Motherboard Z170 PRO GAMING
E10719 Second Edition (V2) July 2015 Copyright © 2015 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Contents Safety information....................................................................................... iv About this guide.......................................................................................... iv Package contents........................................................................................ vi Z170 PRO GAMING specifications summary............................................ vi Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Before you proceed................................
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. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
Where to find 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. 2. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.
Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard ASUS Gaming Motherboard – Z170 PRO GAMING Cables 4 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables Accessories 1 x I/O Shield 1 x ROG SLI bridge connector 1 x PRO GAMING cable labels 1 x M.2 screw package 1 x CPU installation tool Application DVD Support DVD Documentation User Guide If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
Z170 PRO GAMING specifications summary Multi-GPU Support Supports NVIDIA® 2-Way/Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology Supports AMD® 3-Way/Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology SupremeFX 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC - Supports Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, and Front Panel MIC Jack-retasking - High quality 115dB SNR stereo playback output Audio Audio Features: - SupremeFX Shielding™ Technology - Headphone AMP - Sonic Radar II - Optical S/PDIF out port at back panel Storage Intel® Z170 Express Chipset with RAID
Z170 PRO GAMING specifications summary Performance Optimization ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 5 - 5-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU, DIGI+ VRM, Fan Xpert 3, and Turbo App DIGI+ VRM - ASUS DIGI+ VRM utility EPU - EPU TPU - Auto Tuning, TurboV, GPU Boost Fan Xpert 3 featuring Fan Auto Tuning function and multiple thermistors selection for optimized system cooling control RAMCache ASUS gaming features Media Streamer - Pipe music or movies from your PC to a smart TV, your entert
Z170 PRO GAMING specifications summary 1 x 19-pin USB 3.0 / 2.0 connector support additional 2 USB 3.0 / 2.0 ports 3 x USB 2.0 / 1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports (One connector shares with the ROG_EXT header) 1 x System panel connector 1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP) 1 x SATA Express connector, gray, compatible with 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports 4 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (gray) 1 x M.
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Product introduction 1.1 Before you proceed 1 Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. 1.2 • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. • Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
Place this side towards the rear of the chassis 1.2.3 Motherboard layout 1 2 3 2 4 24.4cm(9.6in) KBMS _USB1314 CPU_FAN EATX12V CPU_OPT DP HDMI DIGI +VRM AUDIO CHA_FAN1 30.5cm(12in) EATXPWR CHA_FAN3 1 2 USB3_12 ASM 1142 DDR4 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 288-pin module) USB3.1_EC1 LAN_USB3.
1.2.4 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED 1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin ATX12V) 2. CPU, CPU optional, extension, and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CPU_OPT, 5-pin EXT_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1~3) 3. Intel® LGA1151 CPU socket 4. DDR4 DIMM slots 5. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12) 6. Model name LEDs 7. Intel® Z170 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connector (7-pin SATA6G_1~6, SATAEXPRESS) 8. M.2 Socket 3 9. Thermal sensor connector (2-pin T_SENSOR) 10.
Unplug all power cables before installing the CPU. 1.3.1 • Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for the LGA1151 socket only. DO NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1150, LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1151 socket. • Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard components.
Bottom of CPU Bottom of CPU Top of CPU ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING 1-5
WARNING! 1.3.2 • Ensure that the CPU is firmly clicked into place before installing it onto the CPU socket on the motherboard. • Use the CPU Installation Tool for installing the CPU only. DO NOT damage or bend the CPU Installation Tool. • Always firmly hold both sides of the CPU Installation Tool when installing, removing, or picking up the CPU Installation Tool.
3 4 To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly 1 2 A B B A ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING 1-7
1.4 System memory 1.4.1 Overview This motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 4 (DDR4) Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) sockets. A DDR4 module is notched differently from a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 module. DO NOT install a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 memory module to the DDR4 slot. DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 According to Intel® CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65 V is recommended to protect the CPU. Z170 PRO GAMING 288-pin DDR4 DIMM sockets 1.4.
• 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 configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation. • According to Intel® CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect the CPU.
DDR4 3300 (O.C.) MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS G.SKILL G.SKILL CORSAIR F4-3300C16Q-16GRK 16GB(4GB*4) SS F4-3300C16D-8GTZ 8GB(4GB*2) SS CMD16GX4M4B3300C16 16GB(4GB*4) SS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage SK hynix H5AN4G8NMFR 16-16-16-36 Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-38 Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-36 1.35V 1.35V 1.35V DIMM socket support (Optional) 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs • • • • • DDR4 3200 (O.C.) MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing G.SKILL G.SKILL G.
DDR4 2666 (O.C.) MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size AVEXIR AVEXIR 4GB SS 32GB(8 x 4GB) DS 128GB(16 x DS 8GB) - 15-17-17-35 1.2 • • • 16GB(4 x 4GB) SS - - 15-17-17-35 1.2 • • • 16GB(4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-18-18-35 1.2 • • • 16GB(4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-18-18-35 1.2 • • • 32GB(4 x 8GB) DS - - 15-17-17-35 1.2 • • • 32GB(4 x 8GB) DS - - 15-17-17-35 1.2 • • • 32GB(4 x 8GB) DS - - 16-18-18-35 1.2 • • • 16GB(4 x 4GB) SS - - 15-17-17-35 1.
DDR4 2133 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/ Chip DS Brand Chip NO. Timing ADATA ADATA Apacer Apacer AVEXIR Century AD4U2133W4G15-B AD4U2133W8G15 78.B1GM3.AF00B 78.C1GM3.AF10B AVD4U21331504G-4M CD8G-D4U2133 CMK16GX4M4A2133C13 (Ver4.23)(XMP) CMK32GX4M4A2133C13 (Ver4.23)(XMP) CMK64GX4M8A2133C13 (Ver4.
1.4.
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. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1.
VGA configuration PCI Express operating mode PCIe 3.0 x16_1 (gray) PCIe 3.0 x16_2 PCIe 3.0 x16_3 Single VGA/PCIe card x16 (Recommended for single VGA card) N/A N/A Dual VGA/PCIe cards x8 x8 N/A Triple VGA/PCIe cards x8 x8 x4 • In single VGA card mode, use the PCIe 3.0 x16_1 slot (gray) for a PCI Express x16 graphics card to get better performance. • We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running SLI™ or CrossFireX™ mode. See page 1-22 for details.
1.6 1. Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (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. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. +3V_BAT GND CLRTC PIN 1 Z170 PRO GAMING Clear RTC RAM To erase the RTC RAM: 1-16 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2.
2. CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV) The CPU Over Voltage jumper allows you to set a higher CPU voltage for a flexible overclocking system, depending on the type of the installed CPU. To gain more CPU voltage setting, insert the jumper to pins 2-3. To go back to its default CPU voltage setting, insert the jumper to pins 1-2. 1 2 CPU_OV Disable (default setting) 2 3 Enable Z170 PRO GAMING CPU_OV setting 1.7 Connectors 1.7.
4. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. LAN port LED indications Activity/Link LED Status Off Orange Orange (Blinking) Orange (Blinking then steady) Description No link Linked Data activity Speed LED Status Description OFF 10 Mbps connection ORANGE 100 Mbps connection GREEN 1 Gbps connection Activity Link Speed LED LED LAN port Ready to wake up from S5 mode 5. Center / Subwoofer port (orange).
13. 14. USB 3.0 ports 3~6. These 9-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB 3.0 devices. • The plugged USB 3.0 device may run on xHCI or EHCI mode, depending on the operating system’s setting. • USB 3.0 devices can only be used for data storage. • We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 devices to USB 3.0 ports for faster and better performance from your USB 3.0 devices. • Due to the design of the Intel® 100 series chipset, all USB devices connected to the USB 2.0 and USB 3.
1.7.2 1. Internal connectors Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM) This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. PIN 1 DCD TXD GND RTS RI RXD DTR DSR CTS COM Z170 PRO GAMING Serial port (COM) connector The COM module is purchased separately. 2.
3. CPU, CPU optional, extension, and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 5-pin EXT_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1~3) 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.
4. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin ATX12V) These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
6. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) NC AGND NC NC SENSE2_RETUR AGND NC SENSE1_RETUR 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.
8. 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 benefits of USB 3.0 including faster data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gbps, faster charging time for USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency, and backward compatibility with USB 2.0.
9. Intel® Z170 Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s connector (7-pin SATA6G_1~6, SATAEXPRESS) This connector connects to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® Z170 chipset.
10. System panel connector (20-5 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. PANEL +HDD_LED- RESET PLED- HDD_LED+ HDD_LEDGND RSTCON# NC PLED+ PIN 1 SPEAKER +5V GND GND Speaker PWR_SW PLED+ PLEDPWRBTN# GND +PWR_LED- +PWR_LED- * Requires an ATX power supply Z170 PRO GAMING System panel connector • System power LED (4-pin +PWR_LED-) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector.
11. M.2 socket 3 This socket allows you to install an M.2 (NGFF) SSD module. M.2(SOCKET3) Z170 PRO GAMING M.2(SOCKET3) 12. • This socket supports M Key and type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices. • The M.2 (NGFF) SSD module is purchased separately. • When the M.2 Socket 3 is operating in SATA mode, SATA port 1 will be disabled. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports.
1.8 1. Onboard LED Standby Power LED (SB_PWR) The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED. SB_PWR ON Standby Power OFF Powered Off Z170 PRO GAMING Onboard LED 2.
3. SupremeFX LED The SupremeFX LED lights up in the following three ways to bring you an ultimate lighting effect. This LED also outlines the separation of the audio components from the rest of your motherboard. SupremeFX LED Z170 PRO GAMING SupremeFX LED Lighting Lit mode Breathing mode Flowing mode Still mode Description The LED blinks intermittently. The LED lights up and dims like flowing water. The LED becomes solid red.
1.9 1.9.1 Software support Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® 7 (32-bit / 64-bit), Windows® 8.1 (64-bit) and Windows® 10 (64-bit) Operating Systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information. 1.9.
BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS 2 Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 EZ Update EZ Update is a utility that allows you to automatically update your motherboard’s softwares, drivers and the BIOS version easily. With this utlity, you can also manually update the saved BIOS and select a boot logo when the system goes into POST.
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3 The ASUS EZ Flash 3 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS‑based utility. • Ensure that you load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 2.10 Exit Menu for details. • Check your Internet connection before updating the BIOS via the Internet. To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 3: 1. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program.
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the updated BIOS file. • Before using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable device into Z17PG. CAP. • The BIOS file in the support DVD may not be the latest version.
Booting the system in DOS environment To boot the system in DOS: 1. Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to the USB port. 2. Boot your computer then press to launch the select boot device screen. 3. When the select boot device screen appears, insert the Support DVD into the optical drive then select the optical drive as the boot device.
ASUSTeK BIOS Updater for DOS V1.30 [2014/01/01] Current ROM BOARD: Z170 PRO GAMING VER: 0215 (H :00 B :00) DATE: 06/11/2015 PATH: Drives panel Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown C:\ C: D: FORMAN~1 Z17PG.CAP
16779264 2015-06-11 21:14:34 Files panel Note [Enter] Select or Load [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [Tab] Switch [Esc] Exit [V] Drive Info 3.2.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program. Entering BIOS Setup at startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup: Press or during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you do not press or , POST continues with its routines. Entering BIOS Setup after POST To enter BIOS Setup after POST: Press ++ simultaneously.
2.2.1 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 profile and boot device priority. To access the Advanced Mode, click Advanced Mode(F7) or press . The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the Setup Mode item in section 2.8 Boot menu for details.
2.2.2 Advanced Mode The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed configurations. To access the EZ Mode, click EzMode(F7) or press .
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 configuration Main For changing the basic system configuration Ai Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings Advanced For changing the advanced system settings Monitor For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing the fan settings Boot For changing the system boot configuration Tool For configuring options for special functions Exit F
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. • You can only use the alphanumeric characters to enter your notes. Hot keys This button above the menu bar contains the navigation keys for the BIOS setup program. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.
2.2.3 QFan Control The QFan Control allows you to set a fan profile or manually configure the operating speed of your CPU and chassis fans.
Configuring fans manually Select Manual from the list of profiles to manually configure your fans’ operating speed. Speed points Click to manually configure your fans To configure your fans: 2-12 1. Select the fan that you want to configure and to view its current status. 2. Click and drag the speed points to adjust the fans’ operating speed. 3. Click Apply to save the changes then click Exit (ESC).
2.2.4 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. System OC setup RAID setup Tuning your system settings To tune your settings: 1. Press on your keyboard or click EZ Tuning Wizard screen, then click Next. from the BIOS screen to open 2. Select a PC scenario Daily Computing or Gaming/Media Editing, then click Next. 3.
Creating RAID To create RAID: 2-14 1. Press on your keyboard or click EZ Tuning Wizard screen. 2. Click RAID then click Yes to enable RAID. from the BIOS screen to open • Ensure that your HDDs have no existing RAID volumes. • Ensure to connect your HDDs to Intel® SATA connectors. 3. The available HDDs display. Click Next to continue. 4. Select the type of storage for your RAID Easy Backup or Super Speed, then click Next.
a. For Easy Backup, select from Easy Backup (RAID1) or Easy Backup (RAID10) then click Next. You can only select Easy Backup (RAID 10) if you connect four (4) HDDs. b. For Super Speed, select from Super Speed (RAID0) or Super Speed (RAID5) then click Next. 5. After selecting the type of RAID, click Yes to continue the RAID setup. 6. After the RAID setup is done, click Yes to exit the setup then click OK to reset your system.
2.3 My Favorites MyFavorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite BIOS items. My Favorites comes with several performance, power saving, and fast boot related items by default. You can personalize this screen by adding or removing items. Adding items to My Favorites To add BIOS items: 1. Press on your keyboard or click Setup Tree Map screen. 2. On the Setup Tree Map screen, select the BIOS items that you want to save in MyFavorites screen.
3. Select an item from main menu panel, then click the submenu that you want to save as favorite from the submenu panel and click . You cannot add the following items to My Favorite items: • User-managed items such as language and boot order 4. Click Exit (ESC) or press key to close Setup Tree Map screen. 5. Go to My Favorites menu to view the saved BIOS items. 2.4 Main menu The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program.
Administrator Password If you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator password for accessing the system. To set an administrator password: 1. Select the Administrator Password item and press . 2. From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press . 3. From the Confirm New Password box, key in your password again to confirm the password, then click OK. To change an administrator password: 1.
2.5 Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. The configuration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you installed on the motherboard. Scroll down to display other BIOS items. 2.5.
BCLK Frequency [100.00] This item allows you to set the BCLK (base clock) frequency to enhance the system performance. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. The values range from 40.0 MHz to 500.0 MHz. We recommend you to set the value based on the CPU specification, as high BCLK frequencies may damage the CPU permanently. BCLK Amplitude [Auto] This item allows you to set the magnitude of the base clock driven for the processor. High values may improve overclocking stability.
4-Core Ratio Limit [Auto] Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting or manually assign a 4-Core Limit value that must be higher than or equal to the 3-Core Ratio Limit. If you assign a value for 4-Core Ratio Limit, do not set the 1-Core Ratio Limit, 2-Core Ratio Limit, and 3-Core Ratio to [Auto]. 2.5.4 BCLK Frequency: DRAM Frequency Ratio [Auto] Allows you to set the CPU bus speed to DRAM speed ratio mode. [Auto] DRAM speed is set to the optimized settings.
2.5.10 DRAM Timing Control The subitems in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the key. Changing the values in this menu may cause the system to become unstable! If this happens, revert to the default settings. 2.5.11 DIGI+ VRM CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto] Load-line is defined by Intel VRM specification and affects the CPU power voltage.
CPU Power Phase Control [Auto] This item allows you to set the power phase control of the CPU. Configuration options: [Auto] [Standard] [Optimized] [Extreme] CPU Graphics Load-Line Calibration [Auto] Load-line is defined by Intel VRM specification and affects the GT power voltage. The GT working voltage will decrease proportionally depending on the GT loading. Higher levels of the load-line calibration can get a higher voltage and a better overclocking performance but increases the GT and VRM thermal.
Turbo Mode [Enabled] This item allows you to enable your core processor’s speed to run faster than the base operating frequency when it is below operating power, current and temperature specification limit. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following items appear only when you set the Turbo Mode to [Enabled]. Turbo Mode Parameters Long Duration Package Power Limit [Auto] Allows you to limit the Turbo Ratio’s time duration that exceeds the TDP (Thermal Design Power) for maximum performance.
2.5.17 Max. CPU Graphics Ratio [Auto] Allows you to set the maximum possible CPU graphics ratio. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 1 to 60 with a 1 interval. 2.5.18 Extreme Over-voltage [Disabled] This item allows you to set higher voltages for overclocking. When you enable this item, you can choose a high level voltage to overclock, but does not guarantee the CPU life. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.5.
2.5.20 DRAM Voltage [Auto] This item allows you to set the voltage for the DRAM. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 1.000V to 1.800V with a 0.005 interval. 2.5.21 CPU VCCIO Voltage [Auto] This item allows you to set the voltage for the CPU VCCIO. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.700V to 1.585V with a 0.005V interval. 2.5.22 CPU System Agent Voltage [Auto] This item allows you to set the voltage for the CPU System Agent.
2.6 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 field values can cause the system to malfunction. 2.6.1 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. The items shown in submenu may be different due to the CPU you installed.
Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled] This item allows the mid level cache (L2) to prefetch adjacent cache lines, reducing the DRAM loading time and improves the system performance. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Boot Performance Mode [Auto] This item allows you to select the CPU performance state during system boot before the operating system takes control. The CPU runs at a selected performance ratio based on CPU configuration.
2.6.2 Platform Misc Configuration The items in this menu allow you to configure the platform-related features. PCI Express 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. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following item appears only when you set the PCI Express Native Power Management to [Enabled].
iGPU Multi-Monitor [Disabled] This item allows you to empower both integrated and discrete graphics devices for the multi-monitor output. The CPU graphics shared system memory size is fixed at 64 MB. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] RC6(Render Standby) [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable Intel® Graphics Render Standby support to reduce iGPU power use when the system is idle.
SATA Mode Selection [AHCI] Allows you to set the SATA configuration. [AHCI] Set to [AHCI] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to internally optimize the order of commands. [RAID] Set to [RAID Mode] when you want to create a RAID configuration from the SATA hard disk drives.
SMART Self Test [On] S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitoring system that shows a warning message during POST (Power-on Self Test) when an error occurs in the hard disks. Configuration options: [On] [Off] SATA6G_1~6(Gray) [Enabled] Allow you to enable/disable the SATA6G_1~6 port. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Hot Plug [Disabled] These items allow you to enable/disable SATA Hot Plug Support.
XHCI Hand-off [Disabled] [Enabled] Enables the support for operating systems without an XHCI hand‑off feature. [Disabled] Disables the XHCI Hand-off support. USB Port Disable Override The subitems in this menu allow you to set the USB Port Disable Override features. USB3_1/2/3/4/5/6, USB7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14 [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the USB ports individually. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Refer to section 1.2.3 Motherboard layout for the location of the USB ports. 2.6.
Asmedia USB 3.1 Controller [Enabled] [Enabled] [Disabled] Enables the onboard USB 3.0 controller. Disables the controller. Asmedia USB 3.1 Battery Charging Support [Disabled] This item appears only when the Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller item is set to [Enabled]. [Enabled] [Disabled] Enables the Asmedia USB 3.0 battery charging function. Disables this function. Intel LAN Controller [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the Intel LAN controller. [Disabled] Disables the controller.
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled] [Disabled] Disables the Power On by a PS/2 keyboard. [Space Bar] Sets the Space Bar on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. [Ctrl-Esc] Sets the Ctrl+Esc key on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. [Power Key] Sets Power key on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.
2.7 Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings. Scroll down to display the other BIOS items. 2.7.1 CPU Temperature, MotherBoard Temperature, VRM Temperature, PCH Temperature, T_Sensor Temperature, EXT_Sensor 1/2/3 Temperature [xxx°C/ xxx°F] or [Ignore] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard temperatures. Select [Ignore] if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures. 2.
2.7.4 Q-Fan Configuration The subitems in this menu allows you to configure the Q-Fan features. Qfan Tuning Click this item to automatically detect the lowest speed and configure the minimum duty cycle for each fan. CPU Q-Fan Control [PWM Mode] [Auto] Enables the CPU Q-Fan control for 4-pin CPU fan. [Disabled] Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature. [PWM Mode] Enable the CPU Q-Fan control in PWM mode for 4-pin CPU fan. [DC Mode] Enable the CPU Q-Fan control in DC mode for 3-pin CPU fan.
CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [20] Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from 20% to 100%. When the CPU temperature is under the lower limit, the CPU fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle. 2.7.5 Chassis Fan 1/2/3 Q-Fan Control [DC Mode] [PWM mode] Enables the chassis Q-Fan control in PWM mode for 4-pin chassis fan. [DC mode] Enables the chassis Q-Fan control in DC mode for 3-pin chassis fan. [Disabled] Disables the chassis Q-Fan control feature.
Chassis Fan 1/2/3 Lower Temperature [40] Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the chassis fans’ lower temperature. The values range from 0°C to 75°C. Chassis Fan 1/2/3 Min. Duty Cycle(%) [60] Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the minimum chassis fan duty cycle. The values range from 0% to 100%. When the CPU temperature is under the lower limit, the chassis fan operates at the minimum duty cycle. 2.7.
Extension Fan 1/2/3 Middle Duty Cycle(%) [60] Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the extension fan middle duty cycle. The values range from 60% to 100%. Extension Fan 1/2/3 Lower Temperature [40] Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the extension fans’ lower temperature. The values range from 0°C to 75°C. Extension Fan 1/2/3 Min. Duty Cycle(%) [60] Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the minimum extension fan duty cycle. The values range from 60% to 100%.
2.8 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Scroll down to display the other BIOS items. 2.8.1 Fast Boot [Enabled] [Enabled] Select to accelerate the boot speed. [Disabled] Select to go back to normal boot speed. The following five items appear when you set Fast Boot to [Enabled]. 2.8.2 Next Boot after AC Power Loss [Normal Boot] [Normal Boot] Returns to normal boot on the next boot after AC power loss.
Post Report [5 sec] This item appears only when you set Boot Logo Display to [Disabled]. This item allows you to select a desired post report waiting time. Configuration options: [1 sec] ~ [10 sec] [Until Press ESC]. 2.8.4 Boot up NumLock State [Enabled] This item allows you to enable or disable power-on state of the NumLock. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.8.
Boot Device Control [UEFI and Legacy OPROM] Allows you to select the type of devices that you want to boot up. Configuration options: [UEFI and Legacy OPROM] [Legacy OPROM only] [UEFI only] Boot from Network Devices [Legacy only] Allows you to select the type of network devices that you want to launch. Configuration options: [Ignore] [Legacy only] [UEFI driver first] Boot from Storage Devices [Legacy Only] Allows you to select the type of storage devices that you want to launch.
The PK file must be formatted as a public key certificate or UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated variable. KEK Management The KEK (Key-exchange Key or Key Enrollment Key) manages the Signature database (db) and Revoked Signature database (dbx). Key-exchange Key (KEK) refers to Microsoft® Secure Boot Key-Enrollment Key (KEK). Set New Key Allows you to load the downloaded KEK from a USB storage device.
2.8.12 Boot Option Priorities These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. 2.8.13 • To access Windows® OS in Safe Mode, press after POST (Windows® 8 not supported). • To select the boot device during system startup, press when ASUS Logo appears. Boot Override These items displays the available devices.
2.9 Tool menu The Tool menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the submenu. 2.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 3. Press [Enter] to launch the ASUS EZ Flash 3 screen. For more details, see section 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3. 2.9.2 Setup Animator [Disabled] Enables or disables the Setup animator. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.9.
2.9.4 ASUS SPD Information DIMM Slot Number [DIMM_A1] Displays the Serial Presence Detect (SPD) information of the DIMM module installed on the selected slot. Configuration options: [DIMM_A1] [DIMM_B1] [DIMM_A2] [DIMM_B2] 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. Load Optimized Defaults This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus.
2.11 Installing an operating system Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. The setup procedures presented in this chapter are for reference only. Refer to Windows® operating system documentation for detailed information. 2.11.1 Windows® 7 and USB 3.0 driver for 100 Series Based on the chipset specification, the 100 series requires USB 3.0 drivers to be preloaded in order to use USB keyboard/mouse during Windows® 7 installation. This section is a guide on preloading USB 3.
5. Select the USB ODD or USB storage device as the boot device. 6. The USB 3.0 driver will be loaded automatically during installation startup. The “Setup is starting...” screen will show up if the USB 3.0 driver is loaded correctly. 7. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the Windows® 7 installation.
Method 2: Using a modified Windows® 7 ISO Load USB 3.0 drivers and install Windows® 7 using a modified Windows® 7 installation DVD. Requirement: • 1 x ASUS support DVD • 1 x Windows® 7 installation source • 1 x Working system (PC or notebook) • 1 x SATA ODD 1. On your working system, create an ISO image file of the Windows® 7 installation source using a third-party ISO software. 2. Copy both “Auto_Unattend.
Method 3: Using ASUS EZ Installer Use the ASUS EZ Installer to create a modified Windows® 7 installation source. Requirement: • 1 x ASUS support DVD • 1 x Windows® 7 installation DVD • 1 x Working system (PC or notebook) • 1 x SATA ODD • 1 x USB storage device (8 GB or more) 1. Insert the Windows® 7 installation DVD. 2. Launch the ASUS EZ Installer located on the ASUS support DVD. 3.
- Select the source of the Windows® 7 installation disk then click Next. - Select the USB storage device and click next. Click the refresh icon if the USB storage device is not displayed. - Click Yes to clear the contents on the USB storage device and create a bootable USB device. Make sure to backup contents on the USB storage device, as it will be formatted. - Once completed, click OK to finish.
• Windows® 7 OS disk to ISO file - Select Windows 7 OS disk to ISO file then click Next. - Check I agree and then click Next. - Select the source of the Windows® 7 installation disk then click Next.
- Select the folder to save the modified Windows® 7 installation ISO file and click Next. - Once completed, click OK to finish. - Burn this ISO file onto an empty DVD to create a modified Windows® 7 installation DVD. 4. Insert the modified Windows® 7 installation DVD into an ODD or connect the USB storage device with modified Windows® 7 installation files onto your 100 series platform. 5. Power on your system and press F8 during POST (Power-On Self Test) to enter the boot screen. 6.
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. • This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
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. This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. VCCI: Japan Compliance Statement VCCI Class B Statement This is a Class B product based on the standard of the VCCI Council.
English AsusTek Inc. hereby declares that this device is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of CE Directives. Please see the CE Declaration of Conformity for more details. Română Prin prezenta, AsusTek Inc. declară faptul că acest dispozitiv respectă cerinţele esenţiale şi alte prevederi relevante ale directivelor CE. Pentru mai multe detalii, consultaţi declaraţia de conformitate CE. Français AsusTek Inc.
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 Fax Online support +86-21-3842-9911 +86-21-5866-8722 ext. 9101# http://support.asus.com/techserv/techserv.
ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING A-5 (510)739-3777/(510)608-4555 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539. Asus Computer International Date : Signature : Representative Person’s Name : Jul. 06, 2015 Steve Chang / President This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
A-6 Appendices
