Sapphire Audio Pure Black X79N User Manual

User’s Manual

Sapphire Pure Black X79N

Intel X79 / LGA 2011 Mainboard

TRADEMARK

All products and company names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.

These specifications are subject to change without notice.

Manual Revision 1.0

November 14, 2011

~ ii ~

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement

This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of 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 instructions contained
in this manual, may cause harmful interference to radio and television
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation.

If this product 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 product into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which

the receiver is connected.

 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Í

Note1:

Connecting this device to peripheral devices that do not comply with Class
B requirements, or using an unshielded peripheral data cable, could also
result in harmful interference to radio or television reception

Note2: The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly

approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate this product.

Note3: To ensure that the use of this product does not contribute to

interference, it is necessary to use shielded I/O cables

CE: Radiation of EN 55022 & Immunity of EN 55024

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Statement

To protect the global environment, this product must be sent to separate collection
facilities for recovery and recycling.

DISPOSAL

Do not dispose of this product as unsorted municipal waste. Collect such
waste separately for special treatment.

~ iii ~

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction .............................................................. 1

1-1 Mainboard Specifications ........................................................... 1

1-2 Package Contents ..................................................................... 4

1-3 Mainboard Layout ...................................................................... 5

Chapter 2 Installation ................................................................ 9

2-1 Before You Begin ....................................................................... 9

2-2 Installing the I/O Shield .............................................................. 9

2-3 Securing to the Chassis ............................................................. 9

2-4 Installing the CPU and Cooler .................................................. 10

2-5 Installing System Memory ........................................................ 11

Memory configurations ............................................................. 12

Memory Installation .................................................................. 12

2-6 Installing Expansion Cards ...................................................... 13

2-7 Connecting Cables .................................................................. 15

Connecting Power Supply Cables ............................................ 15

Connecting Serial ATA (SATA) Cables ...................................... 16

Connecting to the Internal Headers and Connectors ............... 17

Front Panel Header ............................................................ 17

USB2.0 Headers ................................................................. 18

USB3.0 Headers ................................................................. 18

CFPA Header ...................................................................... 19

S/PDIF Header ................................................................... 19

Serial Port Header .............................................................. 19

2-8 Diagnostics LED ...................................................................... 21

2-9 LED Status Indicators .............................................................. 21

2-10 Onboard Buttons .................................................................... 21

Clear CMOS Button ................................................................. 22

Reset and Power Button .......................................................... 22

2-11 Dual BIOS Switch ................................................................... 23

Chapter 3 Configuring the BIOS ............................................ 24

3-1 Select Boot Device .................................................................. 24

3-2 Enter BIOS Setup .................................................................... 24

~ iv ~

3-3 Main Menu ............................................................................... 26

3-4 Performance Menu .................................................................. 27

CPU Configuration ................................................................... 29

Memory Configuration .............................................................. 30

Voltage Configuration ............................................................... 32

3-5 Advanced Menu ....................................................................... 34

ACPI Settings ........................................................................... 35

CPU Configuration ................................................................... 36

CPU Information ....................................................................... 37

SATA Configuration .................................................................. 38

USB Configuration ................................................................... 39

Super IO Configuration ............................................................. 40

Serial Port 0 Configuration ....................................................... 40

H/W Monitor ............................................................................. 41

Smart Fan Configuration .......................................................... 42

Onboard Device Configuration ................................................. 43

3-6 Chipset Menu ........................................................................... 45

3-7 Boot Menu ............................................................................... 46

3-8 Security Menu .......................................................................... 47

3-9 Save & Exit Menu .................................................................... 48

Chapter 4 Driver Installation ................................................ 50

4-1 Driver Install ............................................................................. 50

4-2 TRIXX Utility ............................................................................ 51

4-3 Hardware monitor gadget ........................................................ 52

4-4 S_BIOS Flash Utility ................................................................ 53

Chapter 5 POST Code .......................................................... 58

~ 1 ~

Chapter 1 Introduction

1-1 Mainboard Specifications

CPU

 Supports Intel® Core i7 3900 and 3800 series processor in LGA2011 package

 Supports Intel

®

Turbo Boost technology, Hyper-Threading technology

Chipset

 Intel® X79 with NVIDIA nF200 PCI-E bridge

System Memory

 Four 240-pin DDR3 SDRAM DIMM sockets

 Supports 1.5v DDR3-1066/ 1333/ 1600+ DIMMs with quad channel

architecture

 Supports x16 and x8 DIMMs, non-ECC, unbuffered DIMMs

 Supports up to 32GB system memory

USB Ports

 From Intel® X79 chipset:

- Ten USB 2.0 ports (six at rear panel, four onboard headers), supporting
transfer speed up to 480Mbps

 From Asmedia USB 3.0 controller:

- Six USB 3.0 ports (four at rear and two onboard headers) backward
compatible with USB 2.0, supporting transfer speeds up to 4.8Gbps

 Supports wake-up from S1, S3 and S4 modes

 Support power charge function

- Front panel 2 USB 3.0 ports also support power charge function under S5
mode

SATA Ports

 From Intel® X79 chipset:

- Two SATA3 ports with 6Gb/s data transfer rate and four SATA2 ports with
3Gb/s data transfer rate

- Supports RAID 0, 1, 10 and 5 functions

- Supports AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface)

~ 2 ~

 From Marvell 88SE9128 controller:

- Two SATA3 ports with 6Gb/s data transfer rate with RAID 0 and 1

- Supports AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface)

 From Marvell 88SE9172 controller:

- Two eSATA3 ports at rear port

- Supports AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface)

Onboard LAN

 Dual Gigabit Ethernet from Marvell 88E8057 Gigabit controller

Bluetooth

 Atheros AR3011 is a highly integrated, all-CMOS, single chip with Bluetooth®

2.1 + EDR supported

Onboard Audio

 Supports 8-channel High-Definition audio from Realtek ALC892 codec
 Supports rear panel Optical S/PDIF output

 Supports Jack-detection function

Expansion Slots

 Six PCI-Express 2.0 x16 slots with PCI-E Slot Disable/Enable Jumper

 PCI-E slot 1 and PCI-E slot 2 are PCI-E Gen3 ready

 Supports ATI

®

CrossFireXTM Technology

* Please refer to detail configuration at 2-6 Installing Expansion Cards

I/O

 Onboard Fintek F71889A LPC bus I/O controller

 Supports Hardware Monitoring for fan speed, CPU and system temperature

Back Panel I/O Ports

 1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse port
 6 x USB 2.0 ports
 1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Out connector
 1 x Optical S/PDIF Out connector
 1 x Bluetooth
 2 x eSATA ports

~ 3 ~

 2 x RJ45 LAN ports
 4 x USB 3.0 ports
 6 Audio jacks

Internal I/O Connectors

 1 x 24-pin ATX power connector
 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
 1 x 6-pin PCI-E power connector

 4 x SATA3 connectors (two from Intel X79 chip and two from Marvell 88SE9128 chip)

 4 x SATA2 connectors
 4 x USB2.0 headers
 2 x USB3.0 headers
 1 x Front Panel header
 1 x S/PDIF header
 1 x Front Audio header
 1 x Serial Port header
 1 x 4-pin CPU Fan header
 5 x 3-pin Fan header

BIOS

 64Mb SPI Flash with AMI based BIOS

 User Friendly graphics interface QBIOS (Quick Control UEFI BIOS)

 S_BIOS easily update and back up at BIOS control panel

 Supports ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface)

 Dual BIOS switch with on board indicator LEDs

Special Features

 Onboard diagnostic 7-Segment LED with CPU temperature display
 Onboard buttons include Clear CMOS, RESET and POWER
 Supports CPU Power Vcore Load-line adjust function
 Supports Windows based OC utility “Trixx” and Win7 HW monitor gadget tool
 USB power charge utility supports all USB ports under Windows 7
 Server Grade Digital 6+1 phase power (Vcore and Vsa)
 Vtt 2 and VDIMM 2+2 phase power design

~ 4 ~

Form Factor

 ATX form factor of 305mm x 245mm

Operating systems:

 Supports Windows Vista and Windows 7

1-2 Package Contents

Your Sapphire mainboard comes with the following accessories.

1. Mainboard 2. I/O Shield

3. Quick Installation Guide 4. Driver CD

5. USB3.0 Front Panel Cable (Optional) 6. SATA Data Cable *8

~ 5 ~

1-3 Mainboard Layout

The following figure shows the location of components on the mainboard. See
following page for description.

~ 6 ~

Item Component description

1

CPU Socket 2011

2

Intel X79 Chip

3

NVIDIA nF200 Chip

4

DDR3 DIMM Slots 1-4

5

P C I - E 2 . 0 x 1 6 S l o t * 6

6

24-Pin ATX Power Connector

7

8-pin ATX_12V Power Connector

8

6-pin PCI-E Power Connector

9

SATA3 Connectors *4

10

SATA2 Connectors *4

11

Front Panel Header

12

USB 3.0 Header *2

13

USB 2.0 Header *4

14

Power Button

15

Reset Button

16

Clear CMOS Button

17

Serial port Header

18

Front Panel Audio Header

19

S/PDIF Header

20

PCI-E Slot Control Jumper

21

CPU Fan Header

22

3 - p i n F a n H e a d e r * 5

23

Mainboard Battery

24

PC Speaker

25

Debug LED Display

26

64Mb SPI Flash

27

Dual BIOS Switch

28

Back Panel Connectors (see below for detail)

~ 7 ~

I/O Back Panel

The I/O back panel for this mainboard is shown below. When installing the
mainboard into the computer case, use the bundled I/O shield to protect this
back panel.

1. PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port
This connector is used for a keyboard or mouse. You can plug a PS/2
keyboard or mouse directly into this connector.

2. USB 2.0 Ports (six)
The mainboard provides an OHCI (Open Host Controller Interface) Universal
Serial Bus root for attaching USB devices such as a keyboard, mouse or
other USB-compatible devices. Supports data transfer rates up to 480Mb/s.

3. Coaxial S/PDIF-Out
This SPDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interconnect Format) connector is used
for digital audio transmission to external speakers/amplifier through a
coaxial cable.

4. Optical S/PDIF-Out
This SPDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interconnect Format) connector is used
for digital audio transmission to external speakers/amplifier through an
optical fiber cable.

5. Bluetooth
Bluetooth wireless technology is an interface intended for wireless
control/data communication

6. eSATA Port (two)
The eSATA (External SATA) port provides connection to eSATA hard drives.

~ 8 ~

7. Dual LAN Ports with LEDs
The mainboard provides two standard RJ-45 jacks for connecting to a Local
Area Network (LAN). Two LEDs are built into the RJ-45 LAN connector.
These LEDs indicate the status of the LAN.

8. USB 3.0 ports (four)
USB 3.0 ports are backward compatible with USB 2.0 devices. Supports data
transfer rates up to 4.8Gb/s (SuperSpeed).

9. Audio ports
This mainboard provides 2, 6 or 8 channel audio. It is easy to differentiate
between the audio functions by referring to the color of the jacks.

Ports 2 channel 6 channel 8 channel

Blue Line-In Line-In Line-In
Lime Line-Out Front Stereo-Out Front Stereo-Out

Pink Min-In Min-In Min-In
Orange -- Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer

Black -- Rear Stereo-Out Rear Stereo-Out
Gray -- -- Side Stereo-Out

LED LED Color LED state Indicates

A Green

Off LAN link is not established

On LAN link is established
Blinking LAN activity is occurring

B

N/A Off 10 Mb/s data rate
Green On 100 Mb/s data rate

Yellow On 1000 Mb/s data rate

~ 9 ~

Chapter 2 Installation

2-1 Before You Begin

Please take note of all precautions before you install anything on to the
mainboard or change any of the mainboard settings.
Turn off the power to your system and discharge your body’s static electric
charge by touching a grounded surface—for example, the metal surface of the
power supply—before performing any hardware procedure.
The manufacturer assumes no liability for any damage, caused directly or
indirectly, by improper installation of any components by unauthorized service
personnel. If you do not feel comfortable performing the installation, consult a
qualified computer technician.
Damage to system components, the mainboard, and injury to you may result if
power is applied during installation.

2-2 Installing the I/O Shield

The mainboard comes complete with an I/O shield. When installed in the chassis,
the shield blocks radio frequency transmissions, protects internal components
from dust and foreign objects, and promotes correct airflow within the chassis.

Install the I/O shield before installing the mainboard in the chassis. Place the
shield inside the chassis. Press the shield into place so that it fits tightly and
securely. If the shield does not fit, obtain a properly sized shield from the chassis
supplier.

2-3 Securing to the Chassis

When installing the mainboard, you have to secure the mainboard into the
chassis by fastening with nine screws. Please refer to your chassis manual for
instructions.

~ 10 ~

2-4 Installing the CPU and Cooler

Follow the steps below to install the CPU & cooler correctly.

1. Open the hinge lever (a) then fully open the

active lever (b).

2. Open the load plate by pushing down on the

hinge lever to raise the load plate and Grasp
the tab.

3. Open load plate to fully open position.

4. Remove the protective socket cover from the

socket. Do not touch the CPU socket
contacts to avoid damaging.

ÍNote:

Do not discard the protective socket cover.
Be sure to always replace the cover unless
the CPU is installed.

1

2

3

(a)

(b)

4

~ 11 ~

5. Align the CPU pin one (small triangle marking)

and CPU notches. Place CPU straight down
without tilting or sliding it.

6. Close the load plate and close the active lever

(b) then close the hinge lever (a).

ÍNote:

Apply some thermal paste onto the surface
of the CPU for better heat dispersion.

7. To install the fan cooler, align the four holes on

the CPU socket. Fasten the cooler onto the nut
with four screws. If in doubt, always refer to the
CPU cooler manual for further instructions.

8. Connect the 4-wire fan cable to the 4-pin CPU

FAN header on the mainboard.

5

6

(b)

(a)

7

8

Note:
Pictures are for installation
reference only, actual boards may be
slightly different.

~ 12 ~

2-5 Installing System Memory

This mainboard has four 240-pin DIMM sockets for DDR3 memory. These slots
support 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB DDR3 DIMMs up to max. 32GB

Make sure that you install memory modules of the same type and density in the
different channel DIMM slots for Dual-Channel mode.

There must be at least one memory bank populated to ensure normal operation
and you can insert the memory module into any of the DIMM slots.

Memory configurations

Use the following the recommendations for installing memory.

DIMM Quantity

Location

1 D I M M

(Single Channel)

2 DIMMs

(Dual Channel)

3 DIMMs

(Triple Channel)

4 DIMMs

(Quad Channel)

DIMM#1

V V V V

DIMM#2

-- -- V V

DIMM#3

-- V V V

DIMM#4

-- -- -- V

( “ V” = Memory installed, “--“ = No memory installed)

Memory Installation

DDR3 and DDR2 memory modules are physically different. Please only install
DDR3 DIMMs in this mainboard.

To install the DIMM, follow these steps:

1. Pull both clips on either side of the slot outwards. Align the DIMM module
with the slot.

2. Press modules straight down until the plastic clips close and the module fits
tightly into the DIMM slot. Push clips inwards to make sure they are in place
and the memory is securely fitted.

DIMM#1
DIMM#2

DIMM#4
DIMM#3

~ 13 ~

2-6 Installing Expansion Cards

The mainboard provides six PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots that comply with the PCI
Express specifications. The PCI-E slot 1 and 2 are PCI-E Gen3 ready.

These PCI-E slots with LED indicating the activity status. When the PCI-E slot is
powered on, the LED is on.

Note:

When installing multiple graphic cards in PCIE3 to PCIE6, you must
connect power supply to 6-pin PCI-E power connector to ensure
sufficient power supply to the PCI-E slots, otherwise they don’t work.

This motherboard has a special PCI-E slot control jumper, allows you to quickly
enable or disable specific PCI-E slot action, do not remove the PCI-E slot. This
jumper also with LED indicates the activity status of accordingly PCI-E slot.

PCIE1_X16 (Gen3 ready)
PCI-E2.0 x16 slot (with x16 link)

PCIE3_X16/X8
PCI-E2.0 x16 slot (with x16/x8 link)

PCIE2_X8 (Gen3 ready)
PCI-E2.0 x16 slot (with x8 link)

PCIE4_ X8
PCI-E2.0 x16 slot (with x8 link)

PCIE5_X16/X8
PCI-E2.0 x16 slot (with x16/x8 link)

PCIE6_X8
PCI-E2.0 x16 slot (with x8 link)

PCI-E Slot Disable/Enable Jumper

Settings:

1-2: Enable (Default) (PCI-E slot is active)
2-3: Disable (PCI-E slot is not active)

~ 14 ~

Please refer to PCI Express card configuration table.

The design of this motherboard supports AMD CrossFireX

TM

technology for
support of multiple graphic cards. Please refer to the location of slots and
recommended configuration table for PCI-E operating mode to get the best
performance possible.

Recommended configuration table

Slot location

VGA card

PCIE1_x16 PCIE3_x16/x8 PCIE5_x16/x8

1 V G A c a r d x 1 6

2 VGA cards x16 x16

3 VGA cards x16 x16 x16

Installing a PCI Express card:

1. Place the card in an available PCI Express slot and press down on the card

until it is completely seated in the slot. If the card is not seated properly, it
could cause a short across the pins.

2. Secure the card’s metal bracket to the back panel of the chassis with a

screw.

Slot Channel Bandwidth

PCIE1 CPU x16 G2 x16 (Gen3 ready)
PCIE2 CPU x8 G2 x8 (Gen3 ready)

PCIE3 nF200 CHA x16/x8 G2 x16/x8
PCIE4 nF200 CHA x8 G2 x8

PCIE5 nF200 CHB x16/x8 G2 x16/x8
PCIE6 nF200 CHB x8 G2 x8

~ 15 ~

2-7 Connecting Cables

This section takes you through all the necessary connections on the mainboard.

Connecting Power Supply Cables

 24-pin ATX Power

PW2 is the main power supply connector. Make sure that the power supply
cable pins are properly aligned with the connector on the mainboard. Firmly
plug the power supply cable into the connector and make sure it is secure.

Í

Note:

If you’d like to use 20-pin ATX power supply, please plug in your power supply cable
aligned with pins 1 & 13. The 24-pin main power connector is backwardly compatible
with ATX power supplies with 20-pin connectors.

 8-pin ATX 12V Power

PW3, the 8-pin ATX 12V power connector, is used to provide power to the CPU.
Align the power plug to the connector and press firmly until seated.

 6-pin PCI-E Power

PW1, the 6-pin PCI-E power connector, is used to provide extra 12V power for
PCI-E slots PCIE3 to PCIE6. When installing multiple graphic cards in PCIE3 to
PCIE6, you must connect power supply here to ensure sufficient power supply
to the PCI-E slots, otherwise they won’t work.

24-pin ATX Power

connector

8-pin ATX Power

connector

6-pin PCI-E Power

connector

~ 16 ~

Connecting Serial ATA (SATA) Cables

SATA cables support the Serial ATA protocol. Each cable can be used to connect
one SATA drive to the mainboard.

The S1 to S3 connectors are controlled by the Intel X79 chip and support RAID 0,
1, 10, 5 functions.

S1 works at speeds of up to 6 Gb/s, S2 and S3 works at speeds of up to 3 Gb/s.

The S6 connectors are controlled by the Marvell 88SE9128 chip and work at
speeds of up to 6 Gb/s.

Attach one end of the SATA cable to one of the
SATA connectors on board and attach the other end
of the cable to the SATA drive

S2: SATA 2.0

SATA 2 (bottom)
SATA 3 (top)

S3: SATA 2.0

SATA 4 (bottom)
SATA 5 (top)

S1: SATA 3.0

SATA3 0 (bottom)
SATA3 1 (top)

S6: SATA 3.0

SATA3 A (bottom)
SATA3 B (top)

~ 17 ~

Connecting to the Internal Headers and Connectors

Front Panel Header

The front panel header on this motherboard is used to connect the front panel
switches and LEDs.

PWR_LED

Attach the front panel power LED cable to these two pins of the connector.
The Power LED indicates the system’s status.

System Status Power LED indicates

On The LED is on
Off The LED is off

S1 The LED is on
S3 The LED will blink
S4 The LED is off

PW_ON

Attach the power button cable from the case to these two pins. Pressing the
power button on the front panel turns the system on and off rather than
using the onboard button.

HD_LED

Attach the hard disk drive indicator LED cable to these two pins. The HDD
indicator LED indicates the activity status of the hard disks.

RESET

Attach the Reset switch cable from the front panel of the case to these two
pins. The system restarts when the RESET switch is pressed.

Header Pin Signal

HD_LED

1 HD_PWR

3 HD Active

PWRLED

2 PWR LED+

4 PWR LED-

RESET

5 Ground

7 RST BTN

PWRSW

6 PWR BTN

8 Ground

No Connect 9 +5V

Empty 10 Empty

~ 18 ~

1

VCC

2

USB1-

USB1+

Ground

No Connect

Empty

USB0-

USB0+

Ground

USB2.0 Headers

This mainboard contains four (4) USB 2.0 ports that are exposed on the rear
panel of the chassis. This mainboard also contains four 10-pin onboard header
connectors that can be used to connect to eight (8) external USB 2.0 devices.

Refer to the following steps:

1. Secure the bracket to either the front or rear panel of your chassis (not all
chassis are equipped with the front panel option).

2. Connect the cable(s) to the USB 2.0 header on the mainboard.

USB3.0 Headers

This mainboard contains Two (2) USB 3.0 ports that are exposed on the rear
panel of the chassis. This mainboard also contains one onboard header
connectors that can be used to connect to two (2) external USB 3.0 devices.

For real panel, refer to the following steps:

1. Secure the bracket to rear panel of your chassis.

2. Connect the cable(s) to the USB 3.0 header on the mainboard.

For front panel, refer to the following steps:

1. Remove the cover plate from the selected drive bay.

2. Push the USB3.0 cable into the drive bay. Align the screw holes with the
appropriate holes in the drive bay and tighten the mounting screws.

3. Connect the USB3.0 connector of cable to the USB3.0 header on the
mainboard.

This mainboard is
provided optional
USB3.0 front panel
cable accessories

~ 19 ~

CFPA Header

This header allows you to connect the front panel audio. The audio connector
supports HD audio standard.

S/PDIF Header

This header is used to connect S/PDIF (Sony & Philips Digital Interconnect
Format) interface for digital audio transmission.

Serial Port Header

The Serial port header (COM1) can provide one serial port via an optional COM
port cable.

~ 20 ~

Fan Headers

There are six fan headers (CPUFAN, SYSFAN, SYSFAN1, PWRFAN, CHAFAN,
AUXFAN) on the motherboard. Three of these fans (CPUFAN, PWRFAN, CHAFAN)
can be speed detected/controlled and displayed in the Hardware Health
Configuration section of the CMOS Setup. The fans are automatically turned off
after the system enters S3, S4 or S5 mode.

CPUFAN

CPUFAN

Note:
The CPU fan cable can be either a
3-pin or a 4-pin connector.
Connect a 3-pin connector to
pins 1, 2, and 3on the mainboard

connector.

PWRFAN / CHAFAN

PWRFAN

CHAFAN

AUXFAN

SYSFAN / SYSFAN1 / AUXFAN

SYSFAN1

SYSFAN

~ 21 ~

2-8 Diagnostics LED

This mainboard provides a two-digit POST code to show why the system may be
failing to boot. It is useful during a troubleshooting situation. This Debug LED
will also display the current CPU temperature after the system has fully booted
into the operating system.

Please find a list of debug codes at the end of this manual.

2-9 LED Status Indicators

This mainboard provides three LEDs to indicate the system’s status.

 DIMM LED (LED10, Yellow): When the Memory slot is functional: This LED is

on.

 POWER LED (LED11, Green): When the System is powered on: This LED is on.

 STANDBY LED (LED12, Blue): When the System is in Standby Mode: This LED

is on. This LED will remain on as long as the motherboard is receiving
constant power.

Debug LED

DIMM LED

Power LED

Standby LED

~ 22 ~

2-10 Onboard Buttons

These onboard buttons include Clear CMOS, RESET and POWER, which allow
you to easily clear the CMOS, reset the system and turn on/off the system.

Clear CMOS Button

The mainboard uses the CMOS RAM to store some of the system configuration.
The CMOS can be cleared by pressing the Clear CMOS button.

Reset and Power Button

These onboard buttons allow you to easily turn on/off the system and allow for
easy debugging and testing of the system during troubleshooting situations.

The Reset button with LED indicates the activity status of the hard disk drives
and will blink accordingly.

The Power button with LED indicates the system’s status. When the system is
powered on, the LED blinks red.

Clear CMOS Button

Reset Button

Power Button

~ 23 ~

2-11 Dual BIOS Switch

This mainboard includes dual onboard BIOS, (Primary and Secondary BIOS),
When the primary BIOS is corrupted or has failed, you can use the secondary
BIOS to take over on the next system boot to ensure normal system operation.

 To enable the secondary BIOS, please refer to the following steps:

1. Turn off the system power.

2. Change the BIOS select switch from “P” to “S” position.

3. Turn on the system power.

 Recover BIOS:

If the primary (secondary) BIOS is corrupted or failed, you can use the USB
pen drive or AMI Windows flash utility to do flashing BIOS process to recover
the primary (secondary) BIOS.

Recover primary BIOS steps:

- Enable the secondary BIOS following steps 1-3 above to power on the system.

- Change the BIOS select switch from “S” to “P” position before flashing BIOS.

- Flash the BIOS using either USB pen drive under DOS or AMI Windows flash utility
under Windows.

Recover secondary BIOS steps:

- Enable the primary BIOS following steps 1-3 above to power on the system, except

move the BIOS select switch from “S” to “P” position.

- Change the BIOS select switch from “P” to “S” position before flashing BIOS.

- Flash the BIOS using either USB pen drive under DOS or AMI Windows flash utility
under Windows.

- Change the BIOS select switch from “S” to “P”, back to the original default.

You also can use S_BIOS Flash Utility to flash BIOS. Please refer to “4-4 S_BIOS
Flash Utility” section for detail.

Primary BIOS

Secondary BIOS

BIOS Select Switch (The default is “P”)

LED indicator of Secondary BIOS (LED20, Yellow)

(When the Secondary BIOS is in operation, the LED
indicator is on.)

LED indicator of Primary BIOS (LED19, Green)

(When the Primary BIOS is in operation, the LED
indicator is on.)

~ 24 ~

Chapter 3 Configuring the BIOS

This chapter provides information on the BIOS Setup program and allows you to
configure the system for optimum use.

3-1 Select Boot Device

Select Boot Device Menu allows you to set the first boot device without entering
BIOS Setup.

During Power On Self Test (POST), you can press the <F7> key to enter select
boot device menu. The system will directly boot from the device configured in
Boot Menu.

3-2 Enter BIOS Setup

The BIOS is the communication bridge between hardware and software.
Correctly setting the BIOS parameters is critical to maintain optimal system
performance.

Use the following procedure to change BIOS settings.

1. Power on the computer.

2. Press the <Del> or <F2> key when the following message briefly shows

Please Select boot device:

P1: DVDRW STA 24X24X12X

P0: WDC WD3200AAKS-00VV3A0
Enter Setup

 and  to move selection

ENTER to select boot device

ESC to boot using defaults

~ 25 ~

upon the bottom of the display during Power On Self Test (POST).

Press F1 to continue, DEL to enter Setup.

Pressing Del takes you to the BIOS Setup Utility.

Í

Note1: It is strongly recommended that you do not change the default BIOS

settings. Changing some settings could damage your computer.

Í

Note2: The BIOS options in this manual are for reference only. BIOS screens

in manuals are usually the first BIOS version when the board is
released and may be different from your purchased motherboard.
Users are welcome to download the latest BIOS version from our
official website

ControlKeys

Please check the following table for the function description of each Controlkey.
You can also use the mouse to click your required item.

Control Key(s) Function Description

 /  Moves cursor left or right to select Screens

 /  Moves cursor up or down to select items

+ / - To change option for the selected items

<Enter> To bring up the selected screen

<F1> To display the General Help Screen

<F2> To load previous values for all the settings

<F3> To load optimal default values for all the settings

<F4> To save changes and exit the SETUP UTILITY

<ESC> To jump to the Exit Screen or exit the current screen

~ 26 ~

3-3 Main Menu

When entering the BIOS Setup Utility, the main menu screen appears. This main
menu includes the system overview and displays the basic system configuration,
such as BIOS information, memory size and system date/time.

BIOS Information

This field displays the current BIOS version, build date and ID information etc..

Memory Information

Displays current system memory size.

System Date

Allows you to set the system date.The format is <Day><Month><Date><Year>.

[Day] Weekday from Sun. to Sat., this is automatically displayed by BIOS.
[Month] The month from 1 to 12.
[Date] The date from 1 to 31 can be keyed by numeric function keys.
[Year] The year can be adjusted by users.

System Time

Allows you to set the system time. The time format is
<hour>:<minute>:<second>.

BIOS Information
BIOS Vendor American Megatrends
Core Version 4.6.4.1
Compliance UEFI 2.1
Project Version SAX79 0.52 x64
Build Date and Time 11/09/2011 11:38:13

Memory Information
Total Memory 8192 MB (DDR3)

System Date [Wed 11/09/2011]

System Time [13:33:51]

Access Level Administrator

Set the Date. Use
Tab to switch
between Data

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~ 27 ~

Access Level

This item is used to limit the user access level.

3-4 Performance Menu

The Performance menu allows you to specify your settings for CPU, memory,
voltage control and overclocking. Press <Enter> to display the configuration
options.

HD6850 1G OverClock

Allow you to enable the overclock function for HD6850 VGA card.
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

If you use 2G memory of VGA card, the BIOS item will be shown “HD6850 2G
OverClock”. The default GPU clock is 800MHz, it will go to 820MHz after
overclocking.

This item will only appear when using the Sapphire HD 6850 Black
Diamond Edition VGA card and coming models.

HD6850 1G OverClock [Enabled]

CPU Host Clock (Mhz) 100

Gear Ratio [1.000]

CPU Configuration

Memory Configuration

Voltage Configuration

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~ 28 ~

Note:
This function doesn’t support overclocking, when using CrossFireX technology
to support multiple graphic cards.

CPU Host Clock (Mhz)

This item allows you to select the CPU host clock (in MHz).
Options: 100 ~ 110.

Gear Ratio

This item allows you to select the Gear Ratio.
Options: 1.000, 1.250, 1.667, 2.500.

After overclocking,
the GPU Clock is 820 MHZ.

~ 29 ~

CPU Configuration

Non Turbo Ratio Override

This is used to select the Ratio or Multiplier of the CPU, this varies depending
on what CPU you have.

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology

Enables the Intel®SpeedStep technology (EIST).
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

CPU C6 report

Enable/Disable CPU C6 (ACPI C3) report to OS
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

Turbo Mode

Enables the processor cores to run faster than marked frequency in specification
condition.
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

1/2/3/4/5/6 Core Ratio Limit

Displays the 1/2/3/4/5/6 core ratio limit of CPU.

Non Turbo Ratio Override 33
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled]
CPU C6 Report [Enabled]
Turbo Mode [Enabled]
1 Core Ratio Limit 39
2 Core Ratio Limit 39
3 Core Ratio Limit 37
4 Core Ratio Limit 37
5 Core Ratio Limit 36
6 Core Ratio Limit 36

Non Turbo Ratio
Override

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~ 30 ~

Memory Configuration

XMP Profile 1/2

These items display the current status of the X.M.P support information.

DDR SPD Type

Allows the BIOS to read the SPD data on memory module to enhance memory
performance or select manually configuring timings.
Options: Standard SPD, User defined.

Memory Frequency (MHz)

Allows you to select the system memory Frequency.
Options: 1067 MHz (100*1.06), 1333 MHz (100*1.33), 1600 MHz (100*1.60),
1867 MHz (100*1.86), 2133 MHz (100*2.13), 2400 MHz (100*2.40).

Memory Timing Setting

Setting to [Auto] enables timings to be determined by BIOS based on the SPD.
Setting to [Manual] allows users to configure the DRAM timings.

CAS# Latency (tCL)

Set the CAS latency time.
Options: Auto(9), 3 ~ 15.

XMP Profile 1 Supported
XMP Profile 2 Not Supported

DDR SPD Type [Standard SPD]

Memory Current Status
Speed 1600 MHz
tCL, tRCD, tRP, tRAS, tWR 9, 9, 9, 28, 12
tRFC, tWTR, tRRD, tRTP, tFAW 128, 6, 5, 6, 24

Memory Frequency (MHz) [1333 MHz (100*1.33)]
Memory Timing Setting [Auto]

DDR SPD Type

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~ 31 ~

RAS# to CAS# Delay(tRCD)

Set the RAS to CAS Delay time for Read/Write commands to the same bank.
Options: Auto(9), 3 ~ 15.

Row Precharge Time(tRP)

Set the Row Precharge time. This is the Precharge-to-Active or
Auto-to-Refresh of the same bank.
Options: Auto(9), 3 ~ 15.

RAS# Active Time(tRAS)

Set the minimum RAS# active time.
Options: Auto(28), 9 ~ 63.

Write Recovery Time(tWR)

Set the internal Write to Read recovery time.
Options: Auto(12), 3 ~ 31.

Row Refresh Cycle Time(tRFC)

Set the minimum refresh recovery time.
Options: Auto(128), 15 ~ 255.

Write to Read Delay(tWTR)

Set the internal Write to Read command delay.
Options: Auto(6), 3 ~ 31.

Active to Active Delay(tRRD)

Set the Row Active to Row Active delay.
Options: Auto(5), 4 ~ 15.

Read CAS# Precharge(tRTP)

Set the Read to Precharge delay.
Options: Auto(6), 4 ~ 15.

Four Active Windows Delay(tFAW)

Set the Four Active Windows Delay.
Options: Auto(24), 4 ~ 63.

~ 32 ~

Voltage Configuration

Loadline Control

Loadline Control function is a safety measure to protect the CPU.
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

Internal CPU PLL Overvoltage

Allows you to enable the Internal CPU PLL Overvoltage.
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

CPU VCORE

Allows you to adjust the CPU Vcore voltage.
Options: +000mv ~+800mV in 10mV increments.

CPU VSA

Allows you to adjust the CPU VSA Voltage.
Options: +000mv ~+630mV in 10mV increments.

DIMM 1 / 2 Voltage

Allows you to adjust the DIMM1 and DIMM2 Slots voltage.
Options: Auto, 1.10V ~2.50V in 0.01V.

Voltage Configuration

Loadline Control [Enabled]

Internal CPU PLL Overvoltage [Disabled]
CPU VCORE [+000mV]
CPU VSA [[+000mV]
DIMM 1 / 2 Voltage [Auto]
DIMM 3 / 4 Voltage [Auto]
CPU VTT [Auto ]
PCH [Auto]
CPU PLL [Auto]
PCH_PBG [Auto]
CPU PWM Frequency [620KHz]
DIMM1/2 PWM Frequency [330KHz]
DIMM3/4 PWM Frequency [330KHz]
VTT PWM Frequency [330KHz]

Loadline Control

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~ 33 ~

DIMM 3 / 4 Voltage

Allows you to adjust the DIMM3 and DIMM4 Slots voltage.
Options: Auto, 1.10V ~2.50V in 0.01V.

CPU VTT

Allows you to adjust the CPU VTT voltage.
Options: Auto, 1.050V ~2.000V in 0.025V increment

PCH

Allows you to adjust the Intel PCH VCore Voltage.
Options: Auto, 1.10V ~1.72V in 0.01 increments.

CPU PLL

Allows you to adjust the CPU PLL VCore Voltage .
Options: Auto, 1.050V ~2.800V in 0.025V.

PCH_PBG

Allows you to adjust the Intel PCH_PBG VCore Voltage.
Options: Auto, 1.500V ~2.800V in 0.025V.

CPU PWM Frequency

Allows you to adjust the CPU PWM Frequency.
Options: 620KHz, 950KHz.

DIMM1/2 PWM Frequency

Allows you to adjust the DIMM1/2 PWM Frequency.
Options: 330KHz, 500KHz.

DIMM3/4 PWM Frequency

Allows you to adjust the DIMM3/4 PWM Frequency.
Options: 330KHz, 500KHz.

VTT PWM Frequency

Allows you to adjust the VTT PWM Frequency.
Options: 330KHz, 500KHz.

~ 34 ~

3-5 Advanced Menu

The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU, USB
and other system devices. Press <Enter> to display the configuration options.

Launch PXE OpROM

Enables the Boot option for legacy network devices.
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

Launch Storage OpROM

Enables the Boot option for mass storage devices with option ROM.
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

Legacy OpROM Support

Launch PXE OpROM [Disabled]

Launch Storage OpROM [Enabled]

ACPI Settings
CPU Configuration
Onboard Device
SATA Configuration
USB Configuration
Super IO Configuration
H/W Monitor
Onboard Device Configuration

Enables or disable
Boot option for
legacy network
devices

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~ 35 ~

ACPI Settings

Enable Hibernation

Enables system ability to Hibernate (OS/S4 Sleep Sate). This option may be not
effective with some OS.
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

ACPI Sleep State

Selects the power saving modes for ACPI function.
Options: Suspend Disabled, S1 (CPU Stop Clock), S3 (Suspend to RAM).

EuP Function

Enables the EuP (Energy Using Products) function, allows BIOS to switch off
some power at S5 state to get system ready for the EuP requirement to reduce
power consumption.
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

Restore on AC Power Loss

Enables your computer to automatically restart or return to its last operating
status after power returns from a power failure.
Options: Power off, Power on, Last State.

ACPI Settings

Enable Hibernation [Enabled]

ACPI Sleep State [S3 (Suspend to RAM)]
EuP Function [Enabled]
Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off]

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Enables or Disables
system ability to
Hibernate (OS/S4
Sleep Sate). This
option may be not
effective with some
OS.

~ 36 ~

CPU Configuration

Hyper-threading

This item enables the Intel Hyper-Threading technology.
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

Active Processor Cores

Use this item to select the number of cores to enable in each processor package.
Options: All, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

Limit CPUID Maximum

We recommend leaving it disabled, unless you are using a very old OS or
experiencing problems related to CPU identification/compatibility.
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

Execute Disable Bit

When this function is disabled, it forces the XD feature flag to always return to
zero (0).
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

Hardware Prefetcher

This item enables L2 Cache (Mid Level Cache) stream prefetcher for tuning
performance of the specific application.

CPU Configuration

CPU Information

CPU Speed 3300 MHz
64-bit Supported

Hyper-threading [Enabled]
Active Processor Cores [All]
Limit CPUID Maximum [Disabled]
Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]
Hardware Prefetcher [Enabled]
Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled]
Intel Virtualization Technology [Enabled]

CPU Configuration

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1.104

11.880

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49

30

~ 37 ~

Options: Enabled, Disabled.

Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch

This item enables Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch function.
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

Intel Virtualization Technology

When this function is enabled, it allows a VMM to utilize the additional hardware
capabilities provided by Intel Virtualization Technology.
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

CPU Information

Displays the CPU related information.

CPU Information

Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3960X CPU @ 3.3GHz
CPU Signature 206d6
Microcode Patch 60c
Max CPU Speed 3300 MHz
Min CPU Speed 1200 MHz
Processor Cores 6
Intel HT Technology Supported
Intel VT-X Technology Supported

L1 Data Cache 32 KB x 6
L1 Code Cache 32 KB x 6
L2 Data Cache 256 KB x 6
L3 Data Cache 15360 KB

~ 38 ~

SATA Configuration

SATA Port0 ~ SATA Port5

This filed show SATA ports connection state.

SATA Mode

Allows you to set the onboard Serial SATA type.
Options: Disabled, RAID Mode, AHCI Mode, IDE Mode.

 IDE Mode: Use the SATA hard disk drivers as Parallel ATA storage devices.
 RAID Mode: Create a RAID 0, 1, 0+1, 5 configuration
 AHCI Mode: Use the AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) to enable

advanced SATA features for improved performance with NCQ and
Hot-plug features

Port 0 Hot Plug ~ Port 5 Hot Plug

Allows you to enable the SATA port hot plug support.
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

SATA Configuration

SATA Port0 WDC WD5000AAKX
SATA Port1 Not Present
SATA Port2 Not Present
SATA Port3 Not Present
SATA Port4 Not Present
SATA Port5 Not Present

SATA Mode [AHCI Mode]

Port 0 Hot Plug [Disable]
Port 1 Hot Plug [Disable]
Port 2 Hot Plug [Disable]
Port 3 Hot Plug [Disable]
Port 4 Hot Plug [Disable]
Port 5 Hot Plug [Disable]

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(1)IDE Mode. (2)
AHCI Mode. (3) RAID
Mode.

~ 39 ~

USB Configuration

USB3.0 Support

Enables USB3.0 (XHCI) controller support.
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

USB transfer time-out

The time-out value for control, bulk, and interrupt transfers.
Options: 1 sec, 5 sec, 10 sec, 20 sec.

Device reset time-out

Sets USB mass storage devices start unit command time-out.
Options: 10 sec, 20 sec, 30 sec, 40 sec.

Device power-up delay

Maximum time the device will take before it properly reports itself to the Host
controller. ‘Auto’ uses default values; for a Root port it is 100ms, for a Hub port
the delay is taken from Hub descriptor.
Options: Auto, Manual.

USB Configuration

USB Devices:

1 Keyboard, 1 Mouse

USB3.0 Support [Enabled]

USB Hardware delays and time-outs:

USB transfer time-out [1 sec]
Device reset time-out [20 sec]
Device power-up delay [Auto]

Enable/Disable
USB3.0 (XHCI)
Controller Support.

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~ 40 ~

Super IO Configuration

Serial Port 0 Configuration

Serial Port

Enables the Serial Port support.
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

Change Settings

Select an optimal setting for super I/O device.
Options: Auto, IO=3F8H; IRQ=4; IO=3F8h; IRQ=3,4,5,6,7,10,11,12;
IO=2F8h; IRQ=3,4,5,6,7,10,11,12; IO=3E8h; IRQ=3,4,5,6,7,10,11,12;
IO=2E8h; IRQ=3,4,5,6,7,10,11,12;

Super IO Configuration

Super IO Chip Fintek F71889

Serial Port 0 Configuration

Set Parameters of
Serial Port 0 (COMA)

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~ 41 ~

H/W Monitor

CPU / VREG/ System

Displays the current CPU, onboard regulator and system temperature.

CPU /Power /Chassis Fan Speed

Displays the current CPU, Power and Chassiss Fan Speed

VCC3V/CPU VCore/CPU VTT/PCH 1.1V/DIMM 1/2/ DIMM 3/4 /CPU PLL/
VSB3V/VBAT

The current voltages are automatically detected and displayed by the system.

Note:
Due to the length limit, the memory voltage of description has been shortened.

PC Health Status

Smart Fan Configuration

CPU Temperature : +55 C
VREG Temperature : +61 C
System Temperature : +40 C
CPU Fan Speed : 1930 RPM
Power Fan Speed : N/A
Chassis Fan Speed : N/A
VCC3V : +3.184 V
CPU VCore : +1.128 V
CPU VTT : +1.048 V
PCH 1.1V : +1.096 V
DIMM 1/2 : +1.512 V
DIMM 3/4 : +1.512 V
CPU PLL : +1.816 V
VSB3V : +3.328 V
VBAT : +3.424 V

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It means DIMM1 and DIMM2 Voltage.
It means DIMM3 and DIMM4 Voltage.

~ 42 ~

Smart Fan Configuration

CPU Fan Type

Allows you to select the CPU Fan type.
Options: PWM FAN (4 pin), Linear FAN (3 pin)

CPU Fan Mode Setting

This item controls the speed of the various fans on the motherboard.
Choose [SmartFan] when you want the speed of the fans automatically
controlled based on temperature. To set the fan speed to a constant rate,
select [Manual Mode] and then enter the speed from 0% to 100%.
Set the desired speed for the Power and Chassis fans from 0% to 100%.
The system defaults to 100%.

SmartFan Configuration

CPU Fan Type [PWM FAN (4 pin)]

CPU Fan Mode Setting [SmartFan]

Temperature Limit of Highest 060
Temperature Limit of Lowest 030
Fan Highest setting 100
Fan Lowest setting 050

Power Fan Mode Setting [SmartFan]

Temperature Limit of Highest 060
Temperature Limit of Lowest 030
Fan Highest setting 100
Fan Lowest setting 050

Chassis Fan Mode Setting [SmartFan]

Temperature Limit of Highest 060
Temperature Limit of Lowest 030
Fan Highest setting 100
Fan Lowest setting 050

~ 43 ~

Onboard Device Configuration

Marvell 88SE9128 SATA3 Controller (SATA3 A/B)

Enables the onboard Marvell SATA3 controller (SATA3 A/B).
Options: Auto, Enabled, Disabled.

Gigabit Ethernet Controller (LAN1/LAN2)

Enables the onboard Giga Lan 1 / 2 function for LAN.
Options: Auto, Enabled, Disabled

eSATA Controller (BP)

Enables the onboard eSATA controller of back panel.
Options: Auto, Enabled, Disabled.

USB3.0 Controller (BP)

Enables the onboard one of two USB 3.0 controller of back panel.
Options: Auto, Enabled, Disabled.

USB3.0 Controller (BP)

Enables the onboard one of two USB 3.0 controller of back panel.
Options: Auto, Enabled, Disabled.

Marvell 88SE9128 SATA3 Controller (SATA3 A/B) [Auto]

Gigabit Ethernet Controller (LAN1) [Auto]
Gigabit Ethernet Controller (LAN2) [Auto]
eSATA Controller (BP) [Auto]
USB3.0 Controller (BP) [Auto]
USB3.0 Controller (BP) [Auto]
USB3.0 Controller (FP) [Auto]
Azalia HD Audio [Enabled]
Bluetooth [Enabled]
C80P Show CPU Temperature [Enabled]

Enabled/Disabled
SATA A/B Port

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~ 44 ~

USB3.0 Controller (FP)

Enables the onboard USB 3.0 controller of front panel.
Options: Auto, Enabled, Disabled.

Azalia HD Audio

Enables the onboard High Definition Audio controller.
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

Bluetooth

Enables Bluetooth function.
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

C80P Show CPU Temperature

Enables the onboard POST Port LED to display CPU temperature.
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

~ 45 ~

3-6 Chipset Menu

The chipset menu items allow you to change the advanced chipset settings.
Press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Intel(R) VT-d

Enables the Intel (R) Virtualization Technology for directed I/O.
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

Intel(R) I/OAT

Enables the Intel (R) I/O Acceleration Technology (I/OAT).
Options: Enabled, Disabled.

Intel(R) VT-d [Disabled]

Intel(R) I/OAT [Disabled]

Enable/Disable
Intel(R)
Virtualization
Technology for
Directed I/O.

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~ 46 ~

3-7 Boot Menu

The Boot menu is used to configure the boot settings and the boot priority.

Setup Prompt Timeout

This is used to set an additional time the POST should wait for the operator to
press the key to enter setup. The time is entered in seconds.

Bootup NumLock State

Selects the state of the keyboard’s numlock function after POST.
Options: On, Off.

Boot Option Priorities

These options are used to form the boot order and are dynamically generated.

CD/DVD ROM Drive BBS Priorities

Allows configure the boot order for a specific CD/DVD ROM device class.

Hard Drive BBS Priorities

Allows configure the boot order for a specific Hard Drive device class.

Boot Configuration

Setup Prompt Timeout 1

Bootup NumLock State [On]

Boot Option Priorities

Boot Option #1 [P2: ST3250318AS]
Boot Option #2 [P4: PIONEER DVD-RW...]

CD/DVD ROM Drive BBS Priorities
Hard Drive BBS Priorities

Number of seconds to
wait for setup
activation key.
65535(0xFFFF) means
indefinite waiting.

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~ 47 ~

3-8 Security Menu

The Security menu allows you to change the system security settings.

Administrator Password

This function is used to set, change or delete the Administrator password. If
there is already a password installed, the system asks for this first. To clear a
password, simply enter nothing and acknowledge by pressing Return. To set a
password, enter it twice and acknowledge by pressing Return. The password
must be 3 to 20 characters long.

User Password

This function is used to set, change or delete the User password. If there is
already a password installed, the system asks for this first. To clear a password,
simply enter nothing and acknowledge by pressing Return. To set a password,
enter it twice and acknowledge by pressing Return. The password must be 3 to
20 characters long.

Password Description

If ONLY the Administrator’s password is set, then
this only limits access to Setup and is only asked
for when entering Setup.

If ONLY the User’s password is set, then this is a
power on password and must be entered to boot
or enter setup. In Setup the user will have
Administrator rights.

The password must be 3 to 20 characters long.

Administrator Password

User Password

Set setup Administrator
Password.

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~ 48 ~

3-9 Save & Exit Menu

The Save & Exit menu allows you to load the optimal default values for BIOS,
and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.

Save Changes and Reset

This resets system after saving the changes.

Discard Changes and Reset

This resets system without saving the changes.

Restore Defaults

The restore defaults are the factory settings of this motherboard.

Save as User Defaults

This is used to save all current settings as user default. The current setup state
can later be restored using Restore User Defaults.

Restore User Defaults

This is used to restore all tokens to settings previously stored by Save as User
Defaults.

Save Changes and Reset

Discard Changes and Reset

Restore Defaults
Save as User Defaults
Restore User Defaults

Boot Override

P2: DVDRW SATA 24X24X12X
P4: WDC WD5000AAKX-001CA0

-------------------------------------------------------------------

S_BIOS Flash Utility

Reset the system
after saving the
changes.

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~ 49 ~

Boot Override

This group of functions includes a list, each of them corresponding to one
device within the boot order. Select a drive to immediately boot that device
regardless of the current boot order.

S_BIOS Flash Utility

This utility allows you to update the system BIOS in embedded BIOS. Please
refer to "4-4 S_BIOS Flash Utility" for details.

~ 50 ~

Chapter 4 Driver Installation

After the operating system has been installed, you need to install drivers for this
mainboard.

The support CD that came with the motherboard contains necessary drivers and
useful utilities that enhance the motherboard features.

4-1 Driver Install

Insert the bundled driver
CD into your optical drive
and the main menu will
be displayed on your PC
screen. Click each item
button and select the
item you want to install.

The Mainboard Drivers
item shows the available
device drivers. Install the
necessary drivers to use
the devices.

ÍNote: If Autorun function is not enabled in your computer, browse the

contents of the support CD to locate the file autorun.exe, and click
this file to run the CD.

<Main Page>

<Mainboard Drivers page>

~ 51 ~

4-2 TRIXX Utility

TRIXX is a simple and easy-to-use utility that allows users to adjust system
settings for overclocking in a Windows environment. The TRIXX utility includes
three configurations for frequency, voltage and hardware monitoring.

To install TRIXX Utility, run it from the Sapphire Utility page from the bundled
DVD. A TRIXX Utility shortcut will be created on the Desktop.

* Actual adjustment options will be different with the picture

Adjust voltage for
CPU, DIMM etc.

Displays system hardware
monitor status

Apply the chosen settings.

Display current
CPU information

Adjust frequency for
CPU.

~ 52 ~

4-3 Hardware monitor gadget

This Hardware monitor gadget directly appears in windows screen after TriXX
installation is completed. It can be used to help keep track of temperatures of
CPU, System and fan speed of CPU, System and voltages of CPU, System.

Displays hardware monitor temperature.

Displays fan speeds.

Displays voltages of system.

~ 53 ~

4-4 S_BIOS Flash Utility

This mainboard provides a BIOS update tool. The S_BIOS allows you to update
the system BIOS without having to enter MS-DOS or Windows environment.
Embedded in the BIOS, the S_BIOS is simple and easy-to-use utility to flash
BIOS.

Note:
To Flash Secondary BIOS, need to change the BIOS select switch position.
Please refer to “2-11 Dual BIOS Switch” section on page 23 for details.

Refer to the following steps for S_BIOS Flash.

Setp1:

Enter BIOS setup screen, select “S_BIOS Flash Utility” item from “Exit” tab.

Setp2:

The S-BIOS flash utility allows you to:

• Update BIOS form Drive (please refer to setp3)

• Save BIOS to Drive (please refer to setp6)

Save Changes and Reset

Discard Changes and Reset

Restore Defaults
Save as User Defaults
Restore User Defaults

Boot Override

P2: DVDRW SATA 24X24X12X
P4: WDC WD5000AAKX-001CA0

-------------------------------------------------------------------

S_BIOS Flash Utility

~ 54 ~

Setp3:

To Update BIOS form Drive, select the BIOS update file and press <OK> to start
update. If the BIOS file stored in USB device, please must first insert USB device
before turning on the system and make sure the BIOS update file matches

your mainboard model.

~ 55 ~

Setp4:

The update BIOS processing screen appears.

Setp5:

The BIOS update is completed. Please press any key to restart the system.

~ 56 ~

Setp6:

Save BIOS to Drive, allows you to save the current BIOS file.
If the BIOS file stored in USB device, please must first insert USB device before
turning on the system.

Setp7:

To Save BIOS to Drive, Select the stored location and press <OK> to start saving
BIOS file.

~ 57 ~

Setp8:

After saving BIOS file is completed. Select <Ese> to return “Exit” tab of BIOS
setup.

~ 58 ~

Chapter 5 POST Code

This chapter provides the Aptio POST Codes List for the mainboard during the
BIOS pre-boot process.

The POST Codes are displayed on the Debug LED readout located directly
onboard the mainboard.

Please refer to following “boot phases”, which may apply to various status code
& checkpoint descriptions:

♦ Security (SEC) – initial low-level initialization

♦ Pre-EFI Initialization (PEI) – memory initialization

♦ Driver Execution Environment (DXE) – main hardware initialization

♦ Boot Device Selection (BDS) – system setup, pre-OS user interface &

selecting a bootable device (CD/DVD, HDD, USB, Network, Shell,.. )

Checkpoint Ranges

Status Code Range Description

01 – 0B SEC execution
0C – 0F SEC errors
10 – 2F PEI execution up to and including memory detection
30 – 4F PEI execution after memory detection
50 – 5F PEI errors
60 – 8F DXE execution up to BDS
90 – CF BDS execution

D0 – DF DXE errors

E0 – E8 S3 Resume (PEI)

E9 – EF S3 Resume errors (PEI)
F0 – F8 Recovery (PEI)
F9 – FF Recovery errors (PEI)

Standard Checkpoints

 SEC Phase

Status Code Description

00 Not used

Progress Codes

01 Power on. Reset type detection (soft/hard).
02 AP initialization before microcode loading
03 North Bridge initialization before microcode loading
04 South Bridge initialization before microcode loading

~ 59 ~

05 OEM initialization before microcode loading
06 Microcode loading
07 AP initialization after microcode loading
08 North Bridge initialization after microcode loading
09 South Bridge initialization after microcode loading

0A OEM initialization after microcode loading

0B Cache initialization

SEC Error Codes

0C – 0D Reserved for future AMI SEC error codes

0E Microcode not found
0F Microcode not loaded

 PEI Phase

Status Code Description
Progress Codes

10 PEI Core is started
11 Pre-memory CPU initialization is started

12– 14 Pre-memory CPU initialization (CPU module specific)

15 Pre-memory North Bridge initialization is started
16 Pre-Memory North Bridge initialization (North Bridge module specific)
17 Pre-Memory North Bridge initialization (North Bridge module specific)
18 Pre-Memory North Bridge initialization (North Bridge module specific)

19 Pre-memory South Bridge initialization is started
1A Pre-memory South Bridge initialization (South Bridge module specific)
1B Pre-memory South Bridge initialization (South Bridge module specific)
1C Pre-memory South Bridge initialization (South Bridge module specific)

1D – 2A OEM pre-memory initialization codes

2B Memory initialization. Serial Presence Detect (SPD) data reading
2C Memory initialization. Memory presence detection
2D Memory initialization. Programming memory timing information

2E Memory initialization. Configuring memory

2F Memory initialization (other).

30 Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)

31 Memory Installed

32 CPU post-memory initialization is started

33 CPU post-memory initialization. Cache initialization

34 CPU post-memory initialization. Application Processor(s) (AP) initialization

35 CPU post-memory initialization. Boot Strap Processor (BSP) selection

36

CPU post-memory initialization. System Management Mode (SMM)
initialization

37 Post-Memory North Bridge initialization is started

38 Post-Memory North Bridge initialization (North Bridge module specific)

39 Post-Memory North Bridge initialization (North Bridge module specific)
3A Post-Memory North Bridge initialization (North Bridge module specific)
3B Post-Memory South Bridge initialization is started

~ 60 ~

3C Post-Memory South Bridge initialization (South Bridge module specific)
3D Post-Memory South Bridge initialization (South Bridge module specific)

3E Post-Memory South Bridge initialization (South Bridge module specific)

3F-4E OEM post memory initialization codes

4F DXE IPL is started

PEI Error Codes

50 Memory initialization error. Invalid memory type or incompatible memory speed

51 Memory initialization error. SPD reading has failed

52 Memory initialization error. Invalid memory size or memory modules do

not match.
53 Memory initialization error. No usable memory detected
54 Unspecified memory initialization error.
55 Memory not installed
56 Invalid CPU type or Speed
57 CPU mismatch
58 CPU self test failed or possible CPU cache error
59 CPU micro-code is not found or micro-code update is failed

5A Internal CPU error
5B reset PPI is not available

5C-5F Reserved for future AMI error codes

S3 Resume Progress Codes

E0 S3 Resume is stared (S3 Resume PPI is called by the DXE IPL)
E1 S3 Boot Script execution
E2 Video repost
E3 OS S3 wake vector call

E4-E7 Reserved for future AMI progress codes

S3 Resume Error Codes

E8 S3 Resume Failed
E9 S3 Resume PPI not Found

EA S3 Resume Boot Script Error
EB S3 OS Wake Error

EC-EF Reserved for future AMI error codes

Recovery Progress Codes

F0 Recovery condition triggered by firmware (Auto recovery)
F1 Recovery condition triggered by user (Forced recovery)
F2 Recovery process started
F3 Recovery firmware image is found
F4 Recovery firmware image is loaded

F5-F7 Reserved for future AMI progress codes

Recovery Error Codes

F8 Recovery PPI is not available
F9 Recovery capsule is not found

FA Invalid recovery capsule

FB – FF Reserved for future AMI error codes

~ 61 ~

 DXE Phase

Status Code Description

60 DXE Core is started
61 NVRAM initialization
62 Installation of the South Bridge Runtime Services
63 CPU DXE initialization is started
64 CPU DXE initialization (CPU module specific)
65 CPU DXE initialization (CPU module specific)
66 CPU DXE initialization (CPU module specific)
67 CPU DXE initialization (CPU module specific)
68 PCI host bridge initialization
69 North Bridge DXE initialization is started

6A North Bridge DXE SMM initialization is started
6B North Bridge DXE initialization (North Bridge module specific)
6C North Bridge DXE initialization (North Bridge module specific)
6D North Bridge DXE initialization (North Bridge module specific)

6E North Bridge DXE initialization (North Bridge module specific)
6F North Bridge DXE initialization (North Bridge module specific)
70 South Bridge DXE initialization is started

71 South Bridge DXE SMM initialization is started

72 South Bridge devices initialization
73 South Bridge DXE Initialization (South Bridge module specific)
74 South Bridge DXE Initialization (South Bridge module specific)
75 South Bridge DXE Initialization (South Bridge module specific)
76 South Bridge DXE Initialization (South Bridge module specific)
77 South Bridge DXE Initialization (South Bridge module specific)
78 ACPI module initialization
79 CSM initialization

7A – 7F Reserved for future AMI DXE codes

80 – 8F OEM DXE initialization codes

90 Boot Device Selection (BDS) phase is started
91 Driver connecting is started
92 PCI Bus initialization is started
93 PCI Bus Hot Plug Controller Initialization
94 PCI Bus Enumeration
95 PCI Bus Request Resources
96 PCI Bus Assign Resources
97 Console Output devices connect
98 Console input devices connect
99 Super IO Initialization

9A USB initialization is started
9B USB Reset
9C USB Detect
9D USB Enable

9E – 9F Reserved for future AMI codes

A0 IDE initialization is started

~ 62 ~

A1 IDE Reset
A2 IDE Detect
A3 IDE Enable
A4 SCSI initialization is started
A5 SCSI Reset
A6 SCSI Detect
A7 SCSI Enable
A8 Setup Verifying Password
A9 Start of Setup
AA Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)
AB Setup Input Wait
AC Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)
AD Ready To Boot event
AE Legacy Boot event
AF Exit Boot Services event
B0 Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP Begin
B1 Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP End
B2 Legacy Option ROM Initialization
B3 System Reset
B4 USB hot plug
B5 PCI bus hot plug
B6 Clean-up of NVRAM

B7 Configuration Reset (reset of NVRAM settings)
B8 – BF Reserved for future AMI codes
C0 – CF OEM BDS initialization codes

DXE Error Codes

D0 CPU initialization error

D1 North Bridge initialization error

D2 South Bridge initialization error

D3 Some of the Architectural Protocols are not available

D4 PCI resource allocation error. Out of Resources

D5 No Space for Legacy Option ROM

D6 No Console Output Devices are found

D7 No Console Input Devices are found

D8 Invalid password

D9 Error loading Boot Option (Load Image returned error)

DA Boot Option is failed (Start Image returned error)

DB Flash update is failed

DC Reset protocol is not available