GIGABYTE Z590 UD AC Motherboard User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your GIGABYTE Z590 UD AC Motherboard. Please read this manual thoroughly before installing or using the product to ensure correct operation and to prevent damage.

The GIGABYTE Z590 UD AC motherboard is designed to support 11th and 10th Gen Intel Core Series Processors, offering robust performance and advanced features for a superior computing experience.

Figure 1: Overview of the GIGABYTE Z590 UD AC Motherboard.

2. Key Features

• Processor Support: Compatible with 11th and 10th Gen Intel Core Series Processors.
• Memory: Dual Channel Non-ECC Unbuffered DDR4, featuring 4 DIMMs for enhanced memory overclocking with shielded routing.
• Power Design: Direct 12+1 Phases Digital VRM Solution with 50A DrMOS for stable power delivery.
• Thermal Management: Enlarged VRM Heatsink with Air-Flow Grooving for increased surface contact and efficient heat dissipation.
• Storage: Triple Ultra-Fast NVMe PCIe 4.0*/3.0 x4 M.2 slots with Thermal Guard for high-speed storage.
• Networking: Fast 2.5GbE LAN with Bandwidth Management and Onboard Intel 802.11ac Wireless & BT with High-Gain Antenna.
• Connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen2 and Front USB Type-C for versatile and fast connections.
• Ease of Installation: Pre-installed I/O Shield for simplified setup.
• Customization: RGB FUSION 2.0 with Multi-Zone Addressable LED Light Show Design, supporting Addressable LED & RGB LED Strips.
• Cooling Control: Smart Fan 6 with Multiple Temperature Sensors and Hybrid Fan Headers with FAN STOP.
• BIOS Update: Q-Flash Plus for updating BIOS without installing the CPU, Memory, and GPU.

3. Installation and Setup

3.1 Safety Precautions

• Always disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet before touching any components.
• Wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to components.
• Handle components by their edges, avoiding contact with pins or circuitry.

3.2 Motherboard Installation

1. Prepare the Chassis: Ensure your PC case is ready for an ATX motherboard. Install standoffs if not pre-installed.
2. Install I/O Shield: The Z590 UD AC features a pre-installed I/O shield.
3. Mount the Motherboard: Carefully align the motherboard with the standoffs and secure it with screws.


Figure 2: Angled view of the motherboard, showing mounting points and general layout.

3.3 CPU Installation (LGA 1200)

1. Open CPU Socket: Lift the load lever and open the CPU socket cover.
2. Align CPU: Carefully place the Intel LGA 1200 processor into the socket, aligning the notches on the CPU with the keys on the socket. Do not force it.
3. Close Socket: Close the socket cover and push down the load lever until it clicks into place.
4. Install CPU Cooler: Apply thermal paste (if not pre-applied) and install your CPU cooler according to its manufacturer's instructions.

3.4 Memory (RAM) Installation

1. Open DIMM Slots: Open the clips on both ends of the DDR4 DIMM slots.
2. Insert RAM: Align the notch on the memory module with the key in the DIMM slot. Insert the module firmly until the clips snap into place. For dual-channel operation, refer to the motherboard manual for recommended slot configurations (typically A2 and B2).


Figure 3: Top-down view of the motherboard, highlighting the DDR4 DIMM slots.

3.5 Storage (M.2 SSDs and SATA Drives)

1. M.2 SSD Installation: Locate the M.2 slots. Remove the M.2 heatsink/thermal guard if present. Insert the M.2 SSD into the slot at an angle, then push it down and secure it with the provided screw or latch. Reinstall the thermal guard.
2. SATA Drive Connection: Connect SATA data cables from your storage drives (HDDs/SSDs) to the SATA ports on the motherboard. Connect SATA power cables from your power supply to the drives.

3.6 Graphics Card (GPU) Installation

1. Open PCIe Slot Latch: Open the retention latch on the primary PCIe x16 slot.
2. Insert GPU: Align your graphics card with the PCIe slot and press it firmly until it seats correctly and the latch snaps into place.
3. Secure GPU: Secure the graphics card to the chassis with screws.
4. Connect Power: Connect any necessary PCIe power cables from your power supply to the graphics card.

3.7 Power Supply Connections

• Connect the 24-pin ATX main power connector from your power supply to the motherboard.
• Connect the 8-pin (or 4+4-pin) CPU power connector(s) to the motherboard. The Z590 UD AC supports dual 8-pin CPU power for high-end processors.

3.8 Front Panel Connections

• Connect the front panel headers (power button, reset button, HDD LED, power LED) to the corresponding pins on the motherboard. Refer to the detailed motherboard diagram in the full manual for exact pin locations.
• Connect front panel USB and audio headers.

Figure 4: Rear I/O panel of the motherboard, showing various ports for external connections.

4. Operation

4.1 First Boot and BIOS/UEFI Setup

1. Power On: After all components are installed and connected, power on your system.
2. Access BIOS/UEFI: During startup, repeatedly press the DEL key to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup utility.
3. Initial Configuration:
   • Set the correct date and time.
   • Configure boot order to install your operating system.
   • Enable XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) for optimal RAM performance if your memory supports it.
   • Adjust fan curves using Smart Fan 6 for optimal cooling and noise levels.
4. Save and Exit: Save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI. The system will restart.

4.2 Operating System Installation

Insert your operating system installation media (USB drive or DVD) and follow the on-screen instructions to install your preferred OS (e.g., Windows 10/11).

4.3 Driver Installation

After OS installation, install the latest drivers for your motherboard components (chipset, LAN, Wi-Fi, audio, etc.) from the GIGABYTE website or the provided driver disk. This ensures optimal performance and stability.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning

• Regularly clean dust from your PC case and motherboard components using compressed air.
• Ensure fans (CPU, case, GPU) are free from dust buildup to maintain efficient cooling.
• Periodically check heatsinks for dust accumulation, especially the VRM heatsinks.

5.2 BIOS Updates

GIGABYTE regularly releases BIOS updates to improve stability, add new features, and support new hardware. You can update the BIOS using:

• Q-Flash: Update the BIOS from within the BIOS utility using a USB flash drive.
• Q-Flash Plus: Update the BIOS without installing the CPU, memory, or graphics card. This requires connecting the 24-pin and 8-pin power cables, inserting a USB drive with the BIOS file into the designated Q-Flash Plus USB port, and pressing the Q-Flash Plus button.
• @BIOS Utility: Update the BIOS from within Windows using the GIGABYTE @BIOS utility.

Always download BIOS updates from the official GIGABYTE website for your specific motherboard model.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 No Power / No Boot

• Check Power Connections: Ensure all power cables (24-pin ATX, 8-pin CPU, GPU PCIe power) are securely connected.
• Verify PSU: Test your power supply unit (PSU) with another system or a PSU tester.
• Front Panel Headers: Double-check the front panel power switch connection. Try shorting the power pins on the motherboard with a screwdriver to rule out a faulty case switch.
• Minimal Boot: Remove all non-essential components (GPU, extra RAM sticks, storage drives) and try booting with only CPU, one RAM stick, and the necessary power connections.

6.2 No Display

• Monitor Connection: Ensure your monitor is connected to the graphics card (or motherboard if using integrated graphics) and is powered on.
• GPU Seating: Reseat your graphics card in its PCIe slot.
• RAM Seating: Reseat your RAM modules. Incorrectly seated RAM is a common cause of no display.
• BIOS Settings: If you recently changed BIOS settings, try clearing the CMOS (refer to the full manual for CMOS clear jumper location).

6.3 System Instability / Crashes

• Overheating: Monitor CPU and GPU temperatures. Ensure proper airflow and cooling.
• Drivers: Ensure all drivers are up-to-date. Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause instability.
• Memory Issues: Run a memory diagnostic tool (e.g., Windows Memory Diagnostic) to check for faulty RAM.
• BIOS Settings: Reset BIOS to default settings if overclocking or custom settings are causing instability.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

8.1 Warranty Information

GIGABYTE motherboards come with a limited warranty. The duration and terms of the warranty may vary by region and retailer. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims. For detailed warranty information, visit the official GIGABYTE website or contact your local dealer.

8.2 Technical Support

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

www.gigabyte.com/support

You may also contact GIGABYTE customer service directly for further assistance.