GIGABYTE B660M AORUS PRO AX Motherboard User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the GIGABYTE B660M AORUS PRO AX motherboard. It covers hardware installation, BIOS setup, operating system and driver installation, and appendix information.

For detailed product information, please visit the GIGABYTE website.

GIGABYTE is committed to environmental protection and encourages the recycling and reuse of packaging materials.

Copyright and Disclaimer

All trademarks mentioned in this manual are legally registered by their respective owners.

The information in this manual is copyrighted by GIGABYTE and is subject to change without prior notice. Reproduction, copying, translation, transmission, or publication of any part of this manual is prohibited without GIGABYTE's written consent.

Please read the user's manual carefully to maximize the use of this product.

For product-related information, please visit: https://www.gigabyte.com/jp

Motherboard Revision Check

The motherboard revision number is displayed as "REV: X.X." For example, "REV: 1.0" indicates that the motherboard revision is 1.0. Please check the motherboard revision before updating the BIOS, drivers, or when seeking technical information.

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1-1 Motherboard Layout

Diagram illustrating the layout of the B660M AORUS PRO AX motherboard, showing various connectors and components such as CPU socket (LGA1700), DDR5 memory slots, M.2 slots, PCIe slots, SATA ports, USB headers, power connectors, and front panel headers.

1-2 Motherboard Block Diagram

A block diagram showing the connectivity of the B660M AORUS PRO AX motherboard. It illustrates the CPU, chipset (Intel B660), memory support (DDR5/DDR4), storage interfaces (SATA, M.2), expansion slots (PCIe), USB interfaces, LAN, and audio.

1-3 Box Contents

The package typically includes:

• B660M AORUS PRO AX, B660M AORUS PRO, B660M A PRO AX DDR4, or B660M AORUS PRO DDR4 Motherboard
• User's Manual
• SATA Cable (x2)
• Antenna (x1)
• M.2 Screw / M.2 Screw Spacer

Note: Box contents may vary by product package or be subject to change without notice.

Chapter 2: Hardware Installation

2-1 Installation Guide

Important Precautions:

• Handle motherboard components with care to avoid electrostatic discharge (ESD). Use an anti-static wrist strap if available.
• Ensure the PC case is compatible with the motherboard.
• Disconnect power before installation.
• Ensure all components are securely connected.
• Do not touch metal leads or connectors on the motherboard.
• Place components on an anti-static pad or in an anti-static container.
• Ensure the power supply unit is switched off before connecting or disconnecting power cables.
• Verify that the power supply voltage matches local power standards.
• Ensure all cables and power connectors are properly connected before powering on.
• Avoid contact between screws and motherboard circuitry.
• Keep the system on a flat, dry surface, away from extreme temperatures or humidity.
• Do not power on the computer during installation.
• If unsure about installation procedures, consult a qualified computer technician.
• For adapters or extension cords, follow their specific installation and connection procedures.

2-2 Product Specifications

• CPU: LGA1700 socket, supports 12th Gen Intel® Core™, Pentium® Gold, Celeron® processors. Check GIGABYTE website for the latest CPU support list.
• Chipset: Intel® B660 Express Chipset
• Memory: Supports DDR5 4800/4000 MHz and DDR4 3200/3000/2933/2666/2400/2133 MHz memory modules. Supports up to 128 GB system memory (32 GB per DIMM). Features dual-channel memory support. Supports ECC Un-buffered DIMM and XMP memory modules.
• Onboard Graphics: Integrated Intel® HD Graphics support. HDMI 2.0 port (up to 4096x2160@60 Hz) and DisplayPort (up to 4096x2304@60 Hz).
• Audio: Realtek® Audio Codec, High Definition Audio (2/4/5.1/7.1 channel). Supports S/PDIF output.
• LAN: Intel® 2.5GbE LAN chip (2.5 Gbps/1 Gbps/100 Mbps).
• Wireless Module: Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX201/AX200/AX211 supporting Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and up to 2.4 Gbps data transfer rates.

2-3 CPU and CPU Cooler Installation

CPU Installation Precautions:

• Ensure motherboard compatibility with the CPU.
• Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord before installation.
• Locate the CPU pin 1 and align it with the socket's pin 1 or align the CPU notch with the socket's alignment key.
• Apply thermal grease evenly to the CPU surface.
• Do not power on the computer without a CPU cooler installed.
• Set the CPU host frequency according to CPU specifications.

CPU Orientation:

Align the CPU's alignment key (triangle marking) with the socket's alignment key or align the CPU notch with the socket's alignment key.

Installing the CPU:

1. Gently push the CPU socket lever handle and pull it away from the socket.
2. Lift the CPU socket lock lever completely.
3. Lift the metal load plate by the finger tab, removing the plastic protective cover.
4. Hold the CPU by its edges and align pin 1 (triangle marking) with pin 1 of the CPU socket, or align the CPU notch with the socket's alignment key. Gently insert the CPU into the socket.
5. Once the CPU is correctly installed, close the load plate. Remove the plastic protective cover that pops out. Secure the lever under the retention tab to complete CPU installation.

Installing the CPU Cooler:

1. Apply thermal grease evenly to the CPU surface.
2. Position the cooler over the CPU and align the four push pins with the motherboard's mounting holes. Push down on the push pins diagonally.
3. Connect the CPU cooler's power connector to the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard.

2-4 Memory Installation

Memory Installation Precautions:

• Ensure motherboard compatibility with the memory modules. It is recommended to use modules of the same capacity, brand, and speed.
• Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord before installation.
• Memory modules have a notch for correct orientation.

Dual-Channel Memory Configuration:

The motherboard supports dual-channel memory. For optimal performance, install memory modules in matched pairs in the designated slots (e.g., DDR5_A1 and DDR5_A2, or DDR4_A1 and DDR4_A2).

Note: For single memory module installation, it is recommended to install it in the DDR5_A2/DDR4_A2 socket.

2-5 Expansion Card Installation

Follow these steps to install expansion cards:

1. Identify the appropriate expansion slot. Remove the corresponding metal slot cover from the PC case rear panel.
2. Align the card with the slot and press down firmly until it is fully seated.
3. Ensure the card's metal contacts are fully inserted into the slot.
4. Secure the card's metal bracket to the PC case rear panel with a screw.
5. Replace the PC case cover.
6. Power on the computer. If necessary, enter BIOS setup to configure settings for the expansion card.
7. Install the drivers for the expansion card.

2-6 Rear Panel Connectors

Diagram showing the rear panel connectors:

• USB 2.0/1.1 Ports: For USB devices.
• SMA Antenna Connectors: For connecting antennas.
• DisplayPort: Supports high-quality digital video and audio. HDCP 2.3 compliant. Supports up to 4096x2304@60 Hz.
• HDMI 2.0 Port: Supports HDCP 2.3 and Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD Master Audio. Supports up to 7.1 channel LPCM audio output. Supports up to 4096x2160@60 Hz.
• USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Port (Red): Also serves as the Q-Flash Plus port.
• USB Type-C® Port (USB 3.2 Gen 2x2): Reversible port supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, Gen 2, Gen 1, and USB 2.0.
• USB 3.2 Gen 1 Port: Supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0.

2-7 Internal Connectors

Diagram showing internal motherboard connectors:

• ATX Power Connectors: 24-pin ATX main power, 8-pin ATX 12V power.
• CPU Fan Headers: CPU_FAN, CPU_OPT.
• System Fan Headers: SYS_FAN1/2/3, SYS_FAN4_PUMP.
• RGB LED Headers: Addressable LED (D_LED1/D_LED2), RGB LED (LED_C1/LED_C2).
• Storage Connectors: SATA 6Gb/s connectors, M.2 Socket 3 connectors (M2A_CPU, M2P_SB).
• Front Panel Headers: F_PANEL (for power switch, reset switch, LEDs), F_AUDIO (front panel audio), F_USB1/F_USB2 (USB 2.0/1.1), F_U32 (USB 3.2 Gen 1), F_U32C (USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C®).
• Other Headers: SPI_TPM, COM, THB_C1/THB_C2 (Thunderbolt™), BAT (CMOS battery), CLR_CMOS (CMOS clear jumper), RST_SW (Reset button/jumper), QFLASH_PLUS (Q-Flash Plus button).

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware parameters in the motherboard's CMOS. It performs the Power-On Self-Test (POST) for system startup and allows users to configure system settings.

The motherboard battery maintains CMOS settings when the computer is powered off.

Accessing BIOS Setup: Press the key during POST when the computer powers on.

Updating BIOS: Use GIGABYTE Q-Flash or @BIOS utility.

• Q-Flash: Allows BIOS upgrade/backup without entering the operating system.
• @BIOS: A Windows-based utility to download and install the latest BIOS version.

BIOS Update Precautions:

• BIOS updates can be risky. Only update if necessary, as an improper update can cause system malfunction.
• Avoid changing default settings unless required, as incorrect settings may prevent the system from booting. If this occurs, clear CMOS settings.
• Refer to Chapter 2 for CMOS clear jumper information or search GIGABYTE's website for "Load Optimized Defaults" instructions.

For detailed BIOS setup information, visit the GIGABYTE website.

Chapter 4: Installing Operating System and Drivers

4-1 Operating System Installation

If BIOS settings are correct, you can install the operating system at any time.

For RAID volume OS installation: Install the Intel® RST VMD controller driver during OS installation.

1. Visit the GIGABYTE website, navigate to the product page for your motherboard model, and download the Intel SATA Preinstall driver from the Support\Download\SATA RAID/AHCI section. Extract the files to a USB flash drive.
2. Boot from the Windows setup disk. When prompted to load drivers, select "Browse."
3. Insert the USB flash drive, browse to the driver location, select "Intel RST VMD Controller 467F," and click "Next" to load the driver and continue OS installation.

4-2 Driver Installation

After installing the operating system, a dialog box may appear prompting you to download and install drivers and GIGABYTE applications via APP Center. Click "Install" to proceed.

Note: Ensure your system is connected to the internet before installing.

If the End User License Agreement dialog appears, click "Accept" to install APP Center. On the APP Center screen, select the desired drivers and applications and click "Install."

Chapter 5: Appendix

5-1 Setting Up RAID

This motherboard supports SATA RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10.

Before starting:

• Prepare the required number of hard drives as indicated in the table for your chosen RAID level.
• Use SATA hard drives or SSDs. For optimal performance, using identical models and capacities is recommended.
• Windows setup disk.
• Internet-connected computer.
• USB flash drive.

For detailed RAID configuration, refer to the GIGABYTE website.

Regulatory Notices

This section contains compliance information for various regions, including FCC (United States), Industry Canada, and CE (Europe). It details RF exposure limits, antenna usage, and compliance with relevant directives.

Contact Information

GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

Address: No.6, Baoqiang Rd., Xindian Dist., New Taipei City 231, Taiwan

TEL: +886-2-8912-4000, FAX: +886-2-8912-4005

Technical and Non-technical Support (Sales/Marketing): https://esupport.gigabyte.com

WEB Address (English): https://www.gigabyte.com

WEB Address (Chinese): https://www.gigabyte.com/tw

GIGABYTE eSupport: For technical or non-technical inquiries, visit https://esupport.gigabyte.com.