Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SOC FORCE User manual

GA-Z97X-SOC Force

User's Manual

Rev. 1001

12ME-Z97XSOF-1001R

Motherboard

GA-Z97X-SOC Force

Mar. 31, 2014

Motherboard

GA-Z97X-SOC Force

Copyright

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 specications 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 Classications

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

documentations:

 For quick set-up of the product, read the Quick Installation Guide included with the product.

 For detailed product information, carefully read the User's Manual.

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

Identifying Your Motherboard Revision

The revision number on your motherboard looks like this: "REV: X.X." For example, "REV:

1.0" means the revision of the motherboard is 1.0. Check your motherboard revision before

updating motherboard BIOS, drivers, or when looking for technical information.

Example:

- 4 -

Table of Contents

Box Contents ...................................................................................................................6

Optional Items .................................................................................................................6

GA-Z97X-SOC Force Motherboard Layout .....................................................................7

GA-Z97X-SOC Force Motherboard Block Diagram .........................................................8

Chapter 1 Hardware Installation .....................................................................................9

1-1 Installation Precautions .................................................................................... 9

1-2 ProductSpecications .................................................................................... 10

1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler ............................................................... 14

1-3-1 Installing the CPU ...................................................................................................14

1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler .......................................................................................16

1-4 Installing the Memory ..................................................................................... 17

1-4-1 DualChannelMemoryConguration .....................................................................17

1-4-2 Installing a Memory ................................................................................................18

1-5 Installing an Expansion Card ......................................................................... 19

1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFire

™

/NVIDIA

®

SLI

™

Conguration .............................. 20

1-7 Back Panel Connectors .................................................................................. 22

1-8 Onboard Buttons, Switches, and LEDs .......................................................... 24

1-9 Internal Connectors ........................................................................................ 28

Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ..................................................................................................39

2-1 Startup Screen ............................................................................................... 40

2-2 The Main Menu .............................................................................................. 41

2-3 M.I.T. .............................................................................................................. 44

2-4 System Information ........................................................................................ 56

2-5 BIOS Features ............................................................................................... 57

2-6 Peripherals ..................................................................................................... 61

2-7 Power Management ....................................................................................... 64

2-8 Save & Exit ..................................................................................................... 66

Chapter3 ConguringSATAHardDrive(s) ................................................................... 67

3-1 ConguringSATAControllers ......................................................................... 67

3-2 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System ....................... 79

- 5 -

Chapter 4 Drivers Installation ........................................................................................83

4-1 Chipset Drivers ............................................................................................... 83

4-2 Application Software ...................................................................................... 84

4-3 Information ..................................................................................................... 84

Chapter 5 Unique Features ...........................................................................................85

5-1 BIOS Update Utilities ..................................................................................... 85

5-1-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility .............................................................85

5-1-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility .............................................................88

5-2 APP Center .................................................................................................... 89

5-2-1 EasyTune................................................................................................................90

5-2-2 System Information Viewer .....................................................................................91

5-2-3 EZ Setup .................................................................................................................92

5-2-4 Fast Boot ................................................................................................................97

5-2-5 Smart TimeLock......................................................................................................98

5-2-6 Smart Recovery 2 ...................................................................................................99

5-2-7 USB Blocker .........................................................................................................101

5-2-8 Smart Switch ........................................................................................................102

Chapter 6 Appendix ....................................................................................................103

6-1 Qualcomm

®

Atheros Killer Network Manager ............................................... 103

6-2 ConguringAudioInputandOutput ............................................................. 104

6-2-1 Conguring2/4/5.1/7.1-ChannelAudio .................................................................104

6-2-2 ConguringS/PDIFOut ........................................................................................106

6-2-3 ConguringMicrophoneRecording ......................................................................107

6-2-4 Using the Sound Recorder ...................................................................................109

6-3 Troubleshooting............................................................................................ 110

6-3-1 Frequently Asked Questions .................................................................................110

6-3-2 Troubleshooting Procedure ..................................................................................111

6-4 Debug LED Codes ....................................................................................... 113

Regulatory Statements ............................................................................................ 117

Contact Us .............................................................................................................. 123

- 6 -

Box Contents

5 GA-Z97X-SOC Force motherboard

5 Motherboard driver disk

5 User's Manual

5 Quick Installation Guide

5 Four SATA cables

5 I/O Shield

5 One 2-Way SLI bridge connector

5 One 2-Way CrossFire bridge connector

5 Eight voltage measurement cables

5 One OC Brace

Optional Items

 2-portUSB2.0bracket(PartNo.12CR1-1UB030-6*R)

 eSATAbracket(PartNo.12CF1-3SATPW-4*R)

 3.5"FrontPanelwith2USB3.0/2.0ports(PartNo.12CR1-FPX582-2*R)

 HDMI-to-DVIadapter(PartNo.12CT2-HDMI01-1*R)

 COMportcable(PartNo.12CF1-1CM001-3*R)

The box contents above are for reference only and the actual items shall depend on the product package you

obtain. The box contents are subject to change without notice.

- 7 -

GA-Z97X-SOC Force Motherboard Layout

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

CPU_FAN

ATX_12V_2X4

ATX

AUDIO

DDR3_2

DDR3_4

DDR3_3

DDR3_1

BAT

Intel

®

Z97

CLR_CMOS

PCIEX16

LGA1150

GA-Z97X-SOC Force

KB_MS_USB3

SYS_FAN2

R_USB

SATA3

CODEC

1

0

RST_SW

MEM_SAFE

F_PANEL

Qualcomm

®

Atheros

Killer E2201 LAN

VGA

ATX_12V

USB30_LAN

+

_

SYS_FAN6

CBAT_SW

3 2

5 4

PCI1

PCIEX4_1

PCIEX1

DVI

SYS_FAN1

CPU_OPT

PCIE_SW

SYS_FAN4

F_USB30F_USB1

SPDIF_O

F_AUDIO

DP_HDMI_SPDIF

OC_PEG

F_USB3

F_USB2

PCIEX8

PCI2

PCIEX4_2

SYS_FAN5

PW_SW

RATIO_DW

RATIO_UP

FREQ_DW

+

_

FREQ_UP

GEAR

TURBO

TAG

B_BIOS

BBIOS_LED

MBIOS_LED

M_BIOS

COMA

PCIe to PCI Bridge

DTB

SET_LOCK

SB

BIOS_SW

TGR

CMOS_SW

SYS_FAN3

SATA_EXPRESS

DIMM_SW

Debug LED

(Note)

OC_IGNITION

iTE

®

Super I/O

- 8 -

GA-Z97X-SOC Force Motherboard Block Diagram

Fordetailedproductinformation/limitation(s),referto"1-2ProductSpecications."

LGA1150

CPU

CPUCLK+/-(100MHz)

Dual BIOS

DDR31600/1333MHz

PCI Express Bus

PCIe CLK

(100MHz)

DMI 2.0

FDI

4 SATA 6Gb/s

LPC Bus

Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out

Line Out

MIC

Line In

S/PDIF Out

Rear Speaker Out

PCIe CLK

(100MHz)

PCI Express Bus

2 PCI Express x4

x8

Switch

x16

Switch

2 PCI Express x8

x16

PS/2 KB/Mouse

iTE

®

Super I/O

DVI

HDMI

DisplayPort

Intel

®

Z97

Side Speaker Out

CODEC

COM

2 PCI

PCI Bus

PCI CLK

(33MHz)

PCIe to PCI

Bridge

x1

D-Sub

x1

LAN

RJ45

Qualcomm

®

Atheros Killer

E2201 LAN

6 USB 3.0/2.0

8 USB 2.0/1.1

1 SATA Express

2 PCI Express x1

x4

x1x1

Switch

or

1 PCI Express x4

2 SATA 6Gb/s

or

Dual Channel Memory

oror

1 PCI Express x16

1 PCI Express x8

- 9 -

Hardware Installation

1-1 Installation Precautions

The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can become

damagedasaresultofelectrostaticdischarge(ESD).Priortoinstallation,carefullyreadtheuser's

manual and follow these procedures:

• Prior to installation, make sure the chassis is suitable for the motherboard.

• Priorto installation, do not remove or breakmotherboardS/N (Serial Number) sticker or

warranty sticker provided by your dealer. These stickers are required for warranty validation.

• Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the power outlet before

installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware components.

• When connecting hardware components to the internal connectors on the motherboard, make

sure they are connected tightly and securely.

• When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.

• Itis best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap whenhandlingelectronic

components such as a motherboard, CPU or memory. If you do not have an ESD wrist strap,

keepyourhandsdryandrsttouchametalobjecttoeliminatestaticelectricity.

• Prior to installing the motherboard, please have it on top of an antistatic pad or within an

electrostatic shielding container.

• Before unplugging the power supply cable from the motherboard, make sure the power supply

has been turned off.

• Before turning on the power, make sure the power supply voltage has been set according to

the local voltage standard.

• Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors of your hardware

components are connected.

• To prevent damage to the motherboard, do not allow screws to come in contact with the

motherboard circuit or its components.

• Make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or

within the computer casing.

• Do not place the computer system on an uneven surface.

• Do not place the computer system in a high-temperature environment.

• Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to system

components as well as physical harm to the user.

• If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the

product,pleaseconsultacertiedcomputertechnician.

Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

- 10 -

Hardware Installation

1-2 ProductSpecications

CPU



Support for Intel

®

Core

™

i7 processors/Intel

®

Core

™

i5 processors/

Intel

®

Core

™

i3 processors/Intel

®

Pentium

®

processors/

Intel

®

Celeron

®

processors in the LGA1150 package

(GotoGIGABYTE'swebsiteforthelatestCPUsupportlist.)



L3 cache varies with CPU

Chipset



Intel

®

Z97 Express Chipset

Memory



4 x DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 32 GB of system memory

 * Dueto a Windows 32-bit operating system limitation, whenmorethan4 GB of

physicalmemoryisinstalled, theactualmemory sizedisplayedwillbelessthan

thesizeofthephysicalmemoryinstalled.



Dual channel memory architecture



SupportforDDR31600/1333MHzmemorymodules



Support for non-ECC memory modules



SupportforExtremeMemoryProle(XMP)memorymodules

 (GotoGIGABYTE'swebsiteforthelatestsupportedmemoryspeedsand

memorymodules.)

Onboard

Graphics

 Integrated Graphics Processor:

- 1xD-Subport,supportingamaximumresolutionof1920x1200@60Hz

- 1 x DVI-D port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920x1200@60Hz

 * TheDVI-DportdoesnotsupportD-Subconnectionbyadapter. 

- 1xHDMIport,supportingamaximumresolutionof4096x2160@24Hzor

2560x1600@60Hz

* SupportforHDMI1.4aversion.

- 1xDisplayPort,supportingamaximumresolutionof4096x2160@24Hzor

3840x2160@60Hz

* SupportforDisplayPort1.2version.

- Support for up to 3 displays at the same time

- Maximum shared memory of 1 GB

Audio



Realtek

®

ALC1150 codec



HighDenitionAudio



2/4/5.1/7.1-channel



Support for S/PDIF Out

LAN



Qualcomm

®

AtherosKillerE2201chip(10/100/1000Mbit)

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 will operate at up to x8 mode.



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

  * ThePCIEX4_1slotsharesbandwidthwiththePCIEX8andPCIEX16slots.When

the PCIEX4_1 slot is populated, the PCIEX16 slot will operate at up to x8 mode

and the PCIEX8 will operate at up to x4 mode.

- 11 -

Hardware Installation

Expansion Slots

* When installing a x8 or above card in the PCIEX4_1 slot, make sure to set PCIE

Slot Conguration (CPU) in BIOS Setup to x4. (Refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup,"

"Peripherals," for more information.)

* The PCIEX4_2 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX1 slots. The PCIEX1 slot will

become unavailable when a PCIe x4 expansion card is installed.

(The PCIEX16, PCIEX8 and PCIEX4_1 slots conform to PCI Express 3.0

standard.)

- 1 x PCI Express x1 slot

(The PCIEX4_2 and PCIEX1 slots conform to PCI Express 2.0 standard.)

- 2 x PCI slots

Multi-Graphics

Technology



Support for 4-Way/3-Way/2-Way AMD CrossFire

™

/2-Way NVIDIA

®

SLI

™

technology

Storage Interface



Chipset:

- 1 x SATA Express connector

- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors

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

(SATA Express and SATA3 4/5 connectors can only be used one at a time.)

USB



Chipset:

- 6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (4 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available through

the internal USB header)

- 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports on the back panel, 2 ports onboard, 2 ports

available through the internal USB header)

Internal

Connectors



1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector



1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector



1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector



1 x OC PEG power connector



1 x SATA Express connector



6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors



1 x CPU fan header



1 x water cooling fan header (CPU_OPT)



6 x system fan headers



1 x front panel header



1 x front panel audio header



1 x S/PDIF Out header



1 x USB 3.0/2.0 header



1 x USB 2.0/1.1 header



2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports



1 x serial port header



1 x Clear CMOS jumper



1 x power button



1 x reset button



1 x Clear CMOS button



1 x Gear button



1 x OC Turbo button



1 x OC Tag button



1 x OC Trigger switch



1 x CPU BCLK Down button

- 12 -

Hardware Installation

Internal

Connectors



1 x CPU BCLK Up button



1 x CPU Ratio Down button



1 x CPU Ratio Up button



1 x Memory Safe button



1 x Settings Lock button



1 x Direct to BIOS button



1 x OC DIMM switch



1 x OC PCIe switch



1 x OC Ignition button



1 x Clear Battery button



2 x BIOS switches



1 x onboard voltage measurement module

Back Panel

Connectors

 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports

 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports

 1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector

 1 x D-Sub port

 1 x DVI-D port

 1 x HDMI port

 1 x DisplayPort

 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port

 1 x RJ-45 port

 6xaudiojacks(Center/SubwooferSpeakerOut,RearSpeakerOut,SideSpeaker

Out,LineIn,LineOut,MicIn)

I/O Controller  iTE I/O Controller Chip

Hardware

Monitor

 System voltage detection

 CPU/System/Chipset temperature detection

 CPU/CPU OPT/System fan speed detection

 CPU/System overheating warning

 CPU/CPU OPT/System fan fail warning

 CPU/CPU OPT/System fan speed control

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

install.

BIOS  2x128Mbitash

 Use of licensed AMI UEFI BIOS

 Support for DualBIOS

™

 PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.7, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 2.0

Unique Features



Support for APP Center

* AvailableapplicationsinAPPCentermaydifferbymotherboardmodel.Supported

functions of each application may also differ depending on motherboard

specications.

- @BIOS

- EasyTune

- EZ Setup

- Fast Boot

- ON/OFF Charge

- Smart TimeLock

- 13 -

Hardware Installation

Unique Features - Smart Recovery 2

- System Information Viewer

- USB Blocker



Support for Q-Flash



Support for Smart Switch



Support for Xpress Install

Bundled

Software



Norton

®

InternetSecurity(OEMversion)



Intel

®

Rapid Start Technology



Intel

®

Smart Connect Technology



Intel

®

Smart Response Technology

Operating

System

 Support for Windows 8.1/8/7

Form Factor  ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm

* GIGABYTEreservestherighttomakeanychangestotheproductspecicationsandproduct-relatedinformationwithout

prior notice.

* PleasevisittheSupport & Downloads\UtilitypageonGIGABYTE'swebsitetocheckthesupportedoperatingsystem(s)

for the software listed in the "Unique Features" and "Bundled Software" columns.

- 14 -

Hardware Installation

1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler

Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the CPU:

• Make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.

(GotoGIGABYTE'swebsiteforthelatestCPUsupportlist.)

• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing the

CPU to prevent hardware damage.

• LocatethepinoneoftheCPU.TheCPUcannotbeinsertediforientedincorrectly.(Oryoumay

locatethenotchesonbothsidesoftheCPUandalignmentkeysontheCPUsocket.)

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

• Do not turn on the computer if the CPU cooler is not installed, otherwise overheating and damage

of the CPU may occur.

• SettheCPUhostfrequencyinaccordancewiththeCPUspecications.Itisnotrecommended

thatthesystembusfrequencybesetbeyondhardwarespecicationssinceitdoesnotmeetthe

standard requirements for the peripherals. If you wish to set the frequency beyond the standard

specications,pleasedosoaccordingtoyourhardwarespecicationsincludingtheCPU,graphics

card, memory, hard drive, etc.

1-3-1 Installing the CPU

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

Notch

Alignment KeyAlignment Key

Notch

LGA1150 CPU

LGA1150 CPU Socket

Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket

Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU

- 15 -

Hardware Installation

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

Step 1:

Gently press the CPU socket lever handle down

andawayfromthesocketwithyournger.Then

completely lift the CPU socket lever and the metal

load plate/plastic cover will be lifted as well.

Step 2:

HoldtheCPUwithyourthumbandindexngers.

AligntheCPUpinonemarking(triangle)withthe

pinonecorneroftheCPUsocket(oryoumayalign

theCPUnotcheswiththesocketalignmentkeys)

and gently insert the CPU into position.

Step 4:

Finally, secure the lever under its retention tab to

complete the installation of the CPU.

NOTE:

Hold the CPU socket lever by the handle, not the lever base portion.

• Before installing the CPU, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from

the power outlet to prevent damage to the CPU.

• To protect the socket contacts, do not remove the protective plastic cover unless the CPU is

inserted into the CPU socket. Save the cover properly and replace it if the CPU is removed.

Step 3:

Once the CPU is properly inserted, carefully

replace the load plate. When replacing the load

plate, make sure the front end of the load plate

is under the shoulder screw. Then press the CPU

socket lever. The protective plastic cover may

pop off from the load plate during the process of

engagingthelever.Removethecover.(Savethe

cover properly and always replace it when the

CPUisnotinstalled.)

- 16 -

Hardware Installation

1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler

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

Use extreme care when removing the CPU cooler because the thermal grease/tape between the CPU

cooler and CPU may adhere to the CPU. Inadequately removing the CPU cooler may damage the CPU.

Step 1:

Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on

the surface of the installed CPU.

Step 3:

Place the cooler atop the CPU, aligning the

four push pins through the pin holes on the

motherboard. Push down on the push pins

diagonally.

Step 4:

You should hear a "click" when pushing down each

push pin. Check that the Male and Female push

pins are joined closely.

(RefertoyourCPUcoolerinstallationmanualfor

instructionsoninstallingthecooler.)

Step 5:

After the installation, check the back of the

motherboard. If the push pin is inserted as the

picture above shows, the installation is complete.

Step 6:

Finally, attach the power connector of the CPU

coolertotheCPUfanheader(CPU_FAN)onthe

motherboard.

Male

Push Pin

Female

Push Pin

The Top

of Female

Push Pin

Direction of

the Arrow Sign

on the Male

Push Pin

Step 2:

Before installing the cooler, note the direction of the

arrow sign onthemalepushpin.(Turningthe

push pin along the direction of arrow is to remove

thecooler,onthecontrary,istoinstall.)

- 17 -

Hardware Installation

1-4 Installing the Memory

Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the memory:

• Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended that memory of the same

capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.

(GotoGIGABYTE'swebsiteforthelatestsupportedmemoryspeedsandmemorymodules.)

• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing the

memory to prevent hardware damage.

• Memory modules have a foolproof design. A memory module can be installed in only one direction.

If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.

DDR3_1

DDR3_2

DDR3_3

DDR3_4

1-4-1 DualChannelMemoryConguration

This motherboard provides four DDR3 memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. After the

memoryisinstalled,theBIOSwillautomaticallydetectthespecicationsandcapacityofthememory.Enabling

Dual Channel memory mode will double the original memory bandwidth.

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

following:

Channel A: DDR3_2, DDR3_4

Channel B: DDR3_1, DDR3_3

 DualChannelMemoryCongurationsTable

DDR3_4 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_1

Two Modules - - DS/SS - - DS/SS

DS/SS - - DS/SS - -

Four Modules DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS

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

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

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

2. When enabling Dual Channel mode with two or four memory modules, it is recommended that memory

of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used and installed in the same colored DDR3

sockets. For optimum performance, when enabling Dual Channel mode with two memory modules,

we recommend that you install them in the DDR3_1 and DDR3_2 sockets.

- 18 -

Hardware Installation

1-4-2 Installing a Memory

Before installing a memory module, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power

cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the memory module. DDR3 and DDR2 DIMMs

are not compatible to each other or DDR DIMMs. Be sure to install DDR3 DIMMs on this

motherboard.

Notch

DDR3 DIMM

ADDR3memorymodulehasanotch,soitcanonlytinonedirection.Followthestepsbelowtocorrectlyinstall

your memory modules in the memory sockets.

Step 1:

Note the orientation of the memory module. Spread the retaining clip

at the right end of the memory socket. Place the memory module on

thesocket.Asindicatedinthepictureontheleft,placeyourngers

on the top edge of the memory, push down on the memory and insert

it vertically into the memory socket.

Step 2:

The clip at the right end of the socket will snap into place when the

memory module is securely inserted.

- 19 -

Hardware Installation

1-5 Installing an Expansion Card

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

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

with your expansion card.

• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing an

expansion card to prevent hardware damage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Turn on your computer. If necessary, go to BIOS Setup to make any required BIOS changes for your

expansioncard(s).

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

Example: Installing and Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card:

PCI Express x1 Slot

PCI Express x16 Slot

• Installing a Graphics Card:

Gently push down on the top edge of the card until

it is fully inserted into the PCI Express slot. Make

sure the card is securely seated in the slot and

does not rock.

• Removing the Card:

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

the slot.

PCI Slot

- 20 -

Hardware Installation

1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFire

™

/NVIDIA

®

SLI

™

Conguration

A. System Requirements

- Windows 8.1/8/7 operating system

- A CrossFire/SLI-supported motherboard with two or more PCI Express x16 slots and correct driver

- CrossFire/SLI-ready graphics cards of identical brand and chip and correct driver

Current GPUs that support 3-Way/4-Way CrossFire technology include the ATI Radeon

™

HD

3800, HD 4800, HD 5800 series, and AMD Radeon

™

HD 6800, HD 6900, HD 7800, and HD

7900series. Forthe latestGPU support information, pleaserefer to theAMD officialwebsite.)

CrossFire

(Note1)

/SLI bridge connectors

- Apowersupplywithsufcientpowerisrecommended

(Note2)

(Refertothemanualofyourgraphicscards

forthepowerrequirement)

B. Connecting the Graphics Cards

Step 1:

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

Expressx16slots.(Tosetupa2-Wayconguration,werecommendinstallingthegraphicscardsinthePCIEX16

andPCIEX8slots.Tosetupa3-Wayconguration,werecommendinstallingthegraphicscardsinthePCIEX16,

PCIEX8,andPCIEX4_1slots.)

Step 2:

Insert the CrossFire

(Note1)

/SLI bridge connectors in the CrossFire/SLI gold edge connectors on top of the cards.

Step 3:

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

C-2. To Enable SLI Function

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

the NVIDIA Control Panel. Browse to the CongureSLI,Surround,

Physx screen and ensure Maximize 3D performance is enabled.

C.ConguringtheGraphicsCardDriver

C-1. To Enable CrossFire Function

After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system,

go to the Catalyst Control Center. Browse to Performance\

AMD CrossFireX

™

Conguration and ensure the Enable

CrossFireX

™

check box is selected. If your system have more

than two CrossFire cards, select the GPU combination you

wanttouseandclickApply.(Availablecombinationoptionsare

dependentonthenumberofgraphicscards.)

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Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SOC FORCE User manual

Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SOC FORCE User manual

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