Gigabyte GA-H270-Gaming 3 User manual

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GA-H270-Gaming 3
User's Manual
Rev. 1001
12ME-H270G3-1001R

Copyright
©2016 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
The trademarks mentioned in this manual are legally registered to their respective owners.
Disclaimer
Information in this manual is protected by copyright laws and is the property of GIGABYTE.
Changes to the specications and features in this manual may be made by GIGABYTE without prior notice.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, transmitted, or published in any form or
by any means without GIGABYTE's prior written permission.
In order to assist in the use of this product, 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:
Motherboard
GA-H270-Gaming 3
Nov. 30, 2016
Nov. 30, 2016
Motherboard
GA-H270-Gaming 3

- 3 -
Table of Contents
GA-H270-Gaming 3 Motherboard Layout........................................................................4
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation .....................................................................................5
1-1 Installation Precautions.................................................................................... 5
1-2 ProductSpecications...................................................................................... 6
1-3 Installing the CPU ............................................................................................ 9
1-4 Installing the Memory....................................................................................... 9
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card ......................................................................... 10
1-6 Back Panel Connectors.................................................................................. 10
1-7 Internal Connectors........................................................................................ 12
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ..................................................................................................21
2-1 Startup Screen ............................................................................................... 21
2-2 M.I.T. .............................................................................................................. 22
2-3 System ........................................................................................................... 28
2-4 BIOS............................................................................................................... 29
2-5 Peripherals..................................................................................................... 32
2-6 Chipset........................................................................................................... 35
2-7 Power............................................................................................................. 36
2-8 Save & Exit..................................................................................................... 38
Chapter 3 Appendix ......................................................................................................39
3-1 ConguringaRAIDSet.................................................................................. 39
3-2 DriversInstallation.......................................................................................... 41
RegulatoryStatements.............................................................................................. 42
Contact Us ................................................................................................................ 44

- 4 -
GA-H270-Gaming 3 Motherboard Layout
* The box contents above are for reference only and the actual items shall depend on the product package you obtain. The
box contents are subject to change without notice.
Box Contents
5GA-H270-Gaming 3 motherboard 5Two SATA cables
5Motherboard driver disk 5I/O Shield
5User's Manual 5One G Connector
KB_MS_USB30 CPU_FANATX_12V_2X4
ATX
F_AUDIO
AUDIO
B_BIOS
PCIEX4
DDR4_2 DDR4_1 DDR4_4 DDR4_3
BAT
F_PANEL
Intel®H270
CLR_CMOS
M_BIOS
PCIEX1_1
PCIEX16
F_USB1
LGA1151
HDMI
R_USB30
USB_LAN
F_USB30_2
SYS_FAN2
iTE®
Super I/O
LED_C
SYS_FAN1
M2A1_32G
Rivet Networks
Killer™E2500
SATA3
SATA3
3 2 1 0
CPU_OPT
USB31
TYPEC
SATAEXPRESS
DVI
PCIEX1_2
PCI1
PCI2
CODEC
80110 60 42
GA-H270-Gaming 3
F_USB30_1
SPDIF_O F_USB2
PCIe to PCI
Bridge
5 4
COMA TPM SYS_FAN3_PUMP
M2A2_32G
80 60 42
ASMedia®USB 3.1 Gen 2
Controller
THB_C
CPU DRAM
VGA BOOT

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.
- 5 -

1-2 ProductSpecications
CPU Supportfor7thand6thgenerationIntel®Core™i7processors/Intel®Core™i5processors/
Intel®Core™i3 processors/Intel®Pentium®processors/Intel®Celeron®processors in
the LGA1151 package (Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
L3 cache varies with CPU
Chipset Intel®H270 Express Chipset
Memory 4 x DDR4 DIMM sockets supporting up to 64 GB of system memory
* Due to a Windows 32-bit operating system limitation, when more than 4 GB of
physical memory is installed, the actual memory size displayed will be less than the
size of the physical memory installed.
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for DDR4 2400/2133 MHz memory modules
Support for ECC Un-buffered DIMM 1Rx8/2Rx8 memory modules (operate in
non-ECC mode)
Support for non-ECC Un-buffered DIMM 1Rx8/2Rx8/1Rx16 memory modules
Support for Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules
* To support 2400 MHz or XMP memory, you must install a 7th generation processor.
(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 HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096x2160@24 Hz
* Support for HDMI 1.4 version.
- 1 x DVI-D port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920x1200@60 Hz
* The DVI-D port does not support D-Sub connection by adapter.
Maximum shared memory of 1 GB
Audio Realtek®ALC1220 codec
Support for Sound Blaster X-Fi MB5
High Definition Audio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF Out
LAN 1 x Rivet Networks Killer™E2500 LAN 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)
* The PCIEX4 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX1_1 and PCIEX1_2 slots. The
PCIEX4 slot operates at up to x1 mode when the PCIEX1_1 or PCIEX1_2 slot is
populated.
2 x PCI Express x1 slots
(All of the PCI Express slots conform to PCI Express 3.0 standard.)
2 x PCI slots
Multi-Graphics
Technology Support for AMD Quad-GPU CrossFireX™and 2-WayAMD CrossFire™technologies
Storage Interface Chipset:
- 1 x M.2 connector (Socket 3, M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 SATA and
PCIe x4/x2 SSD support)(M2A1_32G)
- 1 x M.2 connector (Socket 3, M key, type 2242/2260/2280 PCIe x4/x2 SSD
support)(M2A2_32G)
- 6 -

Storage Interface - 2 x SATA Express connectors
- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
- Support for RAID0, RAID1, RAID5, and RAID10
* Refer to "1-7 Internal Connectors," for the installation notices for the M.2 and SATA
connectors.
USB Chipset+ASMedia®USB 3.1 Gen 2 Controller:
- 1 x USB Type-C™port on the back panel, with USB 3.1 Gen 2 support
- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A port (red)on the back panel
Chipset:
- 8 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports (4 ports on the back panel, 4 ports available through
the internal USB headers)
- 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (2 ports on the back panel, 4 ports available through
the internal USB headers)
Internal
Connectors
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
2 x M.2 Socket 3 connectors
2 x SATA Express connectors
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan header
1 x water cooling CPU fan header
2 x system fan headers
1 x system fan/water cooling pump header
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 headers
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x RGB (RGBW)LEDstrip extension cable header
1 x S/PDIF Out header
1 x serial port header
1 x Trusted Platform Module (TPM)header
1 x Thunderbolt™add-in card connector
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
Back Panel
Connectors
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
1 x USB Type-C™port, with USB 3.1 Gen 2 support
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A port (red)
1 x DVI-Dport
1 x HDMI port
4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x RJ-45 port
6 x audio jacks (Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out, Rear Speaker Out, Side Speaker
Out, Line In, Line Out, Mic In)
I/O Controller iTE®I/O Controller Chip
Hardware
Monitor
Voltage detection
Temperature detection
Fan speed detection
Overheating warning
Fan fail warning
- 7 -

Hardware
Monitor
Fan speed control
* Whether the fan (pump)speed control function is supported will depend on the fan
(pump)you install.
BIOS 2 x 64 Mbit ash
Use of licensed AMI UEFI BIOS
Support for DualBIOS™
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.7, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0
Unique Features Support for APP Center
* Available applications in APP Center may vary by motherboard model. Supported
functions of each application may also vary depending on motherboard specications.
- 3DOSD
- @BIOS
- AutoGreen
- BIOS Setup
- Color Temperature
- Cloud Station
- EasyTune
- EasyRAID
- Fast Boot
- Game Boost
- ON/OFF Charge
- Platform Power Management
- RGBFusion
- Smart Backup
- Smart Keyboard
- Smart TimeLock
- System Information Viewer
- USB Blocker
- USBDAC-UP2
- V-Tuner
Support for 3TB+ Unlock
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Xpress Install
Bundled
Software
Norton®Internet Security (OEM version)
Intel®Optane™Memory Ready
Operating
System
Support for Windows 10/8.1 64-bit
Support for Windows 7 64-bit/32-bit
* Operating systems supported may vary depending on your processor model.
* Please download the "Windows USB Installation Tool" from GIGABYTE's website
and install it before installing Windows 7.
Form Factor ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm
* GIGABYTEreservestherighttomakeanychangestotheproductspecicationsandproduct-relatedinformationwithout
prior notice.
Please visit GIGABYTE's website
for support lists of CPU, memory
modules,SSDs,andM.2devices.
Please visit the Support\Utility List
page on GIGABYTE's website to
download the latest version of apps.
- 8 -

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.
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.
Alignment KeyAlignment Key
LGA1151 CPU Socket
Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket
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.
LGA1151 CPU
Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU
Notch
Notch
- 9 -

1-6 Back Panel Connectors
PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port
Use this port to connect a PS/2 mouse or keyboard.
USB 3.1 Gen 1 Port
TheUSB3.1Gen1portsupportstheUSB3.1Gen1specicationandiscompatibletotheUSB2.0
specication.YoucanconnectaUSBDACtothisportorusethisportforUSBdevices.
DVI-D Port (Note)
TheDVI-DportconformstotheDVI-Dspecificationandsupportsamaximumresolutionof
1920x1200@60Hz(theactual resolutions supported depend on the monitor being used). Connecta
monitorthatsupportsDVI-Dconnectiontothisport.
USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A Port (Red)
TheUSB3.1Gen2Type-AportsupportstheUSB3.1Gen2specicationandiscompatibletotheUSB
3.1Gen1andUSB2.0specication.UsethisportforUSBdevices.
USB Type-C™Port
ThereversibleUSBportsupportstheUSB3.1Gen 2specication andis compatibleto theUSB 3.1
Gen1andUSB2.0specication.UsethisportforUSBdevices.
USB 3.1 Gen 1 Port
TheUSB3.1Gen1portsupportstheUSB3.1Gen1specicationandiscompatibletotheUSB2.0
specication.UsethisportforUSBdevices.
(Note) TheDVI-DportdoesnotsupportD-Subconnectionbyadapter.
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.
The four memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as following:
ChannelA:DDR4_2,DDR4_4
ChannelB:DDR4_1,DDR4_3
DualChannelMemoryCongurationsTable
DDR4_4 DDR4_2 DDR4_3 DDR4_1
2 Modules - - DS/SS - - DS/SS
DS/SS - - DS/SS - -
4 Modules DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS
(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.
- 10 -

AfterinstallingtheHDMIdevice,makesuretosetthedefaultsoundplaybackdevicetoHDMI.(The
itemnamemaydifferdependingonyouroperatingsystem.)
HDMI Port
TheHDMIportisHDCPcompliantandsupportsDolbyTrueHDandDTSHD
Master Audio formats. It also supports up to 192KHz/16bit 8-channel LPCM
audiooutput.YoucanusethisporttoconnectyourHDMI-supportedmonitor.Themaximumsupported
resolutionis 4096x2160@24 Hz, buttheactualresolutions supported aredependentonthe monitor
being used.
•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.
Please visit GIGABYTE's website for more software information.
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
USB 2.0/1.1 Port
TheUSBportsupportstheUSB2.0/1.1specication.UsethisportforUSBdevices.
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out (Orange)
Usethisaudiojacktoconnectcenter/subwooferspeakersina5.1/7.1-channelaudioconguration.
Rear Speaker Out (Black)
Thisjackcanbeusedtoconnectrearspeakersina4/5.1/7.1-channelaudioconguration.
Side Speaker Out (Gray)
Usethisaudiojacktoconnectsidespeakersina7.1-channelaudioconguration.
Line In (Blue)
The line in jack. Use this audio jack for line in devices such as an optical drive, walkman, etc.
Line Out (Green)
The 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 (Pink)
The Mic in jack.
- 11 -

1-7 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_2X4
2) ATX
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN1/2
5) CPU_OPT
6) SYS_FAN3_PUMP
7) CPU/DRAM/VGA/BOOT
8) LED_C
9) SATA EXPRESS
10) SATA3 0/1/2/3/4/5
11) M2A1_32G/M2A2_32G
12) BAT
13) F_PANEL
14) SPDIF_O
15) F_ AUDIO
16) F_USB30_1/F_USB30_2
17) F_USB1/F_USB2
18) COMA
19) TPM
20) CLR_CMOS
21) THB_C
4
6 13191415
1
43
16
10
17
5
9
10
2
11
12
18 8
20
7
11
21
- 12 -

DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
131
24
12
ATX
1/2) ATX_12V_2X4/ATX (2x4 12V Power Connector 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
3GND 15 GND
4 +5V 16 PS_ON(softOn/Off)
5GND 17 GND
6 +5V 18 GND
7GND 19 GND
8 Power Good 20 NC
95VSB(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-pin
ATX)
24 GND(Onlyfor2x12-pinATX)
ATX_12V_2X4:
Pin No. Denition Pin No. Denition
1GND(Onlyfor2x4-pin12V) 5+12V(Onlyfor2x4-pin12V)
2GND(Onlyfor2x4-pin12V) 6+12V(Onlyfor2x4-pin12V)
3GND 7 +12V
4GND 8 +12V
3/4) CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/2 (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
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
1
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
ATX_12V_2X4
41
85
Pin No. Denition
1GND
2Voltage Speed Control
3 Sense
4 PWM Speed Control
1
SYS_FAN1/2
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
- 13 -

6) SYS_FAN3_PUMP (System Fan/Water Cooling Pump Header)
The fan header is 4-pin and possesses 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," "M.I.T.," for more information
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
1
5) CPU_OPT (Water Cooling CPU Fan Header)
The fan header is 4-pin and possesses 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.
Pin No. Denition
1 GND
2 Voltage Speed Control
3 Sense
4 PWM Speed Control
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
1
Pin No. Denition
1 GND
2 Voltage Speed Control
3 Sense
4 PWM Speed Control
7) CPU/DRAM/VGA/BOOT (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/VGA/DRAM 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.
CPU: CPU status LED
DRAM: Memory status LED
VGA: Graphics card status LED
BOOT: Operating system status LED
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
_
USB0_B
B_ 
CPU DRAM
VGA BOOT
- 14 -

9) SATA EXPRESS (SATA Express Connectors)
Each SATA Express connector supports a single SATA Express device.
10) 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
1GND
2 TXP
3 TXN
4GND
5RXN
6RXP
7GND
To enable hot-plugging for the SATA ports, refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Peripherals\SATA
AndRSTConguration,"formoreinformation.
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
_
USB0_B
B_ 
1
1
SATA3
SATA3 3 2
1 0
5
4
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
_
USB0_B
B_ 
7
7
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
Pin No. Denition
1 12V
2 G
3R
4 B
5 W
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
_
USB0_B
B_ 
1
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.
8) LED_C (RGB (RGBW) LED Strip Extension Cable Header)
 Theheadercanbeusedtoconnectastandard5050RGB(RGBW)LEDstrip(12V/G/R/B/W),withmaximum
powerratingof2A(12V)andmaximumlengthof2m.
ConnectoneendoftheincludedRGB(RGBW)LEDstripextensioncableto
theheaderandtheotherendtoyourRGB(RGBW)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.
12V
1
Black wire
12V of the
LEDstrip
Forhowtoturnon/offthelightsoftheRGB(RGBW)LEDstrip,refertotheinstructionsinChapter2,
"BIOS Setup."
- 15 -

11) M2A1_32G/M2A2_32G (M.2 Socket 3 Connectors)
 TheM2A1_32GconnectorsupportsM.2SATASSDsandM.2PCIeSSDsandtheM2A2_32Gconnector
supportsM.2PCIeSSDsonly.TheM.2connectors cansupport RAIDconguration throughthe Intel®
Chipset.PleasenotethatanM.2PCIeSSDcannotbeusedtocreateaRAIDseteitherwithanM.2SATA
SSDoraSATAharddrive.TocreateaRAIDarraywithanM.2PCIeSSD,youmustsetuptheconguration
inUEFIBIOSmode.RefertoChapter3,"ConguringaRAIDSet,"forinstructionsonconguringaRAID
array.
SelecttheproperholefortheM.2SSDtobeinstalledandrefastenthescrewandnut.
FollowthestepsbelowtocorrectlyinstallanM.2SSDintheM.2connector.
Step 1:
Use a screw driver to unfasten the screw and nut from the motherboard. Locate the proper mounting hole
fortheM.2SSDtobeinstalledandthenscrewthenutrst.
Step 2:
SlidetheM.2SSDintotheconnectoratanangle.
Step 3:
PresstheM.2SSDdownandthensecureitwiththescrew.
Installation Notices for the M2A1_32G and SATA Connectors:
DuetothelimitednumberoflanesprovidedbytheChipset,theavailabilityoftheSATAconnectorsmaybe
affected by the type of devices installed in the M2A1_32G connector. The M2A1_32G connector shares bandwidth
withtheSATA30connector.Refertothefollowingtablefordetails:
SATA3 0 SATA3 1 SATA3 2 SATA3 3 SATA3 4 SATA3 5
M.2SATASSD raaaaa
M.2PCIex4SSD
aaaaaa
M.2PCIex2SSD
aaaaaa
NoM.2SSDInstalled aaaaaa
a: Available, r: Not available
Connector
Type of
M.2SSD
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
80110 60 42
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
80 60 42
M2A1_32G
M2A2_32G
- 16 -

12) BAT (Battery)
 Thebatteryprovidespowertokeepthevalues(suchasBIOScongurations,date,andtimeinformation)
intheCMOSwhenthecomputeristurnedoff.Replacethebatterywhenthebatteryvoltagedropstoalow
level, or the CMOS values may not be accurate or may be lost.
You may clear the CMOS values by removing the battery:
1. Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Gently remove the battery from the battery holder and wait for one minute. (Or use a
metal object like a screwdriver to touch the positive and negative terminals of the battery
holder,makingthemshortfor5seconds.)
3. Replacethebattery.
4. Plug in the power cord and restart your computer.
•Always turn off your computer and unplug the power cord before replacing the battery.
•Replacethebatterywithanequivalentone.Dangerofexplosionifthebatteryisreplacedwith
an incorrect model.
•Contact the place of purchase or local dealer if you are not able to replace the battery by yourself
or uncertain about the battery model.
•Wheninstallingthebattery,notetheorientationofthepositiveside(+)andthenegativeside(-)
ofthebattery(thepositivesideshouldfaceup).
•Used batteries must be handled in accordance with local environmental regulations.
13) F_PANEL (Front Panel Header)
Connect the power switch, reset switch, speaker, chassis intrusion switch/sensor and system status indicator
on the chassis to this header according to the pin assignments below. Note the positive and negative pins
before connecting the cables.
System Status LED
S0 On
S3/S4/S5 Off
•PW(PowerSwitch,Red):
Connects to the power switch on the chassis front panel. You may
congurethewaytoturnoffyoursystemusingthepowerswitch(refer
toChapter2,"BIOSSetup,""Power,"formoreinformation).
•SPEAK (Speaker,Orange):
Connects to the speaker on the chassis front panel. The system reports
system startup status by issuing a beep code. One single short beep
will be heard if no problem is detected at system startup.
•PLED/PWR_LED (PowerLED,Yellow/Purple):
Connects to the power status indicator
onthechassisfrontpanel.TheLEDison
whenthesystemisoperating.TheLEDis
off when the system is in S3/S4 sleep state
orpoweredoff(S5).
•HD (HardDriveActivityLED,Blue):
 ConnectstotheharddriveactivityLEDonthechassisfrontpanel.TheLEDisonwhentheharddriveis
reading or writing data.
•RES (ResetSwitch,Green):
Connects to the reset switch on the chassis front panel. Press the reset switch to restart the computer if the
computer freezes and fails to perform a normal restart.
•CI (ChassisIntrusionHeader,Gray):
Connects to the chassis intrusion switch/sensor on the chassis that can detect if the chassis cover has been
removed. This function requires a chassis with a chassis intrusion switch/sensor.
•NC (Orange):NoConnection.
NC NC
PowerLED
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
1
2
19
20
CI-
CI+
PWR_LED-
PWR_LED+
PLED- PW- SPEAK+ SPEAK-
PLED+ PW+
PowerLED
HD-
RES+
HD+
RES-
HardDrive
ActivityLED
Reset
Switch Chassis Intrusion
Header
Power Switch Speaker
PWR_LED-
The front panel design may differ by chassis.Afront panel module mainly consists of power switch, reset
switch,powerLED,harddriveactivityLED,speakerandetc.Whenconnectingyourchassisfrontpanel
module to this header, make sure the wire assignments and the pin assignments are matched correctly.
- 17 -

14) SPDIF_O (S/PDIF Out Header)
 ThisheadersupportsdigitalS/PDIFOutandconnectsaS/PDIFdigitalaudiocable(providedbyexpansion
cards)fordigitalaudiooutputfromyourmotherboardtocertainexpansioncardslikegraphicscardsand
soundcards.Forexample,somegraphicscardsmayrequireyoutouseaS/PDIFdigitalaudiocablefor
digitalaudiooutputfromyourmotherboardtoyourgraphicscardifyouwishtoconnectanHDMIdisplay
tothegraphicscardandhavedigitalaudiooutputfromtheHDMIdisplayatthesametime.Forinformation
aboutconnectingtheS/PDIFdigitalaudiocable,carefullyreadthemanualforyourexpansioncard.
Pin No. Denition
1SPDIFO
2GND
1
15) F_AUDIO (Front Panel Audio Header)
 ThefrontpanelaudioheadersupportsIntelHighDenitionaudio(HD)andAC'97audio.Youmayconnect
your chassis front panel audio module to this header. Make sure the wire assignments of the module
connector match the pin assignments of the motherboard header. Incorrect connection between the module
connector and the motherboard header will make the device unable to work or even damage it.
ForHDFrontPanelAudio: For AC'97 Front PanelAudio:
•ThefrontpanelaudioheadersupportsHDaudiobydefault.
•Audio signals will be present on both of the front and back panel audio connections simultaneously.
•Some chassis provide a front panel audio module that has separated connectors on each wire instead
of a single plug. For information about connecting the front panel audio module that has different
wire assignments, please contact the chassis manufacturer.
Pin No. Denition
1 MIC2_L
2GND
3MIC2_R
4 NC
5LINE2_R
6 Sense
7FAUDIO_JD
8 No Pin
9 LINE2_L
10 Sense
Pin No. Denition
1 MIC
2GND
3 MIC Power
4 NC
5LineOut(R)
6 NC
7 NC
8 No Pin
9LineOut(L)
10 NC
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
_
USB0_B
B_ 
9 1
10 2
- 18 -

Pin No. Denition Pin No. Denition
1 VBUS 11 D2+
2SSRX1- 12 D2-
3SSRX1+ 13 GND
4GND 14 SSTX2+
5 SSTX1- 15 SSTX2-
6SSTX1+ 16 GND
7GND 17 SSRX2+
8D1- 18 SSRX2-
9D1+ 19 VBUS
10 NC 20 No Pin
16) F_USB30_1/F_USB30_2 (USB 3.1 Gen 1 Headers)
 TheheadersconformtoUSB3.1Gen1andUSB2.0specicationandcanprovidetwoUSBports.For
purchasing the optional 3.5" front panel that provides two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, please contact the local
dealer.
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
_
USB0_B
B_ 
10
20 1
11
17) F_USB1/F_USB2 (USB 2.0/1.1 Headers)
 TheheadersconformtoUSB2.0/1.1specication.EachUSBheadercanprovidetwoUSBportsviaan
optional USB bracket. For purchasing the optional USB bracket, please contact the local dealer.
Pin No. Denition Pin No. Denition
1Power(5V) 6USBDY+
2Power(5V) 7GND
3USBDX- 8GND
4USBDY- 9 No Pin
5USBDX+ 10 NC
•DonotplugtheIEEE1394bracket(2x5-pin)cableintotheUSB2.0/1.1header.
•Prior to installing the USB bracket, be sure to turn off your computer and unplug the power cord
from the power outlet to prevent damage to the USB bracket.
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
10
9
2
1
18) COMA (Serial Port Header)
The COM header can provide one serial port via an optional COM port cable. For purchasing the optional
COM port cable, please contact the local dealer.
Pin No. Denition Pin No. Denition
1NDCD- 6NDSR-
2 NSIN 7 NRTS-
3 NSOUT 8 NCTS-
4NDTR- 9NRI-
5GND 10 No Pin
10
9
2
1
- 19 -

20) CLR_CMOS (Clear CMOS Jumper)
 UsethisjumpertocleartheBIOScongurationandresettheCMOSvaluestofactorydefaults.Toclear
the CMOS values, use a metal object like a screwdriver to touch the two pins for a few seconds.
•Always turn off your computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before clearing
the CMOS values.
•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).
Open: Normal
Short: Clear CMOS Values
20
19
2
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
_
USB0_B
B_ 
19) TPM (Trusted Platform Module Header)
 YoumayconnectaTPM(TrustedPlatformModule)tothisheader.
Pin No. Denition Pin No. Denition
1 LCLK 11 LAD0
2GND 12 GND
3LFRAME 13 NC
4 No Pin 14 NC
5LRESET 15 SB3V
6 NC 16 SERIRQ
7LAD3 17 GND
8LAD2 18 NC
9 VCC3 19 NC
10 LAD1 20 NC
21) THB_C (Thunderbolt™Add-in Card Connector)
This connector is for a GIGABYTE Thunderbolt™add-in card.
1
Supports a Thunderbolt™add-in card.
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
_
USB0_B
B_ 
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