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UPDATE - 22 Oct. 2012
The latest beta BIOS versions should add support for the new Vishera FX processor! See below for information
The boards without VRM cooling (970A-D3 rev 1.0/1.1/1.2, 970A-DS3) have NOT been updated for 125W 8-core Vishera FX processors
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Blue rules! 
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Gigabyte 990X and 970 chipset board owners, here you may discuss your experiences, problems, or whatever you see fit for discussion, as well as find out the latest news and information about your board. For everyone else, you are welcome to join us too!! Without further ado, I would like to now welcome everyone to the GA-990XA/970A-Series Owners Thread/Club.
This owners thread/club concerns the Gigabyte 990X and 970 chipset boards board released so far: the Gigabyte GA-990XA-UD3, the GA-970A-UD3, the GA-970A-D3 and the GA-970A-DS3.
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[CLICK HERE] for the Gigabyte GA-990XA-UD3 CPU model support list
[CLICK HERE] for the Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3 CPU model support list
[CLICK HERE] for the Gigabyte GA-970A-D3 CPU model support list
[CLICK HERE] for the Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3 CPU model support list
[CLICK HERE] for the Gigabyte GA-970A-D3 CPU model support list
[CLICK HERE] for the Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3 CPU model support list
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Board specifications:
- AM3+ socket
- Support for 32nm AMD FX-Series 4-core, 6-core and 8-core processors (Bulldozer and Piledriver core)
- Support for AM3 Phenom II and Athlon II processors
- 8+2 phase power/VRM with heatsink cooling, and 140W CPU TDP support
- 4x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 32GB of dual channel memory
- Native support for DDR3 at 1066, 1333, 1600 and 1866 Mhz; can support higher mhz through overclocking
- AMD 990X northbridge chipset and AMD SB950 southbridge chipset
- Support for AMD CrossfireX and nVidia SLI at 8x-8x using PCIEX16 and PCIEX8 slots
- Support for 6 SATA6GB/s devices, as well as RAID0, RAID1, RAID5, RAID10 and JBOD
- Up to 14 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (8 ports on back panel, and up to 6 through internal USB)
- Up to 4 USB 3.0/2.0 ports (2 on back panel, 2 through internal header)
- Integrated Realtek RTL8111E LAN
- Integrated Realtek ALC889 HD audio
- Up to 7.1 channels
- Support for S/PDIF out
- Support for Dolby Home Theatre
- Expansion slots:
- All PCI-E Express slots conform to the PCI-E 2.0 standard
- 1x PCI-E x16 slot running at x16 (reverts to x8 in CrossfireX/SLI mode)
- 1x PCI-E x16 slot running at x8 (when used)
- 1x PCI-E x16 slot running at x4
- 2x PCI-E x1 slots
- 2x PCI slots
- ATX Form Factor; 30.5CM x 24.4CM
- Rev 3.0 boards have UEFI support with dual UEFI BIOS
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- AM3+ socket
- Support for 32nm AMD FX-Series 4-core, 6-core and 8-core processors (Bulldozer and Piledriver core)
- Support for existing AM3 Phenom II and Athlon II processors
- 8+2 phase power/VRM with heatsink cooling, and 140W CPU TDP support
- 4x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 32GB of dual channel memory
- Native support for DDR3 at 1066, 1333, 1600 and 1866 Mhz; can support higher mhz through overclocking
- AMD 970 northbridge chipset and AMD SB950 southbridge chipset
- Support for AMD CrossfireX at 16X and 4X using PCIEX16 and PCIEX4 slots**
- Support for 6 SATA6GB/s devices, as well as RAID0, RAID1, RAID5, RAID10 and JBOD
- Up to 14 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (8 ports on back panel, and up to 6 through internal USB)
- Up to 4 USB 3.0/2.0 ports (2 on back panel, 2 through internal header)
- Please note that a 4x PCI-E link will bottleneck graphics cards more powerful than an HD 5770/6770
- Integrated Realtek RTL8111E LAN
- Integrated Realtek ALC889 HD audio
- Up to 7.1 channels
- Support for S/PDIF out
- Support for Dolby Home Theatre
- Expansion slots:
- All PCI-E Express slots conform to the PCI-E 2.0 standard
- 1x PCI-E x16 slot running at x16
- 1x PCI-E x16 slot running at x4
- 2x PCI-E x1 slots
- 2x PCI slots
- ATX Form Factor; 30.5CM x 24.4CM
- Rev 3.0 boards have UEFI support with dual UEFI BIOS
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- AM3+ socket
- Support for 32nm AMD FX-Series 4-core, 6-core and 8-core processors (Bulldozer and Piledriver core)
- Support for AM3 Phenom II and Athlon II processors
- 4+1 phase power/VRM with no cooling, and 140W CPU TDP support except FX-83XX (a notice about VRMs: it is highly recommended you ensure VRMs are cooled when overclocking any high wattage processor. For more info see here and the notation in the questions & answers section below)
- NEW - Rev 1.3, 1.4, 3.0 GA-970-D3 have VRM heatsink cooling installed
- 4x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 32GB of dual channel memory
- Native support for DDR3 at 1066, 1333, 1600 and 1866 Mhz; can support higher mhz through overclocking
- AMD 970 northbridge chipset and AMD SB950 southbridge chipset
- Support for AMD CrossfireX at 16X and 4X using PCIEX16 and PCIEX4 slots**
- Support for 6 SATA6GB/s devices, as well as RAID0, RAID1, RAID5, RAID10 and JBOD
- Up to 14 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (8 ports on back panel, and up to 6 through internal USB)
- Up to 4 USB 3.0/2.0 ports (2 on back panel, 2 through internal header)
- Please note that a 4x PCI-E link will bottleneck graphics cards more powerful than an HD 5770/6770
- Integrated Realtek RTL8111E LAN
- Integrated Realtek ALC889 HD audio
- Up to 7.1 channels
- Support for S/PDIF out
- Support for Dolby Home Theatre
- Expansion slots:
- All PCI-E Express slots conform to the PCI-E 2.0 standard
- 1x PCI-E x16 slot running at x16
- 1x PCI-E x16 slot running at x4
- 2x PCI-E x1 slots
- 2x PCI slots
- ATX Form Factor; 30.5CM x 24.4CM
- Rev 3.0 boards have UEFI support with dual UEFI BIOS
- AM3+ socket
- Support for 32nm AMD FX-Series 4-core, 6-core and 8-core processors (Bulldozer and Piledriver core)
- Support for existing AM3 Phenom II and Athlon II processors
- 4+1 phase power/VRM with no cooling, and 140W CPU TDP support except FX-83XXÂ (a notice about VRMs: it is highly recommended you ensure VRMs are cooled when overclocking any high wattage processor. For more info see here and the notation in the questions & answers section below)
- Gigabyte Ultra Durable 4 Classic PCB
- 4x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 32GB of dual channel memory
- Native support for DDR3 at 1066, 1333, 1600 and 1866 Mhz; can support higher mhz through overclocking
- AMD 970 northbridge chipset and AMD SB950 southbridge chipset
- Support for AMD CrossfireX at 16X and 4X using PCIEX16 and PCIEX4 slots**
- Support for 6 SATA6GB/s devices, as well as RAID0, RAID1, RAID5, RAID10 and JBOD
- Up to 14 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (8 ports on back panel, and up to 6 through internal USB)
- Up to 4 USB 3.0/2.0 ports (2 on back panel, 2 through internal header)
- Please note that a 4x PCI-E link will bottleneck graphics cards more powerful than an HD 5770/6770
- Integrated Realtek RTL8111E LAN
- Integrated Realtek ALC889 HD audio
- Up to 7.1 channels
- Support for S/PDIF out
- Support for Dolby Home Theatre
- Expansion slots:
- All PCI-E Express slots conform to the PCI-E 2.0 standard
- 1x PCI-E x16 slot running at x16
- 1x PCI-E x16 slot running at x4
- 2x PCI-E x1 slots
- 2x PCI slots
- ATX Form Factor; 30.5CM x 24.4CM
- Rev 3.0 boards have UEFI support with dual UEFI BIOS
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Members list
People who want to submit for membership to the GA-990XA/970A-Series Owners Thread/Club may do so at [CLICK HERE] to visit the submit form. To be a verified owner (highlighted in orange), you must have a CPU-Z validation link, and must prove that your validation is stable (if overclocked) by providing a screenshot regarding stability in the thread. The screenshot may feature either Prime95 after minimum 3 hours, IntelBurn or LinX after 20 passes on high, or OCCT for 30 minutes.
As a unique feature of this club, we are allowing you to submit your info as a "future" owner, in case you have upgrade plans to a GA-990XA or GA-970A Series motherboard.. However, we ask that all "future" owners ask for inclusion into the spreadsheet by posting in the main thread and not using the submit form.
Images
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GA-990XA-UD3
Common issues:
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Common issues are issues not in the BIOS solvable only by specific instruction.
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ISSUE: I get very poor sound quality
FIX: Install the proper sound drivers from the website. In sound settings, change the sound quality from "CD quality" (44100hz) to "Studio quality" (96000 or 192000hz).
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Questions you may ask:
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Q: How does this compare with other boards in the Gigabyte UD3 Lineup?
A: [CLICK HERE] for a features comparison sheet from Gigabyte between this board and other "UD3" Gigabyte boards with the AM3+ socket.
Q: Are any of these boards related with the older but similar Gigabyte GA-890XA-UD3 or GA-870A-UD3?
A: The Gigabyte GA-890XA-UD3 uses the 790X chipset and is of a previous generation. The GA-870A-UD3 uses the 870 chipset, also of previous generation. There may be some design similiarities but the boards are not related. The GA-890XA-UD3 is related to the Gigabyte 790X series of boards. Note that while some of these boards may also boast an AM3+ socket or support running AM3+ processor otherwise, they will not support all features - a 900 series chipset board is required for that.
Q: Will CrossfireX or SLI at 8x bandwidth bottleneck anything vs. 16X? What about 4X?
A: 8x PCI-E will not bottleneck a video card from achieveing full performance unless you run a card as powerful or more powerful than an HD 6950/GTX 560, and with a very high reslution. 4x PCI-E will begin to slightly bottleneck cards more powerful than the HD 6770/5770. Only with higher end cards are bottlenecks severe.
Q: Do I need my own graphics card to run this motherboard?
A: The 990X and 970 chipsets do not come with integrated graphics. A discrete graphics card is required to properly run your system with this motherboard.
Q:In CPUID HWMonitor, which of the "TMPIN" temperatures apply to what?
A:TMPIN0 = System (motherboard PCB) temperature; TMPIN1 = CPU (socket) temperature; TMPIN2 = Motherboard (chipset) temp
Q:Where can I find more information about these boards?
A: See links:
Gigabyte GA-990XA-UD3 [Gigabyte website]
Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3 [Gigabyte website]
Gigabyte GA-970A-D3 [Gigabyte website]
A: [CLICK HERE] for a features comparison sheet from Gigabyte between this board and other "UD3" Gigabyte boards with the AM3+ socket.
Q: Are any of these boards related with the older but similar Gigabyte GA-890XA-UD3 or GA-870A-UD3?
A: The Gigabyte GA-890XA-UD3 uses the 790X chipset and is of a previous generation. The GA-870A-UD3 uses the 870 chipset, also of previous generation. There may be some design similiarities but the boards are not related. The GA-890XA-UD3 is related to the Gigabyte 790X series of boards. Note that while some of these boards may also boast an AM3+ socket or support running AM3+ processor otherwise, they will not support all features - a 900 series chipset board is required for that.
Q: Will CrossfireX or SLI at 8x bandwidth bottleneck anything vs. 16X? What about 4X?
A: 8x PCI-E will not bottleneck a video card from achieveing full performance unless you run a card as powerful or more powerful than an HD 6950/GTX 560, and with a very high reslution. 4x PCI-E will begin to slightly bottleneck cards more powerful than the HD 6770/5770. Only with higher end cards are bottlenecks severe.
Q: Do I need my own graphics card to run this motherboard?
A: The 990X and 970 chipsets do not come with integrated graphics. A discrete graphics card is required to properly run your system with this motherboard.
Q:In CPUID HWMonitor, which of the "TMPIN" temperatures apply to what?
A:TMPIN0 = System (motherboard PCB) temperature; TMPIN1 = CPU (socket) temperature; TMPIN2 = Motherboard (chipset) temp
Q:Where can I find more information about these boards?
A: See links:
Gigabyte GA-990XA-UD3 [Gigabyte website]
Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3 [Gigabyte website]
Gigabyte GA-970A-D3 [Gigabyte website]
Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3 [Gigabyte website]
Q: Where may I be able to purchase this motherboard?
A: These motherboards may be purchased at most computer stores. For full information, see the section below labelled Shopping/pricing information.
Q: Where can I download BIOS files for this board?
A: BIOS files can be downloaded from the official Gigabyte website. Please see the links below in the "BIOS version information" section.
These links contain all the BIOS versions released of this board. If the latest version has bugs that affect your operation, try a later version.
Q: Where may I be able to purchase this motherboard?
A: These motherboards may be purchased at most computer stores. For full information, see the section below labelled Shopping/pricing information.
Q: Where can I download BIOS files for this board?
A: BIOS files can be downloaded from the official Gigabyte website. Please see the links below in the "BIOS version information" section.
These links contain all the BIOS versions released of this board. If the latest version has bugs that affect your operation, try a later version.
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Q: When should I update my BIOS?
A: It is recommended you update your BIOS only to support something that normally wouldn't be supported, or to fix a bug/problem with the current BIOS.
Q: Where can I download driver files for this board?
A: Drivers can be downloaded from the official Gigabyte website for this motherboard. Select the appropriate OS before downloading any drivers.
For the GA-990XA-UD3, [CLICK HERE]
For the GA-970A-UD3, [CLICK HERE]
For the GA-970A-D3, [CLICK HERE]
A: It is recommended you update your BIOS only to support something that normally wouldn't be supported, or to fix a bug/problem with the current BIOS.
Q: Where can I download driver files for this board?
A: Drivers can be downloaded from the official Gigabyte website for this motherboard. Select the appropriate OS before downloading any drivers.
For the GA-990XA-UD3, [CLICK HERE]
For the GA-970A-UD3, [CLICK HERE]
For the GA-970A-D3, [CLICK HERE]
For the GA-970A-DS3, [CLICK HERE]
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Q: I have a "Rev 1.1" or "Rev 1.2" board (this may or may not be marked on the GIGABYTE website). What does this mean?
A: According to GIGABYTE, a Rev 1.1 board may have some minor hardware changes (i.e. brand of caps used); the LLC voltage compensation feature is also supported. Some boards may have major hardware changes.
A: According to GIGABYTE, a Rev 1.1 board may have some minor hardware changes (i.e. brand of caps used); the LLC voltage compensation feature is also supported. Some boards may have major hardware changes.
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Q: Are BIOS version for "Rev 1.0" boards compatible with "Rev 1.1", "1.2" and "1.3" boards?
A: Not necessarily.They are interchangeable if GIGABYTE does not have a separate page for your revision vs. another one. For the best compatibility you should visit the download BIOS page of your specific revision. Links to all revisions are below.
Q: Is there any way to guarantee that my board has an AM3+ ready BIOS out of the box?
A: Aside from ensuring your motherboard is a Rev 1.1 (which should all come with the newer BIOSes), there is no guarantee if you are buying a Rev 1.0 (although newer boards do come with the AM3+ ready BIOS out of the box.). You may wish to check the board label, there may be a sticker that denotes that it is a newer board with AM3+ out of the box support.
A: Not necessarily.They are interchangeable if GIGABYTE does not have a separate page for your revision vs. another one. For the best compatibility you should visit the download BIOS page of your specific revision. Links to all revisions are below.
Q: Is there any way to guarantee that my board has an AM3+ ready BIOS out of the box?
A: Aside from ensuring your motherboard is a Rev 1.1 (which should all come with the newer BIOSes), there is no guarantee if you are buying a Rev 1.0 (although newer boards do come with the AM3+ ready BIOS out of the box.). You may wish to check the board label, there may be a sticker that denotes that it is a newer board with AM3+ out of the box support.
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Q: Why are the GA-970A-D3 and GA-970A-DS3 generally not considered to be overclocking-ready?
A: The GA-970A-D3 and the GA-970A-DS3 use a lower count 4+1 phase VRM system with no heatsink cooling. This is not as overclocking ready because of the low phase count (more heat per phase and less efficiency) and the lack of heatsink cooling (with aftermarket tower CPU coolers or other coolers that do not provide air to motherboard components by blowing downward, this is an issue as components such as the VRMs do not get cooling). This is an issue because running your motherboard with bare VRMs that are not cooled properly can be unsafe and/or result in unreliable operation - especially with processors that consume a high amount of power. See the article at [CLICK HERE] for more details. NEW: If you have a Revision 1.3 GA-970A-D3, you may overclock safely as this revision of the board has a VRM heatsink installed.
A: The GA-970A-D3 and the GA-970A-DS3 use a lower count 4+1 phase VRM system with no heatsink cooling. This is not as overclocking ready because of the low phase count (more heat per phase and less efficiency) and the lack of heatsink cooling (with aftermarket tower CPU coolers or other coolers that do not provide air to motherboard components by blowing downward, this is an issue as components such as the VRMs do not get cooling). This is an issue because running your motherboard with bare VRMs that are not cooled properly can be unsafe and/or result in unreliable operation - especially with processors that consume a high amount of power. See the article at [CLICK HERE] for more details. NEW: If you have a Revision 1.3 GA-970A-D3, you may overclock safely as this revision of the board has a VRM heatsink installed.
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Q: Why should I ask for a Rev 1.3 GA-970A-D3 when ordering from store?
A: The GA-970A-D3 has a VRM heatsink installed for improved reliability and overclocking ability. You can usually get this revision at no extra cost if you ask the store about it. Prefer it if the store has it.
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Q: Is it possible to refit a Rev 1.0/1.1/1.1 GA-970A-D3 with VRM heatsinks?
A: There are VRM heatsink mounts that can take on a properly sized VRM heatsink or you can mount individual heatsinks. There have been known instances of GIGABYTE sending rev 1.0/1.1/1.2 users a free VRM heatsink after asking - although some have been turned down this.
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Q: What is different with the Rev 3.0 boards?
A: The primary difference is that the Rev 3.0 boards have UEFI instead of the traditional BIOS.
A: The primary difference is that the Rev 3.0 boards have UEFI instead of the traditional BIOS.
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Motherboard manual (online)
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For the GA-990XA-UD3, [CLICK HERE] to view the manual online. (PDF file)
For the GA-970A-UD3, [CLICK HERE] to view the manual online. (PDF file)
For the GA-970A-D3, [CLICK HERE] to view the manual online. (PDF file)
For the GA-970A-UD3, [CLICK HERE] to view the manual online. (PDF file)
For the GA-970A-D3, [CLICK HERE] to view the manual online. (PDF file)
For the GA-970A-DS3, [CLICK HERE] to view the manual online. (PDF file)
BIOS version information
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All new BIOS versions should contain all the original features of the previous version; although all fixes should also be contained, new problems may be caused as well.Pressing Ctrl + F1 unlocks an "Advanced chipset features" page, where one can set the PCI-E links as well as SB spread spectrum.
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GA-990XA-UD3 - Rev 3.0 (UEFI equipped)
The BIOS files may be downloaded from the official Gigabyte website at [CLICK HERE]. The versions available are:
- FAÂ BIOS - 2012/11/23 - First release - supports Vishera FX - support all socket AM3+ CPUs
- Support new socket AM3+ FX CPUs: FX-8350, FX-8320, FX-6300, FX-4300
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GA-990XA-UD3 - Rev 1.x (intercompatible)
The BIOS files may be downloaded from the official Gigabyte website at [CLICK HERE]. The versions available are:
- F13e BIOS - 2012/10/08 - Update CPU AGESA 1.5.0.0 - BETA BIOS - updated to support all socket AM3+ CPUs
- Support new socket AM3+ FX CPUs: FX-8350, FX-8320, FX-6300, FX-4300
- F13b BIOS - 2012/07/11 - Update CPU AGESA 1.2.7.1, Update AHCI ROM 3.1.0.0, improve SSD compatibility - BETA BIOS
- F12 BIOS - 2012/05/31 - Modify ET6 Function
- F11 BIOS - 2012/05/18 - Add VRM MOS protection -Â Support Opteron 3280 CPU - NOT RECOMMENDED, flash F12
- BUG REPORTED - Irreversible - Very delayed startup with AMD FX processor - [LINK]
- F10K BIOS - 2012/03/23 - BETA BIOS
- Modify CPU compatibility
- F10G BIOS (no longer available) - 2011/12/09 - BETA BIOS
- Support Quick Boost function
- Works fine with AM3 processors.
- F9 BIOS - 2011/10/13 - Improve CPU AGESA code
- Improvements or bugs not known yet
- F9A BIOS (no longer available) - 2011/10/06 - Improve CPU AGESA code - NOT RECOMMENDED, flash F9
- Several users have reported OS fail to load with F9A BIOS. Fixed with revert to F8.
- F8 BIOS - 2011/09/28 - Improves compatibility
- Not known what is improved in terms of compatibility.
- F7 BIOS - 2011/09/26 - Improves stability
- Slightly faster POST sequence. (Noticed by two members)
- F6 BIOS - 2011/09/09 - Modify PCI-E option description
- Other fixes and tweaks unconfirmed
- F5 BIOS - 2011/08/31 - Update CPU AGESA to 0.0.9.2, support for GIGABYTE Touch BIOS
- GIGABYTE Hybrid EFI Touch BIOS interface is now supported.
- Bug fixed: Problems utilizing USB keyboard when SATA controller uses AHCI mode
- There are some new RAM O.E.C.P profiles.
- F4 BIOS - 2011/08/29 - Updated Dolby Home Theatre, updated CPU AGESA to 0.0.9.1 - updated to support all socket AM3+ CPUs
- Support these socket AM3+ FX CPUS: FX-4100 95W, FX-6100 95W, FX-8100 95W, FX-8120 95W, FX-8120 125W, FX-8150 125W
- No other updates.
- Drivers may be reinstalled upon OS startup as changes were made to the recognition of the onboard sound with this update.
- F4E BIOS - 2011/08/12 - BETA BIOS - Fixed minor issues
- This BIOS version is not available on the GIGABYTE official web page. It may be downloaded by [CLICKING HERE].
- BUG REPORTED - Problems utilizing USB keyboard when SATA controller uses AHCI mode (workaround: plug USB keyboard into a USB3.0 port) FIXED IN F5 BIOS
- F3 BIOS - 2011/05/20 - Updated CPU Agesa Code & Modify ET6 function
- Bug fixed: Fan speed control issues
- Bug reported: Various boot issues (cannot get into BIOS half the time & unable to OC with a 955)
- F2 BIOS - 2011/05/24 - First release
- BUG REPORTED - Fan speed control issues FIXED IN F3 BIOS
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GA-970A-UD3 - Rev 3.0 (UEFI equipped)
The BIOS files may be downloaded from the official Gigabyte website at [CLICK HERE]. The versions available are:
- FAÂ BIOS - 2012/19/10 - First release - supports Vishera FX - support all socket AM3+ CPUs
- Support new socket AM3+ FX CPUs: FX-8350, FX-8320, FX-6300, FX-4300
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GA-970A-UD3Â - Rev 1.x (intercompatible)
The BIOS files may be downloaded from the official Gigabyte website at [CLICK HERE]. The versions available are:
- F7e BIOS - 2012/10/08 - Update CPU AGESA 1.5.0.0 - BETA BIOS - updated to support all socket AM3+ CPUs
- Support new socket AM3+ FX CPUs: FX-8350, FX-8320, FX-6300, FX-4300
- F7c BIOS - 2012/07/12 - Update CPU AGESA 1.2.7.1, Update AHCI ROM 3.1.0.0, improve SSD compatibility - BETA BIOS
- F6 BIOS - 2012/05/31 - Modify ET6 Function
- F5B BIOS - 2012/03/23 - Modify CPU compatibility - BETA BIOS
- F5B BIOS (no longer available) - 2011/12/09 - Support Quick Boost function - BETA BIOS
- F4 BIOS - 2011/10/13 - Update CPU AGESA 1.1.0.0
- F3 BIOS - 2011/08/31 - Update CPU AGESA 0.0.9.2 - updated to support all socket AM3+ CPUs - Modified TPM compatibility
- Support these socket AM3+ FX CPUS: FX-4100 95W, FX-6100 95W, FX-8100 95W, FX-8120 95W, FX-8120 125W, FX-8150 125W
- F1 BIOS - 2011/05/17 - First release
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GA-970A-D3 - Rev 3.0 (UEFI equipped)
The BIOS files may be downloaded from the official Gigabyte website at [CLICK HERE]. The versions available are:
- FAÂ BIOS - 2012/19/10 - First release - supports Vishera FX - support all socket AM3+ CPUs
- Support new socket AM3+ FX CPUs: FX-8350, FX-8320, FX-6300, FX-4300
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GA-970A-D3 Rev 1.3-1.4 (intercompatible)
The BIOS files may be downloaded from the official Gigabyte website at [CLICK HERE]. The versions available are:
- F11 BIOS - 2012/10/08 - Update CPU AGESA 1.5.0.0 - updated to support all socket AM3+ CPUs
- Support new socket AM3+ FX CPUs: FX-8350, FX-8320, FX-6300, FX-4300
- F11c BIOS - 2012/07/06 - Update CPU AGESA 1.2.7.1, Update AHCI ROM 3.1.0.0, improve SSD compatibility - BETA BIOS
- F10 BIOS - GA-970A-D3 1.3 Release BIOS - Modify ET6 Compatibility
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GA-970A-D3 Rev 1.0-1.2 (intercompatible)
FOR REV 1.0/1.1: The BIOS files may be downloaded from the official Gigabyte website at [CLICK HERE].
FOR REV 1.2: The BIOS files may be downloaded from the official Gigabyte website at [CLICK HERE].
The versions available are:
- F11 BIOS - 2012/10/08 - Update CPU AGESA 1.5.0.0 - updated to support some socket AM3+ CPUs
- Limited support for new socket AM3+ FX CPUs: FX-6300, FX-4300 - NO 125W TDP FX-83XX SUPPORT
- F11c BIOS - 2012/07/06 - Update CPU AGESA 1.2.7.1, Update AHCI ROM 3.1.0.0, improve SSD compatibility - BETA BIOS
- F10 BIOS - 2012/05/30 - modify ET6 compatibility
- F9 BIOS - 2012/05/11 - Highly recommended update - Add VRM MOS protection - Support VIA VT2021 codec - Support Opteron 3280 CPU
- F8 BIOS - 2012/03/30 - GA-970A-D3 1.2 Release BIOS - Update CPU AGESA 1.2.0.2
- F8H BIOS - 2012/03/13 - Moidfy CPU compatibility - BETA BIOS
- F8E BIOS (no longer available) - 2011/12/27 - Update CPU AGESA 1.1.0.2, modify memory compatibility - BETA BIOS
- F7 BIOS - 2011/10/13 - Update CPU AGESA 1.1.0.0
- F6 BIOS - 2011/08/31 - Update CPU AGESA 0.0.9.2 - updated to support all socket AM3+ CPUs - Modified TPM compatibility
- Support these socket AM3+ FX CPUS: FX-4100 95W, FX-6100 95W, FX-8100 95W, FX-8120 95W, FX-8120 125W, FX-8150 125W
- F4 BIOS - 2011/07/05 - Modify USB keyboard compatibility
- F3 BIOS - 2011/06/07 - First release
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GA-970A-DS3 - Rev 3.0 (UEFI equipped)
The BIOS files may be downloaded from the official Gigabyte website at [CLICK HERE]. The versions available are:
- FB BIOS - 2012/08/10 - First release - supports Vishera FX - updated to support some socket AM3+ CPUs
- Limited support for new socket AM3+ FX CPUs: FX-6300, FX-4300 - NO 125W TDP FX-83XX SUPPORT
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GA-970A-DS3 - Rev 1.x (intercompatible)
The BIOS files may be downloaded from the official Gigabyte website at [CLICK HERE]. The versions available are:
- F5 BIOS - 2012/10/08 - Update CPU AGESA 1.5.0.0 - updated to support some socket AM3+ CPUs
- Limited support for new socket AM3+ FX CPUs: FX-6300, FX-4300 - NO 125W TDP FX-83XX SUPPORT
- F4 BIOS - 2012/08/14 - Update CPU AGESA 1.2.7.1, Update AHCI ROM 3.1.0.0, Improve SSD compatibility
- F3 BIOS - 2012/07/09 - GA-970A-DS3 1.1 Release BIOS - Modify VGA card compatibility
- F2 BIOS - 2012/03/30 - Update CPU AGESA 1.2.0.2
- F1 BIOS - 2012/01/09 - First release
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Memory support information
To view the memory support list for the GA-990XA-UD3, [CLICK HERE] (PDF file)
To view the memory support list for the GA-970A-UD3, [CLICK HERE] (PDF file)
To view the memory support list for the GA-970A-D3, [CLICK HERE] (PDF file)
To view the memory support list for the GA-970A-UD3, [CLICK HERE] (PDF file)
To view the memory support list for the GA-970A-D3, [CLICK HERE] (PDF file)
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Other important technical information
Those looking to remount the MOSFET and Chipset heatsinks due to potentially loose mounting as confirmed by several board owners may have a look at Rumilsuron's post at [CLICK HERE] for a guide with detailed instructions. 
Shopping/pricing information
Best deal for the GA-990XA-UD3 (last updated 23rd March, 2012)
- United States: Buy it at Newegg - $129.99 free shipping!, $10 rebate!**
- Canada*: Buy it at BestDirect - $137.23 free shipping! (
- Canada*, choice 2***: Buy it at NCIX - $134.99 + applicable shipping, $10 rebate!**
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Best deal for the GA-970A-UD3 (last updated 27th December 2011)- United States: Buy it at Newegg -Â $99.99 free shipping!
- Canada*: Buy it at Hookbag - $105.48 free shipping!
- Canada*, choice 2***: Buy it at NCIX - $105.48 + applicable shipping, $10 rebate!** after price match to Hookbag
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Best deal for the GA-970A-D3 (last updated 27th Dec 2011)- United States: Buy it at Amazon
- $88.24 free shipping!
- Canada*: Buy it at Hookbag - $86.80 free shipping!
- Canada*, choice 2***: Buy it at NCIX - $86.80 + applicable shipping, $10 rebate!** after price match to Hookbag
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* Many Canadian stores offer price match service; if a certain store is closer to you/local, you may be able to price match to this online store there and pick up rather than pay shipping.
** Indicates that the rebate offers the no-wait rebate service. For an extra $2 deducted from rebate check, you can have the rebate processing sped up so that the check returns to you in 9 days - as opposed to the usual 8-10 weeks.
*** Indicates that this choice may be cheaper if buying locally (i.e. no shipping costs).
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Articles, reviews & unboxings
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GA-990XA-UD3 unboxing on LinusTechTips channel - sponsored by NCIX
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GA-970A-UD3 unboxing on privatepinky channel
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Useful tools & tweaks
Overclocking and monitoring tools
- AMD Overdrive - Software overclocking and monitoring. NOTICE: It is recommend that permanent overclocking be done in the BIOS, not with software!
Monitoring tools
- HWiNFO - A free, fully featured, and all around useful tool for viewing and monitoring system information. It has similar features as CPU-Z, HWMonitor, and EVEREST/AIDA64. It shows detailed information about motherboard, CPU, GPU, RAM, BIOS, hard disk drives, etc. It can be used in any Windows version above Windows 2000 or DOS, and comes in a portable version.
- CPU-Z - View important system specs such as CPU speed/details, motherboard, memory, graphics.. etc
- HWMonitor - View voltages, temperatures, and control your PWM fans.
- CoreTemp - Accurate CPU temperature monitor. Also download the CoreTemp desktop gadget for Windows!
- SpeedFan - Tool to control PWM fans - can also monitor temperatures.
Stability testing tools
- IntelBurnTest/LinX - Short, stressful linpack-based tools - great for testing CPU stability. Notice: Usually runs hotter than other stability tests.
- Prime95 - A well-accepted stress testing tool, runs a prime number calculation as a stress test over multiple hours to determine stability.
- OCCT - A stability testing tool with many different programs. Uses a prime number test for the CPU and a Linpack-based test for the memory. It also tests GPUs with a Furmark-style test, and the power supply with a combination of the above.
- SuperPi Mod V1.5 - Great tool for testing memory stability (at 32M setting). This single-threaded benchmark calculates the value of Pi to millions of digits.
Performance testing tools
- GeekBench - well known tool that tests CPU performance and memory bandwidth with a number of quick tests
- MaxxMEM² - Memory bandiwdth and latency testing tool
- SuperPi Mod V1.5 - This tool also responds fairly well to changes in clock speed and memory. Notice that due to code optimizations it is not to be used for cross-platform comparisons.
Other Information
- If you are not on the members list, you may add yourself by visiting this link.
- If a change would like to be made in your membership information (i.e. from future owner to current owner), PM me (xd_1771) so I can change your information in the spreadsheet.
- Feel free to PM me (xd_1771) if there are any concerns about the thread, or if there are any improvements/additions you wish for me to make.
For more information about all other Gigabyte AM3+ socket motherboards, [CLICK HERE]!
Hexagonal
(16 items) |
Voyager [XT875]
(11 items) |
| CPU | Motherboard | Graphics | RAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARM Cortex A9 dual core [1.2Ghz] | TI OMAP 4430 | PowerVR SGX 540 | 1GB low power DDR2 |
| Hard Drive | Hard Drive | OS | Monitor |
| 16GB on board storage | 32GB Class 10 MicroSDHC card | Android 4.0.4 "Ice Cream Sandwich" (LiquidSmoot... | 4.3" 960x540 TFT capacitive multi-touch screen |
| Keyboard | Power | Case | |
| Swiftkey 3 | Battery | Motorola DROID BIONIC | |
| View all | |||
|
Hexagonal
(16 items) |
Voyager [XT875]
(11 items) |
| CPU | Motherboard | Graphics | RAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARM Cortex A9 dual core [1.2Ghz] | TI OMAP 4430 | PowerVR SGX 540 | 1GB low power DDR2 |
| Hard Drive | Hard Drive | OS | Monitor |
| 16GB on board storage | 32GB Class 10 MicroSDHC card | Android 4.0.4 "Ice Cream Sandwich" (LiquidSmoot... | 4.3" 960x540 TFT capacitive multi-touch screen |
| Keyboard | Power | Case | |
| Swiftkey 3 | Battery | Motorola DROID BIONIC | |
| View all | |||
