Asus Z77-A Specifications

MotherboardZ77-A

xZ77-A specications summaryAudioRealtek® ALC887 8-Channel High Denition Audio CODEC*- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-streaming, and Front Panel Jac

xiZ77-A specications summary* Specications are subject to change without notice. ASUS Exclusive Overclocking FeaturesPrecision Tweaker 2- vCore: A

xiiPackage contentsCheck your motherboard package for the following items.Z77-AASUS Z77-A motherboard2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cablesUser Guide1 x I/O S

Product introduction11.1 Product highlightsLGA1155 socket for Intel® 2nd/3rd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium®, and Celeron® Proces

Intel® Smart Response TechnologyIntel® Smart Response Technology, an important part of Green ASUS eco-friendly computing, reduces load and wait time,

8-channel high denition audioThe onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-

1.2 Before you proceedTake note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.• Unplug t

Z77-A1.3 Motherboard overview1.3.1 Placement directionWhen installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orie

1.3.3 Motherboard layoutZ77-APCIEX16_1PCIEX16_2PCIEX1_1PCIEX1_2ASM1083PCI1PCI2USB78 USB56AAFPEATXPWRCPU_FANCHA_FAN2BATTERYSuperI/OALC887RTL8111FKBMSU

1.3.4 Layout contentsConnectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page1. Keyboard power (3-pin KB_USBPWB) 1-232. EATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V

iiE8090First EditionJanuary 2013Copyright © 2013 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and software

1.4.1 CPU installationThe LGA1156 CPU is incompatible with the LGA1155 socket. DO NOT install a LGA1156 CPU on the LGA1155 socket.AB12ABC453Chapter 1

1.4.2 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installationApply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you install the heatsink and

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly2ABBA1Chapter 1: Product introduction1-10

1.5 System memory1.5.1 OverviewThis motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. A DDR3 module h

Z77-A Series Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) 1.5.2 Memory congurationsYou may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs i

DDR3 2250MHz capability DDR3 2200MHz capability Vendors Part No. SizeS S /DSC h i p BrandC h i p NO.Timing VoltageDIMM socket support (Optional)1 DIMM

DDR3 1866MHz capability Vendors Part No. SizeS S /DSC h i p BrandCh i p NO.Timing VoltageDIMM socket support (Optional)1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMsCORSAIR C

Vendors Part No. SizeSS/DSC h i p BrandChip NO. Timing VoltageD I M M s o c k e t s u p p o r t (Optional)1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMsKINGSTONKHX1600C9D3T

Vendors Part No. SizeS S /DSChip Brand Chip NO. Timing VoltageD I M M s o c k e t s u p p o r t (Optional)1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMsCrucial CT12864BA133

Vendors Part No. SizeS S /DSChip Brand Chip NO. Timing VoltageD I M M s o c k e t s u p p o r t (Optional)1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMsMicronMT8JTF25664A

iiiContentsSafety information ... viAbout this guide ...

Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided DIMM support:• 1 DIMM: Supports one (1) module inserted into any slot as Single-channel memory cong

1.5.3 Installing a DIMM123ATo remove a DIMMBAASUS Z77-A1-19

Slot No. Slot Description1 PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot2 PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot [blue] (at 16x mode)3 PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot4 PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slot [black] (at 4x mo

IRQ assignments for this motherboardComponent A B C D E F G HIGD shared – – – – – – –Audio Controller – – – – – – sharedEHCI Controller – – – – – – s

1.7 Jumpers1. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC)This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, ti

2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPFW)Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running

1.8 Connectors1.8.1 Rear panel ports1. PS/2 Mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.2. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin po

4. Line In port (light blue). This port connects to the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio sources. 5. Line Out port (lime). This port connects to

1.8.2 Internal connectors1. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2; 3-pin PWR_FAN)Connect the fan cables to the fan connect

2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin ATX12V)These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs from the power supply are designed to 

ivContentsBIOS information2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ... 2-12.1.1 ASUS Update utility ...

3. Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G 1~6)These connectors are for the Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives an

4. Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G 1~6)These connectors are for the Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives an

Z77-AZ77-A System panel connectorPIN 1* Requires an ATX power supplyPLED SPEAKERPLED+PLED-+5VGroundGroundSpeakerIDE_LED+IDE_LED-PWRGroundResetGroundPA

6. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port.The S/PDIF module is p

8. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB56)These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then in

Z77-AZ77-A Serial port (COM1) connectorPIN 1COM1DCDTXDGNDRTSRIRXDDTRDSRCTS10. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)This connector is for a serial (CO

1.9 Software support1.9.1 Installing an operating systemThis motherboard supports Windows® XP / Vista / Windows® 7 / Windows® 8 Operating Systems (O

2-1ASUS Z77-A BIOS information2Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a USB ash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future.

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-22.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility. Befor

2-3ASUS Z77-A 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utilityThe ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS le when it f

v2.6 Monitor menu ... 2-302.6.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xx

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-4Welcome to FreeDOS (http://www.freedos.org)!C:\>d:D:\>3. When the Make Disk menu appears, select the FreeDOS com

2-5ASUS Z77-A 2. The BIOS Updater backup screen appears indicating the BIOS backup process. When BIOS backup is done, press any key to return to the

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-6Updating the BIOS leTo update the BIOS le using BIOS Updater1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press

2-7ASUS Z77-A Using the power button, reset button, or the <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> keys to force reset from a running operating system ca

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-8BIOS menu screenThe BIOS setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode. You can change modes from

2-9ASUS Z77-A Advanced ModeThe Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to congure the BIOS settings. The gure below shows

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-10Pop-up windowSelect a menu item and press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the conguration options for th

2-11ASUS Z77-A 2.3 Main menuThe Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program. The Main menu provides you an ov

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-12Administrator PasswordIf you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator password

2-13ASUS Z77-A 2.4 Ai Tweaker menuThe Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.Be cautious when changing the settings o

viSafety informationElectrical safety• To prevent electric shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electric outlet before relocating the sy

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-142.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal f

2-15ASUS Z77-A 2.4.5 Memory Frequency [Auto]Allows you to set the memory operating frequency. The conguration options vary with the BCLK/PCIE Freque

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-16Turbo Mode [Enabled]This item appears only when you set the EIST item to [Enabled].[Enabled] Allows processor cores to

2-17ASUS Z77-A CPU Power Phase Control [Standard]Allows you to control the power phase based on the CPU’s demands.Conguration options: [Standard] [Op

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-18CPU Offset Mode Sign [+]This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Offset Mode].[+] To offset the vo

2-19ASUS Z77-A VCCSA Voltage [Auto]Allows you to set the VCCSA voltage. The values range from 0.735V to 1.685V with a 0.005V interval. Conguration op

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-202.5 Advanced menuThe Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices.Be caut

2-21ASUS Z77-A Execute Disable Bit [Enabled][Enabled] Enables the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.[Disabled] Forces the XD feature ag to al

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-22CPU C3 Report [Auto]Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C3 report to OS.[Auto] Set this item automatically.[Enable

2-23ASUS Z77-A 2.5.2 PCH CongurationHigh Precision Timer [Enabled]Allows you to enable or disable the High Precision Event Timer.Conguration option

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

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-242.5.3 SATA CongurationWhile entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The SATA Por

2-25ASUS Z77-A 2.5.4 System Agent CongurationMemory Remap Feature [Enabled][Enabled] Allow you to enable remapping the memory above 4GB.[Disabled]

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-262.5.5 USB CongurationThe items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.The USB Devices item shows t

2-27ASUS Z77-A HD Audio Controller [Enabled][Enabled] Enables the High Denition Audio Controller.[Disabled] Disables the controller.The following t

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-28Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off][Power On] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.[Power Off] The syst

2-29ASUS Z77-A 2.5.8 Network StackNetwork Stack [Disabled]This item allows user to disable or enable the UEFI network stack. Conguration options: [D

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-302.6 Monitor menuThe Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settin

2-31ASUS Z77-A 2.6.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and mother

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-32The following four items appear only when you set CPU Fan Prole to [Manual].CPU Upper Temperature [70]Use the <+>

2-33ASUS Z77-A The following four items appear only when you set Chassis Fan Prole to [Manual].Chassis Upper Temperature [70]Use the <+> and &l

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

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-342.7 Boot menuThe Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.Scroll down to display the following item

2-35ASUS Z77-A 2.7.1 Fast Boot [Enabled]Enable or disable boot with initialization of a minimal set of devices to launch active boot option. Congura

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-362.7.3 Post Delay Time [3 sec]Allows you to set the POST Report wait time. This conguration only functions in Normal B

2-37ASUS Z77-A The following four items appear only when you set Launch CSM to [Enabled].Boot Device Control [UEFI and Legacy OpROM]Conguration optio

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-382.7.10 Secure BootThis option allows you to congure the Secure Boot related parameters.OS Type [Other OS]Conguration

2-39ASUS Z77-A DB ManagementLoad DB from FileConguration options: [OK]Copy DB to FileConguration options: [OK] Delete the DBConguration options: [Y

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-402.8 Tools menuThe Tools menu displays items for conguring included features. Select an item then press <Enter>

2-41ASUS Z77-A 2.9 Exit menuThe Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-42

ASUS Z77--AA-1AppendicesNoticesFederal Communications Commission StatementThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to

ixZ77-A specications summary(continued on the next page)CPULGA1155 socket for Intel® 3rd / 2nd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium®, a

A-2AppendicesCanadian Department of Communications StatementThis digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from d

ASUS Z77--AA-3ASUS contact informationASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.Address 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259Telephone +886-2-2894-3447Fax

A-4AppendicesDECLARATION OF CONFORMITYPer FCC Part 2 Section 2. 1077(a) Responsible Party Name: Asus Computer International Address: 800 Corpora