ASUS ROG Strix Z390-H Gaming Service Manual

ROG STRIX
Z390-H GAMING

Motherboard

E14867
Revised Edition

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

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OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
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ii

Contents

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

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

ROG STRIX Z390-H 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 Onboard switches ....................................................................... 1-9

1.1.7 Jumpers .................................................................................... 1-10

1.1.8 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................... 1-12

1.1.9 Internal connectors....................................................................1-13

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

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

2.1.1 CPU installation........................................................................... 2-1

2.1.2 Cooling system installation.......................................................... 2-3

2.1.3 Motherboard installation .............................................................. 2-4

2.1.4 DIMM installation......................................................................... 2-5

2.1.5 ATX power connection ................................................................ 2-6

2.1.6 SATA device connection ............................................................. 2-7

2.1.7 Front I/O connector ..................................................................... 2-8

2.1.8 Expansion card installation ......................................................... 2-9

2.1.9 M.2 installation .......................................................................... 2-10

2.2 Motherboard rear and audio connections ............................................. 2-11

2.2.1 Rear I/O connection .................................................................. 2-11

2.2.2 Audio I/O connections ............................................................... 2-13

2.3 Starting up for the rst time .................................................................... 2-15

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

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 ............................................. 3-16

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 .................................................................... 3-18

3.6.9 PCI Subsystem Settings ........................................................... 3-18

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

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

3.6.12 NVMe Conguration .................................................................. 3-19

3.6.13 HDD/SSD SMART Information ................................................. 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 ASUS Secure Erase..................................................................3-22

3.9.3 ASUS User Prole..................................................................... 3-23

3.9.4 ASUS SPD Information ............................................................. 3-23

3.9.5 Graphics Card Information ........................................................ 3-23

3.9.6 ASUS Q-Installer ....................................................................... 3-23

3.10 Exit menu .................................................................................................. 3-24

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

iv

Chapter 4: RAID Support

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

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

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

technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

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

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

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

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

• Place the product on a stable surface.

• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service

technician or your retailer.

vi

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the

motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

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>

<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3>

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 Z390-H GAMING specications summary

Intel® Socket 1151 for 9th / 8th Gen Intel® Core™, Pentium® Gold and
Celeron® processors

CPU

Chipset Intel® Z390 Chipset

Memory

Expansion slots

VGA

Multi-GPU
Support

Storage

LAN

Supports 14nm CPU

Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*

* Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU type.

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

4 x DIMM, max. 64GB DDR4

4266+(OC)*/4133(OC)*/4000(OC)*/3866(OC)*/3733(OC)*/3600(OC)*/34
66(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.

9th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors

2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (support x16, x8/x8)

Intel® Z390 Chipset

1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (max. at x2 mode)

3 x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots

Integrated Graphics Processor- Intel® UHD Graphics support

Multi-VGA output support: DisplayPort/HDMI ports

Supports DisplayPort 1.2 output with a max. resolution of 4096 x

2304@60Hz

Supports HDMI 1.4b output with a UHD, max. resolution of 4096 x

2304@24Hz, 24bpp or 3840 x 2160@30Hz, 24bpp

Supports NVIDIA® 2-Way/Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology

Supports AMD® 3-Way/Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology

Intel® Z390 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 storage devices
support (both PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA modes)

- 1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage
devices support (PCIe 3.0 x4 mode)

- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports

- Intel® OptaneTM Memory Ready

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

Anti-surge LANGuard

ROG GameFirst V Technology

(continued on the next page)

ix

ROG STRIX Z390-H GAMING specications summary

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

Audio

USB

ROG Exclusive
Features

ASUS Special
Features

- Dual Op Ampliers

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

- Optical S/PDIF out port at back panel

Audio Features:

- Sonic Studio III + Sonic Studio Link

- Sonic Radar III

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

8-Channel audio.

Intel® Z390 Chipset:

- 4 x USB 3.1 Gen2 ports (4 Type-A ports at back panel [red])

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

- 4 x USB 2.0 ports ( 4 ports at mid-board)

ROG RAMCache III

ROG GameFirst V

ROG CPU-Z

ROG Overwolf

AURA

- Aura Lighting Control

- Aura RGB Strip Headers

- Aura Lighting Effects Synchronization with compatible ASUS ROG devices

EPU

Fan Xpert 4

- Featuring Fan Auto Tuning function and multiple thermistors selection for

optimized system cooling control

Gamer’s Guardian

- Procool

- SafeSlot

- DIGI+ VRM

- DRAM Overcurrent Protection

- ESD Guards on LAN, Audio, and USB 3.1/2.0 ports

- Highly Durable Components

ASUS Exclusive Features

- Armoury Crate

- Pre-mounted I/O Shield

- OptiMem II

- 3D Printing Friendly design

- AI Suite 3

- MemOK! II

- AI Charger

(continued on the next page)

x

ROG STRIX Z390-H GAMING specications summary

ASUS EZ DIY

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

ASUS Special
Features

Back I/O Ports

Internal I/O
connectors

BIOS Features

Manageability WOL, PXE

- ASUS EZ Flash 3

ASUS Q-Design

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

- Q-Slot

- Q-DIMM

1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port

1 x HDMI port

1 x DisplayPort

4 x USB3.1 Gen2 ports (4x Type-A [red])

2 x USB3.1 Gen1 ports [blue]

1 x Anti-surge LAN (RJ45) port

5 x Audio jacks

1 x Optical S/PDIF out

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

2 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports

6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors

1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices

support (both PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA modes)

1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices

support (PCIe 3.0 x4 mode)

1 x 4-pin CPU fan connector

1 x 4-pin CPU_OPT connector

2 x 4-pin Chassis fan connectors

1 x 4-pin AIO_PUMP fan connector

1 x CPU_OV connector

1 x Thermal sensor connector

1 x 24-pin EATX power connector

1 x 8-pin EATX 12V power connector

1 x Aura RGB header

1 x MemOK!_II switch

1 x COM port

1 x TPM connector

1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)

1 x System panel connector

1 x Clear CMOS jumper

1 x 128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI3.0, SM BIOS 3.1, ACPI

6.1.

(continued on the next page)

xi

ROG STRIX Z390-H GAMING specications summary

Drivers

Support DVD
contents

Operating
system support

Form factor 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.

ASUS Utilities

EZ Update

Anti-virus software (OEM version)

Windows® 10 64-bit

xii

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard 1 x ROG STRIX Z390-H GAMING

Cables

Accessories

Application drive 1 x ROG motherboard support DVD

Documentation 1 x User guide

Others 1 x ROG Strix Thank you card

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

2 x 2-in-1 SATA 6Gb/s cables

1 x Extension Cable for RGB Strips (80cm)

1 x Fan holder

1 x SLI™ HB Bridge (2-WAY-M)

1 x M.2 screw package

1 x ROG Strix series sticker

1 x Pack of cable tie

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

1.1 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

ROG STRIX Z390-H GAMING

1-1

1.1.2 Motherboard layout

Chapter 1

KBMS_U31G1_56

LAN_U31G2_12

DP

HDMI

U31G2_34

AUDIO

Super

2 31 54 3 3

EATX12V

CPU_OV

24.4cm(9.6in)

CPU_FAN

DIGI+
EPU

CPU_OPT

BOOT_DEVICE_LED

VGA_LED

DRAM_LED

CPU_LED

Mem_LED

MemOK!_II

ON

6

OFF

LGA1151

2

EATXPWR

DDR4 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_B2* (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 288-pin module)

DDR4 DIMM_A2* (64bit, 288-pin module)

U31G1_78

SATA6G_1SATA6G_2SATA6G_3SATA6G_4SATA6G_5SATA6G_6

30.5cm(12in)

7

8

9

LANGuard

CON_BACKIO

AIO_PUMP

PCIE_X1_1

2280 2260 2242

PCIE SATA IRST

X4VV

ASM1480 ASM1480 ASM1480 ASM1480

M.2_1(SOCKET3)

PCIE_X1_2

PCIE_X16_1

Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

®

WGI
219V

I/O

M.2_1(SOCKET3)

Intel
Z390

CHA_FAN1

®

PCIE_X16_2

PCIE_X1_3

PCIE_X16_3

COM

AAFP

USB1112 USB1314

TPM

228022110 2260 2242

U31G1_910

M.2_2(SOCKET3)

PCIE SATA IRST

X4XV

RGB_HEADER

CLRTC

M.2_2(SOCKET3)

128Mb
BIOS

CHA_FAN2

T_SENSOR

PANEL

1-2

7 13 1112

10314151617

Refer to 1.1.9 Internal connectors and 2.2.1 Rear I/O connection for more information
about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots Page

1. CPU over voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV) 1-11

2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V) 1-17

3. CPU, CPU optional, and chassis fan connectors; AIO pump connector (4-

pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-2; 4-pin AIO_PUMP)

4. LGA1151 CPU socket 1-4

5. DDR4 DIMM slots 1-5

6. MemOK! II switch (MemOK!_II_switch) 1-9

7. USB 3.1 Gen1 connectors (20-1 pin U31G1_78,U31G1_910) 1-14

8. M.2 sockets (M.2_1; M.2_2) 1-19

9. Intel® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~6) 1-13

10. System panel connector (20-3 pin PANEL) 1-18

11. Thermal sensor cable connector (2-pin T_SENSOR) 1-19

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

13. RGB header (4-pin RGB_HEADER) 1-20

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

15. TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM) 1-15

16. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM) 1-16

17. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-14

1-16

Chapter 1

1-15

ROG STRIX Z390-H GAMING

1-3

1.1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1151 socket designed for 9th / 8th Gen
Intel® Core™, Pentium® Gold and Celeron® processors.

Chapter 1

ON

OFF

®

ROG STRIX Z390-H GAMING CPU LGA1151

Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1151 socket only. DO NOT install
a CPU designed for LGA1150, LGA1155, and LGA1156 sockets in the LGA1151 socket.

• 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) 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_B1

DIMM_B2*

DIMM_A1

DIMM_A2*

ON

OFF

®

ROG STRIX Z390-H GAMING
288-pin DDR4 DIMM sockets

Recommended memory congurations

Chapter 1

DIMM_A2*

DIMM_B2*

ROG STRIX Z390-H GAMING

DIMM_A2*

DIMM_B1
DIMM_B2*

DIMM_A1
DIMM_A2*

1-5

Memory congurations

You may install 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.

• 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 efcient memory cooling system to support a full

memory load (4 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.

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_1

Chapter 1

ON

OFF

PCIE_X1_2

PCIE_X1_3

Slot No. Slot Description

1 PCIE_x1_1 slot

2 PCIE_x16_1 slot

3 PCIE_x1_2 slot

4 PCIE_x16_2 slot

5 PCIE_x1_3 slot

6 PCIE_x16_3 slot

ROG STRIX Z390-H GAMING

®

PCIE_X16_2

PCIE_X16_3

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

1-8

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1.6 Onboard switches

1. MemOK! II switch (MemOK!_II)

Installing DIMMs that are not compatible with the motherboard may cause system
boot failure. The switch is enabled by default, allowing memory re-training when the
motherboard is unresponsive due to memory problems. The Mem_LED will light up
while re-training, and turn off when the re-training is complete.

MemOK!_II

ON

OFF

®

ROG STRIX Z390-H GAMING MemOK! switch

• Refer to section 1.1.8 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the MEM LED.

• The DRAM LED also lights up when the DIMM is not properly installed. Turn off the

system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! II function.

• The MemOK! II switch does not function under Windows® OS environment.

• During the tuning process, the system loads and tests pretest proles. It takes about
30 seconds for the system to test one set of proles. If the test fails, the system
reboots and tests the next set of proles. The system will reboot multiple times when

training, once the system has completed the training process the Mem_LED will turn
off, please refrain from doing anything before the Mem_LED turns off.

• Due to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each
prole is tested.

• If you turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system

continues memory tuning after turning on the computer. To stop memory tuning, turn
off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 5–10 seconds, then set the
MemOK! II switch to disabled.

• Ensure to replace the DIMMs with ones recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualied

Vendors Lists) at www.asus.com.

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

ON

OFF

Chapter 1

ROG STRIX Z390-H GAMING

1-9

1.1.7 Jumpers

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

Chapter 1

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.

ON

OFF

®

CLRTC

PIN 1

+3V_BAT

GND

ROG STRIX Z390-H GAMING 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 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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Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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
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.

ON

OFF

®

ROG STRIX Z390-H GAMING CPU_OV setting

Chapter 1

ROG STRIX Z390-H GAMING

1-11

1.1.8 Onboard LEDs

1. Q LED (BOOT, VGA, DRAM, CPU)

Chapter 1

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

2. Memory LED (Mem_LED)

The Mem_LED will light up and remain lit while the MemOK! II function is in use. When
the re-training is complete, the Mem_LED will turn off.

BOOT (YELLOW GREEN)

ON

OFF

VGA (WHITE)

DRAM (YELLOW)

CPU (RED)

®

ROG STRIX Z390-H GAMING
CPU/DRAM/BOOT_DEVICE/VGA LED

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.

1-12

ON

OFF

®

Mem_LED

ROG STRIX Z390-H GAMING Mem_LED

Chapter 1: Product Introduction