors
2. Dual Channel DDR2 1066* memory support for remarkable system performance
3. Dual PCI-E 2.0 x16 graphics interfaces with ATI CrossFireX™ support for extreme gaming performance
4. Integrated SATA 3Gb/s with RAID function
5. Features high speed Gigabit Ethernet and IEEE1394
6. High quality 8-ch ALC889A High Definition audio, featuring 106dB Signal to Noise Ratio and Full Rate Lossless Audio with Blu-ray/ HD DVD playback support.
7. Ultra Durable 2 motherboard features High Quality CPU Power design with Ferrite core chokes, Low RDS (on) MOSFET and Solid Capacitors.
8. Durable Capacitors that take advantage of Japanese manufactured Solid Capacitors for enhanced system durability
* Whether 1066 MHz memory speed is supported depends on the CPU being used, please refer "Memory Support List" for memory support information.

Overview
Introduction
The GA-MA790X-DS4 is GIGABYTE's next generation, high performance platform based on the new AMD 790X Chipset and support for the new AMD Phenom™ quad-core processors, with the latest AM2+ platform support, integrated DDR2 1066 memory controller, HyperTransport™ 3.0 technology links and 128-bit Floating Point Units. The GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-DS4 also features support for PCI Express 2.0 as well as ATI CrossFireX™ with dual x8 connectivity for the ultimate gaming experience. In addition to setting new records for blistering performance, the GA-MA790X-DS4 is part of the GIGABYTE Ultra Durable 2 series of motherboards, featuring top quality electronic components which provide optimized power savings, ultra cooling and extended system durability.
Ultra Durable 2 -Designed with Top Quality Highly Efficient Components
Ultra Durable 2
Ultra Cooling - Low RDS(on) MOSFET Design
Low RDS(on) MOSFETs specially designed to produce lower switching resistance for faster electric current charging and discharging.
Ultra Cooling
Low Power Loss - Ferrite Core Choke Design
Ferrite core chokes comprised of a compound of iron oxide and other metal elements whose properties hold energy much longer than common iron core at high frequency.
Low Power Loss
Longer Life - All-Solid Capacitor Design
Solid capacitors contain a solid organic polymer, while electrolytic capacitors use a common liquid electrolyte, hence, the terms solid capacitor versus electrolytic capacitors.
Longer Life
AMD Live Ready
AMD Live Ready Requirement compliant.
Windows Vista Premium Logo Certified
Windows Vista Premium promises to deliver a streamlined computing experience designed to fundamentally change how users view, find and organize their digital information. With GIGABYTE AM2+/ AM2 solutions enabling support for Vista Premium, GIGABYTE offers a fresh and unique desktop experience that will be more informative, intuitive and completely new.
AMD Phenom™ processors
The leading-edge performance and unparallel technology of AMD AM2+ Phenom™ processors have built its strength on the well-known AMD64 framework which consisted next generation of HyperTransport 3.0 Technology, and integrated DDR2 1066 memory controller, and 128-bit Floating Point Units. The AMD Phenom™ processors are an ideal choice for multi-media enthusiasts and intensive multi-tasking environments to offer significant performance boosts and provides an overall more energy efficient platform.
AMD 790X Chipset
The AMD 790X Chipset is the system logic of the latest AM2+ (HyperTransport 3.0) platform from AMD that enables its next generation Phenom™ processors with the leading CrossFireX™ solution. The AMD 790X Chipset, with optimized next generation of PCI-E 2.0 graphics capabilities, providing outstanding quality and performance for every PC users. Confidently manage and back-up precious digital files, surf the Internet faster, and play the latest games with technology designed today and ready for tomorrow.
Dual Channel DDR2 1066* MHz
Experience the advanced technology of DDR2 1066* memory, featuring faster speeds and higher data bandwidth, which delivers superior performance for the most demanding applications.
* Whether 1066 MHz memory speed is supported depends on the CPU being used, please refer "Memory Support List" for memory support information.
PCI-E 2.0 Graphics Interface
PCI-E 2.0 doubles the bus standard's bandwidth from 2.5 Gbit/s to 5 Gbit/s, meaning a x32 connector can transfer data at up to 16 GB/s in each direction. PCI-E 2.0 also features improvements to the point-to-point data transfer protocol and its software architecture.
ATI CrossFireX™ support
With support for latest ATI CrossFireX™ technology, GIGABYTE pushes the envelope once again by delivering highly optimized performance and flexibility demanded by power users and extreme gaming enthusiasts. Designed to provide unmatched multi-GPU support with Quad PCI-E connectivity, the GA-MA790X-DS4 allows users to take advantage of the ultra smooth 3D rendering, blazing-fast frame rates and enhanced visual quality possible with a dual graphics card solution.
SATA 3Gb/s storage interface
The SATA specification doubles bus bandwidth from 1.5Gb/s to 3Gb/s. Native Command Queuing is a new specification that enables out-of-order execution of commands for efficient retrieval of data. Hot Plug support allows users to insert and remove hard disk drives without shutting off power to the system.
IEEE1394 motherboard
This motherboard comes with IEEE1394 FireWire interface from Texas Instruments (TI). With the transfer speed up to 400Mb/s, the new generation IEEE1394 interface further enhances PC connectivity with consumer electronics audio/video (A/V) appliances, and storage peripherals.
ALC889A HD audio with Enables a Superior Audio Experience
Excellent Audio Performance
High-performance DAC (Digital-Analog Converter) with 106 dB Signal-to-Noise ratio playback quality, designed especially for Windows Vista Premium PCs.
Blu-ray/HD DVD Full Rate Audio Support
The ALC889A enables high quality Full Rate Lossless Audio for content protected media and support for both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats for an exhilarating home theater entertainment experience.
7.1+2 Channel High Definition Output
The ALC889A provides support for 7.1 sound playback, plus 2 channels of independent stereo output (multiple streaming) through the front panel stereo outputs.
Gigabit LAN Connectivity
The Gigabit network interface delivers a high speed LAN connection with data transfer rate up to 1000Mb/s, providing new generation connectivity for the broadband era. Gigabit LAN is ideally for seamless internet connection such as streaming audio and video contents.
CrossFire
With support for latest ATI CrossFireX™ technology, GIGABYTE pushes the envelope once again by delivering highly optimized performance and flexibility demanded by power users and extreme gaming enthusiasts. Designed to provide unmatched multi-GPU support with dual PCI Express connectivity, the GA-MA790X-DS4 allows users to take advantage of the ultra smooth 3D rendering, blazing-fast frame rates and enhanced visual quality possible with a dual graphics card solution.
Speed
The Speed compliant motherboards of GIGABYTE S-series provide intelligent over-clocking and over-voltage software settings through both hardware and software design.
Smart
The Smart featured motherboards of GIGABYTE S-series provide GIGABYTE proprietary innovative software such as Download Center, @BIOS, Q-Flash, Xpress Install, Boot menu, and Smart Fan. BIOS and driver management now becomes much easier and user friendly through GIGABYTE Smart features!.
Safe
Safe is the key feature of GIGABYTE S-series motherboards with the following elements: Excellent hardware design reinforced BIOS protection through GIGABYTE Virtual Dual BIOS Technology and GIGABYTE BIOS Setting Recovery Technology. Unique system software such as Xpress Recovery 2, PC Health Monitor, HDD S.M.A.R.T., and C.O.M. further strengthen the stability and reliability of your PC!

Specifications
CPU Support for Socket AM2+/ AM2 processors:
AMD Phenom™FX processor/ AMD Phenom™ processor/ AMD Athlon™ 64 FX processor/AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core processor/AMD Athlon™ 64 processor/AMD Sempron™ processor
Hyper Transport Bus 5200/2000 MT/s
Chipset
1. North Bridge: AMD 790X
2. South Bridge: AMD SB600
Memory
1. 4 x 1.8V DDR2 DIMM sockets supporting up to 16 GB of system memory (Note 1)
2. Dual channel memory architecture
3. Support for DDR2 1066(Note 2)/800/667 MHz memory modules
4. Support ECC Memory(Note 3)
Audio
1. Realtek ALC889A codec
2. High Definition Audio
3. 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
4. Support for S/PDIF In/Out
5. Support for CD In
LAN Realtek 8111B chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Expansion Slots
1. 2 x PCI Express x16 slots supporting ATI CrossFireX™ technology (Note 4) (The PCIE_16_1 slot supports x16; the PCIE_16_2 supports x8. The PCI Express x16 slots conform to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
2. 3 x PCI Express x1 slot
3. 2 x PCI slots
Storage Interface South Bridge:
1. 1 x IDE connector supporting ATA-133/100/66/33 and up to 2 IDE devices
2. 4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors (SATAII0, SATAII1, SATAII2, SATAII3) supporting up to 4 SATA 3Gb/s devices
3. Support for SATA RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 0+1
iTE IT8718 chip:
1. 1 x floppy disk drive connector supporting up to 1 floppy disk drive
IEEE 1394 T.I. TSB43AB23 chip
1. Up to 3 IEEE 1394a ports (2 on the back panel, 1 via the IEEE 1394a bracket connected to the internal IEEE 1394a headers)
USB Integrated in the South Bridge
1. Up to 10 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 on the back panel, 4 via the USB brackets connected to the internal USB headers)
Internal I/O Connectors
1. 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
2. 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
3. 1 x 4-pin PCIe 12V power connector
4. 1 x floppy disk drive connector
5. 1 x IDE connector
6. 4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
7. 1 x CPU fan header
8. 2 x system fan headers
9. 1 x power fan header
10. 1 x North Bridge fan header
11. 1 x front panel header
12. 1 x front panel audio header
13. 1 x CD In connector
14. 1 x S/PDIF In header
15. 1 x S/PDIF Out header
16. 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
17. 1 x IEEE 1394a headers
18. 1 x parallel port header
19. 1 x power LED header
20. 1 x chassis intrusion header
Back Panel Connectors
1. 1 x PS/2 keyboard port
2. 1 x PS/2 mouse port
3. 1 x serial port
4. 1 x coaxial S/PDIF Out connector
5. 1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
6. 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
7. 2 x IEEE 1394a ports
8. 1 x RJ-45 port
9. 6 audio jacks (Line In / Line Out / MIC In/Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out) / Center / Subwoofer Speaker Out / Side Speaker Out)
I/O Controller iTE IT8718 chip
H/W Monitoring System voltage detection
1. CPU/System temperature detection
2. CPU/System/Power fan speed detection
3. CPU overheating warning
4. CPU/System/Power fan fail warning
5. CPUfan speed control
BIOS
1. 2 x 4 Mbit flash
2. Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
3. Support for Dual BIOS™
4. PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI 1.0b
Unique Features
1. Support for @BIOS
2. Support for Download Center
3. Support for Q-Flash
4. Support for EasyTune (Note 5)
5. Support for Xpress Install
6. Support for Xpress Recovery2
7. Support for Virtual Dual BIOS
Bundle Software Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Overclocking Voltage adjustments in BIOS Setup (CPU/DDR2/Chipset/PCIE/FSB/HTT/HTR) allow you to:
1. Increase CPU voltage (Note 6)
2. Increase DDR2 voltage by 0.05V to 0.50V with 0.05V increment
3. Increase Chipset voltage by 0.05V to 0.40V with 0.05V increment
4. Increase PCI Express voltage by 0.05V to 0.45V with 0.05V increment
5. Increase FSB voltage by 0.05V to 0.35V with 0.05V increment
6. Increase HTT voltage by 0.05V to 0.40V with 0.05V increment
7. Increase HTR voltage by 0.05V to 0.45V with 0.05V increment
Frequency adjustments in BIOS Setup (CPU/HT Link/PCIE/DDR2) allow you to:
1. Adjust CPU host frequency from 200 MHz to 500 MHz with 1 MHz increment
2. Adjust HT Link frequency
3. Adjust PCI Express frequency from 100 MHz to 200 MHz with 1 MHz increment
4. Adjust DDR2 frequency
Operating System Support for Microsoft Windows Vista/XP/2000
Form Factor ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 22 .4cm
Note (Note 1) Due to Windows XP 32-bit operating system limitation, when more than 4 GB of physical memory is installed, the actual memory size displayed will be less than 4 GB.
(Note 2) Whether 1066 MHz memory speed is supported depends on the CPU being used.
(Note 3) Use of a CPU that supports ECC is required if you wish to install ECC memory.
(Note 4) When the CrossFireX™ technology is enabled, the PCIE_16_1 slot will operate in x8 mode. If you are installing a single PCI Express x16 graphics card, please install it in the PCIE_16_1 slot for optimum performance.
(Note 5) Available functions in Easytune may differ by motherboard model.
(Note 6) The adjustable CPU voltage range depends on the CPU being used.
Remark
1. Due to different Linux support condition provided by chipset vendors, please download Linux driver from chipset vendors' website or 3rd party website.
2. Due to most hardware/software vendors no longer offer support for Win9X/ME. If some vendors still has Win9X/ME drivers available, we will publish on website.