Asus Z87-A User Manual

MotherboardZ87-A

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A-4Z87-AAppendicesEC Declaration of Conformity We, the undersigned, Manufacturer: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address, City: 4F, No. 150, LI-TE Rd., PEITOU,

1-1Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1Product introduction If any of the items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.Thank you for buying

ASUS Z87-A1-21.2 Motherboard overview

1-3Chapter 1: Product introduction1.2.3 Motherboard layout

ASUS Z87-A1-41.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1150 socket designed for the 4th generation Intel® Core™

1-5Chapter 1: Product introduction1.3.1 Installing the CPU• Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1150 only. DO NOT install a CPU

ASUS Z87-A1-6Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you install the heatsink and fan, if necessary.

1-7Chapter 1: Product introduction1.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fanTo install the CPU heatsink and fan assemblyTo uninstall the CPU heatsink

ASUS Z87-A1-81.4 System memory1.4.1 OverviewThe motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual In-line Memory Modules (DIMM) slots.A DDR

1-9Chapter 1: Product introduction1.4.2 Memory congurationsYou may install 2GB, 4GB and 8GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

iiE7828First EditionMay 2013Copyright© 2013 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and software desc

ASUS Z87-A1-10DDR3 2666(O.C.) MHz capabilityZ87-A Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2800(O.C.) MHz capabilityVendors Part No. Size SS/DSCh

1-11Chapter 1: Product introductionDDR3 2400(O.C.) MHz capabilityDDR3 2200(O.C.) MHz capabilityVendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip BrandChip NO.Timing Vol

ASUS Z87-A1-12DDR3 2133(O.C.) MHz capabilityVendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip BrandChip NO.Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional)1 2 4A-DATA AX3U

1-13Chapter 1: Product introductionDDR3 2000(O.C.) MHz capabilityDDR3 1866(O.C.) MHz capability(continued on the next page)Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS

ASUS Z87-A1-14DDR3 1866(O.C.) MHz capabilityDDR3 1800(O.C.) MHz capabilityVendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip BrandChip NO.Timing Voltage DIMM socket supp

1-15Chapter 1: Product introduction(continued on the next page)DDR3 1600 MHz capabilityVendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip BrandChip NO. Timing Voltage DI

ASUS Z87-A1-16DDR3 1600 MHz capability(continued on the next page)Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip BrandChip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Op

1-17Chapter 1: Product introductionDDR3 1600 MHz capabilityVendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip BrandChip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional)

ASUS Z87-A1-18DDR3 1333 MHz capability(continued on the next page)Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (O

1-19Chapter 1: Product introduction(continued on the next page)DDR3 1333 MHz capabilityVendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage D

iiiContentsSafety information ... ivAbout this guid

ASUS Z87-A1-20DDR3 1333 MHz capabilityVendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip BrandChip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional)1 2 4OCZ OCZ3G1333L V

1-21Chapter 1: Product introduction2.3.4 DIMM installationSide(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided DIMM support:(1) Supports one (1) module in

ASUS Z87-A1-22To remove a DIMM1.5 Expansion slotsIn the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe the slot

1-23Chapter 1: Product introduction1.5.2 Conguring an expansion card

ASUS Z87-A1-24IRQ assignments for this motherboardA B C D E F G HIntel PCH SATA controller #0– – – shared – – – –Intel PCH SATA controller #1– – – sha

1-25Chapter 1: Product introduction• Refer to section 1.7 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.• The DRAM_LED also lights up when the

ASUS Z87-A1-263. TPU switchWith its two-level adjustment functions, the TPU allows you to automatically adjusts the CPU ratio and clock speed for an

1-27Chapter 1: Product introduction1.7 Onboard LEDs1. EPU LEDThe EPU LED lights up when the EPU switch is enabled.4. EPU switchEnable this switch t

ASUS Z87-A1-283. POST State LEDsThe POST State LEDs provide the status of these key components during POST (Power-On-Self Test): CPU, memory modules,

1-29Chapter 1: Product introduction1.8 JumpersClear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You c

ivSafety informationElectrical safetybefore relocating the s

ASUS Z87-A1-301.9 Connectors1.9.1 Rear panel connectorsRear panel connectors1. PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port 7. Mini DisplayPort2. Optical S/PDI

1-31Chapter 1: Product introduction1. Line In port (light blue). This port connects to the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio sources.2. Line

ASUS Z87-A1-321.9.2 Internal connectors1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The p

1-33Chapter 1: Product introduction2. IntelIntel® Z87 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [yellow])These connectors connect to Serial AT

ASUS Z87-A1-343. CPU, chassis, and optional fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-3)Connect the fan cables to the fan connec

1-35Chapter 1: Product introduction4. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12)USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12)This connector allows you to connect a

ASUS Z87-A1-366. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910; USB1112; USB1314)These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of

1-37Chapter 1: Product introduction7. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM)The connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module c

ASUS Z87-A1-389. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either

1-39Chapter 1: Product introduction11. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.• System pow

vWhere to nd more informationRefer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.1. ASUS websitesThe ASUS

ASUS Z87-A1-401.10 Software support1.10.1 Installing an operating system• This motherboard supports Windows® 8 32/64-bit and Windows® 7 32/64-bit o

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-1The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system stability, compatibility, or perfo

2-2ASUS Z87-A2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based 

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-32.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

2-4ASUS Z87-A2.1.4 ASUS BIOS UpdaterThe ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also 

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-52. The BIOS Updater screen appears as below.Updating the BIOS le1. At the Fr

2-6ASUS Z87-A2.2 BIOS setup programinclude navigation keys and brie

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-7By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ Mode provides you an overview of th

2-8ASUS Z87-A2.2.2 Advanced ModeThe Advanced Mode

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-9Menu itemsselecting Main sho

viZ87-A specications summary(continues on the next page)CPU LGA1150 socket for the 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i7/Intel® Core™i5/Intel® Core™ i3, Pen

2-10ASUS Z87-A2.3 My FavoritesMyFavorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite BIOS items.Adding items to My Fav

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-112.4 Main menuThe Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program. The Main menu pr

2-12ASUS Z87-AAdministrator PasswordIf you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator password for accessing th

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-132.5 Ai Tweaker menu

2-14ASUS Z87-A2.5.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal 

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-153-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting or manually assign a 3-Core Limit v

2-16ASUS Z87-A2.5.10 OC Tuner [As Is]OC Tuner automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of CPU and DRAM for enhancing the system performance

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-17The following items appear only when you set the CPU Voltage Frequency to [Auto].VRM Spread Spectrum [Disabled]Enable t

2-18ASUS Z87-A2.5.14 CPU Power ManagementThe subitems in this menu allow you to set the CPU ratio and their features.Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technol

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-19CPU Internal Power Fault ControlThermal Feedback [Auto]Allows your system to take precautionary actions to be taken by

viiZ87-A specications summary(continues on the next page)Audio - DTS Connect- Supports jack-detection, multi-streaming and front panel jack-retaski

2-20ASUS Z87-ACPU Internal Power Saving ControlPower Saving Level 1 Threshold [Auto]

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-212.5.17 CPU Cache Voltage [Auto]

2-22ASUS Z87-AOffset Mode Sign [+][+] To offset the voltage by a positive value.[–] To offset the voltage by a negative value.CPU Graphics Voltage O

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-232.5.21 CPU Digital I/O Voltage Offset Mode Sign [+][+] To offset the voltage by a positive value.[–] To offset the v

2-24ASUS Z87-A2.5.26 PCH VLX Voltage [Auto]Allows you to set the I/O voltage on the PCH (Platform Controller Hub). You can use the <+> or <-

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-25can cause the system to malfun

2-26ASUS Z87-AActive Processor Cores [All]Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor package. 

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-27CPU C States [Auto]Allows you to enable or disable the CPU C states.Th

2-28ASUS Z87-AIntel Rapid Start Technology [Disabled]Allows you to enable or disable Intel® Rapid Start Technology.

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-292.6.3 SATA CongurationWhile entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The SATA Por

viiiZ87-A specications summaryASUS Exclusive Overclocking FeaturesPrecision Tweaker 2- vCore: Adjustable CPU Core voltage at 0.001V increment- iGPU

2-30ASUS Z87-ADVI Port Audio [Disable]Allows you to enable or disable the DVI audio port.Graphics Conguration

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-31Memory CongurationMemory Scrambler [Enabled]Allows you to en

2-32ASUS Z87-A2.6.6 Platform Misc CongurationPCI Express Native Power Man

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-33Serial Port CongurationAllows you to set the parameters of the serial ports.This item only functions only if there is

2-34ASUS Z87-A2.6.9 Network StackNetwork Stack [Disable]This item allows user to disable or enable the UEFI network stack.

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-352.7.2 CPU Fan Speed [Ignore] or [Monitor] / [N/A], CPU OPT[Ignore] or [Monitor] / [N/A], CPU OPT or [Monitor] / [N/A],

2-36ASUS Z87-ACPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [20]Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the minimum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from 0% to

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-372.8 Boot menuThe Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.Boot Conguration2.8.1 Fast Boot [Enable

2-38ASUS Z87-APS/2 Keyboard and Mouse Support [Auto]Select any of these settings when PS/2 keyboard and mouse are installed. These settings only apply

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-39Post Delay Time [3 sec]This item allows you to select a desired additional POST waiting time to easily enter the BIOS S

ixZ87-A specications summaryBIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.7, WfM 2.0, S

2-40ASUS Z87-ALaunch CSM [Enabled][Auto] The system automatically detects the bootable devices and the add-on devices.[Enabled] For better compatibi

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-41The following item appears only when you set the OS Type to [Windows UEFI mode].Key ManagementThis item appears only wh

2-42ASUS Z87-ADB Managementapplications, operating system loaders, and UEFI

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-432.8.20 Boot OverrideThese items displays the available devices. The number of device items that appears on the screen

2-44ASUS Z87-ALoad from Prolenumber that saved your BIOS set

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-452.10 Exit menuThe Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard

2-46ASUS Z87-A

AppendicesA-1AppendicesAppendicesFederal Communications Commission StatementThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject t

A-2Z87-AAppendicesVCCI: Japan Compliance StatementVCCI Class B StatementKC: Korea Warning StatementCanadian Department of Communications StatementThis

AppendicesA-3AppendicesASUS contact informationASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.Address 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259Telephone +886-2-2894-34