GIGABYTE B360 AORUS Gaming 3 WiFi Motherboard User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, configuration, and maintenance of your GIGABYTE B360 AORUS Gaming 3 WiFi motherboard. This motherboard supports 8th Generation Intel Core processors with an LGA 1151 socket, features dual-channel DDR4 memory support, integrated Intel GbE LAN, and Intel 802.11ac WiFi. Please read this manual thoroughly before beginning installation to ensure proper setup and operation.

Image: Front view of the GIGABYTE B360 AORUS Gaming 3 WiFi motherboard, showcasing the CPU socket, RAM slots, and heatsinks.

Setup and Installation

1. Safety Precautions

• Always disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet before touching any components.
• Wear an anti-static wrist strap or frequently touch a grounded metal object to discharge static electricity.
• Handle components by their edges to avoid touching sensitive parts.

2. Motherboard Installation

1. Install the I/O shield into the rear opening of your computer case.
2. Align the motherboard with the standoffs in the case.
3. Secure the motherboard with screws, ensuring it is firmly seated.

Image: Angled view of the motherboard, showing the various ports and slots from a side perspective.

3. CPU Installation

1. Open the CPU socket lever and lift the load plate.
2. Carefully place the 8th Gen Intel Core processor into the LGA 1151 socket, aligning the gold triangle on the CPU with the triangle on the socket.
3. Close the load plate and secure it with the lever.
4. Install the CPU cooler according to its manufacturer's instructions.

4. Memory (RAM) Installation

1. Open the clips at both ends of the DDR4 DIMM slots.
2. Align the notch on the memory module with the notch in the DIMM slot.
3. Press down firmly on both ends of the memory module until the clips snap into place.
4. For dual-channel operation, install modules in matching color slots (e.g., DDR4_1 and DDR4_2).

5. Storage Device Installation

M.2 SSD Installation

1. Locate the M.2 slots on the motherboard. This board features ultra-fast M.2 with PCIe Gen3 x4.
2. Remove the M.2 screw and standoff.
3. Insert the M.2 SSD into the slot at an angle.
4. Gently push down the SSD and secure it with the screw.

SATA Drive Installation

1. Connect one end of a SATA data cable to a SATA port on the motherboard.
2. Connect the other end to your SATA hard drive or SSD.
3. Connect a SATA power cable from your power supply to the drive.

6. Expansion Card Installation

1. Remove the metal bracket cover from the desired PCIe slot on your case.
2. Align your expansion card (e.g., graphics card) with the PCIe slot.
3. Press down firmly until the card is seated correctly.
4. Secure the card with a screw to the case. This motherboard supports 2-way Crossfire Multi-Graphics.

7. Power Connections

• Connect the 24-pin ATX main power connector from your power supply to the motherboard.
• Connect the 8-pin ATX 12V CPU power connector to the motherboard.

8. Front Panel and Rear I/O Connections

• Connect the front panel headers (power switch, reset switch, HDD LED, power LED, USB, audio) to their respective pins on the motherboard. Refer to the motherboard diagram for exact pin locations.
• Connect peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse, USB devices) to the rear I/O ports. The board includes USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A ports.
• Install the included WiFi antenna to the rear I/O panel connectors for 802.11ac wireless connectivity.

Image: Close-up view of the rear I/O panel, showing various ports including USB, HDMI, LAN, and audio jacks.

Operating Instructions

1. Initial Boot-Up

After all components are installed and connected, connect the power cord and press the power button on your computer case. The system should power on and display the GIGABYTE splash screen.

2. BIOS/UEFI Setup

• To enter the BIOS/UEFI setup, press the DEL key repeatedly during the initial boot-up sequence.
• The BIOS allows you to configure system settings such as boot order, CPU settings, memory timings, and fan speeds.
• Save changes before exiting the BIOS.

3. Driver Installation

After installing your operating system, install the necessary drivers for optimal performance. Drivers can typically be found on the included support DVD or downloaded from the official GIGABYTE website.

• Chipset Drivers: Essential for motherboard functionality.
• LAN Drivers: For the Intel GbE LAN with cFosSpeed Internet Accelerator Software.
• Audio Drivers: For the Realtek ALC892 audio codec.
• WiFi Drivers: For the Intel 802.11ac 2x2 CNVi Wave2 WiFi.
• Graphics Drivers: For your integrated or dedicated graphics card.

4. Operating System Installation

Insert your operating system installation media (USB drive or DVD) and configure the boot order in the BIOS to boot from the media. Follow the on-screen instructions to install your preferred operating system (e.g., Windows 10).

Maintenance

1. Cleaning

• Regularly clean dust from inside your computer case using compressed air.
• Ensure fans (CPU, case, GPU) are free from obstructions.
• Always power off and unplug the system before cleaning.

2. BIOS Updates

GIGABYTE periodically releases BIOS updates to improve system stability, compatibility, and performance. Check the official GIGABYTE website for the latest BIOS versions for your B360 AORUS Gaming 3 WiFi motherboard. Follow the provided instructions carefully when updating the BIOS.

3. Driver Updates

Keep your system drivers updated to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with new software and hardware. Download the latest drivers from the GIGABYTE support website.

Troubleshooting

This section provides solutions to common issues you might encounter.

1. No Power / No Boot

• Ensure all power cables (24-pin ATX, 8-pin CPU) are securely connected to the motherboard and power supply.
• Verify the power supply switch is in the 'ON' position.
• Check front panel power switch connection to the motherboard.
• Test the power supply with another system or a power supply tester.

2. No Display Output

• Ensure your monitor is connected to the correct graphics output (either the motherboard's integrated graphics port or your dedicated graphics card).
• Reseat the graphics card and memory modules.
• Try booting with only one RAM stick installed.
• Check if the monitor is powered on and set to the correct input source.

3. System Instability / Crashes

• Ensure all drivers are installed and up to date.
• Check CPU and GPU temperatures to prevent overheating.
• Run memory diagnostic tools to check for faulty RAM.
• Verify that your power supply provides sufficient wattage for all components.

4. WiFi Connectivity Issues

• Ensure the WiFi antenna is securely connected to the rear I/O panel.
• Install or update the Intel 802.11ac WiFi drivers.
• Check your router settings and ensure the WiFi network is broadcasting.

Specifications

Warranty Information

GIGABYTE products are covered by a limited warranty. The specific terms and duration of the warranty may vary by region and product. For detailed warranty information, including coverage, limitations, and the process for making a warranty claim, please refer to the official GIGABYTE website or the warranty card included with your product.

It is recommended to register your product on the GIGABYTE website after purchase to facilitate warranty services.

Support

For further assistance, technical support, driver downloads, and BIOS updates, please visit the official GIGABYTE support website:

GIGABYTE Support Website

You can also find FAQs and community forums on the support page to help resolve common issues.