E7868 SAbertooth Z87

Motherboard
SABERTOOTH
Z87
First Edition
April 2013
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Contents
Safety information....................................................................................................... vi
About this guide......................................................................................................... vii
SABERTOOTH Z87 specifications summary............................................................ ix
Package contents...................................................................................................... xiii
Installation tools and components.......................................................................... xiv
Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1 Special features.......................................................................................... 1-1
1.1.1 Product highlights........................................................................ 1-1
1.1.2 “Ultimate COOL” Thermal Solutions............................................ 1-2
1.1.3 “TUF Engine” Power Design........................................................ 1-3
1.1.4 “Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel.................................................. 1-3
1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY............................................................................... 1-4
1.1.6 ASUS Exclusive Features............................................................ 1-5
1.1.7 Other special features.................................................................. 1-6
1.2 Motherboard overview................................................................................ 1-7
1.2.1 Before you proceed...................................................................... 1-7
1.2.2 Motherboard layout...................................................................... 1-8
1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU).................................................. 1-10
1.2.4 System memory......................................................................... 1-11
1.2.5 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 1-20
1.2.6 Onboard buttons........................................................................ 1-22
1.2.7 Jumpers..................................................................................... 1-24
1.2.8 Onboard LEDs........................................................................... 1-25
1.2.9 Internal connectors.................................................................... 1-26
Chapter 2: Basic installation

2.1 Building your PC system........................................................................... 2-1
2.1.1 Motherboard installation............................................................... 2-1
2.1.2 CPU installation........................................................................... 2-3
2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation................................ 2-4
2.1.4 DIMM installation......................................................................... 2-6
2.1.5 ATX Power connection................................................................. 2-7
2.1.6 SATA device connection............................................................... 2-8
2.1.7 Front I/O Connector..................................................................... 2-9
2.1.8 Expansion Card installation....................................................... 2-10
2.2 BIOS update utility.................................................................................... 2-11
iii
2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections.............................................. 2-12
2.3.1 Rear I/O connection................................................................... 2-12
2.3.2 Audio I/O connections................................................................ 2-14
2.4 Starting up for the first time..................................................................... 2-16
2.5 Turning off the computer.......................................................................... 2-17
Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS............................................................................................. 3-1
3.2 BIOS setup program................................................................................... 3-2
3.2.1 EZ Mode...................................................................................... 3-3
3.2.2 Advanced Mode........................................................................... 3-4
3.3 My Favorites................................................................................................ 3-6
3.4 Main menu................................................................................................... 3-7
3.5 Ai Tweaker menu......................................................................................... 3-9
3.6 Advanced menu........................................................................................ 3-25
3.6.1 CPU Configuration..................................................................... 3-26
3.6.2 PCH Configuration..................................................................... 3-28
3.6.3 SATA Configuration.................................................................... 3-30
3.6.4 System Agent Configuration...................................................... 3-31
3.6.5 USB Configuration..................................................................... 3-33
3.6.6 Platform Misc Configuration....................................................... 3-34
3.6.7 Onboard Devices Configuration................................................. 3-35
3.6.8 APM........................................................................................... 3-37
3.6.9 Network Stack............................................................................ 3-38
3.7 Monitor menu............................................................................................ 3-39
3.8 Boot menu................................................................................................. 3-43
3.9 Tools menu................................................................................................ 3-49
3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility............................................................. 3-49
3.9.2 ASUS O.C. Profile...................................................................... 3-49
3.9.3 ASUS SPD Information.............................................................. 3-50
3.10 Exit menu................................................................................................... 3-51
3.11 Updating BIOS........................................................................................... 3-52
3.11.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2....................................................................... 3-53
3.11.2 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3........................................................... 3-54
3.11.3 ASUS BIOS Updater.................................................................. 3-55
Chapter 4: Software support

4.1 Installing an operating system.................................................................. 4-1
4.2 Support DVD information........................................................................... 4-1
iv
4.2.1 Running the support DVD............................................................ 4-1
4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals.................................................. 4-3
4.3 Software information.................................................................................. 4-4
4.3.1 AI Suite 3..................................................................................... 4-4
4.3.2 Thermal Radar 2.......................................................................... 4-7
4.3.3 Remote GO!............................................................................... 4-12
4.3.4 USB 3.0 Boost........................................................................... 4-18
4.3.5 EZ Update.................................................................................. 4-19
4.3.6 Network iControl........................................................................ 4-20
4.3.7 USB BIOS Flashback Wizard.................................................... 4-22
4.3.8 USB Charger+............................................................................ 4-24
4.3.9 System Information.................................................................... 4-25
4.3.10 Audio configurations.................................................................. 4-26
Chapter 5: RAID support

5.1 RAID configurations................................................................................... 5-1
5.1.1 RAID definitions........................................................................... 5-1
5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks.................................................... 5-2
5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS..................................................... 5-2
5.1.4 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility................... 5-3
5.2 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation.................. 5-7
Appendices
Notices ..................................................................................................................... A-1
ASUS contact information....................................................................................... A-5

Safety information
Electrical safety
• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet
before relocating the system.
• When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables
for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible,
disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
• Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all
power cables are unplugged.
• Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices
could interrupt the grounding circuit.
• Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not
sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power
company.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service
technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
• Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.
• Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.
• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,
slots, sockets and circuitry.
• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area
where it may become wet.
• Place the product on a stable surface.
• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service
technician or your retailer.
vi
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the
motherboard.
How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the
motherboard.
• Chapter 2: Basic installation
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when
installing system components.
• Chapter 3: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
• Chapter 4: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package and the software.
• Chapter 5: RAID support
This chapter describes the RAID configurations.
Where to find more information

Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software
updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software
products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers,
that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the
standard package.
vii
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to

complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to

complete a task
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
means that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key.
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
names are linked with a plus sign (+).
viii
SABERTOOTH Z87 specifications summary
CPU LGA1150 socket for the 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i7/Intel®
Core™i5/Intel® Core™ i3, Pentium® and Celeron® processors
Supports 22nm CPU
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
* The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU
types.
Chipset Intel® Z87 Express Chipset

Memory 4 x DIMM, max. 32GB, DDR3 1866 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz,
non-ECC, un-buffered memory
Dual channel memory architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of
individual CPUs. Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List)
for details.
Expansion slots 2 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (single at x16 or dual at x8/x8
mode)
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot* (max. at x4 mode, compatible with
PCIe x1 and x4 devices)
3 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots**
* The PCIe 2.0 x16 slot shares bandwidth with PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot, PCIe
2.0 x1_2 slot, and PCIe 2.0 x1_3 slot. The PCIe 2.0 x16 slot default
setting is x1 mode.
** The PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot shares bandwidth with eSATA 6.0 Gb/s ports.
The eSATA 6.0 Gb/s ports default settings are enabled.
VGA Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel® HD Graphics support

Multi-VGA output support: DisplayPort/HDMI port
Supports DisplayPort 1.2 with max. resolution of 3840 x 2160
@60Hz
Supports HDMI with max. resolution of 4096 x 2304 @24Hz and
2560 x 1600 @60Hz
Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D, Intel® Quick Sync Video, Intel® Clear
Video HD Technology and Intel® Insider™
Supports up to three displays simultaneously
Maximum shared memory 1024MB
Multi-GPU support Supports NVIDIA® Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology
Supports AMD® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
LAN Intel® I217-V Gigabit LAN controller
(continued on the next page)
ix
Storage Intel® Z87 Express Chipset
- 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (brown) with RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10
support
- Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start
Technology, Intel® Smart Connect Technology*
2 x ASMedia® SATA 6Gb/s controllers**

- 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (beige)
- 2 x eSATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (red)
* These functions will work depending on the CPU installed.
** These SATA ports are for data hard drives only. ATAPI devices are not
supported.
Audio Realtek® ALC1150 8-channel high definition audio CODEC

- High quality 112dB SNR stereo playback output (Line-out at
rear) and 104dB SNR recording input (Line-in) support.
- Absolute pitch 192khz/24bit true BD lossless sound
- BD audio layer content protection
- Supports jack-detection, multi-streaming and front panel jack-
retasking
- Optical S/PDIF out ports at rear I/O
USB Intel® Z87 Express Chipset - supports ASUS USB 3.0
Boost
- 6 x USB 3.0 ports (2 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at rear panel)
Intel® Z87 Express Chipset

- 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at rear
panel)
Exclusive TUF Features “Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solution
- TUF Thermal Armor with Flow Valve
- TUF Thermal Radar 2 with Thermistor cables
“We Got Your Back” Shape Force

- TUF Fortifier
“TUF ENGINE” Power Design

- 8+2 Digital Phase Power Design
- TUF Components (Choke, Cap & MOSFET; certified by
military-standard)
- ASUS DIGI+ Power Control Utility
“SAFE & Stable!” Guardian Angel

- Dust Defender with connector caps and rear I/O dust filter
- ESD Guards
- MemOK!
- Anti-surge

Other Special Features - USB 3.0 Boost featuring speedy USB 3.0 transmission
- USB BIOS Flashback
- USB Charger+
- Network iControl
- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user
interface
- AI Suite 3
- Remote GO!
- ASUS Q-Connector
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
- ASUS Q-Slot
- ASUS Q-DIMM
- ASUS O.C. Profile
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- Multi-language BIOS
Rear Panel I/O Ports 1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI port
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x USB BIOS Flashback button
2 x eSATA 6.0 Gb/s ports
1 x LAN (RJ45) port
4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, 1 supports USB BIOS Flashback)
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel Audio I/O ports
Internal I/O connectors 1 x 19-pin USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB ports
(moss green)
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (6 x brown; 2 x beige)
1 x 4-pin CPU Fan connector (black) supports both 3-pin (DC
mode) and 4-pin (PWM mode) CPU coolers control
1 x 4-pin CPU Optional Fan connector (CPU_OPT; black)
4 x 4-pin Chassis Fan connectors (black)
2 x 3-pin Assistant Fan connectors (white)
3 x Thermal Sensor connectors (T_Sensor)
1 x TPM connector
1 x S/PDIF out header
1 x DirectKey button
1 x DRCT (DirectKey) connector
1 x MemOK! button
xi
Internal I/O connectors 1 x Clear CMOS jumper
Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
System panel (Q-Connector)
24-pin EATX Power connector
8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
BIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.7, WfM 2.0, SM
BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS
CrashFree BIOS 3, My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modified Log,
F12 PrintScreen function, F3 Shortcut functions, and ASUS DRAM
SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information
Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 2.7, WOL by PME, PXE
Support DVD contents Drivers
ASUS Utilities
EZ Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
xii
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items
nual
User Ma
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z87 Technical documentations, Support DVD

motherboard certification and warranty card
4 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector 1 x ASUS Q-Shield
2 x short fan screws

1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit 2 x 35mm Assistant fans
4 x long fan screws
3 x PCIe x16 slot covers

2 x DRAM slot covers Rear I/O dust filter
3 x PCIe x1 slot covers
1 x Connector cap set

1 x 40mm I/O assistant fan lid (LAN cap, HDMI cap, DVI cap, DP 3 x Thermistor cables
cap, Front USB 3.0 cap)
3M
7 x SATA connector caps

2 x Onboard USB 2.0 connector
2 x eSATA connector caps caps 1 x Adhesive foam for 35mm
8 x Back I/O USB 3.0/2.0 connector assistant fan
6 x Audio connector caps
caps
• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specifications may
vary with different models.
xiii
Installation tools and components
1 bag of screws Philips (cross) screwdriver
PC chassis Power supply unit
Intel® LGA1150 CPU Intel® LGA1150 compatible CPU Fan
DIMM SATA hard disk drive
SATA optical disc drive (optional) Graphics card (optional)
The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.
xiv
1
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Product introduction
1.1 Special features
1.1.1 Product highlights

LGA1150 socket for 4th generation Intel® Core™ i7/Intel® Core™ i5/Intel®
Core™ i3, Pentium® and Celeron® processors
This motherboard supports 4th generation Intel® Core™ i7/Intel® Core™ i5/Intel® Core™ i3,
Pentium®, and Celeron® processors in the LGA1150 package. It provides great graphics and
system performance with its GPU, dual-channel DDR3 memory slots and PCI Express 2.0/3.0
expansion slots.
Intel® Z87 Express Chipset

Intel® Z87 Express Chipset is a single chipset that supports the LGA1150 socket for 4th
generation Intel® Core™ i7/Intel® Core™ i5/Intel® Core™ i3, Pentium® and Celeron®
processors. It utilizes the serial point-to-point links, which increases bandwidth and enhances
the system’s performance. It natively supports up to six USB 3.0 ports for up to ten times
faster transfer rate than USB 2.0 and enables the iGPU function for Intel® integrated graphics
performance.
PCI Express® 3.0

PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the PCI Express bus standard that provides twice the
performance and speed of PCIe 2.0. It provides an optimal graphics performance,
unprecedented data speed and seamless transition with its complete backward compatibility
to PCIe 1.0/2.0 devices.
Dual-Channel DDR3 1866 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz Support

The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates
of DDR3 1866 / 1600 / 1333 / 1033 MHz to boost the system’s performance, and to meet the
higher bandwidth requirements of 3D graphics, multimedia and Internet applications.
Quad-GPU SLI and Quad GPU CrossFireX™ Support

This motherboard features the most powerful Intel® Z87 platform that optimizes PCIe
allocation in multi-GPU SLI and CrossFireX™ solution, giving you a brand-new gaming
enjoyment.
Chapter 1
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z87 1-1

Intel® Smart Response Technology
Intel® Smart Response Technology, an important part of Green ASUS eco-friendly computing,
reduces load and wait time, eliminates unecessary hard drive spin thus lowering power
usage, and uses an installed SSD (requires 18.6 GB available space) as a cache for
frequently accessed data or applications. It combines SSD performance and hard drive
capacity, operating up to six times faster than a hard-drive-only system to boost the system’s
overall performance.
* 4th Generation Intel® Core™ processors family support Intel® Smart Response Technology.
** An operating system must be installed on the HDD to launch Intel® Smart Response Technology.
*** The SSD is reserved for caching function.
Intel® Smart Connect Technology

Your computer can receive fresh updates for selected applications, even when the system
is in sleep mode. This means less time waiting for applications to update and sync with the
cloud, leading to a more efficient computing experience.
Intel® Rapid Start Technology

Intel® Rapid Start Technology allows your computer to quickly resume from a low-power
hibernate state in seconds. Saving your system memory to the designated SSD, it provides
your computer a faster wake-up response time, while still keeping the energy use low.
Complete USB 3.0 integration

This motherboard offers you the strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear
panels, allowing you to experience the convenience of the latest plug and play connectivity
solution of speed up to ten times faster than USB 2.0.
Extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s Support

The Intel® Z87 Express Chipset natively supports the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA)
interface, delivering up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer. ASUS provides extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports
with enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, and double the bandwidth of current bus
systems.
1.1.2 “Ultimate COOL” Thermal Solutions

Thermal Armor with flow valve
Thermal Armor features the exclusive flow gate mechanism that allows you to open or close
the Thermal Armor via a button. When the gate is open, it provides an excellent thermal
solution for the CPU. When the gate is closed, it focuses air on heatpipes for better heat
removal, especially useful for liquid cooling.
Thermal Radar 2
Thermal Radar 2 uses sensors to control motherboard temperatures, automatically adjusting
fan speeds for better system stability and power efficiency. It also provides customizable fan
Chapter 1
management that displays real-time motherboard, CPU and VGA zone cooling status, and
promotes extended system longevity, power saving solution, and noise reduction.
1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1.3 “TUF Engine” Power Design
Digital Power Control
ASUS DIGI+ Power Control features the revolutionary and innovative digital VRM, DRAM,
and CPU Voltage controllers. These controllers offers ultra-precise memory and voltage
tuning for optimal system efficiency, stability and performance.
TUF Components (Choke, Cap. & MOSFET; certified by military-standard)

The motherboard’s TUF components features military-standard robust TUF chokes, titanium
solid state capacitors, and MOSFETS. These TUF components support up to a massive 40A
rated current, eliminates buzzing noise and vibration, and delivers better performance, and
durability during the most extreme usage.
1.1.4 “Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel

TUF Fortifier
The metal base TUF Fortifier strengthens the base of the motherboard and secures the
Thermal Armor and the motherboard in place. It reinforces the motherboard’s PCB to support
the Thermal Armor, CPU, VGA card, additional expansion cards, and other peripherals. It also
makes the motherboard easier to handle and helps protect your hands.
Dust Defender
Dust Defender provides rear I/O filter and special shields that help reduce dust build-up on
critical points within slots and connectors, minimizing any harm to the components’ optimal
functions, data transfer efficiency, and system performance.
ESD Guards
ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Guards provides protection against electrostatic discharges,
which can damage the motherboard’s components. The ASUS exclusive Anti-Static chip
and circuit design, and the I/O shield provide four times better protection and ensure the
motherboard’s lifespan.
MemOK!
MemOK!, the remarkable memory rescue tool, allows you to simply press a button to
patch memory issues, ensure memory boot compatibility, determine fail-safe settings, and
dramatically improve the system’s bootup.
Chapter 1

1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)
ASUS UEFI BIOS, a UEFI compliant architecture, offers the first mouse-controlled intuitive
graphical BIOS interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls,
providing you with more flexibility, convenience, and easy to navigate UEFI BIOS than the
traditional BIOS versions. It offers you with dual selectable modes and native support for hard
drives larger than 2.2 TB.
ASUS UEFI BIOS includes the following new features:
• New My Favorites function allows you to quickly access the frequently used items
• New Quick Note function allows you to take notes in the BIOS environment
• New Last Modified log allows you to view all your modified settings
• F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey
• F3 Shortcut for most accessed information
• ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) information detecting faulty DIMMs, and
helping with difficult POST situations.
ASUS Q-Design
ASUS Q-Design enhances your DIY experience. All of Q-Slot and Q-Shield design speed up
and simplify the DIY process.
ASUS Q-shield
ASUS Q-Shield’s special design makes it convenient and easy to install on your
motherboard. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard against
static electricity and shields it against EMI (Electronic Magnetic Interference).
ASUS Q-connector
ASUS Q-Connector is a unique adapter that allows you to easily connect or disconnect the
chassis front panel cables to one module, eliminating the hassle of plugging one cable at a
time and making the connection quick and accurate.
DirectKey
DirectKey allows you to conveniently go into the BIOS setup with the press of a button. With
this feature, you can enter the BIOS anytime without having to press the <Del> key during
POST. It also allows you to shut down or turn on your computer and directly enter the BIOS
during boot-up.
Chapter 1

1.1.6 ASUS Exclusive Features
Remote GO!
ASUS Remote GO! leads the way to a more enjoyable home entertainment. With ASUS
Remote GO!, you can wirelessly stream media files to DLNA devices, remotely control
and access your computer using your smart device and easily transfer files between your
computer and smart device.
Conveniently use and enjoy these ASUS Remote GO! functions:
• Cloud GO!: Allows you to control files and sync them all across cloud services in a few
clicks.
• DLNA Media Hub: Provides support to the latest DLNA standard and allows you to
stream media files to a DLNA-supported device.
• Remote Desktop: Allows you to view your computer’s desktop and remotely operate
your computer in real-time from your smart device.
• File Transfer: Allows you to transfer files between your computer and smart device.
USB 3.0 Boost

ASUS USB 3.0 Boost, which supports USB 3.0 standard UASP (USB Attached SCSI
Protocol), significantly increases a USB device’s transfer speed up to 170% faster than the
already impressive USB 3.0 transfer speed. It automatically accelerates data speeds for
compatible USB 3.0 peripherals without the need for any user interaction.
USB Charger+
With a dedicated onboard controller, quick-charge all your smart devices such as
smartphones, tablets and more, all up to three times faster, even when the system is
powered off, in sleep or hibernation mode.
USB BIOS Flashback

USB BIOS Flashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for your ultimate convenience.
Install a USB storage device containing the BIOS file, press the BIOS Flashback button for
about three seconds, and the UEFI BIOS is automatically updated even without entering
the existing BIOS or operating system. It also allows you to regularly check for UEFI BIOS
updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically.
Network iControl
Network iControl is an intuitive one-step network control center that makes it easier for you to
manage your bandwidth and allows you to set, monitor and schedule the bandwidth priorities
for your network programs.
AI Suite 3
With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite 3 consolidates all the exclusive ASUS
Chapter 1
features into one simple-to-use software package. It allows you to supervise fan speed
control, voltage and sensor readings. This all-in-one software offers diverse and ease to use
functions, with no need to switch back and forth between different utilities.

1.1.7 Other special features
DisplayPort Support
DisplayPort is a digital display interface standard that delivers up to 10.8 Gbps of bandwidth
over standard cables, providing billions of colors and bi-directional communications, thus
enabling the fastest refresh rates, and the highest resolution digital display through a single
cable. Also, it supports HDCP copy protection for Blu-ray discs. Simply output 3D signals
through the connected DisplayPort cable with your 3D display, then you can sit back and
enjoy a perfect 3D animation experience.
HDMI Support
High Definition Multimedia Surface (HDMI) is a set of digital video standards that delivers
mulit-channel audio and uncompressed digital video up to 4K/2K resolution visuals through
a single cable. Supporting HDCP copy protection such as HD DVD and blu-ray discs, HDMI
provides you with the highest quality home theater experience.
ErP Ready
The motherboard is European Union’s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP requires
products to meet certain energy efficiency requirement in regards to energy consumptions.
This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-efficient products
through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the product and thus
mitigate environmental impacts.
Chapter 1

1.2 Motherboard overview
1.2.1 Before you proceed

Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change
any motherboard settings.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.
• Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded
object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due
to static electricity.
• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the
bag that came with the component.
• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is
switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so
may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.
Chapter 1

1.2.2 Motherboard layout
Refer to 1.2.9 Internal connectors and 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection for more information
about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.
Chapter 1

Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page
1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 1-32
2. CPU, optional, chassis, and assistant fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 1-30
4-pin CPU_OPT, 4-pin CHA_FAN1-4, 3-pin ASST_FAN1-2 )
3. LGA1150 CPU socket 1-10
4. DDR3 DIMM slots 1-11
5. MemOK! button 1-22
6. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) 1-27
7. Intel® Z87 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [brown]) 1-26
8. ASMedia® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E12 [beige]) 1-27
9. DirectKey connector (2-pin DRCT) 1-34
10. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 1-33
11. DirectKey button 1-23
12. Thermal sensor connectors (T_SENSOR1, T_SENSOR2, T_SENSOR3) 1-31
13. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112, USB1314) 1-29
14. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) 1-34
15. Standby Power LED 1-25
16. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-24
17. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-28
18. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-31
Chapter 1

1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1150 socket designed for the 4th
Generation Intel® Core™ i7 / Intel® Core™ i5 / Intel® Core™ i3, Pentium® and Celeron®
processors.
• Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.
• Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1150 only. DO NOT install a
CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1150 socket.
• Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and
the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap
is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard
components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/
transit-related.
• Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the
LGA1150 socket.
• The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from
incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP
cap.
Chapter 1

1.2.4 System memory
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules
(DIMM) slots.
A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module. DO NOT install a DDR
or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot.
Recommended memory configurations
Chapter 1

Memory configurations
You may install 2GB, 4GB and 8GB unbuffered and non‑ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM
sockets.
• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps
the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess
memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.
• According to Intel® CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect
the CPU.
• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, we
recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.
• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows® OS, when you install 4GB
or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be
about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the
following:
a) Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows® OS.
b) Install a 64-bit Windows® OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the
motherboard.
c) For more details, refer to the Microsoft® support site at http://support.microsoft.

com/kb/929605/en-us.
• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less
(Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1 Megabyte/MB).
• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect
(SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.
Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a
lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked
or at a higher frequency, refer to section 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory
frequency adjustment.
• For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full
memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.
• Memory modules with memory frequency higher than 2133MHz and their
corresponding timing or the loaded XMP profile is not the JEDEC memory standard.
The stability and compatibility of the memory modules depend on the CPU’s
capabilities and other installed devices.
Chapter 1

SABERTOOTH Z87 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR3 2666 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Chip Timing Voltage DIMM socket
Brand NO. support
(Optional)
2 4
G.SKILL F3-2666CL10Q-16GBZHD(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65 • •
GEIL GOC332GB2666C11QC(XMP) 32GB (4x8GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

Brand NO. support
(Optional)
2 4
G.SKILL F3-20000CL10Q-16GBZHD(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 10-11-11-31 1.65 • •

Brand NO. support
(Optional)
2 4
A-DATA AX3U2400GC4G10(XMP) 4GB DS - - 10-12-12-31 1.65 • •
Apacer 78.BAGFL.AFD0C(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 11-12-12-30 - • •
Apacer 783BAGF3.AFD0C(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 11-11-11-30 - • •
CORSAIR CMZ16GX3M2A2400C10 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - 10-12-12-31 1.65 • •
(Ver4.21)
CORSAIR CMZ16GX3M4A2400C9R 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 2400 9-11-11-31 1.65 • •
(Ver4.13)(XMP)
G.SKILL F3-19200CL10Q- 32GB (4x8GB) DS - - 10-12-12-31 1.65 • •
32GBZHD(XMP)
16GBZHD(XMP)
16GBZHD(XMP)
G.SKILL F3-19200CL9D- 4G (2x2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-28 1.65 •
4GBPIS(XMP)
16GBZMD(XMP)
GEIL GET34GB2400C9DC(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65 • •
GEIL GOC316GB2400C10 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 10-11-11-30 1.65 • •
QC(XMP)
GEIL GOC316GB2400C11 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 11-11-11-30 1.65 • •
QC(XMP)
Kingston KHX2400C11D3K4/ 8GB (4x2GB) SS - - 11-13-11-30 1.65 • •
8GX(XMP)
KINGSTON KHX24C11K4/16X(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 11-13-13-30 1.65 • •
KINGSTON KHX24C11T2K2/8X(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - - 1.65 • •
KINGSTON KHX24C11T3K4/32X(XMP) 32GB (4x8GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 •
Patriot PVV34G2400C9K(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.66 •
Patriot PXD38G2400C11K(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 11-11-11-30 1.65 • •
Patriot PXD38G2400C11K(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 2400 11-11-11-30 1.65 • •
Team TXD38G2400HC 8GB DS - - 10-12-12-31 1.65 • •
10QBK(XMP)
Chapter 1

Brand NO. support
(Optional)
2 4
G.SKILL F3-17600CL7D-4GBFLS(XMP) 4G (2x2GB) DS - - 7-10-10-28 1.65 • •
GEIL GET34GB2200C9DC(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.65 • •
GEIL GET38GB2200C9ADC(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-11-9-28 1.65 • •

Brand NO. support
(Optional)
2 4
A-DATA AX3U2133XC4G10(XMP) 4GB DS - - 10-11-11-30 1.65 • •
A-DATA AX3U2133XW8G10(XMP) 8GB DS - - 10-11-11-30 1.65 • •
Apacer 78.BAGE4.AFD0C(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 - • •
Apacer AHU04GFB33CAQ3R(XMP) 4GB DS - - 11-13-13-31 - • •
CORSAIR CMD8GX3M2A2133C9 (Ver1.5)(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-11-10-27 1.5 • •
CORSAIR CMT4GX3M2B2133C9(Ver7.1)(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • •
CORSAIR CMT4GX3M2B2133C9(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • •
G.SKILL F3-17000CL11Q2-64GBZLD(XMP) 64GB (8x8GB) DS - - 11-11-11-30 1.5 • •
G.SKILL F3-17000CL9Q-16GBXLD(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 9-11-9-28 1.65 • •
G.SKILL F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZH(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 9-11-10-28 1.65 • •
G.SKILL F3-17066CL9D-8GBPID(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •
G.SKILL F3-17066CL9Q-16GBTDD(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 •
G.SKILL F3-2133C11Q-32GZL(XMP) 32GB (4x8GB) DS - - 11-11-11-31 1.5 • •
KINGSTON KHX2133C11D3K4/16GX(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 11-12-11-30 1.65 • •
KINGSTON KHX2133C11D3T1K2/16GX(XMP) 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6 •
KINGSTON KHX21C11T3FK8/64X(XMP) 64GB (8x8GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 •
OCZ OCZ3XTEP2133C9LV4GK 2GB DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.65 •
Patriot PV316G213C1K(XMP) 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - 11-11-11-30 1.5 • •
Patriot PVV34G2133C9K(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.66 • •
Patriot PXD38G2133C11K(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •
Patriot PXD38G2133C11K(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 2133 11-11-11-27 1.5 • •
Team TLD38G2133HC11ABK(XMP) 8GB DS - - 11-11-11-31 1.65 • •
Team TXD34096M2133HC11A-V(XMP) 4GB DS - - 11-11-11-31 1.65 • •

Vendors Part No. Size SS/ Chip Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM
DS Brand socket
support
(Optional)
2 4
AEXEA AXA3ES2G2000LG28V(XMP) 2GB DS - - - 1.65 • •
AEXEA AXA3ES4GK2000LG28V(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - - 1.65 • •
Apacer 78.AAGD5.9KD(XMP) 6GB (3x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 - • •
Asint SLA302G08-ML2HB(XMP) 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83BFRH9C 9-9-9-27 - • •
G.SKILL F3-16000CL9D-4GBRH(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •
G.SKILL F3-16000CL9D-4GBTD(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 •
GEIL GUP34GB2000C9DC(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65 • •
Patriot PV736G2000ELK(XMP) 6GB (3x2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.65 • •
Patriot PX7312G2000ELK(XMP) 12GB (3x4GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65 • •
Chapter 1
Silicon Power SP002GBLYU200S02(XMP) 2GB DS - - - - • •

Team TXD32048M2000C9(XMP) 2GB DS Team T3D1288RT-20 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
Team TXD32048M2000C9-L(XMP) 2GB DS Team T3D1288LT-20 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
Team TXD32048M2000C9-L(XMP) 2GB DS Team T3D1288RT-20 9-9-9-24 1.6 • •

Vendors Part No. Size SS/ Chip Chip Timing Voltage DIMM
DS Brand NO. socket
support
(Optional)
2 4
CORSAIR CMD16GX3M2A1866C9 (Ver5.29)(XMP) 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - 1866 9-9-9-27 1.5 •
CORSAIR CMD8GX3M2A1866C9 (Ver4.13)(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - - 1.5 • •
CORSAIR CMD8GX3M2A1866C9 (Ver5.12)(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 •
CORSAIR CMD8GX3M2A1866C9 (Ver8.16)(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 •
CORSAIR CMT32GX3M4X1866C9(Ver3.23)(XMP) 32GB (4x8GB) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • •
CORSAIR CMZ16GX3M4X1866C9R (Ver8.16)(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • •
CORSAIR CMZ16GX3M4X1866C9R(Ver 8.16)(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • •
CORSAIR CMZ32GX3M4X1866C10 (Ver3.23)(XMP) 32GB (4x8GB) DS - - 10-11-10-27 1.5 • •
CORSAIR CMZ32GX3M4X1866C10(Ver3.23)(XMP) 32GB (4x8GB) DS - - 10-11-10-27 1.5 • •
CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9 (Ver8.16)(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • •
CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 •
CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9G (Ver5.12)(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 1866 9-10-9-27 1.5 • •
Crucial BLE4G3D1869DE1XT0.16FMD(XMP) 4GB DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.5 • •
G.SKILL F3-14900CL10Q2-64GBZLD(XMP) 64GB (8x8GB) DS - - 10-11-10-30 1.5 • •
G.SKILL F3-14900CL9D-8GBSR(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5 • •
G.SKILL F3-14900CL9Q-16GBXL(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5 • •
G.SKILL F3-14900CL9Q-16GBZL(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5 • •
G.SKILL F3-14900CL9Q-8GBFLD(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6 • •
G.SKILL F3-1866C9Q-32GXM(XMP) 32GB (4x8GB) DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5 • •
KINGSTON KHX1866C9D3K2/8GX(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - - 1.65 • •
Patriot PXD34G1866ELK(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •
Patriot PXD38G1866ELK(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65 • •
Patriot PXD38G1866ELK(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65 • •
Patriot PXD38G1866ELK(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 1866 9-10-9-27 1.5 • •
Team TLD34G1866HC9KBK(XMP) 4GB DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.5 • •
Team TLD38G1866HC10SBK(XMP) 8GB DS - - 10-11-10-30 1.5 • •

Brand NO. support (Optional)
2 4
G.SKILL F3-14400CL9D-4GBRL(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6 • •
Vendors Part No. Size SS/ Chip Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket
DS Brand support (Optional)
2 4
A-DATA AD3U1600C2G11 2GB SS MICRON D9PFJ 11-11-11-28 - • •
A-DATA AD3U1600C4G11 4GB DS MICRON D9PFJ 11-11-11-28 - • •
A-DATA AD3U1600W4G11 4GB SS A-DATA 3WCD-1211A 11-11-11-28 - • •
A-DATA AD3U1600W8G11 8GB DS A-DATA 3WCD-1211A 11-11-11-28 - • •
AMD AE32G1609U1-U 2GB SS AMD 23EY4587MB6H - 1.5 • •
AMD AE34G1609U2-U 4GB DS AMD 23EY4587MB6H - 1.5 • •
AMD AP38G1608U2K(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65 • •
Chapter 1
Apacer 78.B1GE3.9L10C 4GB DS Apacer AM5D5908DEQSCK - 1.65 • •

Apacer 78.B1GET.9K00C 4GB SS Apacer AM5D6008BQQSCK 11-11-11-28 - • •
Apacer 78.C1GET.9K10C 8GB DS Apacer AM5D6008BQQSCK 11-11-11-31 - • •
Apacer AHU04GFA60C9Q1D(XMP) 4GB DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65 • •
Apacer AHU04GFA60C9Q3R(XMP) 4GB DS - - 11-11-11-28 - • •
Apacer AHU08GFA60CBT3R(XMP) 8GB DS - - 9-9-9-24 - • •
Asint SLA302G08-EGG1C(XMP) 4GB DS Asint 302G08-GG1C 9-9-9-27 - • •

Vendors Part No. Size SS/ Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM
DS socket
support
(Optional)
2 4
Asint SLA302G08-EGJ1C(XMP) 4GB DS Asint 302G08-GJ1C 9-9-9-27 - • •
Asint SLA302G08-EGN1C 4GB DS ASint 302G08-GN1C - - • •
Asint SLB304G08-EGN1B 8GB DS ASint 304G08-GN1B - - • •
Asint SLZ302G08-EGN1C 2GB SS ASint 302G08-GN1C - - • •
Asint SLZ3128M8-EGJ1D(XMP) 2GB DS Asint 3128M8-GJ1D - - • •
ATP AQ12M64B8BKK0S 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G08460 - NO • •
CORSAIR CMD16GX3M2A1600C9 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 •
(Ver8.21)(XMP)
CORSAIR CMD8GX3M2A1600C8 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 1600 8-8-8-24 1.5 • •
(Ver5.12)(XMP)
CORSAIR CMD8GX3M2A1600C9 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
(Ver2.12)(XMP)
CORSAIR CMG4GX3M2A1600C6 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 6-6-6-18 1.65 • •
CORSAIR CML16GX3M4X1600C8(Ver 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - Heat-Sink 1.5 • •
2.12)(XMP) Package
CORSAIR CMP6GX3M3A1600C8(XMP) 6GB (3x2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • •
CORSAIR CMP6GX3M3A1600C8(XMP) 6GB (3x2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • •
CORSAIR CMX6GX3M3C1600C7(XMP) 6GB (3x2GB) DS - - 7-8-7-20 1.65 • •
CORSAIR CMX8GX3M2A1600C9 8GB (2x4GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •
(Ver3.19)(XMP)
CORSAIR CMZ16GX3M2A1600C10 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - 10-10-10-27 1.5 • •
(Ver.3.24)(XMP)
CORSAIR CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
CORSAIR CMZ32GX3M4X1600C10 32GB (4x8GB) DS - - 10-10-10-27 1.5 • •
(Ver2.2)(XMP)
CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M4X1600C9(Ver 8GB (4x2GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
2.12)(XMP)
CORSAIR HX3X12G1600C9(XMP) 12GB (6x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6 • •
Crucial BL12864BN1608.8FF(XMP) 2GB (2x1GB) SS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • •
Crucial BLT4G3D1608DT1TX0.16F 4GB DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.5 • •
M(XMP)
EK Memory EKM324L28BP8-I16(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9 - • •
EK Memory EKM324L28BP8-I16(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9 - • •
Elixir M2X2G64CB88G7N-DG(XMP) 2GB SS Elixir N2CB2G80GN- 9-9-9-28 - • •
DG
Elixir M2X4G64CB8HG5N-DG(XMP) 4GB DS Elixir N2CB2G80GN- 9-9-9-28 - • •
DG
Elixir M2X8G64CB8HB5N-DG(XMP) 8GB DS Elixir N2CB4G80BN- 9-9-9-28 1.5 • •
DG
G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-8GBRH(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 7-8-7-24 1.6 • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL7Q-16GBXH(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 7-8-7-24 1.6 • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL8D-8GBECO(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.35 •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR2(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.25 • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL9Q-16GBXL(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
G.Skill F3-12800CL9Q-16GBZL(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
G.SKILL F3-1600C9Q-32GXM(XMP) 32GB (4x8GB) DS - - - 1.5 • •
GEIL GET316GB1600C9QC(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.6 • •
GEIL GUP34GB1600C7DC(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.6 • •
GoodRam GR1600D364L9/2G 2GB DS GoodRam GF1008KC-JN - - • •
KINGMAX FLGE85F-C8KL9A(XMP) 2GB SS KINGMAX N/A 9-9-9-28 - • •
KINGMAX FLGF65F-C8KL9A(XMP) 4GB DS KINGMAX N/A 9-9-9-28 - • •
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX(XMP) 12GB (3x4GB) DS - - - 1.65 • •
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX(XMP) 12GB (3x4GB) DS - - 9 1.65 • •
Chapter 1

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3LK2/8GX(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.35 • •
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3P1K2/8G 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9 1.5 • •
KINGSTON KHX16C10B1K2/16X(XMP) 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - - 1.5 • •
KINGSTON KHX16C9K2/16 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - 1333-9-9- 1.5 • •
9-24
KINGSTON KHX16C9P1K2/16 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - - 1.5 • •

DS socket
support
(Optional)
2 4
KINGSTON KVR16N11/4 4G DS Hynix H5TQ2G83CFRPBC - 1.5 • •
KINGTIGER KTG2G1600PG3(XMP) 2GB DS - - - - • •
MICRON MT16JTF1G64AZ-1G6D1 8GB DS MICRON D9PBC - 1.5 • •
MICRON MT16KTF51264AZ-1G6M1 4GB DS MICRON D9PFJ - - • •
MICRON MT8KTF25664AZ-1G6M1 2GB SS MICRON D9PFJ - - • •
Mushkin 996805(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 6-8-6-24 1.65 • •
Mushkin 998805(XMP) 6GB (3x2GB) DS - - 6-8-6-24 1.65 • •
OCZ OCZ3BE1600C8LV4GK 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 8-8-8 1.65 •
Patriot PGD316G1600ELK(XMP) 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - - 1.65 • •
Patriot PGD316G1600ELK(XMP) 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
Patriot PGD38G1600ELK(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 •
Patriot PGS34G1600LLKA 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.7 • •
Patriot PGS34G1600LLKA2 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.7 • •
Patriot PV316G160C9QKRD(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
Patriot PV38G160C9KRD(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
Patriot PVV38G1600LLK(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 8-9-8-24 1.65 • •
Patriot PX7312G1600LLK(XMP) 12GB (3x4GB) DS - - 8-9-8-24 1.65 • •
Patriot PXD38G1600LLK(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 1600 8-9-8-24 1.65 • •
PSC AL9F8L93B-GN2E 4GB SS PSC A3P4GF3BLF - - • •
PSC ALAF8L93B-GN2E 8GB DS PSC A3P4GF3BLF - - • •
SanMax SMD-4G68HP-16KZ 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83BFRPBC - 1.5 • •
SanMax SMD-4G68NG-16KK 4GB DS ELPIDA J2108BDBG-GN-F - - • •
Silicon SP002GBLTU160V02(XMP) 2GB SS S-POWER 20YT5NG 9-11-11-28 1.5 • •
Power
Silicon SP004GBLTU160V02(XMP) 4GB DS S-POWER 20YT5NG 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
Power
Team TXD34096M1600HC9-D(XMP) 4GB DS Hynix H5TC2G83BFRH9A 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
Transcend JM1600KLH-8G(626633) 8GB DS Transcend TK963EBF3 - - • •
Transcend TS1GLK64V6H(620945) 8GB DS SAMSUNG K4B4G0846B - - • •

DS socket
support
(Optional)
2 4
ACTICA ACT1GHU64B8F1333S 1GB SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846F - - • •
ACTICA ACT1GHU72C8G1333S 1GB SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846F(ECC) - - • •
ACTICA ACT2GHU64B8G1333M 2GB DS Micron D9KPT - - • •
ACTICA ACT2GHU72D8G1333M 2GB DS Micron D9KPT(ECC) - - • •
ACTICA ACT2GHU72D8G1333S 2GB DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846F(ECC) - - • •
ACTICA ACT4GHU64B8H1333H 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83AFR - - • •
ACTICA ACT4GHU72D8H1333H 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83AFR(ECC) - - • •
AMD AE32G1339U1-U 2GB SS AMD 23EY4587MB3H - 1.5 • •
AMD AE34G1339U2-U 4GB DS AMD 23EY4587MB3H - 1.5 • •
Apacer 78.A1GC6.9L1 2GB DS Apacer AM5D5808FEQSBG 9 - • •
Apacer 78.B1GDE.9L10C 4GB DS Apacer AM5D5908CEHSBG 9 - • •
Asint SLA302G08-EDJ1C 2GB SS ASint 302G08-DJ1C - - • •
Asint SLZ302G08-EDJ1C 4GB DS ASint 302G08-DJ1C - - • •
ATP AQ12M72E8BKH9S 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846C(ECC) - - • •
BUFFALO D3U1333-1G 1GB SS Elpida J1108BFBG-DJ-F - - • •
Chapter 1
BUFFALO D3U1333-2G 2GB DS Elpida J1108BFBG-DJ-F - • •

BUFFALO D3U1333-4G 4GB DS NANYA NT5CB256M8BN-CG - • •
CORSAIR CMV4GX3M2A1333C9 4GB (2x2GB) SS - N/A 9-9-9-24 - • •
CORSAIR CMV8GX3M2A1333C9 8GB (2x4GB) DS - N/A 9-9-9-24 - • •
CORSAIR CMX8GX3M1A1333C9 (Ver2.2) 8GB DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 •
CORSAIR CMX8GX3M1A1333C9 (Ver3.23) 8GB DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 •
CORSAIR CMX8GX3M2A1333C9(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
CORSAIR TW3X4G1333C9A 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 •

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM
socket
support
(Optional)
2 4
EK Memory EKM324L28BP8-I13 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9 - • •
G.SKILL F3-10600CL9D-4GBNT 4GB (2x2GB) DS G.SKILL D3 128M8CE9 2GB 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
G.SKILL F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
G.SKILL F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
G.SKILL F3-10666CL9D-8GBXL 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
GEIL GB34GB1333C7DC 4GB (2x2GB) DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA15FW 7-7-7-24 1.5 • •
GEIL GET316GB1333C9QC 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
GEIL GG34GB1333C9DC 4GB (2x2GB) DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA115FW 9-9-9-24 1.3 • •
GEIL GG34GB1333C9DC 4GB (2x2GB) DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA15B 9-9-9-24 1.3 • •
GEIL GVP34GB1333C9DC 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
GEIL GVP38GB1333C9DC 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
GoodRam GR1333D364L9/2G 2GB DS Qimonda IDSH1G-03A1F1C-13H - - • •
Hynix HMT125U6TFR8A-H9 2GB DS Hynix H5TC1G83TFR - - • •
INNODISK M3UN-2GHJBC09 2GB SS Hynix H5TQ2G83CFRH9C 9-9-9-24 - • •
INNODISK M3UN-4GHJAC09 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83CFRH9C 9-9-9-24 - • •
KINGMAX FLFE85F-B8KL9 2GB DS KINGMAX KFB8FNLXL-BNF-15A - - • •
KINGMAX FLFE85F-C8KL9 2GB SS KINGMAX KFC8FNLBF-GXX-12A - - • •
KINGMAX FLFE85F-C8KL9 2GB SS KINGMAX KFC8FNLXF-DXX-15A - - • •
KINGMAX FLFE85F-C8KM9 2GB SS Kingmax KFC8FNMXF-BXX-15A - - • •
KINGMAX FLFF65F-C8KL9 4GB DS KINGMAX KFC8FNLBF-GXX-12A - - • •
KINGMAX FLFF65F-C8KL9 4GB DS KINGMAX KFC8FNLXF-DXX-15A - - • •
KINGMAX FLFF65F-C8KM9 4GB DS Kingmax KFC8FNMXF-BXX-15A - - • •
KINGSTON KVR1333D3E9S/4G 4GB DS Elpida J2108ECSE-DJ-F 9 1.5 •
KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9H/4G 4GB DS ELPIDA J2108BDBG-GN-F - 1.5 • •
KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9H/8G 8GB DS ELPIDA J4208EASE-DJ-F 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •
KINGSTON KVR13N9S8H/4 4GB SS ELPIDA J4208BBBG-GN-F - 1.5 • •
KINGTIGER F10DA2T1680 2GB DS KINGTIGER KTG1333PS1208NST- - - • •
C9
KINGTIGER KTG2G1333PG3 2GB DS - - - - • •
Mach Xtreme MXD3U133316GQ 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - - - • •
Mach Xtreme MXD3V23332GS 2GB SS Mach Xtreme C2S46D30-D313 - - • •
MICRON MT8JTF25664AZ-1G4M1 2GB SS MICRON D9PFJ - - • •
OCZ OCZ3G1333LV4GK 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 •
OCZ OCZ3RPR1333C9LV8GK 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 •
Patriot PG38G1333EL(XMP) 8GB DS - - - 1.5 • •
Patriot PSD32G13332 2GB DS Prtriot PM128M8D3BU-15 9 - • •
RiDATA C304627CB1AG22Fe 2GB DS RiDATA C304627CB1AG22Fe 9 - • •
RiDATA E304459CB1AG32Cf 4GB DS RiDATA E304459CB1AG32Cf 9 - • •
SAMSUNG M378B5273CH0-CH9 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846C - - • •
Silicon Power SP001GBLTE133S01 1GB SS NANYA NT5CB128M8AN-CG - - • •
Silicon Power SP001GBLTU133S02 1GB SS S-POWER 10YT3E5 9 - • •
Silicon Power SP002GBLTU133V02 2GB SS S-POWER 20YT3NG 9-9-9-24 - • •
Silicon Power SP004GBLTU133V02 4GB DS S-POWER 20YT3NG 9-9-9-24 - •
Team TED34096M1333HC9 4GB DS Team T3D2568LT-13 - - • •
Transcend JM1333KLH-8G(623654) 8GB DS Transcend TK963EBF3 - - • •
Transcend TS1GLK64V3H(620053) 8GB DS MICRON D9QBJ - - • •
Chapter 1

Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided DIMM support:
(1) Supports one (1) module inserted into any slot as Single-channel memory
configuration. We suggest that you install the module into A2 slot.
(2) Supports two (2) modules inserted into either the dark brown slots or the beige slots
as one pair of Dual-channel memory configuration. We suggest that you install the
modules into slots A2 and B2 for better compatibility.
(4) Supports four (4) modules inserted into both the dark brown slots and beige slots as
two pairs of Dual-channel memory configuration.
• ASUS exclusively provides hyper DIMM support function.
• Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs. Load
the X.M.P. or D.O.C.P. settings in the BIOS for the hyper DIMM support.
• Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.
Chapter 1

1.2.5 Expansion slots
Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may
cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
Slot No. Slot Description

1 PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot
2 PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot
4 PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_2 slot
Chapter 1

PCI Express sharing mode
PCIe x16_3
Configuration PCIe x16_3 PCIe x1_1 PCIe x1_2 PCIe x1_3 eSATA 6Gb/s
x1 mode x1 x1 x1 x1 Disabled
x4 mode x4 Disabled Disabled Disabled Disabled
eSATA mode x1 N/A x1 x1 Enabled
• We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI™
mode.
• Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1-4 when

using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.
IRQ assignments for this motherboard
A B C D E F G H
PCIe x16_1 shared – – – – – – –
PCIe x16_2 – shared – – – – – –
PCIe x16_3 shared – – – – – – –
PCIe x1_1 shared – – – – – – –
PCIe x1_2 – shared – – – – – –
PCIe x1_3 – – shared – – – – –
SMBUS Controller – – shared – – – – –
Intel® SATA Controller – – – shared – – – –
Intel® LAN – – – – shared – – –
USB 2.0 (mid-board) shared – – – – – – –
USB 2.0 (rear I/O) – – – – – – – shared
USB 3.0 – – – – – shared – –
ASM1061 SATA
– – shared – – – – –
Controller (rear I/O)
ASM1061 SATA
– – shared – – – – –
Controller (mid-board)
HD Audio – – – – – – shared –
Chapter 1

1.2.6 Onboard buttons
Onboard buttons allow you to fine-tune performance when working on a bare or open-
case system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to
enhance system performance.
1. MemOK! button
Installing DIMMs that are not compatible with the motherboard may cause system
boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! switch lights continuously. Press
and hold the MemOK! button until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic
memory compatibility tuning for successful boot.
• Refer to section 1.2.8 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.
• The DRAM_LED also lights up when the DIMM is not properly installed. Turn off the
system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! function.
• The MemOK! button does not function under Windows® OS environment.
• During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. It
takes about 30 seconds for the system to test one set of failsafe settings. If the test
fails, the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe settings. The blinking speed
of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes.
• Due to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each
timing set is tested. If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning
process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones
recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on
the ASUS website at www.asus.com.
• If you turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system
Chapter 1
continues memory tuning after turning on the computer. To stop memory tuning, turn
off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 5–10 seconds.
• If your system fails to boot up due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! button
to boot and load the BIOS default settings. A message will appear during POST
reminding you that the BIOS has been restored to its default settings.
• We recommend that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from the
ASUS website at www.asus.com after using the MemOK! function.

2. DirectKey button
This feature allows your system to go to the BIOS Setup program with the press of a
button. With DirectKey, you can enter the BIOS anytime without having to press the
<Delete> key during POST. It also allows you to turn on or turn off your system and
conveniently enter the BIOS during boot-up.
Ensure to save your data before using the DirectKey button.
• When the system is on and you press the DirectKey button, your system will shut
down. Press the DirectKey button again or the Power-on button to reboot and enter
the BIOS directly.
• Turn off your system using the power-on button to allow your system to go through
POST (without entering the BIOS) when you reboot your system.
• Refer to section 3.8 Boot Menu for details about setting the DirectKey default
function.
Chapter 1

1.2.7 Jumpers
1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)
This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can
clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing
the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in
CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords.
To erase the RTC RAM:

1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for
about 5-10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.
3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
4. Hold down the <Delete> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter
data.
Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default
position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!
• If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper
again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After the CMOS clearance, reinstall the
battery.
• You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For
system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature.
Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter
Chapter 1
settings to default values.
• Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is required to enable C.P.R. function. You
must turn off and on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before
rebooting the system.

1.2.8 Onboard LEDs
1. POST State LEDs
The POST State LEDs provide the status of these key components during POST
(Power-On-Self Test): CPU, memory modules, VGA card, and hard disk drive.s If an
error is found, the critical component’s LED stays lit up until the problem is solved.
2. Standby Power LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up to
indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft‑off mode. This is a reminder
that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or
plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of
the onboard LED.
Chapter 1

1.2.9 Internal connectors
1. Intel Z87 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [brown])
®
These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0
Gb/s signal cables.
If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10
configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® Z87
chipset.
• These connectors are set to [AHCI Mode] by default. If you intend to create a Serial
ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [RAID
Mode]. Refer to section 3.6.3 SATA Configuration for details.
• Before creating a RAID set, refer to section 5.1 RAID configurations or the manual
bundled in the motherboard support DVD.
Chapter 1

2. ASMedia® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E12 [beige])
These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0
Gb/s signal cables.
• ASMedia storage controller can only support AHCI mode.
• These SATA ports are for data drives only.
3. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34)

This connector allows you to connect a USB 3.0 module for additional USB 3.0 front
or rear panel ports. With an installed USB 3.0 module, you can enjoy all the benefits of
USB 3.0 including faster data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps, faster charging time for
USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency, and backward compatibility with
USB 2.0.
Chapter 1
• The USB 3.0 module is purchased separately.
• These connectors are based on xHCI specification. We recommend you to install the
related driver to fully use the USB 3.0 ports under Windows® 7 or later Windows® OS.

4. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Connect
the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot
opening at the back of the system chassis.
The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

Chapter 1

5. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112; USB1314)
These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of
these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system
chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to
48 MBps connection speed.
DO NOT connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the
motherboard!
You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, dark brown)
first, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard if your chassis
supports front panel USB ports.
The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.
Chapter 1

6. CPU, optional, chassis, and assistant fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-4; 3-pin ASST_FAN1-2)
Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the
black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.
• DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow
inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers!
Do not place jumper caps on the fan connectors!
• Ensure that the CPU FAN cable is securely installed to the CPU fan connector.
• The CPU_FAN connector supports the CPU fan of maximum 1A (12 W) fan power.
• The CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN and ASST_FAN connectors support the TUF Thermal
Radar 2 feature.
• To fully use the fan control function, ensure that you connect only an assistant fan to
the ASST_FAN connectors.
Chapter 1

7. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports
either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel
audio I/O module cable to this connector.
• We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this
connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-definition audio capability.
• If you want to connect a high-definition or an AC’97 front panel audio module to this
connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD] or [AC97].
8. Thermal Sensor connectors (2-pin T_SENSOR1; T_SENSOR2;T_SENSOR3)

These connectors are for the thermistor cables that monitor the temperature of the
devices and the critical components inside the motherboard. Connect the thermistor
cable and place the sensor on the device or the motherboard’s component to detect its
temperature.
Chapter 1

9. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)
These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are
designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and
push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
• For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit
(PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2.0 (or later version) and provides a
minimum power of 350 W.
• DO NOT forget to connect the 4-pin/8-pin EATX12 V power plug. Otherwise, the
system will not boot.
• We recommend that you use a PSU with a higher power output when configuring a
system with more power-consuming devices. The system may become unstable or
may not boot up if the power is inadequate.
• If you want to use two or more high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with
1000W power or above to ensure the system stability.
• If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system,
refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus.
com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.
Chapter 1

10. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.
• System power LED (2-pin PLED)

This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED
cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system
power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.
• Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)
This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable
to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or flashes when data is read from or written to
the HDD.
• System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)
This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The speaker
allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.
• ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)
This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button turns the
system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending on the operating
system settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds while the
system is ON turns the system OFF.
• Reset button (2-pin RESET)
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without
turning off the system power.
Chapter 1

11. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)
This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which securely
store keys, digital certificates, passwords and data. A TPM system also helps enhance
the network security, protects digital identities, and ensures platform integrity.
12. DirectKey connector (2-pin DRCT)

This connector is for the chassis-mounted button that supports the DirectKey function.
Connect the button cable that supports DirectKey, from the chassis to this connector on
the motherboard.
Chapter 1
Ensure that your chassis comes with the extra button cable that supports the DirectKey
feature. Refer to the technical documentation that came with the chassis for details.

2
Chapter 2: Basic installation
Basic installation
2.1 Building your PC system
2.1.1 Motherboard installation
The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with
models, but the installation steps are the same for all models.
1. Install the ASUS Q-Shield to the chassis rear I/O panel.
2. Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are aligned to
the chassis’ rear I/O panel. Chapter 2

3. Place nine screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the
chassis.
Chapter 2
DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
2-2 Chapter 2: Basic installation

2.1.2 CPU installation
Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1150 socket only. DO NOT install
a CPU designed for LGA155 and LGA1156 socket on the LGA1150 socket.
Chapter 2

2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation
Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the

CPU heatsink and CPU before you install
the heatsink and fan, if necessary.
To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly

Chapter 2

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly
Chapter 2

2.1.4 DIMM installation
To remove a DIMM
Chapter 2

2.1.5 ATX Power connection
OR OR
Chapter 2

2.1.6 SATA device connection
OR
OR
Chapter 2

2.1.7 Front I/O Connector
To install ASUS Q-Connector
HDD LED+ IDE LED

HDD LED-
R SW
PWR POWE
Ground
SW
Reset RESET
Ground
To install USB 2.0 connector To install front panel audio connector
AAFP
USB 2.0
To install USB 3.0 Connector

Chapter 2
USB 3.0

2.1.8 Expansion Card installation
To install PCIe x16 cards
To install PCIe x1 cards

Chapter 2

2.2 BIOS update utility
USB BIOS Flashback
USB BIOS Flashback allows you to easily update the BIOS without entering the existing
BIOS or operating system. Simply insert a USB storage device to the USB port, press the
USB BIOS Flashback button for three seconds, and the BIOS is updated automatically.
To use USB BIOS Flashback:

1. Place the bundled support DVD to the optical drive and install the USB BIOS
Flashback Wizard. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.
2. Insert the USB storage device to the USB Flashback port.
We recommend you to use a USB 2.0 storage device to save the latest BIOS version for
better compatibility and stability.
3. Launch the USB BIOS Flashback Wizard to automatically download the latest BIOS
version.
4. Press the BIOS Flashback button for three seconds until a flashing light appears, which
indicates that the BIOS Flashback function is enabled.
5. Wait until the light goes out, indicating that the BIOS updating process is completed.
USB BIOS Flashback button USB BIOS

Flashback port
For more BIOS update utilities in BIOS setup, refer to the section 3.11 Updating BIOS in
Chapter 3.
• Do not unplug portable disk, power system, or use the CLR_CMOS jumper while
BIOS update is ongoing, otherwise update will be interrupted. In case of interruption,
please follow the steps again.
• If the light flashes for five seconds and turns into a solid light, this means that the
Chapter 2
BIOS Flashback is not operating properly. This may be caused by improper installation
of the USB storage device and filename/file format error. If this scenario happens,
please restart the system to turn off the light.
• Updating BIOS may have risks. If the BIOS program is damaged during the process
and results to the system’s failure to boot up, please contact your local ASUS Service
Center.

2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections
2.3.1 Rear I/O connection
Rear panel connectors

1. USB 2.0 ports 7-10 6. External SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports
2. USB 3.0 ports 5-6 7. DisplayPort
3. Optical S/PDIF Out port 8. HDMI port
4. LAN (RJ-45) port* 9. USB 3.0 ports 1-2, support ASUS USB
3.0 Boost. Bottom port supports USB
BIOS Flashback and USB Charger+
5. USB BIOS Flashback button 10. Audio I/O ports**
Chapter 2
* and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LEDs, and audio port definitions.

• USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only.
• We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 devices to USB 3.0 ports for faster
and better performance for your USB 3.0 devices.
• Due to the design of the Intel® 8 series chipset, all USB devices connected to the
USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports are controlled by the xHCI controller. Some legacy USB
devices must update their firmware for better compatibility.
* LAN ports LED indications

Activity Link LED Speed LED
Status Description Status Description
ACT/LINK SPEED
Off No link Off 10 Mbps connection LED LED
Orange Linked Orange 100 Mbps connection

Orange (Blinking) Data activity Green 1 Gbps connection
Orange (Blinking Ready to wake up LAN port
then steady) from S5 mode
** Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration

Port Headset 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel
2-channel
Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In
Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In
Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer
Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out
Gray – – – Side Speaker Out
Chapter 2

2.3.2 Audio I/O connections
Audio I/O ports
Connect to Headphone and Mic
Connect to Stereo Speakers
Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

2.4 Starting up for the first time

1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.
2. Ensure that all switches are off.
3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis.
4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.
5. Turn on the devices in the following order:
a. Monitor
b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)
c. System power
6. After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case lights up.
For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up when you press the
ATX power button. If your monitor complies with the “green” standards or if it has a
“power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up or change from orange to green
after the system LED turns on.
The system then runs the power-on self tests (POST). While the tests are running, the
BIOS beeps (refer to the BIOS beep codes table) or additional messages appear on
Chapter 2
the screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on
the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Check the jumper settings and
connections or call your retailer for assistance.

BIOS Beep Description
One short beep VGA detected
Quick boot set to disabled
No keyboard detected
One continuous beep followed by two No memory detected
short beeps then a pause (repeated)
One continuous beep followed by three No VGA detected
short beeps
One continuous beep followed by four Hardware component failure
short beeps
7. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the
instructions in Chapter 3.
2.5 Turning off the computer

While the system is ON, press the power button for less than four seconds to put the system
on sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Press the power switch
for more than four seconds to let the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS
setting.
Chapter 2

Chapter 2

3
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
BIOS setup
3.1 Knowing BIOS
The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unified Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI
architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-
only BIOS controls to enable a more flexible and convenient mouse input. You can easily
navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as your operating system. The
term “BIOS” in this user manual refers to “UEFI BIOS” unless otherwise specified.
BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage
device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot
device configuration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In
normal circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure
optimal performance. DO NOT change the default BIOS settings except in the following
circumstances:
q An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you
to run the BIOS Setup.
q You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or
update.
Inappropriate BIOS settings may result to instability or boot failure. We strongly

recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service
personnel.
When downloading or updating the BIOS file, rename it as Z87ST.CAP for this
motherboard.
Chapter 3

3.2 BIOS setup program
Use the BIOS Setup to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screen
include navigation keys and brief onscreen help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup
program.
Entering BIOS at startup

To enter BIOS Setup at startup, press <Delete> during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you
do not press <Delete>, POST continues with its routines.
Entering BIOS Setup after POST

To enter BIOS Setup after POST:
q Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete> simultaneously.
q Press the reset button on the system chassis.
q Press the power button to turn the system off then back on. Do this option only if you
failed to enter BIOS Setup using the first two options.
• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and
may not exactly match what you see on your screen.
• Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to your motherboard if you want to use the
mouse to control the BIOS setup program.
• If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default
settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized
Defaults item under the Exit menu or press hotkey <F5>. See section 3.10 Exit Menu
for details.
• If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and
reset the motherboard to the default value. See section 1.2.7 Jumpers for information
on how to erase the RTC RAM via the Clear CMOS jumper.
• The BIOS setup program does not support the bluetooth devices.
BIOS menu screen

The BIOS Setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode.
You can change modes from the Exit menu or from the Exit/Advanced Mode screen.
Chapter 3
3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.2.1 EZ Mode
By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ
Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select
the display language, system performance mode and boot device priority. To access the
Advanced Mode, click Exit/Advanced Mode, then select Advanced Mode or press <F7> hot
key for the advanced BIOS settings.
The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the
Setup Mode item in section 3.8 Boot menu for details.
Exits the BIOS setup program

Displays the CPU/motherboard without saving the changes, saves
temperature, CPU/5V/3.3V/12V voltage Selects the display language the changes and resets the system,
output, CPU/chassis/power fan speed of the BIOS setup program or enters the Advanced Mode
Selects the Advanced Displays the Advanced Selects the boot Loads optimized
mode functions mode menus device priority default settings
Displays the system properties of the
Selects the boot selected mode on the right hand side
device priority
Chapter 3
• The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system.
• The Boot Menu (F8) button is available only when the boot device is installed to the
system.

3.2.2 Advanced Mode
The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure
the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the
following sections for the detailed configurations.
To access the Advanced Mode, click Exit, then select Advanced Mode or press F7 hotkey.
Menu bar General help

Back button
Menu items Submenu item Pop-up window Configuration fields Scroll bar Navigation keys Last modified
settings
Quick note
Menu bar
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:
My Favorites For saving the frequently-used system settings and configuration.

Main For changing the basic system configuration
Ai Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings
Chapter 3
Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing the
Monitor
fan settings.
Boot For changing the system boot configuration
Tool For configuring options for special functions
Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings

Menu items
The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example,
selecting Main shows the Main menu items.
The other items (My Favorites, Ai Tweaker, Advanced, Monitor, Boot, Tool, and Exit) on the
menu bar have their respective menu items.
Back button
This button appears when entering a submenu. Press <Esc> or use the USB mouse to click
this button to return to the previous menu screen.
Submenu items
A greater than sign (>) before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a
submenu. To display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.
Pop-up window
Select a menu item and press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the configuration
options for that item.
Scroll bar
A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that do not fit on
the screen. Press the Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> / <Page Down> keys to display the
other items on the screen.
Navigation keys
At the bottom right corner of the menu screen are the navigation keys for the BIOS setup
program. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.
If you delete all shortcut items from the F3: Shortcut list, the default shortcut items will
reappear after your next startup.
General help
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item. Use
<F12> key to capture the BIOS screen and save it to the removable storage device.
Configuration fields
These fields show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-configurable, you can
change the value of the field opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not
user-configurable.
A configurable field is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a field, select it and
press <Enter> to display a list of options.
Quick Note button

Chapter 3
This button allows you to enter notes of the activities that you have done in BIOS.
• The Quick Note function does not support the following keyboard functions: delete,
cut, copy and paste.
• You can only use the alphanumeric characters to enter your notes.

Last Modified button
This button shows the items that you last modified and saved in BIOS Setup.
3.3 My Favorites
MyFavorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite
BIOS items.
Adding items to My Favorites

To add frequently-used BIOS items to My Favorites:
1. Use the arrow keys to select an item that you want to add. When using a mouse, hover
the pointer to the item.
2. Press <F4> on your keyboard or right-click on your mouse to add the item to My
Favorites page.
Chapter 3
You cannot add the following items to My Favorites:
• Items with submenu options
• User-configurable items such as language and boot device order
• Configuration items such as Memory SPD Information, system time and date

3.4 Main menu
The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup
program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and
allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings.
Security
The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings.
• If you have forgotten your BIOS password, erase the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC)
Chapter 3
RAM to clear the BIOS password. See section 1.2.7 Jumpers for information on how
to erase the RTC RAM via the Clear CMOS jumper.
• The Administrator or User Password items on top of the screen show the default [Not
Installed]. After you set a password, these items show [Installed].

Administrator Password
If you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator
password for accessing the system. Otherwise, you might be able to see or change only
selected fields in the BIOS setup program.
To set an administrator password:

1. Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.
2. From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.
3. Confirm the password when prompted.
To change an administrator password:

1. Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.
2. From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press
<Enter>.
3. From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.
To clear the administrator password, follow the same steps as in changing an administrator
password, but press <Enter> when prompted to create/confirm the password. After you clear
the password, the Administrator Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed.
User Password
If you have set a user password, you must enter the user password for accessing the system.
The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a
password, this item shows Installed.
To set a user password:

1. Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.
2. From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.
Chapter 3

To change a user password:
1. Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.
2. From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press
<Enter>.
3. From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.
To clear the user password, follow the same steps as in changing a user password, but press
<Enter> when prompted to create/confirm the password. After you clear the password, the
User Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed.
3.5 Ai Tweaker menu

The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure the overclocking-related items.
Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field
values can cause the system to malfunction.
The configuration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you
installed on the motherboard.
Scroll down to display other BIOS items.
Chapter 3

Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]
Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal
frequency. Select any of these preset overclocking configuration options:
[Auto] Loads the optimal settings for the system.
[Manual] Allows you to automatically optimize the CPU ratio and BCLK frequency.
[X.M.P.] Allows your system to automatically optimize the CPU ratio, BCLK
frequency, and memory parameters. If you install memory modules
supporting the eXtreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) Technology, select this
item to set the profiles supported by your memory modules for optimizing
the system performance.
The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner to [Manual].
Filter PLL [Auto]

Allows you to select a BCLK (base clock) mode when running in a high or low BCLK.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Low BCLK Mode] [High BCLK Mode]
BCLK Frequency [100.0]
Allows you to set the BCLK frequency to enhance the system performance. Use the
<+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 80.0MHz to 300.0MHz.
The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner to [X.M.P.].
eXtreme Memory Profile

Allows you to select the X.M.P. mode supported by your memory module.
Configuration options: [Profile #1] [Profile #2]
ASUS MultiCore Enhancement [Enabled]
[Enabled] Default set to [Enabled] for maximum performance under XMP/Manual/
User-defined memory frequency mode.
[Disabled] Allows you to set to default core ratio settings.
CPU Core Ratio [Sync All Cores]

Allows you to set the CPU ratio and synchronize automatically either per core or all cores.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Sync All Cores] [Per Core]
When the CPU Core Ratio is set to [Sync All Cores], the following item appears:
1-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]

Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting or manually
Chapter 3
assign a 1-Core Limit value that must be higher than or equal to the 2-Core
Ratio Limit.
Ratio Limit.

If you assign a value for 2-Core Ratio Limit, do not set the 1-Core Ratio Limit to [Auto].

Ratio Limit.
If you assign a value for 3-Core Ratio Limit, do not set the 1-Core Ratio Limit and 2-Core
Ratio Limit to [Auto].

Ratio Limit.
If you assign a value for 4-Core Ratio Limit, do not set the 1-Core Ratio Limit, 2-Core Ratio
Limit, and 3-Core Ratio to [Auto].
Min CPU Cache Ratio [Auto]

Allows you to set the minimum possible ratio on the Uncore part of the processor. Use the
<+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values depend on the CPU installed.
Max CPU Cache Ratio [Auto]

Allows you to set the maximum possible ratio on the Uncore part of the processor. Use the
<+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values depend on the CPU installed.
Internal PLL Overvoltage [Auto]

Allows you to enable the internal PLL Overvoltage for K-SKU CPUs to get the extreme
overclocking capability.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]
CPU bus speed : DRAM speed ratio mode [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU bus speed to DRAM speed ratio mode.
[Auto] DRAM speed is set to the optimized settings.
[100:133] The CPU bus speed to DRAM speed ratio is set to 100:133.
[100:100] The CPU bus speed to DRAM speed ratio is set to 100:100.
Memory Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the memory operating frequency. The configuration options vary with the
BCLK/PCIE Frequency item settings.
Chapter 3
CPU Graphics Max. Ratio [Auto]

[Auto] Allows you to automatically optimize the CPU Graphics Ratio depending on
the system loading.
[Manual] Allows you to set a value for an optimal CPU Grapics Ratio. Use the <+> or
<-> keys to adjust the CPU graphics ratio. The minimum value depends on
the installed CPU.

OC Tuner [As Is]
OC Tuner automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of CPU and DRAM for
enhancing the system performance and accelerates the iGPU performance to the extreme
according to the integrated graphics loading.
Configuration options: [As Is] [Ratio Only] [BCLK First]
EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
DRAM Timing Control

The subitems in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features. Use the <+> or
<-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and
press the <Enter> key.
Changing the values in this menu may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default settings.
Primary Timings
DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto]
DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto]
DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto]
DRAM COMMAND Mode [Auto]
Secondary Timings
DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto]
DRAM REF Cycle Time [Auto]
DRAM Refresh Interval [Auto]
Chapter 3

DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto]
DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto]

DRAM FOUR ACT WIN Time [Auto]
DRAM WRITE to READ Delay [Auto]
DRAM CKE Minimum pulse width [Auto]
DRAM CAS# Write Latency [Auto]
RTL IOL control

DRAM RTL (CHA_R0D0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [63]
DRAM RTL (CHB_R0D0) [Auto]
DRAM IO-L (CHA_R0D0) [Auto]
DRAM IO-L (CHA_R0D1) [Auto]
DRAM IO-L (CHA_R1D0 [Auto]
DRAM IO-L (CHB_R0D0 [Auto]
Chapter 3


DRAM IO-L (CHB_R0D1) [Auto]
Third Timings
tRDRD [Auto]
tRDRD_dr [Auto]
tRDRD_dd [Auto]
tWRRD [Auto]
tWRRD_dr [Auto]
tWRRD_dd [Auto]
tWRWR [Auto]
tWRWR_dr [Auto]
tWRWR_dd [Auto]
Dec_WRD
tRDWR [Auto]
tRDWR_dr [Auto]
tRDWR_dd [Auto]
Chapter 3

MISC
MRC Fast Boot [Auto]
Allows you to enable, disable or automatically set the MRC fast boot.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Enable] [Disable]
DRAM CLK Period [Auto]
Channel A/B DIMM Control [Enable Bot...]
Configuration options: [Enable Both DIMMS] [Disable DIMM0] [Disable DIMM1]
[Disable Both DIMMS]
Scrambler Setting [Optimized ...]
Allows you to set the optimized scrambler setting for stability.
Configuration options: [Optimized (ASUS] [Default (MRC)]
DIGI+ Power Control

CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
Load-line is defined by Intel® VRM specification and affects CPU power voltage. The
CPU working voltage will decrease proportionally to CPU loading. Higher load-line
calibration could get higher voltage and good overclocking performance, but increases
the CPU and VRM thermal conditions.
Select from Level 1 to Level 8 to adjust CPU power voltage from 0% to 100%.
The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specification.
DO NOT remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.
CPU Voltage Frequency [Auto]

Frequency switching affects the VRM transient response and the thermal component
conditions. Higher frequency gets quicker transient response.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]
DO NOT remove the thermal module when setting this item to [Manual Mode]. The thermal
conditions should be monitored.
The following item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage Frequency to [Manual].
CPU Fixed Frequency [300]

Chapter 3
This item allows you to set a fixed CPU Voltage frequency. Use the <+> or
<-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 300kHz to 500kHz with
a 50kHz interval.

The following items appear only when you set the CPU Voltage Frequency to [Auto].
VRM Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

Enable the VRM Spread Spectrum to enhance system stability.
Active Frequency Mode [Disabled]
Set this item to [Enabled] to help enhance the power saving condition while
switching frequencies. While a higher frequency makes the VRM transient
response much faster, switching frequencies affect the VRM thermal
components.
CPU Power Phase Control [Auto]
Allows you to set the power phase control of the CPU.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Standard] [Optimized] [Extreme] [Manual Adjustment]
DO NOT remove the thermal module when setting this item to [Extreme] and [Manual
Adjustment]. The thermal conditions should be monitored.
The following item appears only when you set the CPU Power Phase Control to [Manual
Adjustment].
Manual Adjustment [Fast]

Allows you to set a faster phase response for the CPU to increase system
performance or to slower phase response to decrease DRAM power
efficiency.
Configuration options: [Ultra Fast] [Fast] [Medium] [Regular]
CPU Power Duty Control [T.Probe]
DIGI + VRM Duty Control adjusts the current of every VRM phase and the thermal
conditions of every phase component.
[T. Probe] Select to maintain the VRM thermal balance.
[Extreme] Select to maintain the current VRM balance.
CPU Current Capability [Auto]

DIGI+ VRM CPU Current Capability provides wider total power range for overclocking.
A higher value setting gets higher VRM power consumption delivery and extends the
overclocking frequency range simultaneously.
Chapter 3
Configuration options: [Auto] [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%] [140%]
Choose a higher value when overclocking, or under a high CPU loading for extra power
support.

CPU Power Thermal Control [130]
A higher temperature brings a wider CPU power thermal range and extends the
overclocking tolerance to enlarge the O.C. potential. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust
the value. The values depend on the CPU installed.
DRAM Current Capability [100%]

A higher value brings a wider total power range, and extends the overclocking range
simultaneously.
Configuration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%]
DRAM Voltage Frequency [Auto]
Allows you to adjust the DRAM switching frequency. Assign a fixed high DRAM
frequency to increase the O.C. range, or a low DRAM frequency for a better system
stability.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]
The following item appears only when you set set the DRAM Frequency Mode item to
[Manual].
DRAM Fixed Frequency Mode [300]

Allows you to set a fixed DRAM frequency to increase the overclocking
range or a low DRAM frequency for better system stability. Use the <+> or
<-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 300kHz to 500kHz with
a 50kHz interval.
DRAM Power Phase Control [Auto]
[Auto] Allows you to set the Auto mode.
[Optimized] Allows you to set the ASUS optimized phase tuning profile.
[Extreme] Allows you to set the full phase mode.
CPU Power Management

The subitems in this menu allow you to set the CPU ratio and their features.
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled]
Allows the operating system to dynamically adjust the processor voltage and cores
frequency, resulting to a decreased average power consumption and decreased
average heat production.
Turbo Mode [Enabled]
Chapter 3
Allows you to enable your core processor’s speed to run faster than the base operating
frequency when it is below operating power, current and temperature specification limit.
The following items appear only when you set the Turbo Mode to [Enabled].

Turbo Mode Parameters
Long Duration Package Power Limit [Auto]

Allows you to limit the Turbo Ratio’s time duration that exceeds the TDP
(Thermal Design Power) for maximum performance. Use the <+> or <->
keys to adjust the value. The values range from 1W t0 4096W.
Package Power Time Window [Auto]
Also known as Power Limit 1, and allows you to maintain the time window
for Turbo Ratio over TDP (Thermal Design Power). Use the <+> or <->
keys to adjust the value. The values range from 1 to 127 in seconds.
Short Duration Package Power Limit [Auto]
Also known as Power Limit 2, and allows you to provide rapid protection
when the package power exceeds the Power Limit 1. Use the <+> or <->
keys to adjust the value. The values range from 1W t0 4096W.
CPU Integrated VR Current Limit [Auto]
Allows you to set a higher current limit to prevent frequency and power
throttling when overclocking. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value.
The values range from 0.125 to 1023.875 with a 0.125 interval.
CPU Internal Power Switching Frequency

Frequency Tuning Mode [Auto]
Allows you to increase or decrease the switching frequency of the internal regulator.
Decrease to help consume less power or increase to help voltage stability. When this
item is set to [+] or [-], the Frequency Tuning Offset appears and allows you to set its
value from 0% to 6%.
CPU Internal Power Fault Control

Thermal Feedback [Auto]
Allows your system to take precautionary actions to be taken by the CPU when the
thermal conditions of the external regulator exceeds the threshold.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
CPU Integrated VR Fault Management [Auto]
Disable this item to prevent tripping the Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator when doing
over-voltage. We recommend you to disable this item when overclocking.
CPU Internal Power Configuration

Chapter 3
CPU Integrated VR Efficiency Management [Auto]

Allows you to improve power saving when the processor is in low power state. Disable
to make the Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator work in high performance at all times.
Configuration options: [Auto] [High Performance] [Balanced]

Power Decay Mode [Auto]
Allows your system to improve the power saving mode on the Fully Integrated Voltage
Regulator as the processor goes into low current state.
Idle Power-in Response [Auto]
Allows you to set the slew rate for the Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator as it enters
manual override mode.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Fast]
Idle Power-out Response [Auto]
Allows you to set the slew rate for the Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator as it exits
manual override mode.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Fast]
Power Current Slope [Auto]
Allows you to set the gradient of the high-speed active phase current balance during
load transients to eliminate current imbalance that can result from a load current
oscillating near the switching frequency.
Configuration options: [Auto] [LEVEL -4] - [LEVEL 4]
Power Current Offset [Auto]
Allows you to increase or decrease the output current sensed by the CPU. It finds the
balance between optimal regulating while staying below the current threshold.
Configuration options: [Auto] [100%] [87.5%] [75.0%] [62.5%] [50.0%] [37.5%] [25.0%]
[12.5%] [0%] [-12.5%] [-25.0%] [-37.5%] [-50.0%] [-62.5%] [-75.0%] [-87.5%] [-100%]
Power Fast Ramp Response [Auto]
Allows you to increase to enhance the response of the voltage regulator during the
load transient.
Configuration options: [Auto] [0.00] - [1.50]
CPU Internal Power Saving Control

Power Saving Level 1 Threshold [Auto]
Lower value provides sufficient overclocking tolerance to enlarge the overclocking
potential. Higher value provides better power-saving condition.Use <+> or <-> key to
adjust the value. The values range from 0A to 80A at 1Amp increment.
Chapter 3


Extreme OV [Disabled]
Disable this item to help protect the CPU from being burned by Over Voltage. When you
enable this item, you can choose a high level voltage to overclock, but will not guarantee the
CPU life.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
CPU Core Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to configure the voltage amount for the processor’s cores. Increase the voltage
when setting a high Core Frequency value.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual Mode] [Offset Mode]
The following item appears only when you set the CPU Core Voltage to [Manual].
CPU Core Voltage Override [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU Core Voltage override. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the
value, The values range from 0.001V to 1.920V with a 0.001V interval.
The following items appear only when you set the CPU Core Voltage to [Offset Mode].
Offset Mode Sign [+]

[+] To offset the voltage by a positive value.
[–] To offset the voltage by a negative value.
CPU Core Voltage Offset
Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V
to 0.999V with a 0.001V interval.
CPU Cache Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to configure the amount of voltage fed to the uncore of the processor including its
cache. Increase the voltage when increasing Ring frequency.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual Mode] [Offset Mode]
The following item appears only when you set the CPU Cache Voltage to [Manual Mode].
CPU Cache Voltage Override [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU Cache Voltage override. By default, this item takes the
standard value of the installed CPU. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the
value. The values range from 0.001V to 1.920V with a 0.001V interval.
The following items appear only when you set the CPU Cache Voltage to [Offset Mode].
Chapter 3


CPU Cache Voltage Offset
Allows you to set the CPU cache voltage offset. By default, this item takes the standard
value of the installed CPU. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The
values range from 0.001V to 0.999V with a 0.001V interval.
CPU Graphics Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to configure the voltage amount for the integrated graphics processing unit
(iGPU). Increase the voltage when setting a high iGPU frequency value.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual Mode] [Offset Mode] [Adaptive Mode]
The following item appears only when you set the CPU Graphics Voltage to [Manual].
CPU Graphics Voltage Override [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU Graphics Voltage override. By default, this item takes the
standard value of the installed CPU. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the
value. The values range from 0.001V to 1.920V with a 0.001V interval.
The following items appear only when you set the CPU Graphics Voltage to [Offset Mode].

CPU Graphics Voltage Offset
By default, this item takes the standard value of the installed CPU. You can
use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V
The following item appears only when you set the CPU Graphics Voltage to [Adaptive
Mode].
Additional Turbo Mode CPU Graphics Voltage [Auto]

This item allows you to increase the voltage for Turbo Mode CPU Graphics.
By default, this item takes the standard value of the installed CPU. You can
use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V
Total Adaptive Mode CPU Graphics Voltage [Auto]
This item sums up the voltages of the CPU Graphics Voltage offset and
Additional Turbo Mode CPU Graphics Voltage options.
CPU System Agent Voltage Offset Mode Sign [+]

Chapter 3


CPU System Agent Voltage Offset [Auto]
Allows you to configure the amount of voltage fed to the system agent of the processor
including its PCIe controller and power control unit. Increase the voltage when
increasing DRAM frequency.
You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V to
0.999V with a 0.001V interval.
CPU Analog I/O Voltage Offset Mode Sign [+]
CPU Analog I/O Voltage Offset [Auto]
Allows you to configure the amount of voltage fed to the analog portion of the I/O on
the processor. By default, this item takes the standard value of the installed CPU.
Increase the amount of voltage when increasing DRAM frequency.
CPU Digital I/O Voltage Offset Mode Sign [+]
CPU Digital I/O Voltage Offset [Auto]
Allows you to configure the amount of voltage fed to the digital portion of the I/O on the
processor. By default, this item takes the standard value of the installed CPU. Increase
the amount of voltage when increasing DRAM frequency.
SVID Support [Auto]
When overclocking, set this item to [Enabled]. Disabling this item would stop the processor
from communicating with the external voltage regulator.
The following item appears only when you set SVID Support to [Enabled].
SVID Voltage Override [Auto]

Allows you to set the SVID Voltage override. By default, this item takes the standard
value of the installed CPU. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The
values range from 0.001V to 2.440V with a 0.001V interval.
CPU Input Voltage [Auto]
Chapter 3
Allows you to set an input voltage for the processor by the external voltage regulator. By
default, this item takes the standard value of the installed CPU. You can use the <+> or <->
keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.800V to 2.700V with a 0.010V interval.

DRAM Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value.
The values range from 1.20V to 1.92V with a 0.005V interval.
According to Intel® CPU specifications, DIMMs with voltage requirement over 1.65V may
damage the CPU permanently. We recommend that you install the DIMMs with the voltage
requirement below 1.65V.
PCH VLX Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the I/O voltage on the PCH (Platform Controller Hub). You can use the <+>
or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 1.2000V to 2.0000V with a 0.0125V
interval.
PCH Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the Core voltage for the PCH (Platform Controller Hub). You can use the
<+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.70V to the DRAM Voltage’s
maximum value with a 0.0125V interval.
• The values of the CPU PLL Voltage, CPU Manual Voltage, CPU Offset Voltage,
iGPU Manual Voltage, iGPU Offset Voltage, DRAM Voltage, VCCSA Voltage, VCCIO
Voltage, and PCH Voltage items are labeled in different color, indicating the risk levels
of high voltage settings.
• The system may need better cooling system for a more stable performance under high
voltage settings.
VTTDDR Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the termination voltage for the system memory. You can use the <+> or <->
keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.6000V to 1.0000V with a 0.0125V interval.
DRAM CTRL REF Voltage [Auto]

This item is the DRAM reference voltage for the control lines from the memory bus. You can
use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.3950x to 0.6300x with a
0.0050x interval.
DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/CHB [Auto]

This item is the DRAM reference voltage for the data lines on Channels A and B. You can
use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.3950x to 0.6300x with a
0.005x interval.
Clock Crossing VBoot [Auto]

Allows you to increase the value of the clock crossing voltage boot when the rising edge of
Chapter 3
the BCLK DN is equal to the falling edge of the BCLK DP. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to
adjust the value. The values range from 0.1V to 1.9V with a 0.00625V interval.

Clock Crossing Reset Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to increase the value of the clock crossing reset voltage when the rising edge of
the BCLK DN is equal to the falling edge of the BCLK DP. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to
Clock Crossing Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to increase the value of the clock crossing voltage when the rising edge of the
BCLK DN is equal to the falling edge of the BCLK DP. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to
CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]

[Auto] Automatic configuration.
[Disabled] Enhances the BCLK overclocking ability.
[Enabled] Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.
Chapter 3

3.6 Advanced menu
The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system
devices.
Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values
can cause the system to malfunction.
Chapter 3

3.6.1 CPU Configuration
The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically
detects.
The items in this menu may vary based on the CPU installed.
Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the overheated CPU to throttle its clock speed to cool down.
[Disabled] Disables the CPU thermal monitor function.
Active Processor Cores [All]

Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to be enabled in each processor package.
Configuration options: [All] [1] [2] [3]
Limit CPUID Maximum [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this item allows the legacy OS to boot even without support for CPUs
Chapter 3
with extended CPUID functions.

Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]

XD can prevent certain classes of malicious buffer overflow attacks when combined with a
supporting OS (SuSE Linux 9.2, RedHat Enterprise 3 Update 3).

Intel Virtualization Technology [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled] a VMM can utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by
Vanderpool Technology.
Hardware Prefetcher [Enabled]

Allows you to enable the Mid Level Cache (L2) streamer prefetcher.
Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled]

Allows you to enable the Mid Level Cache (L2) prefetching of adjacent cache lines.
Boot Performance Mode [Max Non-Tu...]

Allows you to select the performance state that the BIOS will set before OS handoff.
Configuration options: [Max Non-Turbo Performance] [Max Battery] [Turbo Performance]
Dynamic Storage Accelerator [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Dynamic Storage Accelerator for C state configuration.
CPU Power Management Configuration

This item allows you to manage and configure the CPU’s power.
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled]
Allows your system to adjust the processor’s voltage and cores frequency, resulting in
decreased power consumption and heat production.
[Disabled] The CPU runs at its default speed.
[Enabled] The system controls the CPU speed.
Turbo Mode [Enabled]
Allows you to automatically set the processor cores to run faster than the base
frequency when operating below power, current and temperature specification limit.
CPU C States
Allows you to enable or disable the CPU C states.
The following items appear only when you set the CPU C States to [Enabled].
Chapter 3
Enhanced C1 state [Enabled]

Allows your processor to reduce power when the system is in idle mode.
CPU C3 Report [Enabled]
Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C3 report to the operating system.

CPU C6 Report [Enabled]
C6 Latency [Short]
Allows you to set the duration of C6 latency for C6 state.
Configuration options: [Short] [Long]
CPU C7 Report [CPU C7s]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [CPU C7] [CPU C7s]
C7 Latency [Long]
Allows you to set the duration of C7 latency for C7 state.
Configuration options: [Short] [Long]
Package C State Support [Auto]
Allows you to set the a C-state according to the following configuration
options: [Auto] [Enabled] [C0/C1] [C2] [C3] [C6] [CPU C7] [CPU C7s]
3.6.2 PCH Configuration
PCI Express Configuration

Allows you to configure the PCI Express slots.
DMI Link ASPM Control [Auto]
Allows you to control the ASPM (Active State Power Management) on both Northbridge
side and Southbridge side of the DMI Link.
ASPM Support [Disabled]
Allows you to set the ASPM level.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] [L0s] [L1] [L0sL1]
Chapter 3
PCIe Speed [Auto]

Allows you to select the PCI Express port speed.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Gen1] [Gen2]

Intel Rapid Start Technology [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable Intel® Rapid Start Technology.
The following items appear only when you set the Intel® Rapid Start Technology to
[Enabled].
Entry on S3 RTC Wake [Enabled]

The system automatically wakes up and set to Rapid Start Technology S3 mode.
Entry After [0]
Allows you to set the RTC wake-up timer at S3 entry. The time ranges from
0 minute (immediately) to 120 minutes.
Active Page Threshold Support [Enabled]
The system automatically goes into sleep mode when the partition size is not enough
for the Intel® Rapid Start Technology to work.
Active Memory Threshold [0]
This item supports Intel Rapid Storage Technology when the partition size
is greater than the Active Page Threshold size. When set to zero (0), it will
go to Auto mode and checks if the partition size is enough at S3 entry.
Ensure that the caching partition size is larger than the total memory size.
Hybrid Hard Disk Support [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the hybrid hard disk support.
Intel Smart Connect Technology

ISCT Support [Disabled]
Allow you to enable or disable the Intel® Smart Connect Technology.
Chapter 3

3.6.3 SATA Configuration
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The
SATA Port items show Not Present if no SATA device is installed to the corresponding SATA
port.
Scroll down to display the other BIOS items.
SATA Mode Selection [AHCI]

Allows you to set the SATA configuration.
[Disabled] Disables the SATA function.
[IDE] Set to [IDE Mode] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as
Parallel ATA physical storage devices.
[AHCI] Set to [AHCI Mode] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the
AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard
storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases
storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to
internally optimize the order of commands.
[RAID] Set to [RAID Mode] when you want to create a RAID configuration from the
Chapter 3
SATA hard disk drives.
Aggressive LPM Support [Auto]

Allows you to enable the PCH to aggressively enter link power state.

S.M.A.R.T. Status Check [Enabled]
S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitor system. When
read/write of your hard disk errors occur, this feature allows the hard disk to report warning
messages during the POST.
Hot Plug [Disabled] (SATA6G_1 - SATA6G_6 [Brown])

These items appear only when you set the SATA Mode Selection item to [AHCI] or [RAID],
and allow you to enable/disable SATA Hot Plug Support.
3.6.4 System Agent Configuration

Allows you to configure the System Agent Configuration parameters.
VT-d [Disabled]
Allows you to enable virtualization technology function on memory control hub.
[Enabled] Enables the function.
[Disabled] Disables this function.
CPU Audio Devices [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable CPU SA Audio devices.
Graphics Configuration
Allows you to select a primary display from iGPU, and PCIe graphical devices.
Primary Display [Auto]
Allows you to select the primary display from iGPU, PCIE and PCI Graphics devices.
Chapter 3
Configuration options: [Auto] [iGPU] [PCIE]

iGPU Memory [Auto]
Allows you to select the amount of system memory allocated to DVMT 5.0
by the iGPU.
Configuration options: [Auto] [32M] [64M] [96M] [128M] [160M] [192M]
[224M] [256M] [288M] [320M] [352M] [384M] [416M] [448M] [480M] [512M]
[1024M]

Render Standby [Auto]
Allows you to enable the Intel® Graphics Render Standby support to reduce
iGPU power use when the system is idle.
iGPU Multi-Monitor [Disabled]
Allows you to enable both integrated and discrete graphics for multi-monitor output.
The iGPU shared system memory size will be fixed at 64MB.
DMI Configuration
Allows you to control various DMI (Desktop Management Interface) functions.
DMI Gen 2 [Auto]
Allows you to enable or disable DMI Gen 2.
NB PCIe Configuration
Allows you to configure the NB PCI Express settings.
PCIEx16_1/2 Link Speed [Auto]
Allows you to configure the PCIEx16 speed for slots 1 and 2.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Gen1] [Gen2] [Gen3]
DMI Link ASPM Control [Auto]
Allows you to enable or disable the control of Active State Power Management on SA
side of the DMI Link.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [L0s] [L1] [L0sL1]
PEG - ASPM [Disabled]
Allows you to control ASPM support for the PEG device.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] [ASPM L0s] [ASPM L1] [ASPM L0sL1]
Memory Configuration
Allows you to configure the memory configuration parameters.
Memory Scrambler [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the Memory Scrambler support.
Memory Remap [Enabled]
Allows you to enable remapping the memory above 4GB.
Chapter 3

3.6.5 USB Configuration
The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.
The USB Devices item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the
item shows None.
Legacy USB Support [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS).
[Disabled] The USB devices can be used only for the BIOS setup program. It cannot
be recognized in boot devices list.
[Auto] Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If
detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is
detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.
Intel xHCI Mode [Smart Auto]

[Auto] Keeps the last operation of xHCI controller in OS during bootup.
[Smart Auto] Enables the operation of xHCI controller.
[Enabled] Enables the xHCI controller.
[Disabled] Disables the xHCI controller.
EHCI Hand-off [Disabled]

[Enabled] Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand‑off
feature.
[Disabled] Disables the EHCI Hand-off support.
Chapter 3
USB Single Port Control

Allows you to enable or disable the individual USB port.
Refer to section 1.2.2 Motherboard layout for the location of the USB ports.

3.6.6 Platform Misc Configuration
The items in this menu allow you to configure the platform-related features.
PCI Express Native Power Management [Disabled]

Allows you to enhance the power saving feature of PCI Express and perform ASPM
operations in the operating system.
The following item appears only when you set the PCI Express Native Power Management
to [Enabled].
Native ASPM [Disabled]

[Enabled] Vista controls the ASPM support for the device.
[Disabled] BIOS controls the ASPM support for the device.
Chapter 3

3.6.7 Onboard Devices Configuration
Scroll down to view the other BIOS items.
HD Audio Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the High Definition Audio Controller.
[Disabled] Disables the controller.
The following items appear only when you set the HD Audio Controller to [Enabled].
Front Panel Type [HD]

Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or
high-definition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio
module supports.
[HD] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high definition
audio.
[AC97] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97
Chapter 3
SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF]

[SPDIF] Sets to an SPDIF audio output.
[HDMI] Sets to an HDMI audio output.

ASM1061 Storage Controller (ES6_E12) [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the ASM1061 Storage Controller.
Hot-plug [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the hot plug support.
ASM1061 Storage Controller (SATA6G_E12) [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the ASM1061 Storage Controller.
Hot-plug [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the hot plug support.
PCI Express X16_3 slot (black) bandwidth [Auto]

[x4 mode] PCIe X16_3 runs at x4 mode for a high performance support.
[x1 mode] PCIe x16_3 runs at x1 mode with all slots enabled.
[Auto] PCIe x16_3 runs at x1 mode for system resource optimization.
Intel LAN Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the Intel® LAN controller.
[Disabled] Disables the Intel® LAN controller.
Intel PXE OPROM [Disabled]

This item appears only when you set the Intel LAN Controller item to [Enabled] and allows
you to enable or disable the PXE OptionRom of the Intel® LAN controller.
Chapter 3

3.6.8 APM
ErP Ready [Disabled]

Allows you to switch off some power at S4+S5 or S5 to get the system ready for ErP
requirement. When set to [Enabled], all other PME options will be switched off.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled (S4+S5] [Enabled (S5)]
Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off]

[Power On] The system goes into ON state after an AC power loss.
[Power Off] The system goes into OFF state after an AC power loss.
[Last State] The system goes into either OFF or ON state, whatever the system state
was before the AC power loss.
Power On By PCIE/PCI [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the PCIE/PCI devices to generate a wake-on-LAN feature of the
Intel®/Realtek LAN device or other installed PCIE LAN devices.
[Enabled] Enables the PCIE/PCI devices to generate a wake-on-LAN feature of the
Intel®/Realtek LAN device or other installed PCIE LAN devices..
Power On By RTC [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables RTC to generate a wake event.
[Enabled] When set to [Enabled], the items RTC Alarm Date (Days) and Hour/
Minute/Second will become user-configurable with set values.
Chapter 3

3.6.9 Network Stack
Network Stack [Disable]

This item allows user to disable or enable the UEFI network stack.
Configuration options: [Disable] [Enable]
The following item appears only when you set the Network Stack to [Enabled].
Ipv4/Ipv6 PXE Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Ipv4/Ipv6 PXE boot option.
Chapter 3

3.7 Monitor menu
The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change
the fan settings.
Scroll down to display the other BIOS items.
CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard
temperatures. Select [Ignore] if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures.
CPU Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A], CPU OPT Speed [xxxx RPM]
or [Ignore] / [N/A], Chassis Fan 1/4 Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] /
[N/A], Assistant Fan 1/2 Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU, chassis, power,
and assistant fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the
motherboard, the field shows N/A. Select [Ignore] if you do not wish to display the detected
speed.
CPU core 0-3 Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage

Chapter 3
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard
voltage regulators. Select [Ignore] if you do not want to detect this item.

CPU Q-Fan Control [Auto]
Allows you to set the CPU Q-Fan operating mode.
[Advance Detects the type of CPU fan installed and automatically switches the
Mode] mode control. When a 3-pin CPU fan is installed, select this mode for the
DC mode Q-Fan control.
[Auto] Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature in PWM mode for 4-pin CPU fan.
[Disabled] Disables the Q-Fan control.
The following items appear only when you set the CPU Q-Fan Control to [Advance Mode]
and [Auto].
CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]

Allows you to set the low limit warning for CPU Fan speed.
Configuration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]
CPU Fan Profile [Standard]
Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU fan.
[Standard] Set to make the CPU fan adjust automatically depending on the CPU
temperature.
[Silent] Set to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation.
[Turbo] Set to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.
[Manual] Set to assign the detailed fan speed control parameters.
The following items appear only when you set the CPU Fan Profile to [Manual].
CPU Upper Temperature [70]

Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature.
The values range from 20ºC to 75ºC.
CPU Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100]
Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. The
values range from 20% to 100%. When the CPU temperature reaches the
upper limit, the CPU fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle.
CPU Lower Temperature [20]
Displays the lower limit of the CPU temperature.
CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [20]
Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the minimum CPU fan duty cycle. The
values range from 0% to 100%. When the CPU temperature is under 40ºC,
the CPU fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.
Chapter 3
Chassis Q-Fan Control 1/4 [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.
[Enabled] Enables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.

Chassis Fan Speed Low Limit 1/4 [600 RPM]
This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and allows
you to disable or set the chassis fan warning speed.
Chassis Fan 1/4 Profile [Standard]
This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature. It allows
you to set the appropriate performance level of the chassis fan.
[Standard] Set to make the chassis fan adjust automatically depending on the
chassis temperature.
[Silent] Set to minimize the fan speed for quiet chassis fan operation.
[Turbo] Set to achieve maximum chassis fan speed.
[Manual] Set to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.
The following items appear only when you set the Chassis Fan Profile to [Manual].
Chassis Upper Temperature 1/4 [70]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan duty cycle
and CPU temperature upper limit. The values range from 40ºC to 90ºC.
Chassis Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) 1/4 [100]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan duty cycle.
The values range from 20% to 100%. When the chassis temperature
reaches the upper limit, the chassis fan will operate at the maximum duty
cycle.
Chassis Lower Temperature 1/4 [40]
Displays the lower limit of the chassis temperature.
Chassis Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) 1/4 [60]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum chassis fan duty cycle.
The values range from 0% to 100%. When the chassis temperature is
under 40ºC, the chassis fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.
ASST 1 Q-Fan Control 1/2 [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the Assistant Q-Fan control feature.
[Enabled] Enables the Assistant Q-Fan control feature.
Assistant Fan Speed Low Limit 1/2 [600 RPM]
This item appears only when you enable the ASST Q-Fan Control feature and allows
you to disable or set the assistant fan warning speed.
Chapter 3

ASST Fan 1/2 Profile [Standard]
This item appears only when you enable the Assistant Q-Fan Control feature. It allows
you to set the appropriate performance level of the assistant fan.
[Standard] Set to make the assistant fan adjust automatically depending on the
chassis temperature.
[Silent] Set to minimize the fan speed for quiet assistant fan operation.
[Turbo] Set to achieve maximum assistant fan speed.
[Fan Off] Set to turn off all assistant fans.
[Manual] Set to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.
The following items appear only when you set the Assistant Fan Profile to [Manual].
ASST Upper Temperature 1/2 [70]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum assistant fan duty cycle
and temperature upper limit. The values range from 40ºC to 90ºC.
ASST Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) 1/2 [100]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum assistant fan duty cycle.
The values range from 20% to 100%. When the temperature reaches the
upper limit, the assistant fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle.
ASST Lower Temperature 1/2 [40]
Displays the lower limit of the temperature.
ASST Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) 1/2 [60]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum assistant fan duty cycle.
The values range from 0% to 100%. When the temperature is under 40ºC,
the assistant fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.
Allow Fan Stop 1/2 [Disabled]
Allows your assistant fans to run at 0% duty cycle when the motherboard’s
temperature drops to a certain degree.
Fan Overtime [1 minute]

Allows you to extend the turbo fan’s working time for good heat dissipation and lowers the
temperature after system shutdown.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [1 minute] [2 minutes] [3 minutes] [5 minutes] [10 minutes]
Anti Surge Support [Enabled]

This item allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge function for UVP or OVP protection.
Chapter 3

3.8 Boot menu
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.
Boot Configuration
Fast Boot [Disabled]
[Disabled] Allows your system to go back to its normal boot speed.
[Enabled] Allows your system to accelerate the boot speed.
The following items appear only when you set the Fast Boot to [Enabled].
USB Support [Partial In...]
[Disabled] All USB devices will not be available until OS boot up for a
fastest POST time.
[Full Initialization] All USB devices will be available during POST. This process will
extend the POST time.
[Partial For a faster POST time, only USB ports with keyboard and
Initialization] mouse connections will be detected.
Network Stack Driver Support [Disabled]
Chapter 3
[Disabled] Select to skip the network stack driver from loading during POST.
[Enabled] Select to load the network stack driver during POST.
Next Boot after AC Power Loss [Normal Boot]

[Normal Boot] Returns to normal boot on the next boot after an AC power loss.
[Fast Boot] Accelerates the boot speed on the next boot after an AC power loss.

HW Fast Boot [Disabled]
Allows the system to enable or disable the HW Fast Boot.
DirectKey Enable [Go to BIOS...]

[Disabled] Disables the DirectKey button. The system will only power on or off
when you press the DirectKey button.
[Go to BIOS Allows the system to power on and go to the BIOS Setup directly when
Setup] you press the DirectKey button.
Boot Logo Display [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the full screen boot logo display during POST.
[Disabled] Disables the full screen boot logo display during POST.
The following items appear only when you set the Boot Logo Display to [Enabled].
Boot Logo Size Control [Auto]

[Auto] Automatically adjusts for Windows® requirements.
[Full Screen] Maximizes the boot logo size.
Post Delay Time [3 sec]
This item allows you to select a desired additional POST waiting time to easily enter
the BIOS Setup. You can only execute the POST delay time during normal boot. The
values range from 0 to 10 seconds.
This feature will only work when set under normal boot.
The following items appear only when you set the Boot Logo Display to [Disabled].
Post Report [5 sec]

This item allows you to select a desired POST report waiting time
Configuration options: [1 sec] - [2 sec] [Until Press ESC]
Bootup NumLock State [On]
[On] Set the power-on state of the NumLock to [On].
[Off] Set the power-on state of the NumLock to [Off].
Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]

Chapter 3
[Disabled] Disables the function.

[Enabled] The system waits for the <F1> key to be pressed when error occurs.

Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS]
[Force BIOS] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed during the boot sequence.
[Keep Current] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-party
manufacturer had set the add-on device to do so.
Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled]

Allows you to trap Interrupt 19 by the option ROMs.
Setup Mode [EZ Mode]

[Advanced Mode] Allows you to go to Advanced Mode of the BIOS after POST.
[EZ Mode] Allows you to go to EZ Mode of the BIOS after POST.
CSM (Compatibility Support Module)

Allows you to configure the CSM (Compatibility Support Module) items to fully support the
various VGA, bootable devices and add-on devices for better compatibility.
Launch CSM [Enabled]
[Auto] The system automatically detects the bootable devices and the add-
on devices.
[Enabled] For better compatibility, enable the CSM to fully support the non-UEFI
driver add-on devices or the Windows® UEFI mode.
[Disabled] Disable the CSM to fully support the non-UEFI driver add-on devices
or the Windows® UEFI mode.
The following items appear only when you set the Launch CSM to [Enabled].
Boot Devices Control [UEFI and Legacy OpROM]

Allows you to select the type of devices that you want to boot.
Configuration options: [UEFI and Legacy OpROM] [Legacy OpROM only]
[UEFI only]
Boot from Network Devices [Legacy OpROM first]
Allows you to select the type of network devices that you want to launch.
Configuration options: [Legacy OpROM first] [UEFI driver first] [Ignore]
Boot from Storage Devices [Legacy OpROM first]
Allows you to select the type of storage devices that you want to launch.
Configuration options: [Both, Legacy OpROM first] [Both, UEFI first]
[Legacy OpROM first] [UEFI driver first] [Ignore]
Boot from PCIe/PCI Expansion Devices [Legacy OpROM first]
Chapter 3
Allows you to select the type of PCIe/PCI expansion devices that you want
to launch.
Configuration options: [Legacy OpROM first] [UEFI driver first]

Secure Boot
Allows you to configure the Windows® Secure Boot settings and manage its keys to protect
the system from unauthorized access and malwares during POST.
OS Type [Windows UEFI mode]
[Windows UEFI Allows you to select your installed operating system. Execute
Mode] the Microsoft® Secure Boot check. Only select this option when
booting on Windows® UEFI mode or other Microsoft® Secure
Boot compliant OS.
[Other OS] Get the optimized function when booting on Windows® non-
UEFI mode. Microsoft® Secure Boot only supports Windows®
UEFI mode.
The following item appears only when you set the OS Type to [Windows UEFI mode].
Key Management
This item appears only when you set OS Type to [Windows UEFI Mode]. It allows you
to manage the Secure Boot keys.
Install Default Secure Boot keys
Allows you to immediately load the default Security Boot keys, Platform key
(PK), Key-exchange Key (KEK), Signature database (db), and Revoked
Signatures (dbx). When the default Secure boot keys are loaded, the PK
state will change from Unloaded mode to loaded mode.
Clear Secure Boot keys
This item appears only when you load the default Secure Boot keys. This
item allows you to clear all default Secure Boot keys.
Save Secure Boot Keys
Allows you to save the PK (Platform Keys) to a USB storage device.
PK Management
The Platform Key (PK) locks and secures the firmware from any permissible changes.
The system verifies the PK before your system enters the OS.
Delete PK
Allows you to delete the PK from your system. Once the PK is deleted, all
the system’s Secure Boot keys will not be active.
Configuration options: [Yes] [No]
Load PK from File
Allows you to load the downloaded PK from a USB storage device.
The PK file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated
Chapter 3
variable.

KEK Management
The KEK (Key-exchange Key or Key Enrollment Key) manages the Signature database
(db) and Revoked Signature database (dbx).
Key-exchange Key (KEK) refers to Microsoft® Secure Boot Key-Enrollment Key (KEK).
Delete the KEK

Allows you to delete the KEK from your system.
Load KEK from File
Allows you to load the downloaded KEK from a USB storage device.
Append KEK from File
Allows you to load the additional KEK from a storage device for an
additional db and dbx loaded management.
The KEK file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated
variable.
DB Management
The db (Authorized Signature database) lists the signers or images of UEFI
applications, operating system loaders, and UEFI drivers that you can load on the
single computer.
Delete the db
Allows you to delete the db file from your system.
Load db from File
Allows you to load the downloaded db from a USB storage device.
Append db from File
Allows you to load the additional db from a storage device so that more
images can be loaded securely.
The db file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated
variable.
DBX Management
The dbx (Revoked Signature database) lists the forbidden images of db items that are
no longer trusted and cannot be loaded.
Delete the dbx
Allows you to delete the dbx file from your system.
Chapter 3
Load dbx from File

Allows you to load the downloaded dbx from a USB storage device.

Append dbx from File
Allows you to load the additional dbx from a storage device so that more
db’s images cannot be loaded.
The dbx file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated
variable.
Boot Option Priorities

These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The
number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices
installed in the system.
• To access Windows® OS in Safe Mode, do any of the following:
- Press <F5> when ASUS Logo appears.
- Press <F8> after POST.
• To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo
appears.
Boot Override
These items displays the available devices. The number of device items that appears on
the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. Click an item to start
booting from the selected device.
Chapter 3

3.9 Tools menu
The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item
then press <Enter> to display the submenu.
3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility

Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation message
appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to
confirm your choice.
For more details, refer to section 3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2.
3.9.2 ASUS O.C. Profile

This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.
Chapter 3
The Setup Profile Status items show Not Installed if no profile is created.

Save to Profile
Allows you to save the current BIOS settings to the BIOS Flash, and create a profile. Key in a
profile number from one to eight, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.
Load from Profile

Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the profile
number that saved your BIOS settings, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.
• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the
system boot failure!
• We recommend that you update the BIOS file only coming from the same memory/
CPU configuration and BIOS version.
3.9.3 ASUS SPD Information

Allows you to view the DRAM SPD information.
Chapter 3

3.10 Exit menu
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and
save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. You can access the EZ Mode from the Exit
menu.
Load Optimized Defaults

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup
menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation window appears.
Select Yes to load the default values.
Save Changes & Reset

Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to
ensure the values you selected are saved. When you select this option or if you press <F10>,
a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to save changes and exit.
Discard Changes & Exit

This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes. When you
select this option or if you press <Esc>, a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to
discard changes and exit.
ASUS EZ Mode
This option allows you to enter the EZ Mode screen.
Launch EFI Shell from filesystem device

This option allows you to attempt to launch the EFI Shell application (shellx64.efi) from one of
the available filesystem devices.
Chapter 3

3.11 Updating BIOS
The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system
stability, compatibility, or performance. However, BIOS updating is potentially risky. If there
is no problem using the current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS.
Inappropriate BIOS updating may result in the system’s failure to boot. Carefully follow the
instructions of this chapter to update your BIOS if necessary.
Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file for this
motherboard.
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program.
1. EZ Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.
For details, refer to the section 4.3.5 EZ Update.
2. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a USB flash drive.

3. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support DVD or a
USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.
4. ASUS BIOS Updater: Updates and back ups the BIOS in DOS environment using the
motherboard support DVD and a USB flash disk drive.
Chapter 3

3.11.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a bootable floppy disk
or an OS‑based utility.
Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website
at www.asus.com.
To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:

1. Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port.
2. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select
ASUS EZ Flash Utility and press <Enter> to enable it.
3. Press <Tab> to switch to the Drive field.

4. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS,
and then press <Enter>.
Chapter 3
5. Press <Tab> to switch to the Folder Info field.

6. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the BIOS file, and then press <Enter> to perform
the BIOS update process. Reboot the system when the update process is done.

• This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and
single partition only.
• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system
boot failure!
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select
the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for
details.
3.11.2 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the
BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a
corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains
the BIOS file.
The BIOS file in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS file published
on the ASUS official website. If you want to use the newer BIOS file, download the file at
http://support.asus.com and save it to a USB flash drive.
Recovering the BIOS

To recover the BIOS:
1. Turn on the system.
2. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB flash drive
containing the BIOS file to the USB port.
3. The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file. When found, the utility
reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 automatically.
4. The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover the BIOS setting. To ensure
system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you press <F5> to load default
BIOS values.
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause
system boot failure!
Chapter 3

3.11.3 ASUS BIOS Updater
The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update the BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also
allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or
gets corrupted during the updating process.
The succeeding utility screens are for reference only. The actual utility screen displays may
not be same as shown.
Before updating BIOS

1. Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive in FAT32/16 format and
single partition.
2. Download the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater from the ASUS website at
http://support.asus.com and save them on the USB flash drive.
• NTFS is not supported under DOS environment. Do not save the BIOS file and BIOS
Updater to a hard disk drive or USB flash drive in NTFS format.
• Do not save the BIOS file to a floppy disk due to low disk capacity.
3. Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives (optional).
Booting the system in DOS environment

1. Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to the USB port.
2. Boot your computer. When the ASUS Logo appears, press <F8> to show the BIOS
Boot Device Select Menu. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive and select the
optical drive as the boot device.
Please select boot device:
SATA: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
USB XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
UEFI: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Enter Setup
↑ and ↓ to move selection

ENTER to select boot device
ESC to boot using defaults
Chapter 3

3. When the Make Disk menu appears, select the FreeDOS command prompt item by
pressing the item number.
4. At the FreeDOS prompt, type d: and press <Enter> to switch the disk from Drive C
(optical drive) to Drive D (USB flash drive).
Welcome to FreeDOS (http://www.freedos.org)!

C:\>d:
D:\>
Updating the BIOS file

To update the BIOS file using BIOS Updater:
1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>.
D:\>bupdater /pc /g
2. The BIOS Updater screen appears as below.
ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.30 [2013/02/22]

FLASH TYPE: MX1C 25L1065A
Current ROM Update ROM
BOARD:SABERTOOTH Z87 BOARD: UNKNOWN
VER: 0204 VER: UNKNOWN
DATE: 01/01/2012 DATE: UNKNOWN
PATH: A:\
A: Z87D.CAP 2097152 2013-02-22 17:30:48
Note
[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit
3. Press <Tab> to switch between screen fields and use the <Up/Down/Home/End> keys
to select the BIOS file and press <Enter>. BIOS Updater checks the selected BIOS file
and prompts you to confirm BIOS update.
Chapter 3
Are you sure to update BIOS?
Yes No

4. Select Yes and press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS
Updater. Restart your computer.
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot
failure!
• For BIOS Updater version 1.04 or later, the utility automatically exits to the DOS
prompt after updating BIOS.
• Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability.
Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit BIOS menu. See Chaper 3
of your motherboard user manual for details.
• Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS file if you have
disconnected them.
Chapter 3

Chapter 3

4
Chapter 4: Software support
Software support
4.1 Installing an operating system

• This motherboard supports 32-bit/64-bit Windows® 7 and 32-bit/64-bit Windows® 8
operating systems (OS).
• Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. The setup procedures presented
in this chapter are for reference only. Refer to Windows® operating system
documentation for detailed information.
4.2 Support DVD information

The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the
ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates.
4.2.1 Running the support DVD

.Ensure that you have an Administrator account before running the support DVD in
Windows® 7 or Windows® 8 OS.
To run the support DVD:

1. Place the Support DVD into the optical drive.
2. In the AutoPlay dialog box, click Run ASSETUP.EXE.
Chapter 4
If the AutoPlay dialog box does not appear, browse the contents of the support DVD and
double-click or tap \\bin\ASSETUP.EXE to launch the ASUS motherboard support DVD
main menu.

Support DVD main menu
The Drivers menu shows the available The Manual menu contains
device drivers if the system detects The AHCI/RAID Driver the list of supplementary user
installed devices. Install the necessary menu contains the manuals. Click an item to open
drivers to use the devices. RAID/AHCI driver disk. the folder of the user manual.
The Utilities Click the Contact

menu shows the tab to display the
applications and ASUS contact
other software that information.
the motherboard
supports.
Click an icon
to display DVD/
motherboard
information
Click an item
to install
Chapter 4
4-2 Chapter 4: Software support

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals
The software manuals are included in the support DVD. Follow the instructions below to get
the necessary software manuals.
The software manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe®
Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities tab before opening the files.
To read about your motherboard’s utility guide:

1. Click Manual tab > ASUS
Motherboard Utility Guide.
2. From the Manual folder, open the

folder of the software manual that
you wish to read.
3. Some software manuals are

provided in different languages.
Open the language’s folder to view
the software manual.
Chapter 4
The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual software manuals
containing in the support DVD vary by models.

4.3 Software information
Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you
through the installation. View the online help or readme file that came with the software
application for more information.
4.3.1 AI Suite 3
AI Suite 3 is an all-in-one interface that integrates several ASUS utilities and allows you to
launch and operate these utilities simultaneously.
Installing AI Suite 3
Ensure that you have an Administrator account before installing AI Suite 3 in Windows® 7 or
Windows® 8 OS.
To install AI Suite 3 on your computer:

Windows® 7 OS
1. Place the Support DVD into the optical drive.
2. In the AutoPlay dialog box, click Run ASSETUP.exe then select the Utilities tab.
3. From the Utilities tab, click AI Suite 3 then follow the succeeding onscreen
instructions.
Chapter 4

Windows® 8 OS
1. Place the Support DVD into the optical drive then follow onscreen instructions.
2. From the ASUS motherboard support DVD main menu, select the Utilities tab and
click AI Suite 3.
3. Follow the succeeding onscreen instructions.
If the ASUS motherboard support DVD main menu did not appear, try the following
steps:
a. Go to the Start screen then click or tap the Desktop app.
b. On the lower left corner of the Desktop, click or tap File Explorer then
select your DVD drive and tap or double-click the Setup application.
Launching AI Suite 3
Windows® 7 OS
From the Desktop, click Start > All Programs > ASUS > AI Suite 3 > AI Suite 3.
You can also launch AI Suite 3 in Windows® 7 by clicking on the Notification area.
Windows® 8 OS
To launch AI Suite 3 in Windows® 8, tap the AI Suite 3 app on the Start
screen (or if you’re using a mouse, click the AI Suite 3 app on the Start
screen).
Chapter 4

AI Suite 3 Main menu
The AI Suite 3 main menu gives you easy-access controls and insight to what’s going on
with your computer - allowing you to optimize performance settings while at the same time
ensuring system stability.
Included in the AI Suite main menu is a quick-access menu bar that allows you to swiftly
launch any of the integrated ASUS utilities. Click or tap the on the top-edge of menu to
launch the menu bar.
Click or tap to launch AI Suite 3 menu bar
The AI Suite 3 screenshots in this section are for reference only and can vary depending on
motherboard model.
AI Suite 3 main menu bar

Network USB BIOS
Thermal Radar 2 iControl Flashback
USB 3.0 Boost
Chapter 4
System USB Charger+ Remote GO!

EZ Update Information
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.

4.3.2 Thermal Radar 2
The Thermal Radar 2 comes with these four utilities in one interface:
Thermal Tuning, Thermal Status, Fan Control and DIGI+ PowerControl.
Thermal Tuning
The Thermal Tuning utility allows you to automatically optimize your system’s cooling solution
such as the CPU fan, chassis fans, and the TUF turbo fans in just one click.
Click or tap
Click or tap the to start the
to see the sensor’s thermal tuning
information process
Click or tap to assign a component to

the thermal sensor
Thermal Status
The Thermal Status utility allows you to monitor the thermal conditions of your motherboard’s
CPU and VGA zones in real time. With this utility, you can also assess your CPU’s
temperature level during system load.
CPU Zone
VGA Zone
Click or tap to assess the

CPU’s temperature level
during system load
Chapter 4

Fan Control
The Fan Control utility provides an easy-to-use preset fan profiles that automatically tweaks
the fan speed. It also allows you to customize the speed of each fan and save it as a fan
profile.
Click or tap a
screen to select the
fan type that you
want to customize
Click or tap to
select a fan mode
Click or tap to save
a customized fan
profile
Click or tap to
apply the changes
Click or tap to load Drag the slider to set a fan
a profile overtime after your system
shuts down
The Fan Overtime is only applicable for the two assistant fans.
• The Fan Overtime is disabled when you enable the ErP item in the BIOS.
• The two assistant fans will use the system’s standby power after shutdown. DO NOT
connect too many power-sharing devices as this result to power overload.
Chapter 4

Customizing the fan settings
You can customize your fan’s speed using the Smart Mode and RPM (rotations per minute)
Mode.
Smart Mode
Smart Mode allows you to customize the fan’s rotation speed for a certain temperature. With
this utility, you can also assign three critical components for the Thermal Radar 2 to monitor.
Drag these
points to
set the fan’s Click or tap to view
rotation the fan information
speed and
temperature
Drag these Click or tap
sliders to to select a sensor
adjust the then drag the
fan’s response sliders to assign a
time weight percentage
Click or tap to
apply the changes
Click or tap to Click or tap to switch Click or tap to undo
go back to main between CPU, chassis, and the changes
screen assistant fan screens
RPM Mode
The RPM mode allows you to set the fan speed when the temperature is below 75ºC.
Drag the slider up

or down to adjust
the fan speed
Click or tap to
go back to main
screen Click or tap to switch
between CPU, chassis, and
Chapter 4
assistant fan screens

DIGI+ Power Control
DIGI+ Power Control utility allows you to adjust the CPU and DRAM power settings for an
optimum system efficiency, overall system stability and performance.
Adjusting the CPU power
Click or tap to Click or tap to switch Click or tap to

go back to main between screens Click or tap to undo apply the changes
screen the changes
CPU Load-line Calibration

CPU Load-line Calibration adjusts the voltage range and controls the system
temperature. Higher load-line calibration could get higher voltage and good
overclocking performance but increases the CPU and VRM thermal conditions.
CPU Current Capability
CPU Current Capability provides wider total power range for overclocking. A higher
value setting gets higher VRM power consumption delivery.
CPU Power Phase Control
CPU Power Phase Control allows you to get more transient and better thermal
performance by increasing the phase number under heavy system loading. To
increase VRM efficiency, reduce the phase number under light system loading.
* The system automatically sets the default to [Extreme] when using the Intel® iGPU.
CPU Power Thermal Control

A higher temperature brings a wider CPU power thermal range, and extends the
overclocking tolerance to enlarge overclocking potential.
CPU Voltage Frequency
CPU Voltage Frequency affects the VRM transient response and thermal
components. Higher VRM frequency gets quicker transient response.
Chapter 4
Active Frequency Mode

Active Frequency Mode allows you to enhance the power saving condition of the
CPU. Tick on to enable this item to get a quicker transient response while saving
the CPU power.
CPU Power Duty Control
CPU Power Duty Control allows to balance the CPU load based on the
temperature or on the current system load.

Adjusting the DRAM power
Click or tap to go back Click or tap to undo Click or tap to

to main screen the changes apply the changes
DRAM Current Capability

A higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the overclocking
frequency range simultaneously.
DRAM Voltage Frequency
Allows you to adjust the DRAM switching frequency for system stability or to
increase OC range.
DRAM Power Phase Control
Select Extreme for full phase mode to increase system performance or select
Optimized for ASUS optimized phase tuning profile to increase DRAM power
efficiency.
Chapter 4

4.3.3 Remote GO!
Remote GO! is an ASUS-exclusive Wi-Fi utility that allows you to wirelessly stream your
media files to DLNA devices, control your computer using your smart device, transfer files to
your smart device, and provides access to your files stored in your cloud storage.
System requirements
System PC Smart device

requirements
OS Windows® 7/Windows® 8 Android 2.3 or later versions
iOS5 or later versions
Utilities ASUS AI Suite 3 ASUS Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote
• Install the AI Suite 3 utility from your ASUS motherboard’s bundled support DVD.
• For your Android smart device, download the ASUS Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote from
Google Play. For your iOS smart device, download the ASUS Wi-Fi GO! & NFC
Remote from App store.
• Ensure that all Wi-Fi smart devices using the Remote GO! utility must be in the same
local area network (LAN).
• The user interface of your smart device may vary with the operating system and the
screen resolution.
Smart device supported screen resolutions

Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote supports the following screen resolutions of your smart devices:
Screen Low Density Medium Density High Density Extra high density
type (120, ldpi) (160, mdpi) (240, hdpi) (320, xhdpi)
WXGA
1536 x 1152 2048 x 1536
(1280x800)
Screen
1024 x 600 1920 x 1152 2560 x 1536
Resolution 1024 x 768
1920 x 1200 2560 x 1600
1280 x 768
Chapter 4

Using Remote GO!
To use Remote GO!, click or tap the on the top edge of the AI Suite 3 main menu, then
select Remote GO!
Click or tap to
set a password
Remote GO! menu
• Launch Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote on your smart device to use the Wi-Fi GO! & NFC
Remote control functions. For more details, refer to section Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote
of this user manual for more details.
• To protect your Wi-Fi utility from unauthorized remote access, click then set a
password.
• Ensure that the ASUS AI Suite 3 utility is active when using the Remote GO! functions.
Using Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote

Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote allows you to remotely control your computer using your smart
device.
Launching Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote

1. On your smart device, turn on the Wi-Fi connection. Ensure that your smart device is
within the same network as your computer.
2. Tap Wi-Fi GO!

& NFC Remote
> Enter, then tap the computer you want to connect with your smart
device.
Chapter 4
3. Tap OK on the confirmation message.

Remote GO! functions
q Cloud GO!: Allows you to remotely control and sync your files across multiple cloud
services such as ASUS WebStorage, GoogleDrive™, and DropBox®.
q Remote Desktop: Allows you to remotely control your desktop in real time using your
smart device.
q DLNA Media Hub: Allows you to stream media files to a DLNA-supported device and
remotely control playback using your smart device.
q File Transfer: Allows you to transfer files between your computer and your smart
device.
Using the Wake-on-LAN

If you want to wake up your computer using the smart device, ensure that you enable the
computer’s Wake-on-LAN settings. To configure your computer’s Wake-on-LAN settings:
1. From BIOS Setup, go to Advanced > APM then set Power On By PCIE/PCI item to
[Enabled].
2. From Windows® OS, do the following steps:
a. On your desktop, click Start, right-click Computer > Manage to launch the
Computer Management window.
b. Click Device Manager to view all the installed devices.
c. Click Network Adapters, right-click Intel® Ethernet connection I217-V then click
Properties > Power Management tab.
d. Tick these items Wake on Magic Packet from power off state.
Chapter 4

Using Cloud GO!
1. From the Remote GO! screen, click or tal Cloud GO!
2. Tick I Agree then click or tal Enter to access your cloud storage accounts.
3. Log into your Asus WebStorage, Google Drive™ or Dropbox® cloud account then click
Sign In.
Click or
tap to open
cloud storage
accounts
Click or tap an
icon to upload,
create folder,
download, delete
or refresh your
cloud accounts
Tick to select
contents
Click or tap to
synchronize your
files to other
cloud accounts
or create a back
Click or tap Click or tap to go back to up to your local
to go back to the previous screen drive
Remote GO!
window
• To access your cloud files from your smart device, ensure that you log into your cloud
accounts on your computer.
• Due to the cloud storage limitation, you can only upload or synchronize files with a
maximum size of 100 MB.
• Ensure to set the correct system time of your computer for the Cloud GO! to work
properly.
• When you synchronize the files, they will automatically synchronize under the Remote
GO! folder of each cloud storage. For the backed up files, you can find them in
Favorites folder of your local drive.
Using Remote Desktop

1. On your smart device, tap Remote Desktop > Enter.
2. Select Extended Mode or Main Screen Mode to control your computer.
Chapter 4
The Extended Mode support varies with the VGA driver installed in your computer.

Using DLNA Media Hub
To stream media files to a DLNA display, enable the remote control functions in your
Windows Media Player. To do this, launch Windows Media Player, click Stream then tick
Allow remote control of my Player and Automatically allow devices to play my media.
Using DLNA Media Hub on the computer

From the Remote GO! screen on your Desktop, click or tap DLNA Media Hub then click or
tap Enter.
Click or tap to select media Click or tap to edit the playlist
file type
Click or tap to
select receiver
Tick to select
source location
Media files pane
Displays the
target receiver’s
name and
the media file
currently playing
Click or tap Click or tap to go back to

to go back to previous screen
Remote GO!
window
Using DLNA Media Hub on the smart device

1. On your smart device, tap DLNA Media Hub.
2. Select and tap the receiver name.
3. Tap Enter to remotely control your computer.
Chapter 4

Using File Transfer
Click or
tap to set a
destination
path for file
transfers from
smart device to
computer
Click or tap Click or tap to go back to
to go back to the previous screen Click or tap to transfer
Remote GO! files
window
Transferring files from your computer to your smart device

To transfer files from your computer to your smart device, right-click the file then click Send
to > [Device name]. After the file transfer is complete, click OK.
Ensure to enable File Transfer in your smart device to receive files from your computer.
Transferring files from your smart device to your computer

To transfer files from your smart device to your computer, tap File Transfer then tap Enter.
Tick the file that you want to transfer then click Send.
• When transferring files from your computer to your iOS device, you can only receive
files in PNG, BMP, JPG, GIF, and TIFF formats.
• To receive files on your iOS devices, go to Settings > Privacy > Photos then turn the
Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote on.
Chapter 4

4.3.4 USB 3.0 Boost
USB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) that automatically
speeds up the transfer rates of your USB storage devices.
Launching USB 3.0 Boost

To launch USB 3.0 Boost, click or tap the on the top edge of the AI Suite 3 main menu,
then select USB 3.0 Boost.
Using the USB 3.0 Boost

1. Connect a USB 3.0 device to the USB 3.0 port.
2. From the USB 3.0 Boost screen, Click or tap to select a USB device.
3. To enable UASP on your USB device, click UASP. To revert to its normal transfer rate,
click Normal.
USB 3.0 Boost screen
Click or tap to enable the

USB device’s normal data
transfer rate
Click or tap to enable

Click or tap to select a UASP or Turbo Mode to
USB device the USB device for a faster
data transfer rate
• Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
• Use the USB 3.0 devices for high performance. The data transfer speed varies with
USB devices.
Chapter 4

4.3.5 EZ Update
EZ Update is a utility that allows you to automatically update your motherboard’s softwares,
drivers and the BIOS version easily.
With this utlity, you can also manually update the saved BIOS and select the boot logo that
will display during POST.
Launching EZ Update
To launch EZ Update, click or tap the on the top edge of the AI Suite 3 main menu, then
select EZ Update.
EZ Update screen
Click or tap to automatically update your

motherboard’s driver, software and firmware
Click or tap to Click or tap to

Click or tap to search and select a boot logo update the BIOS
select the BIOS file
EZ Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an ISP (Internet

Service Provider) to download the latest BIOS. Chapter 4

4.3.6 Network iControl
Network iControl is a one-stop setup network control center that allows you to manage your
network bandwidth and set the bandwidth priority for your running programs.
Launching Network iControl

To launch Network iControl, click or tap the on the top edge of the AI Suite 3 main
menu, then select Network iControl.
• Ensure to install the LAN drivers before using this utility.
• Network iControl can only support the onboard LAN.
EZ Start screen
Click or tap
to activate
Network
iControl
Click or tap to
select a profile
Tick to enable the Click or tap to apply

selected profile the changes made
Quick Connection screen
Click or tap
to turn the No
delay TCP on
or off
Chapter 4

EZ Profile screen
Click or tap to save the profile
settings or rename the profile
Click or tap
to select a
network profile
Tick to assign
Click or tap a schedule of
to set the your network
program as programs to
High, Normal, avoid network
or Low priority congestions
Select a
program from
this list and
click to
add to your
network profile
Chapter 4

4.3.7 USB BIOS Flashback Wizard
USB BIOS Flashback Wizard allows you to check and save the latest BIOS version to a USB
storage device. Use this utility to quickly check for the latest available BIOS and set the BIOS
download schedule.
USB BIOS Flashback Wizard screen
Set a schedule for Current BIOS

the BIOS Update information
download
Click or tap to
check for a new Click or tap
BIOS update to cancel the
available for download
download schedule setting
Click or tap
to apply the
download
schedule setting
Scheduling the BIOS download

1. In the Download Setting field, tick Schedule (days) then select the number of days for
the BIOS download schedule.
2. Click Apply to save the BIOS download schedule. Click Cancel to cancel the
download schedule.
Downloading the updated BIOS
Before you start downloading, ensure that you have installed the USB storage device to
your computer’s USB port that supports USB BIOS Flashback. Refer to section
2.3.1 Rear I/O connection of your user manual for more details.
Chapter 4

To download the updated BIOS:
1. From the USB BIOS Flashback screen,
click Check for New BIOS Update.
Wait for the system to check the latest
BIOS version.
2. After the utility detects a new BIOS, click

from the Save to: field, select the USB
flash drive, then click Download.
3. After the download is complete, click OK.
Chapter 4

4.3.8 USB Charger+
USB Charger+ allows you to quick-charge your portable USB devices even if your computer
is off, in sleep mode or hibernate mode.
Before using the USB Charger+, ensure to disable the ErP Ready item from the
Advanced > APM > ErP Ready in the Advanced mode of the BIOS setup program.
Launching USB Charger+

To launch USB Charger+, click or tap the on the top edge of the AI Suite 3 main menu,
then select USB Charger+.
USB Charger+ screen
Click or tap
to detect the
connected USB
device
Indicates that
the connected Click or tap
USB device to fast-charge
is in charging your USB
mode device
Click or tap to
stop charging
your USB
device
Click or tap
to apply the
settings
Click or tap
to discard the
Click or tap to select the type of USB device settings
that you wish to charge when the system is off
Ensure to connect your USB device into the USB port that supports this utility. Refer to
section 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection of your user manual for more details.
• The USB Charger+ does not support USB hubs, USB extension cables, and generic
USB cables.
• The USB Charger+ may not recognize some ASUS devices due to a special design.
Chapter 4

4.3.9 System Information
This utility allows you get the detailed information of the motherboard, CPU, and memory
settings.
Launching the System Information

To launch System Information, click or tap the on the top edge of the AI Suite 3 main
menu, then select System Information.
Viewing the motherboard information

From the System Information screen, click MB tab to view the motherboard’s information.
Viewing the CPU information

From the System Information screen, click CPU tab to view the processor’s information.
Chapter 4

Viewing the SPD information
From the System Information screen, click SPD tab to view the memory’s information.
4.3.10 Audio configurations

The Realtek® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio
experience on your computer. The software provides Jack-Sensing function, S/PDIF Out
support, and interrupt capability. The CODEC also includes the Realtek® proprietary UAJ®
(Universal Audio Jack) technology for all audio ports, eliminating cable connection errors, and
giving users plug and play convenience.
Follow the installation wizard to install the Realtek® Audio Driver from the support DVD that
came with the motherboard package.
If the Realtek® audio software is correctly installed, you will find the
Realtek® HD Audio Manager icon on the taskbar. Double-click on
the icon to display the Realtek® HD Audio Manager.
Realtek® HD Audio Manager

Chapter 4

A. Realtek® HD Audio Manager for Windows® 8 / Windows® 7
Configuration option tabs (vary with the audio devices connected) Advanced
settings
Set default
device
button
Control
settings panel
Analog and digital connector status
This version of Realtek HD Audio Manager supports Intel® 8 Series motherboards and other
selected models.
Chapter 4

Chapter 4

5
Chapter 5: RAID support
RAID support
5.1 RAID configurations

The motherboard comes with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology that supports RAID 0,
RAID 1, RAID 10 and RAID 5 configuration.
5.1.1 RAID definitions

RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in
parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a single drive but at a
sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone, thus improving data access
and storage. Use of two new identical hard disk drives is required for this setup.
RAID 1 (Data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data from one drive to
a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array management software directs all applications
to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of the data in the other drive. This RAID
configuration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to the entire system. Use
two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive for this setup. The new drive must be
of the same size or larger than the existing drive.
RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard disk drives. Among
the advantages of RAID 5 configuration include better HDD performance, fault tolerance, and
higher storage capacity. The RAID 5 configuration is best suited for transaction processing,
relational database applications, enterprise resource planning, and other business systems.
Use a minimum of three identical hard disk drives for this setup.
RAID 10 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity (redundancy data) having
to be calculated and written. With the RAID 10 configuration you get all the benefits of both
RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations. Use four new hard disk drives or use an existing drive
and three new drives for this setup.
Chapter 5

5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks
The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install
identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array.
To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration:

1. Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.
2. Connect the SATA signal cables.
3. Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.
5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS

You must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID sets using SATA
HDDs. To do this:
1. Enter the BIOS Setup during POST.
2. Go to the Advanced menu > SATA Configuration, and then press <Enter>.
3. Set the SATA Mode item to [RAID Mode].
4. Save your changes, and then exit the BIOS Setup.
Refer to Chapter 3 for details on entering and navigating through the BIOS Setup
Due to chipset limitation, when SATA ports are set to RAID mode, all SATA ports run at
RAID mode together.
Chapter 5
5-2 Chapter 5: RAID configurations

5.1.4 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility
To enter the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility:
1. Turn on the system.
2. During POST, press <Ctrl> + <I> to display the utility main menu.
Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - v10.5.1.1070

Copyright(C) 2003-10 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
[ MAIN MENU ]
1. Create RAID Volume 4. Recovery Volume Options
2. Delete RAID Volume 5. Acceleration Options
3. Reset Disks to Non-RAID 6. Exit
[ DISK/VOLUME INFORMATION ]
RAID Volumes:
None defined.
Physical Devices:
Port Device Model Serial # Size Type/Status(Vol ID)
0 ST3160812AS 9LS0HJA4 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
1 ST3160812AS 9LS0F4HL 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
2 ST3160812AS 3LS0JYL8 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
3 ST3160812AS 9LS0BJ5H 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
[↑↓]-Select [ESC]-Exit [ENTER]-Select Menu
The navigation keys at the bottom of the screen allow you to move through the menus
and select the menu options.
The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only and may not
exactly match the items on your screen.
The utility supports maximum four hard disk drives for RAID configuration.
Chapter 5

Creating a RAID set
To create a RAID set:
1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The
following screen appears:
Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - v10.5.1.1070
Copyright(C) 2003-10 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
[ CREATE VOLUME MENU ]
Name: Volume0
RAID Level:
Disks:
Strip Size:
Capacity:
Sync:
Create volume
[ HELP ]
Enter a unique volume name that has no special characters and is

16 characters or less.
[↑↓]-Select [ESC]-Exit [ENTER]-Select Menu
2. Enter a name for the RAID set and press <Enter>.

3. When the RAID Level item is selected, press the up/down arrow key to select a RAID
level to create, and then press <Enter>.
4. When the Disks item is selected, press <Enter> to select the hard disk drives you want
to include in the RAID set. The SELECT DISKS screen appears:
[ SELECT DISKS ]
Port Drive Model Serial # Size Status
0 ST3160812AS 9LS0HJA4 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
1 ST3160812AS 9LS0F4HL 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
2 ST3160812AS 3LS0JYL8 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
3 ST3160812AS 9LS0BJ5H 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
Select 2 to 6 disks to use in creating the volume.

[↑↓]-Prev/Next [SPACE]-SelectDisk [ENTER]-Done
Chapter 5

5. Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press <Space> to select. A small
triangle marks the selected drive. Press <Enter> after completing your selection.
6. Use the up/down arrow key to select the stripe size for the RAID array (for RAID 0, 10
and 5 only),and then press <Enter>. The available stripe size values range from 4KB
to 128KB. The following are typical values:
• RAID 0: 128KB
• RAID 10: 64KB
• RAID 5: 64KB
We recommend a lower stripe size for server systems, and a higher stripe size for
multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing.
7. When the Capacity item is selected, enter the RAID volume capacity that you want
and press <Enter>. The default value indicates the maximum allowed capacity.
8. When the Create Volume item is selected, press <Enter>. The following warning
message appears:
WARNING: ALL DATA ON SELECTED DISKS WILL BE LOST.

Are you sure you want to create this volume? (Y/N):
9. Press <Y> to create the RAID volume and return to the main menu, or <N> to go back
to the CREATE VOLUME menu.
Chapter 5

Deleting a RAID set
Be cautious when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when
you delete a RAID set.
To delete a RAID set:

1. From the utility main menu, select 2. Delete RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The
following screen appears:
[ DELETE VOLUME MENU ]

Name Level Drives Capacity Status Bootable
Volume0 RAID0(Stripe) 2 298.0GB Normal Yes
[ HELP ]
Deleting a volume will reset the disks to non-RAID.
WARNING: ALL DISK DATA WILL BE DELETED.

(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)
[↑↓]-Select [ESC]-Previous Menu [DEL]-Delete Volume
2. Use the up/down arrow key to select the RAID set you want to delete, and then press
<Delete>. The following warning message appears:
[ DELETE VOLUME VERIFICATION ]
ALL DATA IN THE VOLUME WILL BE LOST!

(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)
Are you sure you want to delete volume “Volume0”? (Y/N):
3. Press <Y> to delete the RAID set and return to the utility main menu, or press <N> to
return to the DELETE VOLUME menu.
Chapter 5

Exiting the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility
To exit the utility:

1. From the utility main menu, select 5. Exit, then press <Enter>. The following warning
message appears:
[ CONFIRM EXIT ]
Are you sure you want to exit? (Y/N):
2. Press <Y> to exit or press <N> to return to the utility main menu.
5.2 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS

installation
To install the RAID driver for Windows® OS:

1. During the OS installation, click Load Driver to allow you to select the installation
media containing the RAID driver.
2. Insert the USB flash drive with RAID driver into the USB port or the support DVD into
the optical drive, and then click Browse.
3. Click the name of the device you’ve inserted, go to Drivers > RAID, and then select
the RAID driver for the corresponding OS version. Click OK.
4. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.
Before loading the RAID driver from a USB flash drive, you have to use another computer
to copy the RAID driver from the support DVD to the USB flash drive.
To set up a Windows® UEFI operating system under RAID mode, ensure to load the UEFI
driver for your optical drive.
Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Appendices
Appendices
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required
to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.
Appendices
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z87 A-1

IC: Canadian Compliance Statement
Complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B speciﬁcations. This device complies with RSS
210 of Industry Canada. This Class B device meets all the requirements of the Canadian
interference-causing equipment regulations.
This device complies with Industry Canada license exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Cut appareil numérique de la Classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le
matériel brouilleur du Canada.
Cet appareil est conforme aux normes CNR exemptes de licence d’Industrie Canada. Le
fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes :
(1) cet appareil ne doit pas provoquer d’interférences et
(2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, y compris celles susceptibles de provoquer
un fonctionnement non souhaité de l’appareil.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
VCCI: Japan Compliance Statement

VCCI Class B Statement
KC: Korea Warning Statement

Appendices
A-2 Appendices
REACH
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at
ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to
enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal
waste.
ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services

ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards
for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to
responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging
materials. Please go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for detailed recycling
information in different regions.
RF Equipment Notices
CE: European Community Compliance Statement
The equipment complies with the RF Exposure Requirement 1999/519/EC, Council
Recommendation of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to
electromagnetic fields (0–300 GHz). This wireless device complies with the R&TTE Directive.
Wireless Radio Use

This device is restricted to indoor use when operating in the 5.15 to 5.25 GHz frequency
band.
Exposure to Radio Frequency Energy

The radiated output power of the Wi-Fi technology is below the FCC radio frequency
exposure limits. Nevertheless, it is advised to use the wireless equipment in such a manner
that the potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized.
Appendices
FCC Bluetooth Wireless Compliance

The antenna used with this transmitter must not be colocated or operated in conjunction with
any other antenna or transmitter subject to the conditions of the FCC Grant.

Bluetooth Industry Canada Statement
This Class B device meets all requirements of the Canadian interference-causing equipment
regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la Class B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le
matériel brouilleur du Canada.
NCC: Taiwan Wireless Statement
Japan RF Equipment Statement
KC (RF Equipment)
Appendices
A-4 Appendices
ASUS contact information
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.

Address 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259
Telephone +886-2-2894-3447
Fax +886-2-2890-7798
E-mail [email protected]
Web site www.asus.com.tw
Technical Support
Telephone +86-21-38429911
Online support support.asus.com
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)

Address 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539, USA
Telephone +1-812-282-3777
Fax +1-510-608-4555
Web site usa.asus.com
Technical Support
Telephone +1-812-282-2787
Support fax +1-812-284-0883
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)

Address Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany
Fax +49-2102-959911
Web site www.asus.de
Online contact www.asus.de/sales
Technical Support
Telephone +49-1805-010923*
Support Fax +49-2102-9599-11
* EUR 0.14/minute from a German fixed landline; EUR 0.42/minute from a mobile phone.
Appendices

Appendices
A-6
EC Declaration of Conformity
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Per FCC Part 2 Section 2. 1077(a) We, the undersigned,
Manufacturer: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
Address, City: 4F, No. 150, LI-TE Rd., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TAIWAN
Country: TAIWAN
Authorized representative in Europe: ASUS COMPUTER GmbH
Address, City: HARKORT STR. 21-23, 40880 RATINGEN
Country: GERMANY
Responsible Party Name: Asus Computer International declare the following apparatus:
Product name : Motherboard
Address: 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539. Model name : SABERTOOTH Z87
conform with the essential requirements of the following directives:
Phone/Fax No: (510)739-3777/(510)608-4555 2004/108/EC-EMC Directive
EN 55022:2010 EN 55024:2010
EN 61000-3-2:2006+A2:2009 EN 61000-3-3:2008
EN 55013:2001+A1:2003+A2:2006 EN 55020:2007+A11:2011
hereby declares that the product
1999/5/EC-R &TTE Directive
EN 300 328 V1.7.1(2006-10) EN 301 489-1 V1.9.2(2011-09)
Product Name : Motherboard EN 300 440-1 V1.6.1(2010-08) EN 301 489-3 V1.4.1(2002-08)
EN 300 440-2 V1.4.1(2010-08) EN 301 489-4 V1.4.1(2009-05)
EN 301 511 V9.0.2(2003-03) EN 301 489-7 V1.3.1(2005-11)
EN 301 908-1 V5.2.1(2011-05) EN 301 489-9 V1.4.1(2007-11)
Model Number : SABERTOOTH Z87 EN 301 908-2 V5.2.1(2011-07) EN 301 489-17 V2.1.1(2009-05)
EN 301 893 V1.6.1(2011-11) EN 301 489-24 V1.5.1(2010-09)
EN 302 544-2 V1.1.1(2009-01) EN 302 326-2 V1.2.2(2007-06)
Conforms to the following specifications: EN 302 623 V1.1.1(2009-01) EN 302 326-3 V1.3.1(2007-09)
EN 50360:2001 EN 301 357-2 V1.4.1(2008-11)
EN 62479:2010 EN 302 291-1 V1.1.1(2005-07)
EN 50385:2002 EN 302 291-2 V1.1.1(2005-07)
FCC Part 15, Subpart B, Unintentional Radiators EN 62311:2008
2006/95/EC-LVD Directive
Supplementary Information: EN 60950-1 / A12:2011 EN 60065:2002 / A12:2011
2009/125/EC-ErP Directive
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to Regulation (EC) No. 1275/2008 Regulation (EC) No. 278/2009
the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful Regulation (EC) No. 642/2009
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
2011/65/EU-RoHS Directive Ver. 130208
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
CE marking
Representative Person’s Name : Steve Chang / President
(EC conformity marking)
Position : CEO
Name : Jerry Shen
Signature :
Date : Feb. 27, 2013
Declaration Date: 27/02/2013
Appendices
Year to begin affixing CE marking:2013
Ver. 120601
Signature : __________

E7868 SAbertooth Z87

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Motherboard

Copyright© 2013 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 2: Basic installation

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Chapter 4: Software support

Chapter 5: RAID support

How this guide is organized

Where to find more information

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

Chipset Intel® Z87 Express Chipset

VGA Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel® HD Graphics support

(continued on the next page)

2 x ASMedia® SATA 6Gb/s controllers**

Audio Realtek® ALC1150 8-channel high definition audio CODEC

Intel® Z87 Express Chipset

“We Got Your Back” Shape Force

“TUF ENGINE” Power Design

“SAFE & Stable!” Guardian Angel

(continued on the next page)

(continued on the next page)

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

ASUS SABERTOOTH Z87 Technical documentations, Support DVD

2 x short fan screws

3 x PCIe x16 slot covers

1 x Connector cap set

7 x SATA connector caps

• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

1 bag of screws Philips (cross) screwdriver

PC chassis Power supply unit

Intel® LGA1150 CPU Intel® LGA1150 compatible CPU Fan

DIMM SATA hard disk drive

SATA optical disc drive (optional) Graphics card (optional)

1.1 Special features

1.1.1 Product highlights

Intel® Z87 Express Chipset

PCI Express® 3.0

Dual-Channel DDR3 1866 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz Support

Quad-GPU SLI and Quad GPU CrossFireX™ Support

ASUS SABERTOOTH Z87 1-1

Intel® Smart Connect Technology

Intel® Rapid Start Technology

Complete USB 3.0 integration

Extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s Support

1.1.2 “Ultimate COOL” Thermal Solutions

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction

TUF Components (Choke, Cap. & MOSFET; certified by military-standard)

1.1.4 “Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel

ASUS SABERTOOTH Z87 1-3

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction

USB 3.0 Boost

USB BIOS Flashback

ASUS SABERTOOTH Z87 1-5

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2.1 Before you proceed