GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS XTREME Motherboard User Manual

Z690 AORUS XTREME
User’s Manual
Rev. 1001

Z690 AORUS XTREME Motherboard

For more product details, please visit GIGABYTE’s website.

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/Z690-AORUS-XTREME-rev-10?m=ma#kf

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.

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.
Documentation Classifications
In order to assist in the use of this product, GIGABYTE provides the following types of documentations:

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

For product-related information, check on our website at: 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:

Chapter 1 Product Introduction

1-1 Motherboard Layout

1-2 Motherboard Block Diagram

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.

2-2 Product Specifications

CPU

• LGA1700 socket: Support for 13th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors and 12th Generation Intel® Core™, Pentium® Gold and Celeron® Processors (Go to GIGABYTE’s website for the latest CPU support list.)
• L3 cache varies with CPU

Chipset

• Intel® Z690 Express Chipset

Memory

• 13th Generation Intel ® Core ™ i9/i7 Processors: – Support for DDR5 5600/5200/4800/4400 MT/s memory modules
• 13th Generation Intel ® Core ™ i5/i3 and 12th Generation Intel ® Core ™ , Pentium ® Gold and Celeron ® Processors: – Support for DDR5 4800/4400 MT/s memory modules
• 4 x DDR5 DIMM sockets supporting up to 192 GB (48 GB single DIMM capacity) of system memory
• Dual channel memory architecture Š 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.)

Onboard Graphics

• Integrated Graphics Processor+Intel ® Thunderbolt ™ 4 Controller: – 2 x Intel ® Thunderbolt ™ 4 connectors (USB Type-C ® ports), supporting DisplayPort and Thunderbolt ™ video outputs and a maximum resolution of 5120×2880@60 Hz with 24 bpp (via single display output) * Because of the limited I/O resources of the PC architecture, the number of Thunderbolt ™ devices that can be used is dependent on the number of the PCI Express devices being installed. (Refer to Chapter 2-7, “Back Panel Connectors,” for more information.)
• Support for DisplayPort 1.4 version and HDCP 2.3 (Graphics specifications may vary depending on CPU support.)

Audio

• 1 ESS ES9280AC DAC chip + 2 ESS ES9080 chips
• DTS® Sound Unbound™
• High Definition Audio
• 2-channel
• Support for S/PDIF Out
• The line out jack and the optical S/PDIF out connector can only be used one at a time.

LAN

• Marvell ® AQtion AQC113C 10GbE LAN chip (10 Gbps/5 Gbps/2.5 Gbps/1 Gbps/100 Mbps) (LAN1)
• Intel ® 2.5GbE LAN chip (2.5 Gbps/1 Gbps/100 Mbps) (LAN2)

Wireless Communication Module

• Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX210
  – WIFI a, b, g, n, ac, ax, supporting 2.4/5/6 GHz carrier frequency bands
  – BLUETOOTH 5.3
  – Support for 11ax 160MHz wireless standard and up to 2.4 Gbps data rate
• Actual data rate may vary depending on environment and equipment.

Expansion Slots

• 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (PCIEX16)
• For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed, be sure to install it in the PCIEX16 slot.
  • 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x8 (PCIEX8)
• The PCIEX8 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16 slot. When the PCIEX8 slot is populated, the PCIEX16 slot operates at up to x8 mode. (The PCIEX16 and PCIEX8 slots conform to PCI Express 5.0 standard.)
  • 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x4 (PCIEX4_1) (The PCIEX4_1 slot conforms to PCI Express 3.0 standard.)

Storage Interface

• CPU:
  – 1 x M.2 connector (Socket 3, M key, type 2260/2280/22110 PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 SSD support) (M2A_CPU)

• Chipset:
  – 2 x M.2 connectors (Socket 3, M key, type 2260/2280/22110 PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 SSD support) (M2P_SB, M2Q_SB)
  – 1 x M.2 connector (Socket 3, M key, type 2260/2280/22110 SATA and PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 SSD support) (M2M_SB)
  – 4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors

• Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10

• Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready

• System acceleration with Intel® Optane™ Memory can only be enabled on the M.2 connectors supported by the Chipset.

USB

• Chipset+Intel® Thunderbolt™ 4 Controller:
  – 2 x USB Type-C® ports on the back panel, with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support

• Chipset:
  – 1 x USB Type-C® port with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support, available through the internal USB header
  – 6 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red) on the back panel

• Chipset+USB 3.2 Gen 2 Hub:
  – 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red) on the back panel

• Chipset+USB 3.2 Gen 1 Hub:
  – 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports available through the internal USB headers

• Chipset+USB 2.0 Hub:
  – 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports available through the internal USB header (with the included front USB header extension cable)

Internal Connectors

• 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
• 2 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors
• 1 x CPU fan header
• 1 x CPU fan/water cooling pump header
• 4 x system fan headers
• 4 x system fan/water cooling pump headers
• 1 x noise detection header
• 1 x AORUS RGB Memory Armor power header
• 2 x addressable LED strip + RGB LED strip combo extension cable headers
• 4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
• 4 x M.2 Socket 3 connectors
• 1 x front panel header

Internal Connectors

• 1 x USB Type-C® header, with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support
• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 headers
• 1 x USB 2.0/1.1 header
• 2 x temperature sensor headers
• 1 x power button
• 1 x reset button

Back Panel Connectors

• 1 x Q-Flash Plus button
• 1 x OC Ignition button
• 1 x Clear CMOS button
• 2 x SMA antenna connectors (2T2R)
• 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 connectors (USB Type-C® port, with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support)
• 10 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red)
• 2 x RJ-45 ports
• 1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
• 2 x audio jacks
• The mic in jack supports only mono microphone input.

I/O Controller

• iTE® I/O Controller Chip

Hardware Monitor

• 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.
  • Noise detection

BIOS

• 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

Unique Features

• Support for APP Center

• Available applications in APP Center may vary by motherboard model. Supportfunctions of each application may also vary depending on motherboard specification
  – @BIOS
  – EasyTune
  – RGB Fusion
  – Smart Backup
  – System Information Viewer

  • Support for Q-Flash Plus
  • Support for Q-Flash
  • Support for Xpress Install

Bundled Software

• Norton® Internet Security (OEM version)
• cFosSpeed

Operating System

• Support for Windows 11 64-bit
• Support for Windows 10 64-bit

Form Factor

• E-ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 28.5cm

• GIGABYTE reserves the right to make any changes to the product specifications and product-related information without prior notice.

Please visit GIGABYTE’s website for support lists of CPU, memory modules, SSDs, and M.2 devices.

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/Z690-AORUS-XTREME-rev-10?m=dl#support- dl

Please visit the SERVICE/SUPPORT\Utility page on GIGABYTE’s website to download the latest version of apps.

https://www.gigabyte.com/Support/Utility/Motherboard?m=ut

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.

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

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

1. Gently press the CPU socket lever handle down and away from the socket.
2. Completely lift up the CPU socket locking lever.
3. Use 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.

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.

Make sure the CPU is properly installed and then close the load plate.
The plastic protective 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 when the CPU is not installed to protect the CPU socket.

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.

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.)

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

2. 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.

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

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_A1, DDR5_A2

• Channel B: DDR5_B1, DDR5_B2

• Recommanded Dual Channel Memory Configuration:

| DDR5 Al| DDR5 A2| DDR5 B1| DDR5 B2
---|---|---|---|---
2 Modules| – –| DS/SS| | DS/SS
4 Modules| DS/SS| DS/SS| 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.

When installing a single memory module, we recommend that you install it in the DDR5_A2 socket.

Installing the AORUS RGB Memory Armor
Refer to the illustration below to install the AORUS RGB Memory Armor.

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 the metal contacts on the card are completely inserted into the slot.
4. Secure the card’s metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.
5. After installing all expansion cards, replace the chassis cover(s).
6. Turn on your computer. If necessary, go to BIOS Setup to make any required BIOS changes for your expansion card(s).
7. Install the driver provided with the expansion card in your operating system.

2-6 Back Panel Connectors

a Q-Flash Plus Button (Note)
This button allows you to update the BIOS when the power connector is connected but the system is not powered on.
b OC Ignition Button
The OC Ignition button allows overclockers and DIY users to pre-test water cooling setups when building up their computers without needing to boot the system. It also allows the system fans to keep spinning at a low temperature and  allows for a firmware update even without a CPU installed. Visit GIGABYTE’s website for more usages and features.
c SMA Antenna Connectors (2T2R)
Use this connector to connect an antenna.
Tighten the antennas to the antenna connectors and then aim the antennas correctly for better signal reception.
d 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.
Clear CMOS Button
Use this button to clear the CMOS values (e.g. BIOS configuration) and reset the CMOS values to factory defaults when needed.

• 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).
  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), makesure to insert the USB flash drive into this port first.
  (Note) To enable the Q-Flash Plus function, please navigate to the “Unique Features” page of GIGABYTE’s website for more information.

• 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.

g RJ-45 LAN Port (LAN2)
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.

h Thunderbolt ™ 4 Connector (USB Type-C ® Port) The connector supports standard DisplayPort and Thunderbolt ™ video outputs. You can connect a standard DisplayPort/Thunderbolt ™ monitor to this connector with an adapter. The Thunderbolt ™ connector can daisy chain up to five Thunderbolt ™ devices. Because of the limited I/O resources of the PC architecture, the number of Thunderbolt ™ devices that can be used is dependent on the number of the PCI Express devices being installed. You can adjust the Thunderbolt ™ settings under Settings\Thunderbolt Configuration in BIOS Setup. The maximum supported resolution is 5120 x 2880@60 Hz with 24 bpp via single display output, but the actual resolutions supported are dependent on the monitor being used. Also, the connector is reversible and supports the USB 3.2 Gen 2 specification and is compatible to the USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 specification. You can use this port for USB devices, too.

i RJ-45 LAN Port (LAN1)
The Gigabit Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 10 Gbps data rate. The following describes the states of the LAN port LEDs.

Line Out
The line out jack. For better sound quality, it is recommended that you connect your headphone/speaker to this jack (actual effects may vary by the device being used).
Mic In
The mic in jack. The mic in jack supports only mono microphone input.
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.

2-7 Internal Connectors

Read the following guidelines before connecting external devices:

• First make sure your devices are compliant with the connectors you wish to connect.
• Before installing the devices, be sure to turn off the devices and your computer. Unplug the power cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the devices.
• After installing the device and before turning on the computer, make sure the device cable has been securely attached to the connector on the motherboard.

1/2) 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 0F 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.

ATX:

3/4) CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/2/3/4 (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.

SYS_FAN5/6/7/8_PUMP (System Fan/Water Cooling Pump Headers)
The fan/pump headers 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. 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.

• 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.

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.

EC_TEMP1/EC_TEMP2 (Temperature Sensor Headers)
Connect the thermistor cables to the headers for temperature detection.

LED_C1/LED_C2 (Addressable LED Strip + RGB LED Strip Combo Extension Cable Headers)
Connect the included integrated extension cable for addressable and RGB LED strips to the header. The other two ends of the cable can respectively connect to a standard 5050 RGB LED strip (12V/G/R/B), with maximum power rating  of 2A (12V) and maximum length of 2m and a standard 5050 addressable LED strip, with maximum power rating of 5A (5V) and maximum number of 1000 LEDs. Before connecting your LED strip, remove the cap from the integrated  extension cable. The power pin of the LED strip must be connected to Pin 1 of the 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.

NOISE_SENSOR (Noise Detection Header)
This header can be used to connect a noise detection cable to detect the noise inside the case.

For more information on the noise detection function, please navigate to the “Unique Features” page of GIGABYTE’s website and search for “System Information Viewer.”
Before connecting the cable to the header, make sure to remove the jumper cap; re-place the jumper cap if the header is not in use.

SATA3 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.

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.

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.

Follow the steps below to correctly install an M.2 SSD in the M.2 connector.
Step 1:
Locate the M.2 connector where you will install the M.2 SSD, use a screwdriver to unfasten the screw on the heatsink and then remove the heatsink. Remove the protective film from the thermal pad on the M.2 connector.
Step 2:
Locate the proper mounting hole based on the length of your M.2 SSD drive. If needed, move the standoff to the desired mounting hole. Insert the M.2 SSD into the M.2 connector at an angle.
Step 3:
Press the M.2 SSD down and then use the included screw to secure it in the connector. Replace the heatsink and secure it to the original hole. Remove the protective film from the bottom of the heatsink before replacing the heatsink.

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

| M.2 PCIe x4 SSD| M.2 PCIe x2 SSD| M.2 SATA SSD
---|---|---|---
M2A_CPU| | |
M2P_SB| | |
M2Q_SB| | |
M2M_SB| | |

If you want to install an operating system on an M.2 PCIe SSD, you need to install the Intel® RST VMD Controller driver first. Refer to Chapter 4 for more instructions.

F_PANEL (Front Panel Header)
Connect one end of the front panel extension cable to this header and connect the power switch, reset switch, speaker, chassis intrusion switch/sensor and system status indicator on the chassis front panel to the other end. Note the positive and negative pins before connecting the cables.

• PW (Power Switch):
  Connects to the power switch on the chassis front panel. You may 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.

F_U320G (USB Type-C® Header with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Support)
The header conforms to USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 specification and can provide one USB port.

F_U32_1/F_U32_2 (USB 3.2 Gen 1 Headers)
The headers conform to USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 specification and each header 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.
F_USB1 (USB 2.0/1.1 Header)
Connect one end of the front USB header extension cable to this header and the other ends to two USB brackets. 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. For purchasing the optional USB bracket, please contact the local dealer.

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.

PW_SW/RST_SW (Power Button and Reset Button)
This motherboard has 2 quick buttons: power button and reset button. The power button and reset button allow users to quickly turn on/off or reset the computer in an open-case environment when they want to change hardware components or conduct hardware testing.

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.

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.

LED_DDR (AORUS RGB Memory Armor Power Header)
This header provides power and signals to the LEDs on AORUS RGB Memory Armor.

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 @BIOS utility.

• Q-Flash allows the user to quickly and easily upgrade or back up BIOS without entering the operating system.
• @BIOS is a Windows-based utility that searches and downloads the latest version of BIOS from the Internet and updates the BIOS.

For instructions on using the Q-Flash and @BIOS 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 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/819/z690-bios.html

Startup Screen:
The following startup Logo screen will appear when the computer boots.

Function Keys:
: BIOS SETUP\Q-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.