Z87H3-A4
Z87H3-A4
USER MANUAL
Preface
Copyright
This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected
under international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor
any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of
the author.
Version 1. 0
Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manufac-
turer 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 publica-
tion 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 instal-
lation. 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 interfer-
ence 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 govern-
ing this device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the system’s
manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
ii
Z87H3-A4
USER MANUAL
Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the follow-
ing conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Canadian Department of Communications
This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-
causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Réglement
sur le matériel brouilieur du Canada.
The manual consists of the following:
Describes features of the
motherboard.
H
page 1
Describes installation of
motherboard components.
H
page 7
H
page 31
H
page 73
Installing the Motherboard
Introducing the Motherboard
Provides information on us-
ing the BIOS Setup Utility.
Chapter 5
Describes the motherboard
software.
page 79
H
Limits and methods of mesurement of radio disturbance char-
acteristics of information technology equipment
EN 55022
EN 61000-3-2
Disturbances in supply systems caused
EN 61000-3-3
Disturbances in supply systems caused by household appli-
ances and similar electrical equipment “ Voltage fluctuations”
EN 55024
Information technology equipment-Immunity characteristics-
Limits and methods of measurement
EN 60950
Safety for information technology equipment including electri-
cal business equipment
CE marking
About the Manual
This device is in conformity with the following EC/EMC directives:
Chapter 4
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Using BIOS
Using the Motherboard Software
Chapter 7
Trouble Shooting
Provides basic trouble
shooting tips.
page 89
H
Intel
®
Matrix Storage Manager
RAID Configurations
Describes Intel
®
Matrix
Storage Manager RAID
Configurations.
Chapter 6
ATI CrossFireX
TM
Technology
Support
Describes the ATI Crossfire
TM
Technology
page 85
H
iii
Z87H3-A4
USER MANUAL
Chapter 2 7
Installing the Motherboard 7
Safety Precautions.............................................................................7
Installing the Motherboard in a Chassis......................................7
Checking Jumper Settings.................................................................8
Installing Hardware..................................................................9
Installing the Processor.............................................................9
Installing the CPU Cooler.........................................................11
Installing Memory Modules....................................................12
Installing Add-on Cards...........................................................14
Connecting Optional Devices..................................................16
Installing a SATA Hard Drive...................................................24
Connecting Case Components.......................................................26
Front Panel Header.................................................................29
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface i
Chapter 1 1
Introducing the Motherboard 1
Introduction...................................................................................1
Pakage Contents............................................................................1
Specifications................................................................................2
Motherboard Components..........................................................4
I/O Ports..............................................................................................6
Chapter 3 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
iv
Z87H3-A4
USER MANUAL
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 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
Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID Configuration 79
Chapter 5 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 CrossFireX
TM
Technology Support 85
Requirements....................................................................................85
Installing CrossFireX
TM
graphics cards......................................85
The Catalyst
TM
Control Center Dialog Box...................................87
1
Z87H3-A4
USER MANUAL
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Introducing the Motherboard
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Z87H3-A4 motherboard. This motherboard is a high per-
formance, enhanced function motherboard designed to support the LGA1150 socket
for
Intel
®
4
th
Generation Core
TM
Family processors.
This motherboard is based on Intel
®
Z87 Express Chipset for best desktop platform
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
Front Panel USB 2.0 headers of chapter 2 for
more details.
The motherboard is equipped with advanced full set of I/O ports in the rear panel,
including PS/2 Combo & USB connectors, one 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
* connectors
for expansion.
Y
our motherboard package ships with the following items:
Package Contents
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.
*The SATA6 connector will become unavailable when mSATA connector is
installed.
Chapter 1
2
Z87H3-A4
USER MANUAL
CPU
Specifications
•Intel
®
Z87 Chipset
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
Memory
• 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
Expansion
Slots
Storage
• 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
Rear Panel I/O
LAN
• Realtek RL8111G Gigabit Lan
• Realtek ALC892 8-Ch High Definition audio CODEC
-
Compliant with HD audio specification
Audio
• LGA1150 socket for
Intel
®
4
th
Generation Core
TM
Family
processors
• Supports CPU up to 84W, TDP up to 95W
• Supports Intel
®
Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
• Supports Intel
®
Hyper-Threading Technology
• 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.
Note: Please go to ECS website for the latest Memory support list.
ATI CrossFireX
TM
Technology
• Supports AMD CrossFireX
TM
Technology
- The PCIEX16_S (black color of PCIE x16 slot) supports PCI
Express Gen2 running at X4 mode
• 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
Note: The SATA6 connector will become unavailable when mSATA
connector is installed.
*SSDS, multiple HDDs required.
Not
e:
*Support ATI CrossFireX (PCI-E 16_S slot running PCIE Gen2
x4 Mode).
3
Z87H3-A4
USER MANUAL
Chapter 1
• 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)
System BIOS
• ATX Size, 305mm x 210mmForm Factor
• ECS Exclusive AP: Supports eBLU*
1
/eDLU/eOC*
1
/eSF*
1
/EZ
Charger*
1
• 3rd Party Bundled software: Cyberlink*
2
/Norton*
2
/Muzee*
2
/
Sound Blaster Cinema*
2
AP/Bundled
Software
Support
Note: *
1
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is required.
Internal I/O
Connectors &
Headers
• 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
*
2
Free bundle software including ECS DVD: Cyberlink/Norton/
Muzee/Sound Blaster Cinema.
Note:
*The SATA6 connector will become unavailable when mSATA
connector is installed.
• 1 x RJ45 LAN connector
• 2 x USB 3.0 ports
• 1 x Audio 8-ch jacks
Chapter 1
4
Z87H3-A4
USER MANUAL
Motherboard Components
5
Z87H3-A4
USER MANUAL
Chapter 1
Table of Motherboard Components
LABEL COMPONENTS
1. CPU Socket
LGA1150 socket for Intel
®
4
th
Generation Core
TM
Famil
y
p
rocessors
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*
Mini SATA connector
8. CIR Consumer Infrared header
9. SATA1~6*
Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors
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
*The SATA6 connector will become unavailable when mSATA connector is
installed.
Chapter 1
6
Z87H3-A4
USER MANUAL
I/O Ports
1. PS/2 Combo port
Use the PS/2 combo port to connect the PS/2 Keyboard or PS/2 Mouse.
2. USB 2.0 Ports
Use the USB 2.0 ports to connect USB 2.0 devices.
3. VGA Port
Connect your monitor to the VGA port.
4. DVI Port
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
OFF No dat a
Orange blinking Active
OFF No link
Green Link
Activity LED
Link LED
Link LED
LAN Port
8: Center & Woofer 11: Line-in
9: Back Surround 12: Front Out
10: Side Surround 13: Mic_in Rear
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.
Chapter 2
7
Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL
Chapter 2
Installing the Motherboard
2-1. Safety Precautions
2-2. Installing the motherboard in a Chassis
This motherboard carries an ATX form factor of 305 x 210 mm. Choose a chassis that
accommodates this form factor. Make sure that the I/O template in the chassis
matches the I/O ports installed on the rear edge of the motherboard. Most system
chassis have mounting brackets installed in the chassis, which corresponds to the
holes in the motherboard. Place the motherboard over the mounting brackets and
secure the motherboard onto the mounting brackets with screws.
Follow these safety precautions when installing the motherboard:
• Wear a grounding strap attached to a grounded device to avoid damage
from static electricity.
• Discharge static electricity by touching the metal case of a safely grounded
object before working on the motherboard.
• Leave components in the static-proof bags.
• Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the power
outlet before installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware
components.
Do not over-tighten the screws as this can stress the motherboard.
Chapter 2
8
Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL
The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1 is
labeled.
To avoid the system instability after clearing CMOS, we recommend users to
enter the main BIOS setting page to “Load Default Settings” and then “Save
and Exit Setup”.
2-3. Checking Jumper Settings
Chapter 2
9
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 compo-
nents to run faster than their rated speed.
• The following illustration shows CPU installation components.
A. Press the hook of lever down with your thumb and pull it to the right
side to release it from retention tab.
B. Lift the tail of the load lever and rotate the load plate to fully open
position.
C. Grasp the edge of the package substrate. Make sure pin 1 indicator
is on your bottom-left side. Aim at the socket and place the package
carefully into the socket by purely vertical motion.
Chapter 2
10
Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL
D. Rotate the load plate onto the package IHS (Intergraded Heat
Spreader). Engage the load lever while pressing down lightly onto the
load plate. Secure the load lever with the hook under retention tab. Then
the cover will flick automatically.
Please save and replace the cover onto the CPU socket if processor is re-
moved.
Chapter 2
11
Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL
A. Apply some thermal grease onto the contacted area between the
heatsink and the CPU, and make it to be a thin layer.
B. Fasten the cooling fan supporting base onto the CPU socket on the
motherboard. And make sure the CPU fan is plugged to the CPU fan
connector.
C. Connect the CPU cooler power connector to the CPU_FAN connector.
2-4-2. Installing the CPU Cooler
• Install the cooling fan in a well-lit work area so that you can clearly see the
motherboard and processor socket.
• Avoid using cooling fans with sharp edges in case the fan casing and the
clips cause serious damage to the motherboard or its components.
• To achieve better airflow rates and heat dissipation, we suggest that you
use a high quality fan with 3800 rpm at least. CPU fan and heat sink instal-
lation 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.
Chapter 2
12
Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL
2-4-3. Installing Memory Modules
• 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.
C. The slot latches are levered upwards and latch on to the edges of the
DIMM.
A. Push the latches on each side of the DIMM slot down.
B. Install the DIMM module into the slot and press it firmly down until it
seats c
orrectly. Check that the cutouts on the DIMM module edge
connector match the notches in the DIMM slot.
The four DDR3 memory sockets (DDR3_1, DDR3_2, DDR3_3 and DDR3_4) are divided
into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as following:
Channel A: DDR3_1, DDR3_2
Channel B: DDR3_3, DDR3_4
Chapter 2
13
Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL
Recommend memory configuration
Mode l
Sockets
DDR3_1 DDR3_ 2 DDR3_3 DDR3_4
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.
Chapter 2
14
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
that are not part of the basic system.
PCIEX16 Slot
The PCI Express x16 slot is used to install an external PCI Ex-
press graphics card that is fully compliant to the PCI Express
Base Specification revision 3.0.
This motherboard is equipped with two standard PCI slots. PCI
stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect and is a bus
standard for expansion cards, which for the most part, is a
supplement of the older ISA bus standard. The PCI slots on this
board are PCI v2.3 compliant.
PCI1~2 Slots
Before installing an add-on card, check the documentation for
the card carefully. If the card is not Plug and Play, you may have
to manually configure the card before installation.
The PCI Express x1 slots are fully compliant to the PCI Express
Base Specification revision 2.0.
PCIE1~2 Slots
PCIEX16_S Slot
This slot is fully compliant to the PCI Express Base Specification
revision 2.0 which runs at x4 mode.
MSATA Slot
*
The mini SATA slot is for extending usage.
*The SATA6 connector will become unavailable when mSATA
connector is installed.
Chapter 2
15
Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL
Install the VGA Card in the PCIE X16 slot
1 Remove a blanking plate from the system case corresponding to the slot
you are going to use.
2 Install the edge connector of the add-on card into the expansion slot.
Ensure that the edge connector is correctly seated in the slot.
3 Secure the metal bracket of the card to the system case with a screw.
1. For some add-on cards, for example graphics adapters and network adapt-
ers, you have to install drivers and software before you can begin using the
add-on card.
Follow these instructions to install an add-on card:
Please refer the following illustrations to install the add-on card:
Install the VGA Card in the PCI slot
Install the LAN Card in the PCIE X1 slot
2. The onboard PCI interface does not support 64-bit SCSI cards.
Recommend add_on card configuration
PCIEX16 PCIEX16_S
SPEC PCI-E Gen.3 Running x16 mode PCI-E Gen.2 Running x4 mode
Color
Gray Black
1 Graphic Card (VGA card) Populated ~
PCIEX16 Slots
Model
Chapter 2
16
Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL
2-4-5. Connecting Optional Devices
Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional
devices:
No. Components No. Components
1USB3F 7 TPM
2CIR8COM
3 SATA1~6 9 LP T
4ME_UNLOCK10 SPDIFO
5CASE11F_AUDIO
6 F_USB1~2 —— ——
Chapter 2
17
Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL
Please make sure that the USB cable has the same pin assignment as indi-
cated above. A different pin assignment may cause damage or system hang-
up.
This Motherboard implements one USB 3.0 header supporting 2 extra front USB 3.0
ports, which delivers 5Gb/s transfer rate.
1. USB3F: Front Panel USB 3.0 header
2. CIR: Consumer Infrared Header
Chapter 2
18
Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL
4. ME_UNLOCK: ME Unlock Header
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 Paral-
lel ATA interface. But maintains register compatibility and software compatibility
with Parallel ATA.
3. SATA1~6: Serial ATA connectors
The SATA6 connector will become unavailable when mSATA connector is
installed.
Chapter 2
19
Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL
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, espe-
cially for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices that need a large amount of cur-
rent for faster recharging within less time.
The motherboard has two USB 2.0 headers supporting four USB 2.0 ports. Addition-
ally, 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.
6. F_USB1~2: Front Panel USB 2.0 headers
Please make sure that the USB cable has the same pin assignment as indi-
cated above. A different pin assignment may cause damage or system hang-
up.
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.
Chapter 2
20
Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL
8. COM: Onboard serial port header
Connect a serial port extension bracket to this header to add a serial port to your
system.
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
21
Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL
This is an optional header that provides an SPDIFO (Sony/Philips Digital Interface)
output to digital multimedia device through optical fiber or coaxial connector.
10. SPDIFO: SPDIF out header
This is a header that can be used to connect to the printer, scanner or other devices.
9. LPT: Onboard parallel port header
Chapter 2
22
Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL
The front panel audio header allows the user to install auxiliary front-oriented mi-
crophone and line-out ports for easier access. This header supports HD audio by
default. If you want connect an AC
’ 97 front panel audio to HD onboard headers,
please set as below picture.
11. F_AUDIO: Front Panel Audio Header
If you use AC’ 97 Front Panel, please tick off the option of “Disabled Front Panel
Detect ” . If you use HD Audio Front Panel, please don’ t tick off “ Disabled Front Panel
Detect ” .
* For reference only
AC’ 97 Audio Configuration: To enable the front panel audio connector to
support AC97 Audio mode.
Chapter 2
23
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
24
Z87H3-A4 USER MANUAL
2-4-6. Installing a SATA Hard Drive
About SATA Connectors
Your motherboard features six SATA connectors supporting a total of six drives. SATA
refers to Serial ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) is the standard interface for
the IDE hard drives which are currently used in most PCs. These connectors are well
designed and will only fit in one orientation. Locate the SATA connectors on the
motherboard and follow the illustration below to install the SATA hard drives.
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
Installing Serial ATA Hard Drives
This section describes how to install a SATA Hard Drive.
Chapter 2
25
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.
The SATA6 connector will become unavailable when mSATA connector is
installed.
Loading...