Gigabyte GA-Z87X-OC Manual

GA-Z87X-OC

User's Manual

Rev. 1002

12ME-Z87XOC-1002R

Motherboard

GA-Z87X-OC

Apr. 12, 2013

Motherboard

GA-Z87X-OC

Apr. 12, 2013

Copyright

© 2013 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved.

The trademarks mentioned in this manual are legally registered to their respective owners.

Disclaimer

Information in this manual is protected by copyright laws and is the property of GIGABYTE.

Changes to the specifications and features in this manual may be made by GIGABYTE without prior notice.

No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, transmitted, or published in any form or by any means without GIGABYTE's prior written permission.

Documentation Classifications

In order to assist in the use of this product, GIGABYTE provides the following types of

documentations:

For quick set-up of the product, read the Quick Installation Guide included with the product.For detailed product information, carefully read the User's Manual.

For product-related information, check on our website at: http://www.gigabyte.com

Identifying Your Motherboard Revision

The revision number on your motherboard looks like this: "REV: X.X." For example, "REV: 1.0" means the revision of the motherboard is 1.0. Check your motherboard revision before updating motherboard BIOS, drivers, or when looking for technical information.

Example:

Table of Contents

Box Contents....................................................................................................................			6
Optional Items..................................................................................................................			6
GA-Z87X-OC Motherboard Layout..................................................................................			7
GA-Z87X-OC Motherboard Block Diagram......................................................................			8
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation......................................................................................			9
1-1	Installation Precautions.....................................................................................		9
1-2	Product Specifications....................................................................................		10
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler................................................................			13
	1-3-1	Installing the CPU...................................................................................................	13
	1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler........................................................................................		15
1-4	Installing the Memory......................................................................................		16
	1-4-1 Dual Channel Memory Configuration......................................................................		16
	1-4-2	Installing a Memory.................................................................................................	17
1-5	Installing Expansion Cards.............................................................................		18
1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA® SLI™ Configuration...............................			19
1-7	Back Panel Connectors..................................................................................		21
1-8 Onboard Buttons, Switches, and LEDs..........................................................			23
1-9	Internal Connectors........................................................................................		26
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup...................................................................................................			37
2-1	Startup Screen................................................................................................		38
2-2	The Main Menu...............................................................................................		39
2-3	M.I.T................................................................................................................		41
2-4	System............................................................................................................		52
2-5	BIOS Features................................................................................................		53
2-6	Peripherals......................................................................................................		56
2-7	Power Management........................................................................................		60
2-8	Save & Exit.....................................................................................................		62

- 4 -

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

- 5 -

Box Contents

55 GA-Z87X-OC motherboard

55 Motherboard driver disk

55 User's Manual

55 Quick Installation Guide

55 Four SATA cables

55 I/O Shield

55 One 2-Way SLI bridge connector

55 One 2-Way CrossFire bridge connector

55 Twelve voltage measurement cables

55 One OC Brace

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.

Optional Items

2-port USB 2.0 bracket (Part No. 12CR1-1UB030-6*R)eSATA bracket (Part No. 12CF1-3SATPW-4*R)

3.5" Front Panel with 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports (Part No. 12CR1-FPX582-2*R)S/PDIF In cable (Part No. 12CR1-1SPDIN-1*R)

HDMI-to-DVI adapter (Part No. 12CT2-HDMI01-1*R)COM port cable (Part No. 12CF1-1CM001-3*R)

- 6 -

GA-Z87X-OC Motherboard Layout

				CPU_FAN	SYS_FAN6
R_USB				CPU_OPT
		ATX_12V ATX_12V_2X4
OC_IGNITION				LGA1150
HDMI
R_USB30_2
DP_HDMI_SPDIF
KB_MS_USB3
USB30_LAN
Renesas®			OC_PEG
AUDIO uPD720210		SYS_FAN1
				PCIEX16
Intel®	PCIEX1_1			Renesas®
GbE LAN
				uPD720210

	RST_SW
PCIE_SW
	DIP
1	2 3 4
SW		MEM_SAFE
DW PW_		DTB
_
RATIO UP_		SET_LOCK
DW RATIOUP
+		SB
FREQGEAR FREQTURBO		BIOS_SW
_		TGR
+
		CMOS_SW
TAG
LED(Note		ATX
Debug
F USB30 1		FAN5
4 2 3 1		SYS
DDR3 DDR3 DDR3 DDR3

	PCIEX4_1
CODEC
	PCI1	GA-Z87X-OC
I/O	PCIEX8
iTE® Super
PCIe to PCI	PCI2
Bridge
	PCIEX4_2
SPDIF_IN
F_AUDIO	SYS_FAN2	F_USB2
SPDIF_O		COMA

			1 0
			SATA3
BAT		Intel® Z87	3 2
			5 4
			F_USB4
	B_BIOS
	M_BIOS		F_USB3
				LED
			CLR_CMOS	MBIOS LEDBBIOS
	SYS_FAN3	SYS_FAN4
F_USB1	F_USB30_2		F_PANEL

CBAT_SW

(Note) For debug code information, please refer to Chapter 6.

- 7 -

GA-Z87X-OC Motherboard Block Diagram

2 PCI Express x4

2 PCI Express x8

PCIe CLK

ExpressPCI1 x8

ExpressPCI1 x16

(100 MHz)

x8

x16

x8

x16

Switch

Switch

PCI Express Bus

1 PCI Express x4

LAN

1 PCI Express x1

RJ45

Intel®

GbE

LAN

x4

x1

x1

PCI Express Bus

x1

PCIe CLK

(100 MHz)

PCIe to PCI

Bridge

PCI Bus

CODEC

Speaker Out Speaker Out Speaker Out MIC Line Out Line In S/PDIF Out S/PDIF In

Rear

Side

2 PCI

Center/Subwoofer

PCI CLK

(33 MHz)

CPU CLK+/- (100 MHz)

DDR3 1600/1333 MHz

LGA1150

Dual Channel Memory

CPU

DisplayPort

HDMI

DMI 2.0

HDMI

FDI

6 SATA 6Gb/s

Renesas®

uPD720210 Hub

4 USB 3.0/2.0

Renesas®

uPD720210 Hub

Intel

Z87

4 USB 3.0/2.0

®

2 USB 3.0/2.0

8 USB 2.0/1.1

Dual BIOS

LPC Bus

iTE®

COM

Super I/O

PS/2 KB/Mouse

For detailed product information/limitation(s), refer to "1-2 Product Specifications."

- 8 -

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 first 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 certified computer technician.

- 9 -

Hardware Installation

1-2 Product Specifications

CPU		Support for Intel® Core™ i7 processors/Intel® Core™ i5 processors/
		Intel® Core™ i3 processors/Intel® Pentium® processors/
		Intel® Celeron® processors in the LGA1150 package
		(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.)
		L3 cache varies with CPU

Chipset	Intel® Z87 Express Chipset
Memory	4 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 32 GB of system memory
		* Due to a Windows 32-bit operating system limitation, when more than 4 GB of
		physical memory is installed, the actual memory size displayed will be less than
		the size of the physical memory installed.
	Dual channel memory architecture
	Support for DDR3 1600/1333 MHz memory modules
	Support for non-ECC memory modules
	Support for Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules
	(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and
	memory modules.)
Onboard	Integrated Graphics Processor:
Graphics	-	2 x HDMI ports, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096x2160

*Support for HDMI 1.4a version.

-1 x DisplayPort port, supporting a maximum resolution of 3840x2160

*Support for DisplayPort 1.2 version.

-Maximum shared memory of 1 GB

Audio		Realtek® ALC892 codec
	High Definition Audio
		2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
	Support for S/PDIF In
	Support for S/PDIF Out
LAN		Intel® GbE LAN chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Expansion Slots		1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (PCIEX16)

* For optimum performance, if only one expansion card is to be installed, be sure to

install it in the PCIEX16 slot.

1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x8 (PCIEX8)

* The PCIEX8 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16 slot. It will operate at up to x8

mode when the PCIEX16 is populated.

2 x PCI Express x16 slots, running at x4 (PCIEX4_1, PCIEX4_2)

* The PCIEX4_1 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16 and PCIEX8 slots. When it is populated, the PCIEX16 slot will operate at up to x8 mode and the PCIEX8 slot will operate at up to x4 mode.

* When installing a x8 or above card in the PCIEX4_1 slot, make sure to set PCIE Slot Configurationin BIOS Setup to x4. (Refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Peripherals,"

for more information.)

	(The PCIEX16, PCIEX8, and PCIEX4_1 slots conform to PCI Express 3.0
	standard.)
	1 x PCI Express x1 slot
	(The PCIEX4_2 and PCIEX1_1 slots conform to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)
	2 x PCI slots
Hardware Installation	- 10 -

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

Back Panel

Connectors

2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports

1 x OC Ignition button

6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports

1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector

2 x HDMI ports

1 x DisplayPort

1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port

1 x RJ-45 port

6 x audio jacks (Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out/Rear Speaker Out/Side Speaker Out/Line In/Line Out/Microphone)

I/O Controller		iTE I/O Controller Chip
Hardware		System voltage detection
Monitor		CPU/System/Chipset temperature detection
	CPU/CPU OPT/System fan speed detection
		CPU/System overheating warning
	CPU/CPU OPT/System fan fail warning
	CPU/CPU OPT/System fan speed control

* Whether the fan speed control function is supported will depend on the cooler you install.

BIOS		2 x 128 Mbit flash
		Use of licensed AMI EFI BIOS

Support for DualBIOS™

PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI 2.0a

Unique Features		Support for Q-Flash
	Support for Xpress Install
	Support for APP Center
			* Available applications in APP Center may differ by motherboard model. Supported
			functions of each application may also differ depending on motherboard
			specifications.
		-	@BIOS
		-	EasyTune
		-	EZ Setup
		-	ON/OFF Charge2
		-	USB Blocker
Bundled		Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
Software		Intel® Rapid Start Technology
	Intel® Smart Connect Technology
	Intel® Smart Response Technology
		cFosSpeed

Hardware Installation

- 12 -

	Operating		Support for Windows 8/7
	System
	Form Factor		ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm

*GIGABYTE reserves the right to make any changes to the product specifications 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.

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 specifications. It is not recommended that the system bus frequency be set beyond hardware specifications since it does not meet the standard requirements for the peripherals. If you wish to set the frequency beyond the standard specifications, please do so according to your hardware specifications including the CPU, graphics card, memory, hard drive, etc.

1-3-1 Installing the CPU

A. Locate the alignment keys on the motherboard CPU socket and the notches on the CPU.

DIP

	LGA1150 CPU Socket
Alignment	Alignment
Key	Key

Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket

	LGA1150 CPU
Notch	Notch

Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU

- 13 -

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 finger. Then completely lift the CPU socket lever and the metal load plate/plastic cover will be lifted as well.

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.)

Step 2:

Hold the CPU with your thumb and index fingers.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.

Hardware Installation

- 14 -

1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler

Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler on the motherboard.

Step 1:

Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on the surface of the installed CPU.

Step 3:

Place the cooler atop the CPU, aligning the four push pins through the pin holes on the motherboard. Push down on the push pins diagonally.

						Male
Direction of						Push Pin
the Arrow Sign						The Top
on the Male
						of Female
Push Pin
						Push Pin
						Female
						Push Pin

Step 2:

Before installing the cooler, note the direction of the arrow sign on the male push pin. (Turning the push pin along the direction of arrow is to remove the cooler, on the contrary, is to install.)

Step 4:

You should hear a "click" when pushing down each push pin. Check that the Male and Female push pins are joined closely.

(Refer to your CPU cooler installation manual for instructions on installing the cooler.)

Step 5:

After the installation, check the back of the motherboard. If the push pin is inserted as the picture above shows, the installation is complete.

Step 6:

Finally, attach the power connector of the CPU cooler to the CPU fan header (CPU_FAN) on the motherboard.

Use extreme care when removing the CPU cooler because the thermal grease/tape between the CPU cooler and CPU may adhere to the CPU. Inadequately removing the CPU cooler may damage the CPU.

- 15 - 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 Configuration

This motherboard provides four DDR3 memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. After the memory is installed, the BIOS will automatically detect the specifications and capacity of the memory. Enabling

Dual Channel memory mode will double the original memory bandwidth.

The four DDR3 memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as following:

Channel A: DDR3_2, DDR3_4Channel B: DDR3_1, DDR3_3

DIP

Dual Channel Memory Configurations Table

	DDR3_4	DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_1
Two Modules	- -	DS/SS	- -	DS/SS
	DS/SS	- -	DS/SS	- -
Four Modules	DS/SS	DS/SS	DS/SS	DS/SS

(SS=Single-Sided, DS=Double-Sided, "- -"=No Memory)

DDR3_1

DDR3_3

DDR3_2

DDR3_4

Due to CPU limitations, read the following guidelines before installing the memory in Dual Channel mode.

1.Dual Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one DDR3 memory module is installed.

2.When enabling Dual Channel mode with two or four memory modules, it is recommended that memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used. For optimum performance, when enabling Dual Channel mode with two memory modules, we recommend that you install them in the DDR3_1 and DDR3_2 sockets.

Hardware Installation

- 16 -

1-4-2 Installing a Memory

Before installing a memory module, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the memory module. DDR3 and DDR2 DIMMs are not compatible to each other or DDR DIMMs. Be sure to install DDR3 DIMMs on this motherboard.

DIP

Notch

DDR3 DIMM

ADDR3 memory module has a notch, so it can only fit 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 fingers 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.

- 17 -

Hardware Installation

1-5 Installing Expansion Cards

Read the following guidelines before you begin to install an expansion card:

•• Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual that came with your expansion card.

•• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing an expansion card to prevent hardware damage.

DIP

PCI Express x16 Slot

PCI Express x1 Slot

PCI Slot

Follow the steps below to correctly install your expansion card in the expansion slot.

1.Locate an expansion slot that supports your card. Remove the metal slot cover from the chassis back panel.

2.Align the card with the slot, and press down on the card until it is fully seated in the slot.

3.Make sure the metal contacts on the card are completely inserted into the slot.

4.Secure the card's metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.

5.After installing all expansion cards, replace the chassis cover(s).

6.Turn on your computer. If necessary, go to BIOS Setup to make any required BIOS changes for your expansion card(s).

7.Install the driver provided with the expansion card in your operating system.

Example: Installing and Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card:

•• Installing a Graphics Card:

Gently push down on the top edge of the card until it is fully inserted into the PCI Express slot. Make sure the card is securely seated in the slot and does not rock.

•• Removing the Card:

Gently push back on the lever on the slot and then lift the card straight out from the slot.

Hardware Installation

- 18 -

1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA® SLI™ Configuration

A.System Requirements

-- Windows 8/7 operating system

-- A CrossFire/SLI-supported motherboard with two or above PCI Express x16 slots and correct driver -- CrossFire/SLI-ready graphics cards of identical brand and chip and correct driver

(Current GPUs that support 4-/3-Way CrossFire technology include the ATI Radeon™ HD 3800, HD 4800, HD 5800 series, and AMD Radeon™ HD 6800, HD 6900, HD 7800, HD 7900 (and above) series. For the latest GPU support information, please refer to AMD's official website.)

-- CrossFire (Note 1)/SLI bridge connectors

-- A power supply with sufficient power is recommended (Note 2)(Refer to the manual of your graphics cards for the power requirement)

B.Connecting the Graphics Cards

Step 1:

Observe the steps in "1-5 Installing an Expansion Card" and install the CrossFire/SLI graphics cards in the

PCI Express x16 slots. (To set up a 2-Way configuration, please install the graphics cards in the PCIEX16 and PCIEX8 slots. To set up a 3-Way CrossFire configuration, we recommend installing the graphics cards in the

PCIEX16 and PCIEX8, and PCIEX4_1 slots.)

Step 2:

Insert the CrossFire (Note 1)/SLI bridge connectors in the CrossFire/SLI gold edge connectors on top of the cards.

Step 3:

Plug the display cable into the graphics card on the PCIEX16 slot.

C. Configuring the Graphics Card Driver

C-1. To Enable CrossFire Function

After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go to the Catalyst Control Center. Browse to Performance\AMD

CrossFireX™ Configuration and ensure the Enable CrossFireX™ check box is selected. and click Apply.(Available combination options are dependent on the number of graphics cards.)

C-2. To Enable SLI Function

After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go to

the NVIDIA Control Panel. Browse to the Configure SLI, Surround, Physx screen and ensure Maximize 3D performance is enabled.

- 19 -

Hardware Installation

D. Installing the OC Brace (Note 3)

OC Brace allows extreme overclockers and system testers to safely install up to four graphics cards in an open case or test bed without risking PCIe slot damage or preventing cards not showing up in the OS due to poor contact with PCIe slot. Refer to the following installation instructions:

Step 1:

As shown, align the screw holes on the OC Brace and back plate with the screw holes near the PCIe slots on the motherboard.

Step 3:

After installing the graphics cards, use the included thumb screws to secure the metal brackets of the graphics cards to the OC Brace.

Step 2:

Fasten two of the included thumb screws (starting from the screw hole near the back panel audio connectors) to hold the OC Brace in place.

(Note 1) The bridge connectors may be needed or not depending on your graphics cards.

(Note 2) When two or more graphics cards are installed, we recommend that you connect the power cable from the power supply to the OC_PEG connetctor to ensure system stability.

(Note 3) The components received may vary in appearance from the products illustrated.

Procedure and driver screen for enabling CrossFire/SLI technology may differ by graphics cards and driver version. Refer to the manual that came with your graphics cards for more information about enabling CrossFire/SLI technology.

Hardware Installation

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In Windows 8, select All apps>Control Panel>Hardware and Sound>Sound>Playback, set Intel(R) Display Audio to the default playback device.

1-7 Back Panel Connectors

USB 2.0/1.1 Port

The USB port supports the USB 2.0/1.1 specification. Use this port for USB devices such as a USB keyboard/mouse, USB printer, USB flash drive and etc.

OC Ignition button

The OC Ignition feature maintains power to your motherboard and connected components while the system is shut down. After pressing this button, be sure to press the power button to take effect.

USB 3.0/2.0 Port

The USB 3.0 port supports the USB 3.0 specification and is compatible to the USB 2.0/1.1 specification. Use this port for USB devices such as a USB keyboard/mouse, USB printer, USB flash 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, but the actual resolutions supported are dependent on the monitor being used.

After installing the HDMI device, make sure to set the default sound playback device to HDMI. (The item name may differ depending on your operating system. The screenshot below is from Windows 8.)

Optical S/PDIF Out Connector

This connector provides digital audio out to an external audio system that supports digital optical audio. Before using this feature, ensure that your audio system provides an optical digital audio in connector.

•• When removing the cable connected to a back panel connector, first 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.

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Hardware Installation

DisplayPort

DisplayPort delivers high quality digital imaging and audio, supporting bi-directional audio transmission. DisplayPort can support both DPCP and HDCP content protection mechanisms. You can use this port to connect your DisplayPort-supported monitor. Note: The DisplayPort Technology can support a maximum resolution of 3840x2160 but the actual resolutions supported depend on the monitor being used.

After installing the DisplayPort device, make sure the default device for sound playback is the

DisplayPort device. (The item name may differ from operating system. Refer to the HDMI settings information on the previous page for the configuration dialog box.)

Triple Display Configurations for the Onboard Graphics:

Triple-display configurations are supported after you install motherboard drivers in OS. Only dual-display configurations are supported during the BIOS Setup or POST process.

PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port

Use this port to connect a PS/2 mouse or keyboard.

RJ-45 LAN Port

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.

Connection/

Connection/Speed LED:

Activity LED:

Speed LED

Activity LED

State

Description

State

Description

Orange

1 Gbps data rate

Blinking

Data transmission or receiving is occurring

Green

100 Mbps data rate

On

No data transmission or receiving is occurring

Off

10 Mbps data rate

LAN Port

Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out Jack (Orange)

Use this audio jack to connect center/subwoofer speakers in a 5.1/7.1-channel audio configuration.

Rear Speaker Out Jack (Black)

This jack can be used to connect front speakers in a 4/5.1/7.1-channel audio configuration.

Side Speaker Out Jack (Gray)

Use this audio jack to connect side speakers in a 7.1-channel audio configuration.

Line In Jack (Blue)

The line in jack. Use this audio jack for line in devices such as an optical drive, walkman, etc.

Line Out Jack (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 configuration.

Mic In Jack (Pink)

The default Mic in jack. Microphones must be connected to this jack.

Theaudiojackscanbereconfiguredtoperformdifferentfunctionsviatheaudiosoftware(supported functions for each jack may vary based on hardware specification). Only microphones still MUST be connected to the default Mic in jack. Refer to the instructions on setting up a 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel audio configuration in Chapter 6, "Configuring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio."

Hardware Installation

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1-8 Onboard Buttons, Switches, and LEDs

BIOS Switches and BIOS LED Indicators

The BIOS switch (BIOS_SW) allows users to easily select a different BIOS for boot up or overclocking, helping to reduce BIOS failure during overclocking. The SB switch allows enabling or disabling of the Dual BIOS function. The LED indicator (MBIOS_LED/BBIOS_LED) shows which BIOS is active.

DIP

	BIOS Switches:
	BIOS_SW
SB	2	1: Main BIOS (Boot from the main BIOS)
BIOS_SW	1
	2	2: Backup BIOS (Boot from the backup BIOS)
	1
	SB
	2	1: Dual BIOS
	1

2		2: Single BIOS
1

MBIOS_LED BBIOS_LED

BIOS LED Indicators:

MBIOS_LED (The main BIOS is active) BBIOS_LED (The backup BIOS is active)

Quick Buttons

This motherboard has four quick buttons: Power, Reset, Clear CMOS, and Clear Battery. The power button and reset button allow users to quickly turn on/off or reset the computer in an open-case environment when they want to change hardware components or conduct hardware testing. Use the clear CMOS button to clear the

BIOS configuration and reset the CMOS values to factory defaults when needed. The Clear Battery button has the same function as removing the battery from the motherboard.

DIP

RST_SW PW_SW

CMOS_SW

PW_SW: Power button RST_SW: Reset button CMOS_SW: Clear CMOS Button CBAT_SW: Clear Battery Button

CBAT_SW

•• Always turn off your computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before using the clear CMOS button.

•• Always turn off the power of the power supply before using the clear battery button. After pressing this button, make sure to wait for five minutes before you turn on the computer.

•• Do not use the clear CMOS or clear battery button when the system is on, or the system may shut down and data loss or damage may occur.

•• After system restart, go to BIOS Setup to load factory defaults (select Load Optimized Defaults) or manuallyconfiguretheBIOSsettings(refertoChapter2,"BIOSSetup,"forBIOSconfigurations).

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Hardware Installation

OC PCIe switch (PCIE_SW)

This switch allows you to manually turn off specific PCI Express slot(s) (except for the PCI Express x1 slot) without physical removal.

DIP	PCIE_SW

PCIE_SW

DIP

1 2 3 4

Slot	DIP Setting
	DIP 1	DIP 2	DIP 3	DIP 4
Disabling PCIEX16_1	ON	OFF	OFF	OFF
Disabling PCIEX4_1	OFF	ON	OFF	OFF
Disabling PCIEX8_1	OFF	OFF	ON	OFF
Disabling PCIEX4_2	OFF	OFF	OFF	ON

OC Buttons

GIGABYTE's unique OC buttons help enthusiasts and overclockers not only get the most performance from their hardware, but also the absolute most enjoyable OC experience with features like overclocking the CPU in real-time, automatically loading the most optimized overclocking configuration for the processor and memory, and loading users' customized settings, etc.

RATIO_UP RATIO_DW

DIP	MEM_SAFE
	DTB
	SET_LOCK
	FREQ_DW
	TGR
	GEAR

TAG

TURBO

CPU Ratio Down Button (RATIO_DW):

Lowers the CPU ratio.

CPU Ratio Up Button (RATIO_UP):

Raises the CPU ratio.

CPU BCLK Down Button (FREQ_DW):

Lowers the CPU base clock.

							FREQ_UP	CPU BCLK Up Button (FREQ_UP):
								Raises the CPU base clock.

Gear Button (GEAR):

Changes BCLK stepping to 0.1 MHz or 1 MHz.

OC Turbo Button (TURBO):

Press this button to load the most optimized GIGABYTE overclocking

configuration for your processor and memory.

OC Tag Button (TAG):

This button allows you to load your customized settings (please define the TAG profile on the Save & Exit menu in BIOS Setup) so you can apply your custom settings after clearing CMOS.

Memory Safe Button (MEM_SAFE):

Pressing the Memory Safe button engages a failsafe mode that allows the system to boot in a safe memory configuration, regardless of the DDR3 DIMM speed or CAS rating. (Note: Engaging Memory Safe may impact system memory performance.)

Settings Lock Button (SET_LOCK):

The GIGABYTE Settings Lock button allows the system to automatically remember your last successful settings, even after clearing CMOS. With one touch, the Settings Lock button can quickly revert to the previous good settings; a very useful tool for overclockers tuning their BIOS to perfection.

Before using the overclocking buttons, make sure to load the optimized defaults in BIOS Setup to return the BIOS settings to factory defaults.

Hardware Installation

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1: Target frequency set in BIOS Setup or other overclocking application. 2: Safe frequency (using the lowest CPU ratio, which may vary by CPU)

Direct to BIOS Button (DTB):

This button helps users more easily to directly enter the BIOS at any time before rebooting the system. (Pressing this button during the POST process allows you to immediately enter BIOS Setup. If the button is pressed after the POST process, the system will enter BIOS Setup directly on next boot.)

OC Trigger Switch (TGR):

This switch allows the overclockers to jump between low and extremely high frequencies in an instant. After remaining at a low frequency during system boot and OS optimization, the overclocker can then engage the Trigger Switch to instantly

hit the target frequency, save their score submission, grab a screen shot, and watch the records tumble.

2

1

2

1

Onboard Voltage Measurement Module

Users can use a multimeter to measure component voltages, including VRIN, VCORE, VRING, VIOD, VIOA, VAXG, VSA, PCHV, and VDIMM. You can employ one of the following two ways to measure component voltages.

DIP

Pin 1					VRIN	Pin No.	Definition
Pin 1					VCORE0	1	Power
Pin 1					VCORE1	2	GND
Pin 1					VCORE2
Pin 1					VCORE3
Pin 1					VRING
Pin 1					VIOD
Pin 1					VIOA
Pin 1					VAXG
Pin 1					VSA
Pin 1					PCHV
Pin 1					VDIMM

Method I (Using the included voltage measurement cable):

Steps:

Connect the included voltage measurement cable to a voltage measurement header and your multimeter as shown. Please note the red wire is the positive and must be connected to the pin 1 (Power).

Method II (Connecting the multimeter directly):

Steps:

Connect the red lead of the multimeter to the pin 1 (Power) of a voltage measurement point and the black lead to the pin 2 (ground).

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Hardware Installation

1-9 Internal Connectors

1

1

4

6

5

DIP

1 2 3 4

	2
3
5	5
	12
	7

16

14

10

9

11 5

15

13

5

12

5

8

17

1)	ATX_12V_2X4/ATX_12V	10)	SPDIF_IN
2)	ATX	11)	SPDIF_O
3)	OC_PEG	12)	F_USB30_1/F_USB30_2
4)	CPU_FAN	13)	F_USB1/F_USB2
5)	SYS_FAN1/2/3/4/5/6	14)	F_USB3/F_USB4
6)	CPU_OPT	15)	COMA
7)	SATA3 0/1/2/3/4/5	16)	BAT
8)	F_PANEL	17)	CLR_CMOS
9)	F_AUDIO

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.

Hardware Installation

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1/2)ATX_12V/ATX_12V_2X4/ATX (2x2, 2x4 12V Power Connectors and 2x12 Main Power

Connector)

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, first 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.

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.

12 24

1

13

ATX

			ATX_12V:
	3	4	Pin No. Definition
			1	GND
	1	2
			2	GND
		ATX_12V
			3	+12V
			4	+12V
			ATX_12V_2X4:
	5	8	Pin No.	Definition
	1	4	1	GND (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)
	ATX_12V_2X4		2	GND (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)
			3	GND
			4	GND
			5	+12V (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)
			6	+12V (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)
			7	+12V
			8	+12V
	ATX:
	Pin No.	Definition	Pin No.	Definition
	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
	9	5VSB (stand by +5V)	21	+5V
	10	+12V	22	+5V
	11	+12V (Only for 2x12-pin	23	+5V (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)
		ATX)
	12	3.3V (Only for 2x12-pin	24	GND (Only for 2x12-pin
		ATX)		ATX)

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Hardware Installation

3)OC_PEG (PCIe Power Connector)

The power connector provides auxiliary power to the onboard PCI Express x16 slots. When two or more graphics cards are installed, we recommend that you connect the 2x3 power cable from the power supply to this connector to ensure system stability.

													Pin No.	Definition
													1	+12V
													2	+12V
							6					4	3	+12V
													4	GND
											3	1
													5	GND
													6	GND

4/5) CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/2/3/4/5/6 (Fan Headers)

The motherboard has a 4-pin CPU fan header (CPU_FAN), four 4-pin (SYS_FAN1/SYS_FAN2/SYS_FAN3/ SYS_FAN4) and two 3-pin (SYS_FAN5/SYS_FAN6) system fan headers. 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.			CPU_FAN:
			Pin No.	Definition
	1		1	GND
CPU_FAN			2	+12V
			3	Sense
			4	Speed Control
			SYS_FAN1/2/3/4:
1			Pin No.	Definition
SYS_FAN1/2/3/4			1	GND
			2	+12V /Speed Control
			3	Sense
			4	VCC
			SYS_FAN5/6:
1		1	Pin No.	Definition
			1	GND
SYS_FAN5	SYS_FAN6
			2	+12V
			3	NC

•• Be sure to connect fan cables to the fan headers to prevent your CPU and system from overheating. Overheating may result in damage to the CPU or the system may hang.

•• Thesefanheadersarenotconfigurationjumperblocks.Donotplaceajumpercapontheheaders.

Hardware Installation

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6)CPU_OPT (Water Cooling CPU Fan Header)

The fan header is 4-pin and possesses 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.

												Pin No.	Definition
											1	1	GND
												2	+12V /Speed Control
												3	Sense
												4	VCC

7) SATA3 0/1/2/3/4/5 (SATA 6Gb/s Connectors)

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 Intel® Z87 Chipset supports

RAID0,RAID1,RAID5,andRAID10.RefertoChapter3,"ConfiguringSATAHardDrive(s),"forinstructions

on configuring a RAID array.				Pin No.	Definition
				1	GND
SATA3				2	TXP
7			1	3	TXN
				4	GND
7			1
				5	RXN
5	3	1		6	RXP
				7	GND
4	2	0

•• ARAID 0 or RAID 1 configuration 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.

•• ARAID 5 configuration requires at least three hard drives. (The total number of hard drives does not have to be an even number.)

•• A RAID 10 configuration requires four hard drives.

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Hardware Installation

8)F_PANEL (Front Panel Header)

Connect the power switch, reset switch, speaker, chassis intrusion switch/sensor 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.

Power LED Power Switch Speaker

PLED+ PLED

-PW

SPEAK+

-SPEAK

- PW+

2

20

1

19

HD-

RES+

CI+

_ _ _

-

-

LED+ LED LED

-

HD+

RES-

CI

PWR PWR PWR

Hard Drive

Reset

Activity LED

Switch

Power LED

Chassis Intrusion

Header

•• PLED/PWR_LED (Power LED, Yellow/Purple):

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).

•• PW (Power Switch, Red):

Connects to the power switch on the chassis front panel. You may configure the way to turn off your system using the power switch (refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Power Management," for more information).

•• SPEAK (Speaker, Orange):

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.

•• HD (Hard Drive Activity LED, Blue):

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.

•• RES (Reset Switch, Green):

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.

•• CI (Chassis Intrusion Header, Gray):

Connects to the chassis intrusion switch/sensor on the chassis that can detect if the chassis cover has been removed. This function requires a chassis with a chassis intrusion switch/sensor.

The front panel design may differ by chassis. A front panel module mainly consists of power switch, reset switch, power LED, hard drive activity LED, speaker and etc. When connecting your chassis front panel module to this header, make sure the wire assignments and the pin assignments are matched correctly.

Hardware Installation

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