Gigabyte GA-870A-USB3 User manual

GA-870A-USB3
AM3 socket motherboard for
AMD Phenom™II processor/ AMD Athlon™II processor
User's Manual
Rev. 3001
12ME-870AUB3-3001R

Motherboard
GA-870A-USB3
Jan. 28, 2011
Jan. 28, 2011
Motherboard
GA-870A-USB3

Copyright
©2011 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 with-
out 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-870A-USB3 Motherboard Layout..............................................................................7
GA-870A-USB3 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 Back Panel Connectors.................................................................................. 19
1-7 Internal Connectors........................................................................................ 21
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ..................................................................................................31
2-1 Startup Screen ............................................................................................... 32
2-2 The Main Menu .............................................................................................. 33
2-3 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)........................................................................ 35
2-4 Standard CMOS Features.............................................................................. 39
2-5 Advanced BIOS Features .............................................................................. 41
2-6 Integrated Peripherals.................................................................................... 43
2-7 Power Management Setup............................................................................. 47
2-8 PC Health Status............................................................................................ 49
2-9 Load Fail-Safe Defaults.................................................................................. 51
2-10 Load Optimized Defaults................................................................................ 51
2-11 Set Supervisor/User Password ...................................................................... 52
2-12 Save & Exit Setup .......................................................................................... 53
2-13 Exit Without Saving........................................................................................ 53

- 5 -
Chapter 3 Drivers Installation........................................................................................55
3-1 Installing Chipset Drivers ............................................................................... 55
3-2 Application Software ...................................................................................... 56
3-3 Technical Manuals.......................................................................................... 56
3-4 Contact........................................................................................................... 57
3-5 System ........................................................................................................... 57
3-6 Download Center ........................................................................................... 58
3-7 New Utilities ................................................................................................... 58
Chapter 4 Unique Features...........................................................................................59
4-1 Xpress Recovery2.......................................................................................... 59
4-2 BIOS Update Utilities ..................................................................................... 62
4-2-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility.............................................................62
4-2-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility .............................................................65
4-3 EasyTune 6 .................................................................................................... 66
4-4 Easy Energy Saver ........................................................................................ 67
4-5 Q-Share.......................................................................................................... 69
4-6 SMART Recovery........................................................................................... 70
4-7 Auto Green..................................................................................................... 71
4-8 Cloud OC ....................................................................................................... 72
Chapter 5 Appendix ......................................................................................................73
5-1 Conguring SATA Hard Drive(s)..................................................................... 73
5-1-1 Conguring SATA Controllers ................................................................................73
5-1-2 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System ...............................79
5-2 Conguring Audio Input and Output............................................................... 83
5-2-1 Conguring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio...................................................................83
5-2-2 Conguring S/PDIF In/Out......................................................................................85
5-2-3 Conguring Microphone Recording........................................................................87
5-2-4 Using the Sound Recorder .....................................................................................89
5-3 Troubleshooting.............................................................................................. 90
5-3-1 Frequently Asked Questions ..................................................................................90
5-3-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ....................................................................................91

- 6 -
Box Contents
GA-870A-USB3 motherboard
Motherboard driver disk
User's Manual
Quick Installation Guide
Two SATA cables
I/O Shield
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)
S/PDIF In cable (Part No. 12CR1-1SPDIN-0*R)
COM port cable (Part No. 12CF1-1CM001-3*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.
•The motherboard image is for reference only.

- 7 -
GA-870A-USB3 Motherboard Layout
KB_USB CPU_FAN
Socket AM3
ATX
GA-870A-USB3
CD_IN
F_AUDIO
AUDIO
SPDIF_IN
PCIEX1_1
DDR3_1 DDR3_2
ATX_12V
AMD 870
AMD SB850
SATA3_3
SATA3_0
SATA3_4
SATA3_2
SATA3_1
PCI1
CODEC
PCI2
CLR_CMOS
BAT
M_BIOS
F_PANEL
COMA
B_BIOS
SYS_FAN1
PCIEX16
F_USB1
F_USB2
DDR3_3 DDR3_4
RCA_SPDIF
USB_LAN
R_USB2
R_USB1
R_USB3
PCIEX1_2
PCI3
SPDIF_OUT
SATA3_5
SYS_FAN2
PWR_FAN
PCIEX4
Realtek
RTL8111E
iTE
IT8720
Etron
EJ168

- 8 -
GA-870A-USB3 Motherboard Block Diagram
AM3 CPU
Hyper Transport 3.0
AMD 870
CPU CLK+/- (200 MHz)
DDR3 2000(O.C.)/1333/1066 MHz
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
1 PCI Express x16
PCI Express x16
Dual Channel Memory
PS/2 KB/Mouse
COM Port
6 SATA 6Gb/s
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Line Out
MIC
Line In
S/PDIF In
S/PDIF Out
Side Speaker Out
Surround Speaker Out
CODEC
3 PCI
PCI Bus
PCI CLK
(33 MHz)
Dual BIOS
12 USB 2.0/1.1
x1
2 USB 3.0/2.0
Etron
EJ168
PCI Express Bus
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
PCI Express Bus
1 PCI Express x1
x4
1 PCI Express x4
x1
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
PCI Express Bus
1 PCI Express x1
x1
LAN
RJ45
Realtek
RTL8111E
x1
LPC
Bus
iTE
IT8720
AMD SB850

- 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, do not remove or break motherboard S/N (Serial Number) sticker or
warranty sticker provided by your dealer. These stickers are required for warranty validation.
• Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the power outlet before
installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware components.
• When connecting hardware components to the internal connectors on the motherboard,
make sure they are connected tightly and securely.
• When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.
• It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when handling electronic com-
ponents such as a motherboard, CPU or memory. If you do not have an ESD wrist strap,
keep your hands dry and rst touch a metal object to eliminate static electricity.
• Prior to installing the motherboard, please have it on top of an antistatic pad or within an
electrostatic shielding container.
• Before unplugging the power supply cable from the motherboard, make sure the power sup-
ply 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 hard-
ware 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 sys-
tem 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

Hardware Installation - 10 -
1-2 Product Specications
CPU Support for AM3 processors:
AMD Phenom™ II processor/ AMD Athlon™ II processor
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
Hyper Transport
Bus 5200 MT/s
Chipset North Bridge: AMD 870
South Bridge: AMD SB850
Memory 4 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 16 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 2000(O.C.)/1333/1066 MHz memory modules
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and memory
modules.)
Audio Realtek ALC889 codec
High Denition Audio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF In/Out
Support for CD In
LAN 1 x Realtek RTL8111E chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
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 x4 (PCIEX4)
2 x PCI Express x1 slots
(All PCI Express slots conform to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
3 x PCI slots
Storage Interface South Bridge:
- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors supporting up to 6 SATA 6Gb/s devices
- Support for SATA RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and JBOD
USB South Bridge:
- Up to 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (8 on the back panel, 4 via the USB brackets
connected to the internal USB headers)
Etron EJ168 chip:
- Up to 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports

- 11 - Hardware Installation
Internal
Connectors
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan header
2 x system fan header
1 x power fan header
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x CD In connector
1 x S/PDIF In header
1 x S/PDIF Out header
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x serial port header
1 x clearing CMOS jumper
Back Panel
Connectors
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
1 x coaxial S/PDIF Out connector
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
1 x RJ-45 port
6 x audio jacks (Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out/Rear Speaker Out/Side Speaker
Out/Line In/Line Out/Microphone)
I/O Controller iTE IT8720 chip
Hardware
Monitor
System voltage detection
CPU/System temperature detection
CPU/System/Power fan speed detection
CPU overheating warning
CPU/System/Power 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 16 Mbit ash
Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Support for DualBIOS™
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI 1.0b

Hardware Installation - 12 -
Unique Features Support for @BIOS
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Xpress BIOS Rescue
Support for Download Center
Support for Xpress Install
Support for Xpress Recovery2
Support for EasyTune
* Available functions in EasyTune may differ by motherboard model.
Support for Easy Energy Saver
Support for Smart Recovery
Support for Auto Green
Support for ON/OFF Charge
Support for Cloud OC
Support for Q-Share
Bundled
Software Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Operating
System Support for Microsoft®Windows 7/Vista/XP
Form Factor ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 22.0cm
* 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
1-3-1 Installing the CPU
A. Locate the pin one (denoted by a small triangle) of the CPU socket and 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 dam-
age 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, graph-
ics card, memory, hard drive, etc.
AM3 CPU
AM3 Socket
A Small Triangle Marking
Denotes CPU Pin One
A Small Triangle Mark
Denotes Pin One of the
Socket

Hardware Installation - 14 -
B. Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU into the motherboard CPU socket.
• Before installing the CPU, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the
power outlet to prevent damage to the CPU.
• Do not force the CPU into the CPU socket. The CPU cannot t in if oriented incorrectly. Adjust the
CPU orientation if this occurs.
Step 1:
Completely lift up the CPU socket locking lever.
Step 2:
Align the CPU pin one (small triangle marking) with the triangle mark
on the CPU socket and gently insert the CPU into the socket. Make
sure that the CPU pins t perfectly into their holes. Once the CPU is
positioned into its socket, place one nger down on the middle of the
CPU, lowering the locking lever and latching it into the fully locked
position.
CPU Socket
Locking Lever

- 15 - Hardware Installation
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler
Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler on the CPU. (The following procedure uses the
GIGABYTE cooler as the example.)
Step 1:
Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease
on the surface of the installed CPU.
Step 2:
Place the CPU cooler on the CPU.
Step 3:
Hook the CPU cooler clip to the mounting lug
on one side of the retention frame. On the other
side,push straight down on the the CPU cooler
clip to hook it to the mounting lug on the reten-
tion frame.
Step 4:
Turn the cam handle from the left side to the
right side (as the picture above shows) to lock
into place. (Refer to your CPU cooler installation
manual for instructions on installing the cooler.)
Step 5:
Finally, attach the power connector of the CPU cooler to the CPU
fan header (CPU_FAN) on the motherboard.
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.

Hardware Installation - 16 -
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 direc-
tion. If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.
Dual Channel Memory Congurations Table
(SS=Single-Sided, DS=Double-Sided, "- -"=No Memory)
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. En-
abling 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 0: DDR3_1, DDR3_2
Channel 1: DDR3_3, DDR3_4
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 and installed in the same colored
DDR3 sockets for optimum performance.
DDR3_1 DDR3_2
DDR3_3 DDR3_4
DDR3_1 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_4
Two Modules DS/SS - - DS/SS - -
- - DS/SS - - DS/SS
Four Modules DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS

- 17 - Hardware Installation
1-4-2 Installing a Memory
Notch
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.
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 n-
gers 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.

Hardware Installation - 18 -
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 Slot
PCI Express x1 Slot
PCI Express x16 Slot (PCIEX16)
•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.
PCI Express x16 Slot (PCIEX4)
•Removing the Card from
the PCIEX16 Slot:
Gently push back on the
lever on the slot and then
lift the card straight out
from the slot.
•Removing the Card from
the PCIEX4 Slot:
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.

- 19 - Hardware Installation
1-6 Back Panel Connectors
• 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.
USB 2.0/1.1 Port
The USB port supports the USB 2.0/1.1 specication. Use this port for USB devices such as a USB key-
board/mouse, USB printer, USB ash drive and etc.
PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port
Use this port to connect a PS/2 mouse or keyboard.
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.
Coaxial S/PDIF Out Connector
This connector provides digital audio out to an external audio system that supports digital coaxial audio.
Before using this feature, ensure that your audio system provides a coaxial digital audio in connector.
USB 3.0/2.0 Port
The USB 3.0 port supports the USB 3.0 specication and is compatible to the USB 2.0/1.1 specication.
Use this port for USB devices such as a USB keyboard/mouse, USB printer, USB ash drive and etc.
RJ-45 LAN Port
The Gigabit Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 1 Gbps data rate. The following
describes the states of the LAN port LEDs.
Activity LED
Connection/
Speed LED
LAN Port
Activity LED:Connection/Speed LED:
State Description
Orange 1 Gbps data rate
Green 100 Mbps data rate
Off 10 Mbps data rate
State Description
Blinking Data transmission or receiving is occurring
Off No data transmission or receiving is occurring

Hardware Installation - 20 -
In addition to the default speakers settings, the ~ audio jacks can be recongured to per-
form different functions via the audio software. Only microphones still MUST be connected to
the default Mic in jack ( ). Refer to the instructions on setting up a 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel audio
conguration in Chapter 5, "Conguring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio."
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out Jack (Orange)
Use this audio jack to connect center/subwoofer speakers in a 5.1/7.1-channel audio conguration.
Rear Speaker Out Jack (Black)
Use this audio jack to connect rear speakers in a 4/5.1/7.1-channel audio conguration.
Side Speaker Out Jack (Gray)
Use this audio jack to connect side speakers in a 7.1-channel audio conguration.
Line In Jack (Blue)
The default line in jack. Use this audio jack for line in devices such as an optical drive, walkman, etc.
Line Out Jack (Green)
The default line out jack. Use this audio jack for a headphone or 2-channel speaker. This jack can be
used to connect front speakers in a 4/5.1/7.1-channel audio conguration.
Mic In Jack (Pink)
The default Mic in jack. Microphones must be connected to this jack.