Asus ROG STRIX Z370-H GAMING Manual

ROG STRIX Z370-H GAMING

Motherboard

E13354

First Edition

August 2017

Copyright© 2017 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.

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ii

Contents

Safety information......................................................................................................	vi
About this guide.........................................................................................................	vii
ROG STRIX Z370-H GAMING specifications 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.......................................................................................	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	CPU installation...........................................................................	2-1
	2.1.2	CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation................................	2-3
	2.1.3	Motherboard 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	ASUS fan holder installation......................................................	2-14
2.2	Motherboard rear and audio connections..............................................		2-15
	2.2.1	Rear I/O connection...................................................................	2-15
	2.2.2	Audio I/O connections................................................................	2-17
2.3	Starting up for the first time....................................................................		2-19
2.4	Turning off the computer.........................................................................		2-19

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	CPU Configuration.....................................................................	3-16
	3.6.2	Platform Misc Configuration.......................................................	3-16
	3.6.3	System Agent (SA) Configuration..............................................	3-16
	3.6.4	PCH Configuration.....................................................................	3-17
	3.6.5	PCH Storage Configuration.......................................................	3-17
	3.6.6	PCH-FW Configuration..............................................................	3-18
	3.6.7	Onboard Devices Configuration.................................................	3-18
	3.6.8	APM Configuration.....................................................................	3-18
	3.6.9	Network Stack Configuration.....................................................	3-19
	3.6.10	HDD/SSD SMART Information..................................................	3-19
	3.6.11	USB Configuration.....................................................................	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 Profile........................................................	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..........................................................................................		3-26
	3.11.1	EZ Update..................................................................................	3-26
	3.11.2	ASUS EZ Flash 3.......................................................................	3-27
	3.11.3	ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3..........................................................	3-29

iv

Chapter 4:		RAID Support
4.1	RAID configurations...................................................................................		4-1
	4.1.1	RAID definitions...........................................................................	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

v

Safety information

Electrical safety

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

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

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

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

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

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

vi

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.

vii

Conventions used in this guide

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

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

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

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

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

Typography

Bold text	Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics	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 (+).

viii

ROG STRIX Z370-H GAMING specifications summary

		LGA1151 Socket for 8th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors
		Supports 14nm CPU
	CPU	Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
		* The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU types.
		** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.
	Chipset	Intel® Z370 Chipset
		4 x DIMM, max. 64GB DDR4 4000(O.C.) / 3866(O.C.) / 3733(O.C.) /
		3600(O.C.) / 3466(O.C.) / 3400(O.C.) / 3333(O.C.) / 3300(O.C.) /
		3200(O.C.) / 3000(O.C.) / 2800(O.C.) / 2666(O.C.) / 2400(O.C.) /
		2133 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
	Memory	Dual channel memory architecture
		Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)*
		* The maximum memory frequency supported varies by processor.
		** Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List).
		2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (supports x16, x8/x8, x8/x4+x4*)
		1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slot (max at x2 mode)
	Expansion slots	3 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1 slot
		* For 2 Intel® SSD on CPU support, install a Hyper M.2 X16 card (sold separately)
		into the PCIeX8_2 slot, then enable this card under BIOS settings.
		Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel® HD Graphics support
		Multi-VGA output support : HDMI/DVI-D ports
		- Supports HDMI 1.4b with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 24Hz
	VGA	- Supports DVI-D with max. resolution 1920 x 1200 @ 60Hz
		- Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D/Quick Sync Video/Clear Video HD Technology/
		Insider™
		Maximum shared memory of 1024 MB (for iGPU exclusively)
	Multi-GPU	Supports NVIDIA® 2-Way SLI™ Technology
	support	Supports AMD® 2-Way CrossFireX™ Technology
		Intel® Z370 Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel Rapid Storage
		Technology support
		- 1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage
		devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)*
		- 1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices
	Storage	support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
		- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports*
		- Intel® Optane Memory Ready**
		* The M.2_1 socket shares bandwidth with SATA6G_1, SATA6G_2 ports when
		using M.2 SATA mode device. Adjust BIOS settings to use SATA device.
		** Before using Intel® Optane memory modules, ensure that you have updated your
		motherboard drivers and BIOS to the latest version from ASUS support website.
		Intel® I219-V Gigabit LANDual interconnect between the integrated Media
	LAN	Access Controller (MAC) and physical layer (PHY)
		Anti-surge LANGuard
		ROG GameFirst Technology
		(continued on the next page)

ix

ROG STRIX Z370-H GAMING specifications summary

		ROG SupremeFX S1220A 8-Channel High Definition 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 113dB SNR recording
		input
		- SupremeFX Shielding Technology
	Audio	- Dual Headphone Amplifiers
		- 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
		* Due to limitations in HDA bandwidth, 32-Bit/192kHz is not supported for
		8-Channel audio
		Intel® Z370 Chipset
		- 8 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports (4 ports at back panel [blue], 4 ports at mid-
	USB	board)
		- 6 x USB 2.0 ports (2 ports at back panel [black], 4 ports at mid-board)
		ASMedia® USB 3.1 Gen 2 controller
		- 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (2 x Type-A [red] ports at back panel)
		2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 connectors support additional 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 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 CPU_FAN connector
		1 x 4-Pin CPU_OPT fan connector
		1 x 4-Pin AIO_PUMP connector
		2 x 4-Pin CHA_FAN connectors
		1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
	Internal I/O	1 x 8-pin EATX 12V power connector
		1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices
	connectors
		support (both SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
		1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support
		(PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
		1 x System panel connector
		1 x Clear CMOS jumper
		1 x TPM connector
		1 x COM connector
		1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
		1 x CPU_OV jumper
		(continued on the next page)

x

ROG STRIX Z370-H GAMING specifications summary

		2 x USB 2.0 ports [black]
		1 x HDMI port
		1 x DVI port
	Rear Panel I/O	2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports Type-A [red]
		4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports [blue]
	Ports
		1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
		1 x Anti-surge LAN (RJ45) port
		5 x Audio jacks
		1 x Optical S/PDIF out
		ROG RAMCache II
		ROG GameFirst IV*
	ROG Exclusive	ROG CPU-Z
		ROG Overwolf
	Features
		ROG Clonedrive
		* ROG GameFirst IV is only available for Windows® 10/8.1 64-bit.
		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.
		EPU
		- EPU
		Fan Xpert 4 Core
		- Advanced fan and liquid controls for ultimate cooling and quietness
		ASUS EZ DIY
		- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
		- ASUS EZ Flash 3
		ASUS Q-Design
	ASUS Special	- Q-Shield
	Features	- Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
		- Q-Slot
		- Q-DIMM
		Gamer’s Guardian
		- SafeSlot
		- DIGI+ VRM
		- DRAM Overcurrent Protection
		- ESD Guards on VGA, LAN, Audio, KBMS and USB 3.1 Gen 1/2.0 ports
		- Highly Durable Components
		- Stainless Steel Back I/O
		ASUS Exclusive Features
		- AI Suite 3
		- AI Charger
		(continued on the next page)

xi

ROG STRIX Z370-H GAMING specifications summary

		128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI3.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 3.0,
		ACPI 6.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 3, CrashFree BIOS 3, F11
	BIOS Features	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
		ROG GameFirst IV*
		ROG RAMCache II
		ROG Clone Drive
	Support DVD	ROG CPU-Z
	contents
		Anti-virus software (OEM version)
		ASUS WebStorage
		ASUS Utilities
		* ROG GameFirst IV is only available for Windows® 10/8.1 64-bit.
	Operating	Windows® 10 64-bit
	system support
	Form factor	ATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.4cm)

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Please refer to the ASUS website for the latest specifications.

xii

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

	Motherboard	1 x ROG STRIX Z370-H GAMING motherboard
	Cables	1 x 2-in-1 SATA 6Gb/s cables
		1 x SLI™ HB BRIDGE (2-WAY-M)
		1 x I/O shield
		1 x CPU Installation tool
	Accessories	1 x ROG cable label set
		1 x ROG Strix sticker
		1 x M.2 Screw Package
		1 x ASUS fan holder
	Application drive	1 x ROG motherboard support DVD
	Documentation	1 x User guide

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

xiii

Installation tools and components

Intel® 1151 CPU

Intel® 1151 compatible CPU Fan

PC chassis	SATA hard disk drive	Phillips (cross) screwdriver

1 bag of screws

DIMM

Power supply unit

SATA optical disc drive (optional)

Graphics card

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

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

ROG STRIX Z370-H GAMING

1-1

1.1.2Motherboard layout

1 Chapter

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.

1-2	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots		Page
1.	ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)	1-17
2.	LGA1151 CPU socket	1-4
3.	CPU, CPU optional, AiO pump, and chassis fan connectors	1-16
	(4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin AIO_PUMP; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-2)
4.	CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV)	1-10
5.	DDR4 DIMM slots	1-5
6.	USB 3.1 Gen 1 connectors (20-1 pin U31G1_78, U31G1_56)	1-14
7.	M.2 sockets (M.2_1; M.2_2)	1-19
8.	Intel® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12, SATA6G_34,	1-12
	SATA6G_56
9.	System panel connector (20-3 pin PANEL)	1-18
10.	Clear RTC RAM jumper (2-pin CLRTC)	1-9
11.	USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910, USB1112)	1-15
12.	TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM)	1-14
13.	Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM)	1-13
14.	Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)	1-13

Chapter 1

ROG STRIX Z370-H GAMING

1-3

1.1.3Central Processing Unit (CPU)

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

1 Chapter

•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

1.1.4System memory

The motherboard comes with four (4) 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.

Recommended memory configurations

Chapter 1

ROG STRIX Z370-H GAMING

1-5

1 Chapter

Memory configurations

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

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 configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

•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 (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

•Memory modules with memory frequency higher than 2133MHz and their corresponding timing or the loaded XMP profile 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

1.1.5Expansion 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

Slot No. Slot Description

1PCIE x1_1 slot

2PCIE x16/x8_1 slot

3PCIE x1_2 slot

4 PCIE x8_2 slot

5 PCIE x1_3 slot

6 PCIE x2_3 slot

ROG STRIX Z370-H GAMING

1-7

1 Chapter

		PCI Express 3.0 operating mode
	VGA configuration
		PCIe_x16/x8_1	PCIe_x8_2
	Single VGA/PCIe card	x16 (single VGA	N/A
		recommended)
	Dual VGA/PCIe card	x8	x8

•We recommend that you provide sufficient 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.

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H
PCIe_x1_1	-	-	shared	-	-	-	-	-
PCIe_x16/x8_1	shared	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
PCIe_x1_2	-	-	shared	-	-	-	-	-
PCIe_x1_3	-	-	-	shared	-	-	-	-
PCIe_x8_2	-	shared	-	-	-	-	-	-
PCIe_x2_3	shared	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
XHCI Controller	shared	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
SATA Controller	shared	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
High Definition Audio	shared	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
SMBUS Controller	shared	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Intel LAN I219V	-	-	-	shared	-	-	-	-
ASMedia 2142_1	shared	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

1-8	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1.6Jumpers

	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.

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.

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2.	CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV)
	The CPU Over Voltage jumper allows you to set a higher CPU voltage for a flexible
	overclocking system, depending on the type of the installed CPU. To gain more CPU
	voltage setting, insert the jumper to pins 2-3. To go back to its default CPU voltage
1 Chapter	setting, insert the jumper to pins 1-2.

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Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1.7Onboard LEDs

1.	Q LEDs (BOOT, VGA, DRAM, CPU)
	Q LEDs check key components (CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and booting devices) in
	sequence during motherboard booting process. If an error is found, the corresponding	1
	LED remains lit until the problem is solved. This user-friendly design provides an
		Chapter
	intuitive way to locate the root problem within seconds.

The Q LEDs provide the most probable cause of an error code as a starting point for troubleshooting. The actual cause may vary from case to case.

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.

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1.1.8

Internal connectors

1. Intel® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12, SATA6G_34,

SATA6G_56)

Chapter

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

Z370 chipset.

signal cables.

If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10

configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel®

1

•

•

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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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.

Chapter 1

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

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

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

The COM module is purchased separately.

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4.TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM)

This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which securely stores keys, digital certificates, passwords and data. A TPM system also helps enhance network security, protect digital identities, and ensures platform integrity.

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The TPM module is purchased separately.

5.USB 3.1 Gen 1 connectors (20-1 pin U31G13_78, U31G1_56)

These connectors allow you to connect a USB 3.1 Gen 1 module for additional USB 3.1 Gen 1 front or rear panel ports. With an installed USB 3.1 Gen 1 module, you can enjoy all the benefits of USB 3.1 Gen 1 including faster data transfer speeds of up to 5Gb/s, faster charging time for USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency, and backward compatibility with USB 2.0.

The USB 3.1 Gen 1 module is purchased separately.

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6.	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.
	This USB connector complies with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480 Mb/s
	connection speed.	1
		Chapter

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

The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.

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7.CPU, CPU optional, AiO, and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin AIO_PUMP; 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.

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•DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow 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.

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

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

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