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Contents Safety information vi About this guide vii Z77-A specifications summary ix Package contents xii Product introduction 1.1 Product highlights 1-1 1.2 Before you proceed 1-4 1.3 Motherboard overview 1-5 1.3.1 Placement direction 1-5 1.3.2 Screw holes 1-5 1.3.3 Motherboard layout 1-6 1.3.4 Layout contents 1-7 1.4 Intel® CPU LGA1155 socket 1-7 1.4.1 CPU installation 1-8 1.4.2 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation 1-9 1.5 System memory 1-11 1.5.1 Overview 1-11 1.5.2 Memory configurations 1-12 1.5.3 Installing...
Contents Safety information vi About this guide vii Z77-A specifications summary ix Package contents xii Product introduction 1.1 Product highlights 1-1 1.2 Before you proceed 1-4 1.3 Motherboard overview 1-5 1.3.1 Placement direction 1-5 1.3.2 Screw holes 1-5 1.3.3 Motherboard layout 1-6 1.3.4 Layout contents 1-7 1.4 Intel® CPU LGA1155 socket 1-7 1.4.1 CPU installation 1-8 1.4.2 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation 1-9 1.5 System memory 1-11 1.5.1 Overview 1-11 1.5.2 Memory configurations 1-12 1.5.3 Installing...
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... the product, ensure that all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on a stable surface. • If you encounter technical problems with the package. • Before using , contact your...cables are unplugged. • Seek professional assistance before you add a device. • Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all the manuals that came with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your retailer. If possible, disconnect all...
... the product, ensure that all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on a stable surface. • If you encounter technical problems with the package. • Before using , contact your...cables are unplugged. • Seek professional assistance before you add a device. • Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all the manuals that came with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your retailer. If possible, disconnect all...
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... user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are not part of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. • Chapter 2: BIOS information This chapter tells how to the ASUS contact information. 2. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation...
... user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are not part of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. • Chapter 2: BIOS information This chapter tells how to the ASUS contact information. 2. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation...
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xii Actual product specifications may vary with different models. Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items. Z77-A ASUS Z77-A motherboard User Guide 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x I/O Shield User Guide Support DVD • If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. • The illustrated items above are for reference only.
xii Actual product specifications may vary with different models. Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items. Z77-A ASUS Z77-A motherboard User Guide 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x I/O Shield User Guide Support DVD • If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. • The illustrated items above are for reference only.
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... supports four USB 3.0 ports for Intel® integrated graphics performance. ASUS Z77-A 1-1 Complete USB 3.0 Integration ASUS facilitates strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for Intel® 2nd/3rd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium®, and Celeron® Processors This motherboard supports Intel 2nd/3rd generation Core™ i7/i5/i3, Pentium...
... supports four USB 3.0 ports for Intel® integrated graphics performance. ASUS Z77-A 1-1 Complete USB 3.0 Integration ASUS facilitates strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for Intel® 2nd/3rd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium®, and Celeron® Processors This motherboard supports Intel 2nd/3rd generation Core™ i7/i5/i3, Pentium...
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... jacks. 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity. ErP requires products to meet certain energy efficiency requirements with regard to energy usage. ASUS Z77-A 1-3 ErP ready This motherboard is European Union´s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready...
... jacks. 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity. ErP requires products to meet certain energy efficiency requirements with regard to energy usage. ASUS Z77-A 1-3 ErP ready This motherboard is European Union´s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready...
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...indicate that the system is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before touching any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before removing or plugging in soft-off the ATX power supply... and detach its power cord. Z77-A SB_PWR Z77-A Onboard LED ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off 1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction The illustration below shows the location of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any component. • Before handling components...
...indicate that the system is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before touching any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before removing or plugging in soft-off the ATX power supply... and detach its power cord. Z77-A SB_PWR Z77-A Onboard LED ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off 1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction The illustration below shows the location of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any component. • Before handling components...
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Z77-A ASUS Z77-A 1-5 The edge with external ports goes to the chassis. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 1.3.2 Screw holes Place six screws into the chassis in the correct orientation. DO NOT overtighten the screws! 1.3 Motherboard overview 1.3.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the rear part of the chassis. Doing so can damage the motherboard.
Z77-A ASUS Z77-A 1-5 The edge with external ports goes to the chassis. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 1.3.2 Screw holes Place six screws into the chassis in the correct orientation. DO NOT overtighten the screws! 1.3 Motherboard overview 1.3.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the rear part of the chassis. Doing so can damage the motherboard.
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...AAFP) Page 1-23 1-27 1-26 1-7 1-11 1-32 1-23 1-4 1-28 1-29 1-30 1-32 1-22 1-33 1-31 1-31 1.4 Intel® CPU LGA1155 socket This motherboard comes with the LGA1155 socket. DO NOT install a LGA1156 CPU on the LGA1155 socket. Intel® CPU socket 5. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPWF) 8. Digital... 1.3.4 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED 1. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM1) 15. Onboard LED (SB_PWR) 9. System panel connector (20-8 pin F_PANEL) 12. Z77-A Z77-A CPU socket LGA1155 ASUS Z77-A 1-7 USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78) 13. DDR3 DIMM sockets 6.
...AAFP) Page 1-23 1-27 1-26 1-7 1-11 1-32 1-23 1-4 1-28 1-29 1-30 1-32 1-22 1-33 1-31 1-31 1.4 Intel® CPU LGA1155 socket This motherboard comes with the LGA1155 socket. DO NOT install a LGA1156 CPU on the LGA1155 socket. Intel® CPU socket 5. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPWF) 8. Digital... 1.3.4 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED 1. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM1) 15. Onboard LED (SB_PWR) 9. System panel connector (20-8 pin F_PANEL) 12. Z77-A Z77-A CPU socket LGA1155 ASUS Z77-A 1-7 USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78) 13. DDR3 DIMM sockets 6.
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ASUS Z77-A 1-11 DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 1.5 System memory 1.5.1 Overview This motherboard comes with less power consumption. A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. The figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: Z77-A Z77-A 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets Recommended...
ASUS Z77-A 1-11 DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 1.5 System memory 1.5.1 Overview This motherboard comes with less power consumption. A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. The figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: Z77-A Z77-A 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets Recommended...
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...that you want to protect the CPU. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. Z77-A Series Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2400MHz capability Vendors Part No. Visit the ASUS website for the dual-channel configuration. Timing Transcend TX2400KLU-4GK (381850)(XMP) 4GB(2x 2GB) ... For effective use a more details, refer to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows OS, when you are supported on the motherboard. - 1.5.2 Memory configurations You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB unbuffered non‑ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. ...
...that you want to protect the CPU. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. Z77-A Series Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2400MHz capability Vendors Part No. Visit the ASUS website for the dual-channel configuration. Timing Transcend TX2400KLU-4GK (381850)(XMP) 4GB(2x 2GB) ... For effective use a more details, refer to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows OS, when you are supported on the motherboard. - 1.5.2 Memory configurations You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB unbuffered non‑ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. ...
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... • • • * T he 2200MHz memory modules above are supported on Intel® 3rd generation processors by this motherboard; DDR3 2200MHz capability Vendors Part No. Voltage 1.65V 1.5V-1.7V DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs ...; • • DS - - - 1.65V • • DS DS - - - - - 1.65V • • 1.6V • • • ASUS Z77-A 1-13 however, the actual frequency support varied depending on the O.C. however, the actual frequency support varied depending on the O.C. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip...
... • • • * T he 2200MHz memory modules above are supported on Intel® 3rd generation processors by this motherboard; DDR3 2200MHz capability Vendors Part No. Voltage 1.65V 1.5V-1.7V DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs ...; • • DS - - - 1.65V • • DS DS - - - - - 1.65V • • 1.6V • • • ASUS Z77-A 1-13 however, the actual frequency support varied depending on the O.C. however, the actual frequency support varied depending on the O.C. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip...
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Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1 Z77-A 2 3 4 5 6 Slot No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Slot Description PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot [blue] (at 16x mode) PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slot [black] (at 4x mode) PCI slot_1 PCI slot_2 VGA configuration Single VGA/PCIe card Dual VGA/PCIe card PCI Express operating mode PCIe 2.0 x16_1 x16 (Recommend for single VGA) x16 PCIe 2.0 x16_2 N/A x4 1-20 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.6 Expansion slots Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards.
Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1 Z77-A 2 3 4 5 6 Slot No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Slot Description PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot [blue] (at 16x mode) PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slot [black] (at 4x mode) PCI slot_1 PCI slot_2 VGA configuration Single VGA/PCIe card Dual VGA/PCIe card PCI Express operating mode PCIe 2.0 x16_1 x16 (Recommend for single VGA) x16 PCIe 2.0 x16_2 N/A x4 1-20 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.6 Expansion slots Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards.
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...- shared - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - shared - - - - - - IRQ assignments for better thermal environment. shared - - - - - G H - - shared - ASUS Z77-A 1-21 • In single VGA card mode, use the PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot (blue) for a PCI Express x16 graphics card to get better performance. • In ...™ mode. • Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/2 when using multiple graphics cards for this motherboard Component IGD Audio Controller EHCI Controller XHCI Controller SATA Controller PCIEX16_1 ...
...- shared - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - shared - - - - - - IRQ assignments for better thermal environment. shared - - - - - G H - - shared - ASUS Z77-A 1-21 • In single VGA card mode, use the PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot (blue) for a PCI Express x16 graphics card to get better performance. • In ...™ mode. • Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/2 when using multiple graphics cards for this motherboard Component IGD Audio Controller EHCI Controller XHCI Controller SATA Controller PCIEX16_1 ...
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DO NOT place jumper caps on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of maximum 1A(12W) fan power. • The CPU_FAN and CHA_FAN connectors support the ASUS Fan Xpert feature. GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM GND CHA FAN... These are not jumpers! Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. CHA FAN PWM CHA FAN IN CHA FAN PWR GND Rotation +12V GND 1-26 Chapter 1: Product introduction CPU_FAN CHA_FAN2 CHA_FAN1 PWR_FAN Z77-A Z77-A CPU fan connector DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan...
DO NOT place jumper caps on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of maximum 1A(12W) fan power. • The CPU_FAN and CHA_FAN connectors support the ASUS Fan Xpert feature. GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM GND CHA FAN... These are not jumpers! Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. CHA FAN PWM CHA FAN IN CHA FAN PWR GND Rotation +12V GND 1-26 Chapter 1: Product introduction CPU_FAN CHA_FAN2 CHA_FAN1 PWR_FAN Z77-A Z77-A CPU fan connector DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan...
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Connect one end of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • If you want to connect a high definition front panel audio module to this connector, set the Front Panel Type item ... I /O module cable to [HD]. See section 2.5.6 Onboard Devices Configuration for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. ASUS Z77-A 1-31 Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is purchased separately. 7. Z77-A SPDIF_OUT Z77-A Digital audio connector The S/PDIF module is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that you connect a high...
Connect one end of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • If you want to connect a high definition front panel audio module to this connector, set the Front Panel Type item ... I /O module cable to [HD]. See section 2.5.6 Onboard Devices Configuration for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. ASUS Z77-A 1-31 Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is purchased separately. 7. Z77-A SPDIF_OUT Z77-A Digital audio connector The S/PDIF module is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that you connect a high...
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...5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND NC USB78 USB56 Z77-A PIN 1 PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P7USB_P7+ GND USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND Z77-A USB2.0 connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. Doing so will damage the motherboard! USB 3.0 connector (20-1 ...pin USB3_34) These connectors are for the additional USB 3.0 ports, and complies with the USB 3.0 specificaton that supports up to this USB 3.0 connector, you can have a front panel USB 3.0 solution. 8. USB3_34 Z77-A Z77-A USB3.0 Front panel connector You can connect the ASUS...
...5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND NC USB78 USB56 Z77-A PIN 1 PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P7USB_P7+ GND USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND Z77-A USB2.0 connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. Doing so will damage the motherboard! USB 3.0 connector (20-1 ...pin USB3_34) These connectors are for the additional USB 3.0 ports, and complies with the USB 3.0 specificaton that supports up to this USB 3.0 connector, you can have a front panel USB 3.0 solution. 8. USB3_34 Z77-A Z77-A USB3.0 Front panel connector You can connect the ASUS...
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...browse the contents of the Support DVD are subject to change at www.asus.com 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 ...Click an icon to display Support DVD/motherboard information Click an item to avail all motherboard features. Click Drivers, Utilities, Make Disk, Manual, and Contact tabs to your computer, the DVD automatically displays the Specials screen. Visit the ASUS website at any time without notice. Refer...
...browse the contents of the Support DVD are subject to change at www.asus.com 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 ...Click an icon to display Support DVD/motherboard information Click an item to avail all motherboard features. Click Drivers, Utilities, Make Disk, Manual, and Contact tabs to your computer, the DVD automatically displays the Specials screen. Visit the ASUS website at any time without notice. Refer...
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... site nearest you 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. ASUS Z77-A 2-1 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS 2 Save a copy of the following...
... site nearest you 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. ASUS Z77-A 2-1 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS 2 Save a copy of the following...