Gigabyte G1 Sniper 2 Manual

							- 11 -Hardware Installation
Storage InterfaceChipset: Š
 -  2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (SATA3_0, SATA3_1) supporting up to 2 SATA   
         6Gb/s devices
 -   3 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors (SATA2_2~SATA2_4) supporting up to 3 SATA 
3Gb/s devices  
 -   1 x eSATA 3Gb/s connector (eSATA /USB Combo connector) on the back 
panel supporting up to 1 SATA 3Gb/s device
       
-    Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10
               *   When a RAID set is built across the SATA 6Gb/s and SATA 3Gb/s channels, the system  performance  of  the  RAID  set  may  vary  depending  on  the  devices  being 
connected.
 
USBChipset: Š
  -   Up to 14 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (8 ports on the back panel, including 1 eSATA /
USB  Combo  connector,  6  por ts  available  through  the  internal  USB 
headers)
2 x Etron EJ168 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
 Š4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors 
 Š3 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
 Š1 x CPU fan header
 Š4 x system fan headers
 Š1 x front panel header
 Š1 x front panel audio header
 Š1 x S/PDIF Out header
 Š3 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
 Š1 x USB 3.0/2.0 header
 Š1 x serial port header
 Š1 x Trusted Platform Module (TPM) header
 Š1 x clearing CMOS jumper
 Š1 x heatsink LED power connector Š1 x CPU overclocking button header Š
Back Panel 
Connectors 7 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
 Š
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
 Š1 x CPU overclocking button
 Š1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
 Š1 x eSATA/USB Combo connector
 Š1 x HDMI port
 Š2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
 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) 
						

							Hardware Installation- 12 -
I/O ControlleriTE IT8728 chip Š
Hardware 
MonitorSystem voltage detection
 Š
CPU/System temperature detection
 ŠCPU/System fan speed detection
 ŠCPU overheating warning
 ŠCPU/System fan fail warning
 ŠCPU/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	32	Mbit	flash Š
Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
 ŠSupport for DualBIOS
 Š™
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI 1.0b Š
Unique FeaturesSupport for @BIOS ŠSupport for Q-Flash
 ŠSupport for Xpress BIOS Rescue
 ŠSupport for Download Center
 ŠSupport for Xpress Install
 ŠSupport for Xpress Recovery2
 ŠSupport for EasyTune 
 Š    * Available functions in EasyTune may differ by motherboard model.
Support for Dynamic Energy Saver Š™ 2
Support for Smart 6
 Š™
Support for Auto Green Š Support for eXtreme Hard Drive (X.H.D) 
 ŠSupport for ON/OFF Charge
 ŠSupport for Cloud OC
 ŠSupport for 3TB+ Unlock
 ŠSupport for TouchBIOS
 ŠSupport for Q-Share
 Š
Bundled 
Software Norton Internet Security (OEM version)
 Š
Intel
 Š® Smart Response Technology
LucidLogix Virtu
 Š      *   Make sure the monitor cable has been connected to the integrated graphics port     on the back panel.
Operating 
System Support for Microsoft Š® Windows 7/Vista/XP
Form FactorE-ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x  Š26.4cm
*	
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.
Alignment Key
Alignment Key
LGA1155 CPU Socket
Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket
Notch
Notch
LGA1155 CPU
Triangle Pin One Marking 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  dam-
 • age 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,	 graph-
ics card, memory, hard drive, etc. 
						

							Hardware Installation- 14 -
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.
Step 1: 
Gently  press  the  CPU  socket  lever  handle  down 
and	away	 from	the	socket	 with	your	 finger.	 Then	
completely lift the CPU socket lever and the metal 
load plate will be lifted as well. 
Step 3: 
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  you  may 
align the CPU notches with the socket alignment 
keys) and gently insert the CPU into position.
Step 5: 
Push  the  CPU  socket  lever  back  into  its  locked 
position.  Step 4: 
Once  the  CPU  is  properly  inserted,  use  one 
hand  to  hold  the  socket  lever  and  use  the  other 
to  lightly  replace  the  load  plate.  When  replacing 
the  load  plate,  make  sure  the  front  end  of  the 
load plate is under the shoulder screw. 
NOTE:
Hold the CPU socket lever by the handle, not the 
lever base portion.  Step 2: 
Remove  the  CPU  socket  cover  as  shown.  Hold 
your  index  finger  down  on  the  rear  grip  of  the 
socket  cover  and  use  your  thumb  to  lift  up  the 
front  edge  (next  to  the  "REMOVE"  mark)  and 
then  remove  the  cover.  (DO  NOT  touch  socket 
contacts.  To  protect  the  CPU  socket,  always  re-
place the protective socket cover when the CPU 
is not installed.) 
						

							- 15 -Hardware Installation
1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler
Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler on the motherboard. (The following procedure uses 
Intel® boxed cooler as the example 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.
Male Push Pin
Female 
Push Pin
The Top 
of Female 
Push PinDirection of the Arrow Sign on 
the Male Push 
Pin
Step 2:
Before  installing  the  cooler,  note  the  direction  of 
the  arrow  sign
on  the  male  push  pin.  (Turn-
ing the push pin along the direction of arrow is to 
remove the cooler, on the contrary, is to install.)
Step 3: 
Place the cooler atop the CPU, aligning the four 
push  pins  through  the  pin  holes  on  the  mother -
board. Push down on the push pins diagonally. Step 4:
You  should  hear  a  "click"  when  pushing  down 
each push pin. Check that the Male and Female 
push pins are joined closely. (Refer to your CPU 
cooler  installation  manual  for  instructions  on 
installing the cooler.)
Step 5: 
After the installation, check the back of the moth -
erboard. If the push pin is inserted as the picture 
above shows, the installation is complete. Step 6: 
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 that 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 direc -
 •
tion. If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.
DDR3_4DDR3_2
DDR3_3
DDR3_1
1-4-1  Dual Channel Memory Configuration
This  motherboard  provides  four  DDR3  memory  sockets  and  suppo rts  Dual  Channel  Technology.  After  the 
memory	is	installed,	 the	BIOS	 will	automatically	 detect	the	specifications	 and	capacity 	of	 the	 memory.	 En-
abling Dual Channel memory mode will double the original memory bandwidt\
h.
The four DDR3 memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as 
following:
Channel A: DDR3_2, DDR3_4
Channel B: DDR3_1, DDR3_3
Dual	Channel	Memory	Configurations	 Table
(SS=Single-Sided, DS=Double-Sided, "- -"=No Memory)
DDR3_4DDR3_2DDR3_3DDR3_1
Two Modules - - DS/SS- - DS/SS
DS/SS - -DS/SS- - 
Four Modules DS/SSDS/SSDS/SSDS/SS
Due to CPU limitations, read the following guidelines before installing \
the memory in Dual Channel mode.
 1. Dual Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one DDR3 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.  For  optimum  performance,  when 
enabling Dual Channel mode with two memory modules, we recommend that you install  them in the 
DDR3_1 and DDR3_2 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.
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	fin-
gers 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.
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.  
						

							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 panel.
1
. 
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 screw. 
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
. 
Example: Installing and Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card:
•
 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.
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 
						

							- 19 -Hardware Installation
1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFireX™/NVIDIA SLI Configuration
A. System Requirements
   - Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP operating system
    - A CrossFireX/SLI-supported motherboard with two PCI Express x16 slots and correct driver
    - Two CrossFireX/SLI-ready graphics cards of identical brand and chip and correct driver
    - CrossFireX (Note)/SLI bridge connector(s)
	 	-	 A 	power	supply	with	sufficient	power	is	recommended	(Refer	to	the	manual	of	your	graphics	cards	for			
   the power requirement)
B. Connecting the Graphics Cards
Step 1:
Observe the steps in "1-5 Installing an Expansion Card" and install two CrossFireX/SLI graphics cards on the 
PCI Express x16 slots.
Step 2:
Insert  the  CrossFireX
(Note)/SLI  bridge  connector(s)  in  the  CrossFireX/SLI  gold  edge  connectors  on  top  of  the 
two cards.
Step 3:
Plug the display cable into the graphics card on the PCIEX16 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  Cata-
lyst  Control  Center .  Browse  to Performance\AMD  CrossFireX  Configura -
tions   and  ensure  the  Enable  CrossFireX
™ check  box  is  selected  and  click 
Apply. 
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 Function
After  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 Installing the 5.25" Front Access Control Panel 
• Turn off your system and the power switch on the power supply before installing or removing the 
Front Access Control Panel and signal/power cable to prevent damage to hardwar\
e. 
•
  Insert the signal cable/power cable securely into the corresponding conn\
ectors when installing.
The 5.25" Front Access Control Panel allows quick and easy access to USB 3.0/2.0 ports and Power eSATA. 
It also provides a CPU overclocking (Quick Boost) button that allows you to quickly overclock your CPU in the 
operation system without the need for a system reboot. 
Follow the steps below to install the Front Access Control Panel:  The  5.25"  Front Access  Control  Panel  kit 
(Note  1) 
includes one 5.25" Front Access Control Panel 
and screws used for fastening the panel to the 
chassis sides. 
Step 1: 
Install  the  Front  Ac -
c e s s  C o n t r o l  P a n e l 
into  a  free  5.25"  bay 
of  your  chassis. Then 
tighten  the  included 
screws  to  both  sides 
of the chassis.  Step 2: 
C o n n e c t  t h e  Q u i c k 
Boost  button's  cable 
to  the  OC_BUTTON_
F   h e a d e r   o n   t h e 
motherboard. 
(Note 2)
5.25" Front Access Control Panel 
USB 3.0/2.0 PortsPower eSATA Port
CPU  Overclocking 
Button
Step 3: 
C o n n e c t   t h e   U S B 
3.0/2.0  ports'  cable  to 
the  F_USB30  header 
on the motherboard. Step 4: Connect  the  Power 
eSATA power cable to 
Pin  1,  3,  5,  and  7  of 
the F_USB1, F_USB2, 
or  F_USB3  header  on 
the  motherboard. 
Be 
sure  to  connect  it  in 
the correct orientation.
Step 5: 
Connect the Power eSATA signal cable  to a free SATA port on your mother -
board.
(Note 1)    The components received may vary in appearance from the products illustr\
ated.
(Note 2)   In the operating system, you can press the Quick Boost button to overclo\
ck the CPU and   
 the button will light red. To return to the defaults, press the button again and the button will  
 light green.