GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY Z590 AORUS ULTRA User manual

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Z590 AORUS ULTRA
User's Manual
Rev. 1002
12ME-Z59UTRA-1002R

Copyright
©2021 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: https://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:

- 3 -
Table of Contents
Z590 AORUS ULTRA Motherboard Layout .....................................................................4
Z590 AORUS ULTRA Motherboard Block Diagram.........................................................5
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation .....................................................................................6
1-1 Installation Precautions.................................................................................... 6
1-2 Product Specications...................................................................................... 7
1-3 Installing the CPU .......................................................................................... 11
1-4 Installing the Memory..................................................................................... 11
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card ......................................................................... 12
1-6 Setting up an AMD CrossFire™ Conguration................................................ 12
1-7 Back Panel Connectors.................................................................................. 13
1-8 Onboard Buttons and LEDs ........................................................................... 15
1-9 Internal Connectors........................................................................................ 16
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ..................................................................................................27
2-1 Startup Screen ............................................................................................... 27
2-2 The Main Menu .............................................................................................. 28
2-3 Smart Fan 6 .................................................................................................. 29
2-4 Favorites (F11) ............................................................................................... 31
2-5 Tweaker.......................................................................................................... 32
2-6 Settings .......................................................................................................... 37
2-7 System Info. ................................................................................................... 42
2-8 Boot................................................................................................................ 43
2-9 Save & Exit..................................................................................................... 46
Chapter 3 Appendix ......................................................................................................47
3-1 Conguring a RAID Set.................................................................................. 47
3-2 Installing Intel®Optane™Memory and Storage Management ........................ 48
3-3 Drivers Installation.......................................................................................... 50
3-4 Debug LED Codes ......................................................................................... 51
Regulatory Notices.................................................................................................... 55
Contact Us ................................................................................................................ 60

- 4 -
Z590 AORUS ULTRA Motherboard Layout
Box Contents
5Z590 AORUS ULTRA motherboard 5One antenna
5User's Manual 5M.2 screws
5Quick Installation Guide 5One G Connector
5One RGB LED strip extension cable 5One noise detection cable
5Four SATA cables 5Two thermistor cables
* 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.
(Note) For debug code information, please refer to Chapter 3.
DP
R_USB20_1
U320G U32G2
LGA1200
ATX
AUDIO
DDR4_A1 DDR4_A2 DDR4_B1 DDR4_B2
BAT
Intel®Z590
CLR_CMOS
M_BIOS
THB_C1
THB_C2
USB 2.0
Hub
USB 3.2
Gen 1 Hub
Intel®2.5GbE
LAN
CODEC
PCIEX16
PCIEX8
PCIEX4
F_U32C
F_U32
SYS_FAN6_PUMP
DB_PORT (Note)
EC_TEMP1
EC_TEMP2
SYS_FAN1
426080110
M2A_CPU
426080110
M2P_SB
426080110
M2M_SB
Z590 AORUS ULTRA
QFLASH_
PLUS
F_USB1 F_PANELD_LED1
F_AUDIO
SPI_TPM
F_USB2 NOISE_
SENSOR
LED_C1 SYS_FAN5_
PUMP
SYS_FAN3
CPU_FAN SYS_FAN2
RST_SW
CLR_CMOS1
CPU_OPT
SYS_FAN4
iTE®
Super I/O
D_LED2
LED_C2
ATX_12V_2
ATX_12V_1
USB 2.0 Hub
QFLED
SATA3
531 420
CPU DRAM
VGA BOOT
U32
R_USB20
U32G2_LAN
Temperature
sensor
M2_WIFI

- 5 -
Z590 AORUS ULTRA Motherboard Block Diagram
LGA1200 CPU
CPU CLK+/- (100~500 MHz)
DMI 3.0
eSPI
Bus
SPI
Bus
iTE®
Super I/O
BIOS
TPM
Intel®Z590
PCI Express 3.0 Bus
8 USB 2.0/1.1
4 USB 3.2 Gen 1
4 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type A
2 USB 3.2 Gen 1
USB 2.0
Hub
USB 3.2
Gen 1 Hub
DDI DisplayPort
Center/Subwoofer
Speaker Out
Line Out
MIC
Line In
S/PDIF Out
Rear Speaker Out
CODEC
1 PCI Express x16
2 PCI Express x8
Switch
x16x16
or
6 SATA 6Gb/s
M.2 Socket 3
(M2P_SB)
M.2 Socket 3
(M2M_SB)
LAN
RJ45
Intel®
2.5GbE LAN
x4 x1
PCI Express x4
DDR4 3200 (Note)/3000 (Note)/2933 (Note)/
2666/2400/2133 MHz
(Note) Actual support may vary by CPU.
M.2 WIFI
PCI Express 4.0 (Note)/3.0 Bus
1 USB Type-C®,
with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 support
1 USB Type-C®,
with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support
M.2 Socket 3
(M2A_CPU) (Note)

Chapter 1 Hardware Installation
1-1 Installation Precautions
The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can become
damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Prior to installation, carefully read the user's
manual and follow these procedures:
•Prior to installation, make sure the chassis is suitable for the motherboard.
•Prior to installation, do not remove or break motherboard S/N (Serial Number) sticker or
warranty sticker provided by your dealer. These stickers are required for warranty validation.
•Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the power outlet before
installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware components.
•When connecting hardware components to the internal connectors on the motherboard, make
sure they are connected tightly and securely.
•When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.
•It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when handling electronic
components such as a motherboard, CPU or memory. If you do not have an ESD wrist strap,
keep your hands dry and 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 installation
and/or grounding instructions.
- 6 -

1-2 Product Specications
CPU LGA1200 package:
- 11th Generation Intel®Core™i9 processors/Intel®Core™i7 processors/
Intel®Core™i5 processors
- 10th Generation Intel®Core™i9 processors/Intel®Core™i7 processors/
Intel®Core™i5 processors/Intel®Core™i3 processors/
Intel®Pentium®processors/Intel®Celeron®processors*
* Limited to processors with 4 MB Intel®Smart Cache, Intel®Celeron®G5xx5 family.
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
L3 cache varies with CPU
Chipset Intel®Z590 Express Chipset
Memory 11th Generation Intel®Core™i9/i7/i5 processors:
- Support for DDR4 3200/3000/2933/2666/2400/2133 MHz memory modules
10th Generation Intel®Core™i9/i7 processors
- Support for DDR4 2933/2666/2400/2133 MHz memory modules
10th Generation Intel®Core™i5/i3/Pentium®/Celeron®processors:
- Support for DDR4 2666/2400/2133 MHz memory modules
4 x DDR4 DIMM sockets supporting up to 128 GB (32 GB single DIMM capacity)
of system memory
Dual channel memory architecture
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®HD Graphics support:
- 1 x DisplayPort, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096x2304@60 Hz
* Support for DisplayPort 1.2 version and HDCP 2.3
(Graphics specications may vary depending on CPU support.)
Audio Realtek®ALC4080 codec
Support for DTS:X®Ultra
High Denition Audio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF Out
LAN Intel®2.5GbE LAN chip (2.5 Gbit/1 Gbit/100 Mbit)
Wireless
Communication
Module
Intel®Wi-Fi 6 AX200
- WIFI a, b, g, n, ac, ax, supporting 2.4/5 GHz Dual-Band
- BLUETOOTH 5.1
- Support for 11ax 160MHz wireless standard and up to 2.4 Gbps data rate
* Actual data rate may vary depending on environment and equipment.
- 7 -

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.
(The PCIEX16 and PCIEX8 slots conform to PCI Express 4.0 standard.) (Note)
1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x4 (PCIEX4)
(The PCIEX4 slot conforms to PCI Express 3.0 standard.)
Multi-Graphics
Technology Support for AMD Quad-GPU CrossFire™and 2-WayAMD CrossFire™technologies
Storage Interface CPU:
- 1 x M.2 connector (Socket 3, M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 PCIe 4.0
x4/x2 SSD support) (M2A_CPU) (Note)
Chipset:
- 1 x M.2 connector (Socket 3, M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 SATA and
PCIe 3.0 x4/x2 SSD support) (M2P_SB)
- 1 x M.2 connector (Socket 3, M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 PCIe 3.0
x4/x2 SSD support) (M2M_SB)
- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10
* Refer to "1-9 Internal Connectors," for the installation notices for the M.2 and SATA
connectors.
Intel®Optane™Memory Ready
USB Chipset:
- 1 x USB Type-C®port on the back panel, with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 support
- 1 x USB Type-C®port with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support, available through the
internal USB header
- 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red) on the back panel
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports available through the internal USB headers
Chipset+USB 3.2 Gen 1 Hub:
- 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports on the back panel
Chipset+2 USB 2.0 Hubs:
- 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports on the back panel, 4 ports available through
the internal USB headers)
Internal
Connectors
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
2 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors
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
2 x addressable LED strip headers
2 x RGB LED strip headers
3 x M.2 Socket 3 connectors
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
- 8 -
(Note) Supported by 11th Generation processors only.

Internal
Connectors
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x USB Type-C®header, with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
2 x Thunderbolt™add-in card connectors
1 x noise detection header
1 x Trusted Platform Module header (For the GC-TPM2.0 SPI/GC-TPM2.0 SPI
2.0 module only)
1 x reset button
1 x Clear CMOS button
1 x Q-Flash Plus button
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
2 x temperature sensor headers
Back Panel
Connectors
1 x DisplayPort
2 x SMA antenna connectors (2T2R)
1 x USB Type-C®port, with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 support
4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red)
4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x RJ-45 port
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
5 x audio jacks
I/O Controller iTE®I/O Controller Chip
Hardware
Monitor
Voltage detection
Temperature detection
Fan speed detection
Water cooling ow rate detection
Fan fail warning
Fan speed control
* Whether the fan (pump) speed control function is supported will depend on the fan
(pump) you install.
Noise detection
BIOS 1 x 256 Mbit ash
Use of licensed AMI UEFI BIOS
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.7, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0
- 9 -

Please visit GIGABYTE's website
for support lists of CPU, memory
modules, SSDs, and M.2 devices.
Please visit the Support\Utility List
page on GIGABYTE's website to
download the latest version of apps.
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.
- @BIOS
- EasyTune
- Fast Boot
- Game Boost
- ON/OFF Charge
- RGB Fusion
- Smart Backup
- System Information Viewer
Support for Q-Flash Plus
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Xpress Install
Bundled
Software
Norton®Internet Security (OEM version)
cFosSpeed
Operating
System Support for Windows 10 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.
- 10 -

1-3 Installing the CPU
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.
Installing the CPU
Locate the alignment keys on the motherboard CPU socket and the notches on the CPU.
Do not remove the CPU socket cover before inserting the CPU. It may pop off from the load
plate automatically during the process of re-engaging the lever after you insert the CPU.
1-4 Installing the Memory
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the memory:
•Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended that memory of the same
capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and memory modules.)
•Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing the
memory to prevent hardware damage.
•Memory modules have a foolproof design. A memory module can be installed in only one direction.
If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.
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.
Please visit GIGABYTE's website for details on hardware installation.
- 11 -
Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU
Notch
Notch
LGA1200 CPU
Alignment
Key
Alignment
Key
LGA1200 CPU Socket
Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket

The four memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as following:
Channel A: DDR4_A1, DDR4_A2
Channel B: DDR4_B1, DDR4_B2
Recommanded Dual Channel Memory Conguration:
DDR4_A1 DDR4_A2 DDR4_B1 DDR4_B2
2 Modules - - DS/SS - - DS/SS
4 Modules DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS
(SS=Single-Sided, DS=Double-Sided, "- -"=No Memory)
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.
Procedure and driver screen for enabling CrossFire 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 technology.
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.
(Note) The bridge connector(s) may be needed or not depending on your graphics cards.
B. Connecting the Graphics Cards
Step 1:
Install the graphics cards on the PCIEX16 and PCIEX8 slots.
Step 2:
Insert the CrossFire (Note) bridge connectors in the CrossFire gold edge connectors on top of the cards.
Step 3:
Plug the display cable into the graphics card on the PCIEX16 slot.
1-6 Setting up an AMD CrossFire™ Conguration
A. System Requirements
-Windows 10 64-bit operating system
-A CrossFire-supported motherboard with two PCI Express x16 slots and correct driver
-CrossFire-ready graphics cards of identical brand and chip and correct driver
-CrossFire (Note) bridge connectors
-A power supply with sufcient power is recommended (Refer to the manual of your graphics cards for the
power requirement)
C. Conguring the Graphics Card Driver
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.
- 12 -

1-7 Back Panel Connectors
USB 3.2 Gen 1 Port
The USB 3.2 Gen 1 port supports the USB 3.2 Gen 1 specication and is compatible to the USB 2.0
specication. Use this port for USB devices.
SMA Antenna Connectors (2T2R)
Use this connector to connect an antenna.
USB 2.0/1.1 Port
The USB port supports the USB 2.0/1.1 specication. Use this port for USB devices.
DisplayPort
DisplayPort delivers high quality digital imaging and audio, supporting bi-directional audio transmission.
DisplayPort can support HDCP 2.3 content protection mechanisms. You can use this port to connect your
DisplayPort-supported monitor. Note: The DisplayPort Technology can support a maximum resolution of
4096x2304@60 Hz but the actual resolutions supported depend on the monitor being used.
After installing the DisplayPort device, make sure to set the default sound playback device to
DisplayPort. (The item name may differ depending on your operating system.)
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Port (Red)
The USB 3.2 Gen 2 port supports the USB 3.2 Gen 2 specication and is compatible to the USB 3.2 Gen 1
and USB 2.0 specication. Use this port for USB devices.
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Port (Red) (Q-Flash Plus Port)
The USB 3.2 Gen 2 port supports the USB 3.2 Gen 2 specication and is compatible to the USB 3.2 Gen 1 and
USB 2.0 specication. Before using Q-Flash Plus (Note), make sure to insert the USB ash drive into this port rst.
USB Type-C®Port
The reversible USB port supports the USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 specication and is compatible to the USB 3.2
Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 1, and USB 2.0 specications. Use this port for USB devices.
RJ-45 LAN Port
The Gigabit Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 2.5 Gbps data rate. The following
describes the states of the LAN port LEDs.
Tighten the antennas to the antenna connectors and then aim the antennas correctly for better
signal reception.
Connection/
Speed LED Activity LED
LAN Port
Connection/Speed LED:
State Description
Green 2.5 Gbps data rate
Orange 1 Gbps data rate
Off 100 Mbps data rate
Activity LED:
State Description
Blinking Data transmission or receiving is occurring
On No data transmission or receiving is occurring
(Note) To enable the Q-Flash Plus function please visit the "Unique Features" webpage of GIGABYTE's
website.
- 13 -

•If you want to install a Side Speaker, you need to retask the Line in jack to be Side Speaker
out through the audio driver.
•To enable or congure the audio amplifying function for the Line out jack, please access the
Realtek Audio Console application.
Please visit GIGABYTE's website for details on conguring the audio software.
Audio Jack Congurations:
Jack Headphone/
2-channel 4-channel 5.1-channel 7.1-channel
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out a a
Rear Speaker Out aaa
Line In/Side Speaker Out a
Line Out/Front Speaker Out aaaa
Mic In a
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Use this audio jack to connect center/subwoofer speakers.
Rear Speaker Out
Use this audio jack to connect rear speakers.
Optical S/PDIF Out Connector
This connector provides digital audio out to an external audio system that supports digital optical audio.
Before using this feature, ensure that your audio system provides an optical digital audio in connector.
Line In/Side Speaker Out
The line in jack. Use this audio jack for line in devices such as an optical drive, walkman, etc.
Line Out/Front Speaker Out
The line out jack. This jack supports audio amplifying function. For better sound quality, it is recommended
that you connect your headphone/speaker to this jack (actual effects may vary by the device being used).
Mic In
The Mic in jack.
•When removing the cable connected to a back panel connector, rst remove the cable from your
device and then remove it from the motherboard.
•When removing the cable, pull it straight out from the connector. Do not rock it side to side to
prevent an electrical short inside the cable connector.
- 14 -

1-8 Onboard Buttons and LEDs
Quick Buttons
This motherboard has 2 quick buttons: reset button and clear CMOS button. The reset button allows users to
quickly turn on/off the computer in an open-case environment when they want to change hardware components
or conduct hardware testing. Use this button to clear the BIOS conguration and reset the CMOS values to
factory defaults when needed.
RST_SW: Reset Button
CLR_CMOS1: Clear CMOS Button
Status LEDs
The status LEDs show whether the CPU, memory, graphics card, and operating system are working properly
after system power-on. If the CPU/DRAM/VGA LED is on, that means the corresponding device is not working
normally; if the BOOT LED is on, that means you haven't entered the operating system yet.
Q-Flash Plus Button
Q-Flash Plus allows you to update the BIOS when your system is off (S5 shutdown state). Save the latest BIOS
on a USB thumb drive and plug it into the dedicated port, and then you can now ash the BIOS automatically by
simply pressing the Q-Flash Plus button. The QFLED will ash when the BIOS matching and ashing activities
start and will stop ashing when the main BIOS ashing is complete.
QFLASH_PLUS
QFLED
For how to use Q-Flash Plus please visit the "Unique Features" webpage of GIGABYTE's website.
The reset button provides you with several functions to use. To remap the button to perform different
tasks, refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Settings\Miscellaneous\RST_SW," for more information).
•Always turn off your computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before clearing
the CMOS values.
•NOTE: Do not use the clear CMOS button when the system is on, or the system may shutdown
and data loss or damage may occur.
•After system restart, go to BIOS Setup to load factory defaults (select Load Optimized Defaults) or
manually congure the BIOS settings (refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," for BIOS congurations).
- 15 -
CPU: CPU status LED
DRAM: Memory status LED
VGA: Graphics card status LED
BOOT: Operating system status LED
F_USB30 F_U
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
_
B
BS_
B
SB_
B
_S

S_
_
B
_U
_
B


 
S  
 
123
 
123
 
123
 
123
1
1
1
1
BSS
S
_S 
SSU
 
1 2 3 4 5
 S3 BSSS

U
 __ 3
F_USB3F
S  _
S  _
S  _
SF


B_
B_
F
_0
S
S
_0F
_F
_
_
__B


U
S  _S
_ SF_
B 
USB0_B
B_
B_
F_USB3
 F_USB303

_

_3U
S_
CPU DRAM
VGA BOOT

1-9 Internal Connectors
Read the following guidelines before connecting external devices:
•First make sure your devices are compliant with the connectors you wish to connect.
•Before installing the devices, be sure to turn off the devices and your computer. Unplug the power
cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the devices.
•After installing the device and before turning on the computer, make sure the device cable has
been securely attached to the connector on the motherboard.
1) ATX_12V_1/ATX_12V_2
2) ATX
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN1/2/3/4
5) SYS_FAN5_PUMP/SYS_FAN6_PUMP
6) CPU_OPT
7) EC_TEMP1/EC_TEMP2
8) D_LED1/D_LED2
9) LED_C1/LED_C2
10) NOISE_SENSOR
11) SATA3 0/1/2/3/4/5
12) M2A_CPU/M2P_SB/M2M_SB
13) F_PANEL
14) F_ AUDIO
15) F_U32C
16) F_U32
17) F_USB1/F_USB2
18) SPI_TPM
19) THB_C1/THB_C2
20) CLR_CMOS
21) BAT
135 2510
16
15
2
9
8
7
11
19
5
17 414 18
4 1
9
8
7
20
12
12
21
12
3 46
- 16 -

DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
131
2412
ATX
1/2) ATX_12V_1/ATX_12V_2/ATX (2x4 12V Power Connectors 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, rst make sure the power supply is turned
off and all devices are properly installed. The power connector possesses a foolproof design. Connect the
power supply cable to the power connector in the correct orientation.
The 12V power connector mainly supplies power to the CPU. If the 12V power connector is not connected,
the computer will not start.
To meet expansion requirements, it is recommended that a power supply that can withstand high
power consumption be used (500W or greater). If a power supply is used that does not provide the
required power, the result can lead to an unstable or unbootable system.
ATX:
Pin No. Denition Pin No. Denition
1 3.3V 13 3.3V
2 3.3V 14 -12V
3 GND 15 GND
4 +5V 16 PS_ON (soft On/Off)
5 GND 17 GND
6 +5V 18 GND
7 GND 19 GND
8 Power Good 20 NC
9 5VSB (stand by +5V) 21 +5V
10 +12V 22 +5V
11 +12V (Only for 2x12-pin
ATX)
23 +5V (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)
12 3.3V (Only for 2x12-pinATX) 24 GND (Only for 2x12-pinATX)
ATX_12V_1/ATX_12V_2:
Pin No. Denition Pin No. Denition
1 GND (Only for 2x4-pin 12V) 5 +12V (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)
2 GND (Only for 2x4-pin 12V) 6 +12V (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)
3 GND 7 +12V
4 GND 8 +12V
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
ATX_12V_1/
ATX_12V_2
41
85
- 17 -

5) SYS_FAN5_PUMP/SYS_FAN6_PUMP (System Fan/Water Cooling Pump Headers)
The fan/pump headers 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. The header also provides speed control
for a water cooling pump, refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Smart Fan 6," for more information.
6) CPU_OPT (Water Cooling CPU Fan Header)
The fan header is 4-pin and possesses a foolproof insertion design. 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.
DEBUG PORT
G.QBOFM
DEBUG PORT
G.QBOFM
DEBUG PORT
G.QBOFM
1
1
1
Pin No. Denition
1 GND
2 Voltage Speed Control
3 Sense
4 PWM Speed Control
Pin No. Denition
1 GND
2 Voltage Speed Control
3 Sense
4 PWM Speed Control
Connector CPU_FAN SYS_FAN1~4 SYS_FAN5/6_PUMP CPU_OPT
Maximum Current 2A 2A 2A 2A
Maximum Power 24W 24W 24W 24W
3/4) CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/2/3/4 (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.
•Be sure to connect fan cables to the fan headers to prevent your CPU and system from
overheating. Overheating may result in damage to the CPU or the system may hang.
•These fan headers are not conguration jumper blocks. Do not place a jumper cap on the headers.
CPU_FAN
SYS_FAN3/SYS_FAN4SYS_FAN2
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
1
1
SYS_FAN1
SYS_FAN6_PUMPSYS_FAN5_PUMP
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
1
1
Pin No. Denition
1 GND
2 Voltage Speed Control
3 Sense
4 PWM Speed Control
- 18 -

8) D_LED1/D_LED2 (Addressable LED Strip Headers)
The headers can be used to connect a standard 5050 addressable LED strip, with maximum power rating
of 5A (5V) and maximum number of 1000 LEDs.
Pin No. Denition
1 V (5V)
2 Data
3 No Pin
4 GND
1 1
F_USB30 F_U
B_ 
F_  F_ 
 _ B
BS_ B
SB_ B
_S  S_ _ B _U _ B
 
 
S  
 
123
 
123
 
123
 
123
1
1
1
1
BSS
S
_S 
SSU
 
1 2 3 4 5
 S3 BSSS

U
 __ 3
F_USB3F
S  _ S  _
S  _
SF
 
B_
B_
F _0
S S
_0F
_F
_
_
__B
 
U
S  _S
_ SF_
B 
USB0_B
B_
B_
F_USB3
 F_USB303

_

_3U
S_
F_USB30 F_U
B_ 
F_  F_ 
 _ B
BS_ B
SB_ B
_S  S_ _ B _U _ B
 
 
S  
 
123
 
123
 
123
 
123
1
1
1
1
BSS
S
_S 
SSU
 
1 2 3 4 5
 S3 BSSS

U
 __ 3
F_USB3F
S  _ S  _
S  _
SF
 
B_
B_
F _0
S S
_0F
_F
_
_
__B
 
U
S  _S
_ SF_
B 
USB0_B
B_
B_
F_USB3
 F_USB303

_

_3U
S_
D_LED1 D_LED2
7) EC_TEMP1/EC_TEMP2 (Temperature Sensor Headers)
Connect the thermistor cables to the headers for temperature detection.
Pin No. Denition
1 SENSOR IN
2 GND
1
1
EC_TEMP1
EC_TEMP2
Connect your addressable LED strip to the header. The power pin
(marked with a triangle on the plug) of the LED strip must be connected
to Pin 1 of the addressable LED strip header. Incorrect connection may
lead to the damage of the LED strip.
Addressable LED
Strip
1
9) LED_C1/LED_C2 (RGB LED Strip Headers)
The headers can be used to connect a standard 5050 RGB LED strip (12V/G/R/B), with maximum power
rating of 2A (12V) and maximum length of 2m.
Pin No. Denition
1 12V
2 G
3 R
4 B
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.
1
Connect one end of the RGB LED strip extension cable to the header
and the other end to your RGB LED strip. The black wire (marked with
a triangle on the plug) of the extension cable must be connected to
Pin 1 (12V) of this header. The 12V pin (marked with an arrow) on the
other end of the extension cable must be lined up with the 12V of the
LED strip. Be careful with the connection orientation of the LED strip;
incorrect connection may lead to the damage of the LED strip.
For how to turn on/off the lights of the LED strip please visit the "Unique Features" webpage of
GIGABYTE's website.
LED_C2
1
LED_C1
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
12VRGB
BG12VR
12V
1
RGB
LED
Strip
12VRGB
BG12VR
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11) SATA3 0/1/2/3/4/5 (SATA 6Gb/s Connectors)
The SATA connectors conform to SATA 6Gb/s standard and are compatible with SATA 3Gb/s and SATA
1.5Gb/s standard. Each SATAconnector supports a single SATA device. The Intel®Chipset supports RAID 0,
RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10. Refer to Chapter 3, "Conguring a RAID Set," for instructions on conguring
a RAID array.
Pin No. Denition
1 GND
2 TXP
3 TXN
4 GND
5 RXN
6 RXP
7 GND
To enable hot-plugging for the SATA ports, refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Settings\IO Ports\
SATA And RST Conguration," for more information.
1
1
SATA3 5 3 1
4 2 0
7
7
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
10) NOISE_SENSOR (Noise Detection Header)
This header can be used to connect a noise detection cable to detect the noise inside the case.
Pin No. Denition
1 Noise Detection
2 GND
Before connecting the cable to the header, make sure to remove the jumper cap; re-place the
jumper cap if the header is not in use.
For more information on the noise detection function, please visit the "Unique Features" webpage
of GIGABYTE's website.
1
Noise Detection
Cable
1
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