Gigabyte Assassin 2 Manual

							- 11 -Hardware Installation
Storage Interface2 x Marvell 88SE9172 chips:  Š
 -   2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (GSATA3 6/GSATA3 7) supporting up to 2 SATA 
6Gb/s devices -   2  x  eSATA  6Gb/s  connectors  (eSATA/USB  Combo)  on  the  back  panel supporting up to 2 SATA 6Gb/s devices
 -   Support for RAID 0 and RAID 1
USBChipset: Š
 -   Up to 14 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (8 ports on the back panel, including 2 eSATA/
USB Combo, 6 ports available through the internal USB headers)
2 x Fresco FL1009 chips: Š
 -    Up to 4 USB 3.0/2.0 ports (2 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available through 
the internal USB header)
Internal 
Connectors
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector Š
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector Š
4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors  Š
4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors Š
1 x CPU fan header Š
4 x fan headers Š
1 x front panel header Š
1 x front panel audio header Š
1 x S/PDIF Out header Š
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers Š
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 header Š
1 x Clear CMOS jumper Š
1 x Trusted Platform Module (TPM) header  Š
Back Panel 
Connectors
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port Š
1 x CPU overclocking button Š
1 x BIOS switch button Š
1 x Clear CMOS button Š
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector Š
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports Š
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports Š2 x eSATA/USB Combo connectors Š1 x RJ-45 port Š 
5 x audio jacks (Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out, Rear Speaker Out, Side Speaker  ŠOut, Line In/Mic In, Line Out)
I/O ControlleriTE IT8728 chip Š 
						

							Hardware Installation- 12 -
Hardware 
Monitor
System voltage detection Š
CPU/System temperature detection Š
CPU/System fan speed detection Š
CPU overheating warning Š
CPU/System fan fail warning Š
CPU/System fan speed control  Š *   Whether the CPU/system fan speed control function is supported will depend on the CPU/system cooler you install.
BIOS2 x 64 Mbit flash Š
Use of licensed AMI EFI BIOS Š
Support for DualBIOS Š™
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI 2.0a Š
Unique FeaturesSupport for @BIOS Š
Support for Q-Flash Š
Support for Xpress BIOS Rescue Š
Support for Download Center Š
Support for Xpress Install Š
Support for Xpress Recovery2 Š
Support for EasyTune  Š  * Available functions in EasyTune may differ by motherboard model.
Support for Smart 6 Š™
Support for eXtreme Hard Drive (X.H.D) Š
Support for ON/OFF Charge Š
Support for Cloud OC Š
Support for 3TB+ Unlock Š
Support for TouchBIOS Š
Support for Q-Share Š
Bundled 
SoftwareNorton Internet Security (OEM version) Š
Operating 
SystemSupport for Microsoft Š® Windows 7/Vista/XP
Form FactorE-ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 26.4cm Š
*  GIGABY TE  reser ves  the  right  to  make  any  changes  to  the  product  specifications  and  product-related  information without prior notice. 
						

							- 13 -Hardware Installation
1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler
1-3-1  Installing the CPU
A. Locate the alignment keys on the motherboard CPU socket and the notches on 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. (Or you may  •locate the notches on both sides of the CPU and alignment keys on the CP\
U 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.
Alignment KeyAlignment Key
LGA2011 CPU Socket
Pin  One  Corner  of  the  CPU Socket
LGA2011 CPU
Triangle  Pin  One  Marking  on the CPU
Alignment KeyAlignment Key
NotchNotch
NotchNotch 
						

							Hardware Installation- 14 -
Step 1: 
Push the lever closest to the "unlock" marking "" 
(below referred as lever A) down and away from 
the socket to release it. 
Step 4: Hold the CPU with your thumb and index fingers. 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  carefully  insert the CPU into the socket vertically.
Step 5: Once  the  CPU  is  properly  inserted,  carefully  replace the load plate. Then secure lever B under its retention tab. The protective plastic cover may pop off from the load  plate  during  the  process  of  engaging  the  lever. Remove the cover. Save the cover properly and always replace it when the CPU is not installed. 
B. Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU into the motherboard CPU socket.
Before installing the CPU, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from  •the power outlet to prevent damage to the CPU.To protect the socket contacts, do not remove the protective plastic cover unless the CPU is  •inserted into the CPU socket. Save the cover properly and replace it if \
the CPU is removed. 
Step 2: 
Push the lever closest to the "lock" marking "" 
(below referred as lever B) down and away from 
the socket. Then lift the lever. 
Lever ALever B
Step 3: 
Gently press lever A to allow the load plate to rise. 
Open  the  load  plate.  (Note:  DO  NOT  touch  the 
socket contacts after the load plate is opened.)
Step 6: Finally,  secure  lever  A  under  its  retention  tab  to  complete the installation of the CPU.   
						

							- 15 -Hardware Installation
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler
Refer  to  the  steps  below  to  correctly  install  the  CPU  cooler  on  the  motherboard.  (Actual  installation  process 
may differ depending the CPU cooler to be used. Refer to the user's manu\
al for your CPU cooler.)
Use  extreme  care  when  removing  the  CPU  cooler  because  the  thermal  grease/tape  between  the CPU cooler and CPU may adhere to the CPU. Inadequately removing the CPU cooler may damage the CPU.
Step 1:Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on the surface of the installed CPU.
Step 2:Place the cooler atop the CPU, aligning the four mounting screws with the mounting holes on the ILM. (If your cooler has a fan grill which may cause interference when you tighten the screws, remove it first and replace it after tightening the screws.)
Step 3: Use one hand to hold the cooler and the other to tighten the screws in a diagonal sequence with a screw driver. Begin tightening a screw with a few turns and repeat with the screw diagonally opposite the one you just tightened. Then do the same to the other pair. Next, fully tighten the four screws. 
Step 4: Finally,  attach  the  power  connector  of  the  CPU cooler to the CPU fan header (CPU_FAN) on the motherboard. 
						

							Hardware Installation- 16 -
1-4 Installing the Memory
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the memory:Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended th\
at memory of the  •same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used. (Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest supported memory speeds and me\
mory modules.)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.
DDR3_1DDR3_2DDR3_3DDR3_4
1-4-1   4 Channel Memory Configuration
This motherboard provides four DDR3 memory sockets and supports 4 Channel Technology. After the memory 
is installed, the BIOS will automatically detect the specifications and capacity of the memory. The four DDR3 
memory sockets are divided into four channels and each channel has one m\
emory socket as following:
Channel A: DDR3_4 
Channel B: DDR3_2 
Channel C: DDR3_1 
Channel D: DDR3_3 
For optimum performance, when installing one memory module, we recommend that you install it in the DDR3_1 socket. When installing two memory modules, we recommend that you install them in the DDR3_1 and DDR3_2 sockets. 
Dual Channel Mode: • To enable Dual Channel mode, install two memory modules in any two of th\
e four memory sockets.3 Channel Mode: • To enable three Channel mode, install three memory modules in any three \
of the four memory sockets.4 Channel Mode: • To enable four Channel mode, install four memory modules in the four mem\
ory sockets. 
						

							- 17 -Hardware Installation
1-4-2 Installing a Memory 
Notch
DDR3 DIMM
A DDR3 memory module has a notch, so it can only fit in one direction. Follow the steps below to correctly install your memory modules in the memory sockets.
Before installing a memory module, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power 
cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the memory module.
DDR3  and  DDR2  DIMMs  are  not  compatible  to  each  other  or  DDR  DIMMs.  Be  sure  to  install 
DDR3 DIMMs on this motherboard. 
Step 1: Note the orientation of the memory module. Spread the retaining clips at both ends of the memory socket. Place the memory module on the socket. As indicated in the picture on the left, place your fingers on the top edge of the memory, push down on the memory and insert it vertically into the memory socket.
Step 2: The  clips  at  both  ends  of  the  socket  will  snap  into  place  when  the memory module is securely inserted.
DIP12345Z0DIP12345Z0 
						

							Hardware Installation- 18 -
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card
Follow the steps below to correctly install your expansion card in the e\
xpansion slot.Locate  an  expansion  slot  that  supports  your  card.  Remove  the  metal  slot  cover  from  the  chassis  back 1. panel.Align the card with the slot, and press down on the card until it is ful\
ly seated in the slot. 2. Make sure the metal contacts on the card are completely inserted into th\
e slot.3. Secure the card’s metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a scre\
w. 4. After installing all expansion cards, replace the chassis cover(s).5. Turn  on  your  computer.  If  necessary,  go  to  BIOS  Setup  to  make  any  required  BIOS  changes  for  your 6. expansion card(s).Install the driver provided with the expansion card in your operating sy\
stem. 7. 
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install an expansion c\
ard: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.
PCI Express x1 Slot
PCI Express x16 Slot
PCI Slot
Installing a Graphics Card:  • Gently push down on the top edge of the card until it is fully inserted into the PCI Express slot. Make sure the card is securely seated in the slot and does not rock.
Removing the Card: • Press the latch at the end of the PCI Express slot to release the card and then pull the card straight up from the slot. 
						

							- 19 -Hardware Installation
1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFireX™/NVIDIA SLI Configuration
A. System RequirementsThe 2-Way CrossFireX and 2-Way SLI technologies currently support Windows 7, Vista, XP operating systems -The 3-Way CrossFireX and 3-Way SLI technologies currently support Windows 7 and Vista operating systems -A CrossFireX /SLI-supported motherboard with two/three PCI Express x16 slots and correct driver -Two/three CrossFireX /SLI-ready graphics cards of identical brand and chip and correct driver - (Current GPUs that support 3-Way CrossFireX technology include the ATI Radeon HD 3800, HD 4800, HD 5800 series, and AMD Radeon HD 6800 and HD 6900 series. Current GPUs that support 3-Way SLI technology include the NVIDIA 8800 GTX, 8800 Ultra, 9800 GTX, GTX 260, GTX 280, GTX 470, GTX 480, GTX \
570, GTX 580, and GTX 590 series.)CrossFire - (Note)/SLI bridge connectorsA  power  supply  with  sufficient  power  is  recommended  (Refer  to  the  manual  of  your  graphics  cards  for  the  power  -requirement)
B. Connecting the Graphics CardsStep 1:Observe  the  steps  in  "1-5  Installing  an  Expansion  Card"  and  install  two/three  CrossFireX/SLI  graphics  cards  on  the  PCI Express  x16  slots.  (To  set  up  a  2-Way  configuration,  we  recommend  installing  the  graphics  cards  on  the  PCIEX16_1  and PCIEX16_2 slots. )
Step 2:Insert the CrossFire (Note )/SLI bridge connectors in the CrossFireX /SLI gold edge connectors on top of the two/three cards.
Step 3:Plug the display cable into the graphics card on the PCIEX16_1 slot.
C. Configuring the Graphics Card Driver
C-1. To Enable CrossFireX Function After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go to the Catalyst Control  Center.  Browse  to Performance\AMD  CrossFireX™  Configuration and  ensure  the Enable  CrossFireX™  check  box  is  selected  and  click Apply. (Available combination options are dependent on the number of graphics cards 
you install.)
Procedure  and  driver  screen  for  enabling  CrossFireX/SLI  technology  may  differ  by  graphics  cards  and  driver version. Refer to the manual that came with your graphics cards for more information about enabling CrossFireX/SLI technology.
C-2. To Enable SLI FunctionAfter installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go to the NVIDIA Control  Panel.  Browse  to  the Set  SLI  and  Physx  Configuration screen  and ensure Maximize 3D performance is enabled.
(Note)  The bridge connector(s) may be needed or not depending on your graphics cards. 
						

							Hardware Installation- 20 -
1-7 Back Panel Connectors
USB 2.0/1.1 Port
The  USB  port  supports  the  USB  2.0/1.1  specification.  Use  this  port  for  USB  devices  such  as  a  USB keyboard/mouse, USB printer, USB flash drive and etc.
PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port
Use this port to connect a PS/2 mouse or keyboard.
CPU Overclcking Button
Press this button to overclock your CPU. To return to the defaults, pres\
s this button again. 
BIOS Switch Button
The button allows users to easily select a different BIOS for boot up or overclocking, helping to reduce BIOS failure during overclocking. Press the button to switch between the main BIOS and backup BIOS. The green LED indicates the main BIOS is active and the blue LED indicates the bac\
kup BIOS is active.
Clear CMOS Button
Use the clearing CMOS button to clear the CMOS values (e.g. date information and BIOS configurations) and 
reset the CMOS values to factory defaults when needed.
eSATA/USB Combo Connector
This connector supports SATA 6Gb/s and USB 2.0/1.1 specification. Use the port to connect an external SATA  device  or  a  SATA  port  multiplier.  The  Marvell  88SE9172  chip  supports  RAID  function.  Refer  to Chapter 5, "Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s)," for instructions on configuring a RAID array. Or use this port for USB devices such as a USB keyboard/mouse, USB printer, USB flash drive and etc.
USB 3.0/2.0 Port
The USB 3.0 port supports the USB 3.0 specification and is compatible to the USB 2.0/1.1 specification. Use this port for USB devices such as a USB keyboard/mouse, USB printer, USB flash drive and etc.
RJ-45 LAN Port
The  Gigabit  Ethernet  LAN  port  provides  Internet  connection  at  up  to  1  Gbps  data  rate.  The  following describes the states of the LAN port LEDs.
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.
O.C.
Link LEDSpeed/Activity LED 
LAN Port
Link LED:Speed/Activity LED:
State DescriptionOrange10 Mbps data rateGreen + Orange100 Mbps data rate
Green1 Gbps data rateBlinkingNetwork activityOffNo connection
State DescriptionOnLinked properlyOffNo link