User Guide
Page 3
Guardian Angel 1-3 1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY 1-4 1.1.6 ASUS Exclusive Features 1-5 1.1.7 Other special features 1-6 1.2 Motherboard overview 1-7 1.2.1 Before you proceed 1-7 1.2.2 Motherboard layout 1-8 1.2.3 ... I/O Connector 2-9 2.1.8 Expansion Card installation 2-10 2.2 BIOS update utility 2-11 2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections 2-12 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection 2-12 2.3.2 Audio I/O connections 2-14 iii Contents Safety information...vi About this guide...vii GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION specifications summary ix Package contents...xiv Installation tools and components...
Guardian Angel 1-3 1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY 1-4 1.1.6 ASUS Exclusive Features 1-5 1.1.7 Other special features 1-6 1.2 Motherboard overview 1-7 1.2.1 Before you proceed 1-7 1.2.2 Motherboard layout 1-8 1.2.3 ... I/O Connector 2-9 2.1.8 Expansion Card installation 2-10 2.2 BIOS update utility 2-11 2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections 2-12 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection 2-12 2.3.2 Audio I/O connections 2-14 iii Contents Safety information...vi About this guide...vii GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION specifications summary ix Package contents...xiv Installation tools and components...
User Guide
Page 4
2.4 Starting up for the first time 2-16 2.5 Turning off the computer 2-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS 3-1 3.2 BIOS setup program 3-2 3.2.1 EZ Mode 3-3 3.2.2 Advanced Mode 3-4 3.2.3 Q-Fan Control 3-7 3.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard 3-9 3.3 My Favorites ... menu 3-48 3.9 Tool menu 3-54 3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility 3-54 3.9.2 ASUS Overclocking Profile 3-55 3.9.3 ASUS SPD Information 3-56 3.10 Exit menu 3-57 3.11 Updating BIOS 3-58 3.11.1 EZ Update 3-58 3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 3-59 3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 3-60 Chapter 4: Software support 4.1 Installing...
2.4 Starting up for the first time 2-16 2.5 Turning off the computer 2-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS 3-1 3.2 BIOS setup program 3-2 3.2.1 EZ Mode 3-3 3.2.2 Advanced Mode 3-4 3.2.3 Q-Fan Control 3-7 3.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard 3-9 3.3 My Favorites ... menu 3-48 3.9 Tool menu 3-54 3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility 3-54 3.9.2 ASUS Overclocking Profile 3-55 3.9.3 ASUS SPD Information 3-56 3.10 Exit menu 3-57 3.11 Updating BIOS 3-58 3.11.1 EZ Update 3-58 3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 3-59 3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 3-60 Chapter 4: Software support 4.1 Installing...
User Guide
Page 5
... 4.4.8 Version 4-23 4.5 Turbo LAN 4-24 4.6 Audio configurations 4-25 Chapter 5: RAID support 5.1 RAID configurations 5-1 5.1.1 RAID definitions 5-1 5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks 5-2 5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS 5-2 5.1.4 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility 5-3 5.2 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation 5-7 Appendices Notices...
... 4.4.8 Version 4-23 4.5 Turbo LAN 4-24 4.6 Audio configurations 4-25 Chapter 5: RAID support 5.1 RAID configurations 5-1 5.1.1 RAID definitions 5-1 5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks 5-2 5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS 5-2 5.1.4 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility 5-3 5.2 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation 5-7 Appendices Notices...
User Guide
Page 7
vii It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on ASUS hardware and software products. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are not part of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package and the software. • Chapter 5: RAID support This chapter describes the ...
vii It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on ASUS hardware and software products. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are not part of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package and the software. • Chapter 5: RAID support This chapter describes the ...
User Guide
Page 11
..., Boot Device LED) - ASUS Q-Slot - ASUS Q-Shield - ASUS EZ Flash 2 - Multi-language BIOS Drivers Anti-virus software (OEM version) ASUS/TUF CPU-Z ASUS Utilities (continued on the next page) xi USB Charger+ featuring quick-charging function for EZ BIOS download scheduling - Push Notice monitors your PC status with lower pings and less lags - ASUS Q-Connector - GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION specifications summary Rear...
..., Boot Device LED) - ASUS Q-Slot - ASUS Q-Shield - ASUS EZ Flash 2 - Multi-language BIOS Drivers Anti-virus software (OEM version) ASUS/TUF CPU-Z ASUS Utilities (continued on the next page) xi USB Charger+ featuring quick-charging function for EZ BIOS download scheduling - Push Notice monitors your PC status with lower pings and less lags - ASUS Q-Connector - GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION specifications summary Rear...
User Guide
Page 12
... AMI BIOS, PnP, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modified Log, F12 PrintScreen function, F3 Shortcut functions, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information Wfm 2.0, DMI 2.7, WOL by PME, PXE Windows® 8.1 Windows® 8 Windows® 7 (continued on the next page) xii GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION specifications summary...
... AMI BIOS, PnP, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modified Log, F12 PrintScreen function, F3 Shortcut functions, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information Wfm 2.0, DMI 2.7, WOL by PME, PXE Windows® 8.1 Windows® 8 Windows® 7 (continued on the next page) xii GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION specifications summary...
User Guide
Page 20
... up and simplify the DIY process. ASUS Q-connector ASUS q-Connector is a unique adapter that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls, providing you with difficult POST situations. 1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode) ASUS UEFI BIOS, a UEFI compliant architecture, offers the... quick and accurate. Chapter 1 1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard. ASUS UEFI BIOS includes the following new features: • New My Favorites function allows you to quickly access the frequently used items ...
... up and simplify the DIY process. ASUS Q-connector ASUS q-Connector is a unique adapter that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls, providing you with difficult POST situations. 1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode) ASUS UEFI BIOS, a UEFI compliant architecture, offers the... quick and accurate. Chapter 1 1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard. ASUS UEFI BIOS includes the following new features: • New My Favorites function allows you to quickly access the frequently used items ...
User Guide
Page 21
...device containing the BIOS file, press the BIOS Flashback button for compatible USB 3.0 peripherals without entering the existing BIOS or operating system. This all-in sleep or hibernation mode. 1.1.6 ASUS Exclusive Features Remote...BIOS Flashback USB BIOS Flashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for UEFI BIOS updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically. It also allows you to transfer files between your smart device. • File Transfer: Allows you to 170% faster than the already impressive USB 3.0 transfer speed. Chapter 1 ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION...
...device containing the BIOS file, press the BIOS Flashback button for compatible USB 3.0 peripherals without entering the existing BIOS or operating system. This all-in sleep or hibernation mode. 1.1.6 ASUS Exclusive Features Remote...BIOS Flashback USB BIOS Flashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for UEFI BIOS updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically. It also allows you to transfer files between your smart device. • File Transfer: Allows you to 170% faster than the already impressive USB 3.0 transfer speed. Chapter 1 ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION...
User Guide
Page 25
...panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 18. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 2. LGA1150 CPU socket 4. Intel® Z97 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [brown]) 8. CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV) 12. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin ... 1-10 1-11 1-25 1-31 1-30 1-37 1-38 1-27 1-28 1-26 1-33 1-38 1-39 1-35 1-35 1-32 Chapter 1 ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-9 BIOS Flashback button (BIOS_FLBK) 13. button 6. DirectKey connector (2-pin DRCT) 10. Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots 1. MemOK! CPU, optional, chassis, ...
...panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 18. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 2. LGA1150 CPU socket 4. Intel® Z97 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [brown]) 8. CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV) 12. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin ... 1-10 1-11 1-25 1-31 1-30 1-37 1-38 1-27 1-28 1-26 1-33 1-38 1-39 1-35 1-35 1-32 Chapter 1 ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-9 BIOS Flashback button (BIOS_FLBK) 13. button 6. DirectKey connector (2-pin DRCT) 10. Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots 1. MemOK! CPU, optional, chassis, ...
User Guide
Page 38
...A1 slot. (2) Supports two (2) modules inserted into any slot as one pair of individual CPUs. settings in the BIOS for the hyper DIMM support. • Visit the ASUS website for better compatibility. (4) Supports four (4) modules inserted into slots A1 and B1 for the latest QVL. ... suggest that you install the modules into both the beige and brown slots as two pairs of Dual-channel memory configuration. • ASUS exclusively provides hyper DIMM support function. • Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of Dual-channel memory configuration. Xtreme...
...A1 slot. (2) Supports two (2) modules inserted into any slot as one pair of individual CPUs. settings in the BIOS for the hyper DIMM support. • Visit the ASUS website for better compatibility. (4) Supports four (4) modules inserted into slots A1 and B1 for the latest QVL. ... suggest that you install the modules into both the beige and brown slots as two pairs of Dual-channel memory configuration. • ASUS exclusively provides hyper DIMM support function. • Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of Dual-channel memory configuration. Xtreme...
User Guide
Page 41
...the computer and replace DIMMs during POST reminding you download and update to boot after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-25 Chapter 1 Press and hold the MemOK! button does not function under Windows® OS environment. • During the tuning...; Due to boot up when the DIMM is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to boot and load the BIOS default settings. function. switch lights continuously. 1.2.6 Onboard buttons Onboard buttons allow you turn off the computer and unplug the power...
...the computer and replace DIMMs during POST reminding you download and update to boot after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-25 Chapter 1 Press and hold the MemOK! button does not function under Windows® OS environment. • During the tuning...; Due to boot up when the DIMM is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to boot and load the BIOS default settings. function. switch lights continuously. 1.2.6 Onboard buttons Onboard buttons allow you turn off the computer and unplug the power...
User Guide
Page 42
2. Chapter 1 1-26 Chapter 1: Product introduction BIOS Flashback button (BIOS_FLBK) Press this button to enable the BIOS Flashback feature.
2. Chapter 1 1-26 Chapter 1: Product introduction BIOS Flashback button (BIOS_FLBK) Press this button to enable the BIOS Flashback feature.
User Guide
Page 43
...enable C.P.R. For system failure due to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-27 Chapter 1 Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. You can ...need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to re-enter data. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to overclocking. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS. function. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power...
...enable C.P.R. For system failure due to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-27 Chapter 1 Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. You can ...need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to re-enter data. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to overclocking. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS. function. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power...
User Guide
Page 45
1.2.8 Onboard LEDs 1. If an error is found, the critical component's LED stays lit up until the problem is solved. 2. For more information on how to update the BIOS, refer to Chapter 2 of these key components during POST (Power-On-Self Test): CPU, memory modules, VGA card, and hard disk drives. ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-29 Chapter 1 USB BIOS Flashback LED (FLBK_LED) This LED flashes when you press the BIOS Flashback button for BIOS update. POST State LEDs The POST State LEDs provide the status of this user guide.
1.2.8 Onboard LEDs 1. If an error is found, the critical component's LED stays lit up until the problem is solved. 2. For more information on how to update the BIOS, refer to Chapter 2 of these key components during POST (Power-On-Self Test): CPU, memory modules, VGA card, and hard disk drives. ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-29 Chapter 1 USB BIOS Flashback LED (FLBK_LED) This LED flashes when you press the BIOS Flashback button for BIOS update. POST State LEDs The POST State LEDs provide the status of this user guide.
User Guide
Page 46
Intel® Z97 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [brown]) These connectors connect to [AHCI Mode] by default. Chapter 1 • These connectors are set , refer to section 5.1 RAID configurations or the manual bundled in the BIOS to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these ...RAID Mode]. If you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® Z97 chipset. Refer to section 3.6.3 SATA Configuration for details. • Before creating a RAID set to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial...
Intel® Z97 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [brown]) These connectors connect to [AHCI Mode] by default. Chapter 1 • These connectors are set , refer to section 5.1 RAID configurations or the manual bundled in the BIOS to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these ...RAID Mode]. If you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® Z97 chipset. Refer to section 3.6.3 SATA Configuration for details. • Before creating a RAID set to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial...
User Guide
Page 51
Chapter 1 ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-35 Connect one end of the front panel audio I /O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect the thermistor cable ... you want to connect a high-definition or an AC'97 front panel audio module to this connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to detect its temperature. 6. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for the thermistor cables that you connect a high-definition front...
Chapter 1 ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 1-35 Connect one end of the front panel audio I /O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect the thermistor cable ... you want to connect a high-definition or an AC'97 front panel audio module to this connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to detect its temperature. 6. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for the thermistor cables that you connect a high-definition front...
User Guide
Page 67
... for three seconds until the light goes out, indicating that the BIOS updating process is enabled. 5. Press the BIOS Flashback button for better compatibility and stability. 3. Chapter 2 USB BIOS Flashback port For more BIOS update utilities in BIOS setup, refer to use USB BIOS Flashback: 1. ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 2-11 This may have risks. In case of the USB storage...
... for three seconds until the light goes out, indicating that the BIOS updating process is enabled. 5. Press the BIOS Flashback button for better compatibility and stability. 3. Chapter 2 USB BIOS Flashback port For more BIOS update utilities in BIOS setup, refer to use USB BIOS Flashback: 1. ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 2-11 This may have risks. In case of the USB storage...
User Guide
Page 68
2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections 2.3.1 Rear I /O ports** * and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LEDs, and audio port definitions. 2-12 Chapter 2: Basic installation Chapter 2 USB 2.0 ports 7-10 2. Audio I /O connection Rear panel connectors 1. DisplayPort 3. HDMI port 7. USB 3.0 ports 3-4, support ASUS USB 3.0 Boost. Bottom port supports USB BIOS Flashback and USB Charger+. 8. USB 3.0 ports 5 and 6 4. LAN (RJ-45) port* 5. DVI port 6.
2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections 2.3.1 Rear I /O ports** * and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LEDs, and audio port definitions. 2-12 Chapter 2: Basic installation Chapter 2 USB 2.0 ports 7-10 2. Audio I /O connection Rear panel connectors 1. DisplayPort 3. HDMI port 7. USB 3.0 ports 3-4, support ASUS USB 3.0 Boost. Bottom port supports USB BIOS Flashback and USB Charger+. 8. USB 3.0 ports 5 and 6 4. LAN (RJ-45) port* 5. DVI port 6.
User Guide
Page 69
... Rear Speaker Out Chapter 2 ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 2-13 Some legacy USB devices must update their firmware for your USB 3.0 devices. • Due to the design of the Intel® 9 series chipset, all USB devices connected to wake up to three displays under Windows® OS environment, two displays under BIOS, and one display under...
... Rear Speaker Out Chapter 2 ASUS GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION 2-13 Some legacy USB devices must update their firmware for your USB 3.0 devices. • Due to the design of the Intel® 9 series chipset, all USB devices connected to wake up to three displays under Windows® OS environment, two displays under BIOS, and one display under...
User Guide
Page 72
...protector. 5. If your retailer for less than four seconds to let the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the system chassis. 4. BIOS Beep One short beep One continuous beep followed by two short beeps then a pause (repeated) One continuous beep followed by three short beeps One...on test. The system then runs the power-on the system front panel case lights up. After making all switches are running, the BIOS beeps (refer to the BIOS beep codes table) or additional messages appear on the devices in Chapter 3. 2.5 Turning off . 3. Turn on the screen. While...
...protector. 5. If your retailer for less than four seconds to let the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the system chassis. 4. BIOS Beep One short beep One continuous beep followed by two short beeps then a pause (repeated) One continuous beep followed by three short beeps One...on test. The system then runs the power-on the system front panel case lights up. After making all switches are running, the BIOS beeps (refer to the BIOS beep codes table) or additional messages appear on the devices in Chapter 3. 2.5 Turning off . 3. Turn on the screen. While...