User Guide
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... the next page) ix ASUS Q-Connector 5X Protection featuring all-round protection provides the best quality, reliability, and durability USB 3.0 Boost Ai Charger Disk Unlocker AI Suite 3 MemOK! Feel the sound power with different usage scenarios Steam support - O.C. Z97-AR specifications summary ASUS Exclusive Features ASUS Special Features ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features Rear panel...
... the next page) ix ASUS Q-Connector 5X Protection featuring all-round protection provides the best quality, reliability, and durability USB 3.0 Boost Ai Charger Disk Unlocker AI Suite 3 MemOK! Feel the sound power with different usage scenarios Steam support - O.C. Z97-AR specifications summary ASUS Exclusive Features ASUS Special Features ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features Rear panel...
User Guide
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...limitation on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can refer to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs). • Visit the ASUS website at: www.asus.com for the dual-channel configuration. For effective use a more memory on 32-bit Windows® OS, when you do any of accessing... 1.4.2 Memory configurations You may operate at a lower frequency than 2133MHz and their corresponding timing or the loaded XMP profile is then mapped for overclocking may install 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. You can be about 3GB or ...
...limitation on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can refer to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs). • Visit the ASUS website at: www.asus.com for the dual-channel configuration. For effective use a more memory on 32-bit Windows® OS, when you do any of accessing... 1.4.2 Memory configurations You may operate at a lower frequency than 2133MHz and their corresponding timing or the loaded XMP profile is then mapped for overclocking may install 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. You can be about 3GB or ...
User Guide
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... the cap on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before rebooting the system. ASUS Z97-AR 1-23 For system failure due to pins 2-3. function. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to overclocking, use the CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R.) feature. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS... powers the RAM data in CMOS. Hold down and reboot the system, then the BIOS automatically resets parameter settings to default values. • Due to overclocking.
... the cap on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before rebooting the system. ASUS Z97-AR 1-23 For system failure due to pins 2-3. function. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to overclocking, use the CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R.) feature. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS... powers the RAM data in CMOS. Hold down and reboot the system, then the BIOS automatically resets parameter settings to default values. • Due to overclocking.
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To go back to its default CPU voltage setting, insert the jumper to pins 2-3. To gain more CPU voltage setting, insert the jumper to pins 1-2. 1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV) The CPU Over Voltage jumper allows you to set a higher CPU voltage for a flexible overclocking system, depending on the type of the installed CPU. 2.
To go back to its default CPU voltage setting, insert the jumper to pins 2-3. To gain more CPU voltage setting, insert the jumper to pins 1-2. 1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV) The CPU Over Voltage jumper allows you to set a higher CPU voltage for a flexible overclocking system, depending on the type of the installed CPU. 2.
User Guide
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.... • If you enable this switch under Windows® OS environment, the EPU function will use the last setting you to section 1.8 Onboard LEDs for overclockers and gamers who continually change the EPU settings in the software application or BIOS setup program and enable the EPU function at the same time...
.... • If you enable this switch under Windows® OS environment, the EPU function will use the last setting you to section 1.8 Onboard LEDs for overclockers and gamers who continually change the EPU settings in the software application or BIOS setup program and enable the EPU function at the same time...
User Guide
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...seconds. • If your system fails to boot up due to section 1.8 Onboard LEDs for successful boot. • Refer to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! Replace the DIMMs with the motherboard may cause system boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! function. If the... and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system continues memory tuning after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. ASUS Z97-AR 1-39 button until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic memory compatibility tuning for the exact location of failsafe settings. Press and...
...seconds. • If your system fails to boot up due to section 1.8 Onboard LEDs for successful boot. • Refer to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! Replace the DIMMs with the motherboard may cause system boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! function. If the... and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system continues memory tuning after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. ASUS Z97-AR 1-39 button until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic memory compatibility tuning for the exact location of failsafe settings. Press and...
User Guide
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4. Power-on button The motherboard comes with a power-on button that you to enhance the DIMM's speed and performance. ASUS Z97-AR 1-41 EZ XMP switch Enable this switch to overclock the installed DIMMs, allowing you to power up or wake up when the system is plugged to a power source indicating that allows you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or installing any motherboard component. 5. The button also lights up the system.
4. Power-on button The motherboard comes with a power-on button that you to enhance the DIMM's speed and performance. ASUS Z97-AR 1-41 EZ XMP switch Enable this switch to overclock the installed DIMMs, allowing you to power up or wake up when the system is plugged to a power source indicating that allows you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or installing any motherboard component. 5. The button also lights up the system.
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... menu for details. Refer to switch EZ System Tuning modes Selects the display language Creates storage RAID and of the BIOS setup program configures system overclocking Enables or disables the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Displays the CPU Fan's speed. Click the button to manually tune the fans Loads optimized default settings...
... menu for details. Refer to switch EZ System Tuning modes Selects the display language Creates storage RAID and of the BIOS setup program configures system overclocking Enables or disables the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Displays the CPU Fan's speed. Click the button to manually tune the fans Loads optimized default settings...
User Guide
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... Ai Tweaker Advanced Monitor Boot Tool Exit For saving the frequently-used system settings and configuration For changing the basic system configuration For changing the overclocking settings For changing the advanced system settings For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing the fan settings For changing the system boot configuration...
... Ai Tweaker Advanced Monitor Boot Tool Exit For saving the frequently-used system settings and configuration For changing the basic system configuration For changing the overclocking settings For changing the advanced system settings For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing the fan settings For changing the system boot configuration...
User Guide
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.../Down arrow keys or / keys to enter your system. General help At the top right corner of a field, select it to view and tweak the overclocking settings of options. Hot keys This button above the menu bar allows you to RAID mode. EZ Tuning Wizard (F11) This button above the menu... cannot select an item that you can only use the alphanumeric characters to display the other items on the right side of the selected item. ASUS Z97-AR 2-11
.../Down arrow keys or / keys to enter your system. General help At the top right corner of a field, select it to view and tweak the overclocking settings of options. Hot keys This button above the menu bar allows you to RAID mode. EZ Tuning Wizard (F11) This button above the menu... cannot select an item that you can only use the alphanumeric characters to display the other items on the right side of the selected item. ASUS Z97-AR 2-11
User Guide
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... easily set RAID in your keyboard or click EZ Tuning Wizard screen, then click Next. ASUS Z97-AR 2-13 Click and drag the speed points to open 2. The system automatically detects the CPU fan type. 4. If you to overclock your CPU and DRAM, computer usage, and CPU fan to view its current status. 2. Select...
... easily set RAID in your keyboard or click EZ Tuning Wizard screen, then click Next. ASUS Z97-AR 2-13 Click and drag the speed points to open 2. The system automatically detects the CPU fan type. 4. If you to overclock your CPU and DRAM, computer usage, and CPU fan to view its current status. 2. Select...
User Guide
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... options for optimizing the system performance. 2-18 Chapter 2: BIOS information Scroll down to display other BIOS items. 2.5.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] This item allows you installed on the motherboard. 2.5 Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure... overclocking-related items. Be cautious when changing the settings of these preset overclocking configuration options: [Auto] Loads the optimal settings for the system. [Manual] Automatically optimizes the CPU ...
... options for optimizing the system performance. 2-18 Chapter 2: BIOS information Scroll down to display other BIOS items. 2.5.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] This item allows you installed on the motherboard. 2.5 Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure... overclocking-related items. Be cautious when changing the settings of these preset overclocking configuration options: [Auto] Loads the optimal settings for the system. [Manual] Automatically optimizes the CPU ...
User Guide
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...high BCLK to [X.M.P.]. The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner to improve overclocking capability. Use the or to [Manual]. The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner to adjust the value. Initial BCLK Frequency [Auto] This item allows ... overclocking the system from 80.0 MHz to the 2-Core Ratio Limit. The value ranges depend on the value you to the assigned BCLK frequency. eXtreme Memory Profile This item allows you set on the CPU specification, as high BCLK frequencies may damage the CPU permanently. ASUS Z97-AR...
...high BCLK to [X.M.P.]. The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner to improve overclocking capability. Use the or to [Manual]. The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner to adjust the value. Initial BCLK Frequency [Auto] This item allows ... overclocking the system from 80.0 MHz to the 2-Core Ratio Limit. The value ranges depend on the value you to the assigned BCLK frequency. eXtreme Memory Profile This item allows you set on the CPU specification, as high BCLK frequencies may damage the CPU permanently. ASUS Z97-AR...
User Guide
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... frequency to DRAM frequency ratio is set to 100:133 [100:100] The BCLK frequency to DRAM frequency ratio is set to get the extreme overclocking capability. Use the or keys to adjust the value. Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] 2.5.7 CPU Ratio Tuner [Auto] This item allows you assign a value for... [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting or manually assign a 3-Core Limit value that must be higher than or equal to enhance the overclocking capability of the processor.
... frequency to DRAM frequency ratio is set to 100:133 [100:100] The BCLK frequency to DRAM frequency ratio is set to get the extreme overclocking capability. Use the or keys to adjust the value. Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] 2.5.7 CPU Ratio Tuner [Auto] This item allows you assign a value for... [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting or manually assign a 3-Core Limit value that must be higher than or equal to enhance the overclocking capability of the processor.
User Guide
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... either [BCLK First] or [Ratio First]. Primary Timings DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [31] ASUS Z97-AR 2-21 To keep the current overclocking tuner status, select [Keep Current Settings]. 2.5.12 EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled] The ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) sets the CPU in this menu allow you to set lower CPU...
... either [BCLK First] or [Ratio First]. Primary Timings DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [31] ASUS Z97-AR 2-21 To keep the current overclocking tuner status, select [Keep Current Settings]. 2.5.12 EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled] The ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) sets the CPU in this menu allow you to set lower CPU...
User Guide
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.... The thermal conditions should be monitored. Higher load-line calibration could get higher voltage and good overclocking performance, but increases the CPU and VRM thermal conditions. ASUS Z97-AR 2-25 Channel A/B DIMM Control [Enable Both DIMMs] This item allows you to enable or disable the DIMMs on your system. To restore the default setting...
.... The thermal conditions should be monitored. Higher load-line calibration could get higher voltage and good overclocking performance, but increases the CPU and VRM thermal conditions. ASUS Z97-AR 2-25 Channel A/B DIMM Control [Enable Both DIMMs] This item allows you to enable or disable the DIMMs on your system. To restore the default setting...
User Guide
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...] This item provides a total power range for a quicker transient response speed. A higher value setting provides higher power consumption delivery and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously. Configuration options: [Auto] [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%] [140%] 2-26 Chapter 2: BIOS information Fixed CPU VRM...50 KHz. DO NOT remove the thermal module. The following item appears only when you to configure a higher frequency for CPU overclocking. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] CPU Power Phase Control [Auto] This item allows you set a higher frequency for a ...
...] This item provides a total power range for a quicker transient response speed. A higher value setting provides higher power consumption delivery and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously. Configuration options: [Auto] [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%] [140%] 2-26 Chapter 2: BIOS information Fixed CPU VRM...50 KHz. DO NOT remove the thermal module. The following item appears only when you to configure a higher frequency for CPU overclocking. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] CPU Power Phase Control [Auto] This item allows you set a higher frequency for a ...
User Guide
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...value from 0% to 1023.875 with a 0.125 interval. When this item is below operating power, current and temperature specification limit. ASUS Z97-AR 2-27 2.5.15 Internal CPU Power Management The subitems in seconds. CPU Integrated VR Current Limit [Auto] Allows you to increase or...for maximum performance. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following items appear only when you to prevent frequency and power throttling when overclocking. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Turbo Mode [Enabled] This item allows you to enable your core processor's speed to run ...
...value from 0% to 1023.875 with a 0.125 interval. When this item is below operating power, current and temperature specification limit. ASUS Z97-AR 2-27 2.5.15 Internal CPU Power Management The subitems in seconds. CPU Integrated VR Current Limit [Auto] Allows you to increase or...for maximum performance. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following items appear only when you to prevent frequency and power throttling when overclocking. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Turbo Mode [Enabled] This item allows you to enable your core processor's speed to run ...
User Guide
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...the current threshold. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] CPU Integrated VR Fault Management [Auto] Disable this item when overclocking. Configuration options: [Auto] [LEVEL -4] - [LEVEL 4] Power Current Offset [Auto] This item allows you to protect the...manual override mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Fast] Power Current Slope [Auto] This item allows you to enhance the power saving condition or the system overclocking capabiltity. Configuration options: [Auto] [100%] [87.5%] [75.0%] [62.5%] [50.0%] [37.5%] [25.0%] [12.5%] [0%] [-12.5%] [-25.0%] [-37.5%] ...
...the current threshold. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] CPU Integrated VR Fault Management [Auto] Disable this item when overclocking. Configuration options: [Auto] [LEVEL -4] - [LEVEL 4] Power Current Offset [Auto] This item allows you to protect the...manual override mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Fast] Power Current Slope [Auto] This item allows you to enhance the power saving condition or the system overclocking capabiltity. Configuration options: [Auto] [100%] [87.5%] [75.0%] [62.5%] [50.0%] [37.5%] [25.0%] [12.5%] [0%] [-12.5%] [-25.0%] [-37.5%] ...
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... [Offset Mode] The following item appears only when you can only enable this item when the onboard OC_CPU jumper is set to enlarge the overclocking potential. ASUS Z97-AR 2-29 Higher value provides better power-saving condition.Use or key to 1.920 V with a 0.001 V interval. Refer to section 1.6... Jumpers of this item, you set the CPU Core Voltage to [Manual]. When you enable this user guide for overclocking. CPU Core Voltage Override [Auto...
... [Offset Mode] The following item appears only when you can only enable this item when the onboard OC_CPU jumper is set to enlarge the overclocking potential. ASUS Z97-AR 2-29 Higher value provides better power-saving condition.Use or key to 1.920 V with a 0.001 V interval. Refer to section 1.6... Jumpers of this item, you set the CPU Core Voltage to [Manual]. When you enable this user guide for overclocking. CPU Core Voltage Override [Auto...