User Guide
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... COMPUTER INC. ("ASUS"). SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT...
... COMPUTER INC. ("ASUS"). SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT...
User Guide
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... on the CPU installed. ** Supports PCIE RAID configurations via onboard M.2 and PCIex16_3. *** M.2 shares SATA mode with M Key**, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (both sound deliver equal quality - Z170-A specifications summary Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D/Quick Sync Video/Clear Video HD Technology/Insider™ Supports up to 3 displays simultaneously VGA Maximum shared memory of 512MB Multi-GPU Support Storage * DP 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport compliant, supports DP 1.2 monitor daisy chain up popping noise to audio outputs - Power pre-regulator...
... on the CPU installed. ** Supports PCIE RAID configurations via onboard M.2 and PCIex16_3. *** M.2 shares SATA mode with M Key**, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (both sound deliver equal quality - Z170-A specifications summary Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D/Quick Sync Video/Clear Video HD Technology/Insider™ Supports up to 3 displays simultaneously VGA Maximum shared memory of 512MB Multi-GPU Support Storage * DP 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport compliant, supports DP 1.2 monitor daisy chain up popping noise to audio outputs - Power pre-regulator...
User Guide
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... BIOS 3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modified log, F12 PrintScreen and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information Manageability Accessories Support DVD Operating System Support WfM 2.0, DMI 3.0, WOL by PME, PXE 3 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables 1 x ASUS SLI bridge connector 1 x 2 in 1 Q-connector 1 x M.2 screw package 1 x CPU installation tool 1 x User's manual 1 x Z170 Series Exclusive Feature manual Drivers ASUS Utilities EZ Update Anti-virus software (OEM version) Windows® 10* Windows® 8.1* Windows® 7 *64-bit supported...
... BIOS 3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modified log, F12 PrintScreen and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information Manageability Accessories Support DVD Operating System Support WfM 2.0, DMI 3.0, WOL by PME, PXE 3 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables 1 x ASUS SLI bridge connector 1 x 2 in 1 Q-connector 1 x M.2 screw package 1 x CPU installation tool 1 x User's manual 1 x Z170 Series Exclusive Feature manual Drivers ASUS Utilities EZ Update Anti-virus software (OEM version) Windows® 10* Windows® 8.1* Windows® 7 *64-bit supported...
User Guide
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... DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. c) For more memory on the motherboard. You can be about 3GB or less. ASUS Z170-A Series 1-9 Recommended memory configurations 1.4.2 Memory configurations You may operate at http://support.microsoft. b) Install a 64-bit Windows® OS when you install 4GB or more details, refer to the recommended memory population below. • You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. Under the default state, some memory modules for the dual-channel configuration.
... DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. c) For more memory on the motherboard. You can be about 3GB or less. ASUS Z170-A Series 1-9 Recommended memory configurations 1.4.2 Memory configurations You may operate at http://support.microsoft. b) Install a 64-bit Windows® OS when you install 4GB or more details, refer to the recommended memory population below. • You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. Under the default state, some memory modules for the dual-channel configuration.
User Guide
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...with the PCI Express specifications. 1.5.5 PCI Express 3.0 / 2.0 x16 slots This motherboard supports PCI Express x16 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Install the software drivers for information on BIOS setup. 2. When using PCI cards on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 2 for the expansion card. Expansion slot PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1_1 slot PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1_2 slot PCI slot PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_2 slot PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1_3 slot PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_3 slot ASUS Z170-A Series 1-17 Turn on...
...with the PCI Express specifications. 1.5.5 PCI Express 3.0 / 2.0 x16 slots This motherboard supports PCI Express x16 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Install the software drivers for information on BIOS setup. 2. When using PCI cards on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 2 for the expansion card. Expansion slot PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1_1 slot PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1_2 slot PCI slot PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_2 slot PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1_3 slot PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_3 slot ASUS Z170-A Series 1-17 Turn on...
User Guide
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.... Connect the USB module cable to any of the system chassis. Doing so will damage the motherboard! These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. ASUS Z170-A Series 1-29 Never connect a 1394 cable to fully use the USB 2.0 ports under Windows® 7. 10. TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM) This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which securely store keys, digital certificates, passwords and data. We recommend you to install the related driver to the USB connectors. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112...
.... Connect the USB module cable to any of the system chassis. Doing so will damage the motherboard! These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. ASUS Z170-A Series 1-29 Never connect a 1394 cable to fully use the USB 2.0 ports under Windows® 7. 10. TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM) This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which securely store keys, digital certificates, passwords and data. We recommend you to install the related driver to the USB connectors. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112...
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... charging time for additional USB 3.0 front or rear panel ports. ASUS Z170-A Series 1-31 With an installed USB 3.0 module, you to install the related driver to connect a USB 3.0 module for USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency, and backward compatibility with USB 2.0. 12. The USB 3.0 module is purchased separately. • These connectors are based on xHCI mode. • These USB 3.0 ports support native UASP transfer standard in Windows® 8 / Windows® 8.1 and Turbo Mode when using USB 3.0 Boost feature.
... charging time for additional USB 3.0 front or rear panel ports. ASUS Z170-A Series 1-31 With an installed USB 3.0 module, you to install the related driver to connect a USB 3.0 module for USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency, and backward compatibility with USB 2.0. 12. The USB 3.0 module is purchased separately. • These connectors are based on xHCI mode. • These USB 3.0 ports support native UASP transfer standard in Windows® 8 / Windows® 8.1 and Turbo Mode when using USB 3.0 Boost feature.
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... motherboard package contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that the motherboard supports. ASUS Z170-A Series 1-39 Refer to your hardware. Click to select an item to install Click to use the devices. Running the support DVD Place the Support DVD into the optical drive. Install the necessary drivers to display the ASUS contact information. Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of the user guide Click to change at www.asus...
... motherboard package contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that the motherboard supports. ASUS Z170-A Series 1-39 Refer to your hardware. Click to select an item to install Click to use the devices. Running the support DVD Place the Support DVD into the optical drive. Install the necessary drivers to display the ASUS contact information. Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of the user guide Click to change at www.asus...
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... CPU/motherboard temperature, CPU voltage output, CPU/chassis/power fan speed, and SATA information Displays the system properties of the BIOS setup program configures system overclocking Enables or disables the SATA RAID mode for details. Click < or > to the system. The EZ Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you installed to switch EZ System Tuning modes Selects the display language Creates storage RAID and of the selected mode. Click the button to manually tune the fans Loads...
... CPU/motherboard temperature, CPU voltage output, CPU/chassis/power fan speed, and SATA information Displays the system properties of the BIOS setup program configures system overclocking Enables or disables the SATA RAID mode for details. Click < or > to the system. The EZ Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you installed to switch EZ System Tuning modes Selects the display language Creates storage RAID and of the selected mode. Click the button to manually tune the fans Loads...
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... remove the thermal module when the manual mode is defined by Intel® specification and affects CPU power voltage. The thermal conditions should be monitored. A higher value setting provides higher power consumption delivery and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously. External DIGI+ VRM VRM Initialization Check [Disabled] Enable or disable this item if any error occurs during VRM initialization. Configuration options [Disabled] [Enabled] CPU Load-line Calibration [Auto] Load-line is selected. CPU Current Capability [Auto...
... remove the thermal module when the manual mode is defined by Intel® specification and affects CPU power voltage. The thermal conditions should be monitored. A higher value setting provides higher power consumption delivery and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously. External DIGI+ VRM VRM Initialization Check [Disabled] Enable or disable this item if any error occurs during VRM initialization. Configuration options [Disabled] [Enabled] CPU Load-line Calibration [Auto] Load-line is selected. CPU Current Capability [Auto...
User Guide
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...Gray) - Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS Z170-A Series 2-39 M.2 PCIE Storage RAID Support [Disabled] This item allows you to enable or disable PCIE port to SATA for RAID Remapping. SATA Controller(s) [enabled] This item allows you want the SATA hard disk drives to [RAID]. The AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to internally optimize the order of SATA ports are disabled. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] SATA Mode Selection [AHCI] This...
...Gray) - Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS Z170-A Series 2-39 M.2 PCIE Storage RAID Support [Disabled] This item allows you to enable or disable PCIE port to SATA for RAID Remapping. SATA Controller(s) [enabled] This item allows you want the SATA hard disk drives to [RAID]. The AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to internally optimize the order of SATA ports are disabled. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] SATA Mode Selection [AHCI] This...
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...M.2 can only support PCIE devices. [SATA EXpress] SATA mode will be switched to [Enabled]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASMedia USB 3.1 Battery Charging Support [Disabled] This item allows you to M.2. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2-42 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup SATA Express can only support PCIE devices. HD Audio Controller [Enabled] This item allows you to use the Azalia High Definition Audio Controller Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following items appear only when you set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC'97...
...M.2 can only support PCIE devices. [SATA EXpress] SATA mode will be switched to [Enabled]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASMedia USB 3.1 Battery Charging Support [Disabled] This item allows you to M.2. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2-42 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup SATA Express can only support PCIE devices. HD Audio Controller [Enabled] This item allows you to use the Azalia High Definition Audio Controller Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following items appear only when you set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC'97...
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... enable or disable the Wake-on-LAN function of your motherboard. When set the days, hours, minutes, or seconds to schedule an RTC alarm date. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2-44 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup When setting your system to go to ON state, OFF state, or both states after an AC power loss. Configuration options: [Power Off] [Power On] [Last State] Power On By PCI-E/PCI [Disabled] This item allows you to switch off . Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Power...
... enable or disable the Wake-on-LAN function of your motherboard. When set the days, hours, minutes, or seconds to schedule an RTC alarm date. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2-44 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup When setting your system to go to ON state, OFF state, or both states after an AC power loss. Configuration options: [Power Off] [Power On] [Last State] Power On By PCI-E/PCI [Disabled] This item allows you to switch off . Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Power...
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... Support [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable control of the chassis reset buton cable to the onboard DRCT header. 2-52 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup Connect the 2-pin connector of the PS2 devices' availability during POST. This process will be available until OS boot up for a fastest POST time. Next Boot after an AC power loss. This process extends the POST time. Only hard drives connected to load the network stack driver during POST. All USB devices will be available during POST. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Network Stack Driver Support [Disabled] [Disabled...
... Support [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable control of the chassis reset buton cable to the onboard DRCT header. 2-52 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup Connect the 2-pin connector of the PS2 devices' availability during POST. This process will be available until OS boot up for a fastest POST time. Next Boot after an AC power loss. This process extends the POST time. Only hard drives connected to load the network stack driver during POST. All USB devices will be available during POST. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Network Stack Driver Support [Disabled] [Disabled...
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... your SSD, restoring it to AHCI. For more details, refer to section 2.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3. 2.9.2 Secure Erase SSD speeds may take a while depending on Intel SATA port. Setup Animator This item allows you press , a confirmation message appears. When you to enable or disable the Setup animator. The drive may become unstable if you run ASUS EZ Flash 3. ASUS Z170-A Series 2-57 To launch Secure Erase...
... your SSD, restoring it to AHCI. For more details, refer to section 2.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3. 2.9.2 Secure Erase SSD speeds may take a while depending on Intel SATA port. Setup Animator This item allows you press , a confirmation message appears. When you to enable or disable the Setup animator. The drive may become unstable if you run ASUS EZ Flash 3. ASUS Z170-A Series 2-57 To launch Secure Erase...
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... Internet connection either through a network or an ISP (Internet Service Provider). 2-62 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup However, BIOS updating is a utility that allows you to provide enhancements on system stability, compatibility,and performance. Carefully follow the instructions in Windows® environment. 2. ASUS EZ Flash 3: Updates the BIOS using a USB flash drive. 3. Visit http://www.asus.com to boot. The following utilities allow you to automatically update your motherboard driver, software and firmware Click to search and select the BIOS file...
... Internet connection either through a network or an ISP (Internet Service Provider). 2-62 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup However, BIOS updating is a utility that allows you to provide enhancements on system stability, compatibility,and performance. Carefully follow the instructions in Windows® environment. 2. ASUS EZ Flash 3: Updates the BIOS using a USB flash drive. 3. Visit http://www.asus.com to boot. The following utilities allow you to automatically update your motherboard driver, software and firmware Click to search and select the BIOS file...
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... system compatibility and stability, we recommend that allows you to enter BIOS Setup to restore the BIOS file when it to the USB port. 3. ASUS Z170-A Series 2-65 DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Recovering the BIOS To recover the BIOS: 1. Turn on the ASUS official website. Doing so can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the BIOS file. You can cause system boot failure! The BIOS file...
... system compatibility and stability, we recommend that allows you to enter BIOS Setup to restore the BIOS file when it to the USB port. 3. ASUS Z170-A Series 2-65 DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Recovering the BIOS To recover the BIOS: 1. Turn on the ASUS official website. Doing so can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the BIOS file. You can cause system boot failure! The BIOS file...
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...; 7 installation DVD into a SATA ODD on a working system. 2. This section is recommended to enter the boot screen. 2-66 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup It is a guide on the chipset specification, the 100 series requires USB 3.0 drivers to be preloaded in this chapter are for 100 Series Based on preloading USB 3.0 drivers and installing Windows® 7. Connect the USB ODD or USB storage device to a USB storage device on your 100 series platform. 3. 2.12 Installing an operating system Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Insert the ASUS support DVD...
...; 7 installation DVD into a SATA ODD on a working system. 2. This section is recommended to enter the boot screen. 2-66 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup It is a guide on the chipset specification, the 100 series requires USB 3.0 drivers to be preloaded in this chapter are for 100 Series Based on preloading USB 3.0 drivers and installing Windows® 7. Connect the USB ODD or USB storage device to a USB storage device on your 100 series platform. 3. 2.12 Installing an operating system Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Insert the ASUS support DVD...
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...; 7 installation source using a modified Windows® 7 installation DVD. Power on your working system, create an ISO image file of the ASUS supporting DVD to enter the boot screen. 7. Follow the onscreen instructions to create a modified Windows® 7 installation DVD. 5. Copy both "Auto_Unattend.xml" and "Auto_Unattend" folder into an ODD on your system. 3. The USB 3.0 driver will show up if the USB 3.0 driver is starting..." Select the ODD as the boot device. 8. screen will be loaded automatically during POST (Power...
...; 7 installation source using a modified Windows® 7 installation DVD. Power on your working system, create an ISO image file of the ASUS supporting DVD to enter the boot screen. 7. Follow the onscreen instructions to create a modified Windows® 7 installation DVD. 5. Copy both "Auto_Unattend.xml" and "Auto_Unattend" folder into an ODD on your system. 3. The USB 3.0 driver will show up if the USB 3.0 driver is starting..." Select the ODD as the boot device. 8. screen will be loaded automatically during POST (Power...
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... 100 series platform. 5. The "Setup is loaded correctly. 8. screen will be loaded automatically during POST (Power-On Self Test) to create a modified Windows® 7 installation DVD. 4. Follow the onscreen instructions to save the modified Windows® 7 installation ISO file and click Next. - Select the ODD or USB storage device as the boot device. 7. - Select the folder to complete the Windows® 7 installation. 2-72 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup The USB 3.0 driver will show up if the USB 3.0 driver is starting...
... 100 series platform. 5. The "Setup is loaded correctly. 8. screen will be loaded automatically during POST (Power-On Self Test) to create a modified Windows® 7 installation DVD. 4. Follow the onscreen instructions to save the modified Windows® 7 installation ISO file and click Next. - Select the ODD or USB storage device as the boot device. 7. - Select the folder to complete the Windows® 7 installation. 2-72 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup The USB 3.0 driver will show up if the USB 3.0 driver is starting...