Z170-WS User Guide for English
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Contents Safety information...vii About this guide...viii Z170-WS specifications summary x Package contents...xvi Installation tools and components xvii Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.1 Special features 1-1 1.1.1 Product highlights 1-1 1.1.2 ASUS-exclusive workstation features 1-2 1.1.3 Other special features 1-2 1.2 Motherboard overview 1-3 1.2.1 Before you proceed 1-3 1.2.2 Motherboard layout 1-4 1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-6 1.2.4 System memory 1-7 1.2.5 Expansion slots 1-9 1.2.6 Onboard buttons and switches 1-12 1.2.7 Jumpers...
Contents Safety information...vii About this guide...viii Z170-WS specifications summary x Package contents...xvi Installation tools and components xvii Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.1 Special features 1-1 1.1.1 Product highlights 1-1 1.1.2 ASUS-exclusive workstation features 1-2 1.1.3 Other special features 1-2 1.2 Motherboard overview 1-3 1.2.1 Before you proceed 1-3 1.2.2 Motherboard layout 1-4 1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-6 1.2.4 System memory 1-7 1.2.5 Expansion slots 1-9 1.2.6 Onboard buttons and switches 1-12 1.2.7 Jumpers...
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...; i7/ i5/ i3/Pentium®/ Celeron® Processors CPU Supports 14nm CPU Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0* Chipset Memory * The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the next page) x Z170-WS specifications summary LGA1151 socket for details. 4 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (single at x16 , dual at x16/x16 mode, triple...
...; i7/ i5/ i3/Pentium®/ Celeron® Processors CPU Supports 14nm CPU Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0* Chipset Memory * The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the next page) x Z170-WS specifications summary LGA1151 socket for details. 4 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (single at x16 , dual at x16/x16 mode, triple...
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... -DRAM Power: Digital 2-phase power design TPU - UEFI BIOS - Superb memory O.C. Auto Tuning, GPU Boost, 2-level TPU switch EPU - capability under full load by minimizing the coupling noise and signal reflection effect PC Cleaner - Z170-WS specifications summary USB ASUS Exclusive Features Intel® Z170 Express Chipset - 5 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (4 ports @mid-board, 1 vertical Type A Connector...
... -DRAM Power: Digital 2-phase power design TPU - UEFI BIOS - Superb memory O.C. Auto Tuning, GPU Boost, 2-level TPU switch EPU - capability under full load by minimizing the coupling noise and signal reflection effect PC Cleaner - Z170-WS specifications summary USB ASUS Exclusive Features Intel® Z170 Express Chipset - 5 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (4 ports @mid-board, 1 vertical Type A Connector...
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EZ Flash 3 Q-Design - ASUS Q-Slot - Key Express - Z170-WS specifications summary ASUS Exclusive Features ASUS Special Features ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution BIOS features Media Streamer - Pipe music or movies from your PC to a smart TV, your needs EZ DIY Push Notice - Turbo APP - ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, ...Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modified log, F12 PrintScreen and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information (continued on the next page) xiii CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS Q-code - EZ XMP Quiet Thermal Design: - Monitor your PC status with smart...
EZ Flash 3 Q-Design - ASUS Q-Slot - Key Express - Z170-WS specifications summary ASUS Exclusive Features ASUS Special Features ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution BIOS features Media Streamer - Pipe music or movies from your PC to a smart TV, your needs EZ DIY Push Notice - Turbo APP - ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, ...Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modified log, F12 PrintScreen and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information (continued on the next page) xiii CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS Q-code - EZ XMP Quiet Thermal Design: - Monitor your PC status with smart...
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...Gb/s ports, and M.2 Gen 3 X4 support for USB 3.1's breakneck speeds. Dual-Channel DDR4 3466 MHz Support The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR4 memory that supports the LGA1151 socket for the 6th generation Intel® Core™ i7/Intel® Core™ i5/Intel® Core™ i3...as USB 3.0. that provides twice the performance and speed of data transfer speed. It utilizes the serial point-to PCIe 1.0/2.0 devices. Z170-WS 1-1 It provides great graphics and system performance with its GPU, dual-channel DDR4 memory slots and PCI Express 2.0/3.0 expansion slots.
...Gb/s ports, and M.2 Gen 3 X4 support for USB 3.1's breakneck speeds. Dual-Channel DDR4 3466 MHz Support The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR4 memory that supports the LGA1151 socket for the 6th generation Intel® Core™ i7/Intel® Core™ i5/Intel® Core™ i3...as USB 3.0. that provides twice the performance and speed of data transfer speed. It utilizes the serial point-to PCIe 1.0/2.0 devices. Z170-WS 1-1 It provides great graphics and system performance with its GPU, dual-channel DDR4 memory slots and PCI Express 2.0/3.0 expansion slots.
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A DDR4 module is notched differently from a DDR, DDR2 or DDR3 module. Chapter 1 1.2.4 System memory The motherboard comes with four DDR 4 (Double Data Rate 4) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots. Recommended memory configurations Z170-WS 1-7 DO NOT install a DDR, DDR2 or DDR3 memory module to the DDR4 slot.
A DDR4 module is notched differently from a DDR, DDR2 or DDR3 module. Chapter 1 1.2.4 System memory The motherboard comes with four DDR 4 (Double Data Rate 4) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots. Recommended memory configurations Z170-WS 1-7 DO NOT install a DDR, DDR2 or DDR3 memory module to the DDR4 slot.
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... the CPU's capabilities and other installed devices. • Always install the DIMMS with the vendor to get the correct memory modules. • Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL. 1-8 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Chapter 1 Memory configurations You may install 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB and 16 GB unbuffered and non‑ECC DDR4 DIMMs into...
... the CPU's capabilities and other installed devices. • Always install the DIMMS with the vendor to get the correct memory modules. • Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL. 1-8 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Chapter 1 Memory configurations You may install 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB and 16 GB unbuffered and non‑ECC DDR4 DIMMs into...
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... The MemOK! button does not function under Windows® OS environment. • During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. The blinking speed of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes. • Due to section 1.2.8 Onboard LEDs for successful boot. ... near the MemOK! button until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to the latest BIOS version from www.asus.com after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Z170-WS 1-13 button Installing DIMMs that you turn off the system and reinstall the DIMM before using ...
... The MemOK! button does not function under Windows® OS environment. • During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. The blinking speed of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes. • Due to section 1.2.8 Onboard LEDs for successful boot. ... near the MemOK! button until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to the latest BIOS version from www.asus.com after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Z170-WS 1-13 button Installing DIMMs that you turn off the system and reinstall the DIMM before using ...
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Chapter 1 1.2.8 Onboard LEDs 1. If an error is found, the critical component's LED stays lit up when the TPU switch is solved. 2. POST State LEDs The POST State LEDs provide the status of these key components during POST (Power-On-Self Test): CPU, memory modules, VGA card, and hard disk drives. TPU LED (TPU_LED) The TPU LED lights up until the problem is enabled. 1-18 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1 1.2.8 Onboard LEDs 1. If an error is found, the critical component's LED stays lit up when the TPU switch is solved. 2. POST State LEDs The POST State LEDs provide the status of these key components during POST (Power-On-Self Test): CPU, memory modules, VGA card, and hard disk drives. TPU LED (TPU_LED) The TPU LED lights up until the problem is enabled. 1-18 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
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... Boot Script execution Video repost OS S3 wake vector call Reserved for future AMI error codes S3 Resume is stared (S3 Resume PPI is started Memory initialization error. Reset type detection (soft/hard). AP initialization before microcode loading System Agent initialization before microcode loading PCH initialization before microcode loading Microcode loading... 54 55 56 57 58 59 5A 5B 5C - 5F E0 E1 E2 E3 E4 - E7 E8 Description Not used Power on the next page) Z170-WS 1-21
... Boot Script execution Video repost OS S3 wake vector call Reserved for future AMI error codes S3 Resume is stared (S3 Resume PPI is started Memory initialization error. Reset type detection (soft/hard). AP initialization before microcode loading System Agent initialization before microcode loading PCH initialization before microcode loading Microcode loading... 54 55 56 57 58 59 5A 5B 5C - 5F E0 E1 E2 E3 E4 - E7 E8 Description Not used Power on the next page) Z170-WS 1-21
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Chapter 2 Z170-WS 2-19 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 ... beeps Description VGA detected Quick boot set to enter the BIOS Setup. At power on, hold down the key to disabled No keyboard detected No memory detected No VGA detected Hardware component failure 7. Press the power switch for less than four seconds to put the system on the BIOS setting. Follow...
Chapter 2 Z170-WS 2-19 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 ... beeps Description VGA detected Quick boot set to enter the BIOS Setup. At power on, hold down the key to disabled No keyboard detected No memory detected No VGA detected Hardware component failure 7. Press the power switch for less than four seconds to put the system on the BIOS setting. Follow...
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... end-users to configure the BIOS settings. To switch from EZ Mode to EZ Mode Search on the FAQ Displays the CPU temperature, CPU, and memory voltage output 3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup 3.2.2 Advanced Mode The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for the detailed configurations. Configuration fields Pop-up Menu Menu bar Language...
... end-users to configure the BIOS settings. To switch from EZ Mode to EZ Mode Search on the FAQ Displays the CPU temperature, CPU, and memory voltage output 3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup 3.2.2 Advanced Mode The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for the detailed configurations. Configuration fields Pop-up Menu Menu bar Language...
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... items such as language and boot order • Configuration items such as favorite from the BIOS screen to view the saved BIOS items. Chapter 3 Z170-WS 3-13 Go to My Favorites menu to open 2. from the submenu panel and click or press on your keyboard. Main menu panel Selected shortcut items... Recover to My Favorites To add BIOS items: 1. On the Setup Tree Map screen, select the BIOS items that you want to save as Memory SPD Information, system time and date. 4. Press on your keyboard or click Setup Tree Map screen. Adding items to default favorite items 3.
... items such as language and boot order • Configuration items such as favorite from the BIOS screen to view the saved BIOS items. Chapter 3 Z170-WS 3-13 Go to My Favorites menu to open 2. from the submenu panel and click or press on your keyboard. Main menu panel Selected shortcut items... Recover to My Favorites To add BIOS items: 1. On the Setup Tree Map screen, select the BIOS items that you want to save as Memory SPD Information, system time and date. 4. Press on your keyboard or click Setup Tree Map screen. Adding items to default favorite items 3.
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...system performance. 3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup Scroll down to display other BIOS items. Chapter 3 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] This item allows you install memory modules supporting the eXtreme Memory Profile (XMP) Technology, choose this section vary depending on the motherboard. 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you installed on...[Manual] Automatically optimizes the CPU ratio and BCLK frequency. [XMP] If you to select the CPU overclocking options to set the profiles supported by your memory modules for this item to achieve the desired CPU internal frequency.
...system performance. 3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup Scroll down to display other BIOS items. Chapter 3 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] This item allows you install memory modules supporting the eXtreme Memory Profile (XMP) Technology, choose this section vary depending on the motherboard. 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you installed on...[Manual] Automatically optimizes the CPU ratio and BCLK frequency. [XMP] If you to select the CPU overclocking options to set the profiles supported by your memory modules for this item to achieve the desired CPU internal frequency.
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...]. The configurable options vary with the external voltage regulator. EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled] The ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) sets the CPU in its minimum power consumption settings. Select the auto mode to set the memory operating frequency. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] CPU SVID Support Disable this item to the 3-Core...
...]. The configurable options vary with the external voltage regulator. EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled] The ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) sets the CPU in its minimum power consumption settings. Select the auto mode to set the memory operating frequency. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] CPU SVID Support Disable this item to the 3-Core...
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... [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [0] - [127] OREF_RI[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [0] - [255] Misc. Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] DRAM CLK Period [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [40] Memory Scrambler [Enabled] Set this item to enable or disable memory scrambler support. Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] DLLBwEn [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [7] Chapter 3 Z170-WS 3-23
... [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [0] - [127] OREF_RI[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [0] - [255] Misc. Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] DRAM CLK Period [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [40] Memory Scrambler [Enabled] Set this item to enable or disable memory scrambler support. Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] DLLBwEn [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [7] Chapter 3 Z170-WS 3-23
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... the PEG Port settings. DMI Max Link Speed [Auto] Set this item to [Enabled] to configure the PCIEx16_1 slot. The iGPU shared system memory size is fixed 64 MB. PCIEx16_1 Link Speed [Auto] This item allows you to set DMI speed. Primary Display [Auto] This item allows...CPU and PCIe graphical devices. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Graphics Configuration This item allows you to enable virtualization technology function on memory control hub. 3.6.3 System Agent (SA) Configuration Chapter 3 VT-d [Enabled] Allows you to select a primary display from CPU and PCIe devices.
... the PEG Port settings. DMI Max Link Speed [Auto] Set this item to [Enabled] to configure the PCIEx16_1 slot. The iGPU shared system memory size is fixed 64 MB. PCIEx16_1 Link Speed [Auto] This item allows you to set DMI speed. Primary Display [Auto] This item allows...CPU and PCIe graphical devices. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Graphics Configuration This item allows you to enable virtualization technology function on memory control hub. 3.6.3 System Agent (SA) Configuration Chapter 3 VT-d [Enabled] Allows you to select a primary display from CPU and PCIe devices.
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3.9.3 ASUS Overclocking Profile This item allows you to save the current BIOS settings to the BIOS Flash, and create a profile. Save to Profile This item allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Z170-WS 3-59 Profile Name This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings... you update the BIOS file only coming from Profile This item allows you to eight, press , and then select Yes. Chapter 3 Load from the same memory/ CPU configuration and BIOS version. Key in a profile name.
3.9.3 ASUS Overclocking Profile This item allows you to save the current BIOS settings to the BIOS Flash, and create a profile. Save to Profile This item allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Z170-WS 3-59 Profile Name This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings... you update the BIOS file only coming from Profile This item allows you to eight, press , and then select Yes. Chapter 3 Load from the same memory/ CPU configuration and BIOS version. Key in a profile name.
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Viewing the CPU information Click the CPU tab to view the motherboard's information. Chapter 4 Z170-WS 4-23 Launching the System Information To launch System Information, click on the left of the motherboard, CPU, and memory settings. Viewing the motherboard information Click the MB tab to view the processor's information. 4.4.6 System Information This utility allows you get the detailed information of the AI Suite 3 main menu, then select System Information.
Viewing the CPU information Click the CPU tab to view the motherboard's information. Chapter 4 Z170-WS 4-23 Launching the System Information To launch System Information, click on the left of the motherboard, CPU, and memory settings. Viewing the motherboard information Click the MB tab to view the processor's information. 4.4.6 System Information This utility allows you get the detailed information of the AI Suite 3 main menu, then select System Information.
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Chapter 4 4-24 Chapter 4: Software Support Viewing the SPD information Click the SPD tab to view the memory's information.
Chapter 4 4-24 Chapter 4: Software Support Viewing the SPD information Click the SPD tab to view the memory's information.