Asus Z97-A manual

Motherboard Z97-A[...]

ii E9060 First Edition April 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[...]

iii Contents Safety information ...................................................................................................... iv About this guide ......................................................................................................... iv Package contents .....................................................................[...]

iv 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 [...]

v 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 documentati[...]

vi Z97-A specifications summary (continued on the next page) Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items: Motherboard ASUS Z97-A Motherboard Cables 3 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables Accessories 1 x ASUS SLI bridge connector 2-in-1 Q-connector Application DVD Support DVD Documentation User Guide If any of the above items is [...]

vii Z97-A specifications summary (continued on the next page) VGA - Supports Intel ® InTru™ 3D, Quick Sync Video, Intel ® Clear Video HD Technology, and Intel ® Insider™ - Maximum shared memory of 512 MB * DisplayPort 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport compliant, supports DP 1.2 monitor daisy-chain up to 3 displays. Multi-GPU Support Supports AMD ®[...]

viii Z97-A specifications summary ASUS Exclusive Features DIGI+ Power Control - CPU Power - Industry-leading digital 8-phase power design - ASUS CPU power utility TPU - Auto Tuning, TPU, GPU Boost, 2-level TPU switch EPU - EPU, EPU switch Fan Xpert 3 - Featuring Fan Auto Tuning function and multiple thermistors selection for optimized system coolin[...]

ix ASUS Exclusive Features Crystal Sound 2 - Feel the sound power with different usage scenarios Steam support - Compatible with the most fun gaming platform under Windows ® system EZ DIY Push Notice - Monitor your PC status with smart devices in real time UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface - O.C. Tuner - CrashFree BIOS 3[...]

x Rear panel I/O ports 1 x VGA port 1 x Optical S/PDIF out port 1 x Intel ® LAN (RJ45) port 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports 2 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 3.0 / 2.0 ports 3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors, support additional 6 USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports 1 x M.2 Socket 3 ([...]

ASUS Z97-A 1-1 1.2 Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard ts. Unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage to motherboard components. 1.2.1 Placement direction When installing[...]

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction Place this side towards the rear of the chassis 1.2.3 Motherboard layout[...]

ASUS Z97-A 1-3 1.2.4 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page 1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 1-29 2. Intel ® LGA1150 CPU socket 1-4 3. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CPU_OPT; CHA_FAN1, CHA_FAN2, CHA_FAN3, CHA_FAN4) 1-28 4. DDR3 DIMM slots 1-7 5. CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV) 1-24 6. [...]

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1150 socket designed for the 4th Generation and New 4th Generation Intel ® Core™ i7 / Intel ® Core™ i5 / Intel ® Core™ i3, Pentium ® , and Celeron ® processors. • Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installi[...]

ASUS Z97-A 1-5 1.3.1 Installing the CPU[...]

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.3.2 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 Z97-A 1-7 To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly 1.4 System memory 1.4.1 Overview This motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) sockets. 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. According to Intel ® CPU spe[...]

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. You can refer to the recommended memory population below. • You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for t[...]

ASUS Z97-A 1-9 Z97-A Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 3200 (O.C.) MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 AVEXIR AVD3UH32001304G-4CI(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) SS - - 13-15-15-35 1.65V • • • G.SKILL F3-3200C12Q-16GTXDG(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) SS - - 12-15-15-35 1.65V ?[...]

1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction DDR3 2800 (O.C.) MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 AVEXIR AVD3UH28001208G- 4BZ1(XMP) 32GB (4x8GB) DS - - 12-14-14-35 1.65V • • • A_DATA AX3U2800W 4G12(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) SS - - 12-14-14-36 1.65V • • • A_DATA AX3U2800W 8G1[...]

ASUS Z97-A 1-11 DDR3 2666 (O.C.) MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 Apacer 78.BAGFF.AFC0C(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 12-13-13-35 - • • • Apacer 78.BAGFR.AFD0C(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 12-13-13-35 - • • • Apacer 78.CAGFF.AFD0C(XMP) 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - 12-13-13-35[...]

1-12 Chapter 1: Product introduction Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 G.SKILL F3-19200CL9Q- 16GBZMD(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 9-11-11-31 1.65 • • • G.SKILL F3-2400C11Q-32GXM(XMP) 32GB (4x8GB) DS - - 11-13-13-31 1.65 • • • GEIL GOC316GB24 00C10QC(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 1[...]

ASUS Z97-A 1-13 Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 CORSAIR CMY8GX3M2A2133C11R (Ver4.21)(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 11-11-11-27 1.5 • • • CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A2133C11R (Ver4.21)(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 11-11-11-27 1.5 • • • G.SKILL F3-17000CL11Q2- 64GBZLD(XMP) 64GB (8x8GB) DS - -[...]

1-14 Chapter 1: Product introduction DDR3 1866 (O.C.) MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 CORSAIR CMT32GX3M4X1866C9(Ver3.23) (XMP) 32GB (4x8GB) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • • • CORSAIR CMY16GX3M2A1866C9 (Ver 4.21)(XMP) 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • • • CORSAI[...]

ASUS Z97-A 1-15 DDR3 1600 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 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 - • • • A-DATA ADDU1600W 4G11-B 4GB SS A-DATA DWND-1211A 9-9-9-24 - • ?[...]

1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 CORSAIR CMZ16GX3M2A1 600C10 (Ver.3.24) (XMP ) 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - 10-10- 10-27 1.5 • • • CORSAIR CMZ16GX3M 4A1600C9(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • • CORSAIR CMZ16GX3M4X1600C9 (Ver8.16)(XMP) [...]

ASUS Z97-A 1-17 DDR3 1600 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 KINGSTON KHX16C10 B1K2/16X(XMP) 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - - 1.5 • • • KINGSTON KHX16C9K2/16 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - 1333-9-9-9-24 1.5 • • • KINGSTON KHX16C9P1K2/16 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - - 1.5 • • • KINGS[...]

1-18 Chapter 1: Product introduction DDR3 1333 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 AMD AE32G1339U1-U 2GB SS AMD 23EY4587 MB3H - 1.5 • • • AMD AE34G1339U2-U 4GB DS AMD 23EY4587 MB3H - 1.5 • • • Apacer 78.B1GDE.9L10C 4GB DS Apacer AM5D5908 CEHSBG 9 - • • ?[...]

ASUS Z97-A 1-19 Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 Mach Xtreme MXD3U133316GQ 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - - - • • • Mach Xtreme MXD3V13332GS 2GB SS Mach Xtreme C2S46D3 0-D313 - - • • • MICRON MT8JTF25664AZ-1G4M1 2GB SS MICRON D9PFJ - - • • • Patriot PSD32G13332 2GB DS Prtriot[...]

1-20 Chapter 1: Product introduction To remove a DIMM 1.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card. 2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis). 3. Re[...]

ASUS Z97-A 1-21 1.5.2 Configuring an expansion card After installing the expansion card, congure it by adjusting the software settings: 1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 2 for information on BIOS setup. 2. Assign an IRQ to the card. 3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card. When using[...]

1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction IRQ assignments for this motherboard A B C D E F G H I.G.D. Shared – – – – – – – HD Audio 1 Controller Shared – – – – – – HD Audio 2 Controller – – – – – Shared – EHCI 1 Controller – – – – – – – Shared EHCI 2 Controller Shared – – – – – – – XHCI C[...]

ASUS Z97-A 1-23 1.6 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 syste[...]

1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction 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, insert the [...]

ASUS Z97-A 1-25 1.7 Connectors 1.7.1 Rear panel connectors * and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LEDs and audio port definitions. Rear panel connectors 1. DisplayPort 7. DVI-D port 2. VGA port 8. USB 3.0 ports 56 3. USB 2.0 ports 7-8 9. USB 3.0 ports 34 4. PS/2 keyboard/mouse port 10. Optical S/PDIF Out port 5. LAN port* 11. A[...]

1-26 Chapter 1: Product introduction • The plugged USB 3.0 device may run on xHCI or EHCI mode, depending on the operating system’s setting. • USB 3.0 devices can only be used for data storage. • We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 devices to USB 3.0 ports for faster and better performance from your USB 3.0 devices. • Due to th[...]

ASUS Z97-A 1-27 1.7.2 Internal connectors 1. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM) This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. The COM module is purchased separately. 2. Intel ® Z87 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pi[...]

1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction 3. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CPU_OPT; CHA_FAN1, CHA_FAN2, CHA_FAN3, CHA_FAN4) 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 conn[...]

ASUS Z97-A 1-29 • 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 ATX +12V power plug. Otherwise, the system will not boot up. • We recommend that you use a PSU[...]

1-30 Chapter 1: Product introduction 5. 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nition front[...]

ASUS Z97-A 1-31 7. 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. Ensure that your chassis comes with the extra button cable that supports the DirectKey feature. Refer to t[...]

1-32 Chapter 1: Product introduction 9. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910, 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 specications and supports up to 480 M[...]

ASUS Z97-A 1-33 • SystempowerLED(2-pinPWR_LED) 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HDD_LED) This 2[...]

1-34 Chapter 1: Product introduction 12. 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 5 Gb/s, faster charging time for USB-chargea[...]

ASUS Z97-A 1-35 13. 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 and Thunderbolt cables are pur[...]

1-36 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.8 Onboard LEDs 1. Standby Power LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that 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 any motherboard components. The[...]

ASUS Z97-A 1-37 4. EPU LED (OLED2) The EPU LED lights up when the EPU switch is enabled. 3. TPU LED (TPU_LED) The TPU LED lights up when the TPU switch is enabled.[...]

1-38 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.9 Onboard buttons and switches Onboard buttons and switches 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. EPU switch Enable this switch to automatically detect the curre[...]

ASUS Z97-A 1-39 2. MemOK! button Installing DIMMs that are not compatible with the motherboard may cause system boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! button 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 1.8 On[...]

1-40 Chapter 1: Product introduction 3. TPU switch With its two-level adjustment functions, the TPU allows you to automatically adjusts the CPU ratio and clock speed for an optimal system performance. • Enable this switch when the system is powered off. • When the TPU switch is set to Enabled (TPU_I: CPU Ratio Boost), the system automatically a[...]

ASUS Z97-A 1-41 4. Power-on button The motherboard comes with a power-on button that allows you to power up or wake up the system. The button also lights up when the system is plugged to a power source indicating that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or installing any motherboard component. 5. EZ XMP switch[...]

1-42 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.10 Software support 1.10.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows ® 7 (32bit/64bit) and Windows ® 8 (32bit/64bit) Operating Systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. Motherboard settings and hardware optio[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-1 2.1 Managing and updating your 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 may res[...]

2-2 Chapter 2: BIOS information EZ Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an ISP (Internet Service Provider). 2.1.1 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 a[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-3 7. Reboot the system when the update process is done. • This function supports USB ash disks formatted using FAT32 or FAT16 on a single partition only. • Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. • DO NOT shut down or re[...]

2-4 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.1.4 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 ash drive. ?[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-5 Please select boot device: E1: ASUS DVD-E818A6T (4069MB) USB DISK 2.0 (3824MB) UEFI: (FAT) USB DISK 2.0 (3824MB) Enter Setup  and  to move selection ENTER to select boot device ESC to boot using defaults Booting the system in DOS environment To boot the system in DOS: 1. Insert the USB ash drive with the latest BIOS le an[...]

2-6 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2. On the BIOS Updater screen, press <Tab> to switch from Files panel to Drives panel then select D: . ASUSTeK BIOS Updater for DOS V1.30 [2014/01/01] Current ROM BOARD: Z97-A VER: 0210 (H :00 B :00) DATE: 02/12/2014 Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: C: C: D: FORMAN~1 <DIR> Z97-A[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-7 2.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or congure its parameters. The BIOS screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program. Entering BIOS Setup at startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup, press <Delete> during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If yo[...]

2-8 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.2.1 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 , the[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-9 Configuration fields Menu bar General help Sub-menu item Menu items Scroll bar Last modified settings Language EZ Tuning Wizard MyFavorite Quick Note Hot Keys Goes back to EZ Mode Displays the CPU/motherboard temperature, CPU and memory voltage output Q-Fan control 2.2.2 Advanced Mode The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for e[...]

2-10 Chapter 2: BIOS information 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 Monitor For d[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-11 EZ Tuning Wizard (F11) This button above the menu bar allows you to view and tweak the overclocking settings of your system. It also allows you to change the motherboard’s SATA mode from AHCI to RAID mode. Refer to section 2.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard for more information. Quick Note (F9) This button above the menu bar allows you to key[...]

2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.2.3 QFan Control The QFan Control allows you to set a fan prole or manually congure the operating speed of your CPU and chassis fans. Configuring fans manually Select Manual from the list of proles to manually congure your fans’ operating speed. Speed points Click to select a fan to be configured Cli[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-13 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 save the changes then click Exit (ESC) . 2.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard EZ Tuning Wizard allows you to overclock your CPU and DRAM, computer usage,[...]

2-14 Chapter 2: BIOS information Creating RAID To create RAID: 1. Press <F11> on your keyboard or click from the BIOS screen to open EZ Tuning Wizard screen. 2. Click RAID then click Next . • Ensure that your HDDs have no existing RAID volumes. • Ensure to connect your HDDs to Intel ® SATA connectors. 3. Select the type of storage for yo[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-15 2.3 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 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 s[...]

2-16 Chapter 2: BIOS information 3. Select an item from main menu panel, then click the submenu that you want to save as favorite from the submenu panel and click . You cannot add the following items to My Favorite items: • Items with submenu options • User-managed items such as language and boot order • Conguration items such as Memory SP[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-17 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 Password item and press <En[...]

2-18 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.5 Ai T weaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction. The conguration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-19 The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner to [Manual] . Filter PLL [Auto] Set this item to high BCLK (base clock) mode when using a very high BCLK to improve overclocking capability. Conguration options: [Auto] [Low BCLK mode] [High BCLK mode] BCLK Frequency [Auto] This item allows you to set the BCLK[...]

2-20 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-Core Ratio Limit [Auto] Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting or manually assign a 2-Core Limit value that must be higher than or equal to the 3-Core Ratio Limit. If you assign a value for 2-Core Ratio Limit, do not set the 1-Core Ratio Limit to [Auto] . 3-Core Ratio Limit [Auto] Select [Auto][...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-21 2.5.9 DRAM Frequency [Auto] This item allows you to set the memory operating frequency. The congurable options vary with the BCLK (base clock) frequency setting. Select the auto mode to apply the optimized setting. Conguration options: [Auto] [DDR3-2400MHz] [DDR3-3199MHz] [DDR3-3999MHz] [DDR3-4200MHz] [DDR3-4800MHz] [DDR3-5400[...]

2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS information DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [31] DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [31] DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [63] DRAM Command Rate [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [2] Secondary Timings DRAM RAS# to RAS[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-23 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) [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [63] DRAM RTL (CHB_R0D0) [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [...]

2-24 Chapter 2: BIOS information 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_dd [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [15] tWRWR [Auto] Conguration op[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-25 Channel A/B DIMM Control [Enable Both DIMMs] This item allows you to enable or disable the DIMMs on channels A and B. Conguration options: [Enable Both DIMMS] [Disable DIMM0] [Disable DIMM1] [Disable Both DIMMS] Scrambler Setting [Optimized (ASUS)] This item allows you to set the optimized mode to enhance system stability. Con[...]

2-26 Chapter 2: BIOS information CPU VRM Switching Frequency [Auto] This item affects the VRM transient response speed and the component thermal production. Select [Manual] to congure a higher frequency for a quicker transient response speed. Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual] DO NOT remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should [...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-27 2.5.15 Internal CPU Power Management The subitems in this menu allow you to set the CPU ratio and their features. Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled] This item allows the operating system to dynamically adjust the processor voltage and cores frequency, resulting to a decreased average power consumption and decreased averag[...]

2-28 Chapter 2: BIOS information CPU Internal Power Fault Control Thermal Feedback [Auto] This item 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 this[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-29 Power Fast Ramp Response [Auto] This item allows you to enhance the response of the CPU voltage regulator during the load transients. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. The values range from 0.00 to 1.50. Conguration options: [Auto] [0.00] - [1.50] CPU Internal Power Saving Control Power Saving Level 1 Threshold [...]

2-30 Chapter 2: BIOS information 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 0.001 V to 0[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-31 The following item appears only when you set the CPU Core Voltage to [Manual] . CPU Graphics Voltage Override [Auto] This item 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 fro[...]

2-32 Chapter 2: BIOS information CPU Analog I/O Voltage Offset [Auto] This item allows you to set the amount of voltage fed to the analog portion of the I/O on the CPU. By default, this item takes the standard value of the installed CPU. Increase the amount of voltage to enhance the overclocking capability. You can use the <+> or <-> ke[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-33 2.5.25 PCH Core Voltage [Auto] This item 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 0.70 V to 1.5 V with a 0.0125 V interval. • The values of the CPU PLL Voltage, CPU Manual Voltage, CPU Offset Voltage, iGPU Manual[...]

2-34 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.5.31 Clock Crossing Reset Voltage [Auto] This item 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 D+. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.1 V to 1.9 V with a 0.006[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-35 2.6.1 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. The items shown in submenu may be different due to the CPU you installed. Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor [Enabled] This item allows you to protect the CPU by decreasing its frequency as it reaches the thermal throttle[...]

2-36 Chapter 2: BIOS information Dynamic Storage Accelerator [Disabled] This item allows you to accelerate the performance of the SSDs (Solid-State Drives) by dynamically adjusting the power management during heavy multitasking. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] CPU Power Management Configuration This item allows you to manage and con[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-37 C7 Latency [Long] This item allows you to set the duration of C7 latency for C7 state. Conguration options: [Short] [Long] Package C State Support [Auto] This item allows you to set the a C-state support for the CPU package. Conguration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [C0/C1] [C2] [C3] [C6] [CPU C7] [CPU C7s] 2.6.2 PCH Configuration[...]

2-38 Chapter 2: BIOS information 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 This item allows the system to support Intel Smart Connect Technology, that periodically refreshes selected [...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-39 Alternate ID [Disabled] This item allows you to report the alternate device ID. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] SATA6G (SATA6G_1 - SATA6G_6) These items allow you to assign a name of each SATA 6G connectors. Hot Plug [Disabled] (SATA6G_1 - SATA6G_6) These items allow you to enable/disable SATA Hot Plug Support. You can [...]

2-40 Chapter 2: BIOS information DMI Configuration This item allows you to control various DMI (direct media interface) to run at PCI-E 2.0 speed. DMI Gen 2 [Auto] Set this item to [Enabled] to run DMI at PCI-E 2.0 speed. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] NB PCI-E Configuration This item allows you to congure the NB PCI Express settin[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-41 EHCI Hand-off [Disabled] [Enabled] Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off feature. [Disabled] Disables the EHCI Hand-off support. Mass Storage Devices [Auto] This item allows your system to detect the devices according to their media formats. Conguration options: [Auto] [Floppy] [Forced FDD] [Hard Disk[...]

2-42 Chapter 2: BIOS information ASPM Support [Disabled] This item allows you to select the ASPM state for energy-saving conditions. Conguration options: [Disabled] [L0s] [L1] [L0sL1] [Auto] SA - PCI Express options DMI Link ASPM Control [Disabled] This item allows you to control the Active State Power Management on both CPU and PCH (platform co[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-43 Intel LAN Controller [Enabled] This item allows you to enable or disable the Intel LAN1/2 controllers. 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 PXE OptionRom of the Intel ?[...]

2-44 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.6.9 Network Stack Configuration Network stack [Disable] This item allows you to disable or enable the UEFI network stack. Conguration options: [Disable] [Enable] The following item appears only when you set the Network Stack to [Enabled] . Ipv4/Ipv6 PXE Support [Enabled] This item allows you to enable or disabl[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-45 2.7 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. 2.7.1 Qfan Tuning Click this item to automatically detect the lowest speed and congure the minimum duty cycle for each fan. 2.7.2 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [...]

2-46 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.7.4 CPU Core 0/3 Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage 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. 2.7.5 CPU Q-Fan Control [Auto] This item allows you to set the CPU Q-Fan operating mo[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-47 CPU Fan Middle Duty Cycle(%) [20] Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the CPU fan middle duty cycle. The values range from 20% to 100%. When the CPU temperature reaches the upper limit, the CPU fan operates at the maximum duty cycle. CPU Lower Temperature [20] Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the CPU fan’s l[...]

2-48 Chapter 2: BIOS information Chassis Fan 1/4 Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100] Use the <+> or <-> 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 Fan 1/4 Middle Temperature [45] Use the &[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-49 2.8 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. 2.8.1 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 Fast Boot to [Enabled] . SATA Supp[...]

2-50 Chapter 2: BIOS information PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse Support [Auto] Select any of these settings when PS/2 keyboard and mouse are installed. These settings only apply when fastboot is enabled. [Auto] For a faster POST time, PS/2 devices are only available when the system boots up or rebooted when the PS/2 devices are not reconnected or changed.[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-51 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. Conguration options: [1 sec] - [10 sec] [Until Press ESC] 2.8.4 Bootup NumLock State [Enabled] This item allows you to enable or disable power-on state of the Nu[...]

2-52 Chapter 2: BIOS information The following items appear only when you set the Launch CSM to [Enabled] . Boot Devices Control [UEFI and Legacy OpROM] This item allows you to select the type of devices that you want to boot. Conguration options: [UEFI and Legacy OpROM] [Legacy OpROM only] [UEFI only] Boot from Network Devices [Legacy OpROM fir[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-53 PK Management The Platform Key (PK) locks and secures the rmware from any permissible changes. The system veries the PK before your system enters the OS. Delete PK This item 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. Conguration options: [Yes[...]

2-54 Chapter 2: BIOS information 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 dbx from File This item allows you to load the downloaded dbx from a USB storage device. Con?[...]

ASUS Z97-A 2-55 2.9 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. 2.9.1 Setup Animator This item allows you to enable or disable the Setup animator. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.9.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility This item allows you to[...]

2-56 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.9.4 ASUS DRAM SPD Information This item allows you to view the DRAM SPD information. 2.10 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.[...]

ASUS Z97-A A-1 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 operat[...]

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 pro[...]

ASUS Z97-A A-3 Google™ License Terms Copyright© 2014 Google Inc. All Rights Reserved. LicensedundertheApacheLicense,Version2.0(the“License”);youmaynotusethisle except in compliance with the License. You may obtain a copy of the License at: http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0 Unless requi[...]

A-4 Appendices Manufacturer: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. Address: 4F, No. 150, LI-TE RD., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TAIWAN Authorised representative in Europe: ASUS Computer GmbH Address: HARKORT STR. 21-23, 40880 RATINGEN, GERMANY ASUS contact information ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259 Telephone +886-2-2894-3447 Fax [...]

ASUS Z97-A A-5 EC Declaration of Confo rmity We, the undersigned, Manufacturer: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address, City: 4F, No. 150, LI-TE Rd., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TAI W AN Country: TAIWAN Author ized representative in Europe: ASUS COMPUTER GmbH Address, City: HARKORT STR. 21-23, 4088 0 RATINGEN Country: GERMANY declare the follo wing app aratus: Prod[...]

A-6 Appendices[...]