Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product Z87-A Asus
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Motherboard Z87-A.
ii E7828 First Edition May 2013 Copyright © 2013 ASUST eK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitte.
iii Contents Safety information ...................................................................................................... iv About this guide ................................................................................................
iv Safety information Electrical safety before relocating the system.
v Where to nd more information Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 1. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
vi Z87-A specications summary (continues on the next page) CPU LGA1 150 socket for the 4th Generation Intel ® Core™ i7/Intel ® Core™i5/ Intel ® Core™ i3, Pentium ® and Celeron ® processors Supports 22nm CPU Supports Intel ® T urbo Boost T echnology 2.
vii Z87-A specications summary (continues on the next page) Audio - DTS Connect - Supports jack-detection, multi-streaming and front panel jack-retasking - Optical S/PDIF out ports at rear I/O USB Intel ® Z87 Express Chipset - supports ASUS USB 3.
viii Z87-A specications summary ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features Precision T weaker 2 - vCore: Adjustable CPU Core voltage at 0.001V increment - iGPU: Adjustable CPU Graphics voltage at 0.001V increment - vCCIO: Adjustable Analog and Digital I/O voltage at 0.
ix Z87-A specications summary BIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP , DMI 2.7, WfM 2.
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1-1 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 Product introduction If any of the items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer . Thank you for buying an ASUS ® Z87-A motherboard! Before you star.
ASUS Z87-A 1-2 1.2 Motherboard overview .
1-3 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.2.3 Motherboard layout.
ASUS Z87-A 1-4 1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1 150 socket designed for the 4th generation Intel ® Core™ i7 / Intel ® Core™ i5 / Intel ® Core™ i3, Pentium ® and Celeron ® processors. . Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.
1-5 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.3.1 Installing the CPU • Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1 150 only . DO NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1 155 and LGA1 156 sockets on the LGA1 150 socket. • Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and the socket contacts are not bent.
ASUS Z87-A 1-6 Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you install the heatsink and fan, if necessary ..
1-7 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan T o install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly T o uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly.
ASUS Z87-A 1-8 1.4 System memory 1.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual In-line 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.
1-9 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.4.2 Memory congurations Y ou may install 2GB, 4GB and 8GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.
ASUS Z87-A 1-10 DDR3 2666(O.C.) MHz capability Z87-A Motherboard Qualied V endors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2800(O.C.) MHz capability V endors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing V oltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 ADA TA AX3U2600GW8G1 1-DG2 16GB (2x4GB) DS - - 1 1-13-13-35 1.
1-1 1 Chapter 1: Product introduction DDR3 2400(O.C.) MHz capability DDR3 2200(O.C.) MHz capability V endors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing V oltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 G.SKILL F3-17600CL7D-4GBFLS(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 7-10-10-28 1.
ASUS Z87-A 1-12 DDR3 2133(O.C.) MHz capability V endors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing V oltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 A-DA TA AX3U2133XC4G10(XMP) 4GB DS - - 10-1 1-11-30 1.65 • • • A-DA TA AX3U2133XW8G10(XMP) 8GB DS - - 10-1 1-11-30 1.
1-13 Chapter 1: Product introduction DDR3 2000(O.C.) MHz capability DDR3 1866(O.C.) MHz capability (continued on the next page) V endors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Vo ltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 AEXEA AXA3ES2G2000LG28V(XMP) 2GB DS - - - 1.
ASUS Z87-A 1-14 DDR3 1866(O.C.) MHz capability DDR3 1800(O.C.) MHz capability V endors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing V oltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 G. SKILL F3-14400CL9D-4GBRL(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS 9-9-9-24 1.6 • • • V endors Part No.
1-15 Chapter 1: Product introduction (continued on the next page) DDR3 1600 MHz capability V endors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 Apacer 78.C1GET .9K10C 8GB DS Apacer AM5D6008 BQQSCK 1 1-11- 1 1-31 - • • • Apacer AHU04GFA60C9Q1D(XMP) 4GB DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.
ASUS Z87-A 1-16 DDR3 1600 MHz capability (continued on the next page) V endors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing V oltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 EK Memory EKM324L28BP8- I16.
1-17 Chapter 1: Product introduction DDR3 1600 MHz capability V endors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 KINGSTON KHX16C10B1K2/ 16X(XMP) 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - - 1.5 • • • KINGSTON KHX16C9K2/16 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - 1333-9- 9-9-24 1.
ASUS Z87-A 1-18 DDR3 1333 MHz capability (continued on the next page) V endors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing V oltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 ACTICA ACT1GHU64B 8F1333S 1.
1-19 Chapter 1: Product introduction (continued on the next page) DDR3 1333 MHz capability V endors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing V oltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 G.SKILL F3-10666CL9D- 8GBRL 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.
ASUS Z87-A 1-20 DDR3 1333 MHz capability V endors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing V oltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 2 4 OCZ OCZ3G1333L V4GK 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 • • OCZ OCZ3G1333L V8GK 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 • • OCZ OCZ3G1333L V8GK 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9 1.
1-21 Chapter 1: Product introduction 2.3.4 DIMM installation Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided DIMM support: (1) Supports one (1) module inserted into any slot as Single-channel memory .
ASUS Z87-A 1-22 T o remove a DIMM 1.5 Expansion slots In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support. Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards.
1-23 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.5.2 Conguring an expansion card 1.
ASUS Z87-A 1-24 IRQ assignments for this motherboard A B C D E F G H Intel PCH SA T A controller #0 – – – shared – – – – Intel PCH SA T A controller #1 – – – shared – – – –.
1-25 Chapter 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 DIMM is not properly installed. T urn off the system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! function.
ASUS Z87-A 1-26 3. TPU switch With its two-level adjustment functions, the TPU allows you to automatically adjusts the CPU ratio and clock speed for an optimal system performance.
1-27 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.7 Onboard LEDs 1. EPU LED The EPU LED lights up when the EPU switch is enabled. 4. EPU switch Enable this switch to automatically detect the current PC loadings and intelligently moderate the power consumption. Enable this switch when the system is powered off.
ASUS Z87-A 1-28 3. POST State LEDs The POST State LEDs provide the status of these key components during POST (Power-On-Self T est): CPU, memory modules, VGA card, and hard disk drives. If an error is found, the critical component’s LED stays lit up until the problem is solved.
1-29 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.8 Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real T ime Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. Y ou can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data.
ASUS Z87-A 1-30 1.9 Connectors 1.9.1 Rear panel connectors Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port 7. Mini DisplayPort 2. Optical S/PDIF Out port Optical S/PDIF Out port 8. HDMI port 3. VGA port VGA port 9. DVI port 4. USB 3.0 5 and 6 USB 3.
1-31 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1. Line In port (light blue). This port connects to the tape, CD, DVD player , or other audio sources. 2. Line Out port (lime).
ASUS Z87-A 1-32 1.9.2 Internal connectors 1. A TX power connectors (24-pin EA TXPWR; 8-pin EA TX12V) These connectors are for A TX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are .
1-33 Chapter 1: Product introduction 2. Intel Intel ® Z87 Serial A T A 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SA T A6G_1-6 [yellow]) These connectors connect to Serial A T A 6.
ASUS Z87-A 1-34 3. CPU, chassis, and optional fan connectors (4-pin CPU_F AN; 4-pin CPU_OPT ; 4-pin CHA_F AN1-3) 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 .
1-35 Chapter 1: Product introduction 4. 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 USB 3.
ASUS Z87-A 1-36 6. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910; USB1 1 12; USB1314) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to .
1-37 Chapter 1: Product introduction 7. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM) The connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to the connector , then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
ASUS Z87-A 1-38 9. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector .
1-39 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1 1. System panel connector (20-8 pin P ANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector .
ASUS Z87-A 1-40 1.10 Software support 1.10.1 Installing an operating system • This motherboard supports Windows ® 8 32/64-bit and Windows ® 7 32/64-bit operating systems (OS). • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary . Use the setup procedures presented in this chapter for reference only .
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-1 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.
2-2 ASUS Z87-A 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based .
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-3 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility .
2-4 ASUS Z87-A 2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also .
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-5 2. The BIOS Updater screen appears as below . Updating the BIOS le 1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>.
2-6 ASUS Z87-A 2.2 BIOS setup program .
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-7 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 and boot device priority .
2-8 ASUS Z87-A 2.2.2 Advanced Mode The Advanced Mode .
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-9 Menu items .
2-10 ASUS Z87-A 2.3 My Favorites MyFavorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite BIOS items. Adding items to My Favorites T o add frequently-used BIOS items to My Favorites: 1. Use the arrow keys to select an item that you want to add.
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-1 1 2.4 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.
2-12 ASUS Z87-A Administrator Password If you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator password for accessing the system.
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-13 2.5 Ai T weaker menu .
2-14 ASUS Z87-A 2.5.1 Ai Overclock T uner [Auto] Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal .
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-15 3-Core Ratio Limit [Auto] Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default T urbo Ratio setting or manually assign a 3-Core Limit value that must be higher than or equal to the 4-Core Ratio Limit. If you assign a value for 3-Core Ratio Limit, do not set the 1-Core Ratio Limit and 2-Core Ratio Limit to [Auto] .
2-16 ASUS Z87-A 2.5.10 OC T uner [As Is] OC T uner automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of CPU and DRAM for enhancing the system performance and accelerates the iGPU performance to the extreme according to the integrated graphics loading.
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-17 The following items appear only when you set the CPU V oltage Frequency to [Auto] . VRM Spread Spectrum [Disabled] Enable the VRM Spread Spectrum to enhance system stability .
2-18 ASUS Z87-A 2.5.14 CPU Power Management The subitems in this menu allow you to set the CPU ratio and their features. Enhanced Intel SpeedStep T echnology [Enabled] Allows the operating system to d.
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-19 CPU Internal Power Fault Control Thermal Feedback [Auto] Allows your system to take precautionary actions to be taken by the CPU when the thermal conditions of the external regulator exceeds the threshold.
2-20 ASUS Z87-A CPU Internal Power Saving Control Power Saving Level 1 Threshold [Auto] potential.
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-21 2.5.17 CPU Cache V oltage [Auto] .
2-22 ASUS Z87-A Offset Mode Sign [+] [+] T o offset the voltage by a positive value. [–] T o offset the voltage by a negative value. CPU Graphics V oltage Offset By default, this item takes the standard value of the installed CPU. Y ou can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value.
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-23 2.5.21 CPU Digital I/O V oltage Offset Mode Sign [+] [+] T o offset the voltage by a positive value. [–] T o offset the voltage by a negative value.
2-24 ASUS Z87-A 2.5.26 PCH VLX V oltage [Auto] Allows you to set the I/O voltage on the PCH (Platform Controller Hub). Y ou can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 1.2000V to 2.0000V with a 0.0125V interval. 2.
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-25 can cause the system to malfunction.
2-26 ASUS Z87-A Active Processor Cores [All] Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor package. .
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-27 CPU C States [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable the CPU C states. The following items appear only when you set the CPU C States to [Enabled] .
2-28 ASUS Z87-A Intel Rapid Start T echnology [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable Intel ® Rapid Start T echnology . The following items appear only when you set the Intel ® Rapid Start T echnology to [Enabled] .
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-29 2.6.3 SA T A Conguration While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SA T A devices. The SA T A Port items show Not Present if no SA T A device is installed to the corresponding SA T A port.
2-30 ASUS Z87-A DVI Port Audio [Disable] Allows you to enable or disable the DVI audio port. Graphics Conguration Allows you to select a primary display from iGPU, and PCIe graphical devices.
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-31 Memory Conguration Memory Scrambler [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the Memory Scrambler support.
2-32 ASUS Z87-A 2.6.6 Platform Misc Conguration .
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-33 Serial Port Conguration Allows you to set the parameters of the serial ports. This item only functions only if there is a serial port (COM1) connector connected to the motherboard. Serial Port [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the serial port.
2-34 ASUS Z87-A 2.6.9 Network Stack Network Stack [Disable] This item allows user to disable or enable the UEFI network stack. The following item appears only when you set the Network Stack to [Enabled] .
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-35 2.7.2 CPU Fan Speed [Ignore] or [Monitor] / [N/A], CPU OPT [Ignore] or [Monitor] / [N/A], CPU OPT or [Monitor] / [N/A], CPU OPT Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A], C.
2-36 ASUS Z87-A CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [20] Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the minimum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from 0% to 100%. When the CPU temperature is under 40ºC, the CPU fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-37 2.8 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Boot Conguration 2.8.1 Fast Boot [Enabled] [Disabled] Allows your system to go back to its normal boot speed. [Enabled] Allows your system to accelerate the boot speed.
2-38 ASUS Z87-A 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 reconnected or changed.
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-39 Post Delay Time [3 sec] This item allows you to select a desired additional POST waiting time to easily enter the BIOS Setup. Y ou can only execute the POST delay time during normal boot. The values range from 0 to 10 seconds.
2-40 ASUS Z87-A Launch CSM [Enabled] [Auto] The system automatically detects the bootable devices and the add-on devices. [Enabled] For better compatibility , enable the CSM to fully support the non-UEFI driver add-on devices or the Windows ® UEFI mode.
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-41 The following item appears only when you set the OS T ype to [Windows UEFI mode] . Key Management This item appears only when you set OS T ype to [Windows UEFI Mode] .
2-42 ASUS Z87-A DB Management .
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-43 2.8.20 Boot Override These items displays the available devices. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. Click an item to start booting from the selected device.
2-44 ASUS Z87-A Load from Prole .
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-45 2.10 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.
2-46 ASUS Z87-A.
Appendices A-1 Appendices Appendices 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 undesired operation.
A-2 Z87-A Appendices VCCI: Japan Compliance Statement VCCI Class B Statement KC: Korea W arning Statement Canadian Department of Communications Statement This digital apparatus does not exceed the Cla.
Appendices A-3 Appendices ASUS contact information ASUST eK COMPUTER INC. Address 15 Li-T e Road, Peitou, T aipei, T aiwan 1 1259 T elephone +886-2-2894-3447 Fax +886-2-2890-7798 E-mail info@asus.com.tw Web site www .asus.com.tw T echnical Support T elephone +86-21-3842991 1 Online support support.
A-4 Z87-A Appendices EC Declaration of Conformity We, the undersigned, Manufacturer: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address, City: 4F, No. 150, LI-TE Rd., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TAIWAN Country: TAIWAN Authorized representative in Europe: ASUS COMPUTER GmbH Address, City: HARKORT STR.
An important point after buying a device Asus Z87-A (or even before the purchase) is to read its user manual. We should do this for several simple reasons:
If you have not bought Asus Z87-A yet, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the basic data on the product. First of all view first pages of the manual, you can find above. You should find there the most important technical data Asus Z87-A - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, Asus Z87-A you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get Asus Z87-A will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of Asus Z87-A, but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime Asus Z87-A.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with Asus Z87-A. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device Asus Z87-A along with tips on how to solve them. Even if you fail to solve the problem, the manual will show you a further procedure – contact to the customer service center or the nearest service center
