Gigabyte GA-MA770-S3 AM2+ AMD770 5200MT DDR2 PCIE2.0 RAID GbLAN 1394a ATX

GA-MA770-S3 (rev. 1.0)
AMD 770 Chipset
1. Supports AMD Phenom X3/ Athlon X2 processors
2. Solid capacitors design in CPU VRM
3. Dual Channel DDR2 1066* memory support for remarkable system performance
4. PCI-E 2.0 x16 graphics interface supports for extreme gaming performance
5. Integrated SATA 3Gb/s with RAID function
6. Features high speed Gigabit Ethernet and IEEE1394
7. High quality 8-ch High Definition audio
* 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-MA770-S3 is GIGABYTE’s next generation, high performance platform based on the new AMD 770 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. In addition, GA-MA770-S3 features with three innovative S features- Safe, Smart, and Speed technologies, further providing reliable and user friendly computing and reaching the maximum system performance easily via personalized software settings. GIGABYTE S series motherboards, the champion’s choice for AMD AM2+ platform!
Solid Capacitor for CPU VRM
Stable system operation depends upon the quality of CPU VRM (voltage regulator module). GIGABYTE adopts Conductive Polymer Aluminum Solid Capacitors for CPU VRM to ensure a longer lifespan for systems in daily operation and boost system stability under extreme conditions. CPU VRM with Solid Capacitors featuring better electronic conductivity, excellent heat resistance enhances system durability even operating in high temperature environment.
AMD OverDrive Support
The AMD OverDrive™ utility provides high-end users the ability to maximize the capability, flexibility, and adjustability of the platforms utilizing AMD processors, sockets, and chipsets.Please click here to download
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 770 Chipset
The AMD 770 Chipset is the system logic of the latest AM2+ (HyperTransport 3.0) platform from AMD that enables its next generation Phenom™ processors. The AMD 770 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.
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.
High Definition Audio
Experience home theater-quality sound with your PC using High Definition Audio for enhanced multi-channel audio, improved voice and communication input, and multi-streaming capability.
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.
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
1. 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
1. 5200/2000 MT/s
Chipset
1. North Bridge: AMD 770
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 ALC888 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
1. Realtek 8111B chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Expansion Slots
1. 1 x PCI Express x16 slot (The PCI Express x16 slot conforms to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
2. 4 x PCI Express x1 slots
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 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
3. 1 x floppy disk drive connector
4. 1 x IDE connector
5. 4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
6. 1 x CPU fan header
7. 2 x system fan headers
8. 1 x power fan header
9. 1 x North Bridge fan header
10. 1 x front panel header
11. 1 x front panel audio header
12. 1 x CD In connector
13. 1 x S/PDIF In header
14. 1 x S/PDIF Out header
15. 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
16. 1 x IEEE 1394a header
17. 1 x parallel port header
18. 1 x power LED header
19. 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 coaxial S/PDIF Out connector
4. 1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
5. 1 x serial port
6. 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
7. 2 x IEEE 1394a ports
8. 1 x RJ-45 port
9. 6 x audio jacks (Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out/Rear Speaker Out/Side Speaker Out/Line In/Line Out/Microphone)
I/O Controller
1. 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. 1 x 4 Mbit flash
2. Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
3. 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 4)
5. Support for Xpress Install
6. Support for Xpress Recovery2
7. Support for Virtual Dual BIOS
Bundle Software
1. Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Operating System
1. Support for Microsoft Windows Vista/XP/2000
Form Factor
1. ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 21.0cm
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.
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) Available functions in Easytune may differ by motherboard model.