Z87-WS

Motherboard

E8226

First Edition

May 2013

Copyright© 2013 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”).

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing byASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

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Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software

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Where the applicable license entitles you to the source code of such software and/or other additional data, you may obtain it for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product, either

(1)for free by downloading it from http://support.asus.com/download

or

(2)for the cost of reproduction and shipment, which is dependent on the preferred carrier and the location where you want to have it shipped to, by sending a request to:

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

Legal Compliance Dept.

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Beitou, Taipei 112

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In your request please provide the name, model number and version, as stated in the About Box of the product for which you wish to obtain the corresponding source code and your contact details so that we can coordinate the terms and cost of shipment with you.

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Contents

Safety information.....................................................................................................	vii
About this guide........................................................................................................	viii
Z87-WSspecifications summary................................................................................	x
Package contents......................................................................................................	xv
Installation tools and components..........................................................................	xvi

Chapter 1:		Product Introduction
1.1	Special features..........................................................................................		1-1
	1.1.1	Product highlights........................................................................	1-1
	1.1.2	ASUS Workstation Exclusive Features........................................	1-3
	1.1.3	Dual Intelligent Processors 4 with 4-WayOptimization...............	1-4
	1.1.4	ASUS Exclusive Features............................................................	1-5
	1.1.5	ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution.....................................................	1-6
	1.1.6	ASUS EZ DIY..............................................................................	1-6
	1.1.7	Other special features..................................................................	1-7
1.2	Motherboard overview...............................................................................		1-8
	1.2.1	Before you proceed.....................................................................	1-8
	1.2.2	Motherboard layout......................................................................	1-9
	1.2.3	Central Processing Unit (CPU)..................................................	1-11
	1.2.4	System memory.........................................................................	1-12
	1.2.5	Expansion slots..........................................................................	1-15
	1.2.6	Onboard buttons and switches..................................................	1-17
	1.2.7	Onboard LEDs...........................................................................	1-23
	1.2.8	Internal connectors....................................................................	1-31

Chapter 2:		Basic installation
2.1	Building your PC system...........................................................................		2-1
	2.1.1	Motherboard installation..............................................................	2-1
	2.1.2	CPU installation...........................................................................	2-3
	2.1.3	CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation................................	2-4
	2.1.4	DIMM installation.........................................................................	2-6
	2.1.5	ATX Power connection................................................................	2-7
	2.1.6	SATA device connection..............................................................	2-8
	2.1.7	Front I/O Connectors...................................................................	2-9
	2.1.8	Expansion Card installation.......................................................	2-10

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2.2	BIOS update utility....................................................................................		2-11
2.3	Motherboard rear and audio connections..............................................		2-13
	2.3.1	Rear I/O connection...................................................................	2-13
	2.3.2	Audio I/O connections................................................................	2-15
2.4	Starting up for the first time....................................................................		2-17
2.5	Turning off the computer.........................................................................		2-18

Chapter 3:		BIOS setup
3.1	Knowing BIOS.............................................................................................		3-1
3.2	BIOS setup program...................................................................................		3-2
	3.2.1	EZ Mode......................................................................................	3-3
	3.2.2	Advanced Mode...........................................................................	3-4
3.3	My Favorites................................................................................................		3-6
3.4	Main menu...................................................................................................		3-7
3.5	Ai Tweaker menu........................................................................................		3-9
3.6	Advanced menu........................................................................................		3-24
	3.6.1	CPU Configuration.....................................................................	3-25
	3.6.2	PCH Configuration.....................................................................	3-28
	3.6.3	SATAConfiguration....................................................................	3-29
	3.6.4	SystemAgent Configuration......................................................	3-31
	3.6.5	USB Configuration.....................................................................	3-33
	3.6.6	Platform Misc Configuration.......................................................	3-34
	3.6.7	Onboard Devices Configuration.................................................	3-35
	3.6.8	APM...........................................................................................	3-37
	3.6.9	Network Stack............................................................................	3-38
3.7	Monitor menu............................................................................................		3-39
3.8	Boot menu.................................................................................................		3-42
3.9	Tools menu................................................................................................		3-48
	3.9.1	ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility.............................................................	3-48
	3.9.2	ASUS O.C. Profile.....................................................................	3-48
	3.9.3	ASUS SPD Information..............................................................	3-49
3.10	Exit menu...................................................................................................		3-50
3.11	Updating BIOS..........................................................................................		3-51
	3.11.1	EZ Update..................................................................................	3-51
	3.11.2	ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................................	3-52
	3.11.3	ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3..........................................................	3-53
	3.11.4	ASUS BIOS Updater..................................................................	3-54

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Chapter 4:		Software support
4.1	Installing an operating system..................................................................		4-1
4.2	Support DVD information...........................................................................		4-1
	4.2.1	Running the support DVD............................................................	4-1
	4.2.2	Obtaining the software manuals..................................................	4-2
4.3	Software information..................................................................................		4-3
	4.3.1	AI Suite 3.....................................................................................	4-3
	4.3.2	Dual Intelligent Processors 4.......................................................	4-5
	4.3.3	EPU.............................................................................................	4-8
	4.3.4	DIGI+ Power Control.................................................................	4-10
	4.3.5	Fan Xpert 2................................................................................	4-12
	4.3.6	USB 3.0 Boost...........................................................................	4-15
	4.3.7	Network iControl........................................................................	4-16
	4.3.8	USB BIOS Flashback................................................................	4-18
	4.3.9	Ai Charger+...............................................................................	4-19
	4.3.10	EZ Update..................................................................................	4-20
	4.3.11	USB Charger+...........................................................................	4-21
	4.3.12	System Information....................................................................	4-22
	4.3.13	ASUS SSD Caching II...............................................................	4-24
	4.3.14	Audio configurations..................................................................	4-26
	4.3.15	ASUS Dr. Power Utility..............................................................	4-27

Chapter 5:		RAID support
5.1	RAID configurations...................................................................................		5-1
	5.1.1	RAID definitions...........................................................................	5-1
	5.1.2	Installing Serial ATA hard disks....................................................	5-2
	5.1.3	Setting the RAID item in BIOS.....................................................	5-2
	5.1.4	Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility...................	5-3
5.2	Creating a RAID driver disk.......................................................................		5-7
	5.2.1	Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS...................	5-7
	5.2.2	Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®....................................	5-8
	5.2.3	Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation.........	5-8

Chapter 6:		Multiple GPU support
6.1	ATI® CrossFireX™ technology...................................................................		6-1
	6.1.1	Requirements..............................................................................	6-1
	6.1.2	Before you begin..........................................................................	6-1
	6.1.3	Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards.................................	6-2
	6.1.4	Installing three CrossFireX™ graphics cards..............................	6-3
	6.1.5	Installing four CrossFireX™ graphics cards................................	6-4
	6.1.6	Installing the device drivers.........................................................	6-5
	6.1.7	Enabling the AMD® CrossFireX™ technology.............................	6-5
6.2	NVIDIA® SLI™ technology..........................................................................		6-7
	6.2.1	Requirements..............................................................................	6-7
	6.2.2	Installing two SLI-readygraphics cards.......................................	6-8
	6.2.3	Installing three SLI-readygraphics cards....................................	6-9
	6.2.4	Installing four SLI-readygraphics cards....................................	6-10
	6.2.5	Enabling the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology...................................	6-11
6.3	NVIDIA® CUDA™ technology...................................................................		6-13
	6.3.1	Requirements............................................................................	6-13
	6.3.2	Installing CUDA-readygraphics cards.......................................	6-13
Appendices
Notices	.....................................................................................................................		A-1
ASUS contact information......................................................................................			A-5

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. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

•Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables are unplugged.

•Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.

•Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company.

•If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

•Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals that came with the package.

•Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.

•To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.

•Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area where it may become wet.

•Place the product on a stable surface.

•If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.

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About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

•Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.

•Chapter 2: Basic installation

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components.

•Chapter 3: BIOS setup

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

•Chapter 4: Software support

This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package and the software.

•Chapter 5: RAID support

This chapter describes the RAID configurations.

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.

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Conventions used in this guide

To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

Typography

Bold text	Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics	Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key>	Keys enclosed in the less-thanandgreater-thansign
	means that you must press the enclosed key.
	Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
	Return key.
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3>	If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
	names are linked with a plus sign (+).

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Z87-WSspecifications summary

CPU

Chipset

Memory

Expansion slots

VGA

Multi-GPUsupport

LGA1150 socket for the 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i7/Intel® Core™i5/ Intel® Core™ i3, Pentium® and Celeron® processors

Supports 22nm CPU

Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*

*The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU types.

Intel® Z87 Express Chipset

4 x DIMM, max. 32GB, DDR3 2800 (O.C.)* / 2666 (O.C.)* 2600 (O.C.)* / 2500 (O.C.)* / 2400 (O.C.)* / 2200(O.C.)* / 2133(O.C.)* /

2000 (O.C.)* / 1866(O.C.)* / 1800(O.C.)* /1600 / 1333 MHz, non-

ECC, un-bufferedmemory

Dual channel memory architecture

Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)

*Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs. Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List) for details.

4 x PCI Express 3.0*/2.0 x16 slots (single at x16, dual at x16/x16 mode, triple at x16/x8/x8, quad at x8/x8/x8/x8)

2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots

Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel® HD Graphics supportMulti-VGAoutput support: DisplayPort/Mini DisplayPort/HDMI port

Supports DisplayPort 1.2* with max. resolution 4096x2160@24Hz and 3840x2160@60Hz

Supports HDMI with max. resolution of 4096x2160@24Hz and 2560x1600@60Hz

Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D, Intel® Quick Sync Video, Intel® Clear Video HD Technology, and Intel® Insider™

Supports up to three displays simultaneously Maximum shared memory 1024MB

*DisplayPort 1.2 Multi-StreamTransport compliant, supports DisplayPort 1.2 monitor daisy chain up to 3 displays.

Supports NVIDIA® 4-WaySLI™ Technology

Supports AMD® 4-WayCrossFireX™ Technology

LAN	2 x Intel® I210 Gigabit LAN controller

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Z87-WSspecifications summary

Storage	Intel® Z87 Express Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10
	- 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (yellow)
	- Supports Intel® Dynamic Storage Accelerator, Intel® Smart
		Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start Technology, Intel®
		Smart Connect Technology*
	Marvell® 9230 SATA controllers
	- 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 10 and port multiplier
		support
	ASMedia® SATA 6Gb/s controller**
	- 2 x eSATA 6Gb/s ports with port multiplier support
	* Supported on Intel® Core™ processor family.
	** These SATA ports are for data hard drives only. ATAPI devices are not
	supported.
1394	VIA VT6315N controller support 1x1394a port
Audio	Realtek® ALC11508-channelhigh definition audio
	CODEC
	- High quality 112dB SNR stereo playback output (Line-outat
		rear) and 104dB SNR recording input (Line-in)support.
	- Absolute Pitch 192khz/24-bitTrue BD Lossless Sound
	- BD audio layer content protection
	-	DTS UltraPC II
	-	DTS Connect
	- Supports jack-detection,multi-streamingand front panel jack-
		retasking
	- Optical S/PDIF out ports at rear I/O
USB	Intel® Z87 Express Chipset - supports ASUS USB 3.0
	Boost
	- 1 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at rear panel (blue)
	- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at mid-boardfor front panel support
	- 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports at rear panel
	-	5 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports at mid-board
	ASMedia® USB 3.0 controller - supports ASUS USB 3.0
	Boost
	- 3 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at rear panel (blue)
Workstation unique	4 PCIe x 16 slots
features	ASUS Dr. Power
	Quick gate: 1 vertical USB 2.0 on board
	ASUS WS Diag. LED

(continued on the next page)

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Z87-WSspecifications summary

ASUS unique features ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 4 with4-WayOptimization

-4-WayOptimization tuning key perfectly consolidates

ASUS-exclusiveDIGI+Power Control, TPU, EPU, and Fan

Xpert 2 that quickly optimize the digital power setting, system performance, power saving and whole system cooling configuration with just a click.

CPU Power

-Industry leading digital 8-phasepower design

-ASUS CPU power utility

DRAM Power

-Industry leading digital 2-phaseDRAM power design

-ASUS DRAM power utility

ASUS EPU

- EPU, EPU switch

ASUS TPU

- TurboV, GPU Boost, TPU switch

ASUS Fan Xpert 2

-Featuring FanAuto Tuning function for optimized speed control.

ASUS Exclusive Features:

-Network iControl featuring instant network bandwidth domination for top network program in use

-USB 3.0 Boost featuring speedy USB 3.0 transmission

-USB Charger+ featuring quick-chargingfunction for all smart devices

-Ai Charger+

-Disk Unlocker

-AI Suite 3

-Anti Surge

-MemOK!

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:

-ASUS Fan Xpert 2

-ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-sinksolution

ASUS EZ DIY

-ASUS USB BIOS Flashback with USB BIOS Flashback Wizard for EZ BIOS download scheduling

-ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphical user interface

-ASUS O.C. Tuner

-ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

-ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS Q-Design

-ASUS Q-Shield

-ASUS Q-Code

-ASUS Q-LED(CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)

-ASUS Q-Slot

-ASUS Q-DIMM

-ASUS Q-Connector

(continued on the next page)

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Z87-WSspecifications summary

Rear Panel I/O Ports	4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)
	4 x USB 2.0/1.0 ports (1 supports USB BIOS Flashback)
	1 x PS/2 Keyboard/mouse port
	1 x HDMI port
	1 x Display port
	1 x Mini-Displayport
	2 x eSATA ports
	2 x LAN (RJ-45)ports (2 x Intel® LAN)
	1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
	8-channelAudio I/O ports
Internal I/O connectors	10 x SATA6.0Gb/s connectors (6 x yellow; 4 x dark brown)
	1 x mSATA connector
	1 x 4-pinCPU Fan connector supports both3-pin(DC mode) and
	4-pin(PWM mode) CPU coolers control
	1 x 4-pinCPU Optional Fan connector (CPU_OPT)
	4 x 4-pinChassis Fan connectors
	1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
	1 x S/PDIF out header
	1 x TPM connector
	1 x chassis intrusion header
	1 x COM port
	1 x 24-pinEATX Power connector
	2 x 8-pinEATX 12V Power connector
	1 x 6-pinEATX 12V_1 Power connector
	1 x System Panel (Q-connector)
	1 x MemOK! button
	1 x Clear CMOS jumper
	1 x mSATA switch jumper
	1 x DirectKey button
	1 x DRCT (DirectKey) connector
	1 x EPU switch
	1 x TPU switch (advanced 2-stageadjustments)
	1 x Power on switch
	1 x CHAFAN_SEL jumper
	1 x Dr. Power switch
BIOS features	64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.7, WfM2.0, SM
	BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0, Multi-languageBIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS
	CrashFree BIOS 3, My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modified log,
	F12 PrintScreen, F3 Shortcut functions, and ASUS DRAM SPD
	(Serial Presence Detect) memory information

(continued on the next page)

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Z87-WSspecifications summary

Manageability

Support DVD contents

Accessories

Form factor

WfM 2.0, DMI 2.7, WOL by PME, PXE

Drivers

ASUS Utilities

ASUS Update

Anti-virussoftware (OEM version)

10 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s cables

1 x COM port bracket

1 x USB+ 1394 bracket

1 x ASUS 4-WaySLI bridge connector

1 x ASUS 3-WaySLI bridge connector

1 x ASUS SLI bridge connector 1 x 2-in-1Q-connector

1 x User’s manual

1 x I/O Shield

ATX form factor: 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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