Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming G1 User manual

GA-Z97X-Gaming G1
User's Manual
Rev. 1001
12ME-Z97XGG1-1001R

Motherboard
GA-Z97X-Gaming G1
May 2, 2014
May 2, 2014
Motherboard GA-Z97X-Gaming G1

Copyright
©2014 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGYCO., 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.
Nopartofthismanualmaybereproduced,copied,translated,transmitted,orpublishedinany
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-Z97X-Gaming G1 Motherboard Layout.....................................................................7
GA-Z97X-Gaming G1 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 upAMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA®SLI™Conguration ..............................19
1-7 Back Panel Connectors..................................................................................20
1-8 Onboard Buttons, Switches, and LEDs..........................................................22
1-9 ChangingtheOperationalAmplier ...............................................................24
1-10 Internal Connectors........................................................................................25
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup..................................................................................................35
2-1 Startup Screen...............................................................................................36
2-2 The Main Menu..............................................................................................37
2-3 M.I.T...............................................................................................................40
2-4 System Information........................................................................................52
2-5 BIOS Features...............................................................................................53
2-6 Peripherals.....................................................................................................57
2-7 Power Management.......................................................................................61
2-8 Save & Exit.....................................................................................................63
Chapter3 ConguringSATAHardDrive(s)...................................................................65
3-1 ConguringIntel®Z97 SATAControllers........................................................65
3-2 ConguringMarvell®88SE9172 SATAControllers.........................................77
3-3 Installing the SATARAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System.......................82

- 5 -
Chapter 4 Drivers Installation........................................................................................89
4-1 Chipset Drivers...............................................................................................89
4-2 Application Software......................................................................................90
4-3 Information.....................................................................................................90
Chapter 5 Unique Features...........................................................................................91
5-1 BIOS Update Utilities.....................................................................................91
5-1-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility.............................................................91
5-1-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility.............................................................94
5-2 APP Center....................................................................................................95
5-2-1 EasyTune................................................................................................................96
5-2-2 System Information Viewer.....................................................................................97
5-2-3 EZ Setup.................................................................................................................98
5-2-4 Fast Boot..............................................................................................................103
5-2-5 Smart TimeLock....................................................................................................104
5-2-6 Smart Recovery 2.................................................................................................105
5-2-7 USB Blocker.........................................................................................................107
5-2-8 Smart Switch........................................................................................................108
5-2-9 Game Controller...................................................................................................109
Chapter 6 Appendix....................................................................................................111
6-1 Qualcomm®Atheros Killer Network Manager................................................111
6-2 ConguringAudioInputandOutput............................................................. 112
6-2-1 Conguring2/5.1-ChannelAudio..........................................................................112
6-2-2 Creative Software Suite........................................................................................112
6-2-3 ConguringS/PDIFOut........................................................................................116
6-2-4 ConguringAudioRecording................................................................................117
6-2-5 Using the Sound Recorder...................................................................................119
6-3 Troubleshooting............................................................................................120
6-3-1 FrequentlyAsked Questions ................................................................................120
6-3-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ..................................................................................121
6-4 Debug LED Codes.......................................................................................123
Regulatory Statements............................................................................................127
Contact Us..............................................................................................................135

- 6 -
Box Contents
5GA-Z97X-Gaming G1 motherboard
5Motherboard driver disk
5User's Manual
5Quick Installation Guide
5Six SATAcables
5I/O Shield
5One 2-Way SLI bridge connector
5One 3-Way SLI bridge connector
5One 4-Way SLI bridge connector
5One 2-Way CrossFire bridge connector
Optional Items
2-portUSB2.0bracket(PartNo.12CR1-1UB030-6*R)
eSATAbracket(PartNo.12CF1-3SATPW-4*R)
3.5"FrontPanelwith2USB3.0/2.0ports(PartNo.12CR1-FPX582-2*R)
HDMI-to-DVIadapter(PartNo.12CT2-HDMI01-1*R)
The box contents above are for reference only and the actual items shall depend on the product package you
obtain. The box contents are subject to change without notice.

- 7 -
GA-Z97X-Gaming G1 Motherboard Layout
(Note) Fordebugcodeinformation,pleaserefertoChapter6.
CPU_FAN
ATX_12V_2X4
ATX
AUDIO
DDR3_2 DDR3_4 DDR3_3 DDR3_1
BAT
Intel®Z97
PCIEX16_1
LGA1150
GA-Z97X-Gaming G1
USB30_LAN2
iTE®
Super I/O
SYS_FAN2
KB_MS_USB
GSATA3
1 0
F_PANEL
Intel®GbE
LAN
DVI
USB30_LAN1
7 9 6 8
PCIEX1_2
PCIEX8_1
PCIEX1_1
DP
SYS_FAN1 CPU_OPT
SYS_FAN5
SYS_FAN4
SB
R_USB30
PCIEX16_2
PCIEX8_2
F_USB30
B_BIOS
BBIOS_LED
M_BIOS
F_USB2 BIOS_SW
SATA_EXPRESS
RST_SW
CMOS_SW
PW_SW
PLX®
PEX8747
MBIOS_LED
SATA 3
Marvell®
88SE9172
Marvell®
88SE9172
Debug LED (Note)
HDMI
Renesas®
uPD720210
Qualcomm®
Atheros Killer
E2201 LAN
PCIEX1_3
CAP_SW1
CAP_SW2
ATX4P
3 2 5 4
SATA 3
CLR_CMOS
F_USB1F_USB3
SYS_FAN3
F_AUDIO
PLX®
PEX8605
Creative®
Sound Core 3D
TI Burr Brown®
OPA2134

- 8 -
GA-Z97X-Gaming G1 Motherboard Block Diagram
Fordetailedproductinformation/limitation(s),referto"1-2ProductSpecications."
LGA1150
CPU
CPUCLK+/-(100MHz)
Dual BIOS
DDR31600/1333MHz
PCIeCLK(100MHz)
DMI 2.0
FDI
LPC Bus
PS/2 KB/Mouse
iTE®
Super I/O
DVI
HDMI
DisplayPort
Intel®Z97 4 USB 3.0/2.0
8 USB 2.0/1.1
x1
LAN1
RJ45
Qualcomm®
Atheros Killer
E2201 LAN
PCIe CLK
(100MHz)
PCI Express Bus
1 PCI Express x16
PLX® PEX8747
x16
x16
Switch
1 PCI Express x16
x16 Switch
2 PCI Express x8
x16
PCI Express Bus
LAN2
RJ45
Intel®GbE
LAN
3 PCI Express x1
PLX® PEX8605
x1x1 x1
x1
4 USB 3.0/2.0
Renesas®
uPD720210 Hub
4 SATA6Gb/s
1 SATAExpress
2 SATA6Gb/s
or
Marvell®
88SE9172
x1
2 SATA6Gb/s
Marvell®
88SE9172
x1
2 SATA6Gb/s
Creative®
Sound Core
3D
Center/Subwoofer
Speaker Out
Line Out
MIC/Line In
S/PDIF Out
Rear Speaker Out
Headphone/Speaker Out
or
2 PCI Express x8
or Dual Channel Memory

- 9 -
Hardware Installation
1-1 Installation Precautions
Themotherboardcontainsnumerousdelicateelectroniccircuitsandcomponentswhichcanbecome
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.
•Whenconnectinghardwarecomponentstotheinternalconnectorsonthemotherboard,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.
•Beforeunpluggingthepowersupplycablefromthemotherboard,makesurethepowersupply
has been turned off.
•Before turning on the power, make sure the power supply voltage has been set according to
the local voltage standard.
•Beforeusingtheproduct,pleaseverifythatallcablesandpowerconnectorsofyourhardware
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™i3processors/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®Z97 Express Chipset
Memory 4 x 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Prole(XMP)memorymodules
 (GotoGIGABYTE'swebsiteforthelatestsupportedmemoryspeedsandmemory
modules.)
Onboard
Graphics Integrated Graphics Processor:
- 1 x DVI-I port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920x1200@60Hz
- 1xHDMIport,supportingamaximumresolutionof4096x2160@24Hzor
2560x1600@60Hz
* SupportforHDMI1.4aversion.
- 1xDisplayPort,supportingamaximumresolutionof4096x2160@24Hzor
3840x2160@60Hz
* SupportforDisplayPort1.2version.
- Support for up to 3 displays at the same time
- Maximum shared memory of 1 GB
Audio Creative®Sound Core 3D chip
TI Burr Brown®OPA2134operationalamplier
Support for Sound Blaster Recon3Di
HighDenitionAudio
2/5.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF Out
LAN 1 x Qualcomm®AtherosKillerE2201chip(10/100/1000Mbit)(LAN1)
1 x Intel®GbELANphy(10/100/1000Mbit)(LAN2)
 * Teamingisnotsupported.
Expansion Slots 2xPCIExpressx16slots,runningatx16(PCIEX16_1~2)
 * Foroptimumperformance,ifonlyonePCIExpressgraphicscardistobeinstalled,be
suretoinstallitinthePCIEX16_1slot;ifyouareinstallingtwoPCIExpressgraphics
cards, it is recommended that you install them in the PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2
slots.

- 11 -
Hardware Installation
Expansion Slots 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
slotwithPCIEX16_2.ThePCIEX16_1/PCIEX16_2slotwilloperateatuptox8mode
when the PCIEX8_1/PCIEX8_2 is populated.
 (AllPCIExpressx16slotsconformtoPCIExpress3.0standard.)
3 x PCI Express x1 slots
 (ThePCIExpressx1slotsconformtoPCIExpress2.0standard.)
Multi-Graphics
Technology
Support for 4-Way/3-Way/2-WayAMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA®SLI™technology
Storage Interface
Chipset:
- 1 x SATAExpress connector
 - 6xSATA6Gb/sconnectors(SATA30~5)
- Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10
  (SATAExpressandSATA34/5connectorscanonlybeusedoneatatime.)
2 x Marvell®88SE9172 chips:
 - 4xSATA6Gb/sconnectors(GSATA36~9)
- Support for RAID 0 and RAID 1
USB
Chipset:
 - 4xUSB3.0/2.0ports(2portsonthebackpanel,2portsavailablethrough
theinternalUSBheader)
 - 8xUSB2.0/1.1ports(2portsonthebackpanel,6portsavailablethrough
theinternalUSBheaders)
Chipset + Renesas®uPD720210 USB 3.0 Hub:
- 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports on the back panel
Internal
Connectors
1 x 24-pinATX main power connector
1 x 8-pinATX 12V power connector
1 x PCIe power connector
1 x SATAExpress connector
10 x SATA6Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan header
1xwatercoolingfanheader(CPU_OPT)
5 x system fan headers
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 header
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
1 x power button
1 x reset button
1 x Clear CMOS button
2 x audio gain control switches
8 x onboard voltage measurement points
2 x BIOS switches
Back Panel
Connectors
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
1 x DVI-I port
1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI port

- 12 -
Hardware Installation
Back Panel
Connectors
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
2 x RJ-45 ports
5xaudiojacks(Center/SubwooferSpeakerOut,RearSpeakerOut,LineIn/Mic
In,LineOut,Headphone)
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ash
Use of licensedAMI UEFI BIOS
Support for DualBIOS™
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.7, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 2.0
Unique Features
Support for APP Center
* AvailableapplicationsinAPPCentermaydifferbymotherboardmodel.Supported
functions of each application may also differ depending on motherboard
specications.
- @BIOS
- EasyTune
- EZ Setup
- Fast Boot
- Game Controller
- ON/OFF Charge
- Smart TimeLock
- Smart Recovery 2
- System Information Viewer
- USB Blocker
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Smart Switch
Support for Xpress Install
Bundled
Software
Norton®InternetSecurity(OEMversion)
Intel®Rapid Start Technology
Intel®Smart Connect Technology
Intel®Smart Response Technology
Operating
System Support for Windows 8.1/8/7
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.

- 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.)
•Alwaysturnoffthecomputerandunplugthepowercord from thepoweroutletbeforeinstallingthe
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
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
completelylifttheCPUsocketleverandthemetal
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.
•BeforeinstallingtheCPU,makesuretoturnoffthecomputerandunplugthepowercordfrom
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
isunder the shoulder screw. Then press theCPU
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.)

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Hardware Installation
UseextremecarewhenremovingtheCPUcoolerbecausethethermalgrease/tapebetweentheCPU
coolerandCPUmayadheretotheCPU.InadequatelyremovingtheCPUcoolermaydamagetheCPU.
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler
Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler on the motherboard.
Step 1:
Applyanevenandthinlayerofthermalgreaseon
the surface of the installed CPU.
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:
Youshouldheara"click"whenpushingdowneach
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
theArrow Sign
on the Male
Push Pin
Step 2:
Beforeinstallingthecooler,notethedirectionofthe
arrowsign onthemalepushpin.(Turningthe
pushpin alongthe direction of arrow isto remove
thecooler,onthecontrary,istoinstall.)

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Hardware Installation
1-4 Installing the Memory
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the memory:
•Makesurethatthemotherboardsupportsthememory.Itisrecommendedthatmemoryofthesame
capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.
(GotoGIGABYTE'swebsiteforthelatestsupportedmemoryspeedsandmemorymodules.)
•Alwaysturnoffthecomputerandunplugthepowercord from thepoweroutletbeforeinstallingthe
memory to prevent hardware damage.
•Memorymoduleshaveafoolproofdesign.Amemorymodulecanbeinstalledinonlyonedirection.
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:
ChannelA: 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. WhenenablingDualChannelmodewithtwoorfourmemorymodules,itisrecommendedthatmemory
of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used and installed in the same colored DDR3
sockets. 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.

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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.
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.
Notch
DDR3 DIMM
Step 1:
Notethe orientationof the memory module. Spreadthe retainingclip
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
onthetopedgeofthememory,pushdownon the memory and insert
it vertically into the memory socket.
Step 2:
The clip at the right end of the socket will snap into place when the
memory module is securely inserted.

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Hardware Installation
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install an expansion card:
•Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual that came
with your expansion card.
•Alwaysturn offthe computer and unplugthe power cord from the power outletbefore installing an
expansion card to prevent hardware damage.
Follow the steps below to correctly install your expansion card in the expansion slot.
1. Locateanexpansionslotthat supports yourcard.Removethemetalslot cover from thechassisbackpanel.
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.

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Hardware Installation
• Procedureand driverscreen forenabling CrossFire/SLI technology may differby graphics cardsand driverversion.
RefertothemanualthatcamewithyourgraphicscardsformoreinformationaboutenablingCrossFire/SLItechnology.
• When two or more graphics cards are installed, we recommend that you connect the SATA power cable from the
power supply to theATX4P connector to ensure system stability.
1-6 Setting upAMD CrossFire™/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 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.If your system has more than
two CrossFire cards, select the GPU combination you want to use
and click Apply. (Availablecombinationoptionsaredependenton
thenumberofgraphicscards.)
A. System Requirements
-Windows 8.1/8/7 operating system
-ACrossFire/SLI-supported motherboard with two or more PCI Express x16 slots and correct driver
-CrossFire/SLI-ready graphics cards of identical brand and chip and correct driver
 (CurrentGPUsthatsupport3-Way/4-WayCrossFiretechnologyincludetheATIRadeon™HD 3800, HD
4800, HD 5800 series, and AMD Radeon™HD 6800, HD 6900, HD 7800, and HD 7900 series. Current
GPUs that support 3-Way/4-Way SLI™technology include the NVIDIA8800 GTX, 8800 Ultra, 9800 GTX,
GTX260,GTX280,GTX470,GTX480,GTX570,GTX580,GTX590,andGTX600series.)Forthe
latest GPU support information, please refer to theAMD/NVIDIA®website.)
-CrossFire (Note)/SLI bridge connectors
-Apowersupplywithsufcientpowerisrecommended(Refertothemanualofyourgraphicscardsforthe
powerrequirement)
B. Connecting the Graphics Cards
Step 1:
Observe the steps in "1-5 Installing an Expansion Card" and install CrossFire/SLI graphics cards on the PCI
Express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 CrossFire/SLI gold edge connectors on top of the cards.
Step 3:
Plug the display cable into the graphics card on the PCIEX16_1 slot.
C-2. To Enable SLI Function
Afterinstallingthegraphicscarddriverintheoperatingsystem,goto
theNVIDIAControlPanel.BrowsetotheCongureSLI,Surround,
PhysX screen and ensure Maximize 3D performance is enabled.

- 20 -
Hardware Installation
1-7 Back Panel Connectors
USB 2.0/1.1 Port
TheUSBportsupportstheUSB2.0/1.1specication.YoucanconnectaUSBDACtothisportorusethis
portforUSBdevicessuchasaUSBkeyboard/mouse,USBprinter,USBashdriveandetc.
PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port
Use this port to connect a PS/2 mouse or keyboard.
DVI-I Port
TheDVI-IportconformstotheDVI-Ispecicationandsupportsamaximumresolutionof1920x1200@60Hz
(theactualresolutionssupporteddependonthemonitorbeingused).ConnectamonitorthatsupportsDVI-I
connection to this port.
DisplayPort
DisplayPort delivers high quality digital imaging and audio, supporting bi-directional audio transmission.
DisplayPort can support both DPCP and HDCPcontent protection mechanisms. You can use this port to
connectyourDisplayPort-supportedmonitor.Themaximumsupportedresolutionis4096x2160@24Hz
or3840x2160@60Hz,buttheactualresolutionssupportedaredependentonthemonitorbeingused.
USB 3.0/2.0 Port
TheUSB3.0portsupportstheUSB3.0specicationandiscompatibletotheUSB2.0/1.1specication.
UsethisportforUSBdevicessuchasaUSBkeyboard/mouse,USBprinter,USBashdriveandetc.
HDMI Port The HDMI port is HDCP compliant and supports Dolby True HD and DTS HD
MasterAudioformats.Italsosupportsupto192KHz/24bit8-channelLPCMaudio
output.YoucanusethisporttoconnectyourHDMI-supportedmonitor.Themaximumsupportedresolution
is 4096x2160@24Hzor2560x1600@60Hz, but the actual resolutions supported are dependent on the
monitor being used.
AfterinstallingtheHDMIdevice,makesuretosetthedefaultsoundplaybackdevicetoHDMI.(The
itemnamemaydifferdependingonyouroperatingsystem.ThescreenshotbelowisfromWindows8.1)
In Windows 8.1, select Apps>Control Panel>Hardware
andSound>Sound>Playback,setIntel(R)DisplayAudio
to the default playback device.
After installing the DisplayPort device, make sure the default device for sound playback is the
DisplayPort device.