ASUS ROG Strix Z370-F Gaming Service Manual

ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING

Motherboard

E13351 First Edition

August 2017

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Contents

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

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

ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING specications summary ........................................... ix

Package contents ..................................................................................................... xiii

Installation tools and components ......................................................................... xiv

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 and holes ......................................................................1-9

1.1.7 Onboard LEDs ..........................................................................1-11

1.1.8 Internal connectors....................................................................1-12

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

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

2.1.1 Motherboard installation ..............................................................2-1

2.1.2 CPU installation...........................................................................2-3

2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation ............................... 2-5

2.1.4 DIMM installation.........................................................................2-7

2.1.5 ATX power connection ................................................................2-8

2.1.6 SATA device connection .............................................................2-9

2.1.7 Front I/O connector ...................................................................2-10

2.1.8 Expansion card installation .......................................................2-11

2.1.9 M.2 installation ..........................................................................2-13

2.1.10 Fan holder installation ............................................................... 2-15

2.2 Motherboard rear and audio connections ............................................. 2-16

2.2.1 Rear I/O connection ..................................................................2-16

2.2.2 Audio I/O connections ...............................................................2-18

2.3 Starting up for the rst time .................................................................... 2-20

2.4 Turning off the computer ........................................................................ 2-21

iii

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 .......................................................................3-9

3.3 My Favorites ............................................................................................. 3-12

3.4 Main menu ................................................................................................ 3-14

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu......................................................................................3-14

3.6 Advanced menu ....................................................................................... 3-16

3.6.1 Platform Misc Conguration ......................................................3-16

3.6.2 CPU Conguration ....................................................................3-16

3.6.3 System Agent (SA) Conguration .............................................3-17

3.6.4 PCH Conguration ....................................................................3-17

3.6.5 PCH Storage Conguration.......................................................3-17

3.6.6 PCH-FW Conguration .............................................................3-18

3.6.7 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................3-18

3.6.8 APM Conguration ....................................................................3-19

3.6.9 Network Stack Conguration.....................................................3-19

3.6.10 HDD/SSD SMART Information ................................................. 3-19

3.6.11 USB Conguration .................................................................... 3-19

3.7 Monitor menu ........................................................................................... 3-20

3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................ 3-20

3.9 Tool menu ................................................................................................. 3-22

3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility ............................................................3-22

3.9.2 Secure Erase ............................................................................3-22

3.9.3 ASUS Overclocking Prole .......................................................3-24

3.9.4 ASUS SPD Information .............................................................3-24

3.9.5 Graphics Card Information ........................................................3-24

3.10 Exit menu .................................................................................................. 3-25

3.11 Updating BIOS .......................................................................................... 3-25

3.11.1 EZ Update ................................................................................. 3-25

3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3 ...................................................................... 3-26

3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 .......................................................... 3-28

Chapter 4: RAID Support

4.1 RAID congurations .................................................................................. 4-1

4.1.1 RAID denitions ..........................................................................4-1

4.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ..................................................4-2

4.1.3 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology in UEFI BIOS .......................... 4-2

4.1.4 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility .................. 4-6

4.2 Creating a RAID driver disk.....................................................................4-10

4.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® ................................. 4-10

Appendix

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

ASUS contact information ...................................................................................... A-5

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.

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:

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 congurations.

Where to nd 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 yers,

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

vii

Conventions used in this guide

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

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

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

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

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

Typography

Bold text

Italics

<Key>

Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

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.

If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key names are linked with a plus sign (+).

viii

ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING specications summary

Intel® Socket 1151 for 8th Generation Core™ Processors

Supports 14nm CPU

CPU

Chipset

Memory

Expansion slots

VGA

Multi-GPU support

Rear Panel I/O Ports

Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*

* The support of these features depends on the CPU types.

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

Intel® Z370 Chipset

4 x DIMM, max. 64GB DDR4 4000(OC)* / 3866(OC)* / 3733(OC)* /

3600(OC)* / 3466(OC)* / 3400(OC)* / 3333(OC)* / 3300(OC)* /

3200(OC)* / 3000(OC)* / 2800(OC)* / 2666 / 2400 / 2133 MHz non-ECC,

un-buffered memory

Dual channel memory architecture

Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)*

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

Please refer to Memory QVL(Qualied Vendors List) for details.

2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (supports x16, x8/x8, x8/x4+x4*, x8+x4+x4/x0**)

1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slot (max. at x4 mode)

4 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1 slots

* For 2 Intel® SSDs on CPU support, install a Hyper M.2 X16 card (sold separately)

into the PCIeX8_2 slot, and enable this card under BIOS settings.

** For 3 Intel® SSDs on CPU support, install a Hyper M.2 X16 card (sold separately)

into the PCIeX16/x8_1 slot, and enable this card under BIOS settings.

Integrated Graphics Processor- Intel® HD Graphics support

Multi-VGA output support: DisplayPort/HDMI/DVI-D ports

Supports DisplayPort 1.2* with max. resolution 4096 x 2304@60Hz

Supports HDMI 1.4b with max. resolution 4096 x 2160@24Hz

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

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

Supports up to 3 displays simultaneously

Maximum shared memory of 1024MB

* DP 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport compliant, supports DP 1.2 monitor daisy chain

up to 3 displays

Supports NVIDIA® 2-Way SLI™ Technology

Supports AMD® 3-Way CrossFireX™ Technology

2 x USB3.1 Gen2 ports (1 x Type-A [red] and 1 x Type-C ports at back

panel)

1 x DVI port

1 x HDMI port

1 x DP port

2 x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports [blue]

2 x USB 2.0 ports

1 x Anti-surge LAN (RJ45) port

5 x Audio jacks

1 x Optical S/PDIF out

(continued on the next page)

ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING specications summary

Intel® Z370 Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel Rapid Storage Technology support

- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s 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 modes)*

- 1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)**

Storage

Audio

USB

LAN

- Ready for Intel® Optane Memory***

* The M.2_1 socket shares SATA_1 port when use M.2 SATA mode device. Adjust

BIOS settings to use a SATA device.

** The M.2_2 socket shares SATA_56 ports when use M.2 PCIE mode device in X4

mode. Adjust BIOS settings to use SATA devices.

*** Intel® Optane Technology only supported when using 8th Generation Intel®

Processors. Before using Intel® Optane memory modules, ensure that you have updated your motherboard drivers and BIOS to the latest version from ASUS support website.

ROG SupremeFX S1220A 8-Channel High Denition Audio CODEC

- Supports up to 32-Bit/192kHz playback*

- Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs

- High quality 120dB SNR stereo playback output and 113 dB SNR recording input

- SupremeFX Shielding Technology

- Dual Headphone Ampliers

- Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, and Front Panel Jack-retasking

- Optical S/PDIF out port at back panel

Audio Features:

- Sonic Radar III

- Sonic Studio III + Sonic Studio Link

* Due to limitations in HDA bandwidth, 32-Bit/192kHz is not supported for

8-Channel audio.

Intel® Z370 Chipset:

- 6 x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports ( 2 ports at back panel [blue], 4 ports at midboard)

- 6 x USB 2.0 ports ( 2 ports at back panel, 4 ports at mid-board)

ASMedia® USB 3.1 controllers*:

- 2 x USB 3.1 Gen2 ports (1 x Type-A [red] and 1 x Type-C at back panel)

* Supports 3A power output

Intel® I219-V Gigabit LAN- Dual interconnect between the integrated Media Access Controller (MAC) and physical layer (PHY)

Anti-surge LANGuard

ROG GameFirst Technology

(continued on the next page)

ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING specications summary

ROG RAMCache II

ROG Exclusive Features

ASUS Special Features

ROG GameFirst IV

ROG CPU-Z

ROG Overwolf

ROG CloneDrive

Performance Optimization

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+VRM

EPU

- EPU

TPU

- Auto Tuning, TPU, GPU Boost

Fan Xpert 4 featuring Fan Auto Tuning function and multiple

thermistors selection for optimized system cooling control

ASUS EZ DIY

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 3

ASUS Q-Design

- Q-Shield

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

- Q-Slot

- Q-DIMM

Gamer’s Guardian

- SafeSlot

- DIGI+ VRM

- DRAM Overcurrent Protection

- ESD Guards on LAN, Audio, and USB ports

- Highly Durable Components

- Stainless Steel Back I/O

ASUS Exclusive Features

- AURA Lighting Control

- 3D Printing Friendly Design

- AI Suite 3

- AI Charger

(continued on the next page)

ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING specications summary

2 x USB 3.1 Gen1 connectors support additional 4 x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports

2 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 4 x USB 2.0 ports

6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors

1 x 4-Pin M.2_FAN connector

1 x 4-Pin AIO_PUMP fan connector

1 x 4-Pin CPU fan connector

1 x 4-Pin CPU_OPT fan connector

2 x 4-Pin Chassis fan connectors

1 x 5-Pin Extension fan connector

1 x 24-pin EATX power connector

Internal I/O connectors

BIOS Features

Manageability

Support DVD contents

Operating system support

Form factor

1 x 8-pin EATX 12V power connector

1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support

( Supports PCIE and SATA modes)

1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support

(Supports PCIE mode only)

1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)

1 x COM connector

2 x RGB headers

1 x Addressable header

1 x TPM connector

1 x System panel connector

1 x Thermal sensor connector

1 x CPU_OV

1 x Clear CMOS jumper (2-pin)

128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 3.0, ACPI

6.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 3, CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ

Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Last Modied log, F12

PrintScreen and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information

WfM2.0, DMI3.0, WOL by PME, PXE

Drivers

ASUS Utilities

EZ Update

Anti-virus software (OEM version)

Windows® 10 64-bit

ATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.4cm)

Specications are subject to change without notice. Please refer to the ASUS website for the latest specications.

xii

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING

4 x SATA 6Gb/s cables

1 x SLI HB BRIDGE (2-WAY-M)

Cables

Accessories

Application drive ROG motherboard support DVD

Documentation User guide

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

1 x RGB LED extension cable

1 x Addressable LED extension cable

1 x Thermal sensor cable

1 x I/O shield

1 x CPU Installation tool

1 x STRIX series sticker

1 x 3D Printing Mount

1 x M.2 screw package

1 x CPU fan holder

1 x Pack of cable ties

1 x ROG STRIX Door hanger

xiii

Installation tools and components

Intel® 1151 compatible CPU Fan

Intel® 1151 CPU

PC chassis

Power supply unit

SATA optical disc drive (optional)

SATA hard disk drive

1 bag of screws

Phillips (cross) screwdriver

DIMM

Graphics card

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

xiv

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Product Introduction

1.1 Motherboard overview

1.1.1 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.

Chapter 1

ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING

1-1

1.1.2 Motherboard layout

Chapter 1

USB31G2_EC1 USB31G2_E2

DVI

HDMI

USB1314

LAN1_U31G1_56

AUDIO

WGI 219V

Super

1 42 53

CPU_OV

EATX12V

ASM 3142

24.4cm(9.6in)

CPU_FAN

DIGI+ EPU

CPU_OPT

RGB_HEADER2

PWR_LED

CHA_FAN1

MOUNT

BOOT_DEVICE_LED VGA_LED DRAM_LED CPU_LED

LGA1151

ASM

1442K

DDR4 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 288-pin module)

LANGuard

CHA_FAN2

AIO_PUMP

CON_BACKIO

PCIE_X1_1

2280 2260 2242

ASM1480 ASM1480 ASM1480 ASM1480

PCIE_X16/X8_1

Lithium Cell

PCIE_X1_2

PCIE_X1_3

I/O

CMOS Power

M.2_2(SOCKET3)

PCIE SATA IRST

X4XV

Intel Z370

DDR4 DIMM_A2 (64bit, 288-pin module)

ASM

ASM1480

3142

ASM1480

PCIE_X8_2

MOUNT

U31G1_34

M.2_1(SOCKET3)

PCIE SATA IRST

X4VV

USB910 USB1112

M.2_FAN

PANEL

MOUNT

CLRTC

1131451516

T_SENSOR1

PCIE_X1_4

TPU

2280 2260 2242

PCIE_X4

COM

AAFP

RGB_HEADER1

TPM

EXT_FAN

ADD_HEADER

313 8 12

EATXPWR

SATA6G_1

SATA6G_3

SATA6G_5

U31G1_12

SATA6G_2

SATA6G_4

SATA6G_6

30.5cm(12in)

1-2

Refer to 1.1.8 Internal connectors and 2.2.1 Rear I/O connection for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots Page

1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V) 1-16

2. LGA1151 CPU socket 1-4

3. CPU, CPU optional, AIO pump, M.2, extension, and chassis fan

connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin AIO_PUMP; 4-pin M.2_FAN; 5-pin EXT_FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-2)

4. DDR4 DIMM slots 1-5

5. RGB headers (4-pin RGB_HEADER1-2) 1-19

6. 3D Mount 1-10

7. M.2 sockets (M.2_1; M.2_2) 1-20

8. USB 3.1 Gen1 connectors (20-1 pin U31G1_12,U31G1_34) 1-13

9. Intel® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12, SATA 6G_34, SATA 6G_56)

10. Clear RTC RAM jumper (2-pin CLRTC) 1-9

11. System panel connector (20-3 pin PANEL) 1-17

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

13. Addressable RGB header (4-1 pin ADD_HEADER)

14. TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM) 1-18

15. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM) 1-14

16. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-13

17. Thermal sensor cable connector (2-pin T_SENSOR) 1-18

18. CPU over voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV) 1-10

1-15

Chapter 1

1-12

1-21

ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING

1-3

1.1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING CPU LGA1151

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1151 socket designed for the 8th Generation Intel® Core™ processors.

Chapter 1

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

• 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

LGA1151 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.

1-4

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1.4 System memory

The motherboard comes with four DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4) Quad 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_B1

DIMM_B2

DIMM_A1

DIMM_A2

ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING 288-pin DDR4 DIMM sockets

Recommended memory congurations

Chapter 1

ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING

1-5

Memory congurations

You may install 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB and 16 GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR4 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

Chapter 1

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A, and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel conguration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel

operation.

• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows® OS, when you install 4GB

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

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

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

motherboard.

c) For more details, refer to the Microsoft® support site at http://support.microsoft.

com/kb/929605/en-us.

• The design of the DIMM fan may vary. Ensure that the DIMM fan ts to the

motherboard

• 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 efcient memory cooling system to support a full

memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

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

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

• Always install the DIMMS with the same CAS Latency. For an optimum compatibility,

we recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or data code (D/C) from the same vendor. Check with the vendor to get the correct memory modules.

• ASUS exclusively provides hyper DIMM support function.

• Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs. Load

the X.M.P. or D.O.C.P. settings in the BIOS for the hyper DIMM support.

• Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

1-6

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1.5 Expansion slots

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

PCIE_X1_1

PCIE_X16/X8_1

PCIE_X1_2

Chapter 1

PCIE_X1_3

PCIE_X8_2

PCIE_X1_4

PCIE_X4

Slot No. Slot Description

1 PCIE_x1_1 slot

2 PCIE_x16/x8_1 slot

3 PCIE_x1_2 slot

4 PCIE_x1_3 slot

5 PCIE_x8_2 slot

6 PCIE_x1_4 slot

7 PCIE_x4 slot

ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING

1-7

Chapter 1

Single VGA/PCIe card

Dual VGA/PCIe cards x8 x8

PCI Express 3.0 operating mode

VGA conguration

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

mode.

• Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1-2 when

using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.

PCIe_x16/x8_1 PCIe_x8_2

x16 (single VGA

recommended)

N/A

Hyper M.2 X16 card

conguration

2 Intel® SSDs on CPU support

3 Intel® SSDs on CPU support

• Hyper M.2 X16 card is purchased separately.

• Enable the Hyper M.2 X16 card under BIOS settings.

PCI Express 3.0 operating mode

PCIe_x16/x8_1 PCIe_x8_2

x8 x4+x4

x8+x4+x4 N/A

1-8

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1.6 Jumpers 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 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 1

ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING Clear RTC RAM

CLRTC

PIN 1

+3V_BAT

GND

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 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.

ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING

1-9

2. CPU over voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV)

The CPU over voltage jumper allows you to set a higher CPU voltage for a exible

overclocking system, depending on the type of the installed CPU. To gain more CPU

Chapter 1

voltage setting, insert the jumper to pins 2-3. To go back to its default CPU voltage setting, insert the jumper to pins 1-2.

3. 3D Mount

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

ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING CPU_OV setting

3D Mount

1-10

3D Mount

ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING 3D Printing Mount

• Download 3D source les at http://www.asus.com.

• Use the bundled 3D Mount screws to install the 3D printed parts.

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1.7 Onboard 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)

DRAM (YELLOW)

CPU (RED)

ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING CPU/DRAM/BOOT_DEVICE/VGA LED

2. Standby Power LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The LED lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.

Chapter 1

ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING PWR_LED

ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING

PWR_LED

1-11

1.1.8 Internal connectors

1. Intel® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12, SATA 6G_34, SATA

Chapter 1

6G_56)

These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6 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®

Z370 chipset.

SATA6G_1

GND RSATA_TXP1 RSATA_TXN1

GND RSATA_RXN1 RSATA_RXP1

GND

SATA6G_3

GND RSATA_TXP3 RSATA_TXN3

GND RSATA_RXN3 RSATA_RXP3

GND

SATA6G_5

RSATA_TXP5 RSATA_TXN5

RSATA_RXN5 RSATA_RXP5

GND

SATA6G_2

RSATA_TXP2 RSATA_TXN2

RSATA_RXN2 RSATA_RXP2

SATA6G_4

RSATA_TXP4 RSATA_TXN4

RSATA_RXN4 RSATA_RXP4

SATA6G_6

RSATA_TXP6 RSATA_TXN6

RSATA_RXN6 RSATA_RXP6

GND

ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING Intel® SATA 6 Gb/s connectors

• These connectors are set to [AHCI] by default. If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [Intel RST Premium With Intel Optane System Acceleration (RAID)].

• Before creating a RAID set, refer to the manual bundled in the motherboard support

DVD.

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Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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

This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports HD Audio. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.

AGNDNCSENSE1_RETUR

SENSE2_RETUR

AAFP

Chapter 1

PORT1 L

PORT1 R

PORT2 R

SENSE_SEND

HD-audio-compliant

pin definition

PORT2 L

ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING Analog front panel 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.

4. USB 3.1 Gen1 connectors (20-1 pin U31G1_12, U31G1_34)

These connectors allow you to connect a USB 3.1 Gen1 module for additional USB 3.1 Gen1 front or rear panel ports. With an installed USB 3.1 Gen1 module, you can enjoy

all the benets of USB 3.1 Gen1 including faster data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gb/s, faster charging time for USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efciency, and

backward compatibility with USB 2.0.

U31G1_12

Vbus

IntA_P1_SSRX-

IntA_P1_SSRX+

GND

IntA_P1_SSTX-

IntA_P1_SSTX+

Vbus

IntA_P2_SSRX-

IntA_P2_SSRX+

GND

IntA_P2_SSTX-

IntA_P2_SSTX+

PIN 1

IntA_P1_D-

IntA_P1_D+

GND

IntA_P2_D-

IntA_P2_D+

U31G1_34

IntA_P2_D+

IntA_P2_D-

GND

IntA_P2_SSTX+

GND

IntA_P1_D-

IntA_P1_D+

IntA_P2_SSTX-

GND

IntA_P2_SSRX+

IntA_P2_SSRX-

Vbus

GND

IntA_P1_SSTX-

IntA_P1_SSRX-

IntA_P1_SSTX+

IntA_P1_SSRX+

PIN 1

Vbus

ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING USB 3.1 Gen1 connectors

The USB 3.1 Gen1 module is purchased separately.

ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING

1-13

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

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

Chapter 1

This USB connector complies with USB 2.0 specication that supports up to 480 Mb/s

connection speed.

USB910

USB+5V

USB_P10-

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P9-

USB_P10+

GND

USB_P9+

USB1112

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P12-

USB+5V

USB_P11-

USB_P12+

GND

USB_P11+

ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING USB2.0 connector

DO NOT connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the

motherboard!

The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.

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

This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

RXD1

DTR1

DSR1

COM

ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING Serial port connector

CTS1

PIN 1

PI1#

GND

TXD1

DCD1

RTS1#

1-14

The COM module is purchased separately.

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

7. CPU, CPU optional, AIO pump, M.2, extension, and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin AIO_PUMP; 4-pin M.2_FAN; 5-pin EXT_FAN;

4-pin CHA_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.

• 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!

• Ensure that the CPU fan cable is securely installed to the CPU fan connector.

Chapter 1

CPU_FAN

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN PWM

CHA_FAN2

CHA FAN PWM

M.2_FAN

M.2 PWM

CHA FAN IN

CHA FAN PWR

M.2 IN

M.2 PWR

ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING Fan connectors

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

• The EXT_FAN connector supports 2 of 5 thermal sensor sources.

• Connect the fan of your water cooling kit to the AIO_PUMP connector.

GND

CHA_FAN1

CHA FAN PWM

CHA FAN IN

CHA FAN PWR

GND

AIO_PUMP

AIO PUMP PWM

CPU_OPT

GND

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN PWM

EXT_FAN

GND

AIO PUMP IN

AIO PUMP PWR

GND

Control2

Control1

Sense2

Sense1

ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING

1-15

8. 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

Chapter 1

push down rmly until the connectors completely t.

A B

EATX12V

+12 Volts +12 Volts

+12V DC

GND

PIN 1

GND

+5V Standby

Power OK

EATXPWR

+3 Volts

GND

+5 Volts

GND

+5 Volts

GND +3 Volts +3 Volts

GND +5 Volts +5 Volts +5 Volts

-5 Volts GND GND GND PSON# GND

-12 Volts +3 Volts

PIN 1

ROG STRIX Z370-F GAMING ATX power connectors

• 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 8-pin EATX12V power plug. Otherwise, the system will

not boot.

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

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

• If you want to use two or more high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with

1000W power or above to ensure the system stability.

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Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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