User Manual
Page 3
... Z490 GAMING X (AX) Motherboard Layout 4 Chapter 1 Hardware Installation 5 1-1 Installation Precautions 5 1-2 Product Specifications 6 1-3 Installing the CPU 9 1-4 Installing the Memory 9 1-5 Installing an Expansion Card 10 1-6 Back Panel Connectors 10 1-7 Internal Connectors 13 Chapter 2 BIOS Setup 24 2-1 Startup Screen 24 2-2 The Main Menu 25 2-3 Favorites (F11 26 2-4 Tweaker...27 2-5 Settings...32 2-6 System Info...38 2-7 Boot...39 2-8 Save & Exit...42 Chapter 3 Appendix...43 3-1 Configuring a RAID Set 43 3-2 Installing an Intel® Optane™ Memory 45 3-3 Drivers...
... Z490 GAMING X (AX) Motherboard Layout 4 Chapter 1 Hardware Installation 5 1-1 Installation Precautions 5 1-2 Product Specifications 6 1-3 Installing the CPU 9 1-4 Installing the Memory 9 1-5 Installing an Expansion Card 10 1-6 Back Panel Connectors 10 1-7 Internal Connectors 13 Chapter 2 BIOS Setup 24 2-1 Startup Screen 24 2-2 The Main Menu 25 2-3 Favorites (F11 26 2-4 Tweaker...27 2-5 Settings...32 2-6 System Info...38 2-7 Boot...39 2-8 Save & Exit...42 Chapter 3 Appendix...43 3-1 Configuring a RAID Set 43 3-2 Installing an Intel® Optane™ Memory 45 3-3 Drivers...
User Manual
Page 6
... to PCI Express 3.0 standard.) Multi-Graphics Technology ŠŠ Support for AMD Quad-GPU CrossFire™ and 2-Way AMD CrossFire™ technologies j Only for S/PDIF Out LAN ŠŠ Intel® GbE LAN chip (1000 Mbit/100 Mbit) Wireless ŠŠ Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX201 Communication - WIFI a, b, g, n, ac with CPU Chipset ŠŠ Intel® Z490 Express Chipset Memory Onboard Graphics Audio ŠŠ Intel® Core™ i9/i7 processors: - Support...
... to PCI Express 3.0 standard.) Multi-Graphics Technology ŠŠ Support for AMD Quad-GPU CrossFire™ and 2-Way AMD CrossFire™ technologies j Only for S/PDIF Out LAN ŠŠ Intel® GbE LAN chip (1000 Mbit/100 Mbit) Wireless ŠŠ Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX201 Communication - WIFI a, b, g, n, ac with CPU Chipset ŠŠ Intel® Z490 Express Chipset Memory Onboard Graphics Audio ŠŠ Intel® Core™ i9/i7 processors: - Support...
User Manual
Page 8
... 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 5.0 Support for APP Center * Available applications in APP Center may also vary depending on GIGABYTE's website to the product specifications and product-related information without prior notice. Fast Boot - Z490 GAMING X AX Z490 GAMING X Please visit GIGABYTE's website for support lists of CPU, memory...
... 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 5.0 Support for APP Center * Available applications in APP Center may also vary depending on GIGABYTE's website to the product specifications and product-related information without prior notice. Fast Boot - Z490 GAMING X AX Z490 GAMING X Please visit GIGABYTE's website for support lists of CPU, memory...
User Manual
Page 9
... CPU Socket Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU Do not remove the CPU socket cover before inserting the CPU. Enabling Dual Channel memory mode will automatically detect the specifications and capacity of the memory. Please visit GIGABYTE's website for details on the CPU. Dual Channel Memory Configuration This motherboard provides four memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. 1-3 Installing the CPU Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the CPU: •• Make sure that the system bus frequency be set the frequency...
... CPU Socket Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU Do not remove the CPU socket cover before inserting the CPU. Enabling Dual Channel memory mode will automatically detect the specifications and capacity of the memory. Please visit GIGABYTE's website for details on the CPU. Dual Channel Memory Configuration This motherboard provides four memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. 1-3 Installing the CPU Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the CPU: •• Make sure that the system bus frequency be set the frequency...
User Manual
Page 10
... enabling Dual Channel mode with your device and then remove it from the motherboard. •• When removing the cable, pull it straight out from the power outlet before installing the memory in Dual Channel mode. 1. Do not rock it is compatible to the USB 2.0 specification. j Only for better signal reception. Use this port for USB devices. •• When removing the cable connected to a back panel connector, first remove the cable from your expansion card. •• Always turn off...
... enabling Dual Channel mode with your device and then remove it from the motherboard. •• When removing the cable, pull it straight out from the power outlet before installing the memory in Dual Channel mode. 1. Do not rock it is compatible to the USB 2.0 specification. j Only for better signal reception. Use this port for USB devices. •• When removing the cable connected to a back panel connector, first remove the cable from your expansion card. •• Always turn off...
User Manual
Page 15
... on the plug) of this motherboard are not configuration jumper blocks. Unplug the power cord from overheating. Do not place a jumper cap on the headers. Before installing the devices, be connected to the devices. - 15 - The speed control function requires the use of a fan with maximum power rating of 2A (12V) and maximum length of 2m. 1 LED_C1 1 LED_C2 Pin No. 1 2 3 4 Definition 12V G R B DEBUG PORT RGB LED Strip Connect your CPU and...
... on the plug) of this motherboard are not configuration jumper blocks. Unplug the power cord from overheating. Do not place a jumper cap on the headers. Before installing the devices, be connected to the devices. - 15 - The speed control function requires the use of a fan with maximum power rating of 2A (12V) and maximum length of 2m. 1 LED_C1 1 LED_C2 Pin No. 1 2 3 4 Definition 12V G R B DEBUG PORT RGB LED Strip Connect your CPU and...
User Manual
Page 19
...+ PLED+ S0 On on each wire instead of a single plug. PWR_LED- You may connect your system using the power switch (refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Settings\Platform Power," for more Hard Drive Activity LED Reset Switch Power LED Chassis Intrusion Header information). •• SPEAK (Speaker, Orange): Connects to the hard drive activity LED on the chassis front panel. Make sure the wire assignments of the module connector match the pin assignments of power switch, reset switch, power LED, hard drive activity LED, speaker and etc. RES- Definition 9 1 1 MIC2_L...
...+ PLED+ S0 On on each wire instead of a single plug. PWR_LED- You may connect your system using the power switch (refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Settings\Platform Power," for more Hard Drive Activity LED Reset Switch Power LED Chassis Intrusion Header information). •• SPEAK (Speaker, Orange): Connects to the hard drive activity LED on the chassis front panel. Make sure the wire assignments of the module connector match the pin assignments of power switch, reset switch, power LED, hard drive activity LED, speaker and etc. RES- Definition 9 1 1 MIC2_L...
User Manual
Page 22
... Short: Clear CMOS Values _ _B _ S_ •• Always turn off . You may occur if the battery is not working properly after system power-on. B_ •• SAfte_rSsystem resta_rt, go to BIOS Setup to load factory defaults (select Load Optimized Defaults) or manually configure the BIOS settings (refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," for BIOS configurations). 18) BAT (Battery) The battery provides power to touch the two pins for one . B_ USB 0_ B CPU: CPU status LED DRAM: Memory status LED CPU DRAM VGA BOOT VGA: Graphics card status LED BOOT...
... Short: Clear CMOS Values _ _B _ S_ •• Always turn off . You may occur if the battery is not working properly after system power-on. B_ •• SAfte_rSsystem resta_rt, go to BIOS Setup to load factory defaults (select Load Optimized Defaults) or manually configure the BIOS settings (refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," for BIOS configurations). 18) BAT (Battery) The battery provides power to touch the two pins for one . B_ USB 0_ B CPU: CPU status LED DRAM: Memory status LED CPU DRAM VGA BOOT VGA: Graphics card status LED BOOT...
User Manual
Page 24
... to clear the CMOS values and reset the board to default values. (Refer to the "Load Optimized Defaults" section in system malfunction. •• It is potentially risky, if you can press the arrow keys on the motherboard. BIOS includes a BIOS Setup program that allows the user to modify basic system configuration settings or to accept or enter a sub-menu. You can use your keyboard to move through configuration items...
... to clear the CMOS values and reset the board to default values. (Refer to the "Load Optimized Defaults" section in system malfunction. •• It is potentially risky, if you can press the arrow keys on the motherboard. BIOS includes a BIOS Setup program that allows the user to modify basic system configuration settings or to accept or enter a sub-menu. You can use your keyboard to move through configuration items...
User Manual
Page 28
...; CPU Turbo Boost technology. You can dynamically and effectively lower the CPU voltage and core frequency to ramp up its operating frequency more information about Intel® CPUs' unique features, please visit Intel's website. - 28 - This feature only works for operating systems that supports this setting. (Default: Auto) dd Per Core HT Disable Setting && HT Disable (Note) Allows you install a CPU that support multi-processor mode. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this feature. Auto...
...; CPU Turbo Boost technology. You can dynamically and effectively lower the CPU voltage and core frequency to ramp up its operating frequency more information about Intel® CPUs' unique features, please visit Intel's website. - 28 - This feature only works for operating systems that supports this setting. (Default: Auto) dd Per Core HT Disable Setting && HT Disable (Note) Allows you install a CPU that support multi-processor mode. Auto lets the BIOS automatically configure this feature. Auto...
User Manual
Page 30
... you to control each CPU core limit separately. (Default: Auto) && Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) (Note 2) Allows the BIOS to read the SPD data on XMP memory module(s) to enhance memory performance when enabled. Disabled Disables this function. (Default) Profile1 Uses Profile 1 settings. Profile2 (Note 2) Uses Profile 2 settings. && System Memory Multiplier Allows you to reduce the power. This item is configurable only when Turbo Power Limits is present only when you install a CPU that support this...
... you to control each CPU core limit separately. (Default: Auto) && Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) (Note 2) Allows the BIOS to read the SPD data on XMP memory module(s) to enhance memory performance when enabled. Disabled Disables this function. (Default) Profile1 Uses Profile 1 settings. Profile2 (Note 2) Uses Profile 2 settings. && System Memory Multiplier Allows you to reduce the power. This item is configurable only when Turbo Power Limits is present only when you install a CPU that support this...
User Manual
Page 31
... reset the board to default values by loading optimized defaults or clearing the CMOS values. && Vcore Voltage Mode/SVID offset/BCLK Adaptive Voltage/CPU Graphics Voltage (VAXG)/ DRAM Voltage (CH A/B)/CPU VCCIO/CPU VCCIO 2/CPU System Agent Voltage/VCC Substained/VCCPLL/VCCPLL OC/VCCVTT/PCH Core These items allow you to adjust the CPU Vcore and memory voltages. ƒƒ Advanced Voltage Settings This submenu allows you to boot after the BIOS stage. (Default: Auto) && Memory Enhancement Settings Provides several memory performance...
... reset the board to default values by loading optimized defaults or clearing the CMOS values. && Vcore Voltage Mode/SVID offset/BCLK Adaptive Voltage/CPU Graphics Voltage (VAXG)/ DRAM Voltage (CH A/B)/CPU VCCIO/CPU VCCIO 2/CPU System Agent Voltage/VCC Substained/VCCPLL/VCCPLL OC/VCCVTT/PCH Core These items allow you to adjust the CPU Vcore and memory voltages. ƒƒ Advanced Voltage Settings This submenu allows you to boot after the BIOS stage. (Default: Auto) && Memory Enhancement Settings Provides several memory performance...
User Manual
Page 33
... or on a specific day in MS-DOS mode using this function, avoid inadequate shutdown from the installed PCI Express graphics card or the onboard graphics. IGFX (Note) Sets the onboard graphics as the first display. PCIe 1 Slot Sets the graphics card on the PCIEX16 slot as the first display. (Default) PCIe 2 Slot Sets the graphics card on the PCIEX4 slot as following functions will become unavailable: Resume by Alarm, power on by mouse, power on by keyboard, and wake on LAN. && Soft-Off...
... or on a specific day in MS-DOS mode using this function, avoid inadequate shutdown from the installed PCI Express graphics card or the onboard graphics. IGFX (Note) Sets the onboard graphics as the first display. PCIe 1 Slot Sets the graphics card on the PCIEX16 slot as the first display. (Default) PCIe 2 Slot Sets the graphics card on the PCIEX4 slot as following functions will become unavailable: Resume by Alarm, power on by mouse, power on by keyboard, and wake on LAN. && Soft-Off...
User Manual
Page 34
... advanced graphics card are installed and their drivers are not able to be launched when entering the operating system (because of the limited 4 GB memory address space). (Default: Disabled) && PCH LAN Controller Enables or disables the onboard LAN function. (Default: Enabled) If you wish to install a 3rd party add-in audio card instead of using the onboard LAN, set this function. (Default: Enabled) ƒƒ Super IO Configuration && Serial Port Enables or disables the onboard serial port. (Default: Enabled) ƒƒ USB Configuration && Legacy USB Support Allows USB keyboard/mouse...
... advanced graphics card are installed and their drivers are not able to be launched when entering the operating system (because of the limited 4 GB memory address space). (Default: Disabled) && PCH LAN Controller Enables or disables the onboard LAN function. (Default: Enabled) If you wish to install a 3rd party add-in audio card instead of using the onboard LAN, set this function. (Default: Enabled) ƒƒ Super IO Configuration && Serial Port Enables or disables the onboard serial port. (Default: Enabled) ƒƒ USB Configuration && Legacy USB Support Allows USB keyboard/mouse...
User Manual
Page 35
... disable motherboard LED lighting when the system is on. Off Disables the selected lighting mode when the system is on. On Enables the selected lighting mode when the system is an interface specification that allows the storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features such as Native Command Queuing and hot plug. (Default) && Aggressive LPM Support Enables or disables the power saving feature, ALPM (Aggressive Link Power Management), for the Chipset SATA controllers. (Default: Disabled) && Port 0/1/2/3/4/5 Enables or disables each SATA port. (Default: Enabled...
... disable motherboard LED lighting when the system is on. Off Disables the selected lighting mode when the system is on. On Enables the selected lighting mode when the system is an interface specification that allows the storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features such as Native Command Queuing and hot plug. (Default) && Aggressive LPM Support Enables or disables the power saving feature, ALPM (Aggressive Link Power Management), for the Chipset SATA controllers. (Default: Disabled) && Port 0/1/2/3/4/5 Enables or disables each SATA port. (Default: Enabled...
User Manual
Page 40
... USB devices are functional in the operating system and during the POST. (Default) Partial Initial Part of the AC power. This function is disabled when Fast Boot is set to Enabled. && Other PCI devices Allows you to select whether to Enabled or Ultra Fast. This item is configurable only when CSM Support is set to enable the UEFI or legacy option ROM for the PCI device controller other than the LAN, storage device, and graphics controllers. Do not launch Disables option ROM. UEFI Enables UEFI option ROM...
... USB devices are functional in the operating system and during the POST. (Default) Partial Initial Part of the AC power. This function is disabled when Fast Boot is set to Enabled. && Other PCI devices Allows you to select whether to Enabled or Ultra Fast. This item is configurable only when CSM Support is set to enable the UEFI or legacy option ROM for the PCI device controller other than the LAN, storage device, and graphics controllers. Do not launch Disables option ROM. UEFI Enables UEFI option ROM...
User Manual
Page 43
... with identical model and capacity). (Note 2) •• Windows setup disc. •• Motherboard driver disc. •• A USB thumb drive. B. Steps: 1. The actual BIOS Setup menu options you have and the BIOS version. (Note 1) An M.2 PCIe SSD cannot be used to set up a RAID set NVMe RAID mode to "C-3" for more information. Configuring SATA controller mode in the Intel® Chipset controlled connectors on the motherboard you will see shall depend on the motherboard. Then connect the power connectors from the...
... with identical model and capacity). (Note 2) •• Windows setup disc. •• Motherboard driver disc. •• A USB thumb drive. B. Steps: 1. The actual BIOS Setup menu options you have and the BIOS version. (Note 1) An M.2 PCIe SSD cannot be used to set up a RAID set NVMe RAID mode to "C-3" for more information. Configuring SATA controller mode in the Intel® Chipset controlled connectors on the motherboard you will see shall depend on the motherboard. Then connect the power connectors from the...
User Manual
Page 44
..., enter the BIOS Setup and go to Settings\IO Ports\SATA And RST Configuration and make sure Use RST Legacy OROM is set CSM Support to Enabled and Storage Boot Option Control to begin . 6. Select the type of hard drives you use the down arrow key to move to Disabled. UEFI RAID Configuration Steps: 1. Under Select Disks item, select the hard drives to Settings\EZ RAID. The stripe block size can be selected (selected hard drives are marked with "X"). C-3. Configuring Legacy RAID ROM You'll need a discrete graphics card...
..., enter the BIOS Setup and go to Settings\IO Ports\SATA And RST Configuration and make sure Use RST Legacy OROM is set CSM Support to Enabled and Storage Boot Option Control to begin . 6. Select the type of hard drives you use the down arrow key to move to Disabled. UEFI RAID Configuration Steps: 1. Under Select Disks item, select the hard drives to Settings\EZ RAID. The stripe block size can be selected (selected hard drives are marked with "X"). C-3. Configuring Legacy RAID ROM You'll need a discrete graphics card...
User Manual
Page 45
... RAID BIOS utility, press or select 6. Exit in a RAID array. 4. Installing the Operating System As some operating systems already include RAID driver, you have Windows 10 64-bit (or later version) installed on the number of the hard drives being installed). Copy the IRST folder under the Name item and press . Boot from the motherboard driver disc using "Xpress Install" to begin creating the RAID array. The location of the driver. When a screen...
... RAID BIOS utility, press or select 6. Exit in a RAID array. 4. Installing the Operating System As some operating systems already include RAID driver, you have Windows 10 64-bit (or later version) installed on the number of the hard drives being installed). Copy the IRST folder under the Name item and press . Boot from the motherboard driver disc using "Xpress Install" to begin creating the RAID array. The location of the driver. When a screen...
User Manual
Page 46
... M2A_SB connector, set PCIe Storage Device On Port 17 to RST Controlled; Enter the operating system, launch the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology utility from the Start menu, and then enable Intel® Optane™ Memory on -screen instructions to remove it first before continuing. Installation Guidelines A-1: Installation in AHCI mode If the SATA controller has been configured in AHCI mode, please follow the steps below : 1. If you install more than one you want to accelerate the system drive...
... M2A_SB connector, set PCIe Storage Device On Port 17 to RST Controlled; Enter the operating system, launch the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology utility from the Start menu, and then enable Intel® Optane™ Memory on -screen instructions to remove it first before continuing. Installation Guidelines A-1: Installation in AHCI mode If the SATA controller has been configured in AHCI mode, please follow the steps below : 1. If you install more than one you want to accelerate the system drive...
