Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UP7 User manual

GA-Z77X-UP7
User's Manual
Rev. 1001
12ME-Z77XUP7-1001R

Motherboard
GA-Z77X-UP7
Aug. 31, 2012
Aug. 31, 2012
Motherboard GA-Z77X-UP7

Copyright
©2012 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-Z77X-UP7 Motherboard Layout ................................................................................7
GA-Z77X-UP7 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 Setting up AMD CrossFireX™/NVIDIASLIConguration................................ 19
1-7 Installing the eSATA Bracket .......................................................................... 20
1-8 Back Panel Connectors.................................................................................. 21
1-9 Onboard Buttons, Switches and LEDs........................................................... 24
1-10 Internal Connectors........................................................................................ 27
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ..................................................................................................37
2-1 Startup Screen ............................................................................................... 38
2-2 The Main Menu .............................................................................................. 39
2-3 M.I.T. .............................................................................................................. 41
2-4 System ........................................................................................................... 53
2-5 BIOS Features ............................................................................................... 54
2-6 Peripherals..................................................................................................... 57
2-7 Power Management....................................................................................... 62
2-8 Save & Exit..................................................................................................... 64
Chapter 3 Drivers Installation........................................................................................65
3-1 Installing Chipset Drivers ............................................................................... 65
3-2 Application Software ...................................................................................... 66
3-3 Technical Manuals.......................................................................................... 66
3-4 Contact........................................................................................................... 67
3-5 System ........................................................................................................... 67

- 5 -
3-6 Download Center ........................................................................................... 68
3-7 New Program ................................................................................................. 68
Chapter 4 Unique Features...........................................................................................69
4-1 Xpress Recovery2.......................................................................................... 69
4-2 BIOS Update Utilities ..................................................................................... 72
4-2-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility.............................................................72
4-2-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility .............................................................75
4-3 EasyTune 6 .................................................................................................... 76
4-4 Q-Share.......................................................................................................... 77
4-5 eXtreme Hard Drive (X.H.D) .......................................................................... 78
4-6 Auto Green..................................................................................................... 79
4-7 EZ Setup ........................................................................................................ 80
4-7-1 Installing EZ Smart Response................................................................................81
4-7-2 Installing EZ Rapid Start.........................................................................................82
4-7-3 Installing EZ Smart Connect...................................................................................83
Chapter 5 Appendix ......................................................................................................85
5-1 ConguringSATAHardDrive(s)..................................................................... 85
5-1-1 ConguringIntelZ77SATAControllers ..................................................................85
5-1-2 ConguringMarvell88SE9172SATAController.....................................................93
5-1-3 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System ...............................99
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In/Out....................................................................................110
5-2-3 ConguringMicrophoneRecording......................................................................112
5-2-4 Using the Sound Recorder ...................................................................................114
5-3 Troubleshooting............................................................................................ 115
5-3-1 Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................115
5-3-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ..................................................................................116
5-4 Debug LED Codes ....................................................................................... 118
5-5 Regulatory Statements................................................................................. 122

- 6 -
Box Contents
5GA-Z77X-UP7 motherboard
5Motherboard driver disk
5User's Manual
5Quick Installation Guide
5Six SATA 6Gb/s cables
;One eSATA braket
5I/O Shield
5One 2-Way SLI bridge connector
5One 3-Way SLI bridge connector
5One 4-Way SLI bridge connector
5One 2-Way CrossFireX bridge connector
5Eight voltage measurement cables
53.5" Front Panel with 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports
5One GC-WB300D (including two antennas, one USB 2.0 cable, driver disk,
and user's manual)
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-FPX582-0*R)
S/PDIF In cable (Part No. 12CR1-1SPDIN-1*R)
HDMI-to-DVI adapter (Part No. 12CT2-HDMI01-1*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-Z77X-UP7 Motherboard Layout
(Note) For debug code information, please refer to Chapter 5.
CPU_FAN
ATX_12V_2X4
ATX
F_AUDIO
AUDIO
B_BIOS
DDR3_2 DDR3_4 DDR3_3 DDR3_1
BAT
F_PANEL
Intel®Z77
CLR_CMOS
M_BIOS
PCIEX16_1
SPDIF_O
F_USB2
LGA1155
GA-Z77X-UP7
USB30_LAN2
VGA
PCIEX1_2
F_USB30_2
iTE
Super I/O
COMA
F_USB1
KB_USB3
SYS_FAN2
VIA
VL800
PCIEX8_2
SYS_FAN6
SATA3
MSATA
ATX4P
CODEC
SB
Debug LED (Note) SYS_FAN1
1
0
CMOS_SW
VCORE
CPUVTT
VAXG
CPUPLL
VDIMM
DDRVTT
PCHIO
MBIOS_LED
BBIOS_LED
SYS_FAN3
SATA2
3
2
SYS_FAN4
Marvell
88SE9172
F_USB30_1
Intel
GbE LAN
SPDIF_IN
IMC
DP_HDMI_SPDIF
ATX_12V_2X4_1
DVI
USB30_LAN1
PEX8747
LN2
+_
RATIO_UP RATIO_DW
+_
FREQ_UP
FREQ_DW
PW_SW
Gear
Marvell
88SE9172
Etron
EJ168
RST_SW
5
4
GSATA3
7
6
9
8
SYS_FAN5
M/B
PCIEX16_3
PCIEX1_1
PCIEX8_1
PCIEX16_2
Atheros
GbE LAN

- 8 -
GA-Z77X-UP7 Motherboard Block Diagram
For detailed product information/limitation(s), refer to "1-2
ProductSpecications."
LGA1155
CPU
CPU CLK+/- (100 MHz)
2 SATA 6Gb/s
Dual BIOS
4 USB 2.0/1.1
DDR3 1600/1333/1066 MHz
Dual Channel Memory
4 USB 3.0/2.0
VIA
VL800
PCI Express Bus
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
2 PCI Express x1
DMI 2.0
FDI
3 SATA 3Gb/s
4 USB 3.0/2.0
1 SATA 3Gb/s
1 mSATA
or
Switch
Etron
EJ168
x1
LAN
RJ45
Intel GbE
LAN
x1
2 USB 3.0/2.0
LPC Bus
2 SATA 6Gb/s
x1
Marvell
88SE9172
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Line Out
MIC
Line In
S/PDIF Out
Rear Speaker Out
S/PDIF In
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
PCI Express Bus
1 PCI Express x16
2 PCI Express x8
PEX8747
x16
x16
Switch
1 PCI Express x16
x16 Switch
2 PCI Express x8
x16
x1 x1
LAN
RJ45
Atheros
GbE LAN
2 SATA 6Gb/s
x1
Marvell
88SE9172
PS/2 KB/Mouse
COM
iTE
Super I/O
D-Sub
DVI-D
HDMI
DisplayPort
Intel®Z77
Side Speaker Out
CODEC
Switch
1 PCI Express x16

- 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/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®Z77 Express Chipset
Memory 4 x 1.5V DDR3 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.
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for DDR3 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.)
Onboard
Graphics
Chipset:
- 1 x D-Sub port
- 1 x DVI-D port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920x1200
* The DVI-D port does not support D-Sub connection by adapter.
- 1 x HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920x1200
- 1 x DisplayPort, supporting a maximum resolution of 2560x1600
Audio Realtek ALC898 codec
HighDenitionAudio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF In
Support for S/PDIF Out
LAN 1 x Atheros GbE LAN chip (10/100/1000 Mbit) (LAN1)
1 x Intel GbE LAN chip (10/100/1000 Mbit) (LAN2)
Expansion Slots 3 x PCI Express x16 slots, running at x16 (PCIEX16_1~3)
* For optimum performance, if only one expansion card is to be installed, be sure to
install it in the PCIEX16_2 slot.
2 x PCI Express x16 slots, running at x8 (PCIEX8_1~2)
* The PCIEX8_1 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16_1 slot and the PCIEX8_2
slot with PCIEX16_3. The PCIEX16_1/PCIEX16_3 slot will operate at up to x8 mode
when the PCIEX8_1/PCIEX8_2 is populated.
(The PCIEX16 and PCIEX8 slots conform to PCI Express 3.0 standard.)
* Whether PCI Express 3.0 is supported depends on CPU and graphics card
compatibility.
* The PCIEX16_2 slot will become unavailable when an expansion card is installed
in the orange PCI Express x16 slot.
2 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 CrossFireX™/NVIDIA SLI technology

- 11 -
Hardware Installation
Storage Interface Chipset:
- 2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (SATA3 0~1) supporting up to 2 SATA 6Gb/s
devices
- 4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors (SATA2 2~5) supporting up to 4 SATA 3Gb/s
devices
- 1 x mSATA connector
* The SATA2 5 connector will become unavailable when the mSATA connector is
installed with a solid state drive.
- Support for 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.
2 x Marvell 88SE9172 chips:
- 4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (GSATA3 6~9) supporting up to 4 SATA 6Gb/s
devices
- Support for RAID 0 and RAID 1
USB Chipset:
- Up to 4 USB 3.0/2.0 ports (2 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available through
the internal USB header)
- Up to 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (available through the internal USB headers)
VIA VL800 chip:
- Up to 4 USB 3.0/2.0 ports on the back panel
* Due to a Windows 7 limitation, please connect your USB device(s) to the Intel
controlled USB port(s) (located below the PS/2 keyboard/mouse port) before the
VIA USB 3.0 controller driver is installed.
Etron EJ168 chip:
- Up to 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports (available through the internal USB header)
Internal
Connectors
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
2 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors
1 x PCIe power connector
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
1 x mSATA connector
1 x CPU fan header
6 x system fan headers
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x S/PDIF Out header
1 x S/PDIF In header
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 headers
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 Gear button
1 x CPU BCLK Down button
1 x CPU BCLK Up button
1 x CPU Ratio Down button
1 x CPU Ratio Up button
1 x onboard voltage measurement module

- 12 -
Hardware Installation
Internal
Connectors
2 x BIOS switchs
1 x LN2 switch
Back Panel
Connectors
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
1 x D-Sub port
1 x DVI-D port
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
1 x HDMI port
1 x DisplayPort
6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
2 x RJ-45 ports
6 x audio jacks (Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out/Rear Speaker Out/Side Speaker
Out/Line In/Line Out/Microphone)
I/O Controller iTE I/O Controller Chip
Hardware
Monitor
System voltage detection
CPU/System temperature detection
CPU/System fan speed detection
CPU overheating warning
CPU/System 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64Mbitash
Use of licensed AMI EFI BIOS
Support for DualBIOS™
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI 2.0a
Unique Features Support for @BIOS
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Xpress Install
Support for Xpress Recovery2
Support for EasyTune
* Available functions in EasyTune may differ by motherboard model.
Support for eXtreme Hard Drive (X.H.D)
Support for Auto Green
Support for ON/OFF Charge
Support for Q-Share
Support for 3D Power
Support for EZ Setup
Bundled
Software
Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Intel®Rapid Start Technology
Intel®Smart Connect Technology
Intel®Smart Response Technology
LucidLogix Virtu MVP
* Make sure the monitor cable has been connected to the integrated graphics port on
the back panel.

- 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.
Notch
Alignment KeyAlignment
Key
Notch
LGA1155 CPU
LGA1155 CPU Socket
Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket
Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU
Operating
System Support for Microsoft®Windows 7/XP
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 GIGABYTE's website to check the supported operating system(s) for the software listed in the "Unique
Features" and "Bundled Software" columns.

- 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.
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 nger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
replace the protective socket cover when the CPU
is not installed.)

- 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. (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
motherboard. 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
motherboard. 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 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.
DDR3_1 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_4
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.Enabling
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_2, DDR3_4
Channel B: DDR3_1, DDR3_3
DualChannelMemoryCongurationsTable
DDR3_4 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_1
Two Modules - - DS/SS - - DS/SS
DS/SS - - DS/SS - -
Four 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 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, when enabling
Dual Channel mode with two memory modules, we recommend that you install them in the DDR3_1
and DDR3_2 sockets.

- 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ngers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.

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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
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.
PCI Express x1 Slot
PCI Express x16 Slot
•Removing the Card:
Gently push back on the lever on the slot and then lift the card straight out from
the slot.

- 19 -
Hardware Installation
• Procedure and driver screen for enabling CrossFireX/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 CrossFireX/SLI technology.
• When two or more graphics cards are installed, we recommend that you connect the SATA power
cable from the power supply to the ATX4P connector to ensure system stability.
1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFireX™/NVIDIASLIConguration
(Note) The bridge connector(s) may be needed or not depending on your
graphics cards.
C.ConguringtheGraphicsCardDriver
C-1. To Enable CrossFireX Function
After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system,
go to the Catalyst Control Center. Browse to Performance\AMD
CrossFireX™Conguration and ensure the Enable CrossFireX™
check box is selected. Select the GPU combination you want to use
and click Apply. (Available combination options are dependent on
the number of 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 Set SLI and Physx
Conguration screen and ensure Maximize 3D performance is
enabled.
A. System Requirements
-The 2-Way CrossFireX/SLI technologies currently support Windows 7 and XP operating systems
-The 3-Way/4-Way CrossFireX/SLI technologies currently support Windows 7 operating system
-A CrossFireX/SLI-supported motherboard with two/three/four PCI Express x16 slots and correct driver
-Two/three/four CrossFireX/SLI-ready graphics cards of identical brand and chip and correct driver
(Current GPUs that support 3-Way/4-Way CrossFireX 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.)
-CrossFireX (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 CrossFireX/SLI graphics cards on the
PCIExpressx16slots.(Tosetupa2-Wayconguration,werecommendinstallingthegraphicscardsonthe
PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_3 slots.)
Step 2:
Insert the CrossFireX(Note)/SLI bridge connectors in the CrossFireX/SLI gold edge connectors on top of the cards.
Step 3:
Plug the display cable into the graphics card on the PCIEX16_1 slot.

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Hardware Installation
External SATA Connector
Power Connector
External SATA
Connector
eSATA Bracket SATA Signal Cable
SATA Power Cable
1-7 Installing the eSATA Bracket
•Turn off your system and the power switch on the power supply before installing or removing the
eSATA 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 eSATA 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 eSATA bracket:
The eSATA bracket includes one eSATA bracket, two
SATA signal cables, and one SATA power cable.
Step 2:
Connect the SATA
cable from the bracket
to the SATA port on
your motherboard.
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 connector
on the bracket.
Step 1:
Locate one free slot
and secure the eSATA
bracket to the chassis
back panel with a
screw.
Step 3:
Connect the power
cable from the bracket
to the power supply.
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.