ECS Z77H2-AX, Z77H2-A2X User manual User Manual

Z77H2-AX USER MANUAL

Preface

This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected under international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of the author.

Version 1.0

Disclaimer

The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manufacturer makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. The manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation of the manufacturer to notify any person of such revision or changes.

Trademark Recognition

Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

MMX, Pentium, Pentium-II, Pentium-III, Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.

Other product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective owners and are acknowledged.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

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 the 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 the receiver

• Connect the equipment onto 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

Shielded interconnect cables and a shielded AC power cable must be employed with this equipment to ensure compliance with the pertinent RF emission limits governing this device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the system’s manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Z77H2-AX USER MANUAL

Declaration of Conformity

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference.

• This device must accept any interference received, including interference

that may cause undesired operation.

Canadian Department of Communications

This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interferencecausing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Réglement sur le matériel brouilieur du Canada.

The manual consists of the following:

Describes features of the motherboard.

page 1

Describes installation of motherboard components.

page 9

page 29

page 67

Installing the Motherboard

Introducing the Motherboard

Provides information on using the BIOS Setup Utility.

Chapter 5

Describes the motherboard software.

page 71

Limits and methods of mesurement of radio disturbance characteristics of information technology equipment

EN 55022

EN 61000-3-2

Disturbances in supply systems caused

EN 61000-3-3

Disturbances in supply systems caused by household appliances and similar electrical equipment “ Voltage fluctuations”

EN 55024

Information technology equipment-Immunity characteristicsLimits and methods of measurement

EN 60950

Safety for information technology equipment including electrical business equipment

CE marking

About the Manual



This device is in conformity with the following EC/EMC directives:

Chapter 4

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3 Using BIOS

Using the Motherboard Software

Chapter 6 Trouble Shooting

Provides basic trouble shooting tips.

page 77

Intel®Matrix Storage Manager RAID Configurations

Describes Intel

Matrix Storage Manager RAID Configurations.

iii

Z77H2-AX USER MANUAL

Chapter 2 9

Installing the Motherboard 9

Safety Precautions.............................................................................9

Installing the Motherboard in a Chassis......................................9

Installing Hardware..................................................................10

Installing the Processor...........................................................10

Installing the CPU Cooler........................................................12

Installing Memory Modules...................................................13

Installing Add-on Cards..........................................................15

Connecting Optional Devices..................................................17

Installing a SATA Hard Drive...................................................22

Connecting Case Components.......................................................24

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface i

Chapter 1 1

Introducing the Motherboard 1

Introduction...................................................................................1

Pakage Contents............................................................................1

Specifications................................................................................2

Motherboard Components..........................................................4

I/O Ports..............................................................................................6

Chapter 3 29

Using BIOS 29

About the Setup Utility........................ .......................................29

The Standard Configuration........................ ...........................29

Entering the Setup Utility.......................................................29

Resetting the Default CMOS Values.....................................30

Using BIOS........................................................................................30

BIOS Navigation Keys..............................................................31

Main Menu.............................................................................32

Advanced Menu......................................................................33

Chipset Menu..........................................................................45

M.I.B.X (MB Intelligent Bios X) Menu.....................................52

Boot Menu..............................................................................57

Security Menu.........................................................................62

Exit Menu................................................................................63

Updating the BIOS...................................................................65

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Chapter 4 67

Using the Motherboard Software 67

Auto-installing under Windows XP/Vista/7.................................67

Running Setup.........................................................................67

Manual Installation..........................................................................69

ECS Utility Software (Intelligent EZ Utility).....................................69

Chapter 6 77

Trouble Shooting 77

Start up problems during assembly..............................................77

Start up problems after prolong use............................................78

Maintenance and care tips..............................................................78

Basic Troubleshooting Flowchart...................................................79

Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID Configuration 71

Chapter 5 71

Before creating a RAID set.............................................................71

Entering Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS utility.....72

Creating a RAID set

.........................................................................73

Deleting a RAID set..........................................................................75

Reseting disks to Non-RAID.....................................................76

Exiting Setup..............................................................................76

Z77H2-AX USER MANUAL

Chapter 1

Introducing the Motherboard

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Z77H2-AX motherboard. This motherboard is a high performance, enhanced function motherboard designed to support the LGA1155 socket for latest 3

Generation Intel CoreTM i7/ i5/ i3/ Pentium/ Celeron Processors.

This motherboard is based on Intel

Z77 Express Chipset for best desktop platform solution. It supports up to 32 GB of system memory with dual channel DDR3 2400(OC)+/1600/1333/1066 MHz. Three PCI Express x16 slots, intended for Graphics Interface, are fully conformed to PCI Express 3.0 Standard. In addition, two PCI Express x1 slots and two PCI slots are for extending usage.

It integrates USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 interface, supporting up to six USB 2.0 ports (four USB 2.0 ports at the rear panel and one USB 2.0 header supports additional two USB

2.0 ports) and six USB 3.0 ports (four USB 3.0 ports at the rear panel and one USB 3.0 header supports additional two USB 3.0 ports). The USB 2.0 header provides EZ charger technology, please refer to

Front Panel USB headers of chapter 2 for more

details.

The motherboard is equipped with advanced full set of I/O ports in the rear panel, including one D-sub (VGA) port, one HDMI port, one RJ45 LAN connector, one CLEAR_CMOS Button, one WIFI connector, one Bluetooth, two eSATA 3.0 connectors, four USB 2.0 ports, four USB 3.0 ports and audio jacks for line-in, line-out and Optical SPDIF Out.

In addition, this motherboard supports four SATA 6Gb/s and two SATA 3Gb/s connectors for expansion.

Your motherboard package ships with the following items:

Package Contents

Z77H2-AX Motherboard Quick Installation Guide User Manual DVD I/O Shield 2 SATA 3Gb/s Cables 4 SATA 6Gb/s Cables 1 USB3.0 Frant Panel 2 USB CAP 3 SLI bridge

         

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Z77H2-AX USER MANUAL

CPU

Specifications

• Intel® Z77 ChipsetChipset

• Dual-channel DDR3 memory architecture

• 4 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets support up to 32 GB

• Supports DDR3 2400(OC)+/1600/1333/1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM

Memory

• 3 x PCI Express x16 slots

(The PCI Express x16 slots conform to PCI Express 3.0 Standard)

• 2 x PCI Express x1 Gen2 slots

• 2 x PCI slots

• Supported by Intel

Z77 Express Chipset and Asmedia

ASM1061

- 2 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s devices

- 4 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s devices

Expansion Slots

Storage

• 1 x D-sub (VGA) port

• 1 x HDMI port

• 1 x RJ45 LAN connector

• 4 x USB 2.0 ports

• 4 x USB 3.0 ports

• 1 x CLEAR_CMOS Button

• 1 x WIFI Connector

• 1 x Bluetooth Connector

• 2 x eSATA Connectors

• Audio jacks for line-in, line-out and Optical SPDIF Out

Rear Panel I/O

LAN • Realtek RTL 8111E Gigabit Lan

• Realtek ALC892 8-Ch High Definition audio CODEC

- Compliant with HD audio specification

Audio

• LGA1155 socket for latest 3

Generation Intel CoreTM i7/ i5/

i3/ Pentium/ Celeron Processors

• DMI 5.0GT/s

Note: Please go to ECS website for the latest Memory support list.

• 1 x 24-pin ATX Power Supply connector

• 1 x 8-pin 12V Power connector

• 1 x 4-pin CPU_FAN connector

• 1 x 3-pin SYS_FAN connector (Colay smart fan)

• 1 x 3-pin PWR_FAN connector

• 1 x USB 2.0 header supports additional two USB 2.0 ports (F_USB1 supports EZ charger)

• 1 x USB 3.0 header supports additional two USB 3.0 ports

• 2 x Serial SATA 3Gb/s connectors

• 4 x Serial SATA 6Gb/s connectors

• 1 x COM header

• 1 x Case open header

• 1 x SPDIF out header

• 1 x Front Panel switch/LED header

Internal I/O Connectors & Headers

Note: Please go to ECS website for the latest CPU support list.

Z77H2-AX USER MANUAL

Chapter 1

• AMI BIOS with 64Mb SPI Flash ROM

- Supports ECS M.I.B X Utility

- Supports Plug and Play

- Supports ACPI & DMI

- Supports S1 / STR (S3) /STD (S4)

- Supports FSB adjustment, increase in a increase of 1/100

MHz

- Supports Hardware monitor

- Audio, LAN, can be disabled in BIOS

- F7 hot key for boot up devices option

- Supports Over-Clocking

System BIOS

Form Factor • ATX Size, 305mm x 244mm

• 1 x Front Panel audio header

• 1 x debug post

• 1 x power on button

• 1 x reset button

• 1 x mSATA connector

- Supports eBLU/eOC/eDLU/eSF

AP Support

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Motherboard Components

Z77H2-AX USER MANUAL

Chapter 1

Table of Motherboard Components

LABEL COMPONENTS

LGA1155 socket for latest 3

Generation

Intel CoreTM i7/ i5/ i3/ Pentium/ Celeron Processors

2. CPU_FAN 4-pin CPU cooling fan connector

3. DDR3_1~4 240-pin DDR3 Module slots

4. PWR_FAN 3-pin power cooling fan connector

5. ATX_POWER Standard 24-pin ATX power connector

6. RST_BTN Reset Switch

7. PWR_BTN Power on Switch

8. SATA3~6 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors

9. SATA1~2 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors

10. POST POST Error Code LED

11. mSATA Mini-Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connector

12. F_PANEL Front panel switch/LED header

13. USB3F Front panel USB 3.0 header

14. CASE Case open header

15. F_USB1 Front panel USB 2.0 header (supports EZ Charger)

16. SPI_DEBUG SPI Debug header-for factory use only

17. SYS_FAN 3-pin system cooling fan connector

18. COM Onboard serial port header

19. SPDIFO SPDIF out header

20. F_AUDIO Front panel audio header

21. PCI1~2 32-bit add-on card slots

22. PCIEX161~3 PCI Express slots for graphics interface

23. PCIE1~2 PCI Express x1 slots

24. ATX12V 8-pin +12V power connector

1. CPU Socket

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I/O Ports

1. Bluetooth Dongle

Use this port to transfer data between your computer and other devices which support bluetooth function.

2. CLR_CMOS_BTN

Use the CLR_CMOS button to clear CMOS.

3. VGA Port

Connect your monitor to the VGA port.

4. HDMI Port

You can connect the display device to the HDMI port.

5. Wireless LAN Dongle

Use this port to receive wireless signal.

6. LAN Port

Connect an RJ-45 jack to the LAN port to connect your computer to the Network.

LAN LED Status Description

OFF No da ta Orange blinking Active OFF No link Green Link

Activity LED

Link LED

LAN Port

Before clearing CMOS, make sure to turn off the power of the sytem.

Z77H2-AX USER MANUAL

Chapter 1

7. Audio Ports

Use the audio jack to connect audio devices. The C port is for stereo line-in signal, while the E port is for microphone in signal. This motherboard supports audio devices that correspond to the A, B, and D port respectively. In addition, both of the 2 ports, B, and D provide user with both right & left channels individually. Users please refer to the following note for specific port funtion definition.

8. Optical SPIDF Output

This jack connects to external optical digital audio output devices.

9. USB 3.0 Ports

Use the USB 3.0 ports to connect USB 3.0 devices.

10. USB 2.0 Ports

Use the USB 2.0 ports to connect USB 2.0 devices.

11. eSATA 6Gb/s Ports

Use this port to connect to external SATA boxes or Serial ATA port multipliers.

The above port definition can be changed to audio input or audio output by changing the driver utility setting.

A: C e nter & Woofe r D: Front Out

B: Back Surround E: Mic_in Rear

C: Line-in -

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Memo

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Chapter 2

Installing the Motherboard

2-1. Safety Precautions

2-2. Installing the motherboard in a Chassis

This motherboard carries a ATX form factor of 305 x 244 mm. Choose a chassis that accommodates this from factor. Make sure that the I/O template in the chassis matches the I/O ports installed on the rear edge of the motherboard. Most system chassis have mounting brackets installed in the chassis, which corresponds to the holes in the motherboard. Place the motherboard over the mounting brackets and secure the motherboard onto the mounting brackets with screws.

Follow these safety precautions when installing the motherboard:

• Wear a grounding strap attached to a grounded device to avoid damage from static electricity.

• Discharge static electricity by touching the metal case of a safely grounded object before working on the motherboard.

• Leave components in the static-proof bags.

• Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware components.

Do not over-tighten the screws as this can stress the motherboard.

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2-3. Installing Hardware

• This motherboard has an LGA1155 socket.

• When choosing a processor, consider the performance requirements of the system. Performance is based on the processor design, the clock speed and system bus frequency of the processor, and the quantity of internal cache memory and external cache memory.

• You may be able to change the settings in the system Setup Utility. We strongly recommend you do not over-clock processor or other components to run faster than their rated speed.

• The following illustration shows CPU installation components.

A. Press the hook of lever down with your thumb and pull it to the right side to release it from retention tab.

B. Lift the tail of the load lever and rotate the load plate to fully open position.

C. Grasp the edge of the package substrate. Make sure pin 1 indicator is on your bottom-left side. Aim at the socket and place the package carefully into the socket by purely vertical motion.

2-3-1. Installing the Processor

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Z77H2-AX USER MANUAL

D. Rotate the load plate onto the package IHS (Intergraded Heat Spreader). Engage the load lever while pressing down lightly onto the load plate. Secure the load lever with the hook under retention tab. Then the cover will flick automatically.

Please save and replace the cover onto the CPU socket if processor is removed.

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A. Aplly some thermal grease onto the contacted area between the heatsink and the CPU, and make it to be a thin layer.

B. Fasten the cooling fan supporting base onto the CPU socket on the motherboard. And make sure the CPU fan is plugged to the CPU fan connector.

C. Connect the CPU cooler power connector to the CPU_FAN connector.

2-3-2. Installing the CPU Cooler

• Install the cooling fan in a well-lit work area so that you can clearly see the motherboard and processor socket.

• Avoid using cooling fans with sharp edges in case the fan casing and the clips cause serious damage to the motherboard or its components.

• To achieve better airflow rates and heat dissipation, we suggest that you use a high quality fan with 3800 rpm at least. CPU fan and heat sink installation procedures may vary with the type of CPU fan/heatsink supplied. The form and size of fan/heatsink may also vary.

• DO NOT remove the CPU cap from the socket before installing a CPU.

• Return Material Authorization (RMA) requests will be accepted only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA1155 socket.

• The following illustration shows how to install CPU fan.

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2-3-3. Installing Memory Modules

• This motherboard accommodates two memory modules. It can support two 240-pin DDR3 2400(OC)+/1600/1333/1066.

• Do not remove any memory module from its antistatic packaging until you are ready to install it on the motherboard. Handle the modules only by their edges. Do not touch the components or metal parts. Always wear a grounding strap when you handle the modules.

• You must install at least one module in any of the four slots. Total memory capacity is 32 GB.

A. Push the latches on each side of the DIMM slot down.

B. Install the DIMM module into the slot and press it firmly down until it

seats correctly. Check that the cutouts on the DIMM module edge connector match the notches in the DIMM slot.

C. The slot latches are levered upwards and latch on to the edges of the

DIMM.

• Refer to the following to install the memory modules.

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Channel A: DDR3_1, DDR3_2

• The four DDR3 memory sockets (DDR3_1, DDR3_2, DDR3_3 and DDR3_4) are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as following:

Recommend memory configuration

DDR3_1 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_4

1 DIMM Populated

2 DIMMs Populated Populated

3 DIMMs Populated Populated Populated

4 DIMMs Populated Populated Populated Populated

Mode

Sockets

Channel B: DDR3_3, DDR3_4

1. For best performance and compatibility, we recommend that users give priority to the DIMMs (DDR3_1/DDR3_3) when installing DIMMs.

2. We suggest users not mix memory type. It is recommended to use the same brand and type memory on this motherboard.

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2-3-4. Installing Add-on Cards

The slots on this motherboard are designed to hold expansion cards and connect them to the system bus. Expansion slots are a means of adding or enhancing the motherboard’s features and capabilities. With these efficient facilities, you can increase the motherboard’s capabilities by adding hardware that performs tasks that are not part of the basic system.

PCIEX16_1~3 Slot

The PCI Express x16 slots are used to install external PCI Express graphics cards that are fully compliant to the PCI Express Base Specification revision 3.0.

This motherboard is equipped with two standard PCI slots. PCI stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect and is a bus standard for expansion cards, which for the most part, is a supplement of the older ISA bus standard. The PCI slots on this board are PCI v3.0 compliant.

PCI1~2 Slots

Before installing an add-on card, check the documentation for the card carefully. If the card is not Plug and Play, you may have to manually configure the card before installation.

The PCI Express x1 slots are fully compliant to the PCI Express Base Specification revision 2.0.

PCIE1_2 Slots

PCIEX16_1 PCIEX16_2 PCIEX16_3

3 cards run at X16 run at X8 run at X8

run at X16 run at X16 n/a

n/a run at X8 run at X8

run at X16 n/a run at X8

2 cards

Mode

Slots

PCIE X16 slot speed

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Z77H2-AX USER MANUAL

Install the VGA Card in the PCIE X16 slot

1 Remove a blanking plate from the system case corresponding to the slot

you are going to use.

2 Install the edge connector of the add-on card into the expansion slot.

Ensure that the edge connector is correctly seated in the slot.

3 Secure the metal bracket of the card to the system case with a screw.

1. For some add-on cards, for example graphics adapters and network adapters, you have to install drivers and software before you can begin using the add-on card.

2. The onboard PCI interface does not support 64-bit SCSI cards.

Follow these instructions to install an add-on card:

Please refer the following illustrations to install the add-on card:

Install the VGA Card in the PCI slot

Install the VGA Card in the PCIE X1 slot

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2-3-5. Connecting Optional Devices

Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional devices:

No. Components No. Components

1 SATA1~6 5 COM

2 USB3F 6 SPDIFO

3 CASE 7 F_AUDIO

4F_USB1— —

SATA3~6 connectors are used to support the Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s device, SATA1/2 connectors support the Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s device. simpler disk drive cabling and easier PC assembly. It eliminates limitations of the current Parallel ATA interface. But maintains register compatibility and software compatibility with Parallel ATA.

1. SATA1~6: Serial ATA connectors

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Z77H2-AX USER MANUAL

3. CASE: Chassis Intrusion Detect Header

This detects if the chassis cover has been removed. This function needs a chassis equipped with instrusion detection switch and needs to be enabled in BIOS.

Please make sure that the USB cable has the same pin assignment as indicated above. A different pin assignment may cause damage or system hangup.

This Motherboard implements one USB 3.0 header supporting 2 extra front USB 3.0 ports, which delivers 5Gb/s transfer rate.

2. USB3F: Front Panel USB 3.0 header

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F_USB1 supports EZ Charger technology, provides 3 times current than general USB port in off mode for USB devices. It is useful and excellent, especially for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices that need a large amount of current for faster recharging within less time.

The motherboard has one USB 2.0 header supporting two USB 2.0 ports. Additionally, some computer cases have USB ports at the front of the case. If you have this kind of case, use auxiliary USB connector to connect the front-mounted ports to the motherboard.

4. F_USB1: Front Panel USB 2.0 headers (supports EZ Charger)

Please make sure that the USB cable has the same pin assignment as indicated above. A different pin assignment may cause damage or system hangup.

5. COM: Onboard serial port header

Connect a serial port extension bracket to this header to add a serial port to your system.

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The front panel audio header allows the user to install auxiliary front-oriented microphone and line-out ports for easier access. This header supports HD audio by default. If you want connect an AC

’ 97 front panel audio to HD onboard headers,

please set as below picture.

7. F_AUDIO: Front Panel Audio Header

6. SPDIFO: SPDIF out header

This is an optional header that provides an SPDIFO (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) output to digital multimedia device through optical fiber or coaxial connector.

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Z77H2-AX USER MANUAL

If you use AC’ 97 Front Panel, please tick off the option of “Disabled Front Panel Detect

”. If you use HD Audio Front Panel, please don’ t tick off “ Disabled Front Panel

Detect

” .

* For reference only

AC’ 97 Audio Configuration: To enable the front panel audio conne-ctor to support AC97 Audio mode.

If you use AC’ 97 Front Panel, please don’ t tick off “ Using Front Jack Detect ” . If you use HD Audio Front Panel, please

tick off the option of “ Using Front Jack Detect ” .

* For reference only

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2-3-6. Installing a SATA Hard Drive

This section describes how to install a SATA Hard Drive.

About SATA Connectors

Your motherboard features six SATA connectors supporting a total of six drives. SATA refers to Serial ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) is the standard interface for the IDE hard drives which are currently used in most PCs. These connectors are well designed and will only fit in one orientation. Locate the SATA connectors on the motherboard and follow the illustration below to install the SATA hard drives.

Installing Serial ATA Hard Drives

To install the Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives, use the SATA cable that supports the Serial ATA protocol. This SATA cable comes with a SATA power cable. You can connect either end of the SATA cable to the SATA hard drive or the connector on the motherboard.

Refer to the illustration below for proper installation:

1 Attach either cable end to the connector on the motherboard. 2 Attach the other cable end to the SATA hard drive. 3 Attach the SATA power cable to the SATA hard drive and connect the other

* For reference only

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About mSATA Connectors

Your motherboard features one mSATA connector which comforms to SATA 3.0Gb/s standard and can be connectted to a single solid-state drive.

Refer to the illustration below for proper installation:

1 Put the solid-state drive (SSD) into the mSATA Slot.

2 Lower the handle and tighten the screws.

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After you have installed the motherboard into a case, you can begin connecting the motherboard components. Refer to the following:

2-3-7. Connecting Case Components

No. Components

1CPU_FAN

2PWR_FAN

3ATX_POWER

4F_PANEL

5SYS_FAN

6 ATX_12V

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1 & 2 & 5. CPU_FAN (CPU cooling FAN Power Connector) & SYS_FAN (System Cooling FAN Power Connector) & PWR_FAN (FAN Power Connector)

Connect the CPU cooling fan cable to CPU_FAN.

Users please note that the fan connector supports the CPU cooling fan of 1.1A ~ 2.2A (26.4W max) at +12V.

Connect the system cooling fan connector to SYS_FAN. Connect the system cooling fan connector to PWR_FAN.

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The ATX 24-pin connector allows you to connect to ATX v2.x power supply.

With ATX v2.x power supply, users please note that when installing 24-pin power cable, the latches of power cable and the ATX match perfectly.

Connecting 24-pin power cable

24-pin power cable

3 & 6. ATX_POWER (ATX 24-pin Power Connector) & ATX12V (ATX 12V Power Connector)

Connect the standard power supply connector to ATX_POWER. Connect the auxiliary case power supply connector to ATX12V.

The ATX12V8P power connector is used to provide power to the CPU.

When installing 8-pin power cable, the latches of power cable and the ATX12V8P match perfectly.

Connecting 8-pin power cable

8-pin power cable

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4. Front Panel Header

The front panel header (F_PANEL) provides a standard set of switch and LED headers commonly found on ATX or Micro ATX cases. Refer to the table below for information:

The ATX12V8P power connector is used to provide power to the CPU.

When installing 4-pin power cable, the latches of power cable and the ATX12V8P match perfectly.

Connecting 4-pin power cable

4-pin power cable

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This concludes Chapter 2. The next chapter covers the BIOS.

Hard Drive Activity LED

Connecting pins 1 and 3 to a front panel mounted LED provides visual indication that data is being read from or written to the hard drive. For the LED to function properly, an IDE drive should be connected to the onboard IDE interface. The LED will also show activity for devices connected to the SCSI (hard drive activity LED) connector.

Power/Sleep/Message waiting LED

Connecting pins 2 and 4 to a single or dual-color, front panel mounted LED provides power on/off, sleep, and message waiting indication.

Reset Switch

Supporting the reset function requires connecting pin 5 and 7 to a momentary-contact switch that is normally open. When the switch is closed, the board resets and runs POST.

Power Switch

Supporting the power on/off function requires connecting pins 6 and 8 to a momentary-contact switch that is normally open. The switch should maintain contact for at least 50 ms to signal the power supply to switch on or off. The time requirement is due to internal de-bounce circuitry. After receiving a power on/off signal, at least two seconds elapses before the power supply recognizes another on/off signal.

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About the Setup Utility

The computer uses the latest “American Megatrends Inc. ” BIOS with support for Windows Plug and Play. The CMOS chip on the motherboard contains the ROM setup instructions for configuring the motherboard BIOS.

The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) Setup Utility displays the system’s configuration status and provides you with options to set system parameters. The parameters are stored in battery-backed-up CMOS RAM that saves this information when the power is turned off. When the system is turned back on, the system is configured with the values you stored in CMOS.

The BIOS Setup Utility enables you to configure:

The settings made in the Setup Utility affect how the computer performs. Before using the Setup Utility, ensure that you understand the Setup Utility options.

This chapter provides explanations for Setup Utility options.

The Standard Configuration

A standard configuration has already been set in the Setup Utility. However, we recommend that you read this chapter in case you need to make any changes in the future.

This Setup Utility should be used:

• when changing the system configuration

• when a configuration error is detected and you are prompted to make changes to the Setup Utility

• when trying to resolve IRQ conflicts

• when making changes to the Power Management configuration

• when changing the password or making other changes to the Security Setup

Entering the Setup Utility

When you power on the system, BIOS enters the Power-On Self Test (POST) routines. POST is a series of built-in diagnostics performed by the BIOS. After the POST routines are completed, the following message appears:

Press DEL to enter SETUP

Chapter 3

Using BIOS

• Hard drives, diskette drives and peripherals

• Video display type and display options

• Password protection from unauthorized use

• Power Management features

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Press the delete key to access BIOS Setup Utility.

Using BIOS

When you start the Setup Utility, the main menu appears. The main menu of the Setup Utility displays a list of the options that are available. A highlight indicates which option is currently selected. Use the cursor arrow keys to move the highlight to other options. When an option is highlighted, execute the option by pressing <Enter>.

Some options lead to pop-up dialog boxes that prompt you to verify that you wish to execute that option. Other options lead to dialog boxes that prompt you for information.

Some options (marked with a icon ) lead to submenus that enable you to change the values for the option. Use the cursor arrow keys to scroll through the items in the submenu.

Resetting the Default CMOS Values

When powering on for the first time, the POST screen may show a “CMOS Settings Wrong” message. This standard message will appear following a clear CMOS data at factory by the manufacturer. You simply need to Load Default Settings to reset the default CMOS values.

Note: Changes to system hardware such as different CPU, memories, etc. may also trigger this message.

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The default BIOS setting for this motherboard apply for most conditions with optimum performance. We do not suggest users change the default values in the BIOS setup and take no responsibility to any damage caused by changing the BIOS settings.

BIOS Navigation Keys

The BIOS navigation keys are listed below:

KEY FUNCTION

Scrolls through the items on a menu

+/- Change Opt.

F2 Previous Value

F3 Optimized Defaults

F1 General Help

ESC Exits the current menu

mnlk

Enter Select

In this manual, default values are enclosed in parenthesis. Submenu items are denoted by a icon .

F4 Save & Exit

1. For the purpose of better product maintenance, the manufacture reserves the right to change the BIOS items presented in this manual. The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference only and may differ from the actual BIOS. Please visit the manufacture’s website for updated manual.

2. In this Gui BIOS, you can operate by mouse or keyboard. Click : select item; Double click: enter; Right click: exit.

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Main Menu

Date & Time

The Date and Time items show the current date and time on the computer. If you are running a Windows OS, these items are automatically updated whenever you make

System Language (English)

This item is used to set system language.

This menu shows the information of BIOS and enables you to set the system language, date and time.

Choose the system default language

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

BIOS Information

System Language English

System Date

Sat 12/10/2011

System Time 09:41:06

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Launch Storage OpROM (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the Storage OpROM.

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

Advanced Menu

Launch PXE OpROM (Disabled)

The item enables or disables launch PXE Option ROM.

Enable or Disable Boot Option for Legacy Network Devices.

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Legacy OpROM Support Launch PXE OpROM Disabled Launch Storage OpROM

Enabled

LAN Configuration

PC Health Status

Power Management Setup ACPI Settings CPU Configuration SATA Configuration USB Configuration

Super IO Configuration

Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology

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Onboard LAN Controller (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the Onboard LAN.

LAN Configuration

The item in the menu shows the LAN-related information that the BIOS automatically detects.

Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page.

Enabled/Disabled Onboard LAN 1 Controller

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

LAN Configuration

Onboard LAN Controller Enabled

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PC Health Status

On motherboards support hardware monitoring, this item lets you monitor the parameters for critical voltages, temperatures and fan speeds.

Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen:

Smart Fan Function

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

CPU Fan Speed : 3026 RPM System Fan Speed : 0 RPM PWR Fan Speed : 0 RPM CPU Voltage : 0.936V AXG Voltage : 0.012V IMC Voltage : 1.044V DIMM Voltage : 1.560V PCH Voltage : 1.056V

-=- PECI Mode -=Offset to TCC Activation Temp. : -48

Smart Fan Function

PC Health Status

CPU/System Smart Fan Control (Enabled)

This item enables you to define the CPU/system by smartly adjusting the CPU/system Fan. When it is set at certain temperature, the CPU/system Fan PWM value will change accordingly.

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

CPU Smart Fan Control Enabled

Smart Fan Mode

Normal

Smart Fan start PWM value 180 Smart Fan start PWM TEMP(-) 30 DeltaT 3 Smart Fan Slope PWM value 10 PWM value / unit CPU Fan Full Speed Offset (-) 23

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Smart Fan Mode (Normal)

This item allows you to select the fan mode (Normal, Quiet, Silent, or Manual) for a better operation environment. If you choose Normal mode, the fan speed will be auto adjusted depending on the CPU temperature. If you choose Quite mode, the fan speed will be auto minimized for quiet environment. If you choose Silent mode, the fan speed will be auto restricted to make system more quietly. If you choose Manual mode, the fan speed will be adjust depending on users’ parameters.

Smart Fan start PWM value (180)

Smart Fan start PWM TEMP(-) (30)

This item is used to set the start PWM value of the smart fan.

This item is used to set the start temperature of the smart fan.

DeltaT (3)

This item specifies the range that controls CPU temperature and keeps it from going so high or so low when smart fan works.

Smart Fan Slope PWM value (10 PWM value / unit)

This item is used to set the Slope Select PWM of the smart fan.

This item is used to set the CPU fan full speed offset value.

CPU Fan Full Speed Offset(-) (23)

Press <Esc> to return to the PC Health Status page.

• CPU Fan Speed

• System Fan Speed

• PWR Fan Speed

• CPU Voltage

• AXG Voltage

• IMC Voltage

• DIMM Voltage

• PCH Voltage

System Component Characteristics

These items display the monitoring of the overall inboard hardware health events, such as System temperature, CPU & DIMM voltage, CPU & System fan speed... etc.

Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page.

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Power Management Setup

This page sets up some parameters for system power management operation.

Resume By PME (Disabled)

The system can be turned off with a software command. If you enable this item, the system can automatically resume if there is an incoming call on the PCI Modem or PCI LAN card. You must use an ATX power supply in order to use this feature. Use this item to do wake-up action if inserting the PCI card.

Resume By USB (S3) (Disabled)

This item allows you to enable/disable the USB device wakeup function from S3 mode.

EUP Function (Enabled)

This item allows user to enable or disable EUP support.

Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page.

Resume By RING (Disabled)

An input signal on the serial Ring Indicator (RI) line (in other words, an incoming call on the modem) awakens the system from a soft off state.

Power LED Type (Dual Color LED)

This item shows the type of the Power LED.

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

About Resume by Ring

Power Management Setup

Resume By RING Disabled Resume By PME

Disabled

Resume By USB (S3) Disabled EUP Function Enabled Power LED Type Dual Color LED

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ACPI Configuration

The item in the menu shows the highest ACPI sleep state when the system enters suspend.

ACPI Sleep State [S3(Suspend to RAM)]

This item allows user to enter the ACPI S3 (Suspend to RAM) Sleep State(default).

Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page.

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.BX Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Select the highest ACPI sleep state the system will enter when the SUSPEND button is pressed.

ACPI Settings

ACPI Sleep State S3 (Suspend to RAM)

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CPU Configuration

The item in the menu shows the CPU.

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

Genuine Intel(R) CPU @ 2.20GHz

This is display-only field and diaplays the information of the CPU installed in your computer.

EMT64 (Supported)

This item shows the computer supports EMT64.

Processor Speed (2200MHz)

This item shows the current processor speed.

Processor Stepping (306a4)

This item shows the processor stepping version.

Microcode Revision (7)

This item shows the Microcode version.

Processor Cores (4)

This item shows the core number of the processor.

Intel HT Technology (Not Supported)

This item shows that the computer does not support Intel HT Technology.

Intel VT-x Technology (Supported)

This item shows the computer supports Intel VT-x Technology.

+/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults

ESC/Right Click: Exit

F4: Save & Exit

/Click: Select Item

: Select Screen

Disabled for Window XP

CPU Configuration

Genuine Intel(R) CPU @ 2.30GHz EMT64 Supported Processor Speed 2300 MHz Processor Stepping 306a6 Microcode Revision 4 Processor Cores 4 Intel HT Technology Not Supported Intel VT-x Technology Supported

Limit CPUID Maximum Disabled

Execute Disable Bit

Enabled

Intel Virtualization Technology Enabled CPU C3 Report Disabled CPU C6 Report Enabled Enhanced Halt (C1E) Enabled

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Limit CPUID Maximum (Disabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the maximum CPUID value limit. When supports Prescott and LGA775 CPUs, enables this to prevent the system from “rebooting” when trying to install Windows NT 4.0.

Excute Disable Bit (Enabled)

This item allows the processor to classify areas in memory by where application code can execute and where it cannot. When a malicious worm attempts to insert code in the buffer, the processor disables code execution, preventing damage or worm propagation. Replacing older computers with Execute Disable Bit enabled systems can halt worm attacks, reducing the need for virus related repair.

CPU C3 Report

Use this item to enable or disable CPU C3 (ACPI C2) report to OS.

Enhanced Halt (C1E) (Enabled)

Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page.

Use this item to enable the CPU energy-saying function when the system is not running.

Intel Virtualization Technology (Enabled)

When disabled, a VMM cannot utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by Vandor Pool Technology.

CPU C6 Report

Use this item to enable or disable CPU C6 (ACPI C3) report to OS.

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SATA Configuration

Use this item to show the mode of serial SATA configuration options.

SATA Mode (IDE Mode)

Use this item to select SATA mode.

SATA Port1~6/mSATA (Not Present)

This motherboard supports six SATA channels and one mSATA, each channel allows one SATA device to be installed. Use these items to configure each device on the SATA/mSATA channel.

Determines how SATA controller(s) operate.

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

SATA Configuration

SATA Mode IDE Mode

ON Chip eSATA 6Gb/s Controller Mode

AHCI Mode

ON Chip SATA 6Gb/s Controller Mode AHCI Mode

SATA Port1 Not Present

SATA Port2 Not Present

SATA Port3 Not Present

SATA Port4 Not Present

mSATA Not Present

ON Chip eSATA/SATA 6Gb/s Controller Mode (AHCI Mode)

Use these items to select eSATA/SATA 6Gb/s Controller Mode.

Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page.

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Enabled or Disabled Parallel Port (LPT/LPTE).

All USB Devices (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable all USB devices.

USB Configuration

Use this item to show the information of USB configuration.

Legacy USB Support (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable support for legacy USB devices. Setting to Audio allows the system to detect the presence of the USB device at startup. If detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.

Set Parameters of Serial Port 0 (COMA)

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Save & Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Super IO Configuration

Super IO Chip IT8728 Serial Port 0 Configutation Parallel Port Configutation

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

USB Support Parameters

OnChip USB 3.0 Controller Enabled Legacy USB Support Enabled Bluetooth Enabled Wi-Fi Enabled

Bluetooth (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable bluetooth function.

Wi-Fi (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable wireless LAN function.

OnChip USB 3.0 Controller (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable Onchip USB 3.0 controller.

Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page.

USB Configuration

All USB Devices Enabled

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Press <Esc> to return to the Super IO Configuration page.

Super IO Chip (IT8728)

This item shows the information of the super IO chip.

 Serial Port 0 Configuration

Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen:

Serial Port (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable serial port.

Device Settings (IO=3F8h; IRQ=4)

This item shows the information of the device settings.

Change Settings (Auto)

Use this item to change device settings.

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Enabled or Disabled Serial Port (COM)

Serial Port 0 Configuration

Serial Port Enabled Device Settings IO=3F8h; IRQ=4;

Change Settings

Auto

Super IO Configuration

Use this item to show the information of Super IO configuration.

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Set Parameters of Serial Port 0 (COMA)

Super IO Configuration

Super IO Chip IT8728 Serial Port 0 Configuration

Temp. to 80-Port

Disabled

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Temp. to 80-Port (Disable)

Use this item to enable or disable Temperature output 80-Port.

Use this item to show the information of trusted computing configuration.

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Save & Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help

F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology (Disabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology.

Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology

Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology Disabled

Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology

F2: Previous Values

Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page.

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The chipset menu items allow you to change the settings for the North chipset, South chipset and other system.

Chipset Menu

/Click: Select Item

North Bridge Parameters.

Scroll to this item and press <Enter> and view the following screen:

System Agent (SA) Parameters

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values

F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit

ESC/Right Click: Exit

System Agent Configuration

PCH Configuration ME Configuration

/Click: Select Item

System Agent Configuration

IGD Memory (64M)

This item shows the information of the IGD (Internal Graphics Device) memory.

This item allows you to select graphics controller to use as the primary boot device.

DVMT Memory (256M)

When set to Fixed Mode, the graphics driver will reserve a fixed position of the system memory as graphics memory, according to system and graphics requirements.

Initate Graphic Adapter (Auto)

IGD Multi-Monitor (Disabled)

This item enables or disables IGD (Internal Graphics devices) multi-monitor.

Press <Esc> to return to the Chipset Menu page.

North Bridge Parameters.

Select which of IGFX/PEG/PCI Graphics device should be Primary Display or Select SG for Switchable Gfx.

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values

F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit

ESC/Right Click: Exit

/Click: Select Item

System Agent Configuration

Initate Graphic Adapter Auto

IGD Memory 64M DVMT Memory 256M IGD Multi-Monitor Disabled

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Multi-Monitor technology

Please note that Multi-Monitor technology supports up to four monitors: one or two Intel integrated Graphics and one or two PCI-Express graphics devices under Windows 7.

Multi-Monitor technology can help you to increase the area available for programs running on a single computer system through using multiple display devices.

It is not only to increase larger screen viewing but aslo to improving personal productivity.

Step 1. Insert ECS drives DVD to run Auto setup or browse the DVD to install Intel chipset drivers, VGA and sound drivers.(If you want know the detail information, please refer to chapter 4.)

Intel Integrated Graphics

PCI-Express Graphics

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Step 3. Enable IGD Multi-Monitor from BIOS. In the following BIOS screen, please set IGD Multi-Monitor to [Enabled].

Step 2. Install all the drivers of PCI-Express graphic cards. Click the Browse CD item, then appears the following screen. Select the driver you want to install(e.g NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS(Microsoft Corporation-WDDM v1.1)) and double click it.

North Bridge Parameters.

Select which of IGFX/PEG/PCI Graphics device should be Primary Display or Select SG for Switchable Gfx.

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values

F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit

ESC/Right Click: Exit

/Click: Select Item

System Agent Configuration

Initate Graphic Adapter Auto

IGD Memory 64M DVMT Memory 256M IGD Multi-Monitor Disabled

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2.Select display devices, set the multiple displays option and to extend destop for display “Multi-Monitor technology”.

Change the apprearance of your displays

Control Panel All Control Panel Items Display Screen Resolution

Search Control Panel

Detect

Identify

3. DELL U2410Display:

Resolution:

1920 x 1200 (recommended)

Orientation: Landscape

Disconnect this displayMultiple displays:

Make this my main display

Advance settings

Make text and other items larger or smaller What display settings should I choose?

OK Cancel Apply

You must select Apply before making additional changes.

Extend desktop to this display Disconnect this display

Step 4. Change the appearance of your displays under Windows 7.

Change the apprearance of your displays

Control Panel All Control Panel Items Display Screen Resolution

Search Control Panel

Detect

Identify

1. DELL U2410Display:

Resolution:

1920 x 1200 (recommended)

Orientation: Landscape

Extend desktop to this displayMultiple displays:

This is currently your main display.

Advance settings

Make text and other items larger or smaller What display settings should I choose?

OK Cancel Apply

Show the path of the setting location

Display devices

The type of the display

Set the multiple displays

1. Enter the Control Panel menu, select the Display in the All Control Panel Items and click the Screen Resolution, then appears the following screen.

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Change the apprearance of your displays

Control Panel All Control Panel Items Display Screen Resolution

Search Control Panel

Detect

Identify

4. AL1717Display:

Resolution:

1920 x 1200 (recommended)

Orientation: Landscape

Disconnect this displayMultiple displays:

Make this my main display

Advance settings

Make text and other items larger or smaller What display settings should I choose?

OK Cancel Apply

You must select Apply before making additional changes.

Change the apprearance of your displays

Control Panel All Control Panel Items Display Screen Resolution

Search Control Panel

Detect

Identify

4. AL1717Display:

Resolution:

1920 x 1200 (recommended)

Orientation: Landscape

Extend desktop to this displayMultiple displays:

Make this my main display

Advance settings

Make text and other items larger or smaller What display settings should I choose?

OK Cancel Apply

You must select Apply before making additional changes.

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PCH Configuration

Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen:

Restore AC Power Loss (Power Off)

This item enables your computer to automatically restart or return to its operating status.

Audio Configuration

This item shows the information of the audio configuration.

Azalia HD Audio (Enabled)

This item enables or disables Azalia HD audio.

Azalia Internal HDMI codec (Enabled)

This item enables or disables Azalia Internal HDMI codec.

Press <Esc> to return to the Chipset Menu page.

Select AC Power state when Power is re-applied after a power failure.

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values

F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit

ESC/Right Click: Exit

PCH Configuration

Restore AC Power Loss Power Off

Audio Configuration

Azalia HD Audio Enabled Azalia Internal HDMI codec Enabled

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ME Configuration

Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen:

ME FW Version (8.0.0.1340)

This item shows the ME FW version.

Press <Esc> to return to the Chipset Menu page.

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values

F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit

ESC/Right Click: Exit

Management Engine Technology Configuration

ME FW Version 8.0.0.1340

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This page enables you to set the clock speed and system bus for your system. The clock speed and system bus are determined by the kind of processor you have installed in your system.

M.I.B X (MB Intelligent BIOS X) Menu

CPU OverClocking Configuration

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

M.I.B X (MB Intelligent BIOS X)

CPU OverClocking Configuration Chipset OverClocking Configuration

Quick OC B.O.M.P. Technology Enabled

Auto Detect DIMM/PCI Clk Enabled

Spread Spectrum Enbaled

CPU Voltage Auto AXG Voltage Auto IMC Voltage Auto DIMM Voltage Auto System Agent Voltage Auto PCH Voltage Auto CPU PLL Voltage Auto

Genuine Intel(R) CPU @ 2.20GHz Processor Speed 2200 MHz Memory Frequency 1333 MHz Total Memory 2048MB (DDR3 ) CPU Current Voltage 0.888V AXG Current Voltage 0.012V IMC Current Voltage 1.044V DIMM Current Voltage 1.560V PCH Current Voltage 1.056V

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults

ESC/Right Click: Exit

F4: Save & Exit

CPU OverClocking Configuration

Scroll to this item to view the following screen:

CPU Frequency Maximum supported frequency 150.00 MHz Minimum supported frequency 99.54 MHz

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

CPU OverClocking Configuration

CPU Frequency(1/100 MHz) 10000 CPU Ratio 23

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology Enabled

Turbo Mode Enabled

Runtime Turbo Enable Disabled

Over Clocking Extra Vol.(1/256 V) 0 IA Core Current Max(1/8 Amp) 1680 iGFX Core Current Max(1/8 Amp) 800 Long Duration Power Limit Override 1440 Long Duration Maintained 10 Short Duration Power Limit Override 1680 1 Core Ratio Limit 33 2 Core Ratio Limit 33 3 Core Ratio Limt 32 4 Core Ratio Limit 31

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults

ESC/Right Click: Exit

F4: Save & Exit

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CPU Frequency(1/100 MHz) (10000)

This item shows the information of CPU frequency.

CPU Ratio (23)

This item allows users to control non turbo CPU ratio.

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (Enabled)

This item allows users to enable or disable the EIST (Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology).

Turbo Mode (Enabled)

This item allows you to control the Intel Turbo Boost Technology.

Runtime Turbo Enable (Disabled)

This item shows if CPU support runtime turbo or not.

OverClocking Extra Vol.(1/256V) (0)

Use this item to set over clocking extra voltage.

IA Core Current Max(1/8 Amp) (1680)

Use this item to control CPU Current Limit.

iGFX Core Current Max(1/8 Amp) (800)

Use this item to control iGFX Core Current Limit.

Long Duration Power Limit Override (1440)

Intel(R) Turbo Boost Technology will use this power limit during the long duration power limit time window.

Long Duration Maintained (10)

Use this item to control the time window over PL1 value should be maintained. This is for Turbo mode.

Short Duration Power Limit Override (1680)

Intel(R) Turbo Boost Technology will use this power limit for a very short duration. After that, the long duration power limit will be honored.

1/2/3/4 Core Ratio Limit (33/33/32/31)

These items show the Core Ratio limit value.

Press <Esc> to return to the M.I.B X menu page.

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Chipset OverClocking Configuration

Scroll to this item to view the following screen:

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

The selection of Performance Memory Profiles which impacts memory sizing behavior.

Memory Multiplier Cofiguration

Performance Memory Profiles Automatic XMP Profile 1 Supported XMP Profile 2 Not Supported

Memory Timing Configuration

CAS# Latency(tCL) 11 RAS# to CAS# Delay(tRCD) 11 Row Precharge Time(tRP) 11 RAS# Active Time(tRAS) 28 Write Recovery Time(tWR) 12 Row Refresh Cycle Time(tRFC) 128 Active to Active Delay(tRRD) 5 Write to Read Delay(tWTR) 6 Read CAS# Precharge(tRTP) 6 Four Active Window Delay(tFAW) 24

Intel Graphics Configuration

Graphics Core Ratio Limit 11 Graphics Voltage(1/256) 0

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults

ESC/Right Click: Exit

F4: Save & Exit

Performance Memory Profiles (Automatic)

This item allows you to select the memory mode: Automatic, Manual, XMP Profile 1 or 2.

XMP Profile 1/2 (Supported/Not Supported)

These items show your motherboard supporting the XMP profile 1/2 ro not.

CAS# Latency(tCL) (11)

This item determines the operation of DDR SDRAM memory CAS (column address strobe). It is recommended that you leave this item at the default value. The 2T setting requires faster memory that specifically supports this mode.

RAS# to CAS# Delay(tRCD) (11)

This item specifies RAS# to CAS# delay to Rd/Wr command to the same bank.

Row Precharge Time(tRP) (11)

This item specifies Row precharge to Active or Auto-Refresh of the same bank.

RAS# Active Time(tRAS) (28)

This item specifies the RAS# active time.

Write Recovery Time(tWR) (12)

This item specifies the write recovery time.

Row Refresh Cycle Time(tRFC) (128)

This item specifies the row refresh cycle time.

Active to Active Delay(tRRD) (5)

This item controls the active bank x to active bank y in memory clock cycles.

Write to Read Delay(tWTR) (6)

This item specifies the write to read delay time.

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Read CAS# Precharge(tRTP) (6)

This item controls the Read to precharge delay for memory devices, in memory clock cycles.

Four Active Window Delay(tFAW) (24)

This item controls the four bank activate time in memory clock cycles.

Graphics Core Ratio Limit (11)

This item allows you to control the internal GFX Turbo ratio.

Graphics Voltage(1/256) (0)

This item allows you to adjust the internal GFX voltage.

Press <Esc> to return to the M.I.B X menu page.

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When end-users encounter failure after attempting over-clocking, please take the following steps to recover from it.

1. Shut down the computer.

2. Press and hold the “Page Up Key (PgUp)” of the keyboard, and then boot the PC up.

3. Two seconds after the PC boots up, release the “Page Up Key (PgUp)”.

4. The BIOS returns to the default setting by itself.

Warning: Over-clocking components can adversely affect the reliability of the system and introduce errors into your system. Over-clocking can permanently damage the motherboard by generating excess heat in components that are run beyond the rated limits.

Fail-Safe Procedures for Over-clocking

B.O.M.P Technology (Enabled)

This item allows users to enable or disable B.O.M.P technology. This function can run safe setting to setup menu when system boot fail 3 times.

Auto Detect DIMM/PCI Clk (Enabled)

When this item is enabled, BIOS will disable the clock signal of free DIMM/PCI slots.

Spread Spectrum (Enabled)

If you enable spread spectrum, it can significantly reduce the EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference) generated by the system.

CPU/AXG/IMC/DIMM/System Agent/PCH/CPU PLL Voltage (Auto)

These items allows you to adjust the CPU/AXG/IMC/DIMM/System Agent/PCH/CPU PLL voltage.

Processor Speed (2300 MHz)

This item shows the CPU speed.

Memory Frequency (1600 MHz)

This item shows the memory frequency.

Total Memory (4096 MB (DDR3))

This item shows the total memory.

CPU Current Voltage (0.936V)

This item shows the CPU current voltage.

AXG Current Voltage (0.012V)

This item shows the AXG current voltage.

IMC Current Voltage (1.032V)

This item shows the IMC current voltage.

DIMM Current Voltage (1.560V)

This item shows the DIMM current voltage.

PCH Current Voltage (1.056V)

This item shows the PCH current voltage.

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This page enables you to set the keyboard NumLock state.

Boot Menu

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

Select the keyboard NumLock state

USB CD/DVD USB Hard Disk

USB Flash

Network

USB/IDE Floppy

CD/DVD

UEFI

Boot Configuration

Bootup NumLock State On

Quiet Boot Enabled

Set Boot Priority

1st Boot Hard Disk 2nd Boot 3rd Boot 4th Boot 5thBoot 6thBoot 7th Boot 8th Boot

Hard Disk Drive Priorities [Press Enter] CD/DVD ROM Drive Priorities [Press Enter] USB/ IDE Floppy Drive Priorities [Press Enter] USB CD/DVD ROM Drive Priorities [Press Enter] USB HardDisk Drive Priorities [Press Enter] USB Flash Drive Priorities [Press Enter] NETWORK Device Priorities [Press Enter] UEFI Boot Drive Priorities [Press Enter]

Bootup NumLock State (On)

This item enables you to select NumLock state.

1st/2nd/3rd/4th/5th/6th/7th/8th Boot

These items show the boot priorities.

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Hard Disk Drive Priorities

Scroll to this item to view the following screen:

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults

ESC/Right Click: Exit

F4: Save & Exit

Hard Disk Drive Priorities

This item enables you to specify the sequence of loading the operating system from the installing hard disk drive.

Press <Esc> to return to the Boot Menu page.

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Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults

ESC/Right Click: Exit

USB/IDE Floppy Drive Priorities

F4: Save & Exit

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults

ESC/Right Click: Exit

F4: Save & Exit

CD/DVD ROM Drive Priorities

USB/IDE Floppy Drive Priorities

Scroll to this item to view the following screen:

CD/DVD ROM Drive Priorities

Scroll to this item to view the following screen:

CD/DVD ROM Drive Priorities

This item enables you to specify the sequence of loading the operating system from the installing CD/DVD ROM drive.

Press <Esc> to return to the Boot Menu page.

USB/IDE Floppy Drive Priorities

This item enables you to specify the sequence of loading the operating system from the installing USB/IDE Floppy drive.

Press <Esc> to return to the Boot Menu page.

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Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults

ESC/Right Click: Exit

USB CD/DVD ROM Drive Priorities

F4: Save & Exit

USB CD/DVD ROM Drive Priorities

Scroll to this item to view the following screen:

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults

ESC/Right Click: Exit

F4: Save & Exit

USB HardDisk Drive Priorities

Scroll to this item to view the following screen:

USB CD/DVD ROM Drive Priorities

This item enables you to specify the sequence of loading the operating system from the installing USB CD/DVD ROM drive.

Press <Esc> to return to the Boot Menu page.

USB HardDisk Drive Priorities

This item enables you to specify the sequence of loading the operating system from the installing USB HardDisk drive.

Press <Esc> to return to the Boot Menu page.

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Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults

ESC/Right Click: Exit

USB Flash Drive Priorities

F4: Save & Exit

USB Flash Drive Priorities

This item enables you to specify the sequence of loading the operating system from the installing USB Flash drive.

Press <Esc> to return to the Boot Menu page.

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Save & Exit

NETWORK Device Priorities

: Select Screen

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

F1: General Help

F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

/Click: Select Item

F2: Previous Values

USB Flash Drive Priorities

Scroll to this item to view the following screen:

NETWORK Device Priorities

Scroll to this item to view the following screen:

NETWORK Device Priorities

This item enables you to specify the sequence of loading the operating system from the installing network device.

Press <Esc> to return to the Boot Menu page.

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Z77H2-AX USER MANUAL

UEFI Boot Drive Priorities

This item enables you to specify the sequence of loading the operating system from the installing UEFI Boot drive.

Press <Esc> to return to the Boot Menu page.

UEFI Boot Drive Priorities

Scroll to this item to view the following screen:

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults

ESC/Right Click: Exit

F4: Save & Exit

UEFI Boot Drive Priorities

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Z77H2-AX USER MANUAL

This page enables you to set setup administrator password and user password.

Security Menu

Administrator Password Status (Not Install)

This item shows adiministrator password installed or not.

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values

Set Administrator Password

F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Administrator Password

Administrator Password Status Not Install User Password Status Not Install

User Password Status (Not Install)

This item shows user password installed or not.

Administrator Password

Press <Enter> to setup administrator password.

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Z77H2-AX USER MANUAL

This page enables you to exit system setup after saving or without saving the changes.

Exit Menu

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help

F2: Previous Values

Enabled/Disabled Profile function

F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit

ESC/Right Click: Exit

Profile Configuration

Back to EZ Mode

Save Changes and Exit Discard Changes and Exit Save Changes and Reset Discard Changes and Reset

Save Options

Save Changes Discard Changes

Restore Defaults

Boot Override

Profile Configuration

Scroll to this item to view the following screen:

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

Profile name can be selected by the user

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Profile Configuration

Profile 1 Input Profile Name Profile 1

Set Profile

Load Profile Current Profile name Not Install

Profile 2

Input Profile Name Profile 2 Set Profile

Load Profile Current Profile name Not Install

Profile 3

Input Profile Name Profile 3 Set Profile

Load Profile Current Profile name Not Install

Profile 4

Input Profile Name Profile 4 Set Profile

Load Profile

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Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B X Boot Security Exit

Set BIOS Setup data to Profile information

+/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Profile Configuration

Profile 5

Input Profile Name Profile 5 Set Profile

Load Profile Current Profile name Not Install

Profile 6

Input Profile Name Profile 6 Set Profile

Load Profile Current Profile name Not Install

Profile 7

Input Profile Name Profile 7 Set Profile

Load Profile Current Profile name Not Install

Profile 8

Input Profile Name Profile 8

Set Profile Load Profile Current Profile Name Not Install

Press <Esc> to return to the Exit Menu page.

Save Options

This item enables you to save the options that you have made.

Save Changes

This item enables you to save the changes that you have made.

Discard Changes

This item enables you to discard any changes that you have made.

Restore Defaults

This item enables you to restore the system defaults.

Save Changes and Exit

This item enables you to exit system setup after saving the changes.

Discard Changes and Exit

This item enables you to exit system setup without saving any changes.

Save Changes and Reset

This item enables you to reset the system setup after saving the changes.

Discard Changes and Reset

This item enables you to reset system setup without saving any changes.

Back to EZ Mode

This item enables you to back to EZ mode.

Boot Override

Use this item to select the boot device.

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Updating the BIOS

You can download and install updated BIOS for this motherboard from the manufacturer’s Website. New BIOS provides support for new peripherals, improvements in performance, or fixes for known bugs. Install new BIOS as follows:

This concludes Chapter 3. Refer to the next chapter for information on the software supplied with the motherboard.

1 If your motherboard has a BIOS protection jumper, change the setting to

allow BIOS flashing.

2 If your motherboard has an item called Firmware Write Protect in Ad-

vanced BIOS features, disable it. (Firmware Write Protect prevents BIOS from being overwritten.)

3 Prepare a bootable device or create a bootable system disk. (Refer to

Windows online help for information on creating a bootable system disk.)

4 Download the Flash Utility and new BIOS file from the manufacturer’s

Web site. Copy these files to the bootable device.

5 Turn off your computer and insert the bootable device in your computer.

(You might need to run the Setup Utility and change the the boot priority items on the Advanced BIOS Features Setup page, to force your computer to boot from the bootable device first.)

6 At the C:\ or A:\ prompt, type the Flash Utility program name and the file

name of the new BIOS and then press <Enter>. Example: AFUDOS.EXE

040706.ROM

7 When the installation is complete, remove the bootable device from the

computer and restart your computer. If your motherboard has a Flash BIOS jumper, reset the jumper to protect the newly installed BIOS from being overwritten. The computer will restart automatically.

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Chapter 4

Using the Motherboard Software

The auto-install DVD-ROM makes it easy for you to install the drivers and software. The support software DVD-ROM disc loads automatically under Windows XP/Vista/7. When you insert the DVD-ROM disc in the DVD-ROM drive, the auto-run feature will automatically bring up the installation screen. The screen has four buttons on it: Setup, Utilities,

Browse CD and Exit.

Auto-installing under Windows XP/Vista/7

Displays the path for all software and drivers available on the disk.

Open Windows Explorer and show the contents of the support disk.

Click “Exit” button to close the Auto-Setup

window.

Browse CD:

Click the “Setup” button to select and run the software installation program.

Click the “Utilities” button to select and install ECS Intelligent Utility.

Information:

Follow these instructions to install device drivers and software for the motherboard:

The following screens are examples only. The screens and driver lists will be different according to the motherboard you are installing.

1. Click Setup. The installation program begins:

Running Setup

The motherboard identification is located in the upper left-hand corner.

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Chapter 4

Windows Vista/7 will appear below UAC (User Account Control) message after the system restart. You must select “Allow” to install the next driver. Con-

tinue this process to complete the drivers installation.

2. Click Next. The following screen appears:

3. Check the box next to the items you want to install. The default options are recommended.

5. Follow the instructions on the screen to install the items.

Drivers and software are automatically installed in sequence. Follow the onscreen instructions, confirm commands and allow the computer to restart a few times to complete the installation.

4. Click Next to run the Installation Wizard. An item installation screen appears:

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Chapter 4

If the auto-install DVD-ROM does not work on your system, you can still install drivers through the file manager for your OS (for example, Windows Explorer).

Look for the chipset and motherboard model, and then browse to the directory and path to begin installing the drivers. Most drivers have a setup program (SETUP.EXE) that automatically detects your operating system before installation. Other drivers have the setup program located in the operating system subfolder.

These software(s) are subject to change at anytime without prior notice. Please refer to the support disk for available software.

Manual Installation

ECS Utility Software (Intelligent EZ Utility)

ECS Intelligent EZ Utility provides friendly interfaces under Windows O.S, which makes your computing more easily and conveniently.

eSF

eSF(Smart Fan) utility provides easy and safe way to adjust fan speed in accordance with your PC’s system loading and temperature.

eDLU

ECS eDLU utility makes updating drivers fast and easy. eDLU saves time and hassle by listing all the latest drivers online. Just select the one you prefer and start to download and install the drivers.

If the driver you want to install does not have a setup program, browse to the operating system subfolder and locate the readme text file (README.TXT or README.DOC) for information on installing the driver or software for your operating system.

It has five modes to adjust fan speed in a safe range without entering the BIOS to optimize your system cooling environment.

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Chapter 4

eOC

ECS eOC Utility is a simple over-clocking tool that provides user-friendly windows operation interface for novices and over-clockers. Combining with ECS MIB III technology, eOC challenges the undiscovered over-clocking capability than ever before.

eBLU

ECS eBLU utility makes BIOS update faster and easier. eBLU will list the latest BIOS with a default check-mark. Click”install” button to install.

Monitor Easy Tuning

Advance Tuning

Options

Z77H2-AX USER MANUAL

Chapter 5

Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID Configuration

The Intel®Matrix Storage Manager allows you to configure RAID 0, and 1 sets on the external Serial ATA hard disk drives.

1. Install the external Serial ATA hard disk drive (HDD) on your system.

2. Set the Onboard SATA Mode item in the BIOS to RAID...

See section “Integrated Peripherals” for details.

Before creating a RAID set

1. One SATA HDD.

2. A write-enabled floppy disk.

3. Microsoft

Windows® OS installation disk (Windows XP/Vista).

4. Motherboard support CD with Intel

Matrix Storage Manager driver.

3. Enter the Intel

Matrix Storage Manager option to set up your RAID con-

figuration.

4. Create an Intel

Matrix Storage Manager driver disk for Windows® OS in-

stallation. See section “Creating a RAID driver disk” for details.

5. Install the Intel

Matrix Storage Manager driver after the Windows® OS

had been installed.

Complete the following steps before you create a RAID set:

Prepare the following items:

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Chapter 5

2. The main Intel®Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu appears.

Entering Intel®Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS utility

1. During POST, press <Ctrl-I> to enter the Intel®Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu.

3. Use the arrow keys to move the color bar and navigate through the items.

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Chapter 5

2. When the RAID Level item is highlighted, use the up/down arrow key to select the RAID set that you want to create.

Creating a RAID set

1. In the main Intel®Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu, highlight Create RAID Volume using the up/down arrow key then press <Enter>.

3. Key in the RAID volume capacity. Use the up/down arrow to choose the Capacity. The default value indicates the maximum capacity using the selected disks. Entering a lower capacity allows you to create a second volume on these disks.

When more than two HDDs are installed in your computer, the Disks item will be selectable. Then users can select the HDD that you want to belong to the RAID set. Please be noticed that selecting a wrong disk will result in losing the original data of the HDD.

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Chapter 5

Pressing <Y> deletes all the data in the HDDs.

5. The following screen appears, displaying the relevant information about the RAID set you created.

Users please be noted that RAID 0 (Stripe) is set to accelerate the data access, and RAID 1 (Mirror) is set to provide the data backup. If you want to set RAID 0, you need to set the 2nd Boot Device item in the BIOS to Intel Volume0. See section “Advanced Setup” for details.

4. When done, press <Enter> to confirm the creation of the RAID set. A dialogue box appears to confirm the action. Press <Y> to confirm; otherwise, press <N>.

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Chapter 5

Deleting a RAID set

1. In the main Intel®Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu, highlight Delete RAID Volume using the up/down arrow key then press <Enter>.

2. Use the space bar to select the RAID set you want to delete.

Press the <Del> key to delete the set.

3. A dialogue box appears to confirm the action. Press <Y> to confirm; otherwise, press <N>.

Pressing <Y> deletes all the data in the HDDs.

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Chapter 5

Resetting disks to Non-RAID

An HDD that has been previously configured as part of another RAID set

in another platform is called a broken RAID HDD. When you install a broken RAID HDD, you cannot select this disk when configuring a RAID set through the Intel

Matrix Storage Manager option. If you still want to use

this broken RAID HDD as part of the RAID set configured through the Intel

Matrix Storage Manager, you may do so by resetting the disk to Non-RAID. You will, however, lose all data and previous RAID configurations.

To reset disks to Non-RAID:

1. In the main Intel®Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu, highlight Reset Disks to Non-RAID using the up/down arrow key then press <Enter>.

2. Use the space bar to select the HDD to reset to Non-RAID.

3. A dialogue box appears to confirm the action. Press <Y> to confirm; otherwise, press <N>.

Pressing <Y> deletes all the data in the HDDs.

When you have finished, highlight Exit using the up/down arrow key then press <Enter> to exit the Intel

Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS utility.

A dialogue box appears to confirm the action. Press <Y> to confirm; otherwise, press <N> to return to the Intel

Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu.

Exiting Setup

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Chapter 6

Trouble Shooting

Start up problems during assembly

After assembling the PC for the first time you may experience some start up problems. Before calling for technical support or returning for warranty, this chapter may help to address some of the common questions using some basic troubleshooting tips. You may also log onto our ECS website for more information:

a) System does not power up and the fans are not running.

1. Disassemble the PC to remove the VGA adaptor card, DDR memory, LAN, USB and other peripherals including keyboard and mouse. Leave only the motherboard, CPU with CPU cooler and power supply connected. Make sure the power cord is plugged into the wall socket & the switch on the Power Supply Unit (PSU) is turned “ on “ as well. Turn on again to see if the CPU and power supply fans are running.

2. Make sure to remove any unused screws or other metal objects such as screwdrivers from the inside PC case. This is to prevent damage from short circuit.

3. Check the CPU FAN connector is connected to the motherboard.

4. For Intel platforms check the pins on the CPU socket for damage or bent. A bent pin may cause failure to boot and sometimes permanent damage from short circuit.

5. Check the 12V power connector is connected to the motherboard.

6. Check that the 12V power & ATX connectors are fully inserted into the motherboard connectors. Make sure the latches of the cable and connector are locked into place.

b) Power is on, fans are running but there is no display

1. Make sure the monitor is turned on and the monitor cable is properly connected to the PC.

2. Check the VGA adapter card (if applicable) is inserted properly.

3. Listen for beep sounds. If you are using internal PC speaker make sure it is connected. a. continuous 3 short beeps: memory not detected b. 1 long beep and 8 short beeps: VGA not detected

c) The PC suddenly shuts down while booting up.

1. The CPU may experience overheating so it will shutdown to protect itself. Apply the thermal grease onto the CPU heatsink & ensure the CPU fan is well-connected with the CPU heatsink. Check if the CPU fan is working properly while the system is running.

http:// www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Support/Support_FAQ.aspx?MenulD=49& childid=M 49&LanlD=0

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Your computer, like any electrical appliance, requires proper care and maintenance. Here are some basic PC care tips to help prolong the life of the motherboard and keep it running as best as it can.

1. Keep your computer in a well ventilated area. Leave some space between the PC and the wall for sufficient airflow.

2. Keep your computer in a cool dry place. Avoid dusty areas, direct sunlight and

Start up problems after prolong use

After a prolong period of use your PC may experience start up problems again. This may be caused by breakdown of devices connected to the motherboard such as HDD, CPU fan, etc. The following tips may help to revive the PC or identify the cause of failure.

1. Clear the CMOS values using the CLR_CMOS jumper. Refer to CLR_CMOS jumper in Chapter 2 for Checking Jumper Settings in this user manual. When completed, follow up with a Load Optimised Default in the BIOS setup.

2. Check the CPU cooler fan for dust. Long term accumulation of dust will reduce its effectiveness to cool the processor. Clean the cooler or replace a new one if necessary.

3. Check that the 12V power & ATX connectors are fully inserted into the motherboard connectors. Make sure the latches of the cable and connector are locked into place.

4. Remove the hard drive, optical drive or DDR memory to determine which of these components may be at fault.

areas of high moisture content.

3. Routinely clean the CPU cooler fan to remove dust and hair.

4. In places of hot and humid weather you should turn on your computer once every other week to circulate the air and prevent damage from humidity.

5. Add more memory to your computer if possible. This not only speeds up the system but also reduces the loading of your hard drive to prolong its life span.

6. If possible, ensure the power cord has an earth ground pin directly from the wall outlet. This will reduce voltage fluctuation that may damage sensitive devices.

Maintenance and care tips

2. From the BIOS setting, try to disable the Smartfan function to let the fan run at default speed. Doing a Load Optimised Default will also disable the Smartfan.

5. Check whether there is any bulked up electrolytic capacitor or abnormal component.

Please logo onto our ECS website: http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Support/ Technical_Support_List.aspx?MenuID=50&LanID=0 for more information.

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Basic Troubleshooting Flowchart

Chapter 6

Z77H2-AX USER MANUAL

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ECS Z77H2-AX, Z77H2-A2X User manual User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual