GIGABYTE X870M AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ICE (01) PDF Document

The revision number on your GIGABYTE X870M AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ICE motherboard is printed on the board itself and looks like this: “REV: X.X”. For example, “REV: 1.0” means the revision of the motherboard is 1.0. You should check your motherboard revision before updating the BIOS, drivers, or when looking for technical information.

The box for the GIGABYTE X870M AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ICE contains the following items:

• X870M AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ICE or X870M AORUS ELITE WIFI7 motherboard

• User’s Manual

• Quick Installation Guide

• One antenna

• Two SATA cables

• One G Connector

• Two packs of M.2 thick/thin rubber pads

Note: The box contents are for reference only and the actual items depend on the product package you obtain. The contents are subject to change without notice.

Before installing your GIGABYTE X870M AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ICE, please follow these precautions to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD) and ensure proper installation:

• Ensure the chassis is suitable for the motherboard.

• Do not remove or break the motherboard S/N (Serial Number) sticker or warranty sticker.

• Always unplug the power cord from the outlet before installing or removing components.

• Ensure all hardware components are connected tightly and securely to the internal connectors.

• Avoid touching any metal leads or connectors when handling the motherboard.

• Wear an ESD wrist strap. If you don’t have one, keep your hands dry and touch a metal object first to discharge static electricity.

• Place the motherboard on an antistatic pad or in an electrostatic shielding container before installation.

• Make sure the power supply is turned off before connecting or unplugging its cable from the motherboard.

• Verify the power supply voltage is set correctly for your local standard before turning it on.

• Confirm that all cables and power connectors for your hardware are connected before use.

• Do not allow screws to contact the motherboard circuit or its components.

• Ensure no leftover screws or metal components are on the motherboard or inside the computer case.

• Do not place the computer system on an uneven surface or in a high-temperature or wet environment.

• Turning on the computer during installation can damage components and cause physical harm.

• If you are uncertain about any installation steps, consult a certified computer technician.

• If using an adapter, extension power cable, or power strip, consult its installation and grounding instructions.

Before you begin to install the CPU, please follow these guidelines:

• Make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU you are installing.

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

• Locate pin one of the CPU. The CPU cannot be inserted if oriented incorrectly. You can also locate the notches on both sides of the CPU and align them with the 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, as overheating and damage to the CPU may occur.

• Set the CPU host frequency according to the CPU specifications. It is not recommended to set the system bus frequency beyond hardware specifications as it may cause instability.

• Note the alignment keys on the motherboard CPU socket and the notches on the CPU for correct orientation. The triangle pin one marking on the CPU should align with the triangle pin one marking of the CPU socket.

• 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.

Follow these steps to correctly install the CPU into the motherboard’s AM5 socket:

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

2. With your fingers, hold the plastic protective cover attached to the metal load plate to lift open the metal load plate.

3. Hold the CPU by its edges. Align the CPU’s pin one marking (triangle) with the pin one corner of the CPU socket (or align the CPU notches with the socket alignment keys) and gently insert the CPU into position.

4. Make sure the CPU is properly seated and then close the load plate. Secure the socket lever under its retention tab. The plastic protective cover will pop off by itself and can be removed.

Important: Do not force the CPU socket locking lever if the CPU is not installed correctly, as this could damage the CPU and the socket.

After installing the CPU, you must install a CPU cooler. The actual process may differ depending on your cooler model.

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

2. Install the cooler based on its type:

Type A (Lever-based cooler):

• Hook the CPU cooler clip to the mounting lug on one side of the retention frame.

• On the other side, push straight down on the CPU cooler clip to hook it to the other mounting lug.

• Turn the cam handle from the left to the right to lock it into place.

Type B (Screw-based cooler):

• First, remove the four screws from the CPU retention frame and remove the frame itself.

• Align the four shoulder screws on the CPU cooler with the standoffs from the back plate.

• Fasten each shoulder screw in a 1-2-3-4 (crisscross) pattern. It is recommended to not fasten each screw all the way in one step. Follow the 1-2-3-4 order, fastening each screw one clockwise rotation at a time, and repeat until all screws are securely fastened.

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

Before installing memory, read the following guidelines:

• Make sure the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended to use memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips.

• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord before installing memory.

• Memory modules have a foolproof design and can only be installed in one direction. If you cannot insert the memory, switch the direction.

• When installing memory modules, be sure to install in the DDR5_A2 socket first.

The memory status LED (DRAM) will light up if the memory module is installed in the incorrect slot before booting. Refer to the table for memory installation instructions.

Recommended Memory Configurations:

(✓=Installed, – -=No Memory) (*=Recommended Dual Channel Memory Configurations)

Dual Channel Memory Configuration

This motherboard supports Dual Channel Technology. Enabling Dual Channel memory mode will double the original memory bandwidth. The four memory sockets are divided into two channels:

• Channel A: DDR5_A1, DDR5_A2

• Channel B: DDR5_B1, DDR5_B2

For Dual Channel mode:

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

2. When using two or four memory modules, it is recommended that they are of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips.

Follow these steps to correctly install an expansion card (like a graphics card) in an 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 expansion card is fully seated.

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 changes for your expansion card(s).

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

• Clear CMOS Button: Use this button to clear the CMOS values (e.g., BIOS configuration) and reset them to factory defaults. Always turn off and unplug the computer before using this button.

• Q-Flash Plus Button: Allows you to update the BIOS when your system is off (S5 shutdown state). Save the latest BIOS on a USB thumb drive, plug it into the dedicated port (USB 3.2 Gen 2 port labeled for Q-Flash Plus), and press the button to flash the BIOS.

• USB 2.0/1.1 Port: For connecting USB 2.0/1.1 devices.

• USB 3.2 Gen 1 Port: For connecting USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 devices.

• HDMI Port: Connects to an HDMI-supported monitor. Supports resolutions up to 4096×2160@60 Hz.

• USB4® USB Type-C® port (DisplayPort): Supports standard USB4 Type-C and DisplayPort display output. Maximum resolution is 3840×2160@240 Hz. The connector is reversible and compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, Gen 2, Gen 1, and USB 2.0.

• RJ-45 LAN Port: Provides Internet connection at up to 2.5 Gbps data rate. See the table below for LED states.

• USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Port (Red): For connecting USB 3.2 Gen 2, Gen 1, and USB 2.0 devices. One of these ports also serves as the Q-Flash Plus port.

• Antenna Connectors (2T2R): Use these connectors to connect an antenna for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

• Line Out/Front Speaker Out (Green): The line out jack.

• Mic In/Rear Speaker Out (Pink): The Mic in jack.

• Optical S/PDIF Out Connector: Provides digital audio out to an external audio system that supports digital optical audio.

RJ-45 LAN Port LED States:

Audio Jack Configurations:

Quick Buttons

The GIGABYTE X870M AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ICE has two quick buttons for use in an open-case environment:

• POWER: Power Button – Turns the computer on/off.

• RESET: Reset Button – Resets the computer. This button can also be remapped to perform different tasks via the BIOS Setup.

Status LEDs

The status LEDs indicate the status of key components during system power-on:

• CPU: CPU status LED. If on, the CPU is not working normally.

• DRAM: Memory status LED. If on, the memory is not working normally.

• VGA: Graphics card status LED. If on, the graphics card is not working normally.

• BOOT: Operating system status LED. If on, it indicates you haven’t entered the operating system yet.

The motherboard has two power connectors: a 2×4 12V power connector (ATX_12V) and a 2×12 main power connector (ATX). The 12V power connector mainly supplies power to the CPU, and the computer will not start if it is not connected. It is recommended to use a power supply of 500W or greater.

ATX_12V (2×4 12V Power Connector) Pinout:

ATX (2×12 Main Power Connector) Pinout:

All fan and pump headers on the motherboard are 4-pin and possess a foolproof insertion design. When connecting a fan cable, ensure the black connector wire is the ground wire. For speed control, a fan with a speed control design is required.

• CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/2/3 (Fan Headers): Standard 4-pin fan headers.

• FAN4_PUMP (System Fan/Water Cooling Pump Header): This 4-pin header can be used for a system fan or a water cooling pump and provides speed control for either.

• CPU_OPT (CPU Fan/Water Cooling Pump Header): A 4-pin header that can be used for a secondary CPU fan or a water cooling pump.

Pin Definitions for all Fan/Pump Headers:

Maximum Current and Power Ratings:

ARGB_V2_1/2/3 (Addressable RGB Gen2 LED Strip Headers)

These headers are for standard 5050 addressable RGB Gen2 LED strips. They support a maximum power rating of 3A (5V) and a maximum of 256 LEDs. The power pin (marked with a triangle on the plug) of the LED strip must connect to Pin 1 (V (5V)).

LED_C (RGB LED Strip Header)

This header is for a standard 5050 RGB LED strip (12V/G/R/B). It supports a maximum power rating of 2A (12V) and a maximum length of 2m. The power pin (marked with a triangle on the plug) must connect to Pin 1 (12V).

Note: Before installing or removing LED strips, turn off the devices and your computer and unplug the power cord.

This motherboard supports M.2 PCIe SSDs only. Follow these steps to install an M.2 SSD:

Installing the M.2 rubber pad (if applicable):

• For a double-sided M.2 SSD, attach the thick rubber pad to the recommended placement area on the motherboard.

• For a single-sided M.2 SSD, first stick the thin rubber pad to the thick rubber pad, then attach them to the recommended placement area.

For M2A_CPU connector:

1. Turn the M.2 EZ-Latch Click clip on the M2C_SB connector clockwise and remove the motherboard heatsink. Locate the proper mounting hole for your M.2 SSD and secure the M.2 EZ-Latch Plus clip in that hole first.

2. Insert the M.2 SSD into the M.2 connector at an angle. Press down on the front end of the M.2 SSD and ensure it is secured by the EZ-Latch Plus clip.

3. Remove the protective film from the bottom of the motherboard heatsink. Turn the M.2 EZ-Latch Click clip clockwise and install the heatsink back in place.

For M2C_SB connector:

1. Turn the M.2 EZ-Latch Click clip clockwise and remove the motherboard heatsink. If installing a 110mm SSD, remove the EZ-Latch Plus clip from the 80mm hole first.

2. Insert the M.2 SSD into the M.2 connector at an angle. Press down on the front end of the M.2 SSD and ensure it is secured by the clip.

3. Remove the protective film from the bottom of the motherboard heatsink. Turn the M.2 EZ-Latch Click clip clockwise and install the heatsink back in place.

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

Connect the switches and indicators from your computer case to the F_PANEL header. Note the positive and negative pins before connecting.

• PLED/PWR_LED (Power LED): Connects to the power status indicator on the front panel. The LED is on when the system is operating and off in S3/S4/S5 states.

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

• SPEAK (Speaker): Connects to the chassis speaker. The system reports startup status with beep codes.

• HD (Hard Drive Activity LED): Connects to the hard drive activity LED. The LED is on when the hard drive is reading or writing data.

• RES (Reset Switch): Connects to the reset switch on the front panel.

• CI (Chassis Intrusion Header): Connects to a chassis intrusion switch/sensor to detect if the case cover has been removed.

• NC: No Connection.

F_AUDIO (Front Panel Audio Header)

FU3C_20G (USB Type-C® Header, with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Support)

FU3A_5G (USB 3.2 Gen 1 Header)

FUSB_1/FUSB_2 (USB 2.0/1.1 Headers)

RST (Reset Jumper)

This jumper can connect to the reset switch on the chassis front panel. Pressing the reset switch will restart the computer if it freezes. This jumper can also be remapped to perform different functions via the BIOS Setup.

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, use a metal object like a screwdriver to touch the two pins for a few seconds.

• Open: Normal operation.

• Short: Clear CMOS Values.

Important: Always turn off your computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before clearing the CMOS values. After clearing and restarting, go to BIOS Setup to load factory defaults.

The battery provides power to keep values (like BIOS configurations, date, and time) in the CMOS when the computer is off. You can 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. (Alternatively, you can use a metal object like a screwdriver to touch the positive and negative terminals of the battery holder, shorting them for 5 seconds.)

3. Replace the battery, ensuring the positive side (+) faces up.

4. Plug in the power cord and restart your computer.

Battery Precautions:

• Always turn off and unplug the computer before replacing the battery.

• Replace the battery with an equivalent one to avoid damage.

• When installing, note the orientation of the positive (+) and negative (-) sides.

• Used batteries must be handled in accordance with local environmental regulations.

To access the BIOS Setup program, press the <Delete> key during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) when the power is turned on.

The startup screen will show the following function keys:

• <DEL>: BIOS SETUP\Q-FLASH

Press the <Delete> key to enter BIOS Setup or to access the Q-Flash utility within BIOS Setup.

• <F12>: BOOT MENU

Boot Menu allows you to set the first boot device for a single time without entering BIOS Setup. Use the arrow keys to select the device and press <Enter> to accept. The system will boot from that device immediately. After restart, the boot order will revert to the BIOS Setup settings.

• <END>: Q-FLASH

Press the <End> key to access the Q-Flash utility directly without entering BIOS Setup first.

If your operating system installation requires you to provide an additional RAID driver, follow these steps:

Step 1: Obtain the AMD RAID Preinstall Driver file, unzip it, and copy the files to a USB thumb drive.

Step 2: Boot from the Windows setup disc and proceed with the standard OS installation steps. When you reach the screen requesting you to load a driver, select Browse.

Step 3: Insert the USB thumb drive and browse to the location of the drivers. You will need to install the following three drivers in this specific order:

1. AMD-RAID Bottom Device

2. AMD-RAID Controller

3. AMD-RAID Config Device

After installing the drivers, continue with the OS installation.

After you install the operating system, a dialog box will appear on the bottom-right corner of the desktop asking if you want to download and install the drivers and GIGABYTE applications via GIGABYTE Control Center (GCC).

1. Click Install to proceed. (Ensure that in BIOS Setup, the setting at Settings\IO Ports\Gigabyte Utilities Downloader Configuration\Gigabyte Utilities Downloader is set to Enabled.)

2. When the EULA (End User License Agreement) dialog box appears, press <Accept> to install GCC.

3. On the GIGABYTE CONTROL CENTER screen, select the drivers and applications you want to install and click Install.

Before starting the installation, make sure the system is connected to the Internet.

The GIGABYTE X870M AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ICE motherboard supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10. RAID 5 is only available on NVMe SSDs with AMD Ryzen™ 9000 Series Processors.

Before you begin configuring a RAID array, prepare the correct number of SATA hard drives or SSDs. For optimal performance, it is recommended that you use drives with identical model and capacity. An M.2 PCIe SSD cannot be used to set up a RAID set with a SATA hard drive.