ECS Z77H2-A3, Z77H2-A3D Manual User Manual
Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL
Preface
Copyright
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 2.0
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.
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Z77H2-A3 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.
H
page 1
Describes installation of
motherboard components.
H
page 7
H
page 27
H
page 57
Installing the Motherboard
Introducing the Motherboard
Provides information on using the BIOS Setup Utility.
Chapter 5
Describes the motherboard
software.
page 63
H
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 69
H
Intel®Matrix Storage Manager
RAID Configurations
Describes Intel
®
Matrix
Storage Manager RAID
Configurations.
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Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL
Chapter 2 7
Installing the Motherboard 7
Safety Precautions.............................................................................7
Installing the Motherboard in a Chassis......................................7
Checking Jumper Settings..................................................................8
Installing Hardware..................................................................9
Installing the Processor.............................................................9
Installing the CPU Cooler.........................................................11
Installing Memory Modules....................................................12
Installing Add-on Cards...........................................................14
Connecting Optional Devices..................................................16
Installing a SATA Hard Drive...................................................22
Connecting Case Components.......................................................23
Front Panel Header.................................................................25
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 27
Using BIOS 27
About the Setup Utility........................ .......................................27
The Standard Configuration........................ ...........................27
Entering the Setup Utility........................................................27
Resetting the Default CMOS Values.....................................28
Using BIOS........................................................................................28
BIOS Navigation Keys..............................................................29
Main Menu.............................................................................30
Advanced Menu......................................................................31
Chipset Menu..........................................................................43
M.I.B III(MB Intelligent Bios III) Menu....................................46
Boot Menu...............................................................................50
Security Menu..........................................................................52
Save & Exit Menu.....................................................................55
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Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL
Chapter 4 57
Using the Motherboard Software 57
Auto-installing under Windows XP/7/8.........................................57
Running Setup.........................................................................57
Manual Installation..........................................................................59
ECS Utility Software (Intelligent EZ Utility).....................................59
Chapter 6 69
Trouble Shooting 69
Start up problems during assembly..............................................69
Start up problems after prolong use............................................70
Maintenance and care tips..............................................................70
Basic Troubleshooting Flowchart...................................................71
Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID Configuration 63
Chapter 5 63
Before creating a RAID set.............................................................63
Entering Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS utility.....64
Creating a RAID set.........................................................................65
Deleting a RAID set..........................................................................67
Reseting disks to Non-RAID.....................................................68
Exiting Setup..............................................................................68
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Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Introducing the Motherboard
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Z77H2-A3 motherboard. This motherboard is a high performance, enhanced function motherboard designed to support the LGA1155 socket
for latest new Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge high-end desktop 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
2820+(OC)/1600 MHz. One PCI Express x16 slot, intended for Graphics Interface, is
supported. In addition, four 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 ten USB 2.0 ports (six
USB 2.0 ports at rear panel and two USB 2.0 headers support additional four USB 2.0
ports) and four USB 3.0 ports (two USB 3.0 ports at the rear panel and one USB 3.0
header supports additional two USB 3.0 ports). The gray 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 PS/2 Combo & USB connectors, one DVI port (colay HDMI port), one VGA
port, one RJ45 LAN connector, six USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports and audio jacks 8ch for microphone, line-in and line-out.
In addition, this motherboard supports two SATA 6Gb/s and four SATA 3Gb/s connectors for expansion.
Your motherboard package ships with the following items:
Package Contents
Z77H2-A3 Motherboard
Quick Installation Guide
User Manual
DVD
I/O Shield
2 SATA 3Gb/s Cables
The package contents above are for reference only, please take the actual
package items as standard.
Chapter 1
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Z77H2-A3 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 2820+(OC)/1600 DDR3 SDRAM
Memory
• 1 x PCI Express Gen3.0 x16 slot
• 4 x PCI Express x1 slots
• 2 x PCI slots
• Supported by Intel
®
Z77 Express Chipset
- 4 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s devices
- 2 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s devices
- RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 configuration
Expansion
Slots
Storage
• 1 x PS/2 Combo & USB connectors
• 1 x VGA port
• 1 x DVI port (colay HDMI port)
• 6 x USB 2.0 ports
• 1 x RJ45 LAN connector
• 2 x USB 3.0 ports
• Audio jacks 8-ch for microphone, line-in and line-out
Rear Panel I/O
LAN • Realtek 8111E
- 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet Controller
• Realtek ALC892 8-Ch High Definition audio CODEC
-
Compliant with HD audio specification
Audio
• LGA1155 socket for latest new Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge
high-end desktop processors
Note: Please go to ECS website for the latest CPU support list.
Note: Please go to ECS website for the latest Memory support list.
• 1 x 24-pin ATX Power Supply connector
• 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector
• 1 x 4-pin CPU_FAN connector
• 1 x 3-pin SYS_FAN1 (with smart fan) & SYS_FAN2 connectors
• 1 x 3-pin PWR_FAN connector
• 2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional four USB 2.0 ports
(F_USB1 supports EZ charger)
• 1 x USB 3.0 header supports additional two USB 3.0 ports
• 4 x Serial SATA 3Gb/s connectors
• 2 x Serial SATA 6Gb/s connectors
• 1 x Serial port header (COM)
• 1 x SPDIF out header
• 1 x Front Panel audio header
• 1 x Front Panel switch/LED header
• 1 x CLR_CMOS header
• 1 x Speaker header
• 1 x Case open header
• 1 x ME_UNLOCK header
Internal I/O
Connectors &
Headers
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Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL
Chapter 1
• AMI BIOS with 64Mb SPI Flash ROM
• Supports Plug and Play, STR (S3)/ STD(S4), Hardware Monitor,
Multi Boot
• Audio, LAN, can be disabled in BIOS
• F7 hot key for boot up devices option
• Supports ACPI 3.0 revision & DMI
• Supports Pgup clear CMOS Hotkey
• Supports Over-Clocking
• Supports ECS M.I.B III Utility
• Supports eBLU, eDLU, eOC, eSF (Warning: Microsoft .NET Frame-
work 3.5 is required)
• Supports EZ Charger
System BIOS
Form Factor • ATX Size, 305mm x 210mm
Chapter 1
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Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL
Motherboard Components
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Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL
Chapter 1
Table of Motherboard Components
LABEL COMPONENTS
1. CPU Socket LGA1155 socket
2. CPU_FAN 4-pin CPU cooling fan connector
3. DDR3_1~4 240-pin DDR3 Module slots
4. ATX_POWER Standard 24-pin ATX power connector
5. PWR_FAN Power cooling fan connector
6. SPI_DEBUG SPI debug header-for factory use only
7. USB3F Front panel USB 3.0 header
8. CASE CASE open header
9. SATA 1/ 2 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
10. SATA3~6 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors
11. F_PANEL Front panel switch/LED header
12. F_USB1~2 Front panel USB 2.0 headers (F_USB1 supports EZ Charger)
13. ME_UNLOCK ME unlock header-for factory use only
14. CLR_CMOS Clear CMOS jumper
15. SPK Speaker header
16. SYS_FAN2 3-pin system cooling fan connector
17. COM Onboard serial port header
18. SPDIFO SPDIF out header
19. F_AUDIO Front panel audio header
20. PCI1~2 32-bit add-on card slots
21. PCIE1~4 PCI Express x1 slots
22. PCIEX16 PCI Express slot for graphics interface
23. SYS_FAN1 3-pin system cooling fan connector
24. ATX12V 4-pin +12V power connector
Chapter 1
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Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL
I/O Ports
1. PS/2 Combo port
Use the PS/2 combo port to connect the PS/2 Keyboard or PS/2 Mouse.
2. USB 2.0 Ports
Use the USB 2.0 ports to connect USB 2.0 devices.
3. VGA Port
Connect your monitor to the VGA port.
4. DVI Port (colay HDMI Port)
You can connect the display device to the DVI port.
5. USB 3.0 Ports
Use the USB 3.0 ports to connect USB 3.0 devices.
6. LAN Port
Connect an RJ-45 jack to the LAN port to connect your computer to the Network.
7~12. Audio ports
Use the audio jacks to connect audio devices. No.10 port is for stereo line-in signal,
while No.12 port is for microphone in signal. This motherboard supports 8-channel
audio devices that correspond to No.7, No.8, No.9 and No.11 port respectively. In
addition, all of the 3 ports, No.8, No.9, and No.11 provide users with both right &
left channels individually. Users please refer to the following note for specific port
function definition.
LAN LED Status Description
OFF No data
Orange blinking Active
OFF No link
Green Link
Activity LED
Link LED
Link LED
LAN Port
7: Center & Woofer 10: Line-in
8: Back Surround
11: Front Out
9: Side Surround
12: Mic_in Rear
The above port definition can be changed to audio input or audio output by
changing the driver utility setting.
Chapter 2
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Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL
Chapter 2
Installing the Motherboard
2-1. Safety Precautions
2-2. Installing the motherboard in a Chassis
This motherboard carries an ATX form factor of 305 x 210 mm. Choose a chassis that
accommodates this form 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.
Chapter 2
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Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL
The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1 is
labeled.
To avoid the system instability after clearing CMOS, we recommend users to
enter the main BIOS setting page to “Load Default Settings” and then “Save
and Exit Setup”.
2-3. Checking Jumper Settings
Chapter 2
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Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL
2-4. Installing Hardware
2-4-1. Installing the Processor
• 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.
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Z77H2-A3 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.
Chapter 2
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Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL
A. Apply 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.
2-4-2. 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.
Chapter 2
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Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL
2-4-3. Installing Memory Modules
• This motherboard accommodates four memory modules. It can support
four 240-pin DDR3 2800+(OC).
• 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.
• Refer to the following to install the memory modules.
C. The slot latches are levered upwards and latch on to the edges of the
DIMM.
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.
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:
Channel A: DDR3_1, DDR3_2
Channel B: DDR3_3, DDR3_4
Chapter 2
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Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL
Recommend memory configuration
Model
Sockets
DDR3_1 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_4
1 DIMM ~ Populated ~ ~
1 DIMM ~ ~ ~ Populated
2 DIMMs ~ Populated ~ Populated
3 DIMMs Populated Populated ~ Populated
3 DIMMs ~ Populated Populated Populated
4 DIMMs Populated Populated Populated Populated
Due to Intel CPU spec definition, please follow the table above for
recommended memory configuration.
1. For best performance and compatibility, we recommend that users give
priority to the white DIMMs (DDR3_2/DDR3_4) when installing DIMMs.
2. We suggest users not to mix memory type. It is recommended to use the
same brand and type memory on this motherboard.
Chapter 2
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Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL
2-4-4. 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 Slot
The PCI Express x16 slot is used to install an external PCI Express graphics card that is 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 slot is fully compliant to the PCI Express Base
Specification revision 2.0.
PCIE1~4 Slots
Chapter 2
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Z77H2-A3 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 LAN Card in the PCIE X1 slot
Chapter 2
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Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL
2-4-5. Connecting Optional Devices
Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional
devices:
No. Components No. Components
1 USB3F 5 ME_UNLOCK
2CASE6COM
3 SATA1 ~6 7 SPDIFO
4 F_USB1~2 8 F_AUDIO
Chapter 2
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Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL
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.
1. USB3F: Front Panel USB 3.0 header
2. 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.
Chapter 2
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Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL
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.
3. SATA1~6: Serial ATA connectors
Unlike F_USB2 in this mainboard, 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 two USB 2.0 headers supporting four 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_USB1~2: Front Panel USB 2.0 headers (F_USB1 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.
Chapter 2
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Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL
5. ME_UNLOCK: ME Unlock Header
6. 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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