GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY GA-X99-Designare EX User manual

GA-X99-Designare EX
User's Manual
Rev. 1001
12ME-X99DSEX-1001R
For more product details, please visit GIGABYTE's website.
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are recyclable and reusable. GIGABYTE works with you to protect the environment.

Motherboard
GA-X99-Designare EX
May 27, 2016
May 27, 2016
Motherboard
GA-X99-Designare EX
無線裝置國家/地區認證：
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
documentations:
For quick set-up of the product, read the Quick Installation Guide included with the product.
For detailed product information, carefully read the User's Manual.
For product-related information, check on our website at: http://www.gigabyte.com
Identifying Your Motherboard Revision
The revision number on your motherboard looks like this: "REV: X.X." For example, "REV: 1.0"
means the revision of the motherboard is 1.0. Check your motherboard revision before updating
motherboard BIOS, drivers, or when looking for technical information.
Example:

- 4 -
Table of Contents
Box Contents...................................................................................................................6
Optional Items .................................................................................................................6
GA-X99-Designare EX 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 ............................................................... 13
1-3-1 Installing the CPU...................................................................................................13
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler .......................................................................................15
1-4 Installing the Memory..................................................................................... 16
1-4-1 4ChannelMemoryConguration...........................................................................16
1-4-2 Installing a Memory ................................................................................................17
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card ......................................................................... 18
1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA®SLI™Conguration .............................. 19
1-7 Back Panel Connectors.................................................................................. 21
1-8 Internal Connectors........................................................................................ 23
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ..................................................................................................37
2-1 Startup Screen ............................................................................................... 38
2-2 The Main Menu .............................................................................................. 39
2-3 M.I.T. .............................................................................................................. 40
2-4 System Information ........................................................................................ 52
2-5 BIOS Features ............................................................................................... 53
2-6 Peripherals..................................................................................................... 56
2-7 Chipset........................................................................................................... 58
2-8 Power Management....................................................................................... 61
2-9 Save & Exit..................................................................................................... 63
Chapter3 ConguringaRAIDSet................................................................................65
3-1 ConguringSATAControllers......................................................................... 65
3-2 InstallingtheSATARAID/AHCIDriverandOperatingSystem....................... 77
Chapter 4 Drivers Installation........................................................................................81
4-1 Drivers & Software ......................................................................................... 81
4-2 Application Software ...................................................................................... 82
4-3 Information ..................................................................................................... 82

- 5 -
Chapter 5 Unique Features...........................................................................................83
5-1 BIOS Update Utilities ..................................................................................... 83
5-1-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility.............................................................83
5-1-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility .............................................................86
5-1-3 Using Q-Flash Plus.................................................................................................87
5-2 APP Center .................................................................................................... 88
5-2-1 3D OSD ..................................................................................................................89
5-2-2 Ambient LED ..........................................................................................................90
5-2-3 AutoGreen ..............................................................................................................91
5-2-4 BIOS Setup.............................................................................................................92
5-2-5 Color Temperature..................................................................................................93
5-2-6 Cloud Station..........................................................................................................94
5-2-7 EasyTune................................................................................................................99
5-2-8 EasyRAID............................................................................................................100
5-2-9 Fast Boot ..............................................................................................................103
5-2-10 Platform Power Management...............................................................................104
5-2-11 Smart TimeLock....................................................................................................105
5-2-12 Smart Keyboard....................................................................................................106
5-2-13 Smart Backup.......................................................................................................107
5-2-14 System Information Viewer...................................................................................109
5-2-15 USB Blocker .........................................................................................................110
5-2-16 V-Tuner................................................................................................................. 111
5-3 Smart Switch................................................................................................ 112
Chapter 6 Appendix ....................................................................................................113
6-1 ConguringAudioInputandOutput............................................................. 113
6-1-1 Conguring2/4/5.1/7.1-ChannelAudio.................................................................113
6-1-2 ConguringS/PDIFOut........................................................................................115
6-1-3 ConguringMicrophoneRecording......................................................................116
6-1-4 UsingtheSoundRecorder ...................................................................................118
6-2 Troubleshooting............................................................................................ 119
6-2-1 Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................119
6-2-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ..................................................................................120
RegulatoryStatements............................................................................................ 122
Contact Us .............................................................................................................. 127

- 6 -
Optional Items
2-portUSB2.0bracket(PartNo.12CR1-1UB030-6*R)
eSATAbracket(PartNo.12CF1-3SATPW-4*R)
3.5"FrontPanelwith2USB3.0/2.0ports(PartNo.12CR1-FPX582-2*R)
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.
Box Contents
5GA-X99-Designare EX motherboard
5Motherboard driver disk
5Wireless module driver disk
5User's Manual
5Quick Installation Guide
5Six SATA cables
5One DisplayPort cable
5I/O Shield
5One 2-Way SLI bridge connector
5One3-WaySLIbridgeconnector(GC-3SLI-X99-1)
5One G Connector
5One1to3powercable(2x4ATX12V)
5OneRGBLEDstripextensioncable
5Two Velcro Cable Ties
5One antenna

- 7 -
GA-X99-Designare EX Motherboard Layout
ATX_12V_2X4
ATX
AUDIO
BAT
Intel®X99
LGA2011-3
GA-X99-Designare EX
TYPEC
iTE®
Super I/O
KB_MS_USB3
F_PANEL
PCIEX4
PCIEX16_1
CPU_OPT_PUMP
SYS_FAN2
DP_IN
PCIEX8
PCIEX1
F_USB30_2
F_USB2
Renesas® USB 3.0 Hub
CLR_CMOS
SYS_FAN1
F_AUDIO
WIFI_BRACKET
DDR4_1_1A
M2_32G
TPM
SATA_EXPRESS
CODEC
F_USB1
CPU_FAN
SYS_FAN3_PUMP
M_BIOS
B_BIOS
1
0
SATA 3
THB_C
42
F_USB30_1SPDIF_O
Intel®
USB3.1
Controller
DDR4_2_2A DDR4_3_1B DDR4_4_2B DDR4_8_2D DDR4_7_1D DDR4_6_2C DDR4_5_1C
PEX8747
60
80
Wi-Fi
Module
110
Intel®GbE
LAN
Intel®GbE
LAN
PCIEX16_2
PCIEX16_3
LED_C
Renesas®
USB 3.0 Hub
sSATA3 3 1
2 0
U2_32G_1
U2_32G_2
FBIOS_LED
SATA3 3 2
5 4
System Temperature
Sensor 1
System Temperature Sensor 2
USB30_LAN2
USB30_LAN1

- 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
components 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 unplugging the power supply cable from the motherboard, make sure the power supply
has been turned off.
•Before turning on the power, make sure the power supply voltage has been set according to
the local voltage standard.
•Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors of your hardware
components are connected.
•To prevent damage to the motherboard, do not allow screws to come in contact with the
motherboard circuit or its components.
•Make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or
within the computer casing.
•Do not place the computer system on an uneven surface.
•Do not place the computer system in a high-temperature environment.
•Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to system
components as well as physical harm to the user.
•If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the
product,pleaseconsultacertiedcomputertechnician.
•If you use an adapter, extension power cable, or power strip, ensure to consult with its installation
and/or grounding instructions.
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

- 10 -
Hardware Installation
1-2 ProductSpecications
CPU Support for Intel®Core™i7 processors in the LGA2011-3 package
(GotoGIGABYTE'swebsiteforthelatestCPUsupportlist.)
L3 cache varies with CPU
Chipset Intel®X99 Express Chipset
Memory 8xDDR4DIMMsocketssupportingupto128GBofsystemmemory
* Supportforupto256GBofsystemmemorywhenusingRegisteredDIMMs.
* 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.
4 channel memory architecture
SupportforDDR42400/2133MHzmemorymodules
Supportfornon-ECCUn-bufferedDIMM1Rx8/2Rx8/1Rx16memorymodules
SupportforRegisteredDIMM1Rx8/2Rx8/1Rx4/2Rx4memorymodules(operate
innon-ECCmode)
SupportforExtremeMemoryProle(XMP)memorymodules
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and memory
modules.)
Audio Realtek®ALC1150 codec
HighDenitionAudio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF Out
Wireless
Communication
module
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, supporting 2.4/5 GHz Dual-Band
Bluetooth4.2,4.1,BLE,4.0,3.0,2.1+EDR
Support for 11ac wireless standard and up to 867 Mbps data rate
* Actualdataratemayvarydependingonenvironmentandequipment.
LAN 2 x Intel®GbELANchips(10/100/1000Mbit)
Support for Teaming
Expansion Slots 3xPCIExpressx16slots,runningatx16(PCIEX16_1~3)
 * ThePCIEX8slotsharesbandwidthwiththePCIEX16_1slot.WhenthePCIEX8slot
is populated, the PCIEX16_1 slot operates at up to x8 mode.
 * TheU2_32G_2connectorsharesbandwidthwiththePCIEX16_2slot.Whenthe
U2_32G_2 connector is populated, the PCIEX16_2 slot operates at up to x8 mode.
 * TheM2_32Gconnectorsharesbandwidthwith the PCIEX16_3 slot. When the
M2_32G connector is populated, the PCIEX16_3 slot operates at up to x8 mode.
1xPCIExpressx16slot,runningatx8(PCIEX8)
 (ThePCIEX16andPCIEX8slotsconformtoPCIExpress3.0standard.)
1xPCIExpressx16slot,runningatx4(PCIEX4)
 * TheSATA_EXPRESSconnectorsharesbandwidthwiththePCIEX4slot.Whenthe
SATA_EXPRESSconnectorispopulated,thePCIEX4slotoperatesatuptox2mode.
1 x PCI Express x1 slot
 (ThePCIEX4andPCIEX1slotsconformtoPCIExpress2.0standard.)
1xM.2Socket1connectorforthewirelesscommunicationmodule(M2_WIFI)
Multi-Graphics
Technology
Support for NVIDIA®Quad-GPU SLI™and 3-Way/2-Way NVIDIA®SLI™technologies
 Support forAMD Quad-GPU CrossFireX
™
and 3-Way/2-Way AMD CrossFire
™
technologies
Storage Interface Chipset:
- 1 x SATA Express connector
 - 6xSATA6Gb/sconnectors(SATA30~5),supportingRAID0,RAID1,RAID5,
andRAID10

- 11 -
Hardware Installation
Storage Interface Chipset:
 - 4xSATA6Gb/sconnectors(sSATA30~3),supportingIDEandAHCImodesonly
(An operating system installed on the SATA3 0~5 ports cannot be used on the
sSATA0~3ports.)
- 1 x M.2 connector (Socket 3, M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 PCIe x4/
x2SSDsupport)
- 2 x U.2 connectors
 * Whenani7-5820Kori7-6800KCPUisinstalled,theU2_32G_1connectorbecomes
unavailable.
USB Chipset+Intel®USB 3.1 controller:
- 1 x USB Type-C™port on the back panel, with USB 3.1 support
- 1xUSB3.1Type-Aport(red)onthebackpanel
Chipset+Renesas®USB 3.0 Hubs:
- 8 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (4 ports on the back panel, 4 ports available through
theinternalUSBheaders)
Chipset:
- 1 x USB 3.0/2.0 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 M.2 Socket 3 connector
2 x U.2 connectors
1 x SATA Express connector
10 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan header
1xwatercoolingfan/watercoolingpumpheader(CPU_OPT_PUMP)
2 x system fan headers
1xsystemfan/watercoolingpumpheader(SYS_FAN3_PUMP)
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x S/PDIF Out header
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 headers
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x Thunderbolt™add-in card connector
1xTrustedPlatformModule(TPM)header
1xRGBLEDstripextensioncableheader
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
Back Panel
Connectors
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
1 x DisplayPort In port
2xSMAantennaconnectors(2T2R)
1 x USB Type-C™port, with USB 3.1 support
1xUSB3.1Type-Aport(red)
5 x USB 3.0/2.0 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,
LineOut,MicIn)
I/O Controller iTE®I/O Controller Chip

- 12 -
Hardware Installation
Hardware
Monitor
System voltage detection
CPU/System/Chipset temperature detection
CPU/CPUOPT/Systemfan(pump)speeddetection
CPU/System/Chipset overheating warning
CPU/CPUOPT/Systemfan(pump)failwarning
CPU/CPUOPT/Systemfan(pump)speedcontrol
  * Whetherthefan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
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
- Ambient LED
- AutoGreen
- BIOS Setup
- Color Temperature
- Cloud Station
- EasyTune
- EasyRAID
- Fast Boot
- ON/OFF Charge
- Platform Power Management
- Smart TimeLock
- Smart Keyboard
- Smart Backup
- System Information Viewer
- USB Blocker
- V-Tuner
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Smart Switch
Support for Xpress Install
Bundled
Software
Norton®InternetSecurity(OEMversion)
Intel®SmartResponseTechnology
cFosSpeed
Operating
System
Support for Windows 10/8.1 64-bit
Support for Windows 7 32-bit/64-bit
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.

- 13 -
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 Key
Alignment Key
LGA2011-3 CPU Socket
Pin One Corner of
the CPU Socket
LGA2011-3 CPU
Triangle Pin One
Marking on the CPU
Alignment KeyAlignment Key
Notch
Notch
Notch
Notch
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
B. Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU into the motherboard CPU socket.
•Before installing the CPU, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from
the power outlet to prevent damage to the CPU.
•To protect the socket contacts, do not remove the protective plastic cover unless the CPU is
inserted into the CPU socket. Save the cover properly and replace it if the CPU is removed.
Step 1:
Push the lever closest to the "unlock" mark "
"(belowreferredasleverA)downandawayfrom
the socket to release it.
Step 4:
HoldtheCPUwithyourthumbandindexngers.
Alignthe CPU pinone mark (triangle)with the
triangle mark on metal socket frame and carefully
insert the CPU into the socket vertically.
Step 6:
Finally, secure lever A under its retention tab to
complete the installation of the CPU. Then carefully
remove the plastic cover. Save it properly and
always replace it when the CPU is not installed.
Step 5:
Once the CPU is properly inserted, carefully
replace the load plate. Then secure lever B under
its retention tab.
Step 3:
Gently press lever A to allow the load plate to
rise. Open the load plate. Note: DO NOT touch
the socket contacts after the load plate is opened.
Step 2:
Push the lever closest to the "lock" mark " "
(belowreferredasleverB)downandawayfrom
the socket. Then lift the lever.
Lever A Lever B

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Hardware Installation
Use extreme care when removing the CPU cooler because the thermal grease/tape between the CPU
cooler and CPU may adhere to the CPU. Inadequately removing the CPU cooler may damage the CPU.
1-3-2 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:
Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on
the surface of the installed CPU.
Step 4:
Finally, attach the power connector of the CPU
coolertotheCPUfanheader(CPU_FAN)onthe
motherboard.
Step 2:
Place the cooler atop the CPU, aligning the four
mounting screws with the mounting holes on
the ILM.
Step 3:
Use one hand to hold the cooler and the other to
tighten the screws in a diagonal sequence with a
screw driver. Begin tightening a screw with a few
turns and repeat with the screw diagonally opposite
the one you just tightened. Then do the same to
the other pair. Next, fully tighten the four screws.

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Hardware Installation
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 4ChannelMemoryConguration
ThismotherboardprovideseightDDR4memorysocketsandsupports4ChannelTechnology.Afterthememory
isinstalled,theBIOSwillautomaticallydetectthespecicationsandcapacityofthememory.TheeightDDR4
memory sockets are divided into four channels and each channel has two memory sockets as following:
ChannelA:DDR4_1_1A,DDR4_2_2A
ChannelB:DDR4_3_1B,DDR4_4_2B
ChannelC:DDR4_5_1C,DDR4_6_2C
ChannelD:DDR4_7_1D,DDR4_8_2D
DDR4_1_1A DDR4_3_1B DDR4_7_1D DDR4_5_1C DDR4_8_2D DDR4_6_2C DDR4_2_2A DDR4_4_2B
Refertothetablebelowformemoryinstallationaccordingtothenumberofthememorymodulesyouwanttoinstall:
DDR4_1_1A DDR4_2_2A DDR4_3_1B DDR4_4_2B DDR4_8_2D DDR4_7_1D DDR4_6_2C DDR4_5_1C
1 Module - - - - l- - - - - - - - - -
2 Modules - - - - l- - - - l- - - -
4 Modules l- - l- - - - l- - l
6 Modules l- - l l l l - - l
8 Modules l l l l l l l l
Note1:Wheninstallingthememory,makesuretobeginwiththerstsocketofeachchannel,suchasDDR4_1_1A,
DDR4_3_1B,DDR4_5_1C,andDDR4_7_1D.
Note2:IfyouareusingaRegisteredDIMMmemory,makesureitisa1Rx8/2Rx8/1Rx4/2Rx4one.
Note3:Toensurememorycompatibility,wedonotrecommendthatyouinstallRegisteredDIMMandUn-buffered
DIMM memory at the same time.

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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.
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 clip
at the right end of the memory socket. Place the memory module on
thesocket.Asindicatedinthepictureontheleft,placeyourngers
on the top edge of the memory, push down on the memory and insert
it vertically into the memory socket.
Step 2:
The clip at the right end of the socket will snap into place when the
memory module is securely inserted.
DDR4DIMM
Notch

- 18 -
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.
Follow the steps below to correctly install your expansion card in the expansion slot.
1. Locateanexpansionslotthatsupportsyourcard.Removethemetalslotcoverfromthechassisbackpanel.
2. Align the card with the slot, and press down on the card until it is fully seated in the slot.
3. Make sure the metal contacts on the card are completely inserted into the slot.
4. Secure the card's metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.
5. Afterinstallingallexpansioncards,replacethechassiscover(s).
6. Turn on your computer. If necessary, go to BIOS Setup to make any required BIOS changes for your
expansioncard(s).
7. Install the driver provided with the expansion card in your operating system.
Example:InstallingandRemovingaPCIExpressGraphicsCard:
PCI Express x1 Slot
PCI Express x16 Slot
•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
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.
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_1 slot.
Refertothefollowingtabletoinstallthegraphicscard(s):
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.
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 or more PCI Express x16 slots and correct driver
-CrossFire/SLI-ready graphics cards of identical brand and chip and correct driver
 (CurrentGPUsthatsupport3-WayCrossFiretechnologyincludetheAMDRadeon™HD 6800, HD 6900,
HD7800,HD7900,R9200,R7200,R9300,andR7300series.CurrentGPUsthatsupport3-WaySLI
technology include the NVIDIA GTX 570, GTX 580, GTX 590, GTX 600, GTX 700, GTX 900, and GTX
TITANseries.)ForthelatestGPUsupportinformation,pleaserefertotheAMD/NVIDIA®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)
1 Graphics Card 2 Graphics Cards 3 Graphics Cards
PCIEX16_1 lll
PCIEX16_2 - - l l
PCIEX16_3 - - - - l
PCIEX16_1
PCIEX16_3
PCIEX16_2
(Note1) WhenusingdualcoregraphicscardsforanSLIoraCrossFireconguration,only2-wayissupported.
(Note2) Thebridgeconnector(s)maybeneededornotdependingonyourgraphicscards.
Tosetupa3-WaySLIconguration,usetheGC-3SLI-X99-1bridgeconnector.

- 20 -
Hardware Installation
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.
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 Catalyst Control Center. Browse to Performance\
AMD CrossFireX™and ensure the Enable AMD CrossFireX
check box is selected. If your system has more than two CrossFire
cards, select the GPU combination you want to use and click Apply.
(Available combination options are dependent on the number of
graphicscards.)