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......v About this guide...v Package contents...vii Z170-A specifications summary vii Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.1 Before you proceed 1-1 1.2 Motherboard overview 1-1 1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-4 1.4 System memory 1-8 1.5 Expansion slots 1-16 1.6 Jumpers...1-19 1.7 Connectors 1-21 1.8 Onboard LEDs 1-34 1.9 Onboard buttons and switches 1-36 1.10 Software support 1-39 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup 2.1 Knowing BIOS 2-1 2.2 BIOS setup program 2-2 2.2.1 EZ Mode 2-3 2.2.2 Advanced...
......v About this guide...v Package contents...vii Z170-A specifications summary vii Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.1 Before you proceed 1-1 1.2 Motherboard overview 1-1 1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-4 1.4 System memory 1-8 1.5 Expansion slots 1-16 1.6 Jumpers...1-19 1.7 Connectors 1-21 1.8 Onboard LEDs 1-34 1.9 Onboard buttons and switches 1-36 1.10 Software support 1-39 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup 2.1 Knowing BIOS 2-1 2.2 BIOS setup program 2-2 2.2.1 EZ Mode 2-3 2.2.2 Advanced...
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2.7 Monitor menu 2-46 2.8 Boot menu 2-51 2.9 Tool menu 2-57 2.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility 2-57 2.9.2 Secure Erase 2-57 2.9.3 ASUS O.C. Profile 2-59 2.9.4 ASUS DRAM SPD Information 2-60 2.9.5 Graphics Card Information 2-60 2.10 Exit menu 2-61 2.11 Updating BIOS 2-62 2.11.1 EZ Update 2-62 2.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3 2-63 2.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 2-65 2.12 Installing an operating system 2-66 2.12.1 Windows® 7 and USB 3.0 driver for 100 Series 2-66 Appendices Notices ...A-1 ASUS contact information A-5 iv
2.7 Monitor menu 2-46 2.8 Boot menu 2-51 2.9 Tool menu 2-57 2.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility 2-57 2.9.2 Secure Erase 2-57 2.9.3 ASUS O.C. Profile 2-59 2.9.4 ASUS DRAM SPD Information 2-60 2.9.5 Graphics Card Information 2-60 2.10 Exit menu 2-61 2.11 Updating BIOS 2-62 2.11.1 EZ Update 2-62 2.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3 2-63 2.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 2-65 2.12 Installing an operating system 2-66 2.12.1 Windows® 7 and USB 3.0 driver for 100 Series 2-66 Appendices Notices ...A-1 ASUS contact information A-5 iv
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...you add a device. • Before connecting or removing signal cables from the system, ensure that the power cables for the BIOS parameters are also provided. Detailed descriptions for the devices are unplugged before using an adapter or extension cord. Do not place the...technology it may be exposed to moisture. • Place the product on the motherboard. • Chapter 2: BIOS Setup This chapter discusses changing system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit. • Ensure that your retailer. Safety information Electrical ...
...you add a device. • Before connecting or removing signal cables from the system, ensure that the power cables for the BIOS parameters are also provided. Detailed descriptions for the devices are unplugged before using an adapter or extension cord. Do not place the...technology it may be exposed to moisture. • Place the product on the motherboard. • Chapter 2: BIOS Setup This chapter discusses changing system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit. • Ensure that your retailer. Safety information Electrical ...
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UEFI BIOS - Design - Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote app for portable smartphone/tablet, supporting iOS 7 & Android 4.0 systems HyStream - Stream iOS devices' screen on the next page) ix ... optimization with fast response time Special Memory O.C. capability under full load by minimizing the coupling noise and signal reflection effect PC Cleaner - Z170-A specifications summary USB ASUS Exclusive Features Intel® Z170 Express Chipset- Full BCLK range for selected applications. Perfectly consolidates better CPU performance, power saving, digital power control, system cooling and...
UEFI BIOS - Design - Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote app for portable smartphone/tablet, supporting iOS 7 & Android 4.0 systems HyStream - Stream iOS devices' screen on the next page) ix ... optimization with fast response time Special Memory O.C. capability under full load by minimizing the coupling noise and signal reflection effect PC Cleaner - Z170-A specifications summary USB ASUS Exclusive Features Intel® Z170 Express Chipset- Full BCLK range for selected applications. Perfectly consolidates better CPU performance, power saving, digital power control, system cooling and...
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... Card supported UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface - ASUS Q-Connector ASUS 5X Protection - USB 3.1 Boost - Turbo APP - EZ Flash 3 ASUS Q-Design - ASUS DIGI+ VRM - 8 Phase digital power design - ASUS Enhanced DRAM Overcurrent Protection - Ai Charger+ - EZ XMP (continued on the next page) x ASUS Q-Slot - Short circuit damage prevention - Z170-A specifications summary ASUS Exclusive Features ASUS Special Features...
... Card supported UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface - ASUS Q-Connector ASUS 5X Protection - USB 3.1 Boost - Turbo APP - EZ Flash 3 ASUS Q-Design - ASUS DIGI+ VRM - 8 Phase digital power design - ASUS Enhanced DRAM Overcurrent Protection - Ai Charger+ - EZ XMP (continued on the next page) x ASUS Q-Slot - Short circuit damage prevention - Z170-A specifications summary ASUS Exclusive Features ASUS Special Features...
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... only Form Factor ATX Form Factor, 12"x 9.6" (30.5cm x 24.4cm) Specifications are subject to change without notice. Z170-A specifications summary Internal I/O Connectors BIOS Features 1 x BIOS Flashback connector 1 x S/PDIF out header 1 x Thunderbolt header (5-pin) for ASUS ThunderboltEX series support 1 x TPM connector 1 x COM port 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector 1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector 1 x System...
... only Form Factor ATX Form Factor, 12"x 9.6" (30.5cm x 24.4cm) Specifications are subject to change without notice. Z170-A specifications summary Internal I/O Connectors BIOS Features 1 x BIOS Flashback connector 1 x S/PDIF out header 1 x Thunderbolt header (5-pin) for ASUS ThunderboltEX series support 1 x TPM connector 1 x COM port 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector 1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector 1 x System...
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...cards that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. See Chapter 2 for the expansion card. Install the software drivers for information on BIOS setup. 2. Slot No. Otherwise, conflicts arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. 1.5.3 PCI...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 When using PCI cards on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. 1.5.2 Configuring an expansion card After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting...
...cards that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. See Chapter 2 for the expansion card. Install the software drivers for information on BIOS setup. 2. Slot No. Otherwise, conflicts arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. 1.5.3 PCI...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 When using PCI cards on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. 1.5.2 Configuring an expansion card After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting...
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... the RTC RAM: 1. Hold down and reboot the system, then the BIOS automatically resets parameter settings to default values. • Due to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. ASUS Z170-A Series 1-19 Short-circuit pin 1-2 with a metal object or jumper cap... in CMOS. function. 1.6 Jumpers 1. Plug the power cord and turn off is required to enable C.P.R. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to overclocking, use the CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R.) feature.
... the RTC RAM: 1. Hold down and reboot the system, then the BIOS automatically resets parameter settings to default values. • Due to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. ASUS Z170-A Series 1-19 Short-circuit pin 1-2 with a metal object or jumper cap... in CMOS. function. 1.6 Jumpers 1. Plug the power cord and turn off is required to enable C.P.R. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to overclocking, use the CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R.) feature.
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... connection Orange (Blinking) Data activity Green 1 Gbps connection Orange (Blinking Ready to wake up to three displays under Windows® OS environment, two displays under BIOS, and one display under DOS. • Intel display architecture design supports the following maximum supported pixel clocks (Pixel Clock = H total x V Total x Frame Rate (Screen refresh...
... connection Orange (Blinking) Data activity Green 1 Gbps connection Orange (Blinking Ready to wake up to three displays under Windows® OS environment, two displays under BIOS, and one display under DOS. • Intel display architecture design supports the following maximum supported pixel clocks (Pixel Clock = H total x V Total x Frame Rate (Screen refresh...
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...these connectors, set to [RAID Mode]. Only one SATA Express device or two SATA devices. 1-24 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 2. Intel® Z170 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12, SATA6G_34, SATA6G_56, SATA Express) These connectors connect to section 2.6.5 PCH Storage Configuration for details. ...The M.2 socket shares SATA ports with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® Z170 chipset. These connectors are set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [AHCI Mode] by default. If you can support one SATA device could be activated.
...these connectors, set to [RAID Mode]. Only one SATA Express device or two SATA devices. 1-24 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 2. Intel® Z170 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12, SATA6G_34, SATA6G_56, SATA Express) These connectors connect to section 2.6.5 PCH Storage Configuration for details. ...The M.2 socket shares SATA ports with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® Z170 chipset. These connectors are set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [AHCI Mode] by default. If you can support one SATA device could be activated.
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... the control modes. To set these fans to DC or PWM, go to Advanced Mode > Monitor > CPU Q-Fan Control item in BIOS. These are not jumpers! ASUS Z170-A Series 1-25 To configure the CPU fan's control mode, go to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage ...function support depends on the fan connectors! Do not place jumper caps on water cooling device. • The CPU_FAN connector and CHA_FAN connectors support the ASUS FAN Xpert 3 feature. • The CPU fan connector detects the type of the connector. • DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables...
... the control modes. To set these fans to DC or PWM, go to Advanced Mode > Monitor > CPU Q-Fan Control item in BIOS. These are not jumpers! ASUS Z170-A Series 1-25 To configure the CPU fan's control mode, go to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage ...function support depends on the fan connectors! Do not place jumper caps on water cooling device. • The CPU_FAN connector and CHA_FAN connectors support the ASUS FAN Xpert 3 feature. • The CPU fan connector detects the type of the connector. • DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables...
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... panel audio I /O module cable to this connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to this connector is for details. 6. See section 2.6.8 Onboard Devices Configuration for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. ASUS Z170-A Series 1-27 Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is set the item to...
... panel audio I /O module cable to this connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to this connector is for details. 6. See section 2.6.8 Onboard Devices Configuration for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. ASUS Z170-A Series 1-27 Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is set the item to...
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Flashback header (12-1 pin FLBK_HEADER) This connector is purchased separately. ASUS Z170-A Series 1-33 15. The USB BIOS Flashback card is for the USB BIOS Flashback card that allows you to easily update the BIOS without entering the existing BIOS or operating system.
Flashback header (12-1 pin FLBK_HEADER) This connector is purchased separately. ASUS Z170-A Series 1-33 15. The USB BIOS Flashback card is for the USB BIOS Flashback card that allows you to easily update the BIOS without entering the existing BIOS or operating system.
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To turn off the LEDs, refer to BIOS section 2.6.8 Onboard Devices Configuration > LED Design Switch for details. 3. LED Design These LEDs light up when you enable the EZ XMP switch. 4. ASUS Z170-A Series 1-35 EZ XMP LED (XLED1) This LED lights up when the system is fully powered and operating.
To turn off the LEDs, refer to BIOS section 2.6.8 Onboard Devices Configuration > LED Design Switch for details. 3. LED Design These LEDs light up when you enable the EZ XMP switch. 4. ASUS Z170-A Series 1-35 EZ XMP LED (XLED1) This LED lights up when the system is fully powered and operating.
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... Onboard buttons and switches allow you download and update to the latest BIOS version from www.asus.com after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. MemOK! If the system fail to boot and load the BIOS default settings. It takes about 5-10 seconds. • If your...DRAM_LED. • The DRAM_LED also lights up due to fine-tune performance when working on the computer. button Installing DIMMs that you to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! If the installed DIMMs still fail to its default settings. • We recommend that are not compatible with ...
... Onboard buttons and switches allow you download and update to the latest BIOS version from www.asus.com after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. MemOK! If the system fail to boot and load the BIOS default settings. It takes about 5-10 seconds. • If your...DRAM_LED. • The DRAM_LED also lights up due to fine-tune performance when working on the computer. button Installing DIMMs that you to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! If the installed DIMMs still fail to its default settings. • We recommend that are not compatible with ...
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... proper Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you set the TPU switch to TPU_II (Water-cooling). • If you have made. ASUS Z170-A Series 1-37 2. TPU switch With its two-level adjustment functions, the TPU allows you to automatically adjusts the CPU performance for air-cooling and water... this switch under Windows® OS environment, the TPU function will use the 5-Way Optimization and TPU feature in the AI Suite 3 application, adjust the BIOS setup program or enable the TPU switch at the same time.
... proper Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you set the TPU switch to TPU_II (Water-cooling). • If you have made. ASUS Z170-A Series 1-37 2. TPU switch With its two-level adjustment functions, the TPU allows you to automatically adjusts the CPU performance for air-cooling and water... this switch under Windows® OS environment, the TPU function will use the 5-Way Optimization and TPU feature in the AI Suite 3 application, adjust the BIOS setup program or enable the TPU switch at the same time.
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... screen during the system bootup and requests you to run the BIOS Setup. • You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or update. Inappropriate BIOS settings may result to ensure optimal performance. ASUS Z170-A Series 2-1 BIOS Setup 2.1 Knowing BIOS 2 The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unified Extensible Interface that complies with the same smoothness as...
... screen during the system bootup and requests you to run the BIOS Setup. • You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or update. Inappropriate BIOS settings may result to ensure optimal performance. ASUS Z170-A Series 2-1 BIOS Setup 2.1 Knowing BIOS 2 The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unified Extensible Interface that complies with the same smoothness as...
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...Mode. See section 2.10 Exit Menu for details. • If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, load the default settings to enter BIOS Setup using the BIOS Setup program. See section 1.9 Onboard buttons and switches for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what ...motherboard if you failed to ensure system compatibility and stability. You can be used under the Exit menu or press hotkey . 2.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup to the default value. Do this section are for information on . After doing either of the three options, press key to...
...Mode. See section 2.10 Exit Menu for details. • If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, load the default settings to enter BIOS Setup using the BIOS Setup program. See section 1.9 Onboard buttons and switches for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what ...motherboard if you failed to ensure system compatibility and stability. You can be used under the Exit menu or press hotkey . 2.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup to the default value. Do this section are for information on . After doing either of the three options, press key to...
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... to the system. To access the Advanced Mode, click Exit/Advanced Mode, then select Advanced Mode or press hotkey for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed between EZ Mode or Advanced Mode. Refer to switch EZ System Tuning modes Selects the display language Creates... storage RAID and of the BIOS setup program configures system overclocking Enables or disables the SATA RAID mode for details. The EZ Mode provides you an overview of the selected mode. ASUS Z170-A Series 2-3 Displays the CPU/motherboard temperature, CPU voltage output,...
... to the system. To access the Advanced Mode, click Exit/Advanced Mode, then select Advanced Mode or press hotkey for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed between EZ Mode or Advanced Mode. Refer to switch EZ System Tuning modes Selects the display language Creates... storage RAID and of the BIOS setup program configures system overclocking Enables or disables the SATA RAID mode for details. The EZ Mode provides you an overview of the selected mode. ASUS Z170-A Series 2-3 Displays the CPU/motherboard temperature, CPU voltage output,...
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To switch from EZ Mode to EZ Mode Displays the CPU temperature, CPU, and memory voltage output 2-4 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup Configuration fields Pop-up Menu Menu bar Language Quick Note (F9) MyFavorite(F3) Qfan Control(F6) EZ Tuning Wizard(F11) Scroll bar Hot Keys ... or press hotkey. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for experienced end-users to configure the BIOS settings. 2.2.2 Advanced Mode The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for the detailed configurations.
To switch from EZ Mode to EZ Mode Displays the CPU temperature, CPU, and memory voltage output 2-4 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup Configuration fields Pop-up Menu Menu bar Language Quick Note (F9) MyFavorite(F3) Qfan Control(F6) EZ Tuning Wizard(F11) Scroll bar Hot Keys ... or press hotkey. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for experienced end-users to configure the BIOS settings. 2.2.2 Advanced Mode The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for the detailed configurations.