Asus H87M-PLUS User Manual

H87M-PLUS

Motherboard

E8528
Second Edition

July 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,
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means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
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Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the

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ii

Contents

Safety information ...................................................................................................... vi

About this guide ........................................................................................................ vii

H87M-PLUS specications summary ....................................................................... ix

Package contents ...................................................................................................... xii

Installation tools and components ......................................................................... xiii

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1 Special features..........................................................................................1-1

1.1.1 Product highlights

1.1.2 5X Protection

1.1.3 ASUS Exclusive Features ...........................................................

1.1.4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution .....................................................

1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY ..............................................................................

1.1.6 Other special features .................................................................

1.2 Motherboard overview ...............................................................................

1.2.1 Before you proceed .....................................................................

1.2.2 Motherboard layout .....................................................................

1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................

1.2.4 System memory ..........................................................................

1.2.5 Expansion slots .........................................................................

1.2.6 Jumpers ....................................................................................

1.2.7 Onboard buttons and switches

1.2.8 Onboard LEDs ..........................................................................

1.2.9 Internal connectors

........................................................................ 1-1

............................................................................... 1-2

.................................................. 1-14

.................................................................... 1-16

1-3

1-4

1-4

1-5

1-5

1-5

1-6

1-8

1-9

1-11

1-13

1-15

Chapter 2: Basic installation

2.1 Building your PC system...........................................................................2-1

2.1.1 Motherboard installation ..............................................................

2.1.2 CPU installation

2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation ...............................

2.1.4 DIMM installation

2.1.5 ATX Power connection ................................................................

2.1.6 SATA device connection ..............................................................

2.1.7 Front I/O Connector ....................................................................

2.1.8 Expansion Card installation

2.2 Motherboard rear and audio connections .............................................

2.2.1 Rear I/O connection ..................................................................

2.2.2 Audio I/O connections ...............................................................

2.3 Starting up for the rst time ....................................................................

........................................................................... 2-3

......................................................................... 2-6

....................................................... 2-10

2-1

2-4

2-7

2-8

2-9

2-11

2-11

2-13

2-15

iii

2.4 Turning off the computer ......................................................................... 2-15

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................3-1

3.2 BIOS setup program ..................................................................................

3.2.1 EZ Mode

3.2.2 Advanced Mode ..........................................................................

3.3 My Favorites ...............................................................................................

3.4 Main menu ..................................................................................................

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................................

3.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................

3.6.1 CPU Conguration ....................................................................

3.6.2 PCH Conguration ....................................................................

3.6.3 SATA Conguration ...................................................................

3.6.4 System Agent Conguration

3.6.5 USB Conguration ....................................................................

3.6.6 Platform Misc Conguration ......................................................

3.6.7 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................

3.6.8 APM ..........................................................................................

3.6.9 Network Stack ...........................................................................

3.7 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................

3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................

3.9 Tools menu ...............................................................................................

3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ............................................................

3.9.2 ASUS O.C. Prole .....................................................................

3.9.3 ASUS SPD Information .............................................................

3.10 Exit menu ..................................................................................................

3.11 Updating BIOS ..........................................................................................

...................................................................................... 3-3

...................................................... 3-27

3-2

3-4

3-6

3-7

3-9

3-21

3-22

3-24

3-26

3-29

3-30

3-30

3-32

3-33

3-34

3-37

3-43

3-43

3-43

3-44

3-45

3-46

Chapter 4: Software support

4.1 Installing an operating system .................................................................4-1

4.2 Support DVD information ..........................................................................

4.2.1 Running the support DVD ...........................................................

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals

4.3 Software information .................................................................................

4.3.1 AI Suite 3

4.3.2 DIGI+ VRM ..................................................................................

4.3.3 EPU .............................................................................................

4.3.4 TurboV EVO ................................................................................

iv

..................................................................................... 4-3

.................................................. 4-2

4-1

4-1

4-3

4-5

4-6

4-7

4.3.5 Fan Xpert 2 .................................................................................4-9

4.3.6 USB 3.0 Boost

4.3.7 Network iControl

4.3.8 EZ Update .................................................................................

4.3.9 System Information ...................................................................

4.3.10 Audio congurations

........................................................................... 4-11

........................................................................ 4-12

4-13

4-13

.................................................................. 4-15

Chapter 5: RAID support

5.1 RAID congurations ..................................................................................5-1

5.1.1 RAID denitions ..........................................................................

5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ...................................................

5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS ....................................................

5.1.4 Intel

5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk

®

Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility ..................5-3

....................................................................... 5-7

5.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS ..................

5.2.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows

5.2.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows

®

.................................... 5-8

®

OS installation ........ 5-8

5-1

5-2

5-2

5-7

Appendices

Notices .................................................................................................................... A-1

ASUS contact information ...................................................................................... A-3

v

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 x it by yourself. Contact a qualied 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 qualied service

•
technician or your retailer.

vi

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring 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 congurations.

Where to nd more information

Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software
updates.

1. ASUS websites

The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software
products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,

that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the
standard package.

vii

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

<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign

<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

means that you must press the enclosed key.

Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key.

names are linked with a plus sign (+).

viii

H87M-PLUS specications summary

CPU LGA1150 socket for the 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i7/ i5 / 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.

www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.

** Refer to

Chipset Intel® H87 Express Chipset

Memory 4 x DIMMs, max. 32GB, DDR3 1600 / 1333 /1066MHz, non-ECC, un-

buffered memory

Dual-channel memory architecture

Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)

* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual

CPUs. Some hyper DIMMs only support one DIMM per channel. Please refer to

Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List) for details.

** Due to Intel

*** Refer to

®

on XMP mode will run at the maximum transfer rate of DDR3 1600MHz.

chipset limitation, the DDR3 1600MHz and higher memory modules

www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory QVL (Qualied

Vendors List).

Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot [yellow] (at x16 mode)

1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot [dark brown] (at x4 mode, compatible with

PCIe x1, and x4 devices)

2 x PCI slots

VGA Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel® HD Graphics support

Multi-VGA output support: HDMI / DVI / RGB port

Supports HDMI with max. resolution of 4096 x 2160 @24Hz / 2560 x 1600

@60Hz

Supports DVI with max. resolution of 1920 x 1200 @60Hz

Supports RGB with max. resolution of 1920 x 1200 @60Hz

Maximum shared memory 1024MB

Multi-GPU support Supports AMD® CrossFireX™ Technology

Storage

Intel® H87 Express Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel®
Rapid Storage Technology 12 support

- 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (yellow)

- Supports Intel
Technology, and Intel® Smart Connect Technology*

* These functions will work depending on the CPU installed.

LAN Realtek® 8111G Gigabit LAN controller

Audio Realtek® ALC887 8-channel high denition audio CODEC

- Supports Jack-Detection, multi-streaming and front panel jack­retasking

* Use a chassis HD audio module in the front panel to support 8-channel audio

output

®

Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start

(continued on the next page)

ix

H87M-PLUS specications summary

USB

ASUS unique
features

Intel® H87 Express Chipset - supports ASUS USB 3.0 Boost

- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at mid-board for front panel support

- 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at rear panel (blue)

- 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 2 ports at rear panel)

ASUS 5X Protection

- ASUS motherboards safeguard your PC with 5X Protection: DIGI+VRM,
DRAM Fuse, ESD Guards, High-Quality 5K Solid Capacitors, and Stainless
Steel Back I/O to ensure the best quality, reliability, and durability

ASUS DIGI+ VRM

- ASUS DIGI+ VRM: Digital Power Design for the CPU and iGPU

- ASUS 4 Phase Power Design

ASUS Fuse Protection

- Enhanced DRAM overcurrent protection and short circuit damage protection.

ASUS ESD Guards

- Enhanced ESD protection for extended component lifespan.

ASUS High-Quality 5K Solid Capacitors

- 2.5x Long Lifespan with excellent durability

ASUS Extra Durable Stainless Steel Back I/O

- 3 x More durable corrosion-resistant coating.

ASUS Exclusive Features

- ASUS EPU

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

- ASUS USB 3.0 Boost

- AI Charger

- ASUS GPU Boost

- ASUS MemOK!

- AI Suite 3

- Anti Surge protection

ASUS Q-Design

- ASUS Q-Slot

- ASUS Q-DIMM

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

- ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish Heatsink

- ASUS Fan Xpert 2 featuring Fan Auto Tuning function for optimized speed

control, providing an exclusive tailored fan speed setting for each fan

ASUS EZ DIY

- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

* The ASUS Network iControl feature does not support Windows® XP/Vista operating

systems.

(continued on the next page)

x

H87M-PLUS specications summary

Back Panel I/O
Ports

Internal I/O
connectors

BIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, Green, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM

Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE

Support DVD
contents

Form factor uATX form factor: 9.6 in. x 8.6 in. (24.4 cm x 21.9 cm)

1 x PS/2 mouse / keyboard combo port

1 x HDMI port

1 x DVI-D port

1 x RGB port

1 x LAN (RJ-45) port

4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports

2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports

3 x audio jacks support 8-channel

1 x 19-pin USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports 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

6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors

1 x 4-pin CPU Fan connector

2 x 4-pin Chassis Fan connectors

1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)

1 x S/PDIF out header

1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector

1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector

1 x MemOK! button

1 x LPT button

1 x System Panel

1 x Clear CMOS jumper

1 x TPM header

1 x COM port

BIOS 2.7, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS
CrashFree BIOS 3, F3 Shortcut function, My Favorites, Quick Note, Last

Modied Log, F12 PrintScreen function, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial

Presence Detect) memory information

Drivers

ASUS Utilities

EZ Update

Anti-virus software (OEM version)

Specications are subject to change without notice.

xi

H87M-PLUS

User Manual

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items

ASUS H87M-PLUS motherboard

2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x ASUS I/O shield

User manual Support DVD

• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

• The illustrations above are for reference only. Actual product specications may vary

with different models.

xii

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.

xiii

xiv

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Product introduction

1.1 Special features

1

1.1.1 Product highlights

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

This motherboard supports Intel® 4th generation Core i7/i5/i3, Pentium®, and Celeron®
processors in the LGA1150 package. It provides great graphics and system performance with
its GPU, dual-channel DDR3 memory slots, and PCI Express 2.0/3.0 expansion slots.

Intel® H87 Express Chipset

Intel® H87 Express Chipset is a single-chipset that supports the 1150 socket 4th generation
Intel® Core™ i7, Intel® Core™ i5, Intel® Core™ i3, Pentium® and Celeron® processors. It

utilizes the serial point-to-point links, which increases bandwidth and enhances the system’s

performance. It natively supports up to six USB 3.0 ports for up to ten times faster transfer
rate than USB 2.0 and enables the iGPU function for Intel® integrated graphics performance.

PCI Express® 3.0

PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the PCI Express bus standard that provides twice the
performance and speed of PCIe 2.0. It provides an optimal graphics performance,
unprecedented data speed, and seamless transition with its complete backward compatibility
to PCIe 1.0/2.0 devices.

Dual-Channel DDR3 1600 / 1333 /1066MHz Support

The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates

of DDR3 1600 / 1333 /1066MHz to boost the system’s performance, and to meet the higher

bandwidth requirements of 3D graphics, multimedia and Internet applications.

* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs. Some hyper DIMMs only

support one DIMM per channel.

** Due to Intel

*** Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List)

Intel® Smart Response Technology

Intel® Smart Response Technology, an important part of Green ASUS eco-friendly computing,
reduces load and wait time, eliminates unecessary hard drive spin thus lowering power
usage, and uses an installed SSD (requires 18.6 GB available space) as a cache for
frequently accessed data or applications. It combines SSD performance and hard drive
capacity, operating up to six times faster than a hard-drive-only system to boost the system’s
overall performance.

* 4th generation Intel® Core™ processors support Intel® Smart Response Technology.

** An operating system must be installed on the HDD to launch Intel® Smart Response Technology.

*** The SSD is reserved for caching function.

®

maximum transfer rate of DDR3 1600MHz.

chipset limitation, DDR3 1600MHz and higher memory modules on XMP mode will run at the

Chapter 1

ASUS H87M-PLUS

1-1

Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Support

This motherboard features the most powerful Intel® H87 platform that optimizes PCIe
allocation in multi-GPU CrossFireX™ solution, giving you a brand-new gaming enjoyment.

Intel® Smart Connect Technology

Intel® Smart Connect Technology allows your system to receive updates for your web
applications in real-time even when your system is in sleep mode. This saves wait time for

applications to update and sync with the cloud for a more efcient computing experience.

Intel® Rapid Start Technology

Intel® Rapid Start Technology allows your computer to quickly resume from a low-power
hibernate state in seconds. Saving your system memory to the designated SSD, it provides
your computer a faster wake-up response time, while still keeping the energy use low.

1.1.2 5X Protection

5X Protection

ASUS motherboard guards your PC with 5X PROTECTION. We use components like
ESD uits tested to strict standards that elimiinate electrostatic interference, polyswitches
(resettable fuses) around DRAM slots to prevent overcurrent and short-circuit damage, and
a corrosion-resistant back I/O shield. All examples of ASUS providing the best possible
reliability and durability.

DIGI+VRM

Voltage regulator modules (VRMs) are among the most essential motherboard components.
A good VRM intelligently delivers CPU power based on actual needs at any given time.
Quickly-changing digital signal (SVID) requests from the CPU may prove too much for

generic VRMs, and ASUS was rst with digital controllers featuring faster sensing and

respnse to deliver precise CPU power on demand. This great accuracy reduces energy
waste and improves system stability.

ASUS DRAM Fuse

Onboard polyswitch (resettable fuse) prevents overcurrent and short-circuit damage. This
extends beyond I/O ports to DRAM to safeguard the system and device lifespan.

ASUS ESD Guards

Electrostatic discharges (ESD) can happen suddenly, and their damaging effects are often
underestimated. ASUS ESD Guards offer an active protective circuit design that ensures
electrostatic discharges are properly grounded, providing prolonged component longevity.

Chapter 1

ASUS High-Quality 5K Solid Capacitors

ASUS high-quality solid state capacitors assure a 5000-hour lifespan - equivalent to 2.5 times
longer than traditional capacitors. All capacitors pass testing under temperatures as high
as 105 degrees and meet Japanese industrial standards to provide excellent durability and
ehanced thermal capacity.

1-2

Chapter 1: Product introduction

ASUS Stainless Steel Back I/O

ASUS motherboard back I/O panels are made from strong and corrosion-resistant stainless
steel, which is bonded with a thin layer of chromium oxide to enhance anti-corrosive
properties. Passing 72-hour spray salt endurance tests, ASUS stainless steel back I/O panels
have a usage life three times longer compared to ordinary panels.

1.1.3 ASUS Exclusive Features

ASUS EPU

Tap into the world’s rst real-time PC power saving chip through a simple onboard switch or
Ai Suite II utility. Get total system-wide energy optimization by automatically detecting current

PC loadings and intelligently moderating power consumption. This also reduces fan noise
and extends component longevity.

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 3.0 standard UASP (USB Attached SCSI

Protocol), signicantly increases a USB device’s transfer speed up to 170% faster than the

already impressive USB3.0 transfer speed. It automatically accelerates data speeds for
compatible USB 3.0 peripherals without the need for any user interaction.

Network iControl

Network iControl is an intuitive one-step network control center that makes it easier for you to
manage your bandwidth and allows you to set, monitor, and schedule the bandwidth priorities
for your network programs. It allows you to automatically connect to a PPPoE network for a
more convenient online experience.

ASUS H87M-PLUS

Chapter 1

1-3

MemOK!

MemOK!, the remarkable memory rescue tool, allows you to simply press a button to
patch memory issues, ensure memory boot compatibility, determine fail-safe settings, and
dramatically improve the system’s bootup.

AI Suite 3

With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite 3 integrates several ASUS utilities and

allows you to launch and operate these utilities simultaneously. It allows you to congure

the overclocking settings, adjust the frequencies and related voltages, remotely control the
system via a mobile device, and other easy-to-use and helpful utilities.

ASUS Anti-Surge Protection

This special design protects expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused
by power surges from switching power supply unit (PSU).

1.1.4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

ASUS Fanless Design - Heat-pipe 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 efcient heat-exchange. Combined with usability and aesthetics,

the ASUS stylish heatsink will give you an extremely silent and cooling experience with its
elegant appearance.

ASUS Fan Xpert 2

ASUS Fan Xpert 2 provides customizable settings for a cooler and quieter computing

environment. With its Fan Auto Tuning feature, ASUS Fan Xpert 2 automatically detects

and tweaks all fan speeds, and provides you with optimized fan settings based on the fans’
specications and positions.

1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY

ASUS UEFI BIOS

ASUS UEFI BIOS, a UEFI compliant architecture, offers the rst mouse-controlled intuitive

graphical BIOS interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls,

providing you with more exibility, convenience, and easy to navigate UEFI BIOS than the

traditional BIOS versions. It offers you with dual selectable modes and native support for hard
drives larger than 2.2 TB.

ASUS UEFI BIOS includes the following new features:

• New My Favorite function allows you to quickly access the frequently used items

Chapter 1

• New Quick Note function allows you to take notes in the BIOS environment

• New log reminder allows you to view all your modied settings

1-4

Chapter 1: Product introduction

• F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey

• F3 Shortcut for most accessed information

• ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) information detecting faulty DIMMs, and

helping with difcult POST situations.

ASUS Q-Design

ASUS Q-Design enhances your DIY experience. All of Q-Slot and Q-DIMM design speed up
and simplify the DIY process.

1.1.6 Other special features

HDMI Support

High Denition Multimedia Surface (HDMI) is a set of digital video standards that delivers

multi-channel audio and uncompressed digital video for full HD 1080p visuals through a
single cable. Supporting HDCP copy protection such as HD DVD and blu-ray discs, HDMI
provides you with the highest quality home theater experience.

ErP Ready

The motherboard is European Union’s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP requires

products to meet certain energy efciency requirement in regards to energy consumptions.
This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-efcient products

through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the product and thus
mitigate environmental impacts.

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.

• 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.

• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the
bag that came with the component.

• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is
switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so
may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.

ASUS H87M-PLUS

Chapter 1

1-5

1.2.2 Motherboard layout

H87M-PLUS

PCIEX16_1

PCIEX16_2

PCI1

PCI2

RTL

8111G

ASM
1442

USB910 USB1112 USB1314

AAFP

EATXPWR

CPU_FAN

BATTERY

Super

I/O

ALC
887

ASM
1083

KBMS_USB78

DVI_VGA

8MB
BIOS

SB_PWR

CLRTC

21.9cm(8.6in)

DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_A2 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 240-pin module)

PANEL

SATA6G_1SATA6G_2

SATA6G_3 SATA6G_4

SATA6G_5 SATA6G_6

AUDIO

LAN_USB3_34

USB3_56

HDMI

CHA_FAN2

CHA_FAN1

SPDIF_OUT

24.4cm(9.6in)

DRAM_LED

MemOK!

LGA1150

DIGI

+VRM

COM

EATX12V

USB3_12

TPM

LPT

Intel

®

H87

21 3 41 65

1215

11

13

14

16

8

7

2

9

10

17

Chapter 1

1-6

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.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page

1. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2) 1-19

2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)

3. LGA1150 CPU socket

4. DDR3 DIMM slots

5. TPM header (20-1 pin TPM)

6. MemOK! button

7. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM)

8. DRAM LED (DRAM_LED)

9. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT)

10. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12)

®

11. Intel

12. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)

13. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)

14. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910, USB1112, USB1314)

15. Standby power LED (SB_PWR)

16. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)

17. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)

H87 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6) 1-16

1-20

1-8

1-9

1-20

1-14

1-17

1-15

1-16

1-17

1-13

1-21

1-18

1-15

1-19

1-18

ASUS H87M-PLUS

Chapter 1

1-7

1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

H87M-PLUS

H87M-PLUS CPU socket LGA1150

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1150 socket designed for the 4th
Generation Intel® Core™ i7, Intel® Core™ i5, Intel® Core™ i3, Pentium™, and Celeron™
processors.

• Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.

• Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1150 only. DO NOT install a
CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1150 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. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/
transit-related.

• Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise

Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the

LGA1150 socket.

• The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from
incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP
cap.

Chapter 1

1-8

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2.4 System memory

H87M-PLUS

H87M-PLUS 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets

The motherboard comes with four 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.

Recommended memory congurations

ASUS H87M-PLUS

Chapter 1

1-9

Memory congurations

You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the
DIMM sockets.

Chapter 1

• 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 conguration. Any excess
memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

• Due to Intel

®

chipset limitation, DDR3 1600MHz and higher memory modules on XMP

mode will run at the maximum transfer rate of DDR3 1600MHz.

• According to Intel CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect
the CPU.

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, we
recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.

• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows

®

OS, when you install 4GB
or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be
about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the
following:

a) Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows

b) Install a 64-bit Windows

®

OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the

®

OS.

motherboard.

c) For more details, refer to the Microsoft

®

support site at http://support.microsoft.

com/kb/929605/en-us.

• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less
(Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1 Megabyte/MB).

• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect
(SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.
Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a
lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked
or at a higher frequency, refer to section 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory
frequency adjustment.

• For system stability, use a more efcient memory cooling system to support a full

memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

• Memory modules with memory frequency higher than 2133MHz and their
corresponding timing or the loaded XMP prole is not the JEDEC memory standard.

The stability and compatibility of the memory modules depend on the CPU’s
capabilities and other installed devices.

• Always install the DIMMS with the same CAS Latency. For an optimum compatibility,
we recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or data code (D/
C) from the same vendor. Check with the vendor to get the correct memory modules.

• ASUS exclusively provides hyper DIMM support function.

• Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs. Load
the X.M.P. or D.O.C.P. settings in the BIOS for the hyper DIMM support.

• Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

1-10

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2.5 Expansion slots

H87M-PLUS

PCIEX16_1

PCIEX16_2

PCI1

PCI2

EATX12V

Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may
cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

Slot No. Slot Description

1 PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot (at x16 mode)

2 PCI_1 slot

3 PCI_2 slot

4 PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slot (run at x4 mode, compatible with PCIe x1 and x4 devices)

ASUS H87M-PLUS

Chapter 1

1-11

PCIe Express operating mode

VGA conguration

Single VGA/PCIe card x16 (single VGA recommended) N/A

Dual VGA/PCIe card x16 x4

• In single VGA card mode, use the PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot (yellow) for a PCI Express
x16 graphics card to get better performance.

• We recommend that you provide sufcient power when running CrossFireX™ mode.

• Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/2 when
using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.

PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 PCIe 2.0 x16_2

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

A B C D E F G H

PCIe x16_1 shared – – – – – – –

PCIe x16_2 shared – – – – – – –
Intel SATA Controller – – – shared – – – –
Realtek LAN – – shared – – – – –
Intel xHCI – – – – – shared – –

Intel EHCI 1 – – – – – – – shared

Intel EHCI 2 – – – – shared – – –

HD Audio – – – – – – shared –

Chapter 1

1-12

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2.6 Jumpers

H87M-PLUS

H87M-PLUS Clear RTC RAM

2 2 3

Normal

(Default)

Clear RTC

CLRTC

Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)

This jumper 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.

To erase the RTC RAM:

1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for
about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.

3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.

4. Hold down the
data.

<Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to reenter

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default
position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

• If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper

• You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For

ASUS H87M-PLUS

again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After clearing the CMOS, reinstall the
battery.

system failure due to overclocking, use the CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R) feature.
Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter
settings to default values.

Chapter 1

1-13

1.2.7 Onboard buttons and switches

H87M-PLUS

H87M-PLUS MemOK! switch

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. MemOK! button

Installing DIMMs that are not compatible with the motherboard may cause system
boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! switch lights continuously. Press
and hold the MemOK! button until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic
memory compatibility tuning for successful boot.

Chapter 1

• Refer to section 1.2.8 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.

• The DRAM_LED also lights up when the DIMM is not properly installed. Turn off the
system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! function.

• The MemOK! switch does not function under Windows

• During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. It
takes about 30 seconds for the system to test one set of failsafe settings. If the test
fails, the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe settings. The blinking speed
of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes.

• Due to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each
timing set is tested. If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning
process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones

recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on

the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

• If you turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system
continues memory tuning after turning on the computer. To stop memory tuning, turn
off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 5–10 seconds.

• If your system fails to boot up due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! switch
to boot and load the BIOS default settings. A message will appear during POST
reminding you that the BIOS has been restored to its default settings.

• We recommend that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from the
ASUS website at www.asus.com after using the MemOK! function.

®

OS environment.

1-14

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2.8 Onboard LEDs

SB_PWR

ON

Standby Power

Powered Off

OFF

H87M-PLUS

H87M-PLUS Onboard LED

H87M-PLUS

H87M-PLUS DRAM LED

DRAM LED

1. Standby Power LED

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.

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. This user-friendly design provides an intuitional way to locate the root
problem within a second.

ASUS H87M-PLUS

Chapter 1

1-15

1.2.9 Internal connectors

SATA6G_5

GND

RSATA_RXP5

RSATA_RXN5

GND

RSATA_TXN5

RSATA_TXP5

GND

SATA6G_6

GND

RSATA_RXP6

RSATA_RXN6

GND

RSATA_TXN6

RSATA_TXP6

GND

H87M-PLUS

H87M-PLUS SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors

GND

RSATA_TXP3

RSATA_TXN3

GND

RSATA_RXN3

RSATA_RXP3

GND

SATA6G_4SATA6G_3

GND

RSATA_TXP4

RSATA_TXN4

GND

RSATA_RXN4

RSATA_RXP4

GND

GND

RSATA_TXP1

RSATA_TXN1

GND

RSATA_RXN1

RSATA_RXP1

GND

SATA6G_2SATA6G_1

GND

RSATA_TXP2

RSATA_TXN2

GND

RSATA_RXN2

RSATA_RXP2

GND

H87M-PLUS

H87M-PLUS Parallel Port Connector

LPT

PIN 1

SLCT
PE
BUSY
ACK#
PD7
PD6
PD5
PD4
PD3
PD2
PD1
PD0
STB#

GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND

SLIN#

INIT#

ERR#

AFD

1. Intel® H87 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6)

These connectors connect 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

conguration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® H87

chipset.

• These connectors are set to [AHCI Mode] by default. If you intend to create a Serial
ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [RAID
Mode]. Refer to section 3.6.3 SATA Conguration for details.

• Before creating a RAID set, refer to section
bundled in the motherboard support DVD.

• When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the type of the SATA connectors in the BIOS to

[AHCI]. See section 3.6.3 SATA Conguration for details.

5.1 RAID congurations or the manual

2. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT)

The LPT (Line Printing Terminal) connector supports devices such as a printer. LPT

standardizes as IEEE 1284, which is the parallel port interface on IBM PC-compatible

computers.

Chapter 1

1-16

Chapter 1: Product introduction

3. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12)

H87M-PLUS

H87M-PLUS USB3.0 Front panel connector

USB3_12

H87M-PLUS

H87M-PLUS Serial port (COM) connector

PIN 1

COM

RI
RTS
GND
TXD
DCD

CTS
DSR
DTR
RXD

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 benets of

USB 3.0 including faster data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps, faster charging time for

USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efciency, and backward compatibility with

USB 2.0.

• The USB 3.0 module is purchased separately.

• These connectors are based on xHCI specication. We recommend you to install

the related driver to fully use the USB 3.0 ports under Windows® 7 or later operating
systems.

4. 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.

The COM module is purchased separately.

ASUS H87M-PLUS

Chapter 1

1-17

H87M-PLUS

H87M-PLUS Digital audio connector

SPDIF_OUT

+5V

SPDIFOUT

GND

5. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910; USB1112; USB1314)

H87M-PLUS

H87M-PLUS USB2.0 connectors

USB+5V

USB_P13-

USB_P13+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P14-

USB_P14+

GND

USB1314

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P9-

USB_P9+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P10-

USB_P10+

GND

USB910

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P11-

USB_P11+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P12-

USB_P12+

GND

USB1112

PIN 1

These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of
these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system

chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specication that supports up to

480Mbps connection speed.

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the
motherboard!

• The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.

• These connectors are based on xHCI specication. We recommend you to install

the related driver to fully use the USB 2.0 ports under Windows® 7 or later operating
systems.

6. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)

This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Connect
the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot
opening at the back of the system chassis.

Chapter 1

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

1-18

Chapter 1: Product introduction

7. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2)

CHA_FAN2

CHA FAN PWM

CHA FAN IN

CHA FAN PWR

GND

CHA_FAN1

CHA FAN PWM

CHA FAN IN

CHA FAN PWR

GND

CPU_FAN

CPU FAN PWM

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWR

GND

H87M-PLUS

H87M-PLUS Fan connectors

1

1

2

3

2

3

H87M-PLUS

H87M-PLUS Front panel audio connector

AAFP

AGNDNCSENSE1_RETUR

SENSE2_RETUR

PORT1 L

PORT1 R

PORT2 R

SENSE_SEND

PORT2 L

HD-audio-compliant

pin definition

PIN 1

AGNDNCNC

NC

MIC2

MICPWR

Line out_R

NC

Line out_L

Legacy AC’97

compliant definition

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. Insufcient air ow inside

the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! Do not
place jumper caps on the fan connectors!

• The CPU_FAN connector supports the CPU fan of maximum 1A (12 W) fan power.

• Only 4-pin CPU fans and chassis fans support the ASUS FAN Xpert 2 feature.

8. 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.

• We recommend that you connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this
connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-denition audio capability.

• If you want to connect a high-denition or an AC’97 front panel audio module to this

ASUS H87M-PLUS

connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD] or [AC97].

Chapter 1

1-19

9. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)

H87M-PLUS

H87M-PLUS ATX power connectors

EATXPWR

PIN 1

GND
+5 Volts
+5 Volts
+5 Volts

-5 Volts
GND
GND
GND
PSON#
GND

-12 Volts
+3 Volts

+3 Volts
+12 Volts
+12 Volts

+5V Standby

Power OK

GND

+5 Volts

GND

+5 Volts

GND
+3 Volts
+3 Volts

EATX12V

PIN 1

+12V DC

+12V DC

+12V DC

+12V DC

GND

GND

GND

GND

H87M-PLUS

H87M-PLUS TPM Connector

PIN 1

TPM

SB_SUS_STAT
GND
+3VSB
SMBSCL
LAD0
+3V
LAD3
PCIRST#
FRAME
PCICLK

RESET

GPIO

SERIRQ

SMBSDA

GND
LAD1
LAD2

PWROWN

GND

These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are

designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and
push down rmly until the connectors completely t.

• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit
(PSU) that complies with ATX 12V Specication 2.0 (or later version) and provides a

minimum power of 350W.

• DO NOT forget to connect the 4-pin/8-pin EATX12V power plug. Otherwise, the
system will not boot.

• We recommend that you use a PSU with a higher power output when conguring a

system with more power-consuming devices. The system may become unstable or
may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

• If you want to use two high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with 1000W power
or above to ensure the system stability.

• If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system,
refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus.
com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.

10. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)

This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which securely

store keys, digital certicates, passwords and data. A TPM system also helps enhance

network security, protect digital identities, and ensures platform integrity.

Chapter 1

The TPM module is purchased separately.

1-20

Chapter 1: Product introduction

11. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)

H87M-PLUS

H87M-PLUS System panel connector

PIN 1

* Requires an ATX power supply

PWR_LED

SPEAKER

PWR_LED+

PWR_LED-

+5V

Ground

Ground

Speaker

HDD_LED+

HDD_LED-

PWR

Ground

Reset

Ground

PANEL

HDD_LED

PWR_SW

RESET

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

• System power LED (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.

• Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin HDD_LED)

This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable

to this connector. The HDD LED lights up or ashes when data is read from or written

to the HDD.

• System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The speaker
allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

• ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWR_SW)

This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button turns the
system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending on the operating
system settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds while the
system is ON turns the system OFF.

• Reset button (2-pin RESET)

This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without
turning off the system power.

ASUS H87M-PLUS

Chapter 1

1-21

Chapter 1

1-22

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 2: Basic installation

Basic installation

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.

1. Install the ASUS I/O shield to the chassis rear I/O panel.

2

2. Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are aligned to
the chassis’ rear I/O panel.

ASUS H87M-PLUS

Chapter 2

2-1

3. Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the

H87M-PLUS

chassis.

Chapter 2

2-2

DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

Chapter 2: Basic installation

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.

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Chapter 2

2-3

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.

To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly

Chapter 2

2-4

Chapter 2: Basic installation

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly

ASUS H87M-PLUS

Chapter 2

2-5

2.1.4 DIMM installation

To remove a DIMM

Chapter 2

2-6

Chapter 2: Basic installation

2.1.5 ATX Power connection

OR

ASUS H87M-PLUS

Chapter 2

2-7

2.1.6 SATA device connection

OR

OR

Chapter 2

2-8

Chapter 2: Basic installation

2.1.7 Front I/O Connector

HDD_LED

To install the system panel connector

To install USB 2.0 connector To install front panel audio connector

AAFP

USB 2.0

To install USB 3.0 connector

USB 3.0

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Chapter 2

2-9

2.1.8 Expansion Card installation

To install PCIe x16 cards

To install PCI cards

Chapter 2

2-10

Chapter 2: Basic installation

2.2 Motherboard rear and audio connections

2.2.1 Rear I/O connection

Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo
port

2. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA)
port

®

3. Realtek

LAN (RJ-45) port* 7. HDMI port

4. Audio I/O ports** 8. USB 2.0 ports 7 and 8

* and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LEDs, and audio port denitions.

5. Intel USB 3.0 ports 3-6, support ASUS
USB 3.0 Boost

6. DVI port

• Due to USB 3.0 controller limitation, USB 3.0 devices can only be used under
Windows® OS environment and after the USB 3.0 driver installation.

• USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only.

• We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 devices to USB 3.0 ports for faster
and better performance for your USB 3.0 devices.

• Due to the design of the Intel
USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports are controlled by the xHCI controller. Some legacy USB

devices must update their rmware for better compatibility.

• Multi-VGA output supports up to three displays under a Windows
two displays under BIOS, and one display under DOS.

• Intel
clocks (Pixel Clock = H total x V total x Frame Rate (Screen refresh rate):

ASUS H87M-PLUS

®

8 series chipset, all USB devices connected to the

®

OS environment,

®

display architecture design supports the following maximum supported pixel

- DVI port: 165 MHz

- VGA port: 180 MHz

- HDMI port: 300 MHz

Chapter 2

2-11

* LAN ports LED indications

Speed LED

Status Description

OFF 10 Mbps connection

ORANGE 100 Mbps connection

GREEN 1 Gbps connection

Activity Link LED

Status Description

OFF No link

ORANGE Linked

BLINKING Data activity

ORANGE
(Blinking then steady)

Ready to wake up from S5
mode

** Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration

ACT/LINK

LED

LAN port

SPEED

LED

Light Blue (Rear
panel)

Lime (Rear panel) Line Out Front Speaker Out

Pink (Rear panel) Mic In Mic In Bass/Center Bass/Center
Lime (Front panel) - - - Side Speaker Out

Chapter 2

Port

To congure an 8-channel audio output:

Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an 8-channel audio

Headset

2-channel

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

Line In Rear Speaker Out

output.

Rear Speaker
Out
Front Speaker
Out

Rear Speaker
Out
Front Speaker
Out

2-12

Chapter 2: Basic installation

2.2.2 Audio I/O connections

Audio I/O ports

Connect to Headphone and Mic

Connect to Stereo Speakers

Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers

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Chapter 2

2-13

Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers

Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers

Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers

Chapter 2

2-14

Chapter 2: Basic installation

2.3 Starting up for the rst 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.

4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.

5. Turn on the devices in the following order:

a. Monitor

b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)

c. System power

6. After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case lights up.
For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up when you press the
ATX power button. If your monitor complies with the “green” standards or if it has a
“power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up or change from orange to green
after the system LED turns on.

The system then runs the power-on self tests (POST). While the tests are running, the

BIOS beeps (refer to the BIOS beep codes table) or additional messages appear on
the screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on
the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Check the jumper settings and
connections or call your retailer for assistance.

BIOS Beep Description

One short beep VGA detected

Quick boot set to disabled

No keyboard detected

One continuous beep followed by two
short beeps then a pause (repeated)

One continuous beep followed by three
short beeps

One continuous beep followed by four
short beeps

No memory detected

No VGA detected

Hardware component failure

7. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the
instructions in Chapter 3.

2.4 Turning off the computer

While the system is ON, press the power button for less than four seconds to put the system
on sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Press the power switch
for more than four seconds to let the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS
setting.

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Chapter 2

2-15

Chapter 2

2-16

Chapter 2: Basic installation

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

BIOS setup

3

3.1 Knowing BIOS

The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unied 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. 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 specied.

BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage

device conguration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot
device conguration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In

normal circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure
optimal performance. DO NOT change the default BIOS settings except in the following
circumstances:

An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to

•

run the BIOS Setup.

You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or

•

update.

Inappropriate BIOS settings may result to instability or boot failure. We strongly

recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service
personnel.

When downloading or updating the BIOS le, rename it as H87MPL.CAP for this
motherboard.

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Chapter 3

3-1

3.2 BIOS setup program

Use the BIOS Setup to update the BIOS or congure 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 <Delete> during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you do not press <Delete>,
POST continues with its routines.

Entering BIOS Setup after POST

To enter BIOS Setup after POST:

• Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete> simultaneously.

• Press the reset button on the system chassis.

• Press the power button to turn the system off then back on. Do this option only if you

failed to enter BIOS Setup using the rst two options.

• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and
may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

• Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to your motherboard if you want to use the
mouse to control the BIOS setup program.

• If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default
settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized
Defaults item under the Exit menu or press hotkey <F5>. See section 3.10 Exit Menu
for details.

• If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and
reset the motherboard to the default value. See section 1.2.6 Jumpers for information
on how to erase the RTC RAM.

• The BIOS setup program does not support the bluetooth devices.

BIOS menu screen

The BIOS Setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode.
You can change modes from the Exit menu or from the Exit/Advanced Mode screen.

Chapter 3

3-2

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

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 and boot device priority. To access the
Advanced Mode, click Exit/Advanced Mode, then select Advanced Mode or press <F7> hot
key 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 3.7 Boot menu for details.

Displays the CPU temperature, CPU
voltage output, DRAM information, and
CPU/chassis fan speed

Selects the Advanced
mode functions

Displays the Advanced
mode menus

Selects the boot device priority

Selects the display language
of the BIOS setup program

Selects the boot

device priority

Displays the system properties of the
selected mode on the right hand side

Exits the BIOS setup program
without saving the changes, saves
the changes and resets the system,
or enters the Advanced Mode

Loads optimized
default settings

• The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system.

• The
system.

ASUS H87M-PLUS

Boot Menu(F8) button is available only when the boot device is installed to the

Chapter 3

3-3

3.2.2 Advanced Mode

The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to congure
the BIOS settings. The gure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the
following sections for the detailed congurations.

To access the Advanced Mode, click Exit, then select Advanced Mode or press F7 hotkey.

Back button Menu bar

General help

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 conguration.

Chapter 3

Main For changing the basic system conguration

Ai Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings

Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

Monitor

Boot For changing the system boot conguration

Tool For conguring options for special functions
Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings

3-4

Submenu itemMenu items

Pop-up window

Conguration elds

Navigation keys

For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing the
fan settings.

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Last modied

settings

Quick note

Menu items

The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example,

selecting Main shows the Main menu items.

The other items (Ai Tweaker, Advanced, Monitor, Boot, Tool, and Exit) on the menu bar have
their respective menu items.

Back button

This button appears when entering a submenu. Press <Esc> or use the USB mouse to click
this button to return to the previous menu screen.

Submenu items

A greater than sign (>) before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a
submenu. To display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.

Pop-up window

Select a menu item and press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the conguration

options for that item.

Scroll bar

A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that do not t on

the screen. Press the Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> / <Page Down> keys to display the
other items on the screen.

Navigation keys

At the bottom right corner of the menu screen are the navigation keys for the BIOS setup
program. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.

General help

At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item. Use
<F12> key to capture the BIOS screen and save it to the removable storage device.

Conguration elds

These elds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-congurable, you can
change the value of the eld opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not
user-congurable.

A congurable eld is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a eld, select it and

press <Enter> to display a list of options.

Quick Note button

This button allows you to enter notes of the activities that you have done in BIOS.

Last Modied button

This button shows the items that you last modied and saved in BIOS Setup.

ASUS H87M-PLUS

Chapter 3

3-5

3.3 My Favorites

MyFavorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite

BIOS items.

Adding items to My Favorites

To add frequently-used BIOS items to My Favorites:

1. Use the arrow keys to select an item that you want to add. When using a mouse, hover
the pointer to the item.

2. Press <F4> on your keyboard or right-click on your mouse to add the item to My
Favorites page.

Chapter 3

3-6

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

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.

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 1.2.6 Jumpers for information on how
to erase the RTC RAM.

• The Administrator or User Password items on top of the screen show the default [Not

Installed]. After you set a password, these items show [Installed].

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Chapter 3

3-7

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.

To set an administrator password:

1. Select the

2. From the

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

To change an administrator password:

1. Select the

2. From the
<Enter>.

3. From the

4. Conrm the password when prompted.

To clear the administrator password, follow the same steps as in changing an administrator

password, but press <Enter> when prompted to create/conrm the password. After you clear

the password, the Administrator Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed.

User Password

If you have set a user password, you must enter the user password for accessing the system.
The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a
password, this item shows Installed.

To set a user password:

1. Select the

2. From the

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

To change a user password:

1. Select the

2. From the
<Enter>.

3. From the

Chapter 3

4. Conrm the password when prompted.

To clear the user password, follow the same steps as in changing a user password, but press

<Enter> when prompted to create/conrm the password. After you clear the password, the

User Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed.

Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.

Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.

Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.

Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press

Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.

User Password item and press <Enter>.

Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.

User Password item and press <Enter>.

Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press

Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.

3-8

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu

The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.

Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect eld

values can cause the system to malfunction.

The conguration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you

installed on the motherboard.

Scroll down to display other BIOS items.

Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal

frequency. Select any of these preset overclocking conguration options:

[Auto] Loads the optimal settings for the system.

[X.M.P.] Allows your system to automatically optimize the CPU ratio, BCLK

frequency, and memory parameters. If you install memory modules

supporting the eXtreme Memory Prole (X.M.P.) Technology, select this
item to set the proles supported by your memory modules for optimizing

the system performance.

ASUS H87M-PLUS

Chapter 3

3-9

ASUS MultiCore Enhancement [Enabled]

[Enabled] Default set to [Enabled] for maximum performance under XMP/Manual/

[Disabled] Allows you to set to default core ratio settings.

CPU Core Ratio [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU ratio and sync automatically, per core or all cores. Conguration

options: [Auto] [Sync All Cores] [Per Core]

1-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]

Allows you to set the 1-Core Ratio Limit. Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo
Ratio setting or manually assign a 1-Core Ratio Limit value that is higher than or equal
to the 2-Core Ratio Limit.

2-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]

This item becomes congurable only when you set CPU Core Ratio to [Per Core] and
allows you to set the 2-Core Ratio Limit. Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo
Ratio setting or manually assign a 2-Core Ratio Limit value that is higher than or equal
to the 3-Core Ratio Limit. 1-Core Limit must not be set to [Auto].

3-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]

This item becomes congurable only when you set CPU Core Ratio to [Per Core] and
allows you to set the 3-Core Ratio Limit. Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo
Ratio setting or manually assign a 3-Core Ratio Limit value that is higher than or equal
to the 4-Core Ratio Limit. 1-Core/2-Core Ratio Limit must not be set to [Auto].

4-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]

This item becomes congurable only when you set CPU Core Ratio to [Per Core] and
allows you to set the 4 Core Ratio Limit. Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo
Ratio setting or manually assign a 4-Core Ratio Limit value that is higher than or equal
to the 3-Core Ratio Limit. 1-Core/2-Core/3-Core Limit must not be set to [Auto].

Min CPU Cache Ratio [Auto]

Allows you to set the uncore ratio of the processor to its possible minimum value.

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [30]

Max CPU Cache Ratio [Auto]

Chapter 3

Allows you to set the uncore ratio of the processor to its possible maximum value.

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [30]

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.

[100:133] The CPU bus speed to DRAM speed ratio is set to 100:133.

[100:100] The CPU bus speed to DRAM speed ratio is set to 100:100.

User-dened memory frequency mode.

When the CPU Core Ratio is set to [Sync All Cores] or [[Per Core], the following items
appear:

3-10

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Memory Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the memory operating frequency. The conguration options vary with the

BCLK Frequency: DRAM Frequency Ratio item settings.

CPU Graphics Max. Ratio [Auto]

[Auto] The CPU Graphics Max. Ratio is set to its optimized setting depending on

[Manual] Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the optimal CPU Graphics Max. Ratio.

the system loading.

The frequency may vary depending on the system load.

GPU Boost [As is]

GPU Boost accelerates the integrated GPU for extreme graphics performance. Conguration

options: [As is] [Enabled]

EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function. Conguration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled]

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 <Enter> key.

Changing the values in this menu may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default settings.

Primary Timings

DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]

DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]

DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]

DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [63]

DRAM COMMAND Rate [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [3]

Secondary Timings

DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]

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Chapter 3

3-11

DRAM REF Cycle Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [511]

DRAM Refresh Interval [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [65535]

DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [16]

DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]

DRAM FOUR ACT WIN Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [255]

DRAM WRITE to READ Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]

DRAM CKE Minimum pulse width [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]

DRAM CAS# Write to Latency [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]

RTL IOL control

Chapter 3

DRAM RTL initial Value [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [63]

DRAM RTL (CHA_R0D0) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [63]

DRAM RTL (CHA_R0D1) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [63]

DRAM RTL (CHA_R1D0) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [63]

DRAM RTL (CHA_R1D1) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [63]

DRAM RTL (CHB_R0D0) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [63]

DRAM RTL (CHB_R0D1) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [63]

DRAM RTL (CHB_R1D0) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [63]

DRAM RTL (CHB_R1D1) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [63]

DRAM IO-L (CHA_R0D0) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [15]

DRAM IO-L (CHA_R0D1) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [15]

DRAM IO-L (CHA_R1D0 [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [15]

3-12

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

DRAM IO-L (CHA_R1D1 [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [15]

DRAM IO-L (CHB_R0D0 [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [15]

DRAM IO-L (CHB_R0D1) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [15]

DRAM IO-L (CHB_R1D0 [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [15]

DRAM IO-L (CHB_R1D1 [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [15]

Third Timings

tRDRD [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [7]

tRDRD_dr [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]

tRDRD_dd [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]

tWRRD [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [63]

tWRRD_dr [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]

tWRRD_dd [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]

tWRWR [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [7]

tWRWR_dr [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]

tWRWR_dd [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]

Dec_WRD

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] [1]

tRDWR [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]

tRDWR_dr [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]

tRDWR_dd [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]

Chapter 3

ASUS H87M-PLUS

3-13

MISC

MRC Fast Boot [Auto]

Allows you to enable, disable or automatically set the MRC fast boot. Conguration

options: [Auto] [Enable] [Disable]

DRAM CLK Period [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [14]

Channel A DIMM Control [Enable Bot...]

Conguration options: [Enable Both DIMMS] [Disable DIMM0] [Disable DIMM1]

[Disable Both DIMMS]

Channel B DIMM Control [Enable Bot...]

Conguration options: [Enable Both DIMMS] [Disable DIMM0] [Disable DIMM1]

[Disable Both DIMMS]

Scrambler Setting [Optimized ...]

Allows you to set the optimized setting for stability. Conguration options: [Optimized

(ASUS] [Default (MRC)]

DIGI+ VRM

CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]

Load-line is dened by Intel VRM specication and affects CPU voltage. The CPU

working voltage will decrease proportionally to CPU loading. Higher value gets a
higher voltage and better overclocking performance, but increases the CPU and VRM
thermal conditions. This item allows you to adjust the voltage range from the following

percentages to boost the system performance: 0% (Regular), 25% (Medium), 50%
(High), 75% (Ultra High), and 100% (Extreme). Conguration options: [Auto] [Regular]

[Medium] [High] [Ultra High] [Extreme]

The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specication.

CPU Fixed Frequency [XXX]

This item allows you to set a xed CPU frequency. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust
the value. The values range from 200kHz to 350kHz with a 50kHz interval.

CPU Power Phase Control [Auto]

Allows you to set the power phase based on the CPU. Conguration options: [Auto]
[Standard] [Optimized] [Extreme] [Manual Adjustment]

Chapter 3

3-14

DO NOT remove the thermal module when setting this item to [Extreme] and [Manual
Adjustment]. The thermal conditions should be monitored.

This following item appears only when you set the CPU Power Phase Control item to

[Manual Adjustment].

Manual Adjustment [Fast]

Allows you to set a response for the CPU power phase control.

Conguration options: [Ultra Fast] [Fast] [Medium] [Regular]

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

CPU Power Duty Control [T.Probe]

DIGI + VRM Duty Control adjusts the current of every VRM phase and the thermal
conditions of every component.
[T. Probe] Select to maintain the VRM thermal balance.
[Extreme] Select to maintain the current VRM balance.

CPU Current Capability [Auto]

Allows you to congure the total power range, and extends the overclocking frequency
range simultaneously. Conguration options: [Auto] [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%]
[140%]

Choose a higher value when overclocking, or under a high CPU loading for extra power
support.

CPU Power Management

The subitems in this menu allow you to set the CPU ratio and features.

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep Technology (EIST).
[Disabled] Disables this function.

[Enabled] The operating system dynamically adjusts the processor voltage and

Turbo Mode [Enabled]

Allows you to enable your core processor’s speed to run faster than the marked

frequency in a specic condition. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following items appear only when you set the Turbo Mode to [Enabled].

core frequency which may result in decreased average consumption
and decreased average heat production.

Turbo Mode Parameters

Long Duration Package Power Limit [Auto]

Allows you to limit the turbo ratio’s long duration package power. Use the
<+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Package Power Time Window [Auto]

Allows you to maintain the turbo ratio’s package power time window. Use
the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Short Duration Package Power Limit [Auto]

Allows you to limit the turbo ratio’s short duration power. Use the <+> and
<-> keys to adjust the value.

CPU Integrated VR Current Limit [Auto]

Allows you to set a higher current limit to prevent frequency and power
throttling when overclocking. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

CPU Internal Power Switching Frequency

Frequency Tuning Mode [Auto]

Allows you to increase or decrease the switching frequency of the internal
regulator. Decrease to help consume less power or increase to help votlage

stability. Conguration options: [Auto] [+] [-]

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Chapter 3

3-15

CPU Internal Power Fault Control

CPU Internal Power Configuration

Chapter 3

CPU Internal Power Saving Control

Thermal Feedback [Auto]

Allows your system to take precautionary actions to be taken by the
CPU when the thermal conditions of the external regulator exceeds the

threshold. Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

CPU Integrated VR Fault Management [Auto]

Disable this item to prevent tripping the Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator
when doing over-voltage. We recommend you to disable this item when

overclocking. Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

CPU Integrated VR Efciency Management [Auto]

Allows you to improve power saving when the processor is in low power
state. Disable to make the Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator work in high

performance at all times. Conguration options: [Auto] [High Performance]

[Balanced]

Power Decay Mode [Auto]

Allows your system to improve the power saving mode on the Fully
Integrated Voltage Regulator as the processor goes into low current state.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

Idle Power-in Response [Auto]

Allows you to set the slew rate for the Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator

as it enters manual override mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [Regular]

[Fast]

Idle Power-out Response [Auto]

Allows you to set the slew rate for the Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator as

it exits manual override mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Fast]

Power Current Slope [Auto]

Allows you to set the gradient of the high-speed active phase current
balance during load transients to eliminate current imbalance that can
result from a load current oscillating near the switching frequency.

Conguration options: [Auto] [LEVEL -4] - [LEVEL 4]

Power Current Offset [Auto]

Allows you to increase or decrease the output current sensed by the CPU.

It nds the balance between optimal regulating while staying below the
current threshold. Conguration options: [Auto] [100%] [87.5%] [75.0%]
[62.5%] [50.0%] [37.5%] [25.0%] [12.5%] [0%] [-12.5%] [-25.0%] [-37.5%]
[-50.0%] [-62.5%] [-75.0%] [-87.5%] [-100%]

Power Fast Ramp Response [Auto]

Allows you to increase to enhance the response of the voltage regulator

during the load transient. Conguration options: [Auto] [0.00] - [1.50]

Power Saving Level 1 Threshold [Auto]

Lower value provides sufcient overclocking tolerance to enlarge the

overclocking potential. Higher value provides better power-saving condition.
Use <+> and <-> key to adjust the value. The values range from 0A to 80A
at 1Amp increment.

3-16

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Power Saving Level 2 Threshold [Auto]

Lower value provides sufcient overclocking tolerance to enlarge the

overclocking potential. Higher value provides better power-saving condition.
Use <+> and <-> key to adjust the value. The values range from 0A to 50A
at 1Amp increment.

Power Saving Level 3 Threshold [Auto]

Lower value provides sufcient overclocking tolerance to enlarge the

overclocking potential. Higher value provides better power-saving condition.
Use <+> and <-> key to adjust the value. The values range from 0A to 30A
at 1Amp increment.

Extreme OV [Disabled]

This item allows you to enable or disable extreme over-voltage. Conguration options:

[Enabled] [Disabled]

CPU Core Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to congure the amount of voltage fed to the cores of the processor. Increase the
amount of voltage when increasing core frequency. Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual

Mode] [Offset Mode] [Adaptive Mode]

The following item appears only when you set the CPU Core Voltage to [Manual Mode].

CPU Core Voltage Override [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU Core Voltage override. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the
value. The values range from 0.001V to 1.920V with a 0.001V interval.

The following items appear only when you set the CPU Core Voltage to [Offset Mode] or

[Adaptive Mode].

Offset Mode Sign [+]

[+] To offset the voltage by a positive value.

[–] To offset the voltage by a negative value.

CPU Core Voltage Offset

Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V
to 0.999V with a 0.001V interval.

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 add voltage for Turbo Mode CPU core. Use the <+> or <-> keys
to adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V to 1.920V with a 0.001V interval.

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3-17

CPU Graphics Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to congure the amount of voltage fed to the onboard graphics unit on the
processor. Increase the amount of voltage when increasing iGPU frequency. Conguration

options: [Auto] [Manual Mode] [Offset Mode] [Adaptive Mode]

The following item appears only when you set the CPU Graphics Voltage to [Manual

Mode].

CPU Graphics Voltage Override [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU Graphics Voltage override. Use the <+> or <-> keys to
adjust the value, The values range from 0.001V to 1.920V with a 0.001V interval.

The following items appear only when you set the CPU Graphics Voltage to [Offset Mode]
or [Adaptive Mode].

Offset Mode Sign [+]

[+] To offset the voltage by a positive value.

[–] To offset the voltage by a negative value.

CPU Graphics Voltage Offset

Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V
to 0.999V with a 0.001V interval.

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 add voltage for Turbo Mode CPU Graphics. Use the <+> or
<-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V to 1.920V with a 0.001V
interval.

CPU Cache Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to congure the amount of voltage fed to the uncore of the processor including its
cache. Increase the voltage when increasing Ring frequency. Conguration options: [Auto]

[Manual Mode] [Offset Mode] [Adaptive Mode]

Chapter 3

Allows you to set the CPU Cache Voltage override. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust
the value, The values range from 0.001V to 1.920V with a 0.001V interval.

Offset Mode Sign [+]

[+] To offset the voltage by a positive value.

[–] To offset the voltage by a negative value.

3-18

CPU Cache Voltage Override [Auto]

The following item appears only when you set the CPU Cache Voltage to [Manual Mode].

The following items appear only when you set the CPU Cache Voltage to [Offset Mode] or
[Adaptive Mode].

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

CPU Cache Voltage Offset

Allows you to set the CPU cache voltage offset. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the
value. The values range from 0.001V to 0.999V with a 0.001V interval.

The following item appears only when you set the CPU Cache Voltage to [Adaptive Mode].

Additional Turbo Mode CPU Cache Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to add voltage for Turbo Mode CPU Graphics. Use the <+> or <-> keys to
adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V to 1.920V with a 0.001V interval.

CPU System Agent Voltage Offset Mode Sign [+]

[+] To offset the voltage by a positive value.

[–] To offset the voltage by a negative value.

CPU System Agent Voltage Offset [Auto]

Allows you to congure the amount of voltage fed to the system agent of the processor

including its PCIe controller and power control unit. Increase the amount of voltage
when increasing DRAM frequency. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The
values range from 0.001V to 0.999V with a 0.001V interval.

CPU Analog I/O Voltage Offset Mode Sign [+]

[+] To offset the voltage by a positive value.

[–] To offset the voltage by a negative value.

CPU Analog I/O Voltage Offset [Auto]

Allows you to congure the amount of voltage fed to the analog portion of the I/O on

the processor. Increase the amount of voltage when increasing DRAM frequency. Use
the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V to 0.999V with
a 0.001V interval.

CPU Digital I/O Voltage Offset Mode Sign [+]

[+] To offset the voltage by a positive value.

[–] To offset the voltage by a negative value.

CPU Digital I/O Voltage Offset [Auto]

Allows you to congure the amount of voltage fed to the digital portion of the I/O on the

processor. Increase the amount of voltage when increasing DRAM frequency. Use the
<+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V to 0.999V with a

0.001V interval.

SVID Support [Auto]

Disabling SVID support stops the processor from communicating with the external voltage

regulator. Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

• We recommend that you disable this function when overclocking.

• The following item appears only when you set SVID Support to

ASUS H87M-PLUS

[Enabled].

Chapter 3

3-19

SVID Voltage Override [Auto]

Allows you to set the SVID Voltage override. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the
value. The values range from 0.001V to 2.440V with a 0.001V interval.

CPU Input Voltage (VCCIN) [Auto]

Allows you to set a CPU input voltage for the processor by the external voltage regulator.
Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.800V to 2.700V with a

0.010V interval.

DRAM Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.185V to 1.800V with a 0.005V
interval.

PCH VLX Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the voltage for the I/O on the PCH. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the
value. The values range from 1.185V to 2.135V with a 0.005V interval.

PCH Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the Platform Controller Hub voltage. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the
value. The values range from 0.735V to 1.500V with a 0.005V interval.

DRAM CTRL REF Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set a fraction of DRAM voltage as reference on the control lines. Use the <+>
or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.3950x to 0.6300x with a 0.0050x
interval.

DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/CHB [Auto]

Allows you to set the DRAM DATA Reference Voltage on Channel A/B. The values range
from 0.3950x to 0.6300x with a 0.0050x interval. Different ratio might enhance DRAM
overclocking ability.

CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]

Chapter 3

[Auto] Automatic conguration.

[Disabled] Enhances the BCLK overclocking ability.

[Enabled] Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.

According to Intel CPU specications, DIMMs with voltage requirement over 1.65V may

damage the CPU permanently. We recommend that you install the DIMMs with the voltage
requirement below 1.65V.

The system may need better cooling system to work stably under high voltage settings.

3-20

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

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.

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Chapter 3

3-21

3.6.1 CPU Conguration

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.

Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the overheated CPU to throttle its clock speed to cool down.

[Disabled] Disables the CPU thermal monitor function.

Hyper-threading [Enabled]

The Intel Hyper-Threading Technology allows a hyper-threading processor to appear as two
logical processors to the operating system, allowing the operating system to schedule two
threads or processes simultaneously.

[Enabled] Two threads per activated core are enabled.

Chapter 3

[Disabled] Only one thread per activated core is enabled.

Active Processor Cores [All]

Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor package.

Conguration options: [All] [1] [2] [3]

3-22

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Limit CPUID Maximum [Disabled]

[Enabled] Allows legacy operating systems to boot even without support for CPUs

with extended CPUID functions.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.

[Disabled] Forces the XD feature ag to always return to zero (0).

Intel Virtualization Technology [Disabled]

[Enabled] Allows a hardware platform to run multiple operating systems separately

and simultaneously, enabling one system to virtually function as several
systems.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

Hardware Prefetcher [Enabled]

[Enabled] Allows a hardware platform to automatically analyze the requirements and

prefetch data and codes for the CPU.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled]

[Enabled] Allows a hardware platform to perform adjacent cache line prefetching.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

Boot Performance mode [Max Non-Tu...]

Allows you to select the performance state that the BIOS will set before OS handoff.

Conguration options: [Max Non-Turbo performance] [Max Battery] [Turbo Performance]

CPU Power Management Conguration

This item allows you to manage and congure the CPU’s power.

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled]

Allows your system to adjust the processor’s voltage and cores frequency, resulting in
decreased power consumption and heat production.
[Disabled] The CPU runs at its default speed.

[Enabled] The system controls the CPU speed.

Turbo Mode [Enabled]

Allows you to set the processor cores to run faster than the base frequency when

operating below power, current and temperature specication limit. Conguration

options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

CPU C States

Allows you to enable or disable the CPU C states. Conguration options: [Auto]

[Enabled] [Disabled]

The following items appear only when you set the CPU C States to [Enabled].

Chapter 3

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3-23

Enhanced C1 state [Enabled]

Allows your processor to reduce power when the system is in idle mode.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

CPU C3 Report [Enabled]

Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C3 report to the operating system.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

CPU C6 Report [Enabled]

Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C6 report to the operating system.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

C6 Latency [Short]

Allows you to set the duration of C6 latency for C6 state. Conguration

options: [Short] [Long]

CPU C7 Report [CPU C7s]

Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C7 report to the operating system.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [CPU C7] [CPU C7s]

C7 Latency [Long]

Allows you to set the duration of C7 latency for C7 state. Conguration

options: [Short] [Long]

Package C State Support [Auto]

Allows you to set the a C-state according to the following conguration

options: [Auto] [Enabled] [C0/C1] [C2] [C3] [C6] [CPU C7] [CPU C7s]

3.6.2 PCH Conguration

PCI Express Conguration

Allows you to congure the PCI Express slots.

DMI Link ASPM Control [Auto]

Chapter 3

3-24

Allows you to control the ASPM (Active State Power Management) on both Northbridge

side and Southbridge side of the DMI Link. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

[Auto]

ASPM Support [Disabled]

Allows you to set the ASPM level. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto] [L0s] [L1]

[L0sL1]

PCIe Speed [Auto]

Allows you to select the PCI Express port speed. Conguration options: [Auto] [Gen1]

[Gen2]

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Intel Rapid Start Technology [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable Intel Rapid Start Technology. Conguration options: [Enabled]

[Disabled]

The following items appear only when you set the Intel Rapid Start Technology to

[Enabled].

Entry on S3 RTC Wake [Enabled]

The system automatically wakes up and set to Rapid Start Technology S4 mode.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled

Entry After [0]

Allows you to set the wake-up time. The values range from 0 (Immediately)
to 120 minutes.

Active Page Threshold Support [Enabled]

The system automatically goes into sleep mode when the partition size is not enough

for the Intel® Rapid Start Technology to work. Conguration options: [Enabled]
[Disabled]

Active Memory Threshold [0]

Key in the value for the additional partition size for Rapid Start Technology

to work.

Ensure that the caching partition size is larger than the total memory size.

Hybrid Hard Disk Support [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the hybrid hard disk support. Conguration options:

[Enabled] [Disabled]

Intel Smart Connect Technology

ISCT Support [Disabled]

Allow you to enable or disable the Intel® Smart Connect Technology. Conguration options:
[Enabled] [Disabled]

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Chapter 3

3-25

3.6.3 SATA Conguration

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The
SATA Port items show Not Present if no SATA device is installed to the corresponding SATA
port.

Scroll down to display the other BIOS items.

SATA Mode Selection [AHCI]

Allows you to set the SATA conguration.

[Disabled] Disables the SATA function.

[IDE] Set to [IDE Mode] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as

[AHCI] Set to [AHCI Mode] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the

Chapter 3

[RAID] Set to [RAID Mode] when you want to create a RAID conguration from the

Aggressive LPM Support [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the SATA Mode Selection item to [AHCI] or [RAID], and

allow you to enable the PCH to aggressively enter link power state. Conguration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

3-26

Parallel ATA physical storage devices.

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.

SATA hard disk drives.

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

IDE Legacy / Native Mode Selection [Native]

This item appears only when you set the SATA Mode Selection item to [IDE]. Conguration

options: [Native] [Legacy]

S.M.A.R.T. Status Check [Enabled]

S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitor system. When
read/write of your hard disk errors occur, this feature allows the hard disk to report warning

messages during the POST. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Hot Plug [Disabled]

This item appears only when you set the SATA Mode Selection item to [AHCI] or [RAID],

and allow you to enable/disable SATA Hot Plug Support. Conguration options: [Disabled]

[Enabled]

3.6.4 System Agent Conguration

VT-d [Disabled]

Allows you to enable virtualization technology function on memory control hub.

[Enabled] Enables the function.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

CPU Audio Devices [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable CPU SA Audio devices. Conguration options: [Enabled]

[Disabled]

DVI Port Audio [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the DVI port. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Graphics Conguration

Allows you to select a primary display from iGPU, and PCIe graphical devices.

Primary Display [Auto]

Allows you to select which of the iGPU/PCIE Graphics device for Primary Display.

Conguration options: [Auto] [iGPU] [PCIE] [PCI]

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Chapter 3

3-27

iGPU Memory [Auto]

Allows you to set the system memory size allocated to DVMT 5.0 used by the iGPU.
Conguration options: [Auto] [32M] [64M] [96M] [128M] ~ [448M] [480M] [512M]

[1024M]

Render Standby [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable Intel® Graphics Render Standby support to reduce

iGPU power use when the system is idle. Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]

[Enabled]

iGPU Multi-Monitor [Disabled]

Allows you to enable the iGPU Multi-Monitor. For LucidLogix Virtu MVP function
support, set this item to [Enabled] to empower both integrated and discrete graphics.

The iGPU shared system memory size will be xed at 64MB.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

DMI Conguration

Allows you to control various DMI (Desktop Management Interface) functions.

DMI Gen 2 [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable DMI Gen 2. Conguration options: [Auto] [Enabled]

[Disabled]

NB PCIe Conguration

Allows you to congure the NB PCI Express settings.

PCIEx16_1 Link Speed [Auto]

Allows you to congure the PCIEx16 speed. Conguration options: [Auto] [Gen1]

[Gen2] [Gen3]

DMI Link ASPM Control [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the control of Active State Power Management on SA

side of the DMI Link. Conguration options: [Disabled] [L0s] [L1] [L0sL1]

PEG - ASPM [Disabled]

Allows you to control ASPM support for the PEG device. Conguration options:

[Disabled] [Auto] [ASPM L0s] [ASPM L1] [ASPM L0sL1]

Memory Conguration

Allows you to congure the memory conguration parameters.

Memory Scrambler [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Memory Scrambler support. Conguration options:

Chapter 3

[Enabled] [Disabled]

Memory Remap [Enabled]

Allows you to enable remapping the memory above 4GB. Conguration options:

[Enabled] [Disabled]

3-28

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.6.5 USB Conguration

The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.

The USB Devices item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the
item shows None.

Legacy USB Support [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS).

[Disabled] The USB devices can be used only for the BIOS setup program. It cannot

[Auto] Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If

Intel xHCI Mode [Smart Auto]

[Auto] Keeps the last operation of xHCI controller in OS during bootup.

[Smart Auto] Enables the operation of xHCI controller.

[Enabled] Enables the xHCI controller.

[Disabled] Disables the xHCI controller.

EHCI Hand-off [Disabled]

[Enabled] Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off

[Disabled] Disables the EHCI Hand-off support.

USB Single Port Control

Allows you to enable or disable the individual USB port.

be recognized in boot devices list.

detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is
detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.

feature.

Refer to section 1.2.2 Motherboard layout for the location of the USB ports.

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Chapter 3

3-29

3.6.6 Platform Misc Conguration

The items in this menu allow you to congure the platform-related features.

PCI Express Native Power Management [Disabled]

Allows you to enhance the power saving feature of PCI Express and perform ASPM

operations in the operating system. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following item appears only when you set the PCI Express Native Power Management
to [Enabled].

Native ASPM [Disabled]

[Enabled] Vista controls the ASPM support for the device.

[Disabled] BIOS controls the ASPM support for the device.

3.6.7 Onboard Devices Conguration

Scroll down to view the other BIOS items.

Chapter 3

3-30

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

HD Audio Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the High Denition Audio Controller.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

The following two items appear only when you set the HD Audio Controller item to

[Enabled].

Front Panel Type [HD]

Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or

high-denition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio

module supports.

[HD] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high denition

audio.

[AC97] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97

SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF]

[SPDIF] Sets to an SPDIF audio output.

[HDMI] Sets to an HDMI audio output.

Realtek LAN Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the Realtek® LAN controller.

[Disabled] Disables the Realtek

The following item appears only when you set the Realtek LAN Controller item to
[Enabled].

®

LAN controller.

Realtek PXE OPROM [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the PXE OptionRom of the Realtek LAN controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Serial Port Conguration

The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the serial port conguration.

This item functions only if there is a serial port (COM1) connector on the motherboard.

Serial Port [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the serial port (COM). Conguration options: [Enabled]

[Disabled]

Change Settings [IO=3F8h; IRQ=4]

Allows you to select the Serial Port base address. Conguration options: [IO=3F8h;
IRQ=4] [IO=2F8h; IRQ=3] [IO=3E8h; IRQ=4] [IO=2E8h; IRQ=3]

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Parallel Port Conguration

The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the parallel port conguration.

Parallel Port [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the parallel port (LPT/LPTE).

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

The following items appear only when you set the Parallel Port Conguration item to
[Enabled].

Change Settings [Auto]

Allows you to select an optimal setting for Super I/O devices. Conguration
options: [Auto] [IO=378h; IRQ=5;] [IO=378h; IRQ=5,6,7,9,10,11,12;] [IO=278h;
IRQ=5,6,7,9,10,11,12;] [IO=3BCh; IRQ=5,6,7,9,10,11,12;]

Device Mode [STD Printe...]

Allows you to select the Printer Port mode. Conguration options: [STD Printer Mode]

[SPP Mode] [EPP-1.9 and SPP Mode] [EPP-1.7 and SPP Mode] [ECP Mode] [ECP and
EPP 1.9 Mode] [ECP and EPP 1.7 Mode]

3.6.8 APM

Deep S4 [Disabled]

When enabled, the system in S4 state will further reduce power usage and will power off the
USB and PS/2 devices. The system in deep S4 state can be woken up via the power button,

devices in LAN, or other ways except via the USB and PS/2 devices. Conguration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled]

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

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was before the AC power loss.

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

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.

Power On By PCIE/PCI [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the PCIE/PCI devices to generate a wake-on-LAN feature of the

[Enabled] Enables the PCIE/PCI devices to generate a wake-on-LAN feature of the

Realtek LAN device or other installed PCIE/PCI LAN devices.

Realtek LAN device or other installed PCIE/PCI LAN devices.

Power On By Ring [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables Ring to generate a wake event.

[Enabled] Enables Ring to generate a wake event.

Power On By RTC [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables RTC to generate a wake event.

[Enabled] When set to [Enabled], the items

Minute/Second will become user-congurable with set values.

RTC Alarm Date (Days) and Hour/

3.6.9 Network Stack

Network Stack [Disabled]

This item allows user to disable or enable the UEFI network stack. Conguration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled]

The following items appear only when you set the Network Stack to [Enabled].

Ipv4/Ipv6 PXE Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Ipv4/Ipv6 PXE boot option. Conguration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled]

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Chapter 3

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3.7 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 [xxxºC/xxxºF]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU temperature.
Select [Ignore] if you do not wish to display the detected temperature.

CPU Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A], Chassis Fan 1/2 Speed [xxxx
RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and chassis fan

speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the eld

shows N/A. Select [Ignore] if you do not wish to display the detected speed.

CPU Input Voltage (VCCIN), 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage

Chapter 3

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard
voltage regulators. Select [Ignore] if you do not want to detect this item.

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Chapter 3: BIOS setup

CPU Q-Fan Control [Auto]

[Disabled] Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.

[Enabled] Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.

The following items appear only when you set the CPU Q-Fan Control item to [Advance

Mode].

CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [200 RPM]

Allows you to disable or set the CPU fan warning speed. Conguration options: [Ignore] [100

RPM] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM]

CPU Fan Profile [Standard]

Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU fan.
[Standard] Set to make the CPU fan adjust automatically depending on the CPU

[Silent] Set to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation.

[Turbo] Set to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.

[Manual] Set to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.

The following four items appear only when you set CPU Fan Prole to [Manual].

temperature.

CPU Upper Temperature [70]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature.
The values range from 20ºC to 75ºC.

CPU Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. The

values range from 20% to 100%. When the CPU temperature reaches the

upper limit, the CPU fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle.

CPU Lower Temperature [20]

Displays the lower limit of the CPU temperature.

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

40ºC, the CPU fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.

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Chassis1/2 Q-Fan Control [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.

[Enabled] Enables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.

Chassis1/2 Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]

Allows you to disable or set the chassis fan warning speed. Conguration options: [Ignore]

[200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]

Chassis1/2 Fan Profile [Standard]

Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the chassis fan.
[Standard] Set to make the CPU fan adjust automatically depending on the CPU

[Silent] Set to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation.

[Turbo] Set to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.

[Manual] Set to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.

Chapter 3

Anti Surge Support [Enabled]

This item allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge function. Conguration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled]

The following items appear only when you set the Chassis1/2 Q-Fan Control items to
[Enabled].

temperature.

The following four items appear only when you set the Chassis1/2 Fan Prole items to

[Manual].

Chassis1/2 Upper Temperature [70]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the chassis
temperature. The values range from 40ºC to 75ºC.

Chassis1/2 Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan duty cycle.

The values range from 60% to 100%. When the chassis temperature

reaches the upper limit, the chassis fan will operate at the maximum duty
cycle.

Chassis1/2 Lower Temperature [40]

Displays the lower limit of the chassis temperature.

CPU Fan1/2 Min. Duty Cycle(%) [60]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum chassis fan duty cycle.

The values range from 60% to 100%. When the chassis temperature is

under 40ºC, the chassis fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.

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Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.8 Boot menu

The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.

Boot Conguration

Fast Boot [Enabled]

[Disabled] Allows your system to go back to its normal boot speed.

[Enabled] Allows your system to accelerate the boot speed.

The following four items appear only when you set Fast Boot to [Enabled].

USB Support [Partial In...]

[Disabled] All USB devices will not be available until OS boot up for a fastest
POST time.

[Full Initialization] All USB devices will be available during POST. This process will

extend the POST time.

[Partial Initialization] For a faster POST time, only USB ports with keyboard and mouse

connections will be detected.

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PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse Support [Auto]

Select any of these settings when PS/2 keyboard and mouse are installed. These
settings only apply when Fast Boot is enabled.
[Auto] For a faster POST time, PS/2 devices will only be available when

[Full Initialization] For full system control, PS/2 devices will be available during

[Disabled] For the fastest POST time, all PS/2 devices will not be available

Network Stack Driver Support [Disabled]

[Disabled] Select to skip the network stack driver from loading during POST.
[Enabled] Select to load the network stack driver during POST.

Next Boot after AC Power Loss [Normal Boot]

[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 system boots up or rebooted when the PS/2 devices have not
been reconnected or changed. If you disconnect or change PS/2
devices before restarting the system, PS/2 devices will not be
available and BIOS setup program will not be accessible via PS/2
devices.

POST at any circumstances. This process will extend POST time.

until your computer enters the operating system.

Boot Logo Display [Enabled]

[Enabled] Display the boot logo during POST.

[Disabled] Hide the logo during POST.

Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature.

Boot Logo Size Control [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the Boot Logo Display item to [Enabled].

[Auto] Automatically adjust the boot logo size according to Windows®

[Full Screen] Display the boot logo in full screen.

Post Delay Time [3 sec]

This item appears only when you set the Boot Logo Display item to [Enabled]. 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. The
values range from 0 to 10 seconds.

requirements.

Chapter 3

Post Report [5 sec]

This item appears only when you set the Boot Logo Display item to [Disabled]. This

item allows you to select a desired POST report waiting time. Conguration options: [1

sec] - [10 sec] [Until Press ESC]

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This feature will only work when set under normal boot.

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Bootup NumLock State [On]

[On] Set the power-on state of the NumLock to [On].

[Off] Set the power-on state of the NumLock to

[Off].

Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the function.

[Enabled] The system waits for the <F1> key to be pressed when error occurs.

Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS]

[Force BIOS] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed during the boot sequence.

[Keep Current] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-party

manufacturer had set the add-on device to do so.

Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled]

[Enabled] Allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

Setup Mode [EZ Mode]

[Advanced Mode] Allows you to go to Advanced Mode of the BIOS after POST.

[EZ Mode] Allows you to go to EZ Mode of the BIOS after POST.

CSM (Compatibility Support Module)

Allows you to congure the CSM (Compatibility Support Module) items to fully support the

various VGA, bootable devices and add-on devices for better compatibility.

Launch CSM [Enabled]

[Auto] The system automatically detects the bootable devices and the add-

[Enabled] For better compatibility, enable the CSM to fully support the non-UEFI

[Disabled] Disable the CSM to fully support the Windows

on devices.

driver add-on devices or the Windows® UEFI mode.

Security Boot.

®

Security Update and

The following four items appear when you set Launch CSM to [Enabled].

Boot Device Control [UEFI and Legacy OpROM]

Allows you to select the type of devices that you want to boot. Conguration

options: [UEFI and Legacy OpROM] [Legacy OpROM only] [UEFI only]

Boot from Network Devices [Legacy OpROM rst]

Allows you to select the type of network devices that you want to launch.

Conguration options: [Legacy OpROM rst] [UEFI driver rst] [Ignore]

Boot from Storage Devices [Legacy OpROM rst]

Allows you to select the type of storage devices that you want to launch.

Conguration options: [Both, Legacy OpROM rst] [Both, UEFI rst]
[Legacy OpROM rst] [UEFI driver rst] [Ignore]

Boot from PCIe/PCI Expansion Devices [Legacy OpROM rst]

Allows you to select the type of PCIe/PCI expansion devices that you want

to launch. Conguration options: [Legacy OpROM rst] [UEFI driver rst]

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Chapter 3

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Secure Boot

Allows you to congure the Windows Secure Boot settings and manage its keys to protect the
system from unauthorized access and malwares during POST.

OS Type [Windows UEFI mode]

[Windows UEFI
Mode]

[Other OS] Get the optimized function when booting on Windows® non-

Key Management

This item appears only when you set OS Type to [Windows UEFI Mode]. It allows you
to manage the Secure Boot keys.

Allows you to select your installed operating system. Execute
the Microsoft® Secure Boot check. Only select this option when
booting on Windows® UEFI mode or other Microsoft® Secure
Boot compliant OS.

UEFI mode, Windows® Vista/ Windows® XP, or other Microsoft®
Secure Boot non-compliant OS. Microsoft® Secure Boot only
supports Windows® UEFI mode.

Install Default Secure Boot keys

Allows you to immediately load the default Security Boot keys, Platform key
(PK), Key-exchange Key (KEK), Signature database (db), and Revoked
Signatures (dbx). When the default Secure boot keys are loaded, all the
Secure boot keys’ state will change from Unloaded mode to loaded mode.
The settings are applied after reboot.

Save Secure Boot Keys

Allows you to save all the Security Boot keys to a USB storage device.

PK Management

The Platform Key (PK) locks and secures the rmware from any permissible changes.
The system veries the PK before your system enters the OS.

Delete PK

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. Conguration options:

[Yes] [No]

Load PK from File

Allows you to load the downloaded PK from a USB storage device.

[Yes] Load the default PK.

[Enabled] Load from a USB storage device.

Chapter 3

3-40

The PK le must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated

variable.

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

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).

Delete the KEK

Allows you to delete the KEK from your system. Once the KEK is deleted,

the db and dbx cannot be updated under operating system. Conguration

options: [Yes] [No]

Load KEK from File

Allows you to load the downloaded KEK from a USB storage device.

[Yes] Load the default KEK.

[Enabled] Load from a USB storage device.

Append KEK from File

Allows you to load the additional KEK from a storage device for an
additional db and dbx loaded management.

[Yes] Load the default KEK.

[Enabled] Load from a USB storage device.

The KEK le must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated

variable.

db Management

The db (Authorized Signature database) lists the signers or images of UEFI

applications, operating system loaders, and UEFI drivers that you can load on the
single computer.

Delete the db

Allows you to delete the db le from your system. Deleting the db le may
cause boot failure. Conguration options: [Yes] [No]

Load db from File

Allows you to load the downloaded db from a USB storage device.

[Yes] Load the default db.

[Enabled] Load from a USB storage device.

Append db from File

Allows you to load the additional db from a storage device so that more

custom signed UEFI executable les can be loaded. UEFI executable les

include UEFI boot loaders, drivers and applications.

[Yes] Load the default db.

[Enabled] Load from a USB storage device.

The db le must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated

variable.

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Chapter 3

3-41

dbx Management

The dbx (Revoked Signature database) lists the forbidden images of db items that are
no longer trusted and cannot be loaded.

Delete the dbx

Allows you to delete the dbx le from your system. Deleting the dbx

exposes your system to security threats.

Load dbx from File

Allows you to load the downloaded dbx from a USB storage device.

[Yes] Load the default dbx.

[Enabled] Load from a USB storage device.

Append dbx from File

Allows you to load the additional dbx from a storage device so that more

custom signed UEFI executable les can be loaded. UEFI executable les

include UEFI boot loaders, drivers and applications.

[Yes] Load the default dbx.

[Enabled] Load from a USB storage device.

The dbx le must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated

variable.

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.

• To access Windows® OS in Safe Mode, do any of the following:

• Press <F5> when ASUS Logo appears.

• Press <F8> after POST.

• To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo
appears.

Boot Override

These items displays the available devices. The number of device items that appears on
the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. Click an item to start

Chapter 3

booting from the selected device.

3-42

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.9 Tools menu

The Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item

then press <Enter> to display the submenu.

3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility

Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. Press [Enter] to launch the ASUS EZ Flash 2 screen.

For more details, refer to section 3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2.

3.9.2 ASUS O.C. Prole

This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.

The Setup Prole Status items show Not Installed if no prole is created.

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Chapter 3

3-43

Label

Allows you to input the label of the setup prole.

Save to Prole

Allows you to save the current BIOS settings to the BIOS Flash, and create a prole. Key in a
prole number from one to eight, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.

Load from Prole

Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the prole

number that saved your BIOS settings, press <Enter>, 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 le only coming from the same memory/
CPU conguration and BIOS version.

3.9.3 ASUS SPD Information

Allows you to view the DRAM SPD information.

Chapter 3

3-44

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

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. 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 <F5>, a conrmation window appears.

Select Yes to load the default values.

Save Changes & Reset

Once you are nished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to

ensure the values you selected are saved. When you select this option or if you press <F10>,

a conrmation window appears. Select Yes to save changes and exit.

Discard Changes & Exit

This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes. When you
select this option or if you press <Esc>, a conrmation window appears. Select Yes to
discard changes and exit.

ASUS EZ Mode

This option allows you to enter the EZ Mode screen.

Launch EFI Shell from lesystem device

This option allows you to attempt to launch the EFI Shell application (shellx64.e) from one of
the available lesystem devices.

ASUS H87M-PLUS

Chapter 3

3-45

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.
Inappropriate BIOS updating may result in the system’s failure to boot. Carefully follow the
instructions of this chapter to update your BIOS if necessary.

Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS le for this
motherboard.

The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program.

®

1. EZ Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows

For details, refer to the section 4.3.8 EZ Update.

2. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a USB ash drive.

3. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support DVD or a

USB ash drive when the BIOS le fails or gets corrupted.

4. ASUS BIOS Updater: Updates and back ups the BIOS in DOS environment using the

motherboard support DVD and a USB ash disk drive.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a USB ash disk in case you need to

restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the EZ Update or
BIOS Updater utilities.

environment.

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.

Chapter 3

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:

1. Insert the USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS le to the USB port.

2. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select
ASUS EZ Flash Utility and press <Enter> to enable it.

3-46

Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website
at www.asus.com.

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3. Press <Tab> to switch to the Drive eld.

4. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to nd the USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS,

and then press <Enter>.

5. Press <Tab> to switch to the Folder Info eld.

6. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to nd the BIOS le, and then press <Enter> to perform

the BIOS update process. Reboot the system when the update process is done.

• 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. Select
the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for
details.

Chapter 3

ASUS H87M-PLUS

3-47

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the

BIOS le when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a
corrupted BIOS le using the motherboard support DVD or a USB ash drive that contains
the BIOS le.

The BIOS le in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS le published
on the ASUS ofcial website. If you want to use the newer BIOS le, download the le at
http://support.asus.com and save it to a USB ash drive.

Recovering the BIOS

To recover the BIOS:

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB ash drive
containing the BIOS le to the USB port.

3. The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS le. When found, the utility
reads the BIOS le and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 automatically.

4. The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover the BIOS setting. To ensure
system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you press <F5> to load default
BIOS values.

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause
system boot failure!

ASUS BIOS Updater

The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update the BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also

allows you to copy the current BIOS le that you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or

gets corrupted during the updating process.

Chapter 3

Before updating BIOS

1. Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB ash drive in FAT32/16 format and

single partition.

2. Download the latest BIOS le and BIOS Updater from the ASUS website at

http://support.asus.com and save them on the USB ash drive.

3-48

The succeeding utility screens are for reference only. The actual utility screen displays may
not be same as shown.

Chapter 3: BIOS setup