Asus Z170-PRO User’s Manual

Z170-PRO

Motherboard

E10417
First Edition

September 2015

Copyright© 2015 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, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the

product is defaced or missing.
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OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
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Licenses. Such software in this product is distributed without any warranty to the extent permitted by the
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Where the applicable license entitles you to the source code of such software and/or other additional data,
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ii

Contents

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

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

Z170-PRO specifications summary .......................................................................... ix

Package contents ..................................................................................................... xvi

Installation tools and components ........................................................................ xvii

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 .........................................................................1-17

1.2.6 Onboard buttons and switches..................................................1-19

1.2.7 Jumpers .................................................................................... 1-20

1.2.8 Onboard LEDs ..........................................................................1-22

1.2.9 Internal connectors....................................................................1-23

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

2.2 Motherboard rear and audio connections ............................................. 2-12

2.2.1 Rear I/O connection ..................................................................2-12

2.2.2 Audio I/O connections ...............................................................2-14

2.3 Starting up for the first time .................................................................... 2-16

2.4 Turning off the computer ........................................................................2-16

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

3.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................3-31

3.6.1 CPU Conguration ....................................................................3-32

3.6.2 Platform Misc Conguration ......................................................3-34

3.6.3 System Agent (SA) Conguration .............................................3-35

3.6.4 PCH Conguration ....................................................................3-36

3.6.5 PCH Storage Conguration.......................................................3-37

3.6.6 USB Conguration ....................................................................3-39

3.6.7 Network Stack Conguration.....................................................3-40

3.6.8 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................3-40

3.6.9 APM Conguration ....................................................................3-42

3.6.10 HDD/SSD SMART Information ................................................. 3-43

3.6.11 Intel(R) Thunderbolt Conguration ............................................ 3-44

3.7 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................3-47

3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-53

3.9 Tool menu ................................................................................................. 3-58

3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility ............................................................3-58

3.9.2 Secure Erase ............................................................................3-58

3.9.3 ASUS Overclocking Prole .......................................................3-60

3.9.4 ASUS SPD Information .............................................................3-61

3.9.5 Graphics Card Information ........................................................3-61

3.10 Exit menu .................................................................................................. 3-62

3.11 Updating BIOS .......................................................................................... 3-63

3.11.1 EZ Update ................................................................................. 3-63

3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3 ...................................................................... 3-64

3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 .......................................................... 3-66

iv

Chapter 4: Software Support

4.1 Installing an operating system .................................................................4-1

4.1.1 Windows

4.2 Support DVD information .......................................................................... 4-8

4.2.1 Running the support DVD ...........................................................4-8

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals..................................................4-9

4.3 Software information ............................................................................... 4-10

4.4 AI Suite 3 ................................................................................................... 4-10

4.4.1 Ai Charger .................................................................................4-14

4.4.2 USB 3.1 Boost...........................................................................4-15

4.4.3 EZ Update .................................................................................4-16

4.4.4 Push Notice ...............................................................................4-18

4.4.5 System Information ...................................................................4-21

4.5 Audio configurations ............................................................................... 4-23

®

7 and USB 3.0 driver for 100 Series .......................... 4-1

Chapter 5: RAID Support

5.1 RAID configurations ..................................................................................5-1

5.1.1 RAID denitions ..........................................................................5-1

5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ..................................................5-2

5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS ....................................................5-2

5.1.4 Intel

5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk ......................................................................5-7

5.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows

5.2.2 Installing the RAID driver during Windows

®

Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility .................. 5-3

®

.................................... 5-7

®

OS installation ........ 5-8

Appendix

Notices .................................................................................................................... A-1

ASUS contact information ...................................................................................... A-5

v

Safety information

Electrical safety

• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet

before relocating the system.

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

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

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

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

• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service

technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

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

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

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

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

• Place the product on a stable surface.

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

technician or your retailer.

vi

About this guide

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

motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

1. Chapter 1: Product Introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the
motherboard.

2. Chapter 2: Basic Installation

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when
installing system components.

3. Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

4. Chapter 4: Software Support

This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package and the software.

5. Chapter 5: RAID Support

This chapter describes the RAID congurations.

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 yers,

that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the
standard package.

vii

Conventions used in this guide

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

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

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

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

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

Typography

Bold text

Italics

<Key>

<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3>

Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
means that you must press the enclosed key.

Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key.

If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
names are linked with a plus sign (+).

viii

Z170-PRO specifications summary

®

Core™ i7/ i5/ i3/Pentium®/Celeron®

®

HD Graphics support

CPU

Chipset

Memory

Expansion slots

VGA

Multi-GPU
support

LGA1151 socket for 6th Generation Intel
Processors

Supports 14nm CPU

®

Supports Intel

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

Intel

Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*

®

Z170 Express Chipset

4 x DIMM, max. 64GB, DDR4 3866(O.C.)* / 3800(O.C.)* / 3733(O.C)* /

3600(O.C)* / 3466(O.C.)* / 3400(O.C.)* / 3333(O.C.)* / 3300(O.C.)* /
3200(O.C.)* / 3000(O.C.)* / 2800(O.C.)* / 2666(O.C.)* / 2400(O.C.)* /

2133 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory

Dual channel memory architecture

®

Supports Intel

* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs.

Please refer to Memory QVL(Qualified Vendors List) for details.

Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)

2 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (single at x16 or dual at x8/x8 mode)

1 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot* (max. at x4 mode, compatible with PCIe x1,

x2 and x4 devices)

4 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots

* The PCIe x16_3 slot shares bandwidth with SATA6G_56. The PCIe x16_3 is

default set at x2 mode.

Integrated Graphics Processor- Intel

Multi-VGA output support: DisplayPort/HDMI/DVI-D ports

Supports DisplayPort 1.2* with max. resolution 4096 x 2160@24Hz / 3840 x
2160@60Hz

Supports HDMI 1.4b with max. resolution 4096 x 2160@24Hz / 2560 x
1600@60Hz

Supports DVI-D with max. resolution 1920 x 1200@60Hz

®

Supports Intel
Insider™

InTru™ 3D/Quick Sync Video/Clear Video HD Technology/

Supports up to 3 displays simultaneously

Maximum shared memory of 512MB

* DP 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport compliant, supports DP 1.2 monitor daisy chain up

to 3 displays

®

Supports NVIDIA
graphics card)

Supports AMD

2-Way/Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology (with 2 PCIex16

®

3-Way/Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology

(continued on the next page)

ix

Z170-PRO specifications summary

®

Z170 Express Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel Rapid

Intel
Storage Technology 14 support*

- 1 x SATA Express port (compatible with 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports)

- 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage
devices support (both SATA & PCIE mode)**

Storage

LAN

Audio

- 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (gray, 2 from SATA Express)

- Supports Intel

* Supports PCIE RAID configurations via onboard M.2 and PCIEX16_3 slot

storages.

The M.2 socket shares SATA ports with SATA Express. Adjust BIOS settings

**

to use an M.2 SATA device.

These functions will work depending on the CPU installed.

***

Gigabit Intel LAN connection - 802.3az Energy Efcient Ethernet (EEE)

appliance

®

Intel
Media Access Controller (MAC) and physical layer (PHY)

ASUS Turbo LAN Utility

Realtek
Crystal Sound 3

- Power pre-regulator reduces power input noise to ensure consistent

performance

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

equal quality

- Top notch audio sensation delivers according to the audio

conguration

- Audio shielding ensures precise analog/digital separation and greatly

reduced multi-lateral interference

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

- EMI protection cover to prevent electrical noise from affecting the

amplier quality

- Audio Amplier to enhance the highest quality sound for heasphones

and speakers

- Premium Japan-made audio capacitors provides warm, natural, and

immersive sound with exceptional clarity and delity

- High quality 112dB SNR stereo playback output (Line-out@back) &

104dB SNR recording input (Line-in) support

- Absolute Pitch 192khz/24bit true BD lossless sound

- BD audio layer content protection

- DTS

- DTS

- Supports jack-detection, multi-streaming, front panel jack-retasking

(MIC)

- Optical S/PDIF out port at back I/O

®

Smart Response Technology***

I219-V Gigabit LAN- Dual interconnect between the integrated

®

ALC1150 8-channel high denition audio CODEC featuring

®

Studio Sound™

®

Connect

(continued on the next page)

x

Z170-PRO specifications summary

®

Z170 Express Chipset- supports ASUS USB 3.1 Boost

Intel

- 6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (4 ports @mid-board, 2 ports @back panel, blue)

- 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports @mid-board, 2 ports @back panel, black)

USB

ASUS Exclusive
Features

®

USB 3.1 controller - supports ASUS USB 3.1 Boost and 3A power

Intel
output

- 1 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 port @back panel (teal blue, Type A)

- 1 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 port @back panel (Type C)

Superb Performance

OC Design: ASUS PRO Clock Technology

- Full BCLK range for extreme overclocking performance

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+ Power Control

- CPU Power: Digital 8-phase power design

- iGPU Power: Digital 2-phase power design

TPU

- Auto Tuning, GPU Boost

EPU

- EPU
Fan Xpert 3 featuring Fan Auto Tuning function and multiple thermistors

selection for optimized system cooling control

Turbo App featuring system performance tuning, network priority, and

audio scene conguration for selected applications

UEFI BIOS

- Most advanced options with fast response time

Special Memory O.C. Design

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

PC Cleaner

- Fast and easy way to get rid of unnecessary junk les

Remote Entertainment

Remote GO!

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

Mouse, File Transfer

- Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote app for portable smartphone/tablet, supporting

iOS 7 & Android 4.0 systems

(continued on the next page)

xi

Z170-PRO specifications summary

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 & Android 4.0 systems

HyStream

- Stream Android/iOS/Windows devices’ screen on your PC screen*

* Contact your device vendor for supporting information.

eSports Champions

Turbo LAN

- Fast and smooth online gaming with lower pings and less lags

Crystal Sound 3

- Hear the cleanest sound with dedicated audio design onboard!

ASUS Exclusive
Features

Turbo APP

- Tailored app performance, network priority and audio

conguration for your needs

EZ DIY

Push Notice

- Monitor your PC status with smart devices in real time

UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface

- CrashFree BIOS 3

- EZ Flash 3

Q-Design

- 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)

xii

Z170-PRO specifications summary

ASUS 5X Protection II:

- ASUS LANGuard - Protects against LAN surges, lightning strikes

and static-electricity discharges!

- ASUS Overvoltage Protection - World-class circuit-protecting
power design

- ASUS DIGI+ VRM - 8+2 Phase digital power design

- ASUS DRAM Overcurrent Protection: Enhanced DRAM

ASUS Special Features

ASUS Quiet Thermal
Solution

ASUS Exclusive
Overclocking Features

overcurrent protection

- ASUS Stainless-Steel Back I/O: 3X corrosion-resistance for

greater durability!

AI suite 3

Mobo Connect

USB 3.1 Boost

Ai Charger

MemOK!

Quiet Thermal Design

- ASUS Fan Xpert 3

- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-sink solution

Precision Tweaker 2

- CPU Core/Cache Voltage: Adjustable CPU Core/Cache Voltage at

0.005V increment

- CPU Graphics Voltage: Adjustable CPU Graphics voltage at

0.005V increment

- CPU VCCIO Voltage: Adjustable CPU VCCIO Voltage at 0.0125V
increment

- CPU System Agent Voltage: Adjustable CPU System Agent
Voltage at 0.0125V increment

- DRAM Voltage: 200-step Memory voltage control

- PCH Core Voltage: 88-step Chipset voltage control

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)

- BCLK/PCIE frequency tuning from 40MHz up to 500MHz at

0.01MHz increment

Overclocking Protection:

- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)

(continued on the next page)

xiii

Z170-PRO specifications summary

1 x DisplayPort

1 x HDMI port

1 x DVI-D

1 x Optical S/PDIF out

Rear Panel I/O Ports

Internal I/O connectors

BIOS Features

1 x Intel LAN (RJ45) port

1 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 port (teal blue, Type A)

1 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 port (Type C)

2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)

2 x USB 2.0 ports

8-channel Audio I/O ports

2 x USB 3.0/2.0 connectors support additional 4 USB ports (19-pin)

2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 4 USB ports

1 x M.2 Socket 3 (for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 devices)

1 x SATA Express connector

4 x SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (gray)

1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin) for both 3-pin(DC mode) and

4-pin(PWM mode) CPU coolers control with auto detection
support

1 x CPU OPT Fan connector (4-pin)

1 x Water Pump header (4-pin)

2 x Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin) 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 Thunderbolt header (5-pin) for ASUS ThunderboltEX series

support

1 x TPM connector

1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector

1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector

1 x System Panel(Q-Connector)

1 x MemOK! button

1 x CPU OV jumper

1 x Clear CMOS header

1 x DRCT(Direct Key) header

1 x 5-pin EXT_FAN(Extension Fan) connector

128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI3.0, WfM2.0, SM
BIOS 3.0, ACPI 5.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 3,

CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3
My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modied log, F12 PrintScreen and

ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information

(continued on the next page)

xiv

Z170-PRO specifications summary

Manageability

Accessories

Support DVD contents

Operating system
support

Form factor

Specications are subject to change without notice.

WfM 2.0, DMI 3.0, WOL by PME, PXE

4 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables

1 x ASUS SLI bridge connector

1 x ASUS Q-Shield

1 x Q-connector

1 x M.2 screw package

1 x CPU Installation Tool

1 x User’s Manual

1 x Z170 Series Exclusive Feature manual

Drivers

ASUS Utilities

EZ Update

Anti-virus software (OEM version)

®

10*

Windows

®

8.1*

Windows

®

7

Windows

* 64-bit supported only.

ATX Form Factor, 12” x 9.6” (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

xv

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

1 x M.2 screws

ASUS Z170-PRO Series motherboard

1 x ASUS Q-Shield

1 x ASUS Q-Connector kit

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

• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may

vary with different models.

• CPU Installation Tool & Q-Connector are in the color box package only.

4 x Serial ATA 6 Gb/s cables

1 x CPU Installation Tool

1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector

Support DVD

User Manual

User manual

xvi

Installation tools and components

Intel® LGA1151 compatible CPU Fan

PC chassis

Power supply unit

SATA hard disk drive

1 bag of screws

Intel® LGA1151 CPU

Phillips (cross) screwdriver

DIMM

SATA optical disc drive (optional)

Graphics card

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

xvii

xviii

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Product Introduction

1.1 Special features

1

1.1.1 Product highlights

LGA1151 socket for the 6th Generation Intel® Core™ i7/Intel® Core™ i5/Intel®
Core™ i3, Pentium® and Celeron® processors

This motherboard supports 6th generation Intel® Core™ i7/Intel® Core™ i5/Intel® Core™ i3,
Pentium® , and Celeron® processors in the LGA1151 package. It provides great graphics
and system performance with its GPU, dual-channel DDR4 memory slots and PCI Express

2.0/3.0 expansion slots.

Intel® Z170 Express Chipset

Intel® Z170 Express Chipset is a single chipset that supports the LGA1151 socket for the
6th generation Intel
processors. It utilizes the serial point-to-point links, which increases bandwidth and enhances
the system’s performance. It natively supports up to ten USB 3.0 ports, six SATA 6 Gb/s
ports, and M.2 Gen 3 X4 support for faster data retrieval.

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.

Quad-GPU SLI and 3-WAY CrossFireX™ Support

This motherboad features NVIDIA SLI and 3-Way AMD CrossreX support that enables

mulit-GPU setup, giving you the full power of the latest graphics technologies. It also features

native support for 4K/UHD (ultra high denition) resolution of up to 4096 x 2160 via HDMI or

DisplayPort, resulting to four times the number of pixels for incredible visual clarity, detail,
and realism.

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.

®

Core™ i7/Intel® Core™ i5/Intel® Core™ i3, Pentium® , and Celeron®

Chapter 1

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

1-1

Dual-Channel DDR4 3866 MHz Support

The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR4 memory that features data transfer rates
of DDR4 3866 MHz to boost the system’s performance, and to meet the higher bandwidth

Chapter 1

requirements of 3D graphics, multimedia and Internet applications.

PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 Support

With a 4x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 bandwidth, the M.2 can support up to 32 Gbit/s of data transfer
speed. It is a perfect choice for the operating system or application drive, making your system
and its installed apps work in a faster pace.

Complete USB 3.1 integration

This motherboard has the latest USB 3.1 connectivity built in for the very fastest USB data
transfers — that’s up to 10 Gb/s, or twice as fast as USB 3.0. The next-generation standard
is completely backward-compatible with your existing USB devices, and you’ll be all set for
USB 3.1’s breakneck speeds.

1.1.2 Other 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.

ErP Ready

The motherboard is European Union’s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP

requires products to meet certain energy efciency requirement in regards to energy

consumptions. This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-

efcient products through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the

product and thus mitigate environmental impacts.

1-2

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.2 Motherboard overview

1.2.1 Before you proceed

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

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

• Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded

object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due
to static electricity.

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

• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the

bag that came with the component.

• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is

switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so
may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.

Chapter 1

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

1-3

1.2.2 Motherboard layout

Chapter 1

1-4

Refer to 1.2.9 Internal Connectors and 2.2.1 Rear I/O connection for more information
about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots Page

1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 1-29

2. LGA1151 CPU socket 1-6

3. CPU, water pump, CPU optional, extension, and chassis fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN; 3-pin W_PUMP; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 5-pin EXT_FAN; 4-pin
CHA_FAN1-2)

4. DDR4 DIMM slots 1-7

5. MemOK! button 1-19

6. USB 3.0 connectors (20-1 pin USB3_12, USB3_34) 1-26

®

7. Intel

8. M.2 Socket 3 1-32

9. System panel connector (20-5 pin PANEL) 1-30

10. Clear RTC RAM (2-pin CLRTC) 1-20

11. DirectKey connector (2-pin DRCT) 1-31

12. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112; USB1314) 1-27

13. Thunderbolt header (5-pin TB_HEADER) 1-25

14. TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM) 1-31

15. T_Sensor connector (2-pin T_SENSOR) 1-24

16. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-25

17. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-24

18. CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV) 1-21

Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA 6G_34; SATA 6G_56;

SATAEXPRESS)

1-28

Chapter 1

1-23

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

1-5

1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

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

Chapter 1

processors.

Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1151 socket only. DO NOT install
a CPU designed for other sockets on the LGA1151 socket.

• Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.

• Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and

the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap
is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard
components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/
transit-related.

• Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise

Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the
LGA1151 socket.

• The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from

incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP
cap.

1-6

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.2.4 System memory

The motherboard comes with four (4) Double Data Rate 4 (DDR4) Dual Inline Memory
Modules (DIMM) slots.

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

Recommended memory configurations

Chapter 1

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

1-7

Memory configurations

You may install 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR4 DIMMs into

the DIMM sockets.

Chapter 1

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system
maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel conguration. Any

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

• 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

b) Install a 64-bit Windows

®

OS when you want to install 4 GB or more on the

®

OS.

motherboard.

c) For more details, refer to the Microsoft

®

support site at http://support.microsoft.

com/kb/929605/en-us.

• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512 Mb (64 MB) chips or less

(Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1 Megabyte/MB).

• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect

(SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.
Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a
lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. 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 efcient memory cooling system to support a full

memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

• Always install the DIMMS with the same CAS Latency. For an optimum compatibility,

we recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or data code
(D/C) from the same vendor. Check with the vendor to get the correct memory
modules.

• When running XMP at DDR4 3200 MHz or higher, the system’s stability depends on

the CPU’s capabilities.

1-8

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Z170-PRO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)

DDR4 3866 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip

CORSAIR CMK8GX4M2B3866C19

ver. 4.23

16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 19-23-23-45 1.35V •

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

Brand

support (Optional)

1 2 4

DDR4 3800 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip

G.SKILL F4-3800C18D-8GTZ 8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 18-20-20-38 1.35V •

AVEXIR AVD4UZ138001804G-

2XXXX

8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 18-20-20-40 1.35V •

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

Brand

support (Optional)

1 2 4

DDR4 3733 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip

G.SKILL F4-3733C17D-8GRK 8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 17-19-19-39 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3733C17D-8GTZ 8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 17-19-19-39 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3733C17D-8GVK 8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 17-19-19-39 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3733C17D-16GRK 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 17-19-19-39 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3733C17D-16GTZ 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 17-19-19-39 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3733C17D-16GVK 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 17-19-19-39 1.35V • •

AVEXIR AVD4UZ137331804G-

2XXXX

8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 18-20-20-40 1.35V •

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

Brand

support (Optional)

1 2 4

DDR4 3600 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip

G.SKILL F4-3600C17D-8GRK 8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 17-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3600C17D-8GTZ 8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 17-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3600C17D-8GVK 8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 17-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3600C17Q-16GRK 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 17-18-18-38 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3600C17Q-16GTZ 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 17-18-18-38 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3600C17Q-16GVK 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 17-18-18-38 1.35V • •

CORSAIR CMD8GX4M2B3600C18

ver. 4.23

CORSAIR CMD16GX4M4B3600C18

ver. 4.23

AVEXIR AVD4UZ136001804G-

2XXXX

AVEXIR AVD4UZ136001804G-

4XXXX

16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 18-19-19-39 1.35V •

16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 18-19-19-39 1.35V • •

8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 18-20-20-40 1.35V •

16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 18-20-20-40 1.35V • •

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

Brand

support (Optional)

1 2 4

Chapter 1

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

1-9

DDR4 3466 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip

Chapter 1

G.SKILL F4-3466C16D-8GRK 8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3466C16D-8GTZ 8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3466C16D-8GVK 8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3466C16Q-16GRK 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-38 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3466C16Q-16GTZ 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-38 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3466C16Q-16GVK 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-38 1.35V • •

CORSAIR CMD16GX4M4B3466C18 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 18-19-19-39 1.35V • •

AVEXIR AVD4UZ134661704G-

AVEXIR AVD4UZ134661704G-

DDR4 3400 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip

G.SKILL F4-3400C16D-16GRK 16GB(8GB*2) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16D-16GTZ 16GB(8GB*2) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16D-16GVK 16GB(8GB*2) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16D-32GRK 32GB(16GB*2) DS Samsung 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16D-32GTZ 32GB(16GB*2) DS Samsung 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16D-32GVK 32GB(16GB*2) DS Samsung 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16Q-16GRBD 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-38 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16Q-16GRKD 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-16-16-36 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16Q-16GRBD 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-38 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16Q-32GRK 32GB(8GB*4) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-38 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16Q-32GTZ 32GB(8GB*4) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-38 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16Q-32GVK 32GB(8GB*4) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-38 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16Q-64GRK 64GB(16GB*4) DS Samsung 16-18-18-38 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16Q-64GTZ 64GB(16GB*4) DS Samsung 16-18-18-38 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16Q-64GVK 64GB(16GB*4) DS Samsung 16-18-18-38 1.35V • •

CORSAIR CMD16GX4M4B3400C16

CORSAIR CMK16GX4M4B3400C16

CORSAIR CMK16GX4M2B3400C16

CORSAIR CMK32GX4M4B3400C16

2XXXX

4XXXX

ver. 5.29

ver. 4.23

ver. 4.23

ver. 4.23

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

Brand

8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 17-18-18-38 1.35V •

16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 17-18-18-38 1.35V • •

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

Brand

16GB(4GB*4) SS SK Hynix H5AN4G8NMFR 16-18-18-40 1.35V •

16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-36 1.35V • •

16GB(8GB*2) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-36 1.35V • •

32GB(8GB*4) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-36 1.35V • •

support (Optional)

1 2 4

support (Optional)

1 2 4

1-10

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

DDR4 3333 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

G.SKILL F4-3333C16Q-16GRKD 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-36 1.35V • •

CORSAIR CMD16GX4M4B3333C16

ver4.23

A-DATA AX4U3333W4G16 16GB(4GB*4) SS SK Hynix H5AN4G8NMFR 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

AVEXIR AVD4UZ133331604G-

2XXXX

AVEXIR AVD4UZ133331604G-

4XXXX

16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-36 1.35V • •

8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-38 1.35V • •

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

Brand

support (Optional)

1 2 4

DDR4 3300 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

G.SKILL F4-3300C16Q-16GRK 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-36 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3300C16Q-16GRKD 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-36 1.35V • •

CORSAIR CMD16GX4M4B3300C16 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-18-18-36 1.35V • •

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

Brand

support (Optional)

1 2 4

DDR4 3200 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

G.SKILL F4-3200C16D-8GRK 8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16D-8GTZ 8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16D-8GVK 8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16D-16GRK 16GB(8GB*2) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16D-16GTZ 16GB(8GB*2) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16D-16GVK 16GB(8GB*2) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C15D-32GRK 32GB(16GB*2) DS Samsung 15-15-15-35 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C15D-32GTZ 32GB(16GB*2) DS Samsung 15-15-15-35 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C15D-32GVK 32GB(16GB*2) DS Samsung 15-15-15-35 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16D-32GRK 32GB(16GB*2) DS Samsung 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16D-32GTZ 32GB(16GB*2) DS Samsung 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16D-32GVK 32GB(16GB*2) DS Samsung 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16Q-16GRR 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-16-16-36 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16Q-16GRB 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-16-16-36 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16Q-16GRKD 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-16-16-36 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16Q-16GTZ 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-16-16-36 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16Q-16GVK 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-16-16-36 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16Q-32GRK 32GB(8GB*4) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-16-16-36 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16Q-32GTZ 32GB(8GB*4) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-16-16-36 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16Q-32GVK 32GB(8GB*4) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-16-16-36 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16Q-64GRK 64GB(16GB*4) DS Samsung 16-18-18-38 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3000C16Q-64GTZ 64GB(16GB*4) DS Samsung 16-18-18-38 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16Q-64GVK 64GB(16GB*4) DS Samsung 16-18-18-38 1.35V • •

AVEXIR AVD4U32001604G-4BZ1 16GB(4GB*4) SS SK Hynix H5AN4G8NMFR 16-18-18-36 1.35V • •

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

Brand

support (Optional)

1 2 4

Chapter 1

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

(continued on the next page)

1-11

DDR4 3200 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

Chapter 1

AVEXIR AVD4U32001604G-4CIR 16GB(4GB*4) SS 16-18-18-36 1.35V • •

CORSAIR CMD16GX4M4B3200C16 16GB(4GB*4) SS 16-18-18-36 1.35V • •

CORSAIR CMK32GX4M2B3200C16 32GB(16GB*2) DS Samsung 16-18-18-36 1.35V •

GEIL GPR416GB3200C15QC 16GB(4GB*4) SS 15-15-15-35 1.35V • •

Kingston HX432C16PB2K4/16 16GB(4GB*4) SS 16-16-16-39 1.35V • •

Panram PUD43200C164G4NJW 16GB(4GB*4) SS 16-18-18-39 1.35V • •

DDR4 3000 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

G.SKILL F4-3000C15D-8GRK 8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-15-15-35 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15D-8GTZ 8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-15-15-35 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15D-8GVK 8GB(4GB*2) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-15-15-35 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15D-16GRK 16GB(8GB*2) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-15-15-35 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15D-16GTZ 16GB(8GB*2) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-15-15-35 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15D-16GVK 16GB(8GB*2) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-15-15-35 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15D-32GRK 32GB(16GB*2) DS Samsung 15-15-15-35 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15D-32GTZ 32GB(16GB*2) DS Samsung 15-15-15-35 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15D-32GVK 32GB(16GB*2) DS Samsung 15-15-15-35 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15Q-16GRR 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-15-15-35 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15Q-16GRB 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-15-15-35 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15Q-16GRK 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-15-15-35 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15Q-16GTZ 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-15-15-35 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15Q-16GVK 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-15-15-35 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15Q-32GRR 32GB(8GB*4) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-15-15-35 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15Q-32GRB 32GB(8GB*4) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-15-15-35 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15Q-32GRK 32GB(8GB*4) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-15-15-35 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15Q-32GTZ 32GB(8GB*4) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-15-15-35 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15Q-32GVK 32GB(8GB*4) DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-15-15-35 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15Q-64GRK 64GB(16GB*4) DS Samsung 15-15-15-35 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15Q-64GTZ 64GB(16GB*4) DS Samsung 15-15-15-35 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F4-3000C15Q-64GVK 64GB(16GB*4) DS Samsung 15-15-15-35 1.35V • •

AVEXIR AVD4U30001604G-4CI 16GB(4GB*4) SS SK Hynix H5AN4G8NMFR 16-18-18-36 1.35V • •

AVEXIR AVD4U30001504G-4BZ1 16GB(4GB*4) SS SK Hynix H5AN4G8NMFR 15-15-15-35 1.35V • •

AVEXIR AVD4U30001608G-4CI 32GB(8GB*4) DS SK Hynix H5AN4G8NMFR 16-18-18-36 1.35V •

Kingston HX430C15PB2K4/16 16GB(4GB*4) SS 15-16-16-39 1.35V • •

CORSAIR CMD16GX4M4B3000C15 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-17-17-35 1.35V • •

CORSAIR CMK16GX4M4B3000C15 16GB(4GB*4) SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-17-17-35 1.35V • •

Panram PUD43000C154G4NJW 16GB(4GB*4) SS 15-17-17-35 1.35V • •

Asint SLB404G08-EWWHMX 16GB(8GB*2) SS SK Hynix H5AN4G8NMFR 15-15-15-44 1.35V •

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

Brand

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

Brand

support (Optional)

1 2 4

support
(Optional)

1 2 4

1-12

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

DDR4 2800 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip

ADATA AX4U2800W4G17 32GB (4GB*8) DS - - 17-17-17-36 1.2 • • •

ADATA AX4U2800W8G17 8GB DS - - 15-15-15-36 1.2 • • •

Apacer 78.BAGM8.AF20B (XMP) 4GB SS - - 17-17-17-36 - • • •

Apacer 78.CAGM8.AF30B (XMP) 8GB DS - - 17-17-17-36 - • • •

AVEXIR AVD4U28001504G-4CIR (XMP) 4GB SS - - 15-15-15-35 1.35 • • •

AVEXIR AVD4U28001608G-4CIR (XMP) 32GB (4GB*8) DS - - 16-16-16-36 1.2 • •

CORSAIR CMD16GX4M4A2800C16

(Ver4.23)(XMP)

CORSAIR CMD16GX4M4A2800C16

(Ver5.29)

CORSAIR CMD32GX4M4A2800C16

(Ver5.29)(XMP)

CORSAIR CMK16GX4M4A2800C16

(Ver4.23)(XMP)

CORSAIR CMK16GX4M4A2800C16

(Ver5.29)

CORSAIR CMK32GX4M4A2800C16

(Ver5.29)(XMP)

G.SKILL F4-2800C15Q2-64GRK (XMP) 64GB (8GB*8) DS - - 15-16-16-35 1.25 • • •

G.SKILL F4-2800C16Q-16GRR (XMP) 16GB (4GB*4) SS - - 16-16-16-36 1.2 • • •

G.SKILL F4-2800C16Q-32GRR (XMP) 32GB (8GB*4) DS - - 16-16-16-36 1.2 • • •

Kingston HX428C14PBK4/16 (XMP) 16GB (4GB*4) SS - - 14-15-15-40 1.35 • • •

Panram PUD42800C164G4NJW (XMP) 16GB (4GB*4) SS - - 16-18-18-36 1.25 • • •

16GB (4GB*4) SS - - 16-18-18-36 1.2 • • •

16GB (4GB*4) SS - - 16-18-18-36 1.2 • • •

32GB (8GB*4) DS - - 18-18-18-36 1.2 • • •

16GB (4GB*4) SS - - 16-16-18-36 1.2 • • •

16GB (4GB*4) SS - - 16-18-18-36 1.2 • • •

32GB (8GB*4) DS - - 16-18-18-36 1.2 • • •

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage DIMM socket

NO.

support (Optional)

1 2 4

DDR4 2666 (O.C.) MHz capability

Chapter 1

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip

AVEXIR AVD4U26661504G-4CIR (XMP) 4GB SS - - 15-15-15-35 1.2 • • •

AVEXIR AVD4U26661608G-4CIR (XMP) 32GB

CORSAIR CMD128GX4M8A2666C15

(Ver4.31)(XMP)

CORSAIR CMD16GX4M4A2666C15

(Ver4.23)(XMP)

CORSAIR CMD16GX4M4A2666C16

(Ver4.23)(XMP)

CORSAIR CMD16GX4M4A2666C16

(Ver5.29)(XMP)

CORSAIR CMD32GX4M4A2666C15

(Ver4.23)(XMP)

CORSAIR CMD32GX4M4A2666C15

(Ver5.29)

CORSAIR CMD32GX4M4A2666C16

(Ver4.23)(XMP)

CORSAIR CMK16GX4M4A2666C15

(Ver4.23)(XMP)

CORSAIR CMK16GX4M4A2666C15

(Ver5.29)

CORSAIR CMK16GX4M4A2666C16

(Ver4.23)(XMP)

DS - - 16-16-16-36 1.2 • • •

(4GB*8)

128GB

DS - - 15-17-17-35 1.2 • • •

(16x 8GB )

16GB

SS - - 15-17-17-35 1.2 • • •

(4GB*4)

16GB

SS - - 16-18-18-35 1.2 • • •

(4GB*4)

16GB

SS - - 16-18-18-35 1.2 • • •

(4GB*4)

32GB

DS - - 15-17-17-35 1.2 • • •

(8GB*4)

32GB

DS - - 15-17-17-35 1.2 • • •

(8GB*4)

32GB

DS - - 16-18-18-35 1.2 • • •

(8GB*4)

16GB

SS - - 15-17-17-35 1.2 • • •

(4GB*4)

16GB

SS - - 15-17-17-35 1.2 • • •

(4GB*4)

16GB

SS - - 16-18-18-35 1.2 • • •

(4GB*4)

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

Brand

support
(Optional)

1 2 4

(continued on the next page)

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

1-13

DDR4 2666 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip

Chapter 1

CORSAIR CMK16GX4M4A2666C16

CORSAIR CMK32GX4M4A2666C15

CORSAIR CMK32GX4M4A2666C15

CORSAIR CMK32GX4M4A2666C16

CORSAIR CMK32GX4M4A2666C16R

G.SKILL F4-2666C15Q-16GRR (XMP) 16GB

G.SKILL F4-2666C15Q-32GRR (XMP) 32GB

G.SKILL F4-2666C16Q2-64GRB (XMP) 64GB

KLEVV IMA41GU6MFR8N-CF0 (XMP) 8GB DS ISDT I5AN4G8NMFR 15-15-15-35 1.2 • • •

KLEVV IMA451U6MFR8N-CF0 (XMP) 4GB SS ISDT I5AN4G8NMFR 15-15-15-35 1.2 • • •

Team TCD44G2666C15ABK (XMP) 4GB SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-15-15-35 1.2 • • •

Team TCD48G2666C15ABK (XMP) 32GB

DDR4 2400 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip

AVEXIR AVD4U24001604G-4CIR (XMP) 4GB SS - - 16-16-16-36 1.2 • • •

AVEXIR AVD4U24001608G-4M 32GB

AVEXIR AVD4U24001608G-4M (XMP) 32GB

CORSAIR CMD16GX4M4A2400C14

CORSAIR CMD32GX4M4A2400C14

CORSAIR CMK16GX4M4A2400C14

CORSAIR CMK32GX4M4A2400C14

Crucial BLS4G4D240FSA.8FAD 4GB SS - - 16-16-16-40 1.2 • • •

crucial BLS4G4D240FSA.8FAR (XMP) 4GB SS - - 17-16-16-39 1.2 • • •

Crucial BLS8G4D240FSA.16FAD 8GB DS - - 16-16-16-40 1.2 • • •

crucial BLS8G4D240FSA.16FAR

G.SKILL F4-2400C15Q-16GRR 16GB

G.SKILL F4-2400C15Q2-128GRK (XMP) 128GB

G.SKILL F4-2400C15Q-32GRR 32GB

(Ver5.29)(XMP)

(Ver4.23)(XMP)

(Ver5.29)(XMP)

(Ver5.29)(XMP)

(Ver4.23)(XMP)

(Ver4.23)(XMP)

(Ver4.23)(XMP)

(Ver4.23)(XMP)

(Ver4.23)(XMP)

(XMP)

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

Brand

16GB

SS - - 16-18-18-35 1.2 • • •

(4GB*4)

32GB

DS - - 15-17-17-35 1.2 • • •

(8GB*4)

32GB

DS - - 15-17-17-35 1.2 • • •

(8GB*4)

32GB

DS - - 16-16-18-35 1.2 • • •

(8GB*4)

32GB

DS - - 16-18-18-35 1.2 • • •

(8GB*4)

SS - - 15-15-15-35 1.2 • • •

(4GB*4)

DS - - 15-15-15-35 1.2 • • •

(8GB*4)

DS - - 16-16-16-36 1.2 • • •

(8GB*8)

DS Team TCD48G2666C15ABK 15-15-15-35 1.2 • • •

(8GB*4)

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

Brand

DS SK Hynix H5AN4G8NMFRTFC 16-16-16-39 1.2 • • •

(4GB*8)

DS SK Hynix H5AN4G8NMFRTFC 16-16-16-36 1.2 • • •

(4GB*8)

16GB

SS - - 14-16-16-31 1.2 • • •

(4GB*4)

32GB

DS - - 14-16-16-31 1.2 • • •

(8GB*4)

16GB

SS - - 14-16-16-31 1.2 • • •

(4GB*4)

32GB

DS - - 14-16-16-31 1.2 • • •

(8GB*4)

8GB DS - - 17-16-16-39 1.2 • • •

SS - - 15-15-15-35 1.2 • • •

(4GB*4)

DS - - 15-15-15-35 1.2 • • •

(16GB*8)

DS - - 15-15-15-35 1.2 • • •

(8GB*4)

support
(Optional)

1 2 4

support
(Optional)

1 2 4

(continued on the next page)

1-14

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

DDR4 2400 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip

Kingston HX424C12PB2K4/16 16GB

Panram PUD42400C154G4NJW 16GB

Panram PUD42400C158G4NJW 32GB

Team TED44GM2400C16BK 4GB SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-16-16-39 1.2 • • •

Team TED48GM2400C16BK 8GB DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 16-16-16-39 1.2 • • •

V-color TD4G8C17-UH 4GB SS V-color DW3J0460HM 15-15-15-36 1.2 • • •

SS - - 15-15-15-36 1.2 • • •

(4GB*4)

SS - - 15-15-15-35 1.2 • • •

(4GB*4)

DS - - 15-15-15-35 1.2 • • •

(8GB*4)

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

Brand

support
(Optional)

1 2 4

DDR4 2133 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip

ADATA AD4U2133W4G15-B 4GB SS SK Hynix H5AN4G8NMFRTFC 15-15-15-36 - • • •

ADATA AD4U2133W8G15 8GB DS SK Hynix H5AN4G8NMFRTFC 15-15-15-36 1.2 • • •

Apacer 78.B1GM3.AF00B 4GB SS SK Hynix H5AN4G8NMFRTFC 15-15-15-36 1.2 • • •

Apacer 78.C1GM3.AF10B 8GB DS SK Hynix H5AN4G8NMFRTFC 15-15-15-36 1.2 • • •

AVEXIR AVD4U21331504G-4M 4GB SS AVEXIR 512X8DDR4 15-15-15-35 1.2 • • •

Century

CD8G-D4U2133 8GB DS SK Hynix H5AN4G8NMFRTFC 15-15-15-36 - • • •

Micro Inc

CORSAIR CMK16GX4M4A2133C13

(Ver4.23)(XMP)

CORSAIR CMK32GX4M4A2133C13

(Ver4.23)(XMP)

CORSAIR CMK64GX4M8A2133C13

(Ver4.23)(XMP)

CORSAIR CMV4GX4M1A2133C15 4GB SS - - 15-15-15-36 1.2 • • •

CORSAIR CMV8GX4M1A2133C15 8GB DS - - 15-15-15-36 1.2 • • •

G.SKILL F4-2133C15Q-16GRR 16GB

G.SKILL F4-2133C15Q-32GRR 32GB

KLEVV IMA41GU6MFR8N-TF0 8GB DS ISDT I5AN4G8NMFR 15-15-15-35 1.2 • • •

KLEVV IMA451U6MFR8N-TF0 4GB SS ISDT I5AN4G8NMFR 15-15-15-35 1.2 • • •

Panram PUD42133C134G4NJW 16GB

Panram PUD42133C138G4NJW 32GB

Panram PUD42133C154G2VS 8GB

Panram PUD42133C154GNJK 4GB SS - - 15-15-15-36 1.2 • • •

Panram PUD42133C158G2VS 16GB

Panram PUD42133C158GNJK 8GB DS - - 15-15-15-36 1.2 • • •

Samsung M378A1G43DB0-CPB 8GB DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-15-15-36 - • • •

SanMax SMD-4G28HP-21P 4GB SS SK Hynix H5AN4G8NMFRTFC 15-15-15-37 - • • •

16GB

SS - - 13-15-15-28 1.2 • • •

(4GB*4)

32GB

DS - - 13-15-15-28 1.2 • • •

(8GB*4)

64GB

DS - - 13-15-15-28 1.2 • • •

(8GB*8)

SS - - 15-15-15-35 1.2 • • •

(4GB*4)

DS - - 15-15-15-35 - • • •

(8GB*4)

SS - - 13-13-13-35 1.2 • • •

(4GB*4)

DS - - 13-13-13-35 1.2 • • •

(8GB*4)

SS SK Hynix H5AN4GBNMFRTFC 15-15-15-36 1.2 • • •

(4GB*2)

DS SK Hynix H5AN4GBNMFRTFC 15-15-15-36 1.2 • • •

(8GB*2)

(continued on the next page)

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

Brand

support
(Optional)

1 2 4

Chapter 1

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

1-15

DDR4 2133 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip

Chapter 1

SanMax SMD-8G28HP-21P 8GB DS SK Hynix H5AN4G8NMFRTFC 15-15-15-37 - • • •

SK Hynix HMA82GU6MFR8N-TF 16GB DS SK Hynix H5AN8G8NMFRTFC 15-15-15-36 - • • •

SUPER
TALENT

Team TED44GM2133C15ABK 4GB SS SK Hynix H5AN4G8NMFRTFC 15-15-15-36 1.2 • • •

Transcend TS1GLH64V1H 8GB DS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-15-15-37 - • • •

Transcend TS512MLH64V1H 4GB SS Samsung K4A4G085WD 15-15-15-37 - • • •

UMAX 84G44G93MC-

UMAX 84G48G93MC-

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket

Brand

FBU2B008GM 8GB DS Micron D9RGQ 15-15-15-36 1.2 • • •

21OMCALGF15

21OMCGNGF15

4GB SS Micron D9RGQ 15-15-15-36 - • • •

8GB DS Micron D9RGQ 15-15-15-36 - • • •

support
(Optional)

1 2 4

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

Supports one (1) module inserted into any slot as Single-channel memory

conguration. We suggest that you install the module into A2 slot.

Supports two (2) modules inserted into one pair of the dark gray slots or the black

slots as one pair of dual-channel memory conguration. We suggest that you install

the modules into slots A2 and B2 for better compatibility.

Supports four (4) modules inserted into both the dark gray slots and black slots as two

pairs of quad-channel memory conguration. We suggest that you install the modules

into slots A1, A2, B1, and B2 for better compatibility.

• 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.

1-16

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.2.5 Expansion slots

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

Chapter 1

Slot No. Slot Description

1 PCIE 2.0 x1_1 slot

2 PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot

3 PCIE 2.0 x1_2 slot

4 PCIE 2.0 x1_3 slot

5 PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_2 slot

6 PCIE 2.0 x1_4 slot

7 PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_3 slot

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

1-17

Chapter 1

Single VGA/PCIe card

Dual VGA/PCIe card x8 x8

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

PCIe x16_1 shared - - ­PCIe x16_2 shared - - ­PCIe x16_3 shared - - ­PCIe x1_1 - shared - ­PCIe x1_2 - - shared ­PCIe x1_3 shared - - ­PCIe x1_4 - - - shared
SMBUS Controller shared - - ­Intel SATA Controller shared - - ­Intel LAN1(i219) shared - - ­Intel xHCI shared - - ­HD Audio shared - - ­Intel USB 3.1 shared - - -

PCI Express 3.0 operating mode

VGA configuration

• We recommend that you provide sufcient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI™

mode.

• Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1-2 when

using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.

PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_2

x16 (single VGA

recommended)

N/A

A B C D

1-18

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.2.6 Onboard buttons and switches

Onboard buttons and switches allow you to ne-tune performance when working on a bare or

open-case system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings
to enhance system performance.

1. MemOK! button

Installing DIMMs that are not compatible with the motherboard may cause system
boot failure. If the system fail to boot during POST stage and the DRAM_LED near the
MemOK! button lights continuously, press the MemOK! button until the DRAM_LED
starts blinking. System will begin automatic memory compatibility tuning and reboot for
successful boot.

• Refer to section 1.2.8 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.

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

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

• The MemOK! button does not function under Windows

• During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. It

takes about 30 seconds for the system to test one set of failsafe settings. If the test
fails, the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe settings. The blinking speed
of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes.

• Due to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each

timing set is tested. If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning
process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones

recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists) in this user manual or at

www.asus.com.

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

continues memory tuning after turning on the computer. To stop memory tuning, turn
off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 5–10 seconds.

• If your system fails to boot up due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! button

to boot and load the BIOS default settings. A message will appear during POST
reminding you that the BIOS has been restored to its default settings.

• We recommend that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from

www.asus.com after using the MemOK! function.

®

OS environment.

Chapter 1

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

1-19

1.2.7 Jumpers

1. Clear RTC RAM (2-pin CLRTC)

Chapter 1

This header allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can

clear the CMOS memory of date, 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.

To erase the RTC RAM:

1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Use a metal object such as a screwdriver to short the two pins.

3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.

4. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-

enter data.

1-20

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never short-circuit the CLRTC jumper. Shorting the
CLRTC jumper will cause system boot failure!

• If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and short the two pins

again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After clearing the CMOS, 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 CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R.) feature.
Shut down and reboot the system, then the BIOS automatically resets parameter
settings to default values.

• Due to 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.

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

2. CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV)

The CPU Over Voltage jumper allows you to set a higher CPU voltage for a exible

overclocking system, depending on the type of the installed CPU. To gain more CPU
voltage setting, insert the jumper to pins 2-3. To go back to its default CPU voltage
setting, insert the jumper to pins 1-2.

Chapter 1

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

1-21

1.2.8 Onboard LEDs

1. POST State LEDs

Chapter 1

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.

2. Power LED (PWR_LED)

This LED lights up when the system is on.

1-22

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.2.9 Internal connectors

1. Intel® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA 6G_34; SATA 6G_56;
SATAEXPRESS)

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

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

conguration with the Intel

Z170 chipset.

®

Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel®

Chapter 1

• These connectors are set to [AHCI Mode] by default. If you intend to create a Serial
ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [RAID
Mode]. Refer to section 3.6.5 PCH Storage Configuration for details.

• Before creating a RAID set, refer to section 5.1 RAID configurations or the manual
bundled in the motherboard support DVD.

• The M.2 socket shares SATA ports with SATA Express. Only one SATA device could

be activated. To use an M.2 SATA device, refer to section 3.6.8 Onboard Devices
Configuration regarding the BIOS switch.

• The SATAEXPRESS connector can support one SATA Express device or two SATA

devices.

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

1-23

2. T_Sensor connector (2-pin T_SENSOR)

This connector is for the thermistor cable that allows you to monitor the temperature of
your motherboard’s critical components and connected devices.

Chapter 1

3. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)

This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Connect
the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot
opening at the back of the system chassis.

The thermistor cable is purchased separately.

1-24

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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

This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports

either HD Audio or legacy AC’97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel

audio I/O module cable to this connector.

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

• If you want to connect a high-denition or an AC’97 front panel audio module to this

connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD Audio] or [AC97].

5. Thunderbolt header (5-pin TB_HEADER)

This connector is for the add-on Thunderbolt I/O card that supports Intel’s Thunderbolt
Technology, allowing you to connect up to six Thunderbolt-enabled devices and a

DisplayPort-enabled display in a daisy-chain conguration.

Chapter 1

The add-on Thunderbolt I/O card and Thunderbolt cables are purchased separately.

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

1-25

6. USB 3.0 connectors (20-1 pin USB3_12, USB3_34)

These connectors allow 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 benets of

Chapter 1

USB 3.0 including faster data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gb/s, faster charging time for

USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efciency, and backward compatibility with

USB 2.0.

The USB 3.0 module is purchased separately.

• These connectors are based on xHCI specication. We recommend you to install the

related driver to fully use the USB 3.0 ports under Windows® 7.

• These USB 3.0 ports support native UASP transfer standard in Windows

Turbo Mode when using USB 3.1 Boost feature.

®

8.1 and

1-26

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

7. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112; USB1314)

These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of
these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system

chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specication that supports up to

48 Mb/s connection speed.

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

motherboard!

The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.

Chapter 1

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

1-27

8. CPU, water pump, CPU optional, extension, and chassis fan connectors (4-pin
CPU_FAN; 4-pin W_PUMP; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 5-pin EXT_FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-2)

Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the

Chapter 1

black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

• DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufcient air ow

inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers!
Do not place jumper caps on the fan connectors!

• Ensure that the CPU fan cable is securely installed to the CPU fan connector.

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

• The CPU_FAN connector and CHA_FAN connectors support the ASUS FAN Xpert 3

feature.

• W_PUMP function support depends on water cooling device.

• The CPU fan connector detects the type of CPU fan installed and automatically
switches the control modes. To congure the CPU fan’s control mode, go to

Advanced Mode > Monitor > CPU Q-Fan Control item in BIOS.

• The chassis fan connectors support DC and PWM modes. To set these fans to DC or

PWM, go to Advanced Mode > Monitor > Chassis Fan 1/4 Q-Fan Control items in
BIOS.

1-28

The FAN EXTENSION CARD is purchased separately.

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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

These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are

designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and
push down rmly until the connectors completely t.

• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit
(PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specication 2.4 (or later version) and provides a

minimum power of 350 W.

• DO NOT forget to connect the 4-pin/8-pin EATX12 V power plug. Otherwise, the

system will not boot.

• We recommend that you use a PSU with a higher power output when conguring 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.

• If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system,

refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus.
com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.

Chapter 1

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

1-29

10. System panel connector (20-5 pin PANEL)

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

Chapter 1

• SystempowerLED(2-pinor3-1pinPLED)

The 2-pin or 3-1 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 ashes when data is read from or written

to the HDD.

• Systemwarningspeaker(4-pinSPEAKER)

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

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

This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button turns the
system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending on the operating
system settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds while the
system is ON turns the system OFF.

• 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.

1-30

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

11. TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM)

This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which securely

store keys, digital certicates, passwords and data. A TPM system also helps enhance

network security, protect digital identities, and ensures platform integrity.

The TPM module is purchased separately.

12. DirectKey connector (2-pin DRCT)

This connector is for the chassis-mounted button that supports the DirectKey function.
Connect the button cable that supports DirectKey, from the chassis to this connector on
the motherboard.

Chapter 1

Ensure that your chassis comes with the extra button cable that supports the DirectKey
feature. Refer to the technical documentation that came with the chassis for details.

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

1-31

13. M.2 socket 3

This socket allows you to install an M.2 (NGFF) SSD module.

Chapter 1

• This socket supports M Key and type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices.

• The M.2 socket shares SATA ports with SATA Express. Only one SATA device could

be activated. To use an M.2 SATA device, refer to section 3.6.7 Onboard Device
Configuration regarding the BIOS switch.

• When using Intel

ensure to set up the Windows® UEFI operating system under RAID mode.

The M.2 (NGFF) SSD module is purchased separately.

®

Desktop Responsiveness technologies with PCIe M.2 device,

1-32

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

Basic Installation

2.1 Building your PC system

2.1.1 Motherboard installation

The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with
models, but the installation steps are the same for all models.

1. Install the ASUS Q-Shield to the chassis rear I/O panel.

2

Chapter 2

2. Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are aligned to
the chassis’ rear I/O panel.

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

2-1

3. Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to
the chassis.

Chapter 2

2-2

DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.1.2 CPU installation

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

Bottom of CPU Installation Tool

Bottom of CPU

Top of CPU Installation Tool

Top of CPU

Chapter 2

Bottom of CPU Installation Tool

Bottom of CPU

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

2-3

Chapter 2

Top of CPU
Installation Tool

Top of CPU

Top of CPU

Top of CPU

PnP cap

Installation Tool

• TheCPUInstallationToolisonlycompatibleonASUSmotherboardswithaIntel®

LGA1151 socket.

• EnsurethattheCPUisrmlyclickedintoplacebeforeinstallingitontotheCPUsocket

on the motherboard.

• UsetheCPUInstallationToolforinstallingtheCPUonly.DONOTdamageorbend

the CPU Installation Tool.

• AlwaysrmlyholdbothsidesoftheCPUInstallationToolwheninstalling,removing,or

picking up the CPU Installation Tool.

• EnsuretouseasoftstablesurfacewheninstallingtheCPUtotheCPUInstallation

Tool to prevent CPU damage.

• ASUSwillnotcoverdamagesresultingfromincorrectCPUinstallation/removal,

incorrect CPU orientation/placement, or other damages resulting from negligence by
the user.

2-4

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation

Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the
CPU heatsink and CPU before you install
the heatsink and fan, if necessary.

To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly

Chapter 2

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

2-5

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly

Chapter 2

2-6

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.1.4 DIMM installation

Chapter 2

To remove a DIMM

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

2-7

2.1.5 ATX Power connection

Chapter 2

OR OR

2-8

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.1.6 SATA device connection

OR

Chapter 2

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

2-9

2.1.7 Front I/O Connector

To install ASUS Q-Connector

Chapter 2

To install USB 2.0 connector To install front panel audio connector

USB 2.0

To install USB 3.0 connector

2-10

AAFP

USB 3.0

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.1.8 Expansion Card installation

To install PCIe x16 cards

To install PCIe x1 cards

Chapter 2

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

2-11

2.2 Motherboard rear and audio connections

2.2.1 Rear I/O connection

Chapter 2

Rear panel connectors

USB 2.0 port 9 and 10 6. HDMI 1.4 port

1.

DisplayPort 7. USB Type-C port EC1 (supports USB

2.

DVI port 8. USB 3.0 port 5 and 6 (supports USB

3.

USB 3.1 ports EA2 (supports USB

4.

3.1 Boost)

®

Intel

5.

* and ** : Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LEDs, and audio port definitions.

2-12

LAN port (I219-V)* 10. Audio I/O ports*

3.1 Boost)

3.1 Boost)

9. Optical S/PDIF OUT port

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

• USB3.0devicescanonlybeusedasdatastorageonly.

• WestronglyrecommendthatyouconnectUSB3.1/3.0devicestoUSB3.1/3.0ports

for faster and better performance for your USB devices.

• Multi-VGAoutputsupportsuptotwodisplaysunderWindows

BIOS, and one display under DOS.

• Inteldisplayarchitecturedesignsupportsthefollowingmaximumsupportedpixel
clocks(PixelClock=HtotalxVTotalxFrameRate(Freshscreenrate)):

- DisplayPort:675MHz

- HDMIport:300MHz

 - DVIport:148MHz

* LAN ports LED indications

Activity Link LED Speed LED

Status Description Status Description

Off

Orange

Orange (Blinking)

Orange (Blinking
then steady)

No link

Linked

Data activity

Off 10 Mbps connection

Orange 100 Mbps connection

Green 1 Gbps connection

Readytowakeup

from S5 mode

You can disable the LAN controllers in BIOS. Due to hardware design, the LAN1 port’s
LEDs may continue to blink even when disabled.

®

OS environment or

ACT/LINK

LED

SPEED

LAN port

LED

Chapter 2

** Audio 2.1, 4.1, 5.1 or 7.1-channel configuration

Port Headset

2.1-channel

Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Side Speaker Out

Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In
Orange – – Center/Sub

Black – RearSpeakerOut RearSpeakerOut RearSpeakerOut

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

4.1-channel 5.1-channel 7.1-channel

Center/Sub

woofer

woofer

2-13

2.2.2 Audio I/O connections

Audio I/O ports

Connect to Headphone and Mic

Chapter 2

Connect to Stereo Speakers

Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers

2-14

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers

Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers

Chapter 2

Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

2-15

2.3 Starting up for the first time

1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.

2. Ensure that all switches are off.

3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis.

4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.

5. Turnonthedevicesinthefollowingorder:

a. Monitor

 b. ExternalSCSIdevices(startingwiththelastdeviceonthechain)

c. System power

6. After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case lights up.

Chapter 2

For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up when you press the
ATX power button. If your monitor complies with the “green” standards or if it has a
“power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up or change from orange to green
after the system LED turns on.

 Thesystemthenrunsthepower-onselftests(POST).Whilethetestsarerunning,the

BIOS beeps (refer to the BIOS beep codes table) or additional messages appear on
the screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on
the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Check the jumper settings and
connections or call your retailer for assistance.

BIOS Beep Description

One short beep VGA detected

One continuous beep followed by two
short beeps then a pause (repeated)

One continuous beep followed by three
short beeps

One continuous beep followed by four
short beeps

7. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the
instructions in Chapter 3.

Quick boot set to disabled

No keyboard detected

No memory detected

No VGA detected

Hardware component failure

2.4 Turning off the computer

WhilethesystemisON,pressthepowerbuttonforlessthanfoursecondstoputthesystem

on sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Press the power switch
for more than four seconds to let the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS
setting.

2-16

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

BIOS Setup

3

3.1 Knowing BIOS

The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unied Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI
architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard­only BIOS controls to enable a more exible and convenient mouse input. You can easily
navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as your operating system. The
term “BIOS” in this user manual refers to “UEFI BIOS” unless otherwise specied.

BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage
device conguration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot
device conguration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In
normal circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure
optimal performance. DO NOT change the default BIOS settings except in the following
circumstances:

• An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you
to run the BIOS Setup.

• You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or
update.

Inappropriate BIOS settings may result to instability or boot failure. We strongly

recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service
personnel.

When downloading or updating the BIOS le, rename it as Z170P.CAP for this
motherboard.

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

Chapter 3

3-1

3.2 BIOS setup program

Use the BIOS Setup to update the BIOS or congure its parameters. The BIOS screen
include navigation keys and brief onscreen help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup
program.

Entering BIOS at startup

To enter BIOS Setup at startup, press <Delete> during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you
do not press <Delete>, POST continues with its routines.

Entering BIOS Setup after POST

To enter BIOS Setup after POST:

• Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete> simultaneously.

• Press the reset button on the system chassis.

• Press the power button to turn the system off then back on. Do this option only if you
failed to enter BIOS Setup using the rst two options.

After doing either of the three options, press <Delete> key to enter BIOS.

Chapter 3

• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and
may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

• Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to your motherboard if you want to use the
mouse to control the BIOS setup program.

• If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default
settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized
Defaults item under the Exit menu or press hotkey <F5>. See section 3.10 Exit Menu
for details.

• If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and
reset the motherboard to the default value. See section 1.2.6 Onboard buttons and
switches for information on how to erase the RTC RAM via the Clear CMOS button.

• The BIOS setup program does not support the Bluetooth devices.

BIOS menu screen

The BIOS Setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode.
You can change modes from the Exit menu or from the Exit/Advanced Mode screen.

3-2

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

3.2.1 EZ Mode

By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ
Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select
the display language, system performance mode and boot device priority. To access the
Advanced Mode, click Exit/Advanced Mode, then select Advanced Mode or press <F7>
hotkey for the advanced BIOS settings.

The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed between EZ Mode
or Advanced Mode. Refer to the Setup Mode item in section 3.8 Boot menu for details.

Displays the system properties of the selected mode.

Displays the CPU/motherboard temperature,
CPU voltage output, CPU/chassis/power fan
speed, and SATA information

Selects the display language
of the BIOS setup program

Click < or > to switch EZ System Tuning modes

Creates storage RAID and
configures system overclocking

Enables or disables the SATA RAID mode

for Intel Rapid Storage Technology

Displays the CPU Fan’s speed. Click
the button to manually tune the fans

Loads optimized

default settings

The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system.

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

Saves the changes
and resets the system

Click to go to Advanced mode

Click to display boot devices

Selects the boot device priority

Chapter 3

Search on the FAQ

3-3

3.2.2 Advanced Mode

The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to congure
the BIOS settings. The gure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the
following sections for the detailed congurations.

To switch from EZ Mode to Advanced Mode, click Advanced Mode or press <F7> hotkey.

Configuration fields
Pop-up Menu
Menu bar

Chapter 3

Menu items

Sub-menu item

Language

MyFavorite(F3)

General help

Qfan Control(F6)

Last modified settings

Quick Note (F9)

EZ Tuning Wizard(F11)

Go back to EZ Mode

Displays the CPU temperature,

CPU, and memory voltage output

Scroll bar

Hot Keys

Search on the FAQ

3-4

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Menu bar

The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:

My Favorites
Main
Ai Tweaker
Advanced

Monitor

Boot
Tool
Exit

For saving the frequently-used system settings and conguration.

For changing the basic system conguration

For changing the overclocking settings

For changing the advanced system settings

For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing the
fan settings.

For changing the system boot conguration

For conguring options for special functions

For selecting the exit options and loading default settings

Menu items

The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example,
selecting Main shows the Main menu items.

The other items (My Favorites, Ai Tweaker, Advanced, Monitor, Boot, Tool, and Exit) on the
menu bar have their respective menu items.

Submenu items

A greater than sign (>) before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a
submenu. To display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.

Language

This button above the menu bar contains the languages that you can select for your BIOS.
Click this button to select the language that you want to display in your BIOS screen.

My Favorites (F3)

This button above the menu bar shows all BIOS items in a Tree Map setup. Select frequently­used BIOS settings and save it to MyFavorites menu.

Refer to section 3.3 My Favorites for more information.

Q-Fan Control (F6)

This button above the menu bar displays the current settings of your fans. Use this button to
manually tweak the fans to your desired settings.

Refer to section 3.2.3 QFan Control for more information.

EZ Tuning Wizard (F11)

This button above the menu bar allows you to view and tweak the overclocking settings of
your system. It also allows you to change the motherboard’s SATA mode from AHCI to RAID
mode.

Refer to section 3.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard for more information.

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

Chapter 3

3-5

Search on FAQ

Move your mouse over this button to show a QR code, scan this QR code on your mobile
device to connect to the BIOS FAQ web page of the ASUS support website. You can also
scan the following QR code:

Quick Note (F9)

This button above the menu bar allows you to key in notes of the activities that you have
done in BIOS.

Hot keys

This button above the menu bar contains the navigation keys for the BIOS setup program.
Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.

Scroll bar

Chapter 3

A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that do not t
on the screen. Press the Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> / <Page Down> keys to display
the other items on the screen.

General help

At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item. Use
<F12> key to capture the BIOS screen and save it to the removable storage device.

Configuration fields

These elds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-congurable, you can
change the value of the eld opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not
user-congurable.

A congurable eld is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a eld, select it and
press <Enter> to display a list of options.

Last Modified button

This button shows the items that you last modied and saved in BIOS Setup.

• The Quick Note function does not support the following keyboard functions: delete,
cut, copy, and paste.

• You can only use the alphanumeric characters to enter your notes.

3-6

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

3.2.3 QFan Control

The QFan Control allows you to set a fan prole or manually congure the operating speed of
your CPU and chassis fans.

Click to select a fan to be
configured

Select a profile to apply to

your fans

Click to activate

Click to apply the fan setting

Click to undo the
changes

PWM Mode

Click to go back to main menu

Click to activate DC Mode

Select to manually configure

your fans

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

Chapter 3

3-7

Configuring fans manually

Select Manual from the list of proles to manually congure your fans’ operating speed.

Chapter 3

To congure your fans:

1. Select the fan that you want to congure and to view its current status.

2. Click and drag the speed points to adjust the fans’ operating speed.

3. Click Apply to save the changes then click Exit (ESC).

3-8

Speed points

Select to manually

configure your fans

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

3.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard

EZ Tuning Wizard allows you to easily overclock your CPU and DRAM, computer usage, and
CPU fan to their best settings. You can also set RAID in your system using this feature.

OC setup

RAID setup

OC Tuning

To start OC Tuning:

1. Press <F11> on your keyboard or click
EZ Tuning Wizard screen.

2. Click OC

3. Select a PC scenario Daily Computing or Gaming/Media Editing, then click Next.

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

then click Next.

from the BIOS screen to open

Chapter 3

3-9

4. Select a Main Cooling System BOX cooler, Tower cooler, Water cooler, or I’m not
sure, then click Next.

5. After selecting the Main Cooling System, click Next then click Yes to start the OC
Tuning.

Creating RAID

To create RAID:

1. Press <F11> on your keyboard or click
EZ Tuning Wizard screen.

2. Click RAID

then click Next.

• Ensure that your HDDs have no existing RAID volumes.

• Ensure to connect your HDDs to Intel

®

SATA connectors.

from the BIOS screen to open

Chapter 3

3. Select the port that you want to set to [RAID] mode, PCIE or SATA, then click Next.

3-10

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

4. Select the type of storage for your RAID, Easy Backup or Super Speed, then click
Next.

a. For Easy Backup, click Next then select from Easy Backup (RAID1) or Easy

Backup (RAID10).

You can only select Easy Backup (RAID 10) if you connect four (4) HDDs.

b. For Super Speed, click Next then select from Super Speed (RAID0) or Super

Speed (RAID5).

5. After selecting the type of RAID, click Next then click Yes to continue the RAID setup.

6. After the RAID setup is done, click Yes to exit the setup then click OK to reset your
system.

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

Chapter 3

3-11

3.3 My Favorites

My Favorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite
BIOS items.

Chapter 3

My Favorites comes with several performance, power saving, and fast boot related items by
default. You can personalize this screen by adding or removing items.

3-12

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Adding items to My Favorites

To add BIOS items:

1. Press <F3> on your keyboard or click

from the BIOS screen to open

Setup Tree Map screen.

2. On the Setup Tree Map screen, select the BIOS items that you want to save in My
Favorites screen.

Main menu panel

Selected shortcut
items

Submenu panel

Delete all favorite
items

Recover to default
favorite items

3. Select an item from main menu panel, then click the submenu that you want to save as
favorite from the submenu panel and click

You cannot add the following items to My Favorite items:

• Items with submenu options

• User-managed items such as language and boot order

• Conguration items such as Memory SPD Information, system time and date.

or press <Enter> on your keyboard.

4. Click Exit (ESC) or press <Esc> key to close Setup Tree Map screen.

5. Go to My Favorites menu to view the saved BIOS items.

Chapter 3

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

3-13

3.4 Main menu

The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup
program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and
allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings.

Security

The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings.

Chapter 3

3-14

• If you have forgotten your BIOS password, erase the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC)

RAM to clear the BIOS password. See section 1.2.6 Onboard buttons and switches
for information on how to erase the RTC RAM via the Clear CMOS button.

• The Administrator or User Password items on top of the screen show the default [Not
Installed]. After you set a password, these items show [Installed].

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Administrator Password

If you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator
password for accessing the system. Otherwise, you might be able to see or change only
selected elds in the BIOS setup program.

To set an administrator password:

1. Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.

2. From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

To change an administrator password:

1. Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.

2. From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press

<Enter>.

3. From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.

4. Conrm the password when prompted.

To clear the administrator password, follow the same steps as in changing an administrator
password, but press <Enter> when prompted to create/conrm the password. After you clear
the password, the Administrator Password item on top of the screen shows [Not Installed].

User Password

If you have set a user password, you must enter the user password for accessing the system.
The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default [Not Installed]. After you set
a password, this item shows [Installed.]

To set a user password:

1. Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.

2. From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

Chapter 3

3-15

To change a user password:

1. Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.

2. From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press

<Enter>.

3. From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.

4. Conrm the password when prompted.

To clear the user password, follow the same steps as in changing a user password, but press
<Enter> when prompted to create/conrm the password. After you clear the password, the

User Password item on top of the screen shows [Not Installed].

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu

The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.

Scroll down to display other BIOS items.

Chapter 3

Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect eld
values can cause the system to malfunction.

The conguration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you
installed on the motherboard.

3-16

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]

This item allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU
internal frequency. Select any of these preset overclocking conguration options:

[Auto] Loads the optimal settings for the system.

[Manual] Automatically optimizes the CPU ratio and BCLK frequency.

[XMP] If you install memory modules supporting the eXtreme Memory Prole

BCLK Frequency [100.00]

This item allows you to set the BCLK (base clock) frequency to enhance the system
performance. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. The values range from 40.0 MHz
to 650.0 MHz.

(XMP) Technology, choose this item to set the proles supported by your
memory modules for optimizing the system performance.

The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner to [Manual].

We recommend you to set the value based on the CPU specication, as high BCLK
frequencies may damage the CPU permanently.

ASUS MultiCore Enhancement [Auto]

[Auto] This item allows you to maximize the oveclocking performance optimized

[Disabled] This item allows you to set to default core ratio settings.

by ASUS core ratio settings.

CPU Core Ratio [Auto]

This item allows you to set the CPU core ratio limit per core or synchronize automatically to
all cores.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Sync All Cores] [Per Core]

When the CPU Core Ratio is set to [Synch All Cores], the following item appears:

1-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]

Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting or manually
assign a 1-Core Limit value that must be higher than or equal to the 2-Core
Ratio Limit.

When the CPU Core Ratio is set to [Per Core], the following item appears:

1-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]

Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting or manually
assign a 1-Core Limit value that must be higher than or equal to the 2-Core
Ratio Limit.

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

Chapter 3

3-17

DRAM Odd Ratio Mode [Enabled]

This item allows you to enable or disable the odd ratio mode for better granularity.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

DRAM Frequency [Auto]

This item allows you to set the memory operating frequency. The congurable options vary
with the BCLK (base clock) frequency setting. Select the auto mode to apply the optimized
setting.

Conguration options: [DDR4-800MHz] [DDR4-933MHz] [DDR4-1066MHz] [DDR4-1200MHz]
[DDR4-1333MHz] [DDR4-1466MHz] [DDR4-1600MHz] [DDR4-1733MHz] [DDR4-1866MHz]
[DDR4-2000MHz] [DDR4-2133MHz] [DDR4-2266MHz] [DDR4-2400MHz] [DDR4-2533MHz]

Chapter 3

[DDR4-2666MHz] [DDR4-2800MHz] [DDR4-2933MHz] [DDR4-3066MHz] [DDR4-3200MHz]
[DDR4-3333MHz] [DDR4-3466MHz] [DDR4-3600MHz] [DDR4-3733MHz] [DDR4-3866MHz]
[DDR4-4000MHz] [DDR4-4133MHz] [DDR4-4266MHz]

TPU [Keep Current Settings]

This item allows you to automatically overclock the CPU and DRAM frequencies and voltage
for an enhanced system performance.

[Keep Current Settings] Keep the current settings without changing anything.
[TPU I] Applies air cooling overclocking conditions.
[TPU II] Applies water cooling overclocking conditions.

2-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]

Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting or manually
assign a 2-Core Limit value that must be higher than or equal to the 3-Core
Ratio Limit.

3-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]

Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting or manually
assign a 3-Core Limit value that must be higher than or equal to the 4-Core
Ratio Limit.

4-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]

Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting or manually
assign a 4-Core Limit value that must be higher than or equal to the 3-Core
Ratio Limit.

If you assign a value for more Core Ratio Limit, do not set the less Core Ratio Limit to
[Auto].

Ensure to use water cooling device before selecting [TPU II].

EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled]

The ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) sets the CPU in its minimum power consumption
settings.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

CPU SVID Support [Auto]

Disable this item to stop the CPU from communicating with the external voltage regulator.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

3-18

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

DRAM Timing Control

The subitems in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features. Use the <+>
or <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard
and press the <Enter> key.

Changing the values in this menu may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default settings.

Primary Timings

DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]

DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]

DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [63]

DRAM COMMAND Rate [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [2]

Secondary Timings

DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay L [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]

DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay S [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]

DRAM REF Cycle Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [1023]

DRAM Refresh Interval [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [32767]

DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]

DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]

DRAM FOUR ACT WIN Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [63]

DRAM WRITE to READ Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]

DRAM WRITE to READ Delay L [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]

DRAM WRITE to READ Delay S [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]

Chapter 3

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

3-19

DRAM CKE Minimum Pulse Width [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]

DRAM Write Latency [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]

Skew Control

Chapter 3

ODT RTT WR (CHA) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM CLOCK] [80 DRAM CLOCK] [120
DRAM CLOCK] [240 DRAM CLOCK] [255 DRAM CLOCK]

ODT RTT PARK (CHA) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM CLOCK] [34 DRAM CLOCK]
[40 DRAM CLOCK] [48 DRAM CLOCK] [60 DRAM CLOCK] [80 DRAM
CLOCK] [120 DRAM CLOCK] [240 DRAM CLOCK]

ODT RTT NOM (CHA) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM CLOCK] [34 DRAM CLOCK]
[40 DRAM CLOCK] [48 DRAM CLOCK] [60 DRAM CLOCK] [80 DRAM
CLOCK] [120 DRAM CLOCK] [240 DRAM CLOCK]

ODT RTT WR (CHB) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM CLOCK] [80 DRAM CLOCK] [120
DRAM CLOCK] [240 DRAM CLOCK] [255 DRAM CLOCK]

ODT RTT PARK (CHB) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM CLOCK] [34 DRAM CLOCK]
[40 DRAM CLOCK] [48 DRAM CLOCK] [60 DRAM CLOCK] [80 DRAM
CLOCK] [120 DRAM CLOCK] [240 DRAM CLOCK]

ODT RTT NOM (CHB) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0 DRAM CLOCK] [34 DRAM CLOCK]
[40 DRAM CLOCK] [48 DRAM CLOCK] [60 DRAM CLOCK] [80 DRAM
CLOCK] [120 DRAM CLOCK] [240 DRAM CLOCK]

ODT_READ_DURATION [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [7]

ODT_READ_DELAY [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [7]

ODT_WRITE_DURATION [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [7]

ODT_WRITE_DELAY [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [7]

Data Rising Slope [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [15]

Data Rising Slope Offset [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [1]

CMD Rising Slope [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [15]

CMD Rising Slope Offset [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [1]

Ctl Rising Slope [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [15]

3-20

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Ctl Rising Slope Offset [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [1]

Clk Rising Slope [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [15]

Clk Rising Slope Offset [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [1]

Data Falling Slope [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [15]

Data Falling Slope Offset [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [1]

CMD Falling Slope [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [15]

CMD Falling Slope Offset [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [1]

Ctl Falling Slope [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [15]

Ctl Falling Slope Offset [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [1]

Clk Falling Slope [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [15]

Clk Falling Slope Offset [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [1]

RTL IOL control

DRAM RTL INIT Value [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [127]

DRAM RTL (CHA DIMM0 Rank0) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [127]

DRAM RTL (CHA DIMM0 Rank1) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [127]

DRAM RTL (CHA DIMM1 Rank0) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [127]

DRAM RTL (CHA DIMM1 Rank1) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [127]

DRAM RTL (CHB DIMM0 Rank0) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [127]

DRAM RTL (CHB DIMM0 Rank1) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [127]

DRAM RTL (CHB DIMM1 Rank0) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [127]

DRAM RTL (CHB DIMM1 Rank1) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [127]

DRAM IOL (CHA DIMM0 Rank0) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [15]

DRAM IOL (CHA DIMM0 Rank1) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [15]

Chapter 3

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

3-21

Third Timings

tRDRD_sg [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

Chapter 3

tRDRD_dg [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

tRDWR_sg [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

tRDWR_dg [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

tWRWR_sg [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

tWRWR_dg [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

tWRRD_sg [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [127]

tWRRD_dg [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

tRDRD_dr [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

DRAM IOL (CHA DIMM1 Rank0) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [15]

DRAM IOL (CHA DIMM1 Rank1) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [15]

DRAM IOL (CHB DIMM0 Rank0) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [15]

DRAM IOL (CHB DIMM0 Rank1) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [15]

DRAM IOL (CHB DIMM1 Rank0) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [15]

DRAM IOL (CHB DIMM1 Rank1) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [15]

IO Latency offset
CHA IO_Latency_offset

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [127]

CHB IO_Latency_offset

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [127]

IO Latency RFR delay
CHA RFR delay

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [127]

CHB RFR delay

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [127]

3-22

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

tRDRD_dd [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

tRDWR_dr [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

tRDWR_dd [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

tWRWR_dr [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

tWRWR_dd [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

tWRRD_dr [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

tWRRD_dd[Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

TWRPRE [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [127]

TRDPRE [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [15]

tREFIX9 [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [127]

OREF_RI[Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] – [255]

Misc.

MRC Fast Boot [Auto]

Allows you to enable, disable or automatically set the MRC fast boot.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]

DRAM CLK Period [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [26]

Memory Scrambler [Enabled]

Set this item to enable or disable memory scrambler support.
Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Channel A DIMM Control [Enable Both DIMMs]

Allows you to enable or disable the Channel A DIMM slots.
Conguration options: [Enable Both DIMMs] [Disable DIMM0] [Disable DIMM1]
[Disable Both DIMMs]

Channel B DIMM Control [Enable Both DIMMs]

Allows you to enable or disable the Channel B DIMM slots.
Conguration options: [Enable Both DIMMs] [Disable DIMM0] [Disable DIMM1]
[Disable Both DIMMs]

Chapter 3

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

3-23

MCH Full Check [Auto]

Enable this item to enhance the stability of your system. Disable this item to enhance
the DRAM overclocking capability.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]

DLLBwEn [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [7]

DIGI+ VRM

CPU Load-line Calibration [Auto]

Load-line is dened by Intel
working voltage decreases proportionally to CPU loading. Higher load-line calibration
could get higher voltage and good overclocking performance, but increases the CPU
and VRM thermal conditions. Select from levels 1 to 7 to adjust the CPU power voltage
from 0% to 100%.
Conguration options [Auto] [Level 1] - [Level 7]

CPU Current Capability [Auto]

This item provides a total power range for CPU overclocking. A higher value setting
provides higher power consumption delivery and extends the overclocking frequency
range simultaneously.

Chapter 3

Conguration options: [Auto] [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%] [140%]

®

specication and affects CPU power voltage. The CPU

The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specication.

DO NOT remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.

Congure higher values when overclocking or under a high CPU loading for extra power
support.

3-24

CPU VRM Switching Frequency [Auto]

This item affects the VRM transient response speed and the component thermal
production. Select [Manual] to congure a higher frequency for a quicker transient
response speed.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]

DO NOT remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.

The following item appears only when you set the CPU VRM Switching Frequency to

[Manual].

Fixed CPU VRM Switching Frequency (KHz) [300]

This item allows you to set a higher frequency for a quicker transient
response speed. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. The values range
from 250 KHz to 500 KHz with an interval of 50 KHz.

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Do not remove the thermal module when the manual mode is selected. The thermal
conditions should be monitored.

The following item appears only when the CPU VRM Switching Frequency is set to [Auto].

VRM Spread Spectrum [Auto]

This item allows to enhance the system stability.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

CPU Power Duty Control [T.Probe]

DIGI + VRM Duty Control adjusts the current of every VRM phase and the thermal
conditions of every phase component.
[T. Probe] Select to set the VRM thermal balance mode.
[Extreme] Select to set the VRM current balance mode.

DO NOT remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.

CPU Power Phase Control [Auto]

This item allows you to set the power phase control of the CPU.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Standard] [Optimized] [Extreme]

CPU Graphics Load-line Calibration [Auto]

The load-line is dened by the Intel VRM specication and affects the GT power
voltage. The GT working voltage will decrease proportionally depending on the GT
loading.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Level 0] - [Level 10]

The boosted performance may vary depending on the GT specication. DO NOT remove
the thermal module.

CPU Graphics Current Capability [Auto]

This item adjusts the total power range for GT overclocking. A higher value setting
provides higher power consumption delivery and extends the overclocking frequency
range simultaneously.
Conguration options: [Auto] [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%] [140%]

Congure higher values when overclocking or under a high GT loading for extra power
support.

CPU Graphics Switching Frequency [Auto]

The switching frequency will affect the GT transient response speed and the
component thermal production.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]

DO NOT remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

Chapter 3

3-25

CPU Graphics Power Phase Control [Auto]

This item allows you to set the power phase control of the CPU Graphics.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Standard] [Optimized] [Extreme]

Boot Voltages

CPU Core/Cache Boot Voltage [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.600] - [1.700]

DMI Boot Voltage [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.300] - [1.900]

CPU System Agent Boot Voltage [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.7000] - [1.8000]

CPU VCCIO Boot Voltage [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.7000] - [1.8000]

Chapter 3

CPU Standby Boot Voltage [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.7000] - [2.2000]

Internal CPU Power Management

The subitems in this menu allow you to set the CPU ratio and features.

Intel(R) SpeedStep(tm) [Auto]

Allows the operating system to dynamically adjust the processor voltage and cores
frequency to decrease the average power consumption and decrease average heat
production.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

Turbo Mode [Enabled]

Allows you to enable your processor cores to run faster than the base operating
frequency when it is below power, current and specication limit.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following item appears only when you set the CPU Graphics Switching Frequency
to [Manual].

Fixed CPU Graphics Switching Frequency (KHz) [300]

This item allows you to set a higher frequency for a quicker transient
response speed and component thermal production. Use the <+> or <->
to adjust the value. The values range from 250 KHz to 500 KHz with an
interval of 50 KHz.

DO NOT remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.

3-26

The following items appear only when you set the Turbo Mode to [Enabled].

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Turbo Mode Parameters
Long Duration Package Power Limit [Auto]

Allows you to limit the Turbo Ratio’s time duration that exceeds the TDP
(Thermal Design Power) for maximum performance. Use the <+> and <->
keys to adjust the value.

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [4095]

Package Power Time Window [Auto]

Also known as Power Limit 1, and allows you to maintain the time window
for Turbo Ratio over TDP (Thermal Design Power). Use the <+> and <->
keys to adjust the value.

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [127]

Short Duration Package Power Limit [Auto]

Also known as Power Limit 2, and allows you to provide rapid protection
when the package power exceeds the Power Limit 1. Use the <+> and <->
keys to adjust the value.

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [4095]

IA AC Load Line [Auto]

This item allows you to set the AC loadline dened in 1/100 mOhms. Use the <+> and
<-> keys to adjust the value.
Conguration options: [Auto] [0.01] - [62.49]

IA DC Load Line [Auto]

This item allows you to set the DC loadline dened in 1/100 mOhms. Use the <+> and
<-> keys to adjust the value.
Conguration options: [Auto] [0.01] - [62.49]

Tweaker’s Paradise

FCLK Frequency for Early Power On [Auto]

This item allows you to set the FCLK frequency.
Conguration: [Auto] [Normal (800Mhz)] [1 GHz] [400 MHz]

Initial BCLK Frequency [Auto]

This item allows you to start overclocking the system from the initial BCLK (base clock)
frequency to the assigned BCLK frequency. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value.
The values range from 40.0 MHz to 650.0 MHz.

BCLK Amplitude [Auto]

This item allows you to set the magnitude of the base clock driven for the processor.
Conguration options: [Auto] [700mV] [800mV] [900mV] [1000mV]

BCLK Slew Rate [Auto]

This item allows you to set the speed at which each clock rises and falls.
Conguration options: [Auto] [1.5V/ns] [2.5V/ns] [3.5V/ns] [4.5V/ns]

BCLK Spread Spectrum [Auto]

This item allows you to reduce the EMI. Diable to get more accurate base clocks.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [-0.22] [-0.34] [-0.46] [+0.12] [+0.22] [+0.28]
[+0.38] [+0.17]

Chapter 3

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

3-27

BCLK Frequency Slew Rate [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [32us/MHz] [64us/MHz] [128us/MHz] [512us/
MHz]

VPPDDR Voltage [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1.865] - [2.700]

DMI Voltage [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.30000] - [1.90000]

Internal PLL Voltage [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.90000] - [1.84500]

CPU Core/Cache Current Limit Max. [Auto]

This item allows you to congure a higher current limit to prevent a frequency or power
throttling when overclocking. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.00] - [255.50]

CPU Graphics Current Limit Max. [Auto]

This item allows you to congure a higher current limit to prevent a frequency or power
throttling when overclocking. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.00] - [255.50]

Min. CPU Cache Ratio [Auto]

This item allows you to set the minimum possible CPU cache ratio. Use the <+> and <-> keys
to adjust the value.

Conguration options: [Auto] [8] - [33]

Max. CPU Cache Ratio [Auto]

Chapter 3

This item allows you to set the maximum possible CPU cache ratio. Use the <+> and <->
keys to adjust the value.

Conguration options: [Auto] [8] - [33]

Max. CPU Graphics Ratio [Auto]

This item allows you to set the CPU graphics ratio. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the
value.

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] - [19]

Extreme Over-voltage [Disabled]

Enable this item to allow higher voltages for overclocking, but the CPU lifetime will not be
guaranteed

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

This item can only be enabled when the onboard CPU_OV jumper is switched on.

CPU Core/Cache Voltage [Auto]

Congures the mode of Voltage fed to the cores of the processor.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual Mode] [Offset Mode] [Adaptive Mode]

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Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

The following items appear only when you set the CPU Core/Cache Voltage to [Manual
Mode].

CPU Core Voltage Override [Auto]

Allows you to congure the CPU Core voltage.
Conguration options: [Auto] [0.600] - [1.700]

The following items appear only when you set the CPU Core/Cache Voltage to [Offset

Mode].

Offset Mode Sign [+]

[+] To offset the voltage by a positive value.

[–] To offset the voltage by a negative value.

CPU Core Voltage Offset [Auto]

This item allows you to congure the CPU core voltage offset value.
Conguration options: [Auto] [0.005] - [0.635]

The following items appear only when you set the CPU Core/Cache Voltage to [Adaptive

Mode].

Offset Mode Sign [-]

[+] To offset the voltage by a positive value.

[–] To offset the voltage by a negative value.

Additional Turbo Mode CPU Core Voltage [Auto]

This item allows you to congure the CPU core voltage offset value.
Conguration options: [Auto] - [1.920]

Offset Voltage [Auto]

This item allows you to congure the CPU core voltage offset value.
Conguration options: [Auto] [0.001] - [0.999]

DRAM Voltage [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1.0032] - [2.0064]

CPU VCCIO Voltage [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.70000] - [1.80000]

CPU System Agent Voltage [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.70000] - [1.80000]

CPU Graphics Voltage Mode [Auto]

Congures the mode of Voltage fed to the CPU graphics.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual Mode] [Offset Mode]

Chapter 3

The following items appear only when you set the CPU Graphics Voltage Mode to [Manual
Mode].

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3-29

CPU Graphics Voltage Override [Auto]

Allows you to congure the CPU Graphics Voltage.
Conguration options: [Auto] [0.600] - [1.700]

Offset Mode Sign [+]

[+] To offset the voltage by a positive value.

[–] To offset the voltage by a negative value.

CPU Graphics Voltage Offset [Auto]

This item allows you to congure the CPU core voltage offset value.
Conguration options: [Auto] [0.001] - [0.635]

PCH Core Voltage [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.70000] - [1.80000]

CPU Standby Voltage [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.80000] - [1.60000]

DRAM REF Voltage Control

DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA/CHB [Auto]

Congures the DRAM reference voltage on the control lines. The reference volage will
be the DRAM voltage times the congured value.
Conguration options: [Auto] [0.39500] - [0.63000]

DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA DIMM0 Rank0 BL0-7 [Auto]

Chapter 3

Congures the DRAM Data REF Voltage.
Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA DIMM0 Rank1 BL0-7 [Auto]

Congures the DRAM Data REF Voltage.
Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA DIMM1 Rank0 BL0-7 [Auto]

Congures the DRAM Data REF Voltage.
Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA DIMM1 Rank1 BL0-7 [Auto]

Congures the DRAM Data REF Voltage.
Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHB DIMM0 Rank0 BL0-7 [Auto]

Congures the DRAM Data REF Voltage.
Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHB DIMM0 Rank1 BL0-7 [Auto]

Congures the DRAM Data REF Voltage.

The following items appear only when you set the CPU Graphics Voltage Mode to [Offset
Mode].

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Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHB DIMM1 Rank0 BL0-7 [Auto]

Congures the DRAM Data REF Voltage.
Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHB DIMM1 Rank1 BL0-7 [Auto]

Congures the DRAM Data REF Voltage.
Conguration options: [Auto] [0] - [63]

3.6 Advanced menu

The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system
devices.

Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values
can cause the system to malfunction.

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

Chapter 3

3-31

3.6.1 CPU Configuration

The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically
detects.

Chapter 3

The items in this menu may vary based on the CPU installed.

Active Processor Cores [All]

This item allows you to select the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor
package.

Conguration options: [All] [1] [2] [3]

Intel Virtualization Technology [Enabled]

When set to [Enabled], a VMM can utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by
Vanderpool Technology.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Hardware Prefetcher [Enabled]

This item allows the CPU to prefetch commands and data in the L2 cache, reduces the
DRAM loading time and improves the system performance.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

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Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Adjacent Cache Line Prefetcher [Enabled]

This item allows the mid level cache (L2) to prefetch adjacent cache lines, reducing the
DRAM loading time and improves the system performance.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Boot Performance Mode [Auto]

This item allows you to select the CPU performance state during system boot before the
operating system takes control. The CPU runs at a selected performance ratio based on CPU
conguration.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Max Non-Turbo Performance] [Max Battery] [Turbo
Performance]

CPU Power Management Configuration

This item allows you to manage and congure the CPU’s power.

Intel SpeedStep(tm) [Auto]

This item allows your system to adjust the CPU’s voltage and cores frequency,
resulting in decreased power consumption and heat production.
[Auto]
[Disabled] The CPU runs at its default speed.

[Enabled] The system controls the CPU speed.

Turbo Mode [Enabled]

This item allows you to automatically set the CPU cores to run faster than the base
operating frequency when it is below the operating power, current and temperature
specication limit.
Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

CPU C-States [Auto]

This item allows you to set the power saving of the CPU states.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following items appear only when you set the CPU C-States to [Enabled].

Enhanced C-States [Disabled]

When enabled, CPU will switch to minimum speed when all cores enter
C-State.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

CPU C3 Report [Enabled]

This item allows you to disable or enable the CPU C3 report to the
operating system.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

CPU C6 Report [Enabled]

This item allows you to disable or enable the CPU C6 report to the
operating system.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

ASUS Z170-PRO Series

Chapter 3

3-33

CFG Lock [Disabled]

This item allows you to disable or enable the CFG Lock.
Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

3.6.2 Platform Misc Configuration

The items in this menu allow you to congure the platform-related features.

Chapter 3

CPU C7 Report [CPU C7s]

This item allows you to disable or enable the CPU C7 report to the
operating system.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [CPU C7] [CPU C7s]

CPU C8 Report [Enabled]

This item allows you to disable or enable the CPU C8 report to the
operating system.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Package C State Limit [Auto]

This item allows you to set the a C-state limit for the CPU package.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [C0/C1] [C2] [C3] [C6] [C7] [C7s]
[C8]

PCIE Native Power Management [Disabled]

This item allows you to enhance the power saving feature of PCI Express and perform ASPM
operations in the operating system.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following item appears only when you set the PCI Express Native Power Management
to [Enabled].

Native ASPM [Disabled]

[Enabled] Windows

[Disabled] BIOS controls the ASPM support for the device.

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®

management) support for devices.

Vista OS controls the ASPM (active state power

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup