Asus P8Z68-V PRO User Manual Page 1

MotherboardP8Z68-V PRO

xP8Z68-V PRO specications summary(continued on the next page)CPU LGA1155 socket for Intel® 2nd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3 Processo

3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3• The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual BIOS information vary by models.• Refer to t

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO3-35Chapter 33.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utilityThe ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a bootable

3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.10.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utilityThe ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO3-37Chapter 3Booting the system in DOS environment1. Insert the USB ash drive with the latest BIOS le and BIOS Updater to the USB p

3-38 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 32. The BIOS Updater backup screen appears indicating the BIOS backup process. When BIOS backup is done, press any

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO3-39Chapter 34. Select Yes and press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS Updater. Restart your co

3-40 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO4-1Chapter 4If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the

4-2 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.2.2 Obtaining the software manualsThe software manuals are included in the support DVD. Follow the instruct

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO4-3Chapter 44.3 Software informationMost of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through

xiP8Z68-V PRO specications summaryBluetoothBluetooth v2.1 + EDR ASUS BT GO! UtilityAudioRealtek® ALC892 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC - Abs

4-4 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.2 DIGI+ VRMASUS DIGI+ VRM allows you to adjust VRM voltage and frequency modulation to enhance reliabilit

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO4-5Chapter 4• The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specication.• Do not remove the thermal module. The therm

4-6 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4• Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed sof

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO4-7Chapter 44.3.4 TurboV EVOASUS TurboV EVO introduces TurboV that allows you to manually adjust the CPU frequency and related voltag

4-8 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Using Advanced ModeClick More Settings, and then click the Advanced Mode tab to adjust the advanced voltage se

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO4-9Chapter 4• Set the CPU Ratio Setting item in BIOS to [Auto] before using the CPU Ratio function in TurboV. Refer to Chapter 3 of y

4-10 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Auto TuningASUS TurboV EVO includes two auto tuning modes, providing the most exible auto-tuning options.•

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO4-11Chapter 43. TurboV automatically overclocks the CPU and memory and restarts the system. After re-entering Windows, a message appe

4-12 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.5 EPUEPU is an energy-efcient tool that satises different computing needs. This utility provides sever

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO4-13Chapter 4Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software congura

xii*Specications are subject to change without notice.P8Z68-V PRO specications summaryASUS exclusive overclocking featuresPrecision Tweaker 2 - v

4-14 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.7 ASUS Probe IIASUS Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO4-15Chapter 44.3.8 Ai Charger+Battery Charging Version 1.1 (BC 1.1), a USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) certied USB charging function

4-16 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.9 Audio congurationsThe Realtek® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimat

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO4-17Chapter 44.4 RAID congurationsThe motherboard supports the following SATA RAID solution: Intel® Rapid Storage Technology with RA

4-18 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disksThe motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal perf

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO4-19Chapter 4Creating a RAID setTo create a RAID set:1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and press <Enter&

4-20 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 45. Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press <Space> to select. A small triangle mar

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO4-21Chapter 4Deleting a RAID setTake caution when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when you delete

4-22 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Intel® Smart Response TechnologyIntel® Smart Response Technology boosts overall system performance. It uses a

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO4-23Chapter 43. Select Disable Acceleration to disable this function and select Change Mode to switch acceleration mode to Enhanced/

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO1-1Chapter 1Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 11.1 Welcome!Thank you for buying an ASUS® P8Z68-V PRO motherboard!The motherboar

4-24 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.5 Creating a RAID driver diskA oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing a Windows® oper

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO4-25Chapter 44.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installationTo install the RAID driver in Windows® XP:1. During th

4-26 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.5.4 Using a USB oppy disk driveDue to OS limitation, Windows® XP may not recognize the USB oppy disk dri

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO4-27Chapter 48. Find the [HardwareIds.scsi.iaAHCI_DesktopWorkstationServer] and [HardwareIds.scsi.iaStor_DesktopWorkstationServer] se

4-28 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO5-1Chapter 55.1 ATI® CrossFireX™ technologyThe motherboard supports the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to install multi

5-2 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportChapter 55. Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two graphics

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO5-3Chapter 55.1.4 Installing the device driversRefer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the de

5-4 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportChapter 55.2 NVIDIA® SLI™ technologyThe motherboard supports the NVIDIA® SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface)

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO5-5Chapter 54. Align and rmly insert the SLI bridge connector to the goldngers on each graphics card. Ensure that the connector is

1-2 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 11.3 Special features1.3.1 Product highlightsLGA1155 socket for Intel® Second Generation Core™ i7 / Core™

5-6 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportChapter 5B1. If you cannot see the NVIDIA Control Panel item in step (A), select Personalize.B2. From

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO5-7Chapter 5B4. Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab, and then click Start the NVIDIA Control Panel.B5. The NVIDIA Control Panel window app

5-8 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportChapter 5d-Mode (output from the discrete GPU)i-Mode (output from the Sandy Bridge GPU)5.3 LucidLogix®

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO5-9Chapter 55.3.2 Software congurationAfter you successfully installed the LucidLogix® Virtu™ from the support DVD that comes with y

5-10 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportChapter 5To open the control panel1. Right-click LucidLogix® Virtu™ icon in the notication area and s

ASUS contact informationASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.Address 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259Telephone +886-2-2894-3447Fax +886-2-2890-

EC Declaration of Conformity We, the undersigned, Manufacturer: ASUSTek COMPUTER INC. Address, City: No. 150, LI-TE RD., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TAIWAN R.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO1-3Chapter 1Complete USB 3.0 Integration ASUS facilitates strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear panel - 4 USB 3.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 1EPUTap into the world's rst real-time PC power saving chip through a simple onboard switch or AI Sui

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO1-5Chapter 11.3.5 ASUS EZ DIYASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)ASUS UEFI BIOS offers a user-friendly interface that goes beyond traditional key

1-6 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 1DTS Surround Sensation UltraPCDTS Surround Sensation UltraPC delivers exceptional 5.1 surround experience

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-12.1 Before you proceedTake note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard

iiE6696Second Edition (V2) June 2011Copyright © 2011 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and soft

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Refer to 2.2.8 Internal connectors and 2.3.10 Rear panel connection for more information about rear panel

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-3Chapter 2Layout contentsConnectors/Jumpers/Slots Page1. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN /CPU_FAN_OPT, 4-p

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU)The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1155 socket designed for

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-5Chapter 2Recommended memory congurations2.2.3 System memoryThe motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Memory congurationsYou may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-7Chapter 2P8Z68-V PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-2200 (O.C.) MHz capabilityVendors Part No. SizeSS/DSChip Brand

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2P8Z68-V PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1866 (O.C.) MHz capabilityP8Z68-V PRO Motherboa

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-9Chapter 2P8Z68-V PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1600 MHz capabilityVendors Part No. SizeSS/DSChip BrandChip NO

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2P8Z68-V PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1333 MHz capabilityVendors Part No. SizeSS/DSC

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-11Chapter 2P8Z68-V PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1066 MHz capabilityVendors Part No. SizeSS/DSChip Brand Chip

iiiContentsNotices ... viSafety i

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.4 Expansion slotsEnsure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-13Chapter 2• In single VGA card mode, use the PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot (navy blue) for a PCI Express x16 graphics card to get better pe

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.5 Onboard switchesOnboard switches allow you to ne-tune performance when working on a bare or open-

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-15Chapter 23. MemOK! switchInstalling DIMMs that are incompatible with the motherboard may cause system boot failure, and the DRAM

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 24. TPU switchTurning this switch to Enable will automatically optimize the system for fast, yet stable c

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-17Chapter 25. EPU switchTurning this switch to Enable will automatically detect the current PC loadings and intelligently moderate

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.6 Onboard LEDs1. POST State LEDsThe POST State LEDs of CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and HDD indicate key co

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-19Chapter 24. EPU LEDThe EPU LED lights when the EPU switch is turned to Enable.3. TPU LEDThe TPU LED lights when the TPU switch

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.7 JumperClear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-21Chapter 22.2.8 Internal connectors1. Intel® Z68 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1/2 [gray])These connectors connec

ivContents2.4 Starting up for the rst time ... 2-482.5 Turning off the computer .

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22. Intel® Z68 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_3–6 [blue])These connectors connect to Serial

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-23Chapter 23. Marvell® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E1/E2 [navy blue])These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 G

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) rst, and then install the

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-25Chapter 26. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1; IE1394_2)These connectors are for an IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 28. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN/CPU_FAN_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1; 3-pin CHA_FAN2; 3-

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-27Chapter 29. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with A

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-29Chapter 2• System power LED (2-pin PLED)This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3 Building your computer system2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system1 bag of scr

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-31Chapter 2AB1232.3.2 CPU installationThe LGA1156 CPU is incompatible with the LGA1155 socket. DO NOT install a LGA1156 CPU on the

v4.3.5 EPU ... 4-124.3.6 ASUS FAN Xpert ...

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2CBA564

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-33Chapter 22.3.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installationApply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly2ABBA1

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-35Chapter 2123To remove a DIMM2.3.4 DIMM installationBA

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3.5 Motherboard installation21The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard lay

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-37Chapter 2DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.3

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3.6 ATX Power connection12OR OR

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-39Chapter 22.3.7 SATA device connectionOR2OR1

2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3.8 Front I/O ConnectorTo install ASUS Q-ConnectorIDE_LEDPOWER SWRESET SWIDE_LED-IDE_LED+PWRResetGroun

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-41Chapter 22.3.9 Expension Card installationTo install PCIe x16 cardsTo install PCIe x1 cards To install PCI cards

viNoticesFederal Communications Commission StatementThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two cond

2-42 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3.10 Rear panel connectionRear panel connectors1. USB 2.0 ports 3, 4, 5 and 6 7. External SATA port2

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-43Chapter 2** LAN port LED indicationsSPEED LEDACT/LINK LEDLAN portActivity Link LED Speed LEDStatus Description Status Description

2-44 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2**Troubleshooting on monitor overscan / underscan problem1. Install Intel Graphics Accelerator Driver fr

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-45Chapter 22.3.11 Audio I/O connectionsAudio I/O ports ***Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel congurationPort Headset 2-channel4-channel

2-46 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Connect to Stereo SpeakersConnect to 2.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 4.1 channel Speakers

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO 2-47Chapter 2Connect to 5.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 7.1 channel SpeakersChapter 2When the DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC function

2-48 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.4 Starting up for the rst time1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO3-1Chapter 3Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.1 Knowing BIOSThe ASUS UEFI BIOS offers a user-friendly interface that goes beyond tradi

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.2.1 EZ ModeBy default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ Mode provides you

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO3-3Chapter 33.2.2 Advanced ModeThe Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to congure the BIOS settings. T

viiSafety informationElectrical safety• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating t

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Menu itemsThe highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example, selecting Main

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO3-5Chapter 33.3 Main menuThe Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program. The Main menu provi

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Administrator PasswordIf you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator passw

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO3-7Chapter 33.4 Ai Tweaker menuThe Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.Be cautious when changing t

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal frequ

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO3-9Chapter 3iGPU Max. Frequency [XXXX]Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 1100MHz to 3000M

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Long Duration Power Limit [Auto]Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.Long Duration Maintained [

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO3-11Chapter 3Phase Control [Extreme]Phase number is the number of woorking VRM phase. Increasing phase number under heavy system loadi

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3CPU Offset Voltage [Auto]This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Offset Mode] and allows you t

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO3-13Chapter 3DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/B [Auto]Allows you to set the DRAM DATA Reference Voltage on Channel A/B. The values range f

viiiAbout this guideThis user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the motherboard.How this guide is organizedThis g

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to ma

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO3-15Chapter 33.5.1 CPU CongurationThe items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects.The it

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Hyper-threading [Enabled]The Intel Hyper-Threading Technology allows a hyper-threading processor to appear as two l

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO3-17Chapter 33.5.2 System Agent Conguration3.5.3 PCH CongurationInitiate Graphic Adapter [PCIE/PCI]Allows you to decide which grap

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.4 SATA CongurationWhile entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The SATA

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO3-19Chapter 3[Disabled] Disables the SATA function.[Enhanced] Set to [Enhanced] to support two SATA 6.0 Gb/s and two SATA 3.0 Gb/s d

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.5 USB CongurationThe items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.The USB Devices item sho

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO3-21Chapter 33.5.6 Onboard Devices CongurationScroll down to display the following items:Version 2.00.1201. Copyright (C) 2010

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF][SPDIF] Sets to [SPDIF] for SPDIF audio output.[HDMI] Sets to [HDMI] for HDMI audio output.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO3-23Chapter 3JMB Storage OPROM [Enabled]This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable or

ixConventions used in this guideTo ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.Typo

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off][Power On] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.[Power Off] The

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO3-25Chapter 33.6 Monitor menuThe Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled][Disabled] Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.[Enabled] Enables the CPU Q-Fan cont

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO3-27Chapter 3Chassis Fan Profile [Standard]This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.7 Boot menuThe Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.Bootup NumLock State [On][On] Sets t

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO3-29Chapter 33.8 Tools menuThe Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <En

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.8.2. ASUS O.C. ProleThis item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings. MainAi TweakerAdvanced Monit

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO3-31Chapter 33.9 Exit menuThe Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard yo

3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.10 Updating BIOSThe ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system stability,

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO3-33Chapter 3Updating the BIOS through the InternetTo update the BIOS through the Internet:1. From the ASUS Update screen, select Upd