Gigabyte Sniper 5 Manual

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Multi-Graphics 
Technology ŠSupport for 4-Way/3-Way/2-Way AMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA® SLI™ technology
Storage Interface ŠChipset:
	 -	 6	x	SATA 	6Gb/s	 connectors	 (SATA3	0~5)	supporting	 up	to	6	SATA 	6Gb/s	 devices
 - Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10
 ŠMarvell® 88SE9230 chip:
	 -	 4	 x	SATA 	6Gb/s	 connectors	 (GSATA3	6~9) 	supporting 	up	 to	4	 SATA 	6Gb/s	 devices
 - Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10
USB ŠChipset:
 - Up to 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports (available	through	the	internal	USB	header)
	 -	 	
Up	to	6	USB	 2.0/1.1	 ports	(2	ports	 on	the	 back	 panel,	 4	ports	 available	 through	
the	internal	USB	headers)
 ŠChipset + 2 Renesas® uPD720210 USB 3.0 Hubs:
	 -	 	
Up	to	8	USB	 3.0/2.0	 ports	(6	ports	 on	the	 back	 panel,	 2	ports	 available	 through	
the	internal	USB	header)
Internal 
Connectors
 Š1	x	24-pin	 ATX	main	power	connector
 Š1	x	8-pin	ATX	12V	power	connector
 Š1 x PCIe power connector
 Š10 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
 Š1 x CPU fan header
 Š7 x system fan headers
 Š1	x	water	cooling	fan	header	(CPU_OPT)
 Š1 x front panel header
 Š1 x front panel audio header
 Š2 x USB 3.0/2.0 headers
 Š2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
 Š1 x Clear CMOS jumper
 Š1 x heatsink LED power connector
 Š1 x heatsink fan connector
 Š1 x power button
 Š1 x reset button
 Š1 x Clear CMOS button
 Š2 x BIOS switches
 ŠVoltage measurement points
Back Panel 
Connectors
 Š1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
 Š2 x HDMI ports
 Š1 x DisplayPort
 Š1 x coaxial S/PDIF Out connector
 Š1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
 Š6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
 Š2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
 Š2 x RJ-45 ports
 Š	
5	x	audio	 jacks	(Center/Subwoofer	 Speaker	Out,	Rear	 Speaker	 Out,	Line	In/Mic	
In,	Line	Out,	Headphone/Speaker	Out)
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I/O Controller ŠiTE® I/O Controller Chip
Hardware 
Monitor
 ŠSystem voltage detection
 ŠCPU/System/PCH temperature detection
 ŠCPU/CPU OPT/System fan speed detection
 ŠCPU/System overheating warning
 ŠCPU/CPU OPT/System fan fail warning
 ŠCPU/CPU OPT/System fan speed control*   Whether the fan speed  control function is supported will depend on the cooler you install.
BIOS Š2 x 128 Mbit flash
 ŠUse of licensed AMI EFI BIOS
 ŠSupport for DualBIOS™
 ŠPnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI 2.0a
Unique Features ŠSupport for Q-Flash
 ŠSupport for Xpress Install
 ŠSupport for APP Center*   Available applications in APP Center may differ by motherboard model. Supported functions of each application may also differ depending on motherboard 
specifications.
- @BIOS- EasyTune- EZ Setup- ON/OFF Charge2- USB Blocker
Bundled 
Software
 ŠNorton® Internet Security (OEM version)
 ŠIntel® Rapid Start Technology
 ŠIntel® Smart Connect Technology
 ŠIntel® Smart Response Technology
Operating 
System ŠSupport for Windows 8/7
Form Factor ŠE-ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 26.4cm
* GIGABYTE  reserves the right to make any changes to the product specifications and product-related information without prior notice.* Please visit GIGABYTE's website to check the supported operating system(s) for the software listed in the "Unique Features" and "Bundled Software" columns. 
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1-3 Installing the CPU and CPU Cooler
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the CPU:
 •Make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.
	 (Go	to	GIGABYTE's	website	for	the	latest	CPU	support	list.)
 •Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before in\
stalling the 
CPU to prevent hardware damage.
 •Locate	 the	pin	one	 of	the	 CPU.	 The	CPU	 cannot	 be	inserted	 if	oriented	 incorrectly.	 (Or	you	 may	
locate	the	notches	on	both	sides	of	the	CPU	and	alignment	keys	on	the	CPU	socket.)
 •Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on the surface of the CPU\
.
 •Do not turn on the computer if the CPU cooler is not installed, otherwise overheating and damage 
of the CPU may occur.
 •Set	the	CPU	 host	frequency	 in	accordance	 with	the	CPU	 specifications.	 It	is	 not	 recommended	
that	 the	system	 bus	frequency	 be	set	 beyond	 hardware	 specifications	 since	it	does	 not	meet	 the	
standard requirements for the peripherals. If you wish to set the frequency beyond the standard 
specifications,	 please	do	so	according	 to	your	 hardware	 specifications	 including	the	CPU,	 graphics	
card, memory, hard drive, etc.
1-3-1  Installing the CPU
A. Locate the alignment keys on the motherboard CPU socket and the notches on the CPU.
Notch
Alignment KeyAlignment Key
Notch
LGA1150 CPU
LGA1150 CPU Socket
Pin One Corner of the CPU Socket
Triangle Pin One Marking on the CPU
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B. Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU into the motherboard CPU socket.
Step 1:
Gently press the CPU socket lever handle down 
and	away	 from	the	socket	 with	your	 finger.	 Then	
completely lift the CPU socket lever and the metal 
load plate/plastic cover will be lifted as well.
Step 2:
Hold	the	CPU	 with	your	 thumb	 and	index	 fingers.	
Align	the	CPU	 pin	one	 marking	 (triangle)	 with	the	
pin	one	 corner	 of	the	 CPU 	socket	 (or	you	 may	 align 	
the	CPU	 notches	 with	the	socket	 alignment	 keys)	
and gently insert the CPU into position.
Step 4:
Finally, secure the lever under its retention tab to 
complete the installation of the CPU.
NOTE:
Hold the CPU socket lever by the handle, not the lever base portion.
 •Before installing the CPU, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug\
 the power cord from 
the power outlet to prevent damage to the CPU.
 •To protect the socket contacts, do not remove the protective plastic cover unless the CPU is 
inserted into the CPU socket. Save the cover properly and replace it if \
the CPU is removed.
Step 3:
Once the CPU is properly inserted, carefully 
replace the load plate. When replacing the load 
plate, make sure the front end of the load plate 
is under the shoulder screw. Then press the CPU 
socket lever. The protective plastic cover may 
pop off from the load plate during the process of 
engaging	the	lever.	 Remove	 the	cover.	 (Save	the	
cover properly and always replace it when the 
CPU	is	not	installed.) 
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1-3-2 Installing the CPU Cooler
Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler on the mother\
board.
Step 1:
Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on 
the surface of the installed CPU.
Step 2:
Before installing the cooler, note the direction of the 
arrow sign
 on the male push pin. (Turning the push pin along the direction of arrow is to remove 
the cooler, on the contrary, is to install.)
Step 3:
Place the cooler atop the CPU, aligning the 
four push pins through the pin holes on the 
motherboard. Push down on the push pins 
diagonally. Step 4:
You should hear a "click" when pushing down each 
push pin. Check that the Male and Female push 
pins are joined closely.
(Refer to your CPU cooler installation manual for 
instructions on installing the cooler.)
Step 5:After the installation, check the back of the 
motherboard. If the push pin is inserted as the 
picture above shows, the installation is complete.
Step 6:
Finally, attach the power connector of the CPU 
cooler to the CPU fan header (CPU_FAN) on the 
motherboard.
Male 
Push Pin
Female 
Push Pin
The Top of Female 
Push Pin
Direction of the Arrow Sign 
on the Male 
Push Pin
 •
For the waterblocks at each end of the heatsink, we recommend tubes with\
 inner diameter of 9.525 mm 
and outer diameter of 12.7 mm. After connecting the tubes, make sure that the tubes are attached to 
the waterblocks securely and tightly with clamps, and there is no leak. \
 • Use extreme care when removing the CPU cooler because the thermal grease\
/tape between the CPU 
cooler and CPU may adhere to the CPU. Inadequately removing the CPU cool\
er may damage the CPU.
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1-4 Installing the Memory
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the memory:
 •Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended that memory of the same 
capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.
(Go	to	GIGABYTE's	website	for	the	latest	supported	memory	speeds	and	memory	modules.)
 •Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before in\
stalling the 
memory to prevent hardware damage.
 •Memory modules have a foolproof design. A memory module can be installed in only one direction. 
If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.
DDR3_1DDR3_2DDR3_3DDR3_4
1-4-1	 Dual	Channel	Memory	Configuration
This motherboard provides four DDR3 memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. After the 
memory	 is	installed,	 the	BIOS	 will	automatically	 detect	the	specifications	 and	capacity	 of	the	 memory.	 Enabling	
Dual Channel memory mode will double the original memory bandwidth.
The four DDR3 memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as 
following:
 Channel A: DDR3_2, DDR3_4
 Channel B: DDR3_1, DDR3_3
 Dual	Channel	Memory	Configurations	 TableDDR3_4DDR3_2DDR3_3DDR3_1Two Modules- -DS/SS- -DS/SSDS/SS- -DS/SS- -Four ModulesDS/SSDS/SSDS/SSDS/SS(SS=Single-Sided,	DS=Double-Sided,	"-	-"=No	Memory)
Due to CPU limitations, read the following guidelines before installing \
the memory in Dual Channel mode.
1. Dual Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one DDR3 memory module is in\
stalled.
2. When enabling Dual Channel mode with two or four memory modules, it is r\
ecommended that memory 
of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used. For optimum performance, when enablin\
g 
Dual Channel mode with two memory modules, we recommend that you install them in the DDR3_1 
and DDR3_2 sockets. 
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1-4-2 Installing a Memory
Before installing a memory module, make sure to turn off the computer an\
d unplug the power 
cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the memory module. DDR3 and DDR2 DIMMs are 
not compatible to each other or DDR DIMMs. Be sure to install DDR3 DIMMs\
 on this motherboard.
Notch
DDR3 DIMM
A	DDR3	 memory	 module	has	a	notch,	 so	it	can	 only	 fit	in	one	 direction.	 Follow	the	steps	 below	 to	correctly	 install	
your memory modules in the memory sockets.
Step 1:
Note the orientation of the memory module. Spread the retaining clip 
at the right end of the memory socket. Place the memory module on 
the	socket.	 As	indicated	 in	the	 picture	 on	the	 left,	 place	 your	fingers	
on the top edge of the memory, push down on the memory and insert 
it vertically into the memory socket.
Step 2:
The clips at the right end of the socket will snap into place when the 
memory module is securely inserted.
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1-5 Installing an Expansion Card
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install an expansion c\
ard:
 •Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual that came 
with your expansion card.
 •Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing an 
expansion card to prevent hardware damage.
Follow the steps below to correctly install your expansion card in the e\
xpansion slot.
1. Locate an expansion slot that supports your card. Remove the metal slot cover from the chassis back panel.
2. Align the card with the slot, and press down on the card until it is ful\
ly seated in the slot.
3. Make sure the metal contacts on the card are completely inserted into th\
e slot.
4. Secure the card's metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.
5. After	installing	all	expansion	cards,	replace	the	chassis	cover(s).
6. Turn on your computer. If necessary, go to BIOS Setup to make any required BIOS changes for your 
expansion	card(s).
7. Install the driver provided with the expansion card in your operating sy\
stem.
Example: Installing and Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card:
 •Installing a Graphics Card:
Gently push down on the top edge of the card until 
it is fully inserted into the PCI Express slot. Make 
sure the card is securely seated in the slot and 
does not rock.
 •Removing the Card:
Gently push back on the lever on the slot and then lift the card straigh\
t out from 
the slot.
PCI Express x1 Slot
PCI Express x16 Slot 
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1-6 Setting up AMD CrossFire™/NVIDIA® SLI™	Configuration
A. System Requirements -Windows 8 or Windows 7 operating system -A CrossFire/SLI-supported motherboard with two/three/four PCI Express x16\
 slots and correct driver -Two/three/four CrossFire/SLI-ready graphics cards of identical brand and \
chip and correct driver	 (Current	 GPUs	that	support	 3-Way/4-Way	 CrossFire	technology	 include	the	ATI	 Radeon™ HD 3800, HD 4800, HD 5800 series, and AMD Radeon™	HD	 6800,	 HD	6900,	 HD	7800,	 and	HD	7900	 (and	above)	 series.	Current GPUs that support 3-Way/4-Way SLI technology include the NVIDIA®	8800	 GTX,	 8800	Ultra,	 9800	GTX,	 GTX	260,	GTX	 280,	GTX	 470,	GTX	 480,	GTX	 570,	GTX	 580,	GTX	 590,	and	GTX	 600	(and	 above)	
series. For the latest GPU support information, please refer to the AMD/NVIDIA®	official	website.) -CrossFire (Note	1)/SLI bridge connectors -A	power	 supply	 with	sufficient	 power	is	recommended	(Note	 2)	(Refer	 to	the	 manual	 of	your	 graphics	 cards	for	the	power	requirement)
B. Connecting the Graphics CardsStep 1:Observe the steps in "1-5 Installing an Expansion Card" and install CrossFire/SLI graphics cards on the PCI Express	x16	slots.	 (To	set	up	a	2-Way	 configuration,	 we	recommend	 installing	the	graphics	 cards	on	the	PCIEX16_1	and	PCIEX16_2	slots.)Step 2:Insert the CrossFire (Note	1)/SLI bridge connectors in the CrossFire/SLI gold edge connectors on top \
of the cards.Step 3:Plug	the	display	cable	into	the	graphics	card	on	the	PCIEX16	slot.
C.	Configuring	the	Graphics	Card	Driver
C-1. To Enable CrossFire FunctionAfter installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go to the AMD VISION Engine Control Center. Browse to Performance\AMD CrossFireX™	Configurations and ensure the Enable AMD CrossFireX™ check box is selected. Select the GPU combination you	 want	 to	use	 (Available	 combination	 options	are	dependent	 on	the	number	of	graphics	cards.)	and	click	Apply.
Procedure and driver screen for enabling CrossFire/SLI technology may differ by graphics cards. Refer to the manual that came with your graphics cards for more information ab\
out enabling CrossFire/SLI technology.
(Note	1)	 The	bridge	connectors	may	be	needed	or	not	depending	on	your	graphics	cards.(Note	2)	 When	 two	or	more	 graphics	 cards	are	installed,	 we	recommend	 that	you	connect	 the	SATA 	power	cable	 from	the	power	 supply	 to	the	 ATX4P 	connector	 to	ensure	 system	 stability.	 For	4-way	 CrossFire/SLI,	you	must	the	 ATX4P	connector.
C-2. To Enable SLI FunctionAfter installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go to the NVIDIA Control Panel. Browse to the Configure	 SLI,	Surround,	Physx screen and ensure Maximize 3D performance is enabled.
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1-7 Back Panel Connectors
 •When	 removing	 the	cable	 connected	 to	a	back	 panel	 connector,	 first	remove	 the	cable	 from	your	device and then remove it from the motherboard. •When removing the cable, pull it straight out from the connector. Do not rock it side to side to prevent an electrical short inside the cable connector.
USB 2.0/1.1 Port
The	USB	 port	supports	 the	USB	 2.0/1.1	 specification.	 Use	this	port	 for	USB	 devices	 such	as	a	USB	keyboard/mouse,	USB	printer,	USB	flash	drive	and	etc.
PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port
Use this port to connect a PS/2 mouse or keyboard.
Coaxial S/PDIF Out Connector
This connector provides digital audio out to an external audio system that supports digital coaxial audio. Before using this feature, ensure that your audio system provides a coax\
ial digital audio in connector.
USB 3.0/2.0 Port
The	 USB	 3.0	port	 supports	 the	USB	 3.0	specification	 and	is	compatible	 to	the	 USB	 2.0/1.1	 specification.	Use	this	port	for	USB	devices	such	as	a	USB	keyboard/mouse,	USB	printer,	USB	flash	drive	and	etc.
HDMI Port
The HDMI port is HDCP compliant and supports Dolby True HD and DTS HD 
Master	Audio 	formats. 	It 	also 	supports 	up 	to 	192KHz/24bit 	8-channel 	LPCM 	audio output. You can use this port to connect your HDMI-supported monitor. The maximum supported resolution is 4096x2160, but the actual resolutions supported are depend\
ent on the monitor being used.
In Windows 8, select All apps>Control Panel>Hardware 
and	Sound>Sound>Playback,	 set	Intel(R)	 Display	Audio	
to the default playback device.
After installing the HDMI device, make sure to set the default sound playback device to HDMI. (The	item	name	 may	differ	 depending	 on	your	 operating	 system.	The	screenshot	 below	is	from	Windows	8.)
DisplayPort
DisplayPort delivers high quality digital imaging and audio, supporting bi-directional audio transmission. DisplayPort can support both DPCP and HDCP content protection mechanisms. You can use this port to connect your DisplayPort-supported monitor. Note: The DisplayPort Technology can support a maximum resolution of 3840x2160 but the actual resolutions supported depend on t\
he monitor being used. 
Hardware Installation