User Guide
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Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items: User Manual ASUS Z270-WS motherboard User manual Support DVD 6 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x COM port bracket 1 x ASUS SLI bridge connector 1 x ASUS 4-Way SLI bridge connector 1 x ASUS 3-Way SLI bridge connector 1 x Q-connector 1 x Q-Shield 2 x M.2 Screw package 1 x CPU Installation Tool 1 x RGB LED extension cable 1 x USB 2.0 2-port connector xiv
Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items: User Manual ASUS Z270-WS motherboard User manual Support DVD 6 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x COM port bracket 1 x ASUS SLI bridge connector 1 x ASUS 4-Way SLI bridge connector 1 x ASUS 3-Way SLI bridge connector 1 x Q-connector 1 x Q-Shield 2 x M.2 Screw package 1 x CPU Installation Tool 1 x RGB LED extension cable 1 x USB 2.0 2-port connector xiv
User Guide
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ASUS Z270-WS 1-1 Failure to do so may cause severe damage to avoid touching the ICs on them. • Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded ...
ASUS Z270-WS 1-1 Failure to do so may cause severe damage to avoid touching the ICs on them. • Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded ...
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.... Thunderbolt header (5-pin TB_HEADER) Page 1-24 1-4 1-23 1-5 1-10 1-20 1-21 1-11 1-19 1-28 1-29 1-25 1-22 1-11 1-26 1-22 1-12 1-9 1-9 1-14 1-29 1-20 1-27 1-26 ASUS Z270-WS 1-3 MemOK! SATA 6G_34; M.2 sockets (M2X4_1; TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM) 16. Clear CMOS button (CLR_CMOS) 9. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 23. DDR4 DIMM...
.... Thunderbolt header (5-pin TB_HEADER) Page 1-24 1-4 1-23 1-5 1-10 1-20 1-21 1-11 1-19 1-28 1-29 1-25 1-22 1-11 1-26 1-22 1-12 1-9 1-9 1-14 1-29 1-20 1-27 1-26 ASUS Z270-WS 1-3 MemOK! SATA 6G_34; M.2 sockets (M2X4_1; TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM) 16. Clear CMOS button (CLR_CMOS) 9. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 23. DDR4 DIMM...
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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. Recommended memory configurations ASUS Z270-WS 1-5 Chapter 1 1.1.4 System memory The motherboard comes with four DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4) Quad Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots.
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. Recommended memory configurations ASUS Z270-WS 1-5 Chapter 1 1.1.4 System memory The motherboard comes with four DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4) Quad Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots.
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Chapter 1 Slot No. 1 2 3 4 5 Slot Description PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_2 slot (max. at x8 mode) ASUS Z270-WS 1-7 at x4 mode) PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_3 slot PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_4 slot (max. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. at x8 mode) PCIE 3.0/2.0 x4_1 slot (max. 1.1.5 Expansion slots Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards.
Chapter 1 Slot No. 1 2 3 4 5 Slot Description PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_2 slot (max. at x8 mode) ASUS Z270-WS 1-7 at x4 mode) PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_3 slot PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_4 slot (max. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. at x8 mode) PCIE 3.0/2.0 x4_1 slot (max. 1.1.5 Expansion slots Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards.
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... motherboard comes with a power-on button that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or installing any motherboard component. 2. ASUS Z270-WS 1-9 Reset button Press the reset button to reboot the system. Chapter 1 1.1.6 Onboard buttons and switches Onboard buttons and switches allow you to power up or...
... motherboard comes with a power-on button that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or installing any motherboard component. 2. ASUS Z270-WS 1-9 Reset button Press the reset button to reboot the system. Chapter 1 1.1.6 Onboard buttons and switches Onboard buttons and switches allow you to power up or...
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Chapter 1 4. Clear CMOS button (CLR_CMOS) Press this switch to overclock the installed DIMMs, allowing you to overclocking. 5. ASUS Z270-WS 1-11 EZ XMP switch Enable this button to clear the BIOS setup information only when the systems hangs due to enhance the DIMM's speed and performance.
Chapter 1 4. Clear CMOS button (CLR_CMOS) Press this switch to overclock the installed DIMMs, allowing you to overclocking. 5. ASUS Z270-WS 1-11 EZ XMP switch Enable this button to clear the BIOS setup information only when the systems hangs due to enhance the DIMM's speed and performance.
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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. Chapter 1 1.1.8 Onboard LEDs 1. ASUS Z270-WS 1-13 If an error is found, the critical component's LED stays lit up when you enable the EZ XMP switch. EZ XMP LED (XLED1) This LED lights up until the problem 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. Chapter 1 1.1.8 Onboard LEDs 1. ASUS Z270-WS 1-13 If an error is found, the critical component's LED stays lit up when you enable the EZ XMP switch. EZ XMP LED (XLED1) This LED lights up until the problem is solved. 2.
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E7 E8 Description Not used Power on the next page) ASUS Z270-WS 1-15 Invalid memory type or incompatible memory speed Unspecified memory initialization error Memory not installed Invalid CPU type or Speed CPU mismatch CPU self test ...
E7 E8 Description Not used Power on the next page) ASUS Z270-WS 1-15 Invalid memory type or incompatible memory speed Unspecified memory initialization error Memory not installed Invalid CPU type or Speed CPU mismatch CPU self test ...
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... Reset (reset of NVRAM settings) Reserved for future AMI codes IDE initialization is started IDE Reset IDE Detect IDE Enable SCSI initialization is not available ASUS Z270-WS 1-17 BF D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 DA DB DC Description USB Detect USB Enable Reserved for future AMI codes...
... Reset (reset of NVRAM settings) Reserved for future AMI codes IDE initialization is started IDE Reset IDE Detect IDE Enable SCSI initialization is not available ASUS Z270-WS 1-17 BF D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 DA DB DC Description USB Detect USB Enable Reserved for future AMI codes...
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Chapter 1 1.1.9 Internal connectors 1. Intel® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12; SATA 6G_34; ASUS Z270-WS 1-19 These connectors are set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [Intel RST Premium With Intel Optane System Acceleration (RAID)]. If you... can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® Z270 chipset. SATA 6G_56) These connectors connect to [AHCI Mode] by default. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you intend to create a Serial ATA...
Chapter 1 1.1.9 Internal connectors 1. Intel® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12; SATA 6G_34; ASUS Z270-WS 1-19 These connectors are set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [Intel RST Premium With Intel Optane System Acceleration (RAID)]. If you... can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® Z270 chipset. SATA 6G_56) These connectors connect to [AHCI Mode] by default. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you intend to create a Serial ATA...
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... use the USB 3.0 ports under Windows® 7. • The plugged USB 3.0 device may run on xHCI or EHCI mode depending on the operating system's setting. ASUS Z270-WS 1-21
... use the USB 3.0 ports under Windows® 7. • The plugged USB 3.0 device may run on xHCI or EHCI mode depending on the operating system's setting. ASUS Z270-WS 1-21
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... Q-Fan functions if you want to connect powerful 3-pin DC fans (1A or above) onto the H_AMP_FAN connector. • Connect the fan of the connector. ASUS Z270-WS 1-23
... Q-Fan functions if you want to connect powerful 3-pin DC fans (1A or above) onto the H_AMP_FAN connector. • Connect the fan of the connector. ASUS Z270-WS 1-23
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ASUS Z270-WS 1-25 Connect the HDD Activity LED cable to this connector. System panel connector (20-3 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. Pressing the ...
ASUS Z270-WS 1-25 Connect the HDD Activity LED cable to this connector. System panel connector (20-3 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. Pressing the ...
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The M.2 SSD module is purchased separately. M2X4_2) These sockets allow you to install M.2 SSD modules. • M.2_1 socket supports PCIe 3.0 x4 mode M Key design and type 2242 / 2260 / 2280 / 22110 storage devices. • M.2_2 socket supports PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA mode M Key design and type 2242 / 2260 / 2280 / 22110 storage devices. • These sockets support IRST (Intel® Rapid Storage Technology). ASUS Z270-WS 1-27 M.2 sockets (M2X4_1; Chapter 1 12.
The M.2 SSD module is purchased separately. M2X4_2) These sockets allow you to install M.2 SSD modules. • M.2_1 socket supports PCIe 3.0 x4 mode M Key design and type 2242 / 2260 / 2280 / 22110 storage devices. • M.2_2 socket supports PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA mode M Key design and type 2242 / 2260 / 2280 / 22110 storage devices. • These sockets support IRST (Intel® Rapid Storage Technology). ASUS Z270-WS 1-27 M.2 sockets (M2X4_1; Chapter 1 12.
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... is for the thermistor cable that monitors the temperature of the system chassis. Thermal sensor connector (2-pin T_SENSOR) This connector is for a serial (COM) port. ASUS Z270-WS 1-29 14.
... is for the thermistor cable that monitors the temperature of the system chassis. Thermal sensor connector (2-pin T_SENSOR) This connector is for a serial (COM) port. ASUS Z270-WS 1-29 14.
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Chapter 2: Basic Installation Basic Installation 2.1 Building your PC system 2 The diagrams in this section are for all models. 2.1.1 Motherboard installation 1. Chapter 2 ASUS Z270-WS 2-1 The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps are aligned to the chassis rear I /O panel. Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are the same for reference only. Install the ASUS Q-Shield to the chassis' rear I /O panel. 2.
Chapter 2: Basic Installation Basic Installation 2.1 Building your PC system 2 The diagrams in this section are for all models. 2.1.1 Motherboard installation 1. Chapter 2 ASUS Z270-WS 2-1 The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps are aligned to the chassis rear I /O panel. Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are the same for reference only. Install the ASUS Q-Shield to the chassis' rear I /O panel. 2.
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Chapter 2 Top of CPU Bottom of CPU Bottom of CPU ASUS Z270-WS 2-3 DO NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1151 socket only. 2.1.2 CPU installation Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1151 socket.
Chapter 2 Top of CPU Bottom of CPU Bottom of CPU ASUS Z270-WS 2-3 DO NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1151 socket only. 2.1.2 CPU installation Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1151 socket.
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2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you install the heatsink and fan, if necessary. To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly Chapter 2 ASUS Z270-WS 2-5
2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you install the heatsink and fan, if necessary. To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly Chapter 2 ASUS Z270-WS 2-5