Asus Z170-WS User’s Manual

Z170-WS

Motherboard

E12537 Revised Edition V3

March 2017

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”).

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Contents

Safety information ..................................................................................................... vii

About this guide ....................................................................................................... viii

Z170-WS specifications summary ............................................................................. x

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 ASUS-exclusive workstation features .........................................1-2

1.1.3 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 ...........................................................................1-9

1.2.6 Onboard buttons and switches..................................................1-12

1.2.7 Jumpers .................................................................................... 1-17

1.2.8 Onboard LEDs ..........................................................................1-18

1.2.9 Internal connectors....................................................................1-25

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 BIOS update utility ................................................................................... 2-12

2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections ............................................. 2-14

2.3.1 Rear I/O connection ..................................................................2-14

2.3.2 Audio I/O connections ...............................................................2-16

2.4 Starting up for the first time .................................................................... 2-18

2.5 Turning off the computer ........................................................................2-19

iii

Contents

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 .............................................3-36

3.6.4 PCH Conguration ....................................................................3-37

3.6.5 PCH Storage Conguration.......................................................3-38

3.6.6 USB Conguration ....................................................................3-40

3.6.7 Network Stack Conguration.....................................................3-41

3.6.8 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................3-41

3.6.9 APM Conguration ....................................................................3-44

3.6.10 HDD/SSD SMART Information ................................................. 3-45

3.6.11 Intel(R) Thunderbolt Conguration ............................................ 3-45

3.7 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................3-46

3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-52

3.9 Tool menu ................................................................................................. 3-57

3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility ............................................................3-57

3.9.2 Secure Erase ............................................................................3-57

3.9.3 ASUS Overclocking Prole .......................................................3-59

3.9.4 ASUS SPD Information .............................................................3-60

3.9.5 Graphics Card Information ........................................................3-60

3.10 Exit menu .................................................................................................. 3-61

3.11 Updating BIOS .......................................................................................... 3-62

3.11.1 EZ Update ................................................................................. 3-62

3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3 ...................................................................... 3-63

3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 .......................................................... 3-65

Contents

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 USB BIOS Flashback ................................................................4-18

4.4.5 Push Notice ...............................................................................4-20

4.4.6 System Information ...................................................................4-23

4.4.7 Key Express ..............................................................................4-25

4.5 Audio configurations ............................................................................... 4-27

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 without entering the OS .................. 5-7

5.2.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows

5.2.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows

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

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

.................................... 5-8

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

Chapter 6: Multi GPU support

6.1 AMD® CrossFireX™ technology ............................................................... 6-1

6.1.1 Requirements .............................................................................. 6-1

6.1.2 Before you begin .........................................................................6-1

6.1.3 Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards ................................6-2

6.1.4 Installing three CrossFireX™ graphics cards .............................. 6-3

6.1.5 Installing four CrossFireX™ graphics cards ................................6-4

6.1.6 Installing the device drivers .........................................................6-5

6.1.7 Enabling the AMD

CrossFireX™ technology ............................. 6-5

Contents

6.2 NVIDIA® SLI® technology ...........................................................................6-7

6.2.1 Requirements .............................................................................. 6-7

6.2.2 Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards ......................................6-7

6.2.3 Installing three SLI-ready graphics cards ....................................6-8

6.2.4 Installing four SLI-ready graphics cards ......................................6-9

6.2.5 Installing the device drivers .......................................................6-10

6.2.6 Enabling the NVIDIA

Appendices

Z170-WS block diagram .......................................................................................... A-1

Notices .................................................................................................................... A-2

ASUS contact information ...................................................................................... A-6

SLI® technology ..................................... 6-10

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.

vii

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.

6. Chapter 6: Multi GPU Support

This chapter describes how to install and congure multiple AMD

NVIDIA® SLI® graphics cards.

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.

CrossFire™ and

viii

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> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign

<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key

Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

means that you must press the enclosed key.

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

names are linked with a plus sign (+).

Z170-WS specifications summary

LGA1151 socket for 6th Generation Intel

Processors

Celeron

CPU

Chipset

Memory

Expansion slots

VGA

Multi-GPU support

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 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)

4 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (single at x16 , dual at x16/x16 mode,

triple at x16/x8/x8 mode or quad x8/x8/x8/x8 mode)

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

x1, x2 and x4 devices)

Integrated Graphics Processor- Intel

Multi-VGA output support: DisplayPort/HDMI port

Supports DisplayPort 1.2* with max. resolution 4096x2304@24Hz/ 4096x2304@60Hz

Supports HDMI 2.0 with max. resolution 4096x2160@60/24Hz**

Supports Intel Technology/Insider™

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

Supports up to 2 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

** HDMI 2.0 60Hz resolution support requires necessary drivers update

Supports NVIDIA® 4-Way/Quad-GPU SLI® Technology (with 4 PCIex16 graphics card)

Supports AMD graphics card)

4-Way/Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology(with 4 PCIex16

Core™ i7/ i5/ i3/Pentium®/

HD Graphics support

(continued on the next page)

Z170-WS specifications summary

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

LAN

Audio Realtek

Rapid Storage Technology 14 support*

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

- 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (gray)

- Supports Intel

Smart Response Technology***

- 1 x U.2 connector (support U.2 NVMe device)

* Supports PCIE RAID configurations via onboard M.2_1 and M.2_2

storages.

** The M.2_1 socket shares SATA ports with SATA6G_56; the M.2_2

socket shares bandwidth with U.2 connector, and shares SATA ports with SATA6G_12 when using SATA mode

***These functions will work depending on the CPU installed.

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

(EEE) appliance

I219-LM Gigabit LAN- Dual interconnect between the

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

I210-AT Gigabit LAN controller

Intel

ASUS Turbo LAN Utility

ALC1150 8-channel high definition audio CODEC

featuring Crystal Sound 3

- 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

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

headphone 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 Studio Sound

- DTS Connect

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

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

(continued on the next page)

Z170-WS specifications summary

USB Intel® Z170 Express Chipset

- 5 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (4 ports @mid-board, 1 vertical Type A Connector,blue)

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

USB 3.0 Hubs

ASMedia

- 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (4 ports @back panel,blue)

USB 3.1 controllers

ASMedia

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

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

ASUS Exclusive Features

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 4-phase power design

-DRAM Power: Digital 2-phase power design

TPU

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

EPU

- EPU, EPU switch

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

(continued on the next page)

xii

Z170-WS specifications summary

ASUS Exclusive Features

ASUS Special Features

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

BIOS features

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

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!

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

USB BIOS Flashback with USB BIOS Flashback Wizard for EZ

BIOS download scheduling

UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface

- CrashFree BIOS 3

- EZ Flash 3

Q-Design

- ASUS Q-code

- ASUS Q-Shield

- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, HDD LED)

- ASUS Q-Slot

- ASUS Q-DIMM

- ASUS Q-Connector

- USB 3.1 Boost

- Key Express

- MemOK!

- EZ XMP

Quiet Thermal Design:

- ASUS Fan Xpert 3

- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe solution

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)

xiii

Z170-WS specifications summary

Rear Panel I/O Ports

Internal I/O connectors

1 x USB BIOS Flashback button

1 x Q-Code Logger button

1 x DisplayPort

1 x HDMI port

1 x Optical S/PDIF out

2 x Intel LAN (RJ45) ports

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

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

4 x USB 3.0/2.0 port (blue)

4 x USB 2.0/1.1 port (black)

8-channel Audio I/O ports

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

1 x USB 2.0/1/1 connectors support additional 2 USB ports

1 x vertical type A USB 3.0 connector

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

1 x U.2 connector (support U.2 NVMe device)

6 x SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (6 x 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 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

2 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector

1 x 6-pin EATX 12V_1 Power Connector

1 x System Panel(Q-Connector)

1 x MemOK! button

1 x Clear CMOS jumper

1 x DRCT(Direct Key) connector

1 x TPU switch (advanced two-stage adjustments)

1 x EPU switch

1 x EZ XMP switch

1 x Power-on button

1 x 5-pin EXT_FAN(Extension Fan) connector

xiv

(continued on the next page)

Z170-WS specifications summary

Manageability

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

Drivers

ASUS Utilities

EZ Update

Anti-virus software (OEM version)

10*

Windows

8.1*

Windows

*64-bit supported only

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

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items:

User Manual

ASUS Z170-WS motherboard User manual Support DVD

6 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables COM port bracket 1 x ASUS SLI bridge

1 x ASUS 4-Way SLI bridge connector 1 x ASUS 3-Way SLI bridge

1 x Q-Shield 2 x M.2 Screw package 1 x CPU Installation Tool

connector

1 x 2-in-1 Q-connector

xvi

Installation tools and components

Intel® LGA1151 compatible CPU Fan

Intel® LGA1151 CPU

PC chassis

Power supply unit

SATA optical disc drive (optional)

SATA hard disk drive

1 bag of screws

Phillips (cross) screwdriver

DIMM

Graphics card

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

xvii

xviii

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Product Introduction

1.1 Special features

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.

Dual-Channel DDR4 3466 MHz Support

The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR4 memory that features data transfer rates of DDR4 3466 MHz to boost the system’s performance, and to meet the higher bandwidth 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.

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

Chapter 1

ASUS Z170-WS

1-1

1.1.2 ASUS-exclusive workstation features

PCI Express 3.0 for 4-Way CrossFireX™ and SLI® Support

Chapter 1

The motherboard provides PCI Express x16 slots for 4-Way AMD CrossFireX™ and NVIDIA graphics cards, giving you with ample graphics power to easily run even the most demanding computer games for enhanced entertainment.

Q-Code Logger

Q-Code Logger is your one-touch troubleshooter that lets you easily check Q-Code event logs

without opening the computer’s case. If a workstation is behaving abnormally, plug a ash drive

into the adjacent USB port, press the motherboard’s dedicated Flash Log button and all ASUS Q-Code event logs for the current live session will be copied to the drive.

ProCool Connector

ProCool eliminates the hollow areas associated with traditional power connectors, ensuring an exceptionally close and secure connection with this motherboard. This design is much stronger, and provides better heat dissipation, allowing cooler operating temperatures.

Built-in dual Intel® Ethernet

For more reliable networking, this motherboard features the latest server class built-in dual Intel® Ethernet. This leads to lower CPU utilization and temperatures, achieving outstanding performance, and providing better support for diverse operating systems.

1.1.3 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.

SLI®

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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-WS

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1.2.2 Motherboard layout

Chapter 1

1-4

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

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots Page

1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 2 x 8-pin EATX12V) 1-32

2. LGA1151 CPU socket 1-6

3. 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_FAN1-4)

4. DDR4 DIMM slots 1-7

5. MemOK! button 1-13

6. USB 3.0 connectors (20-1 pin USB3_12; USB3_34; USB3_5) 1-29

7. Clear CMOS button (CLR_CMOS) 1-16

8. EZ XMP switch 1-16

9. Intel

10. EPU switch 1-15

11. U.2 connector (U.2) 1-26

12. TPU switch 1-14

13. Chassis Fan control setting (3 pin CHAFAN_SEL) 1-17

14. Chassis Intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) 1-28

15. System panel connector (20-5 pin PANEL) 1-33

16. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 USB1112) 1-30

17. T Sensor connector (2-pin T_SENSOR1) 1-27

18. CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV) 1-17

19. DirectKey connector (2-pin DRCT) 1-34

20. Reset button 1-12

21. Power button 1-12

22. TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM) 1-28

23. Q-Code LEDs 1-20

24. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 1-36

25. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-26

26. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-26

27. M.2 Socket 3 1-35

28. Thunderbolt header (5-pin TB_HEADER) 1-34

Z170 Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6) 1-25

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Chapter 1

ASUS Z170-WS

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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.

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Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.2.4 System memory

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

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

Recommended memory configurations

Chapter 1

ASUS Z170-WS

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.

• Memory modules with memory frequency higher than 2133MHz and their corresponding timing or the loaded XMP prole is not the JEDEC memory standard.

The stability and compatibility of the memory modules depend on the CPU’s capabilities and other installed devices.

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

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

• Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

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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 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot

2 PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_2 slot

3 PCIe 2.0 x4_1 slot

4 PCIe 3.0/2.0x16_3 slot

5 PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_4 slot

ASUS Z170-WS

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Chapter 1

Slot No.

PCI Express 3.0 operating mode

Single VGA SLI CrossFireX

3-WAY SLI CrossFireX

4-WAY SLI CrossFireX

2 - - x8 x8

5 - - - x8

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

• Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1-4 when

• We recommend you connect an EATX 12V1 cable when running CrossFireX™ and

x16

(single VGA

recommended)

- x16

mode.

using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.

SLI

x16 x8 x8

x16 x8

(dual VGA

recommended)

1-10

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

A B C D E F G H

PCIe x16_1

PCIe x16_2 shared - - - - - - -

PCIe x16_3 shared - - - - - - -

PCIe x16_4 shared - - - - - - -

PCIe x4_1 shared - - - - - - -

SMBUS Controller shared - - - - - - -

Intel SATA Controller - - - - - - - shared

Intel LAN1(i219) shared - - - - - - -

Intel LAN2(I210) - - shared - - - - -

Intel xHCI shared - - - - - - -

HD Audio shared - - - - - - -

ASMedia 1142_1 shared - - - - - -

shared - - - - - - -

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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

Chapter 1

to enhance system performance.

1. Power-on button

The motherboard comes with a power-on button that allows you to power up or wake up the system. The button also lights up when the system is plugged to a power source indicating that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or installing any motherboard component.

2. Reset button

Press the reset button to reboot the system.

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Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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