Z77-A User's Manual
Page 2
... the express written permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. ("ASUS"). SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. Offer to : ASUSTeK Computer Inc. or (2) for the GPL Software, and/or the complete corresponding source code of...
... the express written permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. ("ASUS"). SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. Offer to : ASUSTeK Computer Inc. or (2) for the GPL Software, and/or the complete corresponding source code of...
Z77-A User's Manual
Page 9
...://www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List). • Hyper DIMM support is supported by Intel® 3rd generation Core™ processors. Supports HDMI with max. Supports RGB with max. Supports ATI® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology Intel® Z77 Express Chipset - 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 support - 4 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports with max. Supports DVI with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 support - resolution 1920x1200@60Hz. - maximum shared memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows® 32-bit operating...
...://www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List). • Hyper DIMM support is supported by Intel® 3rd generation Core™ processors. Supports HDMI with max. Supports RGB with max. Supports ATI® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology Intel® Z77 Express Chipset - 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 support - 4 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports with max. Supports DVI with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 support - resolution 1920x1200@60Hz. - maximum shared memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows® 32-bit operating...
Z77-A User's Manual
Page 11
... Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin) 1 x Front panel audio connector 1 x S/PDIF Out Header 1 x 24-pin ATX Power connector 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector 1 x System Panel 1 x COM port connector 1 x Clear CMOS jumper BIOS 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 4.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, F12 PrintScreen, F3 Shotcut Function and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE Support DVD Drivers ASUS Utilities ASUS Update Anti-virus software (OEM version...
... Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin) 1 x Front panel audio connector 1 x S/PDIF Out Header 1 x 24-pin ATX Power connector 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector 1 x System Panel 1 x COM port connector 1 x Clear CMOS jumper BIOS 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 4.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, F12 PrintScreen, F3 Shotcut Function and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE Support DVD Drivers ASUS Utilities ASUS Update Anti-virus software (OEM version...
Z77-A User's Manual
Page 13
..., dual-channel DDR3 memory slots, and PCI Express 2.0/3.0 expansion slots. It utilizes the serial point-topoint links, which increases bandwidth and enhances the system's performance. ASUS Z77-A 1-1 Experience the latest plug & play connectivity at speeds up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0, and enables the iGPU function for up to ten times faster transfer rate than USB 2.0. It natively supports four USB 3.0 ports for Intel® integrated graphics performance. Complete USB 3.0 Integration ASUS...
..., dual-channel DDR3 memory slots, and PCI Express 2.0/3.0 expansion slots. It utilizes the serial point-topoint links, which increases bandwidth and enhances the system's performance. ASUS Z77-A 1-1 Experience the latest plug & play connectivity at speeds up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0, and enables the iGPU function for up to ten times faster transfer rate than USB 2.0. It natively supports four USB 3.0 ports for Intel® integrated graphics performance. Complete USB 3.0 Integration ASUS...
Z77-A User's Manual
Page 14
... by Intel® 3rd generation processors. This means less time waiting for advanced operating systems. 1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction PCIe 3.0 speed is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. Intel® Smart Response Technology Intel® Smart Response Technology, an important part of Green ASUS eco-friendly computing, reduces load and wait time, eliminates unecessary hard drive spin thus lowering power usage, and uses an installed SSD (requires 18.6 GB available...
... by Intel® 3rd generation processors. This means less time waiting for advanced operating systems. 1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction PCIe 3.0 speed is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. Intel® Smart Response Technology Intel® Smart Response Technology, an important part of Green ASUS eco-friendly computing, reduces load and wait time, eliminates unecessary hard drive spin thus lowering power usage, and uses an installed SSD (requires 18.6 GB available...
Z77-A User's Manual
Page 24
... - -9 Voltage 1.65V DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs • • * T he 2400MHz memory modules above are using a 32-bit Windows OS. - For more details, refer to install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be about 3GB or less. Visit the ASUS website for the dual-channel configuration. however, the actual frequency support varied depending on the O.C. 1.5.2 Memory configurations You may install...
... - -9 Voltage 1.65V DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs • • * T he 2400MHz memory modules above are using a 32-bit Windows OS. - For more details, refer to install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be about 3GB or less. Visit the ASUS website for the dual-channel configuration. however, the actual frequency support varied depending on the O.C. 1.5.2 Memory configurations You may install...
Z77-A User's Manual
Page 25
...Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs 1.65V • • • * T he 2200MHz memory modules above are supported on Intel® 3rd generation processors by this motherboard; DDR3 2200MHz capability Vendors Part No. Timing G.SKILL F3-17600CL8D-4GBPS(XMP) 4GB(2x 2GB) DS KINGMAX FLKE85F-B8KJAFEIH(XMP) 4GB(2x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 - - Voltage...• 1.6V • • • ASUS Z77-A 1-13 Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. however, the actual frequency support varied depending on the O.C.
...Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs 1.65V • • • * T he 2200MHz memory modules above are supported on Intel® 3rd generation processors by this motherboard; DDR3 2200MHz capability Vendors Part No. Timing G.SKILL F3-17600CL8D-4GBPS(XMP) 4GB(2x 2GB) DS KINGMAX FLKE85F-B8KJAFEIH(XMP) 4GB(2x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 - - Voltage...• 1.6V • • • ASUS Z77-A 1-13 Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. however, the actual frequency support varied depending on the O.C.
Z77-A User's Manual
Page 35
... keyboard. Z77-A USBPWF 12 23 +5V +5VSB (Default) Z77-A USB device wake up • The USB device wake-up feature requires a power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; Set to +5VSB to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up ASUS Z77-A 1-23 otherwise, the system would not power up from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in the BIOS. When you set this jumper to pins 2-3 (+5VSB), you to wake...
... keyboard. Z77-A USBPWF 12 23 +5V +5VSB (Default) Z77-A USB device wake up • The USB device wake-up feature requires a power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; Set to +5VSB to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up ASUS Z77-A 1-23 otherwise, the system would not power up from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in the BIOS. When you set this jumper to pins 2-3 (+5VSB), you to wake...
Z77-A User's Manual
Page 42
... in sleep mode. • Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin HDD_LED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable to this connector. The HDD LED lights up when you to the HDD. • System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER) This 4-pin connector is for the system power button. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. The system power LED lights up or flashes when data is read from or written to hear system beeps and warnings. • ATX power button...
... in sleep mode. • Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin HDD_LED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable to this connector. The HDD LED lights up when you to the HDD. • System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER) This 4-pin connector is for the system power button. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. The system power LED lights up or flashes when data is read from or written to hear system beeps and warnings. • ATX power button...
Z77-A User's Manual
Page 46
... to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of the Support DVD are subject to avail all motherboard features. The following screen is for better compatibility and system stability. 1.9.2 Support DVD information The Support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that you install Windows® XP Service Pack...
... to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of the Support DVD are subject to avail all motherboard features. The following screen is for better compatibility and system stability. 1.9.2 Support DVD information The Support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that you install Windows® XP Service Pack...
Z77-A User's Manual
Page 47
... Update BIOS from the popup menu. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using this utility. Place the support DVD in the future. The ASUS Update main screen appears. b. c. ASUS Z77-A 2-1 From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. • ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to complete the installation. BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS...
... Update BIOS from the popup menu. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using this utility. Place the support DVD in the future. The ASUS Update main screen appears. b. c. ASUS Z77-A 2-1 From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. • ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to complete the installation. BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS...
Z77-A User's Manual
Page 49
... devices for the BIOS file. DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! The system requires you press to load default BIOS values. Doing so can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the BIOS file to the USB port. 3. When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility automatically. 4. Turn on the system. 2. 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that you to enter BIOS Setup...
... devices for the BIOS file. DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! The system requires you press to load default BIOS values. Doing so can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the BIOS file to the USB port. 3. When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility automatically. 4. Turn on the system. 2. 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that you to enter BIOS Setup...
Z77-A User's Manual
Page 50
... actual utility screen displays may not be same as the boot device. Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive in DOS environment 1. Download the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater from Drive C (optical drive) to Drive D (USB flash drive). Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives (optional). When the Make Disk menu appears, select the FreeDOS command prompt item by pressing the item number. 4. At the FreeDOS prompt, type d: and press to switch the disk from the ASUS...
... actual utility screen displays may not be same as the boot device. Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive in DOS environment 1. Download the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater from Drive C (optical drive) to Drive D (USB flash drive). Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives (optional). When the Make Disk menu appears, select the FreeDOS command prompt item by pressing the item number. 4. At the FreeDOS prompt, type d: and press to switch the disk from the ASUS...
Z77-A User's Manual
Page 53
.... Entering BIOS Setup after POST To enter BIOS Setup after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and reset the motherboard to the default value. Do this motherboard. • You can cause damage to your screen. • Visit the ASUS website at startup: • Press during the Power-On Self Test (POST). Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. Entering BIOS Setup at startup To enter BIOS Setup at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file...
.... Entering BIOS Setup after POST To enter BIOS Setup after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and reset the motherboard to the default value. Do this motherboard. • You can cause damage to your screen. • Visit the ASUS website at startup: • Press during the Power-On Self Test (POST). Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. Entering BIOS Setup at startup To enter BIOS Setup at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file...
Z77-A User's Manual
Page 61
.../PCIE Frequency item settings. 2.4.5 Memory Frequency [Auto] Allows you to set the CPU ratio and features. The configuration options vary with a 50MHz interval. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the key. If this happens, revert to the default settings. 2.4.10 CPU Power Management The sub-items in this menu allow you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function.Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.4.8 OC Tuner OC Tuner automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of CPU and DRAM...
.../PCIE Frequency item settings. 2.4.5 Memory Frequency [Auto] Allows you to set the CPU ratio and features. The configuration options vary with a 50MHz interval. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the key. If this happens, revert to the default settings. 2.4.10 CPU Power Management The sub-items in this menu allow you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function.Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.4.8 OC Tuner OC Tuner automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of CPU and DRAM...
Z77-A User's Manual
Page 67
... its default speed. [Enabled] The operating system controls the CPU speed. Turbo Mode [Enabled] This item appears only when you to run faster than marked frequency in order to your CPU model. CPU C1E [Auto] Allows you set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the BCLK Frequency. Execute Disable Bit [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the No-Execution Page Protection Technology. [Disabled] Forces the XD feature flag to always return to adjust the ratio. Use and keys...
... its default speed. [Enabled] The operating system controls the CPU speed. Turbo Mode [Enabled] This item appears only when you to run faster than marked frequency in order to your CPU model. CPU C1E [Auto] Allows you set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the BCLK Frequency. Execute Disable Bit [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the No-Execution Page Protection Technology. [Disabled] Forces the XD feature flag to always return to adjust the ratio. Use and keys...
Z77-A User's Manual
Page 70
2.5.3 SATA Configuration While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of your hard disk errors occur, this feature allows the hard disk to the corresponding SATA port. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Hot Plug [Disabled] These items appear only when you set the SATA configuration. [IDE Mode] Set to [IDE Mode] when you want to use the AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). The SATA Port items show Not Present if no SATA device is a monitor system. The AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases...
2.5.3 SATA Configuration While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of your hard disk errors occur, this feature allows the hard disk to the corresponding SATA port. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Hot Plug [Disabled] These items appear only when you set the SATA configuration. [IDE Mode] Set to [IDE Mode] when you want to use the AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). The SATA Port items show Not Present if no SATA device is a monitor system. The AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases...
Z77-A User's Manual
Page 71
...item to [Enabled] to enable the iGPU Multi-Monitor. 2.5.4 System Agent Configuration Memory Remap Feature [Enabled] [Enabled] Allow you to enable or disable Render Standby by internal graphics devices. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] NB PCIe Configuration Allows you to configure the NB PCI Express settings. Graphics Configuration Primary Display [Auto] Allows you to select a primary display from iGPU, PCIE, or PCI graphic devices. Set this function. Configuration options: [Auto] [Gen1] [Gen2] ASUS Z77-A 2-25 Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] iGPU...
...item to [Enabled] to enable the iGPU Multi-Monitor. 2.5.4 System Agent Configuration Memory Remap Feature [Enabled] [Enabled] Allow you to enable or disable Render Standby by internal graphics devices. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] NB PCIe Configuration Allows you to configure the NB PCI Express settings. Graphics Configuration Primary Display [Auto] Allows you to select a primary display from iGPU, PCIE, or PCI graphic devices. Set this function. Configuration options: [Auto] [Gen1] [Gen2] ASUS Z77-A 2-25 Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] iGPU...
Z77-A User's Manual
Page 73
...; Configuration options: [IO=3F8h; Front Panel Type [HD] Allows you set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC'97 or highdefinition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio module supports. [HD] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high definition audio. [AC97] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to enable or disable the PXE OptionRom of the Realtek LAN controller. Realtek PXE OPROM [Disabled] This item appears only when you set the Serial Port...
...; Configuration options: [IO=3F8h; Front Panel Type [HD] Allows you set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC'97 or highdefinition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio module supports. [HD] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high definition audio. [AC97] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to enable or disable the PXE OptionRom of the Realtek LAN controller. Realtek PXE OPROM [Disabled] This item appears only when you set the Serial Port...
Z77-A User's Manual
Page 81
...] ASUS Z77-A 2-35 PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse Support [Auto] [Auto] For a faster POST time, PS/2 devices are available when the system boots up for the system to launch active boot option. Disables the full screen logo display feature. Set this feature, enable the Network Stack item in the Advanced menu. [Enabled] Allows the BIOS to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature. To enable this item to [Enabled] to boot from the Network Stack Driver. USB Support [Partial Initialization] [Disabled] All USB devices...
...] ASUS Z77-A 2-35 PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse Support [Auto] [Auto] For a faster POST time, PS/2 devices are available when the system boots up for the system to launch active boot option. Disables the full screen logo display feature. Set this feature, enable the Network Stack item in the Advanced menu. [Enabled] Allows the BIOS to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature. To enable this item to [Enabled] to boot from the Network Stack Driver. USB Support [Partial Initialization] [Disabled] All USB devices...