AORUS ELITE AX Motherboard

Product Information

Specifications

• Model: Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

• DDR4 RAM support

• ATX form factor

• USB20 and USB 2.0 Hub

• M2_WIFIj support

• LGA1700 CPU socket

• Support for multiple graphics cards (PCIEX16, PCIEX4_1,
  PCIEX4_2)

• Audio CODEC support

Product Introduction

1-1 Motherboard Layout

The motherboard layout includes the following components:

• USB20
• ATX_12V_2X4_1
• M2_WIFIj
• USB 2.0 Hub
• U32G2
• ATX_12V_2X4_2
• LGA1700 CPU socket (CPU_OPT and CPU_FAN)
• D_LED2
• LED_C2
• ATX
• Z790 AORUS ELITE AX and Z790 AORUS ELITE
• F_U32
• DP_HDMI20
• U32 U320G
• U32_LAN
• AUDIO
• DDR5_A1, DDR5_A2, DDR5_B1, and DDR5_B2 RAM slots
• F_U32C
• VGA
• CPU
• BOOT
• DRAM
• M2A_CPU
• PCIEX16
• CODEC
• PCIEX4_1
• PCIEX4_2
• F_AUDIO

Product Usage Instructions

Chapter 3 BIOS Setup

The BIOS Setup chapter provides instructions on configuring the
motherboard’s BIOS settings. It is recommended to carefully follow
the instructions in the User’s Manual for detailed steps on
accessing and modifying the BIOS settings.

Chapter 4 Installing the Operating System and Drivers

This chapter provides instructions on installing the operating
system and drivers for the motherboard. It includes steps for
operating system installation and driver installation. For detailed
steps, please refer to the User’s Manual.

Chapter 5 Appendix

The Appendix chapter includes additional information on
configuring a RAID set. It also contains regulatory notices and
contact information for support.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• *  **Q: How can I identify the revision of my  

  motherboard?**

A: The revision number is usually indicated on the motherboard
itself, near the model name. It is labeled as “REV: X.X”. For
example, REV: 1.0 means the revision of the motherboard is 1.0.

• *  **Q: Where can I find more product details?**

A: For more detailed product information, please visit
GIGABYTE’s website at https://www.gigabyte.com.

• *  **Q: How can I access the Quick Installation  

  Guide?**

A: The Quick Installation Guide can be found on GIGABYTE’s
website at
https://download.gigabyte.com/FileList/Manual/mb_manual_installation- guide_12QM-100xR.pdf.

Z790 AORUS ELITE AX Z790 AORUS ELITE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX DDR4
(Z790 A ELITE AX DDR4)
Z790 AORUS ELITE DDR4
(Z790 A ELITE DDR4)
User’s Manual
Rev. 1102
GIGABYTE will reduce paper use in order to fulfill the responsibilities of a global citizen. Also, to reduce the impacts on global warming, the packaging materials of this product are recyclable and reusable. GIGABYTE works with you to protect the environment. For more product details, please visit GIGABYTE’s website.

Copyright © 2023 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.
For detailed product information, carefully read the User’s Manual. For quick set-up of the product, refer to the Quick Installation Guide on GIGABYTE’s
website.
https://download.gigabyte.com/FileList/Manual/mb_manual_installation- guide_12QM-100xR.pdf
For product-related information, check on our website at: https://www.gigabyte.com
Identifying Your Motherboard Revision The revision number on your motherboard looks like this: “REV: X.X.” For example, “REV: 1.0” means the revision of the motherboard is 1.0. Check your motherboard revision before updating motherboard BIOS, drivers, or when looking for technical information.
Example:

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Product Introduction……………………………………………………………………………4 1-1 Motherboard Layout…………………………………………………………………………….. 4 1-2 Motherboard Block Diagram …………………………………………………………………. 6
Chapter 2 Hardware Installation ………………………………………………………………………….7 2-1 Installation Precautions………………………………………………………………………… 7 2-2 Product Specifications………………………………………………………………………….. 8 2-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler ……………………………………………………… 12 2-4 Installing the Memory …………………………………………………………………………. 15 2-5 Installing an Expansion Card ………………………………………………………………. 16 2-6 Back Panel Connectors………………………………………………………………………. 17 2-7 Onboard Buttons, Voltage Measurement Points, and LEDs …………………….. 19 2-8 Internal Connectors……………………………………………………………………………. 21
Chapter 3 BIOS Setup ……………………………………………………………………………………..34
Chapter 4 Installing the Operating System and Drivers…………………………………………36 4-1 Operating System Installation ……………………………………………………………… 36 4-2 Drivers Installation……………………………………………………………………………… 37
Chapter 5 Appendix …………………………………………………………………………………………38 5-1 Configuring a RAID Set………………………………………………………………………. 38 Regulatory Notices………………………………………………………………………………………. 39 Contact Us …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 42
– 3 –

Chapter 1 Product Introduction
1-1 Motherboard Layout

USB20

ATX_12V_2X4_1

M2_WIFIj

USB 2.0 Hub

U32G2

ATX_12V_2X4_2 LGA1700

CPU_OPT CPU_FAN

D_LED2

LED_C2

ATX

Z790 AORUS ELITE AX Z790 AORUS ELITE
F_U32

DP_HDMI20

U32 U320G

U32_LAN

AUDIO

110

80

DDR5_A1 DDR5_A2 DDR5_B1 DDR5_B2
F_U32C VGA CPU BOOT DRAM

M2A_CPU

Realtek® 2.5GbE LAN

PCIEX16

110

80

110

80

iTE® Super I/O

110

80

CODEC

PCIEX4_1

PCIEX4_2 F_AUDIO

LED_C1

M2M_SB M2Q_SB M2P_SB

Intel® Z790

THB_C2 THB_C1
CLR_SW

7 6

5 4

3 2

SATA3

USB 2.0 Hub

M_BIOS

SYS_FAN2

QFLED

BAT CLR_CMOS

RST_SW RST

Temperature sensor

D_LED1

F_USB2

QFLASH_PLUS SYS_FAN3

F_PANEL

SPI_TPM

F_USB1

SYS_FAN1 SYS_FAN4_PUMP

j Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX. – 4 –

USB20

ATX_12V_2X4_1

M2_WIFIl

USB 2.0 Hub

U32G2

ATX_12V_2X4_2 LGA1700

CPU_OPT CPU_FAN

D_LED2

LED_C2

ATX

Z790 AORUS ELITE AX DDR4 Z790 AORUS ELITE DDR4
F_U32

HDMI20

U32 U320G

U32_LAN

AUDIO

110

80

DDR4_A1 DDR4_A2 DDR4_B1 DDR4_B2
F_U32C VGA CPU BOOT DRAM

M2A_CPU

Realtek® 2.5GbE LAN

PCIEX16

110

80

110

80

iTE® Super I/O

110

80

CODEC

PCIEX4_1

PCIEX4_2 F_AUDIO

LED_C1

M2M_SB M2Q_SB M2P_SB

Intel® Z790

THB_C2 THB_C1
CLR_SW

7 6

5 4

SATA3

USB 2.0 Hub

M_BIOS

SYS_FAN2

QFLED

BAT CLR_CMOS

RST_SW RST

Temperature sensor

D_LED1

F_USB2

QFLASH_PLUS SYS_FAN3

F_PANEL

SPI_TPM

F_USB1

SYS_FAN1 SYS_FAN4_PUMP

l Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX DDR4. – 5 –

1-2 Motherboard Block Diagram

PCI Express 5.0 Bus x16

CPU CLK+/- (80~800 MHz) DDR5 5600 (Note)/5200 (Note)/4800/4400 MT/sjk DDR4 3200/3000/2933/2666/2400/2133 MT/slm

1 PCI Express x16 DMI 4.0

PCI Express 4.0 Bus x4
1 M.2 Socket 3 (M2A_CPU)

LGA1700 CPU DDI DDI

1 DisplayPortjk 1 HDMI

4 SATA 6Gb/s (SATA3 4~7)

PCI Express 4.0 Bus

x4 x4

x4

Switchjk

2 M.2 Socket 3 (M2P_SB, M2Q_SB)

or

1 M.2 Socket 3 2 SATA 6Gb/s (M2M_SB) (SATA3 2, 3)jk

PCI Express 4.0 Bus

x4

Intel® Z790

SPI

BIOS

Bus

TPM

eSPI iTE® Bus Super I/O

1 USB Type-C®, with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support
1 USB Type-C®, with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support
2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A

2 PCI Express x4

PCI Express Bus

x1
Realtek® 2.5GbE LAN

x1 M.2 WIFIjl CNVi

RJ45 LAN

5 USB 3.2 Gen 1

USB 2.0 Hub

8 USB 2.0/1.1

CODEC

MIC Line Out S/PDIF Out

(Note)
j k l m

Actual support may vary by CPU.
Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX. Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE. Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX DDR4. Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE DDR4.
– 6 –

Chapter 2 Hardware Installation
2-1 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 connecting or unplugging the power supply cable from the motherboard, make sure the power supply has been turned off. · Before turning on the power, make sure the power supply voltage has been set according to the local voltage standard. · Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors of your hardware components are connected. · To prevent damage to the motherboard, do not allow screws to come in contact with the motherboard circuit or its components. · Make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or within the computer casing. · Do not place the computer system on an uneven surface. · Do not place the computer system in a high-temperature or wet environment. · Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to system components as well as physical harm to the user. · If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the product, please consult a certified computer technician. · If you use an adapter, extension power cable, or power strip, ensure to consult with its installation and/or grounding instructions.
– 7 –

2-2 Product Specifications

CPU Chipset Memory
Onboard Graphics Audio LAN

LGA1700 socket: Support for the 14th, 13th, and 12th Generation Intel® CoreTM, Pentium® Gold and Celeron® Processors (Go to GIGABYTE’s website for the latest CPU support list.)
L3 cache varies with CPU
Intel® Z790 Express Chipset
14th and 13th Generation Intel® CoreTM i9/i7 Pocessors: – Support for DDR5 5600/5200/4800/4400 MT/s memory modules jk
13th Generation Intel® CoreTM i5/i3 and 12th Generation Intel® CoreTM, Pentium® Gold and Celeron® Processors: – Support for DDR5 4800/4400 MT/s memory modules jk
Support for DDR4 3200/3000/2933/2666/2400/2133 MT/s memory modules lm 4 x DDR5 DIMM sockets supporting up to 192 GB (48 GB single DIMM capacity)
of system memory jk 4 x DDR4 DIMM sockets supporting up to 128 GB (32 GB single DIMM capacity)
of system memory lm Dual channel memory architecture Support for ECC Un- buffered DIMM 1Rx8/2Rx8 memory modules (operate in
non-ECC mode) Support for non-ECC Un-buffered DIMM 1Rx8/2Rx8/1Rx16 memory modules Support for Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules
(The CPU and memory configuration may affect the supported memory types, data rate (speed), and number of DRAM modules, please refer to “Memory Support List” on GIGABYTE’s website for more information.) Integrated Graphics Processor-Intel® HD Graphics support: – 1 x HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096×2160@60 Hz

• Support for HDMI 2.0 version and HDCP 2.3. – 1 x DisplayPort, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096×2304@60 Hzjk
• Support for DisplayPort 1.2 version and HDCP 2.3
  (Graphics specifications may vary depending on CPU support.) Realtek® Audio CODEC High Definition Audio 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
• You can change the functionality of an audio jack using the audio software. To configure 7.1-channel audio, access the audio software for audio settings.
  Support for S/PDIF Out
  Realtek® 2.5GbE LAN chip (2.5 Gbps/1 Gbps/100 Mbps)

j Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX. k Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE. l Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX DDR4. m Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE DDR4.
– 8 –

Wireless

Communication

Modulej

Wireless

Communication

Modulel

Expansion Slots
Storage Interface

Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (For PCB rev. 1.0, PCB rev. 1.1) – WIFI a, b, g, n, ac, ax, supporting 2.4/5/6 GHz carrier frequency bands – BLUETOOTH 5.3
– Support for 11ax 160MHz wireless standard and up to 2.4 Gbps data rate Realtek® Wi-Fi 6E RTL8852CE (PCB rev. 1.2) – WIFI a, b, g, n, ac, ax, supporting 2.4/5/6 GHz carrier frequency bands – BLUETOOTH 5.3
– Support for 11ax 160MHz wireless standard and up to 2.4 Gbps data rate (Actual data rate may vary depending on environment and equipment.)
Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (For PCB rev. 1.0) – WIFI a, b, g, n, ac, ax, supporting 2.4/5/6 GHz carrier frequency bands – BLUETOOTH 5.3
– Support for 11ax 160MHz wireless standard and up to 2.4 Gbps data rate Realtek® Wi-Fi 6E RTL8852CE (PCB rev. 1.1) – WIFI a, b, g, n, ac, ax, supporting 2.4/5/6 GHz carrier frequency bands – BLUETOOTH 5.3
– Support for 11ax 160MHz wireless standard and up to 2.4 Gbps data rate (Actual data rate may vary depending on environment and equipment.)
CPU: – 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, supporting PCIe 5.0 and running at x16 (PCIEX16)

• For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed, be sure to install it in the PCIEX16 slot.
  Chipset: – 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, supporting PCIe 4.0 and running at x4 (PCIEX4_1) – 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, supporting PCIe 3.0 and running at x4 (PCIEX4_2)
  CPU: – 1 x M.2 connector (Socket 3, M key, type 22110/2280 PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 SSD
  support) (M2A_CPU) Chipset: – 2 x M.2 connectors (Socket 3, M key, type 22110/2280 PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 SSD
  support) (M2P_SB, M2Q_SB) – 1 x M.2 connector (Socket 3, M key, type 22110/2280 SATA and PCIe 4.0 x4
  SSD support) (M2M_SB) – 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectorsjk – 4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectorslm RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 support for NVMe SSD storage devices RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 support for SATA storage devices
• Refer to “2-8 Internal Connectors,” for the installation notices for the M.2 and SATA connectors.

j Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX. k Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE. l Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX DDR4. m Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE DDR4.
– 9 –

USB Internal Connectors
Back Panel Connectors

Chipset:
– 1 x USB Type-C® port on the back panel, with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support
– 1 x USB Type-C® port with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support, available through the
internal USB header
– 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red) on the back panel
– 5 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (3 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available
through the internal USB header) Chipset+2 USB 2.0 Hubs:
– 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports on the back panel, 4 ports available through
the internal USB headers)
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector 2 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors 1 x CPU fan header 1 x CPU fan/water cooling pump header 3 x system fan headers 1 x system fan/water cooling pump header 2 x addressable LED strip headers 2 x RGB LED strip headers 4 x M.2 Socket 3 connectors 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectorsjk 4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectorslm 1 x front panel header 1 x front panel audio header 1 x USB Type-C® header, with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers 2 x ThunderboltTM add-in card connectors 1 x Trusted Platform Module header (For the GC-TPM2.0 SPI/GC-TPM2.0 SPI
2.0 module only) 1 x reset button 1 x Q-Flash Plus button 1 x Clear CMOS button 1 x reset jumper 1 x Clear CMOS jumper
1 x USB Type-C® port, with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red) 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 2 x SMA antenna connectors (2T2R)jl 1 x HDMI port 1 x DisplayPortjk 1 x RJ-45 port 1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector 2 x audio jacks

j Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX. k Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE. l Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX DDR4. m Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE DDR4.
– 10 –

I/O Controller

Hardware

Monitor

BIOS

Unique Features

Bundled

Software

Operating

System

Form Factor

iTE® I/O Controller Chip
Voltage detection Temperature detection Fan speed detection Water cooling flow rate detection Fan fail warning Fan speed control

• Whether the fan (pump) speed control function is supported will depend on the fan (pump) you install.
  1 x 256 Mbit flash Use of licensed AMI UEFI BIOS PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.7, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0 Support for GIGABYTE Control Center (GCC)

• Available applications in GCC may vary by motherboard model. Supported functions of each application may also vary depending on motherboard specifications.
  Support for Q-Flash Support for Q-Flash Plus Support for Smart Backup Norton® Internet Security (OEM version) LAN bandwidth management software Support for Windows 11 64-bit Support for Windows 10 64-bit
  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 SERVICE/SUPPORTUtility page on GIGABYTE’s website to download the latest version of apps. https://www.gigabyte.com/Support/Utility/Motherboard?m=ut
– 11 –

2-3 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.
A. Note the CPU Orientation
Note the alignment keys on the motherboard CPU socket and the notches on the CPU.
Alignment Key

Triangle Pin One Marking of the CPU Socket

LGA1700 CPU Socket
Alignment Key Notch

Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU

LGA1700 CPU
Notch

Do not remove the CPU socket cover before inserting the CPU. It may pop off from the load plate automatically after you insert the CPU and close the load plate.
& Please visit GIGABYTE’s website for details on hardware installation. http://www.gigabyte.com/WebPage/210/quick-guide.html?m=sw
– 12 –

B. Installing the CPU
Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU into the motherboard CPU socket.

u

Finger Tab

jGently press the CPU socket lever handle down and away from the socket.
kCompletely lift up the CPU socket locking lever.
lUse the finger tab on the side of the metal load plate to lift open the metal load plate with the plastic protective cover attached to it.

l k

j

v
Hold the CPU with your fingers by the edges. 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.

Pin One

w
j
Make sure the CPU is properly installed and

then close the load plate. The plastic protec-

tive cover will pop off, just remove it. Secure

the lever under its retention tab to complete

the installation of the CPU. * Always replace the plastic protective cover

k

when the CPU is not installed to protect the CPU socket.

l

Do not force to engage the CPU socket locking lever when the CPU is not installed correctly as this would damage the CPU and CPU socket.
– 13 –

C. Installing the CPU Cooler
Be sure to install the CPU cooler after installing the CPU. (Actual installation process may differ depending the CPU cooler to be used. Refer to the user’s manual for your CPU cooler.)
u
Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on the surface of the installed CPU.

v
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.

j k
k
j

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

– 14 –

CPU_FAN

2-4 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.
Dual Channel Memory Configuration This motherboard provides four 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 memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as following: Channel A: DDR5_A1jk/DDR4_A1lm, DDR5_A2jk/DDR4_A2lm Channel B: DDR5_B1jk/DDR4_B1lm, DDR5_B2jk/DDR4_B2lm

• Recommended Dual Channel Memory Configuration:
  DDR5_A1jk DDR5_A2jk DDR5_B1jk DDR4_A1lm DDR4_A2lm DDR4_B1lm

2 Modules

– –

DS/SS

– –

DDR5_B2jk DDR4_B2lm
DS/SS

4 Modules

DS/SS

DS/SS

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

DS/SS

DS/SS

Due to CPU limitations, read the following guidelines before installing the memory in Dual Channel mode. 1. Dual Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one memory module is installed. 2. When enabling Dual Channel mode with two or four memory modules, it is recommended that memory of
the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.

DDR5_A1jk/DDR4_A1lm DDR5_A2jk/DDR4_A2lm DDR5_B1jk/DDR4_B1lm
DDR5_B2jk/DDR4_B2lm
When installing a single memory module, we recommend that you install it in the DDR5_A2jk/ DDR4_A2lm socket.
j Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX. k Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE. l Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX DDR4. m Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE DDR4.
– 15 –

2-5 Installing an Expansion Card
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install an expansion card: · Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual that came
with your expansion card. · Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing an
expansion card to prevent hardware damage. 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 that the expansion card is fully seated in its 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.
PCIEX16 Slot
– 16 –

2-6 Back Panel Connectors
jl
USB 2.0/1.1 Port The USB port supports the USB 2.0/1.1 specification. Use this port for USB devices. SMA Antenna Connectors (2T2R)jl Use this connector to connect an antenna.
Tighten the antennas to the antenna connectors and then aim the antennas correctly for better signal reception.
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Port (Red) The USB 3.2 Gen 2 port supports the USB 3.2 Gen 2 specification and is compatible to the USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 specification. Use this port for USB devices. USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Port (Red) (Q-Flash Plus Port) The USB 3.2 Gen 2 port supports the USB 3.2 Gen 2 specification and is compatible to the USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 specification. Use this port for USB devices. Before using Q-Flash Plus , (Note) make sure to insert the USB flash drive into this port first. DisplayPortjk DisplayPort delivers high quality digital imaging and audio, supporting bi-directional audio transmission. DisplayPort can support HDCP 2.3 content protection mechanisms. You can use this port to connect your DisplayPort-supported monitor. Note: The DisplayPort Technology can support a maximum resolution of 4096×2304@60 Hz but the actual resolutions supported depend on the monitor being used. HDMI Port
The HDMI port is HDCP 2.3 compliant and supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio formats. It also supports up to 192KHz/24bit 7.1-channel LPCM audio output. You can use this port to connect your HDMI-supported monitor. The maximum supported resolution is 4096×2160@60 Hz, but the actual resolutions supported are dependent on the monitor being used.
After installing the DisplayPort/HDMI device, make sure to set the default sound playback device to DisplayPort/HDMI. (The item name may differ depending on your operating system.)
USB 3.2 Gen 1 Port The USB 3.2 Gen 1 port supports the USB 3.2 Gen 1 specification and is compatible to the USB 2.0 specification. Use this port for USB devices.
j Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX. kOnly for Z790 AORUS ELITE. l Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX DDR4. (Note) To enable the Q-Flash Plus function, please navigate to the “Unique Features” page of GIGABYTE’s
website for more information. – 17 –

USB Type-C® Port

The reversible USB port supports the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 specification and is compatible to the USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 1, and USB 2.0 specifications. Use this port for USB devices.

RJ-45 LAN Port

The Gigabit Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 2.5 Gbps data rate. The following describes the states of the LAN port LEDs.

Speed LED Activity LED Speed LED:

Activity LED:

State

Description

State Description

Orange 2.5 Gbps data rate

Blinking Data transmission or receiving is occurring

Green

1 Gbps data rate

Off

No data transmission or receiving is occurring

LAN Port

Off

100 Mbps data rate

Line Out/Front Speaker Out
The line out jack. Mic In/Rear Speaker Out
The Mic in jack. 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.

Audio Jack Configurations:
Jack
Line Out/Front Speaker Out Mic In/Rear Speaker Out Front Panel Line Out/Side Speaker Out Front Panel Mic In/Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out

Headphone/ 2-channel a

4-channel
a a

5.1-channel a a
a

7.1-channel a a a
a

You can change the functionality of an audio jack using the audio software. To configure 7.1-channel audio, access the audio software for audio settings.

& Please visit GIGABYTE’s website for details on configuring the audio software. https://www.gigabyte.com/WebPage/697/realtek897-audio.html

· 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.
– 18 –

2-7 Onboard Buttons, Voltage Measurement Points, and LEDs
RST_SW (Reset Button) The reset button (RST_SW) allows users to quickly turn on/off the computer in an open-case environment when they want to change hardware components or conduct hardware testing.
RST_SW
The reset button provides you with several functions to use. To remap the button to perform different tasks, please navigate to the “BIOS Setup” page of GIGABYTE’s website and search for “RST_SW (MULTIKEY)” for more information.
CLR_SW (Clear CMOS Button) Use this button to clear the BIOS configuration and reset the CMOS values to factory defaults when needed.
CLR_SW
· Always turn off your computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before using the clear CMOS button.
· Do not use the clear CMOS button when the system is on, or the system may shutdown and data loss or damage may occur.
· After system restart, go to BIOS Setup to load factory defaults (select Load Optimized Defaults) or manually configure the BIOS settings (please navigate to the “BIOS Setup” page of GIGABYTE’s website for more information). – 19 –

QFLASH_PLUS (Q-Flash Plus Button) Q-Flash Plus allows you to update the BIOS when your system is off (S5 shutdown state). Save the latest BIOS on a USB thumb drive and plug it into the dedicated port, and then you can now flash the BIOS automatically by simply pressing the Q-Flash Plus button. The QFLED will flash when the BIOS matching and flashing activities start and will stop flashing when the main BIOS flashing is complete.
QFLED
QFLASH_PLUS

To enable the Q-Flash Plus function, please navigate to the “Unique Features” page of GIGABYTE’s website for more information.

Status LEDs The status LEDs show whether the CPU, memory, graphics card, and operating system are working properly after system power-on. If the CPU/DRAM/VGA LED is on, that means the corresponding device is not working normally; if the BOOT LED is on, that means you haven’t entered the operating system yet.

CPU DRAM VGA BOOT

CPU: CPU status LED DRAM: Memory status LED VGA: Graphics card status LED BOOT: Operating system status LED

– 20 –

2-8 Internal Connectors
1

63 8 7 2

14 10
13

10

17

10

10 9

20 18 12 8 7 16 15 19 4 5 11

1. ATX_12V_2X4_1/ATX_12V_2X4_2 2) ATX 3) CPU_FAN 4) SYS_FAN1/2/3 5) SYS_FAN4_PUMP 6) CPU_OPT 7) LED_C1/LED_C2 8) D_LED1/D_LED2 9) SATA3 2jk/3jk/4/5/6/7 10) M2A_CPU/M2P_SB/M2Q_SB/M2M_SB

2. F_PANEL 12) F_AUDIO 13) F_U32C 14) F_U32 15) F_USB1/F_USB2 16) SPI_TPM 17) THB_C1/THB_C2 18) CLR_CMOS 19) BAT 20) RST

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.
j Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX. k Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE.
– 21 –

1/2) ATX_12V_2X4_1/ATX_12V_2X4_2/ATX (2×4 12V Power Connectors and 2×12 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.

5

8

1

4

ATX_12V_2X4_1/ATX_12V_2X4_2

12

24

1

13

ATX

ATX_12V_2X4_1/ATX_12V_2X4_2:

Pin No. Definition

Pin No.

1 GND (Only for 2×4-pin 12V) 5

2 GND (Only for 2×4-pin 12V) 6

3 GND

7

4 GND

8

Definition +12V (Only for 2×4-pin 12V) +12V (Only for 2×4-pin 12V) +12V +12V

ATX:
Pin No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12

Definition

Pin No.

3.3V

13

3.3V

14

GND

15

+5V

16

GND

17

+5V

18

GND

19

Power Good

20

5VSB (stand by +5V)

21

+12V

22

+12V (Only for 2×12-pin 23 ATX) 3.3V (Only for 2×12-pin 24 ATX)

Definition 3.3V -12V GND PS_ON (soft On/Off) GND GND GND NC +5V +5V +5V (Only for 2×12-pin ATX)
GND (Only for 2×12-pin ATX)

– 22 –

3/4) CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/2/3 (Fan Headers) All fan headers on this motherboard are 4-pin. Most fan headers possess a foolproof insertion design. When connecting a fan cable, be sure to connect it in the correct orientation (the black connector wire is the ground wire). The speed control function requires the use of a fan with fan speed control design. For optimum heat dissipation, it is recommended that a system fan be installed inside the chassis.

1 CPU_FAN
1 SYS_FAN1/SYS_FAN2/ SYS_FAN3

Pin No. 1 2 3 4

Definition GND Voltage Speed Control Sense PWM Speed Control

5. SYS_FAN4_PUMP (System Fan/Water Cooling Pump Header)
   The fan/pump header is 4-pin and possesses a foolproof insertion design. 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. The header also provides speed control for a water cooling pump. Please navigate to the “BIOS Setup” page of GIGABYTE’s website and search for “Smart Fan 6” for more information.

Pin No. Definition

1 GND

1

2 Voltage Speed Control

3 Sense

4 PWM Speed Control

· 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.
· These fan headers are not configuration jumper blocks. Do not place a jumper cap on the headers.
– 23 –

6. CPU_OPT (CPU Fan/Water Cooling Pump Header) The fan/pump header is 4-pin and possesses a foolproof insertion design. 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.

Pin No. Definition

1

1 GND

2 Voltage Speed Control

3 Sense

4 PWM Speed Control

Connector Maximum Current Maximum Power

CPU_FAN 2A 24W

SYS_FAN1~3 2A 24W

SYS_FAN4_PUMP 2A 24W

CPU_OPT 2A 24W

7. LED_C1/LED_C2 (RGB LED Strip Headers) The headers can be used to connect a standard 5050 RGB LED strip (12V/G/R/B), with maximum power rating of 2A (12V) and maximum length of 2m.

1 LED_C2
1 LED_C1

Pin No. 1 2 3 4

Definition 12V G R B

RGB LED Strip

Connect your RGB LED strip to the header. The power pin (marked with a

1

triangle on the plug) of the LED strip must be connected to Pin 1 (12V) of

12V

this header. Incorrect connection may lead to the damage of the LED strip.

For how to turn on/off the lights of the LED strip, please navigate to the “Unique Features” page of GIGABYTE’s website.
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.

– 24 –

8. D_LED1/D_LED2 (Addressable LED Strip Headers) The headers can be used to connect a standard 5050 addressable LED strip, with maximum power rating of 5A (5V) and maximum number of 1000 LEDs.

1 D_LED2
1 D_LED1

Pin No. 1 2 3 4

Definition V (5V) Data No Pin GND

Addressable LED Strip

Connect your addressable LED strip to the header. The power pin (marked

1

with a triangle on the plug) of the LED strip must be connected to Pin 1 of

the addressable LED strip header. Incorrect connection may lead to the

damage of the LED strip.

For how to turn on/off the lights of the LED strip, please navigate to the “Unique Features” page of GIGABYTE’s website.

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.

9. SATA3 2jk/3jk/4/5/6/7 (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® Chipset supports RAID 0, RAID 1,

RAID 5, and RAID 10. Please navigate to the “Configuring a RAID Set” page of GIGABYTE’s website for

instructions on configuring a RAID array.

G.QBOFM G.QBOFM G.QBOFM

7 7
SATA3 3 5 7 246

Pin No. Definition

1 GND

1

2 TXP

1

3 TXN

4 GND

5 RXN

6 RXP

7 GND

To enable hot-plugging for the SATA ports, please navigate to the “BIOS Setup” page of GIGABYTE’s website and search for “SATA Configuration” for more information.
j Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX. k Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE.
– 25 –

10. M2A_CPU/M2P_SB/M2Q_SB/M2M_SB (M.2 Socket 3 Connectors) There are two types of M.2 SSDs: M.2 SATA SSDs and M.2 PCIe SSDs. Be sure to verify which type of M.2 SSDs is supported by the M.2 socket you want to use. Please note that an M.2 PCIe SSD cannot be used to create a RAID set either with an M.2 SATA SSD or a SATA hard drive. Please navigate to the “Configuring a RAID Set” page of GIGABYTE’s website for instructions on configuring a RAID array.

110

80

M2A_CPU

110

80

M2P_SB

110

80

110

80

M2Q_SB M2M_SB

Follow the steps below to correctly install an M.2 SSD in the M.2 connector. Step 1: To access the M.2 slot you want to use, unfasten the screws on the motherboard heatsink diagonally to remove the heatsink. Locate the proper mounting hole for the M.2 SSD to be installed and then install the M.2 EZ- Latch Plus clip first.
If you want install an M.2 SSD in the 110mm hole that already has a motherboard heatsink standoff, be sure to remove the EZ-Latch Plus clip first and use the motherboard heatsink screw to secure the heatsink and SSD.
Step 2: Remove the protective film from the thermal pad on the M.2 connector. Insert the M.2 SSD into the M.2 connector at an angle. Step 3: Press down on the front end of the M.2 SSD and make sure the M.2 SSD is secured by the M.2 EZ-Latch Plus clip. Remove the protective film from the bottom of the motherboard heatsink and then replace the heatsink and tighten the screws diagonally.

• Types of M.2 SSDs supported by each M.2 connector:

M.2 PCIe x4 SSD M.2 PCIe x2 SSD

M2A_CPU

a

a

M2P_SB

a

a

M2Q_SB

a

a

M2M_SB

a

a

M.2 SATA SSD r r r a

& Please visit GIGABYTE’s website for details on using M.2 EZ-Latch Plus. Install the M.2 SSD: https://www.gigabyte.com/WebPage/920/M2-latchplus.html Remove the M.2 SSD: https://www.gigabyte.com/WebPage/921/removeM2.html

• Motherboard heatsink design may vary by model.
  – 26 –

Installation Notices for the M.2 and SATA Connectorsjk: The availability of the SATA connectors may be affected by the type of device installed in the M.2 sockets. The M2M_SB connector shares bandwidth with the SATA3 2, 3 connector. Refer to the following table for details.

· M2A_CPU/M2P_SB/M2Q_SB:

Type of M.2 SSD

Connector SATA3 2jk

SATA3 3jk

M.2 PCIe SSD

a

a

SATA3 4 a

SATA3 5 a

SATA3 6 a

SATA3 7 a

No M.2 SSD Installed

a

a

a

a

a

a

a: Available, r: Not available

· M2M_SB:

Type of M.2 SSD

Connector

M.2 SATA SSD

SATA3 2jk a

SATA3 3jk a

M.2 PCIe SSD

r

r

No M.2 SSD Installed

a

a

a: Available, r: Not available

SATA3 4 a a a

SATA3 5 a a a

SATA3 6 a a a

SATA3 7 a a a

j Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX. k Only for Z790 AORUS ELITE.
– 27 –

11. 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+ PWSPEAK+ NC NC SPEAK-

2

20

1

19

HD+ HD-
RESRES+
CICI+
PWR_LED+ PWR_LEDPWR_LED-

Hard Drive Reset Activity LED Switch

Power LED
Chassis Intrusion Header

· PLED/PWR_LED (Power LED):

System Status LED Connects to the power status indicator on the chassis front panel. The LED

S0

On

S3/S4/S5

Off

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): Connects to the power switch on the chassis front panel. You may configure the way to turn off your system using the power switch (please navigate to the “BIOS Setup” page of GIGABYTE’s website and search for “Soft-Off by PWR-BTTN” for more information).
· SPEAK (Speaker): 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): 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): 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): 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.
· NC: No connection.

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.
– 28 –

12. F_AUDIO (Front Panel Audio Header) The front panel audio header supports High Definition audio (HD). You may connect your chassis front panel audio module to this header. Make sure the wire assignments of the module connector match the pin assignments of the motherboard header. Incorrect connection between the module connector and the motherboard header will make the device unable to work or even damage it.

9

1

10

2

Pin No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Definition MIC L GND MIC R NC Head Phone R MIC Detection SENSE_SEND No Pin Head Phone L Head Phone Detection

Some chassis provide a front panel audio module that has separated connectors on each wire instead of a single plug. For information about connecting the front panel audio module that has different wire assignments, please contact the chassis manufacturer.

13. F_U32C (USB Type-C® Header with USB 3.2 Gen 2 Support) The header conforms to USB 3.2 Gen 2 specification and can provide one USB port.

10

11

1

20

Pin No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Definition VBUS TX1+ TX1GND RX1+ RX1VBUS CC1 SBU1 SBU2

Pin No. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Definition VBUS TX2+ TX2GND RX2+ RX2GND DD+ CC2

– 29 –

14. F_U32 (USB 3.2 Gen 1 Header) The header conforms to USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 specification and can provide two USB ports. For purchasing the optional 3.5″ front panel that provides two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, please contact the local dealer.

Pin No. Definition

Pin No. Definition

20

1

1 VBUS

11 D2+

2 SSRX1-

12 D2-

3 SSRX1+

13 GND

4 GGN.DQBOFM

14 SSTX2+

5 SSTX1-

15 SSTX2-

6 SSTX1+

11

10

7 GND

16 GND 17 SSRX2+

8 D1-

18 SSRX2-

9 D1+

19 VBUS

10 NC

20 No Pin

15. F_USB1/F_USB2 (USB 2.0/1.1 Headers) The headers conform to USB 2.0/1.1 specification. Each USB header can provide two USB ports via an optional USB bracket. For purchasing the optional USB bracket, please contact the local dealer.

9

1

10

2

Pin No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Definition Power (5V) Power (5V) USB DXUSB DYUSB DX+ USB DY+ GND GND No Pin NC

Prior to installing the USB bracket, be sure to turn off your computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the USB bracket.

– 30 –

16. SPI_TPM (Trusted Platform Module Header) You may connect an SPI TPM (Trusted Platform Module) to this header.

Pin No. Definition

1 Data Output

11

1

2 Power (3.3V)

12

2

3 No Pin

4 NC

5 Data Input

6 CLK

7 Chip Select

8 GND

9 IRQ

10 NC

11 NC

12 RST

17. THB_C1/THB_C2 (ThunderboltTM Add-in Card Connectors) The connectors are used to connect to a GIGABYTE ThunderboltTM add-in card.
    1 THB_C2
    1 THB_C1
    Supports a ThunderboltTM add-in card.
    – 31 –

18. CLR_CMOS (Clear CMOS Jumper) Use this jumper to clear the BIOS configuration and reset the CMOS values to factory defaults. To clear the CMOS values, use a metal object like a screwdriver to touch the two pins for a few seconds.
    Open: Normal
    Short: Clear CMOS Values
    · Always turn off your computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before clearing the CMOS values.
    · After system restart, go to BIOS Setup to load factory defaults (select Load Optimized Defaults) or manually configure the BIOS settings (please navigate to the “BIOS Setup” page of GIGABYTE’s website for more information).

19. BAT (Battery) The battery provides power to keep the values (such as BIOS configurations, date, and time information) in the CMOS when the computer is turned off. Replace the battery when the battery voltage drops to a low level, or the CMOS values may not be accurate or may be lost.
    You may clear the CMOS values by removing the battery: 1. Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Gently remove the battery from the battery holder and wait for one minute.
    (Or use a metal object like a screwdriver to touch the positive and negative terminals of the battery holder, making them short for 5 seconds.) 3. Replace the battery. 4. Plug in the power cord and restart your computer. · Always turn off your computer and unplug the power cord before replacing the battery. · Replace the battery with an equivalent one. Damage to your devices may occur if the battery is replaced with an incorrect model. · Contact the place of purchase or local dealer if you are not able to replace the battery by yourself or uncertain about the battery model. · When installing the battery, note the orientation of the positive side (+) and the negative side (-) of the battery (the positive side should face up). · Used batteries must be handled in accordance with local environmental regulations.
    – 32 –

20. RST (Reset Jumper) The reset jumper (RST) can connect 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.

Pin No. Definition

1

1 Reset

2 GND

The reset jumper provides you with several functions to use. To remap the button to perform different tasks, please navigate to the “BIOS Setup” page of GIGABYTE’s website and search for “RST_SW (MULTIKEY)” for more information.

– 33 –

Chapter 3 BIOS Setup
BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) records hardware parameters of the system in the CMOS on the motherboard. Its major functions include conducting the Power-On Self-Test (POST) during system startup, saving system parameters and loading operating system, etc. BIOS includes a BIOS Setup program that allows the user to modify basic system configuration settings or to activate certain system features. When the power is turned off, the battery on the motherboard supplies the necessary power to the CMOS to keep the configuration values in the CMOS. To access the BIOS Setup program, press the key during the POST when the power is turned on. To upgrade the BIOS, use either the GIGABYTE Q-Flash or Q-Flash Plus utility.
· Q-Flash allows the user to quickly and easily upgrade or back up BIOS without entering the operating system. · Q-Flash Plus allows you to update the BIOS when your system is off (S5 shutdown state). Save the latest
BIOS on a USB thumb drive and plug it into the dedicated port, and then you can now flash the BIOS automatically by simply pressing the Q-Flash Plus button. For instructions on using the Q-Flash and Q-Flash Plus utilities, please navigate to the “Unique Features” page of GIGABYTE’s website and search for “BIOS Update Utilities.”
· Because BIOS flashing is potentially risky, if you do not encounter problems using the current version of BIOS, it is recommended that you not flash the BIOS. To flash the BIOS, do it with caution. Inadequate BIOS flashing may result in system malfunction.
· It is recommended that you not alter the default settings (unless you need to) to prevent system instability or other unexpected results. Inadequately altering the settings may result in system’s failure to boot. If this occurs, try to clear the CMOS values and reset the board to default values.
· Refer to the introductions of the battery/clear CMOS jumper/button in Chapter 2 or navigate to the “BIOS Setup” page of GIGABYTE’s website and search for “Load Optimized Defaults” for how to clear the CMOS values.
& Please visit GIGABYTE’s website for details on configuring BIOS Setup. https://www.gigabyte.com/WebPage/928/intel700-bios.html
– 34 –

Startup Screen: The following startup Logo screen will appear when the computer boots.
Function Keys
Function Keys: : BIOS SETUPQ-FLASH
Press the key to enter BIOS Setup or to access the Q-Flash utility in BIOS Setup. : BOOT MENU
Boot Menu allows you to set the first boot device without entering BIOS Setup. In Boot Menu, use the up arrow key or the down arrow key to select the first boot device, then press to accept. The system will boot from the device immediately. Note: The setting in Boot Menu is effective for one time only. After system restart, the device boot order will still be based on BIOS Setup settings. : Q-FLASH Press the key to access the Q-Flash utility directly without having to enter BIOS Setup first.
– 35 –