Unique Features

1-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility

A. Before You Begin

1. Download the latest compressed BIOS update file for your motherboard model from GIGABYTE's website.
2. Extract the file and save the new BIOS file (e.g., X299AORUSGaming7.F1) to a USB flash drive or hard drive formatted with FAT32/16/12 file system.
3. Restart the system. During POST, press the <End> key to enter Q-Flash. Alternatively, you can access Q-Flash by pressing the <End> key during POST or by selecting the Q-Flash icon (or pressing <F8>) in BIOS Setup. If the BIOS file is on a hard drive in RAID/AHCI mode or attached to an independent SATA controller, use the <End> key during POST.

Caution: BIOS flashing is risky; proceed with caution. Inadequate BIOS flashing may result in system malfunction.

B. Updating the BIOS

In the Q-Flash main menu, use the keyboard or mouse to select items. Choose the location where the BIOS file is saved.

Step 1: Insert the USB flash drive with the BIOS file into the computer. Select 'Update BIOS' on the Q-Flash screen.

Step 2: The system will show the BIOS file being read from the USB flash drive. Select 'Fast' or 'Intact' to begin the update. Do not turn off or restart the system during the update. Do not remove the USB flash drive or hard drive during the update.

Step 3: The system will restart after the update is complete.

Step 4: During POST, press <Delete> to enter BIOS Setup. On the 'Save & Exit' screen, select 'Load Optimized Defaults' and press <Enter>. Reloading BIOS defaults is recommended as the system re-detects all peripheral devices after a BIOS update.

Step 5: Select 'Save & Exit Setup' and press <Enter>. Then select 'Yes' to save settings to CMOS and exit BIOS Setup.

Note: The 'Save BIOS' option allows you to save the current BIOS file. Q-Flash supports USB flash drives or hard drives using FAT32/16/12 file systems. If the BIOS update file is on a hard drive in RAID/AHCI mode or attached to an independent SATA controller, use the <End> key during POST to access Q-Flash.

1-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility

A. Before You Begin

1. In Windows, close all applications and TSR programs to prevent unexpected failures during BIOS updates.
2. If updating via the Internet, ensure a stable internet connection and do not interrupt it (avoid power loss or switching off the internet). Failure to do so may corrupt the BIOS or make the system unable to start.
3. GIGABYTE's warranty does not cover BIOS damage or system failure from inadequate BIOS flashing.

B. Using @BIOS

1. Update the BIOS Using the Internet Update Function: Click 'Update from Server', select the closest @BIOS server site, download the matching BIOS file, and follow on-screen instructions. If the file is not available, download it from GIGABYTE's website and follow the instructions for updating without the internet.
2. Update the BIOS without Using the Internet Update Function: Click 'Update from File', select the saved BIOS update file, and follow on-screen instructions.
3. Save the Current BIOS File: Click 'Save to File' to save the current BIOS file.
4. Change the Boot-up Logo: Click 'Upload new image' in Face-Wizard to change the boot-up logo. 'Backup current image' saves the current boot-up logo. Supported image formats include JPG, BMP, and GIF.

C. After Updating the BIOS

Restart your system after updating the BIOS. Ensure the BIOS file matches your motherboard model, as an incorrect file can prevent booting. Do not turn off the system or remove power during the update process to avoid BIOS corruption.

1-3 Using Q-Flash Plus

A. Before You Begin

1. Download the latest compressed BIOS update file for your motherboard model from GIGABYTE's website.
2. Uncompress the downloaded BIOS file, save it to a USB flash drive, and rename it to GIGABYTE.bin. The USB flash drive must be FAT32/16 and USB 2.0.
3. Insert the USB flash drive into the white USB port on the back panel.

B. Using Q-Flash Plus

If both main and backup BIOS fail during system boot, wait 15-20 seconds. The system will automatically search for and match the BIOS file on the USB flash drive. The FBIOS_LED will flash when BIOS matching and flashing activities start. Wait 2-3 minutes for the FBIOS_LED to stop flashing, indicating the main BIOS flashing is complete. The system will then reboot automatically to update the backup BIOS. After completion, it will reboot again and boot from the main BIOS for normal operation.

2-1 3D OSD

3D OSD automatically detects and displays system information during games, allowing you to monitor your system without switching screens.

The 3D OSD Interface

The interface includes sections for OSD, Display Setting, CD Feature, Apply To, and Profile Setting.

Using 3D OSD

Main Menu: Enables or disables the 3D OSD feature and selects the type of real-time system information to display. 3D OSD detects and lists available options.

Configuration Menu: Allows setting a hotkey for enabling/disabling 3D OSD and specifying font size, location, and color of the displayed information.

Note: Ensure DirectX End-User Runtime is installed before installing 3D OSD.

2-2 AutoGreen

AutoGreen is an easy-to-use tool that enables system power savings via a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone/tablet. When the device is out of range, the system enters a power-saving mode. Bluetooth must be enabled on both devices.

The AutoGreen Interface

The interface features 'Control' and 'Bluetooth Devices' tabs.

Control Tab:

Allows selection of system power saving modes: Disable, Standby, Suspend, and Hibernate.

Bluetooth Devices Tab:

Allows pairing of a smartphone/tablet device with the computer's Bluetooth receiver. Press 'Refresh' to search for devices. A prompt will appear on both devices to compare passcodes for pairing.

Note: Once paired with an AutoGreen-enabled computer, the device cannot connect to other Bluetooth devices.

2-3 BIOS Setup

This app provides motherboard model and BIOS version information. It also allows setting the default BIOS language and system time/power management settings.

The BIOS Setup Interface

The interface includes options for System Language, Boot Option Priorities, Bootup NumLock State, Full Screen LOGO Show, AC BACK, and ErP.

Using BIOS Setup:

• System Language: Selects the default language for the BIOS.
• Boot Option Priorities: Specifies the overall boot order of available devices.
• Bootup NumLock State: Enables or disables the Numlock feature on the keyboard after POST.
• Full Screen LOGO Show: Determines whether to display the GIGABYTE Logo at system startup.
• AC BACK: Determines the system state after AC power loss. Options include 'Memory', 'Always On', and 'Always Off'.
• ErP: Allows setting the system to consume minimal power in the S5 (shutdown) state.
• Soft-Off by PWR-BTTN: Configures how to turn off the computer in MS-DOS mode using the power button. Options are 'Instant-Off' and 'Delay 4 Sec.'.

After configuring settings, click 'Save' and restart. Clicking 'Reset' loads optimal BIOS default settings.

2-4 Color Temperature

GIGABYTE Color Temperature is an interface for adjusting monitor color temperature and reducing blue light to protect your eyes.

The Color Temperature Interface

Features a 'Blue-light Killer' slider to adjust color temperature from 'Cooler' to 'Warmer'.

Using Color Temperature

Use the slider for adjustment. Click the 'X' icon to close the app. The 'Reset' button reverts to default settings.

2-5 Cloud Station

GIGABYTE Cloud Station (Server) includes HomeCloud, GIGABYTE Remote, Remote OC, and HotSpot, enabling communication, resource sharing, and control of the host computer via wireless connection between smartphones, tablets, and remote computers.

Before You Begin:

• Install GIGABYTE Cloud Station on your smartphone/tablet device to use HomeCloud, GIGABYTE Remote, and Remote OC. Download the app from Google Play (Android) or App Store (iOS).
• To share HomeCloud files between computers, install Cloud Station (Server) on the host and Cloud Station on the remote computer.
• Your smartphone/tablet device must have Android 4.0/iOS 6.0 or above.
• Sign in with your Google/Facebook/Windows Live account on your smartphone/tablet device and computers for the first use of HomeCloud, GIGABYTE Remote, and Remote OC. Use the same account for all devices.

HomeCloud

HomeCloud allows uploading/downloading/backing up files from your smartphone/tablet device/computer to the host computer.

The HomeCloud Interface

The Cloud Station (Server) interface shows options for Home Cloud, Account List, and various social media/OS icons. It displays Home Cloud functions and allows portable devices to access files on the home PC via wireless or 3G network.

Using HomeCloud

Step 1: Launch HomeCloud on the host computer, sign in with your account, and enable 'HomeCloud Function'. Enable 'Always run on next reboot' for automatic function after system reboot.

Step 2: Run Cloud Station on your smartphone/tablet device/remote computer, sign in with the same account. Tap on HomeCloud to perform functions like viewing account lists, removing accounts, sharing folders, and opening shared folders on the host computer. On the smart device, you can upload/download files (pictures, music, video, all files) and manage user contacts/call logs.

GIGABYTE Remote

GIGABYTE Remote allows remote control of the mouse, keyboard, and Windows Media Player on your computer using a smartphone/tablet device.

The GIGABYTE Remote Interface

The interface shows 'GIGABYTE Remote Function' and 'Always run on next reboot' options.

Using GIGABYTE Remote

Step 1: Launch GIGABYTE Remote on the host computer and enable 'GIGABYTE Remote Function'. Enable 'Always run on next reboot' for automatic function after system reboot.

Step 2: Run GIGABYTE Cloud Station on your smartphone/tablet device, sign in with the same account. Tap on 'Remote Control' to perform remote mouse, keyboard, and media controls.

Remote OC

Remote OC provides remote control options for overclocking, system tweaking, system monitoring, and power management (power down/reset).

The Remote OC Interface

The interface shows 'Remote OC Function' and 'Always run on next reboot' options.

Using Remote OC

Step 1: Launch Remote OC on the host computer and enable 'Remote OC Function'. Enable 'Always run on next reboot' for automatic function after system reboot.

Step 2: Run GIGABYTE Cloud Station on your smartphone/tablet device, sign in with the same account. Tap on 'Remote OC' to access functions like Tuner (CPU/memory frequency and voltage), INFO (system information), HW MONIT (temperatures, voltages, fan speeds), QUICK BOOST (overclocking configurations), and CONTROL (reboot/shut down).

HotSpot

HotSpot turns your computer into a virtual wireless access point, allowing you to share your connection with other wireless devices. Ensure your computer is connected to a network and Wi-Fi is enabled.

The HotSpot Interface

The interface allows configuration of network connection sharing, selection of the available HotSpot device, SSID, and HotSpot Password (minimum 8 characters).

Using HotSpot:

Configuring your host computer:

• Enable 'Make this network connection available for sharing' and select the network connection to share.
• Select the 'Available HotSpot device' (Wi-Fi card).
• Set the 'SSID' (hotspot name).
• Set the 'HotSpot Password' (minimum 8 characters).

Sharing your connection: Enable Wi-Fi on wireless devices, search for available Wi-Fi networks, tap the virtual wireless access point name, enter the password, and confirm.

2-6 EasyTune

GIGABYTE's EasyTune is an interface for fine-tuning system settings or performing overclock/overvoltage in Windows.

The EasyTune Interface

The interface includes tabs for Smart Boost, Advanced CPU OC, Advanced DDR OC, Advanced Power, and HotKey.

Tabs Information:

• Smart Boost: Adjusts CPU frequency for desired system performance. Restart the system for changes to take effect.
• Advanced CPU OC: Sets CPU base clock, frequency, voltages, and integrated graphics frequency. Allows saving settings to up to 2 profiles.
• Advanced DDR OC: Sets the memory clock.
• Advanced Power: Adjusts voltages.
• Hotkey: Sets hotkeys for profiles.

Note: Available functions may vary by motherboard and CPU. Incorrect overclocking/overvoltage can damage hardware. Ensure full understanding of EasyTune functions before proceeding.

2-7 Easy RAID

The GIGABYTE Easy RAID utility includes 'EZ' setup applications like Disk Mode Switch and XHD for simplified installation and configuration.

Disk Mode Switch

Allows changing the SATA controller disk mode from AHCI to RAID even after the OS is installed. Restart the computer and ensure Intel® Rapid Storage Technology utility works correctly.

XHD

With GIGABYTE XHD, users can quickly configure a RAID-ready system for RAID 0 when a new SATA drive is added, enhancing hard drive read/write performance without complex configurations.

A. System Requirements:

• Intel® Chipset motherboard supporting RAID.
• Intel® SATA controllers set to RAID mode.
• Intel® Rapid Storage Technology utility installed.
• Intel® SATA controller driver installed.
• New drive must have equal or greater capacity than the system drive.

B. Using XHD:

Select XHD and click 'Create RAID 0'.

Note: XHD supports SATA connectors controlled by the Intel® Chipset. Except for the OS drive, all data on other hard drives will be deleted. Back up data before using XHD.

2-8 Fast Boot

The GIGABYTE Fast Boot interface allows enabling or changing Fast Boot or Next Boot After AC Power Loss settings within the operating system.

The Fast Boot Interface

Options include 'BIOS Fast Boot' (Disabled, Enabled, Ultra Fast) and 'Next Boot After AC Power Loss' (Normal Boot, Fast Boot).

Using Fast Boot:

• BIOS Fast Boot: Enables or disables the fast boot function to shorten OS boot time.
• Next Boot After AC Power Loss: Selects the system bootup mode after AC power loss. This is configurable only when BIOS Fast Boot is set to 'Enabled' or 'Ultra Fast'.

Click 'Save' to apply settings, which take effect on the next boot. Clicking 'Enter BIOS Setup Now' restarts the system and enters BIOS Setup immediately.

2-9 Game Boost

This app allows flexible management of applications to optimize gaming performance by freeing up system resources and memory usage.

The Game Boost Interface

The interface lists applications with their memory usage. Users can select applications and click 'GO!' to optimize for gaming.

Using Game Boost:

Select an application, click 'GO!' to optimize. Click 'Revert' to return to the previous state. Hotkeys: Optimize (Ctrl+Alt+B) automatically optimizes the gaming platform and performance. Revert (Ctrl+Alt+R) restores the computer to its state before gaming.

2-10 GIGABYTE HW OC APP

GIGABYTE HW OC APP allows overclocking the system from a smartphone/tablet device at the BIOS level, enabling changes to CPU frequency and voltages for optimal performance.

The GIGABYTE HW OC APP Interface

The interface allows setting the USB port to 'HW OC APP Mode' or 'USB Port Mode (Normal USB Port)'.

Using GIGABYTE HW OC APP:

A. On Your Computer: Start GIGABYTE HW OC APP, set the white USB port to 'HW OC APP Mode'. Connect the USB cable to the motherboard and your smartphone/tablet device.

B. On the Smart Phone/Tablet Device: Ensure your device has Android 4.0/iOS 7.1 or above. Install GIGABYTE HW OC app. Turn on USB Tethering and start the app to change values and overclock your computer.

2-11 Platform Power Management

This application allows changing Platform Power Management settings in Windows and syncing them to the BIOS.

The Platform Power Management Interface

The interface includes options for Platform Power Management, PEG ASPM, PCH ASPM, and DMI ASPM Control.

Using Platform Power Management:

• Platform Power Management: Enables or disables the Active State Power Management (ASPM) function.
• PEG ASPM: Configures ASPM mode for devices connected to the CPU PEG bus.
• PCH ASPM: Configures ASPM mode for devices connected to Chipset's PCI Express bus.
• DMI ASPM Control: Configures ASPM mode for both CPU and Chipset sides of the DMI link.

Note: PEG ASPM, PCH ASPM, DMI ASPM Control are configurable only when Platform Power Management is set to 'Enabled'.

2-12 RGB Fusion

RGB Fusion allows enabling or specifying lighting modes for onboard LEDs and rear panel LEDs within the Windows environment.

The RGB Fusion Interface

The interface allows basic, advanced, and intelligent LED control. Basic modes include Pulse, Music, Color Cycle, Static, Flash, Random, Wave, Double Flash, and DEMO. Advanced mode allows configuring lighting behavior and color in each region, saving up to three custom profiles. Intelligent mode syncs LEDs with PC conditions.

Note: Functionality is available on motherboards with an I/O shield that has audio LEDs. Download the RGB Fusion app from App Store or Google Play. Regions/Modes/Colors may vary by motherboard.

2-13 Smart TimeLock

GIGABYTE Smart TimeLock allows effective management of computer or Internet usage time with simple rules and options.

The Smart TimeLock Interface

The interface allows setting allowed and non-use times for weekdays and weekends. It also includes a 'Lock Mode' option (ShutDown or close Internet connection) and a password prompt.

Using Smart TimeLock:

Click the lock icon and enter the password. Set usage times for weekdays and weekends. Choose the 'Lock Mode'. Click 'Save' to save settings and 'Exit' to exit. Alerts will appear before shutdown time, allowing extension of usage time or cancellation.

Note: User Password can be set in BIOS Setup to prevent unauthorized changes.

2-14 Smart Keyboard

GIGABYTE Smart Keyboard allows setting custom hotkeys using F1-F12 keys for functions like mouse sensitivity adjustment, password replacement, opening files/applications, and more.

The Smart Keyboard Interface

The interface displays F1-F12 keys and options for Marco Key, Sniper Key, Smart Cut, Smart Key, and Disable.

Using Smart Keyboard:

Select an F1-F12 key and configure functions: Marco Key (assign keystrokes, record mouse location, set time intervals), Sniper Key (switch mouse sensitivity), Smart Cut (create keyboard shortcuts), Smart Key (replace with word/password), Disable (disable key functionality). Enable 'keyboard monitor function' and use 'Save' to save profiles or 'Load' to load saved profiles.

Note: It is recommended to close Smart Keyboard if it violates the end-user license agreement of your game.

2-15 Smart Backup

Smart Backup allows hourly backup of partitions as image files, which can be used to restore the system or files.

The Smart Backup Interface

The main menu includes Settings, Start, Backup Now, File Recovery, and System Recovery options.

Creating a backup:

Click 'Settings', select source and destination partitions, and click 'OK'. The initial backup starts after 10 minutes, with regular hourly backups. Note: All system drive partitions are selected as backup source by default. The backup destination cannot be on the same partition as the source.

Saving the backup to a network location:

Select 'Browse network location', ensure computers are in the same domain, choose the network location, enter credentials, and follow on-screen instructions.

Recovering a file:

Click 'File Recovery', use the time slider to select a backup time, and browse for the file to copy.

Recovering your system with Smart Backup:

Steps: Click 'System Recovery', select backup location and time point, select partition backup, click 'Restore', and confirm system restart for recovery. Caution: All files and programs will be deleted and replaced. Back up data before restoring.

2-16 Smart HUD

GIGABYTE Smart HUD allows watching YouTube or Twitch simultaneously during gameplay by setting URLs. It enables memorizing frequently used URLs, setting window position/size, and changing transparency. Hotkeys control videos and volume.

The Smart HUD Interface

The interface allows adding/removing video URLs, setting window positioning, resolution, and transparency. Hotkeys are provided for play/pause, fast forward/backward, replay, and volume control.

2-17 System Information Viewer

GIGABYTE System Information Viewer monitors and adjusts fan speed in the operating system. It can also display hardware monitor information on the desktop.

The System Information Viewer Interface

Tabs include System Information (CPU, motherboard, BIOS version), Smart Fan 5 Auto, Smart Fan 5 Advanced (adjusts fan speed based on temperature, offers RPM Fixed Mode, Calibration, and Reset), System Alert (monitors temperature, voltage, fan speed, sets alarms), and Record (records system changes).

Note: Speed control requires fans with speed control design.

2-18 USB Blocker

GIGABYTE USB Blocker provides an interface to block certain USB device types. Blocked devices are ignored by the operating system.

The USB Blocker Interface

The interface lists device classes (Communication device class, Printer, Mass Storage, Smart Card, Vendor Specific) with their status (Blocked/Unblocked).

Using USB Blocker:

Select a USB device class to block or unblock. Double-click to change status, click 'OK', enter password, and click 'OK' to complete.

2-19 USB DAC-UP 2

GIGABYTE USB DAC-UP 2 increases the output voltage of USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports to strengthen USB device stability.

The USB DAC-UP 2 Interface

The interface allows adjusting voltage for USB 3.1 Gen 1 connectors. Options include 'Normal', 'Disable USB bus power', and 'Voltage Compensation' (+0.1V, +0.2V, +0.3V).

Using USB DAC-UP 2:

Click the dropdown list for the desired USB 3.1 Gen 1 connector, choose an option, and click 'Apply'. Settings synchronize with BIOS after system restart.

Note: Connectors available may vary by motherboard.

2-20 V-Tuner

GIGABYTE V-Tuner allows fine-tuning graphics cards in Windows, including manual overclocking of GPU and memory, adjusting fan speed and power settings, and monitoring graphics card status.

The V-Tuner Interface

The interface allows adjustment of GPU Clock, Memory Clock, Min. Core Voltage, Power Target, and Fan Speed. It also includes profile settings.

Using V-Tuner:

Manually select values or use sliders, then click 'Apply'. To set fan speed, select 'Manual' first. Save settings to profiles (up to 4). Click the icon to check graphics card status.

Note: Install the graphics card driver first. Items available may vary by graphics cards.