BIOS Manual Motherboard PRIME X399-A
E13557 First Edition October 2017 Copyright© 2017 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 1.1 1.2 Knowing BIOS................................................................................................ 4 BIOS setup program...................................................................................... 5 1.2.1 EZ Mode......................................................................................... 6 1.2.2 Advanced Mode.............................................................................. 7 1.2.3 QFan Control................................................
BIOS Setup 1.1 Knowing BIOS The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unified Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboardonly BIOS controls to enable a more flexible and convenient mouse input. You can easily navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as your operating system. The term “BIOS” in this user manual refers to “UEFI BIOS” unless otherwise specified.
1.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screen include navigation keys and brief onscreen help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program. Entering BIOS 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.
1.2.1 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 and boot device priority. To access the Advanced Mode, select Advanced Mode or press the hotkey for the advanced BIOS settings. The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the Setup Mode item in section Boot menu for details.
1.2.2 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 switch from EZ Mode to Advanced Mode, click Advanced Mode(F7) or press the hotkey.
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.
Search on FAQ Move your mouse over this button to show a QR code, scan this QR code on your mobile device to connect to the BIOS FAQ web page of the ASUS support website. You can also scan the following QR code: 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. Scroll bar A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that do not fit on the screen.
1.2.3 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 Select to manually configure your fans To configure your fans: 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). 1.2.
OC Tuning To start OC Tuning: 12 1. Press on your keyboard or click EZ Tuning Wizard screen. from the BIOS screen to open 2. Select a PC scenario Daily Computing or Gaming/Media Editing, then click Next. 3. Select a Main Cooling System BOX cooler, Tower cooler, Water cooler, or I’m not sure, then click Next. 4. After selecting the Main Cooling System, click Next then click Yes to start the OC Tuning.
1.3 My Favorites My Favorites 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. from the BIOS screen to open 2. On the Setup Tree Map screen, select the BIOS items that you want to save in My Favorites screen. Main menu panel Selected shortcut items Submenu panel Delete all favorite items Recover to default favorite items 3.
1.4 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. Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. • If you have forgotten your BIOS password, erase the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM to clear the BIOS password. See section 1.1.
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 fields in the BIOS setup program. 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. Re-type to confirm the password then select OK. To change an administrator password: 1.
1.5 Ai Tweaker menu The Extreme 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. Overclocking Presets Select this item to load various settings suitably tuned for your needs.
Custom CPU Core Ratio This item allows you to set a custom CPU core ratio. The CPU core ratio is calculated with the formula: 2 * FID / DID. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] The following items appear only when you set the Custom CPU Core Ratio to [Manual]. FID This item allows you to set the core frequency multiplier. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. DID This item allows you to set the core frequency divisor. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value.
TPU This item allows you to automatically overclock the CPU and DRAM frequencies and voltage for an enhanced system performance. [Keep Current Settings] Keep the current settings without changing anything. [TPU I] Applies air cooling overclocking conditions. [TPU II] Applies water cooling overclocking conditions. Ensure to use water cooling device before selecting [TPU II]. DRAM Timing Control The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features.
TrrdS Configuration options: [Auto] [4] ~ [12] TrrdL Configuration options: [Auto] [4] ~ [12] Tfaw Configuration options: [Auto] [6] ~ [54] TwtrS Configuration options: [Auto] [2] ~ [14] TwtrL Configuration options: [Auto] [2] ~ [14] Twr Configuration options: [Auto] [10] ~ [81] Trcpage Configuration options: [Auto] [0] TrdrdScl Configuration options: [Auto] [1] ~ [15] TwrwrScl Configuration options: [Auto] [1] ~ [63] Trfc Configuration options: [Auto] [60] ~ [990] Trfc2 Configuration options: [Auto] [60] ~
TrdrdSc Configuration options: [Auto] [1] ~ [11] TrdrdSd Configuration options: [Auto] [1] ~ [15] TrdrdDd Configuration options: [Auto] [1] ~ [15] Tcke Configuration options: [Auto] [1] ~ [31] ProcODT Configuration options: [Auto] [High Impedance] [480 ohm] [240 ohm] [160 ohm] [120 ohm] [96 ohm] [80 ohm] [68.6 ohm] [60 ohm] [53.3 ohm] [48 ohm] [43.6 ohm] [40 ohm] [36.9 ohm] [34.
MemCadBusCsOdtDrvStren Configuration options: [Auto] [120.0 ohm] [60.0 ohm] [40.0 ohm] [30.0 ohm] [24.0 ohm] [20.0 ohm] MemCadBusCkeDrvStren Configuration options: [Auto] [120.0 ohm] [60.0 ohm] [40.0 ohm] [30.0 ohm] [24.0 ohm] [20.0 ohm] Digi+ Power Control CPU Load-line Calibration Load-line is defined by Intel® specification and affects CPU power voltage. The CPU working voltage decreases proportionally to CPU loading.
The following item appears only when the CPU VRM Switching Frequency is set to [Auto]. VRM Spread Spectrum This item allows to enhance the system stability. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] CPU Power Duty Control DIGI + VRM Duty Control adjusts the current of every VRM phase and the thermal conditions of every phase component. [T. Probe] Select to set the VRM thermal balance mode. [Extreme] Select to set the VRM current balance mode. DO NOT remove the thermal module.
DO NOT remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored. VDDSOC Current Capability This item allows you to select the VDDSOC Current Capability. Configuration options: [Auto] [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%] [140%] Configure higher values when overclocking or under a high CPU loading for extra power support. VDDSOC Switching Frequency This item affects the VRM transient response speed and the component thermal production.
DRAM Current Capability This item provides a total power range for DRAM overclocking. A higher value setting provides higher power consumption delivery and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously. Configuration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%] [140%] Configure higher values when overclocking or under a high CPU loading for extra power support. DRAM Power Phase Control This item allows you to set the power phase control of the DRAM.
VPP DRAM CD Configuration options: [Auto] [2.50000] - [3.13500] 1.8V Standby Voltage Configuration options: [Auto] [1.50000] - [2.50000] CPU 3.3V Aux Configuration options: [Auto] [3.20000] - [4.50000] 2.5V SB Voltage Configuration options: [Auto] [2.00000] - [3.
CLDO VDDP Voltage Configuration options: [Auto] [0] CPU Core Voltage Configures the mode of Voltage fed to the cores of the processor. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual Mode] [Offset Mode] The following items appear only when you set the CPU Core Voltage to [Manual Mode]. CPU Core Voltage Override Allows you to configure the CPU Core voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [0.75000] - [1.70000] The following items appear only when you set the CPU Core Voltage to [Offset Mode].
1.8V PLL Voltage Configuration options: [Auto] [1.50000] - [2.50500] 1.05V SB Voltage Configuration options: [Auto] [0.70000] - [1.80000] 1.6 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.
1.6.1 AMD fTPM Configuration The items in this menu allow you to configure the TPM settings. AMD fTPM switch This item allows you to enable or disable AMD CPU fTPM. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Erase fTPM NV for factory reset [Enabled] When new CPU is installed, select this option to reset fTPM. If you are using BitLocker or encryption-enabled system, your system cannot boot up without a recovery key. [Disabled] Select this option to keep previous fTPM record and continue system boot.
1.6.2 SATA 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. SATA Port Enable This item allows you to enable or disable the SATA Device. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] SATA Mode This item allows you to set the SATA configuration.
SATA6G_1(Gray) - SATA6G_6(Gray) SATA6G_1 - SATA6G_6 This item allows you to rename the selected SATA port. Configuration options: [OK] [Cancel] Hot Plug These items appears only when the SATA Mode is set to [AHCI] and allows you to enable or disable SATA Hot Plug Support. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] M.2_1, M.2_2 Click to assign a new name for the M.2 port. 1.6.3 Onboard Devices Configuration The items in this menu allow you to switch between PCIe Lanes and configure onboard devices.
SB PCIE Link Mode This item allows you to set the Southbridge link speed. Configuration options: [Auto] [GEN 1] [GEN 2] PCIEX16_1 Bandwidth [X16 Mode] The PCIe x16_1 slot runs at x16 mode. [PCIe RAID Mode] T he four PCIe x16 slots all run at x4 mode, which allows you to create a RAID array of up to 4 PCIe devices. Use PCIe RAID Mode when installing the Hyper M.2 x16 card or other M.2 adapter cards. Installing other devices when using PCIe RAID Mode may cause your PC to fail to boot up.
The following item appears only when you set the Intel LAN Controller to [Enabled]. Intel LAN OPROM This item allows you to enable or disable the PXE Option Rom of the Intel LAN controller. Configuration options: [On] [Off] 1.6.4 APM Configuration The items in this menu allow you to set system wake and sleep settings. ErP Ready This item allows you to switch off some power at S4+S5 or S5 to get the system ready for ErP requirement. When set to [Enabled], all other PME options are switched off.
1.6.5 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. The items in this menu may vary based on the CPU installed. NX Mode This item allows you enable or disable no-execute page protection function. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] SVM Mode This item allows you enable or disable CPU Virtualization. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 1.6.
The following item appears only when you set the Network Stack to [Enabled]. Ipv4/Ipv6 PXE Support This item allows you to enable or disable the Ipv4/Ipv6 PXE wake event. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 1.6.7 HDD/SSD SMART Information This menu displays the SMART information of the connected devices. NVM Express devices do not support SMART information. 1.6.8 USB Configuration The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.
Legacy USB Support [Enabled] Your system supports the USB devices in legacy operating systems. [Disabled] Your USB devices can be used for BIOS setup only and cannot be recognized in the boot devices list. [Auto] Your system automatically detects the presence of USB devices at startup. If any USB devices are detected, the legacy USB support is enabled. XHCI Hand-off [Enabled] Enables the support for operating systems without an XHCI hand‑off feature. [Disabled] Disables the XHCI Hand-off support.
1.6.10 AMD CBS The items in this menu display the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. This item appears only when you install an AMD Ryzen™ processor.
1.7 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. CPU Temperature, Motherboard Temperature, VRM temperature, PCH temperature, T_Sensor Temperature, EXT_Sensor1-3 Temperature [xxx°C/xxx°F] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU, motherboard, VRM, PCH, T_Sensor, and EXT_Sensor1-3 temperatures.
Q-fan Configuration Q-fan Tuning Click this item to automatically detect the lowest speed and configure the minimum duty cycle for each fan. CPU Q-Fan Control This item allows you to set the CPU Q-Fan operating mode. [Auto] Detects the type of CPU fan installed and automatically switches the control modes. [PWM Mode] Enables the CPU Q-Fan Control feature in PWM mode for 4-pin CPU fan. [DC Mode] Enables the CPU Q-Fan Control feature in DC mode for 3-pin CPU fan. [Disabled] Disables the Q-Fan Control.
CPU Middle Temperature Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the CPU middle temperature. CPU Fan Middle Duty Cycle(%) Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the CPU fan middle duty cycle. CPU Lower Temperature Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the lower limit of the CPU temperature. The CPU fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle when the CPU temperature is lower than the limit. CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum CPU fan duty cycle.
Chassis Fan 1-3 Profile This item allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the chassis fan. [Standard] Sets to [Standard] to make the chassis fan automatically adjust depending on the chassis temperature. [Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet chassis fan operation. [Turbo] Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum chassis fan speed. [Manual] Sets to [Manual] to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.
Extension Fan 1-3 Q-Fan Source The assigned fan will be controlled according to the selected temperature source. Configuration options: [CPU] [MotherBoard] [VRM] [PCH] [T_Sensor] [EXT_Sensor1] [EXT_Sensor2] [EXT_Sensor3] [Multiple Sources] • For EXT_Sensor1-3, connect a Thermistor cable to one of these connectors, then tape the other end on a critical component to control its temperature.
Allow Fan Stop This item allows your fans to run at 0% duty cycle when the temperature of the source drops below the lower temperature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Water_Pump+/AIO Pump Control [Disabled] Disable the Water_Pump+/AIO Pump control feature. [Auto] Detects the type of Water_Pump+/AIO Pump installed and automatically switches the control modes. [DC mode] Enable the Water_Pump+/AIO Pump control in DC mode for 3-pin chassis fan.
COV Fan Upper Temperature Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the COV Fan temperature. The COV Fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle when the temperature source is higher than the limit. COV Fan Max. Duty Cycle (%) Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the maximum COV Fan duty cycle. When the temperature source reaches the upper limit, the COV Fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle.
M.2 Fan Speed Low Limit This item allows you to disable or set the M.2 fan warning speed. Configuration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM] M.2 Fan Profile This item allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the M.2 Fan. [Standard] Sets to [Standard] to make the chassis fan automatically adjust depending on the chassis temperature. [Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet chassis fan operation.
1.8 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Fast Boot [Disabled] Allows your system to go back to its normal boot speed. [Enabled] Allows your system to accelerate the boot speed. The following items appear only when you set the Fast Boot to [Enabled]. Next Boot after AC Power Loss [Normal Boot] Returns to normal boot on the next boot after an AC power loss. [Fast Boot] Accelerates the boot speed on the next boot after an AC power loss.
The following item appears only when you set the Boot Logo Display to [Auto] and [Full Screen]. Post Delay Time This item allows you to select a desired additional POST waiting time to easily enter the BIOS Setup. You can only execute the POST delay time during normal boot. Configuration options: [0 sec] - [10 sec] This feature only works when set under normal boot. The following item appears only when you set the Boot Logo Display to [Disabled].
The following items appear only when you set the Launch CSM to [Enabled]. Boot Device Control This item allows you to select the type of devices that you want to boot. Configuration options: [UEFI and Legacy OPROM] [Legacy OPROM only] [UEFI only] Boot from Network Devices This item allows you to select the type of network devices that you want to launch.
Platform Key(PK) The Platform Key (PK) locks and secures the firmware from any permissible changes. The system verifies the PK before your system enters the OS. Save to file This item allows you to save the PK to a USB storage device. Set New key This item allows you to load the downloaded PK from a USB storage device. Delete key This item allows you to delete the PK from your system. Once the PK is deleted, all the system’s Secure Boot keys will not be active.
Set New key This item allows you to load the downloaded db from a USB storage device. Append Key This item allows you to load the additional db from a storage device for an additional db and dbx loaded management. Delete key This item allows you to delete the db file from your system. Configuration options: [Yes] [No] The db file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated variable.
1.9 Tool menu The Tool menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the submenu. Setup Animator This item allows you to enable or disable the Setup animator. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 1.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility This item allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 3. When you press , a confirmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press to confirm your choice.
1.9.2 Secure Erase SSD speeds may lower over time as with any storage medium due to data processing. Secure Erase completely and safely cleans your SSD, restoring it to factory performance levels. Secure Erase is only available in AHCI mode. Ensure to set the SATA mode to AHCI. Click Advanced > SATA Configuration > SATA Mode > AHCI. To launch Secure Erase, click Tool > Secure Erase on the Advanced mode menu. Secure Erase is only supported on selected SATA SSDs, and cannot erase NVMe storage devices.
1.9.3 ASUS Overclocking Profile This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings. Load from Profile This item allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the profile number that saved your BIOS settings, press , and then select Yes. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the system boot failure! • We recommend that you update the BIOS file only coming from the same memory/ CPU configuration and BIOS version.
1.9.4 ASUS SPD Information This item allows you to view the DRAM SPD information. 1.9.5 Graphics Card Information This item displays the information and recommended configuration for the PCIE slots that the graphics card is installed in your system. This feature is only supported on selected ASUS graphics cards. GPU Post This item displays the information and recommended configuration for the PCIE slots that the graphics card is installed in your system.
1.10 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. You can access the EZ Mode from the Exit menu. Load Optimized Defaults This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press , a confirmation window appears. Select OK to load the default values.
1.11 Updating BIOS The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system stability, compatibility,and performance. However, BIOS updating is potentially risky. If there is no problem using the current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS. Inappropriate BIOS updating may result to system’s failure to boot. Carefully follow the instructions in this chapter to update your BIOS when necessary. Visit http://www.asus.
1.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3 ASUS EZ Flash 3 allows you to download and update to the latest BIOS through the Internet without having to use a bootable floppy disk or an OS‑based utility. Updating through the Internet varies per region and Internet conditions. Check your local Internet connection before updating through the Internet. To update the BIOS by USB: 1. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility and press . 2.
• This function can support devices such as a USB flash 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. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 1.10 Exit Menu for details. To update the BIOS by Internet: 1. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program.
1.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility 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 BIOS file. The BIOS file in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS file published on the ASUS official website. If you want to use the newer BIOS file, download the file at https://www.asus.
PRIME X399-A BIOS Manual
