Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD7-B3 User manual

GA-Z68X-UD7-B3
User's Manual
Rev. 1001
12ME-Z68XD7B-1001R

Motherboard
GA-Z68X-UD7-B3
Apr. 8, 2011
Apr. 8, 2011
Motherboard
GA-Z68X-UD7-B3

Copyright
©2011 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
The trademarks mentioned in this manual are legally registered to their respective owners.
Disclaimer
Information in this manual is protected by copyright laws and is the property of GIGABYTE.
Changes to the specifications 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-Z68X-UD7-B3 Motherboard Layout ..........................................................................7
GA-Z68X-UD7-B3 Motherboard Block Diagram..............................................................8
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation .....................................................................................9
1-1 Installation Precautions.................................................................................... 9
1-2 ProductSpecications.................................................................................... 10
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler ............................................................... 13
1-3-1 Installing the CPU...................................................................................................13
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler .......................................................................................15
1-4 Installing the Memory..................................................................................... 16
1-4-1 DualChannelMemoryConguration .....................................................................16
1-4-2 Installing a Memory ...............................................................................................17
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card ......................................................................... 18
1-6 Setup of ATI CrossFireX™/NVIDIASLIConguration..................................... 19
1-7 Installing the SATA Bracket ............................................................................ 20
1-8 Back Panel Connectors.................................................................................. 21
1-9 Onboard LEDs and Buttons ........................................................................... 23
1-10 Internal Connectors........................................................................................ 25
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ..................................................................................................35
2-1 Startup Screen ............................................................................................... 36
2-2 The Main Menu .............................................................................................. 37
2-3 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)........................................................................ 39
2-4 Standard CMOS Features.............................................................................. 47
2-5 Advanced BIOS Features .............................................................................. 49
2-6 Integrated Peripherals.................................................................................... 51
2-7 Power Management Setup............................................................................. 55
2-8 PC Health Status............................................................................................ 57
2-9 Load Fail-Safe Defaults.................................................................................. 59
2-10 Load Optimized Defaults................................................................................ 59
2-11 Set Supervisor/User Password ...................................................................... 60
2-12 Save & Exit Setup .......................................................................................... 61
2-13 Exit Without Saving........................................................................................ 61

- 5 -
Chapter 3 Drivers Installation........................................................................................63
3-1 Installing Chipset Drivers ............................................................................... 63
3-2 Application Software ...................................................................................... 64
3-3 Technical Manuals.......................................................................................... 64
3-4 Contact........................................................................................................... 65
3-5 System ........................................................................................................... 65
3-6 Download Center ........................................................................................... 66
3-7 New Utilities ................................................................................................... 66
Chapter 4 Unique Features...........................................................................................67
4-1 Xpress Recovery2.......................................................................................... 67
4-2 BIOS Update Utilities ..................................................................................... 70
4-2-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility.............................................................70
4-2-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility .............................................................73
4-3 EasyTune 6 .................................................................................................... 74
4-4 Dynamic Energy Saver™2.............................................................................. 75
4-5 Q-Share.......................................................................................................... 77
4-6 Smart 6™....................................................................................................... 78
4-7 Auto Green..................................................................................................... 82
4-8 eXtreme Hard Drive (X.H.D) .......................................................................... 83
4-9 Cloud OC ....................................................................................................... 84
4-10 Teaming ..............................................................................................85
Chapter 5 Appendix ......................................................................................................87
5-1 ConguringSATAHardDrive(s).................................................................... 87
5-1-1 ConguringIntelZ68SATAControllers .................................................................87
5-1-2 ConguringMarvell88SE9128SATAControllers...................................................95
5-1-3 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System.............................100
5-2 ConguringAudioInputandOutput............................................................. 108
5-2-1 Conguring2/4/5.1/7.1-ChannelAudio.................................................................108
5-2-2 ConguringS/PDIFOut........................................................................................110
5-2-3 Enabling the Dolby Home Theater Function......................................................... 111
5-2-4 ConguringMicrophoneRecording......................................................................112
5-2-5 Using the Sound Recorder ...................................................................................114
5-3 Troubleshooting............................................................................................ 115
5-3-1 Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................115
5-3-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ..................................................................................116
5-4 POST Error Code......................................................................................... 118

- 6 -
Box Contents
GA-Z68X-UD7-B3 motherboard
Motherboard driver disk
User's Manual
Quick Installation Guide
Four SATA cables
I/O Shield
One SATA bracket
3.5" Front Panel with 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports
2-Way SLI bridge connector
3-Way SLI bridge connector
Optional Items
2-port USB 2.0 bracket (Part No. 12CR1-1UB030-5*R)
2-port IEEE 1394a bracket (Part No. 12CF1-1IE008-0*R)
2-port SATA power cable (Part No. 12CF1-2SERPW-0*R)
•The box contents above are for reference only and the actual items shall depend on the product package you obtain.
The box contents are subject to change without notice.
•The motherboard image is for reference only.

- 7 -
GA-Z68X-UD7-B3 Motherboard Layout
(Note 1) Due to a hardware limitation, the PCIEX1_1 slot can only accommodate a shorter PCI Express x1
expansion card. For a longer expansion card, use other expansion slots.
(Note 2) For error code information, please refer to Chapter 5.
KB_USB3 CPU_FAN
LGA1155
ATX
GA-Z68X-UD7-B3
F_AUDIO
AUDIO
PCIEX16_2
PCIEX1_1 (Note 1)
DDR3_1 DDR3_2
BAT
iTE IT8728
ATX_12V_2X
NF200
SYS_FAN2
SATA3_1
SATA2_3
SATA2_5
GSATA3_7
SATA3_0
SATA2_2
SATA2_4
GSATA3_6
PCI1
PCIEX8_2
CODEC
PWR_FAN
GD2
GD1
F_USB30_2
R_SPDIF
USB_1394_ESATA_2
USB30_LAN1
PCIEX16_1
PCIEX8_1
SPDIF_O
F_USB30_1
F_1394
T.I.
TSB43AB23
SYS_FAN1
PCI2
Realtek
RTL8111E
CMOS_SW
PW_SW
USB_1394_ESATA_1
Intel®Z68
DDR3_3 DDR3_4
Debug LED (Note 2)
S4_S5_LED
PHASE LED
USB30_LAN2
Marvell 88SE9128
Renesas
D720200
S3_LED
S1_LED
S0_LED
RST_SW
M_BIOS
Realtek
RTL8111E
Renesas
D720200
SYS_FAN3
PCH_FAN
MD2
MD1
F_USB2
F_USB1
F_PANEL
Marvell
88SE9128
VLI
VL810
VLI
VL810
PCIe to PCI
Bridge
B_BIOS

- 8 -
GA-Z68X-UD7-B3 Motherboard Block Diagram
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Line Out
MIC
Line In
S/PDIF Out
Side Speaker Out
Surround Speaker Out
CODEC PS/2 KB/Mouse
LGA1155
CPU
DMI
Interface
Intel®Z68
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
PCI Express Bus
iTE
IT8728
CPU CLK+/- (100 MHz)
4 SATA 3Gb/s
1 PCI Express x16
Dual BIOS
8 USB 2.0/1.1 (Note)
LPC
Bus
Dual Channel Memory
2 PCI Express x8
PCI Express Bus
2 SATA 6Gb/s
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
x1
LAN1
RJ45
Realtek
RTL8111E
1 PCI
Express x1
PCIe CLK (100 MHz)
NF200
x8
x16
x1
x1
VLI VL810
Hub
2 PCI
PCI Bus
PCI CLK
(33 MHz)
T.I.
TSB43AB23
3 IEEE 1394a
x1
2 SATA 6Gb/s
PCIe to PCI Bridge
Switch
1 PCI Express x16
x16 Switch
2 PCI Express x8
x8
x1
LAN2
RJ45
Realtek
RTL8111E
x1
Marvell
88SE9128
Marvell
88SE9128
x1
x1
Renesas
D720200
VLI VL810
Hub
Renesas
D720200
8 USB 3.0/2.0
2 SATA 6Gb/s
1 USB 3.0/2.0 1 USB 3.0/2.0
DDR3 2133/1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz
(Note) Two share the same ports with eSATA.

- 9 - Hardware Installation
1-1 Installation Precautions
The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can
become damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Prior to installation, carefully read
the user's manual and follow these procedures:
• Prior to installation, do not remove or break motherboard S/N (Serial Number) sticker or
warranty sticker provided by your dealer. These stickers are required for warranty validation.
• Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the power outlet before
installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware components.
• When connecting hardware components to the internal connectors on the motherboard,
make sure they are connected tightly and securely.
• When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.
• It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when handling electronic com-
ponents such as a motherboard, CPU or memory. If you do not have an ESD wrist strap,
keepyourhandsdryandrsttouchametalobjecttoeliminatestaticelectricity.
• Prior to installing the motherboard, please have it on top of an antistatic pad or within an
electrostatic shielding container.
• Before unplugging the power supply cable from the motherboard, make sure the power sup-
ply has been turned off.
• Before turning on the power, make sure the power supply voltage has been set according to
the local voltage standard.
• Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors of your hard-
ware components are connected.
• To prevent damage to the motherboard, do not allow screws to come in contact with the
motherboard circuit or its components.
• Make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or
within the computer casing.
• Do not place the computer system on an uneven surface .
• Do not place the computer system in a high-temperature environment.
• Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to sys-
tem components as well as physical harm to the user.
• If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the
product,pleaseconsultacertiedcomputertechnician.
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

- 10 -Hardware Installation
1-2 Product Specications
CPU Support for Intel®Core™i7 processors/Intel®Core™i5 processors/
Intel®Core™i3 processors/Intel®Pentium®processors/Intel®Celeron®processors
in the LGA1155 package (Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support
list.)
L3 cache varies with CPU
Chipset Intel®Z68 Express Chipset
Memory 4 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 32 GB of system memory
* Due to Windows 32-bit operating system limitation, when more than 4 GB of physical
memory is installed, the actual memory size displayed will be less than 4 GB.
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for DDR3 2133/1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz memory modules
Support for non-ECC memory modules
SupportforExtremeMemoryProle(XMP)memorymodules
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and memory
modules.)
Audio Realtek ALC889 codec
HighDenitionAudio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
Support for Dolby®Home Theater
Support for S/PDIF Out
LAN 2 x Realtek RTL8111E chips (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Support for Teaming
Support for Smart Dual LAN
Expansion Slots 2 x PCI Express x16 slots, running at x16 (PCIEX16_1, PCIEX16_2)
* For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed, be
sure to install it in the PCIEX16_1 slot; if you are installing two PCI Express graphics
cards, it is recommended that you install them in the PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2
slots.
2 x PCI Express x16 slots, running at x8 (PCIEX8_1, PCIEX8_2)
* The PCIEX8_1 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16_1 slot and the PCIEX8_2
slot with PCIEX16_2. The PCIEX16_1/PCIEX16_2 slot will operate at up to x8 mode
when the PCIEX8_1/PCIEX8_2 is populated.
1 x PCI Express x1 slot
(All PCI Express slots conform to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
2 x PCI slots
Multi-Graphics
Technology Support for 2-Way/3-Way ATI CrossFireX™/NVIDIA SLI technology
Storage Interface Chipset:
- 2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (SATA3_0, SATA3_1) supporting up to 2 SATA
6Gb/s devices
- 4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors (SATA2_2~SATA2_5) supporting up to 4 SATA
3Gb/s devices
- Support for SATA RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10
* When a RAID set is built across the SATA 6Gb/s and SATA 3Gb/s channels, the system
performance of the RAID set may vary depending on the devices being connected.

- 11 - Hardware Installation
Storage Interface 2 xMarvell 88SE9128 chips:
- 2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (GSATA3_6, GSATA3_7) supporting up to 2
SATA 6Gb/s devices
- Support for SATA RAID 0 and RAID 1
- 2 x eSATA 6Gb/s connectors (eSATA/USB Combo) on the back panel
supporting up to 2 SATA 6Gb/s devices
- Support for SATA RAID 0 and RAID 1
USB Chipset:
- Up to 8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 on the back panel, including 2 eSATA/USB
Combo, 4 via the USB brackets connected to the internal USB headers)
2 xRenesas D720200 chips and 2 x VLI VL810 hubs:
- Up to 10 USB 3.0/2.0 ports (6 on the back panel, 4 via the USB brackets
connected to the internal USB headers)
* The USB 2.0 signals of the 6 USB 3.0/2.0 ports on the back panel are from the
Chipset.
IEEE 1394 T.I. TSB43AB23 chip:
- Up to 3 IEEE 1394a ports (2 on the back panel, 1 via the IEEE 1394a bracket
connected to the internal IEEE 1394a header)
Internal
Connectors
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan header
3 x system fan headers
1 x power fan header
1 x Chipset fan header
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x S/PDIF Out header
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 headers
1 x IEEE 1394a header
1 x clearing CMOS button
1 x power button
1 x reset button
Back Panel
Connectors
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
1 x coaxial S/PDIF Out connector
2 x IEEE 1394a ports
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
2 x eSATA/USB Combo connectors
2 x RJ-45 ports
6 x audio jacks (Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out/Rear Speaker Out/Side Speaker
Out/Line In/Line Out/Microphone)

- 12 -Hardware Installation
I/O Controller iTE IT8728 chip
Hardware
Monitor
System voltage detection
CPU/System temperature detection
CPU/System/Power fan speed detection
CPU overheating warning
CPU/System/Power fan fail warning
CPU/System fan speed control
* Whether the CPU/system fan speed control function is supported will depend on
the CPU/system cooler you install.
BIOS 2x32Mbitash
Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
Support for DualBIOS™
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI 1.0b
Unique Features Support for @BIOS
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Xpress BIOS Rescue
Support for Download Center
Support for Xpress Install
Support for Xpress Recovery2
Support for EasyTune
* Available functions in EasyTune may differ by motherboard model.
Support for Dynamic Energy Saver™2
Support for Smart 6™
Support for Auto Green
Support for eXtreme Hard Drive (X.H.D)
Support for ON/OFF Charge
Support for Cloud OC
Support for Q-Share
Bundled
Software Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Operating
System Support for Microsoft®Windows 7/Vista/XP
Form Factor ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 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
1-3-1 Installing the CPU
A. Locate the alignment keys on the motherboard CPU socket and the notches on the CPU.
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the CPU:
• Make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing
the CPU to prevent hardware damage.
• Locate the pin one of the CPU. The CPU cannot be inserted if oriented incorrectly. (Or you may
locate the notches on both sides of the CPU and alignment keys on the CPU socket.)
• Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on the surface of the CPU.
• Do not turn on the computer if the CPU cooler is not installed, otherwise overheating and dam-
age of the CPU may occur.
• SettheCPUhostfrequencyinaccordancewiththeCPUspecications.Itisnotrecommended
thatthesystembusfrequencybesetbeyondhardwarespecicationssinceitdoesnotmeetthe
standard requirements for the peripherals. If you wish to set the frequency beyond the standard
specications,pleasedosoaccordingtoyourhardwarespecicationsincludingtheCPU,graph-
ics card, memory, hard drive, etc.
Notch
Alignment KeyAlignment Key
Notch
LGA1155 CPU
LGA1155 CPU Socket
Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket
Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU

- 14 -Hardware Installation
Step 1:
Gently press the CPU socket lever handle down
andawayfromthesocketwithyournger.Then
completely lift the CPU socket lever and the metal
load plate will be lifted as well.
Step 3:
HoldtheCPUwithyourthumbandindexngers.
Align the CPU pin one marking (triangle) with the
pin one corner of the CPU socket (or you may
align the CPU notches with the socket alignment
keys) and gently insert the CPU into position.
Step 5:
Push the CPU socket lever back into its locked
position.
Step 4:
Once the CPU is properly inserted, use one
hand to hold the socket lever and use the other
to lightly replace the load plate. When replacing
the load plate, make sure the front end of the
load plate is under the shoulder screw.
NOTE:
Hold the CPU socket lever by the handle, not the
lever base portion.
Step 2:
Remove the CPU socket cover as shown. Hold
your index finger down on the rear grip of the
socket cover and use your thumb to lift up the
front edge (next to the "REMOVE" mark) and
then remove the cover. (DO NOT touch socket
contacts. To protect the CPU socket, always re-
place the protective socket cover when the CPU
is not installed.)
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.

- 15 - Hardware Installation
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler
Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler on the motherboard. (The following procedure uses
Intel®boxed cooler as the example cooler.)
Use extreme care when removing the CPU cooler because the thermal grease/tape between the
CPU cooler and CPU may adhere to the CPU. Inadequately removing the CPU cooler may damage
the CPU.
Step 1:
Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease
on the surface of the installed CPU.
Male Push
Pin
Female
Push Pin
The Top
of Female
Push Pin
Direction of the
Arrow Sign on
the Male Push
Pin
Step 2:
Before installing the cooler, note the direction of
the arrow sign on the male push pin. (Turn-
ing 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.)
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.

- 16 -Hardware Installation
1-4-1 Dual Channel Memory Conguration
This motherboard provides four DDR3 memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. After the
memoryisinstalled, theBIOSwillautomatically detectthespecicationsand capacityofthe memory. En-
abling Dual Channel memory mode will double the original memory bandwidth.
The four DDR3 memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as
following:
Channel A: DDR3_1, DDR3_2
Channel B: DDR3_3, DDR3_4
1-4 Installing the Memory
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the memory:
•Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended that memory of the
same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and memory modules.)
•Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing
the memory to prevent hardware damage.
•Memory modules have a foolproof design. A memory module can be installed in only one direc-
tion. If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.
DDR3_1 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_4
Due to CPU limitations, read the following guidelines before installing the memory in Dual Channel mode.
1. Dual Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one DDR3 memory module is installed.
2. When enabling Dual Channel mode with two or four memory modules, it is recommended that
memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used for optimum performance. For op-
timum performance, when enabling Dual Channel mode with two memory modules, we recommend
that you install them in the DDR3_1 and DDR3_3 sockets.
DualChannelMemoryCongurationsTable
(SS=Single-Sided, DS=Double-Sided, "- -"=No Memory)
DDR3_1 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_4
DS/SS - - DS/SS - -
- - DS/SS - - DS/SS
DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS
Two Modules
Four Modules

- 17 - Hardware Installation
1-4-2 Installing a Memory
Before installing a memory module, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power
cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the memory module.
DDR3 and DDR2 DIMMs are not compatible to each other or DDR DIMMs. Be sure to install
DDR3 DIMMs on this motherboard.
Notch
DDR3 DIMM
ADDR3memorymodulehasanotch,soitcanonlytinonedirection.Followthestepsbelowtocorrectly
install your memory modules in the memory sockets.
Step 1:
Note the orientation of the memory module. Spread the retaining
clips at both ends of the memory socket. Place the memory module
onthesocket.Asindicatedinthepictureontheleft,placeyourn-
gers on the top edge of the memory, push down on the memory and
insert it vertically into the memory socket.
Step 2:
The clips at both ends of the socket will snap into place when the
memory module is securely inserted.

- 18 -Hardware Installation
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card
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:
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.
PCI Slot
PCI Express x1 Slot
PCI Express x16 Slot (PCIEX16_2/PCIEX8_1/PCIEX8_2)
PCI Express x16 Slot (PCIEX16_1)
•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 from
the PCIEX16_1 Slot:
Gently push back on the
lever on the slot and then
lift the card straight out
from the slot.
• Removing the Card
from the PCIEX16_2/
PCIEX8_1/PCIEX8_2 Slot:
Press the latch at the end
of the PCI Express slot
to release the card and
then pull the card straight
up from the slot.

- 19 - Hardware Installation
1-6 Setup of ATI CrossFireX™/NVIDIA SLI Conguration
A. System Requirements
- The 2-Way SLI and 2-Way CrossFireX technologies currently support Windows 7, Vista, XP operating systems
- The 3-Way SLI and 3-Way CrossFireX technologies currently support Windows 7 and Vista operating systems
- A CrossFireX/SLI-supported motherboard with two/three PCI Express x16 slots and correct driver
- Two/three CrossFireX/SLI-ready graphics cards of identical brand and chip and correct driver
( Current GPUs that support 3-Way CrossFireX technology include the ATI Radeon HD 3800, HD 4800, and HD 5800
series and AMD Radeon HD 6950 and HD 6970 series. Current GPUs that support 3-Way SLI technology include the NVIDIA
8800 GTX, 8800 Ultra, 9800 GTX, GTX 260, GTX 280, GTX 470, GTX 480, GTX 570, and GTX 580 series.)
- One/two 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 two/three CrossFireX/SLI graphics cards on the PCI Ex-
pressx16slots.(Tosetupa2-Wayconguration,werecommendinstallingthegraphicscardsonthePCIEX16_1and
PCIEX16_2 slots. )
Step 2:
Insert the CrossFire (Note )/SLI bridge connectors in the CrossFireX/SLI gold edge connectors on top of the two/three cards.
Step 3:
Plug the display cable into the graphics card on the PCIEX16_1 slot.
(Note) The bridge connectors may be needed or not depending on your graphics cards.
C. Conguring the Graphics Card Driver
C-1. To Enable CrossFireX Function
For 2-Way CrossFireX:
After installing the
graphics card driver in
the operating system, go
to the Catalyst Control
Center. Browse to the
CrossFireX menu and
ensure the Enable
CrossFireX™check box
is selected.
For 3-Way CrossFireX:
After installing the graph-
ics card driver in the
operating system, go to
the Catalyst Control
Center. Browse to the
CrossFireX menu, select
the Enable CrossFireX™
check box, and select the
3 GPUs combination.
Click OK to apply.
For 2-Way/3-Way SLI:
After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go to the NVIDIA Control
Panel. Browse to the Set SLI and Physx Conguration screen and ensure Maximize
3D performance is enabled.
C-2. To Enable SLI Function
Procedure and driver screen for enabling CrossFireX/SLI technology may differ by graphics cards. Refer to the
manual that came with your graphics cards for more information about enabling CrossFireX/SLI technology.

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