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ECS Z87H3-A3X (V1.0) manual

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Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL i Preface Copyright This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected under international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of the author . V ersion 1.0 Disclaimer The information[...]

  • Page 2

    Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL ii Declaration of Conformity This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference. • This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Canadian Department of Communic[...]

  • Page 3

    Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL iii Chapter 8 T rouble Shooting Provides basic trouble shooting tips. page 87  Chapter 7 page 81  Intel ® Rapid Stor age T echnology RAID Configuration Describes Intel ® Rapid Stor age T echnology RAID Configuration. The manual consists of the following: Describes features of the motherboard.  page 1 Describes insta[...]

  • Page 4

    Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL iv Memo[...]

  • Page 5

    Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL v Chapter 2 7 Installing the Motherboard 7 Safety Precautions.............................................................................7 Installing the Motherboard in a Chassis......................................7 Checking Jumper Settings.................................................................8 Installing Hardwar[...]

  • Page 6

    Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL vi Chapter 4 69 Using the Motherboard Software 69 Auto-installing under Windows 7/8............................................69 Running Setup.............................................. ...... .....................69 Manual Installation..........................................................................71 ECS Utility[...]

  • Page 7

    1 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Introducing the Motherboard Introduction Thank you for choosing the Z87H3-A3X motherboard. This motherboard is a high performance, enhanced function motherboard designed to support the LGA1150 socket for Intel ® 4 th Generation Core TM Family processors. This motherboard is based on Intel ® ® ® ® ® [...]

  • Page 8

    Chapter 1 2 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL CPU Specifications • Intel ® Z87 Chipset Chipset • Dual-channel DDR3 memory architecture • 4 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets support up to 32 GB • Supports DDR3 3000+(OC)/ 2133(OC)/ 1866(OC)/ 1600/ 1333 MHz SDRAM Memory • Supported by Intel ® Z87 Express Chipset - 6 x Serial A T A 6Gb/ s devices - RAID 0, R[...]

  • Page 9

    3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 1 • AMI BIOS with 64Mb SPI Flash ROM • Supports Plug and Play , STR (S3)/ STD(S4), Hardware Monit or • Audio, LAN, can be disabled in BIOS • F7 hot key for boot up devices option • Supports ACPI & DMI • Supports PgUp clear CMOS Hotkey (Has PS2 KB Model only) • Supports Dual/T riple Dispaly • Suppo[...]

  • Page 10

    Chapter 1 4 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Motherboard Components[...]

  • Page 11

    5 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 1 T able of Motherboard Components LABEL COMP ONENTS 1. CPU Socke t LGA1150 socke t for In tel ® 4 th Genera ti on Core TM Fam ily pr oc es s or s 2. C P U _F AN 2 4- pin CP U c ooling f an conne ct or 3. C P U _F AN 1 4- pin CP U c ooling f an conne ct or 4. DDR 3_1~4 240-pi n DD R3 M od ul e slot s 5. ATX _PO W ER[...]

  • Page 12

    Chapter 1 6 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL I/O Ports 1. PS/ 2 Combo port Use the PS/ 2 combo port to c onnect the PS/ 2 Keyboar d or PS/ 2 Mouse. 2. USB 2.0 Ports Use the USB 2.0 ports to connect USB 2.0 devices. 3. VGA Port Connect your monitor to the VGA port. 4. DVI Port Y ou can connect the displa y device to the D VI port. 5. eSA T A Port Use this port[...]

  • Page 13

    Chapter 2 7 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 2 Installing the Motherboard 2-1. Safety Precautions 2-2. Installing the motherboard in a Chassis This motherboard carries an A TX form factor of 305 x 220 mm. Choose a chassis that accommodates this f orm factor . Make sure tha t the I/O template in the chassis matches the I/O ports installed on the rear e[...]

  • Page 14

    Chapter 2 8 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1 is labeled. T o avoid the syst em instability after clearing CMOS, we recommend users t o enter the main BIOS setting page to “Load Default Settings” and then “Save and Exit Setup”. 2-3. Checking Jumper Settings[...]

  • Page 15

    Chapter 2 9 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 2-4. Installing Hardware 2-4-1. Installing the Processor • This motherboard has an LGA1150 socket. • When choosing a processor , consider the performance requir ements of the system. Performance is based on the processor design, the clock speed and sy stem bus fr equency of the processor , and the quantity of i[...]

  • Page 16

    Chapter 2 10 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL D. Rotate the load plate onto the package IHS (Intergraded Heat Spreader). Engage the load lever while pressing down lightly onto the load plate. Secure the load lever with the hook under retention tab. Then the cover will flick automa tically . Please save and replace the cover onto the CPU socket if processor is[...]

  • Page 17

    Chapter 2 11 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL A. Apply some thermal grease onto the contacted area between the heatsink and the CPU , and make it to be a thin la yer . B. Fasten the cooling fan supporting base onto the CPU socket on the motherboard. And make sure the CPU fan is plugged to the CPU fan connector . C. Connect the CPU cooler power connector t o t[...]

  • Page 18

    Chapter 2 12 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 2-4-3. Installing Memory Modules • This motherboard accommodates four memory modules. It can support four 240-pin DDR3 3000+(OC)/ 2133(OC)/ 1866(OC)/ 1600/ 1333 MHz. • Do not remove any memory module from its antistatic packaging until you are ready to install it on the motherboard. Handle the modules only by [...]

  • Page 19

    Chapter 2 13 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Recommend memory configuration Mo d e l Sockets DD R3_ 1 DD R 3_ 2 DD R 3_ 3 DDR3_4 1 DI MM ~ Populated ~ ~ 1 DI MM ~ ~ ~ Po pulated 2 DI MM s ~ Populated ~ Populated 3 DI MM s P opulated Populated ~ Populated 3 DI MM s ~ Populated P opul ated Po pulated 4 DI MM s P opulated Populated P opul ated Po pulated Due to[...]

  • Page 20

    Chapter 2 14 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 2-4-4. Installing Add-on Cards The slots on this motherboard are designed to hold expansion cards and connect them to the system bus. Expansion slots are a means of adding or enhancing the motherboard’s features and capabilities. With these efficient facilities, you can increase the motherboard’s capabilities [...]

  • Page 21

    Chapter 2 15 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Install the VGA Card in the PCIEX16 slot 1 Remove a blanking plate from the system case corresponding to the slot you are going to use. 2 Install the edge connector of the add-on card into the expansion slot. Ensure that the edge connector is correctly seated in the slot. 3 Secure the metal br acket of the c ard t[...]

  • Page 22

    Chapter 2 16 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 2-4-5. Connecting Optional Devices Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional devices: No. Compone nts N o. Co mpone nts 1U S B 3 F 6 C O M 2 SAT A3 _1 ~SATA3 _6 7 L P T 3 F _U S B 1 ~2 8 F _AU D I O 4T P M 9 S P D I F O 5C A S E - - - -[...]

  • Page 23

    Chapter 2 17 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Please make sure that the USB cable has the same pin assignment as indi- cated above. A different pin assignment may cause damage or system hang- up. This Motherboard implements one USB 3.0 header supporting 2 extra front USB 3.0 ports, which delivers 5Gb/s transfer rate. 1. USB3F: Front Panel USB 3.0 header SA T [...]

  • Page 24

    Chapter 2 18 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Unlik e F_USB2, F_USB1 supports EZ Charger t echnology , provides 3 times current than general USB port in off mode for USB devices. It is useful and excellent, espe- cially for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices that need a large amount of cur- rent for faster recharging within less time. The motherboard has[...]

  • Page 25

    Chapter 2 19 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 5. CASE: Chassis Intrusion Detect Header This detects if the chassis cover has been removed. This function needs a chassis equipped with instrusion detection switch and needs to be enabled in BIOS. 6. COM: Onboard serial port header Connect a serial port extension bracket to this header to add a serial port to you[...]

  • Page 26

    Chapter 2 20 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL This is a header that c an be used to connect to the prin ter , scanner or other devices. 7. LPT : Onboard par allel port header The front panel audio header allows the user to install auxiliary front-oriented mi- crophone and line-out ports for easier access. This header supports HD audio by default. If you want [...]

  • Page 27

    Chapter 2 21 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL If you use AC ’ 97 Front Panel, please t ick off the option of “ Disabled Front Panel Detect ” . If you use HD Audio Front Panel, please don ’ t t ick off “ Disabled Front Panel Detect ” . * For reference only AC ’ 97 Audio Configuration: T o enable the front panel audio c onnector to support AC97 Au[...]

  • Page 28

    Chapter 2 22 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL This is an optional header that provides an SPDIFO (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) output to digital multimedia de vice thr ough optical fiber or c oaxial connector . 9. SPDIFO: SPDIF out header[...]

  • Page 29

    Chapter 2 23 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 2-4-6. Installing a SA T A Hard Drive About SA T A Connectors Y our motherboard features six SA T A connect ors supporting a total of six drives. SA T A ref er s to Serial A T A (Advanced T echnology Attachment) is the s tandard int erface f or the IDE hard drives which are currently used in most PCs. These connec[...]

  • Page 30

    Chapter 2 24 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL No . Compon ent s No. Components 1C P U _ F A N 26 F _ P A N E L 2C P U _ F A N 17 S P K 3 ATX _P OW ER 8 SYS _FAN1 4S Y S _ F A N 3 9 P W R _ F A N 5S Y S _ F A N 2 1 0 A T X 1 2 V After you have installed the motherboard into a case, you can begin connecting the motherboard components. Refer to the following: 2-[...]

  • Page 31

    Chapter 2 25 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 1 & 2. CPU_F AN1~2(CPU cooling F AN P ower Connectors) & 9. PWR_F AN (Power Cooling F AN Power Connect or) 4 & 5 & 8. SY S_F AN1~3 (System Cooling F AN Power Connector s) Connect the CPU cooling fan c able to CPU_F AN . Users please note that the fan connector supports the CPU cooling fan of 1.1A ~[...]

  • Page 32

    Chapter 2 26 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL The A TX 24-pin connector allows you t o connect t o A TX v2.x power supply . With A TX v2.x power supply , users please note that when installing 24-pin power cable, the latches of power cable and the A TX match perfectly . Connecting 24-pin power cable 24-pin power cable The A TX12V power connector is used to pr[...]

  • Page 33

    Chapter 2 27 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL This concludes Chapter 2. The next chapter covers the BIOS. Hard Drive Activity LED Connecting pins 1 and 3 to a front panel mounted LED provides visual indication that data is being r ead from or writt en to the hard driv e. For the LED to function properly , an IDE drive should be connected to the onboard IDE in[...]

  • Page 34

    Chapter 2 28 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 7. SPK: Speaker header Connect the case speaker cable to SPK .[...]

  • Page 35

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 29 About the Setup Utility The computer uses the latest “American Megatrends Inc. ” BIOS with support for Windows Plug and Play . The CMOS chip on the motherboard contains the ROM setup instructions for configuring the motherboard BIOS. The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) Setup Utility displays the system’[...]

  • Page 36

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 30 Press the delet e key t o access BIOS Setup Utility . Using BIOS When you st art the Setup Utility , the main menu appears. The main menu of the Setup Utility displays a list of the options that are available. A highlight indicates which option is currently selected. Use the cursor arrow keys to move the highlight[...]

  • Page 37

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 31 The default BIOS setting for this motherboard apply for most conditions with optimum performance. We do not suggest users change the default values in the BIOS setup and take no responsibility to any damage caused by changing the BIOS settings. BIOS Navigation Keys The BIOS navigation keys are listed below: K E Y [...]

  • Page 38

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 32 Main Menu System Date & Time The Date and Time items show the curr ent date and time on the c omputer . If you are running a Windows OS, these items are automatically updated whenever you make changes to the Windows Dat e and Time Properties utility . System Language (English) This item is used to set system l[...]

  • Page 39

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 33 The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system. Advanced Menu LAN Configuration Parameters Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. X Boot Security Exit LAN Configuration PC Health Status Power Management Setup ACPI Settings CPU Configuration SA T A Configuration Trusted Computing USB Co[...]

  • Page 40

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 34 LAN Configuration The item in the menu shows the LAN-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. Onboard LAN Controller (Enabled) Use this item to enable or disable Onboard LAN c ontroller . Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. X Boot Security Exit LAN Co[...]

  • Page 41

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 35 PC Health Status On motherboards support hardware monitoring, this item lets you monitor the parameters for critical voltages, temperatures and fan speeds. Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen:  Smart Fan Function Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. X Boot Security Exit CPU T empera[...]

  • Page 42

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 36 Smart Fan Mode (Normal) This item allows you to select the fan mode (Normal, Quiet, Silent, or Manual) for a better operation environment. If you choose Normal mode, the fan speed will be auto adjusted depending on the CPU temperature. If you choose Quite mode, the fan speed will be auto minimized for quiet enviro[...]

  • Page 43

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 37 Power Management Setup This page sets up some parameters for system power management operation. Resume By PME (Disabled) The system can be turned off with a software command. If you enable this item, the system can automatically resume if there is an incoming call on the PCI/PCI-E Modem or PCI/PCI-E LAN card. Y ou[...]

  • Page 44

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 38 ACPI Settings The item in the menu shows the highest ACPI sleep state when the system enters suspend. ACPI Sleep State [S3(Suspend to RAM)] This item allows user to enter the ACPI S3 (Suspend to RAM) Sleep State (default). Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. X Boot S[...]

  • Page 45

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 39 CPU Configuration The item in the menu shows the CPU. Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-4570S CPU @ 2.90GHz This is display-only field and displays the information of the CPU installed in your computer . EM64T (Supported) This item shows the comput er supports EM64T . Processor Speed (2900MHz) This item shows the current proce[...]

  • Page 46

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 40 Execute Disable Bit (Enabled) This item allows the processor to classify areas in memory by where application code can execute and where it cannot. When a malicious worm attempts to insert code in the buff er , the processor disables code ex ecution, prev enting damage or worm propagation. Replacing older computer[...]

  • Page 47

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 41 SA T A Configuration Use this item to show the mode of serial SA T A configur ation options. SA T A Mode (AHCI Mode) Use this item to select SA T A mode. Determines how SA T A controller(s) operate. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. X Boot Security Exit SA TA Configuration SA T A Mode AHCI Mode SA TA Port1 Not Present [...]

  • Page 48

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 42 T rusted Computing Use this item to show the information of trusted computing configuration. Enables or Disables BIOS support for security device. O.S. will not show Security Device. TCG EFI protocol and INT1A interface will not be available. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. X Boot Security Exit Configuration TPM Supp[...]

  • Page 49

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 43 All USB Devices (Enabled) Use this item to enable or disable all USB devices. USB Configuration Use this item to show the information of USB configuration. Legacy USB Support (Enabled) Use this item to enable or disable support for legacy USB devices. Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Main Adv[...]

  • Page 50

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 44 Super IO Configuration Use this item to show the information of Super IO configuration. Super IO Chip (IT8728) This item shows the information of the super IO chip. Serial Port (Enabled) This item allows you to enable or disable serial port. Device Settings (IO=3F8h; IRQ=4) This item shows the information of the d[...]

  • Page 51

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 45  Parallel Port Configuration Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen: Parallel Port (Enabled) This item allows you to enable or disable parallel port. Device Settings (IO=378h; IRQ=5; DMA=3) This item shows the information of the device settings. Change Settings (Auto) Use this [...]

  • Page 52

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 46 Use this item to show the in formation of Intel(R) Rapid Start T echnology . Intel(R) Rapid St art T echnology Intel(R) Rapid St art T echnology (Disabled) Use this item to enable or disable the Intel(R) Rapid St art T echnology . Enable or disable Intel(R) Rapid Start T echnology . Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. X [...]

  • Page 53

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 47 IGD Memory (64M) This item shows the inf ormation of the IGD (Internal Gr aphics Device) memory . The chipset menu items allow you to change the settings for the North Bridge chipset, South Bridge chipset and other system. Chipset Menu DVMT Memory (256M) When set to Fixed Mode, the graphics driver will reserve a f[...]

  • Page 54

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 48 Press <Esc> to return to the Chipset Menu page. CPU SA Audio Device (Enabled) This item allows you to enable or disable the CPU SA Audio device. Multi-Monitor technology Please note that Multi-Monitor technology supports up to four monitors: one or two Intel integrated Graphics and one or two PCI-Express gra[...]

  • Page 55

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 49 Step 3. Enable IGD Multi-Monitor from BIOS. In the following BIOS screen, please set IGD Multi-Monitor to [Enabled]. Step 2. Install all the drivers of PCI-Express graphic cards. Click the Browse CD item, then appears the following screen. Select the driver you want to install(e.g NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS(Microsoft [...]

  • Page 56

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 50 2.Select display devices, set the multiple displays option and to extend destop for display “Multi-Monitor technology”. Change the apprearance of your displays Control Panel All Control Panel Items Display Screen Resolution Search Control Panel 1 3 4 Detect Identify 3. DELL U2410 Display: Resolution: 1920 x 12[...]

  • Page 57

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 51 Change the apprearance of your displays Control Panel All Control Panel Items Display Screen Resolution Search Control Panel 1 Detect Identify 4. AL1717 Display: Resolution: 1920 x 1200 (recommended) Orientation: Landscape Disconnect this display Multiple displays: Make this my main display Advance settings Make t[...]

  • Page 58

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 52 PCH Configuration Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen: Restore AC Power Loss (Power Off) This item enables your computer to automatically restart or return to its operating status. Azalia HD Audio (Enabled) This item enables or disables Azalia HD audio. Case Open Warning (Disab[...]

  • Page 59

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 53  ME Configuration Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen: ME Control (Enabled) Use this item to enable or disable the ME Firmware. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. X Boot Security Exit Enable/Disable ME Firmware Management Engine T echnology Configuration ME Control Enabled ME FW V[...]

  • Page 60

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 54 This page enables you to set the clock speed and system bus for your system. The clock speed and system bus are determined by the kind of processor you have installed in your system. M.I.B. X (MB Intelligent BIOS X) Menu  CPU OverClocking Configuration Scroll to this item to view the following screen: Main Adva[...]

  • Page 61

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 55 Enhanced Intel SpeedSt ep T echnology (Enabled) This item allows users to enable or disable the EIST (Enhanced Intel SpeedStep T echnology). T urbo Mode (Enabled) This item allows you t o control the Intel T urbo Boost T echnology . 1 / 2 / 3 /4 Core Ratio Limit (36/ 35/ 33 / 32) These items show the Core Ratio Li[...]

  • Page 62

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 56 Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. X Boot Security Exit Graphics Core Ratio Limit (16) This item allows you to control the internal GFX core ratio. Press <Esc> to return to the M.I.B. X Menu page.  North Bridge Configuration Scroll to this item to view the following screen: Graphics Core Ratio Limit Intel Gr[...]

  • Page 63

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 57 Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. X Boot Security Exit The selection of Memory Profiles which impacts memory sizing behavior.  Memory Configuration Scroll to this item to view the following screen: Memory Information Memory RC Version 1. 4.0.3 Memory Frequency 1067 Mhz T otal Memory 1024 MB (DDR3) Memory Profiles[...]

  • Page 64

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 58 Memory RC V ersion (1.4.0.3) This item shows the information of the memory RC version. Memory Frequency (1067 MHz) This item shows the inf ormation of the memory frequency . T otal Memory (1024 MB (DDR3)) This item shows the in formation of the t otal memory . Memory Profiles (Automatic) This item enables you to s[...]

  • Page 65

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 59 Mc Lock (Enabled) This item allows you to enable or disable capacity to lock MC registers or not. CMD T ri-Stat e (Enabled) This item allows y ou to enable or disable the CMD T ri-State (ending of the tr aining). Memory Scrambler (Enabled) This item allows y ou to enable or disable the memory scrambler . MRC Fast [...]

  • Page 66

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 60  Over V oltage Configuration Scroll to this item to view the following screen: Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. X Boot Security Exit PCH Core V oltage 1.044 V (Auto) This item allows you to adjust the PCH voltage. Processor Input V olt age (Auto) This item allows you to adjust the processor input voltage. Vdroop[...]

  • Page 67

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 61 ChReadVref 0.756 V (BIOS) This item allows you to adjust the ChReadVref from 0 to 108, and the default is 54, 1 step is 4mV . CPU/RING/Cache/GT Adaptive V olt age T arget(mV) (0) This item allows you to adjust the CPU/RING/Cache/GT Adaptive voltage target from 0 to 2000mV . CPU/RING/Cache/GT V oltag e Mode (Adapti[...]

  • Page 68

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 62 Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-4570S CPU @ 2.90GHz This is display-only field and displays the information of the CPU installed in your computer . Processor Speed (2900 MHz) This item shows the CPU speed. Memory Frequency (1067 MHz) This item shows the memory fr equency . T otal Memory (1024 MB (DDR3)) This item shows the t[...]

  • Page 69

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 63 Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. X Boot Security Exit This page enables you to set the keyboard NumLock state. Boot Menu Boot Configuration This item shows the information of the Boot Configuration. Operation System Select (Windows 7 or other OS) This item is used to select the operation system. Launch PXE OpROM (Disa[...]

  • Page 70

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 64  Hard Disk Drive BBS Priorities Scroll to this item to view the following screen: Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. X Boot Security Exit Press <Esc> to return to the M.I.B. X Menu page. Boot Option #1 (Silicon-Power PMAP) This item shows the boot priorities. Sets the system boot order Boot Option #1 Silicon[...]

  • Page 71

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 65 This page enables you to set setup administrator password and user password. Security Menu Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. X Boot Security Exit Set Administrator Password Administrator Password Status Not Install User Password Status Not Install +/- : Change Opt. Enter/Dbl Click : Select   : Select Screen[...]

  • Page 72

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 66 Boot Override Use this item to select the boot device. Save Options This item enables you to save the options that you have made. Save Changes This item enables you to save the changes that you have made. Discard Changes This item enables you to discard any changes that you have made. Restore Defaults This item en[...]

  • Page 73

    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 67 Updating the BIOS Y ou can download and install updat ed BIOS for this motherboard fr om the manufacturer’s Website. New BIOS provides support for new peripherals, improvements in performance, or fixes for known bugs. Install new BIOS as follows: This concludes Chapter 3. Refer to the next chapter for informatio[...]

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    Chapter 3 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL 68 Memo[...]

  • Page 75

    69 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 4 Chapter 4 Using the Motherboard Software The auto-install DVD-ROM makes it easy for you to install the drivers and software. The support software DVD-ROM disc loads automatically under Windows 7/8. When you insert the DVD-ROM disc in the DVD-ROM drive, the auto-run feature will automatically bring up the installat[...]

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    70 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 4 2. Click Next. The following screen appears: 3. Check the box next to the items you want to install. The default options are recommended. 5. Follow the instructions on the screen to install the items. 4. Click Next to run the Installation Wizard. An item installation screen appears: Drivers and software are automa[...]

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    71 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 4 If the auto-install DVD-ROM does not work on your system, you can still install drivers through the file manager for your OS (for example, Windows Explorer). Look for the chipset and motherboard model, and then browse to the directory and path to begin ins talling the driver s. Most drive rs have a se tup pro gram[...]

  • Page 78

    72 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 4 eBLU ECS eBL U utility mak es BIOS update f aster and easier . eBLU will list the late st BIOS with a default check-mark. Click”install” button to install. eDLU ECS eDL U utility mak es updating driver s fast and eas y . eDLU sa ves time and hassle by listing all the latest drivers online. Just select the one [...]

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    73 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 4 eOC ECS eOC Utility is a simple over-clocking tool that provides user-friendly windows operation interface for novices and over-clockers. Combining with ECS MIB X technology , eOC challenges the undiscovered ov er-clocking capability than ev er before. Monitor E as y T uning Advance T uning Options Microsoft .NET [...]

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    74 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 4 Memo[...]

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    75 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 5 Chapter 5 AMD CrossFireX TM T echnology Support This motherboard support s the AMD CrossFireX TM T echnology that allows you to in- stall multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in this section. Requirements 1 Two identical CrossFireX TM ready graphic cards are need[...]

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    76 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 5 The Catalyst TM Control Center Dialog Box T o enable CrossFireX TM : • Install AMD graphic card driver . • Enter the Catalyst Control Center Dialog Box. • check the “Enable CrossFireX TM ” item. • Click Apply button.[...]

  • Page 83

    77 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 6 Chapter 6 NVIDIA ® Hybrid SLI ® T echnology Support This motherboard support s the NVIDIA ® SLI ® T echnology that allow s you to ins tall multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Please follow the installation procedures in this section. Requirements 1. Two identical SLI ® ready graphic cards ar[...]

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    78 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 6 2. Connect the cable from your monitors to the SLI-Ready graphics card installed on the PCIEX16_1 slot. Once the new NVIDIA ® SLI-certified components have been installed in the system, they will be recognized by the operating system upon Windows boot-up. A Found New Hardware message will be displayed: * For refe[...]

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    79 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 6 Enabling NVIDIA ® SLI 1. Click on the SLI capable sys tem message to open the f ollowing windo w . Description: All NVIDIA ® GPUs work together with SLI technology to increase the rendering performance of your 3D applications. Typical usage scenarios: • Playing 3D games • Using any application that renders h[...]

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    80 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 6 All in all, the NVIDIA SLI technology works. This concludes Chapter 6. 2. Select the checkbox Enable SLI technology and then click Apply Y ou now have an NVIDIA ® SLI-enabled PC! Y ou can also access these settings by opening the NVIDIA ® Contr ol Panel (right-click on desktop), clicking on 3D Settings (shown be[...]

  • Page 87

    81 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Intel ® Matrix Storage Manager RAID Configuration The Intel ® Matrix Storage Manager allows you to configure RAID 0, and 1 sets on the external Serial A T A hard disk drives. 1 . Install the external Serial A T A hard disk drive (HDD) on your s ystem. 2 . Set the SA T A Mode item in the BIOS from “ID[...]

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    82 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 7 2 . The main Intel ® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu appears. Entering Intel ® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS utility 1 . During POST , press <Ctrl-I> to enter the In tel ® Matrix St orage Manager RAID BIOS menu. 3 . Use the arrow keys to move the color bar and navigate through the items. 3 . Ente[...]

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    83 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 7 2 . When the RAID Level item is highlighted, use the up/down arrow key to select the RAID set that you want to create. Creating a RAID set 1 . In the main Intel ® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu, highlight Create RAID Volume using the up/down arrow key then press <Enter>. 3 . K ey in the RAID volume c[...]

  • Page 90

    84 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 7 Pressing <Y> deletes all the data in the HDDs. 5 . The following screen appears, displaying the relevant information about the RAID set you created. Users please be noted that RAID 0 (Stripe) is set to accelerate the data access, and RAID 1 (Mirror) is set to provide the data backup. If you want to set RAID [...]

  • Page 91

    85 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 7 Deleting a RAID set 1 . In the main Intel ® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu, highlight Delete RAID Volume using the up/down arrow key then press <Enter>. 2 . Use the space bar to select the RAID set you want to delete. Press the <Del> key to delete the set. 3 . A dialogue box appears to confirm [...]

  • Page 92

    86 Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 7 Resetting disks to Non-RAID An HDD that has been previously configured as part of another RAID set in another platform is called a broken RAID HDD. When you install a broken RAID HDD, you cannot select this disk when configuring a RAID set through the Intel ® Matrix Storage Manager option. If you still want to us[...]

  • Page 93

    Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 8 87 Chapter 8 T rouble Shooting Start up problems during assembly After assembling the PC for the first time you may experience some start up problems. Befor e calling f or technical support or returning for w arranty , this chapter may help to address some of the common questions using some basic troubleshooting tip [...]

  • Page 94

    Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 8 88 Y our computer , like an y electrical appliance, requir es proper c are and maintenance. Here are some basic PC care tips to help prolong the life of the motherboard and keep it running as best as it can. 1. Keep your computer in a well ventilated area. Leave some space between the PC and the wall f or sufficient [...]

  • Page 95

    u B r e w o P d e s s e r p s i n o . t r a t s o t s l i a f C P t u b s e Y y l p p u S r e w o P f i k c e h C t i n U g n i k r o w s i ) U S P ( No No d n u o s p e e B y n A No k c e h c d n a S O M C R L C r e w o p V 2 1 U P C f i d e t c e n n o c s i C P e h t t r a t s e R ? d r a o b r o U S P h t i w m e l b o r P A M R t c a t n o c &[...]

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    Z87H3-A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 8 90 Memo[...]