Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Designare User manual

GA-Z170X-Designare
User's Manual
Rev. 1001
12ME-Z17XDSG-1001R
For more product details, please visit GIGABYTE's website.
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Motherboard
GA-Z170X-Designare
May 27, 2016
May 27, 2016
Motherboard GA-Z170X-Designare

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.
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-Z170X-Designare Motherboard Layout.....................................................................7
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation .....................................................................................9
1-1 Installation Precautions.................................................................................... 9
1-2 ProductSpecications.................................................................................... 10
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler ............................................................... 13
1-3-1 Installing the CPU...................................................................................................13
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler .......................................................................................15
1-4 Installing the Memory..................................................................................... 16
1-4-1 DualChannelMemoryConguration .....................................................................16
1-4-2 Installing a Memory ................................................................................................17
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card ......................................................................... 18
1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA®SLI™Conguration .............................. 19
1-7 Back Panel Connectors.................................................................................. 20
1-8 Onboard Buttons............................................................................................ 22
1-9 Internal Connectors........................................................................................ 23
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ..................................................................................................37
2-1 Startup Screen ............................................................................................... 38
2-2 The Main Menu .............................................................................................. 39
2-3 M.I.T. .............................................................................................................. 40
2-4 System Information ........................................................................................ 52
2-5 BIOS Features ............................................................................................... 53
2-6 Peripherals..................................................................................................... 56
2-7 Chipset........................................................................................................... 59
2-8 Power Management....................................................................................... 61
2-9 Save & Exit..................................................................................................... 63
Chapter3 ConguringaRAIDSet................................................................................65
3-1 ConguringSATAControllers......................................................................... 65
3-2 InstallingtheSATARAID/AHCIDriverandOperatingSystem....................... 77
Chapter 4 Drivers Installation........................................................................................81
4-1 Drivers & Software ......................................................................................... 81
4-2 Application Software ...................................................................................... 82
4-3 Information ..................................................................................................... 82

- 5 -
Chapter 5 Unique Features...........................................................................................83
5-1 BIOS Update Utilities ..................................................................................... 83
5-1-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility.............................................................83
5-1-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility .............................................................86
5-2 APP Center .................................................................................................... 87
5-2-1 3D OSD ..................................................................................................................88
5-2-2 Ambient LED ........................................................................................................89
5-2-3 AutoGreen ..............................................................................................................90
5-2-4 BIOS Setup.............................................................................................................91
5-2-5 Color Temperature..................................................................................................92
5-2-6 Cloud Station..........................................................................................................93
5-2-7 EasyTune................................................................................................................98
5-2-8 EasyRAID..............................................................................................................99
5-2-9 Fast Boot ..............................................................................................................102
5-2-10 Platform Power Management...............................................................................103
5-2-11 Smart TimeLock....................................................................................................104
5-2-12 Smart Keyboard....................................................................................................105
5-2-13 Smart Backup.......................................................................................................106
5-2-14 System Information Viewer...................................................................................108
5-2-15 USB Blocker .........................................................................................................109
5-2-16 V-Tuner.................................................................................................................110
5-3 Smart Switch.................................................................................................111
Chapter 6 Appendix ....................................................................................................113
6-1 ConguringAudioInputandOutput............................................................. 113
6-1-1 Conguring2/4/5.1/7.1-ChannelAudio.................................................................113
6-1-2 ConguringS/PDIFOut........................................................................................115
6-1-3 ConguringMicrophoneRecording......................................................................116
6-1-4 UsingtheSoundRecorder ...................................................................................118
6-2 Troubleshooting............................................................................................ 119
6-2-1 Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................119
6-2-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ..................................................................................120
6-3 Debug LED Codes ....................................................................................... 122
RegulatoryStatements............................................................................................ 126
Contact Us .............................................................................................................. 131

- 6 -
Box Contents
5GA-Z170X-Designare motherboard
5Motherboard driver disk
5User's Manual
5Quick Installation Guide
5Four SATA cables
5I/O Shield
5One 2-Way SLI bridge connector
5One G Connector
5One Velcro Cable Tie
5OneRGBLEDstripextensioncable
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)
HDMI-to-DVIadapter(PartNo.12CT2-HDMI01-1*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-Z170X-Designare Motherboard Layout
(Note) Fordebugcodeinformation,pleaserefertoChapter6.
CPU_FAN
ATX_12V_2X4
F_AUDIO
AUDIO
USB30_
LAN2
B_BIOS
DDR4_2 DDR4_4 DDR4_3
DDR4_1
BAT
CLR_CMOS
M_BIOS
PCIEX1_1
LGA1151
GA-Z170X-Designare
USB30_
LAN1
PCIEX4
iTE®Super I/O
KB_MS_USB
CODEC
SYS_FAN3
PW_SW
Debug LED (Note)
PCIEX8
PCIEX1_2
PCIEX16
TYPEC_1
CPU_OPT_PUMP
SPDIF_O
5 4 1 0
SATAEXPRESS
SATA3
F_USB30
ATX
M2M_32G
HDMI
DP
Intel®
USB 3.1
Controller
Intel®Z170
Intel®
GbE LAN
OC
THB_C
TPM F_USB2 F_USB1 SYS_FAN2_PUMP F_PANEL
110M
SYS_FAN1
PCIEX1_3
RST_SW
CMOS_SW
U2_32G
SATA 3
2
3
LED_C
TYPEC_2
MDP_IN
Intel®
GbE LAN
80M 60M 42M

- 8 -

- 9 -
Hardware Installation
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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 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 instal-
lation and/or grounding instructions.

- 10 -
Hardware Installation
1-2 ProductSpecications
CPU Support for Intel®Core™i7 processors/Intel®Core™i5 processors/
Intel®Core™ i3 processors/Intel®Pentium®processors/
Intel®Celeron®processors in the LGA1151 package
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
L3 cache varies with CPU
Chipset Intel®Z170 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 1Rx8/2Rx8/1Rx16 memory modules
Support for Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)memory modules
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and
memory modules.)
Onboard
Graphics
Integrated Graphics Processor-Intel®HD Graphics support:
- 1 x HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096x2160@24 Hz
* SupportforHDMI1.4version.
- 1 x DisplayPort, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096x2304@60 Hz
* SupportforDisplayPort1.2version.
Maximum shared memory of 512 MB
Audio Realtek®ALC1150 codec
High Denition Audio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF Out
LAN 2 x Intel®GbE LAN chips (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Support for Teaming
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (PCIEX16)
*For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed,
be sure to install it in the PCIEX16 slot.
1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x8 (PCIEX8)
*The PCIEX8 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16 slot. When the PCIEX8 slot
is populated, the PCIEX16 slot operates at up to x8 mode.
1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x4 (PCIEX4)
*ThePCIEX4slotsharesbandwidthwiththeSATA30/1andPCIExpressx1connectors.Whenthe
PCIEX4slotis installed with a x4 orabovecard,theSATA3 0/1andPCIExpressx1 connectors
become unavailable.
3 x PCI Express x1 slots
(All of the PCI Express slots conform to PCI Express 3.0 standard.)
Multi-Graphics
Technology
Support for NVIDIA®Quad-GPU SLI™and 2-Way NVIDIA®SLI™technologies
Support for AMD Quad-GPU CrossFireX™and 2-Way AMD CrossFire™
technologies

- 11 -
Hardware Installation
Storage Interface Chipset:
- 1 x M.2 connector (Socket 3, M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 SATA
andPCIex4/x2SSDsupport)
- 1 x U.2 connector
- 2 x SATA Express connectors
- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
- SupportforRAID0,RAID1,RAID5,andRAID10
*Refer to "1-9 Internal Connectors," for the installation notices for the U.2, M.2, SATA
Express, and SATA connectors. .
USB Chipset+Intel® USB 3.1 Controller:
- 2 x USB Type-C™ports on the back panel, with USB 3.1 support
Chipset:
- 6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (4 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available through
the internal USB header)
- 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 SATA Express connectors
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x M.2 Socket 3 connector
1 x U.2 connector
1 x CPU fan header
1 x water cooling fan/pump header (CPU_OPT_PUMP)
2 x system fan headers
1 x system fan/water cooling pump header (SYS_FAN2_PUMP)
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 RGB LED strip extension cable header
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
1 x Trusted Platform Module (TPM)header
1 x Thunderbolt™add-in card connector
1 x power button
1 x reset button
1 x Clear CMOS button
1 x OC button
Back Panel
Connectors
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
1 x Mini-DisplayPort In
2 x USB Type-C™ports, with USB 3.1 support
4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x HDMI port
1 x DisplayPort
2 x RJ-45 ports
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 (pump)speed detection
CPU/System/Chipset overheating warning
CPU/CPU OPT/System fan (pump)fail warning
CPU/CPU OPT/System fan (pump)speed control
*Whether the fan 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
- Ambient LED
- AutoGreen
- BIOS Setup
- Color Temperature
- Cloud Station
- EasyTune
- EasyRAID
- Fast Boot
- ON/OFF Charge
- Platform Power Management
- Smart TimeLock
- Smart Keyboard
- Smart Backup
- 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 10/8.1 64-bit
Support for Windows 7 32-bit/64-bit
*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.

- 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require-
ments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.
Please visit GIGABYTE's website for support lists of CPU, memory modules, SSDs, M.2, and
U.2 devices.
Please visit the Support\Utility List page on GIGABYTE's website to download the latest
version of apps.
Please visit GIGABYTE's website for details on hardware installation.
Alignment KeyAlignment Key
LGA1151 CPU
LGA1151 CPU Socket
Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket
Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU
Notch
Notch

- 14 -
Hardware Installation
B. Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU into the motherboard CPU socket.
Step 1:
Gently press the CPU socket lever handle down
andawayfromthesocketwithyournger.Then
completely lift the CPU socket lever and the metal
load plate/plastic cover will be lifted as well.
Step 2:
HoldtheCPUwithyourthumbandindexngers.
AligntheCPUpinonemarking(triangle)withthe
pin one corner of the CPU socket (or you may align
theCPUnotcheswiththesocketalignmentkeys)
and gently insert the CPU into position.
Step 4:
Finally, secure the lever under its retention tab to
complete the installation of the CPU.
NOTE:
Hold the CPU socket lever by the handle, not the lever base portion.
•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 3:
Once the CPU is properly inserted, carefully
replace the load plate. When replacing the load
plate, make sure the front end of the load plate
is under the shoulder screw. Then press the CPU
socket lever. The protective plastic cover may
pop off from the load plate during the process of
engagingthelever.Removethecover.(Savethe
cover properly and always replace it when the
CPUisnotinstalled.)

- 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 5:
After the installation, check the back of the moth-
erboard. If the push pin is inserted as the picture
above shows, the installation is complete.
Step 6:
Finally, attach the power connector of the CPU
coolertotheCPUfanheader(CPU_FAN)onthe
motherboard.
Step 1:
Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on
the surface of the installed CPU.
Step 2:
Before installing the cooler, note the direction of the
arrow sign on the male push pin. (Turning the
push pin along the direction of arrow is to remove
thecooler,onthecontrary,istoinstall.)
Step 3:
Place the cooler atop the CPU, aligning the four
push pins through the pin holes on the mother-
board. Push down on the push pins diagonally.
Step 4:
You should hear a "click" when pushing down each
push pin. Check that the Male and Female push
pins are joined closely.
(RefertoyourCPUcoolerinstallationmanualfor
instructionsoninstallingthecooler.)
Male
Push Pin
Female
Push Pin
The Top
of Female
Push Pin
Direction of
the Arrow Sign
on the Male
Push Pin

- 16 -
Hardware Installation
DDR4_4 DDR4_2 DDR4_3 DDR4_1
1-4-1 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.
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 and installed in the same colored sockets.
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.

- 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.

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Hardware Installation
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card
Readthefollowingguidelinesbeforeyoubegintoinstallanexpansioncard:
•Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual that came
with your expansion card.
•Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing an
expansion card to prevent hardware damage.
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 expan-
sion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 Express x1 Slot
PCI Express x16 Slot
•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.

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Hardware Installation
1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA®SLI™Conguration
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) Thebridgeconnectormaybeneededornotdependingonyourgraphicscards.
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.
A. System Requirements
-Windows 10/8.1/7 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
-CrossFire(Note)/SLI bridge connectors
-Apowersupplywithsufcientpowerisrecommended(Refertothemanualofyourgraphicscardsforthe
powerrequirement)
B. Connecting the Graphics Cards
Step 1:
Observe the steps in "1-5 Installing an Expansion Card" and install CrossFire/SLI graphics cards on the PCIEX16
and PCIEX8 slots.
Step 2:
Insert the CrossFire(Note)/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 PCIEX16 slot.
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 Catalyst Control Center. Browse to Performance\AMD CrossFi-
reX™ and ensure the Enable AMD CrossFireX check box is selected.

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Hardware Installation
1-7 Back Panel Connectors
USB 2.0/1.1 Port
TheUSBportsupportstheUSB2.0/1.1specication.UsethisportforUSBdevices.
PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port
Use this port to connect a PS/2 mouse or keyboard.
Mini-DisplayPort In
DisplayPort feature is currently limited. Visit GIGABYTE's website for future updates.
USB Type-C™Port
ThereversibleUSBportsupportstheUSB3.1specicationandiscompatibletotheUSB3.0/2.0specica-
tion. Use this port for USB devices.
DisplayPort
DisplayPort delivers high quality digital imaging and audio, supporting bi-directional audio transmission.
DisplayPort can support both DPCP and HDCP content protection mechanisms. You can use this port to
connect your DisplayPort-supported monitor. The maximum supported resolution is 4096x2304@60 Hz ,
but the actual resolutions supported are dependent on the monitor being used.
HDMI Port
The HDMI port is HDCP compliant and supports Dolby True HD and DTS HD Mas-
ter Audio formats. It also supports up to 192 KHz/16bit 8-channel LPCM audio out-
put. 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.
After installing the HDMI/DisplayPort device, make sure to set the default sound playback
devicetoHDMI/DisplayPort.(Theitemnamemaydifferdependingonyouroperatingsystem.)
In Windows 8.1, select Apps>Control Panel>Hardware and
Sound>Sound>Playback,set Intel(R) DisplayAudio to the
default playback device.