Gigabyte GA-H97M-Gaming 3 - BIOS Setup and Configuration

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Chapter 2 BIOS Setup
BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) records hardware parameters of the system in the CMOS on the
motherboard. Its major functions include conducting the Power-On Self-Test (POST) during system startup,
saving system parameters and loading operating system, etc. BIOS includes a BIOS Setup program that allows
the user to modify basic system conguration settings or to activate certain system features.
When the power is turned off, the battery on the motherboard supplies the necessary power to the CMOS to
keep the conguration values in the CMOS.
To access the BIOS Setup program, press the <Delete> key during the POST when the power is turned on.
To upgrade the BIOS, use either the GIGABYTE Q-Flash or @BIOS utility.
• Q-Flash allows the user to quickly and easily upgrade or back up BIOS without entering the operating system.
• @BIOS is a Windows-based utility that searches and downloads the latest version of BIOS from the Internet
and updates the BIOS.
• Because BIOS ashing is potentially risky, if you do not encounter problems using the current version of BIOS,
it is recommended that you not ash the BIOS. To ash the BIOS, do it with caution. Inadequate BIOS ashing
may result in system malfunction.
• It is recommended that you not alter the default settings (unless you need to) to prevent system instability or other
unexpected results. Inadequately altering the settings may result in system's failure to boot. If this occurs, try to
clear the CMOS values and reset the board to default values. (Refer to the "Load Optimized Defaults" section in
this chapter or introductions of the battery/clear CMOS jumper in Chapter 1 for how to clear the CMOS values.)
2-1 Startup Screen
The following startup Logo screen will appear when the computer boots.
(Sample BIOS Version: E9)
Function Keys
• When the system is not stable as usual, select the Load Optimized Defaults item to set your system to its defaults.
• The BIOS Setup menus described in this chapter are for reference only and may differ by BIOS version.
There are three different BIOS modes as follows and you can use the <F2> key to switch between these modes.
The Startup Guide screen (default) simplies conventional complicated BIOS setup menus and presents only
the most frequently used options in the easy-to-use interface. It helps rst-time users to perform basic system
setups more quickly and easily. The ST Mode provides a fancy and user-friendly BIOS environment where
users can easily point and click through various settings and make adjustments for optimum performance.
Classic Setup is the conventional BIOS Setup interface where you can press the arrow keys on your keyboard
to move among the items and press <Enter> to accept or enter a sub-menu. Or you can use your mouse to
select the item you want.