Z490 GAMING X AX Z490 GAMING X User's Manual Rev. 1002 12ME-Z49GX-1002R Z490 GAMING X AX Z490 GAMING X For more product details, please visit GIGABYTE's website. To reduce the impacts on global warming, the packaging materials of this product are recyclable and reusable. GIGABYTE works with you to protect the environment.
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Table of Contents Z490 GAMING X (AX) Motherboard Layout.....................................................................4 Chapter 1 Hardware Installation......................................................................................5 1-1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-6 1-7 Installation Precautions..................................................................................... 5 Product Specifications.......................................................................................
Z490 GAMING X (AX) Motherboard Layout LED_C2 D_LED2 ATX_12V_2X2 CPU_FAN ATX_12V_2X4 KB_MS_USB SYS_FAN1 CNVI j LGA1200 ATX HDMI U32 U32_G2 U32_LAN 60 42 80 60 42 CODEC PCIEX1_2 F_U32 SATA3 PCIEX4 THB_C1 PCIEX1_3 COM M_BIOS QFLED F_AUDIO SPDIF_O Intel® Z490 5 3 1 4 2 0 80 M2A_SB 110 iTE® Super I/O M2M_SB BAT THB_C2 SYS_FAN2 DDR4_B2 Z490 GAMING X (AX) DDR4_A2 42 DDR4_B1 PCIEX16 Intel® GbE LAN 80 DDR4_A1 PCIEX1_1 M2P_CPU (Note) AUDIO LED_C1 D_LED1 SYS_FAN4 SPI_T
Chapter 1 1-1 Hardware Installation Installation Precautions The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can become damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Prior to installation, carefully read the user's manual and follow these procedures: •• Prior to installation, make sure the chassis is suitable for the motherboard. •• Prior to installation, do not remove or break motherboard S/N (Serial Number) sticker or warranty sticker provided by your dealer.
1-2 Product Specifications CPU Support for 10th Generation Intel® Core™ i9 processors/Intel® Core™ i7 processors/ Intel® Core™ i5 processors/Intel® Core™ i3 processors/Intel® Pentium® processors/ Intel® Celeron® processors in the LGA1200 package (Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.
Storage Interface 1 x M.2 connector (Socket 3, M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 SATA and PCIe x4/x2 SSD support) (M2A_SB) 1 x M.2 connector (Socket 3, M key, type 2242/2260/2280 SATA and PCIe x4/x2 SSD support) (M2M_SB) 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 * R efer to "1-7 Internal Connectors," for the installation notices for the M.2 and SATA connectors.
Hardware Monitor BIOS Unique Features Bundled Software Operating System Voltage detection Temperature detection Fan speed detection Overheating warning Fan fail warning Fan speed control * Whether the fan speed control function is supported will depend on the cooler you install. 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.
1-3 Installing the CPU Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the CPU: •• Make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU. (Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU support list.) •• 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.
The four memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as following: Channel A: DDR4_A1, DDR4_A2 Channel B: DDR4_B1, DDR4_B2 Recommanded Dual Channel Memory Configuration: DDR4_A1 DDR4_A2 DDR4_B1 DDR4_B2 2 Modules -- DS/SS -- DS/SS 4 Modules DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS (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.
HDMI Port The HDMI port supports HDCP 2.3 and Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio formats. It also supports up to 192KHz/16bit 7.1-channel LPCM audio output. You can use this port to connect your HDMI-supported monitor. The maximum supported resolution is 4096x2160@30 Hz, but the actual resolutions supported are dependent on the monitor being used. After installing the HDMI device, make sure to set the default sound playback device to HDMI. (The item name may differ depending on your operating system.
Audio Jack Configurations: Jack Headphone/ 2-channel 4-channel Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out a 5.1-channel 7.1-channel a a a a Side Speaker Out a Line In Line Out/Front Speaker Out a a a Mic In Please visit GIGABYTE's website for details on configuring the audio software.
1-7 Internal Connectors 4 1 3 6 5 2 12 4 14 18 8 7 8 14 17 10 11 15 6 5 16 4 13 20 4 9 19 1) ATX_12V_2X2/ATX_12V_2X4 11) SPDIF_O 2) ATX 12) F_U32 3) CPU_FAN 13) F_USB 4) SYS_FAN1/2/3/4 14) THB_C1/THB_C2 5) LED_C1/LED_C2 15) COM 6) D_LED1/D_LED2 16) SPI_TPM 7) SATA3 0/1/2/3/4/5 17) CLR_CMOS 8) M2A_SB/M2M_SB 18) BAT 9) F_PANEL 19) CPU/DRAM/VGA/BOOT 10) F_AUDIO 20) QFLASH_PLUS Read the following guidelines before connecting external devices: •• First mak
1/2) ATX_12V_2X2/ATX_12V_2X4/ATX (2x2, 2x4, 12V Power Connectors and 2x12 Main Power Connector) 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.
3/4) CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/2/3/4 (Fan Headers) 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. 1 1 SYS_FAN1 CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN2 Pin No.
_ _3 6) D_LED1/D_LED2 (Addressable LED Strip Headers) The headers can be used to connect a standard 5050 addressable LED strip, with maximum power rating of 5A (5V) and maximum number of 1000 LEDs. B B_ Definition V (5V) Data No Pin GND F_USB3 _ S F_ B _S _ 1 S 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.
_0 _ F _ S _ _ F 0 F 8) M2A_SB/M2M_SB (M.2 Socket 3_Connectors) The M.2 connectors support M.2 SATA SSDs or M.2 PCIe SSDs and support RAID configuration. Please note that an M.2 PCIe SSD cannot be used to create a RAID set either with an M.2 SATA SSD or a SATA hard drive. To create a RAID array with an M.2 PCIe SSD, you must set up the configuration in UEFI BIOS mode. Refer to Chapter 3, "Configuring a RAID Set," for instructions on configuring a RAID array.
Installation Notices for the M.2 and SATA Connectors: The availability of the SATA connectors may be affected by the type of device installed in the M.2 connector. The M2A_SB connector shares bandwidth with the SATA3 1 connector. The M2M_SB connector shares bandwidth with the SATA3 4/5 connectors. Refer to the following tables for details. •• M2A_SB: Type of M.2 SSD Connector SATA3 0 SATA3 1 SATA3 2 SATA3 3 SATA3 4 SATA3 5 M.2 SATA SSD a r a a a a M.2 PCIe SSD a a a a a a No M.
9) F_PANEL (Front Panel Header) Switch Activity LED SPEAK+ NC NC SPEAKPWR_LED+ PWR_LEDPWR_LED- HD+ HDRESRES+ CICI+ PLED+ PLEDPW+ PW- Connect the power switch, reset switch, speaker, chassis intrusion switch/sensor and system status indicator on the chassis to this header according to the pin assignments below. Note the positive and negative pins before connecting the cables.
_ _ _B S _ _ F 11) SPDIF_O (S/PDIF Out Header) This header supports digital S/PDIF Out and connects a S/PDIF digital audio cable (provided by expansion cards) for digital audio output from your motherboard to certain expansion cards like graphics cards and _ 0 youF to use a S/PDIF digital audio cable for sound cards.
B_ U 1 S 2 3 USB 0_ B S B_ S F_ B_ _S F_USB3 F_USB30 3 USB 0_ B 14) THB_C1/THB_C2 (Thunderbolt™ Add-in Card Connectors) The connectors are used to connect to a GIGABYTE Thunderbolt™ add-in card. _ _ B_ 1 Supports a Thunderbolt™ add-in card. THB_C1 _ B B S_ B 1 _ B B_ F_USB3 B THB_C2 _B S F_ _ COM (Serial Port Header) S F_ _ U _ B Definition NDSRNRTSNCTSNRINo Pin _ 2 Pin No. 6 7 8 9 10 _S 10 Definition NDCDNSIN NSOUT NDTRGND F S S_ _ B Pin No.
S_ _ B 3 B SS U S _ _ _ U _ B 3 17) CLR_CMOS (Clear CMOS Jumper) Use this jumper to clear the BIOS configuration and reset the CMOS values to factory defaults. To clear F_USB3 F the CMOS values, use a metal object like a screwdriver to touch the two pins for a few seconds. S F Open: Normal _ Short: Clear CMOS Values _ B_ _ _B S _ •• Always turn off your computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before clearing the CMOS values.
20) QFLASH_PLUS (Q-Flash Plus Button) 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 Q-Flash Plus 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.
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) records hardware parameters of the system in the CMOS on the motherboard. Its major functions include conducting the Power-On Self-Test (POST) during system startup, saving system parameters and loading operating system, etc. BIOS includes a BIOS Setup program that allows the user to modify basic system configuration settings or to activate certain system features.
2-2 The Main Menu System Time Setup Menus Configuration Items Hardware Information Option Description Current Settings Quick Access Bar allows you to quickly move to the General Help, Easy Mode, Smart Fan 5, or Q-Flash screen.
2-3 Favorites (F11) Set your frequently used options as your favorites and use the key to quickly switch to the page where all of your favorite options are located. To add or remove a favorite option, go to its original page and press on the option. The option is marked with a star sign if set as a "favorite.
2-4 Tweaker Whether the system will work stably with the overclock/overvoltage settings you made is dependent on your overall system configurations. Incorrectly doing overclock/overvoltage may result in damage to CPU, chipset, or memory and reduce the useful life of these components. This page is for advanced users only and we recommend you not to alter the default settings to prevent system instability or other unexpected results.
&& FCLK Frequency for Early Power On Allows you to set the FCLK frequency. Options are: Normal(800Mhz), 1GHz, 400MHz. (Default: 1GHz) && Hyper-Threading Technology Allows you to determine whether to enable multi-threading technology when using an Intel® CPU that supports this function. This feature only works for operating systems that support multi-processor mode. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting. (Default: Auto) && No.
&& CPU Flex Ratio Override Enables or disables the CPU Flex Ratio. The maximum CPU clock ratio will be based on the CPU Flex Ratio Settings value if CPU Clock Ratio is set to Auto. (Default: Disabled) && CPU Flex Ratio Settings Allows you to set the CPU Flex Ratio. The adjustable range may vary by CPU. && Frequency Clipping TVB (Note) Allows you to enable or disable automatic CPU frequency reduction initiated by Thermal Velocity Boost. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting.
&& Package C State Limit (Note 1) Allows you to specify the C-state limit for the processor. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting. This item is configurable only when C-States Control is set to Enabled. (Default: Auto) dd Turbo Power Limits Allows you to set a power limit for CPU Turbo mode. When the CPU power consumption exceeds the specified power limit, the CPU will automatically reduce the core frequency in order to reduce the power.
&& Channel Interleaving Enables or disables memory channel interleaving. Enabled allows the system to simultaneously access different channels of the memory to increase memory performance and stability. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this setting. (Default: Auto) && Rank Interleaving Enables or disables memory rank interleaving. Enabled allows the system to simultaneously access different ranks of the memory to increase memory performance and stability.
2-5 Settings Platform Power && Platform Power Management Enables or disables the Active State Power Management function (ASPM). (Default: Disabled) && PEG ASPM Allows you to configure the ASPM mode for the device connected to the CPU PEG bus. This item is configurable only when Platform Power Management is set to Enabled. (Default: Disabled) && PCH ASPM Allows you to configure the ASPM mode for the device connected to Chipset's PCI Express bus.
&& ErP Determines whether to let the system consume least power in S5 (shutdown) state. (Default: Disabled) Note: When this item is set to Enabled, the following functions will become unavailable: Resume by Alarm, power on by mouse, power on by keyboard, and wake on LAN. && Soft-Off by PWR-BTTN Configures the way to turn off the computer in MS-DOS mode using the power button. Instant-Off Press the power button and then the system will be turned off instantly. (Default) Delay 4 Sec.
&& PCIE Bifurcation Support Allows you to determine how the bandwidth of the PCIEX16 slot is divided. Options: Auto, PCIE x8/x8, PCIE x8/x4/x4. (Default: Auto) && Audio Controller Enables or disables the onboard audio function. (Default: Enabled) If you wish to install a 3rd party add-in audio card instead of using the onboard audio, set this item to Disabled.
&& IPv6 PXE Support Enables or disables IPv6 PXE Support. This item is configurable only when Network Stack is enabled. && IPv6 HTTP Support Enables or disables HTTP boot support for IPv6. This item is configurable only when Network Stack is enabled. && PXE boot wait time Allows you to configure how long to wait before you can press to abort the PXE boot. && Media detect count Allows you to set the number of times to check the presence of media.
&& LEDs in Sleep, Hibernation, and Soft Off States Allows you to set the lighting mode of the motherboard LEDs in system S3/S4/S5 state. This item is configurable when LEDs in System Power On State is set to On. Off Disables the selected lighting mode when the system enters S3/S4/S5 state. (Default) On Enables the selected lighting mode when the system enters S3/S4/S5 state. && Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT) Enables or disables Intel® PTT Technology.
Smart Fan 5 && Monitor Allows you to select a target to monitor and to make further adjustment. (Default: CPU FAN) && Fan Speed Control Allows you to determine whether to enable the fan speed control function and adjust the fan speed. Normal Allows the fan to run at different speeds according to the temperature. You can adjust the fan speed with System Information Viewer based on your system requirements. (Default) Silent Allows the fan to run at slow speeds.
2-6 System Info. This section provides information on your motherboard model and BIOS version. You can also select the default language used by the BIOS and manually set the system time. && Access Level Displays the current access level depending on the type of password protection used. (If no password is set, the default will display as Administrator.
2-7 Boot && Bootup NumLock State Enables or disables Numlock feature on the numeric keypad of the keyboard after the POST. (Default: On) && Security Option Specifies whether a password is required every time the system boots, or only when you enter BIOS Setup. After configuring this item, set the password(s) under the Administrator Password/User Password item. Setup A password is only required for entering the BIOS Setup program.
&& USB Support Disable Link All USB devices are disabled before the OS boot process completes. Full Initial All USB devices are functional in the operating system and during the POST. (Default) Partial Initial Part of the USB devices are disabled before the OS boot process completes. This item is configurable only when Fast Boot is set to Enabled or Ultra Fast. This function is disabled when Fast Boot is set to Ultra Fast.
&& Administrator Password Allows you to configure an administrator password. Press on this item, type the password, and then press . You will be requested to confirm the password. Type the password again and press . You must enter the administrator password (or user password) at system startup and when entering BIOS Setup. Differing from the user password, the administrator password allows you to make changes to all BIOS settings.
2-8 Save & Exit && Save & Exit Setup Press on this item and select Yes. This saves the changes to the CMOS and exits the BIOS Setup program. Select No or press to return to the BIOS Setup Main Menu. && Exit Without Saving Press on this item and select Yes. This exits the BIOS Setup without saving the changes made in BIOS Setup to the CMOS. Select No or press to return to the BIOS Setup Main Menu.
Chapter 3 3-1 Appendix Configuring a RAID Set RAID Levels Minimum Number of Hard Drives Array Capacity Fault Tolerance RAID 0 RAID 1 RAID 5 RAID 10 ≥2 2 ≥3 4 Number of hard drives * Size of the smallest drive No Size of the smallest drive (Number of hard drives -1) * Size of the smallest drive Yes (Number of hard drives/2) * Size of the smallest drive Yes Yes Before you begin, please prepare the following items: •• At least two SATA hard drives or SSDs.
C-1. Using EZ RAID GIGABYTE motherboards provide you with the EZ RAID feature, allowing you to quickly configure a RAID array with simplified steps. Steps: 1. After restarting the computer, enter the BIOS Setup and go to Settings\EZ RAID. Press on the EZ RAID item. Select the type of hard drives you use for RAID in the Type tab and then press . 2. Go to the Mode tab to select a RAID level.
3. After entering the CREATE VOLUME MENU screen, enter a volume name with 1~16 letters (letters cannot be special characters) under the Name item and press . Then, select a RAID level. RAID levels supported include RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, and RAID 5 (the selections available depend on the number of the hard drives being installed). Press to proceed. 4. Under Disks item, select the hard drives to be included in the RAID array.
Installation Guidelines A-1: Installation in AHCI mode If the SATA controller has been configured in AHCI mode, please follow the steps below: 1. After entering the operating system, insert the motherboard driver disc into your optical drive. On the Xpress Install screen, select Intel(R) Optane(TM) Memory System Acceleration (Note) to install. Follow the on-screen instructions to continue. The system will auto-restart. 2.
3-3 Drivers Installation •• Before installing the drivers, first install the operating system. •• After installing the operating system, insert the motherboard driver disc into your optical drive. Click on the message "Tap to choose what happens with this disc" on the top-right corner of the screen and select "Run Run.exe." (Or go to My Computer, double-click the optical drive and execute the Run.exe program.
Regulatory Notices CAUTION: The manufacturer is not responsible for any interference caused by unauthorized modifications and/or use of unauthorized antennas. Such changes and/or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance of this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Radiation Exposure Statement: Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotopically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.
European Community Directive RED Directive Compliance Statement: This equipment is suitable for home and office use in all the European Community Member States and EFTA Member States. The low band 5.15 -5.
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Contact Us GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. Address: No.6, Baoqiang Rd., Xindian Dist., New Taipei City 231, Taiwan TEL: +886-2-8912-4000, FAX: +886-2-8912-4005 Tech. and Non-Tech. Support (Sales/Marketing) : https://esupport.gigabyte.com WEB address (English): https://www.gigabyte.com WEB address (Chinese): https://www.gigabyte.com/tw •• GIGABYTE eSupport To submit a technical or non-technical (Sales/Marketing) question, please link to: https://esupport.gigabyte.
