Elitegroup Z87H3-AX User Manual V1.0
Preface
Copyright
This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected
under international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor
any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of
the author.
Version 1.0
Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The
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
i
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.
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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
iv
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
v
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
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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
® ®
®
TM
® ®
SLI
and 3-way AMD CrossfireX
TM
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
1
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
2
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
1
• ECS Exclusive AP: Supports eBLU*
Charger*
1
• 3rd Party Bundled software: Cyberlink Media Suite*2/Norton*2/
Muzee*2/Creative SBX studio*
/eDLU/eOC & eSF*1/EZ
2
Note: *1Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is required.
2
*
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
3
Chapter 1
Motherboard Components
4
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
th
Generation CoreTM Family Processors
Chapter 1
Z87H3-AX EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL
5
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.
6
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
7
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.
8
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
9
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.
10
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
11
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.
12
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
13
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
14
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
15
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.
16
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
17
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.
18
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
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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.
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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
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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
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* 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
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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.
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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
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