Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product Z97I-PLUS Asus
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Motherboard Z97I-PLUS.
ii E9272 First Edition April 2014 Copyright © 2014 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this guide, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitte.
iii Contents Safety information ...................................................................................................... vi About this guide ................................................................................................
iv Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................ 3-1 3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................................. 3-2 3.
v 4.4 AI Suite 3 ..................................................................................................... 4-3 4.4.1 DIGI+ Power Control ................................................................... 4-6 4.4.2 EPU ....................
vi Safety information Electrical safety • To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system. • When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected.
vii About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the motherboard. How this guide is organized This guide contains the following parts: • Chapter1:Productintroduction This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports.
viii Conventions used in this guide To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this guide. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task.
ix Z97I-PLUS specifications summary CPU LGA1150 socket for the 4th Generation, New 4th Generation and 5th Generation Intel ® Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium ® , and Celeron ® processors Supports 22nm CPU Supports Intel ® Turbo Boost Technology 2.
x Audio Realtek ® ALC892 7.1-channel high denition audio CODEC with ASUS Audio Feature - Separate layer for left and right track, ensuring both sound deliver equal quality - Top notch audio sensat.
xi ASUS unique features Interactive HomeCloud ASUS HomeCloud Server ASUS Wi-Fi GO! - Wi-Fi GO! function: Cloud GO!, Remote Desktop, Remote Keyboard and Mouse, File Transfer - Wi-Fi GO! Remote app for portable smartphone/tablet, supporting iOS 7 and Android 4.
xii Z97I-PLUS specifications summary Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x PS/2 mouse / keyboard combo port 1 x HDMI port 1 x DVI-I port 1 x D-Sub port 1 x DisplayPort 1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, bottom port of USB3_34 supports USB BIOS Flashback) 4 x USB 2.
xiii • If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. • The illustrations above are for reference only. Actual product specications may vary with different models.
xiv Installation tools and components 1 bag of screws Philips (cross) screwdriver PC chassis Power supply unit Intel ® LGA1150 CPU Intel ® LGA1150 compatible CPU Fan DIMM SATA hard disk drive SATA optical disc drive (optional) Graphics card (optional) The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 1-1 Chapter 1 Product introduction 1 1.1 Special features 1.1.1 Product highlights LGA1150 socket for the 4th Generation, New 4th Generation and 5th Generation Intel ® Core™ i7 / Cor.
1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 M.2 Support This motherboard features the M.2 slot, which shares bandwidth with PCI Express x2 slot to speed up data transfer up to 10 Gb/s. This helps enhance the performance of your SSD (Solid State Drive) that is dedicated only to the operating system.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 1-3 Chapter 1 GPU Boost GPU Boost accelerates the integrated GPU for extreme graphics performance, facilitates exible frequency adjustments, and easily delivers stable system-level upgrades for every use. USB 3.0 Boost ASUS USB 3.0 Boost, which supports USB 3.
1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 1.1.4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution ASUS Fanless Design: stylish heatsink solution The stylish heatsink features a 0-dB thermal solution that offers you a noiseless PC environment. The heatsink design also lowers the temperature of the chipset and power phase area through high efcient heat-exchange.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 1-5 Chapter 1 HDMI Support High Denition Multimedia Surface (HDMI) is a set of digital video standards that delivers mulit-channel audio and uncompressed digital video up to 4K/2K resolution visuals through a single cable.
1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 1.2 Motherboard overview 1.2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 1-7 Chapter 1 Refer to 1.2.9 Internal connectors and 2.2.1 Rear I/O connection for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors. 1.2.2 Motherboard layout Z97I-PLUS PCIEX16 Super I/O F_PANEL AAFP CHA_FAN1 CHA_FAN2 CPU_FAN USB1112 USB7-10 SPDIFO ASM 1442K ALC 892 64Mb BIOS 17cm(6.
1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LEDs Page 1. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2) 1-17 2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 1-19 3. TPM header (20-1 pin TPM) 1-19 4.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 1-9 Chapter 1 Recommended memory configurations 1.2.4 System memory The motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline 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.
1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 Memory configurations You may install 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel conguration.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 1-11 Chapter 1 1.2.5 Expansion slots Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
1-12 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 1.2.6 Headers Clear CMOS header (2-pin CLRTC) This header allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 1-13 Chapter 1 1.2.7 Onboard buttons and switches Onboard switches and buttons allow you to ne-tune performance when working on a bare or open-case system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to enhance system performance.
1-14 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 1.2.8 Onboard LEDs 2. DRAM LED DRAM LED checks the DRAM in sequence during motherboard booting process. If an error is found , the LED next to the error device will continue lighting until the problem is solved.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 1-15 Chapter 1 1.2.9 Internal connectors 1. Intel ® Z97 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-4) These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.
1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 3. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12) This connector allows you to connect a USB 3.0 module for additional USB 3.0 front or rear panel ports. With an installed USB 3.0 module, you can enjoy all the benets of USB 3.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 1-17 Chapter 1 5. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2) 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. • DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors.
1-18 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 7. 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.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 1-19 Chapter 1 • For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12V Specication 2.0 (or later version) and provides a minimum power of 350 W. • DO NOT forget to connect the 4-pin/8-pin EATX12V power plug.
1-20 Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1 • SystempowerLED(2-pin+PWR_LED-) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 2-1 Chapter 2 Basic installation 2 2.1 Building your PC system 2.1.1 Motherboard installation The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps are the same for all models.
2-2 Chapter 2: Basic installation Chapter 2 4. Install the ASUS Q-shield to the chassis rear I/O panel. 5. Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are aligned to the chassis’ rear I/O panel. 3. Replace the bolt on the connector to secure the antenna connector and the Q-shield in place.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 2-3 Chapter 2 Z97I-PLUS 6. Place four screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
2-4 Chapter 2: Basic installation Chapter 2 7. Connect the Wi-Fi antenna cable to the Wi-Fi module properly..
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 2-5 Chapter 2 2.1.2 CPU installation Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1150 socket only. DO NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 socket on the LGA1150 socket.
2-6 Chapter 2: Basic installation Chapter 2 2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you install the heatsink and fan, if necessary.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 2-7 Chapter 2 To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly.
2-8 Chapter 2: Basic installation Chapter 2 2.1.4 DIMM installation To remove a DIMM.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 2-9 Chapter 2 2.1.5 ATX Power connection OR OR.
2-10 Chapter 2: Basic installation Chapter 2 2.1.6 SATA device connection OR.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 2-11 Chapter 2 2.1.7 Front I/O Connector To install the system panel connector USB 2.0 AAFP To install USB 2.0 connector To install front panel audio connector USB 3.
2-12 Chapter 2: Basic installation Chapter 2 2.1.8 Expansion Card installation To install PCIe x16 cards.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 2-13 Chapter 2 2.2 Motherboard rear and audio connections 2.2.1 Rear I/O connection * and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LEDs, and audio port definitions. ***: This port does not support an analog output via a DVI to RGB adapter.
2-14 Chapter 2: Basic installation Chapter 2 • ThepluggedUSB3.0devicemayrunonxHCImodeorEHCImode,dependingonthe operating system’s setting. • USB3.0devicescanonlybeusedasdatastorageonly.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 2-15 Chapter 2 Connect to Headphone and Mic Connect to Stereo Speakers Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers 2.2.2 Audio I/O connections Audio I/O ports.
2-16 Chapter 2: Basic installation Chapter 2 Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 2-17 Chapter 2 2.3 Starting up for the first time 1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Ensure that all switches are off. 3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis.
2-18 Chapter 2: Basic installation Chapter 2.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-1 Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 3.1 Knowing BIOS The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unied Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard- only BIOS controls to enable a more exible and convenient mouse input.
3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup to update the BIOS or congure its parameters. The BIOS screen include navigation keys and brief onscreen help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-3 Chapter 3 3.2.1 EZ Mode 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, fan prole and boot device priority.
3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.2.2 Advanced Mode The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to congure the BIOS settings. The gure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed congurations.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-5 Chapter 3 Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: My Favorites For saving the frequently-used system settings and conguration.
3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Quick Note (F9) This button above the menu bar allows you to key in notes of the activities that you have done in BIOS. • The Quick Note function does not support the following keyboard functions: delete, cut, copy and paste.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-7 Chapter 3 3.2.3 QFan Control The QFan Control allows you to set a fan prole or manually congure the operating speed of your CPU and chassis fans.
3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Configuring fans manually Select Manual from the list of proles to manually congure your fans’ operating speed. To congure your fans: 1. Select the fan that you want to congure and to view its current status.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-9 Chapter 3 3.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard EZ Tuning Wizard allows you to overclock your CPU and DRAM, computer usage, and CPU fan to their best settings. You can also easily set RAID in your system using this feature. Tuning your system settings To tune your settings: 1.
3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Creating RAID To create RAID: 1. Press <F11> on your keyboard or click from the BIOS screen to open EZ Tuning Wizard screen. 2. Click RAID then click Next . • Ensure that your HDDs have no existing RAID volumes.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-11 Chapter 3 3.3 My Favorites MyFavorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite BIOS items..
3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Adding items to My Favorites To add BIOS items: 1. Press <F3> on your keyboard or click from the BIOS screen to open Setup Tree Map screen. 2. On the Setup Tree Map screen, select the BIOS items that you want to save in MyFavorites screen.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-13 Chapter 3 3.4 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.
3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Administrator Password If you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator password for accessing the system. Otherwise, you might be able to see or change only selected elds in the BIOS setup program.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-15 Chapter 3 3.5 Ai T weaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction.
3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 BCLK Frequency [Auto] This item allows you to set the BCLK (base clock) frequency to enhance the system performance.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-17 Chapter 3 Min. CPU Cache Ratio [Auto] This item allows you to set the minimum possible ratio on the Uncore part of the processor. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values depend on the CPU installed. Max.
3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 DRAM Timing Control The subitems in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter> key.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-19 Chapter 3 RTL IOL control DRAM RTL Initial Value [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [63] DRAM RTL (CHA_R0D0) [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [63] DRAM RTL (C.
3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 tWRRD_dr [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15] tWRRD_dd [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15] tWRWR [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto].
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-21 Chapter 3 Skew Control Changing subitems in this menu may enhance the DRAM overclocking capability and stability. Transmitter Rising Slope [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [0].
3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 CPU Power Phase Control [Auto] This item allows you to set the power phase control of the CPU. Conguration options: [Auto] [Standard] [Optimized] [Extreme] [Power Phase Response] DO NOT remove the thermal module when setting this item to [Power Phase Response] .
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-23 Chapter 3 The following item appears only when you set the DRAM Switching Frequency to [Manual] . Fixed DRAM Switching Frequency (KHz) [300] This item allows you to set a higher frequency for an increased overclocking range or a lower frequency for an enhanced system stability.
3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 CPU Internal Power Switching Frequency Frequency Tuning Mode [Auto] This item allows you to increase or decrease the switching frequency of the internal regulator. Decrease the switching frequency to reduce the power consumption or increase the switching frequency to enhance voltage stability.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-25 Chapter 3 Power Fast Ramp Response [Auto] This item allows you to enhance the response of the CPU voltage regulator during the load transients. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. The values range from 0.00 to 1.50.
3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 The following item appears only when you set the CPU Core Voltage to [Adaptive Mode] . Additional Turbo Mode CPU Core Voltage [Auto] This item allows you to set the amount of voltage fed to the CPU cores when running in turbo mode.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-27 Chapter 3 CPU Cache Voltage Offset Allows you to set the CPU cache voltage offset. By default, this item takes the standard value of the installed CPU. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.
3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 The following item appears only when you set the CPU Graphics Voltage to [Adaptive Mode] . Additional Turbo Mode CPU Graphics Voltage [Auto] This item allows you to set the amount of voltage fed to the CPU Graphics when running in turbo mode.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-29 Chapter 3 The following item appears only when you set SVID Support to [Enabled] . SVID Voltage Override [Auto] This item allows you to set the SVID Voltage override. By default, this item takes the standard value of the installed CPU.
3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.6 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-31 Chapter 3 Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor [Enabled] This item allows you to protect the CPU by decreasing its frequency as it reaches the thermal throttle point. The thermal monitor includes TM1 (Thermal monitor 1), TM2 (Thermal monitor 2), and EMTTM (Enhanced Multi-threaded Thermal Monitoring).
3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Execute Disable Bit [Enabled] Execute Disable prevents certain classes of malicious buffer overow attacks when combined with a supporting OS (SuSE Linux 9.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-33 Chapter 3 CPU states [Auto] This item allows you to set the power saving of the CPU states. Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] The following items appear only when you set the CPU states to [Enabled] .
3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.6.2 PCH Configuration Intel Rapid Start Technology [Disabled] This item allows you to enable or disable Intel ® Rapid Start Technology. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] The following items appear only when you set the Intel Rapid Start Technology to [Enabled] .
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-35 Chapter 3 3.6.3 PCH Storage Configuration While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The SATA Port items show Empty if no SATA device is installed to the corresponding SATA port. Scroll down to display the other BIOS items.
3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Aggressive LPM Support [Disabled] This item is designed for LPM (link power management) support with a better energy saving conditions. When disabled, the hot plug function of SATA ports are disabled. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] S.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-37 Chapter 3 CPU Graphics Memory [Auto] Allows you to set the system memory size allocated to DVMT 5.0 used by the CPU graphics. Conguration options: [Auto] [32M] [64M] [96M] [128M.
3-38 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.6.5 USB Configuration The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features. The Mass Storage Devices item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None . Legacy USB Support [Enabled] [Enabled] Your system supports the USB devices in legacy operating systems.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-39 Chapter 3 3.6.6 Platform Misc Configuration The items in this menu allow you to congure the platform-related features. PCIE Native Power Management [Disabled] This item allows you to enhance the power saving feature of PCI Express and perform ASPM operations in the operating system.
3-40 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 PEG ASPM Support [Disabled] This item allows you to select the ASPM state for energy-saving conditions, or use the ASUS optimized energy saving prole. Conguration options: [Disabled] [ASPM L0s] [L1] [L0sL1] [Auto] 3.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-41 Chapter 3 Wi-Fi Controller [Enabled] This item allows you to enable or disable the WiFi controller. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Bluetooth Controller [Enabled] This item allows you to enable or disable the Bluetooth controller.
3-42 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off] [Power On] The system goes into ON state after an AC power loss. [Power Off] The system goes into OFF state after an AC power loss. [Last State] The system goes into either OFF or ON state, whatever the system state was before the AC power loss.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-43 Chapter 3 3.7 Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings.
3-44 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 The following items appear only when you set the CPU Q-Fan Control item to [ Auto ], [ PWM mode ] or [ DC mode ]. CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [200 RPM] Allows you to set the low limit warning for CPU Fan speed.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-45 Chapter 3 Chassis Fan 1/2 Q-Fan Source [CPU] The assigned fan will be controlled according to the selected temperature source. Conguration options: [CPU] [MB] Chassis Fan 1/2 Speed Low Limit [600 RPM] Allows you to disable or set the chassis fan warning speed.
3-46 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.8 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Scroll down to display the other BIOS items. Fast Boot [Enabled] [Disabled] This item allows your system to go back to its normal boot speed.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-47 Chapter 3 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.
3-48 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] This item allows your system to wait for the <F1> key to be pressed when error occurs. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Option ROM Messages [Enabled] [Enabled] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed during POST.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-49 Chapter 3 Secure Boot Allows you to congure the Windows Secure Boot settings and manage its keys to protect the system from unauthorized access and malwares during POST. OS T ype [Windows UEFI mode] [Windows UEFI Mode] Allows you to select your installed operating system.
3-50 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Delete KEK Allows you to delete the KEK from your system. Once the KEK is deleted, the db and the dbx cannot be updated in the operating system. Load Default KEK Select Yes to load the system default KEK or select No to load a downloaded KEK from a USB storage device.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-51 Chapter 3 Append Default dbx Select Yes to append the system default dbx or select No to append a downloaded additional dbx from a USB storage device to forbid certain customized UEFI executable les. The dbx le must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated variable.
3-52 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.9 Tool menu The Tool menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the submenu. 3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility This item allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-53 Chapter 3 Load from Profile This item allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the prole number that saved your BIOS settings, press <Enter>, and then select Yes .
3-54 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.10 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. Load Optimized Defaults This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-55 Chapter 3 3.11 Updating BIOS 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.
3-56 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a bootable oppy disk or an OS-based utility. Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website at www.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-57 Chapter 3 • This function can support devices such as a USB ash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability.
3-58 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.11.4 ASUS BIOS Updater ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update the BIOS in DOS environment. The screen captures used in this section are for reference only and may not be exactly the same as actually shown on your computer screen.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 3-59 Chapter 3 4. When the booting message appears, press <Enter> within ve (5) seconds to enter FreeDOS prompt. Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS le: 1. On the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>.
3-60 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 5. Select Yes then press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS Updater. 6. Restart your computer. DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failaure.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 4-1 Chapter 4 Software support 4 Chapter 4: Software support 4.1 Installing an operating system • Thismotherboardsupports32-bit/64-bitWindows ® 7,32-bit/64-bitWindows ® 8,and 32-bit/64-bitWindows ® 8.
4-2 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.2.2 Obtaining the software guides ThesoftwareguidesareincludedinthesupportDVD.Followtheinstructionsbelowtogetthe necessarysoftwareguides. ThesoftwareguidelesareinPortableDocumentFormat(PDF).
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 4-3 Chapter 4 Thescreenshotsinthissectionareforreferenceonly.Theactualsoftwareguides containinginthesupportDVDvarybymodels. 2. Fromthe Manual folder,openthefolder ofthesoftwareguidethatyouwishto read.
4-4 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 ToinstallAISuite3onyourcomputer: Windows ® 7 OS 1. PlacetheSupportDVDintotheopticaldrive. 2. Inthe AutoPlay dialogbox,clickortap Run ASSETUP.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 4-5 Chapter 4 Launching AI Suite 3 Windows ® 7 OS FromtheDesktop,clickortap Start > All Programs > ASUS > AI Suite 3 > AI Suite 3 . YoucanalsolaunchAISuiteinWindows ® 7byclickingortapping ontheNotication area.
4-6 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 AI Suite 3 main menu bar • ThescreenshotsofAISuite3inthisuserguideareforreferenceonly.Theactual screenshotsvarywithmodels. • RefertothesoftwareguideinthesupportDVDorvisittheASUSwebsiteat www.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 4-7 Chapter 4 3 CPU Current Capability CPUCurrentCapabilityprovideswidertotalpowerrangeforoverclocking.Ahighervaluebrings awidertotalpowerrangeandextendstheoverclockingfrequencyrangesimultaneously.
4-8 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 • WhenyouenableConguredMaxCPUPowerforadvancedenergysavingcondition, theCPUfrequencymaydisplay800MHzintheWindows ® OSinformationofyour computer.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 4-9 Chapter 4 4.4.3 TurboV EVO ASUSTurboVEVOallowsyoutomanuallyadjusttheCPUfrequency,CPUCacheandCore frequencies,andrelatedvoltagesforanenhancedsystemstabilityandboostperformance.
4-10 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 GPU Boost Click to undo all the changes Click to apply all the changes Click to load the saved profile Click to save the changes into a profile Click or to a.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 4-11 Chapter 4 Customizing the fan settings Smart Mode SmartModeallowsyoutocustomizethefans’rotationspeedsandresponsivenessbasedon yoursystem’stemperature.
4-12 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.4.5 USB 3.0 Boost USB3.0BoosttechnologysupportsUASP(USBAttachedSCSIProtocol)thatautomatically speedsupthetransferratesofyourUSBstoragedevices. Launching USB 3.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 4-13 Chapter 4 4.4.6 EZ Update EZUpdateisautilitythatallowsyoutoautomaticallyupdateyourmotherboard’ssoftwares, driversandtheBIOSversioneasily.
4-14 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.4.7 USB BIOS Flashback USBBIOSFlashbackallowsyoutocheckandsavethelatestBIOSversiontoaUSB storagedevice.UsethisutilitytoquicklycheckforthelatestavailableBIOSandsettheBIOS downloadschedule.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 4-15 Chapter 4 Downloading the latest BIOS Beforeyoustartdownloading,ensurethatyouhaveinstalledtheUSBstoragedeviceto yourcomputer’sUSBportthatsupportsUSBBIOSFlashback.Refertosection 2.
4-16 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.4.8 USB Charger+ USBCharger+allowsyoutoquick-chargeyourportableUSBdevicesevenifyourcomputer isoff,insleepmodeorhibernatemode.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 4-17 Chapter 4 4.4.9 Push Notice Thisutilityallowsyougetthedetailedstatusofyoursystemtoyoursmartdevice.Youcan alsosendmessagestoyoursmartdeviceusingthisutility.
4-18 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 Setting up PC Mode alerts of your computer Thisfeatureallowsyoutorestart,shutdown,orputyourcomputertosleepmodeandsends analerttoyoursmartdevice.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 4-19 Chapter 4 Viewing your computer status on your smart device Tap Push Notice onyoursmartdevicetolaunchPushNotice. Sending messages to your smart device Thisfeatureallowsyoutosendmessagestoyoursmartdevice.
4-20 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.4.10 System Information Thisutilityallowsyougetthedetailedinformationofthemotherboard,CPU,andmemory settings.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 4-21 Chapter 4 4.4.11 Version ThisutilitydisplaystheversioninformationoftheutilitiesintegratedinAISuite3. Launching Version TolaunchVers ion,clickortap onthetop-rightcorneroftheAISuite3mainmenu, thenselect Version .
4-22 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.5 Audio configurations TheRealtek ® audioCODECprovides7.1-channelaudiocapabilitytodelivertheultimate audioexperienceonyourcomputer.ThesoftwareprovidesJack-Sensingfunction,S/PDIF Outsupport,andinterruptcapability.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 5-1 Chapter 5 RAID support 5 5.1 RAID configurations The motherboard supports the following SATA RAID solutions: • Intel ® Rapid Storage Technology with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 and RAID 5 support.
5-2 Chapter 5: RAID congurations Chapter 5 5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array. To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration: 1.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 5-3 Chapter 5 5.1.4 Intel ® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility To enter the Intel ® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility: 1. Turn on the system. 2. During POST, press <Ctrl> + <I> to display the utility main menu.
5-4 Chapter 5: RAID congurations Chapter 5 Creating a RAID set To create a RAID set: 1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The following screen appears: 2. Enter a name for the RAID set and press <Enter>.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 5-5 Chapter 5 5. Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press <Space> to select. A small triangle marks the selected drive. Press <Enter> after completing your selection. 6. Use the up/down arrow key to select the stripe size for the RAID array (for RAID 0, 10 and 5 only),and then press <Enter>.
5-6 Chapter 5: RAID congurations Chapter 5 Deleting a RAID set Be cautious when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when you delete a RAID set. To delete a RAID set: 1. From the utility main menu, select 2. Delete RAID Volume and press <Enter>.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS 5-7 Chapter 5 Exiting the Intel ® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility To exit the utility: 1. From the utility main menu, select 5. Exit , and then press <Enter>. The following warning message appears: Are you sure you want to e xi t ? (Y/N): [ CONFIRM EXIT ] 5.
5-8 Chapter 5: RAID congurations Chapter 5 5.2.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows ® To create a RAID driver disk in Windows ® : 1. Start Windows ® . 2. PlugtheUSBoppydiskdriveandinsertaoppydisk. 3.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS A-1 Appendices Appendices Notices 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.
A-2 Appendices Appendices Canadian Department of Communications Statement This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
ASUS Z97I-PLUS A-3 Appendices ASUS contact information ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259 Telephone +886-2-2894-3447 Fax +886-2-2890-7798 E-mail info@asus.com.tw Web site http://www.asus.com Technical Support Telephone +86-21-3842-9911 Fax +86-21-5866-8722 ext.
A-4 Appendices Appendices EC Declaration of Confo rmity We, the undersigned, Manufacturer: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address: 4F, No. 150, LI-TE Rd., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TA IWAN Aut horized representative in Europe: ASUS COMPUTER GmbH Address, City: HARKORT STR.
An important point after buying a device Asus Z97I-PLUS (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 Z97I-PLUS 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 Z97I-PLUS - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, Asus Z97I-PLUS you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get Asus Z97I-PLUS will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of Asus Z97I-PLUS, 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 Z97I-PLUS.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with Asus Z97I-PLUS. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device Asus Z97I-PLUS 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
