Gigabyte GA-X99-SOC Champion User manual

GA-X99-SOC
Champion
User's Manual
Rev. 1001
12ME-X99SOCH-1001R

Motherboard
GA-X99-SOC Champion
Dec. 26, 2014
Dec. 26, 2014
Motherboard GA-X99-SOC Champion

Copyright
©2014 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
The trademarks mentioned in this manual are legally registered to their respective owners.
Disclaimer
Information in this manual is protected by copyright laws and is the property of GIGABYTE.
Changes to the specications and features in this manual may be made by GIGABYTE
without prior notice.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, transmitted, or published in any
form or by any means without GIGABYTE's prior written permission.
Documentation Classications
In order to assist in the use of this product, GIGABYTE provides the following types of
documentations:
For quick set-up of the product, read the Quick Installation Guide included with the product.
For detailed product information, carefully read the User's Manual.
For product-related information, check on our website at: http://www.gigabyte.com
Identifying Your Motherboard Revision
The revision number on your motherboard looks like this: "REV: X.X." For example, "REV:
1.0" means the revision of the motherboard is 1.0. Check your motherboard revision before
updating motherboard BIOS, drivers, or when looking for technical information.
Example:

- 4 -
Table of Contents
Box Contents...................................................................................................................6
Optional Items .................................................................................................................6
GA-X99-SOC Champion Motherboard Layout ................................................................7
GA-X99-SOC Champion 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 4ChannelMemoryConguration...........................................................................16
1-4-2 Installing a Memory ................................................................................................17
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card ......................................................................... 18
1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA®SLI™Conguration .............................. 19
1-7 Back Panel Connectors.................................................................................. 21
1-8 Onboard Buttons, Switches, and LEDs.......................................................... 23
1-9 Internal Connectors........................................................................................ 26
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ..................................................................................................37
2-1 Startup Screen ............................................................................................... 38
2-2 The Main Menu .............................................................................................. 39
2-3 M.I.T. .............................................................................................................. 42
2-4 System Information ........................................................................................ 54
2-5 BIOS Features ............................................................................................... 55
2-6 Peripherals..................................................................................................... 58
2-7 Chipset........................................................................................................... 60
2-8 Power Management....................................................................................... 63
2-9 Save & Exit..................................................................................................... 65
Chapter3 ConguringSATAHardDrive(s)...................................................................67
3-1 ConguringSATAControllers......................................................................... 67
3-2 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System....................... 79

- 5 -
Chapter 4 Drivers Installation........................................................................................83
4-1 Chipset Drivers............................................................................................... 83
4-2 Application Software ...................................................................................... 84
4-3 Information ..................................................................................................... 84
Chapter 5 Unique Features...........................................................................................85
5-1 BIOS Update Utilities ..................................................................................... 85
5-1-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility.............................................................85
5-1-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility .............................................................88
5-2 APP Center .................................................................................................... 89
5-2-1 EasyTune................................................................................................................90
5-2-2 System Information Viewer.....................................................................................91
5-2-3 EZ Setup.................................................................................................................92
5-2-4 Fast Boot ................................................................................................................95
5-2-5 Smart TimeLock......................................................................................................96
5-2-6 Smart Recovery 2...................................................................................................97
5-2-7 USB Blocker ...........................................................................................................99
5-2-8 Ambient LED ........................................................................................................100
5-2-9 V-Tuner.................................................................................................................101
5-2-10 Smart Switch ........................................................................................................102
5-2-11 Cloud Station Server ............................................................................................103
Chapter 6 Appendix ....................................................................................................109
6-1 ConguringAudioInputandOutput............................................................. 109
6-1-1 Conguring2/4/5.1/7.1-ChannelAudio.................................................................109
6-1-2 ConguringS/PDIFOut........................................................................................ 111
6-1-3 ConguringMicrophoneRecording......................................................................112
6-1-4 Using the Sound Recorder ...................................................................................114
6-2 Troubleshooting............................................................................................ 115
6-2-1 Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................115
6-2-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ..................................................................................116
6-3 Debug LED Codes ....................................................................................... 118
Regulatory Statements............................................................................................ 122
Contact Us .............................................................................................................. 127

- 6 -
Box Contents
5GA-X99-SOC Champion motherboard
5Motherboard driver disk
5User's Manual
5Quick Installation Guide
5Four SATA cables
5I/O Shield
5One 2-Way SLI bridge connector
5Two3-WaySLIbridgeconnectors(GC-3SLI-X99andGC-3SLI)
5One 4-Way SLI bridge connector
5One 2-Way CrossFire bridge connector
Optional Items
2-portUSB2.0bracket(PartNo.12CR1-1UB030-6*R)
eSATAbracket(PartNo.12CF1-3SATPW-4*R)
3.5"FrontPanelwith2USB3.0/2.0ports(PartNo.12CR1-FPX582-2*R)
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.

- 7 -
GA-X99-SOC Champion Motherboard Layout
(Note) Fordebugcodeinformation,pleaserefertoChapter6.
CPU_FAN
ATX_12V_2X4
ATX
AUDIO
BAT
Intel®X99
LGA2011-3
iTE®
Super I/O
KB_MS
CODEC
F_PANEL
Intel®GbE
LAN
USB_LAN
1 0
PCIE_6
PCIE_5
R_USB
CPU_OPT
F_USB30
SPDIF_O
F_AUDIO
CLR_CMOS
PCIE_3
B_BIOS M_BIOS
COMA
F_USB2
SATA3
GA-X99-SOC Champion
PCIE_1
R_USB30_2
R_USB30_1
SYS_FAN1
Renesas® uPD720210
M2_20G
PCIE_4
PCIE_2
PCIE_7
F_USB1
DDR4_1_A
Debug LED (Note)
THB_C
OC_PAN SYS_FAN3
SATA_EXPRESS
3 2 5 4
3 1 2 0
sSATA3
BBIOS_LED MBIOS_LED
DDR4_2_B
DDR4_4_D DDR4_3_C
System Temperature
Sensor 1
System Temperature
Sensor 2
OC_PEG
ATX_12V
PW_SW
RST_SW
SYS_FAN2
SB
TGR
CPU MODE
BIOS_SW
CMOS_SW

- 8 -
GA-X99-SOC Champion Motherboard Block Diagram
Fordetailedproductinformation/limitation(s),referto"1-2ProductSpecications."
LGA2011-3
CPU
CPUCLK+/-(100MHz)
Dual BIOS
DDR42133/1866/1600/1333MHz
PCI Express Bus
PCIe CLK
(100MHz)
DMI 2.0
LPC Bus
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Line Out
MIC
Line In
S/PDIF Out
Rear Speaker Out
iTE®
Super I/O
Intel®X99
Side Speaker Out
CODEC
4 SATA 6Gb/s
x1
LAN
RJ45
Intel®GbE LAN
2 USB 3.0/2.0
8 USB 2.0/1.1
4 SATA 6Gb/s
4 USB 3.0/2.0
Renesas®
uPD720210 Hub
PCI Express Bus
PCIe CLK
(100MHz)
Switch
x16
x16
1 PCI Express x16 2 PCI Express x8
or
x16 x8
1 PCI
Express x8
1 PCI
PCI Express x16
3 PCI Express x1
x1
x1 x1
1 M.2
1 SATA Express
2 SATA 6Gb/s
or
4 Channel Memory
COM
PS/2 KB/Mouse

- 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 in the LGA2011-3 package
(GotoGIGABYTE'swebsiteforthelatestCPUsupportlist.)
L3 cache varies with CPU
Chipset
Intel®X99 Express Chipset
Memory
4 x DDR4 DIMM sockets supporting up to 32 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.
4 channel memory architecture
Support for DDR4 2133/1866/1600/1333 MHzmemory modules
Support for non-ECC memory modules
Support for Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)memory modules
Support for RDIMM 1Rx8 memory modules (operates in non-ECC mode)
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and
memory modules.)
Audio
Realtek®ALC1150 codec
High Denition Audio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF Out
LAN
Intel®GbE LAN chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Expansion Slots
2 x PCI Express x16 slots, running at x16 (PCIE_1，PCIE_2)
*For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed,
be sure to install it in the PCIE_1 slot; if you are installing two PCI Express
graphics cards, it is recommended that you install them in the PCIE_1 and
PCIE_2 slots.
2 x PCI Express x16 slots, running at x8 (PCIE_3，PCIE_4)
*The PCIE_4 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIE_1 slot. When the PCIE_4 slot is
populated, the PCIE_1 slot will operate at up to x8 mode.
*When an i7-5820K CPU is installed, the PCIE_2 slot operates at up to x8 mode
and the PCIE_3 operates at up to x4 mode.
(All PCI Express x16 slots conform to PCI Express 3.0 standard.)
3 x PCI Express x1 slots
(All PCI Express x1 slots conform to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
Multi-Graphics
Technology
Support for 4-Way/3-Way/2-Way AMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA®SLI™technology
*The 4-Way NVIDIA®SLI™conguration is not supported when an i7-5820K CPU is
installed. To set up a 3-Way SLI conguration, refer to "1-6 Setting upAMD CrossFire™/
NVIDIA®SLI™Conguration."
Storage Interface
Chipset:
- 1xM.2Socket3connector(M2_20G)
* SupportforM.2PCIeSSDsonly.
- 1 x SATA Express connector
- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (SATA3 0~5)
- Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10
*Only AHCI mode is supported when an M.2 PCIe SSD or a SATA Express device is
installed.

- 11 -
Hardware Installation
Storage Interface (M2_20G and SATA Express connectors can only be used one at a time. The
SATA Express connector becomes unavailable when an M.2 SSD is installed,
but the SATA3 4/5 connectors are still functional.)
- 4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (sSATA3 0~3), supporting IDE and AHCI
modes only
(An operating system installed on the SATA3 0~5 ports cannot be used on the
sSATA 0~3 ports.)
USB
Chipset:
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports available through the internal USB header
- 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports on the back panel, 4 ports available through
the internal USB headers)
Chipset + Renesas®uPD720210 USB 3.0 Hub:
- 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports on the back panel
Internal
Connectors
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x OC PEG Power Connector
1 x SATA Express connector
10 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x M.2 Socket 3 connector
1 x CPU fan header
1 x water cooling fan header (CPU_OPT)
3 x system fan headers
1 x Thunderbolt™add-in card connector
1 x OC Panel connector (for future expansion)
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x S/PDIF Out header
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 header
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x serial port header
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
1 x power button
1 x reset button
1 x Clear CMOS button
1 x CPU mode switch
1 x OC Trigger switch
1 x DualBIOS switch
1 x BIOS switch
Voltage Measurement Points
Back Panel
Connectors
1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
1 x RJ-45 port
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
5 x audio jacks (Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out, Rear Speaker Out, Line In,
Line Out, Mic In)

- 12 -Hardware Installation
I/O Controller iTE I/O Controller Chip
Hardware
Monitor
System voltage detection
CPU/System/Chipset temperature detection
CPU/CPU OPT/System fan speed detection
CPU/System/Chipset overheating warning
CPU/CPU OPT/System fan fail warning
CPU/CPU OPT/System fan speed control
*Whether the fan speed control function is supported will depend on the cooler you
install.
BIOS 2 x 128 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 differ by motherboard model. Supported
functions of each application may also differ depending on motherboard
specications.
- @BIOS
- Ambient LED
- EasyTune
- EZ Setup
- Fast Boot
- Cloud Station
- ON/OFF Charge
- Smart TimeLock
- Smart Recovery 2
- System Information Viewer
- USB Blocker
- V-Tuner
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Smart Switch
Support for Xpress Install
Bundled
Software
Norton®Internet Security (OEM version)
Intel®Smart Response Technology
cFosSpeed
Operating
System Support for Windows 8.1/8/7
Form Factor E-ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 26.4cm
* GIGABYTEreservestherighttomakeanychangestotheproductspecicationsandproduct-relatedinformationwithout
prior notice.
* PleasevisittheSupport & Downloads\Utilitypageon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.
LGA2011-3 CPU Socket
LGA2011-3 CPU
Triangle Pin One
Marking on the CPU
Notch
Notch
Notch
Notch
Alignment Key
Alignment Key Pin One Corner of
the CPU Socket
Alignment KeyAlignment Key

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

- 15 -
Hardware Installation
Use extreme care when removing the CPU cooler because the thermal grease/tape between the CPU
cooler and CPU may adhere to the CPU. Inadequately removing the CPU cooler may damage the CPU.
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler
RefertothestepsbelowtocorrectlyinstalltheCPUcooleronthemotherboard.(Actualinstallationprocessmay
differdependingtheCPUcoolertobeused.Refertotheuser'smanualforyourCPUcooler.)
Step 1:
Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on
the surface of the installed CPU.
Step 4:
Finally, attach the power connector of the CPU
coolertotheCPUfanheader(CPU_FAN)onthe
motherboard.
Step 2:
Place the cooler atop the CPU, aligning the four
mounting screws with the mounting holes on
the ILM.
Step 3:
Use one hand to hold the cooler and the other to
tighten the screws in a diagonal sequence with a
screw driver. Begin tightening a screw with a few
turns and repeat with the screw diagonally opposite
the one you just tightened. Then do the same to
the other pair. Next, fully tighten the four screws.

- 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.
1-4-1 4ChannelMemoryConguration
This motherboard provides four DDR4 memory sockets and supports 4 Channel Technology. After the memory
isinstalled,theBIOSwillautomaticallydetectthespecicationsandcapacityofthememory.ThefourDDR4
memory sockets are divided into four channels and each channel has one memory sockets as following:
Channel A: DDR4_1_A
Channel B: DDR4_2_B
Channel C: DDR4_3_C
Channel D: DDR4_4_D
DDR4_1_A DDR4_2_B DDR4_4_D DDR4_3_C
1 Module - - l- - - -
2 Modules - - l l - -
4 Modules l l l l
DDR4_1_A DDR4_3_C DDR4_4_D DDR4_2_B
Refer to the table below for memory installation according to the number of the memory modules you want to install:
Note 1: If you are using a RDIMM memory, make sure it is a 1Rx8 one.
Note 2: To ensure memory compatibility, we do not recommend that you install RDIMM and UDIMM memory
at the same time.

- 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. DDR4 and DDR3 DIMMs
are not compatible to each other or DDR2 DIMMs. Be sure to install DDR4 DIMMs on this
motherboard.
Notch
DDR4 DIMM
ADDR4memorymodulehasanotch,soitcanonlytinonedirection.Followthestepsbelowtocorrectlyinstall
your memory modules in the memory sockets.
Step 1:
Note the orientation of the memory module. Spread the retaining clip
at the right end of the memory socket. Place the memory module on
thesocket.Asindicatedinthepictureontheleft,placeyourngers
on the top edge of the memory, push down on the memory and insert
it vertically into the memory socket.
Step 2:
The clip at the right end of the socket will snap into place when the
memory module is securely inserted.

- 18 -Hardware Installation
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install an expansion card:
•Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual that came
with your expansion card.
•Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing an
expansion card to prevent hardware damage.
Follow the steps below to correctly install your expansion card in the expansion slot.
1. Locate an expansion slot that supports your card. Remove the metal slot cover from the chassis back panel.
2. Align the card with the slot, and press down on the card until it is fully seated in the slot.
3. Make sure the metal contacts on the card are completely inserted into the slot.
4. Secure the card's metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.
5. Afterinstallingallexpansioncards,replacethechassiscover(s).
6. Turn on your computer. If necessary, go to BIOS Setup to make any required BIOS changes for your
expansioncard(s).
7. Install the driver provided with the expansion card in your operating system.
Example: Installing and Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card:
•Installing a Graphics Card:
Gently push down on the top edge of the card until
it is fully inserted into the PCI Express slot. Make
sure the card is securely seated in the slot and
does not rock.
•Removing the Card:
Gently push back on the lever on the slot and then lift the card straight out from
the slot.
PCI Express x1 Slot
PCI Express x16 Slot

- 19 -
Hardware Installation
1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA®SLI™Conguration
B. Connecting the Graphics Cards
Step 1:
Observe the steps in "1-5 Installing an Expansion Card" and install CrossFire/
SLI graphics cards on the PCI Express x16 slots.
Step 2:
Insert the CrossFire(Note2)/SLI bridge connectors in the CrossFire/SLI gold
edge connectors on top of the cards.
Step 3:
Plug the display cable into the graphics card on the PCIE_1 slot.
Refer to the table below when an i7-5960X or i7-5930K CPU is installed:
Refertothetablebelowwhenani7-5820KCPUisinstalledanda3-WaySLIcongurationistobesetup.
Make sure to use the GC-3SLI bridge connector.
A. System Requirements
-Windows 8.1/8/7 operating system
-A CrossFire/SLI-supported motherboard with two or more PCI Express x16 slots and correct driver
-CrossFire/SLI-ready graphics cards of identical brand and chip and correct driver
 (CurrentGPUsthatsupport3-Way/4-WayCrossFiretechnologyincludetheATIRadeon™HD 3800, HD
4800, HD 5800 series, and AMD Radeon™HD 6800, HD 6900, HD 7800, 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570,GTX580,GTX590,andGTX600series.)Forthe
latest GPU support information, please refer to the AMD/NVIDIA®website.)(Note1)
-CrossFire(Note2)/SLI bridge connectors
-Apowersupplywithsufcientpowerisrecommended(Note3)(Refertothemanualofyourgraphicscards
forthepowerrequirement)
1 Graphics Cards 2 Graphics Cards 3 Graphics Cards 4 Graphics Cards
PCIE_1 l l l l
PCIE_4 - - - - - - l
PCIE_2 - - l l l
PCIE_3 - - - - l l
PCIE_1
PCIE_4
PCIE_2
PCIE_3
1 Graphics Cards 2 Graphics Cards 3 Graphics Cards
PCIE_1 lll
PCIE_4 - - - - l
PCIE_2 - - l l
PCIE_3 - - - - - -
Tosetupa3-WaySLIconguration,usetheGC-3SLI-X99bridgeconnector.
C.ConguringtheGraphicsCardDriver
C-1. To Enable CrossFire Function
After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go
to the AMD Catalyst Control Center. Browse to Performance\
AMD CrossFireX™and ensure the Enable AMD CrossFireX
check box is selected. If your system has more than two CrossFire
cards, select the GPU combination you want to use and click Apply.
(Available combination options are dependent on thenumber of
graphicscards.)

- 20 -Hardware Installation
Procedure and driver screen for enabling CrossFire/SLI technology may differ by graphics cards and
driver version. Refer to the manual that came with your graphics cards for more information about
enabling CrossFire/SLI technology.
(Note1) The4-WaySLIcongurationisnotsupportedwhenani7-5820KCPUisinstalled.
(Note2) Thebridgeconnector(s)maybeneededornotdependingonyourgraphicscards.
(Note3) Whentwoormoregraphicscardsareinstalled,werecommendthatyouconnectthepowercable
from the power supply to the OC_PEG connector to ensure system stability.
C-2. To Enable SLI Function
After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go to
the NVIDIA Control Panel.Browse to the CongureSLI,Surround,
Physx screen and ensure Maximize 3D performance is enabled.