Gigabyte G1.Sniper 3 User manual

G1.Sniper 3
User's Manual
Rev. 1003
12ME-G1SNIP3-1003R

Motherboard
G1.Sniper 3
Mar. 20, 2012
Mar. 20, 2012
Motherboard G1.Sniper 3

Copyright
©2012 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,
orpublished 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
G1.Sniper 3 Motherboard Layout ....................................................................................7
G1.Sniper 3 Motherboard Block Diagram........................................................................8
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DualChannelMemoryConguration..........................................................................16
1-4-2 Installing a Memory ................................................................................................17
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card ......................................................................... 18
1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFireXTM/NVIDIASLIConguration............................... 19
1-7 Installing the SATA Bracket ............................................................................ 20
1-8 Back Panel Connectors.................................................................................. 21
1-9 Onboard Buttons, Switches, and LEDs.......................................................... 24
1-10 Internal Connectors........................................................................................ 26
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ..................................................................................................37
2-1 Startup Screen ............................................................................................... 38
2-2 The Main Menu .............................................................................................. 39
2-3 M.I.T. .............................................................................................................. 41
2-4 System ........................................................................................................... 52
2-5 BIOS Features ............................................................................................... 53
2-6 Peripherals..................................................................................................... 55
2-7 Power Management....................................................................................... 59
2-8 Save & Exit..................................................................................................... 61

- 5 -
Chapter 3 Drivers Installation........................................................................................63
3-1 Installing Chipset Drivers ............................................................................... 63
3-2 Application Software ...................................................................................... 64
3-3 Technical Manuals.......................................................................................... 64
3-4 Contact........................................................................................................... 65
3-5 System ........................................................................................................... 65
3-6 Download Center ........................................................................................... 66
3-7 New Program ................................................................................................. 66
Chapter 4 Unique Features...........................................................................................67
4-1 Xpress Recovery2.......................................................................................... 67
4-2 BIOS Update Utilities ..................................................................................... 70
4-2-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility.............................................................70
4-2-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility .............................................................73
4-3 EasyTune 6 .................................................................................................... 74
4-4 Q-Share.......................................................................................................... 75
4-5 eXtreme Hard Drive (X.H.D) .......................................................................... 76
4-6 Auto Green..................................................................................................... 77
4-7 Intel Rapid Start Technology .......................................................................... 78
4-8 Intel Smart Connect Technology .................................................................... 80
4-9 Intel Smart Response..................................................................................... 82
Chapter 5 Appendix ......................................................................................................85
5-1 ConguringSATAHardDrive(s)..................................................................... 85
5-1-1 ConguringIntelZ77SATAControllers ..................................................................85
5-1-2 ConguringMarvell88SE9172SATAControllers...................................................93
5-1-3 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System ...............................99
5-2 Qualcomm Atheros Killer Network Manager ................................................ 105
5-3 ConguringAudioInputandOutput............................................................. 107
5-3-1 Conguring2/5.1-ChannelAudio..........................................................................107
5-3-2 Creative Software Suite........................................................................................107
5-3-3 ConguringS/PDIFOut........................................................................................ 111
5-3-4 ConguringAudioRecording................................................................................112
5-3-5 Using the Sound Recorder ...................................................................................114
5-4 Troubleshooting............................................................................................ 115
5-4-1 Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................115
5-4-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ..................................................................................116
5-5 Debug LED Codes ....................................................................................... 118
5-6 Regulatory Statements................................................................................. 122

- 6 -
Optional Items
2-port USB 2.0 bracket (Part No. 12CR1-1UB030-5*R)
2-port SATA power cable (Part No. 12CF1-2SERPW-0*R)
2-port IEEE 1394a bracket (Part No. 12CF1-1IE008-0*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
;G1.Sniper 3 motherboard
;Motherboard driver disk
;User's Manual
;Quick Installation Guide
;Six SATA 6Gb/s cables
;One SATA braket
;I/O Shield
;One 2-Way SLI bridge connector
;One 3-Way SLI bridge connector
;One 4-Way SLI bridge connector
;One 2-Way CrossFireX bridge connector
;One 3.5" Front Panel with 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports
;One GC-WB300D (including two antennas, one USB 2.0 cable, driver disk,
and user's manual)

- 7 -
G1.Sniper 3 Motherboard Layout
(Note) For debug code information, please refer to Chapter 5.
KB_USB3
SYS_FAN2
ATX_12V_2X4
ATX
F_AUDIO
AUDIO
B_BIOS
PCIEX8_2
DDR3_4 DDR3_2
BAT
Marvell
88SE9172
F2_1394
Intel®Z77
CLR_CMOS
SYS_FAN3
M_BIOS
PCIEX8_1
PCIEX_1
SYS_FAN4
LGA1155
G1.Sniper 3
PW_SW
DVI
USB30_LAN2
VGA
iTE
Super I/O
PCIe to PCI Bridge
TPM
PCIEX1_2
F1_1394
F_USB1
F_USB2 F_PANEL
PCIEX16_1
DP_HDMI
PCI
Debug LED (Note)
Marvell
88SE9172
SATA3
1
0
Intel®GbE LAN
GSATA3
7 6
9 8
Qualcomm
Atheros Killer
E2201 LAN
USB30_LAN1
CMOS_SW RST_SW
SW4
VIA VT6308
CREATIVE
CA0132 Chip
VIA VL810
VIA VL810
MSATA
PCIEX16_2
DDR3_3 DDR3_1
SYS_FAN1
F_USB30_1
SATA2
3 2
5 4
F_USB30_2
ATX4P
CPU_FAN
VCORE
CPUVTT
VSA
CPUPLL
DDRVTT
VDIMM
PCHIO
BBIOS_LED
MBIOS_LED
PEX8747

- 8 -
G1.Sniper 3 Motherboard Block Diagram
For detailed product information/limitation(s), refer to "1-2
ProductSpecications."
or
1 PCI
PS/2 KB/Mouse
LGA1155 CPU
Intel®Z77
iTE
Super
I/O
CPU CLK+/- (100 MHz)
Dual BIOS
LPC
Bus
DDR3 1600/1333/1066 MHz
4 USB 2.0/1.1
2 SATA 6Gb/s
Dual Channel Memory
VIA VL810
Hub
8 USB 3.0/2.0
VIA VL810
Hub
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Line Out
MIC/Line In
S/PDIF Out
Surround Speaker Out
CREATIVE
CA0132
x1 3 SATA 3Gb/s
PCIe to PCI Bridge
x1
PCI Bus
PCI CLK
(33 MHz)
VIA VT6308
2 IEEE 1394a
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
PCI Express Bus
1 PCI Express x16
2 PCI Express x8
PEX8747
x8
x16
Switch
1 PCI Express x16
x16 Switch
2 PCI Express x8
x8
D-Sub
DVI-D
HDMI
DisplayPort
DMI 2.0
FDI
Switch
1 SATA 3Gb/s
1 mSATA
2 USB 3.0/2.0
HP Out
PCI Express Bus
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
x1
x1
LAN 2
RJ45
Intel GbE LAN phy
Marvell
88SE9172
2 SATA 6Gb/s
x1
2 SATA 6Gb/s
PCI Express Bus
2 PCI Express x1
x1x1
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz) Marvell
88SE9172
x1
LAN 1
RJ45
Qualcomm Atheros Killer
E2201 LAN

- 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.
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

- 10 -
Hardware Installation
1-2 ProductSpecications
CPU Support for Intel®Core™i7 processors/Intel®Core™i5 processors/
Intel®Core™i3 processors/Intel®Pentium®processors/
Intel®Celeron®processors in the LGA1155 package
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
L3 cache varies with CPU
Chipset Intel®Z77ExpressChipset
Memory 4 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 32 GB of system memory
* Due to 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 4 GB.
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for DDR3 1600/1333/1066 MHz memory modules
Support for non-ECC 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:
- 1 x D-Sub port
- 1 x DVI-D port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920x1200
* The DVI-D port does not support D-Sub connection by adapter.
- 1 x HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920x1200
- 1 x DisplayPort, supporting a maximum resolution of 2560x1600
Audio Creative CA0132 chip
Support for Sound Blaster Recon3Di
HighDenitionAudio
2/5.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF Out
LAN 1 x Qualcomm Atheros Killer E2201 LAN chip (10/100/1000 Mbit) (LAN1)
1 x Intel GbE LAN phy (10/100/1000 Mbit) (LAN2)
* Teaming is not supported.
Expansion Slots 2 x PCI Express x16 slots, running at x16 (PCIEX16_1, PCIEX16_2)
* For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed, be
sure to install it in the PCIEX16_1 slot; if you are installing two PCI Express graphics
cards, it is recommended that you install them in the PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2
slots.
2 x PCI Express x16 slots, running at x8 (PCIEX8_1, PCIEX8_2)
* The PCIEX8_1 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16_1 slot and the PCIEX8_2
slot with PCIEX16_2. The PCIEX16_1/PCIEX16_2 slot will operate at up to x8 mode
when the PCIEX8_1/PCIEX8_2 is populated.
(The PCI Express x16 slots conform to PCI Express 3.0 standard.)
* To support PCI Express 3.0, you must install an Intel 22nm (Ivy Bridge) CPU.
2 x PCI Express x1 slots
(The PCI Express x1 slots conform to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
1 x PCI slot
Multi-Graphics
Technology 
Support for 4-Way/3-Way/2-Way AMD CrossFireX
™
/NVIDIA SLI technology
™

- 11 -
Hardware Installation
Storage Interface Chipset:
- 2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (SATA3 0/1) supporting up to 2 SATA 6Gb/s
devices
- 4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors (SATA2 2/3/4/5) supporting up to 4 SATA 3Gb/s
devices
- 1 x mSATA connector
* The SATA2 5 connector will become unavailable when the mSATA connector is
installed with a solid state drive.
- Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10
* When a RAID set is built across the SATA 6Gb/s and SATA 3Gb/s channels, the
system performance of the RAID set may vary depending on the devices being
connected.
2 x Marvell 88SE9172 chips:
- 4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (GSATA3 6/7/8/9) supporting up to 4 SATA 6Gb/s
devices
- Support for RAID 0 and RAID 1
USB Chipset:
- Up to 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports on the back panel
- Up to 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (available through the internal USB headers)
Chipset + 2 VIA VL810 Hubs:
- Up to 8 USB 3.0/2.0 ports (4 ports on the back panel, 4 ports available through
the internal USB headers)
IEEE 1394 VIA VT6308 chip:
- Up to 2 IEEE 1394a ports (available through the internal IEEE 1394a headers)
Internal
Connectors
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x PCIe power connector
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
1 x mSATA connector
1 x CPU fan header
4 x system fan headers
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 headers
2 x IEEE 1394a headers
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
1 x power button
1 x Clear CMOS button
1 x reset button
Voltage measurement points
1 x BIOS switch
1 x Trusted Platform Module (TPM) header
Back Panel
Connectors
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
1 x D-Sub port

- 12 -
Hardware Installation
Back Panel
Connectors
1 x DVI-D port
1 x HDMI port
1 x DisplayPort
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
System voltage detection
CPU/System temperature detection
CPU/System fan speed detection
CPU overheating warning
CPU/System fan fail warning
CPU/System fan speed control
* Whether the CPU/system fan speed control function is supported will depend on the
CPU/system cooler you install.
BIOS 2x64Mbitash
Use of licensed AMI EFI BIOS
Support for DualBIOS™
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI 2.0a
Unique Features Support for @BIOS
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Xpress Install
Support for Xpress Recovery2
Support for EasyTune
* Available functions in EasyTune may differ by motherboard model.
Support for eXtreme Hard Drive (X.H.D)
Support for Auto Green
Support for ON/OFF Charge
Support for Q-Share
Support for 3D Power
SupportforEZSetup
Bundled
Software
Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Intel®Rapid Start Technology
Intel®Smart Connect Technology
Intel®Smart Response Technology
LucidLogix Virtu MVP
* Make sure the monitor cable has been connected to the integrated graphics port(s)
on the back panel.
Operating
System Support for Microsoft®Windows 7
Form Factor XL-ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 26.4cm
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest chassis support list.)
* 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 to check the supported operating system(s) for the software listed in the "Unique
Features" and "Bundled Software" columns.

- 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 KeyAlignment Key
LGA1155 CPU Socket
Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket
Notch
Notch
LGA1155 CPU
Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU

- 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.
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 will be lifted as well.
Step 3:
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 5:
Push the CPU socket lever back into its locked
position.
Step 4:
Once the CPU is properly inserted, use one hand
to hold the socket lever and use the other to lightly
replace the load plate. When replacing the load
plate, make sure the front end of the load plate is
under the shoulder screw.
NOTE:
Hold the CPU socket lever by the handle, not the
lever base portion.
Step 2:
Remove the CPU socket cover as shown. Hold
yourindexnger down ontherear gripof the
socket cover and use your thumb to lift up the
front edge (next to the "REMOVE" mark) and
then remove the cover. (DO NOT touch socket
contacts. To protect the CPU socket, always
replace the protective socket cover when the CPU
is not installed.)

- 15 -
Hardware Installation
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler
Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler on the motherboard. (The following procedure uses
Intel®boxed cooler as the example cooler.)
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.
Step 1:
Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on
the surface of the installed CPU.
Male
Push Pin
Female
Push Pin
The Top
of Female
Push Pin
Direction of
the Arrow Sign
on the Male
Push Pin
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
motherboard. 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.)
Step 5:
After the installation, check the back of the
motherboard. 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.

- 16 -
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.
DDR3_4 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_1
1-4-1DualChannelMemoryConguration
This motherboard provides four DDR3 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 DDR3 memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as
following:
Channel A: DDR3_2, DDR3_4
Channel B: DDR3_1, DDR3_3
DualChannelMemoryCongurationsTable
DDR3_4 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_1
Two Modules - - DS/SS - - DS/SS
DS/SS - - DS/SS - -
Four 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 DDR3 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. For optimum performance, when enabling
Dual Channel mode with two memory modules, we recommend that you install them in the DDR3_1
and DDR3_2 sockets.

- 17 -
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. DDR3 and DDR2 DIMMs are not
compatible to each other or DDR DIMMs. Be sure to install DDR3 DIMMs on this motherboard.
Notch
DDR3 DIMM
ADDR3memorymodulehasanotch,soitcanonly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.
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:
Press the latch at the end of the PCI Express slot to release the card and then pull
the card straight up from the slot.
PCI Express x1 Slot
PCI Express x16 Slot
PCI 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
expansion card(s).
7. Install the driver provided with the expansion card in your operating system.

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Hardware Installation
1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFireXTM/NVIDIASLIConguration
C.ConguringtheGraphicsCardDriver
C-1. To Enable CrossFireX Function
After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system,
go to the Catalyst Control Center. Browse to Performance\AMD
CrossFireX™CongurationandensuretheEnable CrossFireX™
check box is selected. Select the GPU combination you want to use
and click Apply. (Available combination options are dependent on
the number of graphics cards.)
C-2. To Enable SLI Function
After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go to the
NVIDIAControl Panel. Browse to the SetSLIandPhysxConguration
screen and ensure Maximize 3D performance is enabled.
A. System Requirements
-Windows 7 operating system
-A CrossFireX/SLI-supported motherboard with two/three/four PCI Express x16 slots and correct driver
-Two/three/four CrossFireX/SLI-ready graphics cards of identical brand and chip and correct driver
(Current GPUs that support 3-Way/4-Way CrossFireX technology include the ATI Radeon HD 3800, HD
4800, HD 5800 series, and AMD Radeon HD 6800, HD 6900, and HD 7900 series. Current GPUs that
support 3-Way/4-Way SLI technology include the NVIDIA 8800 GTX, 8800 Ultra, 9800 GTX, GTX 260,
GTX 280, GTX 470, GTX 480, GTX 550, GTX 560, GTX 570, GTX 580, and GTX 590 series.)
-CrossFireX (Note 1)/SLI bridge connectors
-Apowersupplywithsufcientpowerisrecommended(Note 2) (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 CrossFireX/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_1 and PCIEX16_2 slots.)
Step 2:
Insert the CrossFireX (Note 1)/SLI bridge connectors in the CrossFireX/SLI gold edge connectors on top of the
cards.
Step 3:
Plug the display cable into the graphics card on the PCIEX16_1 slot.
(Note 1) The bridge connectors may be needed or not depending on your
graphics cards.
(Note 2) When two or more graphics cards are installed, we recommend that
you connect the SATApower cable from the power supply to the ATX4P
connector to ensure system stability. For 4-way CrossFireX™/SLI, you
must connect the ATX4P connector.
Procedure and driver screen for enabling CrossFireX/SLI technology may differ by graphics cards. Refer to the manual
that came with your graphics cards for more information about enabling CrossFireX/SLI technology.

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Hardware Installation
External SATA Connector
Power Connector
External SATA
Connector
SATA Bracket SATA Signal Cable
SATA Power Cable
1-7 Installing the SATA Bracket
•Turn off your system and the power switch on the power supply before installing or removing the
SATA bracket and SATA power cable to prevent damage to hardware.
•Insert the SATA signal cable and SATA power cable securely into the corresponding connectors
when installing.
The SATA bracket allows you to connect external SATA device(s) to your system by expanding the internal
SATA port(s) to the chassis back panel.
Follow the steps below to install the SATA bracket:
The SATA bracket includes one SATA bracket, two SATA
signal cables, and one SATA power cable.
Step 2:
Connect the SATA
cable from the bracket
to the SATA port on
your motherboard.
Step 4:
Plug one end of the
SATA signal cable
into the external SATA
connector on the
bracket. Then attach
the SATA power cable
to the power connector
on the bracket.
Step 1:
Locate one free slot
and secure the SATA
bracket to the chassis
back panel with a
screw.
Step 3:
Connect the power
cable from the bracket
to the power supply.
Step 5:
Connect the other ends of the SATA signal cable and SATA power cable to your
SATA device. For SATA device in external enclosure, you only need to connect
the SATA signal cable. Before connecting the SATA signal cable, make sure to
turn off the power of the external enclosure.