Asus Z97 manual

Motherboard GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION[...]

ii E9266 First Edition May 2014 Copyright © 2014 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser f[...]

iii Contents Safety information ...................................................................................................... vi About this guide ........................................................................................................ vii GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION specifications summary .................................... [...]

iv 2.4 Starting up for the first time .................................................................... 2-16 2.5 Turning off the computer ........................................................................ 2-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................[...]

v 4.3 Software information ................................................................................. 4-4 4.4 AI Suite 3 ..................................................................................................... 4-4 4.4.1 Thermal Radar 2 ......................................................................... 4-7 4.4.2 EZ Update [...]

vi 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 [...]

vii About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring 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[...]

viii 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: Instructio[...]

ix GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION specifications summary CPU LGA1150 socket for the 4th, New 4th, and 5th 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 t[...]

x Storage Intel ® Z97 Express Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel ® Rapid Start Technology 13 support - 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 support - Supports Intel ® Smart Response Technology, Intel ® Rapid Start Technology, and Intel ® Smart Connect Technology* * These functions will work depending on the CPU installed. Aud[...]

xi (continued on the next page) GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION specifications summary Rear Panel I/O Ports 1 x DVI-D port 1 x HDMI port 1 x DisplayPort 1 x Optical S/PDIF Output 1 x LAN (RJ45) port 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue) 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel Audio I/O ports Other Special Features - USB 3.0 Boost featuring speedy USB 3.0 transmission - U[...]

xii Internal I/O connectors 1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports (19-pin; moss green) 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (brown) 1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin moss green) for both 4-pin (PWM mode) and 3-pin (DC mode) CPU coolers control with auto detection support [...]

xiii Accessories 4 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s cables 1 x ASUS SLI bridge connector 7cm 1 x ASUS Q-Shield 1 x 2-in-1 Q-connector 1 x Assistant Fan (40mm) 1 x TUF Accessory Package - 3 x Thermistor cables - 1 x back I/O dust frame - 1 x back I/O dust grid - 1 x connector dust cover collection (On board USB 3.0, DVI, HDMI, DP, LAN) - 10 x USB connector dust c[...]

xiv Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items • If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. • The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may vary with different models. User Manual ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITIONmotherboard Technical documentations,[...]

xv 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.[...]

xvi[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-1 Chapter 1 Product introduction 1 1.1 Special features 1.1.1 Product highlights LGA1150 socket for the 4th, New 4th, and 5th generation Intel ® Core™ i7 / Intel ® Core™ i5 / Intel ® Core™ i3, Pentium ® , and Celeron ® processors This motherboard supports the 4th, New 4th, and 5th generation Intel ® Core[...]

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 Intel ® Smart Response Technology Intel ® Smart Response Technology, an important part of Green ASUS eco-friendly computing, reduces load and wait time, eliminates unnecessary hard drive spin thus lowering power usage, and uses an installed SSD (requires 18.6 GB available space) as a cache for frequen[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-3 Chapter 1 1.1.3 “TUF Engine” Power Design DIGI+ 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 efciency, stability and performance. TUF Compon[...]

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode) ASUS UEFI BIOS, a UEFI compliant architecture, offers the rst mouse-controlled intuitive graphical BIOS interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls, providing you with more exibility, convenience, and easy to navigate UEFI BIOS [...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-5 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 les to DLNA devices, remotely control and access your computer using your smart device and easily transfer les between your computer a[...]

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 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 digita[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-7 Chapter 1 • 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 t[...]

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 Refer to the Internal connectors and Rear I/O connection section for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors. 1.2.2 Motherboard layout[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-9 Chapter 1 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page 1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 1-36 2. CPU, optional, chassis, and assistant fan connectors (4-pin CPU_ FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-4; 3-pin ASST_FAN1, 4-pin ASST_FAN2) 1-34 3. LGA1150 CPU socket 1-10 4. DDR3 DIMM slots 1-11 5.[...]

1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1150 socket designed for the 4th, New 4th, and 5th generation Intel ® Core™ i7 / Intel ® Core™ i5 / Intel ® Core™ i3, Pentium ® and Celeron ® processors. • Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before in[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-11 Chapter 1 Recommended memory configurations 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.[...]

1-12 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 • 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 conguration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation. • According to Intel ® CPU spec, DIMM volta[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-13 Chapter 1 GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2666 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 2 4 Apacer 78.BAGFF.AFC0C(XMP) 8GB (2x 4GB ) DS - - 12-13-13-35 - • • Apacer 78.BAGFR.AFD0C(XMP) 8GB (2x 4GB ) D[...]

1-14 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 DDR3 2400 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 2 4 G.SKILL F3-19200CL10Q- 32GBZHD(XMP) 32GB ( 4x 8GB ) DS - - 10-12-12-31 1.65 • G.SKILL F3-19200CL11Q- 16GBZHD(XMP) 16GB ( 4x 4GB ) DS - - 11-11-11-31 1.65 • • G.SKILL F3-1920[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-15 Chapter 1 DDR3 2133 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 2 4 A-DATA AX3U2133W4G10-DR(XMP) 8GB (2x 4GB) SS - - 10-11-11-30 1.65 • • A-DATA AX3U2133W8G10-DR(XMP) 16GB (2x 8GB) DS - - 10-11-11-30 1.65 • • Apacer 78.BAGE4.AFD0C(XMP) 8GB [...]

1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 DDR3 1866 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 2 4 CORSAIR CMD16GX3M2A1866C9 (Ver5.29) (XMP) 16GB ( 2x 8GB ) DS - - 1866 9-9- 9-27 1.5 • CORSAIR CMD16GX3M4A1866C9 (Ver4.13) (XMP) 16GB ( 4x 4GB ) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • • CORS[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-17 Chapter 1 DDR3 1866 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 2 4 G.SKILL F3-14900CL10Q-32GBZL(XMP) 32GB ( 4x 8GB ) DS - - 10-11-10-30 1.5 • • G.SKILL F3-14900CL9D-8GBSR(XMP) 8GB ( 2x 4GB ) DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5 • • G.SKILL F3-14900CL9Q-16[...]

1-18 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 DDR3 1600 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 2 4 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 AM5[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-19 Chapter 1 DDR3 1600 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 2 4 Crucial BLS4G3D1609DS1S00 .16FMR(XMP) 4GB DS - - 1600-9- 9-9-24 1.5 • • Crucial BLT4G3D1608DT1TX0 .16FM(XMP) 4GB DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.5 • • Elixir M2X2G64CB88G7N- DG(XMP) 2GB [...]

1-20 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 DDR3 1600 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 2 4 Patriot PV316G160C9K(XMP) 16GB (2x 4GB ) SS - - 1600-9-9- 9-24 1.5 • • Patriot PV316G160C9K(XMP) 16GB (2x 8GB) SS - - 1600-9-9- 9-24 1.5 • • SanMax SMD-4G28N1P-16KM 4GB SS[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-21 Chapter 1 DDR3 1333 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 2 4 AMD AE32G1339U1-U 2GB SS AMD 23EY4587MB3H - 1.5 • • AMD AE34G1339U2-U 4GB DS AMD 23EY4587MB3H - 1.5 • • Apacer 78.B1GDE.9L10C 4GB DS Apacer AM5D5908CEHSBG 9 - • • Asint[...]

1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 DDR3 1333 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 2 4 Mach Xtreme MXD3U133316GQ 16GB ( 4x 4GB ) DS - - - - • • Mach Xtreme MXD3V13332GS 2GB SS Mach Xtreme C2S46D30-D313 - - • • MICRON MT8JTF25664AZ-1G4M1 2GB SS MICRON D9PFJ -[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-23 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 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot 2 PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot 3 PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_2 slot 4 PCIe 2.0 x16_3 slot[...]

1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 • We recommend that you provide sufcient 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 sha[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-25 Chapter 1 1.2.6 Onboard buttons Onboard buttons allow you to ne-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 m[...]

1-26 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 2. BIOS Flashback button (BIOS_FLBK) Press this button to enable the BIOS Flashback feature.[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-27 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[...]

1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 2. CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV) The CPU Over Voltage jumper allows you to set a higher CPU voltage for a exible overclocking system, depending on the type of the installed CPU. To gain more CPU voltage setting, insert the jumper to pins 2-3. To go back to its default CPU voltage setting, i[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-29 Chapter 1 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 drives. If an error is found, the critical component’s LED stays lit up until the problem is solved. 2. USB BIOS Flashback[...]

1-30 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 1.2.9 Internal connectors 1. Intel ® Z97 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 conguration [...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-31 Chapter 1 2. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12) 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 benets of USB 3.0 including faster data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps, faster charging time for USB-[...]

1-32 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 3. 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.[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-33 Chapter 1 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) rst, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard if your chassis supports front panel USB ports. The USB[...]

1-34 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 5. CPU, optional, chassis, and assistant fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-4; 3-pin ASST_FAN1, 4-pin ASST_FAN2) Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard. • DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufcient air ow inside t[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-35 Chapter 1 6. 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-denit[...]

1-36 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 • For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specication 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 [...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-37 Chapter 1 • 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[...]

1-38 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 10. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which securely store keys, digital certicates, passwords and data. A TPM system also helps enhance the network security, protects digital identities, and ensures platform integrity. 11. DirectKey connect[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-39 Chapter 1 12. Thunderbolt header (5-pin TB_HEADER) This connector is for the add-on Thunderbolt I/O card that supports Intel’s Thunderbolt Technology, allowing you to connect up to six Thunderbolt-enabled devices and a DisplayPort-enabled display in a daisy-chain conguration. The add-on Thunderbolt I/O card [...]

1-40 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 2-1 Chapter 2 Basic installation 2 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. Chapter 2: [...]

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

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 2-3 Chapter 2 2.1.2 CPU installation Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1150 socket only. DO NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1150 socket.[...]

2-4 Chapter 2: Basic installation 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[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 2-5 Chapter 2 To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly[...]

2-6 Chapter 2: Basic installation Chapter 2 To remove a DIMM 2.1.4 DIMM installation[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 2-7 Chapter 2 2.1.5 ATX Power connection OR OR[...]

2-8 Chapter 2: Basic installation Chapter 2 2.1.6 SATA device connection OR OR[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 2-9 Chapter 2 2.1.7 Front I/O Connector To install ASUS Q-Connector USB 2.0 AAFP To install USB 2.0 connector To install front panel audio connector To install USB 3.0 connector HDD LED POWER SW RESET SW HDD LED- HDD LED+ PWR Reset Ground Ground HDD LED USB 3.0[...]

2-10 Chapter 2: Basic installation Chapter 2 2.1.8 Expansion Card installation To install PCIe x16 cards To install PCIe x1 cards[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 2-11 Chapter 2 • 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ashesforvesecondsandturnsi[...]

2-12 Chapter 2: Basic installation Chapter 2 2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection * and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LEDs, and audio port definitions. Rear panel connectors 1. USB 2.0 ports 7-10 5. DVI port 2. DisplayPort 6. HDMI port 3. USB 3.0 ports 5 and 6 7. USB 3.0 ports 3-4, support ASU[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 2-13 Chapter 2 • 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 ®[...]

2-14 Chapter 2: Basic installation 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[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 2-15 Chapter 2 Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers[...]

2-16 Chapter 2: Basic installation 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 protect[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-1 Chapter 3 The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unied 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 exible and convenient mouse input. You can easily navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same s[...]

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 • 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 an[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-3 Chapter 3 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/Advanc[...]

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.2.2 Advanced Mode The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to congure the BIOS settings. The gure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed congurations. To switch from EZ Mode to Advanced Mode, click Advanced Mode or pres[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-5 Chapter 3 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 conguration. Main For changing the basic system conguration Ai T weaker For changing the overclocking settings Advanced For changing the advanced system settings [...]

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Quick Note (F9) This button above the menu bar allows you to key in 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. Hot keys This bu[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-7 Chapter 3 3.2.3 Q-Fan Control The Q-Fan Control allows you to set a fan prole or manually congure the operating speed of your CPU and chassis fans. Click to select a fan to be configured Click to activate PWM Mode Click to undo the changes Click to apply the fan setting Click to go back to main menu Select a[...]

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Configuring fans manually Select Manual from the list of proles to manually congure your fans’ operating speed. To congure your fans: 1. Select the fan that you want to congure and to view its current status. 2. Click and drag the speed points to adjust the fans’ operating speed. 3. Click Apply to[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-9 Chapter 3 3.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard EZ Tuning Wizard allows you to overclock your CPU and DRAM, computer usage, and CPU fan to their best settings. You can also easily set RAID in your system using this feature. Tuning your system settings To tune your settings: 1. Press <F11> on your keyboard or click from the[...]

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.3 My Favorites My Favorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite BIOS items.[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-11 Chapter 3 Adding items to My Favorites To add BIOS items: 1. Press <F3> on your keyboard or click from the BIOS screen to open Setup Tree Map screen. 2. On the Setup Tree Map screen, select the BIOS items that you want to save in MyFavorites screen. 3. Select an item from main menu panel, then click the sub[...]

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 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 sys[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-13 Chapter 3 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 elds in the BIOS setup program. To set an administrator password: 1. Select the Administrator [...]

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 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>. 4. Conrm the password when prompted. To clea[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-15 Chapter 3 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] This item allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal frequency. Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual] [XMP] The following items appear only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner to [Manual] or [XMP] . Filter PLL [Auto] Set this item[...]

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Min. CPU Cache Ratio [Auto] This item 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] This item allows you to set the maximum possible ratio on the Uncore[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-17 Chapter 3 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 [...]

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 RTL IOL control DRAM RTL Initial Value [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [63] DRAM RTL (CHA_R0D0) [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [63] DRAM RTL (CHA_R0D1) [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [63] DRAM RTL (CHA_R1D0) [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [63] DRAM RTL (CHA_R1D1[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-19 Chapter 3 Third Timings tRDRD [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [7] tRDRD_dr [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [15] tRDRD_dd [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [15] tWRRD [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [63] tWRRD_dr [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [15] tWRRD_d[...]

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 MISC MRC Fast Boot [Auto] This item allows you to enable, disable or automatically set the MRC fast boot. Conguration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] DRAM CLK Period [Auto] This item allows you to set a DRAM clock period. Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [14] Channel A/B DIMM Control [Enable Both D[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-21 Chapter 3 The following item appears only when you set the CPU VRM Switching Frequency to [Manual] . Fixed CPU VRM Switching Frequency (KHz) [300] This item allows you to set a higher frequency for a quicker transient response speed. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. The values range from 300 KH[...]

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 DRAM Power Phase Control [Auto] [Optimized] Set to the ASUS optimized phase tuning prole. [Extreme] Set to the full phase mode. DO NOT remove the thermal module when setting this item to [Extreme] . The thermal conditions should be monitored. Internal CPU Power Management The subitems in this menu allow you t[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-23 Chapter 3 CPU Internal Power Fault Control Thermal Feedback [Auto] Allows your system to take precautionary actions to protect the CPU when the thermal condition of the external regulator exceeds the threshold. Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] CPU Integrated VR Fault Management [Auto] Disable t[...]

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 CPU Internal Power Saving Control Power Saving Level 1 Threshold [Auto] Lower value provides sufcient 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 0 A to 80 A at 1 A [...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-25 Chapter 3 CPU Cache Voltage [Auto] This item allows you to set the amount of voltage fed to the CPU uncores including its cache. Increase the voltage when setting a high CPU cache frequency. Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual Mode] [Offset Mode] The following item appears only when you set the CPU Cache Volta[...]

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 CPU Digital I/O Voltage Offset Mode Sign [+] [+] To offset the voltage by a positive value. [–] To offset the voltage by a negative value. CPU Digital I/O Voltage Offset [Auto] This item allows you to set the amount of voltage fed to the digital portion of the I/O on the processor. By default, this item takes [...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-27 Chapter 3 PCH VLX Voltage [Auto] This item 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 1.2000 V to 2.0000 V with a 0.0125 V interval. VTTDDR Voltage [Auto] This item allows you to set the termination[...]

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 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 eld values can cause the system to malfunction.[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-29 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] This item allows you to protect the CPU by decreasing its frequency as it reaches the [...]

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Execute Disable Bit [Enabled] Execute Disable prevents certain classes of malicious buffer overow attacks when combined with a supporting OS (SuSE Linux 9.2, RedHat Enterprise 3 Update 3). Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Intel Virtualization Technology [Disabled] When set to [Enabled] , a VMM can[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-31 Chapter 3 CPU C-States [Auto] This item allows you to set the power saving of the CPU states. Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] The following items appear only when you set the CPU states to [Enabled] . Enhanced C1 State [Enabled] This item allows your CPU to reduce power consumption when the sy[...]

3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.6.2 PCH Configuration PCI Express Configuration This item allows you to congure the PCI Express slots. PCIe Speed [Auto] This item allows your system to automatically select the PCI Express port speed. When set to [Gen1], the PCI-E port runs at PCI-E 1.0 speed. When set to [Gen2], the PCI-E port runs at PCI[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-33 Chapter 3 Hybrid Hard Disk Support [Disabled] This item allows you to enable or disable the hybrid hard disk support for a faster resume time. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Intel Smart Connect Technology Support [Disabled] This item allows the system to support Intel Smart Connect Technology, that [...]

3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 SATA Mode Selection [AHCI] This item allows you to set the SATA conguration. [Disabled] Disables the SATA function. [IDE] Set to [IDE] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical storage devices. [AHCI] Set to [AHCI] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the AHCI (Ad[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-35 Chapter 3 3.6.4 System Agent Configuration Graphics Configuration This item allows you to select a primary display from CPU and PCIe graphical devices. Primary Display [Auto] This item allows you to select the primary display from CPU and PCIe devices. Conguration options: [Auto] [CPU Graphics] [PCIE] CPU Grap[...]

3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.6.5 USB Configuration The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features. The Mass Storage Devices item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None . Legacy USB Support [Enabled] [Enabled] Your system supports the USB devices in legacy operating systems. [[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-37 Chapter 3 Mass Storage Devices Generic [Auto] This item allows your system to detect the devices according to their media formats. Conguration options: [Auto] [Floppy] [Forced FDD] [Hard Disk] [CD-ROM] USB Single Port Control This item allows you to enable or disable the individual USB ports. Refer to the Moth[...]

3-38 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 PCH - PCI Express options DMI Link ASPM Control [Disabled] This item allows you to control the Active State Power Management on both NB (NorthBridge) side and SB (SouthBridge) side of the DMI Link. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASPM Support [Disabled] This item allows you to select the ASPM state [...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-39 Chapter 3 3.6.7 Onboard Devices Configuration Scroll down to view the other BIOS items. HD Audio Controller [Enabled] This item allows you to use the Azalia High Denition Audio Controller Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following items appear only when you set the HD Audio Controller to [Enabl[...]

3-40 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Intel LAN Controller [Enabled] This item allows you to enable or disable the Intel ® LAN controller. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following item appears only when you set the Intel LAN Controller to [Enabled] . Intel PXE OPROM [Disabled] This item allows you to enable or disable the Intel ®[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-41 Chapter 3 3.6.9 Network Stack Configuration Network stack [Disabled] This item allows you to disable or enable the UEFI network stack. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following item appears only when you set the Network Stack to [Enabled] . Ipv4/Ipv6 PXE Support [Enabled] This item allows you to [...]

3-42 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 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. Qfan Tuning Click this item to automatically detect the lowest speed and congure the minimum duty cycle for each fan. CPU Temperature / MB Tem[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-43 Chapter 3 CPU Q-Fan Control [Auto] This item allows you to set the CPU Q-Fan operating mode. [Auto] Detects the type of CPU fan installed and automatically switches the control modes. [PWM Mode] Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature in PWM mode for 4-pin CPU fan. [DC Mode] Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature in[...]

3-44 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Chassis Fan 1/4 Q-Fan Control [Enabled] These items allow you to set the chassis fans’ Q-Fan control feature into DC Mode, PWM Mode, or disable these Q-Fan controls from your motherboard. Conguration options: [Disabled] [DC Mode] [PWM Mode] The following items appear only when you set the Chassis Fan 1/4 Q-[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-45 Chapter 3 Allow Fan Stop 1/4 [Disabled] These items allow the chassis fans to run at 0% duty cycle when the temperature of the source is dropped below the lower temperature. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASST 1 Fan Q-Fan Control [Enabled] These items allow you to set the assistant fans’ Q-Fan con[...]

3-46 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 ASST 1 Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [60] Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the minimum assistant fan duty cycle. The values may differ via Qfan tuning. Allow Fan Stop [Disabled] These items allow the assistant fans to run at 0% duty cycle when the temperature of the source is dropped below the lower temper[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-47 Chapter 3 Fan Overtime [1 minutes] This item allows you to set a time (in minutes) of the assistant fans’ operation prior to system shutdown. These assistant fans dissipate any remaining heat and extend the critical component’s longevity, dissipating heat as much as 7°C in just 10 minutes. Conguration opt[...]

3-48 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.8 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Boot Configuration Fast Boot [Enabled] [Disabled] This item allows your system to go back to its normal boot speed. [Enabled] This item allows your system to accelerate the boot speed. The following items appear only when you set the [...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-49 Chapter 3 Network Stack Driver Support [Disabled] [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. [F[...]

3-50 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Option ROM Messages [Enabled] [Enabled] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed during POST. [Disabled] Disables the ROM messages and displays only the ASUS logo during POST. Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled] This item allows you to trap Interrupt 19 by the option ROMs. Conguration options: [Disabled] [E[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-51 Chapter 3 Secure Boot This item allows you to congure the Windows ® Secure Boot settings and manage its keys to protect the system from unauthorized access and malwares during POST. OS T ype [Windows UEFI Mode] [Windows UEFI Mode] This item allows you to select your installed operating system. Execute the Mic[...]

3-52 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Load Default PK This item allows you to load the downloaded PK from a USB storage device. The PK le must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated variable. KEK Management The KEK (Key-exchange Key or Key Enrollment Key) manages the Signature database (db) and Revoked Signature d[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-53 Chapter 3 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 This item allows you to delete the dbx le from your system. Load Default dbx This item allows you to load the downloaded dbx from a USB storage de[...]

3-54 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.9 Tool menu The Tool menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the submenu. Setup Animator [Enabled] This item allows you to enable or disable the Setup animator. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utilit[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-55 Chapter 3 Load from Profile This item allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the prole 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! •[...]

3-56 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.9.3 ASUS SPD Information Allow you to review the DRAM SPD (serial presence detect) information.[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-57 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. 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 [...]

3-58 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.11 Updating BIOS The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system stability, compatibility,and 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 ma[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-59 Chapter 3 3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a bootable oppy 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 ash di[...]

3-60 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 • This function can support devices such as a USB ash 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 [...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-61 Chapter 3 3.11.4 ASUS BIOS Updater ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update the BIOS in DOS environment. The screen captures used in this section are for reference only and may not be exactly the same as actually shown on your computer screen. Before updating BIOS • Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB ?[...]

3-62 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 4. When the booting message appears, press <Enter> within ve (5) seconds to enter FreeDOS prompt. Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS le: 1. On the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>. 2. On the BIOS Updater screen, press <Tab> to switch from Files panel to Drives[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 3-63 Chapter 3 5. Select Yes then press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS Updater. 6. Restart your computer. 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 sta[...]

3-64 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 4-1 Chapter 4 Software support 4 4.1 Installing an operating system • Thismotherboardsupports32-bit/64-bitWindows ® 7,32-bit/64-bitWindows ® 8,and 32-bit/64-bitWindows ® 8.1operatingsystems(OS). • Motherboardsettingsandhardwareoptionsvary.T[...]

4-2 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 The Drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to use the devices. The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. The AHCI/RAID Driver menu contains the RAID/AHCI driver disk. The Manual [...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 4-3 Chapter 4 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lesareinPortableDocumentFormat(PDF).InstalltheAdobe?[...]

4-4 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 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lethatcamewiththesoftware applicationformoreinformation. [...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 4-5 Chapter 4 Launching AI Suite 3 Windows ® 7 OS FromtheDesktop,clickortap Start > All Programs > ASUS > AI Suite 3 > AI Suite 3 . YoucanalsolaunchAISuiteinWindows ® 7byclickingortapping ontheNotication area. Windows ® 8 and Window[...]

4-6 Chapter 4: Software support 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. TheAISu[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 4-7 Chapter 4 4.4.1 Thermal Radar 2 ThermalRadar2letsyoucontrolfans,monitoryourgraphicscardtemperatureandotherkey componentsinrealtime,orauto-tuneyourthermalsettings. Thermal Tuning Thisfunctionoptimizesyoursystem’scoolingsolution[...]

4-8 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 VGA - Smart Mode Manuallyadjusttheaccelerationanddecelerationtimeofthegraphiccard’sfans. Click the sliders to adjust the settings Displays the graph of the thermal settings Click to load a saved profile Click to save a new profile Click to undo changes Click to apply chang[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 4-9 Chapter 4 VGA - RPM Mode Allowsyoutomanuallyadjustthefan’sspeed(inrpm). PerformThermalTuningtoenabletheRPMMode.Refertothe Thermal Tuning section formoreinformation. Move the slider up or down to adjust the settings Click to load a saved p[...]

4-10 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 Thermal Status Displaysthecurrentstatusofthethermalconditionofyoursystem. Recorder Displaysandmonitorsthestatusofthethermalsettingandconditionofyoursystem. Click or tap to run the assessment report of your current thermal settings. Cli[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 4-11 Chapter 4 DIGI+ Power Control ASUSDIGI+PowerControlfeaturestherevolutionaryandinnovativedigitalVRMandDRAM Voltagecontrollers.Thesecontrollersoffersultra-precisememoryandvoltagetuningfor optimalsystemefciency,stabilityandperf[...]

4-12 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.4.2 EZ Update EZUpdateisautilitythatallowsyoutoautomaticallyupdateyourmotherboard’ssoftware, driversandBIOSeasily. Withthisutility,youcanalsomanuallyupdatetheBIOSandselectthebootlogothatdisplays during[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 4-13 Chapter 4 Manually update the BIOS and selecting a boot logo Click or tap to search an image file for your boot logo Click or tap to go back to EZ Update main screen Click or tap to proceed the updating BIOS and boot logo Afteryouclickortap BIOS Update button,clickortap Flash to?[...]

4-14 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.4.3 USB BIOS Flashback USBBIOSFlashback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. Launching USB B[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 4-15 Chapter 4 2. AftertheutilitydetectsanewBIOS, clickortap fromtheSaveto:eld, selecttheUSBashdrive,thenclick ortap Download . Downloading the latest BIOS Beforeyoustartdownloading,ensurethatyouhaveinstalled[...]

4-16 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.4.4 Push Notice Thisutilityallowsyougetthedetailedstatusofyoursystemtoyoursmartdevice.Youcan alsosendmessagestoyoursmartdeviceusingthisutility. Beforeusingthisutility,ensurethatyoupairyourcomputerw[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 4-17 Chapter 4 Setting up PC Mode alerts of your computer Thisfeatureallowsyoutorestart,shutdown,orputyourcomputertosleepmodeandsends analerttoyoursmartdevice. Tick these to enable mode alerts Set the day and time to enable the PC modes Set the minut[...]

4-18 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 Viewing your computer status on your smart device Tap Push Notice onyoursmartdevicetolaunchPushNotice. Sending messages to your smart device Thisfeatureallowsyoutosendmessagestoyoursmartdevice. YoucanalsosendmessagesviathePush[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 4-19 Chapter 4 4.4.5 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 onthetop[...]

4-20 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.4.6 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 onthetop-rightcorneroftheAISuite3[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 4-21 Chapter 4 Viewing the SPD information Clickortapthe SPD tabtoviewthememory’sinformation.[...]

4-22 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.4.7 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USBCharger+,ensuretodisabletheErPReadyitemfromthe Advanced > AP[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 4-23 Chapter 4 4.4.8 Version Displaystheinstalledsoftwareorutilitiesandtheircurrentversion.[...]

4-24 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.5 Turbo LAN TurboLANisanetworktrafcshapingtechnologythatlowerslagandhelpsreducedelays duringdatatransfersorwhenplayingonlinegames.Itallowsyoutosetprogramsor application’snetworkprioritiestocurrently[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 4-25 Chapter 4 4.6 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C[...]

4-26 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 Selecting an audio output RealtekHDAudioManagerallowsyoutoselectthetypeofaudiooutputdependingonthe outputdevicethatyouareusing. Toselectanaudiooutput: 1. Inserttheaudiodevice’sjacktotheLineOut(lime)?[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 5-1 Chapter 5 RAID support 5 5.1 RAID configurations The motherboard comes with the Intel ® Rapid Storage Technology that supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 and RAID 5 conguration. 5.1.1 RAID definitions RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in parallel, interleaved s[...]

5-2 Chapter 5: RAID congurations 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[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 5-3 Chapter 5 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. The navigation keys at the bottom of the screen allow you to move through t[...]

5-4 Chapter 5: RAID congurations 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: 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 lev[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 5-5 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 <[...]

5-6 Chapter 5: RAID congurations 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: 2. Use the up/down arrow key to se[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 5-7 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: Are you sure you want to e xi t ? (Y/N): [ CONFIRM EXIT ] 2. Press <Y> to exit or press <N> to[...]

5-8 Chapter 5: RAID congurations Chapter 5[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION A-1 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 [...]

A-2 Appendices Appendices IC: Canadian Compliance Statement ComplieswiththeCanadianICES-003ClassBspecications.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[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION A-3 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 [...]

A-4 Appendices Appendices FCC Bluetooth Wireless Compliance The antenna used with this transmitter must not be co-located 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 Canadi[...]

ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION A-5 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 info@asus.com.tw Web site www.asus.com.com/ Technical Support Telephone +86-21-38429911 Fax +86-21-5866-8722, ext. 9101# Online support http://www.asu[...]

A-6 Appendices Appendices EC Declaration of Conf ormity We, the undersigned, Manufacturer: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address: 4F, No. 150, LI-TE Rd., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TAIWAN A uthorized representative in Europe: ASUS COMPUTER GmbH Address, City: HARKORT STR. 21-23, 4088 0 RATINGEN Country: GERMANY declare the follo wing app aratus: Product name : Mo[...]