GIGABYTE Z790 GAMING X (01) PDF MANUAL

GIGABYTE Z790 GAMING X (01) PDF SUMMARY:

What are the responsibilities of GIGABYTE as a global citizen?

GIGABYTE will reduce paper use and works to protect the environment. The packaging materials of the product are recyclable and reusable to reduce the impacts on global warming.

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Where can I find more product details?

More product details can be found on GIGABYTE’s website. The website also contains a Quick Installation Guide.

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What does the motherboard revision number look like?

The revision number on the motherboard looks like this: “REV: X.X.” For example, “REV: 1.0” means the revision of the motherboard is 1.0.

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Why should I check my motherboard revision?

The motherboard revision should be checked before updating the motherboard BIOS, drivers, or when looking for technical information.

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What are the installation precautions I should take?

• Prior to installation, make sure the chassis is suitable for the motherboard.
• Prior to installation, do not remove or break the motherboard S/N (Serial Number) sticker or warranty sticker provided. These stickers are required for warranty validation.
• Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord 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 an ESD wrist strap is not available, keep hands dry and first touch a metal object to eliminate static electricity.
• Prior to installing the motherboard, place 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, verify that all cables and power connectors of the 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 uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the product, consult a certified computer technician.
• If using an adapter, extension power cable, or power strip, ensure to consult with its installation and/or grounding instructions.

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What are the CPU specifications?

• LGA1700 socket: Supports for 13th and 12th Generation Intel® Core™, Pentium® Gold and Celeron® Processors.
• L3 cache varies with CPU.

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What kind of chipset does the motherboard use?

The motherboard uses an Intel® Z790 Express Chipset.

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What are the memory specifications?

• Supports for DDR5 5600/5200/4800/4400 MT/s memory modules.
• 4 x DDR5 DIMM sockets supporting up to 128 GB (32 GB single DIMM capacity) of system memory.
• Dual channel memory architecture.
• Support for ECC Un-buffered DIMM 1Rx8/2Rx8 memory modules (operate in non-ECC mode).
• Support for non-ECC Un-buffered DIMM 1Rx8/2Rx8/1Rx16 memory modules.
• Support for Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules.

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What are the onboard graphics specifications?

Integrated Graphics Processor-Intel® HD Graphics support:

• 1 x DisplayPort, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096×2304@60 Hz
  • Support for DisplayPort 1.2 version and HDCP 2.3
• 1 x HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096×2160@60 Hz
  • Support for HDMI 2.0 version and HDCP 2.3. *(Graphics specifications may vary depending on CPU support).

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What are the audio specifications?

• Realtek® Audio CODEC
• High Definition Audio
• 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
  • You can change the functionality of an audio jack using the audio software. To configure 7.1-channel audio, access the audio software for audio settings.
• Support for S/PDIF Out

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What are the LAN specifications?

Realtek® 2.5GbE LAN chip (2.5 Gbps/1 Gbps/100 Mbps)

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What are the specifications of the 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)

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What are the expansion slots specifications?

• CPU:
  • 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, supporting PCIe 5.0 and running at x16 (PCIEX16)
    • For optimum performance, if only one PCI Express graphics card is to be installed, be sure to install it in the PCIEX16 slot.
• Chipset:
  • 1 x PCI Express x16 slots, supporting PCIe 4.0 and running at x4 (PCIEX4_1)
  • 1 x PCI Express x16 slots, supporting PCIe 3.0 and running at x4 (PCIEX4_2)

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What are the storage interface specifications?

• CPU:
  • 1 x M.2 connector (Socket 3, M key, type 22110/2280 PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 SSD support) (M2A_CPU)
• Chipset:
  • 2 x M.2 connectors (Socket 3, M key, type 22110/2280 PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 SSD support) (M2P_SB, M2Q_SB)
  • 1 x M.2 connector (Socket 3, M key, type 22110/2280 SATA and PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 SSD support) (M2M_SB)
  • 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
    • Refer to “2-8 Internal Connectors,” for the installation notices for the M.2 and SATA connectors.
• RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 support for NVMe SSD storage devices.
• RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 support for SATA storage devices.

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What are the USB specifications?

• Chipset:
  • 1 x USB Type-C® port on the back panel, with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support
  • 1 x USB Type-C® port with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support, available through the internal USB header
  • 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red) on the back panel
  • 5 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (3 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available through the internal USB header)
• Chipset+2 USB 2.0 Hubs:
  • 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports on the back panel, 4 ports available through the internal USB headers)

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What are the internal connector specifications?

• 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
• 2 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors
• 1 x CPU fan header
• 1 x water cooling CPU fan header
• 3 x system fan headers
• 1 x system fan/water cooling pump header
• 2 x addressable LED strip headers
• 2 x RGB LED strip headers
• 4 x M.2 Socket 3 connectors
• 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
• 1 x front panel header
• 1 x front panel audio header
• 1 x USB Type-C® header, with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header
• 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
• 2 x Thunderbolt™ add-in card connectors
• 1 x Trusted Platform Module header (For the GC-TPM2.0 SPI/GC-TPM2.0 SPI 2.0 module only)
• 1 x Q-Flash Plus button
• 1 x reset button
• 1 x reset jumper
• 1 x Clear CMOS jumper

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What are the back panel connector specifications?

• 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
• 2 x SMA antenna connectors (2T2R)
• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red)
• 1 x DisplayPort
• 1 x HDMI 2.0 port
• 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
• 1 x USB Type-C® port, with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support
• 1 x RJ-45 port
• 1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
• 2 x audio jacks

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What are the specifications of the I/O Controller?

iTE® I/O Controller Chip

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What hardware does the hardware monitor 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.

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What are the BIOS specifications?

• 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

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What are the unique features of the motherboard?

• Support for GIGABYTE Control Center (GCC)
  • Available applications in GCC may vary by motherboard model. Supported functions of each application may also vary depending on motherboard specifications.
• Support for Q-Flash
• Support for Q-Flash Plus
• Support for Smart Backup

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What bundled software comes with the motherboard?

• Norton® Internet Security (OEM version)
• LAN bandwidth management software

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What operating systems are supported?

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

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What is the form factor of the motherboard?

ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm

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What should I do before installing the CPU?

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

• 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. (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.

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How do I install 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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How do I install the 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.

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What should I consider before installing 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.
• 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.

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What should I consider when installing memory in Dual Channel mode?

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.

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Where should I install a single memory module?

When installing a single memory module, it is recommended that you install it in the DDR5_A2 or DDR5_B2 socket.

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What is 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:

• Channel A: DDR5_A1, DDR5_A2
• Channel B: DDR5_B1, DDR5_B2

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What is the recommended Dual Channel Memory Configuration?

DDR5_A1	DDR5_A2	DDR5_B1	DDR5_B2
2 Modules	–	–	DS/SS
4 Modules	DS/SS	DS/SS	DS/SS

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

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What guidelines should I read before 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.

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How do I install an expansion card?

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

1. Locate an expansion slot that supports your card. Remove the metal slot cover from the chassis back panel.
2. Align the card with the slot, and press down on the card until it is fully seated in the slot.
3. Make sure that the expansion card is fully seated in its slot.
4. Secure the card’s metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.
5. After installing all expansion cards, replace the chassis cover(s).
6. Turn on your computer. If necessary, go to BIOS Setup to make any required BIOS changes for your expansion card(s).
7. Install the driver provided with the expansion card in your operating system.

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What is the USB 2.0/1.1 Port used for?

The USB port supports the USB 2.0/1.1 specification and can be used for USB devices.

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What are the SMA Antenna Connectors (2T2R) used for?

This connector can be used to connect an antenna.

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What is the USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Port (Red) used for?

The USB 3.2 Gen 2 port supports the USB 3.2 Gen 2 specification and is compatible with the USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 specification and can be used for USB devices.

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What is the DisplayPort used for?

DisplayPort delivers high-quality digital imaging and audio, supporting bi-directional audio transmission. DisplayPort can support HDCP 2.3 content protection mechanisms. This port can be used to connect a DisplayPort-supported monitor.

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What is the maximum resolution supported by the DisplayPort?

The DisplayPort Technology can support a maximum resolution of 4096×2304@60 Hz, but the actual resolutions supported depend on the monitor being used.

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What is the HDMI 2.0 Port used for?

The HDMI port is HDCP 2.3 compliant and supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio formats. It also supports up to 192KHz/24bit 7.1-channel LPCM audio output. This port can be used to connect your HDMI-supported monitor.

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What is the maximum resolution supported by the HDMI 2.0 Port?

The maximum supported resolution is 4096×2160@60 Hz, but the actual resolutions supported are dependent on the monitor being used.

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What should I do after installing the DisplayPort/HDMI device?

After installing the DisplayPort/HDMI device, make sure to set the default sound playback device to DisplayPort/HDMI. (The item name may differ depending on your operating system.)

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What should I do when removing a cable connected to a back panel connector?

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.

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How do I enable the Q-Flash Plus function?

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

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What is the USB 3.2 Gen 1 Port used for?

The USB 3.2 Gen 1 port supports the USB 3.2 Gen 1 specification and is compatible with the USB 2.0 specification and can be used for USB devices.

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What is the USB Type-C® Port used for?

The reversible USB port supports the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 specification and is compatible with the USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 1, and USB 2.0 specifications and can be used for USB devices.

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What is the RJ-45 LAN Port used for?

The Gigabit Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 2.5 Gbps data rate.

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What do the LAN port LEDs indicate?

	State	Description
Speed LED:	Orange	2.5 Gbps data rate
	Green	1 Gbps data rate
	Off	100 Mbps data rate
Activity LED	Blinking	Data transmission or receiving
	Off	No data transmission or receiving

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What is the Line Out/Front Speaker Out jack used for?

The line out jack.

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What is the Mic In/Rear Speaker Out jack used for?

The Mic in jack.

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What is the Optical S/PDIF Out Connector used for?

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.

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How can I configure the audio software?

Please visit GIGABYTE’s website for details on configuring the audio software.

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What are the audio jack configurations?

Jack	Headphone/ 2-channel	4-channel	5.1-channel	7.1-channel
Line Out/Front Speaker Out	a	a	a	a
Mic In/Rear Speaker Out		a	a	a
Front Panel Line Out/Side Speaker Out			a
Front Panel Mic In/Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out				a

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

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What is the Quick Button?

The reset button (RST_SW) allows users to quickly turn on/off the computer in an open-case environment when they want to change hardware components or conduct hardware testing.

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Can the reset button be remapped?

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.

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What is the Q-Flash Plus button used for?

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

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How do I enable the Q-Flash Plus function?

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

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What do the Status LEDs indicate?

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

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What should I do before connecting external devices?

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.

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What are the ATX_12V_2X4_1/ATX_12V_2X4_2/ATX (2×4 12V Power Connectors and 2×12 Main Power Connector) used for?

With the use of the power connector, the power supply can supply enough stable power to all the components on the motherboard. Before connecting the power connector, first make sure the power supply is turned off and all devices are properly installed. The power connector possesses a foolproof design. Connect the power supply cable to the power connector in the correct orientation. The 12V power connector mainly supplies power to the CPU. If the 12V power connector is not connected, the computer will not start.

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What kind of power supply should I use?

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.

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What are the pin definitions for ATX_12V_2X4_1/ATX_12V_2X4_2?

Pin No.	Definition
1	GND (Only for 2×4-pin 12V)
2	GND (Only for 2×4-pin 12V)
3	GND
4	GND
5	+12V (Only for 2×4-pin 12V)
6	+12V (Only for 2×4-pin 12V)
7	+12V
8	+12V

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What are the pin definitions for ATX?

Pin No.	Definition	Pin No.	Definition
1	3.3V	13	3.3V
2	3.3V	14	-12V
3	GND	15	GND
4	+5V	16	PS_ON (soft On/Off)
5	GND	17	GND
6	+5V	18	GND
7	GND	19	GND
8	Power Good	20	NC
9	5VSB (stand by +5V)	21	+5V
10	+12V	22	+5V
11	+12V (Only for 2×12-pin ATX)	23	+5V (Only for 2×12-pin ATX)
12	3.3V (Only for 2×12-pin ATX)	24	GND (Only for 2×12-pin ATX)

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What should I do with the fan cables?

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.

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What are the CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/2/3 (Fan Headers) used for?

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.

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What are the pin definitions for CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/2/3 (Fan Headers)?

Pin No.	Definition
1	GND
2	Voltage Speed Control
3	Sense
4	PWM Speed Control

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What is the SYS_FAN4_PUMP (System Fan/Water Cooling Pump Header) used for?

The fan/pump header is 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.

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What are the pin definitions for SYS_FAN4_PUMP (System Fan/Water Cooling Pump Header)?

Pin No.	Definition
1	GND
2	Voltage Speed Control
3	Sense
4	PWM Speed Control

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What is the CPU_OPT (Water Cooling CPU Fan Header) used for?

The fan 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.

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What are the pin definitions for CPU_OPT (Water Cooling CPU Fan Header)?

Pin No.	Definition
1	GND
2	Voltage Speed Control
3	Sense
4	PWM Speed Control

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What are the maximum current and power for the fan headers?

Connector	Maximum Current	Maximum Power
CPU_FAN	2A	24W
SYS_FAN1~3	2A	24W
SYS_FAN4_PUMP	2A	24W
CPU_OPT	2A	24W

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What is the D_LED1/D_LED2 (Addressable LED Strip Headers) used for?

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

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What are the pin definitions for D_LED1/D_LED2 (Addressable LED Strip Headers)?

Pin No.	Definition
1	V (5V)
2	Data
3	No Pin
4	GND

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How do I connect an addressable LED strip to the header?

Connect your addressable LED strip to the header. The power pin (marked with a triangle on the plug) of the LED strip must be connected to Pin 1 of the addressable LED strip header. Incorrect connection may lead to the damage of the LED strip.

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What should I do before installing the addressable LED strip devices?

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.