Asus Z87M-PLUS User Manual

Z87M-PLUS

Motherboard

E7920
First Edition

April 2013

Copyright© 2013 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
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means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
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Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the

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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
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ii

Contents

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

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

Z87M-PLUS specications summary .......................................................................ix

Package contents ..................................................................................................... xiii

Installation tools and components ......................................................................... xiv

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1 Special features..........................................................................................1-1

1.1.1 Product highlights

1.1.2 DIGI+ VRM Digital Power Design ...............................................

1.1.3 ASUS Exclusive Features ...........................................................

1.1.4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution .....................................................

1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY ..............................................................................

1.1.6 Other special features .................................................................

1.2 Motherboard overview ...............................................................................

1.2.1 Before you proceed .....................................................................

1.2.2 Motherboard layout .....................................................................

1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................

1.2.4 System memory ..........................................................................

1.2.5 Expansion slots .........................................................................

1.2.6 Jumpers ....................................................................................

1.2.7 Onboard buttons and switches

1.2.8 Onboard LEDs ..........................................................................

1.2.9 Internal connectors

........................................................................ 1-1

.................................................. 1-19

.................................................................... 1-22

1-2

1-2

1-3

1-4

1-4

1-5

1-5

1-6

1-8

1-9

1-16

1-18

1-21

Chapter 2: Basic installation

2.1 Building your PC system...........................................................................2-1

2.1.1 Motherboard installation ..............................................................

2.1.2 CPU installation

2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation ...............................

2.1.4 DIMM installation

2.1.5 ATX Power connection ................................................................

2.1.6 SATA device connection ..............................................................

2.1.7 Front I/O Connector ....................................................................

2.1.8 Expansion Card installation

2.2 Motherboard rear and audio connections .............................................

2.2.1 Rear I/O connection ..................................................................

2.2.2 BIOS update utility ....................................................................

2.2.3 Audio I/O connections ...............................................................

2.3 Starting up for the rst time ....................................................................

2.4 Turning off the computer .........................................................................

........................................................................... 2-3

......................................................................... 2-6

....................................................... 2-10

2-1

2-4

2-7

2-8

2-9

2-11

2-11

2-13

2-14

2-16

2-16

iii

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................3-1

3.2 BIOS setup program ..................................................................................

3.2.1 EZ Mode

3.2.2 Advanced Mode ..........................................................................

3.3 My Favorites ...............................................................................................

3.4 Main menu ..................................................................................................

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................................

3.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................

3.6.1 CPU Conguration ....................................................................

3.6.2 PCH Conguration ....................................................................

3.6.3 SATA Conguration ...................................................................

3.6.4 System Agent Conguration

3.6.5 USB Conguration ....................................................................

3.6.6 Platform Misc Conguration ......................................................

3.6.7 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................

3.6.8 APM ..........................................................................................

3.6.9 Network Stack ...........................................................................

3.7 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................

3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................

3.9 Tools menu ...............................................................................................

3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ............................................................

3.9.2 ASUS O.C. Prole .....................................................................

3.9.3 ASUS SPD Information .............................................................

3.10 Exit menu ..................................................................................................

3.11 Updating BIOS ..........................................................................................

3.11.1 ASUS Update ............................................................................

3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ......................................................................

3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ..........................................................

3.11.4 ASUS BIOS Updater .................................................................

...................................................................................... 3-3

...................................................... 3-29

3-2

3-4

3-6

3-7

3-9

3-22

3-23

3-26

3-27

3-31

3-32

3-33

3-35

3-36

3-37

3-40

3-46

3-46

3-46

3-47

3-48

3-49

3-49

3-53

3-54

3-55

Chapter 4: Software support

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

4.2 Support DVD information ..........................................................................

4.2.1 Running the support DVD ...........................................................

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals

4.3 Software information .................................................................................

4.3.1 AI Suite 3

4.3.2 USB 3.0 Boost

4.3.3 USB BIOS Flashback Wizard

iv

..................................................................................... 4-3

............................................................................. 4-5

.................................................. 4-2

...................................................... 4-6

4-1

4-1

4-3

4.3.4 Network iControl..........................................................................4-8

4.3.5 USB Charger+ ...........................................................................

4.3.6 System Information ...................................................................

4.3.7 ASUS Update ............................................................................

4.3.8 Audio congurations

.................................................................. 4-13

4.3.9 ASUS Boot Setting ....................................................................

4-10

4-11

4-12

4-14

Chapter 5: RAID support

5.1 RAID congurations ..................................................................................5-1

5.1.1 RAID denitions ..........................................................................

5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ...................................................

5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS ....................................................

5.1.4 Intel

5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk

®

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

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

5.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS ..................

5.2.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows

5.2.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows

®

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

®

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

5-1

5-2

5-2

5-7

Chapter 6: Intel® technologies

6.1 Intel® Smart Response Technology .......................................................... 6-3

6.2 Intel

6.3 Intel

®

Rapid Start Technology .................................................................. 6-5

®

Smart Connect Technology .......................................................... 6-12

Chapter 7: Multiple GPU support

7.1 Requirements .............................................................................................7-1

7.2 Before you begin ........................................................................................

7.3 Installing AMD

®

CrossFireX™ graphics cards ........................................7-2

7.4 Installing the device drivers ......................................................................

7.5 Enabling the AMD

®

CrossFireX™ technology ......................................... 7-3

7-1

7-3

Appendices

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

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

v

Safety information

Electrical safety

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

•
before relocating the system.

When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables

•
for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible,
disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all

•
power cables are unplugged.

Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices

•
could interrupt the grounding circuit.

Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not

•
sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power
company.

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

•
technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals

•
that came with the package.

Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power

•
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.

To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,

•
slots, sockets and circuitry.

Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area

•
where it may become wet.

Place the product on a stable surface.

•

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

•
technician or your retailer.

vi

About this guide

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

motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

• Chapter 2: Basic installation

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

• Chapter 3: BIOS setup

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

• Chapter 4: Software support

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

• Chapter 5: RAID support

This chapter describes the RAID congurations.

• Chapter 6: Intel

This chapter tells how to install the Intel® 2013 desktop responsiveness technologies.

• Chapter 7: Multiple GPU support

This chapter describes how to install and congure multiple ATI® CrossFireX™

graphics cards.

®

technologies

Where to nd more information

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

1. ASUS websites

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

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,

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

vii

Conventions used in this guide

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

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

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

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

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

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italics

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

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

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

means that you must press the enclosed key.

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

names are linked with a plus sign (+).

viii

Z87M-PLUS specications summary

CPU LGA1150 socket for Intel® 4th Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 /

Core™ i3, Pentium®, and Celeron® processors

Supports 22nm CPU

Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*

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

www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.

** Refer to

Chipset Intel® Z87 Express Chipset

Memory 4 x DIMM, max. 32GB, DDR3 2800 (O.C.) / 2666 (O.C.) / 2600 (O.C.) /

2400 (O.C.) / 2200 (O.C.) / 2133 (O.C.) / 2000 (O.C.) / 1866 (O.C.) /

1600 / 1333 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory*

Dual-channel memory architecture

Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)

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

CPUs. Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List) for details.

www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory QVL (Qualied

** Refer to

Vendors List).

Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot [yellow] (at x16 mode)

1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot [dark brown] (run at x4 mode, compatible

with PCIe x1 and x4 devices)

2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots

* The PCIe x16_2 slot shares bandwidth with PCIe x1_2 slot. The default

setting is x2 mode. Go to the BIOS setup to change the settings.

VGA Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel® HD Graphics support

Multi-VGA output support: HDMI/DVI-D/RGB port

Supports HDMI with max. resolution of 4096 x 2160 @24Hz and 2560

x 1600 @60Hz

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

Supports RGB with max. resolution of 1920 x 1200 @60Hz

Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D, Intel® Quick Sync Video, Intel® Clear Video

HD Technology, and Intel® Insider™

Supports up to three displays simultaneously

Maximum shared memory 1024MB

Multi-GPU support Supports AMD® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology

Storage

Intel® Z87 Express Chipset

- 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (yellow) with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel®
Rapid Start Technology 12 support

- Supports Intel

®

Dynamic Storage Accelerator, Intel® Smart
Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start Technology, and Intel®
Smart Connect Technology*

* These functions will work depending on the CPU installed.

LAN Realtek® 8111GR Gigabit LAN controller

Audio Realtek® ALC887 8-channel high denition audio CODEC

- Supports jack-detection, multi-streaming, and front panel jack­retasking

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

(continued on the next page)

ix

Z87M-PLUS specications summary

USB

ASUS unique features

Intel® Z87 Express Chipset - supports ASUS USB 3.0
Boost

- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at mid-board for front panel support

- 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at rear panel (blue)

Intel® Z87 Express Chipset

- 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 2 ports at rear panel)

ASUS Digital Power Design

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

- ASUS 4 Phase Power Design

- ASUS CPU power utility

ASUS Fuse protection -

ASUS ESD Guards - Enhanced ESD protection

ASUS 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors

- 2.5x Longer Lifespan, excellent durability (5k hrs)

ASUS Extra Durable Stainless Steel Back I/O - 3x longer lifespan

ASUS Exclusive Features

- ASUS EPU

- ASUS TurboV

- ASUS Network iControl featuring instant network bandwidth
domination for top network program in use

- USB 3.0 Boost featuring speedy USB 3.0 transmission

- ASUS Disk Unlocker featuring 3TB+ HDD support

- AI Charger

- ASUS GPU Boost

- MemOK!

- AI Suite 3

- Anti Surge

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

- ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish Heatsink and MOS Heatsink solution

- ASUS Fan Xpert 2 featuring Fan Auto Tuning function for optimized

speed control, providing an exclusive tailored fan speed setting for
each fan

ASUS EZ DIY

- ASUS USB BIOS Flashback with USB BIOS Flashback Wizard for

EZ BIOS download scheduling

- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user
interface

- ASUS O.C. Tuner

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS Q-Design

- ASUS Q-Slot

- ASUS Q-Shield

- ASUS Q-DIMM

(continued on the next page)

x

Z87M-PLUS specications summary

ASUS exclusive
overclocking features

Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x PS/2 mouse / keyboard combo port

Internal I/O connectors /
jumpers / buttons

BIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM

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

Precision Tweaker 2

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.001V increment

- vCCIN: Adjustable CPU Input voltage at 0.01V increment

- iGPU: Adjustable CPU Graphics voltage at 0.001V increment

- vCCSA: Adjustable CPU System Agent voltage at 0.001V
increment

- vCCIO: Adjustable Analog and Digital I/O voltage at 0.001V
increment

- vDRAM Bus: 191-step Memory voltage control

- vPCH: 191-step Chipset voltage control

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)

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

0.1MHz increment

Overclocking Protection

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

1 x HDMI port

1 x DVI-D port

1 x RGB port

1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port

1 x LAN (RJ-45) port

4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, 1 supports USB BIOS Flashback)

2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports

6 x audio jacks support 8-channel

1 x 19-pin USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB ports

3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB ports

6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors

1 x 4-pin CPU Fan connector

2 x 4-pin Chassis Fan connectors

1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)

1 x S/PDIF out header

1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector

1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector

1 x MemOK! button

1 x GPU Boost switch

1 x Clear CMOS jumper

1 x TPM header

1 x COM port

BIOS 2.7, ACPI 4.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2,

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modied

Log, F12 PrintScreen function, F3 Shortcut functions, and ASUS
DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information

(continued on the next page)

xi

Z87M-PLUS specications summary

Support DVD contents Drivers

ASUS Utilities

ASUS Update

Anti-virus software (OEM version)

Form factor uATX form factor: 9.6 in. x 8.4 in. (24.4 cm x 21.3 cm)

Specications are subject to change without notice.

xii

User Manual

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items

ASUS Z87M-PLUS motherboard

2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x ASUS Q-Shield

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

• The illustrations above are for reference only. Actual product specications may vary

with different models.

User manual Support DVD

xiii

Installation tools and components

1 bag of screws Philips (cross) screwdriver

PC chassis Power supply unit

Intel® LGA1150 CPU Intel® LGA1150 compatible CPU Fan

DIMM SATA hard disk drive

xiv

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

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

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Product introduction

1

1.1 Special features

1.1.1 Product highlights

LGA1150 socket for Intel® 4th Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3,
Pentium®, and Celeron® Processors

This motherboard supports Intel® 4th generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium®,
and Celeron® processors in the LGA1150 package. It provides great graphics and system
performance with its GPU, dual-channel DDR3 memory slots and PCI Express 2.0/3.0
expansion slots.

Intel® Z87 Express Chipset

Intel® Z87 Express Chipset is a single-chipset that supports the 1150 socket Intel® 4th
generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium® and Celeron® processors. It utilizes
the serial point-to-point links, which increases bandwidth and enhances the system’s
performance. It natively supports up to six USB 3.0 ports for up to ten times faster transfer
rate than USB 2.0 and enables the iGPU function for Intel® integrated graphics performance.

PCI Express® 3.0

PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the PCI Express bus standard that provides twice the
performance and speed of PCIe 2.0. It provides an optimal graphics performance,
unprecedented data speed and seamless transition with its complete backward compatibility
to PCIe 1.0/2.0 devices.

Dual-Channel DDR3 2800 (O.C.) / 2666 (O.C.) / 2600 (O.C.) / 2400 (O.C.) / 2200
(O.C.) / 2133 (O.C.) / 2000 (O.C.) / 1866 (O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 MHz Support

The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates
of DDR3 2800 (O.C.) / 2666 (O.C.) / 2600 (O.C.) / 2400 (O.C.) / 2200 (O.C.) / 2133 (OC.) /

2000 (O.C.) / 1866 (O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 MHz to boost the system’s performance, and to meet

the higher bandwidth requirements of 3D graphics, multimedia and Internet applications.

Native SATA 6.0 Gb/s support

With Intel® Z87 Express Chipset natively support for the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA)
storage interface, this motherboard delivers up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer rates. It also
provides enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, double the bandwidth of current bus
systems.

Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Support

This motherboard features the most powerful Intel® Z87 platform that optimizes PCIe
allocation in multi-GPU CrossFireX™ solution, giving you a brand-new gaming enjoyment.

S/PDIF out connector at the back I/O

This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems
via the optical S/PDIF (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) out connector at the back I/O. The
S/PDIF transfers digital audio without converting it to analog format and keeps the best signal
quality.

ASUS Z87M-PLUS

1-1

Chapter 1

100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors

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

Intel® Smart Response Technology

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

* 4th generation Intel® Core™ processors support Intel® Smart Response Technology.

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

*** The SSD is reserved for caching function.

Intel® Smart Connect Technology

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

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

Intel® Rapid Start Technology

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

1.1.2 DIGI+ VRM Digital Power Design

DIGI+ VRM

All-new digital CPU power controls work perfectly together to match digital power signal

(SVID) requests from the CPU, with ultra-fast sensing and response efciently delivering

precision power. Accurate delivery reduces waste, and provides more stable CPU Vcore
voltages. Users can adjust CPU PWM voltages and frequencies for various overclocking
scenarios, with accurate input through UEFI BIOS tuning or the exclusive ASUS interface.
This proprietary design increases overclocking headroom to push performance to its full
potential.

EPU

Tap into the world’s rst real-time PC power saving chip through a simple onboard switch or
AI Suite II utility. Get total system-wide energy optimization by automatically detecting current

PC loadings and intelligently moderating power consumption. This also reduces fan noise

Chapter 1

and extends component longevity.

1.1.3 ASUS Exclusive Features

®

Smart Response Technology.

GPU Boost

GPU Boost accelerates the integrated GPU for extreme graphics performance, facilitates

exible frequency adjustments and easily delivers stable system-level upgrades for every

use.

1-2

Chapter 1: Product introduction

USB 3.0 Boost

ASUS USB 3.0 Boost, which supports USB 3.0 standard UASP (USB Attached SCSI

Protocol), signicantly increases a USB device’s transfer speed up to 170% faster than the

already impressive USB 3.0 transfer speed. It automatically accelerates data speeds for
compatible USB 3.0 peripherals without the need for any user interaction.

Network iControl

Network iControl is an intuitive one-step network control center that makes it easier for you to
manage your bandwidth and allows you to set, monitor and schedule the bandwidth priorities
for your network programs.

AI Suite 3

With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite 3 consolidates all the exclusive ASUS features
into one simple-to-use software package. It allows you to supervise overclocking, energy
management, fan speed control, voltage and sensor readings. This all-in-one software offers
diverse and ease to use functions, with no need to switch back and forth between different
utilities.

MemOK!

MemOK!, the remarkable memory rescue tool, allows you to simply press a button to
patch memory issues, ensure memory boot compatibility, determine fail-safe settings, and
dramatically improve the systemís bootup.

ASUS Anti-Surge

This special design protects expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused
by power surges from switching power supply unit (PSU).

1.1.4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

ASUS Fanless Design: stylish heatsink solution

The stylish heatsink features a 0-dB thermal solution that offers you a noiseless PC
environment. The heatsink design also lowers the temperature of the chipset and power

phase area through high efcient heat-exchange. Combined with usability and aesthetics,

the ASUS stylish heatsink will give you an extremely silent and cooling experience with its
elegant appearance.

ASUS Fan Xpert 2

ASUS Fan Xpert 2 provides customizable settings for a cooler and quieter computing

environment. With its Fan Auto Tuning feature, ASUS Fan Xpert 2 automatically detects

and tweaks all fan speeds, and provides you with optimized fan settings based on the fans’
specications and positions.

ASUS Z87M-PLUS

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1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY

ASUS UEFI BIOS

ASUS UEFI BIOS, a UEFI compliant architecture, offers the rst mouse-controlled intuitive

graphical BIOS interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls,

providing you with more exibility, convenience, and easy to navigate UEFI BIOS than the

traditional BIOS versions. It offers you with dual selectable modes and native support for hard
drives larger than 2.2 TB.

ASUS UEFI BIOS includes the following new features:

• New My Favorite function allows you to quickly access the frequently used items

• New Quick Note function allows you to take notes in the BIOS environment

• New log reminder allows you to view all your modied settings

• F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey

• F3 Shortcut for most accessed information

• ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) information detecting faulty DIMMs, and

helping with difcult POST situations.

USB BIOS Flashback

USB BIOS Flashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for your ultimate convenience.

Install a USB storage device containing the BIOS le, press the reset button on your chassis

for about three seconds, and the UEFI BIOS is automatically updated even without entering
the existing BIOS or operating system. It also allows you to regularly check for UEFI BIOS
updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically.

ASUS Q-shield

ASUS Q-Shield’s special design makes it convenient and easy to install on your
motherboard. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard against
static electricity and shields it against EMI (Electronic Magnetic Interference).

ASUS Q-connector

ASUS Q-Connector is a unique adapter that allows you to easily connect or disconnect the
chassis front panel cables to one module, eliminating the hassle of plugging one cable at a
time and making the connection quick and accurate.

1.1.6 Other special features

HDMI Support

Chapter 1

High Denition Multimedia Surface (HDMI) is a set of digital video standards that delivers

mulit-channel audio and uncompressed digital video up to 4K/2K resolution visuals through
a single cable. Supporting HDCP copy protection such as HD DVD and blu-ray discs, HDMI
provides you with the highest quality home theater experience.

ErP Ready

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

products to meet certain energy efciency requirement in regards to energy consumptions.
This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-efcient products

through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the product and thus
mitigate environmental impacts.

1-4

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2 Motherboard overview

1.2.1 Before you proceed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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1.2.2 Motherboard layout

Z87M-PLUS

PCIEX16_1

PCIEX16_2

PCIEX1_1

PCIEX1_2

ASM
1442

USB1314 USB1112 USB910

AAFP

EATXPWR

CPU_FAN

CHA_FAN2

GPU_LED

GPU_Boost

BATTERY

Super

I/O

ALC
887

ASM1440

KBMS_USB78

DVI_VGA

64Mb
BIOS

SB_PWR

CLRTC

21.3cm(8.4in)

Intel

®

Z87

DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_A2 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 240-pin module)

PANEL

SATA6G_2 SATA6G_1

SATA6G_3 SATA6G_4

SATA6G_5 SATA6G_6

AUDIO

LAN_USB3_34

USB3_56

SPDIFO
_HDMI

CHA_FAN1

SPDIF_OUT

24.4cm(9.6in)

DRAM_LED

MemOK!

LGA1150

DIGI

+VRM

COM

EATX12V

USB3_12

TPM

Realtek
8111GR

2 31 4 735

1417 13 12151618

8

2

10

11

6

9

Chapter 1

1-6

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

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page

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

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

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

4. LGA1150 CPU socket

5. GPU Boost switch

6. GPU Boost LED (GPU_LED)

7. DDR3 DIMM slots

8. MemOK! button

9. DRAM LED (DRAM_LED)

10. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12)

®

11. Intel

12. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)

13. Standby power LED (SB_PWR)

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

15. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910, USB1112, USB1314)

16. TPM header (20-1 pin TPM)

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

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

Z87 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6)

ASUS Z87M-PLUS

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1-7

1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Z87M-PLUS

Z87M-PLUS CPU socket LGA1150

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1150 socket designed for Intel® 4th
Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium™, and Celeron™ processors.

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

• Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1150 only. DO NOT install a
CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1150 socket.

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

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

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

LGA1150 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.

Chapter 1

1-8

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2.4 System memory

Z87M-PLUS

Z87M-PLUS 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets

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

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

Recommended memory congurations

ASUS Z87M-PLUS

Chapter 1

1-9

Memory congurations

You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the
DIMM sockets.

Chapter 1

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

• According to Intel CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect
the CPU.

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

• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows

®

OS, when you install 4GB
or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be
about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the
following:

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

b) Install a 64-bit Windows

®

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

®

OS.

motherboard.

c) For more details, refer to the Microsoft

®

support site at http://support.microsoft.

com/kb/929605/en-us.

• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less
(Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1 Megabyte/MB).

• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect
(SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.
Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a
lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked
or at a higher frequency, refer to section 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory
frequency adjustment.

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

memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

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

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

• Always install the DIMMS with the same CAS Latency. For an optimum compatibility,
we recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or data code (D/
C) from the same vendor. Check with the vendor to get the correct memory modules.

1-10

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Z87M-PLUS Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)

DDR3 2800(O.C.) MHz capability

DDR3 2600(O.C.) MHz capability

DDR3 2400(O.C.) MHz capability

DDR3 2200(O.C.) MHz capability

DDR3 2133(O.C.) MHz capability

ASUS Z87M-PLUS

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DDR3 2000(O.C.) MHz capability

DDR3 1866(O.C.) MHz capability

DDR3 1800(O.C.) MHz capability

Chapter 1

1-12

(continued on the next page)

Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR3 1600 MHz capability

ASUS Z87M-PLUS

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1-13

DDR3 1333 MHz capability

Chapter 1

1-14

(continued on the next page)

Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR3 1333 MHz capability

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

DIMM support:

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

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

(2) Supports two (2) modules inserted into either the yellow slots or the black slots as one

pair of Dual-channel memory conguration. We suggest that you install the modules

into slots A2 and B2 for better compatibility.

(4) Supports four (4) modules inserted into both the yellow and black slots as two pairs of

Dual-channel memory conguration.

• ASUS exclusively provides hyper DIMM support function.

• Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs. Load
the X.M.P. or D.O.C.P. settings in the BIOS for the hyper DIMM support.

• Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

ASUS Z87M-PLUS

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1-15

1.2.5 Expansion slots

Z87M-PLUS

PCIEX16_1

PCIEX16_2

PCIEX1_1

PCIEX1_2

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

Slot No. Slot Description

1 PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot (at x16 mode)

2 PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot

Chapter 1

3 PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot

4 PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slot (run at x4 mode, compatible with PCIe x1 and x4 devices)

1-16

Chapter 1: Product introduction