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Gigabyte G1.ASSASSIN 2 User Manual

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G1.Assassin 2
User's Manual
Rev. 1001
12ME-G1ASIN2-1001R

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Summary of Contents for Gigabyte G1.ASSASSIN 2

  • Page 1 G1.Assassin 2 User's Manual Rev. 1001 12ME-G1ASIN2-1001R...

  • Page 3: Identifying Motherboard Revision

    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.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Box Contents ........................6 Optional Items .........................6 G1.Assassin 2 Motherboard Layout ................7 G1.Assassin 2 Motherboard Block Diagram ..............8 Chapter 1 Hardware Installation ..................9 Installation Precautions ................... 9 Product Specifications ................... 10 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler............... 13 1-3-1 Installing the CPU ....................13...
  • Page 5 Technical Manuals ..................58 Contact......................59 System ......................59 Download Center ................... 60 New Utilities ....................60 Chapter 4 Unique Features ...................61 Xpress Recovery2 ..................61 BIOS Update Utilities ..................64 4-2-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility ............64 4-2-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility ............67 EasyTune 6 ....................

  • Page 6: Box Contents

    Box Contents G1.Assassin 2 motherboard Motherboard driver disk User's Manual Quick Installation Guide Four SATA cables I/O Shield 3.5" Front Panel with 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports One 2-Way SLI bridge connector One 3-Way SLI bridge connector One 2-Way CrossFireX bridge connector One GC-WIFI The box contents above are for reference only and the actual items shall depend on the product package you obtain.

  • Page 7: G1.Assassin 2 Motherboard Layout

    G1.Assassin 2 Motherboard Layout CPU_FAN KB_MS_USB ATX_12V_2X FAN1 FAN4 USB_ESATA2 LGA2011 Marvell 88SE9172 USB_ESATA1 Fresco FL1009 R_USB30 Marvell 88E1118R USB_LAN AUDIO Bigfoot Killer E2100 F_USB30 G1.Assassin 2 Fresco PCIEX16_1 FL1009 System1 Temp. sensor PCIEX1_1 SATA3 SATA2 PCIEX8 B_BIOS PCIEX1_2 Intel ®...

  • Page 8: G1.Assassin 2 Motherboard Block Diagram

    G1.Assassin 2 Motherboard Block Diagram 2 PCI Express x16 CPU CLK+/- (100 MHz) DDR3 2133/1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz LGA2011 4 Channel Memory PCIe CLK 2 USB 3.0/2.0 2 USB 3.0/2.0 (100 MHz) Fresco Fresco PCI Express Bus FL1009 FL1009 2 SATA 6Gb/s...

  • Page 9: Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

    Chapter 1 Hardware Installation 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. •...

  • Page 10: Product Specifications

    Support for DDR3 2133/1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz memory modules Š Support for non-ECC memory modules Š Support for Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules Š (Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and memory modules.) Audio 1 x Creative CA20K2 chip Š Support for Dolby...
  • Page 11 Storage Interface 2 x Marvell 88SE9172 chips: Š 2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (GSATA3 6/GSATA3 7) supporting up to 2 SATA 6Gb/s devices 2 x eSATA 6Gb/s connectors (eSATA/USB Combo) on the back panel supporting up to 2 SATA 6Gb/s devices Support for RAID 0 and RAID 1 Chipset: Š...
  • Page 12 Support for Microsoft Windows 7/Vista/XP Š ® System Form Factor E-ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 26.4cm Š * GIGABYTE reserves the right to make any changes to the product specifications and product-related information without prior notice. Hardware Installation - 12 -...

  • Page 13: 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 •...
  • Page 14 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 •...

  • Page 15: Installing The Cpu Cooler

    1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler Refer to the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler on the motherboard. (Actual installation process may differ depending the CPU cooler to be used. Refer to the user's manual for your CPU cooler.) Step 1: Step 2: Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on...

  • Page 16: Installing The Memory

    • 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 •...

  • Page 17: Installing A Memory

    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.

  • Page 18: Installing An Expansion Card

    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 •...

  • Page 19: Setting Up Amd Crossfirex ™ /Nvidia Sli Configuration

    Setting up AMD CrossFireX /NVIDIA SLI Configuration ™ A. System Requirements The 2-Way CrossFireX and 2-Way SLI technologies currently support Windows 7, Vista, XP operating systems The 3-Way CrossFireX and 3-Way SLI technologies currently support Windows 7 and Vista operating systems A CrossFireX/SLI-supported motherboard with two/three PCI Express x16 slots and correct driver Two/three CrossFireX/SLI-ready graphics cards of identical brand and chip and correct driver (Current GPUs that support 3-Way CrossFireX technology include the ATI Radeon HD 3800, HD 4800, HD 5800 series,...

  • Page 20: Back Panel Connectors

    Back Panel Connectors O.C. USB 2.0/1.1 Port The USB port supports 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. PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port Use this port to connect a PS/2 mouse or keyboard. CPU Overclcking Button Press this button to overclock your CPU.
  • Page 21 Line In/Mic In Jack (Blue) The line in/Mic in jack. Use this audio jack for line in devices such as optical drive, walkman, microphone, etc. Line Out Jack (Green) The line out jack. 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.

  • Page 22: Internal Connectors

    Internal Connectors ATX_12V_2X F_PANEL F_AUDIO CPU_FAN SPDIF_O FAN1/2/3/4 F_USB1/F_USB2/F_USB3 F_USB30 SATA3 0/1 SATA2 2/3/4/5 CLR_CMOS 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.
  • Page 23 1/2) ATX_12V_2X/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.

  • Page 24: Bat Battery

    3/4) CPU_FAN/FAN1/FAN2/FAN3/FAN4 (Fan Headers) All fan headers on this motherboard are 4-pin and support fan speed control function. 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.
  • Page 25 6) SATA3 0/1 (SATA 6Gb/s Connectors, Controlled by Intel X79 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 SATA3 0 and SATA3 1 connectors support RAID 0 and RAID 1.
  • Page 26 8) 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 88SE9172 chip supports RAID 0 and RAID 1.

  • Page 27: F_Panel

    9) 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. Message/Power/ Power Speaker...
  • Page 28 10) 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 con- nector match the pin assignments of the motherboard header.
  • Page 29 12) 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 Power (5V) Power (5V) USB DX- USB DY-...

  • Page 30: Clear Cmos Jumper

    BIOS Switc DB_PORT 14) TPM (Trusted Platform Module Header) You may connect a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) to this header. Voltage measurement module(X58A-OC) PWM Swi w/housing Pin No. Definition Pin No. Definition 1 2 3 LCLK LAD0 PCIe power connector (SATA)(X58A-OC) LFRAME No Pin LRESET...

  • Page 31: Chapter 2 Bios Setup

    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 •...

  • Page 32: Startup Screen

    Startup Screen The following startup Logo screen will appear when the computer boots. Function Keys Function Keys: <TAB>: POST SCREEN Press the <Tab> key to skip the startup Logo. To turn off the startup Logo, refer to the instructions on the Full Screen LOGO Show item on page 49.

  • Page 33: The Main Menu

    A. The 3D BIOS Screen On GIGABYTE's uniquely designed 3D BIOS screen, you can use your mouse to move through the motherboard image and click to enter the function menu in each area for quick configuration. For example, pass your mouse arrow over the CPU and memory sockets and enter the System Tuning menu to configure CPU/memory frequency, memory timings, and voltage settings.
  • Page 34 BIOS Setup Program Function Keys <f><g> Move the selection bar to select a setup menu <h><i> 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>...

  • Page 35: M.i.t

    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.
  • Page 36 M.I.T. Current Status This screen provides information on CPU/memory frequencies/parameters. Advanced Frequency Settings BCLK/PCIe Clock Control & Enables or disables the control of CPU base clock and PCIe bus frequency. Enabled will allow the Host Clock Frequency and Processor Base Clock items below to be configurable. Note: If your system fails to boot after overclocking, please wait for 20 seconds for automated system reboot, or clear the CMOS values to reset the board to default values.
  • Page 37 Advanced CPU Core Features CPU Clock Ratio, CPU Frequency & The settings under the two items above are synchronous to that under the same items on the Advanced Frequency Settings menu. Internal CPU PLL Overvoltage & Enabled allows CPU PLL voltage to operate at a higher value. Disabled allows CPU PLL voltage to operate at default value.
  • Page 38 CPU Core Enabled & (Note 1) Allows you to determine the number of CPU cores you want to enable. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting. (Default: Auto) Hyper-Threading Technology (Note 1) & Allows you to determine whether to enable Hyper-Threading technology when using an Intel CPU that supports this function.
  • Page 39 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 Host Clock Frequency, Processor Base Clock, and System Memory Multiplier settings. Advanced Memory Settings Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) , System Memory Multiplier (SPD), Memory...
  • Page 40 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 automatically configure this setting. (Default: Auto) Rank Interleaving & Enables or disables memory rank interleaving.
  • Page 41 Advanced Voltage Settings 3D Power Control - 41 - BIOS Setup...
  • Page 42 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), Balanced, Perf (Performance), Mid PWR (Mid Power), and Lite PWR (Light Power). Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting.
  • Page 43 Auto Lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting and sets V-droop following Intel specifications. (Default) +0.00mΩ~+12.00mΩ Adjusts the V-droop value. DDR CH(C/D) Voltage Loadline Calibration & Allows you to configure Load-Line Calibration for Channel C and Channel D memory voltage. This item allows you to adjust V-droop.
  • Page 44 DDR CH(A/B) Current Protection & Allows you to set the current limit on Channel A and Channel B memory voltage for over-current protection in terms of percentage. The adjustable range is from 50.0% to 160.0%. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting.
  • Page 45 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 Opened field will show "No" at next boot. Case Opened &...
  • Page 46 CPU Vcore/Dram Channel A/B Voltage/Dram Channel C/D Voltage/+5V/+12V+/CPU VTT & Displays the current system voltages. CPU Temperature/PCH Temperature & Displays current CPU/Chipset temperature. System Temperature/2nd System Temperature/3rd System Temperature & Displays current system temperatures detected by each system temperature sensor on the motherboard.

  • Page 47: Miscellaneous Settings

    Slope PWM & Allows you to control the system fan speed. This item is configurable only when 2nd System Fan Speed Control is set to Manual. Options are: 0.75 PWM value / C ~ 2.50 PWM value / Miscellaneous Settings Isochronous Support &...

  • Page 48: System

    System This section provides information on your CPU, memory, 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 &...

  • Page 49: Bios Features

    Enables or disables Numlock feature on the numeric keypad of the keyboard after the POST. (Default: Disabled) 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) PCI ROM Priority &...

  • Page 50: Administrator Password

    Init Display First & Specifies the first initiation of the monitor display from the PCI Express graphics cards . PCIe Slot1 Sets the graphics card on the PCIEX16_1 slot as the first display. (Default) PCIe Slot2 Sets the graphics card on the PCIEX8 slot as the first display. PCIe Slot3 Sets the graphics card on the PCIEX16_2 slot as the first display.

  • Page 51: Peripherals

    Peripherals USB 2.0 Devices (Intel X79 Chipset) & Enables or disables the USB 2.0 controllers integrated with the Intel X79 Chipset. (Default: Enabled) Intel SATA Control Mode & Enables or disables RAID for the SATA controllers integrated in the Intel X79 Chipset or configures the SATA controllers to AHCI mode.
  • Page 52 USB Storage Devices & Displays a list of connected USB mass storage devices. You can configure how each device is going to be treated. For example, you can emulate a USB flash drive as a floppy disk drive. (Default: Auto) Marvell ATA Controller Configuration GSATA Controller (Marvell 88SE9172 Chip, GSATA3 6 and GSATA3 7 connectors) &...

  • Page 53: Power Management

    Power Management AC BACK & Determines the state of the system after the return of power from an AC power loss. Always Off The system stays off upon the return of the AC power. (Default) Always On The system is turned on upon the return of the AC power. Memory The system returns to its last known awake state upon the return of the AC power.
  • Page 54 S3(Suspend to RAM) Enables the system to enter the ACPI S3 sleep state. In S3 sleep state, the system appears to be off and consumes less power than in the S1 state. When signaled by a wake-up device or event, the system resumes to its working state exactly where it was left off.

  • Page 55: Save & Exit Setup

    Save & Exit Setup 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 &...
  • Page 56 BIOS Setup - 56 -...

  • Page 57: Chapter 3 Drivers Installation

    After "Xpress Install" installs all of the drivers, a dialog box will appear asking whether to install • new GIGABYTE utilities. Click Yes to automatically install the utilities. Or click No if you want to manually select the utilities to install on the Application Software page later.

  • Page 58: Application Software

    Application Software This page displays all the utilities and applications that GIGABYTE develops and some free software. You can click the Install button on the right of an item to install it. Technical Manuals This page provides GIGABYTE's application guides, content descriptions for this driver disk, and the mother- board manuals.

  • Page 59: Contact

    Contact For the detailed contact information of the GIGABYTE Taiwan headquarter or worldwide branch offices, click the URL on this page to link to the GIGABYTE website. System This page provides the basic system information. - 59 - Drivers Installation...

  • Page 60: Download Center

    The latest version of the BIOS, drivers, or applications will be displayed. New Utilities This page provides a quick link to GIGABYTE's lately developed utilities for users to install. You can click the Install button on the right of an item to install it.

  • Page 61: Chapter 4 Unique Features

    Chapter 4 Unique Features Xpress Recovery2 Xpress Recovery2 is a utility that allows you to quickly compress and back up your system data and perform restoration of it. Supporting NTFS, FAT32, and FAT16 file systems, Xpress Recovery2 can back up data on PATA and SATA hard drives and restore it.
  • Page 62 Step 3: Step 4: When partitioning your hard drive, make sure to leave After the operating system is installed, click Start, unallocated space (10 GB or more is recommended; right-click the Computer and select Manage. Go to actual size requirements vary, depending on the Disk Management to check disk allocation.
  • Page 63 D. Using the Restore Function in Xpress Recovery2 Select RESTORE to restore the backup to your hard drive in case the system breaks down. The RESTORE option will not be present if no backup is created before. E. Removing the Backup Step 1: Step 2: If you wish to remove the backup file, select...

  • Page 64: Bios Update Utilities

    4-2-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility A. Before You Begin From GIGABYTE's website, download the latest compressed BIOS update file that matches your motherboard model. Extract the file and save the new BIOS file (e.g. g1assas2.f1) to your USB flash drive or hard drive. Note: The USB flash drive or hard drive must use FAT32/16/12 file system.

  • Page 65: Updating The Bios

    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. Select Flash Disk. Q-Flash Utility v1.00 Model Name : G1.Assassin 2 BIOS Version : F1 BIOS Date : 08/23/2011 Flash Type/Size : MXIC 25L6465E/6406E...
  • Page 66 Step 4: After the system reboots, you will see the new BIOS version on the POST screen. Step 5: 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.

  • Page 67: Updating The Bios With The @Bios Utility

    B. Using @BIOS Update the BIOS Using the Internet Update Function: Click Update BIOS from GIGABYTE 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.

  • Page 68: Easytune 6

    EasyTune 6 GIGABYTE's EasyTune 6 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 user-friendly EasyTune 6 interface also includes tabbed pages for CPU and memory information, letting users read their system-related information without the need to install additional software.

  • Page 69: Q-Share

    Internet resources. Directions for using Q-Share After installing Q-Share from the motherboard driver disk, go to Start>All Programs>GIGABYTE>Q-Share.exe to launch the Q-Share tool. Find the Q-Share icon in the notification area and right-click on this icon to configure the data sharing settings.

  • Page 70: Smart 6

    Smart 6 ™ GIGABYTE Smart 6 is designed with user-friendliness in mind, and offers a combination of 6 innovative ™ (Note 1) software utilities that provide easier and smarter PC system management. Smart 6 allows you to speed up ™...

  • Page 71: Smart Recovery 2

    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 Function Settings Allows you to select the source and destination partition Backup Now...
  • Page 72 Recovering your system with Smart Recovery 2 (Windows 7 only): Steps: System Recovery button on the main menu. Click the Select the partition where your backup is saved. Use the time slider to select a time point. Select a partition backup created on the selected time point and click Restore.

  • Page 73: Smart Timelock

    SMART Recorder SMART Recorder monitors and records the activities in a system such as the time when the computer was turned on/off or even when large data files were moved within the hard drive or copied to an external storage device (Note 2) Instructions: Select the Enable check box at the bottom of the ON/OFF Recorder...

  • Page 74: Extreme Hard Drive (X.h.d)

    After installing the operating system, insert the motherboard driver disk. You can click the Xpress Install All button to automatically install all motherboard drivers, including the X.H.D utility. Or you can go to the Application Software screen to individually install the X.H.D utility later. B. Using GIGABYTE eXtreme Hard Drive (X.H.D) Instructions (Note 2) Before launching X.H.D, make sure the newly added harddrive...

  • Page 75: Cloud Oc

    Cloud OC Cloud OC is an easy-to-use overclocking utility designed for system overclocking (Note 1) via virtually any Internet-connected device, such as a smart phone, iPhone, notebook PC, etc. By simply connecting to an Internet browser via LAN, wireless LAN, or Bluetooth and logging in to the Cloud OC server, you can easily access three major functions of Cloud OC, including (Note 2) Tuner (system tweaking), System Info (system monitoring), and Control (system status control).

  • Page 76: Touchbios

    TouchBIOS TouchBIOS allows you to configure your BIOS settings in Windows environment with a click of your mouse and a touch of your screen. The TouchBIOS Interface Button Information Table Description Description Button Button Allows you to change CPU ratio, BCLK, memory Allows you to configure Integrated Peripherals speed, Vcore and memory voltages.

  • Page 77: Chapter 5 Appendix

    Chapter 5 Appendix Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s) RAID Levels RAID 0 RAID 1 RAID 5 RAID 10 Minimum Number of Hard ≥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...
  • Page 78 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). To create RAID, set Intel SATA Controller Mode under the Peripherals menu to RAID Mode (Figure 1) (AHCI mode by default).
  • Page 79 C. Configuring a RAID array in RAID BIOS Enter the 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>...
  • Page 80 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 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).
  • Page 81 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 6). Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology enterprise - SATA Option ROM - 3.0.0.1184 Copyright(C) 2003-11 Intel Corporation.
  • Page 82 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 8), press <Y>...

  • Page 83: Configuring Marvell 88Se9172 Sata Controllers

    5-1-2 Configuring Marvell 88SE9172 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. The Marvell 88SE9172 SATA controllers control the onboard GSATA3 6/7 and eSATA connectors.
  • Page 84 Figure 2 The first GSATA Controller item controls the "GSATA3 6" and "GSATA3 7" connectors. The second GSATA Controller item controls the eSATA ports on the back panel. Step 2: Save changes and exit BIOS Setup. C. Configuring a RAID array in RAID BIOS Enter the RAID BIOS setup utility to configure a RAID array.
  • Page 85 On the main screen of the RAID setup utility (Figure 4), 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:91A2...
  • Page 86 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 6). Then press <Enter> on NEXT. Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
  • Page 87 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 8). Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd. [ Adapter] [ Devices] [ RAID ]...
  • Page 88 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 10).

  • Page 89: Installing The Sata Raid/Ahci Driver And Operating System

    5-1-3 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System With the correct BIOS settings, you are ready to install the operating system. A. Installing Windows 7/Vista (The following instructions use Windows 7 as the example operating system.) Step 1: Boot from the Windows 7/Vista setup disk and perform standard OS installation steps. When you arrive at the "Where do you want to install Windows?"...
  • Page 90 B. Installing Windows XP (For the Marvell 88SE9172) (Note) Before installing Windows XP, connect a USB floppy disk drive to your computer first because you need to install the SATA RAID/AHCI driver from a floppy disk that contains the driver during the OS installation. Without the driver, the hard drive(s) may not be recognized during the Windows setup process.
  • Page 91 Refer to the following for installing the driver during the Windows setup process. Step 1: Restart your system to boot from the Windows XP setup disk and press <F6> as soon as you see the message "Press F6 if you need to install a 3rd party SCSI or RAID driver." A screen will then appear asking you to specify an additional SCSI adapter.
  • Page 92 C. 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, and RAID 10 arrays. The procedures below assume a new drive is added to replace a failed drive to rebuild a RAID 1 array.
  • Page 93 Performing the Rebuild in the Operating System • While in the operating system, make sure the Chipset driver and Intel Rapid Storage Technology Enterprise RAID Port Drivers have been installed from the motherboard driver disk. Then launch Intel Rapid Storage Technology enterprise from All Programs in the Start menu.
  • Page 94 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.
  • Page 95 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 icon in the notification area, and select Open MSU. Then login the Utility\Marvell Tray, right-click on the Marvell Storage Utility.

  • Page 96: Bigfoot Killer Network Manager

    Bigfoot Killer Network Manager The Bigfoot Killer Network Manager allows you to view your network connection status and Internet bandwidth and to configure your network settings. It also displays your system information and CPU/memory usage. After installing the LAN driver, you can access the Bigfoot Killer Network Manager in Start\All Programs\Bigfoot Networks\Killer Network Manager or right-click on the icon in the notification area (Note 1)
  • Page 97 You can change the upload and download bandwidth for each application as well. Click the application you want and move the cursor to the arrow on the right end of the bar. When the cursor changes to a double-headed arrow, drag it to change the bandwidth.

  • Page 98: Configuring Audio Input And Output

    Configuring Audio Input and Output 5-3-1 Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio The motherboard supports 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel audio. Refer to the following for multi-channel speaker configurations. Center/Subwoofer Line In/Mic In Speaker Out 2-channel audio: Headphone or Line out. • Rear Speaker Out Front Speaker 4-channel audio: Front speaker out and Rear •...

  • Page 99: Configuring S/Pdif Out

    5-3-2 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. O.C.

  • Page 100: Creative Software Suite

    5-3-3 Creative Software Suite (The following instructions use Windows 7 as the example operating system.) After installing the audio driver, you can find the Creative Software Suite in Start\All Programs\Creative. The Creative Software Suite includes the Creative Audio Control Panel, Creative Software AutoUpdate, Alchemy, and Sound Blaster X-Fi.

  • Page 101: Enabling Dolby Digital Live/Dts Connect Encoding

    Sound Blaster X-Fi Sound Blaster X-Fi provides users with three different modes of operation. Users are able to customize their audio settings for different scenarios. For details on how to use each function, click the help icon on the top right corner of the screen to open the help file.
  • Page 102 Step 3: Enabling Dolby Digital Live: Select the Dolby Digital Live option and then click the Settings button on the right to access the next screen. On the next screen, select the default output device. Enabling DTS Connect: Select the DTS Connect option. To enable DTS Neo:PC which can turn 2-channel audio source into multi-channel output and allows you to enjoy simulated surround sound through headphones, simply click the...

  • Page 103: Configuring Audio Recording

    5-3-5 Configuring Audio Recording After installing the audio driver, go to Start\All Programs\ Creative\Sound Blaster X-Fi and open the Creative Console Launcher. Switch to Audio Creation Mode. Step 2: In the Recorder section at the right bottom of the AUDIO CREATION MODE screen, select the record format and click to begin the recording.

  • Page 104: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting 5-4-1 Frequently Asked Questions To read more FAQs for your motherboard, please go to the Support & Downloads\FAQ page on GIGABYTE's website. Q: In the BIOS Setup program, why are some BIOS options missing? A: Some advanced options are hidden in the BIOS Setup program. Press <Delete> to enter BIOS Setup during the POST. In the Main Menu, press <Ctrl>+<F1>...

  • Page 105: Troubleshooting Procedure

    5-4-2 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 Isolate the short circuit.
  • Page 106 The power supply, CPU or When the computer is turned on, is the CPU cooler running? CPU socket might fail. The problem is verified and solved. The graphics card, expansion slot, or monitor Check if there is display on your monitor. might fail.

  • Page 107: Regulatory Statements

    "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.
  • Page 108 Appendix - 108 -...
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  • Page 110 Appendix - 110 -...
  • Page 111 Shenyang http://rma.gigabyte.us Web address: http://latam.giga-byte.com TEL: +86-24-83992901 Giga-Byte SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. - Singapore FAX: +86-24-83992909 • WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.sg GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY (INDIA) LIMITED - India • Thailand WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.in • WEB address : http://th.giga-byte.com Saudi Arabia •...
  • Page 112 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 in WEB address : http://www.gigabyte.cz the language list on the top right corner of the website. GIGABYTE Global Service System •...

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