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Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items User Manual ASUS Z87M-PLUS motherboard User manual Support DVD 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x ASUS Q-Shield • If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. • The illustrations above are for reference only. Actual product specifications may vary with different models. xiii
Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items User Manual ASUS Z87M-PLUS motherboard User manual Support DVD 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x ASUS Q-Shield • If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. • The illustrations above are for reference only. Actual product specifications may vary with different models. xiii
Z87M-PLUS User's Manual
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...) storage interface, this motherboard delivers up to external home theater audio systems via the optical S/PDIF (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) out connector at the back I/O. ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-1 Chapter 1 S/PDIF out connector at the back I/O This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to ten times faster transfer rate than USB 2.0 and enables the iGPU function...
...) storage interface, this motherboard delivers up to external home theater audio systems via the optical S/PDIF (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) out connector at the back I/O. ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-1 Chapter 1 S/PDIF out connector at the back I/O This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to ten times faster transfer rate than USB 2.0 and enables the iGPU function...
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... the fans' specifications and positions. It automatically accelerates data speeds for a cooler and quieter computing environment. USB 3.0 Boost ASUS USB 3.0 Boost, which supports USB 3.0 standard UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), significantly increases a USB device's transfer speed... a button to supervise overclocking, energy management, fan speed control, voltage and sensor readings. Chapter 1 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-3 With its elegant appearance. ASUS Fan Xpert 2 ASUS Fan Xpert 2 provides customizable settings for compatible USB 3.0 peripherals without the need to 170% faster than...
... the fans' specifications and positions. It automatically accelerates data speeds for a cooler and quieter computing environment. USB 3.0 Boost ASUS USB 3.0 Boost, which supports USB 3.0 standard UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), significantly increases a USB device's transfer speed... a button to supervise overclocking, energy management, fan speed control, voltage and sensor readings. Chapter 1 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-3 With its elegant appearance. ASUS Fan Xpert 2 ASUS Fan Xpert 2 provides customizable settings for compatible USB 3.0 peripherals without the need to 170% faster than...
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Chapter 1 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-5 1.2 Motherboard overview 1.2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is ...
Chapter 1 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-5 1.2 Motherboard overview 1.2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is ...
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... connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1-2) 4. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12) 11. LGA1150 CPU socket 5. DRAM LED (DRAM_LED) 10. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) Page Chapter 1 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-7 GPU Boost switch 6. DDR3 DIMM slots 8. Intel® Z87 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6) 12. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 15. Serial port...
... connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1-2) 4. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12) 11. LGA1150 CPU socket 5. DRAM LED (DRAM_LED) 10. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) Page Chapter 1 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-7 GPU Boost switch 6. DDR3 DIMM slots 8. Intel® Z87 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6) 12. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 15. Serial port...
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A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module. Z87M-PLUS Z87M-PLUS 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets Recommended memory configurations Chapter 1 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-9 1.2.4 System memory The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots. DO NOT install a DDR or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot.
A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module. Z87M-PLUS Z87M-PLUS 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets Recommended memory configurations Chapter 1 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-9 1.2.4 System memory The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots. DO NOT install a DDR or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot.
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Z87M-PLUS Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2800(O.C.) MHz capability DDR3 2600(O.C.) MHz capability DDR3 2400(O.C.) MHz capability DDR3 2200(O.C.) MHz capability DDR3 2133(O.C.) MHz capability Chapter 1 (continued on the next page) ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-11
Z87M-PLUS Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2800(O.C.) MHz capability DDR3 2600(O.C.) MHz capability DDR3 2400(O.C.) MHz capability DDR3 2200(O.C.) MHz capability DDR3 2133(O.C.) MHz capability Chapter 1 (continued on the next page) ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-11
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...sided DIMM support: (1) Supports one pair of individual CPUs. settings in the BIOS for the hyper DIMM support. • Visit the ASUS website for better compatibility. (4) Supports four (4) modules inserted into any slot as one (1) module inserted into both the yellow and ...Dual-channel memory configuration. or D.O.C.P. Single-sided DS - We suggest that you install the modules into slots A2 and B2 for the latest QVL. ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-15 Chapter 1 Load the X.M.P. DDR3 1333 MHz capability Side(s): SS - We suggest that you install the module into A2 slot. (2) Supports ...
...sided DIMM support: (1) Supports one pair of individual CPUs. settings in the BIOS for the hyper DIMM support. • Visit the ASUS website for better compatibility. (4) Supports four (4) modules inserted into any slot as one (1) module inserted into both the yellow and ...Dual-channel memory configuration. or D.O.C.P. Single-sided DS - We suggest that you install the modules into slots A2 and B2 for the latest QVL. ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-15 Chapter 1 Load the X.M.P. DDR3 1333 MHz capability Side(s): SS - We suggest that you install the module into A2 slot. (2) Supports ...
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... Audio A B C D E F G H shared - - - - - - - - shared - - - - - - - - - - shared - - - - - - - - - shared - - - - - - - - - shared - IRQ assignments for better thermal environment. • The PCIe x16_2 slot shares bandwidth with PCIe x1_2 slot. shared - - - - - - - - - Chapter 1 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-17 shared - - - - - shared - - - - The default setting is x2 mode. shared - - - - - - VGA configuration PCIe Express operating mode PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 PCIe 2.0 x16_2 Single VGA/PCIe card x16...
... Audio A B C D E F G H shared - - - - - - - - shared - - - - - - - - - - shared - - - - - - - - - shared - - - - - - - - - shared - IRQ assignments for better thermal environment. • The PCIe x16_2 slot shares bandwidth with PCIe x1_2 slot. shared - - - - - - - - - Chapter 1 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-17 shared - - - - - shared - - - - The default setting is x2 mode. shared - - - - - - VGA configuration PCIe Express operating mode PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 PCIe 2.0 x16_2 Single VGA/PCIe card x16...
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...It takes about 5-10 seconds. • If your system fails to section 1.2.8 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of failsafe settings. function. Z87M-PLUS Z87M-PLUS MemOK! button • Refer to boot up when the DIMM is not properly installed. A message will appear during the tuning process, the... in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on the ASUS website at www.asus.com after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Chapter 1 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-19 Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 30 seconds for...
...It takes about 5-10 seconds. • If your system fails to section 1.2.8 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of failsafe settings. function. Z87M-PLUS Z87M-PLUS MemOK! button • Refer to boot up when the DIMM is not properly installed. A message will appear during the tuning process, the... in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on the ASUS website at www.asus.com after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Chapter 1 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-19 Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 30 seconds for...
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... sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. GPU Boost LED The GPU Boost LED lights up to locate the root problem within a second. GPU_LED Z87M-PLUS Z87M-PLUS GPU Boost LED ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-21 Chapter 1 Standby Power LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up when the GPU Boost switch is solved. This...
... sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. GPU Boost LED The GPU Boost LED lights up to locate the root problem within a second. GPU_LED Z87M-PLUS Z87M-PLUS GPU Boost LED ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-21 Chapter 1 Standby Power LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up when the GPU Boost switch is solved. This...
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...; These connectors are based on xHCI specification. RXD DTR DSR CTS DCD TXD GND RTS RI Chapter 1 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-23 With an installed USB 3.0 module, you to fully use the USB 3.0 ports under Windows® 7. 3. USB3_12 Z87M-PLUS Z87M-PLUS USB3.0 front panel connector • The USB 3.0 module is for additional USB 3.0 front or rear panel...
...; These connectors are based on xHCI specification. RXD DTR DSR CTS DCD TXD GND RTS RI Chapter 1 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-23 With an installed USB 3.0 module, you to fully use the USB 3.0 ports under Windows® 7. 3. USB3_12 Z87M-PLUS Z87M-PLUS USB3.0 front panel connector • The USB 3.0 module is for additional USB 3.0 front or rear panel...
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ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-25 Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. Connect one end of maximum 1A (12 W) fan power. • The CPU_FAN and CHA_FAN connectors support the ASUS Fan Xpert 2 feature. 7. AGND NC SENSE1_RETUR SENSE2_RETUR AGND NC NC NC Chapter 1 AAFP PIN 1 MIC2 MICPWR Line out_R NC Line out_L PORT1...
ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-25 Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. Connect one end of maximum 1A (12 W) fan power. • The CPU_FAN and CHA_FAN connectors support the ASUS Fan Xpert 2 feature. 7. AGND NC SENSE1_RETUR SENSE2_RETUR AGND NC NC NC Chapter 1 AAFP PIN 1 MIC2 MICPWR Line out_R NC Line out_L PORT1...
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... SPEAKER) This 4-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. PANEL PLED SPEAKER PLED+ PLED+5V Ground Ground Speaker IDE_LED+ IDE_LED- Chapter 1 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-27 The system power LED lights up or flashes when data is read from or written to hear system beeps and warnings. • ATX ..., and blinks when the system is in sleep or soft-off the system power. PWR Ground Reset Ground PIN 1 Z87M-PLUS HDD_LED PWRSW RESET * Requires an ATX power supply Z87M-PLUS System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning...
... SPEAKER) This 4-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. PANEL PLED SPEAKER PLED+ PLED+5V Ground Ground Speaker IDE_LED+ IDE_LED- Chapter 1 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 1-27 The system power LED lights up or flashes when data is read from or written to hear system beeps and warnings. • ATX ..., and blinks when the system is in sleep or soft-off the system power. PWR Ground Reset Ground PIN 1 Z87M-PLUS HDD_LED PWRSW RESET * Requires an ATX power supply Z87M-PLUS System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning...
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Chapter 2 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 2-1 Install the ASUS I/O shield to the chassis' rear I /O panel. 2. Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are aligned to the chassis rear I /O panel. The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps are for all models. 1. Chapter 2: Basic installation Basic installation 2.1 Building your PC system 2 2.1.1 Motherboard installation The diagrams in this section are the same for reference only.
Chapter 2 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 2-1 Install the ASUS I/O shield to the chassis' rear I /O panel. 2. Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are aligned to the chassis rear I /O panel. The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps are for all models. 1. Chapter 2: Basic installation Basic installation 2.1 Building your PC system 2 2.1.1 Motherboard installation The diagrams in this section are the same for reference only.
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DO NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1150 socket only. Chapter 2 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 2-3 2.1.2 CPU installation Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 socket on the LGA1150 socket.
DO NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1150 socket only. Chapter 2 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 2-3 2.1.2 CPU installation Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 socket on the LGA1150 socket.
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To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly Chapter 2 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 2-5
To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly Chapter 2 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 2-5
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2.1.7 Front I/O Connector To install the system panel connector HDD_LED To install USB 2.0 connector To install front panel audio connector AAFP USB 2.0 To install USB 3.0 connector USB 3.0 Chapter 2 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 2-9
2.1.7 Front I/O Connector To install the system panel connector HDD_LED To install USB 2.0 connector To install front panel audio connector AAFP USB 2.0 To install USB 3.0 connector USB 3.0 Chapter 2 ASUS Z87M-PLUS 2-9
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Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) 8. port HDMI port DVI-D port Intel USB 3.0 ports 3-4, support ASUS USB 3.0 Boost 4. Intel USB 3.0 ports 5-6, support ASUS USB 3.0 Boost. 2.2 Motherboard rear and audio connections 2.2.1 Rear I /O ports** * and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LEDs, and audio port ... and USB Charger+ 10. Audio I /O connection Chapter 2 Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port 6. 2. Realtek® LAN (RJ-45) port* 5. Optical S/PDIF Out port 7. 3. ASUS Z87M-PLUS 2-11 USB 2.0 ports 7 and 8 9.
Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) 8. port HDMI port DVI-D port Intel USB 3.0 ports 3-4, support ASUS USB 3.0 Boost 4. Intel USB 3.0 ports 5-6, support ASUS USB 3.0 Boost. 2.2 Motherboard rear and audio connections 2.2.1 Rear I /O ports** * and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LEDs, and audio port ... and USB Charger+ 10. Audio I /O connection Chapter 2 Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port 6. 2. Realtek® LAN (RJ-45) port* 5. Optical S/PDIF Out port 7. 3. ASUS Z87M-PLUS 2-11 USB 2.0 ports 7 and 8 9.