Elitegroup Z87H3-A4 User Manual V1.0

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.

Z87H3-A4

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.

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



EN 55022



EN 61000-3-2

EN 61000-3-3



EN 55024

EN 60950



CE marking



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

Disturbances in supply systems caused

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

Information technology equipment-Immunity characteristicsLimits and methods of measurement

Safety for information technology equipment including electrical business equipment

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.

About the Manual

The manual consists of the following:

Chapter 1 Introducing the Motherboard

Chapter 2 Installing the Motherboard

Chapter 3 Using BIOS

Chapter 4 Using the Motherboard Software

Chapter 5

Intel

Matrix Storage Manager

RAID Configurations

Chapter 6

ATI CrossFireXTM Technology Support

Chapter 7 Trouble Shooting

Describes features of the motherboard.

Describes installation of motherboard components.

Provides information on using the BIOS Setup Utility.

Describes the motherboard software.

Describes Intel Storage Manager RAID Configurations.

Describes the ATI Crossfire

Technology

Provides basic trouble shooting tips.

Matrix

page 1

page 7

page 31

page 73

page 79

page 85

page 89

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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 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...................................................24

Connecting Case Components.......................................................26

Front Panel Header.................................................................29

Chapter 3 31

Using BIOS 31

About the Setup Utility................................................................31

The Standard Configuration....................................................31

Entering the Setup Utility........................................................31

Resetting the Default CMOS Values.....................................32

Using BIOS.......................................................................................32

BIOS Navigation Keys..............................................................33

Main Menu.............................................................................34

Advanced Menu......................................................................35

Chipset Menu..........................................................................52

M.I.B. III(MB Intelligent BIOS III) Menu..................................60

Boot Menu...............................................................................69

Security Menu..........................................................................70

Exit Menu................................................................................71

Updating the BIOS..........................................................................72

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USER MANUAL

iii

Chapter 4 73

Using the Motherboard Software 73

Auto-installing under Windows XP/7/8......................................73

Running Setup.........................................................................73

Manual Installation..........................................................................75

ECS Utility Software (Intelligent EZ Utility).....................................75

Chapter 5 79

Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID Configuration 79

Before creating a RAID set.............................................................79

Entering Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS utility.....80

Creating a RAID set.........................................................................81

Deleting a RAID set..........................................................................83

Reseting disks to Non-RAID......................................................84

Exiting Setup.............................................................................84

Chapter 6 85

ATI CrossFireXTM Technology Support 85

Requirements....................................................................................85

Installing CrossFireXTM graphics cards......................................85

The CatalystTM Control Center Dialog Box...................................87

Chapter 7 89

Trouble Shooting 89

Start up problems during assembly..............................................89

Start up problems after prolong use............................................90

Maintenance and care tips..............................................................90

Basic Troubleshooting Flowchart...................................................91

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Chapter 1

Introducing the Motherboard

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Z87H3-A4 motherboard. This motherboard is a high performance, enhanced function motherboard designed to support the LGA1150 socket for Intel® 4th Generation CoreTM Family processors.

This motherboard is based on Intel solution. It supports up to 32 GB of system memory with dual channel DDR3 3000+(OC)/2933+(OC)/2800+(OC)/2667+(OC)/2400+(OC)/2133(OC)/1866(OC)/1600/ 1333 MHz. One PCI Express x16 Gen3 slot (Gray slot) and one PCI Express x16 Gen2 slot (Black slot runs at x4 mode) are supported, intended for Graphics Interface. In addition, two PCI Express x1 Gen2 slots and two PCI v2.3 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 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 VGA port, one DVI port, one HDMI port, one Display port (DP), one RJ45 LAN connector, six USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports and audio 8-ch jacks.

In addition, this motherboard supports six SATA 6Gb/s and one mSATA for expansion.

*The SATA6 connector will become unavailable when mSATA connector is

installed.

Z87 Express Chipset for best desktop platform

Front Panel USB 2.0 headers of chapter 2 for

* connectors

Chapter 1

Package Contents

our motherboard package ships with the following items:

Z87H3-A4 Motherboard



Quick Installation Guide



User Manual



DVD



I/O Shield



2 SATA 6G with latch Cables



The package contents above are for reference only, please take the actual package items as

standard.

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USER MANUAL

Chapter 1

Specifications

CPU

Chipset

Memory

Expansion Slots

ATI CrossFireX Technology

Storage

• LGA1150 socket for processors

• Supports CPU up to 84W, TDP up to 95W

• Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0

• Supports Intel

• Supports Intel® 64 Architecture

• Supports Intel® Advanced Vector Extensions 2.0

• Supports Intel® Rapid Storage Technology 12.x

- Intel® Rapid Start Technology*

- Intel® Smart Connect Technology*

- Intel® Smart Response Technology*

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

*SSDS, multiple HDDs required.

•Intel® Z87 Chipset

• Dual-channel DDR3 memory architecture

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

• Supports DDR3 3000+(OC)/2933+(OC)/2800+(OC)/2667+(OC)/ 2400+(OC)/2133(OC)/1866(OC)/1600/1333 MHz SDRAM

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

• 1 x PCI Express x16 Gen3 slot (Gray)

• 1 x PCI Express x16 Gen2 slot (Run x4 mode- Black, PCI-E 16_S)*

• 2 x PCI Express x1 Gen2 slots

• 2 x PCI v2.3 slots

Not

*Support ATI CrossFireX (PCI-E 16_S slot running PCIE Gen2

x4 Mode).

• Supports AMD CrossFireX

- The PCIEX16_S (black color of PCIE x16 slot) supports PCI Express Gen2 running at X4 mode

• Supported by Intel® Z87 Express Chipset

- 6 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s devices

- 1 x mSATA connector

- RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 configuration

Note: The SATA6 connector will become unavailable when mSATA connector is installed.

Intel® 4th Generation CoreTM Family

Hyper-Threading Technology

Technology

Audio

LAN

Rear Panel I/O

• Realtek ALC892 8-Ch High Definition audio CODEC

Compliant with HD audio specification

• Realtek RL8111G Gigabit Lan

• 1 x PS/2 Combo & USB connectors

• 1 x D-sub (VGA port)

•1 x DVI port

• 1 x HDMI port

• 1 x Display port (DP)

• 6 x USB 2.0 ports

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USER MANUAL

Internal I/O Connectors & Headers

• 1 x RJ45 LAN connector

• 2 x USB 3.0 ports

• 1 x Audio 8-ch jacks

• 1 x 24-pin ATX Power Supply connector

• 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector

• 1 x 4-pin CPU_FAN connector

• 2 x 3-pin SYS_FAN connectors (4-pin optional)

• 1 x 3-pin PWR_FAN connector

• 2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional four USB 2.0 ports (Gray header supports EZ charger)

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

• 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors

• 1 x SPDIF out header

• 1 x Front Panel audio header

• 1 x Front Panel switch/LED header

• 1 x COM header

• 1 x CLR_CMOS jumper

• 1 x Parallel port header (LPT)

• 1 x CIR header

• 1 x Trusted platform module header (TPM)

• 1 x Speaker header

• 1 x Case open header

• 1 x ME_UNLOCK header

*The SATA6 connector will become unavailable when mSATA

Note: connector is installed.

Chapter 1

System BIOS

AP/Bundled Software Support

• AMI BIOS with 64Mb SPI Flash ROM

• Supports Plug and Play, STR (S3)/ STD(S4), Hardware Monitor

• Audio, LAN, can be disabled in BIOS

• F7 hot key for boot up devices option

• Supports ACPI & DMI

• Supports PgUp clear CMOS Hotkey (Has PS2 KB Model only)

• Supports Dual/Triple Dispaly

• Supports Over-Clocking

• Supports GUI UEFI BIOS II

• Supports Multi-Language

• Supports AC’97/HD Audio auto detect (default)

• ECS Exclusive AP: Supports eBLU*1/eDLU/eOC*1/eSF*1/EZ

Charger*

• 3rd Party Bundled software: Cyberlink*2/Norton*2/Muzee*2/

Sound Blaster Cinema*

Note: *

Muzee/Sound Blaster Cinema.

• ATX Size, 305mm x 210mmForm Factor

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is required.

Free bundle software including ECS DVD: Cyberlink/Norton/

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USER MANUAL

Chapter 1

Motherboard Components

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USER MANUAL

Table of Motherboard Components

LABEL COMPONENTS

1. CPU 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 3-pin Power cooling fan connector

6. USB3F Front panel USB 3.0 header

7. MSATA*

8. CIR Consumer Infrared header

9. SATA1~6*

10. SPK Speaker header

11. ME_UNLOCK ME unlock header-for factory use only

12. CASE CASE open header

13. F_PANEL Front panel switch/LED header

14. SYS_FAN2 3-pin system cooling fan connector (4-pin optional)

15. CLR_CMOS Clear CMOS jumper

16. F_USB1~2 Front panel USB 2.0 headers (Gray header supports EZ Charger)

17. TPM Trusted platform module header

18. COM Onboard serial port header

19. LPT Parallel port header

20. SPDIFO SPDIF out header

21. F_AUDIO Front panel audio header

22. PCI1~2 32-bit PCI add-on card slots

23. PCIEX16_S PCI Express Gen2 x4 slot

24. PCIEX16 PCI Express Gen3 x16 slot for graphics interface

25. PCIE1~2 PCI Express Gen2 x1 slots

26. SYS_FAN1 3-pin system cooling fan connector (4-pin optional)

27. ATX12V 4-pin +12V power connector

LGA1150 socket for Intel

Mini SATA connector

Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors

4th Generation CoreTM Family processors

Chapter 1

*The SATA6 connector will become unavailable when mSATA connector is

installed.

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USER MANUAL

Chapter 1

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

Connect your monitor to the DVI port.

5. Display Port (DP)

You can connect the display device to the display port.

6. HDMI Port

You can connect the display device to the HDMI port.

7. LAN Port

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

8~13. Audio ports

Use the audio jacks to connect audio devices. No.11 port is for stereo line-in signal, while No.13 port is for microphone in signal. This motherboard supports 8-channel audio devices that correspond to No.8, No.9, No.10 and No.12 port respectively. In addition, all of the 3 ports, No.9, No.10, and No.12 provide users with both right & left channels individually. Users please refer to the following note for specific port function definition.

LAN LED Status Description

Activity LED

Link LED

OFF No dat a Orange blinking Active OFF No link Green Link

8: Center & Woofer 11: Line-in

9: Back Surround 12: Front Out

10: Side Surround 13: Mic_in Rear

Link LED

LAN Port

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

14. USB 3.0 Ports

Use the USB 3.0 ports to connect USB 3.0 devices.

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USER MANUAL

Chapter 2

Installing the Motherboard

2-1. Safety Precautions

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.

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.

Chapter 2

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

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

2-3. Checking Jumper Settings

The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1 is labeled.

Chapter 2

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”.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

2-4. Installing Hardware

2-4-1. Installing the Processor

• This motherboard has an LGA1150 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.

Chapter 2

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.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Chapter 2

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.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

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 LGA1150 socket.

• The following illustration shows how to install CPU fan.

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.

Chapter 2

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

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

2-4-3. Installing Memory Modules

Chapter 2

• This motherboard accommodates four memory modules. It can support four 240-pin DDR3 3000+(OC)/2933+(OC)/2800+(OC)/2667+(OC)/ 2400+(OC)/2133(OC)/1866(OC)/1600/1333 MHz.

• 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.

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

orrectly. Check that the cutouts on the DIMM module edge

seats c connector match the notches in the DIMM slot.

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

DIMM.

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

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Recommend memory configuration

Mode l

1 DIMM ~ Populated ~ ~

1 DIMM ~ ~ ~ Populated

2 DIMM s ~ Populated ~ Populated

3 DIMM s Populated Populated ~ Populated

3 DIMM s ~ Populated Populated Populated

4 DIMM s 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.

DDR3_1 DDR3_ 2 DDR3_3 DDR3_4

Sockets

Chapter 2

Z87H3-A4 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

Chapter 2

that are not part of the basic system.

PCIE1~2 Slots

PCIEX16 Slot

PCIEX16_S Slot

PCI1~2 Slots

MSATA Slot

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

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 slot is fully compliant to the PCI Express Base Specification revision 2.0 which runs at x4 mode.

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 v2.3 compliant.

The mini SATA slot is for extending usage.

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 SATA6 connector will become unavailable when mSATA

connector is installed.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Recommend add_on card configuration

Model

SPEC PCI-E Gen.3 Running x16 mode PCI-E Gen.2 Running x4 mode

Color

1 Graphic Card (VGA card) Populated ~

Follow these instructions to install an add-on card:

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.

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

PCIEX16 PCIEX16_S

Gray Black

PCIEX16 Slots

Chapter 2

Install the VGA Card in the PCI slot

Install the VGA Card in the PCIE X16 slot

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Install the LAN Card in the PCIE X1 slot

2-4-5. Connecting Optional Devices

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

Chapter 2

No. Components No. Components

1USB3F 7 TPM

2CIR8COM

3 SATA1~6 9 LP T

4ME_UNLOCK10 SPDIFO

5CASE11F_AUDIO

6 F_USB1~2 —— ——

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

1. USB3F: Front Panel USB 3.0 header

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

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.

2. CIR: Consumer Infrared Header

Chapter 2

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

3. SATA1~6: Serial ATA connectors

SATA1~6 connectors are used to 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.

Chapter 2

4. ME_UNLOCK: ME Unlock Header

The SATA6 connector will become unavailable when mSATA connector is installed.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

5. 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.

6. F_USB1~2: Front Panel USB 2.0 headers

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.

Unlike F_USB2, 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.

Chapter 2

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.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

7. TPM: Trusted Platform Module header

Trusted platform module (TPM) is a published specification detailing a microcontroller that can store secured information, and implementations of that specification.

Chapter 2

8. COM: Onboard serial port header

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

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

9. LPT: Onboard parallel port header

This is a header that can be used to connect to the printer, scanner or other devices.

10. 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.

Chapter 2

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

11. F_AUDIO: Front Panel Audio Header

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 please set as below picture.

Chapter 2

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

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 ” .

’ 97 front panel audio to HD onboard headers,

* For reference only

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

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

Chapter 2

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

2-4-6. 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

Chapter 2

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

end to the power supply.

* For reference only

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

About mSATA Connector

Your motherboard features one Mini SATA slot, you can install a Mini SATA (MSATA) card into it.

Refer to the illustration below for proper installation:

1 Insert a Mini SATA (MSATA) card into the MSATA Slot.

2 Lower the handle and tighten the screws.

Chapter 2

The SATA6 connector will become unavailable when mSATA connector is installed.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

2-4-7. Connecting Case Components

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

Chapter 2

No. Components No. Components

1 CPU_FAN 5 F_PANEL

2 ATX _POWER 6 SYS_FAN2

3PWR_FAN 7SYS_FAN1

4SPK 8ATX_12V

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

1. CPU_FAN (CPU cooling FAN Power Connector) & 3. PWR_FAN (Power Cooling FAN Power Connector) & 6 & 7. SYS_FAN1~2 (System Cooling FAN Power Connector)

Connect the CPU cooling fan cable to CPU_FAN. Connect the system cooling fan connector to SYS_FAN. Connect the power cooling fan connector to PWR_FAN.

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

2. ATX_POWER (ATX 24-pin Power Connector) & 7. ATX12V (ATX 12V Power Connector)

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

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Chapter 2

4. SPK: Speaker header

Connect the case speaker cable to SPK.

Connecting 24-pin power cable

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.

24-pin power cable

Connecting 4-pin power cable

The ATX12V4P power connector is used to provide power to the CPU.

When installing 4-pin power cable, the latches of power cable and the ATX12V4P match perfectly.

4-pin power cable

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

5. F_PANEL: 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:

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.

Chapter 2

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

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Memo

Chapter 2

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Chapter 3

Using BIOS

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:

• Hard drives, diskette drives and peripherals

• Video display type and display options

• Password protection from unauthorized use

• Power Management features

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

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Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Press the delete key to access BIOS Setup Utility.

Chapter 3

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.

Above image is for reference only, for details please refer to actual image.

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 an 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.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

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

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

ESC Exits the current menu

mnlk

 Scrolls through the items on a menu

+/-

Change Opt.

Enter Select

F1 General Help F2 Previous Value F3 Optimized Defaults

F4 Sa ve & Ex it

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.

Chapter 3

Language

Select the language icon and press <Enter> or double click the left key of the mouse t

o display the screen. Then you can choose the language: English, Traditional Chinese, Simple Chinese, Russian, Korean, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese.

Default

Select the default icon and press <Enter> or double click the left key of the mouse to display the screen. Then you can load optimized defaults or not.

Boot

Select the boot icon and press <Enter> or double click the left key of the mouse to display the screen. Then you can choose the boot device.

Advanced

Select the advanced icon and press <Enter> or double click the left key of the mouse to display the screen.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Main Menu

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

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

BIOS Information System Language English

System Date Thu 02/21/2013

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System Time 23:16:36

System Language (English)

This item is used to set system language.

System 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 changes to the Windows Date and Time Properties utility.

Choose the system default language

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

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Advanced Menu

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

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

LAN Configuration

PC Health Status Power Management Setup ACPI Settings CPU Configuration Intel(R) Rapid Start T echnology SAT A Configuration Intel(R) Smart Connect T echnology USB Configuration Super IO Configuration Trusted Computing

LAN Configuration Parameters

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

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LAN Configuration

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

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

LAN Configuration

Onboard LAN Controller Enabled

Chapter 3

Onboard LAN Controller (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable Onboard LAN controller.

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

Enabled/Disabled Onboard LAN Controller

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

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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.

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

PC Health Status

Smart Fan Function

CPU T emperature (DTS) : 4 9 System Temperature : 29 CPU Fan Speed : 2884 RPM System Fan 1 Speed : 0 RPM System Fan 2 Speed : 0 RPM CPU Voltage : 1.788V DIMM Voltage : 1.500V +12V : 12.0 9 6V +5V : 4.224V +3.3V : 3.372V PCH Voltage : 1.056V

TCC Activation Temperature (DTS) 10 0

 Smart Fan Function

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

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

CPU Smart Fan Control Enabled

Smart Fan Mode Normal

Smart Fan start PWM value 180 Smart Fan start PWM TEMP(DTS) 70 DeltaT +3 Smart Fan Slope PWM value 10 PWM value/unit CPU Fan Full Speed Offset (DTS) 77

System Fan 1 Smart Fan Control Smart Fan Mode Normal

Smart Fan start PWM value 180 Smart Fan start PWM TEMP(DTS) 70 DeltaT +3 Smart Fa n S lop e P WM val ue 10 PWM value/unit System Fan 1 Full Speed Offset (DTS) 77

System Fan 2 Smart Fan Control Smart Fan Mode Normal

Smart Fan start PWM value 180 Smart Fan start PWM TEMP(DTS) 70 DeltaT +3 Smart Fan Slope PWM value 10 PWM value/unit System Fan 2 Full Speed Offset (DTS) 77

Enabled

CPU/System Fan 1/System Fan 2 Smart Fan Control (Enabled)

These items enable you to define the CPU/system fan 1/system fan 2 by smartly adjusting the CPU/system fan 1/system fan 2 Fan. When it is set at certain temperature, the CPU/system fan 1/system fan 2 PWM value will change accordingly.

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Enable CPU SmartFan

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

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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)

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

Smart Fan start PWM TEMP (DTS) (70)

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

Chapter 3

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.

CPU Fan/System Fan 1 /System Fan 2 Full Speed Offset (DTS) (77)

This item is used to set the CPU fan/System fan 1/System fan 2 full speed offset value.

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

System Component Characteristics

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

• CPU Temperature (DTS)

• System Temperature

• CPU Fan Speed

• System Fan 1 Speed

• System Fan 2 Speed

• CPU Voltage

• DIMM Voltage

• +12V

• +5V

• +3.3V

• PCH Voltage

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.

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

Power Management Setup

Resume By RING Disabled

Resume By PME Disabled Resume By USB Disabled Resume By PS2 KB Disabled Resume By PS2 MS Disabled EUP Function Enabled Power LED Type Dual Color LED

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.

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/PCI-E Modem or PCI/PCI-E 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/PCI-E card.

Resume By USB (Disabled)

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

Resume By PS2 KB (Disabled)

This item enables or disables you to allow keyboard activity to awaken the system from power saving mode.

Resume By PS2 MS (Disabled)

This item enables or disables you to allow mouse activity to awaken the system from power saving mode.

EUP Function (Enabled)

This item allows user to enable or disable EUP support.

Power LED Type (Dual Color LED)

This item shows the type of the Power LED.

About Resume by Ring

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Chapter 3

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

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

ACPI Settings

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

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

ACPI Settings

ACPI Sleep State S3 (Suspend to RAM)

Chapter 3

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.

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

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

CPU Configuration

The item in the menu shows the CPU.

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

CPU Configuration Genuine Intel(R) CPU 0000 @ 2.50GHz

EM64T Supported Processor Speed 2800 MHz Processor Stepping 306 c2 Microcode Revision ffff0006 Processor Cores 4 Intel HT Technology Not Supported Intel VT-x Technology Supported

Active Processor Cores All

Limit CPUID Maximum Disabled Execute Disable Bit Enabled Intel Virtualization T echnology Enabled LakeTiny Feature Enabled CPU C3 Report Enabled CPU C6 Report Enabled CPU C7 Report CPU C7s Package C State limit AUTO Enhanced C1 state Enabled

Genuine Intel(R) CPU 0000 @ 2.50GHz

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

EM64T (Supported)

This item shows the computer supports EM64T.

Processor Speed (2800MHz)

This item shows the current processor speed.

Processor Stepping (306c2)

This item shows the processor stepping version.

Microcode Revision (ffff0006)

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 the computer not supports Intel HT Technology.

Intel VT-x Technology (Supported)

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

Active Processor Cores (All)

Use this item to control the number of active processor cores.

Limit CPUID Maximum

(Disabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the maximum CPUID value limit, you can enables this item to prevent the system from “rebooting” when trying to install Windows NT

4.0.

Number of cores to enable in each processor package.

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

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Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Execute 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.

Intel Virtualization Technology (Enabled)

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

LakeTiny Feature (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the LakeTiny for C state configuration.

CPU C3 Report (Enabled)

Chapter 3

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

CPU C6 Report (Disabled)

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

CPU C7 Report (CPU C7s)

Use this item to enable or disable CPU C7 report to OS.

Package C State limit (AUTO)

Use this item to set the package C state limit.

Enhanced C1 state (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the Enhanced C1 state.

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

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology

Use this item to show the information of Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology.

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

Intel(R) Rapid Start T echnology Disabled

Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology (Disabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the

Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology.

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

Enable or disable Intel(R) Rapid Start T echnology .

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Chapter 3

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

SATA Configuration

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

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

SAT A Configuration

SAT A Mode AHCI Mode

Software Feature Mask Configuration SAT A Port1

Not Present Spin Up Device

Chapter 3

External SAT A Disabled SAT A Port2

Not Present Spin Up Device Disabled External SAT A Disabled

SAT A Port3 SONY DVD RW AT API Spin Up Device Disabled External SAT A Disabled

SAT A Port4 ST3160815AS (160.0GB) Spin Up Device Disabled External SAT A Disabled

SAT A Port5 Not Present Spin Up Device Disabled External SAT A Disabled

SAT A Port6 Not Present Spin Up Device Disabled External SAT A Disabled

SATA Mode (AHCI Mode)

Use this it

em to select SATA mode.

Disabled

Determines how SATA controller(s) operate.

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

 Software Feature Mask Configuration

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

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

SAT A Configuration

RAID0 Enabled

RAID1 Enabled RAID10 Enabled RAID5 Enabled Intel Rapid Recovery T echnology Enabled OROM UI and BANNER Enabled HDD Unlock Enabled LED Locate Enabled IRRT Only on eSAT A Enabled Smart Response T echnology Enabled OROM UI Delay 2 Seconds

Enable or disable RAID0 feature

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

RAID0/1/10/5 (Enabled)

Use these items to enable or disable the RAID0/1/10/5.

Intel Rapid Recovery Technology (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the Intel Rapid Recovery technology.

OROM UI and BANNER (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the OROM UI and BANNER. If enabled, then the

OROM UI is shown. Otherwise, no ORAM banner or information will be displayed if all disks and RAID volumes are Normal.

HDD Unlock (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the HDD unlock. If enabled, indicates that the

HDD password unlock in the OS is enabled.

LED Locate (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the LED locate. If enabled, indicates that the LED/

SGPIO hardware is attached and ping to locate feature is enabled on the OS.

IRRT Only on eSATA (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the IRRT only on eSATA.

olumes can span internal and eSATA drives. If disabled, then any RAID volumes

If enabled, then only IRRT

can span internal and eSATA drives.

Smart Response Technology (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the smart response technology.

OROM UI Delay (2 Seconds)

Use this item to set the OROM UI delay.

If enabled, indicates the delay of the ORAM

UI Splash Screen in a normal status.

Press <Esc> to return to the SATA Configuration page.

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SATA Port 1~6 (Not Present/SONY DVD RW ATAPI/ST3160815AS (160.0GB))

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

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

Intel(R) Smart Connect Technology

Use this item to show the information of Intel(R) Smart Connect Technology.

Chapter 3

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

ISCT Support Disabled

ISCT Support (Disabled)

Use this item to enable or disable ISCT support.

Enable/Disable ISCT Support

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

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

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

USB Configuration

Use this item to show the information of USB configuration.

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

USB Configuration All USB Devices Enabled

Legacy USB Support Enabled

All USB Devices (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable all USB devices.

Legacy USB Support (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable support for legacy USB devices.

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

USB Support Parameters

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Chapter 3

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Super IO Configuration

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

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

Super IO Configuration Super IO Chip IT8728

Serial Port 0 Configuration

Chapter 3

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:

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

Serial Port 0 Configuration

Serial Port Enabled

Device Settings IO=3F8h; IRQ=4; Change Settings Auto

Parallel Port Configuration

CIR Controller Configuration

Set Parameters of Serial Port 0 (COMA)

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Serial Port

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

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.

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

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

 Parallel Port Configuration

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

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

Parallel Port Configuration

Parallel Port Enabled

Device Se tti ngs IO=378h; IRQ=5; DMA=3

Change Settings Device Mode ECP Mode

Auto

Enabled or Disabled Parallel Port (LPT/LPTE)

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Parallel Port (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable parallel port.

Device Settings (IO=378h; IRQ=5; DMA=3)

This item shows the information of the device settings.

Change Settings (Auto)

Use this item to change device settings.

Device Mode (ECP Mode)

This item shows the information of the device mode.

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

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 CIR Controller Configuration

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

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

CIR Controller Configuration

CIR Controller Enabled

Chapter 3

CIR Controller (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable CIR Controller.

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

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

Enable or Disable CIR Controller

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Trusted Computing

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

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

Configuration

TPM Support Enabled

Current Status Information NO Security Device Found

TPM Support (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the TPM support. O.S. will not show TPM. Reset of platform is required.

Enables or Disables BIOS support for security device. O.S. will not show Security Device. TCG EFI protocol and INT1A interface will not be available.

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

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Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Chipset Menu

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

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

Chapter 3

System Agent Configuration



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

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

System Agent Configuration

Initiate Graphic Adapter Auto

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

CPU SA Audio Device Enabled

System Agent Configuration

PCH Configuration ME Configuration

System Agent (SA) Parameters.

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

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

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Initiate Graphic Adapter (Auto)

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

IGD Memory (64M)

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

DVMT Memory (256M)

When set to Fixed Mode, the graphics driver will reserve a fixed position of the syst

em memory as graphics memory, according to system and graphics requirements.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

IGD Multi-Monitor (Disabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the IGD Multi-Monitor.

CPU SA Audio Device (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the CPU SA Audio device.

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

Chapter 3

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Multi-Monitor technology

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.

Chapter 3

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

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 7/8.

PCI-Express Graphics

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

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.

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

Chapter 3

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

System Agent Configuration

Initiate Graphic Adapter Auto

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

CPU SA Audio Device Enabled

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

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Step 4. Change the appearance of your displays under Windows 7/8.

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.

Show the path of the setting location

Display devices

Chapter 3

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

Control Panel All Control Panel Items Display Screen Resolution

Change the apprearance of your displays

1. DELL U2410Display: Resolution: Orientation: Landscape

This is currently your main display.

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

Control Panel All Control Panel Items Display Screen Resolution

Change the apprearance of your displays

1920 x 1200 (recommended)

Extend desktop to this displayMultiple displays:

OK Cancel Apply

Search Control Panel

Detect

Identify

Advance settings

The type of the display

Set the multiple displays

Search Control Panel

Detect

Identify

3. DELL U2410Display: Resolution: Orientation: Landscape

Y ou must select Apply before making additional changes.

Make this my main display

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

1920 x 1200 (recommended)

Disconnect this displayMultiple displays: Extend desktop to this display Disconnect this display

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Advance settings

OK Cancel Apply

Control Panel All Control Panel Items Display Screen Resolution

Change the apprearance of your displays

4. AL1717Display: Resolution: Orientation: Landscape

Y ou must select Apply before making additional changes.

Make this my main display

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

1920 x 1200 (recommended)

Disconnect this displayMultiple displays:

Search Control Panel

Detect Identify

Advance settings

OK Cancel Apply

Control Panel All Control Panel Items Display Screen Resolution

Change the apprearance of your displays

4. AL1717Display: Resolution: Orientation: Landscape

Y ou must select Apply before making additional changes.

Make this my main display

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

1920 x 1200 (recommended)

Extend desktop to this displayMultiple displays:

OK Cancel Apply

Chapter 3

Search Control Panel

Detect

Identify

Advance settings

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

PCH Configuration

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

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

PCH Configuration

Restore AC Power Loss Power Off

Audio Configuration Azalia HD Audio Enabled

Case Open Warning Disabled Chassis Opened No

Chapter 3

Restore AC Power Loss (Power Off)

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

Azalia HD Audio (Enabled)

This item enables or disables Azalia HD audio.

Case Open Warning (Disabled)

This item enables or disables the warning if the case is opened up, and the item below indicates the current status of the case.

Chassis Opened (No)

This item indicates whether the case has been opened.

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

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

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

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

ME Configuration

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

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

Management Engine T echnology Configuration

ME Control Enabled

ME FW Version 9.0 .0 .1 3 10

Enable/Disable ME Firmware

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

ME Control (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the ME Firmware.

ME FW Version (9.0.0.1310)

This item shows the ME FW version.

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

Chapter 3

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

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

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.

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

Chapter 3

CPU Configuration

Scroll to this item to view the following screen:

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

Non Turbo Ratio Override 25

Package Current Lock Disabled IA Core Current Max(1/8 Amp) 784 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep T echnology Enabled Turbo Mode Enabled Boot performance mode Turbo Performance Package TDP Lock Enable Disabled Power Limit 1 Value(W att) 81 Power Limit 1 Time(Second) 8 Power Limit 2 Switch Enabled Power Limit 2 Value(W att) 101 1 Core Ratio Limit 30 2 Core Ratio Limit 30 3 Core Ratio Limit 29 4 Core Ratio Limit 28 Disable OverClocking Lock Enabled

ICC clock setting Host Clock Override(1/100 MHz) 0

CPU Configuration

North Bridge Configuration

Memory Configuration Over Voltage Configuration

Spread Spectrum Genuine Intel(R) CPU 0000 @ 2.50GHz

Processor Speed 2800 MHz Memory Frequency 1067 MHz T otal Memor y 1024MB (DDR3 )

Enabled

CPU ConfigurationM.I.B. III (MB Intelligent BIOS III)

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt.

Enter/Dbl Click : Select F1: General Help

+/- : Change Opt. F2: Previous Values

F1: General Help F3: Optimized Defaults

F2: Previous Values F4: Save & Exit

F3: Optimized Defaults ESC/Right Click: Exit

F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Non Turbo Ratio Override

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Non Turbo Ratio Override (25)

This item allows you to set the Non Turbo Ratio Override value.

Package Current Lock (Disabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the package current lock.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

IA Core Current Max(1/8 Amp) (784)

This item allows you to set IA Core Current Max.

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.

Boot performance mode (Turbo Performance)

Use this item to select the performance state that the BIOS will set before OS handoff.

Package TDP Lock Enable (Disabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the package TDP lock.

Power Limit 1/2 Value(Watt) (81/101)

These items allows you to set power limit 1/2 value.

Power Limit 1 Time(Second) (8)

This item allows you to set the power limit 1 time.

Power Limit 2 Switch (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the power limit 2 switch.

1 /2 /3 /4 Core Ratio Limit (30/30/29/28)

These items show the Core Ratio Limit Value.

Disable OverClocking Lock (Enabled)

This item allows you to control the OverClocking lock.

Host Clock Override(1/100 MHz) (0)

This item shows the information of the host clock override.

Chapter 3

Press <Esc> to return to the M.I.B. III Menu page.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

North Bridge Configuration



Scroll to this item to view the following screen:

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

Intel Graphics Configuration

Graphics Core Ratio Limit 16

Chapter 3

Graphics Core Ratio Limit (16)

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

Press <Esc> to return to the M.I.B. III Menu page.

Graphics Core Ratio Limit

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Memory Configuration

Scroll to this item to view the following screen:

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

Memory Information Memory RC Version 1.1 .0. 1

Memory Frequency 1067 Mhz T ot al Mem or y 1024 MB (DDR3) XMP Profile 1 Not S upported XMP Profile 2 Not S upported

Memory Profiles Automatic

Memory Frequency 1067 Timing Default Current Target

tCL 7 7 7 tRCD 7 7 7 tRP 7 7 7 tRAS 20 20 20 NMode 1 1 Auto tWR 8 8 8 tRFC 59 59 59 tRRD 4 4 4 tWTR 4 4 4 tRTP 4 4 4 tCWL 6 6 6 tREFI 4160 4160 4160 tFAW 20 20 20 tWRPRE 18 Auto tCPDED 1 Auto tPRPDEN 1 Auto OdtReadDelay 1 Auto tCKE 3 Auto

The selection of Memory Profiles which impacts memory sizing behavior.

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Chapter 3

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

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

tCCD 4 Auto tWPRE 1 Auto tRPRE 1 Auto tRDRD 4 Auto tRDRD_dr 6 Auto tRDRD_dd 6 Auto tRDPDEN 12 Auto CMD_3st 1 Auto tWRRD 16 Auto tWRRD_dr 6 Auto tWRRD_dd 6 Auto tWRWR 4 Auto

Chapter 3

tWRWR_dr 7 Auto tWRWR_dd 7 Auto tWRPDEN 18 Auto Dec_WRD 1 Auto Scomp 6 Auto T coComp 17 Auto RcompDrvUp 13 Auto RcomDrvDown 13 Auto LsComp 2 Auto

Enh Interleave Support RI Support Enabled OLL Weak Lock Support Enabled Mc Lock Enabled CMD Tri-State Enabled Memory Scrambler Enabled MRC Fast Boot Enabled Memory Remap Enabled Memory Thermal Management Enabled DDR PowerDown and idle counter BIOS

Refresh 2x Mode Disabled

Memory RC Version (1.1.0.1)

This item shows the information of the memory RC version.

Memory Frequency (1067 Mhz)

This item shows the information of the memory frequency.

Total Memory (1024 MB (DDR3))

This item shows the information of the total memory.

XMP Profile 1/2 (Not Supported)

These items show the information of Performance Memory Profiles.

Memory Profiles (Automatic)

This item enables you to set the memory profiles.

impacts memory sizing beha

Enh Interleave Support (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the Enh Interleave support.

RI Support (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the Rank Interleave support. NOTE: RI and

HORI can not be enabled at the same time.

DLL Weak Lock Support (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the DLL weak lock support.

Enabled

vior.

Enable or disable 2xRef when warm and Hot 2-iNC enables 2xRef when Hot.

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

The selection of memory profiles

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Mc Lock (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable capacity to lock MC registers or not.

CMD Tri-State (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the CMD Tri-State (ending of the training).

Memory Scrambler (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the memory scrambler.

WRC Fast Boot (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the WRC fast boot.

Memory Remap (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the memory remap above 4G.

Memory Thermal Management (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the memory thermal management.

DDR PowerDown and Idle counter (BIOS)

This item allows you to BIOS or PCODE the DDR Power Down and Idle counter. BIOS:

BIOS is in countrol of DDR CKE mode and idle timer value. PCODE: pcode will manage the modes.

Refresh 2x Mode (Disabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable 2xRef when warm and Hot 2-iMC enables

2xRef when Hot.

Press <Esc> to return to the M.I.B. III Menu page.

Chapter 3

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Over Voltage Configuration

Scroll to this item to view the following screen:

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

CPU Voltage 1.700 V Auto

PCH Voltage 1.066 V Auto DIMM Voltage 1.500 V Auto

Ch0WriteVref 0.778 V Auto Ch1WriteVref 0.750 V Auto ChVrefCA 0.750 V Auto ChReadVref 0.750 V Auto

Chapter 3

CPU Adaptive Voltage T arget(mV) 0 CPU Voltage Mode Adaptive CPU Voltage Offset(mV) 0 Offset Preflx -

RING/Cache Adaptive Voltage Target(mV) 0 RING/Cache Voltage Mode Adaptive RING/Cache Voltage Offset(mV) 0 Offset Prefix +

SVID Control Enable Enabled SVID Override Voltage Target(mV) 0

FIVR Faults Enable Enabled FIVR Efficiency Enable Enabled

GT Adaptive Voltage T arget(mV) 0 GT Voltage Mode Adaptive GT Voltage Offset (mV) 0 Offset Prefix -

UNCORE Voltage Offset (mV) 0 Offset Prefix +

IOA Voltage Offset (mV) 0 Offset Prefix +

IOD Voltage Offset (mV) 0 Offset Prefix +

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

CPU Voltage 1.700 V (Auto)

This item allows you to adjust the CPU voltage.

PCH Voltage 1.056 V (Auto)

This item allows you to adjust the PCH voltage.

DIMM Voltage 1.500 V (Auto)

This item allows you to adjust the DIMM voltage.

Ch0WriteVref 0.778 V (Auto)

This item allows you to adjust the Ch0WriteVref from 0 to 108, and the default is 54, 1 step is 4mV.

Ch1WriteVref 0.750 V (Auto)

This item allows you to adjust the Ch1WriteVref from 0 to 108, and the default is 54, 1 step is 4mV.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

ChVrefCA 0.750 V (Auto)

This item allows you to adjust the ChVrefCA from 0 to 108, and the default is 54, 1 step is 4mV.

ChReadVref 0.750 V (BIOS)

This item allows you to adjust the ChReadVref from 0 to 108, and the default is 54, 1 step is 4mV.

CPU/RING/Cache/GT Adaptive Voltage Target(mV) (0)

This item allows you to adjust the CPU/RING/Cache/GT Adaptive voltage target from 0 to 2000mV.

CPU/RING/Cache/GT Voltage Mode (Adaptive)

This item allows you to set the CPU/RING/Cache/GT voltage mode.

CPU/RING/Cache/GT/UNCORE/IOA/IOD Voltage Offset(mV) (0)

This item allows you to adjust the CPU/RING/Cache/GT/UNCORE/IOA/IOD voltage offset from -1000 to 998mV.

Offset Prefix (-/+)

This item allows you to select the offset value as positive (+) or negative (-).

SVID Control Enable (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the SVID control. If this function be disabled, it will not be changed until CPU powers down.

SVID Override Voltage Target(mV) (0)

This item allows you to adjust the SVID override voltage target, up to 2500mV.

FIVR Faults Enable (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable the FIVR faults.

it will not be changed until CPU powers down.

FIVR Efficiency Enable (Enabled)

This it

em allows you to enable or disable the FIVR efficiency. If this function is dis-

abled, it will not be changed until CPU powers down.

If this function is disabled,

Chapter 3

Press <Esc> to return to the M.I.B. III Menu page.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Spread Spectrum (Enabled)

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

Genuine Intel(R) CPU 0000 @ 2.50GHz

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

Processor Speed (2800 MHz)

This item shows the CPU speed.

Memory Frequency (1067 MHz)

This item shows the memory frequency.

Total Memory (1024 MB (DDR3))

This item shows the total memory.

Chapter 3

Fail-Safe Procedures for Over-clocking

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

1. Shut down the comput

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.

er.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Boot Menu

This page enables you to set the keyboard NumLock state.

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

Boot Configuration

Operation System Select Windows 7 or other OS

Launch PXE OpROM Disabled Launch Strorage OpROM Enabled

Fast Boot Disabled Bootup NumLock State

Quiet Boot Enabled Boot mode select LEGACY

Set Boot Priority Boot Option #1 Hard Disk: ST316GB15... Boot Option #2 CD/DVD: SONY DVD... Boot Option #3 USB/Floppy Boot Option #4 USB CD/DVD Boot Option #5 USB Hard Disk Boot Option #6 USB Flash Boot Option #7 Network

Hard Disk Drive BBS Priorities

CDROM/DVD Drive Priorities

Boot Configuration

This item shows the information of the Boot Configuration.

Operation System Select (Windows 7 or other OS)

This item is used to select the operation system.

Launch PXE OpROM (Disabled)

The item enables or disables launch PXE Option ROM.

Launch Storage OpROM (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the Storage OpROM.

Fast Boot (Disabled)

This item enables or disables boot with initialization of a minimal set of device required to launch active boot option. Has no effect for BBS boot options.

Bootup NumLock State (On)

This item enables you to select NumLock state.

Quiet Boot

(Enabled)

This item enables or disables quiet boot.

Boot mode select (LEGACY)

Use this item to select boot mode.

Set Boot Priority

This item enables you to set boot priority for all boot devices.

Boot Option #1 /

2 /3 /4 /5 /6 /7

These items show the boot priorities.

Hard Disk Drive/ CDROM/DVD Drive BBS Priorities

These items enable you to specify the sequence of loading the operating system. Press <Enter> to see the submenu.

Windows 7 or other OS: Boot policy for Legacy OS.

Windows 8: Boot policy for UEFI OS without Compatibility Support Module(CSM).

Manual: User customized CSM parameters & boot policy.

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Chapter 3

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Security Menu

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

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

Administrator Password Status Not Install User Password Status Not Install

Administrator Password

Set Administrator Password

Platform Mode Setup

Chapter 3

Secure Boot Disabled Secure Boot

Administrator Password Status (Not Install)

This item shows administrator password installed or not.

User Password Status (Not Install)

This item shows user password installed or not.

Platform Mode (Setup)

This item allows you to set the platform mode.

Secure Boot (Disabled)

This item is used to control the secure boot flow, it is possible only if system runs in User Mode.

Disabled

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Exit Menu

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

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

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 Save as User Defaults Restore User Defaults

Boot Override

Back to EZ Mode

This item enables you to back to EZ mode.

Save Changes and Exit

This item enables you to exit

t the 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 system setup after saving the changes.

Discard Changes and Reset

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

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 defaults to all the setup options.

Save as User Defaults

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

Restore User Defaults

This item enables you to restore the user defaults.

Boot Override

Use this item to select the boot device.

Go back to EZ Mode

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Chapter 3

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

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:

Chapter 3

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 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.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Chapter 4

Using the Motherboard Software

Auto-installing under Windows XP/7/8

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/7/8. 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.

Information:

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

Click “Exit” button to close the Auto-Setup

window.

Browse CD:

Open Windows Explorer and show the contents

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

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

of the support disk.

Chapter 4

Running Setup

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

1. Click Setup. The installation program begins:

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

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

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

2. Click Next. The following screen appears:

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

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

Chapter 4

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.

Windows 8 will show the following screen after system restart, you must select “Desktop” in the bottom left to install the next driver.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Windows 7/8 will appear below UAC (User Account Control) message after the system restart. You must select “Yes” to install the next driver. Continue

this process to complete the drivers installation.

Manual Installation

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).

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.

If the driver you want to install does not have a setup program, browse to the oper-

ystem subfolder and locate the readme text file (README.TXT or README.DOC)

ating s for information on installing the driver or software for your operating system.

Look

Chapter 4

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.

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

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

eSF

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

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

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is required.

Chapter 4

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.

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.

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is required.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

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.

Monitor Easy Tuning

Advance Tuning

Options

Chapter 4

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Memo

Chapter 4

Z87H3-A4 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.

Before creating a RAID set

Prepare the following items:

1. One SATA HDD.

2. A write-enabled floppy disk.

3. Microsoft

4. Motherboard support CD with Intel

Complete the following steps before you create a RAID set:

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.

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

SAT A Configuration

SAT A Mode AHCI Mode

Software Feature Mask Configuration SAT A Port1

Not Present Spin Up Device External SAT A Disabled

SAT A Port2 Not Present Spin Up Device Disabled External SAT A Disabled

SAT A Port3 SONY DVD RW AT API Spin Up Device External SAT A Disabled

SAT A Port4 ST3160815AS (160.0GB) Spin Up Device Disabled External SAT A Disabled

SAT A Port5 Not Present Spin Up Device Disabled External SAT A Disabled

SAT A Port6 Not Present Spin Up Device External SAT A Disabled

Windows® OS installation disk (Windows XP/7/8).

Disabled

Matrix Storage Manager driver.

Determines how SATA controller(s) operate.

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Chapter 5

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

3. Enter the Intel figuration.

4. Create an Intel stallation. See section “Creating a RAID driver disk” for details.

5. Install the Intel had been installed.

Matrix Storage Manager option to set up your RAID con-

Matrix Storage Manager driver disk for Windows® OS in-

Matrix Storage Manager driver after the Windows® OS

Entering Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS utility

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

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

Chapter 5

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

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

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>.

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

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.

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.

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Chapter 5

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>.

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.

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

Hard Disk Drive Priorities

1st Boot Intel volume0

Sets the system boot order

: Select Screen

/Click: Select Item

Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

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

To reset disks to Non-RAID:

Exiting Setup

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.

Chapter 5

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

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 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.

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>.

Matrix Storage Manager option. If you still want to use

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

Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Chapter 6

ATI CrossFireXTM Technology Support

This motherboard supports the ATI CrossFireX stall multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in this section.

Requirements

1 Two identical CrossFireXTM ready graphic cards are needed for the setup

of 2-way CrossFireXTM configuration. 2 You would need one CrossfireX 3 Make sure that your graphics card driver supports the ATI CrossFireX

technology. Download the latest driver from the ATI website

(www.ati.com). 4 Make sure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the mini-

mum power required by your system.

Installing CrossFireXTM graphics cards

Technology that allows you to in-

bridge cable.

1. Insert the CrossFireX sure that the card is properly seated on the slot.

For 2-way configuration, install two graphic cards on PCIEX16 & PCIEX16_S and connect them with the CrossFire

graphics cards into the PCIEX16/PCIEX16_S slots. Make

Bridge.

* For reference only

Chapter 6

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

2. Connect the cable from your monitors to the CrossFireX installed on the PCIE16X slot.

Monitor Cable

* For reference only

3. Connect an auxiliary power source from the power supply to the graphics cards.

ready graphics card

Chapter 6

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

The CatalystTM Control Center Dialog Box

To enable CrossFireXTM:

• Install ATI graphic card driver.

• Enter the CatalystTM Control Center Dialog Box.

• check the “Enable CrossFireX

• Click OK to apply.

” item.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Chapter 6

Memo

Chapter 6

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Chapter 7

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:

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

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.

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Chapter 7

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.

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.

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.

Maintenance and care tips

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

Chapter 7

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.

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

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Chapter 7

Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL

Elitegroup Z87H3-A4 User Manual V1.0

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual