Gigabyte GA-H310TN User Manual - Page 20

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 configuration 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 configuration values in the CMOS. To access the BIOS Setup program, press the 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 flashing is potentially risky, if you do not encounter problems using the current version of BIOS, it is recommended that you not flash the BIOS. To flash the BIOS, do it with caution. Inadequate BIOS flashing 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 Main Once you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main Menu (as shown below) appears on the screen. Use arrow keys to move among the items and press to accept or enter a sub-menu. Main Menu Help The on-screen description of a highlighted setup option is displayed on the bottom line of the Main Menu. Submenu Help While in a submenu, press to display a help screen (General Help) of function keys available for the menu. Press to exit the help screen. Help for each item is in the Item Help block on the right side of the submenu. (Sample BIOS Version: F2) •• When the system is not stable as usual, select the Restore 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. - 20 -