Gigabyte GA-M61PME-S2P user manual Bios Setup

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 <Delete> key during the POST when the power is turned on. To see more advanced BIOS Setup menu options, you can press <Ctrl> + <F1> in the main menu of the BIOS Setup program.

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 4, "BIOS Update Utilities."

•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.

•BIOS will emit a beep code during the POST. Refer to Chapter 5, "Troubleshooting," for the beep codes description.

•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 introduc- tions of the battery/clearing CMOS jumper in Chapter 1 for how to clear the CMOS values.)

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