Asus Z97M-PLUS manual

Motherboard Z97M-PLUS[...]

ii E9009 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 ...................................................................................................... vi About this guide ........................................................................................................ vii Z97M-PLUS specifications summary .....................................................[...]

iv Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................ 3-1 3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................................. 3-2 3.2.1 EZ Mode...................................................................................... 3[...]

v 4.3 Software information ................................................................................. 4-3 4.4 AI Suite 3 ..................................................................................................... 4-3 4.4.1 DIGI+ VRM .................................................................................. 4-6 4.4.2 EPU ...[...]

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 [...]

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 Z97M-PLUS specifications summary CPU LGA1150 socket for the 4th, New 4th & 5th Generation Intel ® Core™ i7/ Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium ® , and Celeron ® processors Supports 22nm CPU Supports Intel ® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0* * The Intel ® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU types. ** Refer to www.asus.com for[...]

x Audio Realtek ® ALC887 7.1-channel high denition audio CODEC featuring Crystal Sound 2 - Audio Shielding: Ensures precision analog/digital separation and greatly reduced multi-lateral interference - Dedicated audio PCB layers: Separate layers for left and right channels to guard the quality of the sensitive audio signals - Audio amplier: P[...]

xi ASUS special features Gaming Scenario Crystal Sound 2 - Flawless audio that makes you part of the game Steam support - Compatible with the most fun gaming platform under Windows ® system ASUS Exclusive Features - USB 3.0 Boost - Ai Charger - AI Suite 3 - Disk Unlocker - MemOK! EZ DIY Push Notice - Monitor your PC status with smart devices in re[...]

xii Z97M-PLUS specifications summary Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x PS/2 mouse / keyboard combo port 1 x HDMI port 1 x DVI-D port 1 x RGB port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue) 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 6 x audio jacks support 7.1-channel Internal I/O connectors / jumpers / buttons 1 x 19-pin USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB po[...]

xiii • If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. • The illustrations above are for reference only. Actual product specications may vary with different models. User Guide ASUS Z97M-PLUS motherboard User guide Support DVD 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x ASUS I/O-Shield Package contents Check your motherboard pa[...]

xiv 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.[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 1-1 Chapter 1 Product introduction 1 1.1 Special features 1.1.1 Product highlights Intel ® LGA1150 4th, New 4th & 5th Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium ® , and Celeron ® Processors Ready This motherboard supports the 4th, New 4th & 5th Generation Intel ® Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium[...]

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 M.2 Support This motherboard features the M.2 slot, which shares bandwidth with PCI Express x2 slot to speed up data transfer up to 10 Gb/s. This helps enhance the performance of your SSD (Solid State Drive) that is dedicated only to the operating system. The M.2 slot also includes Intel Rapid Storage T[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 1-3 Chapter 1 ASUS HomeCloud ASUS HomeCloud creates a world without boundaries. It lets you access your PC remotely, stream multimedia content to wherever you want, and manage all your stuff from anywhere- no matter where it’s stored. Use the built-in Wake on WAN feature to remotely wake and control your PC with a single smart devi[...]

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 Refer to 1.2.9 Internal connectors and 2.2.1 Rear I/O connection for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors. 1.2.2 Motherboard layout Z97M-PLUS PCIEX16_1 PCI1 PCI2 PCIEX16_2 M.2(SOCKET3) Intel I218-V ASM 1442K USB910 USB1112 USB1314 AAFP EATXPWR CPU_FAN BATTERY Super I/O AS[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 1-5 Chapter 1 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page 1. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2) 1-18 2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 1-20 3. GPU Boost LED (GPU_LED) 1-14 4. GPU Boost switch 1-13 5. LGA1150 CPU socket 1-6 6. DDR3 DIMM slots 1-7 7. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3[...]

1-6 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 & 5th Generation Intel ® Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium™, and Celeron™ processors. • Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 1-7 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. Z97M-PLUS Z97M-PLUS 240-pin DDR3 DIMM socke[...]

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 Memory configurations You may install 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel conguration. Any excess memory from the [...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 1-9 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 (at x16 mode) 2 PCI slot 1 3 PCI slot 2 4 PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slot (max. at x4 mode, compatible with PCIe[...]

1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 • In single VGA card mode, use the PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot (gray) for a PCI Express x16 graphics card to get better performance. • We recommend that you provide sufcient power when running CrossFireX™ mode. • Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/2 when using mu[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 1-11 Chapter 1 1.2.6 Jumpers 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 [...]

1-12 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 1.2.7 Onboard buttons and switches Onboard switches and 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 compati[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 1-13 Chapter 1 2. GPU Boost switch With its two-level adjustment functions, the GPU Boost switch allows you to automatically adjusts the CPU Ratio and clock speed for an optimal system performance. • To ensure system performance, enable this switch when the system is powered off. • When the GPU switch is set to Enabled (GPU_I: GP[...]

1-14 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 1.2.8 Onboard LEDs 2. DRAM LED DRAM LED checks the DRAM in sequence during motherboard booting process. If an error is found , the LED next to the error device will continue lighting until the problem is solved. This user-friendly design provides an intuitional way to locate the root problem within a s[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 1-15 Chapter 1 1.2.9 Internal connectors 1. Intel ® Z97 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6) 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 with the Intel ® Rapid S[...]

1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction 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[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 1-17 Chapter 1 5. 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. Never connect a [...]

1-18 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 6. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2) Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. • DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufcient air ?[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 1-19 Chapter 1 8. 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 network security, protect digital identities, and ensures platform integrity. 7. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAF[...]

1-20 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 12V Specication 2.3 (or later version) and provides a minimum power of 350 W. • DO NOT forget to connect the 4-pin/8-pin EATX12V power plug. Otherwise, the system will not boot. • We re[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 1-21 Chapter 1 • 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?[...]

1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 12. M.2 Socket 3 This socket allows you to install an M.2 (NGFF) SSD module. • This socket supports M Key and type 2260/2280 storage devices. • The M.2 Socket 3 shares bandwidth with SATA ports 5 and 6. Refer to section 3.6.3 PCH Storage Configuration of this user guide for more details. • When u[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 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 I/O-shield to the chassis rear I/O panel. Chapter 2: Basic installa[...]

2-2 Chapter 2: Basic installation Chapter 2 3. Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. Z97M-PLUS[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 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 socket 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 Z97M-PLUS 2-5 Chapter 2 To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly[...]

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

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 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 Z97M-PLUS 2-9 Chapter 2 2.1.7 Front I/O Connector To install the system panel connector USB 2.0 AAFP To install USB 2.0 connector To install front panel audio connector USB 3.0 To install USB 3.0 connector HDD_LED[...]

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

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 2-11 Chapter 2 2.2 Motherboard rear and audio connections 2.2.1 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. PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port 6. HDMI port 2. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port 7. Intel USB 3.0 ports 5-6, support ASUS USB 3.0 [...]

2-12 Chapter 2: Basic installation Chapter 2 • ThepluggedUSB3.0devicemayrunonxHCImodeorEHCImode,dependingonthe operating system’s setting. • USB3.0devicescanonlybeusedasdatastorageonly. • WestronglyrecommendthatyouconnectUSB3.0devi[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 2-13 Chapter 2 Connect to Headphone and Mic Connect to Stereo Speakers Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers 2.2.2 Audio I/O connections Audio I/O ports[...]

2-14 Chapter 2: Basic installation Chapter 2 Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 2-15 Chapter 2 2.3 Starting up for the first time 1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Ensure that all switches are off. 3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis. 4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector. 5. Turn on [...]

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

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-1 Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 3.1 Knowing BIOS 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 w[...]

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup to update the BIOS or congure its parameters. The BIOS screen include navigation keys and brief onscreen help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program. Entering BIOS at startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup, press <Delete> or <F2> during the Power-On S[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 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, fan prole and boot device priority. To access the Advanced Mode, click Advanced Mode[...]

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 access the EZ Mode, click EzMode(F7) or press <F7>. Configu[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 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 Monitor For disp[...]

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 Z97M-PLUS 3-7 Chapter 3 3.2.3 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. 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 profile to apply [...]

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 Z97M-PLUS 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 BIOS screen to [...]

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 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 fo[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-11 Chapter 3 3.3 My Favorites MyFavorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite BIOS items.[...]

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 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 submenu that[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-13 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 system sec[...]

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 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 Password [...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-15 Chapter 3 3.5 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 in[...]

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 BCLK Frequency [Auto] This item allows you to set the BCLK (base clock) frequency to enhance the system performance. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. The values range from 80.0 MHz to 300.0 MHz. We recommend you to set the value based on the CPU specication, as high BCLK frequencies may dam[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-17 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 part o[...]

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 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 to become[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-19 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) [Au[...]

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 tWRRD_dr [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15] tWRRD_dd [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15] tWRWR [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [7] tWRWR_dr [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15] tWRWR_dd [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15] Dec_WRD Congur[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-21 Chapter 3 Skew Control Changing subitems in this menu may enhance the DRAM overclocking capability and stability. Transmitter Rising Slope [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [0] – [31] Transmitter Falling Slope [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [0] – [31] Transmitter Control Time [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [...]

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 CPU Power Phase Control [Auto] This item allows you to set the power phase control of the CPU. Conguration options: [Auto] [Standard] [Optimized] [Extreme] [Power Phase Response] DO NOT remove the thermal module when setting this item to [Power Phase Response] . The thermal conditions should be monitored. The[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-23 Chapter 3 Package Power Time Window [Auto] Also known as Power Limit 1, this item allows you to maintain the time window for Turbo Ratio over TDP (Thermal Design Power). Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 1 to 127 in seconds. Short Duration Package Power Limit [Auto] Also known as Powe[...]

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Idle Power-out Response [Auto] This item allows you to set the slew rate for the Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator when it exits manual override mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Fast] Power Current Slope [Auto] This item allows you to enhance the power saving condition or the system overclocking [...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-25 Chapter 3 CPU Core Voltage Override [Auto] Allows you to set the CPU Core Voltage override. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V to 1.920V with a 0.001V interval. The following items appear only when you set the CPU Core Voltage to [Offset Mode] or [Adaptive Mode] . Offset Mode Si[...]

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 CPU Cache Voltage Offset Allows you to set the CPU cache voltage offset. By default, this item takes the standard value of the installed CPU. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V to 0.999 V with a 0.001 V interval. The following item appears only when you [...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-27 Chapter 3 The following item appears only when you set the CPU Graphics Voltage to [Adaptive Mode] . Additional Turbo Mode CPU Graphics Voltage [Auto] This item allows you to set the amount of voltage fed to the CPU Graphics when running in turbo mode. Increase the voltage when conguring a high CPU core frequency. The voltage[...]

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 The following item appears only when you set SVID Support to [Enabled] . SVID Voltage Override [Auto] This item allows you to set the SVID Voltage override. By default, this item takes the standard value of the installed CPU. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from [...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-29 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.[...]

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor [Enabled] This item allows you to protect the CPU by decreasing its frequency as it reaches the thermal throttle point. The thermal monitor includes TM1 (Thermal monitor 1), TM2 (Thermal monitor 2), and EMTTM (Enhanced Multi-threaded Thermal Monitoring). Conguration options: [Di[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-31 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 utiliz[...]

3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 CPU 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 system is in [...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-33 Chapter 3 3.6.2 PCH Configuration PCI Express Configuration This item allows you to congure the PCI Express slots. PCI-E 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-E 2.0[...]

3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Intel Smart Connect Technology Intel Smart Connect Technology Support [Disabled] This item allows the system to support Intel Smart Connect Technology, that periodically refreshes selected applications when the system is in sleep mode. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 3.6.3 PCH Storage Configuration [...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-35 Chapter 3 By default, the system detects the rst priority device. The device detection priority is as follows: PCIe M.2 > SATA Mode M.2 > SATA devices. 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[...]

3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 CPU Display Audio [Enabled] Enable this item to support CPU display audio output. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] DVI Port Audio [Off] Enable this item to support audio output for certain DVI monitors. Conguration options: [On] [Off] Graphics Configuration Allows you to select a primary display f[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-37 Chapter 3 NB PCI-E Configuration This item allows you to congure the NB PCI Express settings. PCIEx16_1 Link Speed [Auto] This item allows you to congure the PCIEx16 speed for slot 1. Conguration options: [Auto] [Gen1] [Gen2] [Gen3] Memory Configuration This item allows you to congure the memory conguration parame[...]

3-38 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Intel xHCI Mode [Smart Auto] [Auto] The xHCI is automatically enabled and runs at USB 3.0 mode when the xHCI driver is installed in the operating system. [Smart Auto] Upon detection, the xHCI driver supports the USB 3.0 mode during both POST and operating system. [Enabled] Enables the xHCI controller. [Disabled][...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-39 Chapter 3 The following item appears only when you set the PCI Express Native Power Management to [Enabled] . Native ASPM [Disabled] [Enabled] Windows ® Vista OS controls the ASPM (active state power management) support for devices. [Disabled] BIOS controls the ASPM support for the device. PCH - PCI Express options DMI Link ASP[...]

3-40 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.6.7 Onboard Devices Configuration 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 [Enabled] . Front Panel T ype [HD Audio] This item allow[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-41 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 item to [ Enabled ]. Intel LAN PXE Option ROM [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the PXE OptionRom[...]

3-42 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Deep S4 [Disabled] When enabled, the system in S4 state will further reduce power usage and will power off the USB and PS/2 devices. The system in deep S4 state can be woken up via the power button, devices in LAN, or other ways except via the USB and PS/2 devices. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Re[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-43 Chapter 3 3.6.9 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 disable t[...]

3-44 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 Z97M-PLUS 3-45 Chapter 3 • The default CPU Q-Fan settings may differ when you set the CPU Q-Fan Control item to [ Auto ]. • The following items appear only when you set the CPU Q-Fan Control item to [ Auto ], [ PWM mode ] or [ DC mode ]. CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [200 RPM] Allows you to set the low limit warning for CPU Fan speed. Congura[...]

3-46 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 The following items appear only when you set the Chassis Fan 1/2 Q-Fan Control item to [ PWM mode ] or [ DC mode ]. Chassis Fan 1/2 Q-Fan Source [CPU] The assigned fan will be controlled according to the selected temperature source. Conguration options: [CPU] [MB] Chassis Fan 1/2 Speed Low Limit [600 RPM] All[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-47 Chapter 3 3.8 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Scroll down to display the other BIOS items. 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 onl[...]

3-48 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 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 Fast Boot is enabled. [Auto] For a faster POST time, PS/2 devices will only be available when the system boots up or rebooted when the PS/2 devices have not been reconnec[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-49 Chapter 3 Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] This item allows your system to wait for the <F1> key to be pressed when error occurs. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Option ROM Messages [Enabled] [Enabled] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed during POST. [Disabled] Disables the ROM messages and disp[...]

3-50 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Secure Boot 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] Allows you to select your installed operating system. Execute the Microsoft ® Secure Boot check. Onl[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-51 Chapter 3 Delete KEK Allows you to delete the KEK from your system. Once the KEK is deleted, the db and the dbx cannot be updated in the operating system. Load Default KEK Select Yes to load the system default KEK or select No to load a downloaded KEK from a USB storage device. Append Default KEK Select Yes to append the system [...]

3-52 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Append Default dbx Select Yes to append the system default dbx or select No to append a downloaded additional dbx from a USB storage device to forbid certain customized UEFI executable les. The dbx le must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated variable. Boot Option Priorit[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-53 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. 3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility This item allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a conrmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key [...]

3-54 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 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! • We recom[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-55 Chapter 3 3.9.3 ASUS SPD Information This item allows you to view the DRAM SPD information.[...]

3-56 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 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 if you pr[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-57 Chapter 3 3.11 Updating BIOS The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system stability, compatibility, or performance. However, BIOS updating is potentially risky. If there is no problem using the current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS. Inappropriate BIOS updating may resul[...]

3-58 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 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 disk that c[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-59 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 Optimiz[...]

3-60 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 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 ash dri[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 3-61 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 panel [...]

3-62 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 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 failaure. Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. [...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 4-1 Chapter 4 Software support 4 Chapter 4: Software support 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[...]

4-2 Chapter 4: Software support 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 ® [...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 4-3 Chapter 4 Thescreenshotsinthissectionareforreferenceonly.Theactualsoftwaremanuals containinginthesupportDVDvarybymodels. 2. Fromthe Manual folder,openthefolder ofthesoftwaremanualthatyouwishto read. 3. Somesoftware[...]

4-4 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 ToinstallAISuite3onyourcomputer: Windows ® 7 OS 1. PlacetheSupportDVDintotheopticaldrive. 2. Inthe AutoPlay dialogbox,clickortap Run ASSETUP.exe thenselectthe Utilities  tab. ThemainscreenoftheAIS[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 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 Windows ® 8.1 OS To?[...]

4-6 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 AI Suite 3 main menu bar • ThescreenshotsofAISuite3inthisusermanualareforreferenceonly.Theactual screenshotsvarywithmodels. • RefertothesoftwaremanualinthesupportDVDorvisittheASUSwebsiteat  www[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 4-7 Chapter 4 3 CPU Current Capability  CPUCurrentCapabilityprovideswidertotalpowerrangeforoverclocking.Ahighervaluebrings awidertotalpowerrangeandextendstheoverclockingfrequencyrangesimultaneously. 4 CPU Load-line Calibration  Itallowsyoutoa[...]

4-8 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.4.3 TurboV EVO ASUSTurboVEVOallowsyoutomanuallyadjusttheCPUfrequency,CPUCacheandCore frequencies,andrelatedvoltagesforanenhancedsystemstabilityandboostperformance. ItalsoprovidestheAutoTuningfunctionthat?[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 4-9 Chapter 4 GPU Boost Click to undo all the changes Click to apply all the changes Click to load the saved profile Click to save the changes into a profile Click or to adjust the iGPU Max Ratio Tick Adaptive or Manual to select the CPU Graphics Voltage mode Drag to adjust CPU Graphics Voltage settings Auto Tuning Click to automatic[...]

4-10 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 Customizing the fan settings Smart Mode SmartModeallowsyoutocustomizethefans’rotationspeedsandresponsivenessbasedon yoursystem’stemperature. Click to switch between the CPU and chassis fan screens Click to apply the changes Click to undo the changes Click[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 4-11 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-rightcorn[...]

4-12 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.4.6 EZ Update EZUpdateisautilitythatallowsyoutoautomaticallyupdateyourmotherboard’ssoftwares, driversandtheBIOSversioneasily.Withthisutlity,youcanalsomanuallyupdatethesaved BIOSandselectabootlogo[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 4-13 Chapter 4 4.4.7 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withyour[...]

4-14 Chapter 4: Software support 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 minutes [...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 4-15 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Noticemess[...]

4-16 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.4.8 System Information Thisutilityallowsyougetthedetailedinformationofthemotherboard,CPU,andmemory settings. Launching System Information TolaunchSyst emI nform ation ,clickortap onthetop-rightcorneroftheAISuite3[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 4-17 Chapter 4 4.4.9 Version ThisutilitydisplaystheversioninformationoftheutilitiesintegratedinAISuite3. Launching Version TolaunchVers ion,clickortap onthetop-rightcorneroftheAISuite3mainmenu, thenselect Version .[...]

4-18 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.5 Audio configurations TheRealtek ® audioCODECprovides7.1-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CO[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 5-1 Chapter 5 RAID support 5 5.1 RAID configurations The motherboard supports the following SATA RAID solutions: • Intel ® Rapid Storage Technology with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 and RAID 5 support. If you want to install a Windows ® operating system to a hard disk drive included in a RAID set, you have to create a RAID driver d[...]

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 Z97M-PLUS 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 the menus and sel[...]

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 Z97M-PLUS 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 <Enter>. The a[...]

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 Z97M-PLUS 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 , and then press <Enter>. The following warning message appears: Are you sure you want to e xi t ? (Y/N): [ CONFIRM EXIT ] 5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk Aoppydiskwith[...]

5-8 Chapter 5: RAID congurations Chapter 5 5.2.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows ® To create a RAID driver disk in Windows ® : 1. Start Windows ® . 2. PlugtheUSBoppydiskdriveandinsertaoppydisk. 3. Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive. 4. Go to the AHCI/RAID Driver tab then c[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS 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 that may cause u[...]

A-2 Appendices Appendices Canadian Department of Communications Statement This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications. This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. VCCI: Japan C[...]

ASUS Z97M-PLUS A-3 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 http://www.asus.com Technical Support Telephone +86-21-3842-9911 Fax +86-21-5866-8722 ext. 9101# Online support http://support.asus.com/tech[...]

A-4 Appendices Appendices EC Declaration of Confo rmity We, the undersigned, Manufacturer: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address: 4F, No. 150, LI-TE Rd., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TA IWAN Aut horized representative in Europe: ASUS COMPUTER GmbH Address, City: HARKORT STR. 21-23, 40880 RATING EN Country: GERMANY declare the follo wing apparat us: Product name : M[...]