Gigabyte GA-Z87X-HD3 User Manual
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Gigabyte GA-Z87X-HD3 User Manual

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GA-Z87X-HD3
User's Manual
Rev. 1102
12ME-Z87XHD3-1102R

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Summary of Contents for Gigabyte GA-Z87X-HD3

  • Page 1 GA-Z87X-HD3 User's Manual Rev. 1102 12ME-Z87XHD3-1102R...

  • 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 docu- mentations: „ 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 GA-Z87X-HD3 Motherboard Layout ................7 GA-Z87X-HD3 Motherboard Block Diagram ..............8 Chapter 1 Hardware Installation ..................9 Installation Precautions ................... 9 1-2 Product Specifications ................... 10 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler............... 13 1-3-1 Installing the CPU ....................13 1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler ..................15...
  • Page 5 Chapter 4 Drivers Installation ..................73 Chipset Drivers ....................73 Application Software ..................74 Information ..................... 74 Chapter 5 Unique Features...................75 BIOS Update Utilities ..................75 5-1-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility ............75 5-1-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility ............78 APP Center ....................

  • Page 6: Box Contents

    Box Contents 5 GA-Z87X-HD3 motherboard 5 Motherboard driver disk 5 User's Manual 5 Quick Installation Guide 5 Four SATA cables 5 I/O Shield 5 One 2-Way SLI bridge connector The box contents above are for reference only and the actual items shall depend on the product package you obtain.

  • Page 7: Ga-Z87X-Hd3 Motherboard Layout

    GA-Z87X-HD3 Motherboard Layout KB_MS_USB CPU_FAN ATX_12V_2X4 LGA1150 R_USB30 AUDIO SYS_FAN1 SYS_FAN2 GA-Z87X-HD3 PCIEX1_1 Realtek ® SYS_FAN3 GbE LAN PCIEX16 PCIEX1_2 Intel ® PCIEX1_3 CODEC SATA3 PCIEX8 PCI1 B_BIOS M_BIOS PCIe to PCI Bridge PCI2 SPDIF_IN CLR_CMOS F_AUDIO COMA F_USB3 F_PANEL...

  • Page 8: Ga-Z87X-Hd3 Motherboard Block Diagram

    GA-Z87X-HD3 Motherboard Block Diagram 2 PCI Express x8 1 PCI Express x16 CPU CLK+/- (100 MHz) LGA1150 PCIe CLK DDR3 1600/1333 MHz (100 MHz) HDMI Dual Channel Memory DVI-D Switch PCI Express Bus 3 PCI Express x1 Dual BIOS D-Sub 6 SATA 6Gb/s PCI Express Bus Intel ®...

  • 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. • Prior to installation, do not remove or break motherboard S/N (Serial Number) sticker or warranty sticker provided by your dealer.

  • Page 10: Product Specifications

    ® ™ ® ® Intel Celeron processors in the LGA1150 package ® ® (Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.) L3 cache varies with CPU Š Chipset Intel Z87 Express Chipset ® Š Memory 4 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 32 GB of system memory Š...
  • Page 11 Storage Interface Š Chipset: 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 Chipset: Š 6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (4 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 headers) Internal 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector Š Connectors 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector Š...
  • Page 12 ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 22.5cm Š * 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"...

  • 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 CPU to prevent hardware damage.
  • 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. •...

  • Page 15: Installing The Cpu Cooler

    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 The Top on the Male of Female Push Pin 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.

  • Page 16: Installing 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.

  • 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. 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...

  • 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 expansion card to prevent hardware damage.

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

    Setting up AMD CrossFire /NVIDIA Configuration ™ ® ™ A. System Requirements - Windows 8 or Windows 7 operating system - A CrossFire/SLI-supported motherboard with two PCI Express x16 slots and correct driver - Two CrossFire/SLI-ready graphics cards of identical brand and chip and correct driver - CrossFireX /SLI bridge connector (Note)

  • Page 20: Back Panel Connectors

    Back Panel Connectors 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. D-Sub Port The D-Sub port supports a 15-pin D-Sub connector and supports a maximum resolution of 1920x1200 (the actual resolutions supported depend on the monitor being used). Connect a monitor that supports D-Sub connection to this port.
  • Page 21 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 (Note). 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...

  • Page 22: Internal Connectors

    Internal Connectors ATX_12V_2X4 SPDIF_IN CPU_FAN F_USB30 SYS_FAN1/2/3 F_USB1/F_USB2/F_USB3 SATA3 0/1/2/3/4/5 COMA F_PANEL F_AUDIO CLR_CMOS SPDIF_O 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.
  • Page 23 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.

  • Page 24: Fan Headers

    3/4) CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/SYS_FAN2/SYS_FAN3 (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 +12V CPU_FAN Sense...

  • Page 25: F_Panel

    6) 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...

  • Page 26: Front Panel Audio Header

    7) 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. 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.
  • Page 27 9) SPDIF_IN (S/PDIF In Header) This header supports digital S/PDIF In and can connect to an audio device that supports digital audio out via an optional S/PDIF In cable. For purchasing the optional S/PDIF In cable, please contact the local dealer. Pin No.

  • Page 28: Usb 3.0/2.0 Header

    F_USB30 F_ U 11) F_USB30 (USB 3.0/2.0 Header) The header conforms to USB 3.0/2.0 specification and can provide two USB ports. For purchasing the optional 3.5" front panel that provides two USB 3.0/2.0 ports, please contact the local dealer. B S S Pin No. Definition Pin No. Definition VBUS SSRX1- SSRX1+ SSTX2+ SSTX1- SSTX2- SSTX1+ 1 2 3...
  • Page 29 13) 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 NDCD- NSIN NSOUT DEBUG NDTR- PORT NDSR- NRTS- NCTS-...

  • Page 30: Clear Cmos Jumper

    15) 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.

  • 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 system.

  • Page 32: Startup Screen

    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>...

  • Page 33: The Main Menu

    The Main Menu A. Dashboard Mode (Default) Differing from traditional UEFI interface, the Dashboard 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 Dashboard Mode, you can use your mouse to move through the option menus for quick configuration or you can click Classic Setup under the Shortcuts list on the right of the screen or press <F2>...

  • Page 34: System Information

    Classic Setup 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> Decrease the numeric value or make changes <F2>...

  • 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. (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,...

  • Page 36: Advanced Frequency Settings

    ` 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.
  • Page 37 & 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 &...
  • Page 38 & 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.

  • Page 39: Advanced Memory Settings

    & 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) Uses Profile 1 settings. Profile1 Uses Profile 2 settings. (Note) Profile2 & 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 &...

  • Page 40: Channel Interleaving

    & 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, this item will display as 1.50V.
  • Page 41 ` Advanced Voltage Settings This sub-menu allows you to set CPU, chipset and memory voltages. - 41 - BIOS Setup...

  • Page 42: Pc Health Status

    ` PC Health Status & Reset Case Open Status Disabled Keeps or clears the record of previous chassis intrusion status. (Default) Clears the record of previous chassis intrusion status and the Case Open field will show Enabled "No" 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.
  • Page 43 & CPU Vcore/CPU VRIN/DRAM Voltage/+3.3V/+5V/+12V/CPU VAXG Displays the current system voltages. & CPU/System Temperature Displays current CPU/system temperature. & CPU/System Fan Speed Displays current CPU/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), 60 C/140 F, 70...

  • Page 44: Miscellaneous Settings

    ` 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. For example, the PCI Express x1 slots can support up to Gen 2 mode only. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting. (Default: Auto) & 3DMark01 Boost Allows you to determine whether to enhance some legacy benchmark performance. (Default: Disabled) BIOS Setup - 44 -...

  • Page 45: System Information

    System Information This section provides information on your 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. &...

  • Page 46: Bios Features

    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) BIOS Setup - 46 -...

  • Page 47: Security Option

    System 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)

  • Page 48: Boot Mode Selection

    & 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...

  • Page 49: Network Stack

    & 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) This item is configurable only when CSM Support is set to Always.

  • Page 50: Peripherals

    Peripherals & Initial Display Output Specifies the first initiation of the monitor display from the installed PCI graphics card, PCI Express graphics card or the onboard graphics. IGFX Sets the onboard graphics as the first display. Sets the graphics card on the PCIEX16 slot as the first display. (Default) PCIe 1 Slot Sets the graphics card on the PCIEX8 slot as the first display. PCIe 2 Slot PCI Sets the graphics card on the PCI slot as the first display. & 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.

  • Page 51: Audio Controller

    Allows you to determine whether to rout the USB 3.0 ports to the xHCI or EHCI controller Manual before booting to OS, and also provides you with options to manually rout each USB 3.0/2.0 port to xHCI or EHCI. & Audio Controller Enables or disables the onboard audio function. (Default: Auto) If you wish to install a 3rd party add-in audio card instead of using the onboard audio, set this item to Disabled.

  • Page 52: Hot Plug

    ` 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. Enables RAID for the SATA controller. RAID AHCI C onfigures 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) ` 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) &...

  • Page 53: Parallel Port

    & Parallel Port Enables or disables the onboard parallel port. (Default: Enabled) & Device Mode This item is configurable only when Parallel Port is set to Enabled. Selects an operating mode for the onboard parallel (LPT) port. Options are: Standard Parallel Port Mode (Default), EPP Mode (Enhanced Parallel Port), ECP Mode (Extended Capabilities Port), EPP Mode & ECP Mode. ` Intel(R) Smart Connect Technology & ISCT Support Enables or disables Intel Smart Connect Technology. (Default: Disabled) ® ` Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller This sub-menu provides information on LAN configuration.

  • Page 54: Power Management

    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.

  • Page 55: Power On Password

    & AC BACK Determines the state of the system after the return of power from an AC power loss. The system returns to its last known awake state upon the return of the AC power. Memory Always On The system is turned on upon the return of the AC power. Always Off T he system stays off upon the return of the AC power. (Default) &...

  • Page 56: Save & Exit

    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. &...

  • Page 57: Chapter 3 Configuring Sata Hard Drive(S)

    Chapter 3 Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s) RAID Levels RAID 0 RAID 1 RAID 5 RAID 10 Minimum ≥2 ≥3 ≥4 Number of Hard 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 To configure SATA hard drive(s), follow the steps below: A.
  • Page 58 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 SATA Controllers 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.
  • Page 59 C-1. UEFI RAID Configuration This mode supports Windows 8 64-bit installation only. 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).
  • Page 60 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, Recovery, 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.
  • Page 61 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).
  • Page 62 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 Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s) - 62 -...
  • Page 63 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> + <I> to enter the RAID Configuration Utility. Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - 12.0.0.1783 Copyright(C) 2003-13 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. RAID Volumes : None defined.
  • Page 64 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, Recovery, RAID 10, and RAID 5 (the selections available depend on the number of the hard drives being installed). Press <Enter> to proceed. Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - 12.0.0.1783 Copyright(C) 2003-13 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. [ CREATE VOLUME MENU ] Name : Volume0 RAID Level : RAID0(Stripe) Disks : Select Disks Strip Size : 128KB...
  • Page 65 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). Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - 12.0.0.1783 Copyright(C) 2003-13 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. [ CREATE VOLUME MENU ] Name : Volume0 RAID Level : RAID0(Stripe) Disks :...
  • Page 66 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.
  • Page 67 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). Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - 12.0.0.1783 Copyright(C) 2003-13 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. [ CREATE VOLUME MENU ] Name : Volume0 RAID Level : Recovery...
  • Page 68 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.

  • Page 69: Installing The Sata Raid/Ahci Driver And Operating System

    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 8/7 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.
  • Page 70 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.) Turn off your computer and replace the failed hard drive with a new one.
  • Page 71 • 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.
  • Page 72 • 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.

  • Page 73: Chapter 4 Drivers Installation

    Chapter 4 Drivers Installation • Before installing the drivers, first install the operating system. (The following instructions use Windows 8 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.) Chipset Drivers...

  • Page 74: Application Software

    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...

  • Page 75: Chapter 5 Unique Features

    Chapter 5 Unique Features 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.
  • Page 76 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. •...
  • Page 77 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 &...

  • Page 78: Updating The Bios With The @Bios Utility

    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...

  • Page 79: App Center

    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 . Using a simple, unified user interface, GIGABYTE App Center allows you (Note) to easily launch all GIGABYTE apps installed on your system, check related updates online, and download the apps, drivers, and BIOS.

  • Page 80: Easytune

    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 user-friendly EasyTune interface also includes tabbed pages for CPU and memory information, letting users read their system-related information without the need to install additional software. The EasyTune Interface Tabs Information Description The System Information tab provides information on the installed CPU and motherboard.

  • Page 81: Ez Setup

    5-2-2 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.
  • Page 82 EZ Smart Response A. System Requirements 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.
  • Page 83 EZ Rapid Start A. System Requirements 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 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 ®...
  • Page 84 EZ Smart Connect A. System Requirements 1. Intel Smart Connect Technology enabled in BIOS Setup ® 2. Windows 7 with SP1/Windows 8 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.
  • Page 85 With GIGABYTE XHD , users can quickly configure a RAID-ready system for RAID 0 or RAID 1 when a (Note 1) 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. A. System Requirements 1. An Intel Chipset motherboard supporting RAID ® 2. Intel SATA controllers set to RAID mode ®...

  • Page 86: Usb Blocker

    5-2-3 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.

  • Page 87: Smart Timelock

    5-2-4 Smart TimeLock GIGABYTE Smart TimeLock allows users to effectively manage computer 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 . Set the time when a user can or (Note) cannot use your computer for weekdays and weekends.

  • Page 88: Smart Recovery 2

    5-2-5 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 backup Recovery...
  • Page 89 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.
  • Page 90 Unique Features - 90 -...

  • Page 91: Chapter 6 Appendix

    Chapter 6 Appendix 6-1 Configuring Audio Input and Output 6-1-1 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 audio. (Note) 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...
  • Page 92 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.

  • Page 93: Configuring S/Pdif In/Out

    6-1-2 Configuring S/PDIF In/Out A. S/PDIF In The S/PDIF In cable (optional) allows you to input digital audio signals to the computer for audio processing. 1. Connecting a S/PDIF In Cable: Connect a S/PDIF in cable to the SPDIF_IN header on the motherboard as shown below. 2. Configuring S/PDIF In: On the Digital Input screen, click the Default Format tab and then select the sample rate and bit depth. Click OK to complete.

  • Page 94: Configuring Microphone Recording

    B. S/PDIF Out The S/PDIF Out jack can transmit audio signals to an external decoder for decoding to get the best audio quality. On the Digital Output screen, click the Default Format tab and then select the sample rate and bit depth. Click OK to complete.
  • Page 95 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.
  • Page 96 * 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: Locate the icon in the notification area and right-click on this icon. Select Recording Devices. Step 2: On the Recording tab, right-click on an empty space and select Show Disabled Devices.

  • Page 97: Using The Sound Recorder

    Step 4: Now you can access the HD Audio Manager to configure Stereo Mix and use Sound Recorder to record the sound. 6-1-4 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.

  • Page 98: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting 6-2-1 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.

  • Page 99: Troubleshooting Procedure

    6-2-2 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 100 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. The problem is verified and solved. Turn off the computer. Plug in the keyboard and mouse and restart the computer.

  • Page 101: Regulatory Statements

    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.
  • Page 102 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.

  • Page 103: Contact Us

    • 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...
  • Page 104 • 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 Global Service System To submit a technical or non-technical (Sales/Marketing) question, please link to: http://ggts.gigabyte.com.tw...

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