Gigabyte Assassin 2 Manual

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4-1 Xpress Recovery2
Chapter 4  Unique Features
Xpress Recovery2 is a utility that allows you to quickly compress and back 
up your system data and perform restoration of it. Supporting NTFS, FAT32, 
and FAT16 file systems, Xpress Recovery2 can back up data on PATA and 
SATA hard drives and restore it.
Before You Begin:
Xpress Recovery2 will check the first physical hard drive • (Note) for the operating system. Xpress Recovery2 
can only back up/restore the first physical hard drive that has the operating system installed.
As  Xpress  Recovery2  will  save  the  backup  file  at  the  end  of  the  hard  drive,  make  sure  to  leave  enough  •
unallocated space in advanced (10 GB or more is recommended; actual size requirements vary, depending 
on the amount of data).
It is recommended to back up your system soon after the operating system\
 and drivers are installed. •
The  amount  of  data  and  hard  drive  access  speed  may  affect  the  speed  at  which  the  data  is  backed  up/ •
restored.
It takes longer to back up a hard drive than to restore it. •
System Requirements:
At least 512 MB of system memory •
VESA compatible graphics card •
Windows XP with SP1 or later, Windows Vista, Windows 7 •
Installation and Configuration:
Turn on your system to boot from the Windows 7 setup disk.
A. Installing Windows 7 and Partitioning the Hard Drive
Step 1:
Click Drive options.
Step 2:
Click New.
(Note) Xpress Recovery2 checks the first physical hard drive in the following sequence: The first SATA connector, 
the second SATA connector and so forth. For example, When hard drives are attached to the first and 
third SATA connectors, the hard drive on the first SATA connector is the first physical drive.
Xpress Recovery and Xpress Recovery2 are different utilities. For example, a backup file created  •
with Xpress Recovery cannot be restored using Xpress Recovery2.
USB hard drives are not supported. •
RAID drives are not supported.  •
GPT partitions are not supported.  •
Hard drives larger than 2.2 TB are not supported. • 
						

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Step 3:
When partitioning your hard drive, make sure to leave 
unallocated space (10 GB or more is recommended; 
actual  size  requirements  vary,  depending  on  the 
amount  of  data)  and  begin  the  installation  of  the 
operating system.
Step 4:
After  the  operating  system  is  installed,  click Start,  
right-click the Computer and select Manage. Go to 
Disk Management to check disk allocation.
Step 5:
Xpress  Recovery2  will  save  the  backup  file  to  the  unallocated 
space (black stripe along the top). Please note that if there is no 
enough  unallocated  space,  Xpress  Recovery2  cannot  save  the 
backup file. 
Step 1:
Select BACKUP to start backing up your hard drive 
data.
Step 2:
When  finished,  go  to Disk  Management  to  check 
disk allocation.
B. Accessing Xpress Recovery2
Boot from the motherboard driver disk to access Xpress Recovery2. When you see the following message: Press 
any key to startup Xpress Recovery2, press any key to enter Xpress Recovery2.
C. Using the Backup Function in Xpress Recovery2
Xpress Recovery2 will automatically create a new partition to store the backup image file. 
						

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D. Using the Restore Function in Xpress Recovery2
E. Removing the Backup
F. Exiting Xpress Recovery2
Select RESTORE to restore the backup to your hard drive in case 
the system breaks down. The RESTORE option will not be present 
if no backup is created before.
Select REBOOT to exit Xpress Recovery2.
Step 2:
After the backup file is removed, no backup image file 
will be present in Disk Management and hard drive 
space will be freed up.
Step 1:
If  you  wish  to  remove  the  backup  file,  select 
REMOVE. 
						

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4-2 BIOS Update Utilities
GIGABYTE motherboards provide two unique BIOS update tools, Q-Flash™ and @BIOS™. GIGABYTE Q-Flash 
and  @BIOS  are  easy-to-use  and  allow  you  to  update  the  BIOS  without  the  need  to  enter  MS-DOS  mode. 
Additionally, this motherboard features the DualBIOS™ design, which enhances protection for the safety and 
stability of your computer by adding one more physical BIOS chip.
What is DualBIOS™?
Motherboards that support DualBIOS have two BIOS onboard, a main BIOS and 
a backup BIOS. Normally, the system works on the main BIOS. However, if the 
main  BIOS  is  corrupted  or  damaged,  the  backup  BIOS  will  take  over  on  the  next  system  boot  and  copy  the 
BIOS file to the main BIOS to ensure normal system operation. For the sake of system safety, users cannot 
update the backup BIOS manually.
What is Q-Flash™?
With Q-Flash you can update the system BIOS without having to enter operating 
systems like MS-DOS or Window first. Embedded in the BIOS, the Q-Flash tool 
frees you from the hassles of going through complicated BIOS flashing process.
What is @BIOS™?
@BIOS allows you to update the system BIOS while in the Windows environment. 
@BIOS  will  download  the  latest  BIOS  file  from  the  nearest  @BIOS  server  site 
and update the BIOS.
4-2-1  Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility
A. Before You Begin
From  GIGABYTE's  website,  download  the  latest  compressed  BIOS  update  file  that  matches  your 1. 
motherboard model.
Extract the file and save the new BIOS file (e.g. g1assas2.f1) to your USB flash drive or hard drive. Note: 2. 
The USB flash drive or hard drive must use FAT32/16/12 file system. 
Restart the system. During the POST, press the  key to enter Q-Flash. Note: You can access Q-Flash 3. 
by either pressing the  key during the POST or pressing the  key in BIOS Setup. However, if the 
BIOS update file is saved to a hard drive in RAID/AHCI mode or a hard drive attached to an independent 
SATA controller, use the  key during the POST to access Q-Flash.
Because BIOS flashing is potentially risky, please do it with caution. Inadequate BIOS flashing may 
result in system malfunction. 
						

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B. Updating the BIOS
In  the  main  menu  of  Q-Flash,  use  the  keyboard  or  mouse  to  select  an  item  to  execute.  When  updating  the 
BIOS, choose the location where the BIOS file is saved. The following procedure assumes that you save the 
BIOS file to a USB flash drive.
Step 1: 
1. Insert the USB flash drive containing the BIOS file into the computer. In the main menu of Q-Flash, select 
Update BIOS From Drive.
Step 2: 
The process of the system reading the BIOS file from the USB flash drive is displayed on the screen. When 
the message "Are you sure to update BIOS?" appears, select Yes to begin the BIOS update. The monitor will 
display the update process.
Step 3: 
When the update process is complete, select Reboot to reboot the system.
2. Select Flash Disk.
3. Select the BIOS update file.
The  •Save Main BIOS to Drive option allows you to save the current BIOS file.
Q-Flash only supports USB flash drive or hard drives using FAT32/16/12 file system. •
If the BIOS update file is saved to a hard drive in RAID/AHCI mode or a hard drive attached to  •
an independent SATA controller, use the  key during the POST to access Q-Flash.
Make sure the BIOS update file matches your motherboard model.
Do not turn off or restart the system when the system is reading/updatin\
g the BIOS. •
Do not remove the USB flash drive or hard drive when the system is updating the BIOS. •
Q-Flash Utility v1.00Model Name  : G1.Assassin 2BIOS Version  : F1BIOS Date  : 08/23/2011Flash Type/Size  : MXIC 25L6465E/6406E  8MB
Update BIOS From DriveSave BIOS to DriveReturn to BIOS setupSelect Device
Flash Disk
Q-Flash
BIOS update is completed.
Power offReboot 
						

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Select Yes to load BIOS defaults
Step 4:
After the system reboots, you will see the new BIOS version on the POST screen.
Step 5:
During the POST, press  to enter BIOS Setup. Select Load Optimized Defaults on the Save & Exit 
screen and press  to load BIOS defaults. System will re-detect all peripheral devices after a BIOS update, 
so we recommend that you reload BIOS defaults.
Step 6:
Select Save & Exit Setup and press . And then select Yes to save settings to CMOS and exit BIOS 
Setup. The procedure is complete after the system restarts. 
						

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4-2-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility
A. Before You Begin
In Windows, close all applications and TSR (Terminate and Stay Resident) programs. This helps prevent 1. 
unexpected failures when performing a BIOS update.
During the BIOS update process, ensure the Internet connection is stable and do NOT interrupt the Internet 2. 
connection (for example, avoid a power loss or switching off the Internet). Failure to do so may result in a 
corrupted BIOS or a system that is unable to start.
Do not use the G.O.M. (GIGABYTE Online Management) function when using\
 @BIOS. 3. 
GIGABYTE  product  warranty  does  not  cover  any  BIOS  damage  or  system  failure  resulting  from  an 4. 
inadequate BIOS flashing.
B. Using @BIOS
Make  sure  that  the  BIOS  file  to  be  flashed  matches  your  motherboard  model.  Updating  the 
BIOS with an incorrect BIOS file could cause your system not to boot.
1.  Update the BIOS Using the Internet Update Function:
 Click Update BIOS from GIGABYTE Server, select the @BIOS server site closest to your location and 
then download the BIOS file that matches your motherboard model. Follow the on-screen instructions to 
complete. 
2.  Update the BIOS without Using the Internet Update Function:
 Click Update BIOS from File, then select the location where you save the BIOS update file obtained from 
the Internet or through other source. Follow the on-screen instructions \
to complete.
3.  Save the Current BIOS File:
 Click Save Current BIOS to File to save the current BIOS file.
4.  Load BIOS Defaults after BIOS Update:
 Select the Load CMOS default after BIOS update check box and then the system will automatically load 
BIOS defaults after BIOS update and after the system restarts.
C. After Updating the BIOS
Restart your system after updating the BIOS.
If  the  BIOS  update  file  for  your  motherboard  is  not  present  on  the  @BIOS  server  site,  please   
manually download the BIOS update file from GIGABYTE's website and follow the instructions in 
"Update the BIOS without Using the Internet Update Function" below. 
						

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4-3 EasyTune 6
GIGABYTE's  EasyTune  6  is  a  simple  and  easy-to-use  interface  that  allows  users  to  fine-tune  their  system settings  or  do  overclock/overvoltage  in  Windows  environment.  The  user-friendly  EasyTune  6  interface  also includes  tabbed  pages  for  CPU  and  memory  information,  letting  users  read  their  system-related  information without the need to install additional software.
The EasyTune 6 Interface
Available functions in EasyTune 6 may differ by motherboard model. Grayed-out area(s) indicates that the item is not configurable or the function is not supported.
Incorrectly doing overclock/overvoltage may result in damage to the hardware components such as CPU, chipset, and memory and reduce the useful life of these components. Before you do the overclock/overvoltage, make sure that you fully know each function of EasyTune 6, or system instability or other unexpected results may occur.
Tabs InformationTabFunction
The CPU tab provides information on the installed CPU and motherboard.
The Memory  tab  provides  information  on  the  installed  memory  module(s).  You  can  select  memory module on a specific slot to see its information. The Tuner tab allows you to change memory settings and voltages.Quick Boost mode • provides you with 3 levels of CPU frequency/base clock to choose to achieve desired system performance. (Note)
After making changes in Quick Boost mode or clicking Default to restore to default values, be sure to restart your system for these changes to take effect.Easy mode • provides information on CPU/memory.Advanced  mode •  allows  you  to  individually  change  system  clock  settings  and  voltages  settings using the sliders.Save • allows you to save the current settings to a new profile (.txt file).Load • allows you to load previous settings from a profile.After making changes in Easy mode/Advanced mode, be sure to click Set for these changes to take effect or click Default to restore to default values.The Graphics  tab  allows  you  to  change  the  core  clock  and  memory  clock  for  your  ATI  or  NVIDIA graphics card.The Smart  tab  allows  you  to  specify  a  Smart  Fan  mode.  Smart  Fan Advanced  mode  allows  the  fan speed to be changed linearly based on the temperature thresholds you set\
.The HW  Monitor  tab  allows  you  to  monitor  hardware  temperature,  voltage  and  fan  speed  and  set temperature/fan speed alarm. You can choose the alert sound from the buzzer or use your own sound file (.wav file). 
						

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4-4 Q-Share
Q-Share is an easy and convenient data sharing tool. After configuring your LAN connection settings and Q-Share, 
you are able to share your data with computers on the same network, maki\
ng full use of Internet resources.
Directions for using Q-Share
After installing Q-Share from the motherboard driver disk, go to Start>All Programs>GIGABYTE>Q-Share.exe 
to  launch  the  Q-Share  tool.  Find  the Q-Share  icon   in  the  notification  area  and  right-click  on  this  icon  to 
configure the data sharing settings.
(Note)  This option is available only when data sharing is NOT enabled.
Figure 1. Data Sharing DisabledFigure 2. Data Sharing Enabled
Options Descriptions
OptionDescription
Connect ...Displays the computers with data sharing enabled
Enable Incoming Folder ...Enables data sharing
Disable Incoming Folder ...Disables data sharing
Open Incoming Folder :
C:\Q-ShareFolder
Accesses the shared data folder
Change Incoming Folder :
C:\Q-ShareFolder
Changes the data folder to be shared (Note)
Update Q-Share ...Updates Q-Share online
About Q-Share ... Displays the current Q-Share version
Exit...Exits Q-Share 
						

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4-5 Smart 6™ 
GIGABYTE Smart 6™ (Note 1) is designed with user-friendliness in mind, and offers a combination of 6 innovative 
software utilities that provide easier and smarter PC system management. Smart 6™ allows you to speed up 
system performance, reduce boot-up time, manage a secure platform and recover specified files easily with a 
click of the mouse button.
Instructions:
Select  the Enable  check  box  below  the BIOS  QuickBoot  or OS 
QuickBoot item and then click Save to save the settings.
SMART QuickBoot
SMART QuickBoot speeds up the system boot-up process and shortens the waiting time for entering 
the operating system, delivering greater efficiency for daily use.
Instructions:
Select a CPU performance boost level and restart your computer for 
the changes to take effect. 
SMART QuickBoost
SMART QuickBoost features quick and effortless CPU overclocking for novice and experienced 
users alike; users simply click on one of the three levels of CPU performance enhancement, and 
SMART QuickBoost automatically adjusts CPU performance.
Whether all SMART 6 functions are supported depends on the motherboard model.