Gigabyte Z590 AORUS XTREME User manual

Z590 AORUS XTREME WB
(Z590 AORUS XTREME WATERFORCE)
User's Manual
Rev. 1001
12ME-Z59XTRB-1001R
For more product details, please visit GIGABYTE's website.
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recyclable and reusable. GIGABYTE works with you to protect the environment.

Copyright
©2021 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, transmit-
ted, 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 docu-
mentations:
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: https://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:

- 3 -
Table of Contents
Box Contents...................................................................................................................5
Optional Items .................................................................................................................5
Z590 AORUS XTREME WB (Z590 AORUS XTREME WATERFORCE)
Motherboard Layout ........................................................................................................6
Z590 AORUS XTREME WB (Z590 AORUS XTREME WATERFORCE)
Motherboard Block Diagram ...........................................................................................7
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation .....................................................................................9
1-1 Installation Precautions ................................................................................... 9
1-2 ProductSpecications................................................................................... 10
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler............................................................... 14
1-3-1 Installing the CPU ..................................................................................................14
1-3-2 Installing the Water Cooling Kit .............................................................................16
1-4 Installing the Memory .................................................................................... 19
1-4-1 DualChannelMemoryConguration ....................................................................19
1-4-2 Installing a Memory................................................................................................20
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card......................................................................... 21
1-6 Setting up an AMD CrossFire™Conguration............................................... 22
1-7 Back Panel Connectors................................................................................. 23
1-8 Onboard Buttons and Switches..................................................................... 25
1-9 Internal Connectors ....................................................................................... 27
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ..................................................................................................39
2-1 Startup Screen............................................................................................... 40
2-2 The Main Menu.............................................................................................. 41
2-3 Smart Fan 6 .................................................................................................. 43
2-4 Favorites (F11) ............................................................................................... 45
2-5 Tweaker.......................................................................................................... 46
2-6 Settings.......................................................................................................... 53
2-7 System Info. ................................................................................................... 60
2-8 Boot................................................................................................................ 61
2-9 Save & Exit .................................................................................................... 64
Chapter3 ConguringaRAIDSet ...............................................................................65
3-1 ConguringSATAControllers........................................................................ 65
3-2 Installing the RAID Driver and Operating System......................................... 70
3-3 Installing Intel®Optane™Memory and Storage Management....................... 71

- 4 -
Chapter 4 Drivers Installation .......................................................................................75
4-1 Drivers & Software......................................................................................... 75
4-2 Application Software...................................................................................... 76
4-3 Information..................................................................................................... 76
Chapter 5 Unique Features...........................................................................................77
5-1 BIOS Update Utilities..................................................................................... 77
5-1-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility...........................................................77
5-1-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility........................................................... 80
5-1-3 Using Q-Flash Plus................................................................................................81
5-2 APP Center.................................................................................................... 82
5-2-1 EasyTune............................................................................................................... 83
5-2-2 Fast Boot ............................................................................................................... 84
5-2-3 Game Boost .......................................................................................................... 85
5-2-4 RGB Fusion........................................................................................................... 86
5-2-5 Smart Backup ....................................................................................................... 88
5-2-6 System Information Viewer................................................................................... 90
Chapter 6 Appendix......................................................................................................91
6-1 ConguringAudioInputandOutput .............................................................. 91
6-1-1 Conguring2/4/5.1/7.1-ChannelAudio..................................................................91
6-1-2 ConguringS/PDIFOut........................................................................................ 94
6-1-3 Using the Voice Recorder..................................................................................... 94
6-1-4 DTS:X®Ultra ......................................................................................................... 95
6-2 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................. 97
6-2-1 Frequently Asked Questions .................................................................................97
6-2-2 Troubleshooting Procedure .................................................................................. 98
6-3 Debug LED Codes....................................................................................... 100
Regulatory Notices ................................................................................................. 104
Contact Us .............................................................................................................. 107

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Box Contents
5Z590 AORUS XTREME WB (Z590 AORUS XTREME WATERFORCE)
motherboard
5One water cooling kit
5OneAORUSUSBashdrivewithdrivers
5User's Manual
5Quick Installation Guide
5Six SATA cables
5Two antennas
5Two integrated extension cables for addressable and RGB LED strips
5One AORUS RGB Fan Commander
5One front panel extension cable
5One front USB header extension cable
5One ESSential USB DAC
5One noise detection cable
5Two thermistor cables
5One G Connector
5Two Velcro Cable Ties
5M.2 screws
5One AORUS Gen4 AIC Adaptor (GC-2XM2G4)
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 3.2 Gen 1 ports (Part No. 12CR1-FPX582-2*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.

- 6 -
(Note) For debug code information, please refer to Chapter 6.
Temperature
sensor
WIFI
LGA1200
ATX
AUDIO
DDR4_A1 DDR4_A2 DDR4_B1 DDR4_B2
BAT
Intel®Z590
M_BIOS
B_BIOS
Aquantia 10GbE
LAN
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Hub
CODEC
ESS ES9018K2M
DAC
PCIEX16
PCIEX8
F_U320G
DB_PORT (Note)
EC_TEMP1
SYS_FAN1
4280
110
M2A_SB
80110
M2P_CPU
6080110
M2M_SB
F_AUDIO
CPU_FAN
iTE®
SuperI/O
LED_C1
LED_C2
PW_SW
ATX_12V_2X4_2
ATX_12V_2X4_1
SATA3 531
420
REAR_BUTTON
CPU_OPT
OC_IGNITION
EC_TEMP2
RST_SW
SYS_FAN5_
PUMP
SYS_FAN4
SYS_FAN3
SYS_FAN2
SYS_FAN6_
PUMP
F_PANEL
NOISE_
SENSOR
F_U32
SYS_FAN7
SYS_FAN8
F_USB1
PCIEX4
TYPEC_2
U32G2_LAN1
Intel®
Thunderbolt™4
Controller
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Hub
USB 2.0 Hub
TYPEC_1
U32G2_LAN2
BIOS_SW
SB
42
Intel®2.5GbE
LAN
42
U32G2_1
U32G2_2
HDMI
TI OPA1622
LED_CPU
LED_PCH
Z590 AORUS XTREME WB
(Z590 AORUS XTREME WATERFORCE)
Z590 AORUS XTREME WB (Z590 AORUS XTREME WATERFORCE)
Motherboard Layout

- 7 -
(Note) Actual support may vary by CPU.
LGA1200 CPU
CPUCLK+/-(100~500MHz)
DMI 3.0
LAN2
RJ45
Intel®
2.5GbE LAN
eSPI
Bus
SPI
Bus
PCI Express 3.0 Bus
iTE®
SuperI/O
4USB2.0/1.1
4 USB 3.2 Gen 2
1 USB Type-C®, with USB 3.2
Gen 2x2 support
2 USB 3.2 Gen 2
Type A
Intel®Z590
x16
1 PCI Express
x16
x8
2 PCI Express
x8
Switch
or
LAN1
RJ45
Intel®Thunderbolt™4
Controller
or
2 Intel®Thunderbolt™4
2 USB Type-C®, with
USB 3.2 Gen 2 support
Switch 2SATA6Gb/s
(SATA3 4, 5)
1 M.2 Socket 3 (M2M_SB)
4SATA6Gb/s
Aquantia
10GbE LAN
DDI
HDMI 1.4
USB 2.0
Hub
1 M.2 Socket 3 (M2A_SB )
USB 3.2
Gen 2 Hub
PCI Express x4
x4
Dual BIOS
M.2 WIFI
USB 3.2
Gen 2 Hub
2 USB 3.2 Gen 2
2 USB 3.2 Gen 1
Switch
1 M.2 Socket 3 (M2P_CPU) (Note)
Center/Subwoofer
Speaker Out
Line Out
MIC
Line In
S/PDIFOut
Rear Speaker Out
ALC1220-VB
+
ESS ES9018K2M
+
TI OPA1622
PCI Express 4.0 (Note)/3.0Bus
DDR4 3200 (Note)/3000 (Note)/2933 (Note)/
2666/2400/2133MHz
Z590 AORUS XTREME WB (Z590 AORUS XTREME WATERFORCE)
Motherboard Block Diagram

- 8 -

- 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 connecting or unplugging the power supply cable from the motherboard, make sure
the power supply has been turned off.
•Before turning on the power, make sure the power supply voltage has been set according to
the local voltage standard.
•Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors of your hardware
components are connected.
•To prevent damage to the motherboard, do not allow screws to come in contact with the
motherboard circuit or its components.
•Make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or
within the computer casing.
•Do not place the computer system on an uneven surface.
•Do not place the computer system in a high-temperature or wet environment.
•Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to system
components as well as physical harm to the user.
•If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the
product,pleaseconsultacertiedcomputertechnician.
•If you use an adapter, extension power cable, or power strip, ensure to consult with its installation
and/orgroundinginstructions.
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

- 10 -
Hardware Installation
1-2 ProductSpecications
CPU LGA1200 package:
- 11th Generation Intel®Core™i9processors/Intel®Core™i7processors/
Intel®Core™i5 processors
- 10th Generation Intel®Core™i9processors/Intel®Core™i7processors/
Intel®Core™i5processors/Intel®Core™i3processors/
Intel®Pentium®processors/Intel®Celeron®processors*
* Limited to processors with 4 MB Intel®Smart Cache, Intel®Celeron®G5xx5 family.
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
L3 cache varies with CPU
Chipset Intel®Z590 Express Chipset
Memory 11th Generation Intel®Core™i9/i7/i5 processors
- SupportforDDR43200/3000/2933/2666/2400/2133MHzmemory
modules
10th Generation Intel®Core™i9/i7 processors
- SupportforDDR42933/2666/2400/2133MHzmemorymodules
10th Generation Intel®Core™i5/i3/Pentium®/Celeron®processors:
- SupportforDDR42666/2400/2133MHzmemorymodules
4 x DDR4 DIMM sockets supporting up to 128 GB (32 GB single DIMM capacity)
of system memory
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for ECC Un-buffered DIMM 1Rx8/2Rx8 memory modules (operate in
non-ECC mode)
Support for non-ECC Un-buffered DIMM 1Rx8/2Rx8/1Rx16 memory modules
Support for Extreme Memory Prole (XMP) memory modules
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and memory
modules.)
Onboard
Graphics
Integrated Graphics Processor+Intel®Thunderbolt™4 Controller:
- 2 x Intel®Thunderbolt™4 connectors (USB Type-C®ports), supporting
DisplayPort and Thunderbolt™video outputs and a maximum resolution of
5120x2880@60Hzwith24bpp(viasingledisplayoutput)
* Because of the limited I/O resources of the PC architecture, the number of
Thunderbolt™devices that can be used is dependent on the number of the PCI
Express devices being installed. (Refer to Chapter 1-7, "Back Panel Connectors,"
for more information.)
* Support for DisplayPort 1.4 version and HDCP 2.3
Integrated Graphics Processor-Intel®HD Graphics support:
- 1xHDMIport,supportingamaximumresolutionof4096x2160@30Hz
* Support for HDMI 1.4 version and HDCP 2.3.
(Graphics specications may vary depending on CPU support.)
Audio Realtek®ALC1220-VB codec+ESS ES9018K2M DAC+TI OPA1622 operational
amplier
* The front panel line out jack supports DSD audio.
Support for DTS:X®Ultra
High Denition Audio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF Out

- 11 -
Hardware Installation
LAN 1 x Aquantia 10GbE LAN chip (10 Gbit/5 Gbit/2.5 Gbit/1 Gbit/100 Mbit) (LAN1)
1 x Intel®2.5GbE LAN chip (2.5 Gbit/1 Gbit/100 Mbit) (LAN2)
Wireless
Communication
Module
Intel®Wi-Fi 6E AX210
- WIFIa,b,g,n,ac,ax,supporting2.4/5/6GHzcarrierfrequencybands
- BLUETOOTH 5.2
- Supportfor11ax160MHzwirelessstandardandupto2.4Gbpsdatarate
* Actual data rate may vary depending on environment and equipment.
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (PCIEX16)
* For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed,
be sure to install it in the PCIEX16 slot.
1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x8 (PCIEX8)
* The PCIEX8 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16 slot. When the PCIEX8 slot is
populated, the PCIEX16 slot operates at up to x8 mode.
(The PCIEX16 and PCIEX8 slots conform to PCI Express 4.0 standard.) (Note)
1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x4 (PCIEX4)
(The PCI Express x4 slot conforms to PCI Express 3.0 standard.)
Multi-Graphics
Technology Support forAMD Quad-GPU CrossFire™and 2-WayAMD CrossFire™technologies
Storage Interface CPU:
- 1xM.2connector(Socket3,Mkey,type2242/2280/22110PCIe4.0x4/x2
SSD support) (M2P_CPU)(Note)
Chipset:
- 1xM.2connector(Socket3,Mkey,type2242/2280/22110SATAandPCIe
3.0x4/x2SSDsupport)(M2A_SB)
- 1xM.2connector(Socket3,Mkey,type2242/2260/2280/22110SATAand
PCIe3.0x4/x2SSDsupport)(M2M_SB)
- 6xSATA6Gb/sconnectors
* Refer to "1-9 Internal Connectors," for the installation notices for the M.2 and SATA
connectors.
Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10
Intel®Optane™Memory Ready
USB Chipset+Intel®Thunderbolt™4 Controller:
- 2 x USB Type-C®ports on the back panel, with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support
Chipset:
- 1 x USB Type-C®port with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 support, available through the
internal USB header
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red) on the back panel
Chipset+2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Hubs:
- 6 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red) on the back panel
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports available through the internal USB header
Chipset+USB 2.0 Hub:
- 4xUSB2.0/1.1portsavailablethroughtheinternalUSBheaders(withthe
included front USB header extension cable)
(Note) Supported by 11th Generation processors only.

- 12 -
Hardware Installation
Internal
Connectors
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
2 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors
1 x CPU fan header
1 x water cooling CPU fan header
1 x water cooling kit CPU LED header (LED_CPU)
1 x water cooling kit Chipset LED header (LED_PCH)
6 x system fan headers
2 x system fan/water cooling pump headers
1 x noise detection header
2 x integrated extension cable headers for addressable and RGB LED strips
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
3 x M.2 Socket 3 connectors
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x USB Type-C®header, with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 support
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header
1 x USB 2.0/1.1 header
2 x temperature sensor headers
1 x power button
1 x reset button
1 x OC Ignition button
2 x BIOS switches
Voltage Measurement Points
Back Panel
Connectors
1 x Q-Flash Plus button
1 x Clear CMOS button
2 x SMA antenna connectors (2T2R)
2 x Thunderbolt™4 connectors (USB Type-C®ports, with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support)
8 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red)
1 x HDMI port
2 x RJ-45 ports
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
5 x audio jacks
I/O Controller iTE®I/O Controller Chip
Hardware
Monitor
Voltage detection
Temperature detection
Fan speed detection
Water cooling ow rate detection
Fan fail warning
Fan speed control
* Whether the fan (pump) speed control function is supported will depend on the fan
(pump) you install.
Noise detection
BIOS 2 x 256 Mbit ash
Use of licensed AMI UEFI BIOS
Support for DualBIOS™
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.7, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0

- 13 -
Hardware Installation
Please visit GIGABYTE's website
for support lists of CPU, memory
modules, SSDs, and M.2 devices.
Please visit the Support\Utility List
page on GIGABYTE's website to
download the latest version of apps.
Unique Features Support for APP Center
* Available applications in APP Center may vary by motherboard model. Supported
functions of each application may also vary depending on motherboard specications.
- @BIOS
- EasyTune
- Fast Boot
- Game Boost
- RGB Fusion
- Smart Backup
- System Information Viewer
Support for Q-Flash Plus
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Xpress Install
Bundled
Software
Norton®Internet Security (OEM version)
cFosSpeed
Operating
System Support for Windows 10 64-bit
Form Factor E-ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 27cm
* GIGABYTE reserves the right to make any changes to the product specications and product-related information without
prior notice.

- 14 -
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.
Please visit GIGABYTE's website for details on hardware installation.
Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU
NotchNotch
LGA1200 CPU
Alignment KeyAlignment Key
LGA1200 CPU Socket
Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket

- 15 -
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.
•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 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.
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.)

- 16 -
Hardware Installation
•Before installing the water cooling kit, ensure the motherboard can boot normally.
•If you want to install an M.2 SSD, you have to install the M.2 SSD rst before installing the water cooling kit.
•The water cooling kit provides a G1/4" inlet and a G1/4" outlet. Please choose the barbs (not
included) that suit your requirements.
•Depending on your hardware requirements, apply appropriate amount of the provided thermal
paste on the water cooling kit.
•After the water cooling kit is placed on the motherboard, press the OC Ignition button rst and then
press the power button to check whether the cooling uid can be injected properly. Then complete the
injection. Unplug the power supply and tighten the screws included in the water cooling kit. The type and
number of the included screws are as below. Make sure you use the right screws before the installation:
Refer to the pictures below to install the water cooling kit on the motherboard.
Step 1: Carefully take the water cooling kit out of its package and remove the protective plastic lms from the
CPU area and thermal pads.
Step 2: Before the installation, remove the side cover from the water cooling kit and save it properly. Align the
water cooling kit with the motherboard in the direction as indicated below, connect the LED cable from the
water cooling kit to the LED_PCH header. Then place the water cooling kit vertically on the motherboard.
Tighten the two screws (M2*6) to secure the water cooling kit to the M.2 standoffs as indicated.
1-3-2 Installing the Water Cooling Kit
Screw M2*6 M3*10.8 M3*6.5 (with washer)
Reference Torque 2.0~2.5 (kgf-cm) 3.5~4.0 (kgf-cm) 3.5~4.0 (kgf-cm)
Number 247
Thermal Pad
Thermal Pad
CPU Area
Thermal Pad
LED_PCH
Inlet Outlet
LED_PCH
Screw
(M2*6)
Side Cover

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Hardware Installation
Step 4:
Tighten the three screws (M3*6.5) with washers to the mounting holes in the CPU area (refer to the bottom
left picture). Then tighten the four screws (M3*6.5) with washers to the mounting holes in the Chipset area in
a diagonal sequence (refer to the bottom right picture). Make sure the water cooling kit is securely attached.
Step 3:
Carefullyipthemotherboardover,fastentheCPUbackplateusingthefourscrews(M3*10.8)inadiagonal
sequence.
Screw
(M3*10.8)
Screw with washer
(M3*6.5)
Screw with washer
(M3*6.5)

- 18 -
Hardware Installation
Step 5:
After installing the water cooling kit, connect the Type-C®cable on the side of the water cooling kit to the LED_CPU
header on the motherboard and then replace the side cover. After completing the steps above, connect your
water cooling components.
LED_CPU
Side Cover

- 19 -
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.
1-4-1 DualChannelMemoryConguration
This motherboard provides four memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. After the memory
isinstalled,theBIOSwillautomaticallydetectthespecicationsandcapacityofthememory.EnablingDual
Channel memory mode will double the original memory bandwidth.
The four memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as following:
Channel A: DDR4_A1, DDR4_A2
Channel B: DDR4_B1, DDR4_B2
RecommandedDualChannelMemoryConguration:
Due to CPU limitations, read the following guidelines before installing the memory in Dual Channel mode.
1. Dual Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one memory module is installed.
2. When enabling Dual Channel mode with two or four memory modules, it is recommended that memory
of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.
(SS=Single-Sided, DS=Double-Sided, "- -"=No Memory)
DDR4_A1 DDR4_A2 DDR4_B1 DDR4_B2
2 Modules - - DS/SS - - DS/SS
4 Modules DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS
DDR4_A1 DDR4_A2 DDR4_B1 DDR4_B2

- 20 -
Hardware Installation
1-4-2 Installing a Memory
Before installing a memory module, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power cord
from the power outlet to prevent damage to the memory module. DDR4 and DDR3 DIMMs are not
compatible to each other or DDR2 DIMMs. Be sure to install DDR4 DIMMs on this motherboard.
Notch
DDR4 DIMM
ADDR4memorymodulehasanotch,soitcanonlytinonedirection.Followthestepsbelowtocorrectlyinstall
your memory modules in the memory sockets.
Step 1:
Note the orientation of the memory module. Spread the retaining clip
at the right end of the memory socket. Place the memory module on
thesocket.Asindicatedinthepictureontheleft,placeyourngers
on the top edge of the memory, push down on the memory and insert
it vertically into the memory socket.
Step 2:
The clip at the right end of the socket will snap into place when the
memory module is securely inserted.