ASUS Prime X399-A Service Manual

PRIME X399-A

Motherboard

E13889

Revised Edition V3

January 2018

Copyright© 2018 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

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

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing 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 MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

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

(1)for free by downloading it from https://www.asus.com/support/

or

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

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

Legal Compliance Dept.

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Beitou, Taipei 112

Taiwan

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

The source code will be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under the same license as the corresponding binary/object code.

This offer is valid to anyone in receipt of this information.

ASUSTeK is eager to duly provide complete source code as required under various Free Open Source Software licenses. If however you encounter any problems in obtaining the full corresponding source code we would be much obliged if you give us a notification to the email address [e-mail], stating the product and describing the problem (please DO NOT send large attachments such as source code archives, etc. to this email address).

ii

Contents

Safety information.......................................................................................................	v
About this guide..........................................................................................................	vi
PRIME X399-A specifications summary.................................................................	viii
Package contents......................................................................................................	xii
Installation tools and components..........................................................................	xiii

Chapter 1:		Product Introduction
1.1	Motherboard overview...............................................................................		1-1
	1.1.1	Before you proceed.....................................................................	1-1
	1.1.2	Motherboard layout......................................................................	1-2
	1.1.3	Central Processing Unit (CPU)....................................................	1-4
	1.1.4	System memory...........................................................................	1-5
	1.1.5	Expansion slots............................................................................	1-7
	1.1.6	Jumpers, buttons and holes.........................................................	1-9
	1.1.7	Onboard LEDs...........................................................................	1-11
	1.1.8	Internal connectors....................................................................	1-17

Chapter 2:		Basic Installation
2.1	Building your PC system...........................................................................		2-1
	2.1.1	CPU installation...........................................................................	2-1
	2.1.2	CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation................................	2-3
	2.1.3	Motherboard installation..............................................................	2-4
	2.1.4	DIMM installation.........................................................................	2-6
	2.1.5	ATX power connection.................................................................	2-7
	2.1.6	SATA device connection..............................................................	2-8
	2.1.7	Front I/O connector......................................................................	2-9
	2.1.8	Expansion card installation........................................................	2-10
	2.1.9	M.2 installation...........................................................................	2-11
2.2	BIOS update utility....................................................................................		2-12
2.3	Motherboard rear and audio connections..............................................		2-13
	2.3.1	Rear I/O connection...................................................................	2-13
	2.3.2	Audio I/O connections................................................................	2-15
2.4	Starting up for the first time....................................................................		2-17
2.5	Turning off the computer.........................................................................		2-17

Chapter 3:		BIOS Setup
3.1	Knowing BIOS.............................................................................................		3-1
3.2	BIOS setup program...................................................................................		3-2
	3.2.1	EZ Mode......................................................................................	3-3
	3.2.2	Advanced Mode...........................................................................	3-4
	3.2.3	QFan Control...............................................................................	3-7
	3.2.4	EZ Tuning Wizard........................................................................	3-8

iii

3.3	My Favorites..............................................................................................		3-10
3.4	Main menu.................................................................................................		3-12
3.5	Ai Tweaker menu......................................................................................		3-12
3.6	Advanced menu........................................................................................		3-13
	3.6.1	Trusted Computing....................................................................	3-13
	3.6.2	AMD fTPM Configuration...........................................................	3-13
	3.6.3	SATA Configuration...................................................................	3-13
	3.6.4	Onboard Devices Configuration.................................................	3-14
	3.6.5	APM Configuration.....................................................................	3-15
	3.6.6	CPU Configuration.....................................................................	3-16
	3.6.7	Network Stack Configuration.....................................................	3-16
	3.6.8	HDD/SSD SMART Information..................................................	3-16
	3.6.9	USB Configuration.....................................................................	3-16
	3.6.10	AMD PBS...................................................................................	3-17
3.7	Monitor menu............................................................................................		3-17
3.8	Boot menu.................................................................................................		3-18
3.9	Tool menu..................................................................................................		3-19
	3.9.1	ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility.............................................................	3-19
	3.9.2	Secure Erase.............................................................................	3-20
	3.9.3	ASUS Overclocking Profile........................................................	3-21
	3.9.4	ASUS SPD Information..............................................................	3-21
	3.9.5	Graphics Card Information.........................................................	3-21
3.10	Exit menu...................................................................................................		3-22
3.11	Updating BIOS..........................................................................................		3-23
	3.11.1	EZ Update..................................................................................	3-23
	3.11.2	ASUS EZ Flash 3.......................................................................	3-24
	3.11.3	ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3..........................................................	3-26

Chapter 4:		RAID Support
4.1	AMD RAID Array configurations...............................................................		4-1
	4.1.1	RAID definitions...........................................................................	4-1
	4.1.2	Installing storage devices............................................................	4-2
	4.1.3	RaidXpert2 Configuration Utility in UEFI BIOS............................	4-2
4.2	Creating a RAID driver disk.......................................................................		4-5
	4.2.1	Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® ...................................	4-5
Appendix
Notices	.....................................................................................................................		A-1
ASUS contact information......................................................................................			A-5

iv

Safety information

Electrical safety

•To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system.

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

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

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

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

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

Operation safety

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

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

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

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

•Place the product on a stable surface.

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

v

About this guide

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

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

1.Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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

2.Chapter 2: Basic Installation

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

3.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.

4.Chapter 4: RAID Support

This chapter describes the RAID configurations.

Where to find more information

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

1.ASUS website

The ASUS website (www.asus.com) provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products.

2.Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.

vi

Conventions used in this guide

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

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

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

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

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

Typography

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

vii

PRIME X399-A specifications summary

	CPU	AMD SocketTR4 socket for AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ processors
		* Refer to www.asus.com for the CPU support list.
	Chipset	AMD X399
		AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ Processors
		- 8 x DIMM, max. 128GB, DDR4 3600+(O.C.)/3466(O.C.)/3333(O.C.)/3200(O.C.)/3
	Memory	000(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666/2400/2133 MHz, ECC and non-ECC, un-buffered
		memory
		- Quad channel memory architecture
		* Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List) for details.
		AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ Processors
	Expansion	- 4 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (support x16/x8/x16/x8)
		AMD X399 chipset
	slots
		- 1 x PCIe 2.0 x4 slot
		- 1 x PCIe 2.0 x1 slot
	Multi-GPU	Supports NVIDIA® 3-Way/2-Way/Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology
	support	Supports AMD 3-Way/2-Way/Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology

AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ Processors*

-1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (both SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)

-1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 with vertical M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (both SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)

	Storage	- 1 x U.2 port
		AMD X399 chipset
		- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
		* Supports PCIe RAID configurations via onboard M.2 storages for up to 8 storage
		devices.
		Intel® Ethernet Controller I211-AT
	LAN	ASUS LAN Guard
		ASUS Turbo LAN Utility
		AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ Processors
		- 8 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports (8 ports at back panel[blue])
		AMD X399 chipset:
	USB	- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector
		- 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports (4 ports at mid-board)
		- 4 x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports at mid-board)
		ASMedia® 3142 USB 3.1 Gen 2 controller
		- 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (1 x Type-A and 1 x USB Type-C™, at back panel)
		(continued on the next page)

viii

PRIME X399-A specifications summary

		Realtek® S1220A 8-channel high definition audio CODEC featuring
		Crystal Sound 3
		- Power pre-regulator reduces power input noise to ensure consistent
		performance
		- Separate layer for left and right track, ensuring both sound deliver equal
		quality
		- Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs
		- Audio shielding ensures precise analog/digital separation and greatly
		reduced multi-lateral interference
		- EMI protection cover to prevent electrical noise to affect the amplifier
		quality
		- Internal audio Amplifier to enhance the highest quality sound for
	Audio	headphone and speakers
		- Unique de-pop circuit to reduce start-up popping noise to audio outputs
		- Premium Japan-made audio capacitors provides warm, natural, and
		immersive sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity
		- High quality 120dB SNR stereo playback output (Line-out@back) & 113dB
		SNR input (Line-in) support
		- Supports up to 32-Bit/192kHz playback*
		- DTS® Headphone:X™
		- DTS® Connect
		- Supports jack-detection, multi-streaming, front panel jack-retasking (MIC)
		- Optical S/PDIF out port at back I/O
		* Due to limitations in HDA bandwidth, 32-Bit/192kHz is not supported for
		8-Channel audio. 32-Bit/192kHz is only available under Windows® 10.

		<Performance>
		OC Design: ASUS PRO Clock Technology
		- Full BCLK range for extreme overclocking performance.
		5-Way Optimization
		- Whole system optimization with a single click! Perfectly consolidates
		better CPU performance, power saving, digital power control, system
		cooling and app usages.
		DIGI+ Power Control
	ASUS Exclusive	- CPU Power: Digital 8+3 phase power design
		- DRAM Power: Digital 4-phase power design
	Features
		TPU
		- Auto Tuning, TPU
		EPU
		Fan Xpert 4
		Turbo App
		UEFI BIOS
		CrashFree BIOS 3
		EZ Flash 3
		EZ Tuning Wizard
		(continued on the next page)

ix

PRIME X399-A specifications summary

<Gaming>

AURA SYNC

3D Printing Friendly design Turbo LAN

		<EZ Management>
		File Transfer
	ASUS Exclusive	PC Cleaner
		<EZ DIY>
	Features
		Q-Design
		- ASUS Q-Code
		- ASUS Q-Connector
		- ASUS Q-DIMM
		- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
		- ASUS Q-Shield
		- ASUS Q-Slot
		ASUS SafeSlot
		- Protect your graphics card Investment
		ASUS 5X Protection III
		- ASUS SafeSlot Core - Fortified PCIe with solid soldering
		- ASUS LANGuard - Protects against LAN surges, lightning strikes and
		static-electricity discharges!
	ASUS Special	- ASUS Overvoltage Protection - World-class circuit-protecting power
		design
	Features
		- ASUS DIGI+ VRM - Digital power design
		- ASUS DRAM Overcurrent Protection: Enhanced DRAM overcurrent
		protection
		- ASUS Stainless-Steel Back I/O: 3X corrosion-resistance for greater
		durability!
		- AI Suite 3
		- Ai Charger
	ASUS Quiet	Quiet Thermal Design:
	Thermal	- ASUS Fan Xpert 4
	Solution	- ASUS Stylish MOS & M.2 heatsink Design
		1 x BIOS Flashback button
		1 x Optical S/PDIF out
	Back Panel I/O	1 x Intel LAN (RJ45) port
		2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (Type-A + USB Type-C™ [teal blue])
	Ports
		8 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports (blue)
		5 x Audio jacks (Line in, Front Speaker Out, Mic in, Center/Subwoofer, Rear
		Speaker Out)
		(continued on the next page)

x

PRIME X399-A specifications summary

	1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector
	2 x USB 3.0 Gen 1 connectors support additional 4 USB ports (19-pin)
	2 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 4 USB ports
	1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices
	support (both SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
	1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 with vertical M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage
	devices support (both SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
	1 x U.2 port
	6 x SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors
	1 x 4-pin W_PUMP+ connector
	1 x 4-pin AIO_PUMP fan connector
	1 x 4-pin CPU fan connector
	1 x 4-pin CPU optional fan (CPU_OPT) connector
Internal I/O	1 x 3-pin Cover fan (COV_FAN) connector
connectors	3 x 4-pin Chassis fan connectors
	1 x 4-pin M.2 fan connector
	1 x 5-pin Extension Fan (EXT_FAN) connector
	1 x 2-pin Thermal sensor header
	1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
	1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
	1 x 4-pin EATX 12V Power connector
	2 x RGB headers
	1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
	1 x System panel connector (Q-Connector)
	1 x Q_Code LED
	1 x Clear CMOS header
	1 x Power-on button
	128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 3.0, ACPI
BIOS Features	6.1, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 3, CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ
	Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Last Modified log, F12
	PrintScreen, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory
	information
Manageability	WfM 2.0, DMI 3.0, WOL by PME, PXE
	Drivers
Support DVD	ASUS Utilities
contents	EZ Update
	Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Operating	Windows® 10 64-bit
system support
Form factor	Extended ATX Form Factor, 12”x 10.6” (30.5 cm x 26.9 cm)

• Specifications are subject to change without notice.

• Visit the ASUS website for the software manual.

xi

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

	Motherboard	ASUS PRIME X399-A motherboard
	Cables	4 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables
		1 x ASUS SLI HB BRIDGE (2-WAY-M)
		1 x Q-Connector
	Accessories	1 x M.2 vertical bracket
		1 x M.2 screw package
		1 x ASUS Q-Shield
	Application DVD	Motherboard support DVD
	Documentation	User manual

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

xii

Installation tools and components

1 Bag of screws	Phillips (cross) screwdriver
PC chassis	Power supply unit
AMD SocketTR4 CPU	AMD SocketTR4 compatible CPU Fan
DDR4 DIMM	SATA hard disk drive
SATA optical disc drive (optional)	Graphics card
M.2 SSD module (optional)

The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.

xiii

xiv

Product Introduction

1

1.1Motherboard overview

1.1.1Before 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.

Chapter 1

ASUS PRIME X399-A

1-1

1 Chapter

1.1.2Motherboard layout

1			26.9cm(10.6in) 2	3				1		4		5
											CPU_OPT
															CPU_FAN
				RGB_HEADER2				DIGI+
								EPU

BIOS_FLBK

DIGI+

U31G1_5~8

			LANGuard				module)pin-288(64bit,D1*	module)pin-288(64bit,D2
LAN_U31G1_34
U31G1_12
					Intel
					I211AT
						_		_
					ASM		DIMM	DIMM
U31G2_EA2					3142
U31G2_EC1							DDR4	DDR4
AUDIO						PUMP
						AIO_
		COV_FAN

5

Super	PCIEX4
I/O

Crystal Sound

PCIEX1

Q_CODE

AAFP

C1* (64bit, 288-pin module)	C2 (64bit, 288-pin module)
DDR4 DIMM_	DDR4 DIMM_

SocketTR4

128Mb BIOS

					EATX12V_1	BOOT
						VGA
						CPU
				PWR1		DRAM
					EATX12V_2
				8PIN	DIGI+
DDR4 DIMM A2 (64bit, 288-pin module)	DDR4 DIMM A1* (64bit, 288-pin module)	DDR4 DIMM B2 (64bit, 288-pin module)	DDR4 DIMM B1* (64bit, 288-pin module)	PLUG_	EATXPWR	M.2 2(SOCKET3)
						CHA FAN1
					U31G2 C1

PRO

Clock

PCIEX16_1

DIGI+

EPU 910_U31G1

PCIEX16_2	AMD
	X399	U.2

				M.2_1(SOCKET3)		1 2
PCIEX16_3						SATA6G	SATA6G
CMOS Power						3 4
	TPU					SATA6G	SATA6G
Lithium Cell
	2280		2260	2242
PCIEX16_4						SATA6G 5	SATA6G 6
				M.2_FAN
PWR_SW	CHA_FAN3 CHA_FAN2	USB12	USB34	U31G1_1112 W_PUMP+	T_SENSOR
RGB_HEADER1
					CLRTC
	EXT_FAN					PANEL

4 30.5cm(12.0in)

6

5

7

6

8

9

10

11

12

18

17

16

3

5

15

8

5

14 13

Refer to 1.1.8 Internal connectors and 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.

1-2	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots		Page
1.	DDR4 DIMM slots	1-5
2.	SocketTR4 CPU socket	1-4
3.	RGB header (4-pin RGB_HEADER1-2)	1-25
4.	ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V_1; 4-pin	1-22
	EATX12V_2)
5.	CPU, CPU optional, cover, AIO pump, water pump+, extension, M.2,	1-21
	and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 3-pin
	COV_FAN; 4-pin AIO_PUMP; 4-pin W_PUMP+; 4-pin M.2_FAN; 5-pin
	EXT_FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-3)
6.	M.2 sockets [M.2_1(Socket 3); M.2_2(Socket 3)]	1-24
7.	USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector (U31G2_C1)	1-18
8.	USB 3.1 Gen 1 connectors (20-1 pin U31G1_910; U31G1_1112)	1-19
9.	3D Mount holes	1-10
10.	U.2 connector (U.2)	1-24
11.	AMD Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6)	1-17
12.	System panel connector (20-5 pin PANEL)	1-23
13.	Clear RTC RAM jumper (2-pin CLRTC)	1-9
14.	Thermal sensor connector (2-pin T_SENSOR)	1-20
15.	USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB12; USB34)	1-20
16.	Power-on button	1-10
17.	Q-Code LED	1-11
18.	Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)	1-18

Chapter 1

ASUS PRIME X399-A

1-3

1.1.3Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a SocketTR4 socket designed for the AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ processors.

1 Chapter

PRIME X399-A CPU SocketTR4

The SocketTR4 socket has a different pinout design. Ensure that you use a CPU designed for the SocketTR4 socket. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU!

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

1-4	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1.4System memory

The motherboard comes with eight DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots.

A DDR4 module is notched differently from a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 module. DO NOT install a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 memory module to the DDR4 slot.

DIMM D1* DIMM D2

DIMM C1* DIMM C2

DIMM A2 DIMM A1*

DIMM B2 DIMM B1*

PRIME X399-A 288-pin DDR4 DIMM sockets

Recommended memory configurations

Chapter 1

ASUS PRIME X399-A

1-5

1 Chapter

Memory configurations

You may install 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB and 16 GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR4 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A, Channel B, Channel C, and Channel D. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the quad channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

•This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512 Mb (64 MB) 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.

•For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (8 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

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

•Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

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1.1.5Expansion slots

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

Chapter 1

PCIEX16_1

PCIEX4

PCIEX16_2

PCIEX16_3

PCIEX1

PCIEX16_4

Slot No. Slot Description

1PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot

2PCIe 2.0 x4 slot

3PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_2 slot

4PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_3 slot

5PCIe 2.0 x1 slot

6PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_4 slot

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1 Chapter

AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ Processors

	VGA Configuration	PCI Express 3.0 operating mode
		Single VGA	SLI™/CFX	3-Way SLI™/CFX
	PCIe x16_1	x16	x16	x16
	PCIe x16_2	N/A	N/A	N/A
	PCIe x16_3	N/A	x16	x16
	PCIe x16_4	N/A	N/A	x8

•We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI™ mode.

•Connect chassis fans to the motherboard chassis fan connectors when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.

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1.1.6Jumpers, buttons and holes

	1. Clear RTC RAM jumper (2-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	1
	CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in
		Chapter
	CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords.

CLRTC

PIN 1

PRIME X399-A Clear RTC RAM

To erase the RTC RAM:

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

2.Short-circuit pin 1-2 with a metal object or jumper cap for about 5-10 seconds.

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

4.Hold down the <Delete> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data.

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never place a metal object or jumper cap on the

CLRTC jumper. Placing a metal object or jumper cap will cause system boot failure!

•If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and place a metal object or jumper cap 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 turn on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before rebooting the system.

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2.	Power-on button
	The motherboard comes with a power-on button that allows you to power up or wake
	up the system. The button also lights up when the system is plugged to a power source
1 Chapter	indicating that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before
	removing or installing any motherboard component.

PWR_SW

PRIME X399-A Power-on button

3.3D Mount holes

Secure 3D printed parts to these 3D Mount holes for a personalized motherboard.

3D_MOUNT

3D_MOUNT

PRIME X399-A 3D Mount holes

For more details regarding the installation of the 3D printing part on your motherboard, please refer to the product page of your motherboard on the ASUS website at http://www.asus.com.

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1.1.7Onboard LEDs

1.POST State LEDs

The POST State LEDs provide the status of these key components during POST (Power-On Self-Test): CPU, memory modules, VGA card, and hard disk drives. If an error is found, the critical component’s LED stays lit up until the problem is solved.

BOOT (YELLOW GREEN)

VGA (WHITE)

CPU (RED)

DRAM (YELLOW)

PRIME X399-A CPU/ DRAM/

BOOT_DEVICE/ VGA LED

2.Q-Code LED

The Q-Code LED design provides you with a 2-digit error code that displays the system status. Refer to the Q-Code table on the next page for details.

PRIME X399-A Q-Code LEDs

Chapter 1

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1 Chapter

Q-Code table

Code		Description
00		Not used
01		Power on. Reset type detection (soft/hard).
02		AP initialization before microcode loading
03		System Agent initialization before microcode loading
04		PCH initialization before microcode loading
06		Microcode loading
07		AP initialization after microcode loading
08		System Agent initialization after microcode loading
09		PCH initialization after microcode loading
0B		Cache initialization
0C – 0D		Reserved for future AMI SEC error codes
0E		Microcode not found
0F		Microcode not loaded
10		PEI Core is started
11	– 14	Pre-memory CPU initialization is started
15	– 18	Pre-memory System Agent initialization is started
19	– 1C	Pre-memory PCH initialization is started
2B – 2F		Memory initialization

30Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)

31Memory Installed

	32	– 36	CPU post-memory initialization
	37	– 3A	Post-Memory System Agent initialization is started
	3B – 3E		Post-Memory PCH initialization is started
	4F		DXE IPL is started
	50	– 53	Memory initialization error. Invalid memory type or incompatible memory
			speed

54Unspecified memory initialization error

55Memory not installed

56Invalid CPU type or Speed

57CPU mismatch

58CPU self test failed or possible CPU cache error

59CPU micro-code is not found or micro-code update is failed

(continued on the next page)

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Q-Code table

Code	Description
5A	Internal CPU error
5B	Reset PPI is not available
5C – 5F	Reserved for future AMI error codes
E0	S3 Resume is stared (S3 Resume PPI is called by the DXE IPL)
E1	S3 Boot Script execution
E2	Video repost
E3	OS S3 wake vector call
E4 – E7	Reserved for future AMI progress codes
E8	S3 Resume Failed
E9	S3 Resume PPI not Found
EA	S3 Resume Boot Script Error
EB	S3 OS Wake Error
EC – EF	Reserved for future AMI error codes
F0	Recovery condition triggered by firmware (Auto recovery)
F1	Recovery condition triggered by user (Forced recovery)
F2	Recovery process started
F3	Recovery firmware image is found
F4	Recovery firmware image is loaded
F5 – F7	Reserved for future AMI progress codes
F8	Recovery PPI is not available
F9	Recovery capsule is not found
FA	Invalid recovery capsule
FB – FF	Reserved for future AMI error codes

60DXE Core is started

61NVRAM initialization

62Installation of the PCH Runtime Services

63 – 67

CPU DXE initialization is started

68PCI host bridge initialization

69System Agent DXE initialization is started

	6A	System Agent DXE SMM initialization is started
	6B – 6F	System Agent DXE initialization (System Agent module specific)
		(continued on the next page)

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1 Chapter

Q-Code table

Code Description

70PCH DXE initialization is started

71PCH DXE SMM initialization is started

72PCH devices initialization

73– 77 PCH DXE Initialization (PCH module specific)

78ACPI module initialization

79CSM initialization

7A – 7F Reserved for future AMI DXE codes

90Boot Device Selection (BDS) phase is started

91Driver connecting is started

92PCI Bus initialization is started

93PCI Bus Hot Plug Controller Initialization

94PCI Bus Enumeration

95PCI Bus Request Resources

96PCI Bus Assign Resources

97Console Output devices connect

98Console input devices connect

99Super IO Initialization

9A	USB initialization is started
9B	USB Reset
9C	USB Detect
9D	USB Enable
9E – 9F	Reserved for future AMI codes
A0	IDE initialization is started
A1	IDE Reset
A2	IDE Detect
A3	IDE Enable
A4	SCSI initialization is started
A5	SCSI Reset
A6	SCSI Detect
A7	SCSI Enable
A8	Setup Verifying Password

(continued on the next page)

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Q-Code table

Code	Description
A9	Start of Setup
AA	Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)
AB	Setup Input Wait
AC	Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)
AD	Ready To Boot event
AE	Legacy Boot event
AF	Exit Boot Services event
B0	Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP Begin
B1	Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP End
B2	Legacy Option ROM Initialization
B3	System Reset
B4	USB hot plug
B6	Clean-up of NVRAM
B7	Configuration Reset (reset of NVRAM settings)
B8– BF	Reserved for future AMI codes
D0	CPU initialization error
D1	System Agent initialization error
D2	PCH initialization error
D3	Some of the Architectural Protocols are not available
D4	PCI resource allocation error. Out of Resources
D5	No Space for Legacy Option ROM
D6	No Console Output Devices are found
D7	No Console Input Devices are found
D8	Invalid password
D9	Error loading Boot Option (LoadImage returned error)
DA	Boot Option is failed (StartImage returned error)
DB	Flash update is failed
DC	Reset protocol is not available
B5	PCI bus hot plug

Chapter 1

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