GIGABYTE motherboards based on the Intel X79 Express chipset. How to update the BIOS of a Gigabyte Motherboard Gigabit

Company GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co., Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, 3D graphics accelerators and other key components for desktop PCs, announces a new line of Intel X79 Express motherboards for enthusiasts. Supporting the new 2nd Gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor family for high-performance PCs, boards based on the Intel X79 Express chipset deliver unparalleled desktop performance and new levels of scalability and resource management. GIGABYTE 3D Power™ and 3-Way Digital Power Engine allow you to control your PC's power, while GIGABYTE 3D BIOS™ provides access to an intuitive UEFI BIOS GUI.

“The new GIGABYTE X79 Series motherboard family gives enthusiasts and professionals unprecedented control over their PC hardware,” said Tim Handley, Associate Director of Marketing, GIGABYTE Motherboards. “In turn, GIGABYTE’s 3D Power and 3D BIOS utilities provide avid gamers, extreme overclockers and digital content creators with excellent prospects for absolute dominance over key PC subsystems.”

GIGABYTE 3D Power™ Utility (Patent Protected)

Owners of GIGABYTE X79 series motherboards will be able to appreciate all the benefits of the exclusive GIGABYTE 3D Power utility (implemented based on the proprietary 3-Way Digital Power Engine for the PWM module and RAM), which provides proper comprehensive power control. Thanks to the new digital PWM controller (GIGABYTE 3D Power includes three controllers serving RAM, VTT and VSA modules), parameters are regulated and monitored in real time. GIGABYTE's proprietary 3D Power™ feature provides real-time monitoring and calibration and surge protection for the CPU, VTT, IMC and 4-channel memory subsystem via a proprietary graphical interface.

Additional information about 3D Power™ can be found at:

GIGABYTE 3D BIOS™ Utility (Patent Protected)

Featuring UEFI DualBIOS™ technology, GIGABYTE's exclusive 3D BIOS™ utility redefines the traditional BIOS with a highly visual 3D interface that even novice users can understand. In addition, along with the 3D graphics mode, the utility can operate in an advanced mode for users who prefer to independently understand the settings inherited from the “old” BIOS. This makes it possible to evaluate the impact of various BIOS settings on the performance of key PC subsystems.

Additional information about 3D BIOS™ can be found at:

Key features of the Intel X79 platform

GIGABYTE's X79 series motherboards are designed to unleash the full potential of the new generation of Intel® Core™ i7 processors based on an updated microarchitecture (LGA2011 processor socket). Key benefits of the new CPUs include new six-core functionality, a massive 15MB L3 cache, and four channels of DDR3 RAM.

With a full 40 PCI Express lanes, gaming enthusiasts will be able to enjoy maximum video performance in SLI™ and CrossFireX™ ​​modes.

GIGABYTE G1.Assassin 2

Designed as the ultimate foundation for a gaming PC, the GIGABYTE G1.Assassin 2 motherboard combines the unparalleled performance of the new X79 platform with the exclusive design philosophy of the award-winning G1.Killer series. G1.Assassin 2 features the world-class SoundBlaster Digital Audio (20K2), advanced X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity® and EAX® Advanced HD™ 5.0 audio presentation technologies from Creative, and the advanced Bigfoot Networks Killer™ E2100 gaming network platform (ensures optimization and network traffic management, which makes it possible to enjoy the best online games). As for the video subsystem, full support for 3-Way SLI™ and CrossFireX™ ​​modes will remove all performance limitations even in the most resource-intensive 3D games.

GIGABYTE X79-UD7

Motherboard GA-X79-UD7 provides CPU performance worthy of champions and is equipped with proprietary technologies typical for extreme overclocking configurations. Implemented on board GA-X79-UD7 digital PWM controllers serve four full-size PCIe connectors, which provide the ability to configure the video subsystem in 4-Way GPU mode, and a set of extremely useful overclocking functions will not let overclockers get bored while fine-tuning the parameters of the new generation Intel® Core™ i7 CPU . Thanks to the exclusive design of the OC VRM module, high-quality components (especially high-reliability POS capacitors) and the OC-Touch function, users have access to real-time control of various CPU parameters. The OC-PEG function provides additional power to the array of graphics cards via two standard SATA ports, ensuring stable operation of the video subsystem in 4-Way SLI™ and CrossfireX™ ​​mode.

GIGABYTE X79-UD5

GIGABYTE motherboard GA-X79-UD5 is a full-fledged, modern media center. Designers and digital content creators working in CAD and professional multimedia applications will appreciate the 8 DIMM sockets for DDR3 RAM and the unique GIGABYTE 3D Power utility. The fully equipped platform can easily cope with any resource-intensive applications that place increased demands on the processor and memory subsystem. On the rear panel of the product, GA-X79-UD5 owners will find an OC button, thanks to which you can get an instant boost in performance when you need it.

GIGABYTE Exclusive Bluetooth 4.0 Module/Wi-Fi Expansion Card*

GIGABYTE X79 series motherboards come with an exclusive PCIe expansion card that is compatible with the latest Bluetooth 4.0 and IEEE 802.11 b/g/n wireless standards. The progressive Bluetooth 4.0 standard features Smart Ready technology, which debuted on mobile devices including the new Apple® iPhone®4s. From now on, transferring important content from your smartphone or tablet to your PC will be easier and much faster than ever.

*Availability of included module may vary by region.

GIGABYTE X79 series motherboard models

Detailed information about GIGABYTE X79 series motherboards can be found at:

http://www.gigabyte.com/MicroSite/304/x79.html

Motherboards based on NVIDIA nForce 2 system logic can now be found in almost every PC platform manufacturer. This list could be listed, starting with the most elite and well-known companies, to the almost nameless ones. Yes, for a poor overclocker, a computer built on the nForce 2 motherboard coupled with younger models of processors from AMD, which are usually well overclocked (a striking example is the Athlon XP 1700+ or ​​Athlon XP 2500+) is a good choice. Of course, every day the Socket A platform is increasingly moving into the category of inexpensive office machines and in the near future it will be completely replaced by the new, much more productive Socket 754 platform (and then Socket 939), but so far this has not happened and Athlon 64-bit processors are still very expensive for mass use, it’s too early to write off Athlon XP.

Quite a lot of nForce2 boards were reviewed on the website, leaders and losers were identified, but still some boards remained on the sidelines and today in our test laboratory a product from GigaByte, specifically the GigaByte GA-7N400, is awaiting its review.

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The GA-7N400 series is represented by three models:

As you can see from the table, the GA-7N400 is the simplest, and, as a result, the cheapest board in the entire series. Of course, it should be noted that GigaByte also has two more boards - GA-7N400E and GA-7N400E-L, assembled from the same chipsets in which the second memory channel refused to work at the factory. We do not claim that Dual Channel DDR for nForce 2 is a huge advantage, but still the chipset is not so expensive that it is worth looking at its “cuts” and besides, it is mainly the lot of office machines.

Motherboard for assembling mid- and premium-level PCs within the AM2/AM2+/AM3 computer platform - this is completely true for the GA-M52L-S3. Although this solution was released quite a long time ago, system units based on it have sufficient performance and allow solving most problems. It is this computer component from a renowned manufacturer that will be discussed further.

System Board Positioning

As noted earlier, the Gigabyte GA-M52L-S3 motherboard is perfect for creating a system unit based on the mid- and premium-level AM2/AM2+ computing platform. This positioning is indicated by support for the most powerful chips of the Phenom X3 series. This affiliation is also indicated by the presence of SATA III ports for connecting storage devices. This board is best suited for assembling gaming systems, entry-level servers, graphics or workstations, and print servers.

Equipment

The GA-M52L-S3 delivery list includes the following:

• This motherboard model.
• A metal blank plate for mounting the board into the rear panel of the system unit.
• User manual with original warranty card.
• A set of cables for connection.
• CD with documentation in electronic form and a set of drivers.

Chipset and socket

The nForce 520 LE chipset is at the heart of the GA-M52L-S3. Its characteristics indicate that it contains only one chip. It simultaneously performs the functions of both the north bridge and the south bridge. The processor socket in this motherboard is universal, and both AM2 and AM2+ chips can be installed in it. The use of the latter as part of such a computing system is preferable.

Processors

The GA-M52L-S3 boasts a fairly large list of supported CPU models. Supported processors may belong to computing platforms and even AM3. In the latter case, you will need to update the BIOS to the latest version. Otherwise, this motherboard could work in combination with the following CPU models:

The following processors could be installed within the AM2 computer platform:

Among the CPU models of the AM2+ family it was possible to install the following:

The list of AM3 chips compatible with this motherboard consists of the following models of processor solutions:

An acceptable level of performance today is only provided by the latest chip models that have 4 or even 6 computing modules. That is, Athlon IIX4, Phenom IIX4 and Phenom IIX6 belong to this list. The first two families are equipped with 4 cores, and the last - with six. The Phenom II series chips boast higher performance due to the fact that their cache memory consists of 3 levels. But the Athlon II has only 2 levels of fast memory, and this circumstance has an extremely negative impact on their performance. All other processor solutions within this platform are outdated and are suitable for solving very simple tasks, which include office suites, playing various multimedia files or surfing Internet sites.

Organization of the RAM subsystem

The “Gigabyte” motherboard model GA-M52L-S3 is equipped with a 2-channel DDR2 RAM controller. Therefore, it is more optimal to install more modules with a smaller amount of memory into it than one with a larger size. For example, the performance of such a PC will significantly increase if, instead of 2 4 GB sticks, you install 4 2 GB modules. This will allow you to get a performance increase of 10-15 percent in a number of tasks. The number of RAM slots for installing models is limited to 4. The largest amount of addressable RAM is set by the manufacturer at 16 GB. That is, in this case you can install 4 modules of 4 GB each. It is most optimal to install modules with a nominal frequency of 800 MHz on such a motherboard. In all other cases, the performance of the computing system will be reduced.

Expansion slots and communication ports

The Gigabyte GA-M52L-S3 boasts the presence of such expansion slots:

• The discrete graphics adapter in this case can be installed in PCI-E version 16.X.
• To install new modifications of internal expansion controller boards, 2 PCI E slots, version 1X, are provided.
• Older models of expansion controllers can be installed in PCI slots. In this case there are 4 of them.

This motherboard also includes the following communication ports:

• 2 PS/2 sockets.
• 1 LPT.
• 4 universal USB serial ports.
• 1 game port.
• 6 audio jacks for various purposes in 3.5mm format.
• 1 network connector in RJ-45 format.

Today you can hardly meet a person who has not heard of the leader in the production of computer components - the Gigabyte company. This Taiwanese manufacturer was one of the first to enter the Russian computer market and still does not give up its leading position. Under the Gigabyte brand, you can find video adapters, power supplies, cases, laptops, smartphones, tablets and peripheral devices on the market. However, the largest share of sales belongs to motherboards. Having occupied all positions in different price classes, this is practically the only brand that is able to satisfy the needs of users. According to statistics, every fifth personal computer has a Gigabyte motherboard. I would like to understand why the boards from this manufacturer are so valuable. To do this, you need to study the characteristics of the devices, ease of setup and connection, and also research reviews about the manufacturer.

Gathering information before purchasing

All professionals in the field of IT technology recommend that before purchasing any product, go to the manufacturer’s official website in order to make sure that you are purchasing not only hardware, but also the entire range of services, from drivers and full instructions to utilities and timely technical BIOS updates. Having made sure that drivers for the Gigabyte motherboard are available on the official website for all models released for different markets over the past ten years and having found the latest ones, we can conclude that the manufacturer constantly monitors the updating of its resource and first of all thinks about the users. Judging by numerous reviews on specialized forums, Gigabyte attracted attention from the very first day it appeared on the market. After all, as you know, at first computer components were purchased second-hand, and there were always problems finding drivers for old Windows. Without software from the official website or installation disk, the system refused to work.

Keep up with the times

Gigabyte is involved in the development of the latest systems in the IT industry. It has signed contracts with many computer parts manufacturers in the world. Therefore, any presentation of the latest chipset at exhibitions and in the media is accompanied by a finished Gigabyte product. An example is the Gigabyte GA-Z170X Gaming G1 motherboard, the existence of which became known on the opening day of the Computex 2015 exhibition, dedicated to transmitting images in 4K Ultra HD format to the screen in games. Oddly enough, the presented product from Gigabyte copes with the task without any problems. All this suggests that the manufacturer keeps up with the times and does not allow itself to use old technologies in production, providing the end consumer with maximum opportunities.

First meeting

The first thing that catches the happy buyer's eye is the instructions for the Gigabyte motherboard. This manual is aimed at a user who is far from IT technologies. Everything is laid out so conveniently and clearly that it will not be difficult for the owner to install the board into the case and fully connect all devices, including control buttons, connecting the front panel and indication, which is sometimes very difficult to do even for a specialist in the absence of instructions.

Studying reviews about the manufacturer Gigabyte, especially about its motherboards, you can come across many questions about the purpose of the available fields for notes in the manual. The answer is simple: the manufacturer invites the user to keep independent records of the device installation sequence for memory. However, this is not necessary, since the instructions do not need additions.

First start

Before connecting the Gigabyte motherboard to the power supply, before the first start, you must check the correct connection of hard drives if there are several of them in the system. The intelligent detection and tuning system integrated into the BIOS optimizes hard drive performance not only for system startup time, but also for power and cooling management. If one of the hard drives was not connected correctly, the next time it is turned on, the user will take a lot of time to reset the settings and re-optimize, which can improve the performance of the entire system. Automatic configuration upon connection, judging by the reviews on many IT forums, will be of interest only to novice users, while professionals prefer to customize the system themselves, starting with increasing the frequency of the central processor and ending with disabling the temperature monitoring system, the sensors of which are crammed into the entire Gigabyte motherboard .

Decent work with any operating system

Connecting the Gigabyte motherboard using an intelligent system is not the only positive point from the manufacturer. A valuable factor is the full compatibility of the hardware with any existing operating system, which will be able to have full access to all technologies on the motherboard without installing drivers. It is clear that the manufacturer’s recommendations should be taken into account and in order to improve all possible characteristics of the system, it is necessary to install the system drivers that come with the device. In addition to drivers, which are intended only for operating systems of the Windows family, on the disk you can find a digital version of the instructions and all kinds of proprietary utilities. Judging by the reviews from owners of Gigabyte family motherboards, they would like to see branded utilities for others such as MacOS and Linux, because from year to year these platforms attract more and more attention from users.

A game on two fronts

It cannot be said that the basic characteristic of a Gigabyte motherboard is the chipset. In one hundred percent of cases, it is a combination of all the latest technologies in one device, providing the end user with a full range of possibilities for work and play. Gigabyte, as they say in IT circles, works on two fronts. More precisely, it creates platforms for both Intel and AMD. Recently, “playing on two fronts” has been practiced by all motherboard manufacturers, with the exception of Intel itself. In terms of compatibility of motherboards and video adapters on different chipsets, Gigabyte has never had any problems. You can easily install a video card from nVidia on a board designed for installing AMD processors and vice versa. Such interchangeability is only welcomed by users, judging by their numerous reviews.

Frequent user mistakes

Judging by the statistics, every third user, trying to improve the performance of their equipment, downloads drivers for all their devices from open file exchangers, completely ignoring the official websites of manufacturers. Because of this, infection of the operating system with all kinds of viruses and programs for remote access to personal information is widespread. All owners are strongly recommended to download utilities and drivers for the Gigabyte motherboard only from the manufacturer’s official website. The problem is that most utilities and drivers work directly with the board's electronics, and tampering with the hardware can cause physical harm to the device's hardware. For example, a simple shutdown and increase in voltage on all buses can literally burn out all installed devices.

New device capabilities

It's no secret that they are constantly looking for opportunities to improve the technical characteristics of already sold devices. Updating the version may fix compatibility issues with some devices, add support for new processors, or change the control menu. Before updating your Gigabyte motherboard, you need to visit the developer's official website, find your device using the search engine and make sure there is a new BIOS update. If we look at numerous reviews from owners, we can conclude that if there are no problems with the operation of the motherboard, it is highly not recommended to update the device. There is no point in improving something that already works perfectly.

The world's best cooling system

Every motherboard manufacturer can boast of proprietary technologies, the presence of all kinds of connectors and interfaces. But any Gigabyte motherboard, unlike its competitors, has an effective cooling system for components and chips. All microcircuits, connectors and capacitors are placed so as not to interfere with air circulation inside the system unit. This is a truly unique architecture that actually works, and is not just described in the instructions. Good cooling is known to improve the performance of the entire system.

Finally

Don't let the appearance of most motherboards from Gigabyte confuse the potential owner. The lack of colorful stickers and aggressive coloring will never help you quickly connect and configure the device. Accordingly, beauty has nothing to do with cooling the system. The Gigabyte motherboard is focused on user convenience during assembly. The absence of unnecessary components only facilitates the installation of components and provides conditions for maximum cooling of all devices. The manufacturer's warranty period is 36 months - this is a fairly serious indicator that Gigabyte supplies decent devices to the market.