Asus STRIX Z270F GAMING Manual

STRIX Z270F GAMING

Motherboard

E12193

Revised Edition V2

November 2016

Copyright© 2016 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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Where the applicable license entitles you to the source code of such software and/or other additional data, you may obtain it for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product, either

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ii

Contents

Safety information......................................................................................................	vi
About this guide.........................................................................................................	vii
STRIX Z270F GAMING specifications summary......................................................	ix
Package contents.....................................................................................................	xiv
Installation tools and components...........................................................................	xv

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	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	3D printing part 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.........................................................................		2-20

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.......................................................	3-17
	3.6.3	System Agent (SA) Configuration..............................................	3-17
	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.....................................................................	3-19
	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..........................................................................................		3-25
	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 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

STRIX Z270F GAMING specifications summary

		Intel® Socket 1151 for 7th / 6th Generation Core™ i7/Core™ i5/Core™ i3/
		Pentium®/Celeron® Processors
		Supports 14nm CPU
	CPU	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.
	Chipset	Intel® Z270 Chipset
		4 x DIMM, max. 64GB DDR4 3866(OC)* / 3733(OC)* / 3600(OC)* /
		3466(OC)* / 3400(OC)* / 3333(OC)* / 3300(OC)* / 3200(OC)* /
		3000(OC)* / 2800(OC)* / 2666(OC)* / 2400(OC)* / 2133 MHz Non-ECC,
		Un-buffered Memory
	Memory	Dual channel memory architecture
		Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)*
		* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs.
		Please refer to Memory QVL(Qualified Vendors List) for details.
		2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (supports x16, x8/x8)
	Expansion slots	1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slot (max. at x4 mode)
		4 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1 slot
		Integrated Graphics ProcessorIntel® 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
	VGA	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
	Multi-GPU	Supports NVIDIA® 2-Way SLI™ Technology
	support	Supports AMD® 3-Way CrossFireX™ Technology
		2 x USB3.1 ports (1 x Type-A [red] and 1 x Type-C ports at back panel)
		1 x DVI port
		1 x HDMI port
	Rear Panel I/O	1 x DP port
		1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
	Ports
		4 x USB 3.0 ports [blue]
		1 x Anti-surge LAN (RJ45) port
		5 x Audio jacks
		1 x Optical S/PDIF out
		(continued on the next page)

ix

STRIX Z270F GAMING specifications summary

		Intel® Z270 Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel Rapid Storage
		Technology 15 support
		- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
		- 1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage
		devices support (both SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)*
		- 1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices
		support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)**
		- Ready for Intel® Optane Memory***
	Storage	- Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology****
		* 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 7th 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.
		**** These functions will work depending on the CPU installed.
		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® Z270 Chipset*:

-6 x USB 3.0 ports ( 4 ports at back panel [blue], 2 ports at mid-board)

-6 x USB 2.0 ports *

USB	*	2 x USB2.0 port at mid-board shares with ROG extension (ROG_EXT) port.
	ASMedia® USB 3.1 controller*:
	- 2 x USB 3.1 ports (1 x Type-A [red] and 1 x Type-C at back panel)
	*	Supports 3A power output

(continued on the next page)

x

STRIX Z270F GAMING specifications summary

		Intel® I219-V Gigabit LANDual interconnect between the integrated Media
	LAN	Access Controller (MAC) and physical layer (PHY)
		Anti-surge LANGuard
		ROG GameFirst Technology
		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, TurboV, 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 Special	ASUS Q-Design
		- 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 USB3.0/2.0 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)

xi

STRIX Z270F GAMING specifications summary

		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.
		1 x USB 3.0 connector support additional 2 x USB 3.0 ports
		3 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 6 x USB 2.0 ports [one connector
		via ROG_EXT header]
		6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
		1 x ROG extension (ROG_EXT) header
		1 x 4-Pin H_AMP_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
	Internal I/O	1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
		1 x 8-pin EATX 12V power connector
	connectors
		1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices
		support ( Support PCIE and SATA modes)
		1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support
		(Support PCIE mode only)
		1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
		1 x COM connector
		2 x RGB Headers
		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
	BIOS Features	Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Last Modified log, F12
		PrintScreen, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory
		information.
	Manageability	WfM2.0, DMI3.0, WOL by PME, PXE
		(continued on the next page)

xii

STRIX Z270F GAMING specifications summary

		Drivers
	Support DVD	ASUS Utilities
	contents	EZ Update
		Anti-virus software (OEM version)
		Windows® 10 64-bit
	Operating	Windows® 8.1 64-bit*
		Windows® 7*
	system support
		* Windows® 8.1 64-bit and Windows® 7 32/64-bit are only supported when using
		6th Generation Intel® Processors.
	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.

xiii

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard	STRIX Z270F GAMING
	4 x SATA 6Gb/s cables
Cables	1 x SLI HB BRIDGE (2-WAY-M)
	1 x RGB LED extension cable
	1 x I/O shield
	1 x CPU Installation tool
	1 x ROG cable label set
Accessories	1 x ROG Strix sticker
	1 x 3D Printing Mount
	1 x M.2 screws kit
	1 x ROG Coaster
Application drive	ROG motherboard support DVD
Documentation	User guide

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

xiv

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.

xv

xvi

Product Introduction

1

1.1Motherboard overview

1.1.1Before you proceed

Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.

•Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.

•Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity.

•Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.

•Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component.

•Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.

Chapter 1

ASUS STRIX Z270F 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, high amp, extension, and chassis fan
	connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin AIO_PUMP; 4-pin	1-16
	H_AMP_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	2-14
7.	M.2 sockets (M.2_1; M.2_2)	1-18
8.	Intel® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12, SATA6G_34,	1-12
	SATA6G_56)
9.	Clear RTC RAM jumper (2-pin CLRTC)	1-9
10.	System panel connector (20-3 pin PANEL)	1-20
11.	USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1314, USB910, USB1112)	1-15
12.	USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34)	1-14
13.	ROG Extension connector (18-1 pin ROG_EXT)	1-13
14.	TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM)	1-14
15.	Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM)	1-21
16.	Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)	1-13
17.	Thermal sensor cable connector (2-pin T_SENSOR1)	1-18
18.	CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV)	1-10

Chapter 1

ASUS STRIX Z270F GAMING

1-3

1.1.3Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1151 socket designed for the 7th / 6th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 / Intel® Core™ i5 / Intel® Core™ i3, Pentium®, and Celeron® processors.

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 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.

Recommended memory configurations

Chapter 1

ASUS STRIX Z270F 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.

•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 fits 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 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_x1_3 slot

5 PCIE_x8_2 slot

6PCIE_x1_4 slot

7PCIE_x4_1 slot

ASUS STRIX Z270F 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_x1_4	-	-	-	shared	-	-	-	-
PCIe_x4_1	shared	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
XHCI Controller	shared	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
SATA Controller	shared	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
HD Audio	shared	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
SMBUS Controller	shared	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Intel LAN I219V	-	-	-	shared	-	-	-	-
ASMedia 2142_1	shared	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

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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.	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	1
	error is found, the critical component’s LED stays lit up until the problem is solved.
		Chapter

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, SATA 6G_34, SATA

6G_56)

Chapter

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

Z270 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.ROG Extension connector (18-1 pin ROG_EXT)

This connector is for the Front Base.

• The Front Base is purchased separately.

• Support for Front Base varies over different platforms.

•Visit www.asus.com for more information about the devices and latest compatibility list.

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	4.	USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34)
		This connector allows you to connect a USB 3.0 module for additional USB 3.0 front
		or rear panel ports. With an installed USB 3.0 module, you can enjoy all the benefits of
		USB 3.0 including faster data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gb/s, faster charging time for
	1Chapter	USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency, and backward compatibility with
		USB 2.0.

The USB 3.0 module is purchased separately.

5.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.

The TPM module is purchased separately.

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