GIGABYTE BRIX Ultra Compact PC Kit BIOS Setting Guide

Introduction

The GIGABYTE BRIX Ultra Compact PC Kit BIOS Setting Guide provides users with detailed instructions on how to navigate and configure the BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) settings for optimal system performance. The BIOS is a UEFI interface that allows users to modify various system parameters, monitor hardware status, and customize the boot process.

To access the BIOS setup program, press the <F2> key during the POST (Power-On Self-Test) when the power is turned on.

BIOS Setup Program Function Keys

• <↑><↓>: Move the selection bar to select an item.
• <←><→>: Move the selection bar to select the screen.
• <Enter> or <Double Click>: Execute command or enter the submenu.
• <Esc> or <Right Click>: Exit the BIOS Setup program (Main Menu) or exit the current submenu.
• <+>: Increase the numeric value or make changes.
• <->: Decrease the numeric value or make changes.
• <F1>: General Help.
• <F2>: Restore the previous BIOS settings for the current submenus.
• <F3>: Load the Optimized BIOS default settings for the current submenu.
• <F4>: Save all the changes and exit the BIOS Setup program.

BIOS Sections

• Main: Includes all items in a standard compatible BIOS.
• Advanced: Includes BRIX enhanced features.
• Chipset: For configuring Platform Controller Hub additional features.
• Boot: For configuring the boot sequence.
• Security: For changing, setting, or disabling supervisor and user passwords to restrict system access and BIOS Setup modifications.
• Save & Exit: For saving changes and exiting the BIOS Setup program, or discarding changes.

Main Menu

Upon entering the BIOS Setup program, the Main Menu is displayed. Use the arrow keys to navigate and <Enter> to select or enter a submenu. The on-screen description of a highlighted option appears at the bottom of the screen.

BIOS Information

• Product Name: Displays the product name.
• BIOS Version: Displays the BIOS version.
• Build Date and Time: Shows when the BIOS setup utility was created.
• LAN MAC Address: Displays the MAC address information.
• Memory Information Size: Indicates the total memory present during POST.
• Memory Frequency: Displays the memory frequency.
• ME FW Version: Displays the ME firmware version.
• System Date: Allows setting the system date.
• System Time: Allows setting the system time.

Note: Press <Ctrl> + <F1> to access more advanced options if needed.

Advanced Menu

The Advanced menu provides options for configuring various hardware components.

CPU Configuration

This section allows configuration of CPU features. It displays information such as:

• CPU Model Name
• CPU Signature
• Microcode Patch
• CPU Speed
• Processor Cores
• Intel HT Technology
• Intel VT-x Technology
• Intel SMX Technology
• 64-bit support
• L1 Data Cache, L1 Code Cache, L2 Cache, L3 Cache details

Features like Intel Virtualization Technology, EIST, Turbo Mode, CPU C3/C6/C7 Reports, and CFG lock can be enabled or disabled.

SATA Configuration

Allows selection of the on-chip SATA type. Options include:

• SATA Mode Selection: Configures SATA controller functionality (e.g., AHCI).
• SATA Port: Displays information about connected hard drives.
• m-SATA: Displays information about connected m-SATA drives.

H/W Monitor

Displays real-time CPU and system temperature, and fan speeds. Features include:

• FAN 1 / 2 Fail Detect: Enables or disables stop warming function for fans.
• FAN 1 / 2 SMART FAN Control: Enables or disables smart fan control.
• GPU Temperature: Displays current GPU temperature.
• CPU Temperature: Displays current CPU temperature.
• FAN 1 / 2 Speed: Displays current fan speeds.

GIGABYTE's SMART FAN control offers intelligent and dynamic fan speed management.

Intel Rapid Start Technology

Enables or disables Intel Rapid Start Technology, allowing the BRIX to resume faster from sleep states, saving time and power. Options include:

• Entry on S3 RTC Wake
• Entry After (timer setting)
• Active Page Threshold Support
• Hybrid Hard Disk Support
• RapidStart Display Save / Restore

Intel Smart Connect Technology

Allows the BRIX to automatically update programs while the system is suspended (S3 mode). The monitor will not light up, and no sound will be output during updates. This feature works best with internet-dependent applications.

Intel Anti-Theft Technology Configuration

Makes the BRIX useless to thieves with immediate shutdown. Options include:

• Intel Anti-Theft Technology: Enable/Disable.
• Enter Intel AT Suspend Mode: Suspends Intel AT support.

Chipset

Allows users to view and configure BRIX chipset features.

• Onboard LAN Device: Enable/Disable onboard LAN controller.
• Onboard Audio Device: Enable/Disable onboard audio controller.
• ERP Support: Enable/Disable ERP support function.
• Restore AC Power Loss: Sets the system's behavior after an AC power loss (Power On, Power Off, Last State).
• XHCI Mode: Configures USB port behavior (Smart Auto / Auto).
• System Performance Mode: Allows selection between 'Operation Mode' (lower power, lower temperature) and 'Turbo Mode' (higher performance, potentially more noise/heat).
• VT-d: Enables guest virtual machines to directly use peripheral devices via DMA and interrupt remapping.
• DRAM Frequency Control: Allows overclocking of memory frequency. Options include 1067 / 1333 / 1600 / 1867 / 2133 MHz.

Boot

Allows setting the device priority during system boot-up.

• Boot Option Priorities: Configure the boot order (e.g., Boot Option #1).
• CSM parameters:
  • Launch CSM: Enable/Disable UEFI CSM for legacy boot process support.
  • Boot option filter: Select OS type (UEFI and legacy, Legacy only, UEFI only).
  • Launch PXE OpROM policy: Enable legacy option ROM for the LAN controller.
  • Launch Storage OpROM policy: Select UEFI or legacy option ROM for storage controllers.
  • Other PCI device ROM priority: Select UEFI or Legacy option ROM for PCI device controllers.
  • Network stack: Enable UEFI option ROM for the LAN controller.

Security

Safeguard the BRIX from unauthorized use by setting up access passwords.

• Administrator Password: Set or configure the administrator password.
• User Password: Set or configure the user password.
• System Mode: Displays the system mode state.
• Secure Boot: Displays the Secure Boot Mode State.
• Secure Boot Support: Enables or disables Secure Boot, requiring pre-signed applications for booting.
• Secure Boot Mode: Define as Standard or Custom. 'Custom' allows modification of image execution policy and key management.
• Factory Default Key Provisioning: Installs factory default secure boot keys.

Save & Exit

Provides options to quit from the BIOS setup.

• Save Changes and Reset: Resets the system after saving changes.
• Discard Changes and Reset: Discards changes and exits the BIOS setup.
• Restore Defaults: Loads the default BIOS settings. Press <Y> to confirm.
• Boot Override: Configures the device as the boot-up drive.

Important Notes

• BIOS Flashing Warning: BIOS flashing is risky. Only flash if necessary and with caution, as inadequate flashing can lead to system malfunction.
• Default Settings Recommendation: It is recommended not to alter default settings unless required, to prevent system instability or boot failures. If a boot failure occurs, try clearing CMOS values and resetting the board to default values.