Asus X99-A User Manual

X99-A

Motherboard

E9736

Revised Edition V2

September 2014

Copyright© 2014 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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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 http://support.asus.com/download

or

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ii

Contents

Safety information.......................................................................................................	v
About this guide..........................................................................................................	vi
X99-A specifications summary................................................................................	viii
Package contents.....................................................................................................	xiv
Installation tools and components...........................................................................	xv

Chapter 1:		Product Introduction
1.1	Special features..........................................................................................		1-1
	1.1.1	Product highlights........................................................................	1-1
	1.1.2	Other special features..................................................................	1-2
1.2	Motherboard overview...............................................................................		1-3
	1.2.1	Before you proceed.....................................................................	1-3
	1.2.2	Motherboard layout......................................................................	1-4
	1.2.3	Central Processing Unit (CPU)....................................................	1-6
	1.2.4	System memory...........................................................................	1-7
	1.2.5	Expansion slots..........................................................................	1-13
	1.2.6	Onboard buttons and switches..................................................	1-16
	1.2.7	Jumpers.....................................................................................	1-21
	1.2.8	Onboard LEDs...........................................................................	1-23
	1.2.9	Internal connectors....................................................................	1-29

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................................	2-4
	2.1.4	DIMM installation.........................................................................	2-6
	2.1.5	ATX Power connection................................................................	2-7
	2.1.6	SATA device connection..............................................................	2-8
	2.1.7	Front I/O Connector.....................................................................	2-9
	2.1.8	Expansion Card installation.......................................................	2-10
2.2	BIOS update utility....................................................................................		2-11
2.3	Motherboard rear and audio connections..............................................		2-12
	2.3.1	Rear I/O connection...................................................................	2-12
	2.3.2	Audio I/O connections................................................................	2-14
2.4	Starting up for the first time....................................................................		2-16
2.5	Turning off the computer.........................................................................		2-17

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..............................................................................................		3-11
3.4	Main menu.................................................................................................		3-13
3.5	Ai Tweaker menu......................................................................................		3-15
3.6	Advanced menu........................................................................................		3-32
	3.6.1	CPU Configuration.....................................................................	3-33
	3.6.2	PCH Configuration.....................................................................	3-35
	3.6.3	PCH Storage Configuration.......................................................	3-36
	3.6.4	System Agent Configuration......................................................	3-38
	3.6.5	USB Configuration.....................................................................	3-39
	3.6.6	Platform Misc Configuration.......................................................	3-41
	3.6.7	Onboard Devices Configuration.................................................	3-42
	3.6.8	APM Configuration.....................................................................	3-44
	3.6.9	Network Stack Configuration.....................................................	3-45
3.7	Monitor menu............................................................................................		3-46
3.8	Boot menu.................................................................................................		3-51
3.9	Tool menu..................................................................................................		3-57
	3.9.1	ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility.............................................................	3-57
	3.9.2	ASUS O.C. Profile.....................................................................	3-58
	3.9.3	ASUS DRAM SPD Information..................................................	3-59
3.10	Exit menu...................................................................................................		3-60
3.11	Updating BIOS..........................................................................................		3-61
	3.11.1	EZ Update..................................................................................	3-61
	3.11.2	ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................................	3-61
	3.11.3	ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3..........................................................	3-63
	3.11.4	ASUS BIOS Updater..................................................................	3-63
Appendices
Notices	.....................................................................................................................		A-1
ASUS contact information......................................................................................			A-4

iv

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.

v

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.

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.

vi

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 (+).

vii

X99-A specifications summary

	LGA2011-v3 socket for the New Intel® Core™ i7 processors
	Supports 22nm CPU
CPU	Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
	* The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU
	types.
Chipset	Intel® X99 Express Chipset
	8 x DIMM DDR4 max at 64 GB 3000 (O.C.)* / 2800 (O.C.)* / 2666
	(O.C.)* / 2400 (O.C.)* / 2133 MHz, non-ECC unbuffered memory
	Quad channel memory architecture
Memory	Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
	* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics
	of individual CPUs. Refer to www.asus.com for the memory QVL
	(Qualified Vendors Lists).
	40-LANE CPU
	3 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots* (single at x16, dual at x16/x16,
	triple at x16/x16/x8)
	1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot*** (max. at x4 mode, compatible with
	PCIe x1 and PCIe x4 devices
	2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot*** (compatible with PCIe x1)
	28-LANE CPU
	3 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots* (single at x16, dual at x16/x8**,
	triple at x16/x8**/x4)
Expansion slots	1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot*** (max. at x4 mode, compatible with
	PCIe x1 and x4 devices)
	2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot*** (compatible with PCIe x1)
	* The PCIe x16_4 slot shares bandwidth with M.2 x4. When the M.2
	socket is occupied, the PCIe x16_4 will be disabled.
	** The PCIe x16_3 slot supports x8 devices only.
	***The PCIe x16_2, PCIe x1_1, and USB3_E56 connectors share the
	same bandwidth. By default, the PCIe x16_2 slot and PCIe x1_1 slot
	automatically run at x1 mode with USB3_E56 enabled for best resource
	optimization.
	Supports NVIDIA® 3-WAY/Quad GPU SLI™ Technology (with 2
Multi-GPU support	PCIe x16 graphics card)
	Supports AMD® 3-WAY/Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
	New Intel® Core™ i7 processors
	- 1 x M.2 x4 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110
	storage devices support (supports PCIe SSD only)
Storage	Intel® X99 Express Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel®
	Rapid Storage Technology 13 support
	- 1 x SATA Express port (gray, compatible with 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s
	ports)
	- 8 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports* (4 x gray from controller 1, 4 x black
	from controller 2)
	(continued on the next page)

viii

X99-A specifications summary

Storage

LAN

Audio

USB

-Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Recovery Technology**

*Due to chipset behavior, the SATA6G_78 and SATA6G_910 ports (black) do not support Intel® Rapid Storage Technology including RAID configuration.

**These functions work depending on the CPU installed.

Gigabit Intel® LAN connection - 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet

(EEE) appliance

1 x Intel® I218-V Gigabit LAN-Dual interconnect between the integrated Media Access Controller (MAC) and physical layer (PHY)

ASUS Turbo LAN utility

Realtek® ALC1150 8-channel high definition audio CODEC featuring Crystal Sound 2

-Separate layer for left and right track, ensuring both sound deliver equal quality

-Top notch audio sensation delivers according to the audio configuration

-Audio shielding ensures precision analog/digital separation and greatly reduced multi-lateral interference

-EMI protection cover to prevent electrical noise to affect the amplifier quality

-Audio Amplifier to enhance the highest quality sound for headphone and speakers

-Unique de-pop circuit to reduce start-up popping noise to audio outputs

-Premium Japan-made audio capacitors provide warm, natural, and immersive sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity

-High quality 112 dB SNR stereo playback output (Line-out at back) and 104 dB SNR recording input (Line-in) support

-Absolute Pitch 192 khz/24 bit True BD Lossless Sound

-BD audio layer content protection

-DTS UltraPC II

-DTS Connect

-Supports jack-detection, multi-streaming and front panel jackretasking (MIC)

-Optical S/PDIF out ports at rear I/O

Intel® X99 Express Chipset - supports ASUS USB 3.0 Boost

-4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at mid-board for front panel support

-1 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at rear panel

-8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at rear panel)

ASMedia® USB 3.0 controllers - support ASUS USB 3.0 Boost

-5 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at rear panel (blue)

(continued on the next page)

ix

X99-A specifications summary

ASUS Exclusive

Features

Flagship Performance

5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processors 5

-Whole system optimization with a single click! 5-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU,

DIGI+ Power Control, Fan Xpert 3, and Turbo APP together, providing better CPU performance, efficient power saving, precise digital power control, whole system cooling and even tailor your own app usages.

DIGI+ Power Control

CPU Power

-Industry leading digital 8-phase power design

-ASUS CPU power utility

DRAM Power

-Industry leading digital 4-phase DRAM power design

-ASUS DRAM power utility

TPU

- Auto Tuning, TPU, GPU Boost, 2-level TPU switch

EPU

- EPU, EPU switch

ASUS Fan Xpert3

-Featuring Fan Auto Tuning function and multiple thermistors selection for optimized system cooling control.

Turbo App

-Featuring automatic system performance tuning, network priority, audio scene configuration, and fan cooling setting for selected applications.

UEFI BIOS

- Most advanced options with fast response time

M.2 and SATA Express onboard

-The latest transfer technology with up to 32 Gb/s data transfer speeds for M.2

-The ultra-fast transfer technology with up to 10 Gb/s data transfer speeds for SATA Express

Special Memory O.C. Design

-Superb memory O.C. capability under full load by minimizing the coupling noise and signal reflection effect

Thunderbolt Ready (optional)

-Blistering-fast 20 Gb/s data transfer upgrades with ThunderboltEX II series

Powerful Home Server

ASUS HomeCloud Server

Remote GO!

-Remote GO! Function: Cloud GO!, Remote Desktop, Remote

Keyboard & Mouse, File Transfer

(continued on the next page)

x

X99-A specifications summary

ASUS Exclusive

Features

-Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote app for portable smartphone/tablet, supporting iOS 7 and Android™ 4.0 systems

Media Streamer

-Pipe music or movies from your PC to a smart TV, your entertainment goes wherever you go!

-Media Streamer app for portable smartphone/tablet, supporting iOS 7 and Android™ 4.0 systems

NFC Express 2 support (optional)

-NFC Receiver and 2-port USB 3.0 hub

-NFC one-touch features: Video-to-go, Photo Express, Remote Desktop, Quick Launch, Windows® 8 Login, and Bluetooth®

Gamers and Professionals

Turbo APP

-Perform each application with tailored performance, network priority, audio configuration, and fan speed for your needs

Turbo LAN

-Experience smooth online gaming with lower pings and less lag

Crystal Sound 2

- Feel the sound power with different usage scenarios

Steam support

-Compatible with the most fun gaming platform under Windows® system

ASUS EZ DIY

Push Notice

- Monitor your PC status with smart devices in real time

USB BIOS Flashback

-with USB BIOS Flashback Wizard for EZ BIOS download scheduling

UEFI BIOS EZ Mode

-featuring friendly graphics user interface

-ASUS O.C. Tuner

-ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

-ASUS EZ Flash 2

Q-Design

-ASUS Q-Code

-ASUS Q-Shield

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

-ASUS Q-Slot

-ASUS Q-DIMM

-ASUS Q-Connector

(continued on the next page)

xi

X99-A specifications summary

ASUS Special Features

ASUS Quiet Thermal

Solution

ASUS Exclusive

Overclocking Features

ASUS 5X Protection:

-ASUS DIGI+ VRM - 8 Phase digital power design

-ASUS Enhanced DRAM Overcurrent Protection - Short circuit damage prevention

-ASUS ESD Guards - Enhanced ESD protection

-ASUS High-quality 5K-Hour Solid Capacitors - 2.5x long lifespan with excellent durability

-ASUS Stainless Steel rear I/O - 3x more durable corrosionresistant coating

USB 3.0 Boost

USB Charger+

Ai Charger+

Disk Unlocker

Ai Suite 3

MemOK!

EZ XMP

Quiet Thermal Design

-ASUS Fan Xpert 3

-ASUS Fanless Design: Heatsink solution

Precision Tweaker 2

-vCore: Adjustable CPU Core voltage at 0.001 V increment

-iGPU: Adjustable CPU Graphics voltage at 0.001 V increment

-vCCIO: Adjustable Analog and Digital I/O voltage at 0.001 V increment

-vCCIN: Adjustable CPU Input voltage at 0.01 V increment

-vCCSA: Adjustable CPU System Agent voltage at 0.001 V increment

-vDRAM Bus: 110-step Memory voltage control

-vPCH: 176-step Chipset voltage control

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)

- BCLK/PCIE frequency tuning from 80 MHz to 300 MHz at 0.1 MHz increment.

		Overclocking Protection
		- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
		1 x BIOS Flashback button
		1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
		1 x Intel® LAN (RJ45) port
	Rear Panel I/O Ports	6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)
		4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (bottom port supports USB BIOS Flashback)
		1 x Keyboard/Mouse combo connector
		8-channel Audio I/O ports
		2 x 19-pin USB 3.0/2.0 connectors, support additional 4 USB ports
	Internal I/O Connectors	2 x 19-pin USB 2.0/1.1 connectors, support additional 4 USB ports
		1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key design, type 2242/2260/2280/22110
		storage devices support (supports PCIE SSD only)
		(continued on the next page)

xii

X99-A specifications summary

		1 x SATA Express connectors (gray)
		8 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (4 x gray, 4 x black)
		1 x 4-pin CPU Fan connector for both 3-pin (DC mode) and 4-pin
		(PWM mode) CPU coolers control with auto detection
		1 x 4-pin CPU OPT Fan connector
		4 x 4-pin Chassis Fan connectors for both 3-pin (DC Mode) and
		4-pin (PWM Mode) coolers control
		1 x Front panel audio connector(AAFP)
		1 x S/PDIF Out header
		1 x 5-pin Thunderbolt header for ASUS ThunderboltEX series
		support
		1 x TPM connector
		1 x Serial port (COM) header
		1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
Internal I/O Connectors		1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
		1 x System Panel (Q-Connector)
		1 x 5-pin Extension fan (EXT_FAN) connector
		1 x 3-pin Chassis intrusion (CHASSIS) connector
		1 x 2-pin Thermal sensor header
		1 x 3-pin CPU OverVoltage (OV) header
		1 x MemOK! button
		1 x Clear CMOS jumper
		1 x DRCT (DirectKey) connector
		1 x TPU switch (advanced two-stage adjustments)
		1 x EPU switch
		1 x EZ XMP switch
		1 x Power-on button
		1 x Reset button
		128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.7, WfM 2.0,
		SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2,
BIOS features		CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My
		Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modified Log, F12 PrintScreen function,
		F3 Shortcut function, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence
		Detect) memory information
Manageability		WfM 2.0, DMI 2.7, WOL by PME, PXE
		Drivers
Support DVD		ASUS Utilities
		EZ Update
		Anti-virus software (OEM version)
		Windows® 8.1
Operating system		Windows® 8
		Windows® 7
Form Factors		ATX Form Factor, 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

xiii

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items

4 x Serial ATA 6 Gb/s cables

ASUS X99-A motherboard

1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector

1 x ASUS Q-Shield		1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit
			Manual
			User
	Support DVD		Technical documentations

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

•The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specifications may vary with different models.

xiv

Installation tools and components

Intel® LGA2011-v3 CPU

Intel® LGA2011-v3 compatible CPU Fan

SATA hard disk drive	Philips (cross) screwdriver
PC chassis

1 bag of screws	DIMM

Power supply unit

SATA optical disc drive (optional)

Graphics card

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

xv

xvi

Product introduction

1

1.1Special features

1.1.1Product highlights

LGA2011-v3 socket for Intel® Core™ i7 processors

This motherboard supports the New Intel® Core™ i7 processors in the LGA2011-v3 package. It provides great system performance, quad-channel DDR4 memory slots and PCI Express 2.0/3.0 expansion slots.

Intel® X99 Express Chipset

Intel® X99 Express Chipset is a single chipset that supports the LGA2011-v3 socket for Intel® Core™ i7 processors. It utilizes the serial point-to-point links, which increases bandwidth and enhances the system’s performance. It natively supports up to six (6) USB 3.0 ports and ten (10) SATA 6 Gb/s ports.

PCI Express® 3.0

PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the PCI Express bus standard that provides twice the performance and speed of PCIe 2.0. It provides an optimal graphics performance, unprecedented data speed and seamless transition with its complete backward compatibility to PCIe 1.0/2.0 devices.

3-WAY SLI and Quad GPU CrossFireX™ Support

This motherboad supports NVIDIA® SLI™ and AMD CrossFire™ 2-WAY/3-WAY configurations that enable multi-GPU setup, giving you full power of the latest graphics technology to play games at 4K and beyond.

SATA Express support

SATA Express provides faster data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gb/s, allowing your system to catch up with the speed of the SSDs. It also features backward compatibility with up to two SATA drives of the same speed.

Quad-Channel DDR4 3000 MHz Support

The motherboard supports the quad-channel DDR4 memory that features data transfer rates of DDR4 3000 MHz to boost the system’s performance, and to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of 3D graphics, multimedia and Internet applications.

M.2 Support*

This motherboard features the M.2 slot, which shares bandwidth with PCI Express 3.0 x4 slot to speed up data transfer up to 32 Gb/s. This helps enhance the performance of your SSD (Solid State Drive) that is dedicated only to the operating system.

* Supports PCIe mode only.

Chapter 1

ASUS X99-A

1-1

Complete USB 3.0 integration

This motherboard offers you the strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear panels, allowing you to experience the convenience of the latest plug and play connectivity solution at speed up to ten times faster than USB 2.0.

1.1.2Other special features

DTS Connect

To get the most out of your audio entertainment across all formats and quality levels, DTS Connect combines two enabling technologies, DTS Neo:PC™ upmixes stereo sources (CDs, MP3s, WMAs, internet radio) into as many as 7.1 channels of incredible surround sound. Consumers can connect their PC to a home theater system. DTS Interactive is capable of performing mult-channel encoding of DTS bitstreams on personal computers, and sending encoded bitstreams out of a digital audio connection (such as S/PDIF or HDMI) designed to deliver audio to an external decoder.

DTS UltraPC II

DTS UltraPC II delivers a superior surround sound experience through your system’s speakers and headphones while monitoring and balancing the loudness level difference between digital audio formats. It also ehnances the audio settings through augmenting low and high frequencies of musical tones, restores compressed or re-mastered sounds,

improves bass performance even without a subwoofer, and improves dialogues derived from DVD or Blu-ray Disc™.

ErP Ready

The motherboard is European Union’s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP requires products to meet certain energy efficiency requirement in regards to energy consumptions. This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energyefficient products through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the product and thus mitigate environmental impacts.

1 Chapter

1-2	Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2Motherboard overview

1.2.1Before 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 X99-A

1-3

1 Chapter

1.2.2Motherboard layout

Refer to 1.2.9 Internal connectors and 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.

1-4	Chapter 1: Product introduction

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots		Page
1.	DDR4 DIMM slots	1-7
2.	CPU, CPU optional, extension, and chassis fan connectors	1-33
	(4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CPU_OPT, 5-pin EXT_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1-4 )
3.	LGA2011-v3 CPU socket	1-6
4.	ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)	1-34
5.	MemOK! button	1-17
6.	Intel® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12, SATA 6G_34,	1-29
	SATA 6G_5, SATA 6G_6/SATAEXPRESS, SATA 6G_78, SATA6G_910)
7.	USB 3.0 connectors (20-1 pin USB3_12, USB3_34)	1-31
8.	EPU switch	1-19
9.	M.2 Socket 3	1-30
10.	TPU switch	1-18
11.	T_Sensor connector (2-pin T_SENSOR1)	1-37
12.	Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)	1-38
13.	System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)	1-35
14.	DirectKey connector (2-pin DRCT)	1-36
15.	USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112; USB1314)	1-32
16.	EZ XMP switch	1-20
17.	Clear RTC RAM jumper (3-pin CLRTC)	1-21
18.	TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)	1-36
19.	Q-Code LEDs	1-25
20.	Reset button	1-16
21.	Power-on button	1-16
22.	Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM)	1-38
23.	Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)	1-39
24.	Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)	1-30
25.	CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV)	1-22
26.	Thunderbolt header (5-pin TB_HEADER)	1-37

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1.2.3Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA2011-v3 socket designed for Intel® Core™ i7 processors.

• 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 LGA2011-v3 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.

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1-6	Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2.4System memory

The motherboard comes with eight DDR 4 (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

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Memory configurations

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

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A, Channel B, Channel C, and

Channel D. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dualchannel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

•According to Intel® CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65 V is recommended to protect the CPU.

•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 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. To operate at the vendor-marked or at a higher frequency, refer to section 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency adjustment.

•For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (8 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.

•The design of the DIMM fan may vary. Ensure that the DIMM fan fits to the motherboard.

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1-8	Chapter 1: Product introduction

X99-A Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)

DDR4 3000 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors	Part No.	Size	SS/	Chip	Chip NO.	Timing	Voltage	DIMM socket
			DS	Brand				support (Optional)
								2	4	6	8
G.SKILL	F4-3000C16Q-32GRR	32GB (8GBx4)	DS	Hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	16-16-16-36	1.35V	•	•
G.SKILL	F4-3000C15Q-16GRR	16GB (4GBx4)	SS	Hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	15-15-15-35	1.35V	•	•
G.SKILL	F4-3000C15Q2-32GRR	32GB (4GBx8)	SS	Hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	15-15-15-35	1.35V	•	•	•	•

DDR4 2800 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors	Part No.	Size	SS/	Chip	Chip NO.	Timing	Voltage	DIMM socket
			DS	Brand				support (Optional)
								2	4	6	8
A_DATA	AX4U2800W8G17-DRZ	8GB	DS	Hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	17-18-18-36 1.2V		•	•
A_DATA	AX4U2800W4G17	16GB	SS	Hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	17-17-17-36	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx4)
A_DATA	AX4U2800W4G17	32GB	SS	Hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	17-17-17-36	1.2V	•	•	•	•
		(4GBx8)
A_DATA	AX4U2800W8G17	32GB	DS	Hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	17-17-17-36	1.2V	•	•
		(8GBx4)
CORSAIR	CMD16GX4M4A2800C16	16GB	SS	-	-	16-18-18-36	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx4)
CORSAIR	CMD32GX4M4A2800C16	32GB	DS	-	-	16-18-18-36	1.2V	•	•
		(8GBx4)
CORSAIR	CMD64GX4M8A2800C16	64GB	DS	-	-	16-18-18-36	1.2V	•	•	•	•
		(8GBx8)
CORSAIR	CMD16GX4M4A2800C15	16GB	SS	-	-	15-17-17-36	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx4)
CORSAIR	CMD32GX4M4A2800C15	32GB	DS	-	-	15-17-17-36	1.2V	•	•
		(8GBx4)
CORSAIR	CMK16GX4M4A2800C16	16GB	SS	-	-	16-18-18-36	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx4)
CORSAIR	CMK32GX4M4A2800C16	32GB	DS	-	-	16-18-18-36	1.2V	•	•
		(8GBx4)
CORSAIR	CMK64GX4M8A2800C16	64GB	DS	-	-	16-18-18-36	1.2V	•	•	•	•
		(8GBx8)
CORSAIR	CMK16GX4M4A2800C15R	16GB	SS	-	-	15-17-17-36	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx4)
CORSAIR	CMK32GX4M4A2800C15R	32GB	DS	-	-	15-17-17-36	1.2V	•	•
		(8GBx4)
G.SKILL	F4-2800C17Q-16GRR	16GB	SS	-	-	17-18-18-35	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx4)
G.SKILL	F4-2800C17Q-32GRR	32GB	DS	-	-	17-18-18-35	1.2V	•	•
		(8GBx4)

DDR4 2666 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors	Part No.	Size	SS/	Chip	Chip	Timing	Voltage	DIMM socket support
			DS	Brand	NO.			(Optional)
								2	4	6	8
CORSAIR	CMD16GX4M4A2666C14	16GB (4GBx4)	SS	-	-	14-16-16-35	1.2V	•	•
CORSAIR	CMD32GX4M4A2666C14	32GB (8GBx4)	DS	-	-	14-16-16-35	1.2V	•	•
CORSAIR	CMK16GX4M4A2666C15	16GB (4GBx4)	SS	-	-	15-17-17-35	1.2V	•	•
CORSAIR	CMK32GX4M4A2666C15	32GB (8GBx4)	DS	-	-	15-17-17-35	1.2V	•	•
CORSAIR	CMK16GX4M4A2666C14R	16GB (4GBx4)	SS	-	-	14-16-16-35	1.2V	•	•
CORSAIR	CMK32GX4M4A2666C14R	32GB (8GBx4)	DS	-	-	14-16-16-35	1.2V	•	•
G.SKILL	F4-2666C15Q-16GRR	16GB (4GBx4)	SS			15-17-17-36	1.2V	•	•
G.SKILL	F4-2666C15Q-32GRR	32GB (8GBx4)	DS			15-17-17-36	1.2V	•	•

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DDR4 2400 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors	Part No.	Size	SS/	Chip	Chip NO.	Timing	Voltage	DIMM socket support
			DS	Brand				(Optional)
								2	4	6	8
A_DATA	AX4U2400W8G16-DRZ	8GB	SS	SK hynix	H5AN4G	16-16-16-39	1.2V	•	•
					8NMFR
CORSAIR	CMD16GX4M4A2400C14	16GB	SS	-	-	14-16-16-31	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx4)
CORSAIR	CMD32GX4M4A2400C14	32GB	DS	-	-	14-16-16-31	1.2V	•	•
		(8GBx4)
CORSAIR	CMD64GX4M8A2400C14	64GB	DS	-	-	14-16-16-31	1.2V	•	•	•	•
		(8GBx8)
CORSAIR	CMD16GX4M4A2400C13	16GB	SS	-	-	13-15-15-31	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx4)
CORSAIR	CMD32GX4M4A2400C13	32GB	DS	-	-	13-15-15-31	1.2V	•	•
		(8GBx4)
CORSAIR	CMK16GX4M4A2400C14B	16GB	SS	-	-	14-16-16-31	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx4)
CORSAIR	CMK16GX4M4A2400C14R	16GB	SS	-	-	14-16-16-31	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx4)
CORSAIR	CMK16GX4M4A2400C14	16GB	SS	-	-	14-16-16-31	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx4)
CORSAIR	CMK32GX4M4A2400C14	32GB	DS	-	-	14-16-16-31	1.2V	•	•
		(8GBx4)
CORSAIR	CMK64GX4M8A2400C14	64GB	DS	-	-	14-16-16-31	1.2V	•	•	•	•
		(8GBx8)
CORSAIR	CMK16GX4M4A2400C13R	16GB	SS	-	-	13-15-15-31	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx4)
CORSAIR	CMK32GX4M4A2400C13R	32GB	DS	-	-	13-15-15-31	1.2V	•	•
		(8GBx4)
G.SKILL	F4-2400C17Q-16GRR	16GB	SS	-	-	17-17-17-40	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx4)
G.SKILL	F4-2400C17Q-32GRR	32GB	DS	-	-	17-17-17-40	1.2V	•	•
		(8GBx4)
G.SKILL	F4-2400C17Q2-64GRR	64GB	DS	-	-	17-17-17-40	1.2V	•	•	•	•
		(8GBx8)
panram	PUD42400C154GNJK	4GB	SS	-	-	15-15-15-36	1.2V	•	•
panram	PUD42400C158GNJK	8GB	DS	-	-	15-15-15-36	1.2V	•	•
panram	PUD42400C154G2NJK	8GB	SS	-	-	15-15-15-36	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx2)
panram	PUD42400C158G2NJK	16GB	DS	-	-	15-15-15-36	1.2V	•	•
		(8GBx2)

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1-10	Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR4 2133 MHz capability

Vendors	Part No.	Size	SS/	Chip	Chip NO.	Timing	Voltage	DIMM socket support
			DS	Brand				(Optional)
								2	4	6	8
Micron	MTA8ATF51264AZ-2G1A1	4GB	SS	Micron	D9RGQ	15-15-	1.2V	•	•	•	•
						15-37
Micron	MTA16ATF1G64AZ-2G1A1	8GB	DS	Micron	D9RGQ	15-15-	1.2V	•	•	•	•
						15-37
Crucial	CT4G4DFS8213.8FA1	4GB	SS	Micron	D9RGQ	15-15-	1.2V	•	•	•	•
						15-37
Crucial	CT8G4DFD8213.16FA1	8GB	DS	Micron	D9RGQ	15-15-	1.2V	•	•	•	•
						15-37
Samsung	M378A5143DB0-CPB	4GB	SS	Samsung	K4A4G08	15-15-	1.2V	•	•	•	•
					5WD-	15-37
					BCPB
SK hynix	HMA451U6MFR8N-TF	4GB	SS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8	15-15-	1.2V	•	•	•	•
					NMFRTFC	15-37
SK hynix	HMA41GU6MFR8N-TF	8GB	DS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8	15-15-	1.2V	•	•	•	•
					NMFRTFC	15-37
A_DATA	AX4U2133W4G13-DRZ	4GB	SS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8	13-13-	1.2V	•	•
					NMFR	13-36
A_DATA	AX4U2133W8G13-DRZ	8GB	DS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8	13-13-	1.2V	•	•
					NMFR	13-36
A_DATA	AX4U2133W4G15-DRZ	4GB	SS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8	15-15-	1.2V	•	•
					NMFR	15-37
A_DATA	AX4U2133W8G15-DRZ	8GB	DS	SK hynix	H5AN4G	15-15-	1.2V	•	•
					8NMFR	15-37
CORSAIR	CMK8GX4M2A2133C15	8GB	SS	-	-	15-15-	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx2)				15-36
CORSAIR	CMK16GX4M2A2133C15	16GB	DS	-	-	15-15-	1.2V	•	•
		(8GBx2)				15-36
CORSAIR	CMK8GX4M2A2133C15R	8GB	SS	-	-	15-15-	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx2)				15-36
CORSAIR	CMK16GX4M4A2133C13B	16GB	SS	-	-	13-15-	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx4)				15-28
CORSAIR	CMK16GX4M4A2133C13R	16GB	SS	-	-	13-15-	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx4)				15-28
CORSAIR	CMK16GX4M4A2133C13	16GB	SS	-	-	13-15-	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx4)				15-28
CORSAIR	CMK32GX4M4A2133C13	32GB	DS	-	-	13-15-	1.2V	•	•
		(8GBx4)				15-28
CORSAIR	CMK64GX4M8A2133C13	64GB	DS	-	-	13-15-	1.2V	•	•	•	•
		(8GBx8)				15-28
CORSAIR	CMK16GX4M4A2133C12R	16GB	SS	-	-	12-14-	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx4)				14-27
CORSAIR	CMK32GX4M4A2133C12R	32GB	DS	-	-	12-14-	1.2V	•	•
		(8GBx4)				14-27
CORSAIR	CMD16GX4M4A2133C12	16GB	SS	-	-	12-14-	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx4)				14-27
CORSAIR	CMD32GX4M4A2133C12	32GB	DS	-	-	12-14-	1.2V	•	•
		(8GBx4)				14-27
G.SKILL	F4-2133C15Q-16GRR	16GB	SS	-	-	15-15-	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx4)				15-35
G.SKILL	F4-2133C15Q-32GRR	32GB	DS	-	-	15-15-	1.2V	•	•
		(8GBx4)				15-35
G.SKILL	F4-2133C15Q2-64GRR	64GB	DS	-	-	15-15-	1.2V	•	•	•	•
		(8GBx8)				15-35
Kingston	KVR21N15/8	8GB	DS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8	15-15-	1.2V	•	•
					NMFRTFC	15-37
panram	PUD42133C154GNJK	4GB	DS	-	-	15-15-	1.2V	•	•
						15-36
panram	PUD42133C158GNJK	8GB	DS	-	-	15-15-	1.2V	•	•
						15-36
panram	PUD42133C154G2NJK	8GB	SS	-	-	15-15-	1.2V	•	•
		(4GBx2)				15-36
panram	PUD42133C158G2NJK	16GB	DS	-	-	15-15-	1.2V	•	•
		(8GBx2)				15-36
SUPER	FBU2B008GM	8GB	DS	-	-	15-15-	1.2V	•	•	•	•
TALENT						15-36

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• Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided DIMM support:

Supports one (1) module inserted into any slot as Single-channel memory configuration. We suggest that you install the module into D1 slot.

Supports two (2) modules inserted into one pair of the dark gray slots as one pair of dual-channel memory configuration. We suggest that you install the modules into slots B1 and D1 for better compatibility.

Supports four (4) modules inserted into both the dark gray slots and black slots as two pairs of quad-channel memory configuration. We suggest that you install the modules into slots A1, B1, C1, and D1 for better compatibility.

Supports six (6) modules inserted into four dark gray slots and two black slots as three pairs of quad-channel memory configuration. We suggest that you install the modules into slots A1, B1, B2, C1, D1, and D2 for better compatibility.

Supports eight (8) modules inserted into all slots as fully-loaded quad-channel memory configurations.

• 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.

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1-12	Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2.5Expansion slots

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

Slot No.

Slot Description

40-LANE

28-LANE

1

PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot

PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot

2

PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot

PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot

3

PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slot

PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slot

4

PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_3 slot

PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_3 slot

5

PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot

PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot

6

PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_4 slot

PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_4 slot

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40-LANE CPU		PCI Express 3.0 operating mode
VGA		PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1		PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_3		PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_4
configuration
Single VGA/		x16 (single VGA		N/A		N/A
PCIe card		recommended)
Dual VGA/PCIe		x16		x16		N/A
cards
Triple VGA/		x16		x16		x8*
PCIe cards

* When the M.2 x4 slot is occupied, the PCIe x16_4 slot will be disabled.

28-LANE CPU		PCI Express 3.0 operating mode
VGA configuration		PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1		PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_3		PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_4
Single VGA/PCIe card		x16 (single VGA		N/A		N/A
		recommended)
Dual VGA/PCIe cards		x16		x8		N/A
Triple VGA/PCIe cards		x16		x8		x4*

• *The 3-Way SLI™ configuration is not supported when using a 28-LANE CPU.

• *When the M.2 x4 slot is occupied, the PCIe x16_4 slot will be disabled.

• We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI™ mode.

•Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1-4 when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.

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