GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS XTREME AI TOP (01) PDF MANUAL

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. You should check your motherboard revision before updating the motherboard BIOS, drivers, or when looking for technical information.

The box contents are as follows:

Z890 AORUS XTREME AI TOP motherboard

User’s Manual

Quick Installation Guide

Two SATA cables

One antenna

One integrated extension cable for addressable RGB Gen2 LED strips and RGB LED strips

One front panel extension cable

Two fan power extension cables

One integrated extension cable for system fan/water cooling pump and USB 2.0/1.1 headers

One noise detection cable

Two thermistor cables

One G Connector

Two Velcro cable ties

One ESSential USB DAC

One decorative magnetic strip

Four M.2 thermal pads

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

The motherboard contains delicate electronic circuits that can be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD). Please follow these procedures:

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

Do not remove or break the motherboard S/N (Serial Number) sticker or warranty sticker. These are required for warranty validation.

Always remove the 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, ensure they are connected tightly and securely.

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

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.

Before installing the motherboard, place it on an antistatic pad or in an electrostatic shielding container.

Before connecting or unplugging the power supply cable, make sure the power supply is turned off.

Before turning on the power, ensure the power supply voltage is set according to the local voltage standard.

Verify that all cables and power connectors are connected before using the product.

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

Ensure there are no leftover screws or metal components on the motherboard or within the computer case.

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

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

Before you begin to install the CPU, please 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.

Note the alignment keys on the motherboard CPU socket and the notches on the CPU for correct orientation.

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 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 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.

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 if 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 used.

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.

The included DDR Wind Blade XTREME is a cooling fan specifically designed for memory cooling. You can adjust the fan speed operating mode using the GIGABYTE Control Center based on the DDR temperature monitoring point. You can also install your own DDR fan and connect it to a designated fan header.

The fan headers supporting DDR PMIC temperature reading are SYS_FAN5_PUMP, SYS_FAN6_PUMP, and SYS_FAN7_PUMP.

Before installing the memory module, please remove the DDR Wind Blade XTREME cooling fan atop the memory slot. Once the installation is complete, reattach it. If you are not using the DDR Wind Blade XTREME cooling fan, you can place the provided decorative magnetic strip on the armor.

The DDR temperature monitoring point is available only when a memory module that supports this feature is installed.

This motherboard provides four memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology, which doubles the original memory bandwidth. The memory sockets are divided into two channels:

Channel A: DDR5_A1, DDR5_A2

Channel B: DDR5_B1, DDR5_B2

The memory status LED (labeled DRAM) will light up if the memory module is installed in the incorrect slot before booting.

Recommended Memory Configurations:

(“✔”=Installed, “- -“=No Memory)
(* = Recommended Dual Channel Memory Configurations)

Guidelines for 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.

Read these guidelines before installing an expansion card:

Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card by reading the manual that came with your card.

Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord before installation to prevent hardware damage.

Installation Steps:

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 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.

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

OC Ignition Button: Allows overclockers and DIY users to pre-test water cooling setups without booting the system. It also allows system fans to spin at a low temperature and allows for a firmware update even without a CPU installed.

Line Out: The line out jack. For better sound quality, connect your headphone/speaker here.

Mic In: The mic in jack. Supports only mono microphone input.

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

USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Port (Red): Supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 specification and is backward compatible. One of these ports is also the designated Q-Flash Plus port.

RJ-45 LAN Port: Provides Internet connection at up to 10 GB data rate. The LEDs indicate speed and activity.

Thunderbolt™ 5 Connector (USB4® USB Type-C® Port): Supports standard DisplayPort and Thunderbolt™ video outputs. Can daisy chain up to five Thunderbolt™ devices. Maximum resolution is 7680×4320@60 Hz. The connector is reversible and supports USB4®, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, Gen 2, Gen 1, and USB 2.0.

Antenna Connectors (2T2R): Use this connector to connect an antenna. Ensure the antenna is securely connected and aimed correctly for better signal reception.

Cable Removal Warning:

When removing a cable connected to a back panel connector, first remove the cable from your device, then from the motherboard.

Pull the cable straight out from the connector. Do not rock it side to side to prevent an electrical short.

This motherboard has 3 quick buttons for use in an open-case environment:

PW_SW (Power Button): Allows users to quickly turn the computer on/off.

RST (Reset Button): Allows users to reset the computer. This button can also be remapped to perform different tasks via BIOS settings.

CMOS_SW (Clear CMOS Button): Use this button to clear the BIOS configuration and reset CMOS values to factory defaults.

Important notes for the Clear CMOS button:

Always turn off your computer and unplug the power cord before using the clear CMOS button.

Do not use the clear CMOS button when the system is on, or the system may shut down and data loss or damage may occur.

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

Before using the 2×4 12V power connectors and fan headers, you must remove the DDR Wind Blade XTREME cooling fan (as described in the memory installation section) and the side panel from the motherboard. Replace them after connecting the cables.

The power connectors supply stable power to all components. Before connecting, ensure the power supply is off and all devices are installed. The connectors have a foolproof design.

The 12V power connectors (12V_2X4_1/12V_2X4_2) mainly supply power to the CPU. If not connected, the computer will not start.

It is recommended to use a power supply that can withstand high power consumption (500W or greater).

12V_2X4_1/12V_2X4_2 (2×4 12V Power) Pinout:

ATX (2×12 Main Power) Pinout:

All fan headers are 4-pin and have a foolproof design. Connect the fan cable in the correct orientation (black wire is ground). The speed control function requires a fan with speed control design. Be sure to connect fan cables to prevent overheating.

These headers are not configuration jumpers; do not place a jumper cap on them.

Headers and Pinouts:

CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN1 / CPU_OPT / System Fans via Extension Cable: These headers support standard fans and water cooling pumps.

Extension Cable Headers:

3_FANS_1: Connect the included fan extension cable to connect up to three system fans.

3_FANS_2: Connect the included fan extension cable to connect up to three system fans/water cooling pumps. The SYS_FAN5, 6, 7_PUMP headers support DDR PMIC temperature reading.

Power Specification per Connector Type:

Connect the included integrated extension cable to the LED_C header. This cable supports up to four standard 5050 addressable RGB Gen2 LED strips and one standard 5050 RGB LED strip.

Before connecting, remove the caps from the extension cable. The power pin of the LED strip must be connected to Pin 1 of its respective header to avoid damage.

Pinouts:

RGB LED Strip Header (12V/G/R/B):

Addressable RGB Gen2 LED Strip Header:

Important:

To avoid abnormal LED behavior, do not connect addressable RGB Gen1 and Gen2 LED strips to the same header at the same time.

Before installing or removing devices, turn off the computer and unplug the power cord.

EC_TEMP1/EC_TEMP2 (Temperature Sensor Headers): Connect the included thermistor cables to these headers for temperature detection.

DB_SENSE (Noise Detection Header): Connect the included noise detection cable to this header to detect noise inside the case. Before connecting, remove the jumper cap. Replace the jumper cap if the header is not in use.

There are M.2 SATA and M.2 PCIe SSDs. Verify which type your M.2 socket supports. An M.2 PCIe SSD cannot be used in a RAID set with an M.2 SATA SSD or a SATA hard drive.

Installation Steps:

Step 1: Turn the M.2 EZ-Latch Click clip clockwise and remove the motherboard heatsink. Locate the proper mounting hole for the M.2 SSD to be installed and secure the M.2 EZ-Latch Plus clip in the hole first.

Step 2: Remove the protective film from the thermal pad on the M.2 connector. Insert the M.2 SSD into the M.2 connector at an angle.

Step 3: Press down on the front end of the M.2 SSD and make sure the M.2 SSD is secured by the clip. Remove the protective film from the bottom of the motherboard heatsink, and finally, turn the M.2 EZ-Latch Click clip clockwise and then install the heatsink back in place.

Note on thermal pads: When using a single-sided M.2 SSD, first attach the bundled M.2 thermal pad to the pre-installed thermal pad on the M.2 connector before installing the M.2 SSD. Do not install the bundled M.2 thermal pad when using a double-sided M.2 SSD. If you wish to replace the thermal pad, it is recommended to use one with a thickness of 1.25mm.

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

These connectors conform to the SATA 6Gb/s standard and are compatible with SATA 3Gb/s and 1.5Gb/s. Each connector supports a single SATA device. The chipset supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10.

BAT (Battery):

The battery provides power to keep CMOS values (like BIOS configurations, date, time) when the computer is off. Replace the battery if voltage is low or CMOS values are lost.

How to Clear CMOS by removing the battery:

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

2. Gently remove the battery from the holder and wait for one minute. (Or 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.

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

Battery Safety:

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

Replace with an equivalent battery only. An incorrect model may cause damage.

When installing, note the orientation: the positive side (+) should face up.

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

Connect the power switch, reset switch, speaker, chassis intrusion switch, and system status indicator from your case’s front panel to the F_PANEL header using the provided extension cable. Note the positive and negative pins.

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 sleep/off states.

PW (Power Switch): Connects to the power switch on the chassis 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. It is on when the drive is reading or writing data.

RES (Reset Switch): Connects to the reset switch on the chassis 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.

FTBT_40G (Intel® Thunderbolt™ 4 Connector (USB4® USB Type-C® Port)):

This internal connector supports standard DisplayPort and Thunderbolt™ video outputs. You can connect a monitor using an adapter. It can daisy chain up to five Thunderbolt devices. The maximum supported resolution is 5120×2880@60 Hz with 24 bpp. It is compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, Gen 2, Gen 1, and USB 2.0.

FU3C_20G_1/FU3C_20G_2 (USB Type-C® Headers, with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Support):

These headers conform to the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 specification and can each provide one front panel USB Type-C port.

Connect the included extension cable to this header. The cable extends one system fan/water cooling pump header (SYS_FAN8_PUMP) and two USB 2.0/1.1 headers. Each USB header can provide two USB ports via an optional USB bracket.

Prior to installing a USB bracket, be sure to turn off your computer and unplug the power cord.

System Fan/Water Cooling Pump Header Pinout:

USB 2.0/1.1 Header Pinout:

The F_U32_1 header conforms to USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 specifications and can provide two USB ports for a front panel.

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

BIOS Flashing Precautions:

Because BIOS flashing is potentially risky, if you do not encounter problems using the current version of BIOS, it is recommended that you not flash the BIOS. To flash the BIOS, do it with caution. Inadequate BIOS flashing may result in system malfunction.

It is recommended that you not alter the default settings (unless you need to) to prevent system instability or other unexpected results. Inadequately altering the settings may result in the system’s failure to boot. If this occurs, try to clear the CMOS values and reset the board to default values.

Refer to the introductions of the battery/clear CMOS button or the “Load Optimized Defaults” option in BIOS Setup for how to clear the CMOS values.

The following function keys are available on the startup logo screen:

<DEL>: BIOS SETUP\Q-FLASH

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

<F12>: BOOT MENU

Boot Menu allows you to set the first boot device without entering BIOS Setup. Use the up arrow key <↑> or the down arrow key <↓> to select the first boot device, then press <Enter> to accept. The system will boot from the device immediately. This setting is effective for one time only. After a system restart, the device boot order will revert to the BIOS Setup settings.

<END>: Q-FLASH

Press the <End> key to access the Q-Flash utility directly without having to enter 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.

Step 1: Download the Intel SATA Preinstall driver, unzip the file, and copy the files to your 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 driver, select Intel RST VMD Controller 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). Click Install to proceed. (In BIOS Setup, ensure Settings\IO Ports\Gigabyte Utilities Downloader Configuration\Gigabyte Utilities Downloader is set to Enabled.)

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

This motherboard supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10. Before you begin, please prepare the following items:

SATA hard drives or SSDs. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you use two hard 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 set up a RAID set either with an M.2 SATA SSD or a SATA hard drive.

RAID Level Comparison:

Regular Boot Codes:

S3 Resume Codes:

Recovery Codes:

Error Codes:

The following safety precautions should be observed:

Do not touch or move antenna while the unit is transmitting or receiving.

Do not hold any component containing the radio such that the antenna is very close or touching any exposed parts of the body, especially the face or eyes, while transmitting.

Do not operate the radio or attempt to transmit data unless the antenna is connected; if not, the radio may be damaged.

Use in specific environments:

The use of wireless devices in hazardous locations is limited by the constraints posed by the safety directors of such environments.

The use of wireless devices on airplanes is governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The use of wireless devices in hospitals is restricted to the limits set forth by each hospital.

Antenna use: In order to comply with FCC RF exposure limits, low gain integrated antennas should be located at a minimum distance of 7.9 inches (20 cm) or more from the body of all persons.

Explosive Device Proximity Warning: Do not operate a portable transmitter (such as a wireless network device) near unshielded blasting caps or in an explosive environment unless the device has been modified to be qualified for such use.

Antenna Warning: The wireless adapter is not designed for use with high-gain antennas.

Use On Aircraft Caution: Regulations of the FCC and FAA prohibit airborne operation of radio-frequency wireless devices because their signals could interfere with critical aircraft instruments.

WARNING – INGESTION HAZARD: This product contains a button cell or coin battery.

DEATH or serious injury can occur if ingested.

A swallowed button cell or coin battery can cause Internal Chemical Burns in as little as 2 hours.

KEEP new and used batteries OUT OF REACH of CHILDREN.

Seek immediate medical attention if a battery is suspected to be swallowed or inserted inside any part of the body.

Battery type: CR2032, voltage rating: +3VDC.

Non-rechargeable batteries are not to be recharged.

Remove and immediately recycle or dispose of used batteries. Remove batteries from equipment not used for an extended period of time according to local regulations and keep away from children. Do NOT dispose of batteries in household trash or incinerate.

Even used batteries may cause severe injury or death.

Do not force discharge, recharge, disassemble, heat above the manufacturer’s specified temperature rating, or incinerate. Doing so may result in injury due to venting, leakage, or explosion resulting in chemical burns.

The product contains non-replaceable batteries.