1․2 Key Features and Capabilities

The B650 Aorus Elite AX features a twin 12+2 phase digital VRM for optimal power delivery․ It supports DDR5 memory with XMP/DOCP profiles and offers PCIe 5․0 for high-speed storage and GPU connectivity․ With Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5․2, it ensures fast and reliable wireless connections․ The motherboard also includes multiple USB ports, including USB 3․2 Gen 2, and supports dual-channel memory configurations․ Its robust thermal design and advanced cooling solutions enhance performance and stability for both gaming and productivity workloads․

Hardware Installation Guide

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing the B650 Aorus Elite AX motherboard, including unboxing, case installation, and connecting essential components like CPU, RAM, and storage devices․

2․1 Unboxing and Preparing the Motherboard

Begin by carefully unboxing the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX motherboard, ensuring all accessories are accounted for, including SATA cables, M․2 screws, and Wi-Fi antennas․ Handle the motherboard by the edges to avoid static discharge․ Gently remove the protective covering from the CPU socket and ensure the motherboard is grounded before installation․ Prepare your case by aligning stand-offs with the AM5 socket and organizing cables for optimal airflow and connectivity․

2․2 Installing the Motherboard in a Case

Align the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX motherboard with the case stand-offs, ensuring proper AM5 socket alignment․ Secure the motherboard using screws, tightening evenly to avoid warping․ Connect the front panel headers, power button, and LED indicators to the dedicated pins on the motherboard․ Route cables neatly through cable management holes for optimal airflow and aesthetics․ Double-check all connections before closing the case to ensure functionality and prevent damage during operation․

2․3 Connecting Essential Components

Connect the CPU to the AM5 socket, ensuring it aligns with the pin grid․ Secure the CPU cooler and connect its power cable to the motherboard․ Install the RAM modules in the DIMM slots, aligning the notches․ Connect storage drives (HDD/SSD) to the SATA or M․2 ports․ Link the power supply unit (PSU) cables to the motherboard’s 24-pin and 8-pin power connectors․ Finally, connect case fans and optional RGB lighting to the designated headers for full system functionality and customization․

BIOS Setup and Configuration

The BIOS setup allows users to configure system settings, enabling features like XMP profiles for RAM and overclocking options to optimize performance and stability․

3․1 Accessing the BIOS

To access the BIOS on the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX, restart your PC, then press the DEL or F2 key repeatedly during boot․ The BIOS interface allows you to configure system settings, overclock, and manage hardware․ Use arrow keys to navigate and adjust settings as needed․ Save changes before exiting․ For advanced users, ensure to review the BIOS manual for detailed instructions on optimizing performance and stability․

3․2 Navigating the BIOS Interface

Navigate the BIOS interface using arrow keys to explore tabs like Main, Advanced, and Boot․ The Main tab displays system info, while Advanced offers overclocking and memory settings․ Use the mouse or keyboard to adjust parameters․ Save changes with F10 or Exit & Save․ Familiarize yourself with shortcuts like F7 for Advanced Mode․ Refer to the BIOS manual for detailed guidance on optimizing settings for performance and stability․ Ensure all changes are saved before exiting to apply configurations․

3․3 Advanced Mode and Function Keys

Access Advanced Mode by pressing F7 in the BIOS․ This mode unlocks detailed settings for overclocking, voltage control, and memory configuration․ Key functions include F10 to save and exit, F5 to load default settings, and F1 for help․ Use these keys to navigate and adjust settings carefully, as incorrect changes can impact system stability․ Refer to the BIOS manual for a complete list of function keys and their roles in optimizing your system configuration․

3․4 Saving BIOS Settings

To save BIOS settings, navigate to the Save & Exit screen and select Save Changes․ Use F10 to confirm and exit․ The system will restart with updated settings․ Ensure all changes are confirmed to avoid loss․ For profiles, use F11 to save custom configurations․ This ensures optimal performance and stability․ Always save before exiting to apply changes effectively․

Software and Driver Installation

Install essential drivers and software from Gigabyte’s official website․ Download Realtek LAN, AMD Chipset, and AI NPU drivers for optimal performance․ Use Gigabyte Control Center for easy management․

4․1 Downloading Drivers from Gigabyte’s Website

Visit Gigabyte’s official website and navigate to the support section․ Select B650 Aorus Elite AX as your motherboard model․ Download the latest drivers, including Realtek LAN, AMD Chipset, and AMD AI NPU drivers․ Ensure compatibility with your operating system (Windows 10/11 64-bit)․ Install the Gigabyte Control Center for enhanced system management and monitoring․ Always verify driver versions for optimal performance and compatibility with your hardware configuration․

4․2 Installing Realtek LAN Drivers

Download the Realtek LAN driver from Gigabyte’s official website, ensuring compatibility with your OS (Windows 10/11 64-bit)․ Run the installer, following on-screen instructions․ For Windows 10, version 10․072․0524․2024 is recommended, while Windows 11 users should use B23․02․23․01․ After installation, restart your system to apply changes․ Use the Gigabyte Control Center to configure LAN settings and optimize network performance․ This ensures stable and high-speed internet connectivity for your PC․

4․3 AMD Chipset Driver Installation

Download the AMD Chipset Driver (version 7․03․21․2116) from Gigabyte’s official website․ Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation․ This driver is essential for enabling features like AMD Ryzen 7000/8000 series processor support and optimizing system performance․ Restart your PC after installation to ensure proper functionality․ The chipset driver ensures compatibility and enhances overall system stability, allowing your motherboard to operate at its full potential․

Compatible Components and Upgrades

The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX supports AMD Ryzen 7000/8000/9000 Series processors, DDR5 memory, and both HDD and SSD storage options․

5․1 Supported Processors (AMD Ryzen 7000/8000 Series)

The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX motherboard supports AMD Ryzen 7000 and 8000 series processors, enabling high-performance computing and gaming experiences․ These CPUs feature advanced Zen 4 architecture, delivering enhanced multitasking and gaming capabilities․ The AM5 socket ensures compatibility with the latest Ryzen processors, offering cutting-edge technology for both productivity and entertainment․ Users can leverage DDR5 memory and PCIe 5․0 support, making this motherboard an ideal choice for enthusiasts seeking powerful and future-proof systems․

5․2 Memory (RAM) Compatibility and Configuration

The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX supports DDR5 memory, offering compatibility with modules up to 6000MHz․ It features dual-channel memory architecture, enabling enhanced performance and multitasking․ Users can install up to 128GB of RAM across four DIMM slots․ The motherboard supports XMP/DOCP profiles for overclocking, allowing users to achieve optimal memory speeds․ Proper configuration ensures stability and maximizes system performance, making it suitable for both gaming and high-demand applications․

5․3 Storage Options (HDD and SSD)

The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX motherboard supports a wide range of storage options, including both HDD and SSD drives․ It features four SATA 6Gb/s ports for traditional hard drives and multiple M․2 slots for high-speed NVMe SSDs․ The motherboard also supports RAID configurations, offering enhanced storage flexibility and redundancy․ With compatibility for PCIe 5․0 SSDs, users can achieve blazing-fast read and write speeds, making it ideal for gamers, content creators, and high-performance applications․

Performance Optimization

The B650 Aorus Elite AX supports XMP/DOCP for DDR5 RAM, enabling enhanced memory speeds․ It also features twin 12+2 phase VRM for stable power delivery and overclocking potential․

6․1 Enabling XMP/DOCP for RAM

To enable XMP/DOCP profiles for enhanced RAM performance, access the BIOS and navigate to the Memory Settings menu․ Select Profile and choose the desired XMP/DOCP profile․ Save changes and exit BIOS․ Higher memory speeds may increase memory training time during the first boot․ Ensure stability by enabling Advanced Mode and using function keys for real-time adjustments․

6․2 Adjusting VRM and Thermal Settings

Access the BIOS to fine-tune VRM and thermal settings for optimal performance․ Navigate to the Advanced Mode and select VRM Settings or Thermal Settings․ Adjust fan curves, monitor temperatures, and set thresholds for coolant or air cooling systems․ These settings enhance thermal efficiency and ensure stable operation under heavy workloads․ Save changes to maintain customized configurations for consistent performance and reliability․

6․3 Overclocking Capabilities

The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX offers robust overclocking potential, supporting AMD Ryzen 7000 and 8000 series processors․ Through the BIOS, users can adjust CPU multipliers, voltage settings, and memory configurations for enhanced performance․ The motherboard’s advanced VRM design ensures stable power delivery during overclocking․ For optimal results, monitor temperatures closely and adjust cooling solutions as needed․ Save BIOS settings to maintain customized overclocking profiles for consistent performance and reliability․

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Address boot, memory, and connectivity problems by checking BIOS settings, updating drivers, and ensuring proper hardware connections․ Refer to the manual for detailed diagnostic steps and solutions․

7․1 Diagnosing Boot Problems

Diagnosing boot issues on the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX involves checking BIOS settings, ensuring hardware is properly connected, and verifying the power supply․ If the system fails to boot, check for error messages or beep codes․ Ensure the BIOS is updated to the latest version and configured correctly․ If issues persist, reset BIOS to default settings or perform a CMOS clear․ Consult the manual for detailed troubleshooting steps and solutions to resolve boot-related problems effectively;

7․2 Resolving Memory Training Issues

Memory training issues on the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX may occur due to incompatible or misconfigured RAM․ Ensure modules are properly seated and configured in the BIOS․ Higher memory speeds can extend training time․ Update the BIOS to the latest version and install the AMD Chipset Driver (7․03․21․2116) for optimal compatibility․ If issues persist, reset the BIOS to default settings or run memory diagnostics tools․ Refer to the manual for detailed steps to resolve memory-related problems efficiently․

7․3 Fixing LAN and Wi-Fi Connectivity

To resolve LAN and Wi-Fi connectivity issues on the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX, ensure the Realtek LAN Driver (10․072․0524․2024) and Wi-Fi drivers are updated․ Restart the system after installation․ Check the BIOS for network adapter settings and enable them if disabled․ Verify physical connections for LAN cables and ensure Wi-Fi antennas are properly attached․ Use Windows Network Reset or reset TCP/IP stack to resolve software-related issues․ Refer to the manual for detailed troubleshooting steps․

Technical Specifications

The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX features the AMD B650 chipset, supporting AM5 socket, Ryzen 7000/8000 series processors, dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 memory, and multiple expansion slots․