Giga-Byte Communications GA-Z270X-Gaming 8 User manual

GA-Z270X-Gaming 8
User's Manual
Rev. 1001
12ME-Z27GME8-1001R
For more product details, please visit GIGABYTE's website.
To reduce the impacts on global warming, the packaging materials of this product are
recyclable and reusable. GIGABYTE works with you to protect the environment.

Motherboard
GA-Z270X-Gaming 8
Nov. 10, 2016
Nov. 10, 2016
Motherboard
GA-Z270X-Gaming 8
Wireless Module Country Approvals:
See the latest safety and regulatory documents at GIGABYTE's website.

Copyright
©2016 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 specications 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 Classications
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.
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:

- 4 -
Table of Contents
Box Contents...................................................................................................................6
Optional Items .................................................................................................................6
GA-Z270X-Gaming 8 Motherboard Layout .....................................................................7
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation .....................................................................................9
1-1 Installation Precautions ................................................................................... 9
1-2 ProductSpecications................................................................................... 10
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler............................................................... 14
1-3-1 Installing the CPU ..................................................................................................14
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler ......................................................................................16
1-4 Installing the Memory .................................................................................... 17
1-4-1 DualChannelMemoryConguration....................................................................17
1-4-2 Installing a Memory................................................................................................18
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card......................................................................... 19
1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA®SLI™Conguration ............................ 20
1-7 Back Panel Connectors................................................................................. 21
1-8 Onboard Buttons, Switches and LEDs.......................................................... 24
1-9 ChangingtheOperationalAmplier .............................................................. 27
1-10 Installing the MMCX Antenna Connectors (2T2R) ........................................ 28
1-11 Internal Connectors ....................................................................................... 29
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup..................................................................................................43
2-1 Startup Screen............................................................................................... 44
2-2 The Main Menu.............................................................................................. 45
2-3 M.I.T. .............................................................................................................. 47
2-4 System ........................................................................................................... 57
2-5 BIOS .............................................................................................................. 58
2-6 Peripherals..................................................................................................... 61
2-7 Chipset........................................................................................................... 65
2-8 Power............................................................................................................. 66
2-9 Save & Exit .................................................................................................... 68
Chapter3 ConguringaRAIDSet ...............................................................................69
3-1 ConguringSATAControllers........................................................................ 69
3-2 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System ..................... 83
Chapter 4 Drivers Installation .......................................................................................87
4-1 Drivers & Software......................................................................................... 87
4-2 Application Software...................................................................................... 88
4-3 Information..................................................................................................... 88

- 5 -
Chapter 5 Unique Features...........................................................................................89
5-1 BIOS Update Utilities..................................................................................... 89
5-1-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility.......................................................... 89
5-1-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility............................................................92
5-1-3 Using Q-Flash Plus................................................................................................93
5-2 APP Center.................................................................................................... 94
5-2-1 3D OSD................................................................................................................. 95
5-2-2 AutoGreen............................................................................................................. 96
5-2-3 BIOS Setup ............................................................................................................97
5-2-4 Color Temperature................................................................................................ 98
5-2-5 Cloud Station ........................................................................................................ 99
5-2- 6 EasyTune..............................................................................................................104
5-2-7 Easy RAID............................................................................................................105
5-2-8 Fast Boot..............................................................................................................108
5-2-9 Game Boost .........................................................................................................109
5-2-10 GIGABYTE HW OC APP.....................................................................................110
5-2-11 Platform Power Management.............................................................................. 111
5-2-12 RGB Fusion..........................................................................................................112
5-2-13 Smart TimeLock...................................................................................................113
5-2-14 Smart Keyboard ...................................................................................................114
5-2-15 Smart Backup ......................................................................................................115
5-2-16 System Information Viewer..................................................................................117
5-2-17 USB Blocker.........................................................................................................118
5-2-18 USB DAC-UP 2....................................................................................................119
5-2-19 V-Tuner .................................................................................................................120
Chapter 6 Appendix....................................................................................................121
6-1 Killer Control Center .................................................................................... 121
6-2 ConguringAudioInputandOutput............................................................ 122
6-2-1 Conguring2/5.1-ChannelAudio ........................................................................122
6-2-2 Creative Software Suite.......................................................................................122
6-2-3 ConguringS/PDIFOut.......................................................................................126
6-2-4 ConguringAudioRecording ..............................................................................127
6-2-5 Using the Voice Recorder....................................................................................129
6-3 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................... 130
6-3-1 Frequently Asked Questions ...............................................................................130
6-3-2 Troubleshooting Procedure .................................................................................131
6-4 Debug LED Codes....................................................................................... 133
Regulatory Statements........................................................................................... 137
Contact Us .............................................................................................................. 143

- 6 -
Box Contents
5GA-Z270X-Gaming 8 motherboard
5Motherboard driver disk
5User's Manual
5Quick Installation Guide
5Four SATA cables
5I/O Shield
5One Wi-Fi antenna
5One Wi-Fi antenna retention cover
5One GC-SLI2P SLI bridge connector
5Two RGB (RGBW) LED strip extension cables
5Two thermistor cables
5One G Connector
5Two Velcro Cable Ties
5One pack of back I/O dust covers
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 3.1 Gen 1 ports (Part No. 12CR1-FPX582-2*R)
HDMI-to-DVI adapter (Part No. 12CT2-HDMI01-1*R)
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.

- 7 -
GA-Z270X-Gaming 8 Motherboard Layout
(Note) For debug code information, please refer to Chapter 6.
KB_MS_USB30
DP_HDMI
M2_WIFI
TYPEC
R_USB30
LAN2
USB31_LAN1
LGA1151
ATX
AUDIO
DDR4_4 DDR4_2 DDR4_3 DDR4_1
BAT
ATX_12V_2X4
Intel®Z270
M_BIOS B_BIOS
PCIEX1_1
MegaChips
MCDP2800
Intel®
Thunderbolt™3
Controller
ASMedia®
ASM1061
Rivet Networks
Killer™E2500 LAN
Intel®GbE
LAN
PCIEX16
PCIEX4_2
PCIEX1_2
PCIEX8
PCIEX4_1
F_USB30_2 F_USB30_1
SYS_FAN2 SYS_FAN5_PUMP
SYS_FAN1
426080110
M2M_32G
M.2
426080
M2P_32G
M.2
Creative®
Sound Core 3D
GA-Z270X-Gaming 8
F_USB1F_USB2TPM
CAP_SW_R DB_PORT (Note) SB SYS_FAN3 LED_C1
BIOS_SWCAP_SW_F LED_C2
CPU_FAN
CPU_OPT
LED_IO
SYS_FAN4 SYS_FAN6_
PUMP
iTE®
Super I/O
CMOS_SW
ECO
OC
RST_SW
PW_SW
MBIOS_LED BBIOS_LED
JRC NJM2114
JRC NJM2114
FBIOS_LED
SATA3SATA3 7 3
6 2
5 4 1 0
EC_TEMP1
EC_TEMP2
CPU DRAM VGA BOOT
Realtek®USB 3.1
Gen 1 Hub
SATA EXPRESS
CLR_CMOS
F_AUDIO F_PANEL
THB_C
U2_32G_1
U2_32G_2
TI Burr Brown®
OPA2134

- 8 -

- 9 -
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 com-
ponents such as a motherboard, CPU or memory. If you do not have an ESD wrist strap, keep
yourhandsdryandrst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 connecting or 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 or wet 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certiedcomputertechnician.
•If you use an adapter, extension power cable, or power strip, ensure to consult with its instal-
lation and/or grounding instructions.
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

- 10 -
Hardware Installation
1-2 ProductSpecications
CPU Support for 7th and 6th generation Intel®Core™i7 processors/
Intel®Core™i5 processors/Intel®Core™i3 processors/
Intel®Pentium®processors/Intel®Celeron®processors in the LGA1151 package
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
L3 cache varies with CPU
Chipset Intel®Z270 Express Chipset
Memory 4 x DDR4 DIMM sockets supporting up to 64 GB of system memory
* Due 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 DDR4 2400/2133 MHz memory modules
Support for ECC Un-buffered DIMM 1Rx8/2Rx8 memory modules (operate in
non-ECC mode)
Support for non-ECC Un-buffered DIMM 1Rx8/2Rx8/1Rx16 memory modules
SupportforExtremeMemoryProle(XMP)memorymodules
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and memory
modules.)
Onboard
Graphics
Integrated Graphics Processor+Intel®Thunderbolt™3 Controller:
- 1 x Intel®Thunderbolt™3 connector, supporting DisplayPort and Thunderbolt™
video outputs and a maximum resolution of 4096x2304@60 Hz
* Because of the limited I/O resources of the PC architecture, the number of
Thunderbolt™devices that can be used is dependent on the number of the PCI
Express devices being installed. (Refer to Chapter 1-7, "Back Panel Connectors,"
for more information.)
* Support for DisplayPort 1.2 version.
Integrated Graphics Processor-Intel®HD Graphics support:
- 1 x DisplayPort, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096x2304@60 Hz
* Support for DisplayPort 1.2 version.
Integrated Graphics Processor+MegaChips MCDP2800 chip:
- 1 x HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096x2160@60 Hz
* Support for HDMI 2.0 version. (Requires the latest Intel®graphics driver from the
GIGABYTE website.)
Support for up to 3 displays at the same time
Maximum shared memory of 1 GB
Audio Creative®Sound Core 3D chip
2 x JRC NJM2114 and 1 x TI Burr Brown®OPA2134operationalampliers
Support for Sound Blaster ZxRi
HighDenitionAudio
2/5.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF Out
LAN 1 x Intel®GbE LAN chip (10/100/1000 Mbit) (LAN1)
1 x Rivet Networks Killer™E2500 LAN chip (10/100/1000 Mbit) (LAN2)
Wireless
Communication
module
Killer™Wireless-AC 1535
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, supporting 2.4/5 GHz Dual-Band
Bluetooth 4.1
Support for 11ac wireless standard and up to 867 Mbps data rate
* Actual data rate may vary depending on environment and equipment.

- 11 -
Hardware Installation
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (PCIEX16)
* For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed,
be sure to install it in the PCIEX16 slot.
1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x8 (PCIEX8)
* The PCIEX8 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16 slot. When the PCIEX8 slot is
populated, the PCIEX16 slot operates at up to x8 mode.
2 x PCI Express x16 slots, running at x4 (PCIEX4_1, PCIEX4_2)
* The PCIEX4_1 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX8 slot. When the PCIEX4_1 slot
is populated, the PCIEX8 slot will operate at up to x4 mode.
2 x PCI Express x1 slots
(All of the PCI Express slots conform to PCI Express 3.0 standard.)
Multi-Graphics
Technology
Support for NVIDIA®Quad-GPU SLI™and 2-Way NVIDIA®SLI™technologies
Support for AMD Quad-GPU CrossFireX™and 3-Way/2-Way AMD CrossFire™
technologies
Storage Interface Chipset:
- 1 x M.2 connector (Socket 3, M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 SATA and
PCIe x4/x2 SSD support) (M2M_32G)
- 1 x M.2 connector (Socket 3, M key, type 2242/2260/2280 SATA and PCIe
x4/x2 SSD support) (M2P_32G)
- 2 x U.2 connectors
- 2 x SATA Express connectors
- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (SATA3 0~5)
- Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10
* Refer to "1-11 Internal Connectors," for the installation notices for the PCI Express,
U.2, M.2, and SATA connectors.
ASMedia®ASM1061 chip:
- 2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (SATA3 6, 7), supporting AHCI mode only
USB Chipset+Intel®Thunderbolt™3 Controller:
- 1 x USB Type-C™port on the back panel, with USB 3.1 Gen 2 support
- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A port (red) on the back panel
Chipset+Realtek®USB 3.1 Gen 1 Hub:
- 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports available through the internal USB headers
Chipset:
- 5 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports on the back panel
- 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports available through the internal USB headers
Internal
Connectors
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x CPU fan header
1 x water cooling CPU fan header
4 x system fan headers
2 x system fan/water cooling pump headers
1 x I/O shield audio LED power connector
2 x RGB (RGBW) LED strip extension cable headers
2 x SATA Express connectors
8 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
2 x M.2 Socket 3 connectors
2 x U.2 connectors

- 12 -
Hardware Installation
Internal
Connectors
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 headers
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x Trusted Platform Module (TPM) header
1 x Thunderbolt™add-in card connector
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
2 x temperature sensor headers
1 x power button
1 x reset button
1 x Clear CMOS button
1 x ECO button
1 x OC button
2 x audio gain control switches
2 x BIOS switches
Voltage Measurement Points
Back Panel
Connectors
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
2 x MMCX antenna connectors (2T2R)
1 x HDMI port
1 x DisplayPort
1 x Thunderbolt™3 connector (USB Type-C™port, with USB 3.1 Gen 2 support)
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A port (red)
5 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports
2 x RJ-45 ports
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
5 x audio jacks (Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out, Rear Speaker Out, Line In/Mic
In, Line Out, Headphone)
I/O Controller iTE®I/O Controller Chip
Hardware
Monitor
Voltage detection
Temperature detection
Fan speed detection
Overheating warning
Fan fail warning
Fan speed control
* Whether the fan (pump) speed control function is supported will depend on the fan
(pump) you install.
BIOS 2x128Mbitash
Use of licensed AMI UEFI BIOS
Support for DualBIOS™
Support for Q-Flash Plus
* TheUSBashdriveusedmustbeaUSB2.0ashdrive.
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.7, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0

- 13 -
Hardware Installation
Unique Features Support for APP Center
* Available applications in APP Center may vary by motherboard model. Supported
functionsofeachapplicationmayalsovarydependingonmotherboardspecications.
- 3D OSD
- @BIOS
- AutoGreen
- BIOS Setup
- Color Temperature
- Cloud Station
- EasyTune
- Easy RAID
- Fast Boot
- Game Boost
- GIGABYTE HW OC APP
- ON/OFF Charge
- Platform Power Management
- RGB Fusion
- Smart Backup
- Smart Keyboard
- Smart TimeLock
- System Information Viewer
- USB Blocker
- USB DAC-UP 2
- V-Tuner
Support for 3TB+ Unlock
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Xpress Install
Bundled
Software
Norton®Internet Security (OEM version)
Intel®Optane™Memory Ready
Operating
System
Support for Windows 10/8.1 64-bit
Support for Windows 7 32-bit/64-bit
* Operating systems supported may vary depending on your processor model.
* Please download the "Windows USB Installation Tool" from GIGABYTE's website
and install it before installing Windows 7.
Form Factor ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm
* GIGABYTEreservestherighttomakeanychangestotheproductspecicationsandproduct-relatedinformationwithout
prior notice.
Please visit GIGABYTE's website
for support lists of CPU, memory
modules, SSDs, M.2, and U.2 devices.
Please visit the Support\Utility List
page on GIGABYTE's website to
download the latest version of apps.

- 14 -
Hardware Installation
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specications.Itisnotrecommended
thatthesystembusfrequencybesetbeyondhardwarespecicationssinceitdoesnotmeetthe
standard requirements for the peripherals. If you wish to set the frequency beyond the standard
specications,pleasedosoaccordingtoyourhardwarespecications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.
Alignment KeyAlignment Key
LGA1151 CPU
LGA1151 CPU Socket
Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket
Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU
Notch
Notch
Please visit GIGABYTE's website for details on hardware installation.

- 15 -
Hardware Installation
B. Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU into the motherboard CPU socket.
Step 1:
Gently press the CPU socket lever handle down
andawayfromthesocketwithyournger.Then
completely lift the CPU socket lever and the metal
load plate/plastic cover will be lifted as well.
Step 2:
HoldtheCPUwithyourthumbandindexngers.
Align the CPU pin one marking (triangle) with the
pin one corner of the CPU socket (or you may align
the CPU notches with the socket alignment keys)
and gently insert the CPU into position.
Step 4:
Finally, secure the lever under its retention tab to
complete the installation of the CPU.
NOTE:
Hold the CPU socket lever by the handle, not the lever base portion.
•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 3:
Once the CPU is properly inserted, carefully
replace the load plate. When replacing the load
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.)

- 16 -
Hardware Installation
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 5:
After the installation, check the back of the moth-
erboard. If the push pin is inserted as the picture
above shows, the installation is complete.
Step 6:
Finally, attach the power connector of the CPU
cooler to the CPU fan header (CPU_FAN) on the
motherboard.
Step 1:
Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on
the surface of the installed CPU.
Step 2:
Before installing the cooler, note the direction of the
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:
Place the cooler atop the CPU, aligning the four
push pins through the pin holes on the mother-
board. Push down on the push pins diagonally.
Step 4:
You should hear a "click" when pushing down each
push pin. Check that the Male and Female push
pins are joined closely.
(Refer to your CPU cooler installation manual for
instructions on installing the cooler.)
Male
Push Pin
Female
Push Pin
The Top
of Female
Push Pin
Direction of
the Arrow Sign
on the Male
Push Pin
•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.
•ThismotherboardprovidestwoG1/4″threadedttings.Pleasechoosethebarbs(notincluded)
that suit your requirements.

- 17 -
Hardware Installation
DDR4_4 DDR4_2 DDR4_3 DDR4_1
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Conguration
This motherboard provides four memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. After the memory
isinstalled,theBIOSwillautomaticallydetectthespecicationsandcapacityofthememory.EnablingDual
Channel memory mode will double the original memory bandwidth.
The four memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as following:
Channel A: DDR4_2, DDR4_4
Channel B: DDR4_1, DDR4_3
DualChannelMemoryCongurationsTable
(SS=Single-Sided, DS=Double-Sided, "- -"=No Memory)
DDR4_4 DDR4_2 DDR4_3 DDR4_1
2 Modules - - DS/SS - - DS/SS
DS/SS - - DS/SS - -
4 Modules DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS
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 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.

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Hardware Installation
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. DDR4 and DDR3 DIMMs are not
compatible to each other or DDR2 DIMMs. Be sure to install DDR4 DIMMs on this motherboard.
Notch
DDR4 DIMM
ADDR4memorymodulehasanotch,soitcanonlyt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 clips
at both ends of the memory socket. Place the memory module on the
socket.Asindicatedinthepictureontheleft,placeyourngerson
the top edge of the memory, push down on the memory and insert it
vertically into the memory socket.
Step 2:
The clips at both ends of the socket will snap into place when the
memory module is securely inserted.

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Hardware Installation
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 expan-
sion 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.

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Hardware Installation
1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA®SLI™Conguration
A. System Requirements
-Windows 10/8.1/7 operating system
-A CrossFire/SLI-supported motherboard with two 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 CrossFire technology include the AMD Radeon™HD 6800, HD 6900,
HD 7800, HD 7900, R9 200, R7 200, R9 300, R7 300, RX 400 series and above. For the latest GPU
support information, please refer to the AMD website.) (Note 1)
-CrossFire (Note 2)/SLI bridge connectors
-Apowersupplywithsufcient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conguration, werecommend installingthe graphicscards onthe
PCIEX16 and PCIEX8 slots.)
Step 2:
Insert the CrossFire(Note 2)/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 slot.
C.ConguringtheGraphicsCardDriver
C-1. To Enable CrossFire Function
After installing the graphics card driver in the operating
system, go to the AMD RADEON SETTINGS screen.
Browse to Gaming\Global Settings and ensure AMD
CrossFire is set to On.
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
CongureSLI, Surround,Physx screen and ensure
Maximize 3D performance is enabled.
(Note 1) When using dual core graphics cards, only 2-way is supported.
(Note 2) The bridge connector(s) may be needed or not depending on your graphics cards.
Procedure and driver screen for enabling CrossFire/SLI technology may differ by graphics cards and
driver version. Refer to the manual that came with your graphics cards for more information about
enabling CrossFire/SLI technology.