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 Central Processing Unit (...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 2.4 Starting up for the first time 2-16 2.5 Turning off the computer 2-16 iii Contents Safety information...vi About this guide...vii SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 specifications summary ix...
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 Central Processing Unit (...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 2.4 Starting up for the first time 2-16 2.5 Turning off the computer 2-16 iii Contents Safety information...vi About this guide...vii SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 specifications summary ix...
User Guide
Page 4
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 3-10 3.4 Main menu 3-12 3.5 Ai... 3-44 3.6.10 Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology 3-45 3.7 Monitor menu 3-46 3.8 Boot menu 3-51 3.9 Tool menu 3-57 3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility 3-57 3.9.2 ASUS O.C. Profile 3-58 3.9.3 ASUS DRAM SPD Information 3-59 3.10 Exit menu 3-60 3.11 Updating BIOS 3-61 3.11.1 EZ Update 3-61 3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 3-62 3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 3-63 iv
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 3-10 3.4 Main menu 3-12 3.5 Ai... 3-44 3.6.10 Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology 3-45 3.7 Monitor menu 3-46 3.8 Boot menu 3-51 3.9 Tool menu 3-57 3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility 3-57 3.9.2 ASUS O.C. Profile 3-58 3.9.3 ASUS DRAM SPD Information 3-59 3.10 Exit menu 3-60 3.11 Updating BIOS 3-61 3.11.1 EZ Update 3-61 3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 3-62 3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 3-63 iv
User Guide
Page 5
...DVD 4-1 4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals 4-3 4.3 Software information 4-4 4.4 AI Suite 3...4-4 Thermal Radar 2 4-7 4.4.1 Ai Charger 4-11 4.4.2 EZ Update 4-12 4.4.3 USB BIOS Flashback 4-14 4.4.4 Push Notice 4-16 4.4.5 USB 3.0 Boost 4-19 4.4.6 System Information 4-20 4.4.7 USB Charger 4-22 4.4.8 Version 4-23 4.5 ... 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...
...DVD 4-1 4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals 4-3 4.3 Software information 4-4 4.4 AI Suite 3...4-4 Thermal Radar 2 4-7 4.4.1 Ai Charger 4-11 4.4.2 EZ Update 4-12 4.4.3 USB BIOS Flashback 4-14 4.4.4 Push Notice 4-16 4.4.5 USB 3.0 Boost 4-19 4.4.6 System Information 4-20 4.4.7 USB Charger 4-22 4.4.8 Version 4-23 4.5 ... 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...
User Guide
Page 7
... guide is organized This guide contains the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 1. vii Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are not part of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the following parts: • Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the...
... guide is organized This guide contains the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 1. vii Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are not part of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the following parts: • Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the...
User Guide
Page 11
...) port 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, 1 supports USB BIOS Flashback) 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel Audio I /O Ports - ASUS Q-Shield - ASUS Q-Slot - Disk Unlocker - ASUS Q-DIMM - ASUS EZ Flash 2 - Push Notice monitors your PC status with lower pings and less lags - USB Charger+ featuring quick-charging function for EZ BIOS download scheduling - AI Suite 3 - EZ Update - ASUS O.C. SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 specifications summary Other Special Features Rear...
...) port 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, 1 supports USB BIOS Flashback) 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel Audio I /O Ports - ASUS Q-Shield - ASUS Q-Slot - Disk Unlocker - ASUS Q-DIMM - ASUS EZ Flash 2 - Push Notice monitors your PC status with lower pings and less lags - USB Charger+ featuring quick-charging function for EZ BIOS download scheduling - AI Suite 3 - EZ Update - ASUS O.C. SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 specifications summary Other Special Features Rear...
User Guide
Page 19
...speeds for compatible USB 3.0 peripherals without entering the existing BIOS or operating system. USB BIOS Flashback USB BIOS Flashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for UEFI BIOS updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically. With ASUS Remote GO!, you to switch back and forth between ... stream media files to three times faster, even when the system is automatically updated even without the need to regularly check for your computer and smart device. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-5 leads the way to supervise fan speed control, voltage and sensor readings...
...speeds for compatible USB 3.0 peripherals without entering the existing BIOS or operating system. USB BIOS Flashback USB BIOS Flashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for UEFI BIOS updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically. With ASUS Remote GO!, you to switch back and forth between ... stream media files to three times faster, even when the system is automatically updated even without the need to regularly check for your computer and smart device. Chapter 1 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-5 leads the way to supervise fan speed control, voltage and sensor readings...
User Guide
Page 39
...settings. switch lights continuously. Press and hold the MemOK! Turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during POST reminding you that the BIOS has been restored to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each timing set of failsafe settings. The blinking speed of...tuning, turn off the system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-25 Chapter 1 button Installing DIMMs that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. • If you to boot after using the MemOK! Replace the ...
...settings. switch lights continuously. Press and hold the MemOK! Turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during POST reminding you that the BIOS has been restored to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each timing set of failsafe settings. The blinking speed of...tuning, turn off the system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 1-25 Chapter 1 button Installing DIMMs that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. • If you to boot after using the MemOK! Replace the ...
User Guide
Page 63
... a solid light, this scenario happens, please restart the system to easily update the BIOS without entering the existing BIOS or operating system. Chapter 2 USB BIOS Flashback button USB BIOS Flashback port For more BIOS update utilities in Chapter 3. • Do not unplug portable disk, power system... device to automatically download the latest BIOS version. 4. In case of the USB storage device and filename/file format error. ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 2-11 Simply insert a USB storage device to the optical drive and install the USB BIOS Flashback Wizard. Place the bundled support...
... a solid light, this scenario happens, please restart the system to easily update the BIOS without entering the existing BIOS or operating system. Chapter 2 USB BIOS Flashback button USB BIOS Flashback port For more BIOS update utilities in Chapter 3. • Do not unplug portable disk, power system... device to automatically download the latest BIOS version. 4. In case of the USB storage device and filename/file format error. ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 2-11 Simply insert a USB storage device to the optical drive and install the USB BIOS Flashback Wizard. Place the bundled support...
User Guide
Page 65
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 DOS. *...In Front Speaker Out Mic In Center/Subwoofer Rear Speaker Out 8-channel Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In Center/Subwoofer Rear Speaker Out Chapter 2 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 2-13 • USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only. • We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 ...
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 DOS. *...In Front Speaker Out Mic In Center/Subwoofer Rear Speaker Out 8-channel Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In Center/Subwoofer Rear Speaker Out Chapter 2 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 2-13 • USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only. • We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 ...
User Guide
Page 69
...We strongly recommend that you to run the BIOS Setup. • You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or update. Chapter 3: BIOS setup BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS 3 The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unified Extensible Interface that complies ...BIOS with the same smoothness as storage device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device configuration that are needed for this user manual refers to enable a more flexible and convenient mouse input. The term "BIOS" in this motherboard. Chapter 3 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK...
...We strongly recommend that you to run the BIOS Setup. • You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or update. Chapter 3: BIOS setup BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS 3 The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unified Extensible Interface that complies ...BIOS with the same smoothness as storage device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device configuration that are needed for this user manual refers to enable a more flexible and convenient mouse input. The term "BIOS" in this motherboard. Chapter 3 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK...
User Guide
Page 70
... startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup, press during the Power-On Self Test (POST). The BIOS screen include navigation keys and brief onscreen help to guide you in this option only if you do not press , POST continues with its parameters. 3.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup to update the BIOS or configure its...
... startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup, press during the Power-On Self Test (POST). The BIOS screen include navigation keys and brief onscreen help to guide you in this option only if you do not press , POST continues with its parameters. 3.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup to update the BIOS or configure its...
User Guide
Page 100
... management during system boot before the operating system takes control. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Chapter 3 3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Hardware Prefetcher(L2 Cache) [Enabled] This item allows the CPU to accelerate the performance... of malicious buffer overflow attacks when combined with a supporting OS (SuSE Linux 9.2, RedHat Enterprise 3 Update 3). Turbo Mode [Enabled] This item allows you to prefetch commands and data in decreased power consumption and heat production. [Disabled...
... management during system boot before the operating system takes control. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Chapter 3 3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Hardware Prefetcher(L2 Cache) [Enabled] This item allows the CPU to accelerate the performance... of malicious buffer overflow attacks when combined with a supporting OS (SuSE Linux 9.2, RedHat Enterprise 3 Update 3). Turbo Mode [Enabled] This item allows you to prefetch commands and data in decreased power consumption and heat production. [Disabled...
User Guide
Page 129
... current version of this motherboard. Chapter 3 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 3-61 If there is available in DOS environment using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted. 4. The following utilities allow you to update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. • EZ Update requires an Internet connection either through...
... current version of this motherboard. Chapter 3 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 3-61 If there is available in DOS environment using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted. 4. The following utilities allow you to update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. • EZ Update requires an Internet connection either through...
User Guide
Page 130
... that contains the latest BIOS file to use a bootable floppy disk or an OS‑based utility. 3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 allows you start using EZ Flash 2: 1. To update the BIOS using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. Enter the Advanced... Mode of the BIOS setup program. Press to switch to enable it....
... that contains the latest BIOS file to use a bootable floppy disk or an OS‑based utility. 3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 allows you start using EZ Flash 2: 1. To update the BIOS using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. Enter the Advanced... Mode of the BIOS setup program. Press to switch to enable it....
User Guide
Page 132
... the system in DOS environment To boot the system in DOS environment. Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to boot using defaults Chapter 3 3-64 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.11.4 ASUS BIOS Updater ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to launch the select boot device screen. 3. When the select boot device screen appears, insert the Support...
... the system in DOS environment To boot the system in DOS environment. Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to boot using defaults Chapter 3 3-64 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.11.4 ASUS BIOS Updater ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to launch the select boot device screen. 3. When the select boot device screen appears, insert the Support...
User Guide
Page 133
...boot from Drive C (optical drive) to select the BIOS file and press . Drives panel ASUSTeK BIOS Updater for DOS V1.30 [2014/01/01] Current ROM BOARD: SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 VER: 0210 (H :00 B :00) DATE: 04/12/2014 PATH: C:\ Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown C:... 3. On the FreeDOS prompt, type d: then press to FreeDOS (http://www.freedos.org)! D:/> bupdater /pc /g 2. Chapter 3 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 3-65 C:/> d: D:/> Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file: 1. ISOLINUX 3.20 2006-08-26 Copyright (C) 1994-2005 H. 4. If no key is detected.
...boot from Drive C (optical drive) to select the BIOS file and press . Drives panel ASUSTeK BIOS Updater for DOS V1.30 [2014/01/01] Current ROM BOARD: SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 VER: 0210 (H :00 B :00) DATE: 04/12/2014 PATH: C:\ Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown C:... 3. On the FreeDOS prompt, type d: then press to FreeDOS (http://www.freedos.org)! D:/> bupdater /pc /g 2. Chapter 3 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 3-65 C:/> d: D:/> Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file: 1. ISOLINUX 3.20 2006-08-26 Copyright (C) 1994-2005 H. 4. If no key is detected.
User Guide
Page 134
.... DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to exit BIOS Updater. 6. 4. Chapter 3 3-66 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Are you sure you want to ensure system compatibility and stability. Restart your computer. Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to update the BIOS? Yes No The BIOS Backup feature is done, press to prevent system boot...
.... DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to exit BIOS Updater. 6. 4. Chapter 3 3-66 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Are you sure you want to ensure system compatibility and stability. Restart your computer. Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to update the BIOS? Yes No The BIOS Backup feature is done, press to prevent system boot...
User Guide
Page 147
Manually update the BIOS and selecting a boot logo Click or tap to search an image file for your boot logo Click or tap to go back to EZ Update main screen Click or tap to proceed the updating BIOS and boot logo After you click or tap BIOS Update button, click or tap Flash to update the BIOS and upload the boot logo in your system. Chapter 4 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 4-13
Manually update the BIOS and selecting a boot logo Click or tap to search an image file for your boot logo Click or tap to go back to EZ Update main screen Click or tap to proceed the updating BIOS and boot logo After you click or tap BIOS Update button, click or tap Flash to update the BIOS and upload the boot logo in your system. Chapter 4 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 4-13
User Guide
Page 148
... to a USB storage device. on the top-right corner of days for the latest available BIOS and set the BIOS download schedule. Using USB BIOS Flashback Set a schedule for the BIOS Update download Click or tap to check for a new BIOS update available for download Click or tap to cancel the download schedule setting Click or tap...
... to a USB storage device. on the top-right corner of days for the latest available BIOS and set the BIOS download schedule. Using USB BIOS Flashback Set a schedule for the BIOS Update download Click or tap to check for a new BIOS update available for download Click or tap to cancel the download schedule setting Click or tap...
User Guide
Page 149
... is complete, click or tap OK. SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 3. Chapter 4 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 4-15 Downloading the latest BIOS Before you start downloading, ensure that you have installed the USB storage device to : field, select the USB flash drive, then click or tap Download. To download the updated BIOS: 1. After the utility detects a new BIOS, click or tap from the Save...
... is complete, click or tap OK. SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 3. Chapter 4 ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2 4-15 Downloading the latest BIOS Before you start downloading, ensure that you have installed the USB storage device to : field, select the USB flash drive, then click or tap Download. To download the updated BIOS: 1. After the utility detects a new BIOS, click or tap from the Save...