MB Manual Ga z97x Gaming GT e

GA-Z97X-Gaming GT
User's Manual
Rev. 1002
12ME-Z97XGGT-1002R
Motherboard
GA-Z97X-Gaming GT
Motherboard
GA-Z97X-Gaming GT
Apr. 25, 2014
Apr. 25, 2014
Copyright
© 2014 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
The trademarks mentioned in this manual are legally registered to their respective owners.
Disclaimer
Information in this manual is protected by copyright laws and is the property of GIGABYTE.
Changes to the specifications and features in this manual may be made by GIGABYTE
without prior notice.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, transmitted, or published in any
form or by any means without GIGABYTE's prior written permission.
Documentation Classifications
In order to assist in the use of this product, GIGABYTE provides the following types of
documentations:
For quick set-up of the product, read the Quick Installation Guide included with the product.
For detailed product information, carefully read the User's Manual.
For product-related information, check on our website at: http://www.gigabyte.com
Identifying Your Motherboard Revision

The revision number on your motherboard looks like this: "REV: X.X." For example, "REV: 1.0"
means the revision of the motherboard is 1.0. Check your motherboard revision before updating
motherboard BIOS, drivers, or when looking for technical information.
Example:
Table of Contents
Box Contents....................................................................................................................6
Optional Items..................................................................................................................6
GA-Z97X-Gaming GT Motherboard Layout......................................................................7
GA-Z97X-Gaming GT Motherboard Block Diagram.........................................................8
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation......................................................................................9

1-1 Installation Precautions..................................................................................... 9
1-2 Product Specifications..................................................................................... 10
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler................................................................ 13
1-3-1 Installing the CPU....................................................................................................13
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler........................................................................................15
1-4 Installing the Memory...................................................................................... 16
1-4-1 Dual Channel Memory Configuration......................................................................16
1-4-2 Installing a Memory.................................................................................................17
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card.......................................................................... 18
1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA® SLI™ Configuration............................... 19
1-7 Back Panel Connectors................................................................................... 20
1-8 Onboard Buttons, Switches, and LEDs........................................................... 22
1-9 Changing the Operational Amplifier................................................................ 24
1-10 Internal Connectors......................................................................................... 25
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup...................................................................................................35
2-1 Startup Screen................................................................................................ 36
2-2 The Main Menu............................................................................................... 37
2-3 M.I.T................................................................................................................ 40
2-4 System Information......................................................................................... 52
2-5 BIOS Features................................................................................................ 53
2-6 Peripherals...................................................................................................... 57
2-7 Power Management........................................................................................ 61
2-8 Save & Exit...................................................................................................... 63
Chapter 3 Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s)....................................................................65
3-1 Configuring Intel® Z97 SATA Controllers......................................................... 65
3-2 Configuring Marvell® 88SE9172 SATA Controller............................................ 77
3-3 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System........................ 82
-4-
Chapter 4 Drivers Installation.........................................................................................89
4-1 Chipset Drivers................................................................................................ 89
4-2 Application Software....................................................................................... 90
4-3 Information...................................................................................................... 90
Chapter 5 Unique Features............................................................................................91
5-1 BIOS Update Utilities...................................................................................... 91
5-1-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility..............................................................91
5-1-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility..............................................................94
5-2 APP Center..................................................................................................... 95
5-2-1 EasyTune................................................................................................................96
5-2-2 System Information Viewer......................................................................................97
5-2-3 EZ Setup..................................................................................................................98
5-2-4 Fast Boot...............................................................................................................103
5-2-5 Smart TimeLock....................................................................................................104
5-2-6 Smart Recovery 2..................................................................................................105
5-2-7 USB Blocker..........................................................................................................107
5-2-8 Smart Switch.........................................................................................................108
5-2-9 Game Controller....................................................................................................109
Chapter 6 Appendix..................................................................................................... 111
6-1 Qualcomm® Atheros Killer Network Manager.................................................111
6-2 Configuring Audio Input and Output.............................................................. 112
6-2-1 Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio..................................................................112
6-2-2 Configuring S/PDIF Out.........................................................................................114
6-2-3 Configuring Microphone Recording.......................................................................115
6-2-4 Using the Sound Recorder....................................................................................117
6-2-5 Creative Software Suite.........................................................................................118
6-3 Troubleshooting............................................................................................ 121
6-3-1 Frequently Asked Questions .................................................................................121
6-3-2 Troubleshooting Procedure...................................................................................122
6-4 Debug LED Codes........................................................................................ 124
Regulatory Statements............................................................................................. 128

Contact Us............................................................................................................... 131
-5-
Box Contents
55 GA-Z97X-Gaming GT motherboard
55 Motherboard driver disk
55 User's Manual
55 Quick Installation Guide
55 Four SATA cables
55 I/O Shield
55 One 2-Way SLI bridge connector
55 One 2-Way CrossFire bridge connector
The box contents above are for reference only and the actual items shall depend on the product package you
obtain. The box contents are subject to change without notice.
Optional Items
2-port USB 2.0 bracket (Part No. 12CR1-1UB030-6*R)
eSATA bracket (Part No. 12CF1-3SATPW-4*R)
3.5" Front Panel with 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports (Part No. 12CR1-FPX582-2*R)
HDMI-to-DVI adapter (Part No. 12CT2-HDMI01-1*R)
COM port cable (Part No. 12CF1-1CM001-3*R)
-6-
GA-Z97X-Gaming GT Motherboard Layout
PW_SW RST_SW
KB_MS_USB ATX_12V_2X4
Debug LED (Note)
CMOS_SW
VGA LGA1150
DVI
ATX
DP_HDMI_SPDIF
R_USB30
Renesas®
uPD720210
USB30_LAN
Qualcomm®
Atheros Killer
AUDIO E2201 LAN
F_USB30
PLX®
ATX4P
PEX8747 CPU_OPT
SYS_FAN1
PCIEX16_1 CPU_FAN
DDR3_4
DDR3_2
DDR3_3
DDR3_1
TI Burr Brown®
OPA2134
PCIEX1_1
GSATA3
GAIN
PCIEX8_1 GA-Z97X-Gaming GT Marvell®
7
6
88SE9172
Intel® Z97
PCIEX1_2
SATA3 3 2
5 4
PCIEX16_2
iTE®
SATA_EXPRESS
CODEC
Super I/O
PCIEX1_3 B_BIOS
M_BIOS
BBIOS_LED BAT
SATA3 10
PCIEX8_2 MBIOS_LED
BIOS_SW
CLR_CMOS
SB
SPDIF_O SYS_FAN2 F_USB3 F_USB1 SYS_FAN5

F_AUDIO COMA SYS_FAN3 F_USB2 SYS_FAN4 F_PANEL
(Note) For debug code information, please refer to Chapter 6.

-7-
GA-Z97X-Gaming GT Motherboard Block Diagram
CPU CLK+/- (100 MHz)
2 PCI Express x8 2 PCI Express x8
DDR3 1600/1333 MHz
or or LGA1150 Dual Channel Memory
1 PCI Express x16 CPU
1 PCI Express x16 DisplayPort

HDMI
DVI
x16 x16
DMI 2.0
x16 x16
FDI
Switch Switch
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz) PLX PEX8747
®
D-Sub
PCI Express Bus 1 SATA Express
LAN or
2 SATA 6Gb/s
RJ45
3 PCI Express x1 4 SATA 6Gb/s
Qualcomm®
Atheros Killer
E2201 LAN Renesas®
uPD720210 Hub
Intel® Z97 4 USB 3.0/2.0
x1
x1 x1 x1 2 USB 3.0/2.0
PCI Express Bus
x1
PCIe CLK 8 USB 2.0/1.1
Marvell®
(100 MHz) 88SE9172
Dual BIOS
2 SATA 6Gb/s
LPC Bus iTE® COM

Super I/O
CODEC
PS/2 KB/Mouse
Center/Subwoofer
Speaker Out
Rear Speaker Out
Side Speaker Out
Line Out
S/PDIF Out
MIC
Line In
For detailed product information/limitation(s), refer to "1-2 Product Specifications."
-8-
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation
1-1 Installation Precautions
The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can become
damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Prior to installation, carefully read the user's
manual and follow these procedures:
•• Prior to installation, make sure the chassis is suitable for the motherboard.
•• Prior to installation, do not remove or break motherboard S/N (Serial Number) sticker or
warranty sticker provided by your dealer. These stickers are required for warranty validation.
•• Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the power outlet before
installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware components.
•• When connecting hardware components to the internal connectors on the motherboard, make
sure they are connected tightly and securely.
•• When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.
•• It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when handling electronic
components such as a motherboard, CPU or memory. If you do not have an ESD wrist strap,
keep your hands dry and first touch a metal object to eliminate static electricity.
•• Prior to installing the motherboard, please have it on top of an antistatic pad or within an
electrostatic shielding container.
•• Before unplugging the power supply cable from the motherboard, make sure the power supply
has been turned off.
•• Before turning on the power, make sure the power supply voltage has been set according to
the local voltage standard.
•• Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors of your hardware
components are connected.
•• To prevent damage to the motherboard, do not allow screws to come in contact with the
motherboard circuit or its components.
•• Make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or
within the computer casing.
•• Do not place the computer system on an uneven surface.
•• Do not place the computer system in a high-temperature environment.
•• Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to system
components as well as physical harm to the user.
•• If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the
product, please consult a certified computer technician.
-9- Hardware Installation

1-2 Product Specifications
CPU Support for Intel® Core™ i7 processors/Intel® Core™ i5 processors/
Intel® Core™ i3 processors/Intel® Pentium® processors/Intel® Celeron® processors
in the LGA1150 package
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
L3 cache varies with CPU
Chipset Intel® Z97 Express Chipset
Memory 4 x DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 32 GB of system memory
* D
ue to a Windows 32-bit operating system limitation, when more than 4 GB of physical
memory is installed, the actual memory size displayed will be less than the size of
the physical memory installed.
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for DDR3 1600/1333 MHz memory modules
Support for non-ECC memory modules
Support for Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and memory
modules.)
Onboard Integrated Graphics Processor:
Graphics - 1 x D-Sub port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920x1200@60Hz
- 1 x DVI-D port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920x1200@60Hz
* The DVI-D port does not support D-Sub connection by adapter.
- 1 x HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096x2160@24Hz or
2560x1600@60Hz
* Support for HDMI 1.4a version.
- 1 x DisplayPort, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096x2160@24Hz or
3840x2160@60Hz
* Support for DisplayPort 1.2 version.
- Support for up to 3 displays at the same time
- Maximum shared memory of 1 GB
Audio Realtek® ALC1150 codec
TI Burr Brown® OPA2134 operational amplifier
Support for Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3
High Definition Audio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF Out
LAN Qualcomm® Atheros Killer E2201 LAN chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Expansion Slots 2 x PCI Express x16 slots, running at x16 (PCIEX16_1~2)
* F
or optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed, be
sure to install it in the PCIEX16_1 slot; if you are installing two PCI Express graphics
cards, it is recommended that you install them in the PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2
slots.
2 x PCI Express x16 slots, running at x8 (PCIEX8_1~2)
* T
he PCIEX8_1 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16_1 slot and the PCIEX8_2
slot with PCIEX16_2. The PCIEX16_1/PCIEX16_2 slot will operate at up to x8 mode
when the PCIEX8_1/PCIEX8_2 is populated.
(The PCI Express x16 slots conform to PCI Express 3.0 standard.)
3 x PCI Express x1 slots
(The PCI Express x1 slots conform to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
Hardware Installation - 10 -
Multi-Graphics
Support for 4-Way/3-Way/2-Way AMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA® SLI™ technology
Technology
Storage Interface Chipset:
- 1 x SATA Express connector
- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (SATA3 0~5)
- Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10
(SATA Express and SATA3 4/5 connectors can only be used one at a time.)
Marvell® 88SE9172 chip:
- 2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (GSATA3 6~7)
- Support for RAID 0 and RAID 1
USB Chipset:
- 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (2 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available through
the internal USB header)
- 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (2 ports on the back panel, 6 ports available through
the internal USB header)
Chipset + Renesas® uPD720210 USB 3.0 Hub:
- 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports on the back panel
Internal 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
Connectors 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x PCIe power connector
1 x SATA Express connector
8 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan header
1 x water cooling fan header (CPU_OPT)
5 x system fan headers
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x S/PDIF Out header
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 header
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x serial port header
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
1 x power button
1 x reset button
1 x Clear CMOS button
1 x audio gain control switch
8 x onboard voltage measurement points
2 x BIOS switches
Back Panel 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
Connectors 1 x D-Sub port
1 x DVI-D port
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
1 x HDMI port
1 x DisplayPort
6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
- 11 - Hardware Installation
Back Panel 1 x RJ-45 port
Connectors 6 x audio jacks (Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out, Rear Speaker Out, Side Speaker
Out, Line In, Line Out, Mic In)
I/O Controller iTE® I/O Controller Chip
Hardware System voltage detection
Monitor CPU/System/Chipset temperature detection
CPU/CPU OPT/System fan speed detection
CPU/System overheating warning
CPU/CPU OPT/System fan fail warning
CPU/CPU OPT/System fan speed control
* W
hether the fan speed control function is supported will depend on the cooler you
install.
BIOS 2 x 128 Mbit flash
Use of licensed AMI UEFI BIOS
Support for DualBIOS™
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.7, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0
Unique Features Support for APP Center
* A
vailable applications in APP Center may differ by motherboard model. Supported
functions of each application may also differ depending on motherboard
specifications.
- @BIOS
- EasyTune
- EZ Setup
- Fast Boot
- Game Controller
- ON/OFF Charge
- Smart TimeLock
- Smart Recovery 2
- System Information Viewer
- USB Blocker
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Smart Switch
Support for Xpress Install
Bundled Norton® Internet Security (OEM version)
Software Intel® Rapid Start Technology
Intel® Smart Connect Technology
Intel® Smart Response Technology
Operating
Support for Windows 8.1/8/7
System
Form Factor ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm
* GIGABYTE reserves the right to make any changes to the product specifications and product-related information without
prior notice.
* Please visit the Support & Downloads\Utility page on GIGABYTE's website to check the supported operating system(s)
for the software listed in the "Unique Features" and "Bundled Software" columns.
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the CPU:
•• Make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
•• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing the
CPU to prevent hardware damage.
•• Locate the pin one of the CPU. The CPU cannot be inserted if oriented incorrectly. (Or you may
locate the notches on both sides of the CPU and alignment keys on the CPU socket.)
•• Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on the surface of the CPU.
•• Do not turn on the computer if the CPU cooler is not installed, otherwise overheating and damage
of the CPU may occur.
•• Set the CPU host frequency in accordance with the CPU specifications. It is not recommended
that the system bus frequency be set beyond hardware specifications since it does not meet the
standard requirements for the peripherals. If you wish to set the frequency beyond the standard
specifications, please do so according to your hardware specifications including the CPU, graphics
card, memory, hard drive, etc.
1-3-1 Installing the CPU

A. Locate the alignment keys on the motherboard CPU socket and the notches on the CPU.
LGA1150 CPU Socket
Alignment Alignment
Key Key
Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket
LGA1150 CPU
Notch Notch
Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU
B. Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU into the motherboard CPU socket.
•• Before installing the CPU, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from
the power outlet to prevent damage to the CPU.
•• To protect the socket contacts, do not remove the protective plastic cover unless the CPU is
inserted into the CPU socket. Save the cover properly and replace it if the CPU is removed.
Step 1: Step 2:
Gently press the CPU socket lever handle down Hold the CPU with your thumb and index fingers.
and away from the socket with your finger. Then Align the CPU pin one marking (triangle) with the
completely lift the CPU socket lever and the metal pin one corner of the CPU socket (or you may align
load plate/plastic cover will be lifted as well. the CPU notches with the socket alignment keys)
and gently insert the CPU into position.
Step 3: Step 4:
Once the CPU is properly inserted, carefully Finally, secure the lever under its retention tab to
replace the load plate. When replacing the load complete the installation of the CPU.
plate, make sure the front end of the load plate
is under the shoulder screw. Then press the CPU
socket lever. The protective plastic cover may
pop off from the load plate during the process of
engaging the lever. Remove the cover. (Save the
cover properly and always replace it when the
CPU is not installed.)
NOTE:
Hold the CPU socket lever by the handle, not the lever base portion.
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler
Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler on the motherboard. (The following procedure uses
Intel® boxed cooler as the example cooler.)
Male
Push Pin
Direction of
the Arrow Sign
on the Male The Top
Push Pin of Female
Push Pin
Female
Push Pin
Step 1: Step 2:
Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on Before installing the cooler, note the direction of the
the surface of the installed CPU. arrow sign on the male push pin. (Turning the
push pin along the direction of arrow is to remove
the cooler, on the contrary, is to install.)
Step 3: Step 4:
Place the cooler atop the CPU, aligning the You should hear a "click" when pushing down each
four push pins through the pin holes on the push pin. Check that the Male and Female push
motherboard. Push down on the push pins pins are joined closely.
diagonally. (Refer to your CPU cooler installation manual for
instructions on installing the cooler.)
Step 5: Step 6:
After the installation, check the back of the Finally, attach the power connector of the CPU
motherboard. If the push pin is inserted as the cooler to the CPU fan header (CPU_FAN) on the
picture above shows, the installation is complete. motherboard.
Use extreme care when removing the CPU cooler because the thermal grease/tape between the CPU
cooler and CPU may adhere to the CPU. Inadequately removing the CPU cooler may damage the CPU.
1-4 Installing the Memory
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the memory:
•• Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended that memory of the same
capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and memory modules.)
•• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing the
memory to prevent hardware damage.
•• Memory modules have a foolproof design. A memory module can be installed in only one direction.
If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.
1-4-1 Dual Channel Memory Configuration

This motherboard provides four DDR3 memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. After the
memory is installed, the BIOS will automatically detect the specifications and capacity of the memory. Enabling
Dual Channel memory mode will double the original memory bandwidth.
The four DDR3 memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as
following:

Channel A: DDR3_2, DDR3_4

Channel B: DDR3_1, DDR3_3
Dual Channel Memory Configurations Table

DDR3_4 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_1
Two Modules -- DS/SS -- DS/SS
DS/SS -- DS/SS --
Four Modules DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS
(SS=Single-Sided, DS=Double-Sided, "- -"=No Memory)
DDR3_4
DDR3_2
DDR3_3
DDR3_1
Due to CPU limitations, read the following guidelines before installing the memory in Dual Channel mode.
1. Dual Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one DDR3 memory module is installed.
2. When enabling Dual Channel mode with two or four memory modules, it is recommended that memory
of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used and installed in the same colored DDR3
sockets. For optimum performance, when enabling Dual Channel mode with two memory modules,
we recommend that you install them in the DDR3_1 and DDR3_2 sockets.
1-4-2 Installing a Memory
Before installing a memory module, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power
cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the memory module. DDR3 and DDR2 DIMMs
are not compatible to each other or DDR DIMMs. Be sure to install DDR3 DIMMs on this
motherboard.
Notch
DDR3 DIMM
A DDR3 memory module has a notch, so it can only fit in one direction. Follow the steps below to correctly install
your memory modules in the memory sockets.
Step 1:
Note the orientation of the memory module. Spread the retaining clip
at the right end 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.
Step 2:
The clip at the right end of the socket will snap into place when the
memory module is securely inserted.
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install an expansion card:
•• Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual that came
with your expansion card.
•• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing an
expansion card to prevent hardware damage.
PCI Express x1 Slot
PCI Express x16 Slot
Follow the steps below to correctly install your expansion card in the expansion slot.
1. Locate an expansion slot that supports your card. Remove the metal slot cover from the chassis back panel.
2. Align the card with the slot, and press down on the card until it is fully seated in the slot.
3. Make sure the metal contacts on the card are completely inserted into the slot.
4. Secure the card's metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.
5. After installing all expansion cards, replace the chassis cover(s).
6. Turn on your computer. If necessary, go to BIOS Setup to make any required BIOS changes for your
expansion card(s).
7. Install the driver provided with the expansion card in your operating system.
Example: Installing and Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card:

•• Installing a Graphics Card:
Gently push down on the top edge of the card until
it is fully inserted into the PCI Express slot. Make
sure the card is securely seated in the slot and
does not rock.
•• Removing the Card:

Gently push back on the lever on the slot and then lift the card straight out from
the slot.
1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA® SLI™ Configuration
A. System Requirements
-- Windows 8.1/8/7 operating system
-- A CrossFire/SLI-supported motherboard with two or more PCI Express x16 slots and correct driver
-- CrossFire/SLI-ready graphics cards of identical brand and chip and correct driver
(Current GPUs that support 3-Way/4-Way CrossFire technology include the ATI Radeon™ HD 3800, HD
4800, HD 5800 series, and AMDRadeon™ HD 6800, HD 6900, HD 7800, and HD 7900 series. Current
GPUs that support 3-Way/4-Way SLI™ technology include the NVIDIA 8800 GTX, 8800 Ultra, 9800 GTX,
GTX 260, GTX 280, GTX 470, GTX 480, GTX 570, GTX 580, GTX 590, and GTX 600 series.) For the
latest GPU support information, please refer to the AMD/NVIDIA® website.)
-- CrossFire (Note)/SLI bridge connectors
-- A power supply with sufficient power is recommended (Refer to the manual of your graphics cards for the
power requirement)
B. Connecting the Graphics Cards

Step 1:
Observe the steps in "1-5 Installing an Expansion Card" and install CrossFire/SLI graphics cards on the PCI
Express x16 slots. (To set up a 2-Way configuration, we recommend installing the graphics cards on the
PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2 slots.)
Step 2:
Insert the CrossFire (Note)/SLI bridge connectors in the CrossFire/SLI gold edge connectors on top of the cards.
Step 3:
Plug the display cable into the graphics card on the PCIEX16_1 slot.
C. Configuring the Graphics Card Driver

C-1. To Enable CrossFire Function
After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go
to the AMD Catalyst Control Center. Browse to Performance\
AMD CrossFireX™ Configuration and ensure the Enable AMD
CrossFireX check box is selected. If your system have more than
two CrossFire cards, select the GPU combination you want to use
and click Apply. (Available combination options are dependent on
the number of graphics cards.)
C-2. To Enable SLI Function

After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go to
the NVIDIA Control Panel. Browse to the Configure SLI, Surround,
PhysX screen and ensure Maximize 3D performance is enabled.
(Note) The bridge connector(s) may be needed or not depending on your graphics cards.
• rocedure and driver screen for enabling CrossFire/SLI technology may differ by graphics cards and driver version.
P
Refer to the manual that came with your graphics cards for more information about enabling CrossFire/SLI technology.
• When two or more graphics cards are installed, we recommend that you connect the SATA power cable from the
power supply to the ATX4P connector to ensure system stability.
1-7 Back Panel Connectors
USB 2.0/1.1 Port

The USB port supports the USB 2.0/1.1 specification. You can connect a USB DAC to this port or use this
port for USB devices such as a USB keyboard/mouse, USB printer, USB flash drive and etc.
PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port
Use this port to connect a PS/2 mouse or keyboard.
D-Sub Port
The D-Sub port supports a 15-pin D-Sub connector and supports a maximum resolution of 1920x1200@60Hz
(the actual resolutions supported depend on the monitor being used). Connect a monitor that supports
D-Sub connection to this port.
DVI-D Port (Note)
The DVI-D port conforms to the DVI-D specification and supports a maximum resolution of 1920x1200
@60Hz (the actual resolutions supported depend on the monitor being used). Connect a monitor that
supports DVI-D connection to this port.
Optical S/PDIF Out Connector
This connector provides digital audio out to an external audio system that supports digital optical audio.
Before using this feature, ensure that your audio system provides an optical digital audio in connector.
HDMI Port
The HDMI port is HDCP compliant and supports Dolby True HD and DTS HD
Master Audio formats. It also supports up to 192KHz/24bit 8-channel LPCM audio
output. You can use this port to connect your HDMI-supported monitor. The maximum supported resolution
is 4096x2160@24Hz or 2560x1600@60Hz, but the actual resolutions supported are dependent on the
monitor being used.
After installing the HDMI device, make sure to set the default sound playback device to HDMI. (The
item name may differ depending on your operating system. The screenshot below is from Windows 8.1)
In Windows 8.1, select Apps>Control Panel>Hardware
and Sound>Sound>Playback, set Intel(R) Display Audio
to the default playback device.
(Note) The DVI-D port does not support D-Sub connection by adapter.
DisplayPort
DisplayPort delivers high quality digital imaging and audio, supporting bi-directional audio transmission.
DisplayPort can support both DPCP and HDCP content protection mechanisms. You can use this port to
connect your DisplayPort-supported monitor. The maximum supported resolution is 4096x2160@24Hz
or 3840x2160@60Hz, but the actual resolutions supported are dependent on the monitor being used.
After installing the DisplayPort device, make sure the default device for sound playback is the
DisplayPort device. (The item name may differ from operating system. Refer to the HDMI settings
information on the previous page for the configuration dialog box.)
Triple Display Configurations for the Onboard Graphics:
Triple-display configurations are supported after you install motherboard drivers in OS. Only dual-display
configurations are supported during the BIOS Setup or POST process.
USB 3.0/2.0 Port
The USB 3.0 port supports the USB 3.0 specification and is compatible to the USB 2.0/1.1 specification.
Use this port for USB devices such as a USB keyboard/mouse, USB printer, USB flash drive and etc.
RJ-45 LAN Port
The Gigabit Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 1 Gbps data rate. The following
describes the states of the LAN port LEDs.
Connection/ Connection/Speed LED: Activity LED:
Speed LED Activity LED
State Description State Description
Orange 1 Gbps data rate Blinking Data transmission or receiving is occurring
Green 100 Mbps data rate Off No data transmission or receiving is occurring
Off 10 Mbps data rate
LAN Port
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out Jack

Use this audio jack to connect center/subwoofer speakers in a 5.1/7.1-channel audio configuration.
Rear Speaker Out Jack
This jack can be used to connect front speakers in a 4/5.1/7.1-channel audio configuration.
Side Speaker Out Jack
Use this audio jack to connect side speakers in a 7.1-channel audio configuration.
Line In Jack
The line in jack. Use this audio jack for line in devices such as an optical drive, walkman, etc.
Line Out Jack
The line out jack. This jack supports audio amplifying function. For better sound quality, it is recommended
that you connect your headphone/speaker to this jack (actual effects may vary by the device being used).
Use this audio jack for a headphone or 2-channel speaker. This jack can be used to connect front speakers
in a 4/5.1/7.1-channel audio configuration.
Mic In Jack
The Mic in jack. Microphones must be connected to this jack.
The audio jacks can be reconfigured to perform different functions via the audio software (supported
functions may vary based on hardware specification). Only microphones still MUST be connected to
the default Mic in jack. Refer to the instructions on setting up a 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel audio configuration
in Chapter 6, "Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio.
•• When removing the cable connected to a back panel connector, first remove the cable from your
device and then remove it from the motherboard.
•• When removing the cable, pull it straight out from the connector. Do not rock it side to side to
prevent an electrical short inside the cable connector.
_ S
_ S
1-8 Onboard Buttons, Switches, and LEDs B_

B_ _ S
_ S
BIOS Switch and BIOS LED Indicators

The BIOS switch (BIOS_SW) allows users to easily select a different BIOS for boot up or overclocking,
helping to reduce BIOS failure during overclocking. The SB switch allows enabling or disabling of the Dual
BIOS function. The LED indicator (MBIOS_LED/BBIOS_LED) shows which BIOS is active.
S F
B_
B_
S F _ S
BIOS_SW
_ S
2
1: Main BIOS (Boot from the main BIOS)
1
2
2: Backup BIOS (Boot from the backup BIOS)
3 _ _
3 _ _ B S S S FS 3 S
U
1
3 S
U B SSS FS _ S
SB
_ S
2
1: Dual BIOS
1
2
2: Single BIOS
3 _ _
3 _ _ S B SS 3 S
U
1
S B SS 3 S
U
MBIOS_LED BBIOS_LED SB BIOS_SW
BIOS LED Indicators:
MBIOS_LED (The main BIOS is active)
BBIOS_LED (The backup BIOS is active)
S
S
1 2 3
1 2132 3
1 2 3
Quick Buttons
This motherboard has 3 quick buttons: power button, reset button, and clear CMOS button. The power button
1 2132 3
and reset button allow users to quickly turn on/off or reset the computer in an open-case environment when
1 2 3
1 2 3 S
they want to change hardware components or conduct hardware testing. Use this button to clear the BIOS
S
configuration and reset the CMOS values to factory defaults when needed.
S
S
1 2 3
1 2132 3
PW_SW
1 2 3
RST_SW
_S
1
CMOS_SW
PW_SW: Power button
1
_S
1
1 2132 3
1 2 3
1 2 3
1
1
RST_SW: Reset button
1
CMOS_SW: Clear CMOS Button

S B_
1
B SSS B_
B SS
_S
1
1
_S
1
1
1
B_
1
B SS B_
B SS
•• Always turn off your computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before clearing
the CMOS values.
F_ F_ U F_USB30
F_ F_ U F_USB30
•• NOTE: Do not use the clear CMOS button when the system is on, or the system may shutdown
and data loss or damage may occur.
•• After system restart, go to BIOS Setup to load factory defaults (select Load Optimized Defaults) or
manually configure the BIOS settings (refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," for BIOS configurations).
F_ F_ U F_USB30
F_ F_ U F_USB30
_ S
Audio Gain Control Switch

B_
This switch allows for audio gain control for the line-out jack on the back panel. Please make sure all of the
dips are set in the same position and are set according to your headphone specification (actual effects may
vary by the device being used).
S F
DIP Setting
Gain Ratio
_ S
F_USB3 F DIP 1 DIP 2 DIP 3 DIP 4

2.5X OFF OFF OFF OFF
6X ON ON ON ON
B 3 _ _
_ GAIN 3 S
U S B SS
_ U
B
_
S_
_ S
Voltage Measurement Points S

Users can use a multimeter to measure component voltages, including VRIN, VIOD, VSA, VAXG, VIOA, VRING,
B
S B_ 1 2 3
VDIMM, and VCORE. You can employ following way to measure component voltages.
1 2 3
1 2 3
1 2 3
S
S
S
S
_S
_S
_S
B Pin 1 VRIN
_S
_S
_
_S
Pin 1 VIOD Pin No. Definition

_S
_S
1 Power
_S
Pin 1 VSA
S
2 GND
_S
_S
_S
Pin 1 VAXG
_S
3S
1
1
_S
_S
_S
Pin 1 VIOA
3S
1
1
_S
_S
_S
Pin 1 VRING
3S
B_
B SS
_S
_S
B_
_S
Pin 1 VDIMM
3S
_
B_
_
Pin 1 VCORE
3 S B3 SS S B3 SS SSB3 S SSB S SSB S SSB S SSB S SSB S SS
B_
B_
S
B_
B_
S F S F S F S F S F S F S F S F
S
B_
B_
S
Steps:
B_
B_
S
Connect the red lead of the multimeter to the pin 1 (Power) of a voltage
B_
B_
S
measurement point and the black lead to the pin 2 (ground).

B_
B S SB S SB S SB S SB S SB S SB S SB S S
B_
S
S
B_
1
1 2 3
S
1
1 2 3
S
B_
F_ F_ F_ U
1 2 3
1
S
1 2 3
U
1
1 2 3
1 2 3
S
1
1 2 3
1
1 2 3
U S U
1
1 2 3
1 2 3
S
1
1 2 3
1
1 2 3
1
1 2 3
1 2 3
S
_S
1
1
1 2 3
1
1 2 3
U
1
1 2 3
1 2 3
S
_S
1
1
1 2 3
1
1 2 3
U
_ _ _ _3 _ _3 _ _3 _ _3 _ _3 _ _3 _ _3
1
1 2 3
1 2 3
S
_S
1
1
1 2 3
1
1 2 3
U
1
1 2 3
1 2 3
S
_S
1
1
1 2 3
1
1 2 3
U
1
1 2 3
1 2 3
_S
1
1 2 3
U
1 2 3
_S
_S
_S
F_USB
S
S
1-9 Changing the Operational Amplifier
Step 1:
Use an IC extractor to carefully grip the IC's sides and extract it from
the socket.
Step 2:
Align the notch on your OP chip with the notch on the socket and
gently press the chip into the socket until seated.
For purchasing the IC extractor and OP Chip, please contact the local dealer.
1-10 Internal Connectors
1 4 6
3
5
12
9
8
7
17
8
16
11
14 15 5 5 13 5 5 10
1) ATX_12V_2X4 10) F_PANEL

2) ATX 11) F_AUDIO
3) ATX4P 12) F_USB30
4) CPU_FAN 13) F_USB1/F_USB2/F_USB3
5) SYS_FAN1/2/3/4/5 14) SPDIF_O
6) CPU OPT 15) COMA
7) SATA_EXPRESS 16) CLR_CMOS
8) SATA3 0/1/2/3/4/5 17) BAT
9) GSATA3 6/7
Read the following guidelines before connecting external devices:

•• First make sure your devices are compliant with the connectors you wish to connect.
•• 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.
•• After installing the device and before turning on the computer, make sure the device cable has
been securely attached to the connector on the motherboard.
1/2) ATX_12V_2X4/ATX (2x4 12V Power Connector and 2x12 Main Power Connector)
With the use of the power connector, the power supply can supply enough stable power to all the components
on the motherboard. Before connecting the power connector, first make sure the power supply is turned
off and all devices are properly installed. The power connector possesses a foolproof design. Connect the
power supply cable to the power connector in the correct orientation.
The 12V power connector mainly supplies power to the CPU. If the 12V power connector is not connected,
the computer will not start.
To meet expansion requirements, it is recommended that a power supply that can withstand high
power consumption be used (500W or greater). If a power supply is used that does not provide the
required power, the result can lead to an unstable or unbootable system.
ATX_12V_2X4:
Pin No. Definition
5 8
1 GND (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)
1 4 2 GND (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)
ATX_12V_2X4 3 GND
4 GND
5 +12V (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)
6 +12V (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)
7 +12V
8 +12V
ATX:
12 24 Pin No. Definition Pin No. Definition
1 3.3V 13 3.3V
2 3.3V 14 -12V
3 GND 15 GND
4 +5V 16 PS_ON (soft On/Off)
5 GND 17 GND
6 +5V 18 GND
7 GND 19 GND
8 Power Good 20 -5V
9 5VSB (stand by +5V) 21 +5V
10 +12V 22 +5V
11 +12V (Only for 2x12-pin 23 +5V (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)
1 13 ATX)
12 3.3V (Only for 2x12-pin 24 GND (Only for 2x12-pin
ATX) ATX)
ATX
3
_ _
_S
3) ATX4P (PCIe Power Connector)
F_
The power connector provide auxiliary power to the onboard PCI Express x16 slots. When two or more
1 2 3
graphics cards are installed, we recommend that you connect the SATA power cable(s) from the power
U
1 2 3
1
supply to the ATX4P connector to ensure system stability.

1 2 3
1
1 2 3
1
1
Pin No. Definition
B SS
S
1 NC
2 NC
1
3 NC
4 GND
S F
5 GND
B SS
6 GND
B_
15
7 VCC
8 VCC
F_ U
B_
9 VCC
10 GND
11 GND
3
12 GND
S
13 +12V
14 +12V
15 +12V
_
S
S
F_USB30
4/5) CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/2/3/4/5 (Fan Headers)

All fan headers on this motherboard are 4-pin. Most fan headers possess a foolproof insertion design.
When connecting a fan cable, be sure to connect it in the correct orientation (the black connector wire is
the ground wire). The speed control function requires the use of a fan with fan speed control design. For
optimum heat dissipation, it is recommended that a system fan be installed inside the chassis.
CPU_FAN:
Pin No. Definition
1 1 GND
CPU_FAN 2 +12V
3 Sense
4 Speed Control
SYS_FAN1/2/3/4/5:
Pin No. Definition
1
1 1 GND
SYS_FAN1 SYS_FAN2/3/4/5 2 Speed Control
3 Sense
4 VCC
•• Be sure to connect fan cables to the fan headers to prevent your CPU and system from
overheating. Overheating may result in damage to the CPU or the system may hang.
•• These fan headers are not configuration jumper blocks. Do not place a jumper cap on the headers.
S
1 2 3
1 2 3
1 2 3
1 2 3
6) CPU_OPT (Water Cooling CPU Fan Header)

The fan header is 4-pin and possesses a foolproof insertion design. When connecting a fan cable, be sure
to connect it in the correct orientation (the black connector wire is the ground wire). The speed control
function requires the use of a fan with fan speed control design.
Pin No. Definition

1 GND
2 Speed Control U
1 S 3 B SS S
3 Sense
4 VCC
S _
S F
B_
7) SATA_EXPRESS (SATA Express Connector)

S _
The SATA Express connector supports a single SATA Express device.
S _
SATA Express and SATA3 4/5 connectors can only be used one at a time.
B_
8) SATA3 0/1/2/3/4/5 (SATA 6Gb/s Connectors,

S _ Controlled by Intel® Z97 Chipset)
The SATA connectors conform to SATA 6Gb/s standard and are compatible with SATA 3Gb/s and SATA 1.5Gb/s
standard. Each SATA connector supports a single SATA device. The Intel® Chipset supports RAID 0, RAID 1,
RAID 5, and RAID 10. Refer to Chapter 3, "Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s)," for instructions on configuring
a RAID array.
Pin No. Definition
G.QBOFM
1 GND
1 3 2
SATA3 SATA3 2 TXP
0 5 4
3 TXN
7 1
4 GND
7 1
5 RXN
6 RXP
7 GND
S _
9) GSATA3 6/7 (SATA 6Gb/s Connectors, Controlled by Marvell® 88SE9172 Chip)

The SATA connectors conform to SATA 6Gb/s standard and are compatible with SATA 3Gb/s and SATA
1.5Gb/s standard. Each SATA connector supports a single SATA device. The Marvell® chip supports RAID
0 and RAID 1. Refer to Chapter 3, "Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s)," for instructions on configuring a RAID
array.
Pin No. Definition

G.QBOFM 1 GND
GSATA3
7 2 TXP
6 3 TXN
7 1 4 GND
7 1 5 RXN
6 RXP
7 GND
•• A RAID 0 or RAID 1 configuration requires at least two hard drives. If more than two hard drives
are to be used, the total number of hard drives must be an even number.
•• A RAID 5 configuration requires at least three hard drives. (The total number of hard drives does
not have to be an even number.)
•• A RAID 10 configuration requires four hard drives.
•• To enable hot-plugging for the SATA ports, refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Peripherals\SATA
Configuration," for more information.
•• SATA Express and SATA3 4/5 connectors can only be used one at a time.
10) F_PANEL (Front Panel Header)
Connect the power switch, reset switch, speaker, chassis intrusion switch/sensor and system status indicator
on the chassis to this header according to the pin assignments below. Note the positive and negative pins
before connecting the cables.
Power LED Power Switch Speaker
PLED+
PW+
SPEAK+
SPEAK-
PLED-
PW-
2 20
1 19
HD-
CI+
PWR_LED+
RES+
PWR_LED-
PWR_LED-
HD+
CI-
RES-
Hard Drive Reset Power LED
Activity LED Switch
Chassis Intrusion
Header
•• PLED/PWR_LED (Power LED, Yellow/Purple):

System Status LED Connects to the power status indicator on the chassis front panel. The LED
S0 On is on when the system is operating. The LED is off when the system is in S3/
S3/S4/S5 Off S4 sleep state or powered off (S5).
•• PW (Power Switch, Red):

Connects to the power switch on the chassis front panel. You may configure the way to turn off your
system using the power switch (refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Power Management," for more
information).
•• SPEAK (Speaker, Orange):
Connects to the speaker on the chassis front panel. The system reports system startup status by issuing
a beep code. One single short beep will be heard if no problem is detected at system startup.
•• HD (Hard Drive Activity LED, Blue):
Connects to the hard drive activity LED on the chassis front panel. The LED is on when the hard drive
is reading or writing data.
•• RES (Reset Switch, Green):
Connects to the reset switch on the chassis front panel. Press the reset switch to restart the computer
if the computer freezes and fails to perform a normal restart.
•• CI (Chassis Intrusion Header, Gray):
Connects to the chassis intrusion switch/sensor on the chassis that can detect if the chassis cover has
been removed. This function requires a chassis with a chassis intrusion switch/sensor.
The front panel design may differ by chassis. A front panel module mainly consists of power switch,
reset switch, power LED, hard drive activity LED, speaker and etc. When connecting your chassis
front panel module to this header, make sure the wire assignments and the pin assignments are
matched correctly.
11) F_AUDIO (Front Panel Audio Header)
The front panel audio header supports Intel High Definition audio (HD) and AC'97 audio. You may connect
your chassis front panel audio module to this header. Make sure the wire assignments of the module
connector match the pin assignments of the motherboard header. Incorrect connection between the module
connector and the motherboard header will make the device unable to work or even damage it.
For HD Front Panel Audio: For AC'97 Front Panel Audio:
Pin No. Definition Pin No. Definition
9 1 1 MIC2_L 1 MIC
F_ U 2 F_ GND 2 GND F_
3 MIC2_R 3 MIC Power
10 2 4 -ACZ_DET 4 NC
5 LINE2_R 5 Line Out (R)
6 Sense 6 NC
7 FAUDIO_JD 7 NC
8 No Pin 8 No Pin
9 LINE2_L 9 Line Out (L)
10 Sense 10 NC
B SS
B_ •• The front panel audio header supports HD audio by default. If your chassis provides an AC'97
front panel audio module, refer to the instructions on how to activate AC'97 functionality via the
1
audio software in Chapter 6, "Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio."

_S
•• Audio signals will be present on both of the front and back panel audio connections simultaneously.
1
1
If you want to mute the back panel audio (only supported when using an HD front panel audio
module), refer to Chapter 6, "Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio." _
•• Some chassis provide a front panel audio module that has separated connectors on each wire B
instead of a single plug. For information
S about connecting the front panel audio module that has
different wire assignments, please contact the chassis manufacturer.
1 2 3
1 2 3
F_USB30 F_ U F_
12) F_USB30 (USB 3.0/2.0 Header)
1 2 3
1 2 3 S B_
The header conforms to USB 3.0/2.0 specification and can provide two USB ports. For purchasing the B
optional 3.5"S front panel that provides two USB 3.0/2.0 ports, please contact the local dealer.
Pin No. Definition Pin No. Definition

1 VBUS 11 D2+ _ S
20 1
2 SSRX1- 12 D2-
3 SSRX1+ 13 GND S_
_
4 GND 14 SSTX2+ B
B SS
5 B_ SSTX1- 15 SSTX2-
6 SSTX1+ 16 GND
1
7 GND 17 SSRX2+ _ U
B SS S 11 10
U _S
1
S 3 _
1
8 D1- _ _ 3 18 SSRX2- B
9 D1+ 19 VBUS
10 NC 20 No Pin
S F_USB3 F
1 2 3
_
Prior to installing the USB front panel, be sure to turn off your computer and unplug the power cord
1 2 3
S F
from the power outlet to prevent damage to the USB front panel.
1 2 3
1 2 3
B_
13) F_USB1/F_USB2/F_USB3 (USB 2.0/1.1 Headers)
The headers conform to USB 2.0/1.1 specification. Each USB header can provide two USB ports via an
optional USB bracket. For purchasing the optional USB bracket, please contact the local dealer.
Pin No. Definition

1 Power (5V)
9 1 2 Power (5V)
10 2
3 USB DX-
4 USB DY-
5 USB DX+
6 USB DY+
7 GND
8 GND
9 No Pin
10 NC
•• Do not plug the IEEE 1394 bracket (2x5-pin) cable into the USB 2.0/1.1 header.
•• Prior to installing the USB bracket, be sure to turn off your computer and unplug the power cord
from the power outlet to prevent damage to the USB bracket.
14) SPDIF_O (S/PDIF Out Header)

This header supports digital S/PDIF Out and connects a S/PDIF digital audio cable (provided by expansion
cards) for digital audio output from your motherboard to certain expansion cards like graphics cards and
sound cards. For example, some graphics cards may require you to use a S/PDIF digital audio cable for
digital audio output from your motherboard to your graphics card if you wish to connect an HDMI display
to the graphics card and have digital audio output from the HDMI display at the same time.
For information about connecting the S/PDIF digital audio cable, carefully read the manual for your expansion
card.
Pin No. Definition

1 SPDIFO
2 GND
1
15) COMA (Serial Port Header)
The COM header can provide one serial port via an optional COM port cable. For purchasing the optional
COM port cable, please contact the local dealer.
Pin No. Definition

1 NDCD-
2 NSIN
9 1 3 NSOUT
10 2 4 NDTR-
5 GND
6 NDSR-
7 NRTS-
8 NCTS-
9 NRI-
10 No Pin
16) CLR_CMOS (Clear CMOS Jumper)

Use this jumper to clear the BIOS configuration and reset the CMOS values to factory defaults. To clear
the CMOS values, use a metal object like a screwdriver to touch the two pins for a few seconds.
Open: Normal
Short: Clear CMOS Values
•• Always turn off your computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before clearing
the CMOS values.
•• After system restart, go to BIOS Setup to load factory defaults (select Load Optimized Defaults) or
manually configure the BIOS settings (refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," for BIOS configurations).
17) BAT (Battery)
The battery provides power to keep the values (such as BIOS configurations, date, and time information)
in the CMOS when the computer is turned off. Replace the battery when the battery voltage drops to a low
level, or the CMOS values may not be accurate or may be lost.
You may clear the CMOS values by removing the battery:

1. Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Gently remove the battery from the battery holder and wait for one minute.
(Or use a metal object like a screwdriver to touch the positive and negative
terminals of the battery holder, making them short for 5 seconds.)
3. Replace the battery.
4. Plug in the power cord and restart your computer.
•• Always turn off your computer and unplug the power cord before replacing the battery.
•• Replace the battery with an equivalent one. Danger of explosion if the battery is replaced with
an incorrect model.
•• Contact the place of purchase or local dealer if you are not able to replace the battery by yourself
or uncertain about the battery model.
•• When installing the battery, note the orientation of the positive side (+) and the negative side (-)
of the battery (the positive side should face up).
•• Used batteries must be handled in accordance with local environmental regulations.
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup
BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) records hardware parameters of the system in the CMOS on the
motherboard. Its major functions include conducting the Power-On Self-Test (POST) during system startup,
saving system parameters and loading operating system, etc. BIOS includes a BIOS Setup program that allows
the user to modify basic system configuration settings or to activate certain system features.
When the power is turned off, the battery on the motherboard supplies the necessary power to the CMOS to
keep the configuration values in the CMOS.
To access the BIOS Setup program, press the <Delete> key during the POST when the power is turned on.
To upgrade the BIOS, use either the GIGABYTE Q-Flash or @BIOS utility.
•• Q-Flash allows the user to quickly and easily upgrade or back up BIOS without entering the operating system.
•• @BIOS is a Windows-based utility that searches and downloads the latest version of BIOS from the Internet
and updates the BIOS.
•• Because BIOS flashing is potentially risky, if you do not encounter problems using the current
version of BIOS, it is recommended that you not flash the BIOS. To flash the BIOS, do it with
caution. Inadequate BIOS flashing may result in system malfunction.
•• It is recommended that you not alter the default settings (unless you need to) to prevent system
instability or other unexpected results. Inadequately altering the settings may result in system's
failure to boot. If this occurs, try to clear the CMOS values and reset the board to default values.
(Refer to the "Load Optimized Defaults" section in this chapter or introductions of the battery/clear
CMOS jumper/button in Chapter 1 for how to clear the CMOS values.)
- 35 - BIOS Setup
2-1 Startup Screen
The following startup Logo screen will appear when the computer boots.
Function Keys
Function Keys:
<DEL>: BIOS SETUP\Q-FLASH
Press the <Delete> key to enter BIOS Setup or to access the Q-Flash utility in BIOS Setup.
<F9>: SYSTEM INFORMATION
Press the <F9> key to display your system information.
<F12>: BOOT MENU
Boot Menu allows you to set the first boot device without entering BIOS Setup. In Boot Menu, use the up
arrow key <h> or the down arrow key to select the first boot device, then press <Enter> to accept.
The system will boot from the device immediately.
Note: The setting in Boot Menu is effective for one time only. After system restart, the device boot order
will still be based on BIOS Setup settings.
<END>: Q-FLASH
Press the <End> key to access the Q-Flash utility directly without having to enter BIOS Setup first.
BIOS Setup - 36 -
2-2 The Main Menu
A. Startup Guide (Default)
The Startup Guide screen simplifies conventional complicated BIOS setup menus and presents only the most
frequently used options in the easy-to-use interface. It helps first-time users to perform basic system setups
more quickly and easily.
B. ST Mode (Smart Tweak Mode)

Differing from traditional UEFI interface, the ST Mode provides a fancy and user-friendly BIOS environment
where users can easily point and click through various settings and make adjustments for optimum performance.
In ST Mode, you can use your mouse to move through the option menus for quick configuration or press <F2>
to switch to the traditional BIOS Setup screen.
•• When the system is not stable as usual, select the Load Optimized Defaults item to set your
system to its defaults.
•• The BIOS Setup menus described in this chapter are for reference only and may differ by BIOS
version.
- 37 - BIOS Setup
C. Classic Setup
Classic Setup is the conventional BIOS Setup interface where you can press the arrow keys on your keyboard
to move among the items and press <Enter> to accept or enter a sub-menu. Or you can use your mouse to
select the item you want.
(Sample BIOS Version: F1b)
Setup Menus
Switch to Enter Q-Flash

ST Mode Select Default
Language
Help
Function Keys
Configuration Items Current Settings
Classic Setup Function Keys

<f><g> Move the selection bar to select a setup menu
<h> Move the selection bar to select an configuration item on a menu
<Enter> Execute command or enter a menu
<+>/<Page Up> Increase the numeric value or make changes
<->/<Page Down> Decrease the numeric value or make changes
<F2> Switch to ST Mode or Startup Guide screen.
<F5> Restore the previous BIOS settings for the current submenus
<F7> Load the Optimized BIOS default settings for the current submenus
<F8> Access the Q-Flash utility
<F9> Display system information
<F10> Save all the changes and exit the BIOS Setup program
<F12> Capture the current screen as an image and save it to your USB drive
<Esc> Main Menu: Exit the BIOS Setup program
Submenus: Exit current submenu
BIOS Setup - 38 -
BIOS Setup Menus
M.I.T.
Use this menu to configure the clock, frequency, and voltages of your CPU and memory, etc. Or check the
system/CPU temperatures, voltages, and fan speeds.
System Information
Use this menu to configure the default language used by the BIOS and system time and date.
BIOS Features
Use this menu to configure the device boot order and advanced features available on the CPU.
Peripherals
Use this menu to configure all peripheral devices, such as SATA, USB, integrated audio, and integrated
LAN, etc.
Power Management
Use this menu to configure all the power-saving functions.
Save & Exit
Save all the changes made in the BIOS Setup program to the CMOS and exit BIOS Setup. You can save
the current BIOS settings to a profile or load optimized defaults for optimal-performance system operations.
- 39 - BIOS Setup
2-3 M.I.T.
Whether the system will work stably with the overclock/overvoltage settings you made is dependent
on your overall system configurations. Incorrectly doing overclock/overvoltage may result in damage
to CPU, chipset, or memory and reduce the useful life of these components. This page is for advanced
users only and we recommend you not to alter the default settings to prevent system instability or
other unexpected results. (Inadequately altering the settings may result in system's failure to boot. If
this occurs, clear the CMOS values and reset the board to default values.)
This section provides information on the BIOS version, CPU base clock, CPU frequency, memory frequency,
total memory size, CPU temperature, Vcore, and memory voltage.
BIOS Setup - 40 -
`` M.I.T. Current Status
This screen provides information on CPU/memory frequencies/parameters.
`` Advanced Frequency Settings
&& Performance Upgrade (Note)

Provides you with five different overclocking configurations. Options are: 20% Upgrade, 40% Upgrade,
60% Upgrade, 80% Upgrade, 100% Upgrade. (Default: Auto)
&& CPU Base Clock
Allows you to manually set the CPU base clock in 0.01 MHz increments. (Default: Auto)
Important: It is highly recommended that the CPU frequency be set in accordance with the CPU
specifications.
&& Host/PCIe Clock Frequency (Note)
Allows you to manually set the host clock frequency (which controls CPU, PCIe, and memory frequencies)
in 0.01 MHz increments.
This item is configurable only when CPU Base Clock is set to Manual.
&& Processor Base Clock (Gear Ratio) (Note)
Allows you to configure the Processor Base Clock by multiplying the Host/PCIe Clock Frequency by several
preset host clock multipliers. This item is configurable only when CPU Base Clock is set to Manual.
&& Spread Spectrum Control (Note)
Enables or disables CPU/PCIe Spread Spectrum. (Default: Auto)
&& Host Clock Value
This value is determined by multiplying the Host/PCIe Clock Frequency value by the Processor Base
Clock (Gear Ratio) value.
&& Processor Graphics Clock
Allows you to set the onboard graphics clock. The adjustable range is from 400 MHz to 4000 MHz. (Default:
Auto)
(Note) This item is present only when you install a CPU that supports this feature. For more information about
Intel® CPUs' unique features, please visit Intel's website.
- 41 - BIOS Setup
&& CPU Upgrade (Note)
Allows you to set the CPU frequency. Options may vary depending on the CPU being used. (Default: Auto)
&& CPU Clock Ratio
Allows you to alter the clock ratio for the installed CPU. The adjustable range is dependent on the CPU
being installed.
&& CPU Frequency
Displays the current operating CPU frequency.
`` Advanced CPU Core Settings
&& CPU Clock Ratio, CPU Frequency

The settings above are synchronous to those under the same items on the Advanced Frequency Settings
menu.
&& K OC (Note)
Allows for increased performance by using certain CPUs. (Default: Auto)
&& CPU PLL Selection
Allows you to set the CPU PLL. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting. (Default: Auto)
&& Filter PLL Level
Allows you to set the Filter PLL. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting. (Default: Auto)
&& Uncore Ratio
Allows you to set the CPU Uncore ratio. The adjustable range is dependent on the CPU being used.
&& Uncore Frequency
Displays the current CPU Uncore frequency.
&& Intel(R) Turbo Boost Technology (Note)
Allows you to determine whether to enable the Intel CPU Turbo Boost technology. Auto lets the BIOS
automatically configure this setting. (Default: Auto)
BIOS Setup - 42 -
&& Turbo Ratio (1-Core Active~4-Core Active) (Note)
Allows you to set the CPU Turbo ratios for different number of active cores. Auto sets the CPU Turbo ratios
according to the CPU specifications. (Default: Auto)
&& Turbo Power Limit (Watts)
Allows you to set a power limit for CPU Turbo mode. When the CPU power consumption exceeds the
specified power limit, the CPU will automatically reduce the core frequency in order to reduce the power.
Auto sets the power limit according to the CPU specifications. (Default: Auto)
&& Core Current Limit (Amps)
Allows you to set a current limit for CPU Turbo mode. When the CPU current exceeds the specified current
limit, the CPU will automatically reduce the core frequency in order to reduce the current. Auto sets the
power limit according to the CPU specifications. (Default: Auto)
&& No. of CPU Cores Enabled (Note)
Allows you to select the number of CPU cores to enable in an Intel® multi-core CPU (the number of CPU
cores may vary by CPU). Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting. (Default: Auto)
&& Hyper-Threading Technology (Note)
Allows you to determine whether to enable multi-threading technology when using an Intel® CPU that
supports this function. This feature only works for operating systems that support multi-processor mode.
Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting. (Default: Auto)
&& CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) (Note)
Enables or disables Intel® CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) function, a CPU power-saving function in system
halt state. When enabled, the CPU core frequency and voltage will be reduced during system halt state
to decrease power consumption. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting. (Default: Auto)
&& C3 State Support (Note)
Allows you to determine whether to let the CPU enter C3 mode in system halt state. When enabled, the
CPU core frequency and voltage will be reduced during system halt state to decrease power consumption.
The C3 state is a more enhanced power-saving state than C1. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure
this setting. (Default: Auto)
&& C6/C7 State Support (Note)
Allows you to determine whether to let the CPU enter C6/C7 mode in system halt state. When enabled, the
CPU core frequency and voltage will be reduced during system halt state to decrease power consumption.
The C6/C7 state is a more enhanced power-saving state than C3. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure
this setting. (Default: Auto)
&& CPU Thermal Monitor (Note)
Enables or disables Intel® Thermal Monitor function, a CPU overheating protection function. When enabled,
the CPU core frequency and voltage will be reduced when the CPU is overheated. Auto lets the BIOS
&& CPU EIST Function (Note)
Enables or disables Enhanced Intel® Speed Step Technology (EIST). Depending on CPU loading, Intel
EIST technology can dynamically and effectively lower the CPU voltage and core frequency to decrease
average power consumption and heat production. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting.
(Default: Auto)
- 43 - BIOS Setup
&& Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) (Note)
Allows the BIOS to read the SPD data on XMP memory module(s) to enhance memory performance when
enabled.

Disabled Disables this function. (Default)

Profile1 Uses Profile 1 settings.

Profile2 (Note)
Uses Profile 2 settings.
&& System Memory Multiplier
Allows you to set the system memory multiplier. Auto sets memory multiplier according to memory SPD
data. (Default: Auto)
&& Memory Frequency (MHz)
The first memory frequency value is the normal operating frequency of the memory being used; the second
is the memory frequency that is automatically adjusted according to the System Memory Multiplier settings.
`` Advanced Memory Settings
&& Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) (Note), System Memory Multiplier, Memory Frequency(MHz)
The settings above are synchronous to those under the same items on the Advanced Frequency Settings
menu.
&& Memory Overclocking Profiles (Note)
Allows you to set the memory frequency. Options may vary depending on the memory being used. (Default:
Disabled)
&& Memory Boot Mode
Provides memory detection and training methods.

Auto Lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting. (Default)

Enable Fast Boot Skip memory detection and training in some specific criteria for faster memory
boot.

Disable Fast Boot Detect and train memory at every single boot.
(Note) This item is present only when you install a CPU and a memory module that support this feature.
BIOS Setup - 44 -
&& Memory Enhancement Settings
Provides three different memory performance enhancement settings: Normal (basic performance), Enhanced
Stability, and Enhanced Performance. (Default: Normal)
&& Memory Timing Mode
Manual and Advanced Manual allows the Channel Interleaving, Rank Interleaving, and memory timing
settings below to be configurable. Options are: Auto (default), Manual, Advanced Manual.
&& Profile DDR Voltage
When using a non-XMP memory module or Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) is set to Disabled, the value
is displayed according to your memory specification. When Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) is set to
Profile1 or Profile2, the value is displayed according to the SPD data on the XMP memory.
&& Channel Interleaving
Enables or disables memory channel interleaving. Enabled allows the system to simultaneously access
different channels of the memory to increase memory performance and stability. Auto lets the BIOS
&& Rank Interleaving
Enables or disables memory rank interleaving. Enabled allows the system to simultaneously access different
ranks of the memory to increase memory performance and stability. Auto lets the BIOS automatically
configure this setting. (Default: Auto)
`` Channel A/B Memory Sub Timings
This sub-menu provides memory timing settings for each channel of memory. This sub-menu provides memory
timing settings for each channel of memory. The respective timing setting screens are configurable only when
Memory Timing Mode is set to Manual or Advanced Manual. Note: Your system may become unstable or fail
to boot after you make changes on the memory timings. If this occurs, please reset the board to default values
by loading optimized defaults or clearing the CMOS values.
- 45 - BIOS Setup
`` Advanced Voltage Settings
`` Advanced Power Settings
&& CPU VRIN Loadline Calibration

Allows you to set the Load-Line Calibration level for the CPU VRIN. The levels are (from highest to lowest):
Extreme, Turbo, High, Medium, Low, and Standard. Selecting a higher level keeps the Vcore more consistent
with what is set in BIOS under heavy load. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting and sets
the voltage following Intel's specifications. (Default: Auto)
BIOS Setup - 46 -
&& CPU VRIN Protection
Allows you to set the voltage limit on the CPU VRIN voltage for over-voltage protection. The adjustable
range is from 150.0mV to 500.0mV. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting. (Default: Auto)
&& DDR CH(A/B) Voltage Protection
Allows you to set the voltage limit on Channel A and Channel B memory voltage for over-voltage protection.
The adjustable range is from 150.0mV to 300.0mV. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting.
(Default: Auto)
&& CPU VRIN Current Protection

Allows you to set the over-current protection level for the CPU VRIN voltage.


Standard~Extreme Selects Standard, Low, Medium, High, Turbo, or Extreme which represents
different level of over-current protection for the CPU VRIN voltage.
&& DDR CH(A/B) Current Protection
Allows you to set the over-current protection level for the memory voltage.


Standard~Extreme Selects Standard, Low, Medium, High, Turbo, or Extreme which represents
different level of over-current protection for the memory voltage.
&& CPU VRIN PWM Thermal Protection

Displays the PWM thermal protection threshold for the CPU VRIN area.
&& DDR CH(A/B) PWM Thermal Protection
Displays the PWM thermal protection threshold for the Channel A and Channel B memory area.
&& CPU VRIN PWM Switch Rate

Allows you to set the CPU VRIN PWM frequency. The adjustable range is from 200.0KHz to 300.0KHz.
(Default: Auto)
&& DDR CH(A/B) PWM Switch Rate
Allows you to set the PWM frequency for Channel A and Channel B memory. The adjustable range is from
200.0KHz to 300.0KHz. (Default: Auto)
&& PWM Phase Control

Allows you to automatically change the PWM phase according to the CPU load. The power-saving
levels are (from lowest to highest): eXm Perf (Extreme Performance ), High Perf (High Performance),
Perf (Performance), Balanced, Mid PWR (Mid Power), and Lite PWR (Light Power). Auto lets the BIOS
`` CPU Core Voltage Control

This section provides CPU voltage control options.
`` Chipset Voltage Control
This section provides Chipset voltage control options.
`` DRAM Voltage Control
This section provides memory voltage control options.
- 47 - BIOS Setup
`` PC Health Status
&& Reset Case Open Status

Disabled Keeps or clears the record of previous chassis intrusion status. (Default)

Enabled Clears the record of previous chassis intrusion status and the Case Open field will show
"Close" at next boot.
&& Case Open
Displays the detection status of the chassis intrusion detection device attached to the motherboard CI
header. If the system chassis cover is removed, this field will show "Yes", otherwise it will show "No". To
clear the chassis intrusion status record, set Reset Case Open Status to Enabled, save the settings to
the CMOS, and then restart your system.
BIOS Setup - 48 -
&& CPU Vcore/CPU VRIN/CPU VCCIOA/DRAM Voltage/+3.3V/+5V/+12V/CPU VAXG
Displays the current system voltages.
&& CPU/System/PCH Temperature
Displays current CPU/System/Chipset temperature.
&& CPU/CPU OPT/System Fan Speed
Displays current CPU/CPU_OPT/system fan speeds.
&& CPU/System Temperature Warning
Sets the warning threshold for CPU/system temperature. When temperature exceeds the threshold, BIOS
will emit warning sound. Options are: Disabled (default), 60oC/140oF, 70oC/158oF, 80oC/176oF, 90oC/194oF.
&& CPU/CPU OPT/System Fan Fail Warning
Allows the system to emit warning sound if the fan is not connected or fails. Check the fan condition or fan
connection when this occurs. (Default: Disabled)
&& CPU Fan Speed Control (CPU_FAN Connector)
Allows you to determine whether to enable the fan speed control function and adjust the fan speed.

Normal Allows the fan to run at different speeds according to the CPU temperature. You can
adjust the fan speed with EasyTune based on your system requirements. (Default)

Silent Allows the fan to run at slow speeds.

Manual Allows you to control the fan speed under the Fan Speed Percentage item.
Speed
Full Allows the fan to run at full speeds.
&& Fan Speed Percentage
Allows you to control the fan speed. This item is configurable only when CPU Fan Speed Control is set
to Manual. Options are: 0.75 PWM value /oC ~ 2.50 PWM value /oC.
&& CPU OPT Fan Speed Control (CPU_OPT Connector)

Normal Allows the fan to run at different speeds according to the CPU temperature. You can


Speed
Allows you to control the fan speed. This item is configurable only when CPU OPT Fan Speed Control is
set to Manual. Options are: 0.75 PWM value /oC ~ 2.50 PWM value /oC.
&& 1st System Fan Speed Control (SYS_FAN1 Connector)

Normal Allows the fan to run at different speeds according to the system temperature. You can


Speed
Allows you to control the fan speed. This item is configurable only when 1st System Fan Speed Control
is set to Manual. Options are: 0.75 PWM value /oC ~ 2.50 PWM value /oC.
- 49 - BIOS Setup
&& 2nd System Fan Speed Control (SYS_FAN2 Connector)



Speed
Allows you to control the fan speed. This item is configurable only when 2nd System Fan Speed Control
&& 3rd System Fan Speed Control (SYS_FAN3 Connector)



Speed
Allows you to control the fan speed. This item is configurable only when 3rd System Fan Speed Control
&& 4th System Fan Speed Control (SYS_FAN4 Connector)



Speed
Allows you to control the fan speed. This item is configurable only when 4th System Fan Speed Control
&& 5th System Fan Speed Control (SYS_FAN5 Connector)



Speed
Allows you to control the fan speed. This item is configurable only when 5th System Fan Speed Control
BIOS Setup - 50 -
`` Miscellaneous Settings
&& PCIe Slot Configuration

Allows you to set the operation mode of the PCI Express slots to Gen 1, Gen 2, or Gen 3. Actual operation
mode is subject to the hardware specification of each slot. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this
setting. (Default: Auto)
&& DMI Gen2 Speed
Allows you to configure the DMI link speed.

Auto Lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting.

Enabled Sets the DMI link speed to Gen 2. (Default)

Disabled Sets the DMI link speed to Gen 1.
&& 3DMark01 Boost
Allows you to determine whether to enhance some legacy benchmark performance. (Default: Disabled)
- 51 - BIOS Setup
2-4 System Information
This section provides information on motherboard model and BIOS version. You can also select the default
language used by the BIOS and manually set the system time.
&& System Language

Selects the default language used by the BIOS.
&& System Date
Sets the system date. The date format is week (read-only), month, date, and year. Use <Enter> to switch
between the Month, Date, and Year fields and use the <Page Up> or <Page Down> key to set the desired
value.
&& System Time
Sets the system time. The time format is hour, minute, and second. For example, 1 p.m. is 13:0:0. Use
<Enter> to switch between the Hour, Minute, and Second fields and use the <Page Up> or <Page Down>
key to set the desired value.
&& Access Level
Displays the current access level depending on the type of password protection used. (If no password is
set, the default will display as Administrator.) The Administrator level allows you to make changes to all
BIOS settings; the User level only allows you to make changes to certain BIOS settings but not all.
BIOS Setup - 52 -
2-5 BIOS Features
&& Boot Option Priorities

Specifies the overall boot order from the available devices.
Removable storage devices that support GPT format will be prefixed with "UEFI:" string on the boot device
list. To boot from an operating system that supports GPT partitioning, select the device prefixed with "UEFI:"
string.
Or if you want to install an operating system that supports GPT partitioning such as Windows 7 64-bit, select
the optical drive that contains the Windows 7 64-bit installation disk and is prefixed with "UEFI:" string.
&& Bootup NumLock State
Enables or disables Numlock feature on the numeric keypad of the keyboard after the POST. (Default:
Enabled)
- 53 - BIOS Setup
&& Security Option
Specifies whether a password is required every time the system boots, or only when you enter BIOS Setup.
After configuring this item, set the password(s) under the Administrator Password/User Password item.

Setup A password is only required for entering the BIOS Setup program.

System A password is required for booting the system and for entering the BIOS Setup program.
(Default)
&& Full Screen LOGO Show
Allows you to determine whether to display the GIGABYTE Logo at system startup. Disabled skips the
GIGABYTE Logo when the system starts up. (Default: Enabled)
&& Fast Boot

Enables or disables Fast Boot to shorten the OS boot process. Ultra Fast provides the fastest bootup
speed. (Default: Disabled)
&& VGA Support
Allows you to select which type of operating system to boot.

Auto Enables legacy option ROM only.
Driver
EFI Enables EFI option ROM. (Default)
This item is configurable only when Fast Boot is set to Enabled or Ultra Fast.
&& USB Support

Disabled All USB devices are disabled before the OS boot process completes.
Initial
Full All USB devices are functional in the operating system and during the POST.

Partial Initial Part of the USB devices are disabled before the OS boot process completes. (Default)
This item is configurable only when Fast Boot is set to Enabled. This item is disabled when Fast Boot is
set to Ultra Fast.
&& PS2 Devices Support

Disabled All PS/2 devices are disabled before the OS boot process completes.

Enabled All PS/2 devices are functional in the operating system and during the POST. (Default)
This item is configurable only when Fast Boot is set to Enabled. This item is disabled when Fast Boot is
set to Ultra Fast.
&& NetWork Stack Driver Support

Disabled Disables booting from the network. (Default)

Enabled Enables booting from the network.
&& Next Boot After AC Power Loss

Normal Boot Enables normal bootup upon the return of the AC power. (Default)

Fast Boot Keeps the Fast Boot settings upon the return of the AC power.
&& Limit CPUID Maximum (Note)
Allows you to determine whether to limit CPUID maximum value. Set this item to Disabled for Windows XP
operating system; set this item to Enabled for legacy operating system such as Windows NT4.0. (Default:
Disabled)
BIOS Setup - 54 -
&& Execute Disable Bit (Note)
Enables or disables Intel® Execute Disable Bit function. This function may enhance protection for the
computer, reducing exposure to viruses and malicious buffer overflow attacks when working with its
supporting software and system. (Default: Enabled)
&& Intel Virtualization Technology (Note)
Enables or disables Intel® Virtualization Technology. Virtualization enhanced by Intel® Virtualization
Technology will allow a platform to run multiple operating systems and applications in independent partitions.
With virtualization, one computer system can function as multiple virtual systems. (Default: Enabled)
&& Intel TXT(LT) Support (Note)
Enables or disables Intel® Trusted Execution Technology (Intel® TXT). Intel® Trusted Execution Technology
provides a hardware-based security foundation. (Default: Disabled)
&& Dynamic Storage Accelerator
Enables or disables Intel® Dynamic Storage Accelerator. When enabled, the hard drive I/O performance
will be adjusted according to hard drive load. (Default: Disabled)
&& VT-d (Note)
Enables or disables Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O. (Default: Enabled)
&& Windows 8 Features

Allows you to select the operating system to be installed. (Default: Other OS)
&& CSM Support
Enables or disables UEFI CSM (Compatibility Support Module) to support a legacy PC boot process.

Always Enables UEFI CSM. (Default)

Never Disables UEFI CSM and supports UEFI BIOS boot process only.
This item is configurable only when Windows 8 Features is set to Windows 8.
&& Boot Mode Selection
Allows you to select which type of operating system to boot.

UEFI and Legacy Allows booting from operating systems that support legacy option ROM or UEFI
option ROM. (Default)

Legacy Only Allows booting from operating systems that only support legacy Option ROM.

UEFI Only Allows booting from operating systems that only support UEFI Option ROM.
This item is configurable only when CSM Support is set to Always.
&& LAN PXE Boot Option ROM
Allows you to select whether to enable the legacy option ROM for the LAN controller. (Default: Disabled)
&& Storage Boot Option Control
Allows you to select whether to enable the UEFI or legacy option ROM for the storage device controller.

Disabled Disables option ROM.

Legacy only Enables legacy option ROM only. (Default)

UEFI only Enables UEFI option ROM only.

Legacy First Enables legacy option ROM first.

UEFI First Enables UEFI option ROM first.
- 55 - BIOS Setup
&& Other PCI Device ROM Priority
Allows you to select whether to enable the UEFI or Legacy option ROM for the PCI device controller other
than the LAN, storage device, and graphics controllers.

Legacy OpROM Enables legacy option ROM only.

UEFI OpROM Enables UEFI option ROM only. (Default)
&& Network stack
Disables or enables booting from the network to install a GPT format OS, such as installing the OS from
the Windows Deployment Services server. (Default: Disabled)
&& Ipv4 PXE Support
Enables or disables IPv4 PXE Support. This item is configurable only when Network stack is enabled.
&& Ipv6 PXE Support
Enables or disables IPv6 PXE Support. This item is configurable only when Network stack is enabled.
&& Administrator Password

Allows you to configure an administrator password. Press <Enter> on this item, type the password, and
then press <Enter>. You will be requested to confirm the password. Type the password again and press
<Enter>. You must enter the administrator password (or user password) at system startup and when entering
BIOS Setup. Differing from the user password, the administrator password allows you to make changes to
all BIOS settings.
&& User Password
Allows you to configure a user password. Press <Enter> on this item, type the password, and then press
<Enter>. You will be requested to confirm the password. Type the password again and press <Enter>.
You must enter the administrator password (or user password) at system startup and when entering BIOS
Setup. However, the user password only allows you to make changes to certain BIOS settings but not all.
To cancel the password, press <Enter> on the password item and when requested for the password, enter
the correct one first. When prompted for a new password, press <Enter> without entering any password.
Press <Enter> again when prompted to confirm.
BIOS Setup - 56 -
2-6 Peripherals
&& Initial Display Output

Specifies the first initiation of the monitor display from the installed PCI Express graphics card or the onboard
graphics.

IGFX Sets the onboard graphics as the first display.

PCIe 1 Slot Sets the graphics card on the PCIEX16_1 slot as the first display. (Default)

PCIe 2 Slot Sets the graphics card on the PCIEX8_1 slot as the first display.


- 57 - BIOS Setup
&& XHCI Mode
Allows you to determine the operating mode for the xHCI controller in OS.

Smart Auto This mode is available only when the BIOS supports the xHCI controller in the pre-boot
environment. This mode is similar to Auto, but it adds the capability to route the ports
to xHCI or EHCI according to setting used in previous boots (for non-G3 boot) in the
pre-boot environment. This allows the use of USB 3.0 devices prior to OS boot. xHCI
controller enabling and rerouting should follow the steps in Auto, when previous boot
routs ports to EHCI. Note: This is the recommended mode when BIOS has xHCI pre-
boot support. (Default)

Auto BIOS routes the sharable ports to EHCI controller. Then it uses ACPI protocols to
provide an option to enable the xHCI controller and reroute the sharable ports. Note:
This is the recommended mode when BIOS does NOT have xHCI pre-boot support.

Enabled All shared ports are eventually routed to the xHCI controller during the BIOS boot process.
If BIOS does not have pre-boot support for the xHCI controller, it should initially route
the sharable ports to the EHCI controller and then prior to OS boot it should route the
ports to xHCI controller. Note: OS has to provide support for the xHCI controller in this
mode. If the OS does not provide support, all sharable ports won't work.

Disabled The USB 3.0 ports are routed to the EHCI controller and the xHCI controller is turned
off. All USB 3.0 devices function as High Speed devices regardless of xHCI software
support/availability.
&& Audio Controller
Enables or disables the onboard audio function. (Default: Enabled)
If you wish to install a 3rd party add-in audio card instead of using the onboard audio, set this item to
Disabled.
&& Audio LED
Enables or disables the onboard audio LED. (Default: Enabled)
&& USB DAC Power
Enables or disables the power for the USB DAC connector on the back panel. For a USB DAC that has
independent power, set this item to Disabled. (Default: Enabled)
&& Intel Processor Graphics
Enables or disables the onboard graphics function. (Default: Enabled)
&& Intel Processor Graphics Memory Allocation
Allows you to set the onboard graphics memory size. Options are: 32M~1024M. (Default: 64M)
&& DVMT Total Memory Size
Allows you to allocate the DVMT memory size of the onboard graphics. Options are: 128M, 256M, MAX.
(Default: MAX)
&& Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology

Enables or disables Intel® Rapid Start Technology. (Default: Disabled)
&& Legacy USB Support
Allows USB keyboard/mouse to be used in MS-DOS. (Default: Enabled)
&& XHCI Hand-off
Determines whether to enable XHCI Hand-off feature for an operating system without XHCI Hand-off
support. (Default: Enabled)
BIOS Setup - 58 -
&& EHCI Hand-off
Determines whether to enable EHCI Hand-off feature for an operating system without EHCI Hand-off
support. (Default: Disabled)
&& USB Storage Devices
Displays a list of connected USB mass storage devices. This item appears only when a USB storage device
is installed.
&& Two Layer KVM Switch
Set to Enabled to ensure proper device functionality when chaining two KVM switches. (Default: Disabled)
&& OnBoard LAN Controller
Enables or disables the onboard LAN function. (Default: Enabled)
If you wish to install a 3rd party add-in network card instead of using the onboard LAN, set this item to
Disabled.
`` SATA Configuration
&& Integrated SATA Controller

Enables or disables the integrated SATA controllers. (Default: Enabled)
&& SATA Mode Selection
Enables or disables RAID for the SATA controllers integrated in the Chipset or configures the SATA controllers
to AHCI mode.

IDE Configures the SATA controller to IDE mode.

RAID Enables RAID for the SATA controller.

AHCI Configures the SATA controllers to AHCI mode. Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI)
is an interface specification that allows the storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA
features such as Native Command Queuing and hot plug. (Default)
&& SATA Express SRIS capabilities
Enables or disables SATA Express SRIS (Separate Reference Clocks with Independent SSC) mode.
(Default: Disabled)
- 59 - BIOS Setup
`` Serial ATA Port 0/1/2/3/4/5
&& Port 0/1/2/3/4/5
Enables or disables each SATA port. (Default: Enabled)
&& Hot plug
Enables or disable the hot plug capability for each SATA port. (Default: Disabled)
&& External SATA
Enables or disables support for external SATA devices. (Default: Disabled)
`` Super IO Configuration
This section provides information on the super I/O chip and allows you to configure the serial port.
&& Serial Port A
Enables or disables the onboard serial port. (Default: Enabled)
`` Intel(R) Smart Connect Technology

&& ISCT Support
Enables or disables Intel® Smart Connect Technology. (Default: Disabled)
`` Marvell SATA Controller Configuration (Marvell® 88SE9172 Chip, GSATA3 6/7 connectors)
&& GSATA Controller

Enables or disables RAID for the SATA controllers integrated in the Marvell® SATA controllers or configures
the SATA controllers to AHCI mode.The area below displays the current status of each SATA port.
Mode
IDE Disables RAID for the SATA controllers and configures the SATA controllers to IDE
mode.

RAID Mode Enables RAID for the SATA controllers.

AHCI Mode Configures the SATA controllers to AHCI mode. Advanced Host Controller Interface
(AHCI) is an interface specification that allows the storage driver to enable advanced
Serial ATA features such as Native Command Queuing and hot plug. (Default)

Disabled Disables this function.
BIOS Setup - 60 -
2-7 Power Management
&& Power Loading

Enables or disables dummy load. When the power supply is at low load, a self-protection will activate causing
it to shutdown or fail. If this occurs, please set to Enabled. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this
setting. (Default: Auto)
&& Resume by Alarm
Determines whether to power on the system at a desired time. (Default: Disabled)
If enabled, set the date and time as following:

Wake up day: Turn on the system at a specific time on each day or on a specific day in a month.

Wake up hour/minute/second: Set the time at which the system will be powered on automatically.
Note: When using this function, avoid inadequate shutdown from the operating system or removal of the
AC power, or the settings may not be effective.
&& Soft-Off by PWR-BTTN
Configures the way to turn off the computer in MS-DOS mode using the power button.

Instant-Off Press the power button and then the system will be turned off instantly. (Default)

Delay 4 Sec. Press and hold the power button for 4 seconds to turn off the system. If the power
button is pressed for less than 4 seconds, the system will enter suspend mode.
&& RC6(Render Standby)
Allows you to determine whether to let the onboard graphics enter standby mode to decrease power
consumption. (Default: Enabled)
&& AC BACK
Determines the state of the system after the return of power from an AC power loss.

Memory The system returns to its last known awake state upon the return of the AC power.

Always On The system is turned on upon the return of the AC power.

Always Off The system stays off upon the return of the AC power. (Default)
- 61 - BIOS Setup
&& Power On By Keyboard
Allows the system to be turned on by a PS/2 keyboard wake-up event.
Note: To use this function, you need an ATX power supply providing at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.


Password Set a password with 1~5 characters to turn on the system.

Keyboard 98 Press POWER button on the Windows 98 keyboard to turn on the system.
Key
Any Press any key to turn on the system.
&& Power On Password
Set the password when Power On By Keyboard is set to Password.
Press <Enter> on this item and set a password with up to 5 characters and then press <Enter> to accept.
To turn on the system, enter the password and press <Enter>.
Note: To cancel the password, press <Enter> on this item. When prompted for the password, press <Enter>
again without entering the password to clear the password settings.
&& Power On By Mouse
Allows the system to be turned on by a PS/2 mouse wake-up event.
Note: To use this function, you need an ATX power supply providing at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.


Move Move the mouse to turn on the system.

Double Click Double click on left button on the mouse to turn on the system.
&& ErP
Determines whether to let the system consume least power in S5 (shutdown) state. (Default: Disabled)
Note: When this item is set to Enabled, the following functions will become unavailable: PME event wake
up, power on by mouse, power on by keyboard, and wake on LAN.
&& Platform Power Management

Enables or disables the Active State Power Management function (ASPM). (Default: Disabled)
&& PEG ASPM
Allows you to configure the ASPM mode for the device connected to the CPU PEG bus. Auto lets the BIOS
automatically configure this setting. This item is configurable only when Platform Power Management is
set to Enabled. (Default: Auto)
&& PCIe ASPM
Allows you to configure the ASPM mode for the device connected to Chipset's PCI Express bus. Auto
lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting. This item is configurable only when Platform Power
Management is set to Enabled. (Default: Auto)
&& CPU DMI Link ASPM Control
Allows you to configure the ASPM mode for the CPU side of the DMI link. Auto lets the BIOS automatically
configure this setting. This item is configurable only when Platform Power Management is set to Enabled.
(Default:L0sL1)
&& PCH DMI Link ASPM Control
Allows you to configure the ASPM mode for both CPU side and Chipset side of the DMI link. Auto lets the
BIOS automatically configure this setting. This item is configurable only when Platform Power Management
is set to Enabled. (Default: Enabled)
BIOS Setup - 62 -
2-8 Save & Exit
&& Save & Exit Setup

Press <Enter> on this item and select Yes. This saves the changes to the CMOS and exits the BIOS Setup
program. Select No or press <Esc> to return to the BIOS Setup Main Menu.
&& Exit Without Saving
Press <Enter> on this item and select Yes. This exits the BIOS Setup without saving the changes made
in BIOS Setup to the CMOS. Select No or press <Esc> to return to the BIOS Setup Main Menu.
&& Load Optimized Defaults
Press <Enter> on this item and select Yes to load the optimal BIOS default settings. The BIOS defaults
settings help the system to operate in optimum state. Always load the Optimized defaults after updating
the BIOS or after clearing the CMOS values.
&& Boot Override
Allows you to select a device to boot immediately. Press <Enter> on the device you select and select Yes
to confirm. Your system will restart automatically and boot from that device.
&& Save Profiles
This function allows you to save the current BIOS settings to a profile. You can create up to 8 profiles and
save as Setup Profile 1~ Setup Profile 8. Press <Enter> to complete. Or you can select Select File in
HDD/USB/FDD to save the profile to your storage device.
&& Load Profiles
If your system becomes unstable and you have loaded the BIOS default settings, you can use this function
to load the BIOS settings from a profile created before, without the hassles of reconfiguring the BIOS
settings. First select the profile you wish to load and then press <Enter> to complete. You can select Select
File in HDD/USB/FDD to input the profile previously created from your storage device or load the profile
automatically created by the BIOS, such as reverting the BIOS settings to the last settings that worked
properly (last known good record).
- 63 - BIOS Setup
BIOS Setup - 64 -
Chapter 3 Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s)
RAID Levels
RAID 0 RAID 1 RAID 5 RAID 10
Minimum
Number of Hard ≥2 2 ≥3 ≥4
Drives
Array Capacity Number of hard Size of the smallest (Number of hard (Number of hard
drives * Size of the drive drives -1) * Size of drives/2) * Size of the
smallest drive the smallest drive smallest drive
Fault Tolerance No Yes Yes Yes
To configure SATA hard drive(s), follow the steps below:

A. Install SATA hard drive(s) in your computer.
B. Configure SATA controller mode in BIOS Setup.
C. Configure a RAID array in RAID BIOS. (Note 1)
D. Install the SATA RAID/AHCI driver and operating system. (Note 2)
Before you begin

Please prepare:
•• At least two SATA hard drives (to ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you use two hard drives
with identical model and capacity). If you do not want to create RAID, you may prepare only one hard drive.
•• Windows setup disk.
•• Motherboard driver disk.
•• A USB thumb drive.
3-1 Configuring Intel® Z97 SATA Controllers
A. Installing SATA hard drive(s) in your computer

Attach one end of the SATA signal cable to the rear of the SATA hard drive and the other end to available SATA
port on the motherboard. If there is more than one SATA controller on your motherboard, refer to "Chapter 1,"
"Hardware Installation," to identify the SATA controller for the SATA port. (For example, on this motherboard,
the SATA3 0/1/2/3/4/5 ports are supported by the Intel® Z97 Chipset.) Then connect the power connector from
your power supply to the hard drive.
(Note 1) Skip this step if you do not want to create RAID array on the SATA controller.
(Note 2) Required when the SATA controller is set to AHCI or RAID mode.
- 65 - Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s)

B. Configuring SATA controller mode in BIOS Setup
Make sure to configure the SATA controller mode correctly in system BIOS Setup.
Step 1:
Turn on your computer and press <Delete> to enter BIOS Setup during the POST (Power-On Self-Test). Go
to Peripherals\SATA Configuration, make sure Integrated SATA Controller is enabled. To create RAID, set
SATA Mode Selection to RAID (Figure 1). If you do not want to create RAID, set this item to IDE or AHCI.
Figure 1
Step 2:
If you want to configure UEFI RAID, follow the steps in "C-1." To enter the legacy RAID ROM, save the settings
and exit BIOS Setup. Refer to "C-2" for more information.
The BIOS Setup menus described in this section may differ from 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.
Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s) - 66 -

C-1. UEFI RAID Configuration
Only Windows 8.1/8 64-bit supports UEFI RAID configuration.
Step 1:
In BIOS Setup, go to BIOS Features and set Windows 8 Features to Windows 8 and CSM Support to Never
(Figure 2). Save the changes and exit BIOS Setup.
Figure 2
Step 2:
After the system reboot, enter BIOS Setup again. Then enter the Peripherals\Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology
sub-menu (Figure 3).
Figure 3

Step 3:
On the Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology menu, press <Enter> on Create RAID Volume to enter the Create
RAID Volume screen. Enter a volume name with 1~16 letters (letters cannot be special characters) under the
Name item and press <Enter>. Then, select a RAID level (Figure 4). RAID levels supported include RAID 0,
RAID 1, RAID 10, and RAID 5 (the selections available depend on the number of the hard drives being installed).
Next, use the down arrow key to move to Select Disks.
Figure 4
Step 4:
Under Select Disks item, select the hard drives to be included in the RAID array. Press the <Space> key on
the hard drives to be selected (selected hard drives are marked with "X"). Then set the stripe block size (Figure
5). The stripe block size can be set from 4 KB to 128 KB. Once you have selected the stripe block size, set
the volume capacity.
Figure 5
Step 5:
After setting the capacity, move to Create Volume and press <Enter> to begin. (Figure 6)
Figure 6
After completing, you'll be brought back to the Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology screen. Under RAID Volumes
you can see the new RAID volume. To see more detailed information, press <Enter> on the volume to check
for information on RAID level, stripe block size, array name, and array capacity, etc. (Figure 7)
Figure 7

Delete RAID Volume
To delete a RAID array, press <Enter> on the volume to be deleted on the Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology
screen. After entering the RAID VOLUME INFO screen, press <Enter> on Delete to enter the Delete screen.
Press <Enter> on Yes (Figure 8).
Figure 8

C-2. Configuring Legacy RAID ROM
Enter the Intel® legacy RAID BIOS setup utility to configure a RAID array. Skip this step and proceed with the
installation of Windows operating system for a non-RAID configuration.
Step 1:
After the POST memory test begins and before the operating system boot begins, look for a message which says
"Press <Ctrl-I> to enter Configuration Utility" (Figure 9). Press <Ctrl> + to enter the RAID Configuration Utility.
Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - 13.0.0.2075
Copyright (C) Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
RAID Volumes :
None defined.
Physical Devices :
ID Device Model Serial # Size Type/Status(Vol ID)
1 Hitachi HDS72105 JP1532FR3BWV7K 465.7GB Non-RAID Disk
2 Hitachi HDS72105 JP1532ER046M2K 465.7GB Non-RAID Disk
Press <CTRL - I> to enter Configuration Utility...
Figure 9
Step 2:
After you press <Ctrl> + , the MAIN MENU screen will appear (Figure 10).
Create RAID Volume

If you want to create a RAID array, select Create RAID Volume in MAIN MENU and press <Enter>.
[ MAIN MENU ]
1. Create RAID Volume 4. Recovery Volume Options
2. Delete RAID Volume 5. Acceleration Options
3. Reset Disks to Non-RAID 6. Exit
[ DISK/VOLUME INFORMATION ]
RAID Volumes :
None defined.
Physical Deivces :
[hi]-Select [ESC]-Exit [ENTER]-Select Menu
Figure 10

Step 3:
After entering the CREATE VOLUME MENU screen, enter a volume name with 1~16 letters (letters cannot be
special characters) under the Name item and press <Enter>. Then, select a RAID level (Figure 11). RAID levels
supported include RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, and RAID 5 (the selections available depend on the number of the
hard drives being installed). Press <Enter> to proceed.
[ CREATE VOLUME MENU ]
Name : Volume0
RAID Level : RAID0(Stripe)
Disks : Select Disks
Strip Size : 16KB
Capacity : 931.5 GB
Sync : N/A
Create Volume
[ HELP ]
RAID 0: Stripes data (performance).
[hi]-Change [TAB]-Next [ESC]-Previous Menu [ENTER]-Select
Figure 11
Step 4:
Under Disks item, select the hard drives to be included in the RAID array. If only two hard drives are installed,
they will be automatically assigned to the array. Set the stripe block size (Figure 12) if necessary. The stripe block
size can be set from 4 KB to 128 KB. Once you have selected the stripe block size, press <Enter>.
Name : Volume0
Strip Size : 16KB
Capacity : 931.5 GB
Sync : N/A
Create Volume
[ HELP ]
The following are typical values:
RAID0 - 128KB
RAID10 - 64KB
RAID5 - 64KB
Figure 12

Step 5:
Enter the array capacity and press <Enter>. Finally press <Enter> on the Create Volume item to begin creating
the RAID array. When prompted to confirm whether to create this volume, press <Y> to confirm or <N> to
cancel (Figure 13).
Copyright(C) Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Name : Volume0
Strip Size : 128 MB
Capacity : 931.5 GB
Sync : N/A
Create Volume
WARNING : ALL DATA ON SELECTED DISKS WILL BE LOST.
[ HELP ]
Are you sure you want to create this volume? (Y/N) :
Press ENTER to create the specified volume.
Figure 13
When completed, you can see detailed information about the RAID array in the DISK/VOLUME INFORMATION
section, including the RAID level, stripe block size, array name, and array capacity, etc. (Figure 14)
[ MAIN MENU ]
RAID Volumes :
ID Name Level Strip Size Status Bootable
0 Volume0 RAID0(Stripe) 128KB 931.5GB Normal Yes
Physical Devices :
1 Hitachi HDS72105 JP1532FR3BWV7K 465.7GB Member Disk(0)
2 Hitachi HDS72105 JP1532ER046M2K 465.7GB Member Disk(0)
Figure 14
To exit the RAID BIOS utility, press <Esc> or select 6. Exit in MAIN MENU.
Now, you can proceed to install the SATA RAID/AHCI driver and operating system.

Recovery Volume Options
Intel® Rapid Recover Technology provides data protection by allowing users to easily restore data and system
operation using a designated recovery drive. With the Rapid Recovery Technology, which employs RAID 1
functionality, users can copy the data from the master drive to the recovery drive; if needed, the data on the
recovery drive can be restored back to the master drive.
Before you begin:

•• The recovery drive must have equal or greater capacity than the master drive.
•• A recovery volume can be created with two hard drives only. A recovery volume and a RAID array cannot
co-exist in the system at the same time, that is, if you have already created a recovery volume, you are
unable to create a RAID array.
•• By default, only the master drive can be viewed in the operating system; the recovery drive is hidden.
Step 1:
Select Create RAID Volume in MAIN MENU and press <Enter> (Figure 15).
[ MAIN MENU ]
RAID Volumes :
None defined.
Physical Disks :
IE Drive Model Serial # Size Type/Status(Vol ID)
Figure 15
Step 2:
After entering the volume name, select Recovery under the RAID Level item and press <Enter> (Figure 16).
Name : Volume0
RAID Level : Recovery
Strip Size : N/A
Capacity : 465.7 GB
Sync : Continuous
Create Volume
[ HELP ]
Recovery: Copies data between a master and a recovery disk.
Figure 16

Step 3:
Press <Enter> under the Select Disks item. In the SELECT DISKS box, press <Tab> on the hard drive you want
to use for the master drive and press <Space> on the hard drive you want to use for the recovery drive. (Make sure
the recovery drive has equal or larger capacity than the master drive.) Then press <Enter> to confirm (Figure 17).
Name : Volume0
Disks : Select
[ SELECT DISKS Disks
]
Strip Size : 128KB
Capacity : 223.6 GB
ID
Drive Model Serial # Create Volume Size Status
M1 Hitachi HDS72105 JP1532FR3BWV7K 465.7GB Non-RAID Disk
R2 Hitachi HDS72105 JP1532ER046M2K 465.7GB Non-RAID Disk
[ HELP ]
Choose the RAID level:
RAID0: Stripes data (performance).
Select 1 Master RAID1: Mirrors disk
and 1 Recovery data to
(redundancy).
create volume.
Recovery: Copies data between a master and a recovery disk.
RAID10: Mirrors data and stripes the mirror.
[hi]-Prev/Next [TAB]-(M)aster
RAID5: Stripes[SPACE]-(R)ecovery
data and parity. [ENTER]-Done
Figure 17
Step 4:
Under Sync, select Continuous or On Request (Figure 18). When set to Continuous, changes made to the
data on the master drive will be automatically and continuously copied to the recovery drive when both hard
drives are installed in the system. On Request allows users to update data from the master drive to the recovery
drive manually using the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology utility in the operating system. On Request also allows
users to restore the master drive to a previous state.
Name : Volume0
Strip Size : N/A
Capacity : 0.0 GB
Sync : Continuous
Create Volume
[ HELP ]
Select a sync option:

On Request: volume is updated manually
Continuous: volume is updated automatically
Figure 18
Step 5:
Finally press <Enter> on the Create Volume item to begin creating the Recovery Volume and follow the on-
screen instructions to complete.

Delete RAID Volume
To delete a RAID array, select Delete RAID Volume in MAIN MENU and press <Enter>. In the DELETE
VOLUME MENU section, use the up or down arrow key to select the array to be deleted and press <Delete>.
When prompted to confirm your selection (Figure 19), press <Y> to confirm or <N> to abort.
[ DELETE VOLUME MENU ]
Name Level Drives Capacity Status Bootable
Volume0 RAID0(Stripe) 2 931.5GB Normal Yes
[ DELETE VOLUME VERIFICATION ]

ALL DATA IN THE VOLUME WILL BE LOST!
(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)
Are you sure you want to delete
[ HELP ] "Volume0"? (Y/N) :
Deleting a volume will reset the disks to non-RAID.

WARNING: ALL DISK DATA WILL BE DELETED.
(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)
[hi]-Select [ESC]-Exit [DEL]-Delete Volume
Figure 19
Acceleration Options
This option allows you to view the status of your accelerated drive/volume (Figure 20) created using the Intel®
IRST utility. In case you are unable to run the Intel® IRST utility due to an application error or operating system
issue, you will need to remove acceleration or manually enable synchronization (Maximized mode only) using
this option in the RAID ROM utility.
Steps:
Select Acceleration Options in MAIN MENU and press <Enter>.
To remove the acceleration, select the accelerated drive/volume, press <R>, and press <Y> to confirm.
To synchronize data from the cache device to the accelerated drive/volume, press <S> and press <Y> to confirm.
[ ACCELERATION OPTIONS ]
Name Type Capacity Mode Status
DISK PORT 3 Non-RAID Disk 465.7GB Enhanced In Sync
[ HELP ]
Press 's' to synchronize data from the cache device to
the Accelerated Disk/Volume
Press 'r' to remove the Disk/Volume Acceleration

WARNING: IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU PERFORM A SYNCHRONIZATION
BEFORE REMOVING ACCELERATION
[hi]-Select [ESC]- Previous Menu
Figure 20

3-2 Configuring Marvell® 88SE9172 SATA Controller
A. Installing SATA hard drive(s) in your computer

Attach one end of the SATA signal cable to the rear of the SATA hard drive and the other end to available SATA
port on the motherboard. The Marvell® 88SE9172 SATA controller controls the onboard GSATA3 6/7 connectors.
Then connect the power connector from your power supply to the hard drive.
B. Configuring SATA controller and RAID mode in BIOS Setup

Make sure to configure the SATA controller mode correctly in system BIOS Setup.
Step 1:
Turn on your computer and press <Delete> to enter BIOS Setup during the POST. To create RAID, go to
Peripherals\Marvell ATA Controller Configuration and make sure GSATA Controller is set to RAID Mode.
(Figure 1). If you do not want to create RAID, set this item to IDE Mode or AHCI Mode.
Figure 1
Step 2:
Save changes and exit BIOS Setup.
The BIOS Setup menus described in this section may differ from 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.

C. Configuring a RAID array in RAID BIOS
Enter the RAID BIOS setup utility to configure a RAID array. Skip this step and proceed to the installation of
Windows operating system for a non-RAID configuration.
After the POST memory test begins and before the operating system boot begins, look for a message which
says "Press <Ctrl>+<M> to enter BIOS Setup or <Space> to continue" (Figure 2). Press <Ctrl> + <M> to enter
the RAID setup utility.
Marvell 88SE91xx Adapter - BIOS Version 1.0.0.0034
PCIe x1 5.0Gbps
Mode: RAID
[Virtual Disks]
No Virtual Disk!
[Physical Disks]
Adapter 0
Port Disk Name Size Max Speed
S0 SATA: WDC WD800JD-22LSA0 76.3GB SATA 3Gb/s
S1 SATA: WDC WD800JD-22LSA0 76.3GB SATA 3Gb/s

Press <Ctrl>+<M> to enter BIOS Setup or <Space> to continue_
Figure 2
On the main screen of the RAID setup utility (Figure 3), use the left or right arrow key to move through tabs.
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
[ Adapter ] [ Devices ] [ RAID ]
Adapter 0
Vendor ID Device ID: 1B4B:9192

BIOS Version: 1.0.0.0034
PCI Slot: 00
IRQ Number: 0A
Raid Mode: RAID0 RAID1
ENTER/SPACE: Select, ESC: Back/Exit

Figure 3

Create a RAID Array:
Step 1: On the main screen, press <Enter> on the RAID tab. Then the RAID Config menu appears (Figure 4).
Press <Enter> on the Create VD item.
RAID Config
Create VD
Delete VD
Wipe out disk
Spare Management

Figure 4
Step 2: The next screen displays the two hard drives you installed. Press <Enter> or <Space> on the two hard
drives respectively to add them into the RAID array. Selected hard drives are marked with an asterisk (Figure
5). Then press <Enter> on NEXT.
RAID Config
Select free disks to create
Port Disk Name Size Max Speed Status
* S0 SATA: WDC WD800JD-22LSA0 76.3GB SATA 3Gb/s FREE
NEXT

Figure 5

Step 3: On the Create VD menu (Figure 6), use the up or down arrow key to move the selection bar to select
an item and press <Enter> to display options. Set the required items in sequence and press the down arrow
key to proceed to the next item.
Sequence:
1. RAID Level: Select a RAID level. Options include RAID 0 (Stripe) and RAID 1 (Mirror).
2. Stripe Size: Select the stripe block size. Options include 32 KB, 64 KB, and 128 KB.
3. Quick Init: Select whether to quickly erase old data on the hard drives when creating the array.
4. Cache Mode: Select write-back or write-through cache.
5. VD Name: Enter an array name with 1~10 letters (letters cannot be special characters).
RAID Config
Port
Create VD Disk Name Size Max Speed Status
RAID Level : RAID0
* S1 Max SizeSATA:(MB):WDC WD800JD-22LSA0
152478 76.3GB SATA 3Gb/s FREE
Stripe Size : 64KB
Quick Init : No
Cache Mode : WriteBack
VD Name :
Disks ID :0 1
NEXT

Figure 6
6. NEXT: After completing the settings above, move to NEXT and press <Enter> to begin creating the array.
When prompted to confirm, press <Y> to confirm or <N> to cancel (Figure 7).
RAID Config
Port
Create VD Disk Name Size Max Speed Status
RAID Level : RAID0
* S1 Max SizeSATA:(MB):WDC WD800JD-22LSA0
152478 76.3GB SATA 3Gb/s FREE
NEXT Stripe Size : 64KB
Quick Init : No
Cache Mode : WriteBack
VD Name : GBT
Disk ID : 01
NEXT
Create the VD?[Y]
Figure 7

When completed, the RAID tab will display the new array (Figure 8).
[Virtual Disks]
ID Name Size Level Status Stripe CacheMode
0 GBT 152.4GB RAID0 ONLINE 64KB WriteBack
[Physical Disks]
S0 SATA: WDC WD800JD-22LSA0 76.3GB SATA 3Gb/s ASSIGNED
S1 SATA: WDC WD800JD-22LSA0 76.3GB SATA 3Gb/s ASSIGNED


Figure 8
To exit the RAID BIOS utility, press <Esc> on the main screen and press <Y> to confirm.
Now, you can proceed to install the operating system.
Delete the RAID Array:
To deleted the existing array, press <Enter> on the RAID tab and select Delete VD. When the Delete VD menu
appears, press <Enter> on the array to select it and then press <Enter> on NEXT. When prompted, press <Y>
to confirm (Figure 9). When the message "Do you want to delete the VD's MBR?" appears, press <Y> to clear
the MBR or press other keys to ignore.
RAID Config
Delete VD
ID Name Size Level Status Stripe CacheMode
*0 GBT 152.4GB RAID0 ONLINE 64KB WriteBack
NEXT
Delete the VD?[Y]

Figure 9
Use the Marvell Storage Utility in the Operating System:
®
With the Marvell® Storage utility, you can set up an array or view the current array status in the operating system.
To install the utility, insert the motherboard driver disk, then go to Application Software\Install Application
Software and select Marvell Storage Utility to install. Note: After the installation, you must login the utility with
the same account name and password that you use to login the operating system. If you did not set the account
password before, click Login to enter the Marvell Storage Utility directly. Please note that if you set the hard
drive(s) to IDE or AHCI mode, it is normal that you will not see the hard drive(s) in the Marvell Storage Utility.

3-3 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System
With the correct BIOS settings, you are ready to install the operating system.
A. Installing the Operating System
For the Intel® Z97:

As Windows 7 already include Intel® SATA RAID/AHCI driver, you do not need to install separate RAID/AHCI
driver during the Windows installation process. After the operating system is installed, we recommend that you
install all required drivers from the motherboard driver disk using "Xpress Install" to ensure system performance
and compatibility. To install Windows 8.1/8, refer to the steps below:
Step 1:
Copy the IRST folder under BootDrv in the driver disk to your USB thumb drive.
Step 2:
Boot from the Windows 8.1/8 setup disk and perform standard OS installation steps. When the screen requesting
you to load the driver appears, select Browse.
Step 3:
Insert the USB thumb drive and then browse to the location of the driver. The locations of the drivers are as follows:
Windows 32-bit: \iRST\32Bit
Windows 64-bit: \iRST\64Bit
Step 4:
When a screen as shown in Figure 1 appears, select Intel(R) Desktop/Workstation/Server Express Chipset
SATA RAID Controller and click Next to load the driver and continue the OS installation
Figure 1

For the Marvell® 88SE9172:
Step 1:
Copy the Marvell folder under BootDrv in the driver disk to your USB thumb drive.
Step 2:
Boot from the Windows setup disk and perform standard OS installation steps. When the screen requesting you
to load the driver appears, select Browse.
Step 3:
Insert the USB thumb drive and then browse to the location of the driver. The locations of the drivers are as follows:
Windows 32-bit: \storport\i386
Windows 64-bit: \storport\amd64
Step 4:
When a screen as shown in Figure 2 appears, select Marvell 91xx SATA 6G RAID Controller and click Next
to load the driver and continue the OS installation.
Figure 2

B. Rebuilding an Array
Rebuilding is the process of restoring data to a hard drive from other drives in the array. Rebuilding applies only
to fault-tolerant arrays such as RAID 1, RAID 5 or RAID 10 arrays. The procedures below assume a new drive
is added to replace a failed drive to rebuild a RAID 1 array. (Note: The new drive must have equal or greater
capacity than the old one.)
For the Intel® Z97:

Turn off your computer and replace the failed hard drive with a new one. Restart your computer.
•• Enabling Automatic Rebuild

Step 1:
When the message "Press <Ctrl-I> to enter Configuration Utility" appears, press <Ctrl> + to enter the RAID
Configuration Utility. The following screen appears after you enter the RAID Configuration Utility.
[ MAIN MENU ]
1. Create RAID Volume[ DEGRADED VOLUME DETECTED3.] Reset Disks to Non-RAID

2. Delete
"Degraded volumeRAID Volume
and disk available for rebuilding detected. Selecting4. Exit
a disk initiates a rebuild. Rebuild completes in the operating system.
[ DISK/VOLUME
Select the port of the destination disk INFORMATION
for rebuilding (ESC to exit): ]
RAID Volumes :
ID Drive Model
None defined. Serial # Size
1 Hitachi HDS721050CLA JP1532FR3ABMPK 465.7GB
Physical Disks :
ID [hi]-Previous/NextSerial #
Drive Model [ENTER]-SelectSize [ESC]-Exit
Type/Status(Vol ID)
0 Hitachi HDS72105 JP1532FR3BWV7K 465.7GB Member Disk (0)
1 Hitachi HDS72105 JP1532FR3ABMPK 465.7GB Non-RAID Disk
Step 2:
Select the new hard drive to add into the array to be rebuilt and press <Enter>. The following screen appears,
indicating that an automatic rebuild will be performed after you enter the operating system. If you do not enable
automatic rebuild on this stage, you have to manually rebuild the array in the operating system (see the next
page for more details).
[ MAIN MENU ]
RAID Volumes :
ID Name Level Strip Size Status Bootable
0 Volume0 RAID1(Mirror) N/A 465.7GB Rebuild Yes
Physical Devices :
ID Devices Model Serial # Size Type/Status(Vol ID)
0 Hitachi HDS72105 JP1532FR3BWV7K 465.7GB Member Disk (0)
1 Hitachi HDS72105 JP1532FR3ABMPK 465.7GB Member Disk (0)
Volumes with "Rebuild" status will be rebuilt within the operating system.

•• Performing the Rebuild in the Operating System
While in the operating system, make sure the chipset driver has been installed from the motherboard driver
disk. Then launch the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology utility from the desktop.
Step 2:
Select a new drive to rebuild the RAID and click
Rebuild.
Step 1:
Go to the Manage menu and click Rebuild to
another disk in Manage Volume.
The Status item on the left of the screen displays Step 3:

the rebuild progress. After the RAID 1 volume rebuilding, the Status will
display as Normal.

•• Restoring the Master Drive to a Previous State (for Recovery Volume only)
When two hard drives are set to Recovery Volume in Update on Request mode, you can restore the master
drive data to the last backup state when needed. For example, in case the master drive detects a virus, you
can restore the recovery drive data to the master drive.
Step 1:
Select 4. Recovery Volume Options in the MAIN MENU of the Intel® RAID Configuration Utility. On the
RECOVERY VOLUMES OPTIONS menu, select Enable Only Recovery Disk to show the recovery drive in
the operating system. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete and exit the RAID Configuration Utility.
[ RECOVERY VOLUME OPTIONS ]
1. Enable Only Recovery Disk
2. Enable Only Master Disk
[ SELECT RECOVERY VOLUME ]
Name Level [ HELP ]

Capacity Status Bootable
} Volume0 Recovery(OnReq) 465.7GB NeedsUpdate Yes
Choose the RAID level:

RAID0: Stripes data (performance).
RAID1: Mirrors data (redundancy).
Recovery:
Select aCopies
Recovery
datavolume to ado
between the operation.
master and a recovery disk.
RAID10: Mirrors data and stripes the mirror.
RAID5: Stripes data and parity.
[hi]-Up/Down [SPACE]-Selects [ENTER]-Done
[hi]-select [ESC]-Previous Menu [ENTER]-Select
Step 3:
Click Yes to begin the data recovery.
Step 2:
Go to the Manage menu of the Intel® Rapid
Storage Technology utility and click Recover data
in Manage Volume.
Step 4:
The Status item on the left of the screen displays After the recovery volume is completed, the Status
the rebuild progress. will display as Normal.

For the Marvell® 88SE9172:
Turn off your computer and replace the failed hard drive with a new one. Restart your computer. To enable an
automatic rebuild in the operating system, you have to set the new hard drive as a Spare drive in the RAID
setup utility first.
•• Enabling Automatic Rebuild

Step 1:
When the message "Press <Ctrl>+<M> to enter BIOS Setup or <Space> to continue" appears, press <Ctrl> +
<M> to enter the RAID setup utility. On the main screen, press <Enter> on the RAID tab and then press <Enter>
on Spare Management.
[ Adapter] [ Devices] [ RAID ]
RAID Config
Create VD
Delete VD
Wipe out disk
Spare Management
Step 2:
The new hard drive will be displayed on the screen. Press <Enter> or <Space> on the new hard drive to select
it and then press <Enter> on NEXT. When prompted, press <Y> to confirm. The new hard drive is now set as
a Spare drive.
[ Adapter] [ Devices] [ RAID ]
RAID Config
Spare Management
NEXT

Step 3:
Make sure you have installed the Marvell® RAID driver and Marvell® Storage Utility from the motherboard driver
disk. While in the operating system, launch the Marvell® Storage Utility from Start\All Programs\Marvell Storage
Utility\Marvell Tray, right-click on the icon in the notification area, and select Open MSU. Then login the
Marvell Storage Utility.
Under Virtual Disk 0, the Property tab displays the

rebuild progress on the right of the Background Activity
Progress item, indicating that the RAID volume is being
rebuilt. When completed, the status will display as Done.
•• Manually Rebuilding RAID 1 in the Operating System

You can manually rebuild a RAID 1 array without setting the new hard drive as a Spare drive in the RAID setup
utility first. While in the operating system, open the Marvell® Storage Utility and login.
Step 1:
Under Virtual Disk 0, click the Operation tab and select
Rebuild.
Step 2:
The screen will display the new hard drive. Click on the
hard drive to select it and click the Submit button to
begin the rebuild.

Chapter 4 Drivers Installation
• Before installing the drivers, first install the operating system. (The following instructions use
Windows 8.1 as the example operating system.)
• After installing the operating system, insert the motherboard driver disk into your optical drive.
Click on the message "Tap to choose what happens with this disc" on the top-right corner of the
screen and select "Run Run.exe." (Or go to My Computer, double-click the optical drive and ex-
ecute the Run.exe program.)
4-1 Chipset Drivers

"Xpress Install" will automatically scan your system and then list all of the drivers that are recommended to
install. You can click the Xpress Install button and "Xpress Install" will install all of the selected drivers. Or
click the arrow icon to individually install the drivers you need.
• Please ignore the popup dialog box(es) (e.g. the Found New Hardware Wizard) displayed
when "Xpress Install" is installing the drivers. Failure to do so may affect the driver installation.
• Some device drivers will restart your system automatically during the driver installation. After the
system restart, "Xpress Install" will continue to install other drivers.
- 89 - Drivers Installation
4-2 Application Software
This page displays the apps that GIGABYTE develops and some free software. You can select the apps you
want and click the Install icon to begin the installation.
4-3 Information
This page provides detailed information on the drivers on the driver disk. The Contact page provides contact
information of the GIGABYTE Taiwan headquarter. You can click the URL on this page to link to the GIGA-
BYTE website to check more information on the GIGABYTE headquarter or worldwide branch offices.
Drivers Installation - 90 -
Chapter 5 Unique Features
5-1 BIOS Update Utilities
GIGABYTE motherboards provide two unique BIOS update tools, Q-Flash™ and @BIOS™. GIGABYTE Q-Flash
and @BIOS are easy-to-use and allow you to update the BIOS without the need to enter MS-DOS mode.
Additionally, this motherboard features the DualBIOS™ design, which enhances protection for the safety and
stability of your computer by adding one more physical BIOS chip.
What is DualBIOS™?
Motherboards that support DualBIOS have two BIOS onboard, a main BIOS and a backup BIOS. Normally, the
system works on the main BIOS. However, if the main BIOS is corrupted or damaged, the backup BIOS will
take over on the next system boot and copy the BIOS file to the main BIOS to ensure normal system operation.
For the sake of system safety, users cannot update the backup BIOS manually.
What is Q-Flash™?
With Q-Flash you can update the system BIOS without having to enter operating systems like MS-DOS or
Window first. Embedded in the BIOS, the Q-Flash tool frees you from the hassles of going through complicated
BIOS flashing process.
What is @BIOS™?
@BIOS allows you to update the system BIOS while in the Windows environment. @BIOS will download the
latest BIOS file from the nearest @BIOS server site and update the BIOS.
5-1-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility
A. Before You Begin

1. From GIGABYTE's website, download the latest compressed BIOS update file that matches your motherboard
model.
2. Extract the file and save the new BIOS file (e.g. Z97XGAMINGGT.F1) to your USB flash drive, or hard drive.
Note: The USB flash drive or hard drive must use FAT32/16/12 file system.
3. Restart the system. During the POST, press the <End> key to enter Q-Flash. Note: You can access Q-Flash
by either pressing the <End> key during the POST or pressing the <F8> key in BIOS Setup. However, if the
BIOS update file is saved to a hard drive in RAID/AHCI mode or a hard drive attached to an independent
SATA controller, use the <End> key during the POST to access Q-Flash.
Because BIOS flashing is potentially risky, please do it with caution. Inadequate BIOS flashing may
result in system malfunction.
- 91 - Unique Features
B. Updating the BIOS
In the main menu of Q-Flash, use the keyboard or mouse to select an item to execute. When updating the
BIOS, choose the location where the BIOS file is saved. The following procedure assumes that you save the
BIOS file to a USB flash drive.
Step 1:
1. Insert the USB flash drive containing the BIOS file into the computer. In the main menu of Q-Flash, select
Update BIOS From Drive.
•• The Save BIOS to Drive option allows you to save the current BIOS file.
•• Q-Flash only supports USB flash drive or hard drives using FAT32/16/12 file system.
•• If the BIOS update file is saved to a hard drive in RAID/AHCI mode or a hard drive attached
to an independent SATA controller, use the <End> key during the POST to access Q-Flash.
2. Select USB Flash Drive.

Q-Flash Utility v1.05
Model Name : Z97X-Gaming GT
BIOS Version : F1b
BIOS Date : 03/25/2014
Flash Type/Size : MXIC 25L Series 16MB
Update BIOS From Drive
Save BIOS
Select to Drive
Device
Return to BIOS setup
USB Flash Drive
3. Select the BIOS update file.
Make sure the BIOS update file matches your motherboard model.
Step 2:
The process of the system reading the BIOS file from the USB flash drive is displayed on the screen. When
the message "Are you sure to update BIOS?" appears, select Yes to begin the BIOS update. The monitor will
display the update process.
•• Do not turn off or restart the system when the system is reading/updating the BIOS.
•• Do not remove the USB flash drive or hard drive when the system is updating the BIOS.
Step 3:
The system will restart after the update process is complete.
Unique Features - 92 -
Step 4:
During the POST, press <Delete> to enter BIOS Setup. Select Load Optimized Defaults on the Save & Exit
screen and press <Enter> to load BIOS defaults. System will re-detect all peripheral devices after a BIOS update,
so we recommend that you reload BIOS defaults.
Select Yes to load BIOS defaults
Step 5:
Select Save & Exit Setup and press <Enter>. And then select Yes to save settings to CMOS and exit BIOS
Setup. The procedure is complete after the system restarts.
5-1-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility
A. Before You Begin

1. In Windows, close all applications and TSR
(Terminate and Stay Resident) programs. This
helps prevent unexpected failures when performing
a BIOS update.
2. If the BIOS is being updated via the Internet, ensure
the Internet connection is stable and do NOT
interrupt the Internet connection (for example, avoid
a power loss or switching off the Internet). Failure to
do so may result in a corrupted BIOS or a system
that is unable to start.
3. GIGABYTE product warranty does not cover any
BIOS damage or system failure resulting from an inadequate BIOS flashing.
B. Using @BIOS
1. Update the BIOS Using the Internet Update Function:
Click Update from Server, select the @BIOS server site closest to your location and
then download the BIOS file that matches your motherboard model. Follow the on-screen
instructions to complete.
If the BIOS update file for your motherboard is not present on the @BIOS server site, please
manually download the BIOS update file from GIGABYTE's website and follow the instructions in
"Update the BIOS without Using the Internet Update Function" below.
2. Update the BIOS without Using the Internet Update Function:
Click Update from File, then select the location where you save the BIOS update file obtained
from the Internet or through other source. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete.
3. Save the Current BIOS File:
Click Save to File to save the current BIOS file.
4. Change the Boot-up Logo:

Click Upload new image in Face-Wizard and you will be able to change the boot-up logo
with your own picture, creating a personalized boot-up screen. Click Backup current image
to save the currently used boot-up logo.
Supported image formats include jpg, bmp, and gif.
C. After Updating the BIOS

Restart your system after updating the BIOS.
•• Make sure that the BIOS file to be flashed matches your motherboard model. Updating the BIOS
with an incorrect BIOS file could cause your system not to boot.
•• Do not turn off the system or remove the power during the BIOS update process, or the BIOS may
corrupt and the system may not boot.
5-2 APP Center
GIGABYTE App Center gives you easy access to a wealth of GIGABYTE apps that help you get the most from
your GIGABYTE motherboard (Note). Using a simple, unified user interface, GIGABYTE App Center allows you
to easily launch all GIGABYTE apps installed on your system, check related updates online, and download the
apps, drivers, and BIOS.
Running the APP Center

Insert the motherboard driver disk. On the Autorun screen, go to Application Software\Install GIGABYTE
Utilities to install GIGABYTE App Center and the selected apps. Restart your computer after the installation
is complete. In Desktop mode, click the App Center icon in the notification area to launch the App Center
utility (Figure 1). On the main menu, you can select an app to run or click Live Update to update an app online.
Figure 1
If the App Center is closed, you can restart it by clicking the App Center icon on the Apps menu (Figure 2).
Figure 2
(Note) Available applications in APP Center may differ by motherboard model. Supported functions of each
application may also differ depending on motherboard specifications.
5-2-1 EasyTune
GIGABYTE's EasyTune is a simple and easy-to-use interface that allows users to fine-tune their system settings
or do overclock/overvoltage in Windows environment.
The EasyTune Interface
Tabs Information
Tab Description
The Smart Quick Boost tab provides you with different levels of CPU frequency to choose to
achieve desired system performance. After making changes, be sure to restart your system
for these changes to take effect.
The Advanced CPU OC tab allows you to set CPU base clock, frequency, and voltages,
and integrated graphics frequency. You can save the current settings to a profile. You can
create up to 2 profiles.
The Advanced DDR OC tab allows you to set the memory clock.
The 3D Power tab allows you to change power phase, voltage, and frequency settings.
Available functions in EasyTune may differ by motherboard model. Grayed-out area(s) indicates that
the item is not configurable or the function is not supported.
Incorrectly doing overclock/overvoltage may result in damage to the hardware components such
as CPU, chipset, and memory and reduce the useful life of these components. Before you do the
overclock/overvoltage, make sure that you fully know each function of EasyTune, or system instability
or other unexpected results may occur.
5-2-2 System Information Viewer
GIGABYTE System Information Viewer allows you to monitor and adjust the fan speed in the operating system.
You can also display the hardware monitor information on the desktop to view the system status at any time.
The System Information Viewer Interface
Tabs Information
Tab Description
The System Information tab provides information on the installed CPU and motherboard
and the BIOS version.
The Smart Fan Auto tab allows you to specify a Smart Fan mode
The Smart Fan Advance tab allows you to adjust the smart fan speed. The fans will run at
different speeds according to system temperatures. Using the Smart Fan option you can
adjust the fan's workload according system temperatures or you can fix the fan speeds using
the RPM Fixed Mode option. Click the Calibrate button and the fan speed will be shown in
relation to overall fan workload after calibration. The Reset button can revert the fan settings
back to the last saved values.
The System Alerts tab allows you to monitor hardware temperature, voltage and fan speed,
and set temperature/fan speed alarm.
The Record tab allows you to record changes in system voltages, temperatures, and fan
speeds. Please note, the recording will stop if you exit the Record tab during the recording
process.
The speed control function requires the use of a fan with fan speed control design.
5-2-3 EZ Setup
The GIGABYTE EZ Setup utility includes the following 'EZ' setups applications that will offer greatly simplified
install and configuration procedures: Disk Mode Switch, EZ Smart Response, EZ Rapid Start, EZ Smart
Connect, and XHD.
Disk Mode Switch

Disk Mode Switch allows you to switch the operating mode for your hard drive even after it's been installed with
an operating system. Supported operating modes include IDE, AHCI, and RAID. You can select a disk mode
and restart your computer after the selection.
•• Native UEFI mode is not supported.
•• Be sure to reinstall the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology utility after you switch the disk mode.
EZ Smart Response
1. An Intel® Chipset-based motherboard supporting this feature
2. Intel® Core series processor
3. Intel® SATA controllers set to RAID mode
4. Intel® Rapid Storage Technology utility installed (Note 1)
5. A conventional SATA disk and an SSD (Note 2)
6. Windows 7 with SP1/Windows 8/Windows 8.1 (Note 3)
If you have installed the operating system before configuring the Smart Response Technology, all
original data on the SSD will be lost once you enable RAID mode (Note 4). It is recommended that you
back up the hard disk before enabling the Smart Response Technology.
B. Using EZ Smart Response

Select EZ Smart Response and click Create.
To disable this function, click Delete.
(Note 1) Before start, make sure you have installed the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology utility (version 11.5 or
above).
(Note 2) The SSD works as a cache of the hard disk. The maximum cache memory size is 64 GB. If you use
an SSD larger than 64 GB, the space beyond 64 GB can still be used for storing your data.
(Note 3) The operating system must be installed to the SATA disk.
(Note 4) Regardless of the BIOS settings, be it IDE or AHCI mode, the system will be forced to RAID mode.
EZ Rapid Start
1. Intel® Rapid Start Technology enabled in BIOS Setup
2. An SSD with size larger than the total system memory
3. Windows 7 with SP1/Windows 8/Windows 8.1
4. AHCI/RAID mode supported please note if the SSD has been assigned as a member of a RAID array, it
cannot be used to set up and Intel® Rapid Start store partition); IDE mode not supported (Note)
B. Using EZ Rapid Start

Select EZ Rapid Start and click Create. Then install the Intel® Rapid Start Technology utility and restart your
computer to complete.
To disable this function, click Delete.
•• The default compressed space is the system memory size plus 2 GB. For example, if the system
memory size is 8 GB, the default compressed space is 8 GB plus 2 GB, so the SSD capacity will
decrease by 10 GB. If EZ Rapid Start is disabled, the decreased 10 GB will be returned to the SSD.
•• If you want to upgrade your system memory, disable EZ Rapid Start first and re-install it to ensure
it can work normally.
(Note) If the motherboard Chipset supports RAID, EZ Rapid Start will force the Intel® SATA controllers into
RAID mode. If not, the Intel® SATA controllers will be forced into AHCI mode.

EZ Smart Connect
1. Intel® Smart Connect Technology enabled in BIOS Setup
3. Intel® Smart Connect Technology utility installed
4. Properly-working network connection
5. Programs added to the White List must be turned on (Note)
B. Using EZ Smart Connect

Select EZ Smart Connect. Under File Name, select the apps to be auto-updated by Smart Connect. Double-
click the app to add it to the Application permission list. (Double-click to return to the previous directory.)
(Note) This feature works best with programs designed to work automatically with the Internet to obtain their
data such as Outlook®, Windows Live™ Mail, and Seesmic®.

XHD
With GIGABYTE XHD (Note 1), users can quickly configure a RAID-ready system for RAID 0 or RAID 1 when a
new SATA drive is added. All with a simple click of a button, XHD helps to enhance your hard drive read/write
performance without the need for complex and time-consuming configurations.
1. An Intel® Chipset motherboard supporting RAID
2. Intel® SATA controllers set to RAID mode
3. Intel® Rapid Storage Technology utility installed
5. Intel® SATA controller driver installed
B. Using XHD
Select XHD and click Create RAID 0 or Create RAID 1 based on your need (Note 2).
(Note 1) The XHD utility only supports the SATA connectors controlled by the Intel® Chipset.
(Note 2) Except for the operating system drive, all data on other hard drive will be deleted. Back up your data
before using the XHD utility.

5-2-4 Fast Boot
Through the simple GIGABYTE Fast Boot (Note 1) interface, you can enable or change the Fast Boot or Next Boot
After AC Power Loss setting right in the operating system.
The Fast Boot Interface
Using Fast Boot

•• BIOS Fast Boot:
This option is the same as the Fast Boot option (Note 2) in BIOS Setup. It allows you to enable or disable the
fast boot function to shorten OS boot time.
•• AC OFF Mode:
This option is the same as the Next Boot After AC Power Loss option (Note 2) in BIOS Setup. It allows you to
select the system bootup mode upon the return of an AC power loss. (This mode is configurable only when
BIOS Fast Boot is set to Fast or Ultra Fast.)
After you configure the setting, click Save to save and click Exit. The settings will take effect on next boot. If you
click the Enter BIOS Setup Now button, the system will restart and enter BIOS Setup immediately.
(Note 1) This function is supported by Windows 8.1/8 only.

(Note 2) For more details about this function, refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Features."

5-2-5 Smart TimeLock
GIGABYTE Smart TimeLock allows you to effectively manage computer or Internet usage time with simple
rules and options.
The Smart TimeLock Interface
Using Smart TimeLock

Click the lock icon on the bottom left corner and enter the password (Note). Set the time when a user can or
cannot use your computer for weekdays and weekends. The Lock Mode on the bottom right corner allows you
to choose to turn off the computer or only close the Internet connection during the specified time period. Click
Save to save the settings and click Exit to exit.
An alert will appear 15 minutes and 1 minute prior to the default shutdown time. When the alert appears, you
can enter the password to extend the usage time or click Cancel to close the alert. If you respond Cancel, you
will be requested to enter the password to extend the usage time again when the default shutdown time arrives,
or the computer will shutdown right away.
(Note) You can set the User Password in the system BIOS Setup program to prevent the system time being
changed by other users.

5-2-6 Smart Recovery 2
Smart Recovery 2 allows you to back up a partition as an image file every hour. You can use these images to
restore your system or files when needed.
The Smart Recovery 2 main menu:

Button Description
Allows you to select the source and destination
Settings
partition
Backup Now Allows you to perform the backup immediately
File Allows you to recover your files from the backup
Recovery... image
System Allows you to recover your system from the
Recovery... backup image
•• Smart Recovery 2 only supports NTFS file system.

•• You need to select the destination partition in Settings the first time
you use Smart Recovery 2.
•• The Backup Now button will be available only after you log in
Windows for ten minutes.
•• Select the Always run on next reboot checkbox to automatically
enable Smart Recovery2 after system reboot.
Creating a backup:
Click the Settings button on the main menu. In the Settings dialog
box, select the source partition and destination partition and click OK.
The initial backup will start after 10 minutes and regular backup will be
performed hourly. Note: By default, all partitions on the system drive
are selected as the backup source. The backup destination cannot be
on the same partition as the backup source.
Saving the backup to a network location:

If you want to save the backup to a network location, select Browse
network location. Make sure your computer and the computer where
you want to save the backup are in the same domain. Choose the
network location where you want to store the backup and enter the user
name and password. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete.
Recovering a file:
Click the File Recovery button on the main menu. Use the time slider on
the top of the popped out window to select a previous backup time. The
right pane will display the backed-up partitions in the backup destination
(in the My Backup folder). Browse to the file you want and copy it.

Recovering your system with Smart Recovery 2:
Steps:
1. Click the System Recovery button on the main menu.
2. Select the location where your backup is saved.
3. Use the time slider to select a time point.
4. Select a partition backup created on the selected time point and
click Restore.
5. Confirm whether to restart your system to proceed with the restore
immediately or later. Once you respond "Yes" the system will restart to
the Windows recovery environment. Follow the onscreen instructions
to restore your system.
All of your files and programs will be deleted and replaced with
those on the selected backup. If needed, be sure to make a
copy of your data before the restore.

5-2-7 USB Blocker
GIGABYTE USB Blocker provides you with an easy-to-use interface that allows you to block certain USB device
types on your PC. Devices classes that are blocked will be ignored by the operating system.
The USB Blocker Interface
Using USB Blocker

Select the class of USB device that you would like to block or unblocked. Double left-click to change the Blocked
or Unblocked status and click OK. Then enter your password and click OK to complete.

5-2-8 Smart Switch
GIGABYTE Smart Switch provides you with the conventional Windows start menu, allowing you to easily access
to the apps that you frequently use. You can also select the default screen displayed after you enter Windows.
The Smart Switch Interface
Using Smart Switch

The Smart Switch icon will appear on the bottom left corner of the traditional Windows desktop screen after
Smart Switch is installed. Left-click the icon to see the screen as that shown above and you can set the default
screen displayed after you enter Windows.

5-2-9 Game Controller
GIGABYTE Game Controller allows you to define your own hotkeys and change the mouse sensitivity, helping
you make the most out of your keyboard and mouse in games.
The Game Controller Interface
Using Game Controller:

•• Hot Key:
Create macro commands and define your own hotkeys to quickly perform the function your want.
•• Speed:
Using the Sniper key you can switch the mouse sensitivity when you are in sniper mode for better sniper
accuracy.
(Note) It is recommended that Game Controller be closed if it violates the end user license agreement of
your game.

Chapter 6 Appendix
6-1 Qualcomm® Atheros Killer Network Manager
The Killer Network Manager allows you to view your network connection status and Internet bandwidth and to
configure your network settings. After installing the LAN driver, you can access the Qualcomm® Atheros Killer
Network Manager in Apps>Qualcomm Atheros or click on the icon in the notification area.
Applications Page
On the Applications Page configuration screen, you can
set the priority for an application or online game to use the
bandwidth to access the Internet. To change the priority,
use the drop-down menu below the application's/game's
icon to select a priority level. You can change the upload
and download bandwidth for each application as well.
Drag the gray square on the right end of an application
to change the bandwidth.
System Performance
This page allows you to view application traffic of your
system.
Network Settings
This page allows you to configure your wired network
connection and Internet provider speed.
Killer Ethernet
This page allows you to check the current status of your
network connection.
- 111 - Appendix
6-2 Configuring Audio Input and Output
6-2-1 Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio
The motherboard provides six audio jacks on the back
panel which support 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel (Note) audio.
The picture to the right shows the default audio jack Center/Subwoofer Line In
Speaker Out
assignments.
Rear Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
The integrated HD (High Definition) audio provides
Side Speaker Out Mic In
jack retasking capability that allows the user to change
the function for each jack through the audio driver.
(Supported functions for each jack may vary based on
hardware specification.)
•• To install a microphone, connect your microphone to the Mic in jack and manually configure the
jack for microphone functionality.
•• Audio signals will be present on both of the front and back panel audio connections simultaneously.
If you want to mute the back panel audio (only supported when using an HD front panel audio
module), refer to instructions on the next page.
High Definition Audio (HD Audio)

HD Audio includes multiple high quality digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and features multistreaming
capabilities that allow multiple audio streams (in and out) to be simultaneously processed. For example, users can
listen to MP3 music, have an Internet chat, make a telephone call over the Internet, and etc. all at the same time.
A. Configuring Speakers
(The following instructions use Windows 8.1 as the example operating system.)
Step 1:
After installing the audio driver, restart your computer.
Then switch to Windows desktop mode. The HD Audio
Manager icon will appear in the notification area.
Double-click the icon to access the HD Audio Manager.
(Note) 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio Configurations:

Refer to the following for multi-channel speaker configurations.
•• 2-channel audio: Headphone or Line out.
•• 4-channel audio: Front speaker out and Rear speaker out.
•• 5.1-channel audio: Front speaker out, Rear speaker out, and Center/Subwoofer speaker out.
•• 7.1-channel audio: Front speaker out, Rear speaker out, Center/Subwoofer speaker out, and Side speaker out.
Appendix - 112 -
Step 2:
Connect an audio device to an audio jack. The The current
connected device is dialog box appears. Select the device
according to the type of device you connect. Then click OK.
Step 3:
On the Speakers screen, click the Speaker Configuration
tab. In the Speaker Configuration list, select Stereo,
Quadraphonic, 5.1 Speaker, or 7.1 Speaker according to
the type of speaker configuration you wish to set up. Then
the speaker setup is completed.
B. Configuring Sound Effect

You may configure an audio environment on the Sound Effects tab.
C. Activating an AC'97 Front Panel Audio Module

If your chassis provides an AC'97 front panel audio module,
to activate the AC'97 functionality, click the tool icon on the
Speaker Configuration tab. On the Connector Settings
dialog box, select the Disable front panel jack detection
check box. Click OK to complete.
D. Muting the Back Panel Audio (For HD Audio Only)

Click Device advanced settings on the top right corner
on the Speaker Configuration tab to open the Device
advanced settings dialog box. Select the Mute the rear
output device, when a front headphone plugged in check
box. Click OK to complete.
- 113 - Appendix
6-2-2 Configuring S/PDIF Out
The S/PDIF Out jack can transmit audio signals to an external decoder for decoding to get the best audio quality.
1. Connecting a S/PDIF Out Cable:

Connect a S/PDIF optical cable to an external decoder for transmitting the S/PDIF digital audio signals.
Connects to a S/PDIF optical cable
2. Configuring S/PDIF Out:

On the Digital Output(Optical) screen (Note), click the Default Format tab and then select the sample rate and
bit depth. Click OK to complete.
(Note) Enter the Digital Output(Optical) screen to configure further settings if you use the S/PDIF Out
connector(s) on the back panel for digital audio output or enter the Digital Output screen if you use
the internal S/PDIF Out connector (SPDIF_O) for digital audio output.
Appendix - 114 -
6-2-3 Configuring Microphone Recording
Step 1:
Switch to Windows desktop mode. The HD Audio
Manager icon will appear in the notification area.
Double-click the icon to access the HD Audio Manager.
Step 2:
Connect your microphone to the Mic in jack on the back
panel or the Mic in jack on the front panel. Then configure
the jack for microphone functionality.
Note: The microphone functions on the front panel and
back panel cannot be used at the same time.
Step 3:
Go to the Microphone screen. Do not mute the recording
volume, or you'll not be able to record the sound. To hear
the sound being recorded during the recording process,
do not mute the playback volume. It is recommended that
you set the volumes at a middle level.
Step 4:
To raise the recording and playback volume for the
microphone, click the Microphone Boost icon on
the right of the Recording Volume slider and set the
Microphone Boost level.
- 115 - Appendix
Step 5:
To open the Sounder Recorder, move the mouse
cursor to the bottom left corner of the screen, click the
Start icon to switch to the Start screen (or press
the Windows button on the keyboard). Click the
icon on the bottom left corner of the screen to access
the Apps screen.
Step 6:
On this screen, click Sound Recorder for audio recording.
* Enabling Stereo Mix

If the HD Audio Manager does not display the recording device you wish to use, refer to the steps below. The
following steps explain how to enable Stereo Mix (which may be needed when you want to record sound from
your computer).
Step 1:
Switch to Windows desktop mode. Locate the icon
in the notification area and right-click on this icon. Select
Recording Devices.
Appendix - 116 -
Step 2:
On the Recording tab, right-click on an empty space and
select Show Disabled Devices.
Step 3:
When the Stereo Mix item appears, right-click on this
item and select Enable. Then set it as the default device.
Step 4:
Now you can access the HD Audio Manager to configure
Stereo Mix and use Sound Recorder to record the
sound.
6-2-4 Using the Sound Recorder
A. Recording Sound
1. Make sure you have connected the sound input device (e.g. microphone) to the computer.
2. To record the audio, click the Start Recording button .
3. To stop recording audio, click the Stop Recording button .
Be sure to save the recorded audio file upon completion.
B. Playing the Recorded Sound

You can play your recording in a digital media player program that supports your audio file format.
- 117 - Appendix
6-2-5 Creative Software Suite
After installing the audio driver, you can find the Creative
Software Suite in Apps>Creative.
The Creative Software Suite includes the Creative
Software AutoUpdate, Alchemy, and Sound Blaster
X-Fi MB3.
Creative Alchemy
Through the Creative Alchemy, you can enable EAX effects for your games to obtain the most realistic gaming
experience.
Go to Apps>Creative to launch Creative Alchemy. On the

left panel, select the game for which you want to enable
the EAX effects and add it to the right panel. You will see
the EAX effects are enabled when the game is launched.
Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3

Go to Apps>Creative to open the Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3.
Music:
This page allows you to save your settings on the
SBX PRO STUDIO, SCOUT MODE, VOICEFX, EAX
EFFECTS & EQ, or ADVANCED SETTINGS page to a
profile. You can export your custom settings and share
them with others or import others' custom settings.
Appendix - 118 -
SBX PRO STUDIO:
SBX PRO STUDIO provides you with audio playback
technologies that deliver audio enhancement for your
hardware device. It incorporates five features to allow
you to elevate the overall audio experience according to
your environments.
• CRYSTALIZER
Makes the music sound as good as the artist
originally intended and adds an enhanced level of
realism for movies and games.
• SURROUND
Provides immersion control to enhance the natural sense of audio depth and spaciousness by creating
virtual surround sound channels.
• BASS
This feature is available only when a stereo speaker or headphone is installed. It fills in the missing low
frequency tones and gives the extra impact for a better entertainment experience. The Crossover Frequency
feature is available only when a 2-channel stereo speaker system is installed.
• DIALOG PLUS
Enhances the voices in movies for clearer dialog, allowing the listener to hear the dialog over the rest of
the soundtrack and over ambient noise in the listening environment.
• SMART VOLUME
Addresses the problem of abrupt volume level changes during playback and between songs by automatically
and continuously measuring volume, and intelligently applying gain and attenuation to compensate for
those changes.
SCOUT MODE:
This page allows you to enable or disable Scout Mode.
This feature enables you to hear your opponents from
further away in FPS games, giving you a distinct tactical
advantage in combat. You can set hot keys which can be
used enable or disable this feature during games.
VOICEFX:
Morphs your voice into different characters and accents.
- 119 - Appendix
EAX EFFECTS & EQ:
This panel allows you to enable EAX effects and adjust
the strength of certain frequencies for your audio signals.
ADVANCED SETTING:
This page allows you to set the output device to speakers
or headphones and set up your speaker/headphone
configurations. (Note: Speakers and headphones cannot
be used at the same time. When the headphone function
is selected, the sound will come out only from the front
line out or rear headphone jack.)
Appendix - 120 -
6-3 Troubleshooting
6-3-1 Frequently Asked Questions

To read more FAQs for your motherboard, please go to the Support & Downloads\FAQ page on GIGABYTE's
website.
Q: Why is the light of my keyboard/optical mouse still on after the computer shuts down?
A: Some motherboards provide a small amount of standby power after the computer shuts down and that's why the light is still
on.
Q: How do I clear the CMOS values?

A: For motherboards that have a Clear CMOS button, press this button to clear the CMOS values (before doing this, please
turn off the computer and unplug the power cord). For motherboards that have a Clear CMOS jumper, refer to the instruc-
tions in Chapter 1 to short the jumper to clear the CMOS values. If your board doesn't have this jumper/button, refer to the
instructions on the motherboard battery in Chapter 1. You can temporarily remove the battery from the battery holder to stop
supplying power to the CMOS, which will clear the CMOS values after about one minute.
Q: Why do I still get a weak sound even though I have turned my speaker to the maximum volume?
A: Make sure your speaker is equipped with an internal amplifier. If not, try a speaker with power/amplifier.
- 121 - Appendix
6-3-2 Troubleshooting Procedure
If you encounter any troubles during system startup, follow the troubleshooting procedure below to solve the
problem.
START
Turn off the power. Remove all peripherals, connecting cables, and
power cord etc.
Make sure the motherboard does not short-circuit with the chassis or Yes
Isolate the short circuit.
other metal objects.
No The problem is verified and solved.
Secure the CPU cooler

Check if the CPU cooler is attached to the CPU securely. Is the No on the CPU. Connect the
power connector of the CPU cooler connected to the CPU_FAN CPU cooler power cable
header properly? to the motherboard.
Yes The problem is verified and solved.
Correctly insert the

No
Check if the memory is installed properly on the memory slot. memory into the memory
socket.
Insert the graphics card. Connect the ATX main power cable and the
12V power cable. Turn on the power to start the computer.
Make sure the graphics card is securely seated in the
expansion slot and power connectors are firmly attached.
(Continued...)
Appendix - 122 -
A
No The power supply, CPU or

When the computer is turned on, is the CPU cooler running? CPU socket might fail.
The graphics card,

No
Check if there is display on your monitor. expansion slot, or monitor
might fail.
Turn off the computer. Plug in the keyboard and mouse and restart
the computer.
No The keyboard or keyboard

Check if the keyboard is working properly.
connector might fail.
Press <Delete> to enter BIOS Setup. Select "Load Optimized Defaults."

Select "Save & Exit Setup" to save changes and exit BIOS Setup.
The hard drive, connector,

Turn off the computer and connect the hard drive(s). Check if the system No
or cable might fail.
can boot successfully.
Reinstall the operating system. Reinstall other devices one by one

(install one device at one time and then boot the system to see if the
device works successfully).
END
If the procedure above is unable to solve your problem, contact the place of purchase or local dealer
for help. Or go to the Support & Downloads\Technical Support page to submit your question. Our
customer service staff will reply you as soon as possible.
- 123 - Appendix
6-4 Debug LED Codes
Regular Boot
Code Description
10 PEI Core is started.
11 Pre-memory CPU initialization is started.
12~14 Reserved.
15 Pre-memory North-Bridge initialization is started.
16~18 Reserved.
19 Pre-memory South-Bridge initialization is started.
1A~2A Reserved.
2B~2F Memory initialization.
31 Memory installed.
32~36 CPU PEI initialization.
37~3A IOH PEI initialization.
3B~3E PCH PEI initialization.
3F~4F Reserved.
60 DXE Core is started.
61 NVRAM initialization.
62 Installation of the PCH runtime services.
63~67 CPU DXE initialization is started.
68 PCI host bridge initialization is started.
69 IOH DXE initialization.
6A IOH SMM initialization.
6B~6F Reserved.
70 PCH DXE initialization.
71 PCH SMM initialization.
72 PCH devices initialization.
73~77 PCH DXE initialization (PCH module specific).
78 ACPI Core initialization.
79 CSM initialization is started.
7A~7F Reserved for AMI use.
80~8F Reserved for OEM use (OEM DXE initialization codes).
90 Phase transfer to BDS (Boot Device Selection) from DXE.
91 Issue event to connect drivers.
Appendix - 124 -
Code Description
92 PCI Bus initialization is started.
93 PCI Bus hot plug initialization.
94 PCI Bus enumeration for detecting how many resources are requested.
95 Check PCI device requested resources.
96 Assign PCI device resources.
97 Console Output devices connect (ex. Monitor is lighted).
98 Console input devices connect (ex. PS2/USB keyboard/mouse are activated).
99 Super IO initialization.
9A USB initialization is started.
9B Issue reset during USB initialization process.
9C Detect and install all currently connected USB devices.
9D Activated all currently connected USB devices.
9E~9F Reserved.
A0 IDE initialization is started.
A1 Issue reset during IDE initialization process.
A2 Detect and install all currently connected IDE devices.
A3 Activated all currently connected IDE devices.
A4 SCSI initialization is started.
A5 Issue reset during SCSI initialization process.
A6 Detect and install all currently connected SCSI devices.
A7 Activated all currently connected SCSI devices.
A8 Verify password if needed.
A9 BIOS Setup is started.
AA Reserved.
AB Wait user command in BIOS Setup.
AC Reserved.
AD Issue Ready To Boot event for OS Boot.
AE Boot to Legacy OS.
AF Exit Boot Services.
B0 Runtime AP installation begins.
B1 Runtime AP installation ends.
B2 Legacy Option ROM initialization.
B3 System reset if needed.
- 125 - Appendix
Code Description
B4 USB device hot plug-in.
B5 PCI device hot plug.
B6 Clean-up of NVRAM.
B7 Reconfigure NVRAM settings.
B8~BF Reserved.
C0~CF Reserved.
S3 Resume
Code Description
E0 S3 Resume is started (called from DXE IPL).
E1 Fill boot script data for S3 resume.
E2 Initializes VGA for S3 resume.
E3 OS S3 wake vector call.
Recovery
Code Description
F0 Recovery mode will be triggered due to invalid firmware volume detection.
F1 Recovery mode will be triggered by user decision.
F2 Recovery is started.
F3 Recovery firmware image is found.
F4 Recovery firmware image is loaded.
F5~F7 Reserved for future AMI progress codes.
Error
Code Description
50~55 Memory initialization error occurs.
56 Invalid CPU type or speed.
57 CPU mismatch.
58 CPU self test failed or possible CPU cache error.
59 CPU micro-code is not found or micro-code update is failed.
5A Internal CPU error.
5B Reset PPI is failed.
5C~5F Reserved.
D0 CPU initialization error.
D1 IOH initialization error.
Appendix - 126 -
Code Description
D2 PCH initialization error.
D3 Some of the Architectural Protocols are not available.
D4 PCI resource allocation error. Out of Resources.
D5 No Space for Legacy Option ROM initialization.
D6 No Console Output Devices are found.
D7 No Console Input Devices are found.
D8 It is an invalid password.
D9~DA Can't load Boot Option.
DB Flash update is failed.
DC Reset protocol is failed.
DE~DF Reserved.
E8 S3 resume is failed.
E9 S3 Resume PPI is not found.
EA S3 Resume Boot Script is invalid.
EB S3 OS Wake call is failed.
EC~EF Reserved.
F8 Recovery PPI is invalid.
F9 Recovery capsule is not found.
FA Invalid recovery capsule.
FB~FF Reserved.
- 127 - Appendix
Regulatory Statements
Regulatory Notices
This document must not be copied without our written permission, and the contents there of must not be imparted
to a third party nor be used for any unauthorized purpose. Contravention will be prosecuted. We believe that the
information contained herein was accurate in all respects at the time of printing. GIGABYTE cannot, however,
assume any responsibility for errors or omissions in this text. Also note that the information in this document is
subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a commitment by GIGABYTE.
Our Commitment to Preserving the Environment

In addition to high-efficiency performance, all GIGABYTE motherboards fulfill European Union regulations
for RoHS (Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and WEEE
(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) environmental directives, as well as most major worldwide safety
requirements. To prevent releases of harmful substances into the environment and to maximize the use of our
natural resources, GIGABYTE provides the following information on how you can responsibly recycle or reuse
most of the materials in your "end of life" product.
Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive Statement

GIGABYTE products have not intended to add and safe from hazardous substances (Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr+6, PBDE
and PBB). The parts and components have been carefully selected to meet RoHS requirement. Moreover, we at
GIGABYTE are continuing our efforts to develop products that do not use internationally banned toxic chemicals.
Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive Statement

GIGABYTE will fulfill the national laws as interpreted from the 2002/96/EC WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment) directive. The WEEE Directive specifies the treatment, collection, recycling and disposal of electric
and electronic devices and their components. Under the Directive, used equipment must be marked, collected
separately, and disposed of properly.
WEEE Symbol Statement

The symbol shown below is on the product or on its packaging, which indicates that this product
must not be disposed of with other waste. Instead, the device should be taken to the waste collection
centers for activation of the treatment, collection, recycling and disposal procedure. The separate
collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of disposal will help to conserve natural
resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment.
For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your
local government office, your household waste disposal service or where you purchased the product for details
of environmentally safe recycling.
When your electrical or electronic equipment is no longer useful to you, "take it back" to your local or regional
waste collection administration for recycling.
If you need further assistance in recycling, reusing in your "end of life" product, you may contact us at the
Customer Care number listed in your product's user's manual and we will be glad to help you with your effort.
Finally, we suggest that you practice other environmentally friendly actions by understanding and using the
energy-saving features of this product (where applicable), recycling the inner and outer packaging (including
shipping containers) this product was delivered in, and by disposing of or recycling used batteries properly.
With your help, we can reduce the amount of natural resources needed to produce electrical and electronic
equipment, minimize the use of landfills for the disposal of "end of life" products, and generally improve our
quality of life by ensuring that potentially hazardous substances are not released into the environment and are
disposed of properly.
Appendix - 128 -
FCC Notice (U.S.A. Only)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult a dealer or experienced TV/radio technician for help.
Canada, Industry Canada (IC) Notices / Canada, avis d'Industry Canada (IC)
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 and RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Cet appareil numérique de classe B est conforme aux normes canadiennes ICES-003 et RSS-210.
Son fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) cet appareil ne doit pas causer
d'interférence et (2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, notamment les interférences qui peuvent
affecter son fonctionnement.
- 129 - Appendix
Appendix - 130 -
Contact Us
•• GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. •• NINGBO G.B.T. TECH. TRADING CO., LTD. - China
Address: No.6, Bao Chiang Road, Hsin-Tien Dist., WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.cn
New Taipei City 231,Taiwan Shanghai
TEL: +886-2-8912-4000 TEL: +86-21-63400912
FAX: +886-2-8912-4005 FAX: +86-21-63400682
Tech. and Non-Tech. Support (Sales/Marketing) : Beijing
http://esupport.gigabyte.com TEL: +86-10-62102838
WEB address (English): http://www.gigabyte.com FAX: +86-10-62102848
WEB address (Chinese): http://www.gigabyte.tw Wuhan
•• G.B.T. INC. - U.S.A. TEL: +86-27-87685981
TEL: +1-626-854-9338 FAX: +86-27-87579461
FAX: +1-626-854-9326 GuangZhou
Tech. Support: http://esupport.gigabyte.com TEL: +86-20-87540700
Warranty Info: http://rma.gigabyte.us FAX: +86-20-87544306
Web address: http://www.gigabyte.us Chengdu
•• G.B.T. INC (USA) - Mexico TEL: +86-28-85483135
Tel: +1-626-854-9338 x 215 (Soporte de habla hispano) FAX: +86-28-85256822
FAX: +1-626-854-9326 Xian
Correo: soporte@gigabyte-usa.com TEL: +86-29-85531943
Tech. Support: http://rma.gigabyte.us FAX: +86-29-85510930
Web address: http://latam.giga-byte.com Shenyang
•• Giga-Byte SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. - Singapore TEL: +86-24-83992342
WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.sg FAX: +86-24-83992102
•• Thailand •• GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY (INDIA) LIMITED - India
WEB address : http://th.giga-byte.com WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.in
•• Vietnam •• Saudi Arabia
WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.vn WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.com.sa
•• Gigabyte Technology Pty. Ltd. - Australia
WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.com.au
- 131 - Appendix
•• G.B.T. TECHNOLOGY TRADING GMBH - Germany •• Hungary
WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.de WEB address : http://www.giga-byte.hu
•• G.B.T. TECH. CO., LTD. - U.K. •• Turkey
WEB address : http://www.giga-byte.co.uk WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.com.tr
•• Giga-Byte Technology B.V. - The Netherlands •• Russia
WEB address : http://www.giga-byte.nl WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.ru
•• GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY FRANCE - France •• Poland
WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.fr WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.pl
•• Sweden •• Ukraine
WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.se WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.ua
•• Italy •• Romania
WEB address : http://www.giga-byte.it WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.com.ro
•• Spain •• Serbia
WEB address : http://www.giga-byte.es WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.co.rs
•• Greece •• Kazakhstan
WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.com.gr WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.kz
•• Czech Republic You may go to the GIGABYTE website, select your language
WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.cz in the language list on the top right corner of the website.
•• GIGABYTE eSupport
To submit a technical or non-technical (Sales/Marketing) question, please link to:
http://esupport.gigabyte.com
Appendix - 132 -

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Identifying Your Motherboard Revision

Chapter 1 Hardware Installation......................................................................................9

Regulatory Statements............................................................................................. 128

Debug LED (Note)

SPDIF_O SYS_FAN2 F_USB3 F_USB1 SYS_FAN5

(Note) For debug code information, please refer to Chapter 6.

1 PCI Express x16 DisplayPort

LPC Bus iTE® COM

Side Speaker Out

For detailed product information/limitation(s), refer to "1-2 Product Specifications."

-9- Hardware Installation

1-3-1 Installing the CPU

LGA1150 CPU Socket

Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket

Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU

1-4-1 Dual Channel Memory Configuration

Dual Channel Memory Configurations Table

PCI Express x1 Slot

PCI Express x16 Slot

Example: Installing and Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card:

•• Removing the Card:

B. Connecting the Graphics Cards

C. Configuring the Graphics Card Driver

C-2. To Enable SLI Function

USB 2.0/1.1 Port

Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out Jack

1-8 Onboard Buttons, Switches, and LEDs B_

BIOS Switch and BIOS LED Indicators

CMOS_SW: Clear CMOS Button

Audio Gain Control Switch

F_USB3 F DIP 1 DIP 2 DIP 3 DIP 4

Voltage Measurement Points S

Pin 1 VIOD Pin No. Definition

measurement point and the black lead to the pin 2 (ground).

1) ATX_12V_2X4 10) F_PANEL

Read the following guidelines before connecting external devices:

supply to the ATX4P connector to ensure system stability.

4/5) CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/2/3/4/5 (Fan Headers)

6) CPU_OPT (Water Cooling CPU Fan Header)

Pin No. Definition

7) SATA_EXPRESS (SATA Express Connector)

8) SATA3 0/1/2/3/4/5 (SATA 6Gb/s Connectors,

9) GSATA3 6/7 (SATA 6Gb/s Connectors, Controlled by Marvell® 88SE9172 Chip)

Pin No. Definition

•• PLED/PWR_LED (Power LED, Yellow/Purple):

•• PW (Power Switch, Red):

audio software in Chapter 6, "Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio."

Pin No. Definition Pin No. Definition

Pin No. Definition

14) SPDIF_O (S/PDIF Out Header)

Pin No. Definition

Pin No. Definition

16) CLR_CMOS (Clear CMOS Jumper)

Short: Clear CMOS Values

You may clear the CMOS values by removing the battery:

B. ST Mode (Smart Tweak Mode)

Switch to Enter Q-Flash

Dual Channel Memory Configurations Table