Gigabyte Z890 AORUS Motherboard BIOS Setup
This document provides a detailed guide to the BIOS settings for Gigabyte Z890 AORUS series motherboards.
Introduction to BIOS
The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) is stored on the motherboard's CMOS chip and records system hardware settings. Its primary functions include the Power-On Self-Test (POST), saving system settings, and loading the operating system. The BIOS setup utility allows users to configure system parameters for optimal performance or specific functions.
CMOS data is powered by a lithium battery on the motherboard, ensuring settings are retained even when the system is powered off.
Accessing the BIOS
To enter the BIOS setup program, press the Delete key during the POST process after powering on the system.
BIOS Interface Overview
The BIOS offers two modes: Easy Mode for quick system information and basic optimization, and Advanced Mode for detailed configuration options.
Key Functions:
- DEL: BIOS SETUP/Q-FLASH: Enters the main BIOS setup screen or Q-Flash utility.
- F12: BOOT MENU: Allows selection of the boot device for the current session without entering BIOS setup.
- END: Q-FLASH: Directly accesses the Q-Flash utility.
Advanced Mode Navigation
Use the arrow keys (← → ↑ ↓) to navigate menus and select options. The Enter key confirms selections or enters submenus. The '+' or 'Page Up' keys increase values or change states, while '-' or 'Page Down' keys decrease them.
Function Keys:
- F1: Displays help information.
- F2: Switches to Easy Mode.
- F3: Saves current BIOS settings to a profile.
- F4: Loads a saved BIOS profile.
- F5: Loads settings from the current screen (for submenus).
- F6: Accesses Smart Fan 6 settings.
- F7: Loads optimized default settings.
- F8: Enters Q-Flash utility.
- F10: Saves settings and exits BIOS.
- F11: Accesses the Favorites menu.
- F12: Takes a screenshot and saves it to a USB drive.
- Insert: Adds or removes items from the Favorites menu.
- Ctrl+S: Displays memory information.
- Esc: Exits the current screen or BIOS setup.
- Alt+F: Searches BIOS options by keyword.
Key BIOS Sections
Smart Fan 6
This section allows detailed control over fan speeds based on temperature. Users can select fan curves, temperature sources, and fan control modes (Auto, Voltage, PWM).
Favorites (F11)
Users can add frequently used settings to this menu for quick access. Pressing the 'Insert' key adds or removes items from other tabs.
Tweaker (Frequency/Voltage Control)
This section is for advanced users to adjust CPU and memory frequencies, voltages, and other performance-related settings. Caution is advised as incorrect settings can lead to system instability or damage.
Key sub-sections include:
- GIGABYTE PerfDrive: Offers preset performance modes.
- CPU Upgrade: Allows adjustment of CPU clock speeds.
- BCLK Output Source: Selects the source for the Base Clock.
- Enhanced Multi-Core Performance: Optimizes Turbo ratios for all CPU cores.
- Performance CPU Clock Ratio: Adjusts the clock ratio for Performance cores.
- Efficiency CPU Clock Ratio: Adjusts the clock ratio for Efficiency cores.
- Max Ring Ratio: Sets the maximum Uncore clock ratio.
- Min Ring Ratio: Sets the minimum Uncore clock ratio.
- IGP Ratio: Configures the integrated graphics ratio.
- Advanced CPU Settings: Contains numerous options for fine-tuning CPU behavior, including voltage controls, thermal monitoring, and power management features like Intel Speed Shift and EIST.
- Active Turbo Ratios: Allows adjustment of CPU core turbo ratios based on the number of active cores.
- CPU Cores Enabling Mode: Selects how CPU cores are enabled (e.g., Auto, Random Mode, Selectable Mode).
- C-States Control: Manages CPU power-saving states (C1E, C6/C7, C8, C10, Package C State limit).
- Turbo Power Limits: Configures CPU power limits (TDP, Current Limit).
- Granular Ratio Control: Allows per-core clock ratio adjustments.
- High Bandwidth / Low Latency: Optimizes memory performance.
- DDR5 XMP Booster: Enhances DDR5 memory performance using XMP data.
- System Memory Multiplier: Adjusts memory frequency multipliers.
Settings
This section covers various system settings, including power management, platform power features, and I/O port configurations.
Key sub-sections include:
- Platform Power Management: Controls Active State Power Management (ASPM) for PEG, PCH, and DMI links.
- Soft-Off by PWR-BTTN: Configures system shutdown behavior via the power button.
- ErP: Enables low power consumption in system standby mode.
- Resume by Alarm: Allows setting a wake-up schedule.
- Native ASPM: Manages ASPM control (OS or BIOS).
- Power Loading: Configures virtual load settings.
- RC6 (Render Standby): Enables power saving for integrated graphics.
- AC BACK: Determines system state after power restoration.
- IO Ports: Configures initial display output (IGFX or PCIe), onboard LAN, audio controller, and other I/O related settings.
- PCIE Bifurcation Support: Manages PCIe slot lane distribution.
- USB Configuration: Settings for legacy USB support, XHCI hand-off, mass storage, and port emulation.
- Network Stack Configuration: Enables network boot features like PXE and HTTP support.
- NVMe Configuration: Displays information about connected NVMe SSDs.
- SATA Configuration: Manages SATA controllers, ports, and hot-plug features.
- VMD setup menu: For VMD controller setup and RAID configuration.
- Thunderbolt(TM) Configuration: Settings for integrated or add-on Thunderbolt controllers.
System Info. (System Information)
Displays essential system details such as motherboard model, BIOS version, CPU type, installed memory, and MAC addresses. Users can also set the system language and date/time here.
Boot (Boot Function Settings)
This section configures boot-related options:
- Bootup NumLock State: Sets the Num Lock state on startup.
- CFG Lock: Enables or disables the MSR 0xE2 feature.
- Security Option: Sets password requirements for accessing BIOS or the system.
- Full Screen LOGO Show: Enables or disables the Gigabyte logo display during boot.
- Boot Option Priorities: Defines the order of boot devices.
- Fast Boot: Speeds up the boot process.
- SATA Support: Configures SATA device behavior during boot.
- NVMe Support: Enables or disables NVMe device fast boot.
- UFS Support: Enables or disables UFS device fast boot.
- USB Support: Manages USB device availability during boot.
- NetWork Stack Driver Support: Enables or disables network boot features.
- Redirection Support: Configures redirection features.
- Pei Display Support: Skips Intel Pei Graphic driver if disabled.
- Mouse Speed: Adjusts mouse pointer speed.
- Administrator Password: Sets a password for full BIOS access.
- User Password: Sets a password for limited BIOS access.
- Secure Boot: Enables or configures Secure Boot.
- Preferred Operating Mode: Selects the default BIOS interface (Easy or Advanced Mode).
Save & Exit (Save Settings and Exit Setup)
This section allows users to save their configurations or exit without saving.
- Save & Exit Setup: Saves all changes and exits BIOS.
- Exit Without Saving: Exits BIOS without saving changes.
- Load Optimized Defaults: Loads factory default BIOS settings.
- Boot Override: Selects a device for immediate boot.
- Save Profiles: Saves current BIOS settings to a profile.
- Load Profiles: Loads previously saved BIOS profiles.
PC Health Status
Monitors system voltages, temperatures, and fan speeds. It also includes options for resetting case open status and viewing detailed voltage information.
