Table of Contents
Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-HD2 User Manual
Displayed below is the user manual for GA-F2A68HM-HD2 by Gigabyte which is a product in the Motherboards category. This manual has pages.
Related Manuals
GA-F2A68HM-HD2
User's Manual
Rev. 1001
12ME-F268HD2-1001R
Motherboard
GA-F2A68HM-HD2
Nov. 19, 2014
Nov. 19, 2014
Motherboard
GA-F2A68HM-HD2
Copyright
© 2014 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 specications 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.
In order to assist in the use of this product, 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:
- 3 -
Table of Contents
GA-F2A68HM-HD2 Motherboard Layout ........................................................................4
GA-F2A68HM-HD2 Motherboard Block Diagram ............................................................ 5
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation .....................................................................................6
1-1 Installation Precautions .................................................................................... 6
1-2 Product Specications ...................................................................................... 7
1-3 Installing the APU ............................................................................................. 9
1-4 Installing the Memory ....................................................................................... 9
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card ......................................................................... 10
1-6 Setup of the AMD Dual Graphics Conguration ............................................. 10
1-7 Back Panel Connectors .................................................................................. 10
1-8 Internal Connectors ........................................................................................ 12
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ..................................................................................................17
2-1 Startup Screen ............................................................................................... 18
2-2 M.I.T. .............................................................................................................. 18
2-3 System Information ........................................................................................ 22
2-4 BIOS Features ............................................................................................... 23
2-5 Peripherals ..................................................................................................... 26
2-6 Power Management ....................................................................................... 28
2-7 Save & Exit ..................................................................................................... 29
Chapter 3 Appendix ......................................................................................................30
3-1 Conguring SATA Hard Drive(s) ..................................................................... 30
3-2 Drivers Installation .......................................................................................... 33
Regulatory Statements .............................................................................................. 34
Contact Us ................................................................................................................ 36
- 4 -
GA-F2A68HM-HD2 Motherboard Layout
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.
Box Contents
5GA-F2A68HM-HD2 motherboard
5Motherboard driver disk 5Two SATA cables
5User's Manual 5I/O Shield
KB_MS_USB
CPU_FAN
CI
SYS_FAN1
Socket FM2+
ATX
GA-F2A68HM-HD2
F_AUDIO
AUDIO
DDR3_2
DDR3_1
BAT
ATX_12V
SATA3
SATA3
R_USB30
HDMI
CODEC
M_BIOS
B_BIOS
VGADVI
USB_LAN
PCIEX16
PCIEX1
PCI
F_USB2COM F_PANELF_USB1 SYS_FAN2
SPDIF_O CLR_CMOS SPEAKER
Realtek®
GbE LAN
AMD A68H
0 1
3 2
iTE®
Super I/O
- 5 -
GA-F2A68HM-HD2 Motherboard Block Diagram
For detailed product information/limitation(s), refer to "1-2 Product Specications."
Line Out (Front Speaker Out)
MIC (Center/Subwoofer
Speaker Out)
Line In (Rear Speaker Out)
CODEC
S/PDIF Out
AMD APU
UMI
APU CLK+/- (100 MHz)
Dual Channel Memory
PCI Express Bus
PCI Bus
LPC
Bus
PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)
PS/2 KB/Mouse
COM
8 USB 2.0/1.1
LAN
RJ45
x1
x1
x16
Realtek®
GbE LAN
1 PCI Express x16
1 PCI Express x1
4 SATA 6Gb/s
2 USB 3.0/2.0
AMD A68H
DISP CLK+/- (100 MHz)
DDR3 2133/1866/
1600/1333 MHz
D-Sub
DVI-D
HDMI
iTE®
Super I/O
Dual BIOS
1 PCI
PCI CLK
(33 MHz)
- 6 -
Chapter 1 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 certied computer technician.
- 7 -
1-2 ProductSpecications
APU FM2+ Socket:
- AMD A series processors
- AMD Athlon™ series processors
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
Chipset AMD A68H
Memory 2 x DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 64 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.
* The maximum 64 GB of system memory can be supported using 16 GB (or above)
memory modules. GIGABYTE will update the memory support list on the ofcial
website when the memory modules are available on the market.
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for DDR3 2133/1866/1600/1333 MHz memory modules
Support for AMD Memory Prole (AMP)/Extreme Memory Prole (XMP) memory
modules
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and memory
modules.)
Onboard
Graphics
Integrated Graphics Processor:
- 1 x D-Sub port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920x1200
- 1 x DVI-D port, supporting a maximum resolution of 2560x1600
* Support for 2560x1600 resolution requires both a monitor and cable that support
Dual Link DVI.
* The DVI-D port does not support D-Sub connection by adapter.
- 1 x HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096x2160
* The resolution of 4096x2160 can be supported when using an FM2+ APU; the
maximum resolution supported is 1920x1200 when using an FM2 APU.
* Support for HDMI 1.4a version.
- Maximum shared memory of 2 GB
Audio Realtek® ALC887 codec
High Denition Audio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
* To congure 7.1-channel audio, you have to use an HD front panel audio module
and enable the multi-channel audio feature through the audio driver.
Support for S/PDIF Out
LAN Realtek® GbE LAN chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16
(The PCI Express x16 slot conforms to PCI Express 3.0 standard.)
* To support PCI Express 3.0, you must install an FM2+ APU.
1 x PCI Express x1 slot
(The PCI Express x1 slot conforms to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
1 x PCI slot
Multi-Graphics
Technology
Support for AMD Dual Graphics technology
* Only A series APUs support AMD Dual Graphics.
Support for AMD Eyenity technology
Storage Interface Chipset:
- 4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
- Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, and JBOD
USB Chipset:
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports on the back panel
- 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports on the back panel, 4 ports available through
the internal USB headers)
- 8 -
Internal
Connectors
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x APU fan header
2 x system fan headers
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x speaker header
1 x S/PDIF Out header
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x serial port header
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
1 x chassis intrusion header
Back Panel
Connectors
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
1 x D-Sub port
1 x DVI-D port
1 x HDMI port
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x RJ-45 port
3 x audio jacks (Line In, Line Out, Mic In)
I/O Controller iTE® I/O Controller Chip
Hardware
Monitor
System voltage detection
APU/System temperature detection
APU/System fan speed detection
APU overheating warning
APU/System fan fail warning
APU/System fan speed control
* Whether the fan speed control function is supported will depend on the cooler you
install.
BIOS 2 x 64 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
Unique Features Support for @BIOS
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Xpress Install
Support for EasyTune
* Available functions in EasyTune may differ by motherboard model.
Support for Smart Recovery2
Support for ON/OFF Charge
Bundled
Software Norton® Internet Security (OEM version)
Operating
System
Support for Windows 8.1/7 32-bit/64-bit
Support for Windows XP 32-bit
* To support Windows XP 32-bit, you must install an AMD FM2+ Kaveri APU.
Form Factor Micro ATX Form Factor; 22.6cm x 17.4cm
* GIGABYTE reserves the right to make any changes to the product specications 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.
- 9 -
1-3 Installing the APU
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the APU:
•Make sure that the motherboard supports the APU.
(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest APU support list.)
•Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing the
APU to prevent hardware damage.
•Locate the pin one of the APU. The APU cannot be inserted if oriented incorrectly.
•Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on the surface of the APU.
•Do not turn on the computer if the APU cooler is not installed, otherwise overheating and damage
of the APU may occur.
•Set the APU host frequency in accordance with the APU specications. It is not recommended
that the system bus frequency be set beyond hardware specications since it does not meet the
standard requirements for the peripherals. If you wish to set the frequency beyond the standard
specications, please do so according to your hardware specications including the APU, graphics
card, memory, hard drive, etc.
Installing the APU
Locate the alignment keys on the motherboard APU socket and the notches on the APU.
1-4 Installing the Memory
DualChannelMemoryConguration
This motherboard provides two DDR3 memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. After the memory
is installed, the BIOS will automatically detect the specications and capacity of the memory. Enabling Dual
Channel memory mode will double the original memory bandwidth.
The two DDR3 memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has one memory socket as
following:
Channel 0: DDR3_2
Channel 1: DDR3_1
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.
Due to APU 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 memory modules, it is recommended that memory of
the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used for optimum performance.
A Small Triangle
Marking Denotes Pin
One of the Socket
APU
FM2+ Socket A Small Triangle
Marking Denotes APU
Pin One
- 10 -
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.
1-7 Back Panel Connectors
USB 2.0/1.1 Port
The USB port supports the USB 2.0/1.1 specication. 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.
D-Sub Port
The D-Sub port supports a 15-pin D-Sub connector and supports a maximum resolution of 1920x1200
(the actual resolutions supported depend on the monitor being used). Connect a monitor that supports
D-Sub connection to this port.
1-6 SetupoftheAMDDualGraphicsConguration
A. System Requirements
- An AMD A series processor that supports AMD Dual Graphics technology
- Windows 8.1/7 operating system
- An AMD Dual Graphics technology-supported motherboard and correct driver
- An AMD graphics card that supports AMD Dual Graphics technology (for more details, please visit AMD's
ofcial website) and correct driver (For an FM2+ APU, please use an AMD R7 200 series graphics card;
for an FM2 APU, please use an AMD Radeon™ HD 6000 graphics card.)
B.InstallingtheGraphicsCardsandConguringBIOSSetup
Step 1:
Observe the steps in "1-5 Installing an Expansion Card" and install an AMD Dual Graphics technology-supported
graphics card on the PCIEX16 slot. Plug the monitor cable into the graphics card and start up your computer.
Step 2:
Enter BIOS Setup to set the following items under the Peripherals\GFXConguration menu:
- Set Integrated Graphics to Force.
- Set UMA Frame Buffer Size to 512M or above.
Save the settings and exit BIOS Setup. Restart your computer.
C.ConguringtheGraphicsCardDriver
After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go to the AMDVISIONEngineControlCenter.
After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go to the AMD VISION Engine Control Center.
Browse to Performance\AMD Radeon™ Dual Graphics and ensure the Enable AMD Radeon Dual Graphics
check box is selected.
- 11 -
DVI-D Port (Note1)
The DVI-D port conforms to the DVI-D specication and supports a maximum resolution of 2560x1600.
Connect a monitor that supports DVI-D connection to this port. Please note that the actual resolutions
supported are dependent on the monitor being used and support for 2560x1600 resolution requires both
a monitor and cable that support Dual Link DVI.
USB 3.0/2.0 Port
The USB 3.0 port supports the USB 3.0 specication and is compatible to the USB 2.0/1.1 specication.
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. You can use this port to connect your HDMI-supported monitor. The maximum supported resolution
is 4096x2160
(Note 2)
, 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.
•When removing the cable connected to a back panel connector, rst remove the cable from your
device and then remove it from the motherboard.
•When removing the cable, pull it straight out from the connector. Do not rock it side to side to prevent
an electrical short inside the cable connector.
RJ-45LANPort
The Gigabit Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 1 Gbps data rate. The following
describes the states of the LAN port LEDs.
A.TripleDisplayCongurations:
Triple-display congurations are supported after you install motherboard drivers in OS. Only dual-display
congurations are supported during the BIOS Setup or POST process.
B.PlaybackofBlu-ray™Discs:
In order to get better playback quality, when playing the Blu-ray™ discs, refer to the recommended system
requirements (or better) below.
•AMD A series processors
•Memory: Two 1 GB DDR3 1333 MHz memory modules with dual channel mode enabled
•BIOS Setup: At least 512 MB of UMA Frame Buffer Size (refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Peripherals\
GFX Conguration," for more information)
•Playback software: CyberLink PowerDVD 10.0 or later (Note: Please ensure Hardware Acceleration
is enabled. Whether Hardware Acceleration can be enabled for 3D Blu-ray discs is dependent on the
APU being used.)
•HDCP compliant monitor(s)
LineInJack(Blue)
The line in jack. Use this audio jack for line in devices such as an optical drive, walkman, etc.
LineOutJack(Green)
The line out jack. Use this audio jack for a headphone or 2-channel speaker. This jack can be used to
connect front speakers in a 4/5.1/7.1-channel audio conguration.
(Note 1) The DVI-D port does not support D-Sub connection by adapter.
(Note 2) The resolution of 4096x2160 can be supported when using an FM2+ APU; the maximum resolution
supported is 1920x1200 when using an FM2 APU.
Activity LED
Connection/
Speed LED
LAN Port
Activity LED:Connection/Speed LED:
State Description
Orange 1 Gbps data rate
Green 100 Mbps data rate
Off 10 Mbps data rate
State Description
Blinking Data transmission or receiving is occurring
Off No data transmission or receiving is occurring
- 12 -
1-8 Internal Connectors
Read the following guidelines before connecting external devices:
•First make sure your devices are compliant with the connectors you wish to connect.
•Before installing the devices, be sure to turn off the devices and your computer. Unplug the power
cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the devices.
•After installing the device and before turning on the computer, make sure the device cable has
been securely attached to the connector on the motherboard.
1) ATX_12V
2) ATX
3) CPU_FAN
4) SYS_FAN1/2
5) SATA3 0/1/2/3
6) BAT
7) CLR_CMOS
8) F_PANEL
9) F_AUDIO
10) SPDIF_O
11) SPEAKER
12) F_USB1/F_USB2
13) COM
14) CI
512
14
3
6
10
1 4
2
5
139 11 487
MicInJack(Pink)
The Mic in jack. Microphones must be connected to this jack.
To congure 7.1-channel audio, you have to use an HD front panel audio module and enable the
multi-channel audio feature through the audio driver.
- 13 -
1/2)ATX_12V/ATX(2x412VPowerConnectorand2x12MainPowerConnector)
With the use of the power connector, the power supply can supply enough stable power to all the components
on the motherboard. Before connecting the power connector, rst make sure the power supply is turned
off and all devices are properly installed. The power connector possesses a foolproof design. Connect the
power supply cable to the power connector in the correct orientation.
The 12V power connector mainly supplies power to the CPU. If the 12V power connector is not connected,
the computer will not start.
3/4)CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/SYS_FAN2(FanHeaders)
All fan headers on this motherboard are 4-pin. Most fan headers possess a foolproof insertion design.
When connecting a fan cable, be sure to connect it in the correct orientation (the black connector wire is
the ground wire). The speed control function requires the use of a fan with fan speed control design. For
optimum heat dissipation, it is recommended that a system fan be installed inside the chassis.
To meet expansion requirements, it is recommended that a power supply that can withstand high power consumption
be used (500W or greater). If a power supply is used that does not provide the required power, the result can
lead to an unstable or unbootable system.
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
131
2412
ATX
ATX:
Pin No. Denition Pin No. Denition
1 3.3V 13 3.3V
2 3.3V 14 -12V
3 GND 15 GND
4 +5V 16 PS_ON (soft On/Off)
5 GND 17 GND
6 +5V 18 GND
7 GND 19 GND
8 Power Good 20 -5V
95VSB (stand by +5V) 21 +5V
10 +12V 22 +5V
11 +12V (Only for 2x12-pin
ATX)
23 +5V (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)
12 3.3V (Only for 2x12-pin
ATX)
24 GND (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)
•Be sure to connect fan cables to the fan headers to prevent your APU and system from overheating. Overheating
may result in damage to the APU or the system may hang.
•These fan headers are not conguration jumper blocks. Do not place a jumper cap on the headers.
SYS_FAN1/2
CPU_FAN
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
1
1
ATX_12V:
Pin No. Denition Pin No. Denition
1GND (Only for 2x4-pin 12V) 5+12V (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)
2GND (Only for 2x4-pin 12V) 6+12V (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)
3 GND 7 +12V
4 GND 8 +12V
ATX_12V
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
5
8
1
4
CPU_FAN: SYS_FAN1/SYS_FAN2:
Pin No. Denition
1 GND
2 +12V
3 Sense
4 Speed Control
Pin No. Denition
1 GND
2 +12V/Speed Control
3 Sense
4 VCC
- 14 -
5) SATA30/1/2/3(SATA6Gb/sConnectors)
The SATA connectors conform to SATA 6Gb/s standard and are compatible with SATA 3Gb/s and SATA 1.5Gb/s
standard. Each SATA connector supports a single SATA device. The AMD Chipset supports RAID 0, RAID 1,
RAID 10, and JBOD. Refer to Chapter 3, "Conguring SATA Hard Drive(s)," for instructions on conguring a
RAID array.
Pin No. Denition
1 GND
2 TXP
3 TXN
4 GND
5 RXN
6 RXP
7 GND
6) BAT(Battery)
The battery provides power to keep the values (such as BIOS congurations, date, and time information)
in the CMOS when the computer is turned off. Replace the battery when the battery voltage drops to a low
level, or the CMOS values may not be accurate or may be lost.
You may clear the CMOS values by removing the battery:
1. Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Gently remove the battery from the battery holder and wait for one minute. (Or use a metal
object like a screwdriver to touch the positive and negative terminals of the battery holder,
making them short for 5 seconds.)
3. Replace the battery.
4. Plug in the power cord and restart your computer.
•Always turn off your computer and unplug the power cord before replacing the battery.
•Replace the battery with an equivalent one. Danger of explosion if the battery is replaced with an incorrect model.
•Contact the place of purchase or local dealer if you are not able to replace the battery by yourself or uncertain
about the battery model.
•When installing the battery, note the orientation of the positive side (+) and the negative side (-) of the battery
(the positive side should face up).
•Used batteries must be handled in accordance with local environmental regulations.
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
71
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
SATA3 2
3
SATA3 0 1 7
1
•A RAID 0 or RAID 1 conguration requires at least two hard drives. If more than two hard drives are to be
used, the total number of hard drives must be an even number.
•A RAID 10 conguration requires four hard drives.
•To enable hot-plugging for the SATA ports, refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Peripherals\SATA Conguration,"
for more information.
7) CLR_CMOS(ClearCMOSJumper)
Use this jumper to clear the BIOS conguration and reset the CMOS values to factory defaults. To clear
the CMOS values, use a metal object like a screwdriver to touch the two pins for a few seconds.
•Always turn off your computer before clearing the CMOS values.
•After system restart, go to BIOS Setup to load factory defaults (select Load Optimized Defaults) or manually
congure the BIOS settings (refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," for BIOS congurations).
Open: Normal
Short: Clear CMOS Values
- 15 -
8) F_PANEL(FrontPanelHeader)
Connect the power switch, reset switch, and system status indicator on the chassis to this header according
to the pin assignments below. Note the positive and negative pins before connecting the cables.
•PW (Power Switch):
Connects to the power switch on the chassis front panel. You may congure
the way to turn off your system using the power switch (refer to Chapter 2,
"BIOS Setup," "Power Management," for more information).
•HD (Hard Drive Activity LED):
Connects to the hard drive activity LED on the chassis front panel. The LED
is on when the hard drive is reading or writing data.
•PLED (Power LED):
System Status LED
S0 On
S3/S4/S5 Off
Connects to the power status indicator on the
chassis front panel. The LED is on when the system
is operating. The LED is off when the system is in
S3/S4 sleep state or powered off (S5).
The front panel design may differ by chassis. A front panel module mainly consists of power switch, reset switch,
hard drive activity LED and etc. When connecting your chassis front panel module to this header, make sure the
wire assignments and the pin assignments are matched correctly.
9) F_AUDIO(FrontPanelAudioHeader)
The front panel audio header supports Intel High Denition audio (HD) and AC'97 audio. You may connect
your chassis front panel audio module to this header. Make sure the wire assignments of the module
connector match the pin assignments of the motherboard header. Incorrect connection between the module
connector and the motherboard header will make the device unable to work or even damage it.
1
2
9
10
For HD Front Panel Audio: For AC'97 Front Panel Audio:
Pin No. Denition
1 MIC2_L
2 GND
3 MIC2_R
4 -ACZ_DET
5 LINE2_R
6 Sense
7 FAUDIO_JD
8 No Pin
9 LINE2_L
10 Sense
Pin No. Denition
1 MIC
2 GND
3 MIC Power
4 NC
5Line Out (R)
6 NC
7 NC
8 No Pin
9Line Out (L)
10 NC
•The front panel audio header supports HD audio by default.
•Audio signals will be present on both of the front and back panel audio connections simultaneously.
•Some chassis provide a front panel audio module that has separated connectors on each wire instead of a
single plug. For information about connecting the front panel audio module that has different wire assignments,
please contact the chassis manufacturer.
•RES (Reset Switch):
Connects to the reset switch on the chassis front panel. Press the reset switch to restart the computer
if the computer freezes and fails to perform a normal restart.
•NC:No connection.
10
9
2
1
RES-
HD+
RES+
HD- PW+
PLED+
PW-
PLED-
NC
Hard Drive
Activity LED
Reset
Switch
Power SwitchPower LED
- 16 -
10) SPDIF_O(S/PDIFOutHeader)
This header supports digital S/PDIF Out and connects a S/PDIF digital audio cable (provided by expansion
cards) for digital audio output from your motherboard to certain expansion cards like graphics cards and
sound cards. For example, some graphics cards may require you to use a S/PDIF digital audio cable for
digital audio output from your motherboard to your graphics card if you wish to connect an HDMI display
to the graphics card and have digital audio output from the HDMI display at the same time. For information
about connecting the S/PDIF digital audio cable, carefully read the manual for your expansion card.
11) SPEAKER(SpeakerHeader)
Connects to the speaker on the chassis front panel. The system reports system startup status by issuing
a beep code. One single short beep will be heard if no problem is detected at system startup.
12) F_USB1/F_USB2(USB2.0/1.1Headers)
The headers conform to USB 2.0/1.1 specication. Each USB header can provide two USB ports via an
optional USB bracket. For purchasing the optional USB bracket, please contact the local dealer.
10
9
2
1
Pin No. Denition Pin No. Denition
1Power (5V) 6 USB DY+
2Power (5V) 7 GND
3 USB DX- 8 GND
4 USB DY- 9 No Pin
5 USB DX+ 10 NC
•Do not plug the IEEE 1394 bracket (2x5-pin) cable into the USB header.
•Prior to installing the USB bracket, be sure to turn off your computer and unplug the power cord from the power
outlet to prevent damage to the USB bracket.
Pin No. Denition
1 SPDIFO
2 GND
1
Pin No. Denition
1 SPK+
2 NC
3 NC
4 SPK-
DEBUG
PORT
G.QBOFM
1
13) COM(SerialPortHeader)
The COM header can provide one serial port via an optional COM port cable. For purchasing the optional
COM port cable, please contact the local dealer.
1
2
9
10
Pin No. Denition Pin No. Denition
1 NDCD- 6 NDSR-
2 NSIN 7 NRTS-
3 NSOUT 8 NCTS-
4 NDTR- 9 NRI-
5 GND 10 No Pin
- 17 -
Chapter2 BIOSSetup
•Because BIOS ashing is potentially risky, if you do not encounter problems using the current version of BIOS,
it is recommended that you not ash the BIOS. To ash the BIOS, do it with caution. Inadequate BIOS ashing
may result in system malfunction.
•It is recommended that you not alter the default settings (unless you need to) to prevent system instability or other
unexpected results. Inadequately altering the settings may result in system's failure to boot. If this occurs, try to
clear the CMOS values and reset the board to default values. (Refer to the "Load Optimized Defaults" section in
this chapter or introductions of the battery/clear CMOS jumper in Chapter 1 for how to clear the CMOS values.)
BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) records hardware parameters of the system in the CMOS on the
motherboard. Its major functions include conducting the Power-On Self-Test (POST) during system startup,
saving system parameters and loading operating system, etc. BIOS includes a BIOS Setup program that allows
the user to modify basic system conguration settings or to activate certain system features.
When the power is turned off, the battery on the motherboard supplies the necessary power to the CMOS to
keep the conguration values in the CMOS.
To access the BIOS Setup program, press the <Delete> key during the POST when the power is turned on.
To upgrade the BIOS, use either the GIGABYTE Q-Flash or @BIOS utility.
•Q-Flash allows the user to quickly and easily upgrade or back up BIOS without entering the operating system.
•@BIOS is a Windows-based utility that searches and downloads the latest version of BIOS from the Internet
and updates the BIOS.
14) CI(ChassisIntrusionHeader)
This motherboard provides a chassis detection feature that detects if the chassis cover has been removed.
This function requires a chassis with chassis intrusion detection design.
Pin No. Denition
1 Signal
2 GND
1
- 18 -
2-1 Startup Screen
The following startup Logo screen will appear when the computer boots.
(Sample BIOS Version: F1b)
Function Keys
•When the system is not stable as usual, select the LoadOptimizedDefaults item to set your system to its defaults.
•The BIOS Setup menus described in this chapter are for reference only and may differ by BIOS version.
On the main menu of the BIOS Setup program, press arrow keys to move among the items and press <Enter>
to accept or enter a sub-menu. Or you can use your mouse to select the item you want.
2-2 M.I.T.
This section provides information on the BIOS version, CPU base clock, CPU frequency, memory frequency,
total memory size, CPU temperature, Vcore, and memory voltage.
- 19 -
(Note) This item is present only when you install a CPU that supports this feature.
Whether the system will work stably with the overclock/overvoltage settings you made is dependent on your overall
system congurations. Incorrectly doing overclock/overvoltage may result in damage to CPU, chipset, or memory
and reduce the useful life of these components. This page is for advanced users only and we recommend you not to
alter the default settings to prevent system instability or other unexpected results. (Inadequately altering the settings
may result in system's failure to boot. If this occurs, clear the CMOS values and reset the board to default values.)
`M.I.T. Current Status
This screen provides information on CPU/memory frequencies/parameters.
`Advanced Frequency Settings
&CPU Clock Control
Allows you to manually set the CPU base clock in 1 MHz increments. (Default: Auto)
Important: It is highly recommended that the CPU frequency be set in accordance with the CPU
specications.
&Processor Graphics Clock
Allows you to set the onboard graphics clock. The adjustable range is from 300 MHz to 2000 MHz.
&CPUNorthBridgeFrequency
Allows you to manually set the CPU North Bridge frequency. The adjustable range is from 800 MHz to
6000 MHz.
&CPU Clock Ratio
Allows you to alter the clock ratio for the installed CPU. The adjustable range is dependent on the CPU
being installed.
&CPU Frequency
Displays the current operating CPU frequency.
`Advanced CPU Core Features
&CPU Clock Ratio, CPU Frequency
The settings above are synchronous to those under the same items on the Advanced Frequency Settings
menu.
&Core Performance Boost(Note)
Allows you to determine whether to enable the Core Performance Boost (CPB) technology, a CPU
performance-boost technology. (Default: Auto)
&Turbo Performance Boost Ratio
Allows you to determine whether to improve CPU performance. (Default: Disabled)
&Core Performance Boost Ratio
Allows you alter the ratio for the CPB. The adjustable range is dependent on the CPU being installed.
(Default: Auto)
&AMD Cool&Quiet function
Enabled Lets the AMD Cool'n'Quiet driver dynamically adjust the CPU clock and VID to reduce
heat output from your computer and its power consumption. (Default)
Disabled Disables this function.
&cTDP function
Allows you to set the TDP consumption. Options are Disabled, 45W, 60W. (Default: Disabled)
&SVM Mode
Virtualization enhanced by Virtualization Technology will allow a platform to run multiple operating systems
and applications in independent partitions. With virtualization, one computer system can function as multiple
virtual systems. (Default: Enabled)
&C6 Mode
Allows you to determine whether to let the CPU enter C6 mode in system halt state. When enabled, the
CPU core frequency will be reduced during system halt state to decrease power consumption. The C6
state is a more enhanced power-saving state than C1. (Default: Enabled)
- 20 -
(Note) This item is present only when you install a CPU and a memory module that support this feature.
&ExtremeMemoryProle(X.M.P.)(Note)
Allows the BIOS to read the SPD data on XMP memory module(s) to enhance memory performance when
enabled.
Disabled Disables this function. (Default)
Prole1 Uses Prole 1 settings.
Prole2 (Note) Uses Prole 2 settings.
&AMDMemoryProle(A.M.P.)(Note)
Allows the BIOS to read the SPD data on AMP memory module(s) to enhance memory performance when
enabled. (Default: Disabled)
&System Memory Multiplier
Allows you to set the system memory multiplier. Auto sets memory multiplier according to memory SPD
data. (Default: Auto)
&MemoryFrequency(MHz)
This value is automatically adjusted according to the BCLK/PCIe Clock Control and System Memory
Multiplier settings.
`Advanced Memory Settings
&ExtremeMemoryProle(X.M.P.)(Note),SystemMemoryMultiplier,MemoryFrequency(MHz)
The settings above are synchronous to those under the same items on the Advanced Frequency Settings
menu.
&Memory Timing Mode
Manual and Advanced Manual allows the Channel Interleaving, Rank Interleaving, and memory timing
settings below to be congurable. Options are: Auto (default), Manual, Advanced Manual.
&ProleDDRVoltage
When using a non-XMP memory module or ExtremeMemoryProle(X.M.P.) is set to Disabled, the value
is displayed according to your memory specication. When ExtremeMemoryProle(X.M.P.) is set to
Prole1 or Prole2, the value is displayed according to the SPD data on the XMP memory.
&Channel Interleaving
Enables or disables memory channel interleaving. Enabled allows the system to simultaneously access
different channels of the memory to increase memory performance and stability. (Default: Auto)
&Rank Interleaving
Enables or disables memory rank interleaving. Enabled allows the system to simultaneously access different
ranks of the memory to increase memory performance and stability. (Default: Auto)
`Channel A/B Memory Sub Timings
This sub-menu provides memory timing settings for each channel of memory. This sub-menu provides memory
timing settings for each channel of memory. The respective timing setting screens are congurable only when
Memory Timing Mode is set to Manual or Advanced Manual. Note: Your system may become unstable or fail
to boot after you make changes on the memory timings. If this occurs, please reset the board to default values
by loading optimized defaults or clearing the CMOS values.
`Advanced Voltage Settings
This sub-menu allows you to set CPU, chipset and memory voltages.
&CPU core Control
Allows you to determine whether to manually enable/disable CPU cores. Automatic mode allows the BIOS
to enable all CPU cores (number of cores available depends on the CPU being used). (Default: Automatic
mode)
&APM
Enables or disables Application Power Management. (Default: Enabled)
- 21 -
`PC Health Status
&ResetCaseOpenStatus
Disabled Keeps or clears the record of previous chassis intrusion status. (Default)
Enabled Clears the record of previous chassis intrusion status and the CaseOpen eld will
show "No" at next boot.
&CaseOpen
Displays the detection status of the chassis intrusion detection device attached to the motherboard CI
header. If the system chassis cover is removed, this eld will show "Yes", otherwise it will show "No". To
clear the chassis intrusion status record, set ResetCaseOpenStatus to Enabled, save the settings to
the CMOS, and then restart your system.
&CPU Vcore/DRAM Voltage/+3.3V/+5V/+12V
Displays the current system voltages.
&CPU/System Temperature
Displays current CPU/system temperature.
&CPU/System Fan Speed
Displays current CPU/system fan speeds.
&CPU Temperature Warning
Sets the warning threshold for CPU temperature. When temperature exceeds the threshold, BIOS will emit
warning sound. Options are: Disabled (default), 60oC/140oF, 70oC/158oF, 80oC/176oF, 90oC/194oF.
&CPU/System Fan Fail Warning
Allows the system to emit warning sound if the fan is not connected or fails. Check the fan condition or fan
connection when this occurs. (Default: Disabled)
&CPU Fan Speed Control
Allows you to determine whether to enable the fan speed control function and adjust the fan speed.
Normal Allows the fan to run at different speeds according to the CPU temperature. You can
adjust the fan speed with EasyTune based on your system requirements. (Default)
Silent Allows the fan to run at slow speeds.
Manual Allows you to control the fan speed under the Fan Speed Percentage item.
Full Speed Allows the fan to run at full speeds.
&Fan Speed Percentage
Allows you to control the fan speed. This item is congurable only when CPU Fan Speed Control is set
to Manual. Options are: 0.75 PWM value /oC ~ 2.50 PWM value /oC.
&1stSystemFanSpeedControl(SYS_FAN1Connector)
Allows you to determine whether to enable the fan speed control function and adjust the fan speed.
Normal Allows the fan to run at different speeds according to the system temperature. You can
adjust the fan speed with EasyTune based on your system requirements. (Default)
Silent Allows the fan to run at slow speeds.
Manual Allows you to control the fan speed under the Fan Speed Percentage item.
Full Speed Allows the fan to run at full speeds.
&Fan Speed Percentage
Allows you to control the fan speed. This item is congurable only when 1st System Fan Speed Control
is set to Manual. Options are: 0.75 PWM value /oC ~ 2.50 PWM value /oC.
&2ndSystemFanSpeedControl(SYS_FAN2Connector)
Allows you to determine whether to enable the fan speed control function and adjust the fan speed.
Normal Allows the fan to run at different speeds according to the system temperature. You can
adjust the fan speed with EasyTune based on your system requirements. (Default)
Silent Allows the fan to run at slow speeds.
Manual Allows you to control the fan speed under the Fan Speed Percentage item.
Full Speed Allows the fan to run at full speeds.
- 22 -
2-3 System Information
This section provides information on your motherboard model and BIOS version. You can also select the default
language used by the BIOS and manually set the system time.
&System Language
Selects the default language used by the BIOS.
&System Date
Sets the system date. The date format is week (read-only), month, date, and year. Use <Enter> to
switch between the Month, Date, and Year elds and use the <Page Up> or <Page Down> key to set the
desired value.
&System Time
Sets the system time. The time format is hour, minute, and second. For example, 1 p.m. is 13:0:0.
Use <Enter> to switch between the Hour, Minute, and Second elds and use the <Page Up> or <Page
Down> key to set the desired value.
&Access Level
Displays the current access level depending on the type of password protection used. (If no password is
set, the default will display as Administrator.) The Administrator level allows you to make changes to all
BIOS settings; the User level only allows you to make changes to certain BIOS settings but not all.
&Fan Speed Percentage
Allows you to control the fan speed. This item is congurable only when 2nd System Fan Speed Control
is set to Manual. Options are: 0.75 PWM value /oC ~ 2.50 PWM value /oC.
`Miscellaneous Settings
&PCIeSlotConguration
Allows you to set the operation mode of the PCI Express slots to Gen 1, Gen 2, or Gen 3. Actual operation
mode is subject to the hardware specication of each slot. Auto lets the BIOS automatically congure this
setting. (Default: Auto)
&3DMark01 Boost
Allows you to determine whether to enhance some legacy benchmark performance. (Default: Disabled)
- 23 -
2-4 BIOSFeatures
&BootOptionPriorities
Species the overall boot order from the available devices. For example, you can set hard drive as the
rst priority (BootOption#1) and DVD ROM drive as the second priority (BootOption#2). The list only
displays the device with the highest priority for a specic type. For example, only hard drive dened as the
rst priority on the Hard Drive BBS Priorities submenu will be presented here.
Removable storage devices that support GPT format will be prexed with "UEFI:" string on the boot device list.
To boot from an operating system that supports GPT partitioning, select the device prexed with "UEFI:" string.
Or if you want to install an operating system that supports GPT partitioning such as Windows 7 64-bit, select
the optical drive that contains the Windows 7 64-bit installation disk and is prexed with "UEFI:" string.
&HardDrive/CD/DVDROMDrive/FloppyDrive/NetworkDeviceBBSPriorities
Species the boot order for a specic device type, such as hard drives, optical drives, oppy disk drives,
and devices that support Boot from LAN function, etc. Press <Enter> on this item to enter the submenu that
presents the devices of the same type that are connected. This item is present only if at least one device
for this type is installed.
&BootupNumLockState
Enables or disables Numlock feature on the numeric keypad of the keyboard after the POST. (Default:
Enabled)
&SecurityOption
Species whether a password is required every time the system boots, or only when you enter BIOS Setup.
After conguring this item, set the password(s) under the Administrator Password/User Password item.
Setup A password is only required for entering the BIOS Setup program.
System A password is required for booting the system and for entering the BIOS Setup program.
(Default)
&FullScreenLOGOShow
Allows you to determine whether to display the GIGABYTE Logo at system startup. Disabled skips the
GIGABYTE Logo when the system starts up. (Default: Enabled)
&Fast Boot
Enables or disables Fast Boot to shorten the OS boot process. Ultra Fast provides the fastest bootup
speed. (Default: Disabled)
- 24 -
&VGA Support
Allows you to select which type of operating system to boot.
Auto Enables legacy option ROM only.
EFI Driver Enables EFI option ROM. (Default)
This item is congurable only when Fast Boot is set to Enabled or Ultra Fast.
&USB Support
Disabled All USB devices are disabled before the OS boot process completes.
Full Initial All USB devices are functional in the operating system and during the POST.
Partial Initial Part of the USB devices are disabled before the OS boot process completes. (Default)
This item is congurable only when Fast Boot is set to Enabled. This function is disabled when Fast Boot
is set to Ultra Fast.
&PS2 Devices Support
Disabled All PS/2 devices are disabled before the OS boot process completes.
Enabled All PS/2 devices are functional in the operating system and during the POST. (Default)
This item is congurable only when Fast Boot is set to Enabled. This function is disabled when Fast Boot
is set to Ultra Fast.
&NetWorkStackDriverSupport
Disabled Disables booting from the network. (Default)
Enabled Enables booting from the network.
This item is congurable only when Fast Boot is set to Enabled or Ultra Fast.
&Windows 8 Features
Allows you to select the operating system to be installed. (Default: Other OS)
&CSM Support
Enables or disables UEFI CSM (Compatibility Support Module) to support a legacy PC boot process.
Always Enables UEFI CSM. (Default)
Never Disables UEFI CSM and supports UEFI BIOS boot process only.
This item is congurable only when Windows 8 Features is set to Windows 8 or Windows 8 WHQL.
&Boot Mode Selection
Allows you to select which type of operating system to boot.
UEFI and Legacy
Allows booting from operating systems that support legacy option ROM or UEFI option
ROM. (Default)
Legacy Only Allows booting from operating systems that only support legacy Option ROM.
UEFI Only Allows booting from operating systems that only support UEFI Option ROM.
This item is congurable only when CSM Support is set to Always.
&LANPXEBootOptionROM
Allows you to select whether to enable the legacy option ROM for the LAN controller. (Default: Disabled)
This item is congurable only when CSM Support is set to Always.
&StorageBootOptionControl
Allows you to select whether to enable the UEFI or legacy option ROM for the storage device controller.
Disabled Disables option ROM.
Legacy Only Enables legacy option ROM only. (Default)
UEFI Only Enables UEFI option ROM only.
Legacy First Enables legacy option ROM rst.
UEFI First Enables UEFI option ROM rst.
This item is congurable only when CSM Support is set to Always.
- 25 -
&OtherPCIDeviceROMPriority
Allows you to select whether to enable the UEFI or Legacy option ROM for the PCI device controller other
than the LAN, storage device, and graphics controllers.
Legacy OpROM Enables legacy option ROM only.
UEFI OpROM Enables UEFI option ROM only. (Default)
&Networkstack
Disables or enables booting from the network to install a GPT format OS, such as installing the OS from
the Windows Deployment Services server. (Default: Disabled)
&Ipv4 PXE Support
Enables or disables IPv4 PXE Support. This item is congurable only when Networkstack is enabled.
&Ipv6 PXE Support
Enables or disables IPv6 PXE Support. This item is congurable only when Networkstack is enabled.
&PXE boot wait time
Allows you to congure how long to wait before you can press <Esc> to abort the PXE boot. This item is
congurable only when Networkstack is enabled.
&Administrator Password
Allows you to congure an administrator password. Press <Enter> on this item, type the password, and
then press <Enter>. You will be requested to conrm the password. Type the password again and press
<Enter>. You must enter the administrator password (or user password) at system startup and when entering
BIOS Setup. Differing from the user password, the administrator password allows you to make changes to
all BIOS settings.
&User Password
Allows you to congure a user password. Press <Enter> on this item, type the password, and then press
<Enter>. You will be requested to conrm the password. Type the password again and press <Enter>.
You must enter the administrator password (or user password) at system startup and when entering BIOS
Setup. However, the user password only allows you to make changes to certain BIOS settings but not all.
To cancel the password, press <Enter> on the password item and when requested for the password, enter
the correct one rst. When prompted for a new password, press <Enter> without entering any password.
Press <Enter> again when prompted to conrm.
NOTE: Before setting the User Password, be sure to set the Administrator Password rst.
- 26 -
2-5 Peripherals
&IOMMU
Enables or disables AMD IOMMU support. (Default: Enabled)
&OnChipUSBController
Enables or disables the integrated USB controller. (Default: Enabled)
&HD Audio Azalia Device
Enables or disables the onboard audio function. (Default: Enabled)
If you wish to install a 3rd party add-in audio card instead of using the onboard audio, set this item to
Disabled.
&Legacy USB Support
Allows USB keyboard/mouse to be used in MS-DOS. (Default: Enabled)
&XHCI Hand-off
Determines whether to enable XHCI Hand-off feature for an operating system without XHCI Hand-off
support. (Default: Enabled)
&EHCI Hand-off
Determines whether to enable EHCI Hand-off feature for an operating system without EHCI Hand-off
support. (Default: Disabled)
&Port 60/64 Emulation
Enables or disables emulation of I/O ports 64h and 60h. This should be enabled for full legacy support
for USB keyboards/mice in MS-DOS or in operating system that does not natively support USB devices.
(Default: Disabled)
&USB Storage Devices
Displays a list of connected USB mass storage devices. This item appears only when a USB storage device
is installed.
&OnboardLANController
Enables or disables the onboard LAN function. (Default: Enabled)
If you wish to install a 3rd party add-in network card instead of using the onboard LAN, set this item to
Disabled.
- 27 -
`GFXConguration
&Primary Video Device
Species the rst initiation of the monitor display from the installed PCI graphics card, PCI Express graphics
card or the onboard graphics.
IGD Video Sets the onboard graphics as the rst display.
NB PCIe Slot Video Sets the graphics card on the PCIe slot controlled by the CPU as the rst display.
(Default)
PCI Slot Video Sets the graphics card on the PCI slot as the rst display.
&Integrated Graphics
Enables or disables the onboard graphics function.
Auto The BIOS will automatically enable or disable the onboard graphics depending on
the graphics card being installed. (Default)
Disabled Disables the onboard graphics.
Force Always activates the onboard graphics, whether or not a PCI Express card is
installed.
&UMA Frame Buffer Size
This item is congurable only when Integrated Graphics is set to Force. Frame buffer size is the total
amount of system memory allocated solely for the onboard graphics controller. MS-DOS, for example, will
use only this memory for display.
Options are: Auto (default), 256M, 512M, 1G, 2G.
`SATAConguration
&OnChipSATAChannel
Enables or disables the integrated SATA controllers. (Default: Enabled)
&OnChipSATAType
Enables or disables RAID for the SATA controllers integrated in the Chipset or congures the SATA controllers
to AHCI mode.
Native IDE Congures the SATA controller to IDE mode. (Default)
RAID Enables RAID for the SATA controller.
AHCI Congures the SATA controllers to AHCI mode. Advanced Host Controller Interface
(AHCI) is an interface specication that allows the storage driver to enable
advanced Serial ATA features such as Native Command Queuing and hot plug.
&PORT0HotPlug~PORT3HotPlug
Enables or disable the hot plug capability for each SATA port. (Default: Disabled)
&SATAPoweronPORT0~SATAPoweronPORT3
Enables or disables each SATA port. (Default: Enabled)
`SuperIOConguration
This section provides information on the super I/O chip and allows you to congure the serial port.
&Serial Port A
Enables or disables the onboard serial port. (Default: Enabled)
- 28 -
2-6 Power Management
&Resume by Alarm
Determines whether to power on the system at a desired time. (Default: Disabled)
If enabled, set the date and time as following:
Wake up day: Turn on the system at a specic time on each day or on a specic day in a month.
Wake up hour/minute/second: Set the time at which the system will be powered on automatically.
Note: When using this function, avoid inadequate shutdown from the operating system or removal of the
AC power, or the settings may not be effective.
&HPET Timer
Enables or disables High Precision Event Timer (HPET) for Windows 8.1/7 operating system. (Default:
Enabled)
&Soft-OffbyPWR-BTTN
Congures the way to turn off the computer in MS-DOS mode using the power button.
Instant-Off Press the power button and then the system will be turned off instantly. (Default)
Delay 4 Sec. Press and hold the power button for 4 seconds to turn off the system. If the power
button is pressed for less than 4 seconds, the system will enter suspend mode.
&AC BACK
Determines the state of the system after the return of power from an AC power loss.
Memory The system returns to its last known awake state upon the return of the AC power.
Always On The system is turned on upon the return of the AC power.
Always Off The system stays off upon the return of the AC power. (Default)
&PowerOnByKeyboard
Allows the system to be turned on by a PS/2 keyboard wake-up event.
Note: To use this function, you need an ATX power supply providing at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.
Disabled Disables this function. (Default)
Password Set a password with 1~5 characters to turn on the system.
Keyboard 98 Press POWER button on the Windows 98 keyboard to turn on the system.
Any Key Press any key to turn on the system.
- 29 -
&PowerOnPassword
當Set the password when PowerOnByKeyboard is set to Password.
Press <Enter> on this item and set a password with up to 5 characters and then press <Enter> to accept.
To turn on the system, enter the password and press <Enter>.
Note: To cancel the password, press <Enter> on this item. When prompted for the password, press <Enter>
again without entering the password to clear the password settings.
&PowerOnByMouse
Allows the system to be turned on by a PS/2 mouse wake-up event.
Note: To use this function, you need an ATX power supply providing at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.
Disabled Disables this function. (Default)
Move Move the mouse to turn on the system.
Double Click Double click on left button on the mouse to turn on the system.
&ErP
Determines whether to let the system consume least power in S5 (shutdown) state. (Default: Disabled)
Note: When this item is set to Enabled, the following functions will become unavailable: Resume by Alarm,
PME event wake up, power on by mouse, power on by keyboard, and wake on LAN.
2-7 Save & Exit
&Save & Exit Setup
Press <Enter> on this item and select Yes. This saves the changes to the CMOS and exits the BIOS Setup
program. Select No or press <Esc> to return to the BIOS Setup Main Menu.
&Exit Without Saving
Press <Enter> on this item and select Yes. This exits the BIOS Setup without saving the changes made
in BIOS Setup to the CMOS. Select No or press <Esc> to return to the BIOS Setup Main Menu.
&LoadOptimizedDefaults
Press <Enter> on this item and select Yes to load the optimal BIOS default settings. The BIOS defaults
settings help the system to operate in optimum state. Always load the Optimized defaults after updating
the BIOS or after clearing the CMOS values.
- 30 -
&BootOverride
Allows you to select a device to boot immediately. Press <Enter> on the device you select and select Yes
to conrm. Your system will restart automatically and boot from that device.
&SaveProles
This function allows you to save the current BIOS settings to a prole. You can create up to 8 proles and
save as Setup Prole 1~ Setup Prole 8. Press <Enter> to complete. Or you can select Select File in
HDD/USB/FDD to save the prole to your storage device.
&LoadProles
If your system becomes unstable and you have loaded the BIOS default settings, you can use this function
to load the BIOS settings from a prole created before, without the hassles of reconguring the BIOS
settings. First select the prole you wish to load and then press <Enter> to complete. You can select Select
File in HDD/USB/FDD to input the prole previously created from your storage device or load the prole
automatically created by the BIOS, such as reverting the BIOS settings to the last settings that worked
properly (last known good record).
Chapter 3 Appendix
Beforeyoubegin,pleasepreparethefollowingitems:
•At least two SATA hard drives (to ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you use two hard drives
with identical model and capacity). If you do not want to create RAID, you may prepare only one hard drive.
•Windows setup disk.
•Motherboard driver disk.
•A USB ash drive.
•A USB oppy disk drive (needed during Windows XP installation).
•An empty formatted oppy disk (needed during Windows XP installation)
ConguringtheOnboardSATAController
A.InstallingSATAharddrive(s)inyourcomputer
Attach one end of the SATA signal cable to the rear of the SATA hard drive and the other end to available SATA
port on the motherboard. Then connect the power connector from your power supply to the hard drive.
B.ConguringSATAcontrollermodeinBIOSSetup
Make sure to congure the SATA controller mode correctly in system BIOS Setup. For the BIOS Setup menus,
refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Integrated Peripherals."
Steps:
1. Turn on your computer and press <Delete> to enter BIOS Setup during the POST (Power-On Self-Test).
Ensure OnChipSATAChannel is enabled under Peripherals. Set OnChipSATAType to RAID.
2. If you want to congure UEFI RAID, follow the steps in "C-1." To enter the legacy RAID ROM, save the
settings and exit BIOS Setup. Refer to "C-2" for more information.
3-1 ConguringSATAHardDrive(s)
The BIOS Setup menus described in this section may differ from the exact settings for your motherboard.
The actual BIOS Setup menu options you will see shall depend on the motherboard you have and
the BIOS version.
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C-1.UEFIRAIDConguration
This mode supports Windows 8.1 64-bit installation only.
To congure UEFI RAID, you need to prepare a USB ash drive using FAT 32 le format and copy all les
(including the UEFI RAID utility rcadm.e) in the \BootDrv\UEFI RAID Utility folder in your motherboard driver
disk to the ash drive. Then follow the steps below.
Steps:
In BIOS Setup, go to BIOSFeatures and set Windows 8 Features to Windows 8 and CSM Support to Never.
Save the changes and exit BIOS Setup.
Running the UEFI RAID Utility
Restart your computer and press <F12> to enter the boot device conguration menu. Use the up or down arrow
key to select your USB ash drive which is prexed with "UEFI:" string. Then press <Enter>. To run the UEFI
RAID utility, enter the following commands.
You can enter the commands at Shell or fsx: level (x represents the disk number for your USB ash drive).
Checking Disk Information
To see the hard drive information, enter the following commands and press <Enter>. You will see CONTROLLER
LIST and DISK LIST displayed on the screen.
rcadm -M -qa
Creating a RAID Array
To create a RAID array, refer to the following examples to enter the commands and press <Enter>. When
succeeded, the message which says "created successfully" will appear.
Example1:CreateaRAID0arraywithDrive0andDrive1andthearraysizeis40GB.
rcadm -C -r0 -d 0 1 -s 40000
("C"=Create a array, "r0"=RAID 0, d 0 1=Drive 0 and Drive 1, "s 40000"=Size of 40 GB; to use the maximum
size allowed, do not enter "-s x0000")
Example 2: Create a RAID 5 array with Drive 1~4 and the array size is 75 GB.
rcadm -C -r5 -d 1 2 3 4 -s 75000
("C"=Create a array, "r5"=RAID 5, d 1 2 3 4=Drive 1~4, "s 75000"=Size of 75 GB)
After you create the array, you can enter the "rcadm -M -qa" commands to see the array information. In addition
to the CONTROLLERLISTand DISK LIST information, you will see ARRAY LIST information displayed on
the screen, too.
Deleting an Array
To delete an array, enter the following commands and press <Enter>.
rcadm -D -a 1
("D"=Delete a array, "a 1"=Array 1, to delete all arrays, enter "a *")
When prompted to conrm, enter YES to delete or NO to cancel, and then press <Enter>.
To exit the UEFI RAID utility, enter "exit" and press <Enter>.
C-2.ConguringLegacyRAIDROM
Enter the legacy RAID BIOS setup utility to congure a RAID array. Skip this step and proceed with the installation
of Windows operating system for a non-RAID conguration.
Steps:
After the POST memory test begins and before the operating system boot begins, look for a message which
says "Press <Ctrl-F> to enter RAID Option ROM Utility". Press <Ctrl> + <R> to enter the RAID BIOS setup utility.
Creating a RAID Array
1. To create a new array, press <Enter> on the Create Array option.
2. The selection bar will move to the Disks section on the right of the screen. Select the hard drives to be
included in the RAID array. Use the up or down arrow key to select a hard drive and press <Insert>. The
selected hard drive will be shown in green. To use all of the hard drives, simply press <A> to select all. Then
press <Enter> and the selection bar will move to the User Input section on the left bottom of the screen.
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3. First, select a RAID mode and press <Enter>. The selections available depend on the number of the hard drives
being installed. Then follow the on-screen instructions to specify the array size. You can select All available
space to use the maximum size allowed or use the up or down arrow key to adjust the size and press <Enter>.
4. Select a caching mode. Options include Read/Write, Read Only, and None. Then press <Enter> to proceed.
5. Finally, a message which says "Conrm Creation of Array" will appear. Press <C> to conrm or <Esc> to
return to the previous screen. To exit the RAID BIOS utility, press <Esc> and then press <C> to conrm.
Deleting an Array
The DeleteArray(s) menu option allows for deletion of disk array assignments.
1. Select DeleteArray(s) in the Main Menu and press <Enter>.
2. In the Arrays section, press the <Insert> key on the array you want to delete and then press <Enter> to proceed.
3. When prompted to conrm, press <C> to continue the deletion or <Esc> to cancel.
InstallingtheSATARAID/AHCIDriverandOperatingSystem
With the correct BIOS settings, you are ready to install the operating system.
A. Installing Windows 8.1/7
(The following instructions use Windows 8.1 as the example operating system.)
Step 1:
You need to install the SATA RAID/AHCI driver during the OS installation. Use an alternative system to copy
the SATA RAID/AHCI driver from the motherboard driver disk to a USB ash drive. Copy the Hw8_A88 folder
under BootDrv in the driver disk.
Step 2:
Boot from the Windows 8.1 setup disk and perform standard OS installation steps. When the screen requesting
you to load the driver appears, select Browse.
Step 3:
Then browse to the USB ash drive and select the location of the driver. The locations of the drivers are as follows:
RAID driver for Windows 8.1 32-bit: Hw8_A88\RAID\x86
RAID driver for Windows 8.1 64-bit: Hw8_A88\RAID\x64
AHCI driver for Windows 8.1 32-bit: Hw8_A88\AHCI\W8
AHCI driver for Windows 8.1 64-bit: Hw8_A88\AHCI\W864A
For Windows 7, browse to the Hw7_A88 folder.
Step 4:
When a screen appears, select AMD-RAID Controller and click Next to load the driver and continue the OS
installation.
B.InstallingWindowsXP(32-bit)
Before installing Windows XP, connect a USB oppy disk drive to your computer rst because you need to install
the SATA RAID/AHCI driver from a oppy disk that contains the driver during the OS installation. Without the
driver, the hard drive(s) may not be recognized during the Windows setup process. First, copy the driver from
the motherboard driver disk to a oppy disk. Refer to the methods below.
Method A:
•For the AMD A68H, copy all les in the \BootDrv\Hxp folder to your oppy disk.
Method B:
Steps:
1: Use an alternative system and insert the motherboard driver disk.
2: From your optical drive folder, double click the Menu.exe le in the BootDrv folder. A Command Prompt
window will open.
3: Insert the blank formatted disk (if you're using a USB oppy disk drive, make sure it is designated as drive
A). Select the controller driver by pressing the corresponding letter from the menu and press <Enter>. For
example, for the AMD A68H, select 6)hseriesAHCI/RAID<A85>forXP.
Your system will then automatically copy the driver les to the oppy disk. Press any key to exit when nished.
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Refer to the following for installing the driver during the Windows setup process.
Step 1:
Restart your system to boot from the Windows XP setup disk and press <F6> as soon as you see the message
"Press F6 if you need to install a 3rd party SCSI or RAID driver." A screen will then appear asking you to specify
an additional SCSI adapter. Press <S>.
Step 2:
Insert the oppy disk containing the SATA RAID/AHCI driver and press <Enter>. Then a controller menu will
appear. Select AMD AHCI Compatible RAID Controller-x86 platform and press <Enter>.
Step 3:
On the next screen, press <Enter> to continue the driver installation. After the driver installation, you can proceed
with the Windows XP installation.
•Before installing the drivers, rst install the operating system. (The following instructions use
Windows 8.1 as the example operating system.)
•After installing the operating system, insert the motherboard driver disk into your optical drive. Click
on the message "Tap to choose what happens with this disc" on the top-right corner of the screen
and select "Run Run.exe." (Or go to My Computer, double-click the optical drive and execute the
Run.exe program.)
3-2 Drivers Installation
After inserting the driver disk, "Xpress Install" will automatically scan your system and then list all the drivers that
are recommended to install. You can click the Install All button and "Xpress Install" will install all the recommended
drivers. Or click Install Single Items to manually select the drivers you wish to install.
For more software information,
please visit GIGABYTE's website.
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Regulatory Statements
RegulatoryNotices
This document must not be copied without our written permission, and the contents there of must not be imparted
to a third party nor be used for any unauthorized purpose.
Contravention will be prosecuted. We believe that the information contained herein was accurate in all respects
at the time of printing. GIGABYTE cannot, however, assume any responsibility for errors or omissions in this text.
Also note that the information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed
as a commitment by GIGABYTE.
OurCommitmenttoPreservingtheEnvironment
In addition to high-efciency performance, all GIGABYTE motherboards fulll European Union regulations
for RoHS (Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and WEEE
(Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) environmental directives, as well as most major worldwide safety
requirements. To prevent releases of harmful substances into the environment and to maximize the use of our
natural resources, GIGABYTE provides the following information on how you can responsibly recycle or reuse
most of the materials in your "end of life" product.
RestrictionofHazardousSubstances(RoHS)DirectiveStatement
GIGABYTE products have not intended to add and safe from hazardous substances (Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr+6, PBDE
and PBB). The parts and components have been carefully selected to meet RoHS requirement. Moreover, we at
GIGABYTE are continuing our efforts to develop products that do not use internationally banned toxic chemicals.
WasteElectrical&ElectronicEquipment(WEEE)DirectiveStatement
GIGABYTE will fulll the national laws as interpreted from the 2002/96/EC WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment) directive. The WEEE Directive species the treatment, collection, recycling and disposal of electric
and electronic devices and their components. Under the Directive, used equipment must be marked, collected
separately, and disposed of properly.
WEEE Symbol Statement
The symbol shown below is on the product or on its packaging, which indicates that this product
must not be disposed of with other waste. Instead, the device should be taken to the waste collection
centers for activation of the treatment, collection, recycling and disposal procedure. The separate
collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of disposal will help to conserve natural
resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment.
For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your
local government ofce, your household waste disposal service or where you purchased the product for details
of environmentally safe recycling.
When your electrical or electronic equipment is no longer useful to you, "take it back" to your local or regional
waste collection administration for recycling.
If you need further assistance in recycling, reusing in your "end of life" product, you may contact us at the
Customer Care number listed in your product's user's manual and we will be glad to help you with your effort.
Finally, we suggest that you practice other environmentally friendly actions by understanding and using the
energy-saving features of this product (where applicable), recycling the inner and outer packaging (including
shipping containers) this product was delivered in, and by disposing of or recycling used batteries properly.
With your help, we can reduce the amount of natural resources needed to produce electrical and electronic
equipment, minimize the use of landlls for the disposal of "end of life" products, and generally improve our
quality of life by ensuring that potentially hazardous substances are not released into the environment and are
disposed of properly.
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FCCNotice(U.S.A.Only)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult a dealer or experienced TV/radio technician for help.
Canada,IndustryCanada(IC)Notices/Canada,avisd'IndustryCanada(IC)
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 and RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Cet appareil numérique de classe B est conforme aux normes canadiennes ICES-003 et RSS-210.
Son fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) cet appareil ne doit pas causer
d'interférence et (2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, notamment les interférences qui peuvent
affecter son fonctionnement.
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Contact Us
GIGA-BYTETECHNOLOGYCO.,LTD.
Address: No.6, Bao Chiang Road, Hsin-Tien Dist., New Taipei City 231,Taiwan
TEL: +886-2-8912-4000, FAX: +886-2-8912-4005
Tech. and Non-Tech. Support (Sales/Marketing) : http://esupport.gigabyte.com
WEB address (English): http://www.gigabyte.com
WEB address (Chinese): http://www.gigabyte.tw
You may go to the GIGABYTE website, select your language in the language list on the top right corner of the website.
•GIGABYTE eSupport
To submit a technical or non-technical (Sales/Marketing) question, please link to:
http://esupport.gigabyte.com