GIGABYTE Z790 D DDR4 (01) PDF Document

The revision number on your GIGABYTE Z790 D DDR4 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 motherboard BIOS, drivers, or when looking for technical information.

The box for the GIGABYTE Z790 D DDR4 motherboard contains the following items:

• Z790 D DDR4 motherboard

• User’s Manual

• Two SATA cables

• M.2 screw

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 installation, please carefully read the user’s manual and follow these procedures 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 provided by your dealer, as they are required for warranty validation.

• Always remove AC power by unplugging the power cord from the outlet before installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware.

• When connecting hardware to internal connectors, make sure they are connected tightly and securely.

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

• It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap. If you don’t have one, keep your hands dry and touch a metal object first to eliminate static electricity.

• Place the motherboard on top of an antistatic pad or within an electrostatic shielding container before installation.

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

• Ensure the power supply voltage is set according to the local voltage standard before turning on the power.

• Verify that all cables and power connectors of your hardware components are connected before use.

• To prevent damage, do not allow screws to contact the motherboard circuit or its components.

• Ensure no leftover screws or metal components are on the motherboard or within the computer casing.

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

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

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

Before you begin to install the CPU, read the following guidelines:

• Make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.

• 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. (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.

Note on CPU Orientation:

Note the alignment keys on the motherboard CPU socket and the notches on the CPU. The CPU socket has a Triangle Pin One Marking, and the CPU also has a Triangle Pin One Marking to assist with correct orientation.

Important: 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 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. Completely lift up the CPU socket locking lever.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

Note: 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.

Be sure to install the CPU cooler after installing the CPU. The actual installation process may differ depending on the CPU cooler you use; refer to the user’s manual for your specific 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.

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.

• 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

The GIGABYTE Z790 D DDR4 motherboard provides four memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. After the memory is installed, the BIOS will automatically detect the specifications and capacity. Enabling Dual Channel memory mode will double the original memory bandwidth.

The four memory sockets are divided into two channels:

• Channel A: DDR4_A1, DDR4_A2

• Channel B: DDR4_B1, DDR4_B2

Recommended Dual Channel Memory Configuration:

(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 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, it is recommended that you install it in the DDR4_A2 socket.

Before installing an expansion card, make sure the motherboard supports the card and always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord to prevent hardware damage.

Follow these steps to correctly install your expansion card:

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.

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.

• USB 2.0/1.1 Port (Q-Flash Plus Port): Supports USB 2.0/1.1 specification. Use this port for USB devices. Before using Q-Flash Plus, insert the USB flash drive into this port first.

• USB 2.0/1.1 Port: Supports the USB 2.0/1.1 specification for USB devices.

• PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port: Use this port to connect a PS/2 mouse or keyboard.

• USB 3.2 Gen 1 Port: Supports the USB 3.2 Gen 1 specification and is compatible with USB 2.0. Use this port for USB devices.

• HDMI 2.0 Port: This port is HDCP 2.3 compliant and supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio formats. The maximum supported resolution is 4096×2160@60 Hz, but actual resolutions depend on the monitor being used.

• USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Port (Red): Supports the USB 3.2 Gen 2 specification and is compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0. Use this port for USB devices.

• USB Type-C® Port (with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Support): This reversible USB port supports the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 specification and is compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 1, and USB 2.0 specifications.

• RJ-45 LAN Port: Provides Internet connection at up to 2.5 Gbps data rate. The LAN port LEDs indicate connection speed and activity.

• Line In/Rear Speaker Out: The line in jack for devices such as an optical drive, walkman, etc.

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

• Mic In/Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out: The Mic in jack.

Audio Jack Configurations:

Important: When removing a cable from a back panel connector, first remove it from your device and then from the motherboard. Pull it straight out without rocking it to prevent electrical shorts.

Quick Buttons

• Reset Button (RST_SW): Allows users to quickly turn on/off the computer in an open-case environment for changing hardware or testing. The reset button can be remapped to perform different tasks via the BIOS Setup.

QFLASH_PLUS (Q-Flash Plus 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, and press the Q-Flash Plus button to flash the BIOS automatically. The QFLED will flash during the process and stop when flashing is complete.

The status LEDs on the GIGABYTE Z790 D DDR4 show whether the CPU, memory, graphics card, and operating system are working properly after 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, you haven’t entered the operating system yet.

The GIGABYTE Z790 D DDR4 has one main 2×12 ATX power connector, one 2×2 ATX 12V power connector, and one 2×4 ATX 12V power connector. The 12V power connectors mainly supply power to the CPU. If the 12V power connectors are not connected, the computer will not start. It is recommended to use a power supply of 500W or greater.

ATX_12V_2X2 Connector:

ATX_12V_2X4 Connector:

ATX (Main Power) Connector:

All fan headers on the GIGABYTE Z790 D DDR4 are 4-pin and have a foolproof insertion design. Connect the fan cable in the correct orientation, with the black connector wire as the ground wire. For speed control, a fan with a speed control design is required. It is recommended to install a system fan inside the chassis for optimal heat dissipation.

CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/2A/2B (Fan Headers) Pinout:

SYS_FAN3_PUMP (System Fan/Water Cooling Pump Header) Pinout:

This 4-pin header also provides speed control for a water cooling pump.

CPU_OPT (Water Cooling CPU Fan Header) Pinout:

Fan/Pump Power Ratings:

Caution: Be sure to connect fan cables to prevent overheating. These headers are not jumpers; do not place a jumper cap on them.

The GIGABYTE Z790 D DDR4 motherboard only supports M.2 PCIe SSDs. It does not support M.2 SATA SSDs. An M.2 PCIe SSD cannot be used to create a RAID set with a SATA hard drive.

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

Installation Steps:

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 (only the M2A_CPU connector has a heatsink). Remove the protective film from the thermal pad on the M2A_CPU connector.

Step 2: Locate the proper mounting hole for the M.2 SSD to be installed. 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 it.

Connect the power switch, reset switch, speaker, chassis intrusion switch/sensor, and system status indicator on the chassis to the F_PANEL header. Note the positive and negative pins before connecting the cables.

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

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

• SPEAK (Speaker): Connects to the front panel 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.

• NC: No connection.

Ensure the wire assignments and the pin assignments are matched correctly when connecting your chassis front panel module.

You can clear the BIOS configuration and reset the CMOS values to factory defaults using the CLR_CMOS jumper or by removing the battery.

Using the CLR_CMOS Jumper:

Use a metal object like a screwdriver to touch the two pins of the CLR_CMOS jumper for a few seconds. The jumper is open for normal operation and shorted to 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.

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 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.

The battery provides power to keep values (like BIOS configurations, date, and time) in the CMOS when the computer is off. Replace the battery if its voltage drops to a low level or if CMOS values become inaccurate or are lost.

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

• Replace the battery with an equivalent one. Damage may occur if an incorrect model is used.

• When installing the battery, note the orientation of the positive (+) and negative (-) sides. The positive side should face up.

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

To access the BIOS Setup program on your GIGABYTE Z790 D DDR4, press the key during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) when the power is turned on.

From the startup screen, you can also use the following 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. Use the arrow keys to select the device and press . This setting is effective for one time only.

• : Q-FLASH: Press the key to access the Q-Flash utility directly without entering BIOS Setup first.

To install an operating system on a RAID volume, you need to install the Intel® RST VMD Controller driver first during the OS installation process. Refer to the steps below:

Step 1: Download the Intel SATA Preinstall driver file from the GIGABYTE support page for your motherboard model, unzip it, and copy the files to a USB thumb drive.

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

Step 3: Insert the USB thumb drive and then browse to the location of the driver. When the screen shows the available drivers, select “Intel RST VMD Controller 467F” and click Next to load the driver and continue 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. (In BIOS Setup, ensure Settings\Gigabyte Utilities Downloader Configuration\Gigabyte Utilities Downloader is set to Enabled.)

2. When the End User License Agreement dialog box appears, press to install GIGABYTE Control Center (GCC).

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

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

The GIGABYTE Z790 D DDR4 motherboard supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10. Before you begin, please prepare the following items:

• SATA hard drives or SSDs. Prepare the correct number of drives as indicated in the table below. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you use hard drives with identical model and capacity.

• Windows setup disc.

• An Internet-connected computer.

• A USB thumb drive.

Please note that an M.2 PCIe SSD cannot be used to create a RAID set with a SATA hard drive.

RAID Levels and Requirements: