GIGABYTE B660M GAMING X AX Motherboard User's Manual

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1-1 Motherboard Layout

The motherboard features the LGA1700 socket for Intel Core processors. Key components and connectors are distributed across the board:

• CPU Area: LGA1700 socket, CPU_FAN header, CPU M.2 slot (M2A_CPU).
• Memory Slots: Four DDR5/DDR4 DIMM sockets (DDR5_A1/A2, DDR5_B1/B2 or DDR4 equivalents) supporting dual-channel memory.
• Expansion Slots: One PCIEX16 slot (for graphics cards) and one PCIEX4 slot.
• Storage: Multiple SATA 6Gb/s connectors (SATA3 4/5/6/7) and additional M.2 slots (M2P_SB).
• Chipset: Intel B660 chipset.
• Rear Panel Connectors: Includes USB ports (USB 2.0/1.1, USB 3.2 Gen 1), SMA antenna connectors, DisplayPort, HDMI, RJ-45 LAN port, and audio jacks.
• Internal Connectors: Various headers for power (ATX 24-pin, ATX 12V 8-pin), fans (CPU_FAN, SYS_FAN1/2/3), LEDs (RGB, Addressable), front panel audio (F_AUDIO), front panel headers (F_PANEL), USB headers (F_U32C, F_U32, F_USB1/F_USB2), Thunderbolt headers (THB_C1/THB_C2), SPI_TPM, COM, S/PDIF Out, battery (BAT), Clear CMOS jumper (CLR_CMOS), and reset button/jumper (RST_SW/RST), Q-Flash Plus button.
• Other Components: Super I/O chip, audio codec, and various status LEDs.

Chapter 2: Hardware Installation

2-1 Installation Precautions

Handle the motherboard with care to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD). Always turn off and unplug the computer before installation. Ensure proper grounding, avoid touching metal leads, and use an anti-static wrist strap if possible. Do not install components if the power supply is connected. Verify all connections are secure. Avoid placing the system in environments with extreme temperatures or humidity.

2-2 Product Specifications

2-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler

CPU Installation: Ensure the motherboard supports the CPU. Turn off and unplug the PC. Identify the CPU's pin one marking (triangle) or notches. Align the CPU with the socket's alignment keys and gently insert it. Apply a thin layer of thermal grease to the CPU surface. Close the load plate and secure the lever. Always keep the protective socket cover on when the CPU is not installed.

CPU Cooler Installation: After installing the CPU, apply thermal grease. Place the cooler onto the CPU, aligning the push pins with the motherboard holes and pressing them down diagonally. Connect the CPU cooler's power connector to the CPU_FAN header.

2-4 Installing the Memory

Ensure the motherboard supports the memory modules. Turn off and unplug the PC. Memory modules have a foolproof design; insert them in the correct orientation. The motherboard supports Dual Channel Technology with four DIMM sockets divided into two channels (Channel A: DDR5_A1/A2 or DDR4_A1/A2; Channel B: DDR5_B1/B2 or DDR4_B1/B2). For dual-channel mode, install memory modules in recommended slots (e.g., for 2 modules, use A1 and B1, or A2 and B2; for 4 modules, fill all slots). If installing a single module, use DDR5_A2/DDR4_A2 or DDR5_B2/DDR4_B2.

2-5 Installing an Expansion Card

Verify motherboard compatibility with the expansion card. Turn off and unplug the PC. Locate a suitable expansion slot and remove the corresponding chassis back panel slot cover. Align the card with the slot and press down until fully seated. Secure the card's metal bracket with a screw. Replace chassis covers. After installation, turn on the PC and configure BIOS settings if necessary. Install the expansion card's drivers.

2-6 Back Panel Connectors

• USB 2.0/1.1 Port: For USB devices.
• SMA Antenna Connectors (2T2R): For connecting Wi-Fi antennas. Aim antennas for optimal reception.
• DisplayPort: Supports high-quality digital imaging and audio, HDCP 2.3. Max resolution 4096x2304@60Hz.
• HDMI Port: HDCP 2.3 compliant, supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio. Max resolution 4096x2160@60Hz. Set as default audio playback device if used.
• USB 3.2 Gen 1 Port: For USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 devices.
• USB 2.0/1.1 Port (Q-Flash Plus Port): For USB devices. Insert USB flash drive here for Q-Flash Plus functionality.

2-7 Internal Connectors

The motherboard provides numerous internal connectors:

• Power Connectors: 1 x 24-pin ATX, 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V.
• Fan Headers: 1 x CPU_FAN, 3 x SYS_FAN headers.
• LED Headers: 2 x addressable LED strip headers (D_LED1/D_LED2), 2 x RGB LED strip headers (LED_C1/LED_C2).
• Storage Connectors: 2 x M.2 Socket 3 connectors (M2A_CPU/M2P_SB), 4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors.
• Front Panel Connectors: F_PANEL (Power switch, reset switch, LEDs, speaker, chassis intrusion), F_AUDIO (Front panel audio).
• USB Headers: F_U32C (USB Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2), F_U32 (USB 3.2 Gen 1), F_USB1/F_USB2 (USB 2.0/1.1).
• Other Headers: SPI_TPM, COM, Thunderbolt™ add-in card connectors (THB_C1/THB_C2), S/PDIF Out (SPDIF_O).
• System Management: BAT (Battery), CLR_CMOS (Clear CMOS Jumper), RST_SW/RST (Reset Button/Jumper), QFLASH_PLUS (Q-Flash Plus Button).

Power Connector Pinouts:

• ATX_12V_2X4: Provides +12V and GND for CPU power.
• ATX (2x12): Provides various voltages (3.3V, -12V, +5V, +12V, 5VSB) and control signals (PS_ON) for the motherboard.

Fan Header Pinouts: CPU_FAN and SYS_FAN headers are 4-pin, supporting GND, Voltage Speed Control, Sense, and PWM Speed Control.

LED Header Pinouts: RGB LED headers (LED_C1/LED_C2) are for 12V/G/R/B strips. Addressable LED headers (D_LED1/D_LED2) are for 5V/Data/GND strips.

SATA Connector Pinouts: Standard SATA pinout for data transfer.

M.2 Connector Support: M2A_CPU and M2P_SB support M.2 PCIe x4 and x2 SSDs. M.2 SATA SSDs are not supported.

Front Panel Header (F_PANEL) Pins: PLED/PWR_LED (Power LED), PW (Power Switch), SPEAK (Speaker), HD (Hard Drive Activity LED), RES (Reset Switch), CI (Chassis Intrusion Header), NC (No connection).

Front Panel Audio Header (F_AUDIO) Pins: MIC L, GND, MIC R, NC, Head Phone R, MIC Detection, SENSE_SEND, No Pin, Head Phone L, Head Phone Detection.

USB Headers: F_U32C (USB Type-C) provides VBUS, TX, RX, GND. F_U32 (USB 3.2 Gen 1) provides VBUS, SSRX, SSTX, GND, D1/D2. F_USB1/F_USB2 (USB 2.0/1.1) provide Power (5V), USB DX/DY, GND.

SPI_TPM Header Pins: Data Output, Power (3.3V), No Pin, NC, Data Input, CLK, Chip Select, GND, IRQ, NC, RST.

COM Header Pins: NDCD, NSIN, NSOUT, NDTR, GND, NDSR, NRTS, NCTS, NRI, No Pin.

Thunderbolt™ Connectors: THB_C1/THB_C2 for GIGABYTE Thunderbolt™ add-in cards.

S/PDIF Out Header (SPDIF_O) Pins: 5VDUAL, No Pin, SPDIFO, GND.

Battery (BAT): Provides power for CMOS settings. Remove to clear CMOS values. Ensure correct battery model and orientation (+ side up).

Clear CMOS Jumper (CLR_CMOS): Jumper to reset BIOS configuration to factory defaults. Shorting the pins clears CMOS values.

Reset Button/Jumper (RST_SW/RST): For quick on/off or system restart.

Q-Flash Plus Button: Allows BIOS update when the system is off.

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) records hardware parameters in CMOS. It performs POST during startup, saves system parameters, and loads the operating system. Access BIOS Setup by pressing the key during POST. Upgrade BIOS using GIGABYTE Q-Flash or @BIOS utility. Flashing BIOS carries risks; proceed with caution. Avoid altering default settings unless necessary. Refer to the manual for battery/Clear CMOS jumper details and GIGABYTE's website for BIOS Setup configuration.

Startup Screen Function Keys:

• : Enters BIOS Setup or Q-Flash utility.
• : Opens the Boot Menu to select the first boot device temporarily.
• : Directly accesses the Q-Flash utility.

Chapter 4: Installing the Operating System and Drivers

4-1 Operating System Installation

Ensure correct BIOS settings. For RAID volume installation, install the Intel RST VMD Controller driver during OS setup. Download the driver from GIGABYTE's website, unzip it, and copy it to a USB drive. Boot from Windows setup, browse for the driver when prompted, select the Intel RST VMD Controller 467F driver, and proceed.

4-2 Drivers Installation

After OS installation, a dialog may prompt to install drivers and GIGABYTE applications via APP Center. Ensure APP Center Download & Install is enabled in BIOS. Accept the license agreement and select desired drivers/applications in APP Center to install. A stable internet connection is required for installation.

Chapter 5: Appendix

5-1 Configuring a RAID Set

This motherboard supports SATA RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10. Prepare the required number of hard drives as per the table below. For optimal performance, use drives with identical models and capacities.

Required items: SATA hard drives/SSDs, Windows setup disc, internet-connected computer, USB thumb drive.

Regulatory Notices

This device complies with FCC Part 15 rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: no harmful interference and acceptance of received interference. Safety precautions for RF exposure are provided, including antenna handling and usage in specific environments (hazardous locations, airplanes, hospitals). Canada-Industry compliance statements for wireless devices are also included, restricting 5.15-5.35 GHz band usage to indoor environments.

European Union CE Declaration of Conformity confirms compliance with Electromagnetic Compatibility, Low-voltage, Radio Equipment, and RoHS directives. WEEE directive compliance for waste disposal is also noted, along with battery disposal information.

Contact Us

For product details and support, visit the GIGABYTE website:

• General Information: https://www.gigabyte.com
• Technical/Sales Support: https://esupport.gigabyte.com
• Chinese Website: https://www.gigabyte.com/tw

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. Address: No.6, Baoqiang Rd., Xindian Dist., New Taipei City 231. TEL: +886-2-8912-4000, FAX: +886-2-8912-4005.