Gigabyte GA-Z87X-OC User manual

GA-Z87X-OC
User's Manual
Rev. 1002
12ME-Z87XOC-1002R

Motherboard
GA-Z87X-OC
Apr. 12, 2013
Apr. 12, 2013
Motherboard GA-Z87X-OC

Copyright
©2013 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-Z87X-OC Motherboard Layout..................................................................................7
GA-Z87X-OC 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 Expansion Cards............................................................................. 18
1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA®SLI™Conguration .............................. 19
1-7 Back Panel Connectors.................................................................................. 21
1-8 Onboard Buttons, Switches, and LEDs.......................................................... 23
1-9 Internal Connectors........................................................................................ 26
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ..................................................................................................37
2-1 Startup Screen ............................................................................................... 38
2-2 The Main Menu .............................................................................................. 39
2-3 M.I.T. .............................................................................................................. 41
2-4 System ........................................................................................................... 52
2-5 BIOS Features ............................................................................................... 53
2-6 Peripherals..................................................................................................... 56
2-7 Power Management....................................................................................... 60
2-8 Save & Exit..................................................................................................... 62

- 5 -
Chapter3 ConguringSATAHardDrive(s)...................................................................63
3-1 ConguringSATAControllers......................................................................... 63
3-2 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System....................... 75
Chapter 4 Drivers Installation........................................................................................79
4-1 Chipset Drivers............................................................................................... 79
4-2 Application Software ...................................................................................... 80
4-3 Information ..................................................................................................... 80
Chapter 5 Unique Features...........................................................................................81
5-1 BIOS Update Utilities ..................................................................................... 81
5-1-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility.............................................................81
5-1-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility .............................................................84
5-2 APP Center .................................................................................................... 85
5-2-1 EasyTune................................................................................................................86
5-2-2 EZ Setup.................................................................................................................87
5-2-3 ON/OFF Charge2 ...................................................................................................92
5-2-4 USB Blocker ...........................................................................................................93
Chapter 6 Appendix ......................................................................................................95
6-1 ConguringAudioInputandOutput............................................................... 95
6-1-1 Conguring2/4/5.1/7.1-ChannelAudio...................................................................95
6-1-2 ConguringS/PDIFIn/Out......................................................................................97
6-1-3 ConguringMicrophoneRecording........................................................................99
6-1-4 Using the Sound Recorder ...................................................................................101
6-2 Troubleshooting............................................................................................ 102
6-2-1 Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................102
6-2-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ..................................................................................103
6-3 Debug LED Codes ....................................................................................... 105
Regulatory Statements............................................................................................ 109
Contact Us ...............................................................................................................111

- 6 -
Box Contents
5GA-Z87X-OC motherboard
5Motherboard driver disk
5User's Manual
5Quick Installation Guide
5Four SATA cables
5I/O Shield
5One 2-Way SLI bridge connector
5One 2-Way CrossFire bridge connector
5Twelve voltage measurement cables
5One OC Brace
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)
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-Z87X-OC Motherboard Layout
(Note) Fordebugcodeinformation,pleaserefertoChapter6.
DIP
123 4
CPU_FAN
ATX_12V_2X4
ATX
AUDIO
DDR3_2 DDR3_4 DDR3_3 DDR3_1
BAT Intel®Z87
CLR_CMOS
PCIEX16
LGA1150
GA-Z87X-OC
KB_MS_USB3
OC_IGNITION
F_USB30_1
iTE® Super I/O
SYS_FAN2
R_USB
SATA3
CODEC
Debug LED (Note
1 0
RST_SW
MEM_SAFE
F_PANEL
Intel®
GbE LAN
SPDIF_IN
R_USB30_2
ATX_12V
USB30_LAN
+_
SYS_FAN6
CBAT_SW
5 3 4 2
PCI1
PCIEX4_1
PCIEX1_1
HDMI
SYS_FAN1
CPU_OPT
PCIE_SW
SYS_FAN4
F_USB30_2F_USB1
F_USB2
SPDIF_O
Renesas®
uPD720210
F_AUDIO
DP_HDMI_SPDIF
OC_PEG
F_USB4
F_USB3
PCIEX8
PCI2
PCIEX4_2
SYS_FAN5
PW_SW
RATIO_DW
RATIO_UP
FREQ_DW
+_
FREQ_UP
GEAR
TURBO
TAG
B_BIOS
BBIOS_LED
MBIOS_LED
M_BIOS
COMA
PCIe to PCI
Bridge
DTB
SET_LOCK
SB
BIOS_SW
TGR
CMOS_SW
SYS_FAN3
Renesas®
uPD720210

- 8 -
GA-Z87X-OC Motherboard Block Diagram
Fordetailedproductinformation/limitation(s),referto"1-2ProductSpecications."
LGA1150
CPU
CPUCLK+/-(100MHz)
Dual BIOS
8 USB 2.0/1.1
DDR31600/1333MHz
Dual Channel Memory
DMI 2.0
FDI
6 SATA 6Gb/s
2 USB 3.0/2.0
LPC Bus
PCIe CLK
(100MHz)
PCI Express Bus
1 PCI Express x8
2 PCI Express x4
x8
x8
Switch
1 PCI Express x16
x16 Switch
2 PCI Express x8
x16
PS/2 KB/Mouse
iTE®
Super I/O
HDMI
HDMI
DisplayPort
Intel®Z87
COM
4 USB 3.0/2.0
Renesas®
uPD720210 Hub
4 USB 3.0/2.0
Renesas®
uPD720210 Hub
PCI Express Bus
PCIe CLK
(100MHz)
1 PCI Express x1
x1
LAN
RJ45
Intel®GbE
LAN
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out
Line Out
MIC
Line In
S/PDIF Out
Rear Speaker Out
S/PDIF In
x1
Side Speaker Out
CODEC
x4
1 PCI Express x4
2 PCI
PCI Bus
PCI CLK
(33MHz)
PCIe to PCI
Bridge
x1

- 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 LGA1150 package
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
L3 cache varies with CPU
Chipset
Intel®Z87 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 MHz memory modules
Support for non-ECC memory modules
Support for Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and
memory modules.)
Onboard
Graphics
Integrated Graphics Processor:
- 2 x HDMI ports, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096x2160
* Support for HDMI 1.4a version.
- 1 x DisplayPort port, supporting a maximum resolution of 3840x2160
* Support for DisplayPort 1.2 version.
- Maximum shared memory of 1 GB
Audio
Realtek®ALC892 codec
High Definition Audio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF In
Support for S/PDIF Out
LAN
Intel®GbE LAN chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (PCIEX16)
* For optimum performance, if only one expansion 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. It will operate at up to x8
mode when the PCIEX16 is populated.
2 x PCI Express x16 slots, running at x4 (PCIEX4_1, PCIEX4_2)
* The PCIEX4_1 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16 and PCIEX8 slots. When
it is populated, the PCIEX16 slot will operate at up to x8 mode and the PCIEX8 slot
will operate at up to x4 mode.
* When installing a x8 or above card in the PCIEX4_1 slot, make sure to set PCIE Slot
Conguration in BIOS Setup to x4. (Refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Peripherals,"
for more information.)
(The PCIEX16, PCIEX8, and PCIEX4_1 slots conform to PCI Express 3.0
standard.)
1 x PCI Express x1 slot
(The PCIEX4_2 and PCIEX1_1 slots conform to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
2 x PCI slots

- 11 -
Hardware Installation
Multi-Graphics
Technology
Support for 4-Way/3-Way/2-Way AMD CrossFire™/2-Way NVIDIA®SLI™
Technology
Storage Interface
Chipset:
- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (SATA3 0~5) supporting up to 6 SATA 6Gb/s
devices
- Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10
USB
Chipset:
- Up to 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports (available through the internal USB header)
- Up to 8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (2 ports on the back panel, 2 ports onboard, 4
ports available through the internal USB headers)
Chipset + 2 Renesas®uPD720210 USB 3.0 Hubs:
- Up to 8 USB 3.0/2.0 ports (6 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available
through the internal USB header)
Internal
Connectors
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x OC PEG power connector
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan header
1 x water cooling fan header (CPU_OPT)
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
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
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 OC Turbo button
1 x OC Tag 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 Memory Safe button
1 x Settings Lock button
1 x Direct to BIOS button
1 x OC Trigger switch
1 x OC PCIe switch
1 x Clear Battery button
2 x BIOS switches
1 x onboard voltage measurement module

- 12 -
Hardware Installation
Back Panel
Connectors
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x OC Ignition button
6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
2 x HDMI ports
1 x DisplayPort
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
1 x RJ-45 port
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/Chipset temperature detection
CPU/CPU OPT/System fan speed detection
CPU/System overheating warning
CPU/CPU OPT/System fan fail warning
CPU/CPU OPT/System fan speed control
* Whether the fan speed control function is supported will depend on the cooler you
install.
BIOS 2 x 128 Mbit flash
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 Q-Flash
Support for Xpress Install
Support for APP Center
* Available applications in APP Center may differ by motherboard model. Supported
functions of each application may also differ depending on motherboard
specications.
- @BIOS
- EasyTune
- EZ Setup
- ON/OFF Charge2
- USB Blocker
Bundled
Software
Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Intel®Rapid Start Technology
Intel®Smart Connect Technology
Intel®Smart Response Technology
cFosSpeed

- 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.
DIP
1234
Operating
System Support for Windows 8/7
Form Factor ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm
* GIGABYTE reserves the right to make any changes to the product specications and product-related information without
prior notice.
* Please visit the Support&Downloads\Utility page on GIGABYTE's website to check the supported operating system(s)
for the software listed in the "Unique Features" and "Bundled Software" columns.
Notch
Alignment
Key
Alignment
Key
Notch
LGA1150 CPU
LGA1150 CPU Socket
Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket
Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU

- 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
1-3-2 InstallingtheCPUCooler
Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler on the motherboard.
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.
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.
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
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.
DIP
1234
DDR3_1 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_4
DIP
1234
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
DIP
1234
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 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.
DIP
1234

- 18 -
Hardware Installation
DIP
1234
1-5 InstallingExpansionCards
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:
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.
PCI Slot

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Hardware Installation
1-6 SettingupAMDCrossFire™/NVIDIA®SLI™Conguration
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 8/7 operating system
-A CrossFire/SLI-supported motherboard with two or above PCI Express x16 slots and correct driver
-CrossFire/SLI-ready graphics cards of identical brand and chip and correct driver
(Current GPUs that support 4-/3-Way CrossFire technology include the ATI Radeon™HD 3800, HD 4800,
HD 5800 series, and AMD Radeon™HD 6800, HD 6900, HD 7800, HD 7900 (and above) series. For the
latest GPU support information, please refer to AMD's ofcial website.)
-CrossFire (Note 1)/SLI bridge connectors
-A power supply with sufcient power is recommended (Note 2)(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 the CrossFire/SLI graphics cards in the
PCI Express x16 slots. (To set up a 2-Way conguration, please install the graphics cards in the PCIEX16 and
PCIEX8 slots. To set up a 3-Way CrossFire conguration, we recommend installing the graphics cards in the
PCIEX16 and PCIEX8, and PCIEX4_1 slots.)
Step 2:
Insert the CrossFire (Note 1)/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
CrossFireX™Conguration and ensure the EnableCrossFireX™ check
box is selected. and click Apply.(Available combination options are
dependent on the number of graphics cards.)

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Hardware Installation
D.InstallingtheOCBrace(Note 3)
OC Brace allows extreme overclockers and system testers to safely install up to four graphics cards in an open
case or test bed without risking PCIe slot damage or preventing cards not showing up in the OS due to poor
contact with PCIe slot. Refer to the following installation instructions:
Step 1:
As shown, align the screw holes on the OC Brace
and back plate with the screw holes near the PCIe
slots on the motherboard.
Step 2:
Fasten two of the included thumb screws (starting
from the screw hole near the back panel audio
connectors) to hold the OC Brace in place.
Step 3:
After installing the graphics cards, use the included
thumb screws to secure the metal brackets of the
graphics cards to the OC Brace.
Procedure and driver screen for enabling CrossFire/SLI technology may differ by graphics cards and
driver version. Refer to the manual that came with your graphics cards for more information about
enabling CrossFire/SLI technology.
(Note 1) The bridge connectors may be needed or not depending on your graphics cards.
(Note 2) When two or more graphics cards are installed, we recommend that you connect the power cable
from the power supply to the OC_PEG connetctor to ensure system stability.
(Note 3) The components received may vary in appearance from the products illustrated.