GIGABYTE Z790 UD AX (01) PDF Document

The revision number on your GIGABYTE Z790 UD AX 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 following items are typically included with the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AX motherboard:

• Z790 UD AX motherboard

• User’s Manual

• One antenna

• Two SATA cables

• M.2 screw

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

The GIGABYTE Z790 UD AX contains delicate electronic components that can be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD). Before installation, please follow these procedures:

• Ensure the chassis is suitable for the motherboard.

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

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

• Ensure internal connectors for hardware components are connected tightly and securely.

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

• It is best to wear an 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 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 that the power supply voltage is set according to your local standard before turning on the power.

• Check that all cables and power connectors for your hardware 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 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 power during installation 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 on your GIGABYTE Z790 UD AX, please follow these guidelines:

• Make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU you intend to install.

• 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 the 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, as overheating and damage to the CPU may occur.

• Set the CPU host frequency in accordance with the CPU specifications. It is not recommended to set the system bus frequency beyond hardware specifications.

• 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 GIGABYTE Z790 UD AX motherboard CPU socket:

1. Gently press the CPU socket lever handle down and away from the socket, then completely lift it up.

2. Use the finger tab on the side of the metal load plate to lift it open. The plastic protective cover will be attached to it.

3. Hold the CPU by its edges. Align the CPU’s pin one marking (a triangle) with the pin one corner of the CPU socket. You can also align the CPU notches with the socket alignment keys. 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; remove it.

5. Secure the lever under its retention tab to complete the installation. Always replace the plastic protective cover when a CPU is not installed to protect the socket pins.

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

Be sure to install the CPU cooler after installing the CPU. The actual process may differ depending on your CPU cooler, so refer to its user’s manual. Here is a general guide:

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

2. Place the cooler on top of the CPU, aligning the four push pins through the pin holes on the motherboard.

3. Push down on the push pins diagonally to secure the cooler.

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

Before you install memory on your GIGABYTE Z790 UD AX, please 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 from the outlet before installing memory to prevent hardware damage.

• Memory modules have a foolproof design and can be installed in only one direction. If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.

This motherboard provides four memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. The four memory sockets are divided into two channels:

• Channel A: DDR5_A1, DDR5_A2

• Channel B: DDR5_B1, DDR5_B2

For the recommended Dual Channel Memory Configuration, please refer to the table below:

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

Due to CPU limitations, follow these guidelines 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.

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

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

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 changes for your card(s).

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

The GIGABYTE Z790 UD AX has the following back panel connectors:

• USB 2.0/1.1 Port (Q-Flash Plus Port): Supports USB 2.0/1.1 devices. This port should be used for a USB flash drive when using the Q-Flash Plus feature.

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

• PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port: For connecting a PS/2 mouse or keyboard.

• SMA Antenna Connectors (2T2R): For connecting an antenna. Tighten the antennas to the connectors and aim them correctly for better signal reception.

• USB 3.2 Gen 1 Port: Supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 specification and is compatible with USB 2.0.

• DisplayPort: Delivers high-quality digital imaging and audio. Supports HDCP 2.3 and a maximum resolution of 4096×2304@60 Hz (actual resolution depends on the monitor).

• HDMI 2.0 Port: HDCP 2.3 compliant and supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio. Supports a maximum resolution of 4096×2160@60 Hz (actual resolution depends on the monitor).

• USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Port (Red): Supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 specification and is compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0.

• USB Type-C® Port (with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Support): Reversible USB port supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, Gen 2, Gen 1, and USB 2.0 specifications.

• RJ-45 LAN Port: Provides Internet connection up to 2.5 Gbps. The LED lights indicate connection speed and activity.

• Audio Jacks:

– Line In/Rear Speaker Out

– Line Out/Front Speaker Out

– Mic In/Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out

The functionality of the audio jacks can be changed using the audio software. For 7.1-channel audio configuration, please access the audio software.

When removing a cable from a back panel connector, first remove it from your device, then from the motherboard. Pull it straight out without rocking it side to side.

The GIGABYTE Z790 UD AX features the following onboard buttons:

• RST_SW (Reset Button): This button allows users to quickly restart the computer in an open-case environment. It can be remapped to perform different tasks via BIOS settings.

• QFLASH_PLUS (Q-Flash Plus Button): This allows you to update the BIOS when your system is off (S5 shutdown state). Save the latest BIOS to a USB thumb drive, plug it into the dedicated USB port, and press this 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 UD AX show the status of the CPU, memory, graphics card, and operating system after system power-on.

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

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

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

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

The GIGABYTE Z790 UD AX uses ATX_12V power connectors to supply power to the CPU and a 24-pin ATX main power connector for the motherboard. It is recommended to use a power supply of 500W or greater.

ATX_12V_2X4 Pinout:

ATX (Main Power) Pinout:

The GIGABYTE Z790 UD AX features several 4-pin fan headers for CPU coolers, system fans, and water cooling pumps. When connecting a fan cable, ensure the black wire aligns with the ground pin.

CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/2A/2B (Fan Headers) and CPU_OPT (Water Cooling CPU Fan Header):

These headers are for connecting fans. The speed control function requires a fan with a speed control design. For optimal cooling, it is recommended to install system fans inside the chassis.

SYS_FAN3_PUMP (System Fan/Water Cooling Pump Header):

This header can be used for a system fan or a water cooling pump and provides speed control.

Pin Assignments for all 4-pin Fan/Pump Headers:

Note: Be sure to connect fan cables to the fan headers to prevent CPU and system overheating. These headers are not jumpers; do not place a jumper cap on them.

The GIGABYTE Z790 UD AX has headers for both standard RGB and addressable LED strips. Before connecting, ensure your computer is turned off and the power cord is unplugged.

LED_C1/LED_C2 (RGB LED Strip Headers):

These headers are for standard 5050 RGB LED strips (12V/G/R/B) with a maximum power rating of 2A (12V) and a maximum length of 2m. The power pin of the LED strip (marked with a triangle) must connect to Pin 1 (12V). Incorrect connection may damage the strip.

D_LED1/D_LED2 (Addressable LED Strip Headers):

These headers are for standard 5050 addressable LED strips with a maximum power rating of 5A (5V) and a maximum of 1000 LEDs. The power pin of the LED strip (marked with a triangle) must connect to Pin 1 (V). Incorrect connection may damage the strip.

SATA3 2/3/4/5/6/7 (SATA 6Gb/s Connectors):

The motherboard has 6 SATA 6Gb/s connectors. Each connector supports a single SATA device. These ports support RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10.

M2A_CPU/M2P_SB/M2Q_SB (M.2 Socket 3 Connectors):

This motherboard supports M.2 PCIe SSDs only (M.2 SATA SSDs are not supported). An M.2 PCIe SSD cannot be used to create a RAID set with a SATA hard drive.

To install an M.2 SSD:

1. Locate the desired M.2 connector. If it has a heatsink (like the M2A_CPU connector), use a screwdriver to unfasten the screw and remove it. Remove the protective film from the thermal pad.

2. Locate the proper mounting hole for the length of your M.2 SSD. Insert the M.2 SSD into the connector at an angle.

3. Press the M.2 SSD down and use the included screw to secure it. If you removed a heatsink, replace it, secure it with its screw, and remember to remove the protective film from the bottom of the heatsink before replacing it.

Supported M.2 SSD types per connector:

The F_PANEL header connects the power switch, reset switch, speaker, chassis intrusion switch, and system status indicator from your case. Note the positive and negative pins when connecting cables.

• PLED/PWR_LED (Power LED): Connects to the power status indicator. 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 case front panel.

• SPEAK (Speaker): Connects to the case speaker. It reports system startup status via 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.

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 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLR_CMOS):

1. Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet.

2. Use a metal object like a screwdriver to touch the two pins of the jumper for a few seconds. This will short the jumper and clear the CMOS values.

3. After system restart, go to BIOS Setup to load factory defaults (select Load Optimized Defaults) or manually configure the BIOS settings.

Removing the Battery (BAT):

The battery provides power to the CMOS to keep values like BIOS configurations, date, and time. If the battery voltage drops, these values may be lost.

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 short the positive and negative terminals of the battery holder for 5 seconds with a metal object).

3. Replace the battery with an equivalent one. Ensure the positive side (+) faces up.

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

BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) records the system’s hardware parameters in the CMOS on the motherboard. Its main functions include the Power-On Self-Test (POST) during startup, saving system parameters, and loading the operating system. The BIOS includes a BIOS Setup program that allows you to modify basic system configuration settings.

To access the BIOS Setup program, press the <Delete> key during the POST when the power is turned on.

Important Considerations:

• Because BIOS flashing is potentially risky, it is recommended that you do not flash the BIOS if you are not experiencing problems with the current version. If you do flash the BIOS, do it with caution as inadequate flashing can result in system malfunction.

• It is recommended that you do not alter the default settings unless necessary, to prevent system instability. If the system fails to boot after changes, try to clear the CMOS values to reset the board to default values.

When the computer boots, a startup logo screen will appear with 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

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

To install an operating system on a RAID volume, you must first install the Intel® RST VMD Controller driver during the OS installation process. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Obtain the Intel SATA Preinstall driver file. Unzip the file and copy the contents to a USB thumb drive.

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

Step 3: Insert the USB thumb drive and browse to the location of the driver files. Select “Intel RST VMD Controller 467F” and click Next to load the driver. You can then 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). To use this feature, ensure the “Gigabyte Utilities Downloader” option is set to “Enabled” in the BIOS Setup.

1. Click Install to proceed with the installation.

2. When the End User License Agreement dialog box appears, press <Accept> 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 beginning the installation, make sure the system is connected to the Internet.

The GIGABYTE Z790 UD AX motherboard supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10.

RAID Levels:

Before you begin, please prepare the following items:

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

• Windows setup disc.

• An Internet connected computer.

• A USB thumb drive.

Note: An M.2 PCIe SSD cannot be used to create a RAID set with a SATA hard drive.