GIGABYTE Control Center
GIGABYTE Control Center (GCC) provides easy access to a wealth of GIGABYTE applications that help users get the most from their GIGABYTE motherboard. Using a simple, unified user interface, GCC allows users to easily launch all GIGABYTE apps installed on their system, check related updates online, and download the apps, drivers, and BIOS.
Drivers Installation
After operating system installation, a dialog box appears at the bottom-right corner of the desktop, asking if users want to download and install drivers and GIGABYTE applications via GIGABYTE Control Center (GCC). Click Install to proceed. In BIOS Setup, ensure Settings\IO Ports\Gigabyte Utilities Downloader Configuration\Gigabyte Utilities Downloader is set to Enabled.
A typical prompt for GIGABYTE Control Center installation shows a dialog box titled "GIGABYTE Control Center" asking "Would you like to download and install the GIGABYTE Control Center (GCC)? GCC is a software platform that can help you manage and download the latest updates. If you cancel the download, you can find the GCC on GIGABYTE official website." with options to "Do not show", "Install", and "Cancel".
When the EULA (End User License Agreement) dialog box appears, press <Accept> to install GIGABYTE Control Center (GCC). On the GIGABYTE CONTROL CENTER screen, users can select the drivers and applications they want to install and click Install.
The "Available Updates" screen within GIGABYTE Control Center displays a list of available driver and software updates, including columns for Name, Product Type, Version, New Version, Description, File Size, Require Restart, and Status. Examples include Intel(R) Serial IO Driver, Intel(R) HID Event Filter Driver, Intel IRST driver, Intel(R) Management Engine Software, Intel Thunderbolt Software, cFosSpeed, Smart Backup, Intel XTU, and Intel i225 & i226 DCH Driver.
Before installation, ensure the system is connected to the Internet.
Available applications in GIGABYTE Control Center may differ by motherboard model. Supported functions of each application may also vary depending on motherboard specifications.
Running the GIGABYTE Control Center
In Desktop mode, click the GCC icon (a stylized 'G' within a circle) in the notification area to launch the GIGABYTE Control Center utility. On the main menu, users can select an app to run or click the Update center icon (a circular arrow) to update an app online.
The GIGABYTE Control Center interface shows a left sidebar with icons for various features (e.g., RGB Fusion, FAN Control, Performance, Smart Backup, A.I. Boost, System Alert, Update Center). The main area displays available updates, similar to the installation screen, with options to "Install" or "Exit".
If the GIGABYTE Control Center is closed, it can be restarted by clicking the GIGABYTE Control Center icon in All apps in the Start menu. The Start menu search bar allows searching for apps, settings, and documents, and "GIGABYTE Control Center" is listed under "GIGABYTE" in the All apps section.
RGB Fusion
This application allows users to enable or specify the lighting mode of the onboard LEDs while in the Windows environment.
The RGB Fusion Interface
The RGB Fusion interface within GIGABYTE Control Center features a motherboard diagram with highlighted LED regions. On the right, there are controls for selecting LED effects (e.g., Static, Pulse, Flash, Cycle, Wave1, Wave2, DWave, Star Slide), adjusting brightness and speed, and selecting colors using an RGB color picker. Options for "SYNC OFF" and "SYNC ALL" are available, along with "Scan" and "Calibration" buttons.
Using RGB Fusion
- To configure options for controlling LEDs on the motherboard, RGB LED, and addressable LED strip, click the motherboard icon for further settings. Select the desired area and LED color/lighting behavior on the right section of the screen.
- When selecting an addressable LED strip, click Scan to detect the type of light strip installed. RGB Fusion automatically displays various digital modes for the addressable LED strip.
- If an addressable RGB Gen2 LED strip is installed, the Advanced mode allows configuration of individual LEDs or LED strips.
An example of an addressable RGB Gen2 LED strip display shows a strip with multiple individually addressable LEDs, often depicted as colored segments.
RGB Fusion automatically searches for devices with LED lighting features and displays them on the list.
Regions/Modes/Colors available may vary by motherboard.
FAN Control
This application allows users to monitor and adjust fan speed in the operating system.
The FAN Control Interface
The FAN Control interface within GIGABYTE Control Center displays a motherboard diagram and a graph showing fan speed (RPM) versus temperature (°C). Controls include "Silent", "Normal", "Full Speed", and "Manual" modes. Options for "Auto Fan Stop" and "Monitoring Point" are available. The graph allows setting custom fan curves with points like "60°C, 67%". Buttons for "Reset", "Default", and "Apply" are present.
Using FAN Control
- The application allows users to specify a Smart Fan mode.
- The Manual mode allows adjustment of smart fan speed. Fans run at different speeds according to system temperatures. The Reset button reverts fan settings to the last saved values.
- Noise Detection provides detection of the noise level (measured in decibels) inside the chassis.
The speed control function requires the use of a fan with fan speed control design.
To use the noise detection function, a motherboard with a noise detection header is required.
Performance
This application is a simple and easy-to-use interface that allows users to fine-tune their system settings or perform overclock/overvoltage in the Windows environment.
The Performance Interface
The Performance interface within GIGABYTE Control Center displays system information and allows adjustments. The main screen shows CPU details (e.g., Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-14900K, 5700MHz CPU CORE CLOCK, 1.464V CPU CORE VOLTAGE), memory details (e.g., DDR5 16GB/ 4000 MHz), and motherboard model (Z790 AORUS XTREME X ICE) and BIOS version. It also shows current CPU frequency, temperature, BCLK, voltage, memory frequency, and A.I. Boost status.
Using Performance
Information
This section provides information on the CPU, memory, motherboard model, and BIOS version.
CPU
| Frequency | Provides different levels of CPU frequency to achieve desired system performance. |
|---|
| Status | Displays basic information on CPU and memory, CPU core clock, and CPU core voltage. |
| Voltage | Allows adjustment of voltages. |
| Power | Allows configuration of power limit, Load-Line Calibration level, and voltage protection value level. |
After making changes, restart the system for changes to take effect. Current settings can be saved to a profile, with up to 2 profiles creatable.
DDR
Allows setting the memory clock.
System Alert
Allows monitoring hardware temperature, voltage, and fan speed, and setting warning alarms.
Available functions in Performance may vary by motherboard model and CPU. Grayed-out areas indicate that the item is not configurable or the function is not supported.
Incorrectly performing overclock/overvoltage may damage hardware components such as CPU, chipset, and memory, and reduce their useful life. Before performing overclock/overvoltage, ensure full understanding of each Performance function to avoid system instability or other unexpected results.
Smart Backup
Smart Backup allows users to back up a partition as an image file every hour. These images can be used to restore the system or files when needed.
The Smart Backup main menu:
| Button | Description |
|---|
| Settings | Allows selection of the source and destination partition. |
| Start | Allows creation of a rescue drive. |
| Backup Now | Allows immediate backup performance. |
| File Recovery... | Allows recovery of files from the backup image. |
| System Recovery... | Allows recovery of the system from the backup image. |
Smart Backup only supports NTFS file system.
The destination partition must be selected in Settings the first time Smart Backup is used.
The Backup Now button is available only after 10 minutes of logging into Windows.
Select the Always run on next reboot checkbox to automatically enable Smart Backup after system reboot.
Creating a backup:
Click the Settings button on the main menu. In the Settings dialog box, select the source partition and destination partition and click OK. The initial backup starts after 10 minutes, and regular backups are performed hourly. By default, all partitions on the system drive are selected as the backup source. The backup destination cannot be on the same partition as the backup source.
Saving the backup to a network location:
To save the backup to a network location, select Browse network location. Ensure the computer and the target computer are in the same domain. Choose the network location, enter the username and password, and follow on-screen instructions.
Recovering a file:
Click the File Recovery button on the main menu. Use the time slider on the top of the popped-out window to select a previous backup time. The right pane displays backed-up partitions in the backup destination (in the My Backup folder). Browse to the desired file and copy it.
Recovering your system with Smart Backup:
- Click the System Recovery button on the main menu.
- Select the location where the backup is saved.
- Use the time slider to select a time point.
- Select a partition backup created on the selected time point and click Restore.
- Confirm whether to restart the system to proceed with the restore immediately or later. Responding "Yes" restarts the system to the Windows recovery environment. Follow on-screen instructions to restore the system.
All files and programs will be deleted and replaced with those on the selected backup. If needed, make a copy of data before the restore.
A.I. Boost
A.I. Boost provides A.I. computing to optimize the core voltage and core frequency of the processor, enhancing its performance.
The A.I. Boost Interface
The A.I. Boost interface displays a "CP" score (e.g., 94.626 CP) and details like "Projection Vcore", "P-Core Frequency", and "E-Core Frequency". Initially, these values might be 0. After running A.I. Boost, optimized values are displayed (e.g., Projection Vcore 1.26 V, P-Core Frequency 5600 (+259), E-Core Frequency 4400 (+46)). A checkbox for "Enable automatic execution of A.I. overclocking upon launching the software" is available, along with "Start with AI", "Cancel", and "Apply" buttons.
Using A.I. Boost
- Click Start with AI to automatically generate the most optimized voltage and frequency.
- Check the Enable automatic execution of A.I. overclocking upon launching the software box to enable automatic overclocking upon entering the operating system. The dialog box can be opened at any time to cancel automatic A.I. Boost or restore default settings.
To use A.I. Boost, a motherboard and processor that support overclocking are required.
BIOS Update Utilities
GIGABYTE motherboards provide two unique BIOS update tools, Q-Flash™ and Q-Flash Plus. Both allow BIOS updates without needing to enter MS-DOS mode. Q-Flash Plus offers multiple protection features for computer safety and stability.
What is Q-Flash Plus?
Q-Flash Plus allows BIOS updates when the system is off (S5 shutdown state). Save the latest BIOS on a USB thumb drive, plug it into the dedicated port, and then flash the BIOS automatically by pressing the Q-Flash Plus button.
What is Q-Flash™?
With Q-Flash, the system BIOS can be updated without entering operating systems like MS-DOS or Windows. Embedded in the BIOS, the Q-Flash tool simplifies the BIOS flashing process.
Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility
A. Before You Begin
- From GIGABYTE's website, download the latest compressed BIOS update file matching the motherboard model.
- Extract the file and save the new BIOS file (e.g., Z790AORUSXTREMEXICE.F1) to a USB flash drive or hard drive. (Note: The USB flash drive or hard drive must use FAT32/16 file system.)
- Restart the system. During POST, press the <End> key to enter Q-Flash. Q-Flash can also be accessed by pressing the <End> key during POST or clicking the Q-Flash icon (or pressing the <F8> key) in BIOS Setup. 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 <End> key during POST to access Q-Flash.
BIOS flashing is potentially risky. Inadequate BIOS flashing may result in system malfunction.
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 the BIOS file is saved to a USB flash drive.
Step 1:
- Insert the USB flash drive containing the BIOS file into the computer. In the main screen of Q-Flash, select Update BIOS.
The Q-Flash utility screen shows current flash information (Model Name, BIOS Version, BIOS Date, Flash Type/Size) and an option to "Update BIOS".
Q-Flash only supports USB flash drive or hard drives using FAT32/16 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 <End> key during POST to access Q-Flash.
Step 2:
Select the BIOS update file.
Ensure the BIOS update file matches the motherboard model.
Step 3:
The screen displays the BIOS file being read from the USB flash drive and the current update process.
To ensure BIOS update integrity, the system will shut down and restart automatically, then begin flashing the BIOS with Q-Flash.
Do not turn off or restart the system when it is reading/updating the BIOS.
Do not remove the USB flash drive or hard drive when the system is updating the BIOS.
Step 4:
The system restarts after the update process is complete.
Step 5:
During POST, press <Delete> to enter BIOS Setup. Select Load Optimized Defaults on the Save & Exit screen and press <Enter> to load BIOS defaults. The system will re-detect all peripheral devices after a BIOS update, so reloading BIOS defaults is recommended.
The BIOS Setup screen shows options like "Save & Exit Setup", "Exit Without Saving", "Load Optimized Defaults", and "Boot Override". A prompt asks "Load Optimized Defaults?" with options to "Yes" or "No".
Step 6:
Select Save & Exit Setup and press <Enter>. Then select Yes to save settings to CMOS and exit BIOS Setup. The procedure is complete after the system restarts.
Using Q-Flash Plus
A. Before You Begin:
- From GIGABYTE's website, download the latest compressed BIOS update file matching the motherboard model.
- Uncompress the downloaded BIOS file, save it to a USB flash drive, and rename it to GIGABYTE.bin. (Note: The USB flash drive must use FAT32/16/12 file system.)
- Connect the power cables to the 12V power connector (either one if there are two) and main power connector.
- Turn on the power supply before connecting the USB flash drive to the Q-Flash Plus port on the back panel.
B. Using Q-Flash Plus
Press the Q-Flash Plus button. The system automatically searches for and matches the BIOS file in the USB flash drive on the Q-Flash Plus port. The QFLED or the Q-Flash Plus button flashes during the BIOS matching and flashing process. Wait for 6-8 minutes; the LEDs stop flashing when the BIOS flashing is complete.
If choosing to update the BIOS manually, ensure the system is off (S5 shutdown state).
If the motherboard has a BIOS switch and an SB switch, reset them to their default settings. (Default setting for the BIOS switch: Boot from the main BIOS; default setting for the SB switch: Dual BIOS).
On motherboards with DualBIOS™, the DualBIOS™ feature continues to update the backup BIOS after the main BIOS has been flashed and the system restarts. After completion, the system reboots and boots from the main BIOS.
