Asus Z77-A User Manual

Z77-A

Motherboard

E8090 First Edition January 2013

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

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Contents

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

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

Z77-A specications summary .................................................................. ix

Package contents ...................................................................................... xii

Product introduction

1.1 Product highlights ....................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Before you proceed .....................................................................

1.3 Motherboard overview .................................................................

1.3.1 Placement direction ........................................................

1.3.2 Screw holes ....................................................................

1.3.3 Motherboard layout .........................................................

1.3.4 Layout contents ...............................................................

1.4 Intel

1.5 System memory .........................................................................

1.6 Expansion slots ..........................................................................

1.7 Jumpers ......................................................................................

1.8 Connectors .................................................................................

1.9 Software support ........................................................................

CPU LGA1155 socket ......................................................... 1-7

1.4.1 CPU installation ..............................................................

1.4.2 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation ...................

1.5.1 Overview ........................................................................

1.5.2 Memory congurations ..................................................

1.5.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................

1.8.1 Rear panel ports ...........................................................

1.8.2 Internal connectors .......................................................

1.9.1 Installing an operating system ......................................

1.9.2 Support DVD information ..............................................

1-4

1-5

1-6

1-7

1-8

1-9

1-11

1-12

1-19

1-20

1-22

1-24

1-26

1-34

iii

Contents

BIOS information

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-1

2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................

2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............................................................

2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ......................................

2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater .......................................................

2.2 BIOS setup program ....................................................................

2.3 Main menu ..................................................................................

2.3.1 System Language [English] ...........................................

2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] ........................................

2.3.3 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ..................................................

2.3.4 Security ..........................................................................

2.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................

2.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] .............................................

2.4.2 ASUS MultiCore Enhancement [Enabled] ....................

2.4.3 Turbo Ratio [Auto] .........................................................

2.4.4 Internal PLL Overvoltage [Auto] ....................................

2.4.5 Memory Frequency [Auto] .............................................

2.4.6 iGPU Max. Frequency [Auto] ........................................

2.4.7 EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled] ............................

2.4.8 OC Tuner ......................................................................

2.4.9 DRAM Timing Control ...................................................

2.4.10 CPU Power Management .............................................

2.4.11 DIGI+ VRM ....................................................................

2.5 Advanced menu .........................................................................

2.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................

2.5.2 PCH Conguration ........................................................

2.5.3 SATA Conguration .......................................................

2.5.4 System Agent Conguration .........................................

2.5.5 USB Conguration ........................................................

2.5.6 Onboard Devices Conguration ....................................

2.5.7 APM ..............................................................................

2.5.8 Network Stack ...............................................................

2-1

2-2

2-3

2-4

2-7

2-11

2-13

2-14

2-15

2-16

2-20

2-23

2-24

2-25

2-26

2-27

2-28

2-29

Contents

2.6 Monitor menu ............................................................................. 2-30

2.6.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature

2.6.2 CPU / Chassis Fan 1/2 / PWR Fan Speed ..................

2.6.3 CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage ..

2.6.4 CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled] ......................................

2.6.5 CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [200 RPM] ..........................

2.6.6 Chassis1/2 Q-Fan Control [Enabled] ............................

2.6.7 Chassis Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM] ....................

2.6.8 Anti Surge Support [Enabled] .......................................

2.7 Boot menu ..................................................................................

2.7.1 Fast Boot [Enabled] ......................................................

2.7.2 Full Screen Logo [Enabled] ...........................................

2.7.3 Post Delay Time [3 sec] ................................................

2.7.4 Bootup NumLock State [On] .........................................

2.7.5 Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] .......................................

2.7.6 Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS] ...........................

2.7.7 Interrupt 19 Capture [Postponed] ..................................

2.7.8 Setup Mode [EZ Mode] .................................................

2.7.9 CSM (Compatibility Support Module) ............................

2.7.10 Secure Boot ..................................................................

2.7.11 Boot Option Priorities ....................................................

2.7.12 Boot Override ................................................................

2.8 Tools menu .................................................................................

2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ................................................

2.8.2 ASUS O.C. Prole .........................................................

2.8.3 ASUS SPD Information .................................................

2.9 Exit menu ....................................................................................

[xxxºC/xxxºF] ...... 2-31

2-31

2-32

2-33

2-34

2-35

2-36

2-38

2-39

2-40

2-41

Appendices

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

ASUS contact information .......................................................................A-3

Safety information

Electrical safety

• To prevent electric shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electric 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 that 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.

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:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports.

• Chapter 2: BIOS information

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

Where to nd more information

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

1. ASUS websites

The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.

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 Indicates a menu or an item to select.

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

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 (+).

viii

Z77-A specications summary

CPU

Chipset Memory

Expansion slots

Graphics

Multi-GPU support Storage

LAN

LGA1155 socket for Intel® 3rd / 2nd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium®, and Celeron® processors

Supports 32nm and 22nm CPU Supports Intel® Turbo Boost technology 2.0*

* The Intel® Turbo Boost technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU types. * Refer to

http://www.asus.com for Intel® support list.

Intel® Z77 Express Chipset

4 x DIMMs, maximum 32GB, DDR3 2400(O.C.) / 2200(O.C.) / 2133(O.C.) /

1866(O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 1066MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory

Dual-channel memory architecture

Supports Intel Extreme Memory prole (XMP)

• Refer to http://www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List).

• Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual

CPUs. Refer the the Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List) for details.

• When you install a total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows operating system may only recognize less than 3GB. We recommend a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a Windows® 32-bit operating system.

32-bit

1 x PCI Express 3.0*/2.0 x16 slot (16x mode) 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (maximum at 4x mode, compatible ith PCIe x1

and x4 devices) 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot 2 x PCI slot

* PCIe 3.0 speed is supported by Intel® 3rd generation Core™ processors.

Intel® HD Integrated Graphics support Multi-VGA output support: HDMI, DVI, RGB port

- Supports HDMI with max. resolution 1920x1200@60Hz.

- Supports DVI with max. resolution 1920x1200@60Hz.

- Supports RGB with max. resolution 2048x1536@75Hz.

- maximum shared memory of 1696MB.

Supports ATI® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology

Intel® Z77 Express Chipset

- 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 support

- 4 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 support

- Supports Intel

Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start

Technology, Intel® Smart Connect Technology*

*Supported on PCs using an Intel® Core™ processor and Windows 7™

operating system.

Realtek® 8111F Gigabit LAN controller

(continued on the next page)

Z77-A specications summary

Audio

USB

ASUS Unique Features

Realtek® ALC887 8-Channel High Denition Audio CODEC*

- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-streaming, and Front Panel JackRetasking

*Use a chassis with an HD audio module in the front panel to support an 8-

channel audio output.

Intel® Z77 Express Chipset

- 4 x USB 3.0 / 2.0 ports (2 ports at the mid-board and 2 ports at the rear panel)

- 8 x USB 2.0 (4 ports at the mid-board and 4 ports at the rear panel)

- Supports ASUS USB 3.0 Boost UASP Mode*

*USB 3.0 ports only support Windows® 7™ or later versions. UASP standards

are only supported on Windows® 8™.

ASUS DIGI+ VRM

- Digital Power Control: Digital power Design for the CPU and iGPU

- ASUS 4+1 Phase Power Design

ASUS EPU

- EPU

ASUS Exclusive Features

- Network iControl

- USB 3.0 Boost

- TurboV

- GPU Boost

- AI Charger

- Disk Unlocker

- AI Suite II

- Anti Surge

- Low EMI Solution

- 100% Solid Capacitors

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

- ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish Heatsink solution

- ASUS Fan Xpert+

ASUS EZ DIY

- ASUS UEFI BIOS

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

- ASUS My Logo 2

(continued on the next page)

Z77-A specications summary

ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features

Rear Panel I/O Ports

Internal I/O Connectors

BIOS

Manageability

Support DVD

Form Factor

Precision Tweaker 2

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.005V increment

- vCCSA: 190-step system agent voltage control

- vDRAM Bus: 190-step Memory voltage control

- vPCH: 190-step Chipset voltage control

- iGPU: 127-step iGPU voltage control

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)

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

increment

Overclocking Protection

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

1 x PS/2 keyboard port 1 x PS/2 mouse port 1 x HDMI port 1 x DVI port 1 x RGB port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 3-jack 8-channel audio I/O ports

2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support an additional 4 USB ports 1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports an additional 2 USB ports 2 x SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors 4 x SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors 1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin) 1 x Power Fan connector (3-pin) 2 x Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin) 1 x Front panel audio connector 1 x S/PDIF Out Header 1 x 24-pin ATX Power connector 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector 1 x System Panel 1 x COM port connector 1 x Clear CMOS jumper

64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 4.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, F12 PrintScreen, F3 Shotcut Function and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information

WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE

Drivers ASUS Utilities ASUS Update Anti-virus software (OEM version)

ATX Form Factor, 12.0” x 8.4” (30.5cm x 21.3xm)

* Specications are subject to change without notice.

Package contents

Z77-A

User Guide

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

ASUS Z77-A motherboard

2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s

cables

1 x I/O Shield User Guide Support DVD

• 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.

xii

Product introduction

1.1 Product highlights

LGA1155 socket for Intel® 2nd/3rd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium®, and Celeron® Processors

This motherboard supports Intel 2nd/3rd generation Core™ i7/i5/i3, Pentium®, and Celeron® processors in the LGA1155 package. It provides great graphics and system performance with its GPU, dual-channel DDR3 memory slots, and PCI Express 2.0/3.0 expansion slots.

Intel® Z77 Express Chipset

Intel® Z77 Express Chipset is a single-chipset that supports the 1155 socket Intel® 2nd/3rd generation Core™ i7/i5/ i3, Pentium®, and Celeron® processors. It utilizes the serial point-topoint links, which increases bandwidth and enhances the system’s performance. It natively supports four USB 3.0 ports for up to ten times faster transfer rate than USB 2.0, and enables the iGPU function for Intel® integrated graphics performance.

Dual-Channel DDR3 2400(O.C.)* / 2200(O.C.)* / 2133(O.C) / 1866(O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 Support

This motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 2400(O.C.)* /

2200(O.C.)* / 2133(O.C.) / 1866(O.C.)/ 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth

requirements of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dualchannel DDR3 architecture enlarges the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance.

Complete USB 3.0 Integration

ASUS facilitates strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear panel - 4 USB 3.0 ports in total. Experience the latest plug & play connectivity at speeds up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0.

Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Support

This motherboard’s powerful Intel® Z77 platform optimizes PCIe allocation in multiple-GPU

congurations of CrossFireX™. This allows you to enjoy a never before-experienced brand

new gaming style.

ASUS Z77-A

1-1

Intel® Smart Response Technology

Intel® Smart Response Technology, an important part of Green ASUS eco-friendly computing, reduces load and wait time, eliminates unecessary hard drive spin thus lowering power usage, and uses an installed SSD (requires 18.6 GB available space) as a cache for frequently accessed data or applications. It combines SSD performance and hard drive capacity, operating up to six times faster than a hard-drive-only system, to boost the system’s overall performance.

* Intel® 2nd/3rd generation Core™ processors on Windows® 7™ operating systems support

Intel

Smart Response Technology.

* An operating system must be installed on the HDD to launch Intel® Smart Response

Technology.

* The SSD is reserved for caching function.

Intel® Smart Connect Technology

Your computer can receive fresh updates for selected applications, even when the system is in sleep mode. This means less time waiting for applications to update and sync with the

cloud, leading to a more efcient computing experience.

Intel® Rapid Start Technology

Intel® Rapid Start Technology allows your system to receive updates for your web applications in real-time even when your system is in sleep mode, saving wait time and power usage.

PCIe 3.0 Ready

PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the latest PCI Express bus standard with improved encoding schemes that provide twice the performance of current PCIe 2.0. Total bandwidth for a x16 link reaches a maximum of 32GB/s, double the 16GB/s of PCIe 2.0 (in x16 mode). As such, PCIe 3.0 provides users unprecedented data speeds, combined with the convenience and seamless transition offered by complete backward compatibility with PCIe 1.0 and PCIe

2.0 devices. PCIe 3.0 will become a must-have feature for users who wish to improve and

optimize graphic performance, as well as have the latest technology available to them.

PCIe 3.0 speed is supported by Intel® 3rd generation processors.

Gigabit LAN solution

The onboard LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. It is enhanced with an

ACPI management function to provide efcient power management for advanced operating

systems.

1-2

Chapter 1: Product introduction

8-channel high denition audio

The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output and jack-detect feature that automatically detects and identies what types of peripherals are plugged into the audio I/O jacks and noties users of inappropriate connection, which means there will be no more

confusion of Line-in, Line-out, and Mic jacks.

100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors

This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.

ErP ready

This motherboard is European Union´s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready. ErP requires

products to meet certain energy efciency requirements with regard to energy usage.

ASUS Z77-A

1-3

1.2 Before you proceed

Z77-A

Z77-A Onboard LED

SB_PWR

Standby Power Powered Off

OFF

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, switch off the ATX power supply and detach its power cord. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.

Standby Power LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that 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.

1-4

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Z77-A

1.3 Motherboard overview

1.3.1 Placement direction

When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below.

1.3.2 Screw holes

Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.

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

Place this side towards the rear of the chassis.

ASUS Z77-A

1-5

1.3.3 Motherboard layout

Z77-A

PCIEX16_1

PCIEX16_2

PCIEX1_1

PCIEX1_2

ASM 1083

PCI1

PCI2

USB78 USB56

AAFP

EATXPWR

CPU_FAN

CHA_FAN2

BATTERY

Super

I/O

ALC 887

RTL

8111F

KBMS

USB34

DVI_VGA

8Mb BIOS

SB_PWR

USBPWF

KB_USBPWB

CLRTC

21.3cm(8.4in)

Intel

Z77

DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_A2 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 240-pin module)

SATA6G_1

PANEL

ZSATA3G_1

SATA6G_2

SATA3G_2

SATA3G_4

SATA3G_3

AUDIO

LAN_USB12

USB3_12

HDMI

CHA_FAN1 PWR_FAN

SPDIF_OUT

30.5cm(12.0in)

LGA1155

DIGI

+VRM

COM

EATX12V

USB3_34

2 31 4 53

1116 91314 12 1015

1-6

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.3.4 Layout contents

Z77-A

Z77-A CPU socket LGA1155

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page

1. Keyboard power (3-pin KB_USBPWB) 1-23

2. EATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 1-27

3. CPU, Chassis and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2, 3-pin PWR_FAN)

4. Intel® CPU socket 1-7

5. DDR3 DIMM sockets 1-11

6. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) 1-32

7. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPWF) 1-23

8. Onboard LED (SB_PWR) 1-4

9. Intel® Z77 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_1–4 [blue]) 1-28

10. Intel® Z77 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1/2 [gray]) 1-29

11. System panel connector (20-8 pin F_PANEL) 1-30

12. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78) 1-32

13. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-22

14. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM1) 1-33

15. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-31

16. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-31

1-26

1.4 Intel® CPU LGA1155 socket

This motherboard comes with a LGA1155 socket designed for 2nd/3rd generation Core™ i7/i5/i3, Pentium®, and Celeron® processors.

The LGA1156 CPU is incompatible with the LGA1155 socket. DO NOT install a LGA1156 CPU on the LGA1155 socket.

ASUS Z77-A

1-7

1.4.1 CPU installation

The LGA1156 CPU is incompatible with the LGA1155 socket. DO NOT install a LGA1156 CPU on the LGA1155 socket.

1-8

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.4.2 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

ASUS Z77-A

1-9

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly

1-10

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.5 System memory

Z77-A

Z77-A 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets

DIMM_A1

DIMM_A2

DIMM_B1

DIMM_B2

1.5.1 Overview

This motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.

A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for better performance with less power consumption.

The gure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:

Recommended memory congurations

We recommend that you install the memory modules from the blue slots for better overclocking ability.

ASUS Z77-A

1-11

1.5.2 Memory congurations

You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 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 conguration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

• According to Intel protect the CPU.

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.

• 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:

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

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

- 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 512Mb (64MB) 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 frequency adjustment.

• For system stability, use a more efcient memory cooling system to support a full

memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

CPU specications, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to

2.4 Ai Tweaker

menu for manual memory

Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

Z77-A Series Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)

DDR3 2400MHz capability

C h i p

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS

Transcend TX2400KLU-4GK (381850)(XMP) 4GB(2x 2GB) SS - - 9 1.65V • •

* The 2400MHz memory modules above are supported on Intel® 3rd generation processors by this motherboard;

however, the actual frequency support varied depending on the O.C. margin of the installed CPU.

1-12

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage

NO.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

D I M M s o c k et s u pp o r t (Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

DDR3 2250MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

Kingston KHX2250C9D3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2x 2GB) DS - - - 1.65V • • •

* The 2250MHz memory modules above are supported on Intel® 3rd generation processors by this motherboard;

however, the actual frequency support varied depending on the O.C. margin of the installed CPU.

S S /DSC h i p

Brand

C hi p

Timing Voltage

NO.

DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

DDR3 2200MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

G.SKILL F3-17600CL8D-4GBPS(XMP) 4GB(2x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V • KINGMAX FLKE85F-B8KJAFEIH(XMP) 4GB(2x 2GB) DS - - - 1.5V-1.7V •

* The 2200MHz memory modules above are supported on Intel

however, the actual frequency support varied depending on the O.C. margin of the installed CPU.

S S /DSC h i p

C hi p

Brand

Timing Voltage

NO.

3rd generation processors by this motherboard;

DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

DDR3 2133MHz capability

S S /DSC h i p

Vendors Part No. Size

A-DATA AX3U2133GC2G9B-DG2(XMP) 2GB SS - - 9-11-9-27 1.55~1.75V • CORSAIR CMT4GX3M2A2133C9(XMP) 4GB(2x 2GB) DS - - 9-10-9-24 1.65V • CORSAIR CMT4GX3M2B2133C9(XMP) 4GB(2x 2GB) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.50V • • GEIL GE34GB2133C9DC(XMP) 2GB DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65V • • GEIL GU34GB2133C9DC(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65V • • • KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65V • • • KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3X2K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65V • • • KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3T1K4/8GX(XMP) 8GB(4 x 2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65V • • • KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3T1FK4/8GX(XMP) 8GB(4x 2GB) DS - - - 1.65V • • •

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage

NO.

DIMM socket support (Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

DDR3 2000MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

Apacer 78.AAGD5.9KD(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V • • • CORSAIR CMZ4GX3M2A2000C10(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) SS - - 10-10-10-27 1.50V • • • CORSAIR CMT6GX3M3A2000C8(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 8-9-8-24 1.65V • • G.SKILL F3-16000CL9D-4GBFLS(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • • G.SKILL F3-16000CL9D-4GBTD(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V • • • G.SKILL F3-16000CL6T-6GBPIS(XMP) 6GB(3x 2GB ) DS - - 6-9-6-24 1.65V • • GEIL GUP34GB2000C9DC(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65V

KHX2000C9AD3T1K2/

KINGSTON

4GX(XMP) KHX2000C9AD3W1K2/

KINGSTON

4GX(XMP) KHX2000C9AD3T1K2/

KINGSTON

4GX(XMP) KHX2000C9AD3W1K3/

KINGSTON

6GX(XMP) KHX2000C9AD3T1K3/

KINGSTON

6GX(XMP)

Transcend TX2000KLN-8GK(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - - 1.6V • • •

4GB(2x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65V • • •

4GB(2x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65V • •

4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9 1.65V • • •

6GB(3x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65V • •

S S /DSC h i p

Brand

Ch ip

Timing Voltage

NO.

ASUS Z77-A

DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

1-13

DDR3 1866MHz capability

S S/DSC h i p

Vendors Part No. Size

CORSAIR CMT4GX3M2A1866C9(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • • CORSAIR CMT6GX3MA1866C9(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.50V • • •

F3-14900CL9D-

G.SKILL

KINGSTON

8GBXL(XMP) F3-14900CL9Q8GBXL(XMP) KHX1866C9D3T1K3/ 3GX(XMP) KHX1866C9D3T1K3/ 6GX(XMP)

8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5V • • •

8GB(2GB x 4) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6V • • •

3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - - 1.65V • • •

6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - - 1.65V • • •

Brand

Ch ip

Timing Voltage

NO.

DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

DDR3 1600MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

A-DATA AM2U16BC2P1 2GB SS A-DATA

A-DATA AD31600E001GM(O)U3K 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 8-8-8-24

A-DATA AM2U16BC4P2 4GB DS A-DATA

A-DATA AX3U1600GC4G9-2G(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24

A-DATA AX3U1600XC4G79-2X(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 7-9-7-21

CORSAIR TR3X3G1600C8D(XMP) 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V • • CORSAIR CMD12GX3M6A1600C8(XMP) 12GB(6x2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V • • • CORSAIR CMP4GX3M2A1600C8(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V • • • CORSAIR CMP4GX3M2A1600C9(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • • CORSAIR CMP4GX3M2C1600C7(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-8-7-20 1.65V • • • CORSAIR CMX4GX3M2A1600C9(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • CORSAIR CMX4GX3M2A1600C9(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • • CORSAIR TR3X6G1600C8 G(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V • • • CORSAIR TR3X6G1600C8D G(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V • • • CORSAIR TR3X6G1600C9 G(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • • CORSAIR CMP8GX3M2A1600C9(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • • CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1600C7R(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 7-8-7-20 1.50V • • • CORSAIR CMX8GX3M4A1600C9(XMP) 8GB(4 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • • Crucial BL25664BN1608.16FF(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - - - • • • G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ(XMP) 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V • • • G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-4GBRH(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) SS - - 7-7-7-24 1.6V • • • G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-8-7-24 1.6V • • • G.SKILL F3-12800CL8D-4GBRM(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.60V • • • G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBECO(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 XMP 1.35V • • • G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V • • • G.SKILL F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V~1.6V • • • G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-8GBRH(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 7-8-7-24 1.6V • • • G.SKILL F3-12800CL8D-8GBECO(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 XMP 1.35V • • • G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V • • •

GEIL GET316GB1600C9QC(XMP)

GEIL GV34GB1600C8DC(XMP) 2GB DS - - 8-8-8-28 1.6V • • • KINGMAX FLGD45F-B8MF7 MAEH(XMP) 1GB SS - - 7 - • • KINGMAX FLGE85F-B8KJ9A FEIS(XMP) 2GB DS - - - - • • • KINGMAX FLGE85F-B8MF7 MEEH(XMP) 2GB DS - - 7 - • KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3P1K2/4G 4GB(2 x 2GB) SS - - - 1.5V • • • KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX(XMP) 12GB(3x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V • • •

16GB(4x 4GB)

SS /DSC h i p

DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.6V • • •

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

Brand

3CCD-150 9A EL1126T

- - • • •

D IM M s oc k et su p po r t (Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

1.65V-

• •

1.85V

1.55V-

• • •

1.75V

1.55V-

• • •

1.75V

1-14

Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR3 1600MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

KHX1600C9D3T1BK3/

KINGSTON

12GX(XMP)

KINGSTON KHX1600C9AD3/2G 2GB DS - - - 1.65V • • •

KINGSTON KVR1600D3N11/2G-ES 2GB DS KTC

KINGSTON KHX1600C7D3K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65V • • • KINGSTON KHX1600C8D3K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8 1.65V • • • KINGSTON KHX1600C8D3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8 1.65V • • • KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9 1.65V • • • KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3LK2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9 XMP 1.35V • • • KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3X2K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V • • • KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65V • • • KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9 1.65V • • •

KHX1600C9D3T1BK3/6GX

KINGSTON

(XMP) KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K2/8GX(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V • • • KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3P1K2/8G 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - - 1.5V • • • Super Talent WA160UX6G9 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9 - • •

Transcend JM1600KLN-8GK 8GB(4GBx2) DS Transcend

Asint SLZ3128M8-EGJ1D(XMP) 2GB DS Asint

Elixir M2P2G64CB8HC9N-DG(XMP) 2GB DS - - - - • • • Mushkin 998659(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5~1.6V • • •

12GB(3x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V • • •

6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V • • •

SS /DSC h i p

Brand

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

D1288JPN

11-11-

DPLD9U

11-28

TK483

- - • • •

PCW3 3128M8

9-9-9-24 1.6V • • •

-GJ1D

D IM M s oc k et su p po r t (Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

1.35V-1.5V • • •

DDR3 1333MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

A-DATA AD31333001GOU 1GB SS A-Data

A-DATA AD3U1333C2G9 2GB SS A-DATA 3CCD-1509HNA1126L - - • • • A-DATA AD63I1B0823EV 2GB SS A-Data 3CCA-1509A - - • • • A-DATA AM2U139C2P1 2GB SS ADATA 3CCD-1509A EL1127T - - • • • A-DATA AX3U1333C2G9-BP 2GB SS - - - - • • •

A-DATA AD31333G001GOU

AXDU1333GC2

A-DATA

G9-2G(XMP)

A-DATA AD31333G002GMU 2GB DS - - 8-8-8-24

A-DATA AD63I1C1624EV 4GB DS A-Data 3CCA-1509A - - • • • A-DATA AM2U139C4P2 4GB DS ADATA 3CCD-1509A EL1127T - - • • • A-DATA SU3U1333W8G9-B 8GB DS ELPIDA J4208BASE-DJ-F - - • Apacer 78.A1GC6.9L1 2GB DS Apacer AM5D5808DEWSBG - - • • • Apacer 78.A1GC6.9L1 2GB DS Apacer AM5D5808FEQSBG 9 - • • • Apacer AU02GFA33C9NBGC 2GB DS Apacer AM5D5808APQSBG - - • • • Apacer 78.B1GDE.9L10C 4GB DS Apacer AM5D5908CEHSBG - - • • • CORSAIR CM3X1024-1333C9 1GB SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.60V • • •

CORSAIR TR3X3G1333C9 G

CORSAIR TR3X6G1333C9 G

CMD24GX3M6A

CORSAIR

1333C9(XMP)

CORSAIR TW3X4G1333C9D G

CORSAIR CM3X4GA1333C9N2 4GB DS CORSAIR

CORSAIR CMX4GX3M1A1333C9 4GB DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.50V • • •

CORSAIR CMD8GX3M4A1333C7

S S /

Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage

AD30908C8D-151C E0906

3GB

SS - - 8-8-8-24

(3 x 1GB)

4GB

SS - - 9-9-9-24

(2 x 2GB)

3GB

SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.50V • • •

(3 x 1GB) 6GB

SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.50V • •

(3x 2GB) 24GB

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.60V • • •

(6 x 4GB) 4GB

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.50V • • •

(2 x 2GB)

8GB

DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.60V • • •

(4 x 2GB)

256MBDCJ GELC0401136

- - • • •

9-9-9-24 - • • •

D I M M s o c k e t s u p p o rt (Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

1.65-

• • •

1.85V

1.25V-

1.35V(low

• • •

voltage)

1.65-

• •

1.85V

ASUS Z77-A

1-15

Vendors Part No. Size

Crucial CT12864BA1339.8FF 1GB SS Micron 9FF22D9KPT 9 - • • • Crucial CT25664BA1339.16FF 2GB DS Micron 9KF27D9KPT 9 - • • •

Crucial

ELPIDA EBJ10UE8EDF0-DJ-F 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F -

ELPIDA EBJ21UE8EDF0-DJ-F 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F -

G.SKILL

GEIL GET316GB1333C9QC

GEIL GV32GB1333C9DC

GEIL GG34GB1333C9DC

GEIL GV34GB1333C9DC

GEIL GVP34GB1333C7DC

Hynix HMT112U6TFR8A-H9 1GB SS Hynix H5TC1G83TFRH9A -

Hynix HMT325U6BFR8C-H9 2GB SS Hynix H5TQ2G83BFRH9C - - • • •

Hynix HMT125U6TFR8A-H9 2GB DS Hynix H5TC1G83TFRH9A -

Hynix HMT351U6BFR8C-H9 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83BFRH9C - - • • • KINGMAX FLFD45F-B8KL9 NAES 1GB SS KINGMAX KKB8FNWBFGNX-27A - - • • • KINGMAX FLFE85F-C8KF9 CAES 2GB SS KINGMAX KFC8FMFXF-DXX-15A - - • • • KINGMAX FLFE85F-C8KL9 NAES 2GB SS KINGMAX KFC8FNLXF-DXX-15A - - • • • KINGMAX FLFE85F-C8KM9 NAES 2GB SS KINGMAX KFC8FNMXF-BXX-15A - - • • • KINGMAX FLFE85F-B8KL9 NEES 2GB DS KINGMAX KKB8FNWBFGNX-26A - - • • • KINGMAX FLFF65F-C8KL9 NEES 4GB DS KINGMAX KFC8FNLXF-DXX-15A - - • • • KINGMAX FLFF65F-C8KM9 NEES 4GB DS KINGMAX KFC8FNMXF-BXX-15A - - • • •

KINGSTON

KINGSTON KVR1333D3S8N9/2G 2GB SS Micron IID77 D9LGK - 1.5V • • •

KINGSTON

KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/2G 2GB DS KTC D1288JPNDPLD9U 9 1.5V • • • KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/2G 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BDSE-DJ-F 9 1.5V • • •

KINGSTON

KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/4G 4GB DS KTC D2568JENCNGD9U - 1.5V • • • KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/4G 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83AFR - - • • •

KINGSTON

Micron

BL25664BN13

37.16FF (XMP)

F3-10600CL8 D-2GBHK(XMP) F3-10600CL 9D-2GBNQ F3-10666CL7 T-3GBPK(XMP) F3-10666CL8D4GBECO(XMP) F3-10666CL 7T-6GBPK(XMP) F3-10666C L7D-8GBRH(XMP)

KVR1333D3

N9/1G(low prole)

KVR1333D3

N9/2G(low prole)

KVR1333D3S

8N9/2G-SP(low prole)

KVR1333D3

N9/2G(low prole)

KVR1333D3

N9/2G-SP(low prole)

KVR1333D3N9/2G-

SP(low prole)

KHX1333C7 D3K2/4GX(XMP) KHX1333C9D3UK2/ 4GX(XMP) KVR1333D

3N9/4G(low prole)

KVR1333D

3N9/4G(low prole)

KVR1333D3N9/4G-

SP(low prole)

MT4JTF12864AZ1G4D1 MT8JTF12864AZ1G4F1

S S /

Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage

6GB

DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.65V • • •

(3 x 2GB)

1GB SS G.SKILL - - - • • •

2GB

SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V • • •

(2 x 1GB) 3GB

SS - - 7-7-7-18 1.5~1.6V • • •

(3 x 1GB) 4GB

DS - -

(2 x 2GB) 6GB

DS - - 7-7-7-18 1.5~1.6V • •

(3 x 2GB) 8GB

DS - - 7-7-7-21 1.5V • • •

(2 x 4GB) 16GB

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V •

(4 x 4GB) 2GB

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V • • •

(2 x 1GB) 4GB

DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA12N 9-9-9-24

(2 x 2GB) 4GB

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V • • •

(2 x 2GB) 4GB

DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.5V • • •

(2 x 2GB)

1GB SS ELPIDA J1108BDBG-DJ-F 9 1.5V • • •

2GB SS Hynix H5TQ2G83AFRH9C 9 - • • •

2GB SS ELPIDA J2108BCSE-DJ-F - 1.5V • • •

2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BFBG-DJ-F 9 1.5V • • •

2GB DS KTC D1288JEMFNGD9U - 1.5V • • •

2GB DS KINGSTON D1288JPSFPGD9U - 1.5V • • •

4GB

DS - - 7 1.65V • • •

(2 x 2GB) 4GB

DS - - 9

(2 x 2GB)

4GB DS ELPIDA J2108BCSE-DJ-F 9 1.5V • • •

4GB DS ELPIDA J2108BCSE-DJ-F - 1.5V • • •

4GB DS KINGSTON D2568JENCPGD9U - 1.5V • • •

1GB SS Micron OJD12D9LGQ - - • • •

1GB SS Micron 9FF22D9KPT 9 - • • •

8-8-88-24

D IM M so c k et su p p or t (Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

1.35V(low

• • •

voltage)

1.35V(low

• •

voltage)

XMP

• • •

1.35V

1.3V(low

• • •

voltage)

1.35V(low

• • •

voltage)

1.35V(low

• • •

voltage)

XMP

•

1.25V

1-16

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Vendors Part No. Size

Micron

NANYA

PSC AL7F8G73F-DJ2 1GB SS PSC A3P1GF3FGF - - • • • PSC AL8F8G73F-DJ2 2GB DS PSC A3P1GF3FGF - - • • • SAMSUNG M378B2873FHS-CH9 1GB SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846F - - • • • SAMSUNG M378B5773DH0-CH9 2GB SS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846D - - • • • SAMSUNG M378B5673FH0-CH9 2GB DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846F - - • • • SAMSUNG M378B5273CH0-CH9 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846C - - • • • SAMSUNG M378B1G73AH0-CH9 8GB DS SAMSUNG K4B4G0846A-HCH9 - - • • Super Talent W1333UA1GH 1GB SS Hynix H5TQ1G83TFR 9 - • • •

Super Talent W1333UX2G8(XMP)

Super Talent W1333UB2GS 2GB DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846F 9 - • • • Super Talent W1333UB4GS 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846C - - • • •

Super Talent W1333UX6GM

Transcend JM1333KLN-2G 2GB SS Micron 0YD77D9LGK - - • • • Transcend JM1333KLN-2G 2GB SS Hynix H5TQ2G83BZRH9C - - • • • Transcend JM1333KLU-2G 2GB DS Transcend TK243PDF3 - - • • • Transcend TS256MLK64V3U 2GB DS Micron 9GF27D9KPT - - • •

Century

Elixir M2F2G64CB88D7N-CG 2GB SS Elixir N2CB2G80DN-CG - - • • Elixir M2F2G64CB88G7N-CG 2GB SS Elixir N2CB2G80GN-CG - - • •

Elixir

KINGSHARE KSRPCD313332G 2GB DS PATRIOT PM128M8D385-15 - - • • • KINGSTEK KSTD3PC-10600 2GB SS MICRON PE911-125E - - • •

Kingtiger 2GB DIMM PC3-10666 2GB DS SAMSUNG

MARKVI SION MARKVI SION PATRIOT PSD31G13332H 1GB DS - - 9 - • PATRIOT PSD31G13332 1GB DS PATRIOT PM64M8D38U-15 - - • • PATRIOT PSD32G13332H 2GB DS - - - - • • •

RAMAXEL

RiDATA C304627CB1AG22Fe 2GB DS RiDATA N/A 9 - • • • RiDATA E304459CB1AG32Cf 4GB DS RiDATA N/A 9 - • • • SILICON POWER SILICON POWER SILICON POWER

TAKEMS

UMAX E41302GP0-73BDB 2GB DS UMAX U2S24D30TP-13 - - • • • WINTEC 3WVS31333-2G-CNR 2GB DS AMPO AM3420803-13H - - • • •

MT8JTF25664AZ1G4D1 MT8JTF25664AZ1G4M1 MT16JTF25664AZ1G4F1 MT16JTF51264AZ1G4D1 NT4GC64B8HG0NFCG

PC3-10600 DDR3

-1333 9-9-9

M2F4G64CB8HB5NCG M2F4G64CB8HD5NCG

BMD32048M 1333C9-1123 BMD34096M 1333C9-1124

RMR1870ED48 E8F-1333 RMR1870EC58 E9F-1333

SP001GBLTU133S01 1GB SS NANYA NT5CB128M8AN-CG 9 - • • •

SP001GBLTU133S02 1GB SS Elixir N2CB1680AN-C6 9 - • • •

SP002GBLTU133S02 2GB DS Elixir N2CB1680AN-C6 9 - • • •

TMS1GB364D081107EY TMS1GB364D081138EY TMS2GB364D081107EY TMS2GB364D081138EY TMS2GB364D082138EW

S S /

Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage

2GB SS Micron OJD12D9LGK - - • • •

2GB SS MICRON IJM22 D9PFJ - - • • •

2GB DS Micron 9KF27D9KPT 9 - • • •

4GB DS Micron OLD22D9LGK - - • • •

4GB DS NANYA NT5CB256M8GN-CG - - • • •

2GB

SS - - 8 - • •

(2x 1GB)

6GB

DS Micron 0BF27D9KPT 9-9-9-24 1.5V • • •

(3x 2GB)

1GB SS NANYA NT5CB128M8DN-CF - - • • •

4GB DS Elixir N2CB2G80BN-CG - - • • •

4GB DS Elixir N2CB2G80DN-CG - - • •

SEC 904 HCH9 K4B1G0846D

2GB DS

4GB DS

2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BDBG-DJ-F - - • • •

4GB DS ELPIDA J2108BCSE-DJ-F - - • • •

1GB SS - - 7-7-7-20 1.5V • •

1GB SS - - 8-8-8-24 1.5V • •

2GB DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.5V • •

2GB DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.5V • •

MARKVI

M3D1288P-13 - - • • •

SION MARKVI

M3D2568E-13 - - • • •

SION

- - • • •

D I M M s o c k e t s u p p o r t (Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

ASUS Z77-A

1-17

DDR3 1066MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

Crucial CT12864BA1067.8FF 1GB SS Micron 9GF22D9KPT 7 - • • • Crucial CT25664BA1067.16FF 2GB DS Micron 9HF22D9KPT 7 - • • • ELPIDA EBJ10UE8EDF0-AE-F 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F - 1.35V(low voltage) • • • ELPIDA EBJ21UE8EDF0-AE-F 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F - 1.35V(low voltage) • • •

KVR1066D3N7/1G (low

KINGSTON

prole)

KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7/2G 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BDSE-DJ-F 7 1.5V • • • KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7/4G 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83AFR 7 1.5V • • •

MT8JTF12864AZ-

Micron

1G1F1 MT16JTF25664AZ-

Micron

1G1F1

Kingtiger 2GB DIMM PC3-8500 2GB DS Hynix

S S /DSC h i p

1GB SS ELPIDA J1108BFSE-DJ-F 7 1.5V • • •

1GB SS Micron 9GF22D9KPT 7 - • • •

2GB DS Micron 9HF22D9KPT 7 - • • •

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

Brand

H5TQ1G83AFP G7C

- - • • •

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

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

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

• 2 DIMMs: Supports two (2) modules inserted into either the blue 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.

• 4 DIMMs: Supports four (4) modules inserted into both the blue and black slots as two

pairs of Dual-channel memory conguration.

• 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.

DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

1-18

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.5.3 Installing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM

ASUS Z77-A

1-19

1.6 Expansion slots

Z77-A

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

Slot No. Slot Description

1 PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot

2 PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot [blue] (at 16x mode)

3 PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot

4 PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slot [black] (at 4x mode)

5 PCI slot_1

6 PCI slot_2

VGA conguration

Single VGA/PCIe card

Dual VGA/PCIe card x16 x4

1-20

PCI Express operating mode

PCIe 2.0 x16_1 PCIe 2.0 x16_2

x16

(Recommend for single VGA)

N/A

Chapter 1: Product introduction

• In single VGA card mode, use the PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot (blue) for a PCI Express x16 graphics card to get better performance.

• In CrossFireX™ mode, use the PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 and PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slots for PCI Express x16 graphics cards to get better performance.

• We recommend that you provide sufcient power when running CrossFireX™ mode.

• Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/2 when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

Component A B C D E F G H

IGD shared – – – – – – – Audio Controller – – – – – – shared EHCI Controller – – – – – – shared XHCI Controller shared – – – – – – SATA Controller – – – shared – – –

PCIEX16_1 shared – – – – – – –

PCIEX16_2 shared – – – – – – –

PCIEX1_1 – – shared – – – – –

PCIEX1_2 – – – shared – – – –

RTL8111F shared – – – – – – –

PCI Slot 1 – shared – – – – – –

PCI Slot 2 – – shared – – – – –

ASUS Z77-A

1-21

1.7 Jumpers

Z77-A

Z77-A Clear RTC RAM

1 2 2 3

Normal

(Default)

Clear RTC

CLRTC

1. Clear RTC RAM (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 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. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.

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

4. Hold down the reenter data.

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

<Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to

1-22

• If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper 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 so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPFW)

Z77-A

Z77-A USB device wake up

2 3

+5V

(Default)

+5VSB

USBPWF

Z77-A

Z77-A Keyboard and USB device wake up

1 2

2 3

+5V

+5VSB

(Default)

KB_USBPWB

Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to wake up from S3 and S4 sleep modes (no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in reduced power mode).

• The USB device wake-up feature requires a power supply that can provide 500mA on

the +5VSB lead for each USB port; otherwise, the system would not power up.

• The total current consumed must NOT exceed the power supply capability (+5VSB) whether under normal condition or in sleep mode.

3. Keyboard power (3-pin KB_USBPWB)

This jumper allows you to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up feature. When you set this jumper to pins 2-3 (+5VSB), you can wake up the computer by pressing a key on the keyboard. This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in the BIOS.

ASUS Z77-A

1-23

1.8 Connectors

4 53

11 7

1.8.1 Rear panel ports

1. PS/2 Mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.

2. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port.

VGA-compatible devices.

3. LAN (RJ-45) port.

This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN)

through a network hub.

LAN port LED indications

Activity/Link LED Speed LED Status Description Status Description

OFF No link OFF 10Mbps connection ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100Mbps connection BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1Gbps connection

This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other

ACT/LINK

LED

LAN port

SPEED

LED

1-24

Chapter 1: Product introduction

4. Line In port (light blue). This port connects to the tape, CD, DVD player, or other

audio sources.

5. Line Out port (lime).

This port connects to a headphone or a speaker. In the 4, 6, and

8-channel congurations, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out.

6. Microphone port (pink).

Refer to the audio conguration table below for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration.

This port connects to a microphone.

Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration

Port

Light Blue (Rear panel) Line In Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

Lime (Rear panel) Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink (Rear panel) Mic In Mic In Bass/Center Bass/Center

Lime (Front panel) — — — Side Speaker Out

To congure an 8-channel audio output:

Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an 8-channel audio

output.

7. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB

2.0/1.1 devices.

8. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2.

connecting USB 3.0 devices.

9. HDMI port.

This port is for a High-Denition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector,

and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray, and other protected content.

10. DVI-D port.

This port is for any DVI-D compatible device. DVI-D can’t be converted to

output RGB signal to CRT and isn’t compatible with DVI-I

11. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4.

2.0/1.1 devices.

12. PS/2 Keyboard port (purple).

Headset

2-channel

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for

These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB

This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.

ASUS Z77-A

1-25

1.8.2 Internal connectors

CPU_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

Z77-A

Z77-A CPU fan connector

PWR_FAN

CHA_FAN1

Rotation

+12V

GND

CHA_FAN2

GND

CHA FAN PWR

CHA FAN IN

CHA FAN PWM

CHA FAN IN

CHA FAN PWR

GND

1. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2; 3-pin PWR_FAN)

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

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

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

• The CPU_FAN and CHA_FAN connectors support the ASUS Fan Xpert feature.

1-26

Chapter 1: Product introduction

2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin ATX12V)

Z77-A

Z77-A ATX power connectors

EATXPWR

PIN 1

GND +5 Volts +5 Volts +5 Volts

-5 Volts GND GND GND PSON# GND

-12 Volts +3 Volts

+3 Volts +12 Volts +12 Volts

+5V Standby

Power OK

GND

+5 Volts

GND

+5 Volts

GND +3 Volts +3 Volts

EATX12V

PIN 1

+12V DC +12V DC +12V DC +12V DC

GND GND GND GND

These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs from the power supply are

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

•

We recommend that you use an ATX 12V Specication 2.0-compliant power supply

unit (PSU) with a minimum of 300W power rating. This PSU type has 24-pin and 8-pin power plugs.

•

If you intend to use a PSU with 20-pin and 4-pin power plugs, ensure that the 20-pin power plug can provide at least 15 A on +12 V and that the PSU has a minimum power rating of 300W. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

•

DO NOT forget to connect the 8-pin ATX +12V power plug. Otherwise, the system will not boot up.

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

system with more power-consuming devices or when you intend to install additional devices. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

•

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.

ASUS Z77-A

1-27

3. Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G 1~6)

A3G_4

D N G

4 P X R _ A T A S R

4 N X R _ A T A S R

D N G

4 N X T _ A T A S R

4 P X T _ A T A S R

D N G

A3G_3

D N G

3 P X T _ A T A S R

3 N X T _ A T A S R

D N G

3 N X R _ A T A S R

3 P X R _ A T A S R

D N G

A3G_2

D N G

2 P X T _ A T A S R

2 N X T _

A T A S R

D N G

2 N X R _ A T A S R

2 P X R _ A T A S R

D N G

A3G_1

D N G

1 P X T _ A T A S R

1 N X T _ A T

A S R

D N G

1 N X R _ A T A S R

1 P X R _ A T A S R

D N G

Z77-A

Z77-A Intel® SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors

These connectors are for the Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives and optical disc drives. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you

can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 10 conguration through the onboard

controller.

• 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 2.5.3 SATA Conguration for details.

• When using NCQ, please check the SATA Mode in the BIOS is [AHCI Mode]. Refer to

2.5.3 SATA Conguration for details.

• You must install Windows ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using Windows® XP SP3 or later versions.

XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial

1-28

Chapter 1: Product introduction

4. Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G 1~6)

SATA6G_2

GND

RSATA_RXP2

RSATA_RXN2

GND

RSATA_TXN2

RSATA_TXP2

GND

SATA6G_1

GND

RSATA_RXP1

RSATA_RXN1

GND

RSATA_TXN1

RSATA_TXP1

GND

Z77-A

Z77-A Intel® SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors

These connectors are for the Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives and optical disc drives. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you

can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 10 conguration through the onboard

controller.

• When using NCQ, please check the SATA Mode in the BIOS is [AHCI Mode]. Refer to

2.5.3 SATA Conguration for details.

• You must install Windows ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using Windows® XP SP3 or later versions.

XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial

ASUS Z77-A

1-29

Z77-A

Z77-A System panel connector

PIN 1

* Requires an ATX power supply

PLED SPEAKER

PLED+

PLED-

+5V

Ground

Speaker

IDE_LED+

IDE_LED-

PWR

Ground

Reset

Ground

PANEL

HDD_LED PWRSW RESET

5. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

• System power LED (2-pin PLED)

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

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

This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable

to this connector. The HDD LED lights up or 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 BIOS 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

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

Z77-A

Z77-A Digital audio connector

SPDIF_OUT

+5V

SPDIFOUT

GND

Z77-A

Z77-A Front panel audio connector

AAFP

AGNDNCSENSE1_RETUR

SENSE2_RETUR

PORT1 L

PORT1 R

PORT2 R

SENSE_SEND

PORT2 L

HD-audio-compliant

pin definition

PIN 1

AGNDNCNC

MIC2

MICPWR

Line out_R

Line out_L

Legacy AC’97

compliant definition

This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port.

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

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

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

either High Denition Audio or 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 high-denition audio capability.

• If you want to connect a high denition front panel audio module to this connector, set

the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS to [HD]. See section 2.5.6 Onboard Devices Conguration for details.

• The front panel audio I/O module is purchased separately.

ASUS Z77-A

1-31

8. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB56)

Z77-A USB2.0 connectors

USB+5V

USB_P8-

USB_P8+

GND

USB+5V

USB_P7-

USB_P7+

GND

USB78

Z77-A

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P6-

USB_P6+

GND

USB+5V

USB_P5-

USB_P5+

GND

USB56

PIN 1

Z77-A

Z77-A USB3.0 Front panel connector

USB3_34

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

480Mbps connection speed.

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard!

The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.

9. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34)

These connectors are for the additional USB 3.0 ports, and complies with the USB 3.0

specicaton that supports up to 480 MBps connection speed. If the USB 3.0 front panel

cable is available from your system chassis, with this USB 3.0 connector, you can have a front panel USB 3.0 solution.

You can connect the ASUS front panel USB 3.0 bracket to this connector to obtain the front panel USB 3.0 solution.

1-32

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Z77-A

Z77-A Serial port (COM1) connector

PIN 1

COM1

DCD

TXD

GND

RTS

RXD

DTR

DSR

CTS

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

This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

The COM module is purchased separately.

ASUS Z77-A

1-33

1.9 Software support

1.9.1 Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows® XP / Vista / Windows® 7 / Windows® 8 Operating

Systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize

the features of your hardware.

• Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.

• Ensure that you install Windows Vista Service Pack 1 or later versions before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.

1.9.2 Support DVD information

The Support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features.

The contents of the Support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates.

To run the Support DVD

Place the Support DVD into the optical drive. If Autorun is enabled in your computer, the DVD automatically displays the Specials screen. Click Drivers, Utilities, Make Disk, Manual, and Contact tabs to display their respective menus.

The following screen is for reference only.

XP Service Pack 3 or later versions / Windows®

Click an item to install

1-34

Click an icon to display Support DVD/motherboard information

If Autorun is NOT enabled on your computer, browse the contents of the Support DVD to

locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to run

the DVD.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

BIOS information

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a USB ash disk in case you need to

restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility.

2.1.1 ASUS Update utility

The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment.

• ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

• This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.

Installing ASUS Update

To install ASUS Update:

1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The

2. Click the

3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.

Utilities tab, then click AI Suite II.

Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.

Specials menu appears.

Updating the BIOS

To update the BIOS:

1. From the Windows

II X.XX.XX to launch the AI Suite II utility. The AI Suite II Quick Bar appears.

2. Click

Update button from the Quick Bar, and then click ASUS Update from the popup

menu. The ASUS Update main screen appears. From the list, select either of the following methods:

Updating from the Internet

a. Select

b. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc, then click

c. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to download then click

Next.

desktop, click Start > Programs > ASUS > AI Suite II > AI Suite

Update BIOS from the Internet, then click Next.

Next.

2-1ASUS Z77-A

The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update the utility to avail all its features.

Updating from a BIOS file

a. Select

b. Locate the BIOS le from the

Update BIOS from le, then click Next.

Open window, then click Open.

3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process.

2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2

The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility.

Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS le from the ASUS website at

www.asus.com.

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:

1. Insert the USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS le to the USB port.

2. Enter the

ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility and press <Enter> to enable it.

3. Press <Tab> to switch to the Drive eld.

4. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to nd the USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS,

and then press <Enter>.

5. Press <Tab> to switch to the

6. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to nd the BIOS le, and then press <Enter> to perform

the BIOS update process. Reboot the system when the update process is done.

Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select

Folder Info eld.

• This function supports USB ash disks formatted using FAT32/FAT16 on a single

partition.

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure!

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-2

2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS le

when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS

le using the motherboard support DVD or a USB ash drive that contains the updated BIOS le.

• Before using this utility, rename the BIOS le in the removable device into

Z77-A.ROM.

• The BIOS le in the support DVD may not be the latest version. Download the latest BIOS le from the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

Recovering the BIOS

To recover the BIOS:

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the support DVD to the optical drive or the USB ash drive that contains the BIOS le to the USB port.

3. The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS le. When found, the utility reads the BIOS le and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility automatically.

4. The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS setting. To ensure system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you press <F5> to load default BIOS values.

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause system boot failure!

2-3ASUS Z77-A

2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater

The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also

allows you to copy the current BIOS le that you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or

gets corrupted during the updating process.

The succeeding utility screens are for reference only. The actual utility screen displays may not be same as shown.

Before updating BIOS

1. Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB ash drive in FAT32/16 format and

single partition.

2. Download the latest BIOS le and BIOS Updater from the ASUS website at support.asus.com and save them on the USB ash drive.

NTFS is not supported under DOS environment. Do not save the BIOS le and BIOS Updater to a hard disk drive or USB ash drive in NTFS format.

3. Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives (optional).

Booting the system in DOS environment

1. Insert the USB ash drive with the latest BIOS le and BIOS Updater to the USB port.

2. Boot your computer. When the ASUS Logo appears, press <F8> to show the Boot Device Select Menu. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive and select the optical drive as the boot device.

Please select boot device:

SATA: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX USB XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX UEFI: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Enter Setup

 ↑and ↓ to move selection ENTER to select boot device ESC to boot using defaults

http://

BIOS

3. When the Make Disk menu appears, select the FreeDOS command prompt item by pressing the item number.

4. At the FreeDOS prompt, type

d: and press <Enter> to switch the disk from

Drive C (optical drive) to Drive D (USB ash drive).

Welcome to FreeDOS (http://www.freedos.org)!

C:\>d:

D:\>

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-4

Backing up the current BIOS

To backup the current BIOS le using the BIOS Updater

Ensure that the USB ash drive is not write-protected and has at least 4MB free space to save the le.

1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /o[lename] and press <Enter>.

D:\>bupdater /oOLDBIOS1.rom

Filename Extension

The [lename] is any user-assigned lename with no more than eight alphanumeric

characters for the lename and three alphanumeric characters for the extension.

2. The BIOS Updater backup screen appears indicating the BIOS backup process. When BIOS backup is done, press any key to return to the DOS prompt.

ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.18

Current ROM

BOARD: Z77-A VER: 0206

DATE: 01/02/2013

PATH: A:\

BIOS backup is done! Press any key to continue.

Note

Saving BIOS:

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown

DATE: Unknown

2-5ASUS Z77-A

Updating the BIOS le

To update the BIOS le using BIOS Updater

1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type

D:\>bupdater /pc /g

2. The BIOS Updater screen appears as below.

ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.18

bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>.

Current ROM

BOARD: Z77-A VER: 0206

DATE: 12/02/2012

PATH: A:\

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit

Z77-A.ROM 4194304 2012-12-03 17:30:48

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown

DATE: Unknown

3. Press <Tab> to switch between screen elds and use the <Up/Down/Home/End> keys to select the BIOS le and press <Enter>. BIOS Updater checks the selected BIOS le and prompts you to conrm BIOS update.

Are you sure to update BIOS?

Yes No

4. Select Yes and press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS Updater. Restart your computer.

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure!

• For BIOS Updater version 1.04 or later, the utility automatically exits to the DOS prompt after updating BIOS.

• Load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. Refer to section 2.9 Exit menu for details.

• Reconnect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS le if you have

disconnected them.

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-6

2.2 BIOS setup program

Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or congure its parameters. The BIOS

screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program.

Entering BIOS Setup 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

• 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

<Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> simultaneously.

failed to enter BIOS Setup using the rst two options.

Using the power button, reset button, or the <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> keys to force reset from a running operating system can cause damage to your data or system. We recommend to always shut down the system properly from the operating system.

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

• Visit the ASUS website at motherboard.

• You can connect a USB mouse if you want to navigate the BIOS setup program without having to use a keyboard.

• 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. See section 2.9 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 1.7 Jumpers for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.

www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS le for this

2-7ASUS Z77-A

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 button in the

EZ Mode/Advanced Mode screen.

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.

The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the

Setup Mode item in section 2.7 Boot menu for details.

Selects the display language of the BIOS setup program

Displays the CPU/motherboard temperature, CPU voltage output, CPU/chassis fan speed

Exits without saving the changes, saves the changes and exit the BIOS, or enters Advanced Mode

Selects the boot device priority

Displays the system properties of the selected mode

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

• The

Boot Menu(F8) button is available only when the boot device is installed to the

system.

Silent mode

Loads optimized default

Standard mode

Selects the boot device priority

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-8

Turbo mode

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 access the EZ Mode, click Exit, then select ASUS EZ Mode.

Menu items

Menu bar

Conguration elds

General help

Pop-up windowSubmenu item Scroll bar

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

Back button

This button appears when entering a submenu. Press <Esc> or use the USB mouse to click this button to return to the previous menu screen.

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>.

Navigation keys

2-9ASUS Z77-A

Pop-up window

Select a menu item and press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the conguration

options for that item.

Scroll bar

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.

Navigation keys

At the bottom right corner of the menu screen are the navigation keys for the BIOS setup program. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.

General help

At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item.

Conguration elds

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.

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-10

2.3 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.

2.3.1 System Language [English]

Allows you to choose the BIOS language version from the options. Conguration options: [English] [Français] [Español] [Deutsch] [Русский]

2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]

Allows you to set the system date.

2.3.3 System Time [xx:xx:xx]

Allows you to set the system time.

2.3.4 Security

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

• If you have forgotten your BIOS password, erase the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM to clear the BIOS password. See section 1.7 Jumpers for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.

• 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.

2-11ASUS Z77-A

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

2. From the

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

To change an administrator password:

1. Select the

2. From the <Enter>.

3. From the

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.

Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.

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

Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.

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

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

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

2. From the

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

To change a user password:

1. Select the

2. From the <Enter>.

3. From the

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.

User Password item and press <Enter>.

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

User Password item and press <Enter>.

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

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

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-12

2.4 Ai Tweaker menu

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

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.

Scroll down to display the following items:

2-13ASUS Z77-A

2.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]

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] Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.

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

BCLK/PCIE Frequency [XXX]

Allows you to adjust the CPU and VGA frequency to enhance the system performance. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. You can also key in the desired value using the

numeric keypad. The values range from 80.0MHz to 300.0MHz.

2.4.2 ASUS MultiCore Enhancement [Enabled]

[Enabled] Default set to [Enabled] for maximum performance under Manual/User-

[Disabled] Allows you to set to default core ratio settings.

dened memory frequency mode.

2.4.3 Turbo Ratio [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU ratio automatically or manually.

[Auto] Sets all Turbo Ratio to Intel

automatically.

[By all Cores (Can Adjust in OS)] All number of active cores will be set to one single

Turbo Ratio in OS.

[By Per Core (Cannot Adjust in OS)] All Number if active cores can be set to an individual

Turbo Ratio in BIOS.

CPU default settings

The following item appears only when you set the Turbo Ratio to [By Per Core].

1-/2-/3-/4-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the Turbo Ratio item to [By Per Core]. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

2.4.4 Internal PLL Overvoltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the Internal PLL Overvoltage.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled].

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-14

2.4.5 Memory Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the memory operating frequency. The conguration options vary with the

BCLK/PCIE Frequency item settings.

Conguration options: [Auto] [DDR3-800MHz] [DDR3-1066MHz] [DDR3-1333MHz] [DDR31600MHz] [DDR3-1866MHz] [DDR3-2133MHz] [DDR3-2400MHz]

2.4.6 iGPU Max. Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the iGPU maximum frequency. The values range from xxxxMHz (by CPU) to 3000MHz with a 50MHz interval. Use <+>/<-> to adjust the value.

2.4.7 EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function.Conguration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled]

2.4.8 OC Tuner

OC Tuner automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of CPU and DRAM for

enhancing the system performance. Conguration options: [OK] [Cancel]

2.4.9 DRAM Timing Control

The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features. Use the <+> and <-> 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.

2.4.10 CPU Power Management

The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the CPU ratio and features.

CPU Ratio [Auto]

Allows you to manually adjust the maximum non-turbo CPU ratio. Use <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model.

Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep Technology [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep Technology (EIST).

[Disabled] Disables this function.

[Enabled] The operating system dynamically adjusts the processor voltage and

core frequency which may result in decreased average consumption and decreased average heat production.

2-15ASUS Z77-A

Turbo Mode [Enabled]

This item appears only when you set the EIST item to [Enabled].

[Enabled] Allows processor cores to run faster than marked frequency in specic

[Disabled] Disables this function.

Long Duration Power Limit [Auto]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Long Duration Maintained [Auto]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Short Duration Power Limit [Auto]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Primary Plane Current Limit [Auto]

Maximum instantaneous current allowed at any given time for CPU cores. Use <+> and <-> key to adjust the value at 0.125A increment.

Secondary Plane Current Limit [Auto]

Maximum instantaneous current allowed at any given time for Internal Graphics cores Use <+> and <-> key to adjust the value at 0.125A increment.

conditions.

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

2.4.11 DIGI+ VRM

CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]

Load-line is dened by Intel VRM spec and affects CPU voltage. The CPU working voltage

will decrease proportionally to CPU loading. Higher value gets a higher voltage and better overclocking performance, but increases the CPU and VRM thermal. This item allows you to adjust the voltage range from the following percentages to boost the system performance: 0% (Regular), 25% (Medium), 50% (High), 75% (Ultra High) and 100% (Extreme).

Conguration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Medium] [High] [Ultra High] [Extreme]

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

CPU Fixed Frequency [xxx]

Frequency switching affects the VRM transient response and the thermal component. Higher frequency gets quicker transient response. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The

values range from 200k Hz to 350k Hz with a 50k Hz interval.

DO NOT remove the thermal module when switching to Manual Mode. The thermal conditions should be monitored.

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-16

CPU Power Phase Control [Standard]

Allows you to control the power phase based on the CPU’s demands.

Conguration options: [Standard] [Optimized] [Extreme] [Manual Adjustment]

DO NOT remove the thermal module when switching to Extreme and Manual Mode. The thermal conditions should be monitored.

CPU Power Duty Control [T.Probe]

DIGI + VRM Duty control adjusts the current and thermal conditions of every component’s

phase. Conguration options:

[T. Probe]: Select to maintain the VRM thermal balance.

[Extreme]: Select to maintain the current VRM balance.

CPU Current Capability [100%]

Allows you to congure the total power range, and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously. Conguration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%] [140%]

iGPU Load-line Calibration [Auto]

Allows you to set the iGPU Load-line Calibration. Conguration options: [Auto] [Regular]

[High] [Extreme]

The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU conguration.

iGPU Current Capability [100%]

Allows you to set the iGPU Current Capability. Conguration options: [100%] [110%] [120%]

[130%]

DO NOT remove the thermal module while changing the DIGI+ VRM related parrameters . The thermal conditions should be monitored.

CPU Voltage [Offset Mode]

[Manual Mode] Allows you to set a xed CPU voltage.

[Offset Mode] Allows you to set the Offset voltage.

2-17ASUS Z77-A

CPU Offset Mode Sign [+]

This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Offset Mode].

[+] To offset the voltage by a positive value.

[–] To offset the voltage by a negative value.

Some of the following items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric keypad and press the <Enter> key. You can also use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter> key.

CPU Offset Voltage [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Offset Mode] and allows you to set the Offset voltage. The values range from 0.005V to 0.635V with a 0.005V interval.

Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU voltage. Setting a high voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may make the system unstable.

iGPU Voltage [Offset Mode]

[Manual Mode] Allows you to set a xed iGPU voltage.

[Offset Mode] Allows you to set the iGPU Offset voltage.

iGPU Offset Voltage [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the iGPU Voltage item to [Offset Mode] and allows you to set the Offset voltage. The values range from 0.005 to 0.635V with a 0.005V interval.

DRAM Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.185V to 2.135V with a 0.005V interval.

According to Intel CPU spec, DIMMs with voltage requirement over 1.65V may damage the CPU permanently. We recommend you install the DIMMs with the voltage requirement below 1.65V.

• The values of the CPU Manual Voltage, CPU Offset Voltage, iGPU Manual Voltage, iGPU Offset Voltage, DRAM Voltage, and PCH Voltage items are labeled in different color, indicating the risk levels of high voltage settings.

• The system may need better cooling system to work stably under high voltage settings.

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-18

VCCSA Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the VCCSA voltage. The values range from 0.735V to 1.685V with a 0.005V

interval. Conguration options: [Auto] [+0.1V]

PCH Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the Platform Controller Hub volage. The values range from 0.735V to

1.685V with a 0.005V interval.

CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU and PCH PLL voltage. The values range from 1.80V to 1.90V with

a 0.1V interval. Conguration options: [Auto] [+0.1V]

CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]

[Auto] Automatic conguration.

[Disabled] Enhances the BCLK overclocking ability.

[Enabled] Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.

2-19ASUS Z77-A

2.5 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.

2.5.1 CPU Conguration

The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects.

The items shown in this screen may be different due to the CPU you installed.

Intel® Adaptive Thermal Monitor [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the overheated CPU to throttle its clock speed to cool down.

[Disabled] Disables the CPU thermal monitor function.

Active Processor Cores [All]

Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor package.

Conguration options: [All] [1] [2] [3]

Limit CPUID Maximum [Disabled]

[Enabled] Allows legacy operating systems to boot even without support for CPUs

[Disabled] Disables this function.

with extended CPUID functions.

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-20

Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.

[Disabled] Forces the XD feature ag to always return to zero (0).

Intel® Virtualization Technology [Disabled]

[Enabled] Allows a hardware platform to run multiple operating systems separately

[Disabled] Disables this function.

and simultaneously, enabling one system to virtually function as several systems.

Hardware Prefetcher [Enabled]

[Enabled] Allows a hardware platform to run multiple operating systems separately

[Disabled] Disables this function.

and simultaneously, enabling one system to virtually function as several systems.

Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled]

[Enabled] Allows a hardware platform to perform adjacent cache line prefetching.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

CPU Power Management Conguration

CPU Ratio [Auto]

Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the BCLK Frequency. Use <+> and <-> keys to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model.

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep Technology (EIST). [Disabled] The CPU runs at its default speed. [Enabled] The operating system controls the CPU speed.

Turbo Mode [Enabled]

This item appears only when you set the EIST item to [Enabled} and allows you to enable or disable the Intel® Turbo Mode Technology. [Enabled] Allows processor cores to run faster than marked frequency in

specic condition.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

CPU C1E [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable the CPU C1E. [Auto] Set this item automatically. [Enabled] Enables the C1E support function. This item should be enabled in

order to enable the Enhanced Halt State.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

2-21ASUS Z77-A

CPU C3 Report [Auto]

Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C3 report to OS. [Auto] Set this item automatically. [Enabled] Enables the C3 report function. This item should be enabled in

order to enable the Enhanced Halt State.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

CPU C6 Report [Auto]

Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C6 report to OS. [Auto] Set this item automatically. [Enabled] Enables the C6 report function. This item should be enabled in

order to enable the Enhanced Halt State.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

Package C State Support [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable the CPU C State support. [Auto] Set this item automatically. [Enabled] Enables C State Support. [Disabled] Disables C State Support

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-22

2.5.2 PCH Conguration

High Precision Timer [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the High Precision Event Timer.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology

Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology.Conguration options:

[Enabled] [Disabled]

The following three items appear only when you set the Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology to [Enabled].

Entry on S3 RTC Wake [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the iFFS invocation upon S3 RTC wake.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Entry After [Immediately]

This item appears only when you set the Entry on S3 RTC Wake to [Enabled] and

allows you to set the RTC wake timer at S3 entry. Conguration options: [Immediately]

[1 minute] [2 minute] [5 minute] [10 minute] [15 minute] [30 minute] [1 hour] [2 hours]

Active Page Threshold Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Active Page Threshold Support. Conguration

options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Active Memory Threshold [x]

This item appears only when you set the Active Page Threshold Support to

[Enabled] and allows you to set the Active Memory Threshold. When the partition size is larger than the Active Page Threshold size, the system will try to support the Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology. When the item is set to zero, the system automatically checks whether the partition size is enough at S3 entry. Key in the desired value using the

numeric keypad.

Intel® Smart Connect Technology

ISCT Conguration [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the ISCT conguration. Conguration options: [Enabled]

[Disabled]

2-23ASUS Z77-A

2.5.3 SATA Conguration

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The SATA Port items show Not Present if no SATA device is installed to the corresponding SATA port.

SATA Mode Selection [AHCI]

Allows you to set the SATA conguration.

[IDE Mode] Set to [IDE Mode] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as

[AHCI Mode] Set to [AHCI Mode] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the

[RAID Mode] Set to [RAID Mode] when you want to create a RAID conguration from the

S.M.A.R.T. Status Check [Enabled]

S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitor system. When read/write of your hard disk errors occur, this feature allows the hard disk to report warning

messages during the POST. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Hot Plug [Disabled]

These items appear only when you set the SATA mode item to [AHCI Mode] or [RAID Mode],

and allow you to enable/disable SATA Hot Plug Support. Conguration options: [Disabled]

[Enabled]

Parallel ATA physical storage devices.

AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to

internally optimize the order of commands.

SATA hard disk drives.

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-24

2.5.4 System Agent Conguration

Memory Remap Feature [Enabled]

[Enabled] Allow you to enable remapping the memory above 4GB.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

Graphics Conguration

Primary Display [Auto]

Allows you to select a primary display from iGPU, PCIE, or PCI graphic devices.

Conguration options: [Auto] [iGPU] [PCIE] [PCI]

iGPU Memory [64M]

Allows you to set the iGPU memory size. Conguration options: [32M] [64M] [96M]

[128M] ~ [448M] [480M] [512M] [1024M]

Render Standby [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable Render Standby by internal graphics devices.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

iGPU Multi-Monitor [Disabled]

Allows you to enable the iGPU Multi-Monitor. Set this item to [Enabled] to empower

both integrated and discrete graphics. iGPU shared system memory size is xed at

64MB.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

NB PCIe Conguration

Allows you to congure the NB PCI Express settings.

PCIE x16_1 [Auto]

Allows you to set the PCIE x16_1 link speed.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Gen1] [Gen2]

2-25ASUS Z77-A

2.5.5 USB Conguration

The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.

The USB Devices item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None.

Intel USB2.0 EHCI Controller

[Enabled] Enables the USB2.0 EHCI Controller.

[Disabled] Disables the USB2.0 EHCI Controller.

Legacy USB Support [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS).

[Disabled] The USB devices can be used only for the BIOS setup program.

[Auto] Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If

Legacy USB3.0 Support [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the support for USB 3.0 devices on legacy operating systems

[Disabled] Disables the function.

Intel xHCI Mode [Smart Auto]

Allows you to select the Intel xHCI Mode.

Conguration options: [Smart Auto] [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]

EHCI Hand-off [Disabled]

[Enabled] Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off

[Disabled] Disables the function.

USB Single Port Control

Allows you to enable or disable individual USB ports.

detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.

(OS).

feature.

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-26

2.5.6 Onboard Devices Conguration

HD Audio Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the High Denition Audio Controller.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

The following two items appear only when you set the HD Audio Controller item to [Enabled].

Front Panel Type [HD]

Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or high-

denition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio module supports.

[HD] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high denition audio.

[AC97] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97.

SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF]

[SPDIF] Sets to [SPDIF] for SPDIF audio output.

[HDMI] Sets to [HDMI] for HDMI audio output.

Realtek LAN Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the Realtek LAN controller.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

Realtek PXE OPROM [Disabled]

This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable or disable the PXE OptionRom of the Realtek LAN controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Serial Port Conguration

The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the serial port conguration.

Serial Port [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the serial port (COM). Conguration options: [Enabled]

[Disabled]

Change Settings [IO=3F8h; IRQ=4]

This item appears only when you set the Serial Port to [Enabled] and allows you to select the Serial Port base address. Conguration options: [IO=3F8h; IRQ=4]

[IO=2F8h; IRQ=3] [IO=3E8h; IRQ=4] [IO=2E8h; IRQ=3]

2-27ASUS Z77-A

2.5.7 APM

Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off]

[Power On] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.

[Power Off] The system goes into off state after an AC power loss.

[Last State] The system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was

Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the Power On by a PS/2 keyboard.

[Space Bar] Sets the Space Bar on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system.

[Ctrl-Esc] Sets the Ctrl+Esc key on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system.

[Power Key] Sets Power key on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature

Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the Power On by a PS/2 mouse.

[Enabled] Enables the Power On by a PS/2 mouse. This feature requires an ATX

Power On By PCIE/PCI [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the PCIE/PCI devices to generate a wake-on-LAN feature of the

[Enabled] Enables the PCIE/PCI devices to generate a wake-on-LAN feature of the

Power On By Ring [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables Ring to generate a wake event.

[Enabled] Enables Ring to generate a wake event.

Power On By RTC [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables RTC to generate a wake event.

[Enabled] When set to [Enabled], the items RTC Alarm Date (Days) and Hour/Minute/

RTC Alarm Date (Days)

This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you

to select RTC alarm time (days). When you set the time to zero, the RTC alarms

everyday. Use <+> and <-> keys to adjust the time.

before the AC power loss.

requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.

power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.

Intel/Realtek LAN device.

Second will become user-congurable with set values.

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-28

2.5.8 Network Stack

Network Stack [Disabled]

This item allows user to disable or enable the UEFI network stack. Conguration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled]

Ipv4 PXE Support [Enabled]

This item appears only when you set the Network Stack item to [Enabled]. When this

item is disabled, the IPV4 PXE boot option will not be created. Conguration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled]

Ipv6 PXE Support [Enabled]

This item appears only when you set the Network Stack item to [Enabled]. When this

item is disabled, the IPV6 PXE boot option will not be created. Conguration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled]

2-29ASUS Z77-A

2.6 Monitor menu

The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings.

Scroll down to display the following items:

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-30

2.6.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard temperatures. Select Ignore if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures.

2.6.2 CPU / Chassis Fan 1/2 / PWR Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU, chassis, and power fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the

motherboard, the eld shows N/A. Select Ignore if you do not wish to display the detected

speed.

2.6.3 CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. Select Ignore if you do not want to detect this item.

2.6.4 CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.

[Enabled] Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.

2.6.5 CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [200 RPM]

This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to disable or set the CPU fan warning speed.

Conguration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]

CPU Fan Profile [Standard]

This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU fan. [Standard] Sets to [Standard] to make the CPU fan automatically adjust

[Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation.

[Turbo] Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.

[Manual] Sets to [Manual] to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.

depending on the CPU temperature.

2-31ASUS Z77-A

The following four items appear only when you set CPU Fan Prole to [Manual].

CPU Upper Temperature [70]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature. The values range from 40ºC to 90ºC.

CPU Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from 20% to 100%. When the CPU temperature reaches the upper limit, the CPU fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle.

CPU Lower Temperature [20]

Displays the lower limit of the CPU temperature.

CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [20]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from 0% to 100%. When the CPU temperature is under 40ºC, the CPU fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.

2.6.6 Chassis1/2 Q-Fan Control [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.

[Enabled] Enables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.

2.6.7 Chassis Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]

This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to disable or set the chassis fan warning speed.

Conguration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]

Chassis Fan Profile [Standard]

This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the chassis fan. [Standard] Sets to [Standard] to make the chassis fan automatically adjust

[Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet chassis fan

[Turbo] Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum chassis fan speed.

[Manual] Sets to [Manual] to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.

depending on the chassis temperature.

operation.

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-32

The following four items appear only when you set Chassis Fan Prole to [Manual].

Chassis Upper Temperature [70]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature. The values range from 40ºC to 90ºC.

Chassis Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan duty cycle. The values range from 20% to 100%. When the chassis temperature reaches the upper limit, the chassis fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle.

Chassis Lower Temperature [40]

Displays the lower limit of the chassis temperature.

CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [60]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum chassis fan duty cycle. The values range from 0% to 100%. When the chassis temperature is under 40ºC, the chassis fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.

2.6.8 Anti Surge Support [Enabled]

This item allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge function.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2-33ASUS Z77-A

2.7 Boot menu

The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.

Scroll down to display the following items:

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-34

2.7.1 Fast Boot [Enabled]

Enable or disable boot with initialization of a minimal set of devices to launch active boot option. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following three items appear only when you set Fast Boot to [Enabled].

USB Support [Partial Initialization]

[Disabled] All USB devices will not be available until OS boot up for the fastest

[Full Initialization] All USB devices will be available during POST. This setting will

[Partial Initialization] For a faster POST time, only the USB ports with keyboard and

PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse Support [Auto]

[Auto] For a faster POST time, PS/2 devices are available when the

[Full Initialization] For full system control, PS/2 devices are available during POST.

[Disabled] For a shorter POST time, all PS/2 devices are available only after

Network Stack Driver Support [Disabled]

[Disabled] If Disabled, the Network Stack Driver will be skipped. To enable this

[Enabled] Allows the BIOS to boot from the Network Stack Driver.

Next boot after AC Power Loss [Normal Boot]

[Normal Boot] Returns to normal boot on the next boot after an AC power loss.

[Fast Boot] Accelerates the boot speed on the next boot after an AC power loss.

POST time possible.

extend POST time.

mouse connections will be detected.

system boots up or rebooted as long as the PS/2 devices have not been reconnected or changed.

This setting will extend POST time.

the PC enters the OS.

feature, enable the Network Stack item in the Advanced menu.

2.7.2 Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the full screen logo display feature.

[Disabled] Disables the full screen logo display feature.

Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature.

Post Report [5 sec]

This item appears only when the Full Screen Logo item is set to [Disabled] and allows you to

set the waiting time for the system to display the post report. Conguration options: [1 sec] [2

sec] [3 sec] [4 sec] [5 sec] [6 sec] [7 sec] [8 sec] [9 sec] [10 sec] [Until Press ESC]

2-35ASUS Z77-A

2.7.3 Post Delay Time [3 sec]

Allows you to set the POST Report wait time. This conguration only functions in Normal Boot mode. Conguration options: [0 sec] [1 sec] [2 sec] [3 sec] [4 sec] [5 sec] [6 sec] [7 sec]

[8 sec] [9 sec] [10 sec]

2.7.4 Bootup NumLock State [On]

[On] Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [On].

[Off] Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [Off].

2.7.5 Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]

When this item is set to [Enabled], the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error

occurs. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.7.6 Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS]

[Force BIOS] The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the boot

[Keep Current] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-party

sequence.

manufacturer had set the add-on device to do so.

2.7.7 Interrupt 19 Capture [Postponed]

[Immediate] Immediately capture Interrupt 19 during boot process.

[Postponed] Postpone capture of Interrupt 19 during boot process.

2.7.8 Setup Mode [EZ Mode]

[Advanced Mode] Sets Advanced Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup

[EZ Mode] Sets EZ Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup

program.

2.7.9 CSM (Compatibility Support Module)

This option controls whether or not CSM (Compatibility Support Module) will be launched.

Launch CSM [Auto]

Conguration option: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-36

The following four items appear only when you set Launch CSM to [Enabled].

Boot Device Control [UEFI and Legacy OpROM]

Conguration option: [UEFI and Legacy OpRom] [Legacy OpROM only] [UEFI only]

Boot from Network Devices [Legacy OpROM first]

Conguration option: [Legacy OpROM rst] [UEFI driver rst] [Ignore]

Boot from Storage Devices [Legacy OpRom first]

Conguration option: [Both, Legacy OpROM rst] [Both, UEFI rst] [Legacy OpROM rst] [UEFI driver rst] [Ignore]

Boot from PCIe/PCI Expansion Devices [Legacy OpROM first]

Conguration option: [Legacy OpROM rst] [UEFI driver rst]

2-37ASUS Z77-A

2.7.10 Secure Boot

This option allows you to congure the Secure Boot related parameters.

OS Type [Other OS]

Conguration option: [Windows UEFI mode] [Other OS]

Secure Boot Mode [Standard]

This item appears only when you set the OS Type to [Windows UEFI]. Conguration option: [Standard] [Custom]

The following items appear when Secure Boot Mode is set to [Custom].

Key Management

Manage the Secure Boot Keys (PK, KEK, DB, DBX)

Install default Secure Boot Keys

Conguration options: [Yes] [No]

Platform Key (PK)

Load PK from File

Conguration options: [Acpi (a0341d0, 0)\PCI (1212)\USB (2, 0)\]

Copy PK to File

Conguration options: [OK]

Delete PK

Conguration options: [Yes] [No]

KEK Management (KEK)

Load KEK from File

Conguration options: [OK]

Copy KEK to File

Conguration options: [OK]

Delete the KEK

Conguration options: [Yes] [No]

Append KEK from File

Conguration options: [OK]

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-38

DB Management

Load DB from File

Conguration options: [OK]

Copy DB to File

Conguration options: [OK]

Delete the DB

Conguration options: [Yes] [No]

Append DB from File

Conguration options: [OK]

DBX Management

Load DBX from File

Conguration options: [OK]

Copy DBX to File

Conguration options: [OK]

Delete the DBX

Conguration options: [Yes] [No]

Append DBX from File

Conguration options: [OK]

2.7.11 Boot Option Priorities

These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system.

• To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo

appears.

• To access Windows OS in Safe Mode, press <F8> after POST.

2.7.12 Boot Override

These items displays the available devices. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. Click an item to start booting from the selected device.

2-39ASUS Z77-A

2.8 Tools menu

The Tools menu displays items for conguring included features. Select an item then press

<Enter> to display the submenu.

2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility

Press [Enter] to launch the ASUS EZ Flash 2 screen.

For more details, see section 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2.

2.8.2 ASUS O.C. Prole

This utility stores or loads multiple BIOS settings.

The Setup Prole Status items show Not Installed if no prole is created.

Label

Allows you to input the label of the setup prole.

Save to Prole

This option saves the current BIOS settings to the BIOS Flash, and creates a prole. Key in a prole number from one to eight, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.

Load from Prole

This option loads the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the prole

number that saved your CMOS settings, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure!

• We recommend you update the BIOS le on hardware that has the same memory/ CPU conguration and BIOS version.

2.8.3 ASUS SPD Information

DIMM Slot # [DIMM_A2]

Displays the Serial Presence Detect (SPD) information of the DIMM module installed on the

selected slot. Conguration options: [DIMM_A1] [DIMM_A2] [DIMM_B1] [DIMM_B2]

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-40

2.9 Exit menu

The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. You can access the EZ Mode from the Exit menu.

Load Optimized Defaults

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup

menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a conrmation window appears.

Select Yes to load the default values.

Save Changes & Reset

Once you are nished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to

ensure the values you selected are saved. When you select this option or if you press <F10>,

a conrmation window appears. Select Yes to save changes and exit.

Discard Changes & Exit

This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes. When you select this option or if you press <Esc>, a conrmation window appears. Select Yes to discard changes and exit.

ASUS EZ Mode

This option allows you to enter the EZ Mode screen.

Launch EFI Shell from lesystem device

This option allows you to attempt to launch the EFI Shell application (shellx64.e) from one of the available devices that have a lesystem.

2-41ASUS Z77-A

Chapter 2: BIOS information2-42

Appendices

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

This device may not cause harmful interference.

•

This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause

• undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is

• connected.

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

•

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required

to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications to this unit not

expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

IC: Canadian Compliance Statement

Complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B specications. This device complies with RSS

210 of Industry Canada. This Class B device meets all the requirements of the Canadian interference-causing equipment regulations.

This device complies with Industry Canada license exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Cut appareil numérique de la Classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Cet appareil est conforme aux normes CNR exemptes de licence d’Industrie Canada. Le fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes :

(1) cet appareil ne doit pas provoquer d’interférences et

(2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, y compris celles susceptibles de provoquer un fonctionnement non souhaité de l’appareil.

ASUS Z77--A

A-1

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

VCCI: Japan Compliance Statement

VCCI Class B Statement

KC: Korea Warning Statement

REACH

Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.

DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal waste.

ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services

ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging materials. Please go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for detailed recycling information in different regions.

A-2

Appendices

ASUS contact information

ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.

Address 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259 Telephone +886-2-2894-3447 Fax +886-2-2890-7798

E-mail info@asus.com.tw

Web site www.asus.com.tw

Technical Support

Telephone +86-21-38429911 Online support support.asus.com

ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)

Address 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539, USA Telephone +1-812-282-3777 Fax +1-510-608-4555 Web site usa.asus.com

Technical Support

Telephone +1-812-282-2787 Support fax +1-812-284-0883 Online support support.asus.com

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)

Address Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany Fax +49-2102-959911 Web site www.asus.de Online contact www.asus.de/sales

Technical Support

Telephone +49-1805-010923* Support Fax +49-2102-9599-11 Online support support.asus.com

* EUR 0.14/minute from a German xed landline; EUR 0.42/minute from a mobile phone.

Manufacturer: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

Address: 4F, No. 150, LI-TE RD., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112,

Authorised representative in Europe:

Address: HARKORT STR. 21-23, 40880 RATINGEN,

ASUS Z77--A

TAIWAN R.O.C.

ASUS Computer GmbH

GERMANY

A-3

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Per FCC Part 2 Section 2. 1077(a)

Responsible Party Name: Asus Computer International

Address: 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539.

Phone/Fax No: (510)739-3777/(510)608-4555

hereby declares that the product

Product Name : Motherboard

Model Number : Z77-A

Conforms to the following specifications:

FCC Part 15, Subpart B, Unintentional Radiators

Supplementary Information:

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to

the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful

interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Representative Person’s Name : Steve Chang / President

Signature :

Date : Jan. 28, 2013

Ver. 120601

EC Declaration of Conformity

We, the undersigned,

Manufacturer:

ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.

Address, City:

4F, No. 150, LI-TE Rd., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TAIWAN

Country:

TAIWAN

Authorized representative in Europe:

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH

Address, City:

HARKORT STR. 21-23, 40880 RATINGEN

Country:

GERMANY

declare the following apparatus:

Product name : Motherboard

Model name : Z77-A

conform with the essential requirements of the following directives:

2004/108/EC-EMC Directive

EN 55022:2010

EN 61000-3-2:2006+A2:2009

EN 55013:2001+A1:2003+A2:2006

EN 55024:2010

EN 61000-3-3:2008

EN 55020:2007+A11:2011

1999/5/EC-R &TTE Directive

EN 300 328 V1.7.1(2006-10)

EN 300 440-1 V1.6.1(2010-08)

EN 300 440-2 V1.4.1(2010-08)

EN 301 511 V9.0.2(2003-03)

EN 301 908-1 V5.2.1(2011-05)

EN 301 908-2 V5.2.1(2011-07)

EN 301 893 V1.6.1(2011-11)

EN 302 544-2 V1.1.1(2009-01)

EN 302 623 V1.1.1(2009-01)

EN 300 330-1 V1.7.1(2010-02)

EN 300 330-2 V1.5.1(2010-02)

EN 50360:2001

EN 62479:2010

EN 301 489-1 V1.9.2(2011-09)

EN 301 489-3 V1.4.1(2002-08)

EN 301 489-4 V1.4.1(2009-05)

EN 301 489-7 V1.3.1(2005-11)

EN 301 489-9 V1.4.1(2007-11)

EN 301 489-17 V2.1.1(2009-05)

EN 301 489-24 V1.5.1(2010-09)

EN 302 326-2 V1.2.2(2007-06)

EN 302 326-3 V1.3.1(2007-09)

EN 301 357-2 V1.4.1(2008-11)

EN 50385:2002

EN 62311:2008

2006/95/EC-LVD Directive

EN 60950-1 / A11:2009

EN 60950-1 / A12:2011

EN 60065:2002 / A2:2010

EN 60065:2002 / A12:2011

2009/125/EC-ErP Directive

Regulation (EC) No. 1275/2008

Regulation (EC) No. 642/2009

Regulation (EC) No. 278/2009

2011/65/EU-RoHS Directive Ver. 121001

CE marking

Declaration Date: Jan. 28, 2013

Year to begin affixing CE marking:2013

Position : CEO

Name : Jerry Shen

Signature : __________

(EC conformity marking)

A-4

Appendices

Asus Z77-A User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Safety information

About this guide

Package contents

Product introduction

1.1 Product highlights

1.2 Before you proceed

1.3 Motherboard overview

1.3.1 Placement direction

1.3.2 Screw holes

1.3.3 Motherboard layout

1.3.4 Layout contents

1.4 Intel® CPU LGA1155 socket

1.4.1 CPU installation

1.4.2 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation

1.5 System memory

1.5.1 Overview

1.5.3 Installing a DIMM

1.6 Expansion slots

1.7 Jumpers

1.8 Connectors

1.8.1 Rear panel ports

1.8.2 Internal connectors

1.9 Software support

1.9.1 Installing an operating system

1.9.2 Support DVD information

BIOS information

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

2.1.1 ASUS Update utility

2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2

2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater

2.2 BIOS setup program

2.3 Main menu

2.3.1 System Language [English]

2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]

2.3.3 System Time [xx:xx:xx]

2.3.4 Security

2.4 Ai Tweaker menu

2.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]

2.4.2 ASUS MultiCore Enhancement [Enabled]

2.4.3 Turbo Ratio [Auto]

2.4.4 Internal PLL Overvoltage [Auto]

2.4.5 Memory Frequency [Auto]

2.4.6 iGPU Max. Frequency [Auto]

2.4.7 EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled]

2.4.8 OC Tuner

2.4.9 DRAM Timing Control

2.4.10 CPU Power Management

2.4.11 DIGI+ VRM

2.5 Advanced menu

2.5.7 APM

2.5.8 Network Stack

2.6 Monitor menu

2.6.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]

2.6.2 CPU / Chassis Fan 1/2 / PWR Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A]

2.6.3 CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage

2.6.4 CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled]

2.6.5 CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [200 RPM]

2.6.6 Chassis1/2 Q-Fan Control [Enabled]

2.6.7 Chassis Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]

2.6.8 Anti Surge Support [Enabled]

2.7 Boot menu

2.7.1 Fast Boot [Enabled]

2.7.2 Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

2.7.3 Post Delay Time [3 sec]

2.7.4 Bootup NumLock State [On]

2.7.5 Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]

2.7.6 Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS]

2.7.7 Interrupt 19 Capture [Postponed]

2.7.8 Setup Mode [EZ Mode]

2.7.9 CSM (Compatibility Support Module)

2.7.10 Secure Boot

2.7.11 Boot Option Priorities

2.7.12 Boot Override

2.8 Tools menu

2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility