Gigabyte ga-f2a88xm-hd3 [19/36] Chapter 2 bios setup

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Chapter2 BIOSSetup

• 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.)

BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) records hardware parameters of the system in the CMOS on the moth-

erboard. 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.

2-1 Startup Screen

The following startup Logo screen will appear when the computer boots.

(Sample BIOS Version: F1b)

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.

On the main menu of the BIOS Setup program, press arrow keys 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.