ASUS Z7S WS User Manual

Z7S WS

Motherboard

E3465

First Edition V1
February 2008

Copyright © 2008 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

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

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the

product is defaced or missing.

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

SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND
SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY
OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL,
INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or

copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

ii

Contents

Contents ...................................................................................................... iii

Notices ........................................................................................................ vii

Safety information .................................................................................... viii

About this guide ......................................................................................... ix

Z7S WS specications summary .............................................................. xi

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2

1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2

1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ............................................... 1-4

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 2-2

2.2.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 2-2

2.2.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 2-2

2.2.3 Support kits for the motherboard .................................... 2-3

2.2.4 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 2-6

2.2.5 Audio card layout ............................................................ 2-6

2.2.6 Layout contents ............................................................... 2-7

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-9

2.3.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-9

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan .............................. 2-12

2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-14

2.4.1 Overview ....................................................................... 2-14

2.4.2 Memory congurations .................................................. 2-14

2.4.3 Memory sparing technology .......................................... 2-16

2.4.4 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-17

2.4.5 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-17

2.4.6 Installing the MemCool FB-DIMM fan (optional) ........... 2-18

2.5 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 2-20

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-20

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-20

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-21

iii

Contents

2.5.4. PCI Express x1 MIO slot ............................................... 2-21

2.5.5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (red) .................................... 2-21

2.5.6 Universal PCI Express x16 slot (white) ......................... 2-21

2.5.7 PCI/PCI-X slots ............................................................. 2-22

2.6 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 2-23

2.7 Switches ...................................................................................... 2-25

2.8 Audio card installation .............................................................. 2-26

2.9 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-27

2.9.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 2-27

2.9.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-29

2.10 G.P. Diagnosis card installation ................................................ 2-40

2.10.1 G.P. Diagnosis card layout ............................................ 2-40

2.10.2 Installing G.P. Diagnosis card ....................................... 2-40

2.10.3 G.P. Diagnosis card check codes.................................. 2-41

Chapter 3: Powering up

3.1 Starting up for the rst time ........................................................ 3-1

3.2 Turning off the computer ............................................................. 3-2

3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function .................................... 3-2

3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch .............................. 3-2

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1

4.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 4-1

4.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk ....................................... 4-4

4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ................................................... 4-5

4.1.4 AFUDOS utility ................................................................ 4-6

4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 4-8

4.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-9

4.2.1 BIOS menu screen ........................................................ 4-10

4.2.2 Menu bar ....................................................................... 4-10

4.2.3 Navigation keys ............................................................. 4-10

4.2.4 Menu items ....................................................................4-11

4.2.5 Sub-menu items .............................................................4-11

4.2.6 Conguration elds ........................................................4-11

4.2.7 Pop-up window ..............................................................4-11

iv

Contents

4.2.8 Scroll bar ........................................................................4-11

4.2.9 General help ..................................................................4-11

4.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 4-12

4.3.1 System Date ................................................................. 4-12

4.3.2 System Time ................................................................. 4-12

4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ......................................................... 4-12

4.3.4 Language ...................................................................... 4-12

4.3.5 Primary / Secondary / Third IDE Master / Slave ........... 4-13

4.3.6 Storage Conguration ................................................... 4-14

4.3.7 System Information ....................................................... 4-16

4.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-17

4.4.1 Jumpless Conguration ................................................ 4-17

4.4.2 Ai Net 2 ......................................................................... 4-18

4.4.3 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 4-18

4.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration .................................... 4-20

4.4.5 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 4-22

4.4.6 USB Conguration ........................................................ 4-23

4.4.7 Trusted Computing ........................................................ 4-24

4.5 Power menu ................................................................................ 4-25

4.5.1 Suspend Mode .............................................................. 4-25

4.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ........................................ 4-25

4.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support .......................................................... 4-25

4.5.4 ACPI APIC Support ....................................................... 4-25

4.5.5 APM Conguration ........................................................ 4-26

4.5.6 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 4-27

4.5.7 PSMI IPMI FRU ............................................................ 4-28

4.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-29

4.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 4-29

4.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 4-30

4.6.3 Security ......................................................................... 4-31

4.7 Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-33

4.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 .......................................................... 4-33

4.7.2 ASUS O.C. Prole ......................................................... 4-34

4.8 Exit menu .................................................................................... 4-35

v

Contents

Chapter 5: Software support

5.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1

5.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 5-1

5.2.1 Running the support DVD ............................................... 5-1

5.2.2 Drivers menu ................................................................... 5-2

5.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 5-3

5.2.4 Make Disk menu ............................................................. 5-5

5.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 5-6

5.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 5-6

5.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 5-7

5.3 Software information ................................................................... 5-9

5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™ ........................................................... 5-9

5.3.2 AI NET2 .........................................................................5-11

5.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II ......................................................... 5-12

5.3.4 ASUS AI Nap ................................................................ 5-18

5.3.5 Audio congurations ..................................................... 5-19

5.4 RAID congurations .................................................................. 5-23

5.4.1 RAID denitions ............................................................ 5-23

5.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ..................................... 5-24

5.4.3 Intel® RAID congurations ............................................. 5-24

5.4.4 JMicron

5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk ....................................................... 5-41

5.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS .... 5-41

5.5.2 Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows® ............ 5-41

®

RAID Conguration ........................................ 5-33

Appendix: CPU features

A.1 Intel® EM64T ..................................................................................A-1

Using the Intel® EM64T feature ......................................................A-1

A.2 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST) .......................A-1

A.2.1 System requirements ......................................................A-1

A.2.2 Using the EIST ................................................................A-2

vi

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, and

•

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.

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.

vii

Safety information

Electrical safety

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

electrical outlet before relocating the system.

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

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

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

• Make sure 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, make sure 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.

viii

This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical,
electronic equipment and mercury-containing button cell battery) should not
be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic
products.

About this guide

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

the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This user guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

• Chapter 2: Hardware information

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform
when installing system components. It includes description of the switches,
jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.

• Chapter 3: Powering up

This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down
the system.

• Chapter 4: BIOS setup

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

• Chapter 5: Software support

This chapter provides instructions for setting up, creating, and conguring

RAID sets using the available utilities.

• Appendix: Reference information

This appendix includes additional information that you may refer to when

conguring the motherboard.

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.

ix

Conventions used in this guide

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

DANGER/WARNING:

when trying to complete a task.

CAUTION:

when trying to complete a task.

IMPORTANT:

task.

NOTE:

task.

Information to prevent damage to the components

Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a

Tips and additional information to help you complete a

Information to prevent injury to yourself

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italics

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

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

means that you must press the enclosed key.

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

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

key names are connected with a plus sign (+).

Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<D>

Command Means that you must type the command exactly as

shown.

Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:

afudos /iZ7SWS.ROM

x

Z7S WS specications summary

CPU

Chipset

System Bus
Memory

Expansion Slots

Storage Intel® ESB2E ICH

LAN

High Denition audio

IEEE 1394

USB

Dual LGA771 sockets for Dual-Core Intel® Xeon™
processors 5100/5200 sequences and Quad-Core
Intel® Xeon™ processor 5300/5400 sequence
Supports Intel® Extended Memory 64Technology (EM64T),
EIST, VT, XD, and TM/TM2

MCH: Intel® Seaburg
ICH: Intel® ESB2E

1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz

Quad-channel memory architecture
6 x 240-pin FB-DIMM sockets support registered ECC
fully buffered DDR2 800 / 667 / 533 memory modules
with Advanced Memory Buffer (AMB chip)
Supports 512 MB up to 24 GB system memory
Supports memory sparing technology.

1 x PCI Express™ x1 MIO slot
2 x PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 slots (x16 link)

1 x PCI-X 133/100 MHz/64bit/3.3V slot
1 x PCI 33 MHz/32-bit/5V slot

1 x Universal PCI Express™ x16 slot (x8 link)

- 1 x Ultra DMA 100/66/33 devices

- 6 x SATA II (3.0 Gb/s)

- Intel® Matrix Storage with RAID 0, 1, and 5 (S/W)
conguration

JMicron® JMB363 SATA controller

- 2 x External SATA 3 Gb/s ports (SATA On-the-Go)

- Supports SATA RAID 0, 1, and JBOD conguration

2 x Marvell® 88E8056 Gigabit LAN controllers

- Supports teaming function
Realtek® 888S 8-channel High-Denition Audio CODEC

- Supports Jack-Sensing, Multi-streaming, and Jack-Supports Jack-Sensing, Multi-streaming, and Jack­ Retasking Technology

- Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF out ports at back I/O

- ASUS Noise Filter
VIA 6308S controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports (one

at midboard; one at back panel)

Supports up to 8 USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports (3 at mid-board, 5 at
back panel)

(continued on the next page)

xi

Z7S WS specications summary

AI Lifestyle Unique
Features

BIOS features

Rear panel

Internal connectors

Power requirement

ASUS Workstation Features:

- G.P. Diagnosis card

- ASUS SASsaby cards support (optional)

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:

- ASUS Fanless Design

- ASUS Q-Fan 2

ASUS EZ DIY:

- ASUS Q-Connector

- ASUS O.C. Prole

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2
AMI BIOS, 8 Mb FWH, Green, PnP, DMI2.0a, ACPI 2.0a,
SMBIOS 2.3, WfM2.0
1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)
2 x External Serial ATA port
5 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x IEEE 1394a
2 x LAN (RJ-45) ports
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector
6 x Serial ATA connectors
1 x Hard disk activity LED connector
1 x USB header supports two additional USB ports
1 x USB connector
1 x Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM2)
1 x Power supply SMBus connector
1 x 24-pin ATX power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX +12 V power connector
1 x 4-pin +12V power connector
1 x System panel connector (20-pin PANEL1)
2 x CPU fan connector with PWM control
4 x Chassis fan conectors with Q-fan 2 control
1 x FB DIMM fan connector
1 x Power fan connector
1 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x COM connector
1 x TPM connector
1 x Chassis intrusion connector
SSI power supply (with 24-pin/8-pin/4-pin 12V plugs)
for LGA771-socket Intel® Xeon processors

(continued on the next page)

xii

Z7S WS specications summary

Support DVD contents

Manageability

Other Features

Form factor

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

Drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update Utility
ASUS AI Suite
Anti-virus software
Adobe Acrobat Reader
ASUS Flash Utility under DOS

WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE, AI NET 2, Chassis

Intrusion, BIOS ash utility under DOS

ASUS AI Booster utility
ASUS MyLogo 2
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
Multi-language BIOS

CEB form factor: 12 in x 10.5 in (30.5 cm x 26.67 cm)

xiii

xiv

This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies it supports.

Chapter 1: Product

introduction

1

Chapter summary

1

1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2

ASUS Z7S WS

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® Z7S WS series motherboard!

The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it
another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!

Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the
items in your package with the list below.

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard ASUS Z7S WS
I/O modules 1 x 2-port USB module2-port USB module
1 x 1-port IEEE 1394a module1 x 1-port IEEE 1394a module
1 x COM port module
Cables Serial ATA signal cable for 6 devices
Serial ATA power cable for 6 devices
1 x Ultra DMA 100/66/33 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
Accessories I/O shield
1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, 1394, system
panel; Retail version only)
2 x CPU Fan Plate
G.P. Diagnosis Card (Retail version only)
MIO Audio Card (Retail version only)
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
Documentation User guide

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

ASUS Z7S WS 1-1

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Latest processor technology

The motherboard comes with two LGA-771 sockets that support Dual-Core and
Quad-Core Intel® Xeon™ processors with 1600/1333/1066 MHz Front Side Bus
(FSB). Dual-core processors contain two physical CPU cores to meet demands
for more powerful processing. Intel® Xeon™ processors incorporate the Intel

®

Extended Memory 64-bit Technology, enabling the support for 64-bit operation

system, such as 64-bit Windows® and Linux. See page 2-9 for details.

Intel® Seaburg and Intel® ESB2E chipset

The Intel® Seaburg Memory Controller Hub (MCH) and the Intel® ESB2E provide
the vital interfaces for the motherboard. The MCH provides two channels for
processor, quad-channel FB-DIMM memory support, and two PCI Express 2.0
interfaces. The Intel® ESB2E is a new generation server class I/O controller hub
that provides the interface for PCI 2.3, PCI Express, and PCIX.

Intel® EM64T

The motherboard supports Intel processors with the Intel® EM64T (Extended
Memory 64 Technology). The Intel® EM64T feature allows your computer to run on
64-bit operating systems and access larger amounts of system memory for faster

and more efcient computing.

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST)

The Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST) intelligently manages the
CPU resources by automatically adjusting the CPU voltage and core frequency
depending on the CPU loading and system speed or power requirement.

FB-DIMM memory support

This motherboard supports fully buffered DIMMs (FB-DIMMs), the latest memory
solution that extends memory capacity and provide high-speed, high-density
system memory peformance. FB-DIMMs use Advanced Memory Buffer (AMB)
chips that transmit signals between the memory modules and controllers with
improved signal integrity and reduced errors. See page 2-14 for details.

PCIe 2.0

This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 device for twice the current speed
and bandwidth. This enhances system performance while still providing backward
compatibility to PCIe 1.0 devices. See page 2-21 for details.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction

Dual Gigabit LAN solution

The integrated dual Gigabit LAN design allows a PC to serve as a network gateway

for managing trafc between two separate networks. This capability ensures rapid

transfer of data from WAN to LAN without any added arbitration or latency. See
page 2-27 for details.

Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology and SATA-On-The-Go

This motherboard supports the next-generation hard drives based on the Serial ATA

(SATA) 3Gb/s storage specication, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling

the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. The external SATA port
located at the back I/O provides smart setup and hot-plug functions. Easily backup
photos, videos and other entertainment contents to external devices. See pages
2-27 and 2-31 for details.

IEEE 1394a support

The IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video
appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals
& other PC portable devices. See page 2-27 for details.

G.P. Diagnosis card

Bundled with Z7S WS motherboard (retail version), the G.P. Diagnosis card assists
users in system checking by effortlessly and quickly providing precise system
checks right after they switch on their PCs. See page 2-40 for details.

ASUS SASsaby cards support

This motherboard is fully compatible with ASUS SASsaby cards (optional). Faster,
safer and more stable, SAS will provide users with a better choice for storage
expansion and upgrade needs. See page 2-22 for details.

S/PDIF digital sound ready

This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio
systems via coaxial and optical S/PDIF-out (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) jacks.
It allows to transfer digital audio without converting to analog format and keeps the
best signal quality. See page 2-28 for details.

ASUS Z7S WS 1-3

Temperature, fan, and voltage monitoring

The CPU temperature is monitored by the ASIC WINBOND C.S W83793G chip
to prevent overheating and damage. The system fan rotations per minute (RPM)
is monitored for timely failure detection. The chip monitors the voltage levels to
ensure stable supply of current for critical components. See page 4-28 for details.

1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features

CrashFree BIOS 3

This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the support CD in
case when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This protection eliminates the
need to buy a replacement ROM chip. See page 4-8 for details.

ASUS MemCool FB-DIMM Fan Kit (optional)

With this optional fan kit, the platform gets optimal performance and the best
possible FB-DIMM thermal environment. See page 2-18 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter lists the hardware setup
procedures that you have to perform
when installing system components. It
includes description of the jumpers and
connectors on the motherboard.

Chapter 2: Hardware

information

2

Chapter summary

2

2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 2-2

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-9

2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-14

2.5 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 2-20

2.6 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 2-23

2.7 Switches ...................................................................................... 2-25

2.8 Audio card installation .............................................................. 2-26

2.9 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-27

2.10 G.P. Diagnosis card installation ................................................ 2-40

ASUS Z7S WS

2.1 Before you proceed

Z7S WS

®

Z7S WS Onboard LED

SB_PWR

ON

Standby

Power

OFF

Powered

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.

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

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

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

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

Onboard LED

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

ASUS Z7S WS 2-1

Z7S WS

®

2.2 Motherboard overview

Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to
ensure that the motherboard ts into it.

To optimize the motherboard features, we highly recommend that you install it in an

SSI CEB 1.1 compliant chassis.

Make sure to unplug the chassis power cord before installing or removing
the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage
motherboard components!

2.2.1 Placement direction

When installing the motherboard, make sure 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.

2.2.2 Screw holes

Place eight (8) 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

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.3 Support kits for the motherboard

For additional protection from motherboard breakage due to the weight of the CPU
heatsinks, your motherboard package comes with CEK springs that you can use as
weight support. Install the CEK springs before installing the motherboard.

If your chassis is SSI CEB 1.1 compliant, we recommend that you use the CEK

springs; otherwise, use the support plates kit.

Each CEK spring has four hooks to match the
designated holes around the CPU area.

Hook

To install the CEK spring:

1. Locate the CPU heatsink holes on
the motherboard.

Socket for CPU1

Socket for CPU0

Heatsink hole

2. Position the CEK spring underneath
the motherboard, then match the
CEK spring hooks to the CPU0
heatsink holes.

ASUS Z7S WS 2-3

3. Press the upper spring hooks
inward, then insert to the upper
CPU heatsink holes until they snap
in place.

4. Press the lower spring clips inward,
then insert to the lower CPU
heatsink holes until they snap in
place.

5. If you installed a second CPU,
repeat steps 2 to 4 to install the
CEK spring to the CPU1 heatsink
holes.
The CEK springs appear as shown
when installed.

CEK spring screw hole

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information

6. Before installing the motherboard
into the chassis, locate the standoffs
that should match the eight (8) CEK
spring screw holes.

7. Install the motherboard with the
external I/O ports toward the chassis
rear panel. The CPU sockets should
be right on top of their respective
standoffs.

Standoffs for CPU0

Standoffs for CPU1

Socket for CPU1

Make sure that the standoffs perfectly match the CEK spring screw holes;

otherwise, you can not install the CPU heatsinks properly.

8. Secure the motherboard with eight (8) screws. Refer to section

for illustration.

holes

ASUS Z7S WS 2-5

Socket for CPU0

2.2.2 Screw

®

8Mb

FWH

FLOPPY1

COM1

Super

I/O

CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

KB_USB12

USB34

Intel

®

ESB2E

CPU0_FAN
CPU1_FAN

PSUSMB1

USB6

Z7S WS

Intel

®

Seaburg

26.7cm (10.5in)

30.5cm (12in)

PCIEX1_MIO1

PRI_IDE

CPU0

CPU1

SPS_FAN1

SB_PWR1

PCIEX16_1

TPM

FBD_FAN1

DIMM_30 (64/72 bit, 240-pin module)

DIMM_20 (64/72 bit, 240-pin module)

DIMM_11 (64/72 bit, 240-pin module)

DIMM_10 (64/72 bit, 240-pin module)

DIMM_01 (64/72 bit, 240-pin module)

DIMM_00 (64/72 bit, 240-pin module)

IE1394_1

ESATA1

ESATA2

USB5

LAN12

EATX12V

EATXPWR

PCIEX16_2

PCIEX16_3

PCI1

PCIX_1

SATA56

SATA34

SATA12

88E8056

88E8056

JMB363

VIA

VT6308S

HM_SW1

CHA_FAN1 CHA_FAN2

IE1394_2

CHA_FAN3

USB78

CHA_FAN4

AP_TRIGGER
CHASSIS
PANEL1

PCIX_SPEED1

CLRTC

ATX
12V

2.2.4 Motherboard layout

2.2.5 Audio card layout

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.6 Layout contents

Slots/Socket Page

1. CPU sockets 2-9

2. FB-DIMM sockets 2-14

3. PCI Express x1 MIO slot 2-21

4. PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (red) 2-21

5. Universal PCI Express x16 slot (white) 2-21

6. PCI/PCI-X slots 2-22

Jumpers Page

1. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC1)

2. PCI-X speed setting (3-pin PCIX_SPEED1)

Switches Page

Fan Switches

Rear panel connectors Page

1. PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 2-27

2. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2 2-27

3. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4 2-27

4. IEEE 1394a port 2-27

5. External SATA port 1 2-27

6. External SATA port 2 2-27

7. USB 2.0 port 5 2-27

8. LAN (RJ-45) ports 1 and 2 2-27

9. Line In Port (light blue) 2-28

10. Line Out port (lime) 2-28

11. Microphone port (pink) 2-28

12. Center/Subwoofer port (orange) 2-28

13. Rear Speaker Out port (black) 2-28

14. Side Speaker Out port (gray) 2-28

15. Optical S/PDIF Out port 2-28

16. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port 2-28

2-23

2-24

2-25

ASUS Z7S WS 2-7

Internal connectors Page

1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY1)

2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE1)

3. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-6)

4. USB connectors (4-pin USB6, 10-1 pin USB78)

5. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM1)

6. CPU and system fan connectors (4-pin SPS_FAN1, FBD_FAN1,
CPU0_FAN, CPU1_FAN, CHA_FAN1-4)

7. Power supply SMBus connector (5-pin PSUSMB1)

8. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)

9. SSI power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EAX12V, 4-pin
ATX12V)

10. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) [Optional] 2-36

11. System panel connector (20-1 pin PANEL) 2-37

12. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 2-38

13. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)

14. Q-Connector (system panel)

2-29

2-30

2-31

2-32

2-33

2-33

2-34

2-34

2-35

2-38

2-39

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Z7S WS CPU LGA771

CPU0

CPU1

Z7S WS

®

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA771 socket designed for the
Intel® Xeon® Quad/Dual Core processor.

• Your boxed Intel® Xeon® LGA771 processor package should come with
installation instructions for the CPU and heatsink. If the instructions in this
section do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter.

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

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

Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes

with the cap on the LGA771 socket.

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

2.3.1 Installing the CPU

To install a CPU:

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

ASUS Z7S WS 2-9

Before installing the CPU, make sure that the socket box is facing towards you
and the load lever is on your left.

2. Press the load lever with your thumb (A), then move it to the left (B) until it is
released from the retention tab.

Retention tab

A

Load lever

B

To prevent damage to the socket pins, do not remove the PnP cap unless you
are installing a CPU.

3. Lift the load lever in the direction of
the arrow to a 135º angle.

4. Lift the load plate with your

thumb and forenger to a 100º

angle (A), then push the PnP
cap from the load plate window
to remove (B).

PnP cap

This side of the socket box
should face you.

B

A

Load plate

5. Position the CPU over
the socket, making sure
that the gold triangle
is on the bottom-left
corner of the socket.
The socket alignment

key should t into the

Alignment key

CPU notch.

Gold triangle mark

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information

6. Close the load plate (A), then
push the load lever (B) until it
snaps into the retention tab.

The CPU ts in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the

socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU!

A

B

ASUS Z7S WS 2-11

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan

The Intel® Xeon™ processors require an Intel certied heatsink and fan assembly
to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.

When you buy a boxed Intel CPU, the package includes the heatsink, fan,
retention brackets, screws, thermal grease, installation manual, and other items
that are necessary for CPU installation.

• Make sure that you have applied the thermal grease to the top of the CPU
before installing the heatsink and fan.

• Refer to the installation manual that came with the CPU package for details
on heatsink/fan assembly and installation.

CPU heatsink (top view)

To install the CPU heatsink and fan:

1. Place the heatsink on top of the
installed CPU, making sure that the
four screws on the heatsink align
with the nuts on the support plate.

CPU heatsink (bottom view)

Heatsink screw

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2. Use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten

Z7S WS

®

Z7S WS CPU fan connectors

CPU0_FAN
CPU1_FAN

GND

FAN Power

FAN Speed

PWM Control

CPU0_FAN

GND

FAN Power

FAN Speed

PWM Control

CPU1_FAN

the four heatsink screws in a
diagonal sequence.

3. Connect the fan cable to the 4-pin connector labeled CPU0_FAN.

DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan cable! Hardware monitoring errors may
occur if you fail to plug this connector.

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to install the other heatsink if you have installed a second
CPU, then connect the fan cable to the 4-pin connector labeled CPU1_FAN.

ASUS Z7S WS 2-13

2.4 System memory

Z7S WS

®

Z7S WS 240-pin DDR2 FB-DIMM sockets

DIMM_

11

DIMM_10

112 Pins128 Pins

DIMM_20

DIMM_30

DIMM_01

DIMM_00

2.4.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with six fully-buffered DIMM (FB-DIMM) sockets to
support 240-pin FB-DIMM modules. An FB-DIMM module has a different pin-out
from DDR2 DIMMs so you cannot install DDR2 DIMMs on an FB-DIMM socket.
Note that an FB-DIMM socket has an Advanced Memory Buffer (AMB) chip that
allows memory-to-CPU connection at gigabit speed.

The gure illustrates the location of the FB-DIMM sockets:

2.4.2 Memory congurations

You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB, and 4 GB registered ECC
FB-DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

• For optimum compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules

from the same vendor. Refer to the Qualied Vendors List on the ASUS

web site.

• This motherboard does not support memory modules made up of 128 Mb
chips or double-rank x16 memory modules.

• If you are installing only one memory module, install into the white socket
labeled DIMM_00. Installing into any other socket will not work.

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Rank population

MCH

DIMM 01

DIMM 00

DIMM 11

DIMM 10

DIMM 20

DIMM 30

Channel

Slot 0

Ch:0

Slot 1

Slot 0

Ch:1

Slot 1

Slot 0

Slot 0

Ch:2

Ch:3

DIMM installation reference table

No. of DIMMs Slot(s) to use

1 DIMM_00

DIMM_00 + DIMM_01, or

2

DIMM_00 + DIMM_10
DIMM_00 + DIMM_10 + DIMM_20 + DIMM_30, or

4

DIMM_00 + DIMM_01 + DIMM_10 + DIMM_11

DIMM_00 + DIMM_01 + DIMM_10 + DIMM_11 +

6

DIMM_20 + DIMM_30

• DIMMs in pair means two DIMMs with the same conguration.

• For better performance, same conguration DIMMs should be installed on

the same slot number for each channel. For example, you may install the
same type of DIMMs in DIMM_00, DIMM_10, DIMM_20, and DIMM_30.

ASUS Z7S WS 2-15

2.4.3 Memory sparing technology

The Intel® Seaburg chipset supports the memory sparing technology. Refer to theurg chipset supports the memory sparing technology. Refer to the chipset supports the memory sparing technology. Refer to the
below sections:

Memory Sparing :

At conguration time, a DIMM rank is set aside to replace a defective DIMM rank.

When the error rate for a failing DIMM rank reaches a pre-determined threshold,
the memory sparing function will issue an interrupt and initiate a spare copy. At the
completion of the copy, the failing DIMM rank is disabled and the “spared” DIMM
rank will be used in its place.

• The DIMM rank with the largest size will be assigned as spare rank. Data
can only be copied from a smaller sized rank to a larger sized one.

• A DIMM can contain only one or two ranks. To support sparing function, a
DIMM channel should contain at least two ranks.

• When sparing function is enabled, the usable memory size will reduce then
size of the spare ranks.

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.4.4 Installing a DIMM

Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or
other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both
the motherboard and the components.

To install a DIMM:

1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing
the retaining clips outward.

2. Align a DIMM on the socket
such that the notch on the DIMM
matches the break on the socket.

3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the
socket until the retaining clips
snap back in place and the DIMM
is properly seated.

• A FB-DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it ts in only one direction. Do not

force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.

• The FB-DIMM sockets do not support DDR DIMMs. DO NOT install DDR
DIMMs to the FB-DIMM sockets.

2.4.5 Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM:

1. Simultaneously press the retaining
clips outward to unlock the DIMM.

Support the DIMM lightly with

your ngers when pressing the

retaining clips. The DIMM might

get damaged when it ips out

with extra force.

1

DDR2 FB-DIMM notch

2

1

3

1

2

1

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

ASUS Z7S WS 2-17

2.4.6 Installing the MemCool FB-DIMM fan (optional)

The FB-DIMMs generate heat during continued operation. To ensure optimum
thermal condition and performance, install the optional MemCool FB-DIMM fan.

To install the optional FB-DIMM fan:

1. Locate the three FB-DIMM fan holes
on the motherboard.

2. Disengage the fan top cover from
the fan base. You can do this by

rmly gripping the top cover by the

clamps to release the hooks, then
pull up the top cover carefully until it
separates from the fan base.

DO NOT remove the fan from the
fan base.

3. Position the fan base over the
DIMMs, and insert the fan base legs
into the FB-DIMM holes until the
legs are securely in place.

Top cover

clamp

Top cover
hook

Fan
base

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information

4. Position top cover over the fan
base. Insert the top cover legs into
the slot on the fan base legs.

Push down carefully until the legs

are securely in place and the top
cover hooks snap in place.

Make sure the cables pass
through the notch on the fan base
as shown.

5. Connect the fan cable to the 4-pin
connector labeled FBD_FAN1.

ASUS Z7S WS 2-19

2.5 Expansion slots

In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections
describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.

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

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card

To install an expansion card:

1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with
it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.

2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a
chassis).

3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw
for later use.

4. Align the card connector with the slot and press rmly until the card is

completely seated on the slot.

5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.

6. Replace the system cover.

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, congure the it by adjusting the software

settings.

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See
Chapter 4 for information on BIOS setup.

2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share

IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conicts will

arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card
inoperable.

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments

IRQ Priority Standard function

0 1 System timer
1 2 Keyboard controller
2 –
3 11 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
4 12 Communications port (COM1)*
5
6 14 Floppy disk controller
7 15 IRQ holder for PCI steering*

8 3 System CMOS/Real Time Clock

9 4 IRQ holder for PCI steering*

10 5 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
11 6 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
12 7 PS/2 compatible mouse port*
13 8 Numeric data processor
14 9 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
15 10 IRQ holder for PCI steering*

Re-direct to IRQ#9

13 IRQ holder for PCI steering*

* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.

2.5.4. PCI Express x1 MIO slot

This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 audio cards, network cards, SCSI

cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specications. This slot

also supports the MIO (Media Input Output) function. Install the bundled audio
card on this slot only, otherwise the audio card may not work properly. Refer to the

gure on the next page for the location of the slot.

2.5.5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (red)

This motherboard has two PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots that support PCI Express

2.0 x16 graphic cards complying with the PCI Express specications. Refer to the
gure on the next page for the location of the slots.

2.5.6 Universal PCI Express x16 slot (white)

This motherboard also supports one Universal PCI Express x16 slot with a
maximum speed of x8 link. The operating frequency of this slot change depending

on the type of PCI Express card you install. Refer to the gure on the next page for

the location of the slot.

ASUS Z7S WS 2-21

2.5.7 PCI/PCI-X slots

The PCI/PCI-X slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and

other cards that comply with PCI 2.3 and PCI-X 1.0 specications. Refer to the
gure below for the location of the slots.

Universal PCIe x16_3 slot (white, @ x8)

PCI_1 slot

PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slot (red, @ x16)

PCIX_1 slot

PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot (red, @ x16)

PCIe x1_1 MIO slot

This motherboard supports the ASUS SASsaby cards (optional) for SAS Hard
disk drive support. For SASsaby M, install the card to the two PCIe 2.0 x16 slots
(red) or the universal PCIe x16 slot (white). For SASsaby 1064E, install the card
to the universal PCIe x16 slot (white) only.

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.6 Jumpers

Z7S WS

®

Z7S WS Clear RTC RAM

CLRTC

Normal

(Default)

Clear RTC

1 2 2 3

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

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

If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the
jumper again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After the CMOS clearance,
reinstall the battery.

ASUS Z7S WS 2-23

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

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

2. PCI-X Speed setting (3-pin PCIX_SPEED1)

Z7S WS PCIX speed setting

PCIX_SPEED1

133MHz 100MHz

(Default)

1 2 2 3

Z7S WS

®

This jumper allows you to set the PCI-X slot’s maximum frequency capability.

The jumper cap on pins 1-2: 133 MHz capability for the PCI-X slot.

The jumper cap on pins 2-3: 100 MHz capability for the PCI-X slot.

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.7 Switches

Z7S WS

®

Z7S WS Fan switches

ON:4-PIN FAN
OFF:3-PIN FAN

SW1_CPU0_FAN
SW2_CPU1_FAN
SW3_CHA_FAN1
SW4_CHA_FAN2
SW5_CHA_FAN3
SW6_CHA_FAN4
SW7_SPS_FAN1
SW8_x

HM_SW1

ON

OFF

ON

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

(Default)

Fan switches (HM_SW1)

This switch allows you to set up the fan connections. Set the switch to ON if you
are using a 4-pin fan (PWM fan) cable plug, or to OFF if you are using a 3-pin (PC
fan) plug.

• If you use a 4-pin fan but set the Fan switch for a 3-pin fan, the fan you
installed may not work.

• If you use a 3-pin fan but set the Fan switch for a 4-pin fan, the fan control
will not work and the fan you installed will always run at full speed.

ASUS Z7S WS 2-25

2.8 Audio card installation

1. Take out the Audio card from the
package.

3. Align the card connector with the

slot and press rmly until the card

sits on the slot completely.

2. Locate the PCI Express x1 MIO
slot on the motherboard.

4. The photo below shows the
audio card installed on the
motherboard.

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.9 Connectors

1

2 3 875 64

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

2.9.1 Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 keyboard port (purple).

2. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2.

This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.

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

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

3. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4.

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

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

4. IEEE1394a port.

This 6-pin IEEE 1394a port provides high-speed
connectivity for audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable
devices.

5. External SATA port 1.

This port connects to an external Serial ATA hard disk

drive. To congure a RAID 0, 1, or JBOD set, install two external Serial ATA

hard disk drives to this port and to external SATA port 2.

6. External SATA port 2.

This port connect to an external Serial ATA hard disk

drive. To congure a RAID 0, 1, or JBOD set, install two external Serial ATA

hard disk drives to this port and to external SATA port 1.

7. USB 2.0 port 5.

This 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) port is available for

connecting USB 2.0 devices.

8. LAN (RJ-45) port 1 and 2.

Supported by Marvell® Gigabit LAN controller,
these ports allow Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through
a network hub. Refer to the table on the next page for the LAN port LED
indications.

ASUS Z7S WS 2-27

LAN port LED indications

Activity/Link LED Speed LED

Status Description Status Description

OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection

ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection

BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection

ACT/LINK

LED

LAN port

SPEED

LED

9. Line In port (light blue).

This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or

other audio sources.

10. Line Out port (lime).

This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In

4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel conguration, the function of this port

becomes Front Speaker Out.

11. Microphone port (pink).

12. Center/Subwoofer port (orange).

This port connects a microphone.

This port connects the center/subwoofer

speakers.

13. Rear Speaker Out port (black).

This port connects the rear speakers in a

4-channel, 6-channel, or 8-channel audio conguration.

14. Side Speaker Out port (gray).

This port connects the side speakers in an

8-channel audio conguration.

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

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

Port

Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In

Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In

Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer

Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Ou Rear Speaker Out

Gray – – – Side Speaker Out

Headset
2-channel

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

15. Optical S/PDIF Out port.

This port connects an external audio output device

via an optical S/PDIF cable.

16. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port.

This port connects an external audio output device

via a coaxial S/PDIF cable.

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.9.2 Internal connectors

Z7S WS

®

NOTE: Orient the red markings on
the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PIN 1

FLOPPY

Z7S WS Floppy disk drive connector

1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY1)

This connector is for the provided oppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert

one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the

signal connector at the back of the oppy disk drive.

Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when
using a FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.

ASUS Z7S WS 2-29

Z7S WS

®

Z7S WS IDE connector

PRI_IDE

NOTE: Orient the red markings
(usually zigzag) on the IDE
ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PIN 1

2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)

The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 100/66/33 signal cable.
There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 100/66/33 signal cable:

blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE
connector, then select one of the following modes to congure your device.

Drive jumper setting

Mode of
device(s)

Single device Cable-Select or Master - Black

Master

Slave Gray

Two devices

Cable-Select

Master Master

Slave Slave

• Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the
Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you
connect the IDE cable.

• Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 100/66/33 IDE devices.

If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device
jumpers have the same setting.

Cable connector

Black

Black or gray

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information

3. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-6)

Z7S WS SATA connectors

SATA2 SATA1

GND

RSATA_TXP2

RSATA_TXN2

GND

RSATA_RXP2

RSATA_RXN2

GND

GND

RSATA_TXP1

RSATA_TXN1

GND

RSATA_RXP1

RSATA_RXN1

GND

SATA3 SATA4

GND

RSATA_TXP3

RSATA_TXN3

GND

RSATA_RXP3

RSATA_RXN3

GND

GND

RSATA_TXP4

RSATA_TXN4

GND

RSATA_RXP4

RSATA_RXN4

GND

SATA6 SATA5

GND

RSATA_TXP6

RSATA_TXN6

GND

RSATA_RXP6

RSATA_RXN6

GND

GND

RSATA_TXP5

RSATA_TXN5

GND

RSATA_RXP5

RSATA_RXN5

GND

Z7S WS

®

These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk
drives.

Serial ATA hard disk drive connection

Connector Color Setting Use

SATA 1 Red Primary Master Boot disk
SATA 2 Red Secondary Master Boot/Data disk
SATA 3 Red Primary Slave Data disk
SATA 4 Red Secondary Slave Data disk

ASUS Z7S WS 2-31

• SATA 5-6 connectors support AHCI mode and RAID mode only. Make sure
to install the AHCI driver or RAID driver in the bundled support DVD before
connecting devices to SATA 5-6 connectors. Otherwise, the devices will not
work.

• When using the connectors in Standard IDE mode, connect the primary
(boot) hard disk drive to the SATA1 connector. Refer to the table below for
the recommended SATA hard disk drive connections.

• These connectors are set to Standard IDE mode by default. In Standard
IDE mode, you can connect Serial ATA boot/data hard drives to these
connectors. If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these
connectors, set the
section

4.3.6 Storage Conguration

Congure SATA as

• Before creating a RAID set, refer to

item in the BIOS to [RAID]. See

for details.

5.4.3 Intel RAID congurations

or the

manual bundled in the motherboard support DVD.

right angle side

Connect the right-angle side
of SATA signal cable to SATA
device. Or you may connect the
right-angle side of SATA cable to
the onboard SATA port to avoid

mechanical conict with huge

graphics cards.

4. USB connectors (4-pin USB6, 10-1 pin USB78)

USB+5V

USB_P8-

USB_P8+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P7-

USB_P7+

GND

Z7S WS USB connectors

USB78

USB6

Z7S WS

®

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

system chassis. This USB connector complies with USB 2.0 specication that

supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.

The USB port module is purchased separately.

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

You can connect the USB cable to ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) rst, and

then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard.

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Z7S WS

®

Z7S WS Fan connectors

CPU0_FAN
CPU1_FAN

SPS_FAN1
FBD_FAN1

CHA_FAN1
CHA_FAN2
CHA_FAN3
CHA_FAN4

GND

FAN Power

FAN Speed

PWM Control

CHA_FAN1

GND

FAN Power

FAN Speed

PWM Control

CHA_FAN2

GND

FAN Power

FAN Speed

PWM Control

CHA_FAN3

GND

FAN Power

FAN Speed

PWM Control

CHA_FAN4

GND
FAN Power
FAN Speed
PWM Control

SPS_FAN1

GND
+12V
FAN Speed
+5V

FBD_FAN1

GND

FAN Power

FAN Speed

PWM Control

CPU0_FAN

GND

FAN Power

FAN Speed

PWM Control

CPU1_FAN

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

Z7S WS

®

Z7S WS Serial port connectors

PIN1

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 serial port module is purchased separately.

6. CPU and system fan connectors (4-pin SPS_FAN1, FBD_FAN1,
CPU0_FAN, CPU1_FAN, CHA_FAN1-4)

The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA ~ 740 mA (8.88 W max.)
or a total of 3.15 A ~ 6.66 A (53.28 W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables
to the fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure 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!

ASUS Z7S WS 2-33

7. Power supply SMBus connector (5-pin PSUSMB1)

Z7S WS Power supply SMBus connector

PSUSMB1

+3.3V

GND

NC
SMBDAT
SMBCLK

Z7S WS

®

PIN 1

Z7S WS

®

Z7S WS Chassis intrusion connector

CHASSIS

+5VSB_MB

Chassis Signal

GND

(Default)

This connector is for the power supply SMB cable, if your power supply
supports the SMBus function.

8. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)

This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch.
Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this
connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to
this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced. The signal
is then generated as a chassis intrusion event.

By default, the pin labeled “Chassis Signal” and “Ground” are shorted with
a jumper cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the
chassis intrusion detection feature.

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information

9. SSI power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V, 4-pin ATX12V)

Z7S WS

®

Z7S WS ATX power connectors

8-PIN

GND

+12V1

GND

+12V1

GND

+12V4

GND

+12V4

24-PIN Power Connector

EATXPWR

EATX12V

+3 Volts

+3 Volts

Ground

+5 Volts

+5 Volts

Ground

Ground

Power OK

+5V Standby

-5 Volts

+5 Volts

+3 Volts

-12V3

Ground

Ground

Ground

PSON#

Ground

+5 Volts

+12V3

+12V3

+3 Volts

+5 Volts

Ground

ATX12V

+12V2

GND

+12V2

GND

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

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

• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply
unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specication 2.0 (or later version)

and provides a minimum power of 600 W.

• Do not forget to connect the 8-pin EATX12V power plug; otherwise, the

system will not boot.

• If you install only one CPU on the CPU0 socket, you can connect only the
EATXPWR and EATX12V power connectors to boot the system.

• Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when conguring

a system with more power-consuming devices. The system may become
unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

• If you want to use two high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with
600W power or above to ensure the system stability.

• If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your
system, refer to the
at http://support.asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.
aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.

Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator

ASUS Z7S WS 2-35

10. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) [Optional]

Z7S WS SGPIO connector TPM

Z7S WS

®

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

securely store keys, digital certicates, passwords, and data. A TPM system

also helps enhance network security, protects digital identities, and ensures
platform integrity.

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware information

11. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL)

Z7S WS

®

Z7S WS System panel connector

*

Requires an ATX power supply.

PANEL

PLED-

PWR

+5V

Speaker

Ground

RESET

Ground

Reset

Ground

Ground

PWRSW

PLED+

IDE_LED-

IDE_LED+

IDE_LED

PLED SPEAKER

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

The system panel connector is color-coded for easy connection.

• System power LED (Green 3-pin PLED)

This 3-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.

• System warning speaker (Orange 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.

• Hard disk drive activity LED (Red 2-pin IDE_LED)

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

LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or ashes when data is

read from or written to the HDD.

• ATX power button/soft-off button (Green 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 (Blue 2-pin RESET)

This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system
reboot without turning off the system power.

ASUS Z7S WS 2-37

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

Z7S WS Analog front panel connector

AAFP

HD-audio-compliant

pin definition

Legacy AC’97

compliant definition

PORT1 L

PORT1 R

PORT2 R

SENSE_SEND

PORT1 L

GND

PRESENCE#

SENSE1_RETUR

SENSE2_RETUR

MIC2

MICPWR

Line out_R

NC

Line out_L

AGNDNCNC

NC

HD-audio-compliant

pin definition

Legacy AC’97

compliant definition

PORT1 L

PORT1 R

PORT2 R

SENSE_SEND

PORT1 L

GND

PRESENCE#

SENSE1_RETUR

SENSE2_RETUR

AGNDNCNC

NC

Z7S WS Internal audio connector

CD

Right Audio Channel

GND

GND

Left Audio Channel

This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that
supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end
of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.

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

capability.

• By default, this connector is set to [AC97]. If you want to connect an HD
front panel audio module to this connector, set the

item in the BIOS setup to [Azalia]. See section

Type

Devices Conguration

for details.

Front Panel Support

4.4.4 Onboard

13. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)

These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources
such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware information

14. Q-Connector (system panel)

You can use ASUS Q-Connector to connect / disconnect chassis front panel

cables by only a few steps. Directions below shows how to install ASUS Q­Connector.

Step1.

Connect correct front panel to ASUS Q-

Connector rst. You can refer to the marking

on Q-Connector itself to know the detail pin

denition.

Step2.

Properly install the ASUS Q-Connector to the

System panel connctor.

Step3.

Front panel functions are enabled.

ASUS Z7S WS 2-39

2.10 G.P. Diagnosis card installation

2.10.1 G.P. Diagnosis card layout

LED 0 and 1

Power Switch. Press

to turn ON or OFF the

2.10.2 Installing G.P. Diagnosis card

1. Locate the TPM connector (20-1
pin TPM) on the motherboard (Refer

to page 2-36 for exact connector
location).

computer.

Reset Button.

Press to restart the

computer.

Card connector

Make sure to turn off the power supply unit before instaling the diagnosis card to

avoid electrical shock hazard.

2. With the LEDs of the diagnosis
card facing to the DIMM sockets,
align the card connector with the

TPM connector and press rmly

until the card sits on the connector
completely.

2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware information

3. You may also install the G.P.
Diagnosis card via a bundled 90­degree TPM adaptor for a more

exible application.

2.10.3 G.P. Diagnosis card check codes

Initiate chip

D0

Enable IO device for bootlock

D1

Check and wake up system

D2

Prepare system for memory detection

D3

and sizing

Memory test

D4

Copy BIOS from ROM to RAM

D5

Early CPU initiation

C0

Wake up AP

C5

Initiate KBC8042

0A

Detect PS2 mouse

0B

Detect PS2 keyboard

0C

USB initiation

38

Display USB devices

52

Initiate VGA BIOS

2A

Detect IDE

75

Initiate option ROM

78

Show post error

85

Enter BIOS setup

87

BIOS boot menu

A4

OS in PIC mode

AC

OS in APIC mode

AA

S1

01

S3

03

S4

04

S5

05

Resume from S1

10

Resume from S3

30

Resume from S4

40

Leave BIOS and pass control to OS

00

ASUS Z7S WS 2-41

2-42 Chapter 2: Hardware information

This chapter describes the power up
sequence, and ways of shutting down the
system.

Chapter 3:

Powering up

3

Chapter summary

3

3.1 Starting up for the rst time ........................................................ 3-1

3.2 Turning off the computer ............................................................. 3-2

ASUS Z7S WS

3.1 Starting up for the rst time

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

2. Be sure that all switches are off.

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

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

5. Turn on the devices in the following order:

a. Monitor

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

c. System power

6. After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case
lights up. For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up
when you press the ATX power button. If your monitor complies with “green”
standards or if it has a “power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up
or switch between orange and green after the system LED turns on.

The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are

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

AMI BIOS beep codes

BIOS Beep Description

One short beep VGA detected

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

One continuous beep followed by three
short beeps

One continuous beep followed by four
short beeps

Quick boot set to disabled
No keyboard detected

No memory detected

No VGA detected

Hardware component failure

7. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the
instructions in Chapter 4.

ASUS Z7S WS 3-1

3.2 Turning off the computer

3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function

If you are using Windows® XP:

1. Click the

2. Click the

3. The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down.

If you are using Windows® Vista:

1. Click the Start button then select ShutDown.

2. The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down.

button then select

Start

Turn Off

button to shut down the computer.

Turn Off

Computer.

3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch

While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts
the system to sleep mode or to soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting.
Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the
soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting. Refer to section
Chapter 4 for details.

4.6 Power Menu

in

3-2 Chapter 3: Powering up

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

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4

Chapter summary

4

4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1

4.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-9

4.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 4-12

4.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-17

4.5 Server menu ............................................................................... 4-25

4.6 Security menu ............................................................................ 4-29

4.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-33

4.8 Exit menu .................................................................................... 4-35

ASUS Z7S WS

4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic
Input/Output System (BIOS) setup.

1. ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.)

2. ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using a oppy disk or USB ash disk.)

3. ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS using a bootable oppy disk.)

4. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 (Updates the BIOS using a bootable oppy disk,

USB ash disk or the motherboard support DVD when the BIOS le fails or

gets corrupted.)

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk or
USB ash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the

original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities.

4.1.1 ASUS Update utility

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

• Save the current BIOS le

• Download the latest BIOS le from the Internet

• Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS le

• Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and

• View the BIOS version information.

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

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

Installing ASUS Update

To install ASUS Update:

1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears.

2. Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX.

3. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.

ASUS Z7S WS 4-1

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

Updating the BIOS through the Internet

To update the BIOS through the Internet:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start

> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update
main window appears.

2. Select Update BIOS from the

Internet option from the drop-down
menu, then click Next.

4-2 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest

you to avoid network trafc, or

click Auto Select. Click Next.

4. From the FTP site, select the BIOS
version that you wish to download.
Click Next.

5. Follow the screen instructions to
complete the update process.

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

Updating the BIOS through a BIOS le

To update the BIOS through a BIOS le:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start
> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update

main window appears.

2. Select Update BIOS from a le

option from the drop-down menu,
then click Next.

3. Locate the BIOS le from the Open window, then click Open.

4. Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process.

ASUS Z7S WS 4-3

Z7S WS.ROM

Z7S WS

4.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk

1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable oppy disk.

DOS environment

a. Insert a 1.44MB oppy disk into the drive.

b. At the DOS prompt, type

Windows® XP environment

a. Insert a 1.44 MB oppy disk to the oppy disk drive.

b. Click Start from the Windows® desktop, then select My Computer.

c. Select the 3 1/2 Floppy Drive icon.

d. Click File from the menu, then select Format. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy

Disk window appears.

e. Select Create an MS-DOS startup disk from the format options eld,

then click Start.

Windows® Vista environment

a. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB oppy disk to the oppy disk

drive.

b. Click from the Windows® desktop, then select Computer.

c. Right-click Floppy Disk Drive then click Format to display the Format 3

1/2 Floppy dialog box .

d. Select the Create an MS-DOS startup disk check box.
e. Click

2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS le to the bootable oppy

disk.

Start

.

format

A:/S then press <Enter>.

4-4 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility

The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go

through the long process of booting from a oppy disk and using a DOS-based

utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing
<Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self Tests (POST).

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:

1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for

the motherboard.

2. Save the BIOS le to a oppy disk or a USB ash disk, then restart the

system.

3. You can launch the EZ Flash 2 by two methods.

(1) Insert the oppy disk / USB ash disk that contains the BIOS le to the

oppy disk drive or the USB port.

Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.06

FLASH TYPE: WINBOND W39V080FA F

Current ROM

BOARD: Z7S WS
VER: 0110
DATE: 12/25/07

PATH: A:\

A:

C:

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [B] Backup [ESC] Exit

[Tab] Switch [Up/Down/Home/End] Move

(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2

and press <Enter> to enable it.

You can switch between drives by pressing <Tab> before the correct le

is found. Then press <Enter>.

4. When the correct BIOS le is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update

process and automatically reboots the system when done.

• This function can support devices such as a USB ash disk or a oppy disk

with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only.

• Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent
system boot failure!

ASUS Z7S WS 4-5

4.1.4 AFUDOS utility

The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS le in DOS environment using
a bootable oppy disk with the updated BIOS le. This utility also allows you to
copy the current BIOS le that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets

corrupted during the updating process.

Copying the current BIOS

To copy the current BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:

• Make sure that the oppy disk is not write-protected and has at least
1024KB free space to save the le.

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

1. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to

the bootable oppy disk you created earlier.

2. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:

afudos /o[lename]

where the [lename] is any user-assigned lename not more than eight
alphanumeric characters for the main lename and three alphanumeric

characters for the extension name.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

Main lename Extension name

3. Press <Enter>. The utility copies the current BIOS le to the oppy disk.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reading ash ..... done

Write to le...... ok

A:\>

The utility returns to the DOS prompt after copying the current BIOS le.

Updating the BIOS le

To update the BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:

1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS le for
the motherboard. Save the BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk.

4-6 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

Write the BIOS lename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS
lename at the DOS prompt.

2. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to

the bootable oppy disk you created earlier.

3. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:

afudos /i[lename]

where [lename] is the latest or the original BIOS le on the bootable oppy

disk.

A:\>afudos /Z7SWS.ROM

4. The utility veries the le and starts updating the BIOS.

A:\>afudos /iZ7SWS.ROM

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

WARNING!! Do not turn off power during ash BIOS

Reading le ....... done

Reading ash ...... done

Advance Check ......

Erasing ash ...... done

Writing ash ...... 0x0008CC00 (9%)

Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent
system boot failure!

5. The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is
completed. Reboot the system from the hard disk drive.

A:\>afudos /iZ7SWS.ROM

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

WARNING!! Do not turn off power during ash BIOS

Reading le ....... done

Reading ash ...... done

Advance Check ......

Erasing ash ...... done

Writing ash ...... done

Verifying ash .... done

Please restart your computer

A:\>

ASUS Z7S WS 4-7

4.1.5 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
update a corrupted BIOS le using the motherboard support DVD or the USB ash
disk that contains the updated BIOS le.

Prepare the motherboard support DVD, the oppy disk or the USB ash disk

containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.

Recovering the BIOS from the support DVD

To recover the BIOS from the support DVD:

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive.

3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the DVD

for the BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...

Checking for oppy...

When found, the utility reads the BIOS le and starts ashing the corrupted

BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...

Checking for oppy...

Floppy found!

Reading le “Z7SWS.ROM”. Completed.
Start ashing...

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

Recovering the BIOS from the USB ash disk

To recover the BIOS from the USB ash disk:

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

2. Turn on the system.

3. The utility will automatically checks the devices for the BIOS le. When found,
the utility reads the BIOS le and starts ashing the corrupted BIOS le.

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

• Only the USB ash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition can
support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. The device size should be smaller than

8GB.

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

4-8 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.2 BIOS setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable Low-Pin Count (LPC) chip that you
can update using the provided utility described in section

updating your BIOS

.

Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconguring
your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to congure

your system using this utility.

Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the

conguration of your computer in the future. For example, you can enable the

security password feature or change the power management settings. This

requires you to recongure your system using the BIOS Setup program so that the
computer can recognize these changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the

LPC chip.

The LPC chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up the
computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press

<Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility; otherwise,

POST continues with its test routines.

If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing
<Ctrl+Alt+Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You can
also restart by turning the system off and then back on. Do this last option only if

the rst two failed.

The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a
menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various sub-menus and make
your selections from the available options using the navigation keys.

4.1 Managing and

• The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions
to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after
changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to ensure system
compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the
Exit Menu. See section

• 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 (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for

this motherboard.

ASUS Z7S WS 4-9

4.8 Exit Menu

.

4.2.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu bar Conguration eldsMenu items

General help

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [17:41:19]
System Date [Mon 01/14/2008]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Language [English]

Primary IDE Master : [Not Detected]
Primary IDE Slave : [Not Detected]
Secondary IDE Master : [Not Detected]
Secondary IDE Slave : [Not Detected]
Third IDE Master : [Not Detected]
Third IDE Slave : [Not Detected]
Storage Conguration

System Information

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Use [ENTER]. [TAB],
or [SHIFT-TAB] to

select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure system time.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Navigation keysSub-menu items

4.2.2 Menu bar

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

Main For changing the basic system conguration

Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

Power For changing the advanced power management (APM)

conguration

Boot For changing the system boot conguration

Tools For conguring options for special functions

Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default

settings
To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard
until the desired item is highlighted.

4.2.3 Navigation keys

At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that
particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change
the settings.

Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another.

4-10 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.2.4 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 (Advanced, Power,
Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar
have their respective menu items.

System Time [06:22:54]
System Date [Wed 01/09/2008]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Language [English]

Primary IDE Master [Not Detected]
Primary IDE Slave [Not Detected]
Secondary IDE Master [Not Detected]
Secondary IDE Slave [Not Detected]
Third IDE Master [Not Detected]
Third IDE Slave [Not Detected]
Storage Conguration

System Information

Main menu items

Use [ENTER], [TAB],
or [SHIFT-TAB] to

select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure system.

4.2.5 Sub-menu items

A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the iteam has a
sub-menu. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press <Enter>.

4.2.6 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 enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To
change the value of a eld, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options.

Refer to “4.2.7 Pop-up window.”

4.2.7 Pop-up window

Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the

conguration options for that item.

4.2.8 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.

4.2.9 General help

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

ASUS Z7S WS 4-11

Pop-up window

Scroll bar

4.3 Main menu

When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving
you an overview of the basic system information.

Refer to section 4.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen
items and how to navigate through them.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [17:41:19]
System Date [Mon 01/14/2008]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Language [English]

Primary IDE Master : [Not Detected]
Primary IDE Slave : [Not Detected]
Secondary IDE Master : [Not Detected]
Secondary IDE Slave : [Not Detected]
Third IDE Master : [Not Detected]
Third IDE Slave : [Not Detected]
Storage Conguration

System Information

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2004, American Megatrends, Inc.

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Use [ENTER]. [TAB],
or [SHIFT-TAB] to

select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure system

time.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

4.3.1 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]

Allows you to set the system date.

4.3.2 System Time [xx:xx:xx]

Allows you to set the system time.

4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

Sets the type of oppy drive installed.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

4.3.4 Language [English]

Allows you to choose the BIOS language version from the options.

Conguration options: [Japanese] [Français] [German] [English]

4-12 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.3.5 Primary / Secondary / Third IDE Master / Slave

The BIOS automatically detects the connected IDE devices. There is a separate
sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item, then press <Enter> to display
the IDE device information.

Main

Primary IDE Master

Device : Not Detected

Type [Auto]
LBA/Large Mode [Auto]
Block(Multi-Sector Transfer)M [Auto]
PIO Mode [Auto]
DMA Mode [Auto]
SMART Monitoring [Auto]
32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select the type of
device connected to
the system.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device,

Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and
SMART monitoring). These values are not user-congurable. These items show

N/A if no IDE device is installed in the system.

Type [Auto]

Selects the type of IDE drive. Setting to [Auto] allows automatic selection of the

appropriate IDE device type. Select [CDROM] if you are specically conguring a

CD-ROM drive. Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device is
either a ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive.

Conguration options: [Not Installed] [Auto] [CDROM] [ARMD]

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]

Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the
device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA
mode disabled.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Block (Multi-sector Transfer) [Auto]

Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to [Auto], the data
transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device
supports multi-sector transfer feature. When set to [Disabled], the data transfer
from and to the device occurs one sector at a time.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

ASUS Z7S WS 4-13

PIO Mode [Auto]

Selects the PIO mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]

DMA Mode [Auto]

Selects the DMA mode.
Conguration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0]
[MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2] [UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5]
[UDMA6]

SMART Monitoring [Auto]

Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.

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

32Bit Data Transfer [Disabled]

Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4.3.6 Storage Conguration

The items in this menu allow you to set or change the congurations for the IDE

devices installed in the system. Select an item then press <Enter> if you wish to

congure the item.

IDE Conguration

ATA/IDE Conguration [Enhanced]
Congure SATA as [IDE]

Options

Disable
Compatible
Enabled

ATA/IDE Conguration [Enhanced]

Allows you to select the IDE Conguration.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Compatible] [Enhanced]

Legacy IDE Channels [SATA Pri, PATA Sec]

This sub-item appears only when you set the

ATA/IDE Conguration

[Compatible] and allows you to set the legacy IDE channels mode.

Conguration options: [SATA Only] [PATA Pri, SATA Sec] [SATA Pri, PATA

Sec] [PATA Only]

• When set to [PATA Pri, SATA Sec], SATA port 1 and 3 will be disabled, and
SATA port 2 and 4 will be enabled as Secondary Master and Secondary
Slave respectively.

• When set to [SATA Pri, PATA Sec,] SATA port 2 and 4 will be disabled, and
SATA port 1 and 3 will be enabled as Secondary Master and Secondary
Slave respectively.

4-14 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

item to

Configure SATA as [IDE]

This sub-item appears only when you set the

ATA/IDE Conguration

item to

[Enhanced] and allows you to set the SATA conguration.
Conguration options: [IDE] [RAID] [AHCI]

• If you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical
storage devices, keep the default setting [IDE].

• When set to [IDE] mode, SATA port 1 will serve as Primary Master, SATA
port 3 will serve as Primary Slave, SATA port 2 will serve as Secondary
Master, and SATA port 4 will serve as Secondary Slave. SATA port 5 and 6
will be disabled.

• If you want the Serial ATA hard disk drives to use the Advanced Host
Controller Interface (AHCI), set this item to [AHCI]. 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.

• If you want to create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, or the
Intel® Matrix Storage Technology conguration from the Serial ATA hard disk
drives, set this item to [RAID].

AHCI Conguration

This menu is the section for AHCI conguration. It appears only when you set the
item ATA/IDE Conguration from the sub-menu of IDE Conguration to [AHCI].

AHCI Settings

AHCI Port1 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port2 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port3 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port4 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port5 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port6 [Not Detected]

While entering
setup, BIOS auto
detects the
presence of
IDE devices. This
desplays the
status of auto
detection of IDE
devices.

AHCI Port1~6 [XXXX]

Displays the status of auto-detection of SATA devices.

AHCI Port0

Device :Not Detected

SATA Port0 [Auto]

SATA Port0 [Auto]

Allows you to select the type of device connected to the system.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Not Installed]

ASUS Z7S WS 4-15

Select the type
of devices connected
to the system.

4.3.7 System Information

This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS

automatically detects the items in this menu.

Main

AMIBIOS

Version: 0113
Build Date: 01/18/08

Processor

Usable Size: 512MB

Processor Information

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

AMI BIOS

Displays the auto-detected BIOS information.

System Memory

Displays the auto-detected total system memory.

Processor Information

Displays the auto-detected CPU specication.

Processor Information

CPU0:

Brand Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU 5150 @ 2.66GHz
Speed 2.66GHz
Ratio Actual 8 Max 8
Cache L1/64KB L2/4096KB
ID/uCode 06FBh/0B7h

CPU1:

Brand N/A
Speed N/A
Ratio N/A
Cache N/A
ID/uCode N/A

Select Screen

Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

4-16 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.4 Advanced menu

The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other
system devices.

Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect

eld values can cause the system to malfunction.

The conguration options for the Advanced menu items vary depending on the

CPU and DIMMs you install on the motherboard.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Jumpless Conguration
AI NET 2

CPU Conguration
Onboard Devices Conguration

PCIPnP

USB Conguration

Trusted Computing

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Congure CPU.

Select Screen

Select Item
Enter Go to Sub
Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

4.4.1 Jumpless Conguration

This menu allows you to select the advanced voltage settings.

Advanced

Fixed +1.25v Adjustment [+1.25v]
+1.8v Dual Adjustment [+1.80v]
SB +1.5v Adjustment [+1.50v]

Fixed +1.25v Adjustment [+1.25v]

Allows you to set the North Bridge voltage.

Conguration options: [+1.40v] [+1.35v] [+1.30v] [+1.25v]

+1.8v Dual Adjustment [+1.80v]

Allows you to set the DRAM voltage.

Conguration options: [+1.90v] [+1.86v] [+1.83v] [+1.80v]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Press enter to set

SB +1.5v Adjustment [+1.50v]

Allows you to set the the South Bridge voltage.

Conguration options: [+1.50v] [+1.55v] [+1.60v] [+1.65v]

ASUS Z7S WS 4-17

4.4.2 Ai Net 2

This menu displays the status of the Local Area Network (LAN) cables connected
to the LAN (RJ-45) ports.

Advanced

AI NET 2
Pair Status Length

1-2 N/A Marvell Controller 0
3-6 N/A
4-5 N/A
7-8 N/A

1-2 N/A Marvell Controller 1
3-6 N/A
4-5 N/A
7-8 N/A

Marvell POST Check LAN cable [Disabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Marvell Check LAN
cable during POST.

Select Screen

Select Item

Change Option

+-

F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Marvell POST Check LAN cable [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable LAN cable check during POST. When enabled, the
menu reports the cable faults or shorts, and displays the point (length) where the

faults or shorts are detected. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4.4.3 CPU Conguration

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

Advanced

Congure advanced CPU settings

Module Version: 3F.07

Ratio Actual Value: 8

Ratio CMOS Setting [8]
C1E Support [Enabled]
Hardware Prefetcher [Enabled]
Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled]
Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled]
Intel(R)Virtualization Tech [Enabled]
CPU TM funnction [Enabled]
Execute-Disable Bit Capability [Enabled]
Core Multi-Processing [Enabled]
PECI [Enabled]
Intel(R)SpeedStep(tm) tech. [Enabled]

Clock Generator

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

Ratio CMOS Setting [8]

This item allows you to set the ratio between CPU Core Clock and FSB Frequency.
The value is 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.
If an invalid ratio is set in CMOS, then actual and setpoint values may differ.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

This should be enabled
in order to enable or
disable the "Enhanced
Halt State".

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

4-18 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

C1E Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Enhanced Halt State support.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Hardware Prefetcher [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Hardware Prefetcher Function.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Adjacent Cache Line Prefectch [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch Function.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled]

Setting this item to [Enabled] allows legacy operating systems to boot even without
support for CPUs with extended CPUID functions.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Intel(R) Virtualization Technology [Enabled]

The Intel® Virtualization Technology allows a hardware platform to run multiple
operating systems separately and simultaneously, enabling one system to virtually
function as several systems.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

CPU TM function [Enabled]

This function enables the overheated CPU to throttle the clock speed to cool down.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Execute-Disable Bit Capability [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.

Setting this item to [Disabled] forces the XD feature ag to always return to zero (0).
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Core Multi-Processing [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable one execution core of the CPU.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

PECI [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Platform Environment control Interface (PECI)

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

Intel (R) SpeedStep (tm) tech. [Enabled]

When set to [Disabled], the CPU runs at its default speed. When set to [Enabled],
the CPU speed is controlled by the operating system.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS Z7S WS 4-19

Clock Generator

This menu allows you to select the Clock Generator mode.

Advanced

Clock Generator

Clock Mode Select [Auto]

Clock Mode Select [Auto]

This item allows you to select the Clock Generator mode.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]

The following two sub-items appear only when you set the Clock Mode Select
item to [Manual].

CPU Frequency Setting [333]

Displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCi bus.
The value of this item is auto-detected by the BIOS. Use the <+> and <-> keys to
adjust the CPU frequency. You can also type the desire CPU frequency using the
numeric keypad. The values range from 333 to 500.

Spread Spectrum [+/-0.3%]

Allows BIOS to set clock spread spectrum for EMI control.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [+/-0.1%] [+/-0.2%] [+/-0.3%] [+/-0.4%] [+/-0.5%]
[+/-0.6%] [+/-0.7%] [+/-0.8%] [+/-0.9%] [+/-1.0%]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Allows BIOS to Select
ClockGenerator Mode
in Linear or Table.

4.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration

The Onboard Devices Conguration menu allows you to change the onboard

devices settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Advanced

Onboard Devices Conguration

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

J-Micron eSATA/PATA Controller [Enabled]
Controller Mode [IDE]

Front Panel Support Type [AC97]
Onboard 1394 [Enabled]
Onboard LAN [Enabled]
Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
PCI Express x1 [Auto]
Primary Display Adapter [PCI-E]
PCIe Link Speed [Auto]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Allows BIOS to Select
Serial Port1 Base
Addresses.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

4-20 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]

J-Micro eSATA/PATA Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the J-Micro eSATA/PATA controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Controller Mode [IDE]

This sub-item appears only when you set the

Controller

PATA controller mode.

Conguration options: [RAID] [IDE] [AHCI]

item to [Enabled] and allows you to select the J-Micro eSATA/

J-Micro eSATA/PATA

Front Panel Support Type [AC97]

This item 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.

Conguration options: [AC97] [Azalia]

Onboard 1394 [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the onboard IEEE 1394 controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Onboard LAN [Enabled]

Allows you to hide or active the onboard LAN.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

Allows you to congure the onboard LAN Boot ROM.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

PCI Express x1 [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable the onboard PCI Express x1 slot.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]

Primary Display Adapter [PCI-E]

Allows you to select the graphics controller as the primary boot device.

Conguration options: [PCI-E] [PCI]

PCIe Link Speed [Auto]

Allows you to select the PCI Express link speed.

Conguration option: [Auto] [PCIe Gen1]

ASUS Z7S WS 4-21

4.4.5 PCIPnP

The PCIPnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP
devices. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either

PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for legacy ISA

devices.

Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect

eld values can cause the system to malfunction.

Advanced

Advanced PCI/PnP Settings

WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections may
cause system to malfunction.

Plug And Play O/S [No]
PCI Latency Timer [64]
Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA [Yes]
Palette Snooping [Disabled]

IRQ-3 [PCI Device]
IRQ-4 [PCI Device]
IRQ-5 [PCI Device]
IRQ-7 [PCI Device]
IRQ-9 [PCI Device]
IRQ-10 [PCI Device]
IRQ-11 [PCI Device]
IRQ-14 [PCI Device]
IRQ-15 [PCI Device]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

Plug And Play O/S [No]

When set to [No], BIOS congures all the devices in the system. When set to

[Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system

congures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot. Conguration options:

[No] [Yes]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

NO: Lets the BIOS

congure all the

devices in the system.
YES: Lets the
operating system
congure Plug and
Play (PnP) devices not
required for boot if
your system has a Plug
and Play operating
system.

PCI Latency Timer [64]

Allows you to select the value in units of PCI clocks for the PCI device latency

timer register. Conguration options: [32] [64] [96] [128] [160] [192] [224] [248]

Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA [Yes]

When set to [Yes], BIOS assigns an IRQ to PCI VGA card if the card requests for
an IRQ. When set to [No], BIOS does not assign an IRQ to the PCI VGA card even

if requested. Conguration options: [No] [Yes]

Palette Snooping [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], the pallete snooping feature informs the PCI devices that
an ISA graphics device is installed in the system so that the latter can function

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

IRQ-xx [PCI Device]

When set to [PCI Device], the specic IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices.

When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices.

Conguration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved]

4-22 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.4.6 USB Conguration

The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an

item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

Advanced

USB Conguration

USB Devices Enabled:

1 Mouse

USB Functions [8 USB Ports]
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]
USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]
BIOS EHCI Hand-Off [Enabled]
Legacy USB Support [Enabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

USB Functions [8 USB Ports]

Allows you to enable a specic number of USB ports or disable the USB function.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [2 USB Ports] [4 USB Ports] [6 USB Ports] [8

USB Ports]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options

Disabled
2 USB Ports
4 USB Ports
6 USB Ports
8 USB Ports

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

The

USB 2.0 Controller

item appear only when you set the

Support

item,

USB 2.0 Controller Mode

USB Functions

item and

Legacy USB

item to [2 USB

Ports], [4 USB Ports], [6 USB Ports], or [8 USB Ports].

USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

USB2.0 Controller mode [HiSpeed]

Appears only when you set the

USB 2.0 Controller

you to select the USB2.0 controller mode.

Conguration options: [HiSpeed] [FullSpeed]

item to [Enabled] and allows

BIOS EHCI Hand-Off [Enabled]

Allows yout to enable or disable the BIOS EHCI Hand-Off support function.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Legacy USB Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable support for legacy USB. The [Auto] option disables
legacy support if there is no USB device connected.

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

ASUS Z7S WS 4-23

4.4.7 Trusted Computing

Advanced

Trusted Computing

TCG/TPM SUPPORT [No]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

TCG/TPM SUPPORT [No]

Allows you to set the TCG/TPM SUPPORT.

Conguration options: [No] [Yes]

Enable/Disable TPM
TCG (TPM 1.1/1.2) supp
in BIOS

Select Screen

Select Item

+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

4-24 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.5 Power menu

The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power

Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration

options.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Suspend Mode [Auto]
Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]
ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

APM Conguration

Hardware Monitor
PSMI IPMI FRU

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

4.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]

Allows you to select the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) state

to be used for system suspend.

Conguration options: [S1 (POS) only] [S3 only] [Auto]

4.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]

Determines whether to invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR resume.

Conguration options: [No] [Yes]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select the ACPI state
used for System
Suspend.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

4.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]

Add additional tables as per ACPI 2.0 specications.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4.5.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface

(ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). When
set to [Enabled], the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS Z7S WS 4-25

4.5.5 APM Conguration

Power

APM Conguration

Power Button Mode [On/Off]
Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]

Advanced Resume Event Controls

Power On By External Modems [Disabled] [Disabled]
Power On By PCIE Devices [Disabled]
Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled] [Disabled]
Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled] PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

Power Button Mode [On/Off]

When set to [On/Off], the system shuts down while pressing the Power button.
When set to [Suspend], the system goes suspend while pressing the Power button.

Conguration options: [On/Off] [Suspend]

Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]

When set to [Power Off], the system goes into off state after an AC power loss.
When set to [Power On], the system goes on after an AC power loss. When set to
[Last State], the system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state
was before the AC power loss.

Conguration options: [Power Off] [Power On] [Last State]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Go into On/Off,
or Suspend when
Power button
is pressed.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Power On By External Modems [Disabled]

This allows either settings of [Enabled] or [Disabled] for powering up the computer
when the external modem receives a call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and

applications are fully running. Thus, connection cannot be made on the rst

try. Turning an external modem off and then back on while the computer is off

causes an initialization string that turns the system power on.

Power On By PCIE Devices [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the PME to wake up from S5 by PCI devices.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4-26 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this item is
set to [Enabled], the items RTC Alarm Date/ RTC Alarm Hour/ RTC Alarm Minute/

RTC Alarm Second will become user-congurable with set values.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]

Allows you to disable the Power On by PS/2 keyboard function or set specic keys

on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power
supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Power Key] [Ctrl-Esc]

4.5.6 Hardware Monitor

Power

Hardware Monitor

CPU0 Temperature [34ºC/93ºF]

CPU1 Temperature [N/A]

MB Temperature [39ºC/102ºF]
Memory Temperature [33ºC/91ºF]
CPU0 Fan Speed [2372RPM]
CPU1 Fan Speed [N/A]
Chassis Fan 1 Speed [N/A]
Chassis Fan 2 Speed [N/A]
Chassis Fan 3 Speed [N/A]
Chassis Fan 4 Speed [N/A]
SPS Fan1 Speed [N/A]
FBD Fan1 Speed [3913RPM]
Smart Fan Control [Enabled]
CPU0 Target Temperature [55]
CPU1 Target Temperature [55]
MB Target Temperature[45]
VCORE0 Voltage [1.072V]
VCORE1 Voltage [N/A]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

Scroll down to display the following items:

VTT Voltage [1.210V]
FBD +1.5V Voltage [1.488V]
FBD +1.8V Voltage [1.808V]
3V Voltage [2.960V]
12V Voltage [12.986V]
5V Voltage [5.094V]
5VSB Voltage [5.046V]
VBAT Voltage [3.008V]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

CPU0 Temperature

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

CPU0/1 Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]
MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]
Memory Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU(s),
motherboard and memory temperatures. Select [Ignored] if you do not wish to
display the detected temperatures.

ASUS Z7S WS 4-27

CPU0/1 Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]

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

motherboard, the eld shows [N/A].

Chassis Fan1/2/3/4 Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]
SPS Fan1 Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]
FBD Fan1 Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]

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

to the motherboard, the eld shows [N/A].

Smart Fan Control [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or eisable the Smart Fan Control.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

CPU0/1 Target Temperature [55]

CPU fan 0 or 1 will operate at the maximum speed when CPU 0 or 1 reaches this
target temperature.

Conguratino options: [50] ~ [70]

MB Target Temperature [45]

System fan will operate at the maximum speed when system reaches this target
temperature.

Conguratino options: [35] ~ [55]

VCORE0/1 Voltage, VTT Voltage, FBD +1.5V Voltage, FBD +1.8V
Voltage, 3V Voltage, 12V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 5VSB Voltage, VBAT
Voltage

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through
the onboard voltage regulators. Select [Ignored] if you do not want to detect these
items.

4.5.7 PSMI IPMI FRU

Shows the product information.

4-28 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.6 Boot menu

The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item
then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Boot Settings

Boot Device Priority

Boot Settings Conguration

Security

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

4.6.1 Boot Device Priority

Boot

Boot Device Priority

1st Boot Device [1st FLOPPY DRIVE]
2nd Boot Device [ATAPI CD-ROM]
3rd Boot Device [Hard Drive]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Species the Boot
Device Priority
sequence.

A virtual oppy disk

drive (Floppy Drive B:
) may appear when you
set the CD-ROM drive
as the rst boot
device.

Select Screen

Select Item

Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Species the boot

sequence from the
available devices.

A device enclosed in
parenthesis has been
disabled in the
corresponding type
menu.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

1st ~ xxth Boot Device [xxx Drive]

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.

Conguration options: [1st FLOPPY DRIVE] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM]

[Disabled]

ASUS Z7S WS 4-29

4.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration

Boot

Boot Settings Conguration

Quick Boot [Enabled]
Full Screen Logo [Enabled]
AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]
Bootup Num-Lock [On]
Wait for ‘F1’ if Error [Enabled]
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

Quick Boot [Enabled]

Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST) while
booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When set to [Disabled],
BIOS performs all the POST items.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo2™ feature.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Allows BIOS to skip
certain tests while
booting. This will
decrease the time
needed to boot the
system.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]

Sets the display mode for option ROM.

Conguration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current]

Bootup Num-Lock [On]

Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock.

Conguration options: [Off] [On]

Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]

When set to [Enabled], the system waits for the <F1> key to be pressed when error
occurs.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]

When set to [Enabled], the system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup”
during POST.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4-30 Chapter 4: BIOS setup