ASUS P8Z68-V PRO GEN3 User Manual

P8Z68-V
PRO/GEN3

Motherboard

E6850

First Edition
September 2011

Copyright © 2011 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the

product is defaced or missing.

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
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Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software

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etc to this email address).

ii

Contents

Notices .......................................................................................................................vi

Safety information ..................................................................................................... vii

About this guide ....................................................................................................... viii

P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 specications summary .......................................................... x

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome! .................................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Package contents.......................................................................................1-1

1.3 Special features..........................................................................................1-2

1.3.1 Product highlights........................................................................1-2

1.3.2 Dual Intelligent Processors 2 with DIGI+ VRM ........................... 1-3

1.3.3 ASUS Exclusive Features ........................................................... 1-4

1.3.4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution ..................................................... 1-4

1.3.5 ASUS EZ DIY .............................................................................. 1-5

1.3.6 Other special features ................................................................. 1-6

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 Before you proceed ...................................................................................2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview ............................................................................... 2-2

2.2.1 Motherboard layout ..................................................................... 2-2

2.2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-4

2.2.3 System memory .......................................................................... 2-5

2.2.4 Expansion slots ......................................................................... 2-12

2.2.5 Onboard switches ..................................................................... 2-14

2.2.6 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................... 2-18

2.2.7 Jumper ...................................................................................... 2-20

2.2.8 Internal connectors....................................................................2-21

2.3 Building your computer system ............................................................. 2-30

2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system ............ 2-30

2.3.2 CPU installation.........................................................................2-31

2.3.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation ............................. 2-33

2.3.4 DIMM installation.......................................................................2-35

2.3.5 Motherboard installation ............................................................ 2-36

2.3.6 ATX Power connection .............................................................. 2-38

2.3.7 SATA device connection ............................................................ 2-39

2.3.8 Front I/O Connector .................................................................. 2-40

2.3.9 Expension Card installation.......................................................2-41

2.3.10 Rear panel connection .............................................................. 2-42

2.3.11 Audio I/O connections ............................................................... 2-45

iii

Contents

2.4 Starting up for the rst time .................................................................... 2-48

2.5 Turning off the computer ......................................................................... 2-48

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

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

3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................................. 3-1

3.2.1 EZ Mode......................................................................................3-2

3.2.2 Advanced Mode .......................................................................... 3-3

3.3 Main menu ..................................................................................................3-5

3.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................................ 3-7

3.5 Advanced menu .......................................................................................3-14

3.5.1 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 3-15

3.5.2 System Agent Conguration...................................................... 3-17

3.5.3 PCH Conguration .................................................................... 3-17

3.5.4 SATA Conguration ................................................................... 3-18

3.5.5 USB Conguration .................................................................... 3-20

3.5.6 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................ 3-21

3.5.7 APM .......................................................................................... 3-24

3.6 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................3-25

3.7 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-28

3.8 Tools menu ............................................................................................... 3-29

3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ............................................................ 3-29

3.8.2. ASUS O.C. Prole ..................................................................... 3-30

3.9 Exit menu .................................................................................................. 3-31

3.10 Updating BIOS .......................................................................................... 3-32

3.10.1 ASUS Update utility...................................................................3-32

3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ............................................................. 3-35

3.10.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility................................................. 3-36

3.10.4 ASUS BIOS Updater ................................................................. 3-37

Chapter 4: Software support

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

4.2 Support DVD information .......................................................................... 4-1

4.2.1 Running the support DVD ........................................................... 4-1

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals..................................................4-2

4.3 Software information ................................................................................. 4-3

4.3.1 AI Suite II.....................................................................................4-3

4.3.2 DIGI+ VRM .................................................................................. 4-4

4.3.3 BT GO! ........................................................................................ 4-5

iv

Contents

4.3.4 TurboV EVO ................................................................................ 4-7

4.3.5 EPU ........................................................................................... 4-12

4.3.6 ASUS FAN Xpert ....................................................................... 4-13

4.3.7 ASUS Probe II ........................................................................... 4-14

4.3.8 Ai Charger+ ...............................................................................4-15

4.3.9 Audio congurations..................................................................4-16

4.4 RAID congurations ................................................................................4-17

4.4.1 RAID denitions ........................................................................ 4-17

4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ................................................. 4-18

4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS .................................................. 4-18

4.4.4 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility ................4-18

4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk.....................................................................4-24

4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS ................ 4-24

4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® .................................. 4-24

4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation ...... 4-25

4.5.4 Using a USB oppy disk drive ................................................... 4-26

Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support

5.1 ATI® CrossFireX™ technology .................................................................. 5-1

5.1.1 Requirements .............................................................................. 5-1

5.1.2 Before you begin ......................................................................... 5-1

5.1.3 Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards ................................ 5-2

5.1.4 Installing the device drivers ......................................................... 5-3

5.1.5 Enabling the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology ...............................5-3

5.2 NVIDIA® SLI™ technology ......................................................................... 5-4

5.2.1 Requirements .............................................................................. 5-4

5.2.2 Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards ...................................... 5-4

5.2.3 Installing the device drivers ......................................................... 5-5

5.2.4 Enabling the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology ..................................... 5-5

5.3 LucidLogix® Virtu™ solution ..................................................................... 5-8

5.3.1 Hardware installation...................................................................5-8

5.3.2 Software conguration ................................................................ 5-9

v

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

• This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.

•

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required

to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications to this unit not

expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.

This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

REACH

Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at
ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.

DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to
enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal
waste.

vi

Safety information

Electrical safety

• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet

before relocating the system.

• When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables
for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible,
disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

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

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

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

• If the power supply is broken, do not try to 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.

vii

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.

• Chapter 2: Hardware information

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when
installing system components. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and
connectors on the motherboard.

• 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: Multiple GPU technology support

This chapter describes how to install and congure multiple ATI® CrossFireX™ and

NVIDIA® SLI™ graphics cards.

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.

viii

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.

Italic

s Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

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

that you must press the enclosed key.that you must press the enclosed key.

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

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

names are linked with a plus sign (+).

Example: <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Del>

ix

P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 specications summary

CPU LGA1155 socket for Intel® 2nd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 /

Chipset Intel® Z68 Express Chipset

Memory 4 x DIMM, max. 32GB, DDR3 2200(O.C.)* / 2133(O.C.) /

Expansion slots 2 x PCI Express 3.0 / 2.0 x16 slots (single at x16 or dual at x8 / x8

VGA Multi-VGA output support: HDMI, DVI-D, and RGB ports

Multi-GPU support Supports NVIDIA® Quad-GPU SLI™ TechnologyQuad-GPU SLI™ Technology SLI™ Technology

Storage Intel® Z68 Express Chipset

LAN Intel® 82579 Gigabit LAN - Dual interconnect between the

Core™ i3 / Pentium / Celeron Processors
Supports 32nm / 22nm CPU
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
* The IntelThe Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on CPU

types.

** Refer to www.asus.com for the Intel CPU support list.

1866(O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory
Dual channel memory architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)

* Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2200/2000/1800 MHz memory

module will run at DDR3 2133/1866/1600 MHz frequency as

default.

** 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 for details.

*** Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory

QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists)

mode)
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot [black] (max. at x4 mode, compatible
with PCIe x1 and x4 devices)
2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots
2 x PCI slots
* The PCIe x16_3 slot shares bandwidth with PCIe x1_1 slot,

PCIe x1_2 slot, USB3_34 and eSATA. The PCIe x16_3 default
setting is in x1 mode.

** Actual PCIe speed depends on installed CPU type.Actual PCIe speed depends on installed CPU type.

Supports HDMI with max. resolution 1920 x 1200 @60Hz
Supports DVI with max. resolution 1920 x 1200 @60Hz
Supports RGB with max. resolution 2048 x 1536 @75Hz

Maximum shared memory of 1748MB

Supports ATI® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
Supports LucidLogix® VirtuTM Technology*
* LucidLogixLucidLogix® Virtu

- 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (gray)

- 4 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports (blue)

- Intel® Rapid Storage Technology supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10

- Supports IntelIntel® Smart Response Technology on 2nd generation
Intel® CoreTM processor family*
* IntelIntel® Smart Response Technology supports Windows® 7/

Vista operating systems.

Marvell® PCIe SATA 6.0 Gb/s controller**

- 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (navy blue)

JMicron® JMB362 SATA controller**

- 1 x eSATA 3.0 Gb/s port

** These SATA ports are for data hard drives only. ATAPI devices

are not supported.

Integrated LAN controller and Physical Layer (PHY)

(continued on the next page)

TM

supports Windows® 7 operating systems.

x

P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 specications summary

Bluetooth

Audio

IEEE 1394

USB 2 x ASMedia USB 3.0 controllers

ASUS unique features ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 2 with DIGI+ VRM:

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

Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR
ASUS BT GO! Utility

Realtek® ALC892 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC

- Absolute Pitch 192khz/24bit True BD Lossless Sound

- BD Audio Layer Content Protection

- DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC

- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming and
Front Panel Jack-Retasking

- Optical S/PDIF Out ports at back I/O

VIA® VT6308P controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports
(2 headers at mid-board)

- 2 x USB 3.0 ports at mid-board for front panel support (blue)

- 2 x USB 3.0 ports at back panel (blue)

Intel® Z68 Express Chipset

- 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at back panel)

ASUS DIGI+ VRM

- Industry leading Digital 16-phase* Power Design

- ASUS DIGI+ VRM Utility
* 12-phase for CPU, 4-phase for iGPU

ASUS EPU

- EPU, EPU switch

ASUS TPU

- Auto Tuning, TurboV, GPU Boost, TPU switch

ASUS BT GO! (Bluetooth):

- Folder Sync, BT Transfer, Shot & Send, BT to Net,
Music Player, Personal Manager

ASUS BT Turbo Remote:

- Exclusive Smartphone Interface supporting iPhone,
Android, Windows Mobile and Symbian systems

ASUS Exclusive Features

- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user

interface

- MemOK!

- AI Suite II

- AI Charger+

- Anti Surge

- Disk Unlocker

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions

- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-sink solution

- ASUS Fan Xpert

ASUS EZ DIY

- ASUS Q-Shield

- ASUS Q-Connector

- ASUS O.C. Tuner

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS Q-Slot
ASUS Q-DIMM

(continued on the next page)

xi

P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 specications summary

ASUS exclusive
overclocking features

Back panel I/O ports

Internal I/O connectors

BIOS features

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

Support DVD contents Drivers

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

Precision Tweaker 2

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.005V increment

- vCCIO: Adjustable I/O voltage at 0.00625V increment

- vDRAM Bus: 160-step memory voltage control

- vPCH: 90-step chipset voltage control

- vCPU_PLL: 160-step CPU & PLL voltage control

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)

- BCLK/PCIE frequency tuning from 80MHz up to 300MHz at

0.1MHz increment

Overclocking protection

- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x Bluetooth module
1 x eSATA port
1 x Intel® LAN (RJ-45) port
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x HDMI port
1 x DVI port
1 x VGA port
8-channel Audio I/O ports

1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connectors support additional 2 USB ports (19-pin)
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB ports
4 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (2 x gray, 2 x navy blue)
4 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (blue)
2 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin)
2 x Chassis Fan connectors (1 x 4-pin, 1 x 3-pin)
2 x Power Fan connector (3-pin)
2 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out header
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
1 x System Panel (Q-Connector)
1 x MemOK! button
1 x EPU switch
1 x TPU switch

64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0,
SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS,
ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3,
F12 PrintScreen Function

ASUS Utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

xii

Chapter 1

User Manual

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 motherboard!

The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another
standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!

Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in
your package with the list below.

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 motherboard 1 x ASUS Q-Shield

2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s cables

2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables

1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit 1x ASUS USB 3.0 Bracket

User guide Support DVD

1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector

Chapter 1

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 1-1

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

• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may

vary with different models.

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Chapter 1

LGA1155 socket for Intel
Processors

This motherboard supports the Intel® second generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3
processors in LGA1155 package with memory and PCI Express controllers integrated to
support 2-channel (4 DIMMs) DDR3 memory and 16 PCI Express 2.0 lanes. This provides
great graphics performance. Intel® second generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3second generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3

processors are among the most powerful and energy efcient CPUs in the world.

Intel® Z68 Express Chipset

The Intel® Z68 Express Chipset is the latest single-chipset design to support the new 1155
socket Intel® Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3 second generation processors. It uses serial
point-to-point links, which allows increased bandwidth and stability, and provides an improved
performance. It also provides two SATA 6.0 Gb/s and four SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports for faster
data retrieval at double the bandwidth of current bus systems. Moreover, Intel® Z68 Express
Chipset also supports iGPU function, letting users enjoy the latest Intel integrated graphic
performance.

PCI Express® 3.0

The latest PCI Express bus standard delivers improved encoding for twice the performance
of current PCIe 2.0. Total bandwidth for a x16 link reaches a maximum of 32GB/s, double
the 16GB/s of PCIe 2.0 (in x16 mode). PCIe 3.0 provides users unprecedented data speeds,
combined with the convenience and seamless transition offered by complete backward
compatibility with PCIe 1.0 and PCIe 2.0 devices. It’s a must-have feature for PC users

aiming to improve and optimize graphics performance, as well as have the latest, most

future-proof technology.

* Actual PCIe Speed depends on installed CPU type.

®

Second Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3

Intel® Smart Response Technology

Intel® Smart Response Technology boosts overall system performance. It uses an installed
fast SSD (min 18.6GB available capacity) as a cache for frequently accessed data.
Harnesses the combination of SSD-like performance and response with hard drive capacity,
running 4X faster than an HDD-only system.

* Intel® Smart Response Technology supports Windows® 7/ Vista operating systems.
** IntelIntel® Smart Response Technology is supported by 2nd generation Intel® Core™ processor

family.

*** Operating systems must be installed on the HDD to launch Intel® Smart Response Technology.

The capacity of the SSD is reserved for caching function.

Quad-GPU SLI™ and Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Support

The motherboard’s powerful Intel® Z68 platform optimizes PCIe allocation in multiple-GPU
congurations of either SLI™ or CrossFireX™. This allows you to enjoy a never
before-experienced brand new gaming style.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Dual-Channel DDR3 2200(O.C.) / 2133(O.C.) / 1866(O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 Support

The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 2200(O.C.) /

2133(O.C.) / 1866 / 1600/ 1333 / 1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements

of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR3
architecture enlarges the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance.

* Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2200/2000/1800 MHz memory module will run at DDR3 2133/1866/1600

MHz frequency as default.

Complete USB 3.0 Integration

ASUS facilitates strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear panel - 4 USB

3.0 ports in total. Experience the latest plug & play connectivity at speeds up to 10 times
faster than USB 2.0. The P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 affords greater convenience to high speed
connectivity.

Extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s Support

The Intel® Z68 Express Chipset natively supports the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA)
interface, delivering up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer. ASUS provides extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports
with enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, and double the bandwidth of current bus
systems.

1.3.2 Dual Intelligent Processors 2 with DIGI+ VRM

The world’s rst Dual Intelligent Processors from ASUS pioneered the use of two onboard

chips—EPU (Energy Processing Unit) and TPU (TurboV Processing Unit). New generation
Dual Intelligent Processors 2 with DIGI+ VRM digital power design launch control into a new

era, empowering users with superior exibility and perfect precision to ensure optimized
performance, extreme system stability and greater power efciency.

DIGI+ VRM

New ASUS DIGI+ VRM upgrades motherboard power delivery to a digital standard. The 16
digital architecture delivers twice the precision power. With iGPU on P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3
motherboards, DIGI+ VRM intelligently adjust Vcore PWM, integrated graphics voltages

and frequency modulation to minimize power loss through BIOS tuning and the exclusive

user interface. It increases overclocking range while performance reaches its full potential,
adjusting frequencies dynamically and cutting EM interference by half to enhance system
stability through enabled spread spectrum. The DIGI+ VRM digital power design empowers

users with superior exibility and perfect precision to ensure optimized performance. extreme
system stability, and greater power efciency.

Chapter 1

2X Precise Power Control

ASUS DIGI+ VRM delivers twice the precision power, intelligently adjusting PWM voltage and

frequency modulation to minimize power loss while performance reaches its full potential.

2X Less Radiation

ASUS DIGI+ VRM adjusts frequencies dynamically, cutting radiation by half to enhance
system stability through enabling spread spectrum.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 1-3

TPU

Unleash your performance with ASUS' simple onboard switch or AI Suite II utility. The TPU
chip offers precise voltage control and advanced monitoring through Auto Tuning and TurboV

Chapter 1

functions. Auto Tuning offers a user friendly way to automatically optimize the system for fast,

yet stable clock speeds, while TurboV enables unlimited freedom to adjust CPU frequencies

and ratios for optimized performance in diverse situations.

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!

1.3.3 ASUS Exclusive Features

GPU Boost

GPU Boost accelerates the integrated CPU for extreme graphics performance. The user-

friendly interface facilitates exible frequency adjustments. It easily delivers stable system-

level upgrades for every use.

BT GO! (Bluetooth)

Onboard Bluetooth wireless design enables smart connectivity to Bluetooth devices with

no additional adapter. ASUS BT GO! comes with 7 special functions that offer signicant

breakthrough in Bluetooth evolution, including Folder Sync, BT Transfer, BT Turbo Remote,
BT-to-Net, Music Player, Shot and Send, and Personal Manager. All are accessible through
the exclusive, user-friendly ASUS interface.

MemOK!

MemOK! quickly ensures memory boot compatibility. This remarkable memory rescue tool
requires a mere push of a button to patch memory issues. MemOK! determines failsafe
settings and dramatically improves your system boot success.

AI Suite II

With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite II consolidates all the exclusive ASUS features
into one simple to use software package. It allows users to supervise overclocking, energy
management, fan speed control, voltage and sensor readings, and even interact with mobile
devices via Bluetooth. This all-in-one software offers diverse and ease to use functions, with
no need to switch back and forth between different utilities.

1.3.4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

ASUS Fanless Design—Heat-sink solution

The stylish heatsink features 0-dB thermal solution that offers users a noiseless PC
environment. Not only the beautiful shape upgrades the visual enjoyment for motherboard
users, but also the heatsink design 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 users an extremely silent and cooling experience with the elegant
appearance!

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

ASUS Fan Xpert

ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds
according to different ambient temperatures caused by different climate conditions in different

geographic regions and your PC’s loading. The built-in variety of useful proles offer exible

controls of fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool environment.

1.3.5 ASUS EZ DIY

ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)

ASUS UEFI BIOS offers a user-friendly interface that goes beyond traditional keyboard-only

BIOS controls to enable more exible and convenient mouse input. Users can easily navigate

the UEFI BIOS with the smoothness of their operating system. Quick and simple overclocking
and setup sharing is facilitated by the F12 hotkey BIOS snapshot feature. The exclusive EZ
Mode displays frequently-accessed setup info, while the Advanced Mode is for experienced
performance enthusiasts that demand far more intricate system control, including detailed
DRAM information.

Supports hard drives over 2.2TB

ASUS UEFI BIOS natively supports hard drives larger than 2.2TB in 64-bit, with full storage

space utilization helping deliver far more exciting computing than traditional BIOS versions.

ASUS Q-Design

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

ASUS Q-Shield

The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual "ngers" - making it

convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your
motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference
(EMI).

Chapter 1

ASUS Q-Connector

ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables
to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the trouble of connecting the system
panel cables one at a time and avoiding wrong cable connections.

ASUS EZ-Flash 2

ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using a

bootable oppy disk or an OS-based utility.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 1-5

1.3.6 Other special features

LucidLogix® Virtu™

Chapter 1

LucidLogix® Virtu™ is designed for the Intel® Sandy Bridge platform’s powerful integrated

graphics. Its GPU virtualization dynamically assigns tasks to the best available graphics

resources based on power, performance and system load on Windows® 7 based PCs. It

allows users to fully utilize the unique capabilities of advanced Sandy Bridge multimedia

features alongside the high end 3D rendering performance provided by installed graphics
cards. When no discrete graphics are needed, the graphics card is put in idle mode to lower

utilization, heat, fan speed and power draw down to near zero, making the system more

environmentally-friendly. For users with diverse needs, LucidLogix® Virtu™ GPU virtualization

provides great exibility and efciency.

*LucidLogix® VirtuTM supports Windows® 7 operating system.
**Intel® Quick Sync Video feature is supported by 2nd generation Intel® CoreTM processor family.

DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC

DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC delivers exceptional 5.1 surround experience through the
most common PC audio setups—your existing stereo speakers or headphones. In addition
to virtual surround, “Bass enhancement” provides stronger low frequency bass sound, and

“Voice clarication” provides clear human dialogue even with loud background sound. With

these technologies, you may experience a better home-theater audio with ease.

ErP Ready

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

products to meet certain energy efciency requirements 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.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Hardware information

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 P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview

2.2.1 Motherboard layout

Chapter 2

Refer to

2.2.8 Internal connectors

information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information

and

2.3.10 Rear panel connection

for more

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page

1. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN
/CPU_FAN_OPT, 4-pin CHA_FAN1, 3-pin CHA_FAN2,
3-pin PWR_FAN1-2)

2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 2-28

3. LGA1155 CPU socket 2-4

4. DDR3 DIMM slots 2-5

5. TPU switch 2-16

6. EPU switch 2-17

7. MemOK! switch 2-15

8. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) 2-23

9. Marvell® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
(7-pin SATA6G_E1/E2 [navy blue])

10. Intel® Z68 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
(7-pin SATA6G_1/2 [gray])

11. Intel® Z68 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors
(7-pin SATA3G_3–6 [blue])

12. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 2-20

13. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 2-29

14. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1-2) 2-25

15. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112) 2-24

16. Reset switch 2-14

17. POWER-on switch 2-14

18. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 2-27

19. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 2-25

2-26

2-23

2-21

2-22

Chapter 2

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-3

2.2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1155 socket designed for the Intel®
2nd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3 /

Chapter 2

Pentium / Celeron

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

• The LGA1156 CPU is incompatible with the LGA1155 socket. DO NOT install a
LGA1156 CPU on the LGA1155 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

LGA1155 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.

Processors.

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.3 System memory

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

Chapter 2

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-5

Memory congurations

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

Chapter 2

• 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 CPU behavior, DDR3 2200/2000/1800 MHz memory module will run at DDR3
2133/1866/1600 MHz frequency as default.

• 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:

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

- Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the

motherboard.
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
frequency adjustment.

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

memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

3.4 Ai Tweaker

menu for manual memory

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information

P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR3-2200 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

G.SKILL F3-17600CL7D-4GBFLS(XMP) 4G ( 2x 2G ) DS - - 7-10-10-28 1.65 • •

G.SKILL F3-17600CL8D-4GBPS(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • •

G.SKILL F3-17600CL9D-4GBTDS(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

GEIL GET34GB2200C9DC(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.65 • •

KINGMAX FLKE85F-B8KHA(XMP) 4G ( 2x 2G ) DS - - - 1.5~1.7 • •

FLKE85F-B8KJAA-FEIS(XMP)

KINGMAX

4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS

SS/DSChip

Brand

Kingmax N/A

Chip

Timing Voltage

NO.

-

* The memory modules in 2200MHz and above are supported by this motherboard, however, the

actual frequency support varies depending on the O.C. margin of the installed CPU.

DIMM socket support (Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

- •

•

P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR3-2133 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

CORSAIR CMGTX3(XMP) 2GB DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65 • •

G.SKILL F3-19200CL9D-4GBPIS(XMP) 4G ( 2x 2G ) DS - - 9-11-11-31 1.65 • •

G.SKILL F3-19200CL9D-4GBPIS(XMP) 4G ( 2x 2G ) DS - - 9-11-9-28 1.65 • •

GEIL GET34GB2400C9DC(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65 • •

TX2400KLU-4GK

Transcend

(381850)(XMP)

TX2400KLU-

Transcend

4GK(374243)(XMP)

Patriot PVV34G2400C9K(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.66 • •

2GB DS - - 1.65 • • •

2GB DS - - 1.65 • •

SS/DSChip

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage

NO.

* The above QVL is for the DDR3 2400 MHz memory module. Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2400 MHz

memory module will run at DDR3 2133 MHz frequency.

DIMM socket support (Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

Chapter 2

Vendors Part No. Size

KINGSTON KHX2333C9D3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65 • •

SS/DSChip

Brand

Chip
NO.

Timing Voltage

DIMM socket support (Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

* The above QVL is for the DDR3 2333 MHz memory module. Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2333 MHz

memory module will run at DDR3 2133 MHz frequency..

SS/DSChip

Vendors Part No. Size

KINGSTON KHX2250C9D3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65 • • •

Brand

Chip
NO.

Timing Voltage

DIMM socket support (Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

* The above QVL is for the DDR3 2250 MHz memory module. Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2250 MHz

memory module will run at DDR3 2133 MHz frequency.

Vendors Part No. Size

G.SKILL F3-17600CL7D-

4GBFLS(XMP)

G.SKILL F3-17600CL8D-4GBPS(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • •

G.SKILL F3-17600CL9D-

4GBTDS(XMP)

GEIL GET34GB2200C9DC(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.65 • •

KINGMAX FLKE85F-B8KHA(XMP) 4G ( 2x 2G ) DS - - - 1.5~1.7 • •

KINGMAX FLKE85F-B8KJAA-FEIS(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS Kingmax N/A - - • •

4G ( 2x 2G ) DS - - 7-10-10-28 1.65 • •

4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

SS/DSChip

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage

NO.

DIMM socket support (Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

* The above QVL is for the DDR3 2200 MHz memory module. Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2200 MHz

memory module will run at DDR3 2133 MHz frequency.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-7

P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR3-2133 (O.C.) MHz capability (continued)

Vendors Part No. Size

CORSAIR CMT4GX3M2A2133C9(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9-10-9-24 1.65 • • •

G.SKILL F3-17066CL9D-

G.SKILL F3-17066CL8D-4GBPS(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • •

G.SKILL F3-17066CL9D-4GBTD(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 •

G.SKILL F3-17066CL9T-6GB-T 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

GEIL

GEIL GU34GB2133C9DC(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65 •

KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3T1K2/

KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3W1K2/

KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3X2K2/

KINGSTON KHX2133C9D3T1K2/

Chapter 2

KINGSTON

Patriot PVV34G2133C9K(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.66 • •

P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR3-1866 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

Apacer 78.AAGD5.9KD(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 - • • •

CORSAIR CMT6GX3M3A2000C8(XMP) 6GB ( 3x 2GB ) DS - - 8-9-8-24 1.65 • • •

Crucial BL12864BE2009.8SFB3(EPP) 1GB SS - - 9-9-9-28 2 • •

G.SKILL F3-16000CL9D-4GBRH(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • • •

G.SKILL F3-16000CL9D-4GBTD(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • • •

G.SKILL F3-16000CL7T-6GBPS(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 7-8-7-20 1.65 • •

G.SKILL F3-16000CL9T-6GBPS(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

G.SKILL F3-16000CL9T-6GBTD(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6 • • •

G.SKILL F3-16000CL7Q-8GBFLS(XMP) 8GB(4 x 2GB) DS - - 7-9-7-24 1.65 • •

GEIL GUP34GB2000C9DC(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65 • • •

GEIL GE38GB2000C9QC(XMP) 8GB(4 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65 • •

KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K3/3GX(XMP) 3GB ( 3x 1GB ) SS - - - 1.65 • • •

KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9 1.65 • • •

KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3W1K2/

KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB ( 3x 2GB ) DS - - 9 1.65 • • •

KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB ( 3x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65 • • •

KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3W1K3/

OCZ OCZ3B2000LV6GK 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 7-8-7 1.65 • •

Transcend TX2000KLN-8GK (388375)(XMP) 4GB DS - - 1.6 • • •

AEXEA AXA3ES2G2000LG28V(XMP) 2GB DS - - - 1.65 • • •

AEXEA AXA3ES4GK2000LG28V(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65 • • •

Gingle 9CAASS37AZZ01D1 2GB DS - - 9-9-9-24 - • •

Patriot PX7312G2000ELK(XMP) 12GB ( 3x 4GB ) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65 • • •

Patriot PVT36G2000LLK(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • • •

Silicon
Power

Team TXD32048M2000C9(XMP) 2GB DS Team T3D1288RT-20 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

Team TXD32048M2000C9-L(XMP) 2GB DS Team T3D1288LT-20 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •

Team TXD32048M2000C9-L(XMP) 2GB DS Team T3D1288RT-20 9-9-9-24 1.6 • • •

* The above QVL is for the DDR3 2000 MHz memory module. Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2000 MHz

memory module will run at DDR3 1866 MHz frequency.

SS/DSChip

4GBTDS(XMP)

GE34GB2133C9DC(XMP)

4GX(XMP)

4GX(XMP)

4GX(XMP)

4GX(XMP)

KHX2133C9AD3T1FK4/
8GX(XMP)

4GX(XMP)

6GX(XMP)

SP002GBLYU200S02(XMP) 2GB DS - - - - • • •

4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65 • •

4GB(2 x 2GB) DS

4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65 • •

4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9 1.65 • •

4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9 1.65 • •

4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9 1.65 • •

8GB ( 4x 2GB ) DS - - 9 1.65 • •

4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9 1.65 • •

6GB ( 3x 2GB ) DS - - 9 1.65 • •

Chip

Brand

NO.

- -

SS/DSChip

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

Brand

Timing Voltage

9-9-9-28

DIMM socket support (Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

1.65 •

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Vendors Part No. Size

CORSAIR TR3X6G1866C9DVer4.1(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9(XMP) 8GB ( 2x 4GB ) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • • •

G.SKILL F3-15000CL9D-4GBRH (XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • • •

G.SKILL F3-15000CL9D-4GBTD(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • • •

KINGSTON KHX1866C9D3T1K3/3GX(XMP) 3GB ( 3x 1GB ) SS - - - 1.65 • • •

KINGSTON KHX1866C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP)

OCZ OCZ3RPR1866C9LV3GK 3GB ( 3x 1GB ) DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 • •

OCZ OCZ3G1866LV4GK 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 10-10-10 1.65 • •

OCZ OCZ3P1866C9LV6GK 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 •

OCZ OCZ3RPR1866C9LV6GK 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 • •

Super Talent W1866UX2G8(XMP) 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS - - 8-8-8-24 - • • •

Team TXD32048M1866C9(XMP)

6GB(3 x 2GB) DS

2GB DS

SS/DSChip

Brand

-

Team

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

- 9

T3D1288RT-16 9-9-9-24

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

1.65 •

1.65 •

•

•

P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR3-1600 MHz capability

SS/DSChip

Vendors Part No. Size

G.SKILL F3-14400CL6D-4GBFLS(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 6-8-6-24 1.65 • • •

G.SKILL F3-14400CL9D-4GBRL(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6 • • •

KINGSTON KHX1800C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - - 1.65 • • •

Brand

Chip
NO.

Timing Voltage

* The above QVL is for the DDR3 1800 MHz memory module. Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 1800 MHz

memory module will run at DDR3 1600 MHz frequency.

DIMM socket support (Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

Chapter 2

Vendors Part No. Size

CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8(XMP) 8GB ( 2x 4GB ) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.5 • • •

CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9(XMP) 8GB ( 2x 4GB ) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

Crucial BL12864BN1608.8FF(XMP) 2GB( 2x 1GB ) SS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • • •

Crucial BL25664BN1608.16FF(XMP) 2GB DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL8D-8GBECO(XMP) 8GB ( 2x4GB ) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.35 • • •

GEIL GUP34GB1600C7DC(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.6 • • •

GEIL GVP38GB1600C8QC(XMP) 8GB ( 4x 2GB ) DS - - 8-8-8-28 1.6 • • •

KINGMAX FLGD45F-B8MF7(XMP) 1GB SS - - - • • •

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3X2K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9 1.65 • • •

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB ( 3x 2GB ) DS - - 9 1.65 • • •

OCZ OCZ3BE1600C8LV4GK 4GB( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 8-8-8 1.65 • • •

OCZ OCZ3OB1600LV4GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 • •

Super Talent WP160UX4G9(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9 - • • •

Super Talent WB160UX6G8(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 8 - • • •

AEXEA AXA3PS2G1600S18V(XMP) 2GB DS - - - 1.65 • • •

AEXEA AXA3PS4GK1600S18V(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65 • • •

Asint SLZ3128M8-EGJ1D(XMP) 2GB DS Asint 3128M8-GJ1D - - • • •

EK Memory EKM324L28BP8-I16(XMP) 4GB( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9 - • • •

EK Memory EKM324L28BP8-I16(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9 - • • •

Elixir M2P2G64CB8HC9N-DG(XMP) 2GB DS - - - - • • •

GoodRam GR1600D364L9/2G 2GB DS GoodRam GF1008KC-JN - - • • •

KINGTIGER KTG2G1600PG3(XMP) 2GB DS - - - - • • •

Mushkin 996805(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 6-8-6-24 1.65 • • •

Mushkin 998805(XMP) 6GB ( 3x 2GB ) DS - - 6-8-6-24 1.65 • • •

Patriot PX7312G1600LLK(XMP) 12GB ( 3x 4GB ) DS - - 8-9-8-24 1.65 • • •

Patriot PX538G1600LLK(XMP) 8GB ( 2x 4GB ) DS - - 8-9-8-24 1.65 • • •

Team TXD32048M1600HC8-D(XMP) 2GB DS Team T3D1288RT-16 8-8-8-24 1.65 • • •

SS/DSChip

Brand

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-9

P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR3-1333 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

A-DATA SU3U1333W8G9-B 8GB DS Elpida J4208BASE-DJ-F 9 - • • •

Apacer 78.01GC6.9L0 1GB SS Apacer AM5D5808DEJSBG 9 - • • •

Apacer 78.A1GC6.9L1 2GB DS Apacer AM5D5808FEQSBG 9 - • • •

CORSAIR TW3X4G1333C9A 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

CORSAIR CMX8GX3M2A1333C9(XMP) 8GB ( 2x 4GB ) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

Crucial

Crucial CT25664BA1339.16FF 2GB DS MICRON D9KPT 9 - • • •

ELPIDA EBJ20UF8BCF0-DJ-F 2GB SS Elpida J2108BCSE-DJ-F - - • • •

ELPIDA EBJ21UE8BDF0-DJ-F 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BDSE-DJ-F - - • • •

G.SKILL F3-10600CL9D-4GBNT 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS G.SKILL D3 128M8CE9 2GB 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

G.SKILL F3-10666CL8D-4GBHK(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 8-8-8-21 1.5 • • •

GEIL

Chapter 2

GEIL GVP38GB1333C7QC 8GB ( 4x 2GB ) DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.5 • • •

Hynix HMT325U6BFR8C-H9 2GB SS Hynix H5TQ2G83BFR - - • • •

Hynix HMT351U6BFR8C-H9 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83BFR - - • • •

KINGMAX FLFE85F-C8KM9 2GB SS Kingmax KFC8FNMXF-BXX-15A - - • • •

KINGMAX FLFF65F-C8KM9 4GB DS Kingmax KFC8FNMXF-BXX-15A - - • •

Kingston KHX1333C9D3UK2/4GX(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9 1.25 • • •

KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9K2/4G 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS KINGSTON D1288JEMFPGD9U - 1.5 • • •

MICRON MT8JTF25664AZ-1G4D1 2GB SS Micron D9LGK - - • • •

MICRON MT16JTF51264AZ-1G4D1 4GB DS Micron D9LGK - - • • •

OCZ OCZ3G1333LV4GK 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 • • •

OCZ OCZ3G1333LV8GK 8GB ( 2x 4GB ) DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 • • •

PSC PC310600U-9-10-A0 1GB SS PSC A3P1GF3FGF - - • • •

PSC PC310600U-9-10-B0 2GB DS PSC A3P1GF3FGF - - • • •

SAMSUNG M378B5273DH0-CH9 4GB DS Samsung K4B2G08460 - - • • •

SAMSUNG M378B1G73AH0-CH9 8GB DS SAMSUNG K4B4G0846A-HCH9 - - • • •

Transcend TS256MLK64V3N (574206) 2GB SS Micron D9LGK 9 - • • •

Transcend TS512MLK64V3N (574831) 4GB DS Micron D9LGK 9 - • • •

ACTICA ACT4GHU64B8H1333H 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83AFR - - • • •

ACTICA ACT4GHU72D8H1333H 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83AFR(ECC) - - • • •

BUFFALO D3U1333-2G 2GB DS Elpida J1108BFBG-DJ-F - • • •

BUFFALO D3U1333-4G 4GB DS NANYA NT5CB256M8BN-CG - • •

EK Memory EKM324L28BP8-I13 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9 - • • •

Elixir M2F2G64CB88B7N-CG 2GB SS Elixir N2CB2G808N-CG - - • • •

Elixir M2F4G64CB8HB5N-CG 4GB DS Elixir N2CB2G808N-CG - - • • •

GoodRam GR1333D364L9/2G 2GB DS Qimonda IDSH1G-03A1F1C-13H - - • • •

KINGTIGER F10DA2T1680 2GB DS KINGTIGER KTG1333PS1208NST-C9 - - • • •

KINGTIGER KTG2G1333PG3 2GB DS - - - - • • •

Patriot PSD32G13332 2GB DS Prtriot PM128M8D3BU-15 9 - • •

Patriot PGS34G1333LLKA 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.7 • • •

Silicon Power SP001GBLTE133S01 1GB SS NANYA NT5CB128M8AN-CG - - • • •

Silicon Power SP002GBLTE133S01 2GB DS NANYA NT5CB128M8AN-CG - - • • •

Team TXD31024M1333C7(XMP) 1GB SS Team T3D1288LT-13 7-7-7-21 1.75 • • •

Team TXD32048M1333C7-D(XMP) 2GB DS Team T3D1288LT-13 7-7-7-21 1.5-1.6 • • •

BL25664BN1337.16FF(XMP) 2GB

GET316GB1333C9QC

16GB ( 4x 4GB
)

SS/

Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage

DS

- -

DS

- -

DS

7-7-7-24 1.65

9-9-9-24 1.5

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

1
DIMM2 DIMM4 DIMM

• •

•

• •

•

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information

P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR3-1066 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

Crucial CT12864BA1067.8FF 1GB SS MICRON D9KPT 7 -

Crucial CT12864BA1067.8SFD 1GB SS MICRON D9JNL 7 - • • •

Crucial CT12872BA1067.9FF 1GB SS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 7 - • • •

Crucial CT25664BA1067.16FF 2GB DS MICRON D9KPT 7 - • • •

Crucial CT25664BA1067.16SFD 2GB DS MICRON D9JNL 7 - • • •

CT25672BA1067.18FF 2GB

Crucial

ELPIDA EBJ10UE8BAW0-AE-E 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E 7 - • • •

ELPIDA EBJ10UE8EDF0-AE-F 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F - - • • •

ELPIDA EBJ11UD8BAFA-AG-E 1GB DS ELPIDA J5308BASE-AC-E 8 - • •

ELPIDA EBJ21UE8BAW0-AE-E 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E 7 - • • •

ELPIDA EBJ21UE8EDF0-AE-F 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F - - • • •

GG34GB1066C8DC

GEIL

HMT112U6AFP8C-

Hynix

G7N0

Hynix HYMT112U64ZNF8-G7 1GB SS HYNIX HY5TQ1G831ZNFP-G7 7 - • •

HMT125U6AFP8C-

Hynix

G7N0

Hynix HYMT125U64ZNF8-G7 2GB DS HYNIX HY5TQ1G831ZNFP-G7 7 - • • •

Kingston KVR1066D3N7/1G 1GB SS Kingston D1288JPNDPLD9U 7 1.5 • • •

Kingston KVR1066D3N7/2G 2GB DS Elpida J1108BDSE-DJ-F 7 1.5 • • •

MT8JTF12864AZ-

MICRON

1G1F1

MT8JTF12864AZ-

MICRON

1G1F1

MT9JSF12872AZ-

MICRON

1G1F1

MT16JTF25664AZ-

MICRON

1G1F1

MT16JTF25664AZ-

MICRON

1G1F1

MT18JSF25672AZ-

MICRON

1G1F1

SAMSUNG M378B5273BH1-CF8 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846B-HCF8 8 1.5 • • •

Elixir M2Y2G64CB8HA9N-BE 2GB DS - - - - • • •

Elixir M2Y2G64CB8HC5N-BE 2GB DS Elixir N2CB1G80CN-BE - - • • •

Elixir M2Y2G64CB8HC9N-BE 2GB DS - - - - • • •

WINTEC 3DU3191A-10 1GB DS Qimonda IDSH51-03A1F1C-10F 7 - • •

SS/

Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage

DS

MICRON D9KPT(ECC)

DS

4GB ( 2x
2GB )

1GB SS HYNIX H5TQ1G83AFPG7C 7 - • • •

2GB DS HYNIX H5TQ1G83AFPG7C 7 - • • •

1GB SS MICRON 8ZF22 D9KPV 7 - • • •

1GB SS MICRON D9KPT 7 - • • •

1GB SS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 7 - • • •

2GB DS MICRON 8ZF22 D9KPV 7 - • • •

2GB DS MICRON D9KPT 7 - • • •

2GB DS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 7 - • • •

GEIL GL1L128M88BA115FW

DS

7 -

8-8-8-20 1.3

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

• • •

• •

•

• •

•

Chapter 2

Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided
DIMM support:

• 1 DIMM: Supports one (1) module inserted into any slot as Single-channel memory

conguration.

We suggest that you install the module into A2 slot

.

• 2 DIMMs: Supports two (2) modules inserted into either the blue slots or the black

slots as one pair of Dual-channel memory conguration.

you install the modules into slots A2 and B2 for better compatibility

We suggest that

.

• 4 DIMMs: Supports four (4) modules inserted into both the blue and black slots as two

pairs of Dual-channel memory conguration.

• 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.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-11

2.2.4 Expansion slots

Chapter 2

Ensure to 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 2.0 x1_1 slot

2 PCIe 3.0/ 2.0 x16_1 slot (single at x16 or dual at x8/x8 mode)

3 PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot

4 PCI slot 1

5 PCIe 3.0/ 2.0 x16_2 slot [gray] (at x8 mode)

6 PCI slot 2

PCIe 2.0 x16_3 slot [black] (at x4 mode, compatible with PCIe x1 and x4

7

devices)

VGA conguration

Single VGA/PCIe card

Dual VGA/PCIe card

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information

PCI Express operating mode

PCIe 3.0/ 2.0 x16_1 PCIe 3.0/ 2.0 x16_2

x16
(Recommend for single VGA)

x8 x8

N/A

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

• In CrossFireX™ or SLI™ mode, use the PCIe 3.0/ 2.0 x16_1 and PCIe 3.0/ 2.0 x16_2
slots for PCI Express x16 graphics cards to get better performance.

• We recommend that you provide sufcient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI™

mode. Refer to page 2-28 for details.

• Actual PCIe speed depends on installed CPU type.

• Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/2 when using
multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment. See page 2-26 for details.

PCIEX16_3

conguration

Auto Mode

PCI Express sharing mode

PCIEX16_3 PCIEX1_1 PCIEX1_2 USB3_34 ESATA

X1 X1

N/A

X1 X1

X4

X4 Mode

(Recommend
for high speed

N/A N/A N/A N/A

device)

X1 Mode

* Refer to PCI Express x16_3 slot (black) bandwidth on page 3-22 for details.

X1 X1 X1

N/A

X1

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

A B C D E F G H

PCIEx16_1 shared – – – – – – –

PCIEx16_2 shared – – – – – – –

PCIEx16_3 – shared – – – – – –

PCIEx1_1 – – shared – – – – –

PCIEx1_2/USB3_1234 – shared – – – – –

PCI_1 – – shared – – – – –

PCI_2 – – – shared – – – –

LAN_1 – – – shared – – –

USB 2.0 Controller 1 – – – – – – – shared

USB 2.0 Controller 2 – – – – – – – shared

USB 3.0 Controller shared

SATA Controller – – shared – – – – –

Marvell® SATA 6G
Controller

JMicron ATA Controller – – – shared – – – –

1394 Controller – shared – – – – – –

HD Audio – – – – – – shared –

I.G.D. (Internal
Graphics Device)

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-13

– – – shared – – – –

shared – – – – – – –

Chapter 2

2.2.5 Onboard switches

Onboard switches 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. Power-on switch

The motherboard comes with a power-on switch that allows you to power up or wake
up the system. The switch also lights up when the system is plugged to a power source
indicating 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 power-on switch.

Chapter 2

2. Reset switch

Press the reset switch to reboot the system.

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information

3. MemOK! switch

Installing DIMMs that are incompatible with the motherboard may cause system
boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! switch lights continuously. Press
and hold the MemOK! switch until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic
memory compatibility tuning for successful boot.

• Refer to section

• The DRAM_LED also lights 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™ OS environment.

• 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 fail to boot due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! switch to boot
and load BIOS default settings. A messgae 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.

2.2.6 Onboard LEDs

for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.

Chapter 2

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-15

4. TPU switch

Turning this switch to
clock speeds.

will automatically optimize the system for fast, yet stable

Enable

Chapter 2

For ensuring the system performance, turn the switch setting to
powered off.

• The TPU LED (O2LED1) near the TPU switch lights when the switch setting is turned
to

. Refer to section

Enable

LED.

• If you change the switch setting to
function will be activated after the next system bootup.

• You may use the TurboV and Auto Tuning feature in the TurboV EVO application,
adjust the BIOS setup program, or enable the TPU switch at the same time. However,
the system will use the last setting you have made.

2.2.6 Onboard LEDs

Enable

for the exact location of the TPU

under the OS environment, the TPU

when the system is

Enable

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information

5. EPU switch

Turning this switch to

will automatically detect the current PC loadings and

Enable

intelligently moderate the power consumption.

For ensuring the system performance, turn the switch setting to
powered off.

• The EPU LED (O2LED2) near the EPU switch lights when the switch setting is turned
to

. Refer to section

Enable

LED.

• If you change the switch setting to
function will be activated after the next system bootup.

• You may change the EPU settings in the software application or BIOS setup program,
and enable the EPU function at the same time. However, the system will use the last
setting you have made.

2.2.6 Onboard LEDs

Enable

for the exact location of the EPU

under the OS environment, the EPU

when the system is

Enable

Chapter 2

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-17

2.2.6 Onboard LEDs

1. POST State LEDs

The POST State LEDs of CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and HDD indicate key components
status during POST (Power-on Self Test). 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.

Chapter 2

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information

3. TPU LED

The TPU LED lights when the TPU switch is turned to

4. EPU LED

The EPU LED lights when the EPU switch is turned to

Enable

Enable

.

Chapter 2

.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-19

2.2.7 Jumper

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.

Chapter 2

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.

key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter

<Del>

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

• You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For
system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature.
Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter
settings to default values.

• Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is required to enable C.P.R. function. You
must turn off and on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before
rebooting the system.

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.8 Internal connectors

1. Intel® Z68 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1/2 [gray])

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® Z68

chipset.

Chapter 2

•

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 3.5.4 SATA Conguration for details.

• Before creating a RAID set, refer to section 4.4 RAID congurations or the manual

bundled in the motherboard support DVD.

•

When using NCQ, set the

3.5.4 SATA Conguration

•

You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial
ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using
Windows® XP SP3 or later versions.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-21

SATA Mode

for details.

in the BIOS to [AHCI Mode]. Refer to section

2. Intel® Z68 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_3–6 [blue])

These connectors connect to Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk drives and optical disc
drives via Serial ATA 3.0 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® Z68

chipset.

Chapter 2

•

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 3.5.4 SATA Conguration for details.

• Before creating a RAID set, refer to section 4.4 RAID congurations or the manual

bundled in the motherboard support DVD.

•

When using NCQ, please check the
section

3.5.4 SATA Conguration

•

You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial
ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using
Windows® XP SP3 or later versions.

SATA Mode

for details.

in the BIOS is [AHCI Mode]. Refer to

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information

3. Marvell® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E1/E2 [navy blue])

These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0
Gb/s signal cables.

•

The SATA6G_E1/E2 (navy blue) connectors are for data drives only. ATAPI device is
not supported.

•

You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial ATA
hard disk drives.

•

When using NCQ, set the
Refer to section

Marvell Storage Controller

3.5.6 Onboard Devices Conguration

item in the BIOS to [Enabled].

for details.

4. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34)

These connectors are for the additional USB 3.0 ports, and complies with the USB 3.0

specicaton that supports up to 480 MBps connection speed. If the USB 3.0 front panel

cable is available from your system chassis, with this USB 3.0 connector, you can have
a front panel USB 3.0 solution.

Chapter 2

You can connect the ASUS front panel USB 3.0 bracket to this connector to obtain the front
panel USB 3.0 solution.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-23

5. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB78; USB910; USB1112)

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

48 MBps connection speed.

Chapter 2

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

You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) rst, and

then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard if your chassis supports
front panel USB ports.

The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information

6. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1; IE1394_2)

These connectors are for an IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module cable
to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system
chassis.

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

The IEEE 1394a module is purchased separately.

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

This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s).
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 2

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-25

8. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN/CPU_FAN_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1; 3-pin CHA_FAN2; 3-pin
PWR_FAN1/2)

Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the
black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

Chapter 2

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 the CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN 1 and CHA_FAN 2 connectors support the ASUS FAN
Xpert feature.

• If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis fan cable
to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN2 for better thermal
environment.

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information

9. 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 front panel audio module to this connector, setIf you want to connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this connector, set

the

Front Panel Type

front panel audio module to this connector, set the item to
connector is set to

item in the BIOS setup to

.

[HD]

if you want to connect an AC'97

[HD];

. By default, this

[AC97]

Chapter 2

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-27

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

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.

Chapter 2

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

minimum power of 350 W.

• Do not forget to connect the 4-pin/8-pin EATX12 V power plug; otherwise, the system

will not boot.

• Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended 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 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.

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

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

• System power LED (2-pin PLED)

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 IDE_LED)

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

to this connector. The IDE 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 PWRSW)

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 BIOS 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.

Chapter 2

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-29

2.3 Building your computer system

2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system

1 bag of screws Philips (cross) screwdriver

Chapter 2

PC chassis Power supply unit

Intel LGA 1155 CPU Intel LGA 1155 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.

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information

A

B

2.3.2 CPU installation

The LGA1156 CPU is incompatible with the LGA1155 socket. DO NOT install a LGA1156
CPU on the LGA1155 socket.

1

2

Chapter 2

3

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-31

C

B

A

4

Chapter 2

5

6

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.3 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

1

B

A

B

A

3 4

2

Chapter 2

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-33

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly

1

Chapter 2

2

A

B

B

A

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.4 DIMM installation

1

2

3

Chapter 2

To remove a DIMM

B

A

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-35

2.3.5 Motherboard installation

1

Chapter 2

2

The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with
models, but the installation steps remain the same.

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware information

3

Chapter 2

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

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-37

2.3.6 ATX Power connection

1

Chapter 2

2

OR OR

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.7 SATA device connection

1

2

OR

OR

Chapter 2

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-39

2.3.8 Front I/O Connector

IDE_LED

POWER SW

RESET SW

IDE_LED-

IDE_LED+

PWR

Reset

Ground

Ground

To install ASUS Q-Connector

1 2

Chapter 2

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

2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.9 Expension Card installation

To install PCIe x16 cards

To install PCIe x1 cards To install PCI cards

Chapter 2

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-41

2.3.10 Rear panel connection

Chapter 2

Rear panel connectors

1. USB 2.0 ports 3, 4, 5 and 6 7. External SATA port

2. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2 8. HDMI port

3. Bluetooth module* 9. DVI port

4. Optical S/PDIF Out port 10. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2

5. VGA port 11. Audio I/O ports***

6. Intel LAN (RJ-45) port 1**

*, ** and ***: Refer to the tables on the next page for bluetooth module LED, LAN port LED, and

2-42 Chapter 2: Hardware information

audio port denitions.

• DO NOT insert a different connector to the external SATA 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.

• If you want to use the hot-plug function of the external SATA ports, you have to set the

JMB Storage Controller
JMB36X Controller Driver

Onboard Devices Conguration

item in the BIOS setting to [Enabled] and install the

from the motherboard support DVD. Refer to section

for details.

JMicron

3.5.6

* Bluetooth dongle LED indications

Activity Link LED

Status Description

OFF No link

Blue Linked

BLINKING Data activity

** LAN port LED indications

Activity Link LED Speed LED

Status Description Status Description

OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection

ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection

BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection

• If you use an Intel® CPU with integrated GPU and install an add-on VGA card on
your motherboard, the system will automatically select the the add-on VGA card as
the primary VGA output after reboot. To use the iGPU as the VGA output, go to

System Agent Conguration > Initiate Graphic Adapter

the VGA cable(s) to the onboard video port(s) for VGA output.

• This motherboard comes with multiple VGA output that features desktop extension on
two monitors. You can connect two monitors to any two of the onboard VGA, DVI-D,
and HDMI ports. Note that DVI-D/HDMI dual output works in OS environment only and
that during POST or BIOS setup, only DVI-D output is valid.

• Due to the Intel® VGA driver issue, the Windows® Display Settings menu may offer
some resolution options that your monitor does not support. When you set a resolution
not supported by your monitor, it will black out. If this happens, wait 15 seconds for the
system to return to its original setting or restart the system and press F8 to enter Safe
Mode. In Safe Mode, change the display setting to 800 x 600, and then restart the
system to adjust the monitor resolution from the Windows® Display Settings menu.

• Due to the Intel® driver issue, some monitor resolution settings will lead to monitor
overscan or underscan. Refer to the next page for the troubleshooting on monitor
overscan/underscan problem

• Playback of Blu-Ray Discs
The speed and bandwidth of the CPU/Memory, DVD player, and drivers will affect the

playback quality. Following is a conguration example for your reference. Using the

CPU/Memory of higher speed and bandwidth with the higher-version DVD player and
drivers will upgrade the playback quality.

CPU: Intel Pentium 2.8GHz

DIMM: DDR3-1066 2GB
Playback software - CyberLink PowerDVD v9.0 Ultra Build 2320

• To play Blu-Ray Disc, make sure to use an HDCP compliant monitor.

• You can only play Blu-Ray Disc under Windows® Vista™ / 7™ OS.

, select

ACT/LINK

LED

LAN port

, and plug

[iGPU]

SPEED

LED

3.5.3

Chapter 2

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-43

**Troubleshooting on monitor overscan / underscan problem

1. Install

2. From the Windows® notication area,

Intel Graphics Accelerator Driver

from the motherboard support DVD.

double-click the

Accelerator Driver
Properties

Intel(R) Graphics Media

icon and click

.

Graphics

3. Click
and select a

Chapter 2

Apply

4. Or you can click

Settings > Scaling > Customize
Aspect Ratio
Scaling

and then click

Display > General Settings

Resolution

.

. Move the

and

Vertical Scaling

Apply

. Click

Display > General

Horizontal

.

sliders

2-44 Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

Port Headset

2-channel

Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In

Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In

Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer

Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

Gray – – – Side Speaker Out

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

2.3.11 Audio I/O connections

Audio I/O ports

Connect to Headphone and Mic

Chapter 2

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-45

Connect to Stereo Speakers

Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers

Chapter 2

Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers

2-46 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers

Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

When the DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC function is enabled, ensure to connect the rear
speaker to the gray port.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 2-47

2.4 Starting up for the rst time

1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.

2. Be sure 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

Chapter 2

after the system LED turns on.

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

BIOS beeps (refer to the BIOS beep codes table below) 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

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

Quick boot set to disabled
No keyboard detected
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.

2.5 Turning off the computer

While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts the system
on sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Pressing the power switch
for more than four seconds lets the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS
setting.

2-48 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Chapter 3

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS

The ASUS UEFI BIOS offers a user-friendly interface that goes beyond traditional

keyboard-only BIOS controls to enable more exible and convenient mouse input. Users

can easily navigate the UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as their 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 optimum
performance. We recommend that you 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 settings of the BIOS may result to instability or failure to boot. We strongly

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

3.2 BIOS setup program

A BIOS setup program is provided for BIOS item modication. When you start up the

computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press <Del>
during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility. Otherwise, POST continues
with its test routines.

If you wish to enter Setup after POST, press <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete>, or press the reset
button on the system chassis to restart the system. You can also turn the system off and then

turn it back on to restart the system. Do this last option only if the rst two failed.

• 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. See section 3.9 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 sectionSee section 2.2.8 Jumper for information
on how to erase the RTC RAM.

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

The BIOS setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a
menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various submenus and select from the
available options using a keyboard or a USB mouse.

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 button in the
EZ Mode/Advanced Mode screen.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 3-1

Chapter 3

3.2.1 EZ Mode

By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ
Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select
the display language, system performance mode and boot device priority. To access the
Advanced Mode, click Exit/Advanced Mode, then select Advanced Mode.

The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the

Setup Mode item in sectionsection 3.7 Boot memu for details.

Displays the CPU/motherboard temperature,
CPU/5V/3.3V/12V voltage output,
CPU/chassis/power fan speed

Monday [9/13/2010]

Temperature Voltage Fan Speed

CPU +113.0ºF/+45.0ºC CPU 1.248V 5V 5.160V CPU_FAN 3325RPM PWR_FAN1 N/A

MB +75.2ºF/+40.0ºC 3.3V 3.344V 12V 12.248V CHA_FAN1 N/A CHA_FAN2 N/A

System Performance

Chapter 3

Performance Energy Saving

Boot Priority

Use the mouse to drag or keyboard to navigate to decide the boot priority.

Selects the boot device priority

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

EFI BIOS Utility - EZ Mode

P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3

BIOS Version : 0209 Build Date : 03/04/2011

CPU Type : Genuine Intel(R) CPU 0 @ 3.10GHz Speed : 3531 MHz

Total Memory : 512 MB (DDR3 1066MHz)

Quiet

Selects the display language of
the BIOS setup program

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

Normal

Power Saving mode

Normal mode ASUS Optimal mode

Selects the boot device priority

Clicks to display all fan

speeds if available

Exit/Advanced Mode

Boot Menu(F8)

Loads optimized default

English

Default(F5)

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

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

system.

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

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.

Back button

Menu items

EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

Back Advanced\ Onboard Devices Conguration >

HD Audio Controller Enabled

Front Panel Type HD

SPDIF Out Type SPDIF

Renesas USB 3.0 Controller Enabled

Bluetooth Controller Enabled

VIA 1394 Controller Enabled

PCI Express X16_3 slot (black) bandwidth Auto

PCI Express X1_1 slot or USB3.0 switch X1 Slot

Marvell Storage Controller AHCI Mode

Marvell Storage OPROM Enabled

Ai Tweaker

Submenu item

Menu bar

Bluetooth Controller

Disabled
Enabled

Version 2.00.1201. Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc.

Pop-up window

Conguration elds

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

Scroll bar

General help

Enabled/Disabled Bluetooth Controller

→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item

Enter: Select
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values

F5: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit

F12: Print Screen

Navigation keys

Exit

Menu bar

The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:

Main For changing the basic system conguration

Ai Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings

Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

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

Boot For changing the system boot conguration

Tool For conguring options for special functions

Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings

Chapter 3

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 3-3

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

Chapter 3

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. UseUse
<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.

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.3 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.

EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

BIOS Information
BIOS Version 0209 x64
Build Date 03/14/2011
EC Version MBECE-0019
ME Version 7.0.10.1065
South Bridge Stepping B2 Stepping

CPU Information

Genuine Intel(R) CPU 0 @ 3.10GHz
Speed 3531 MHz

Memory Information
Total Memory 512 MB

Speed 1097 MHz

System Language English

System Date [Fri 03/25/2011]
System Time [16:46:15]

Access Level Administrator

> Security

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

Choose the system default language

Security

The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings.

EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

Back Main\ Security >

Password Description

If ONLY the Administrator's password is set,
then this only limits access to Setup and is
only asked for when entering Setup
If ONLY the User's password is set, then this
is a power on password and must be entered to
boot or enter Setup. In Setup the User will
have Administrator rights

Administrator Password Not Installed
User Password Not Installed

Administrator Password
User Password

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

To clear the administrator password,
key in the current password in the
Enter Current Password box,
and then press <Enter> when

prompted to create/conrm the

password.

Exit

Exit

Chapter 3

• If you have forgotten your BIOS password, erase the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC)
RAM to clear the BIOS password. See section 2.3.7 Jumper 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.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 3-5

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 Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.

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

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

To change an administrator password:

1. Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.

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

<Enter>.

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

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.

Chapter 3

To set a user password:

1. Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.

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

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

To change a user password:

1. Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.

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

<Enter>.

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

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.

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.4 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.

EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

Target CPU Turbo-Mode Speed : 4429MHz

Target DRAM Speed : 1097MHz

Ai Overclock Tuner Auto

BCLK/PCIE Frequency 103.0

Turbo Ratio Auto

By All Cores (Can Adjust in OS) 43

Internal PLL Overvoltage Auto

Memory Frequency Auto

iGPU Max. Frequency Auto

EPU Power Saving Mode Disabled

> OC Tuner

> DRAM Timing Control

> CPU Power Management

Ai Tweaker

Version 2.00.1201. Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc.

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

Scroll down to display the following items:

CPU Voltage 1.176V Offset Mode

Offset Mode Sign +

CPU Offset Voltage Auto

iGPU Offset Mode Sign +

iGPU Offset Voltage Auto

DRAM Voltage 1.515V Auto

VCCIO Voltage 1.062V Auto

CPU PLL Voltage 1.800V Auto

PCH Voltage 1.062V Auto

DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA Auto

DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA Auto

DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHB Auto

DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHB Auto

CPU Spread Spectrum Auto

Version 2.00.1201. Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc.

[X.M.P.] When XMP is enabled BLCK
frequency, CPU ratio and memory

parameters will be auto optimized.

→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item

Enter: Select
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values

F5: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit

F12: Print Screen

Exit

Chapter 3

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 3-7

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.

[Manual] Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.

[X.M.P.] If you install memory modules supporting the eXtreme Memory Prole

BCLK/PCIE Frequency [XXX]

Allows you to adjust the CPU and VGA frequency to enhance the system performance. Use
the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. You can also key in the desired value using the

numeric keypad. The values range from 80.0MHz to 300.0MHz.

eXtreme Memory Prole [High Performance]

This item appears only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [X.M.P.] and allows you
to select the X.M.P. mode supported by your memory module.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Prole #1] [Prole #2]

Turbo Ratio [By All Cores]

Allows you to manually adjust the Trubo CPU ratio.

[Auto] All Turbo ratio are set by Intel CPU default settings.

[By ALL Cores (Can Adjust in OS)] All numbers of active cores will be set to one single

Chapter 3

[By Per Core (Cannot Adjust in OS)] All numbers of active cores can be set to an individual

(X.M.P.) Technology, choose this item to set the proles supported by your
memory modules for optimizing the system performance.

Turbo ratio in OS.

Turbo ratio in BIOS.

By ALL Cores (Can Adjust in OS) [XX]

This item appears only when you set the Turbo Ratio item to [By ALL Cores (Can Adjust in
OS)]. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

1-/2-/3-/4-Core Ratio Limit [XX]

This item appears only when you set the Turbo Ratio item to [By Per Core (Cannot Adjust in
OS)]. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Internal PLL Overvoltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the Internal PLL Overvoltage.

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

Memory Frequency [Auto]

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

BCLK/PCIE Frequency item settings.

Selecting a very high memory frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default setting.

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

iGPU Max. Frequency [XXXX]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 1100MHz to 3000MHz
with a 50MHz interval.

EPU Power Saving MODE [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

EPU Setting [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the EPU Power Saving MODE item to [Enabled.] and
allows you to select the EPU power saving mode.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Light Power Saving Mode] [Medium Power Saving Mode] [Max

Power Saving Mode]

OC Tuner

OC Tuner automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of CPU and DRAM for

enhancing the system performance. Conguration options: [OK] [Cancel]

DRAM Timing Control

The sub-items 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.

CPU Power Management

The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the CPU ratio and features.

CPU Ratio [Auto]

Allows you to manually adjust the maximum non-turbo CPU ratio. Use <+> and <-> keys to
adjust the value. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model.

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

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

Turbo Mode [Enabled]

This item appears only when you set the EIST item to [Enabled].

[Enabled] Allows processor cores to run faster than marked frequency in specic

condition.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

Chapter 3

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

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 3-9

Long Duration Power Limit [Auto]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Long Duration Maintained [Auto]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Short Duration Power Limit [Auto]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Additional Turbo Voltage [Auto]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Primary Plane Current Limit [Auto]

Maximum instaneous current allowed at any given time for CPU cores.
Use <+> and <-> key to adjust the value at 0.125A increment.

DIGI+ VRM

Load-Line Calibration [Auto]

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

will decrease proportionally to CPU loading. Higher load-line calibration would get higher
voltage and better overclocking performance, but increase the CPU and VRM thermal. 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ation.

Chapter 3

VRM Frequency [Auto]

Switching frequency will affect the VRM transient response and component thermal. Setting a
higher frequency gets faster transient response.

[Auto] Allows you to enable or disable the Spread Spectrum item.

[Manual] Allows you to manually set the frequency with a 10k Hz interval.

VRM Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

This item appears only when you set the Frequency item to [Auto] and allows you to enable
the spread spectrum to enhance system stability.

VRM Fixed Frequency Mode [XXX]

This item appears only when you set the VRM Frequency item to [Manual] and allows you to

set a xed VRM frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range
from 300k Hz to 500k Hz with a 10k Hz interval.

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Phase Control [Extreme]

Phase number is the number of woorking VRM phase. Increasing phase number under
heavy system loading to get more transient and better thermal performance. Reducing phase

number under light system loading to increase VRM efciency

[Standard] Proceeds phase control depending on the CPU loading.

[Optimized] Loads the ASUS optimized phase tuning prole.

[Extreme] Proceeds the full phase mode.

[Manual Adjustment] Allows manual adjustment.

Manual Adjustment [Medium]

This item appears only when you set the Phase Control item to [Manual Adjustment].

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

Duty Control [T.Probe]

[T.Probe] Maintains the VRM thermal balance.

[Extreme] Maintains the VRM current balance.

CPU Current Capability [100%]

This item provides wider total power range for overclocking. A higher value brings a wider
total power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously.

Conguration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%] [140%]

iGPU Load-line Calibration [Auto]

Allows you to set the iGPU Load-line Calibration.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Regular] [High] [Extreme]

iGPU Current Capability [100%]

Allows you to set the iGPU Current Capability.

Conguration options: [100%] [140%]

Do not remove the thermal module while changing the DIGI+ VRM related parrameters .
The thermal conditions should be monitored.

Some of the following items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric
keypad and press the <Enter> key. You can also use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the
value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter>
key.

Chapter 3

CPU Voltage [Offset Mode]

[Manual Mode] Allows you to set a xed CPU voltage.

[Offset Mode] Allows you to set the Offset voltage.

Offset Mode Sign [+]

This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Offset Mode].

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

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

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 3-11

CPU Offset Voltage [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Offset Mode] and
allows you to set the Offset voltage. The values range from 0.005V to 0.635V with a

0.005V interval.

CPU Manual Voltage [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Manual Mode] and

allows you to set a xed CPU voltage. The values range from 0.800V to 1.990V with a

0.005V interval.

iGPU Offset Mode Sign [+]

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

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

iGPU Offset Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the iGPU Offset voltage. The values range from 0.005V to 0.635V
with a 0.005V interval.

DRAM Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.20V to 2.20V with a 0.00625V
interval.

Chapter 3

VCCIO Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the VCCIO voltage. The values range from 0.80V to 1.70V with a 0.00625V
interval.

Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU voltage. Setting a high voltage
may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may make the system
unstable.

According to Intel CPU spec, DIMMs with voltage requirement over 1.65V may damage
the CPU permanently. We recommend you install the DIMMs with the voltage requirement
below 1.65V.

CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU and PCH PLL voltage. The values range from 1.20V to 2.20V with
a 0.00625V interval.

PCH Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the Platform Controller Hub volage. The values range from 0.80V to 1.70V
with a 0.01V interval.

• The values of the CPU Manual Voltage, CPU Offset Voltage, DRAM Voltage, VCCIO
Voltage, CPU PLL Voltage, and PCH Voltage items are labeled in different color,
indicating the risk levels of high voltage settings.

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

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Black Yellow Pink Red

CPU Manual Voltage 0.8V–1.22V 1.225V–1.280V 1.285V–1.335V 1.340V–1.990V

CPU Offset Voltage 0.005V–0.060V 0.065V–0.120V 0.125V–0.175V 0.180V–0.635V

iGPU Offset Voltage

DRAM Voltage

VCCIO Voltage

CPU PLL Voltage

PCH Voltage

0.005V–0.035V 0.04V–0.065V 0.07V–0.1V 0.105V–0.635V

1.20000V–

1.57500V

0.80000V–

1.10000V

1.20000V–

1.88750V

0.80000V–

1.10000V

1.58125V–

1.65000V

1.10625V–

1.15000V

1.89375V–

1.97500V

1.11000V–

1.15000V

1.65625V–

1.72500V

1.15625V–

1.20625V

1.98125V–

2.06875V

1.16000V–

1.20000V

1.73125V–

2.20000V

1.21250V–

1.70000V

2.07500V–

2.20000V

1.21000V–

1.70000V

DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/B [Auto]

Allows you to set the DRAM DATA Reference Voltage on Channel A/B. The values
range from 0.395x to 0.630x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance DRAM
overclocking ability.

DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA/B [Auto]

Allows you to set the DRAM Control Reference Voltage on Channel A/B. The values
range from 0.395x to 0.630x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance DRAM
overclocking ability.

CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]

[Auto] Automatic conguration.

[Disabled] Enhances the BCLK overclocking ability.

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

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 3-13

Chapter 3

3.5 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.

> CPU Conguration

> System Agent Conguration

> PCH Conguration

> SATA Conguration

> USB Conguration

> Onboard Devices Conguration

> APM

Chapter 3

EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

Ai Tweaker

Version 2.00.1201. Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc.

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

CPU Conguration Parameters

→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item

Enter: Select
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values

F5: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit

F12: Print Screen

Exit

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5.1 CPU Conguration

The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically
detects.

The items shown in this screen may be different due to the CPU you installed.

EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

Back Advanced\ CPU Conguration >

CPU Conguration

Intel(R) CPU 0 @ 3.10GHz

EM64T Supported

Processor Speed 3517 MHz

Processor Stepping 206a7
Microcode Revision 14
L1 Cache 256 KB
L2 Cache 1024 KB
L3 Cache 8192 KB
Processor Cores 4
Intel HT Technology Supported
CPU Ratio Range 16-34
CPU Current Ratio 34

CPU Ratio Auto

Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor Enabled

Hyper-threading Enabled

Active Processor Cores All

Limit CPUID Maximum Disabled

Execute Disable Bit Enabled

Ai Tweaker

Version 2.00.1201. Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc.

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

Scroll down to display the following items:

Intel Virtualization Technology Disabled

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology Enabled

Turbo Mode Enabled

CPU C1E Auto

CPU C3 Report Auto

CPU C6 Report Auto

Version 2.00.1201. Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc.

Adjust Non-Turbo Ratio

→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item

Enter: Select
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values

F5: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit

F12: Print Screen

Exit

Chapter 3

CPU Ratio [Auto]

Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the BCLK Frequency. Use <+>
and <-> keys to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model.

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.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 3-15

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.

[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]

Limit CPUID Maximum [Disabled]

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

[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(R) Virtualization Tech [Disabled]

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

[Disabled] Disables this function.

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled]

Chapter 3

Allows you to enable or disable the Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep Technology (EIST).

[Disabled] The CPU runs at its default speed.

[Enabled] The operating system controls the CPU speed.

Turbo Mode [Enabled]

This item appears only when you set the EIST item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable or
disable the Intel® Turbo Mode Technology.

[Enabled] Allows processor cores to run faster than marked frequency in specic

[Disabled] Disables this function.

CPU C1E [Auto]

[Enabled] Enables the C1E support function. This item should be enabled in order to

[Disabled] Disables this function.

CPU C3 Report [Auto]

Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C3 report to OS.

CPU C6 Report [Auto]

Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C6 report to OS.

with extended CPUID functions.

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

condition.

enable the Enhanced Halt State.

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5.2 System Agent Conguration

EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Exit

Main

Back Advanced\ System Agent Conguration >

System Agent Conguration

Initate Graphic Adapter PCIE/PCI

iGPU Memory 64M

Render Standy Enabled

iGPU Multi-Monitor Disabled

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

Select which graphics controller to
use as the primary boot device.

Initiate Graphic Adapter [PCIE/PCI]

Allows you to decide which graphics controller to use as the primary boot device.

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

iGPU Memory [64M]

Allows you to set the iGPU Memory. Conguration options: [32M] [64M] [96M] [128M]

Render Standy [Enabled]

Allows you to set the Render Standy. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

iGPU Multi-Monitor [Disabled]

Allows you to set the iGPU Multi-Monitor. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

3.5.3 PCH Conguration

EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

Back Advanced\ PCH Conguration >

PCH Conguration

High Precision Timer Enabled

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

Enabled/Disabled the High Precision
Event Timer.

Exit

Chapter 3

High Precision Timer [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the High Precision Event Timer.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 3-17

3.5.4 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.

EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Exit

Back Advanced\ SATA Conguration >

SATA Conguration

SATA Mode AHCI Mode

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

SATA 6G_1 (Gray) Not Present

Hot Plug Disabled

SATA 6G_2 (Gray) Not Present

Hot Plug Disabled

SATA 3G_3 (Blue) ASUS CB-521 ATAPI

Hot Plug Disabled

SATA 3G_4 (Blue) Not Present

Hot Plug Disabled

SATA 3G_5 (Blue) Not Present

Hot Plug Disabled

SATA 3G_6 (Blue) Not Present

Scroll down to display the following items:

Chapter 3

Hot Plug Disabled

SATA Mode [AHCI Mode]

Allows you to set the SATA conguration.

[Disabled] Disables the SATA function.

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

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

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

Serial-ATA Controller 0 [Enhanced]

This item appear only when you set the previous item to [IDE Mode]

Main

Ai Tweaker

Version 2.00.1201. Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc.

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

(1) IDE Mode. (2) AHCI Mode. (3)
RAID Mode.

→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item

Enter: Select
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values

F5: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit

F12: Print Screen

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.

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

[Disabled] Disables the SATA function.

[Enhanced] Set to [Enhanced] to support two SATA 6.0 Gb/s and two SATA 3.0 Gb/s

[Compatible] Set to [Compatible] when using Windows 98/NT/2000/MS-DOS. Up to four

devices.

SATA devices are supported under these operating systems.

Serial-ATA Controller 1 [Enhanced]

[Disabled] Disables the SATA function.

[Enhanced] Set to [Enhanced] to support 2 SATA 3Gb/s devices.

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]

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 3-19

Chapter 3

3.5.5 USB Conguration

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

Back Advanced\ USB Conguration >

USB Conguration

USB Devices:
1 Keyboard, 1 Mouse, 2 Hubs

Legacy USB Support Enabled

Legacy USB3.0 Support Enabled

EHCI Hand-off Disabled

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.

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

Chapter 3

Legacy USB3.0 Support [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the support for USB 3.0 devices on legacy operating systems

[Disabled] Disables the function.

EHCI Hand-off [Disabled]

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

[Disabled] Disables the function.

EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

Enables Legacy USB support. AUTO
option disables legacy support if no
USB devices are connected. DISABLE
option will keep USB devices
available only for EFI applications.

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

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

(OS).

feature.

Exit

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5.6 Onboard Devices Conguration

EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Exit

Main

Back Advanced\ Onboard Devices Conguration >

HD Audio controller Enabled

Front Panel Type HD

SPDIF Out Type SPDIF

Bluetooth Controller Enabled

VIA 1394 Controller Enabled

PCI Express X16_3 slot (black) bandwidth Auto

Marvell Storage Controller AHCI Mode

Marvell Storage OPROM Enabled

JMB Storage Controller Enabled

JMB Storage OPROM Enabled

Display OptionRom in POST Enabled

Ai Tweaker

Version 2.00.1201. Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc.

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

Scroll down to display the following items:

Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller Enabled

Asmedia USB 3.0 Battery Charging Support Disabled

Intel LAN Controller Enabled

Intel PXE OPROM Disabled

Version 2.00.1201. Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc.

HD Audio Controller [Enabled]

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

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

Enabled/Disabled Azalia HD Audio

→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item

Enter: Select
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values

F5: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit

F12: Print Screen

Chapter 3

The following two items appear only when you set the Azalia HD Audio 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

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 3-21

SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF]

[SPDIF] Sets to [SPDIF] for SPDIF audio output.

[HDMI] Sets to [HDMI] for HDMI audio output.

Bluetooth Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the onboard bluetooth controller.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

VIA 1394 Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the onboard IEEE 1394a controller.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

PCI Express X16_3 slot (black) bandwidth [Auto]

Allows you to select the PCI Express X16_3 slot (black) bandwidth.

[Auto] PCIeX16_3 slot runs at X1 mode for system resource optimization.

[X4 mode] PCIeX16_3 slot runs at X4 mode for high performance support. (USB3_34,

[X1 mode] PCIeX16_3 slot runs at X1 mode with all slots enabled. (USB3_34 will be

Marvell Storage Controller [AHCI Mode]

Allows you to select the Marvell storage controller operating mode.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

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

Chapter 3

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

(PCIeX1_2 will be disabled.)

eSATA ports, PCIeX1_1, PCIeX1_2 will be disabled.)

disabled.)

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.

Marvell Storage OPROM [Enabled]

This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable
or disable the OptionRom of the Marvell storage controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

JMB Storage Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the JMB storage controller.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

If you want to use the full functin of the JMB storage contorller (ex. AHCI), we recommend
that you set this item to [Enabled] and install the JMicron JMB36X Controller Driver from
the motherboard support DVD.

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

JMB Storage OPROM [Enabled]

This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable
or disable the OptionRom of the JMB storage controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Display OptionRom in POST [Enabled]

This item appears only when you set the JMB Storage OPROM item to [Enabled] and
allows you to display or hide the OptionRom of the JMB storage controller during POST.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Intel LAN Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the Intel LAN controller.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

Intel PXE OPROM [Disabled]

This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable
or disable the PXE OptionRom of the Intel LAN controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the USB 3.0 controller.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

Asmedia USB 3.0 Battery Charging Support [Disabled]

[Enabled] Enables Asmedia USB 3.0 fast battery charging support for USB 3.0

[Disabled] Disables battery charging support.

devices complying with the BC 1.1 regulation.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 3-23

Chapter 3

3.5.7 APM

EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Exit

Back Advanced\ APM >

Restore AC Power Loss Power Off

Power On By PCI Disabled

Power On By PCIE Disabled

Power On By RTC Disabled

Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off]

[Power On] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.

[Power Off] The system goes into off state after an AC power loss.

[Last State] The system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was

Power On By PCI [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the PME to wake up from S5 by PCI devices.

[Enabled] Allows you to turn on the system through a PCI LAN or modem card. This

Power On By PCIE [Disabled]

Chapter 3

[Disabled] Disables the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.

[Enabled] Enables the PCIE devices 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 RTC Alarm Date (Days) and Hour/

Main

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

Specify what state to go to when
power is re-applied after a power
failure (G3 state).

before the AC power loss.

feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the
+5VSB lead.

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

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.6 Monitor menu

The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change
the fan settings.

EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Exit

Main

CPU Temperature +73ºC / +163ºF+73ºC / +163ºF

MB Temperature +31ºC / +87ºF

CPU Fan Speed 4192 RPM

CPU Fan OPT Speed N/A

Chassis Fan 1 Speed N/A

Chassis Fan 2 Speed N/A

Power Fan 1 Speed N/A

CPU Q-Fan Control Enabled

CPU Fan Speed Low Limit 600 RPM

CPU Fan Prole Standard

Chassis Q-Fan Control Enabled

Chassis Fan Speed Low Limit 600 RPM

Chassis Fan Prole Standard

Ai Tweaker

Version 2.00.1201. Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc.

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

Scroll down to display the following items:

CPU Voltage +1.176 V

3.3V Voltage +3.328 V

5V Voltage +5.120 V

12V Voltage +12.192 V

Anti Surge Support Enabled

Version 2.00.1201. Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc.

→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item

Enter: Select
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values

F5: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit

F12: Print Screen

Chapter 3

CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxx�C/xxx�F][xxx�C/xxx�F]

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

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

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU, chassis,
and power fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the 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.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 3-25

CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled]

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

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

CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]

This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to
disable or set the CPU fan warning speed.

Conguration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]

CPU Fan Profile [Standard]

This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows
you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU fan.

[Standard] Sets to [Standard] to make the CPU fan automatically adjust depending on

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

[Turbo] Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.

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

Chapter 3

the CPU temperature.

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

CPU Upper Temperature [70]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature. The values range
from 40ºC to 90ºC.

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 0% minimum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from 0%The values range from 0%
to 100%. When the CPU temperature is under 40ºC, the CPU fan will operate at the minimumWhen the CPU temperature is under 40ºC, the CPU fan will operate at the minimum
duty cycle.

Chassis Q-Fan Control [Enabled]

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

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

Chassis Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]

This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and 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]

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Chassis Fan Profile [Standard]

This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and
allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the chassis fan.

[Standard] Sets to [Standard] to make the chassis fan automatically adjust depending

on the chassis temperature.

[Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet chassis fan operation.

[Turbo] Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum chassis fan speed.

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

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

Chassis Upper Temperature [70]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature. The values range
from 40ºC to 90ºC.

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

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan duty cycle. The values range
from 20% to 100%. When the chassis temperature reaches the upper limit, the chassis fan will
operate at the maximum duty cycle.

Chassis Lower Temperature [40]

Displays the lower limit of the chassis temperature.

CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [60]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum chassis fan duty cycle. The values range from
0% to 100%. When the chassis temperature is under 40ºC, the chassis fan will operate at the
minimum duty cycle.

CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage

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.

Anti Surge Support [Enabled]

This item allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge function.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 3-27

Chapter 3

3.7 Boot menu

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

Bootup NumLock State On

Full Screen Logo Enabled

Wait for ‘F1’ If Error Enabled

Option ROM Messages Force BIOS

Setup Mode EZ Mode

Boot Option Priorities

Boot Option #1 P3: xxxxxxx

Boot Option #2 P4: xxxxxxx

Boot Override

> P5: xxxxxxxxxxxx

> P6: xxxxxxxxxxxx

> Hard Drive BBS Priorities

> CD/DVD ROM Drive BBS Priorities

Bootup NumLock State [On]

Chapter 3

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

[Off] Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [Off].

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the full screen logo display feature.

[Disabled] Disables the full screen logo display feature.

EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

Ai Tweaker

Version 2.00.1201. Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc.

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

Select the keyboard NumLock state

→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item

Enter: Select
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values

F5: Optimized Defaults

F10: Save ESC: Exit

F12: Print Screen

Exit

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

Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables this 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 forced to display during the boot

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

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

sequence.

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

Setup Mode [EZ Mode]

[Advanced Mode] Sets Advanced Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup

[EZ Mode] Sets EZ Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup program.

program.

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 select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo appears.

• To access Windows OS in Safe Mode, do any of the following:

- Press <F5> when ASUS Logo appears.

- Press <F8> after POST.

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
booting from the selected device.

3.8 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.

EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

> ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility

> ASUS O.C. Prole

> ASUS SPD Information

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

Be used to update BIOS

Exit

3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility

Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a conrmation message

appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to

conrm your choice.

For more details, refer to section 3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 3-29

Chapter 3

3.8.2. ASUS O.C. Prole

This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.

Back Tool\ ASUS O.C. Prole >

O.C. Prole Conguration

Setup Prole 1 Status : Not Installed
Setup Prole 2 Status : Not Installed
Setup Prole 3 Status : Not Installed
Setup Prole 4 Status : Not Installed
Setup Prole 5 Status : Not Installed
Setup Prole 6 Status : Not Installed
Setup Prole 7 Status : Not Installed
Setup Prole 8 Status : Not Installed

Add Your CMOS Prole

Label

Save to Prole 1

Add Your CMOS Prole

Load from Prole 1

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.

Chapter 3

Load from Prole

Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the proleKey in the prole

number that saved your BIOS settings, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.

EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode

Main

Ai Tweaker

Advanced Monitor Boot Tool

The Setup Prole Status items show Not Installed if no prole is created.

Exit

Save BIOS settings to Prole

• 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.

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.9 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.

Exit

Load Optimized Defaults

Save Changes & Reset

Discard Changes & Exit

ASUS EZ Mode

Launch EFI Shell from lesystem device

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 youWhen 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 P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 3-31

Chapter 3

3.10 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.

The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program.

1. ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.

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 backups the BIOS in DOS environment using the

motherboard support DVD and a USB ash disk drive.

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

3.10.1 ASUS Update utility

Chapter 3

The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard
BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you to:

• Update the BIOS directly from the Internet

• Download the latest BIOS le from the Internet

• Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS le

• Save the current BIOS le

• View the BIOS version information

This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.

Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for this

motherboard.

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 ASUS
Update or BIOS Updater utilities.

ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet
Service Provider (ISP).

Launching ASUS Update

After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch ASUS Update by
clicking Update > ASUS Update on the AI Suite II main menu bar.

Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.

3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Updating the BIOS through the Internet

To update the BIOS through the Internet:

1. From the ASUS Update screen,

select Update BIOS from Internet,
and then click Next.

2. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest

you to avoid network trafc.

If you want to enable the BIOS

downgradable function and auto
BIOS backup function, check the
checkboxs before the two items on
the screen.

3. Select the BIOS version that you

want to download. Click Next.

4. You can decide whether to change
the BIOS boot logo, which is the
image appearing on screen during
the Power-On Self-Tests (POST).
Click Yes if you want to change the
boot logo or No to continue.

5. Follow the onscreen instructions to
complete the update process.

ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 3-33

Chapter 3

Updating the BIOS through a BIOS le

To update the BIOS through a BIOS le:

1. From the ASUS Update screen,

select Update BIOS from le, and
then click Next.

2. Locate the BIOS le from the Open

window, click Open, and click Next.

Chapter 3

3. You can decide whether to change

the BIOS boot logo. Click Yes if you
want to change the boot logo or No to
continue.

4. Follow the onscreen instructions to
complete the update process.

• The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual BIOS information
vary by models.

• Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at

www.asus.com for detailed software conguration.

3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setup