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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
theusertomodifybasicsystemcongurationsettingsortoactivatecertainsystemfeatures.
When the power is turned off, the battery on the motherboard supplies the necessary power to the CMOS to
keepthecongurationvaluesintheCMOS.
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.
For instructions on using the Q-Flash and @BIOS utilities, refer to Chapter 5, "BIOS Update Utilities."
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup
• BecauseBIOSashingispotentiallyrisky,ifyoudonotencounterproblemsusingthecurrent
versionofBIOS,itisrecommended thatyounotashtheBIOS.To ashtheBIOS,doitwith
caution.InadequateBIOSashingmayresultinsystemmalfunction.
• 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 or the
clear CMOS jumper/button in Chapter 1 for how to clear the CMOS values.)