GIGABYTE A520M S2H Motherboard User's Manual

Introduction

This user's manual provides comprehensive instructions for the GIGABYTE A520M S2H motherboard, covering hardware installation, BIOS setup, and driver installation. It is designed to assist users in setting up and optimizing their system.

For more product details, visit the official GIGABYTE website.

GIGABYTE is committed to reducing environmental impact; the packaging materials are recyclable and reusable.

Copyright & Disclaimer

© 2020 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved. Information in this manual is protected by copyright laws and is subject to change without prior notice. Reproduction or transmission of any part of this manual without GIGABYTE's written permission is prohibited.

Users should carefully read this manual for product usage. For product-related information, check GIGABYTE's website.

Identifying Your Motherboard Revision

The revision number, such as "REV: 1.0", is crucial for updating BIOS, drivers, or seeking technical information. It is typically found on the motherboard itself, near components like the audio chip or PCI slots.

A520M S2H Motherboard Layout Overview

The GIGABYTE A520M S2H motherboard features an AM4 socket for AMD Ryzen processors. Key connectors include ATX_12V, ATX, CPU_FAN, SYS_FAN1, SYS_FAN2, M_BIOS, M2A_CPU, PCIEX1_1, PCIEX16, PCIEX1_2, SATA3 ports, F_AUDIO, TPM, COM, F_USB2, CLR_CMOS, F_U32, F_USB1, F_PANEL, SPEAKER, D_LED1, LED_C, and various back panel I/O ports.

Box Contents

• A520M S2H motherboard
• Motherboard driver disc
• User's Manual
• Two SATA cables
• I/O Shield

Note: Box contents are for reference and may vary based on the product package.

Chapter 1: Hardware Installation

1-1 Installation Precautions

Motherboards contain delicate electronic circuits susceptible to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Follow these precautions:

• Ensure chassis suitability.
• Do not remove or break motherboard S/N or warranty stickers.
• Always unplug AC power before installing/removing components.
• Ensure hardware components are tightly and securely connected to internal connectors.
• Avoid touching metal leads or connectors when handling the motherboard.
• Wear an ESD wrist strap or discharge static electricity by touching a metal object.
• Place the motherboard on an antistatic pad or in an electrostatic shielding container prior to installation.
• Ensure power supply is turned off before connecting/unplugging its cable.
• Verify power supply voltage is set to local standard before turning on.
• Ensure all cables and power connectors are connected before using the product.
• Prevent screws from contacting motherboard circuits.
• Ensure no leftover screws or metal components are inside the casing.
• Do not place the system on an uneven, high-temperature, or wet surface.
• Turning on power during installation can cause damage or harm.
• Consult a certified technician if uncertain about installation steps or problems.
• If using an adapter, extension power cable, or power strip, consult its installation/grounding instructions.

1-2 Product Specifications

CPU

• AMD Socket AM4, supporting 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ processors and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Graphics processors.
• For the latest CPU support list, refer to GIGABYTE's website.

Chipset

• AMD A520.

Memory

• 2 x DDR4 DIMM sockets, supporting up to 64 GB (32 GB single DIMM capacity).
• Supports DDR4 3200/2933/2667/2400/2133 MHz memory modules.
• Dual channel memory architecture.
• Supports ECC Un-buffered DIMM 1Rx8/2Rx8 and non-ECC Un-buffered DIMM 1Rx8/2Rx8/1Rx16 memory modules.
• Supports Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules.
• For latest supported memory speeds and modules, refer to GIGABYTE's website.

Onboard Graphics (Integrated in 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Graphics processors)

• 1 x D-Sub port (max. 1920x1200@60 Hz).
• 1 x DVI-D port (max. 1920x1200@60 Hz, does not support D-Sub connection by adapter).
• 1 x HDMI port (max. 4096x2160@60 Hz), supporting HDMI 2.1, HDCP 2.3, and HDR.
• Supports up to 3 displays simultaneously.
• Maximum shared memory of 16 GB.

Audio

• Realtek® ALC887 codec.
• High Definition Audio.
• 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel audio. (For 7.1-channel audio, configure via audio software: Device advanced settings > Playback Device).

LAN

• Realtek® GbE LAN chip (1000 Mbit/100 Mbit).

Expansion Slots

• CPU: 1 x PCI Express x16 slot (PCIe 3.0, running at x16).
• Chipset: 2 x PCI Express x1 slots (PCIe 3.0).

Storage Interface

• CPU: 1 x M.2 connector (Socket 3, M key, type 2242/2260/2280 SATA and PCIe 3.0 x4/x2 SSD support).
• Chipset: 4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors.
• Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10.

USB

• CPU: 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports on the back panel.
• Chipset: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports via internal USB header; 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (2 on back panel, 4 via internal USB headers).

Internal Connectors

• 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
• 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
• 1 x CPU fan header
• 2 x system fan headers
• 1 x addressable LED strip header
• 1 x RGB LED strip header
• 1 x M.2 Socket 3 connector
• 4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
• 1 x front panel header
• 1 x front panel audio header
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header
• 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
• 1 x Trusted Platform Module (TPM) header (2x6 pin, for GC-TPM2.0_S module only)
• 1 x serial port header
• 1 x speaker header
• 1 x chassis intrusion header
• 1 x Clear CMOS jumper

Back Panel Connectors

• 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
• 1 x D-Sub port
• 1 x DVI-D port
• 1 x HDMI port
• 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
• 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
• 1 x RJ-45 port
• 1 x Q-Flash Plus button
• 3 x audio jacks

I/O Controller

• ITE® I/O Controller Chip.

Hardware Monitor

• Voltage detection, Temperature detection, Fan speed detection, Overheating warning, Fan fail warning, Fan speed control (functionality depends on fan).

BIOS

• 1 x 128 Mbit flash, licensed AMI UEFI BIOS.
• PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.7, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0.

Unique Features

• Support for APP Center (@BIOS, EasyTune, Fast Boot, Game Boost, ON/OFF Charge, RGB Fusion, Smart Backup, System Information Viewer).
• Support for Q-Flash Plus, Q-Flash, Xpress Install.

Bundled Software

• Norton® Internet Security (OEM version).
• Realtek® 8118 Gaming LAN Bandwidth Control Utility.

Operating System

• Support for Windows 10 64-bit.

Form Factor

• Micro ATX Form Factor; 24.4cm x 20.5cm.

GIGABYTE reserves the right to change product specifications without prior notice.

Visit GIGABYTE's website for CPU, memory, SSD, and M.2 support lists, and to download the latest apps/utilities.

1-3 Installing the CPU

Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord before installing the CPU to prevent hardware damage.

Locate the pin one (small triangle) on the CPU socket and CPU. Ensure correct orientation for insertion. Apply an even, thin layer of thermal grease. Do not power on the computer without a CPU cooler installed to prevent overheating.

1-4 Installing the Memory

Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord before installing memory.

Ensure the motherboard supports the memory. Use memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips for optimal performance. Memory modules have a foolproof design; if unable to insert, switch direction.

Dual Channel Memory Configuration

This motherboard supports Dual Channel Technology with two memory sockets (DDR4_A1, DDR4_B1). Enabling Dual Channel mode doubles memory bandwidth. Dual Channel mode requires two memory modules of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips.

1-5 Installing an Expansion Card

Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord before installing an expansion card.

Ensure the motherboard supports the expansion card and read its manual carefully.

1-6 Back Panel Connectors

The back panel features various I/O ports:

• USB 2.0/1.1 Ports: For USB devices.
• PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port: For PS/2 keyboards or mice.
• D-Sub Port: 15-pin connector, max. 1920x1200@60 Hz.
• DVI-D Port: Max. 1920x1200@60 Hz. (Does not support D-Sub connection via adapter).
• HDMI Port: HDCP 2.3 compliant, supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio, up to 192KHz/24bit 7.1-channel LPCM audio. Max. 4096x2160@60 Hz.

Triple-Display Configurations for Onboard Graphics

Triple-display configurations are supported after motherboard drivers are installed in the OS. Only single display is available during BIOS Setup or POST.

When removing cables, first remove from the device, then from the motherboard. Pull straight out to prevent electrical shorts.

1-7 Internal Connectors

Before connecting external devices, ensure compatibility and turn off both devices and computer, unplugging the power cord. After installation, ensure cables are securely attached.

ATX_12V/ATX (2x4 12V Power Connector and 2x12 Main Power Connector)

These connectors supply stable power to motherboard components. The 12V power connector primarily powers the CPU. A power supply of 500W or greater is recommended for expansion requirements to ensure system stability.

CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN1/2 (Fan Headers)

All fan headers are 4-pin. Connect fan cables correctly (black wire is ground). Fan speed control requires compatible fans. Install a system fan for optimum heat dissipation.

Connect fan cables to prevent CPU/system overheating, which can cause damage or system hangs. These are not jumper blocks; do not place jumper caps.

D_LED1 (Addressable LED Strip Header)

For standard 5050 addressable LED strips (5A, 5V, max 1000 LEDs). Connect power pin (triangle on plug) to Pin 1. Incorrect connection can damage the LED strip.

LED_C (RGB LED Strip Header)

For standard 5050 RGB LED strips (2A, 12V, max 2m). Connect power pin (triangle on plug) to Pin 1. Incorrect connection can damage the LED strip.

For LED strip light control, visit GIGABYTE's "Unique Features" webpage.

Before installing devices, turn off devices and computer, unplug power cord.

F_U32 (USB 3.2 Gen 1 Header)

Provides two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. Contact local dealer for optional 3.5" front panel.

F_USB1/F_USB2 (USB 2.0/1.1 Headers)

Each header provides two USB 2.0/1.1 ports. Contact local dealer for optional USB bracket.

Do not plug IEEE 1394 bracket into USB 2.0/1.1 header. Turn off computer and unplug power cord before installing USB bracket.

TPM (Trusted Platform Module Header)

Connects to a TPM (Trusted Platform Module).

COM (Serial Port Header)

Provides one serial port via optional COM port cable. Contact local dealer for cable.

SPEAKER (Speaker Header)

Connects to chassis front panel speaker. System reports startup status via beep codes (single short beep for no problems).

CI (Chassis Intrusion Header)

Detects if chassis cover has been removed. Requires chassis with intrusion detection design.

CLR_CMOS (Clear CMOS Jumper)

Resets BIOS configuration to factory defaults. Touch the two pins with a metal object for a few seconds.

Always turn off computer before clearing CMOS. After restart, load optimized defaults or manually configure BIOS settings.

BAT (Battery)

Provides power to CMOS for BIOS configurations, date, and time. Replace when voltage is low or values are inaccurate/lost.

To clear CMOS by removing battery: Turn off computer, unplug power cord. Gently remove battery, wait one minute (or short positive/negative terminals for 5 seconds). Replace battery. Plug in power cord, restart.

Always turn off computer and unplug power cord before replacing battery. Replace with equivalent one to prevent damage. Contact dealer if unable to replace or uncertain about model. Note positive (+) and negative (-) orientation. Dispose of used batteries according to environmental regulations.

Chapter 2: BIOS Setup

BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) manages hardware parameters and system configuration. Access BIOS Setup by pressing <Delete> during POST. Upgrade BIOS using GIGABYTE Q-Flash or @BIOS utility.

BIOS flashing is risky. Only flash if necessary, with caution. Inadequate flashing can cause system malfunction. Do not alter default settings unless needed to prevent instability. If issues occur, clear CMOS values and reset to defaults.

2-1 Startup Screen

The GIGABYTE logo appears on boot. Users can switch between Easy Mode (quick view/adjustments) and Advanced Mode (detailed settings) using <F2>. Navigate with arrow keys or mouse.

2-2 The Main Menu

The BIOS main menu displays system time, CPU/Memory/Voltage information, and configuration items. Function keys provide quick access to help, Easy Mode, Smart Fan 5, and Q-Flash.

Advanced Mode Function Keys Summary

• <←><→>: Move selection bar (menu).
• <↑><↓>: Move selection bar (item).
• <Enter>/Double Click: Execute command/enter submenu.
• <+>/<Page Up>: Increase numeric value/make changes.
• <->/<Page Down>: Decrease numeric value/make changes.
• <F1>: Show descriptions.
• <F2>: Switch to Easy Mode.
• <F3>: Save current BIOS settings to profile.
• <F4>: Load BIOS settings from profile.
• <F5>: Restore previous BIOS settings.
• <F6>: Display Smart Fan 5 screen.
• <F7>: Load Optimized BIOS default settings.
• <F8>: Access Q-Flash utility.
• <F10>: Save changes and exit.
• <F11>: Switch to Favorites submenu.
• <F12>: Capture screen to USB drive.
• <Insert>: Add/remove favorite option.
• <Ctrl>+<S>: Display installed memory info.
• <Esc>: Exit BIOS Setup/current submenu.

2-3 Favorites (F11)

Allows users to quickly access frequently used options. Add/remove options by pressing <Insert> on their original page; favorites are marked with a star.

2-4 Tweaker

Overclocking/overvoltage settings can damage components and reduce their lifespan. This section is for advanced users; do not alter defaults unless necessary.

• CPU Clock Control: Manually set CPU base clock (1 MHz increments).
• Spread Spectrum Control: Enable/disable CPU/PCIe Spread Spectrum.
• CPU Ratio Mode: Set core ratio for all or individual CPU cores.
• CCDO CCX0/1 Ratio: Manually set core ratio for CPU CCX0, 1 cores (configurable when CPU Ratio Mode is Per CCX).
• CPU Clock Ratio: Alter clock ratio for installed CPU.
• Advanced CPU Settings: Includes Core Performance Boost (CPB), SVM Mode (Virtualization Technology), and AMD Cool&Quiet function (dynamically adjusts CPU clock/VID to reduce heat/power consumption).
• Advanced Memory Settings: Includes Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) for enhanced memory performance, XMP High Frequency Support, System Memory Multiplier, Memory Subtimings (Standard, Advanced, CAD Bus Setup, Drive Strength, Data Bus Configuration), and SPD Info (displays installed memory info).
• CPU/VRM Settings: Configure Load-Line Calibration level.

2-5 Settings

Platform Power

• AC BACK: Determines system state after AC power loss (Memory, Always On, Always Off).
• Power On By Keyboard/Mouse: Allows system power-on via PS/2 keyboard/mouse events (requires ATX PSU with +5VSB lead).
• Power On Password: Set password for system power-on.
• ErP: Determines if system consumes least power in S5 (shutdown) state.
• Soft-Off by PWR-BTTN: Configures power button behavior in MS-DOS mode (Instant-Off, Delay 4 Sec.).
• Power Loading: Enables/disables dummy load to prevent shutdown at low power supply load.
• Resume by Alarm: Powers on system at a desired date/time.
• Wake on LAN: Enables/disables Wake on LAN.
• High Precision Event Timer (HPET): Enables/disables HPET in OS.
• CEC 2019 Ready: Adjusts power consumption to comply with CEC 2019 Standards.

IO Ports

• Initial Display Output: Specifies first monitor display (IGD Video, PCIe 1 Slot).
• Integrated Graphics: Enables/disables onboard graphics (Auto, Forces, Disabled).
• UMA Mode: Specifies UMA mode (Auto, UMA Specified, UMA Auto, UMA Game Optimized).
• UMA Frame Buffer Size: Total memory allocated for onboard graphics (Auto, 64M~2G).
• Display Resolution: Sets display resolution (Auto, 1920x1080, 2560x1600, 3840x2160).
• HD Audio Controller: Enables/disables onboard audio.
• PCIEX16 Bifurcation: Determines bandwidth division of PCIEX16 slot.
• Above 4G Decoding: Enables/disables 64-bit device decoding above 4 GB address space.
• Onboard LAN Controller: Enables/disables onboard LAN.

Super IO Configuration

• Serial Port 1: Enables/disables onboard serial port.

USB Configuration

• Legacy USB Support: Allows USB keyboard/mouse in MS-DOS.
• XHCI Hand-off: Enables XHCI Hand-off for OS without native support.
• USB Mass Storage Driver Support: Enables support for USB storage devices.
• Port 60/64 Emulation: Enables emulation for legacy USB keyboard/mouse support.
• Mass Storage Devices: Displays connected USB mass storage devices.

NVMe Configuration

• Displays M.2 NVME PCIe SSD info.

SATA Configuration

• SATA Mode: Enables/disables RAID or configures AHCI mode for SATA controllers.
• NVMe RAID mode: Determines if M.2 NVMe PCIe SSDs are used for RAID.
• Chipset SATA Port Enable: Enables/disables integrated SATA controllers.
• Chipset SATA Port 0/1/2/3: Displays connected SATA device info.

Network Stack Configuration

• Network Stack: Disables/enables booting from network for GPT format OS.
• IPv4 PXE/HTTP Support: Enables/disables IPv4 PXE/HTTP boot.
• IPv6 PXE/HTTP Support: Enables/disables IPv6 PXE/HTTP boot.
• PXE boot wait time: Configures wait time to abort PXE boot.
• Media detect count: Sets times to check media presence.
• Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller: LAN configuration options.

Miscellaneous

• LEDs in System Power On State: Enables/disables motherboard LED lighting when system is on.
• LEDs in Sleep, Hibernation, and Soft Off States: Sets LED lighting mode in S3/S4/S5 state.
• PCIe Slot Configuration: Sets operation mode of PCI Express slots (Gen 1, Gen 2, Gen 3).

AMD CBS

• Provides AMD CBS-related configuration options.

PC Health

• Reset Case Open Status: Keeps/clears record of chassis intrusion status.
• Case Open: Displays chassis intrusion detection status.
• CPU Vcore/CPU VDDP/DRAM Channel A/B Voltage/ +3.3V/+5V/+12V/VCORE SOC: Displays current system voltages.

Smart Fan 5

• Monitor: Selects target to monitor.
• Fan Speed Control: Enables/disables fan speed control (Normal, Silent, Manual, Full Speed).
• Fan Control Use Temperature Input: Selects reference temperature for fan speed control.
• Temperature Interval: Selects temperature interval for fan speed change.
• Fan Control mode: Automatically detects fan type (Auto, Voltage, PWM).
• Fan Stop: Enables/disables fan stop function below temperature limit.
• Temperature: Displays current temperature.
• Fan Speed: Displays current fan speeds.
• Temperature Warning Control: Sets warning threshold for temperature.
• Fan Fail Warning: Emits warning sound if fan is not connected or fails.

2-6 System Info

Displays motherboard model, BIOS version, and allows setting system language, date, and time. Also shows installed device info and provides Q-Flash access.

2-7 Boot

• Boot Option Priorities: Specifies overall boot order.
• Bootup NumLock State: Enables/disables Numlock on numeric keypad after POST.
• Security Option: Requires password for BIOS Setup or system boot.
• Full Screen LOGO Show: Displays GIGABYTE Logo at startup.
• Fast Boot: Shortens OS boot process (Ultra Fast provides fastest).
• SATA Support: Configures SATA device functionality during OS boot.
• NVMe Support: Enables/disables NVMe devices.
• VGA Support: Selects OS boot type (legacy option ROM or EFI option ROM).
• USB Support: Configures USB device functionality during OS boot.
• PS2 Devices Support: Configures PS/2 device functionality during OS boot.
• NetWork Stack Driver Support: Enables/disables booting from network.
• CSM Support: Enables/disables UEFI CSM for legacy PC boot.
• LAN PXE Boot Option ROM: Enables/disables legacy option ROM for LAN controller.
• Storage Boot Option Control: Enables/disables UEFI or legacy option ROM for storage device controller.
• Other PCI Device ROM Priority: Enables/disables UEFI or Legacy option ROM for other PCI devices.
• Administrator/User Password: Configures passwords for BIOS access and system boot.
• Secure Boot: Enables/disables Secure Boot.
• Preferred Operating Mode: Selects Easy or Advanced mode after entering BIOS Setup.

2-8 Save & Exit

• Save & Exit Setup: Saves changes and exits BIOS Setup.
• Exit Without Saving: Exits BIOS Setup without saving changes.
• Load Optimized Defaults: Loads optimal BIOS default settings.
• Boot Override: Selects a device to boot immediately.
• Save Profiles: Saves current BIOS settings to a profile (up to 8 profiles or to storage device).
• Load Profiles: Loads BIOS settings from a saved profile or last known good record.

Chapter 3: Appendix

3-1 Configuring a RAID Set

RAID levels supported: RAID 0 (striping, ≥2 drives, no fault tolerance), RAID 1 (mirroring, 2 drives, fault tolerance), RAID 10 (striping + mirroring, 4 drives, fault tolerance).

Preparation

• At least two SATA hard drives or SSDs (identical model/capacity recommended).
• Windows setup disc.
• Motherboard driver disc.
• USB thumb drive.

Configuring Onboard SATA Controller

1. Installing SATA hard drive(s): Install drives in SATA/M.2 connectors, connect power.
2. Configuring SATA controller mode in BIOS Setup: Enter BIOS Setup (<Delete>), go to Settings\IO Ports, set SATA Configuration\SATA Mode to RAID. Save and restart. (For NVMe PCIe SSDs, set NVMe RAID mode to Enabled).
3. UEFI RAID Configuration: In BIOS Setup, go to Boot, set CSM Support to Disabled. Save and exit. Re-enter BIOS Setup, go to Settings\IO Ports\RAIDXpert2 Configuration Utility. Select Array Management → Create Array. Choose RAID level, select physical disks, apply changes. Set CacheTagSize, Read Cache Policy, Write Cache Policy. Create Array.

An M.2 PCIe SSD cannot be used to set up a RAID set with a SATA hard drive.

3-2 Drivers Installation

After OS installation, insert motherboard driver disc. Use "Xpress Install" to automatically install recommended drivers, or install individually.

For more software/troubleshooting information, visit GIGABYTE's website.

Regulatory Notices

This section outlines compliance with various regulatory standards.

• United States (FCC): Complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules for Class B digital devices.
• Canada (Canadian Department of Communications): Complies with Class B limits for radio noise emissions (Canadian ICES-003).
• European Union (CE): Complies with Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU, Low-voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, and RoHS directive (recast) 2011/65/EU & 2015/863 Statement.
• European Union (RoHS): GIGABYTE products are free from hazardous substances and comply with RoHS requirements.
• European Union (WEEE): GIGABYTE complies with 2012/19/EU WEEE directive for treatment, collection, recycling, and proper disposal of electronic devices. The WEEE symbol indicates separate waste collection.

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
• Tech. and Non-Tech. Support (Sales/Marketing): https://esupport.gigabyte.com
• WEB address (English): https://www.gigabyte.com
• WEB address (Chinese): https://www.gigabyte.com/tw

GIGABYTE eSupport

To submit technical or non-technical questions, visit https://esupport.gigabyte.com.