Asus Z370-A User Manual

PRIME Z370-A

Series

Motherboard

E13271

First Edition

August 2017

Copyright© 2017 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

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

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ii

Contents

Safety information......................................................................................................	vi
About this guide.........................................................................................................	vii
PRIME Z370-A specifications summary....................................................................	ix
Package contents.....................................................................................................	xiv
Installation tools and components...........................................................................	xv

Chapter 1:		Product Introduction
1.1	Motherboard overview...............................................................................		1-1
	1.1.1	Before you proceed.....................................................................	1-1
	1.1.2	Motherboard layout......................................................................	1-2
	1.1.3	Central Processing Unit (CPU)....................................................	1-4
	1.1.4	System memory...........................................................................	1-5
	1.1.5	Expansion slots............................................................................	1-7
	1.1.6	Onboard buttons and switches....................................................	1-9
	1.1.7	Jumpers and holes....................................................................	1-11
	1.1.8	Onboard LEDs...........................................................................	1-13
	1.1.9	Internal connectors....................................................................	1-14

Chapter 2:		Basic Installation
2.1	Building your PC system...........................................................................		2-1
	2.1.1	CPU installation...........................................................................	2-1
	2.1.2	CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation................................	2-3
	2.1.3	Motherboard installation..............................................................	2-5
	2.1.4	DIMM installation.........................................................................	2-7
	2.1.5	ATX power connection.................................................................	2-8
	2.1.6	SATA device connection..............................................................	2-8
	2.1.7	Front I/O connector......................................................................	2-9
	2.1.8	Expansion card installation........................................................	2-10
	2.1.9	M.2 installation...........................................................................	2-11
	2.1.10	ASUS fan holder installation......................................................	2-12
2.2	Motherboard rear and audio connections..............................................		2-13
	2.2.1	Rear I/O connection...................................................................	2-13
	2.2.2	Audio I/O connections................................................................	2-15
2.3	Starting up for the first time....................................................................		2-17
2.4	Turning off the computer.........................................................................		2-17

iii

Chapter 3:		BIOS Setup
3.1	Knowing BIOS.............................................................................................		3-1
3.2	BIOS setup program...................................................................................		3-2
	3.2.1	EZ Mode......................................................................................	3-3
	3.2.2	Advanced Mode...........................................................................	3-4
	3.2.3	QFan Control...............................................................................	3-7
	3.2.4	EZ Tuning Wizard........................................................................	3-9
3.3	My Favorites..............................................................................................		3-12
3.4	Main menu.................................................................................................		3-14
3.5	Ai Tweaker menu......................................................................................		3-14
3.6	Advanced menu........................................................................................		3-16
	3.6.1	Platform Misc Configuration.......................................................	3-16
	3.6.2	CPU Configuration.....................................................................	3-16
	3.6.3	System Agent (SA) Configuration..............................................	3-17
	3.6.4	PCH Configuration.....................................................................	3-17
	3.6.5	PCH Storage Configuration.......................................................	3-17
	3.6.6	PCH-FW Configuration..............................................................	3-18
	3.6.7	Thunderbolt(TM) Configuration..................................................	3-18
	3.6.8	Onboard Devices Configuration.................................................	3-19
	3.6.9	APM Configuration.....................................................................	3-20
	3.6.10	Network Stack Configuration.....................................................	3-20
	3.6.11	HDD/SSD SMART Information..................................................	3-20
	3.6.12	USB Configuration.....................................................................	3-20
3.7	Monitor menu............................................................................................		3-21
3.8	Boot menu.................................................................................................		3-21
3.9	Tool menu..................................................................................................		3-23
	3.9.1	ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility.............................................................	3-23
	3.9.2	Secure Erase.............................................................................	3-24
	3.9.3	ASUS Overclocking Profile........................................................	3-25
	3.9.4	ASUS SPD Information..............................................................	3-25
	3.9.5	Graphics Card Information.........................................................	3-25
3.10	Exit menu...................................................................................................		3-26
3.11	Updating BIOS..........................................................................................		3-27
	3.11.1	EZ Update..................................................................................	3-27
	3.11.2	ASUS EZ Flash 3.......................................................................	3-28
	3.11.3	ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3..........................................................	3-30

iv

Chapter 4:		RAID Support
4.1	RAID configurations...................................................................................		4-1
	4.1.1	RAID definitions...........................................................................	4-1
	4.1.2	Installing storage devices............................................................	4-2
	4.1.3	Intel® Rapid Storage Technology in UEFI BIOS..........................	4-2
	4.1.4	Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility...................	4-6
4.2	Creating a RAID driver disk.....................................................................		4-10
	4.2.1	Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® .................................	4-10
Appendix
Notices	.....................................................................................................................		A-1
ASUS contact information......................................................................................			A-5

v

Safety information

Electrical safety

•To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system.

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

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

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

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

•If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

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

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

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

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

•Place the product on a stable surface.

•If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.

vi

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

1.Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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

2.Chapter 2: Basic Installation

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

3.Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

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

4.Chapter 4: RAID Support

This chapter describes the RAID configurations.

Where to find more information

Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.

1.ASUS website

The ASUS website (www.asus.com) provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products.

2.Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.

vii

Conventions used in this guide

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

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

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

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

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

Typography

Bold text	Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics	Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key>	Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
	means that you must press the enclosed key.
	Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
	Return key.
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3>	If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
	names are linked with a plus sign (+).

viii

PRIME Z370-A specifications summary

		LGA1151 socket for 8th Gen Intel® Core™ Processor
	CPU	Supports 14nm CPU
		Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
		* Support of these features depends on the CPU types.
	Chipset	Intel® Z370 Chipset
		4 x DIMM, max. 64GB, DDR4 4000(O.C)*/3866(O.C.)*/ 3733(O.C.)*/3600(
		O.C.)*/3466(O.C.)*/3400(O.C.)*/3333(O.C.)*/3300(O.C.)*/3200(O.C.)*/
		3000(O.C.)*/2800(O.C.)*/2666/2400/2133 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered
		memory
	Memory	Dual channel memory architecture
		Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
		* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs.
		Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List) for details.
		2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (supports x16, x8/x8, x8/x4+x4*, x8+x4+x4/x0**)
		1 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot (max. at x4 mode, compatible with PCIe x1,
		x2 and x4 devices)
	Expansion slots	4 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x1 slots
		* For 2 Intel® SSD on CPU support, install a Hyper M.2 X16 card (sold separately)
		into the PCIeX16_2 slot, then enable this card under BIOS settings.
		** For 3 Intel® SSD on CPU support, install a Hyper M.2 X16 card (sold separately)
		into the PCIeX16_1 slot, then enable this card under BIOS settings.
		Integrated Graphics ProcessorIntel® HD Graphics support
		Multi-VGA output support: DisplayPort/HDMI/DVI-D ports
		Supports DisplayPort 1.2* with max. resolution 4096 x 2304@60Hz
		Supports HDMI 1.4b with max. resolution 4096 x 2160@24Hz / 2560 x
		1600@60Hz
	VGA	Supports DVI-D with max. resolution 1920 x 1200@60Hz
		Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D/Quick Sync Video/Clear Video HD Technology/
		Insider™
		Supports up to 3 displays simultaneously
		Maximum shared memory of 1024MB
		* DP 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport compliant, supports DP 1.2 monitor daisy chain
		up to 3 displays
	Multi-GPU	Supports NVIDIA® 2-Way/Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology (with 2 PCIex16
		graphics card)
	support
		Supports AMD® 3-Way/Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
		Intel® Z370 Chipset
		- 6 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports (4 ports @mid-board, 2 ports @back panel, blue)
	USB	- 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports @mid-board, 2 ports @back panel)
		Asmedia® USB 3.1 Gen 2 controller
		- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 port @back panel (teal blue, Type-A)
		- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 port @back panel (USB Type C™)
		(continued on the next page)

ix

PRIME Z370-A specifications summary

		Intel® Z370 Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel Rapid Storage
		Technology support*
		- 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices
		support (both SATA & PCIE mode)**
		- 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices
		support (PCIE mode only)***
	Storage	- 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (gray)
		- Ready for Intel® Optane Memory
		* Supports PCIE RAID configurations via onboard M.2 storages.
		** The M.2_1 socket shares SATA_1 port when use M.2 SATA mode device. Adjust
		BIOS settings to use a SATA device.
		*** The M.2_2 socket shares SATA_56 ports when use M.2 PCIE mode device in X4
		mode. Adjust BIOS settings to use M.2 PCIE devices in X4 mode.
		Intel® I219-V Gigabit LANDual interconnect between the integrated Media
	LAN	Access Controller (MAC) and physical layer (PHY)
		ASUS LAN Guard
		ASUS Turbo LAN Utility
		Realtek® S1220A 8-channel high definition audio CODEC featuring
		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
		- Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs
		- Audio shielding ensures precise analog/digital separation and greatly
		reduced multi-lateral interference
		- EMI protection cover to prevent electrical noise to affect the amplifier
		quality
		- Internal audio Amplifier to enhance the highest quality sound for
	Audio	headphone and speakers
		- Unique de-pop circuit to reduce start-up popping noise to audio outputs
		- Premium Japan-made audio capacitors provides warm, natural, and
		immersive sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity
		- High quality 120dB SNR stereo playback output (Line-out@back) & 113dB
		SNR input (Line-in) support
		- Supports up to 32-Bit/192kHz playback*
		- DTS® Headphone:X™
		- DTS® Connect
		- Supports jack-detection, multi-streaming, front panel jack-retasking (MIC)
		- Optical S/PDIF out port at back I/O
		* Due to limitations in HDA bandwidth, 32-Bit/192kHz is not supported for
		8-Channel audio. 32-Bit/192kHz is only available under Windows® 10.
		(continued on the next page)

x

PRIME Z370-A specifications summary

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 2-phase power design

TPU

- Auto Tuning, GPU Boost

EPU

- EPU

Fan Xpert 4 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 configuration for selected applications.

UEFI BIOS

CrashFree BIOS 3 EZ Flash 3

EZ Tuning Wizard

<Connectivity>

32Gb/s M.2 onboard - PCIe 3.0 x4

Intel® Thunderbolt 3 Support

- Blistering-fast 40Gb/s data transfers upgrades with ThunderboltEX 3 Card.

<EZ Management>

File Transfer

-Cloud GO!

-File Transfer

PC Cleaner

- Fast and easy way to get rid of unnecessary junk files

<Gaming>

AURA Lighting Control

3D Printing Friendly design

Turbo LAN

Turbo APP

(continued on the next page)

xi

PRIME Z370-A specifications summary

		<EZ DIY>
		Q-Design
	ASUS Exclusive	- ASUS Q-Shield
		- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
	Features
		- ASUS Q-Slot
		- ASUS Q-DIMM
		- ASUS Q-Connector
		Special Features:
		M.2 Heat-sink Design
		ASUS SafeSlot
		- Protect your graphics card Investment
		ASUS 5X Protection III
		- ASUS SafeSlot Core - Fortified PCIe with solid soldering
		- ASUS LANGuard - Protects against LAN surges, lightning strikes and
		static-electricity discharges!
	ASUS Special	- ASUS Overvoltage Protection - World-class circuit-protecting power
	Features	design
		- ASUS DIGI+ VRM - 8+2 Phase digital power design
		- ASUS DRAM Overcurrent Protection: Enhanced DRAM overcurrent
		protection
		- ASUS Stainless - Steel Back I/O: 3X corrosion-resistance for greater
		durability!
		- ASUS ESD Guards - Enhanced ESD protection
		- AI Suite 3
		- Ai Charger
		- MemOK!
	ASUS Quiet	Quiet Thermal Design:
		- ASUS Fan Xpert 4
	Thermal
	Solution	- ASUS Fanless M.2 heatsink Design
		1 x DisplayPort
		1 x HDMI port
		1 x DVI-D
		1 x Optical S/PDIF out
	Back Panel I/O	1 x Intel LAN (RJ45) port
	Ports	1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 port (teal blue, Type A)
		1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 port (USB TypeC™)
		2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports
		2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
		8-channel Audio I/O ports
		(continued on the next page)

xii

PRIME Z370-A specifications summary

			2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 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 devices, PCIE mode)
			1 x M.2 Socket 3 (for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 devices, PCIE & SATA
			mode)
			6 x SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors
			1 x CPU Fan header (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 header (4-pin)
			1 x AIO Pump header (4-pin)
			1 x M.2 Fan header (4-pin)
			2 x Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin) for both 3-pin(DC mode) and 4-pin(PWM
			mode) coolers control with auto detection support
	Internal I/O		1 x Aura RGB Strip header
			2 x 3D Mount screw ports
	connectors
			1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
			1 x Thunderbolt header (5-pin) for ASUS ThunderboltEX series support
			1 x TPM connector
			1 x COM 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 Power-on button
			1 x CPU OV jumper
			1 x Clear CMOS header
			1 x Thermal Sensor header
			1 x 5-pin EXT_FAN(Extension Fan) connector
			128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 3.0, ACPI
			6.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 3, CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ
	BIOS		Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Last Modified log, F12
			PrintScreen, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory
			information.
	Manageability		WfM 2.0, DMI 3.0, WOL by PME, PXE
			Drivers
	Support DVD		ASUS Utilities
	contents		EZ Update
			Anti-virus software (OEM version)
	Operating		Windows® 10 64-bit
	system support
	Form factor		ATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.4cm)

• Specifications are subject to change without notice.

• Visit the ASUS website for the software manual.

xiii

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

	Motherboard	1 x ASUS PRIME Z370-A motherboard
	Cables	3 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables
		1 x ASUS SLI HB BRIDGE (2-WAY-M)
		1 x ASUS Q-Shield
	Accessories	1 x Q-Connector
		1 x M.2 screw package
		1 x CPU Installation Tool
		1 x ASUS fan holder
	Application DVD	1 x Motherboard support DVD
	Documentation	1 x User guide

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

xiv

Installation tools and components

Intel® LGA1151 CPU

Intel® LGA1151 compatible CPU Fan

SATA hard disk drive	Phillips (cross) screwdriver
PC chassis

1 bag of screws	DIMM

Power supply unit

SATA optical disc drive (optional) Graphics card (optional)

M.2 SSD module (optional)

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

xv

xvi

Product Introduction

1

1.1Motherboard overview

1.1.1Before you proceed

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chapter 1

ASUS PRIME Z370-A Series

1-1

1.1.2Motherboard layout

1 Chapter

Refer to 1.1.9 Internal connectors and 2.2.1 Rear I/O connection for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.

1-2	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots		Page
1.	CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV)	1-12
2.	ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)	1-19
3.	LGA1151 CPU socket	1-4
4.	CPU, CPU optional, M.2, AIO pump, extension, and chassis fan	1-18
	connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin M.2_FAN; 4-pin
	AIO_PUMP; 5-pin EXT_FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-2)
5.	DDR4 DIMM slots	1-5
6.	MemOK! button	1-10
7.	Power-on button	1-9
8.	M.2 sockets (M.2_1(Socket 3); M.2_2(Socket 3))	1-22
9.	USB 3.1 Gen1 connector (20-1 pin U31G1_12; U31G1_34)	1-16
10.	Intel® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12; SATA 6G_34;	1-14
	SATA6G_56)
11.	3D Mount	1-12
12.	Clear RTC RAM jumper (2-pin CLRTC)	1-11
13.	System panel connector (20-3 pin PANEL)	1-20
14.	USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910; USB1112)	1-17
15.	TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM)	1-21
16.	RGB header (4-pin RGB_HEADER)	1-23
17.	Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM)	1-24
18.	Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)	1-15
19.	Thunderbolt header (5-pin TB_HEADER)	1-21
20.	Thermal sensor connector (2-pin T_SENSOR)	1-24

Chapter 1

ASUS PRIME Z370-A Series

1-3

1.1.3Central Processing Unit (CPU)

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

1 Chapter

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

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

•Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA1151 socket.

•The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP cap.

1-4	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1.4System memory

The motherboard comes with four DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4) 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 PRIME Z370-A Series

1-5

1 Chapter

Memory configurations

You may install 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB and 16 GB unbuffered and non ECC DDR4 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

•Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows® OS, when you install 4 GB or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be about 3 GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the following:

a)Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows® OS.

b)Install a 64-bit Windows® OS when you want to install 4 GB or more on the motherboard.

c)For more details, refer to the Microsoft® support site at http://support.microsoft. com/kb/929605/en-us.

•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.

•For system stability, use a more efficient 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.

•Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

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1.1.5Expansion slots

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

Chapter 1

Slot No. Slot Description

1PCIE 3.0/2.0 x1_1 slot

2PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot

3PCIE 3.0/2.0 x1_2 slot 4 PCIE 3.0/2.0 x1_3 slot 5 PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_2 slot

6PCIE 3.0/2.0 x1_4 slot

7PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_3 slot

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1 Chapter

		PCI Express 3.0 operating mode
	VGA configuration
		PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1	PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_2
	Single VGA/PCIe card	x16 (single VGA	N/A
		recommended)
	Dual VGA/PCIe card	x8	x8

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

•Connect chassis fans to the motherboard chassis fan connectors when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.

Hyper M.2 X16 card	PCI Express 3.0 operating mode
configuration	PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1	PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_2
2 Intel® SSD on CPU support	x8	x4+x4
3 Intel® SSD on CPU support	x8+x4+x4	N/A

• Hyper M.2 X16 card is purchased separately.

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

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1.1.6Onboard buttons and switches

Onboard buttons and switches allow you to fine-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

1.

Power-on button

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The motherboard comes with a power-on button that allows you to power up or wake

up the system. The LED near 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.

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2. MemOK! button

Installing DIMMs that are not compatible with the motherboard may cause system boot

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failure. If the system fails 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 1.1.8 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® OS environment.

•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 tests 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 (Qualified Vendors Lists) 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.

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1.1.7Jumpers and holes

1. Clear RTC RAM jumper (2-pin CLRTC)

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

clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the

1

CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in

Chapter

CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords.

To erase the RTC RAM:

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

2.Short-circuit pin 1-2 with a metal object or jumper cap for about 5-10 seconds.

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

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

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never place a metal object or jumper cap on the

CLRTC jumper. Placing a metal object or jumper cap will cause system boot failure!

•If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and place a metal object or jumper cap again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After the CMOS clearance, reinstall the battery.

•You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

•Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is required to enable C.P.R. function. You must turn off and turn on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before rebooting the system.

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2.

CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV)

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

1Chapter

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.

3.3D Mount

Secure 3D printed parts to these 3D Mount holes for a personalized motherboard.

Download 3D source files at http://www.asus.com.

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1.1.8Onboard LEDs

1.	POST State LEDs
	The POST State LEDs provide the status of these key components during POST
	(Power-On Self-Test): CPU, memory modules, VGA card, and hard disk drives. If an	1
	error is found, the critical component’s LED stays lit up until the problem is solved.
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The order which the LEDs light up may vary per CPU.

The POST State LEDs provide the most probable cause of an error code as a starting point for troubleshooting. The actual cause may vary from case to case.

2.Standby Power LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The LED lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.

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1.1.9

Internal connectors

1. Intel® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12; SATA 6G_34;

SATA6G_56)

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

Z370 chipset.

signal cables.

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

configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel®

1

These connectors are set to [AHCI 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 [Intel RST

Premium With Intel Optane System Acceleration (RAID)].

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