Elitegroup Z87H3-AX 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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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.

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

About the Manual

The manual consists of the following:

Chapter 1 Introducing the Motherboard

Describes features of the motherboard.



page 1

Chapter 2 Installing the Motherboard

Chapter 3 Using BIOS

Chapter 4 Using the Motherboard Software

Chapter 5 ATI CrossfireTM Technology Support

Chapter 6

NVIDIA Support

Chapter 7 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology RAID Configuration

Chapter 8 Trouble Shooting

Hybrid SLI® Technology

Describes installation of motherboard components.

Provides information on using the BIOS Setup Utility.

Describes the motherboard software.

Describes the ATI CrossfireTM Technology

Provides information about SATA RAID Setup

Describes Intel Storage Technology RAID Configuration.

Provides basic trouble shooting tips.

Rapid



page 9

page 29

page 71

page 77

page 81

page 85

page 91

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

iii

Memo

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

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 9

Installing the Motherboard 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connecting Case Components................................................23

Chapter 3 29

Using BIOS 29

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chipset Menu..........................................................................48

M.I.B.X (MB Intelligent BIOS X) Menu....................................56

Boot Menu..............................................................................66

Security Menu.........................................................................67

Exit Menu................................................................................68

Updating the BIOS...................................................................70

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Chapter 4 71

Using the Motherboard Software 71

Auto-installing under Windows 7/8............................................71

Running Setup.........................................................................71

Manual Installation..........................................................................73

ECS Utility Software (Intelligent EZ Utility).....................................73

Chapter 5 77

ATI CrossFireTM Technology Support 77

Requirements...................................................................................77

Installing CrossFireTM graphics cards........................................77

The CatalystTM Control Center Dialog Box..................................79

To Enable CrossFireTM..............................................................79

Chapter 6 81

NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI® Technology Support 81

Requirements...................................................................................81

Installing your NVIDIA® SLI-Ready Components.......................81

Enabling NVIDIA® SLI......................................................................83

Chapter 7 85

Intel® Rapid Storage Technology RAID Configuration 85

Before creating a RAID set.............................................................85

Entering Intel

Creating a RAID set.........................................................................87

Deleting a RAID set..........................................................................89

Reseting disks to Non-RAID.....................................................90

Exiting Setup.............................................................................90

Rapid Storage Technology RAID BIOS utility.....86

Chapter 8 91

Trouble Shooting 91

Start up problems during assembly..............................................91

Start up problems after prolong use............................................92

Maintenance and care tips..............................................................92

Basic Troubleshooting Flowchart...................................................93

POST Code Checkpoints 95

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Chapter 1

Introducing the Motherboard

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN)* 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)/2133/1866/1600/1333 MHz. High resolution graphics via three PCIe x16 Gen3 slots and one PCIe x16 Gen2 slot (runs at x4 mode), intended for Graphic Interface. It supports 2-way NVDIA that allows you to install Multi graphic cards with identical GPU running at PCIe Gen 2 speed. In addition, one PCI Express x1 slot and one PCI v2.2 slot are for extending usage.

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

2.0 ports) and ten USB 3.0 ports (four USB 3.0 ports at the rear panel and three USB

3.0 headers support additional six 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 one Wireless LAN Dongle, two USB 2.0 ports, one eSATA connector, one CLR_CMOS button, one HDMI port, one display port (DP), two RJ45 LAN connectors, four USB 3.0 ports, one Thunderbolt port (TBT_C), and audio jacks for line-in, line-out and Optical SPDIF Out.

In addition, this motherboard supports six SATA 6Gb/s connectors with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 configuration.

Hereinafter referred to as Z87H3-AX.

Z87 Express Chipset for best desktop platform

® ®

SLI

and 3-way AMD CrossfireX

technology

Front Panel USB 2.0 headers of chapter 2 for

Chapter 1

Package Contents

Your motherboard package ships with the following items:

Z87H3-AX Motherboard



Quick Installation Guide



User Manual



DVD



1 SLI Cable



6 SATA 6Gb/s Cables



1 Wireless LAN Antenna



Items above may be changed, please contact with your retailer for detail or checking.

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Chapter 1

Specifications

CPU

Chipset

Extra Chipset

Memory

Expansion Slots

Storage

Audio

LAN

Rear Panel I/O

• LGA1150 socket for Intel® 4th Generation CoreTM Family Processors

• TDP: 200W

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

• Intel® Z87 Chipset

• 1 x ASM1061 Chip integrates one eSATA 6Gb/s Host Controller

• 2 x ASM1074 Chips supports the four USB 3.0 poers at the rear

I/O, and the three Front USB 3.0 headers are from Z87.

• Dual-channel DDR3 memory architecture

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

• Supports DDR3 3000+(OC)/2133/1866/1600/1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM

• Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Porfile (XMP) memory modules

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

• 3 x PCI Express x16 Gen3 slots

• 1 x PCI Express x16 Gen2 slot (runs at x4 mode)

• 1 x PCI Express x1 Gen2 slot

• 1 x PCI v2.2 slot

• 1 x Mini PCI Express x 1 slot

- Supports mSATA

- Supports Mini PCI Express

• Supported by Intel

- 6 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s devices

- RAID0, 1, 5, 10 Configuration

• Creative Malcom CA0132 Sound Core 5.1-Ch High Definition audio CODEC

• Dual Gigabit LAN, Bigfoot E2201 PCIe GigaLAN controller

• 1 x Wireless LAN Dongle

• 2 x USB 2.0 ports

• 1 x eSATA connector

• 1 x CLR_CMOS button

• 1 x display port (DP)

• 1 x HDMI port

• 4 x USB 3.0 ports (support EZ charger function)

• 2 x RJ45 LAN connectors

• 1 x Thunderbolt port (TBT_C)

• 1 x Audio port (1 x line in, 4 x line out, 1 x Optical SPDIF Out)

Note: *This button will be introduced at the end of this chapter.

Z87 Chipset

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Internal I/O Connectors & Headers

System BIOS

AP/Bundled Software Support

• 1 x 24-pin ATX Power supply connector

• 1 x 8-pin ATX Power supply connector

• 1 x 4-pin CPU_FAN connector

• 1 x 4-pin SYS_FAN connector

• 1 x 3-pin PWR_FAN connector

• 1 x 3-pin NB_FAN connector

• 2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional four USB 2.0 ports (F_USB1 supports EZ charger function)

• 3 x USB 3.0 headers support additional six USB 3.0 ports

• 6 x Serial SATA 6Gb/s connectors

• 1 x COM header

• 1 x Case open header

• 1 x Buzzer

• 1 x Front Panel switch/LED header

• 1 x Front Panel audio header

• 1 x ME unlock header

• 1 x Debug post LED

• 1 x Power on button*

• 1 x Reset button*

• 1 x 80P Switch button*

• 1 x Quick OC button*

• 1 x BIOS set button*

• 1 x ROM Backup button*

• 1 x Easy Measure Point connector

Note: *These buttons will be introduced at the end of this chapter.

• AMI BIOS with 64 x 2 Mb SPI Flash ROM

- Supports Plug and Play

- Supports ACPI & DMI

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

- Supports Hardware monitor

- Audio, LAN, can be disabled in BIOS

- F7 hot key for boot up devices option

- Supports Over-Clocking

- Supports Dual Display

- Supports EZ BIOS

- Supports Multi-Language

- Dual BIOS

• ECS Exclusive AP: Supports eBLU* Charger*

• 3rd Party Bundled software: Cyberlink Media Suite*2/Norton*2/ Muzee*2/Creative SBX studio*

/eDLU/eOC & eSF*1/EZ

Note: *1Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is required.

Free bundle software including ECS DVD: Cyberlink/Norton/

Muzee/Sound Blaster Cinema or Creative SBX studio.

Chapter 1

Form Factor • ATX Size, 305mm x 244mm

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Chapter 1

Motherboard Components

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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 Mo dule slots

4. EZM1 Easy Measure Point connector

5. ATX_POWER Standard 24-pin ATX power connector

6. RST_BTN Reset switch*

7. PWR_BTN Power on switch*

8. NB_FAN1 North Bridge cooling fan connector

9. BZ Buzzer

10. POST POST Error Code LED *

11. 80P_SW 80P switch button

12. SATA3_1~6 Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors

13. QUICK_OC Quick OC b utton

14. CASE Case open header

15. BIOS_SET BIOS set button

16. ME_UNCLOCK ME Unlock header-for factory use only

17. F_PANEL Front panel switch/LED header

18. USB3F1~3 Front panel USB 3.0 headers

19. F_USB1~2 Front panel USB 2.0 headers (F_USB1 supports EZ Charger function)

20. COM Onboard serial port header

21. F_AUDIO Front panel audio header

22. PCIEX16_T PCI Express slot for graph ics interface (runs at x4 mode)

23. ROM_BACKUP ROM Backup button

24. PCI 32-bit Add-on card slot

25. MINIPCIE Mini-PCI Express x1 slot

26. PCIEX16_3 PCI Express slo t for graphics interface

27. PCIE1 PCI Express x1 slot

28. PCIEX16_1~2 PCI Express slots for graphi cs interface

29. PWR_FAN 3-pin power cooling fan connector

30. SYS_FAN 3-pin system cooling fan connector

31. ATX12V 8-pi n +12V power connector

LGA1150 socket for In tel® 4

Generation CoreTM Family Processors

Chapter 1

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Chapter 1

I/O Ports

1. Wireless LAN Dongle (WiFi)

Use this port to receive wireless signal.

2. CLR_CMOS_BTN

Use the CLR_CMOS button to clear CMOS.

3. Display Port (DP)

You can connect the display device to the display port.

4. LAN Ports

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

LAN LED Status Description

Activity LED

Link LED

5. Thunderbolt Port (TBT_C)

The Thunderbolt port is set to revolutionize the speed at which peripherals and displays operate, it features a maximum bi-directional speed of 10 Gbps, Thunderbolt is 2 times faster than USB 3.0 and an incredible 20 times faster than USB 2.0. With the ability to daisy-chain up to six devices without needing for a hub or switch, so less overheard for a clutter free computing experience. For example, you can connect multiple native Thunderbolt storage devices, an HD video capture device and even an HD display to a single Thunderbolt chain while maintaining maximum throughput. You can also connect a DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI or VGA display with an existing adapter.

6. Audio Ports

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

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

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

Link LED

LAN Port

A: Center & Woofer C: Rear Hea dphone

B: Re ar out & L in e in D: Front /Stere o out

- E: Mi c/L in e i n

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

7. Optical SPIDF Output port

This jack connects to external optical digital audio output devices.

8. USB 3.0 Ports

Use the USB 3.0 ports to connect USB 3.0 devices.

9. HDMI Port

You can connect the display device to the HDMI port.

10. eSATA 6Gb/s Port

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

11. USB 2.0 Ports

Use the USB 2.0 ports to connect USB 2.0 devices.

Chapter 1

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Chapter 1

Table of onboard Buttons

Item name PCB mark Function

EZ LED Display 80P_SW

EZ Quick OC QUICK_OC

EZ Enter BIOS BIOS_SET

EZ Duo BIOS ROM_BACKUP

EZ RESET RST_BTN

EZ POWER PWR_BTN This is power button. EZ Clear CMOS CLR_CMOS_BTN This button is used to clear CMOS.

When this button collocates with the 7-segment display on the MB, it will display the following information about the MB, and it will switchover in the following order.

1. Post code

2. CPU TEMP

3. CPU VOLTAGE

4. CPU POWER

5. CPU MOS TEMP Your computer will process the fast OoverClocking automatically after pressing this button. Under OS or DOS, after pressing this button, your computer will directly enter the BIOS setup picture when you turn on your computer next time. When the A ROM used for booting is damaged, you can turn off the main machine, and slightly press the CLR_CMOS_BTN button once, then press ROM_BACKUP button for nearly 4s, then you will see the signal lights around the ROM_BACKUP on the MB blink, so burn the data in B ROM into A ROM for recovering. If you want to update B ROM BIOS, please turn on the computer after you normally update the BIOS, and press F8 to update BIOS under the POST prompting picture. Your computer will fast reset after pressing this button.

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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 244 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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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

Chapter 2

the system. Performance is based on the processor design, the clock speed and system bus frequency of the processor, and the quantity of internal cache memory and external cache memory.

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

• The following illustration shows CPU installation components.

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

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

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

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

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

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

Chapter 2

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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.

Chapter 2

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

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

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

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

2-4-3. Installing Memory Modules

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

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

Chapter 2

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

DIMM.

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Chapter 2

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

Channel A: DDR3_1, DDR3_2



Channel B: DDR3_3, DDR3_4



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

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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.

Chapter 2

PCIEX161~3 Slots

PCIEX16_T Slot

PCI Slot

PCIE1 Slot

MINI_PCIE Slot

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

This PCI Express x16 slot is used to install external PCI Express graphics cards that are fully compliant to the PCI Express Base Specification revision 2.0, it runs at x4 mode.

This motherboard is equipped with one standard PCI slot. 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 is PCI v2.3 compliant.

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

The Mini PCI Express x1 slot is for extending usage, such as wireless card or TV card.

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.

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

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.

Chapter 2

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

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.

Install the LAN Card in the PCIE X1 slot

Install the VGA Card in the PCI slot

Install the VGA Card in the PCIE X16 slot

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

2-4-5. Connecting Optional Devices

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

No. Components No. Compone nts

1EZM15USB3F1~3

2 SATA3 _1~6 6 F _USB1 ~2

3CASE7COM

4 ME_UNLOCK 8 F_AUDIO

Chapter 2

1. EZM1: Easy Measure Point Connector

This connector allows user to measure the voltage easily.

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

2. SATA3_1~6 : Serial ATA Cconnectors

SATA3_1~6 connectors support the Serial ATA 6Gb/s device. Simpler disk drive cabling and easier PC assembly.

Chapter 2

3. CASE: Chassis Intrusion Detect Header

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

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

4. ME_UNLOCK: ME Unlock Header

5. USB3F_1~3: Front Panel USB 3.0 Headers

This Motherboard implements three USB 3.0 header supporting six extra front USB

3.0 ports, which delivers 5Gb/s transfer rate.

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 hang-up.

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

6. F_USB1~2: Front Panel USB 2.0 Headers (F_USB1 supports EZ Charger)

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

F_USB1 supports EZ Charger technology, provides 3 times current than general USB

Chapter 2

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.

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

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

7. COM: Onboard Serial Port Header

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

8. 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.

Chapter 2

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

2-4-6. Installing a SATA Hard Drive

This section describes how to install a SATA Hard Drive.

About SATA Connectors

Chapter 2

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

Installing Serial ATA Hard Drives

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

Refer to the illustration below for proper installation:

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

* For reference only

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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:

No. Components No. Components

1 CPU_FAN 5 ATX12V

2ATX_POWER6 PWR_FAN

3NB_FAN17 SYS_FAN

4 F_PANEL —— ——

Chapter 2

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

1 & 3 & 6 & 7. CPU_FAN (CPU Cooling FAN Connector) & NB_FAN1 (North Bridge Cooling FAN Connector) & PWR_FAN (Power Cooling FAN Connector) & SYS_FAN (System Cooling FAN Connector)

Connect the CPU cooling fan cable to CPU_FAN. Connect the North Bridge cooling fan connector to NB_FAN1. Connect the power cooling fan connector to PWR_FAN.

Chapter 2

Connect the system cooling fan connector to SYS_FAN.

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

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

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

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

Chapter 2

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_POWER match perfectly.

24-pin power cable

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Chapter 2

Connecting 8-pin power cable

The ATX12 power connector is used to provide power to the CPU.

When installing 8-pin power cable, the latches of power cable and the ATX12V match perfectly.

8-pin power cable

Connecting 4-pin power cable

The ATX12V power connector is used to provide power to the CPU.

When installing 4-pin power cable, the latches of power cable and the ATX12V match perfectly.

4-pin power cable

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

4. 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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Memo

Chapter 2

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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

Chapter 3

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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



 Scrolls through the items on a menu

+/-

Change Opt.

Enter Select F1 General Help

F2 Previous Value F3 Optimized Defaults

F4 Save & Exit

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

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

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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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. X Boot Security Exit

BIOS Information System Language English System Date Wed 04/03/2013

Chapter 3

System Time 00:12:00

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.

Set the Time. Use T ab to switch between Time elements.

: 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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Advanced Menu

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

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

LAN Configuration

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

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

Chapter 3

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

LAN Configuration

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

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

LAN Configuration

Onboard LAN 1 Controller Enabled

Onboard LAN 2 Controller Enabled

Chapter 3

Onboard LAN 1/2 Controller (Enabled)

Use these items to enable or disable Onboard LAN 1/2 controller.

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

Enabled/Disabled Onboard LAN 1 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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

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. X Boot Security Exit

PC Health Status Smart Fan Function

CPU T emperature (DTS) 49 System Temperature 33OC CPU Fan Speed 3139 RPM System Fan Speed 0 RPM Power Fan Speed 0 RPM NB Fan Speed 0 RPM Core Voltage 1.068V DIMM Voltage 1.526V PCH Voltage 1.068V SB Vcore 1.493V

TCC Activation Temperature (DTS) 100

 Smart Fan Function

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

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. X 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 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 System Fan Full Speed Offset (DTS) 77

Power 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 Power Fan Full Speed Offset (DTS) 77

CPU/System/Power Smart Fan Control (Enabled)

These items enable you to define the CPU/system/power by smartly adjusting the CPU/system/power Fan. When it is set at certain temperature, the CPU/system/ power Fan 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

Chapter 3

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

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/System/Power Fan Full Speed Offset (DTS) (77)

This item is used to set the CPU/System/Power Fan 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 Speed

• Power Fan Speed

• NB Fan Speed

• Core Voltage

• DIMM Voltage

• PCH Voltage

• SB Vcore

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

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Power Management Setup

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

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

Power Management Setup

Resume By RING Disabled

Resume By PME Disabled Resume By USB 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.

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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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. X 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 the highest 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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

CPU Configuration

The item in the menu shows the CPU.

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

CPU Configuration Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz

EM64T Supported Processor Speed 3700 MHz Processor Stepping 306c3 Microcode Revision 8 Processor Cores 4 Intel HT Technology Supported Intel VT-x Technology Supported

Hyper-threading Enabled

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 Halt (C1E) Enabled

Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz

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 (3700MHz)

This item shows the current processor speed.

Processor Stepping (306c3)

This item shows the processor stepping version.

Microcode Revision (8)

This item shows the Microcode version.

Processor Cores (4)

This item shows the core number of the processor.

Intel HT Technology (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.

Hyper-threading (Enabled)

This item is only available when the chipset supports Hyper-threading and you are using a Hyper-threading CPU.

Active Processor Cores (All)

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

Enabled for Windows XP and linux (OS optimized for Hyper-Threading Technology ) and Disabled for other OS (OS not optimized for Hyper-Threading Technology ). When Disabled only one thread per enabled core is enabled.

: 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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Limit CPUID Maximum

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.

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

Chapter 3

by Vandor Pool Technology.

LakeTiny Feature (Enabled)

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

CPU C3 Report (Enabled)

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

CPU C6 Report (Enabled)

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 Halt (C1E) (Enabled)

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

(Disabled)

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

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

SATA Configuration

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

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

SAT A Configuration

SAT A Mode AHCI Mode

External SAT A Port6 & eSA T A AHCI Mode SAT A Port1

Not Present Spin Up Device Disabled External SAT A Disabled

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

SAT A Port3 Not Present Spin Up Device Disabled External SAT A Disabled

SAT A Port4 Not Present Spin Up Device Disabled External SAT A Disabled

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

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

SATA Mode (AHCI Mode)

Use this it

em to select SATA mode.

External SATA Port6 & eSATA (AHCI Mode)

Use this item to select external SATA port6 & eSATA mode.

SATA Port 1~5/mSATA (Not Present)

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

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 3

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

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

USB Configuration

Use this item to show the information of USB configuration.

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

USB Configuration

All USB Devices Enabled

Legacy USB Support Enabled Wi-Fi Enabled

Chapter 3

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.

Wi-Fi (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable wireless LAN function.

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

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

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Super IO Configuration

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

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

Super IO Configuration Super IO Chip IT8732

Serial Port 0 Configuration

Super IO Chip (IT8732)

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. X Boot Security Exit

Serial Port 0 Configuration

Serial Port Enabled

Device S et tin gs IO=3F8h; IRQ=4; Change Settings Auto

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

Chapter 3

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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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. X Boot Security Exit

Intel(R) Rapid Start T echnology Disabled

Chapter 3

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

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Intel(R) Smart Connect Technology

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

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

ISCT Support Disabled

ISCT Support (Disabled)

Use this item to enable or disable ISCT support.

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

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

Chapter 3

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Intel(R) Thunderbolt

The items in this menu allows you to configure Intel(R) Thunderbolt settings.

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

Intel(R) Thunderbolt Configuration Thunderbolt Specification Version 0.9 Intel Sample Code Version 1.5 Thunderbolt Host Chip Redwood Ridge

Security Level Legacy Mode

Wake From Thundebolt Devices Enabled Thunderbolt PCIe Cache-line Size 32 SMI/Notify Support Enabled

Chapter 3

SwSMI Support Enabled Notify Support Enabled Thunderbolt Surprise-Removal Disabled Ignore Thunderbolt Option Rom Enabled Thunderbolt SwSMI Delay 0 Reserved Mem per phy slot 32 Reserved PMem per phy slot 32 TBT Device IO resource Support Disabled

Thunderbolt Specification Version (0.9)

This item shows the thunderbolt specification version.

Intel Sample Code Version (1.5)

This item shows the Intel sample code version.

Thunderbolt Host Chip (Redwood Ridge)

This item shows the thunderbolt Host chip type.

Security Level (Legacy Mode)

Use this item to select the security level.

Wake From Thunderbolt Devices (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable system wake from thunderbolt devices.

Thunderbolt PCIe Cache-line Size (32)

This item allows you to configure cache-line size value to be configured on thunderbolt PCIe subtree.

SMI/Notify Support (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable SMI/Notify support.

SwSMI Support (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable SwSMI support in ASL code.

Notify Support (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable Notify support in ASL code.

Thunderbolt Surprise-Removal (Disabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable thunderbolt surprise removal workaround support.

Security level selection.

: 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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Ignore Thunderbolt Option Rom (Enabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable ignore thunderbolt device Option Rom. Enable will skip TBT Option ROM at POST time. Disable will excute TBT Option Rom at POST time.

Thunderbolt SwSMI Delay (0)

This item allows you to set thunderbolt SwSMI delay time.

Reserved Mem per phy slot (32)

If PCIe device consume <~ MB of memory, BIOS will reserve ~ per physical slot.

Reserved PMem per phy slot (32)

If PCIe device consume <~ MB of Prefatchable memory, BIOS will reserve ~ per physical slot.

TBT Device IO resource Support (Disabled)

This item allows you to enable or disable IO resource for thunderbolt device.

Chapter 3

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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. X 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. X Boot Security Exit

System Agent Configuration

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 DVMT 5.0 Pre-Allocated (Fixed) Graphics Memory size used by the Internal Graphics Device.

: 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

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

IGD Multi-Monitor (Disabled)

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

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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. X Boot Security Exit

System Agent Configuration

IGD Memory 64M

DVMT Memory 256M

IGD Multi-Monitor Disabled

CPU SA Audio Device Enabled

Select DVMT 5.0 Pre-Allocated (Fixed) Graphics Memory size used by the Internal Graphics Device.

: 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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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

Advance settings

OK Cancel Apply

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

PCH Configuration

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

Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. X 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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

ME Configuration

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

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

Management Engine T echnology Configuration

ME Control Enabled

ME FW Version 9.0.2.1345

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 (9.0.2.1345)

This item shows the ME FW version.

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

Chapter 3

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

M.I.B. X (MB Intelligent BIOS X) 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. X Boot Security Exit

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

Chapter 3

CPU Configuration

Scroll to this item to view the following screen:

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

CPU Ratio 35

Package Current Lock Disabled IA Core Current Maximum Enhanced Intel SpeedStep T echnology Enabled Turbo Mode Enabled Runtime Turbo Enable Disabled Internal PLL Overvoltage Disabled Boot Performance mode Turbo Performance Package TDP Lock Enable Disabled Long Duration Power Limit Override Maximum Power Limit 1 Time(Second) 8 Power Limit 2 Switch Enabled Short Duration Power Limit Overrid Maximum 1 Core Ratio Limit 39 2 Core Ratio Limit 39 3 Core Ratio Limit 38 4 Core Ratio Limit 37 Disable OverClocking Lock Enabled

ICC clock setting Host Clock Override(1/100 MHz) 10000

PEG/DMI Ratio 1.00 LCPLL or SBPLL select SBPLL

CPU OverClocking Configuration

North Bridge Configuration Memory Configuration Over Voltage Configuration Profile Configuration

Spread Spectrum Enabled Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz

Processor Speed 3700 MHz Memory Frequency 1333 MHz Total Memory 4096 MB (DDR3 )

CPU OverClocking Configuration

: 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

CPU Ratio (35)

This item allows you to control non turbo CPU ratio.

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Package Current Lock (Disabled)

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

IA Core Current (Maximum)

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.

Internal PLL Overvoltage (Disabled)

This item allows you to control the internal PLL overvoltage.

Runtime Turbo Enable (Disabled)

This item shows if CPU support runtime turbo or not.

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.

Long Duration Power Limit Override (Maximum)

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

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.

Short Duration Power Limit Override (Maximum)

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

1 /2 /3 /4 Core Ratio Limit (39/39/38/37)

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) (10000)

This item shows the information of the host clock override.

PEG/DMI Ratio (1.00)

This item allows you to set PEG/DMI Ratio.

LCPLL or SBPLL select (SBPLL)

This item allows you to select LCPLL or SBPLL.

Chapter 3

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

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

North Bridge Configuration

Scroll to this item to view the following screen:

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

Intel Graphics Configuration

Graphics Core Ratio Limit 25

Chapter 3

Graphics Core Ratio Limit (25)

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

Press <Esc> to return to the M.I.B. X 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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Memory Configuration

Scroll to this item to view the following screen:

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

Memory Information Memory RC Version 1.3.0.0

Memory Frequency 1333 MHz T otal Memory 4096 MB (DDR3)

Memory Profiles Automatic

Memory Frequency 1333 Timing Default Current Target

tCL 9 9 9 tRCD 9 9 9 tRP 9 9 9 tRAS 24 24 24 NMode 1 1 Auto tWR 10 10 10 tRFC 7 4 74 74 tRRD 4 4 4 tWTR 5 5 5 tRTP 5 5 5 tCWL 7 7 7 tREFI 5200 5200 5200 tFAW 20 20 20 tWRPRE 21 Auto tCPDED 1 Auto tPRPDEN 1 Auto OdtReadDelay 2 Auto tCKE 4 Auto tCCD 4 Auto tWPRE 1 Auto tRPRE 1 Auto tRDRD 4 Auto tRDRD_dr 6 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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

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

tRDRD_dd 6 Auto tRDPDEN 14 Auto CMD_3st 1 Auto tWRRD 18 Auto tWRRD_dr 4 Auto tWRRD_dd 5 Auto tWRWR 4 Auto tWRWR_dr 7 Auto tWRWR_dd 7 Auto tWRPDEN 21 Auto Dec_WRD 1 Auto Scomp 7 Auto

Chapter 3

T coComp 13 Auto RcompDrvUp 11 Auto RcomDrvDown 10 Auto LsComp 2 Auto

Enh Interleave Support Enabled 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 Support Disabled

Memory RC Version (1.3.0.0)

This item shows the information of the memory RC version.

Memory Frequency (1333 MHz)

This item shows the information of the memory frequency.

Total Memory (4096 MB (DDR3))

This item shows the information of the total memory.

Memory Profiles (Automatic)

This item enables you to set the memory profiles. The selection of memory profiles

impacts memory sizing beha

Memory Frequency (1333)

This it

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.

Mc Lock (Enabled)

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

vior.

em shows the memory frequency.

Enable or disable Refresh 2x 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

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

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 Support (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. X Menu page.

Chapter 3

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Over Voltage Configuration

Scroll to this item to view the following screen:

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

DIMM Voltage 1.526 V Auto

PCH Voltage 1.079 V Auto SB Voltage 1.493 V Auto Processor Input Voltage Auto Vdroop Enabled

Ch0WriteVref 0.755 V Auto Ch1WriteVref 0.759 V Auto

Chapter 3

ChVrefCA 0.763 V Auto ChReadVref 0.763 V Auto

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

RING/Cache Ratio 39 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 +

DIMM Voltage 1.526 V (Auto)

This item allows you to adjust the DIMM voltage.

PCH Voltage 1.079 V (Auto)

This item allows you to adjust the PCH voltage.

SB Voltage 1.493 V (Auto)

This item allows you to adjust the SB voltage.

Processor Input Voltage (Auto)

This item allows you to adjust the processor input voltage.

Vdroop (Enabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the Vdroop.

: 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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Ch0WriteVref 0.755 V (Auto)

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

Ch1WriteVref 0.759 V (Auto)

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

ChVrefCA 0.763 V (Auto)

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

ChReadVref 0.763 V (Auto)

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 (-).

RING/Cache Ratio (39)

This item allows you to set RING/Cache Ratio.

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. If this function is disabled,

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

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

Chapter 3

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

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Profile Configuration

Scroll to this item to view the following screen:

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

Profile Configuration

Select Profile

Restore last setting Disabled

Chapter 3

Select Profile

Use this item to select the profile to configure.

Restore last setting (Disabled)

Use this item to enable or disable the restore last setting configuration.

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

Select Profile to configure

: 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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Spread Spectrum (Enabled)

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

Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz

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

Processor Speed (3700 MHz)

This item shows the CPU speed.

Memory Frequency (1333 MHz)

This item shows the memory frequency.

Total Memory (4096 MB (DDR3))

This item shows the total memory.

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

Fail-Safe Procedures for Over-clocking

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

1. Shut down the c

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.

omputer.

Chapter 3

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Boot Menu

This page enables you to set the keyboard NumLock state.

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

Boot Configuration

Operation System Select Windows 7 or other OS

Launch PXE OpROM Disabled Launch Strorage OpROM Enabled

Fast Boot Disabled

Chapter 3

Bootup NumLock State On Quiet Boot Enabled Boot Mode select LEGACY

Set Boot Priority Boot Option #1 Hard Disk Boot Option #2 CD/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

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 /

These items show the boot priorities.

2 /3 /4 /5 /6 /7

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

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Security Menu

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

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

Administrator Password Status Not Install User Password Status Not Install

Administrator Password

Set Administrator Password

Platform Mode Setup Secure Boot Disabled

Secure Boot 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

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.

Administrator Password

Press <Enter> to setup the administrator password.

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.

Chapter 3

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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. X Boot Security Exit

Back to EZ Mode

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

Chapter 3

Save Options Save Changes Discard Changes

Restore 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

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.

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

t the system setup after saving the changes.

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

ECS provides ROM A and ROM B protection mechanism for the motherboard with EZ Duo BIOS design. You can recover ROM B when ROM A is damaged by pressing the onboard EZ Duo BIOS button. If you want to update ROM B version, the following screen will show when the computer was first booted after updating the BIOS.

Press <DEL> or F2, and you will see the following information “ROM A has been updated. Update ROM B?”. Then press F8 to update it.

Chapter 3

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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

Advanced 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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Chapter 4

Using the Motherboard Software

Auto-installing under Windows 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 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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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). Look

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

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.

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.

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Chapter 4

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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) 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 X technology, eOC challenges the undiscovered over-clocking capability than ever before.

Monitor Easy Tuning

Advance Tuning

Options

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is required.

Chapter 4

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Memo

Chapter 4

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Chapter 5

AMD CrossFireXTM Technology Support

This motherboard supports the AMD CrossFireX install 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 CrossfireXTM bridge cable. 3 Make sure that your graphics card driver supports the AMD CrossFireX

technology. Download the latest driver from the AMD website

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

minimum power required by your system.

Installing CrossFireXTM graphics cards

Technology that allows you to

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

A. For 2-way configuration, install two graphic cards on PCIE16X and connect them with the CrossFire

graphics cards into the PCIEX16 slots. Make sure that the

Bridge.

* For reference only

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Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

B. For 3-way configuration, two CrossFireTM Bridges are needed to connect the three graphic cards.

2. Connect the cable from your monitors to the CrossFireXTM ready graphics card installed on the PCIEX16 slot.

Chapter 5

* For reference only

Monitor Cable

* For reference only

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

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

The CatalystTM Control Center Dialog Box

To enable CrossFireXTM:

• Install AMD graphic card driver.

• Enter the CatalystTM Control Center Dialog Box.

• check the “Enable CrossFireXTM” item.

• Click OK to apply.

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Chapter 5

Memo

Chapter 5

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Chapter 6

NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI® Technology Support

This motherboard supports the NVIDIA® SLI® Technology that allows you to installmulti-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the installation proce-dures in this section.

Requirements

1. Two or three identical SLI® ready graphic cards are needed for the setup of 2-way SLI configuration.

2. Make sure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA® SLI® tech-nology.

3. Make sure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least theminimum power required by your system.

Installing your NVIDIA® SLI-Ready Components

1. Install both of the NVIDIA® SLI-Ready graphics cards.

For 2-way configuration, install two graphic cards on PCIEX16_1 & PCIEX16_2 and connect them with one SLI bridge.

* For reference only

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Chapter 6

2. Connect the cable from your monitors to the SLI-Ready graphics card installed on the PCIE16X slot.

Monitor Cable

* For reference only

Once the new NVIDIA they will be recognized by the operating system upon Windows boot-up. A Found NewHardware message will be displayed:

Chapter 6

SLI-certified components have been installed in the system,

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Enabling NVIDIA® SLI

1. Click on the SLI capable system message to open the following window.

Description:

All NVIDIA® GPUs work together with SLI technology to increase the rendering performance of your 3D applications.

Typical usage scenarios:

•Playing 3D games

•Using any application that renders hardware-accelerated Direct 3D or

OpenGL content.

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Chapter 6

2. Select the checkbox Enable SLI technology and then click Apply

You now have an NVIDIA® SLI-enabled PC! You can also access these settings by opening the NVIDIA® Control Panel (right-click on desktop), clicking on 3D Settings (shown below) and then selecting “SetSLI configuration”.

Control Panel Setting of 2-Way SLI

All in all, the NVIDIA SLI technology works.

This concludes Chapter 6.

Chapter 6

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Chapter 7

Intel® Rapid Storage Technology RAID Configuration

The Intel® Rapid Storage Technology 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 FDD Disk, USB Disk.

3. Microsoft® Windows® OS installation disk (Windows XP/Windows 7).

4. Motherboard support CD with Intel® Rapid Storage Technology RAID driver.

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. X Boot Security Exit

SAT A Configuration

SAT A Mode AHCI Mode

External SAT A Port6 & eSA T A AHCI Mode SAT A Port1

Not Present Spin Up Device Disabled External SAT A Disabled

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

SAT A Port3 Not Present Spin Up Device Disabled External SAT A Disabled

SAT A Port4 Not Present Spin Up Device Disabled External SAT A Disabled

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

mSAT A Not Present Spin Up Device Disabled External SAT A 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

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Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

3. Enter the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology option to set up your RAID configuration.

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

5. Install the Intel OS had been installed.

Rapid Storage Technology RAID driver disk for Windows® OS

Rapid Storage Technology RAID driver after the Windows

Entering Intel® Rapid Storage Technology RAID BIOS utility

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

2. The main Intel® Rapid Storage Technology RAID BIOS menu appears.

Chapter 7

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

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Creating a RAID set

1. In the main Intel® Rapid Storage Technology 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 7

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.

Chapter 7

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

Hard Disk Drive Priorities

1st Boot Intel volume0

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.

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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Deleting a RAID set

1. In the main Intel® Rapid Storage Technology 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 7

Resetting disks to Non-RAID

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

in another platform is called a broken RAID HDD. When you install a broken RAID HDD, you cannot select this disk when configuring a RAID set through the Intel use this broken RAID HDD as part of the RAID set configured through the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology, you may do so by resetting the disk to Non-RAID. You will, however, lose all data and previous RAID configurations.

Rapid Storage Technology option. If you still want to

To reset disks to Non-RAID:

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

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

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

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

Exiting Setup

When you have finished, highlight Exit using the up/down arrow key then press <Enter> to exit the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology RAID BIOS utility.

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

Rapid Storage Technology RAID BIOS menu.

Chapter 7

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Chapter 8

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 8

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 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.

Chapter 8

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-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

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Chapter 8

Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL

Elitegroup Z87H3-AX User Manual V1.0

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual