Asus X370-I User Manual

ROG

STRIX Z370-I GAMING

Motherboard

E13292

First Edition

July 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.

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

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Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software

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

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

or

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

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Legal Compliance Dept.

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Beitou, Taipei 112

Taiwan

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

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

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

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ii

Contents

Safety information......................................................................................................	vi
About this guide.........................................................................................................	vii
ROG STRIX Z370-I 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.......................................................................................	1-8
	1.1.7	Onboard LEDs...........................................................................	1-10
	1.1.8	Internal connectors....................................................................	1-11

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...........................................................................	2-12
	2.1.10	Wi-Fi antenna installation..........................................................	2-13
2.2	Motherboard rear and audio connections..............................................		2-14
	2.2.1	Rear I/O connection...................................................................	2-14
	2.2.2	Audio I/O connections................................................................	2-16
2.3	Starting up for the first time....................................................................		2-18
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	Platform Misc Configuration.......................................................	3-16
	3.6.2	CPU Configuration.....................................................................	3-16
	3.6.3	System Agent (SA) Configuration..............................................	3-17
	3.6.4	PCH Configuration.....................................................................	3-17
	3.6.5	PCH Storage Configuration.......................................................	3-18
	3.6.6	Onboard Devices Configuration.................................................	3-18
	3.6.7	APM Configuration.....................................................................	3-19
	3.6.8	Network Stack Configuration.....................................................	3-19
	3.6.9	HDD/SSD SMART Information..................................................	3-19
	3.6.10	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-7

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-I GAMING specifications summary

		Intel® Socket 1151 for 8th Generation 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
		2 x DIMM, max. 32GB DDR4 4333+ (O.C.) / 4266 (O.C.) / 4133(O.C.)
		/ 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 / 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.
		1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot*
	Expansion slots	* For 2 or 3 Intel® SSDs on CPU support, install a Hyper M.2 X16 card (sold
		separately) into the PCIeX16 slot, and enable this card under BIOS settings.
		Integrated Graphics ProcessorIntel® HD Graphics support
		Multi-VGA output support: DisplayPort/HDMI ports
		Supports DisplayPort 1.2* with max. resolution 4096 x 2304@60Hz
		Supports HDMI 1.4b with max. resolution 4096 x 2160@24Hz
	VGA	Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D/Quick Sync Video/Clear Video HD Technology/
		Insider™
		Maximum shared memory of 1024MB
		* DP 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport compliant, supports DP 1.2 monitor daisy chain
		up to 3 displays.
		Intel® Z370 Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel Rapid Storage
		Technology support
		- 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
		- 1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices
		support (both SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 modes)*
		- 1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices
	Storage	support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)*
		- Ready for Intel® Optane Memory**
		* For a 2242 storage device, use the bundled 2242 mounting kit.
		** Intel® Optane Technology only supported when using 8th Generation Intel®
		Processors. Before using Intel® Optane memory modules, ensure that you have
		updated your motherboard drivers and BIOS to the latest version from ASUS
		support website.
		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-I GAMING specifications summary

	Wireless &	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac supports dual frequency band 2.4/5 GHz with
		MU-MIMO support
	Bluetooth
		Bluetooth v4.2
		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 113 dB SNR
		recording input
	Audio	- SupremeFX Shielding Technology
		- 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 + Sonic Studio Link
		Intel® Z370 Chipset:
		- 6 x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports ( 3 x Type-A and 1 x Type-C ports at back panel,
		2 ports at mid-board)
	USB	- 6 x USB 2.0 ports ( 4 ports at back panel, 2 ports at mid-board)
		ASMedia® USB 3.1 Gen2 controller*:
		- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen2 front panel connector
		* Supports 3A power output
		1 x DispalyPort
		1 x HDMI port
		1 x Anti-surge LAN (RJ45) port
		4 x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports (3 x Type-A [blue] and 1 x Type-C ports at back
	Back I/O Ports	panel)
		4 x USB 2.0 ports
		1 x Optical S/PDIF out
		5 x Audio jacks
		1 x ASUS Wi-Fi module (Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth v4.2)
		ROG RAMCache II
	ROG Exclusive	ROG GameFirst IV
	Features	ROG Overwolf
		ROG CloneDrive
		5-Way Optimization
		- Whole system optimization with a single click! Perfectly consolidates
		better CPU performance, power saving, digital power control, system
	ASUS Special	cooling and app usages.
		DIGI+VRM
	Features
		TPU
		- Auto Tuning, TPU, GPU Boost
		EPU
		(continued on the next page)

x

ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING specifications summary

		Fan Xpert 4
		- featuring Fan Auto Tuning function and multiple thermistors selection
		for optimized system cooling control
		ASUS EZ DIY
		- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
		- ASUS EZ Flash 3
		ASUS Q-Design
		- Q-Shield
		- Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
		- Q-Slot
	ASUS Special	- Q-DIMM
	Features	Gamer’s Guardian
		- SafeSlot
		- DIGI+ VRM
		- DRAM Overcurrent Protection
		- ESD Guards on LAN, Audio, and USB ports
		- Highly Durable Components
		- Stainless Steel Back I/O
		ASUS Exclusive Features
		- AURA Lighting Control
		- AI Suite 3
		- AI Charger
		1 x USB 3.1 Gen2 front panel connector
		1 x USB 3.1 Gen1 connector supports additional 2 x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports
		1 x USB 2.0 connector supports additional 2 x USB 2.0 ports
		4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
		1 x 4-Pin CPU fan connector
		1 x 4-Pin Chassis fan connector
		1 x 4-Pin AIO_PUMP connector
		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 storage devices support
	connectors
		( Supports PCIE 3.0 x 4 and SATA modes)*
		1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support
		(Supports PCIE mode only)*
		1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
		1 x Addressable Header
		1 x System panel connector
		1 x Thermal sensor connector
		1 x Clear CMOS jumper (2-pin)
		* For a 2242 storage device, use the bundled 2242 mounting kit.
		(continued on the next page)

xi

ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING specifications summary

	128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI3.0, SM BIOS 3.0 ACPI
BIOS Features	6.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 3, CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ
	Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Last Modified log, F12
	PrintScreen, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory
	information
Manageability	DMI 3.0, WOL by PME, PXE
	Drivers
Support DVD	ASUS Utilities
contents	ASUS EZ Update
	Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Operating	Windows® 10 64-bit
system support
Form factor	Mini ITX Form Factor, 6.7”x 6.7” (17cm x 17cm)

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	ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING
	Cables	4 x SATA 6Gb/s cables
		1 x Addressable LED extension cable
		1 x I/O shield
		2 x M.2 2242 mounting kits (BRKT)
		2 x M.2 screw packages
		1 x Panel Cable (15cm)
	Accessories	1 x CPU Installation tool
		1 x Cablemod Coupon (Optional by area)
		1 x ASUS 2T2R dual band Wi-Fi moving antennas
		(Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compliant)
		1 x ROG cable label
		1 x STRIX series sticker
	Application drive	ROG motherboard support DVD
	Documentation	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

ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING

1-1

1 Chapter

1.1.2 Motherboard layout

1

2

3

4

5

17.0cm(6.7in)

U31G2_EC1
ASM
3142	EATX12V

				DIGI
U31G1_C6				+VRM
U31G1_5
	CPU_FAN

USB7_10

HDMI_DP

LGA1151

2

LAN_U31G1_34

AIO_PUMP

M.2(WIFI)	Intel®	(Bottom)
18	I219V		BIOS
			128Mb
BATT_CON	Super
			T_SENSOR
	I/O

17					Intel®
	AAFP	2280	TPU	2260	Z370
AUDIO
			USB1112
					CHA_FAN

PCIEX16_1

16 2

6

6		7		8
			BOOT_DEVICE_LED
			VGA_LED
			DRAM_LED
			CPU_LED				9
				RGBLED
							3
		(64bit,A1 288-pin module)	(64bit,B1 288-pin module)	EATXPWR		17.0cm(6.7in)
				SPEAKER	ADD HEADER		10
				PANELF
							11
		DDR4 DIMM	DDR4 DIMM	2 SATA6G 1			12
							13
1(SOCKET3)		SATA6G4 SATA6G 3		SATA6G			14
CLRTCM.22(SOCKET3)Bottom				U31G112
M.2
PCIE SATA	IRST
X4 V	V
			15 13

1-2	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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.

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots		Page
1.	USB 3.1 Gen2 connector (U31G2_EC1)	1-12
2.	CPU, AIO, and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin AIO_	1-14
	PUMP; 4-pin CHA_FAN)
3.	ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)	1-15
4.	Thermal sensor cable connector (2-pin T_SENSOR)	1-18
5.	LGA1151 CPU socket	1-4
6.	M.2 sockets (M.2_1; M.2_2)	1-17
7.	DDR4 DIMM slots	1-5
8.	POST State LEDs	1-10
9.	RGB LED	1-10
10.	Addressable RGB header (4-1 pin ADD_HEADER)	1-18
11.	System panel connector (10-1 pin PANEL)	1-16
12.	Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER)	1-13
13.	Intel® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12, SATA 6G_34)	1-11
14.	USB 3.1 Gen1 connector (20-1 pin U31G1_12)	1-12
15.	Clear RTC RAM jumper (2-pin CLRTC)	1-8
16.	USB 2.0 connector (10-1 pin USB1112)	1-13
17.	Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)	1-11
18.	RTC Battery header (2-pin BATT_CON)	1-9

Chapter 1

ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING

1-3

1.1.3Central Processing Unit (CPU)

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

1 Chapter

ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING CPU socket LGA1151

•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 two DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4) Quad Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots.

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

DIMM A1

DIMM B1

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

Recommended memory configurations

Chapter 1

ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-I 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.

•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 (2 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.

U31G2_EC1
ASM
3142	EATX12V

DIGI

U31G1_C6

+VRM

U31G1_5

CPU_FAN

USB7_10

HDMI_DP

LGA1151

LAN_U31G1_34

AIO_PUMP

M.2(WIFI)	Intel®	(Bottom)
	I219V
			128Mb
BATT_CON			BIOS
	Super		T_SENSOR
	I/O

				Intel®
	AAFP	TPU	2260	Z370
AUDIO		2280
		USB1112
				CHA_FAN

M.2 1(SOCKET3)

M.2 2(SOCKET3)Bottom

CLRTC

	BOOT_DEVICE_LED
	VGA_LED
	DRAM_LED
	CPU_LED
		RGBLED
module)	module)	EATXPWR
-pin	-pin	SPEAKER	ADDHEADER
(64bit,A1 288	(64bit,B1 288
		PANELF
DDR4 DIMM	DDR4 DIMM	2 SATA6G 1
3		SATA6G_
SATA6G		12
SATA6G 4		U31G1_

PCIEX16_1

PCIE	SATA	IRST
X4	V	V

1

	Slot No.	Slot Description
	1	PCIE_x16 slot
			PCI Express 3.0 operating mode
	Hyper M.2 X16 card configuration
			PCIe 3.0/2.0 x 16
	2 Intel® SSDs on CPU support		x4+x4
	3 Intel® SSDs on CPU support		x4+x4+x4

• Hyper M.2 X16 card is purchased separately.

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

Chapter 1

ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING

1-7

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
	1Chapter	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.

CLRTC

+3V BAT GND

PIN 1

ROG STRIX Z370-I 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.

1-8	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

2.RTC Battery header (2-pin BATT_CON)

This header is for the lithium CMOS battery.

BATT_CON

PIN 1

VBAT

GND

ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING BATT_CON

Chapter 1

ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING

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1 Chapter

1.1.7Onboard LEDs

1.POST State LEDs

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

BOOT_DEVICE_LED

VGA_LED

DRAM_LED

CPU_LED

ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING CPU/DRAM/

BOOT_DEVICE/VGA LED

2.RGB LED

The RGB LED lighting control provides several lighting schemes, which allow you to customize your favorite LED effect. You can set your favorite LED effect to cast a stunning multi-color glow across your build, change shades to indicate CPU temperature, pulsate in time to the beat of your music, or set your favorite color for each pair of LEDs.

RGB1
RGB2
RGB3
RGB4
RGB5
RGB6	RGB LED(Bottom)
RGB7
RGB8
RGB9
RGB10
RGB11
RGB12

ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING RGB LED Lighting

1-10	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1.8Internal connectors

1.	Intel® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12, SATA 6G_34)
	These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6 Gb/s			1
	signal cables.
	If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10			Chapter
	configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel®
	Z370 chipset.
		A	B
		SATA6G_1	SATA6G_3
		GND	GND
		RSATA_TXP1	RSATA_TXP3
		RSATA_TXN1	RSATA_TXN3
		GND	GND
		RSATA_RXN1	RSATA_RXN3
		RSATA_RXP1	RSATA_RXP3
		GND	GND
	A	SATA6G_2	SATA6G_4
		GND	GND
	B	RSATA_TXP2	RSATA_TXP4
		RSATA_TXN2	RSATA_TXN4
		GND	GND
		RSATA_RXN2	RSATA_RXN4
		RSATA_RXP2	RSATA_RXP4
		GND	GND

ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING

Intel® SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors

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

Premium With Intel Optane System Acceleration (RAID)].

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

DVD.

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.
		AAFP
	SENSE2_RETUR	PORT2 L
		SENSE_SEND
	SENSE1_RETUR	PORT2 R
	NC	PORT1 R
	AGND	PORT1 L
		PIN 1
	HD-audio-compliant
	pin definition
	ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING Analog front panel connector
	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.

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1 Chapter

3.USB 3.1 Gen2 front panel connector (U31G2_EC1)

This connector allows you to connect a USB 3.1 Gen2 module for additional USB 3.1 Gen2 ports. The latest USB 3.1 Gen2 connectivity provides data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps. The next-generation standard is completely backward-compatible with your existing USB devices.

U31G2_EC1

SBU2

VBUS

SBU1

TX2+

CC1

TX2-

VBUS

GND

RX1-

RX2+

RX1+

RX2-

GND

GND

D-

TX1-

D+

TX1+

CC2

VBUS

ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING

USB3.1 Gen2 front panel connector

4.USB 3.1 Gen1 connector (20-1 pin U31G1_12)

This connector allows you to connect a USB 3.1 Gen1 module for additional USB 3.1 Gen1 front or rear panel ports. With an installed USB 3.1 Gen1 module, you can enjoy all the benefits of USB 3.1 Gen1 including faster data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gb/s, faster charging time for USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency, and backward compatibility with USB 2.0.

U31G1_12

PIN 1

USB3+5V

USB3+5V IntA_P1_SSRX-

IntA_P2_SSRX- IntA_P1_SSRX+

IntA_P2_SSRX+ GND

GND IntA_P1_SSTX-

IntA_P2_SSTX- IntA_P1_SSTX+

IntA_P2_SSTX+ GND

GND IntA_P1_D-

IntA_P2_D- IntA_P1_D+

IntA_P2_D+ GND

ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING USB3.1 Gen1 connector

The USB 3.1 Gen1 module is purchased separately.

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5.	USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112)
	This connector is for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to this connector,
	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.
	Chapter 1
	USB+5V USB P11USB P11+ GND NC
	USB1112
	PIN 1
	USB+5V USB P12USB P12+ GND

ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING USB2.0 connector

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

The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.

6.Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER)

The 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The speaker allows you hear system beeps and warnings.

SPEAKER

Speaker Out

GND

GND

+5V

PIN 1

ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING

Speaker Out connector

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1 Chapter

7.CPU, AIO, and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin AIO_PUMP; 4-pin

CHA_FAN)

Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

•DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. 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.

A

CPU_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

A

CPU FAN PWM

B

C

AIO_PUMP CHA_FAN

B			GND CHA FANPWR CHA FAN IN
GND CHA FANPWR	CHA FAN IN	+5V		+5V
C

ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING Fan connectors

•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.

1-14	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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

These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.

	DC+12V DC+12V DC+12V DC+12V				1
B		+12	Volts	+5 Volts	Chapter
A	A			B
	EATX12V		EATXPWR
		+3 Volts		GND
		+12	Volts	+5 Volts
		+5V Standby		+5 Volts
		Power OK		-5 Volts
	PIN 1		GND	GND
		+5 Volts		GND
	GND GND GND GND
			GND	GND
		+5 Volts		PSON#
			GND	GND
		+3	Volts	-12 Volts
		+3	Volts	+3 Volts
			PIN 1

ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING ATX power connectors

•For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2.0 (or later version) and provides a minimum power of 350 W.

•DO NOT forget to connect the 8-pin EATX12V power plug. Otherwise, the system will not boot.

•We recommend that you use a PSU with a higher power output when configuring a system with more power-consuming devices. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

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

1000W power or above to ensure the system stability.

ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING

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1 Chapter

9.System panel connector (10-1 pin PANEL)

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

F_PANEL

+PWR LED PWR BTN

GND

PWR

PWR_LEDPWR_LED+

(NC)

HWRST#

Ground

HDD_LED-

HDD_LED+

PIN 1

+HDD_LED RESET

ROG STRIX Z370-I GAMING System panel connector

•System power LED (2-pin PWR_LED)

This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.

•Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin HDD_LED)

This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable to this connector. The HDD LED lights up or flashes when data is read from or written to the HDD.

•ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWR_BTN)

This connector is for the system power button.

•Reset button (2-pin RESET)

This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without turning off the system power.

1-16	Chapter 1: Product Introduction