GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS XTREME AI TOP BIOS Setup Guide
Introduction
This document serves as a comprehensive guide to the BIOS settings for the GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS XTREME AI TOP motherboard. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is crucial for system initialization and hardware configuration. This guide details various settings accessible through the BIOS setup utility, enabling users to optimize system performance, manage hardware, and customize system behavior.
Note: The BIOS setup menu described in this guide may differ from your specific motherboard's configuration due to variations in specifications and BIOS versions. Always refer to the latest documentation for your specific model.
BIOS Installation and Access
The BIOS records system hardware parameters in the motherboard's CMOS. It manages system startup, stores parameters, and performs the Power-On Self-Test (POST). To access the BIOS setup program, press the
BIOS Upgrade: GIGABYTE offers Q-Flash and Q-Flash Plus utilities for easy BIOS upgrades and backups. Q-Flash allows updates without entering the operating system. Q-Flash Plus enables BIOS updates even when the system is off (S5 state) by using a USB drive and the dedicated port.
Caution: BIOS flashing carries potential risks. Only flash the BIOS if necessary and follow the instructions carefully to avoid system failure. Incorrect BIOS flashing can lead to system malfunction.
BIOS Interface Overview
Upon booting, you will typically see a logo screen (e.g., AORUS). Key functions are accessible via function keys:
: BIOS SETUP\Q-FLASH- Accesses the BIOS setup utility or Q-Flash.: BOOT MENU - Allows selection of the primary boot device without entering BIOS setup.: Q-FLASH - Directly accesses the Q-Flash utility.
The BIOS interface typically offers an Easy Mode for quick system information and adjustments, and an Advanced Mode for detailed configuration.
Key BIOS Sections and Features
1. Main Menu / Advanced Mode
The Advanced Mode provides comprehensive system settings. Navigation is done using arrow keys and
Key Function Keys:
- <↑><↓>: Navigate menus.
/Double Click : Execute commands or enter menus.- <+>/
: Increase values. - <->/
: Decrease values. : Display help. : Switch between Easy Mode and Advanced Mode. : Save current BIOS settings to a profile. : Load a previously saved BIOS profile. : Restore previous settings for the current sub-menu. : Access Smart Fan 6 settings. : Load optimized BIOS defaults for the current sub-menu. : Access Q-Flash utility. : Save changes and exit BIOS setup. : Access Favorites menu. : Save current screen as an image to USB. : Add or remove options from Favorites. + : Display information about installed memory.: Exit BIOS setup or current sub-menu. + : Input keywords to search for BIOS options.
2. Smart Fan 6
This feature allows you to control fan speeds based on system temperatures. You can tune all fans simultaneously or individually adjust settings like:
- Fan Speed Control: Normal, Silent, Manual, Full Speed.
- Fan Control Use Temperature Input: Select the temperature source (CPU, System, etc.).
- Temperature Interval: Define the temperature range for fan speed adjustments.
- FAN/PUMP Control Mode: Auto, Voltage, PWM.
- FAN/PUMP Stop: Enable/disable fan stop functionality.
- Load Fan Profile: Load pre-configured fan settings.
- Save Fan Profile: Save current fan settings as a profile.
3. Favorites (F11)
Allows users to set frequently used options as favorites for quick access. Press
4. Tweaker
This section is for advanced users and deals with overclocking and performance tuning. Settings include:
- GIGABYTE PerfDrive: Apply predefined work modes.
- CPU Upgrade: Set CPU frequency.
- BCLK Output Source: Select BCLK source.
- Enhanced Multi-Core Performance: Enable or disable enhanced multi-core performance.
- Performance CPU Clock Ratio: Adjust CPU clock ratio for performance.
- Efficiency CPU Clock Ratio: Adjust CPU clock ratio for efficiency.
- Max Ring Ratio: Set the maximum CPU uncore ratio.
- Min Ring Ratio: Set the minimum CPU uncore ratio.
- IGP Ratio: Adjust graphics ratio.
- Advanced CPU Settings: Fine-tune various CPU parameters like NGU Ratio, PVD Settings, Temperature Protection, Speed Shift Technology, Thermal Monitor, EIST Function, Turbo Boost, etc.
- Active Turbo Ratios: Configure active core turbo ratios.
- CPU Cores Enabling Mode: Select how CPU cores are enabled.
- Advanced Memory Settings: Fine-tune memory timings, boot modes, and enhancement settings.
- Gear Mode: Improve OC frequency potential.
- Memory Boot Mode: Configure memory detection and training.
- Realtime Memory Timing: Fine-tune memory timings post-BIOS.
- Fine Granularity Refresh: Enable/disable FGR mode.
- Memory Enhancement Settings: Configure system performance levels.
- Memory Channel Detection Message: Display warnings for incorrect memory channel installation.
- Retry Loop Count: Set the number of memory self-test loops upon overclocking failure.
- SPD Info / SPD Setup: View and configure memory parameters.
- Channels Standard Timing Control, Channels Advanced Timing Control, Channels Misc Timing Control: Detailed memory timing adjustments.
- CPU/PCH Voltage Control / DRAM Voltage Control: Adjust CPU, PCH, and DRAM voltages.
- Advanced Voltage Settings: Configure various voltage parameters like PLL overvoltage.
- DDR5 Voltage Control: Adjust DDR5 memory voltages.
5. Settings
This section covers system-level configurations:
- Platform Power Management: Enable or disable Active State Power Management (ASPM) for PEG, PCH, and DMI.
- S3 Save Mode: Configure system behavior in S3 sleep state.
- ErP: Manage system power consumption in S5 state.
- Soft-Off by PWR-BTTN: Configure power-off behavior using the power button.
- Resume by Alarm: Set the system to wake up at a specific time.
- Native ASPM: Choose between OS or BIOS control for ASPM.
- Power Loading: Enable dummy load for power supply stability.
- RC6(Render Standby): Configure onboard graphics standby mode.
- AC BACK: Define system behavior upon AC power restoration.
- IO Ports: Configure initial display output, internal graphics, LAN controllers, audio, PCIe bifurcation, and other I/O settings.
- USB Configuration: Manage USB settings like Legacy USB Support and XHCI Hand-off.
- Network Stack Configuration: Configure network boot options (PXE, HTTP).
- NVMe Configuration: View information about M.2 NVMe PCIe SSDs.
- SATA Configuration: Configure SATA controllers, LPM support, port settings, hot plug, and eSATA.
- VMD setup menu: Configure VMD controllers for RAID configurations.
- Thunderbolt(TM) Configuration: Manage Thunderbolt settings.
- Miscellaneous: Configure system LEDs, RST (MULTIKEY) functions, GEN5 features, Intel PTT, VT-d, CPU VCore Sense, Trusted Computing, and Acoustic Noise Settings.
- PC Health Status: Monitor system voltages and chassis intrusion status.
6. System Info (System Information)
Provides details about your motherboard model, BIOS version, processor, and installed memory. You can also set the system language and time here.
- Access Level: Displays current access level (Administrator or User).
- System Language: Select the preferred language for the BIOS interface.
- System Date: Set the system date.
- System Time: Set the system time.
- Plug in Devices Info: View information about installed PCI Express and M.2 devices.
- Q-Flash: Access the BIOS update utility.
7. Boot
Configure boot-related settings:
- Bootup NumLock State: Enable or disable NumLock on POST.
- CFG Lock: Enable or disable MSR 0xE2 functionality.
- Security Option: Set password protection for BIOS setup or system boot.
- Full Screen LOGO Show: Enable or disable the GIGABYTE logo during boot.
- Boot Option Priorities: Define the boot device order.
- Fast Boot: Speed up the OS boot process.
- SATA Support: Configure SATA device behavior during boot.
- NVMe Support: Configure NVMe device boot behavior.
- UFS Support: Configure UFS device boot behavior.
- USB Support: Manage USB device behavior during boot.
- Network Stack Driver Support: Enable or disable network booting.
- Redirection Support: Enable or disable redirection.
- Pei Display Support: Skip Intel Pei Graphic driver.
- Mouse Speed: Adjust cursor speed.
- Administrator Password: Set an administrator password.
- User Password: Set a user password.
- Secure Boot: Enable or disable Secure Boot.
- Preferred Operating Mode: Choose the default BIOS mode (Easy or Advanced).
8. Save & Exit
Options for saving changes and exiting the BIOS:
- Save & Exit Setup: Save changes to CMOS and exit BIOS.
- Exit Without Saving: Discard changes and exit BIOS.
- Load Optimized Defaults: Load factory default BIOS settings.
- Boot Override: Select a device to boot from immediately.
- Save Profiles: Save current BIOS settings to a profile.
- Load Profiles: Load previously saved BIOS profiles.
