Asus Computer Hardware GRYPHON Z87 User Manual

GRYPHON Z87  
Contents  
iii  
iv  
Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®....................................5-8  
v
Safety information  
Electrical safety  
To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet  
before relocating the system.  
When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables  
for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible,  
disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.  
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all  
power cables are unplugged.  
Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices  
could interrupt the grounding circuit.  
Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not  
sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power  
company.  
If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service  
technician or your retailer.  
Operation safety  
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals  
that came with the package.  
Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power  
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.  
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,  
slots, sockets and circuitry.  
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area  
where it may become wet.  
Place the product on a stable surface.  
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service  
technician or your retailer.  
vi  
 
About this guide  
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the  
motherboard.  
How this guide is organized  
This guide contains the following parts:  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it  
supports. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the  
motherboard.  
Chapter 2: Basic installation  
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when  
installing system components.  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.  
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.  
Chapter 4: Software support  
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the  
motherboard package and the software.  
Chapter 5: RAID support  
This chapter describes the RAID configurations.  
Where to find more information  
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software  
updates.  
1.  
2.  
ASUS websites  
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software  
products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.  
Optional documentation  
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers,  
that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the  
standard package.  
vii  
 
Conventions used in this guide  
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used  
throughout this manual.  
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to  
complete a task.  
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to  
complete a task  
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.  
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.  
Typography  
Bold text  
Italics  
Indicates a menu or an item to select.  
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.  
<Key>  
Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign  
means that you must press the enclosed key.  
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or  
Return key.  
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key  
names are linked with a plus sign (+).  
viii  
GRYPHON Z87 specifications summary  
CPU  
LGA1150 socket for 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i7/ i5/ i3/  
Pentium®/ Celeron® processors  
Supports 22nm CPU  
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*  
*
The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU  
types.  
Chipset  
Memory  
Intel® Z87 Express Chipset  
4 x DIMM, max. 32GB, DDR3 1866 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz,  
non-ECC, un-buffered memory  
Dual channel memory architecture  
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)  
*
Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of  
individual CPUs. Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List)  
for details.  
Expansion slots  
2 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (single at x16 or dual at x8/x8  
mode)  
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (max. at x4 mode, compatible with  
PCIe x1 and x4 devices)  
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot  
VGA  
Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel® HD Graphics support  
Multi-VGA output support: DVI/HDMI port  
Supports HDMI with max. resolution of 4096 x 2160 @24Hz / 2560  
x 1600 @60Hz  
Supports DVI with max. resolution of 1920 x 1200 @60Hz  
Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D, Intel® Quick Sync Video, Intel® Clear  
Video HD Technology and Intel® Insider™  
Supports up to two displays simultaneously  
Maximum shared memory 1024MB  
Multi-GPU support  
Supports NVIDIA® Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology  
Supports AMD® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology  
LAN  
Intel® I217V Gigabit LAN controller  
Intel® Z87 Express Chipset  
Storage  
-
6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (brown) with RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10  
support  
-
Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start  
Technology, Intel® Smart Connect Technology*  
*
These functions will work depending on the CPU installed.  
** These SATA ports are for data hard drives only. ATAPI devices are not  
supported.  
(continued on the next page)  
ix  
 
GRYPHON Z87 specifications summary  
Audio  
Realtek® ALC892 8-channel high definition audio CODEC  
-
-
-
Absolute pitch 192khz/24bit true BD lossless sound  
BD audio layer content protection  
Supports jack-detection, multi-streaming and front panel jack-  
retasking  
-
Optical S/PDIF out ports at rear I/O  
Intel® Z87 Express Chipset - supports ASUS USB 3.0  
Boost UASP Mode.*  
USB  
-
6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (2 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at rear  
panel)  
-
8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at rear  
panel)  
*
The USB 3.0 ports only support Windows® 7 or later version. UASP  
standard only supports Windows® 8.  
Exclusive TUF Features  
“Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solution  
TUF Thermal Radar 2  
-
“TUF ENGINE” Power Design  
-
8+2 Digital Phase Power Design  
-
TUF Components (Choke, Ti-Cap & MOSFET; certified by  
military-standard)  
-
ASUS DIGI+ Power Control Utility  
“SAFE & Stable!” Guardian Angel  
-
-
-
ESD Guards  
MemOK!  
Anti-surge  
Rear Panel I/O Ports  
1 x DVI-D port  
1 x HDMI port  
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port  
1 x LAN (RJ45) port  
4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, 1 supports USB BIOS Flashback)  
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
8-channel Audio I/O ports  
(continued on the next page)  
x
GRYPHON Z87 specifications summary  
Other Special Features  
-
USB 3.0 Boost featuring speedy USB 3.0 transmission  
-
USB BIOS Flashback with USB BIOS Flashback Wizard for EZ  
BIOS download scheduling  
-
-
USB Charger+ featuring quick-charging function for all smart  
devices  
ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user  
interface  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
AI Suite 3  
ASUS Q-Connector  
ASUS Q-Shield  
ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)  
ASUS Q-Slot  
ASUS Q-DIMM  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3  
EZ Update  
Disk Unlocker  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
ASUS MyLogo 2  
Multi-language BIOS  
Internal I/O connectors  
1 x 19-pin USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB ports  
(moss green)  
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (brown)  
1 x 4-pin CPU Fan connector (black)  
1 x 4-pin CPU Optional Fan connector (black)  
4 x 4-pin Chassis Fan connectors (black)  
1 x 3-pin Assistant Fan connector (white)  
1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)  
1 x S/PDIF out header  
1 x Thunderbolt header  
24-pin EATX Power connector  
8-pin EATX 12V Power connector  
1 x System Panel (Q-Connector)  
1 x USB BIOS Flashback button  
1 x MemOK! button  
1 x Clear CMOS jumper  
1 x DirectKey button  
1 x DRCT(DirectKey) header  
3 x Thermal Sensor connectors  
1 x TPM header  
(continued on the next page)  
xi  
GRYPHON Z87 specifications summary  
BIOS features  
64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.7, WfM2.0, SM  
BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2,  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modified  
log, F12 PrintScreen, F3 Shortcut functions, and ASUS DRAM SPD  
(Serial Presence Detect) memory information  
Manageability  
WfM 2.0, DMI 2.7, WOL by PME, PXE  
Support DVD contents  
Drivers  
Anti-virus software (OEM version)  
Network iControl  
ASUS Utilities  
Form factor  
uATX form factor: 9.6 in. x 9.6 in. (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm)  
Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
xii  
Package contents  
Check your motherboard package for the following items  
User Manual  
Technical documentations,  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87 motherboard  
Support DVD  
certification and warranty card  
4 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables  
1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector  
1 x ASUS Q-Shield  
1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit  
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.  
The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specifications may  
vary with different models.  
xiii  
 
Installation tools and components  
1 bag of screws  
Philips (cross) screwdriver  
PC chassis  
Power supply unit  
Intel® LGA1150 CPU  
Intel® LGA1150 compatible CPU Fan  
DIMM  
SATA hard disk drive  
SATA optical disc drive (optional)  
Graphics card (optional)  
The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.  
xiv  
 
Chapter 1:  
Product Introduction  
Product introduction  
1
1.1  
Special features  
1.1.1  
Product highlights  
LGA1150 socket for 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i7/ i5/ i3/ Pentium®/ Celeron®  
processors  
This motherboard supports 4th generation Intel® Core™ i7/ i5/i3/ Pentium®/ Celeron®  
processors in the LGA1150 package. It provides great graphics and system performance with  
its GPU, dual-channel DDR3 memory slots and PCI Express 2.0/3.0 expansion slots.  
Intel® Z87 Express Chipset  
Intel® Z87 Express Chipset is a single chipset that supports the LGA1150 socket for 4th  
generation Intel® Core™ i7/ i5/ i3/ Pentium®/ Celeron® processors. It utilizes the serial point-  
to-point links, which increases bandwidth and enhances the system’s performance. It natively  
supports up to six USB 3.0 ports for up to ten times faster transfer rate than USB 2.0 and  
enables the iGPU function for Intel® integrated graphics performance.  
PCI Express® 3.0  
PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the PCI Express bus standard that provides twice the  
performance and speed of PCIe 2.0. It provides an optimal graphics performance,  
unprecedented data speed and seamless transition with its complete backward compatibility  
to PCIe 1.0/2.0 devices.  
Dual-Channel DDR3 1866 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz Support  
The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates  
of DDR3 1866 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz to boost the system’s performance, and to meet the  
higher bandwidth requirements of 3D graphics, multimedia and Internet applications.  
Quad-GPU SLI and Quad GPU CrossFireX™ Support  
This motherboard features the most powerful Intel® Z87 platform that optimizes PCIe  
allocation in multi-GPU SLI and CrossFireX™ solution, giving you a brand-new gaming  
enjoyment.  
1-1  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
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 space) as a cache for  
frequently accessed data or applications. It combines SSD performance and hard drive  
capacity, operating up to six times faster than a hard-drive-only system to boost the system’s  
overall performance.  
*
4th Generation Intel® Core™ processors family support Intel® Smart Response Technology.  
** An operating system must be installed on the HDD to launch Intel® Smart Response Technology.  
*** The SSD is reserved for caching function.  
Intel® Smart Connect Technology  
Your computer can receive fresh updates for selected applications, even when the system  
is in sleep mode. This means less time waiting for applications to update and sync with the  
cloud, leading to a more efficient computing experience.  
Intel® Rapid Start Technology  
Intel® Rapid Start Technology allows your system to receive updates for your web  
applications in real-time even when your system is in sleep mode, saving wait time and  
power usage.  
Complete USB 3.0 integration  
This motherboard offers you the strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear  
panels, allowing you to experience the convenience of the latest plug and play connectivity  
solution of speed up to ten times faster than USB 2.0.  
1.1.2  
“Ultimate COOL” Thermal Solutions  
Thermal Radar 2  
Thermal Radar 2 offers multiple sensors for intelligent thermal control. It allows you to adjust  
fan speeds for optimized cooling, and provides CPU and GPU benchmarks for system health  
monitoring. It also features a dedicated digital voltage regulators for manual and automatic  
tune up of CPU, iGPU, and memory voltage settings.  
1.1.3  
“TUF Engine” Power Design  
Digital Power Control  
ASUS DIGI+ Power Control features the revolutionary and innovative digital VRM, DRAM,  
and CPU Voltage controllers. These controllers offers ultra-precise memory and voltage  
tuning for optimal system efficiency, stability and performance.  
TUF Components (Choke, Cap. & MOSFET; certified by military-standard)  
This motherboard provides rugged performance even in the most challenging conditions  
with its robust TUF chokes, solid capacitors, and MOSFETs, which are certified through a  
third-party, military-grade testing. TUF Chokes or Alloy Choke is made up of a compound  
of various metals instead of the standard iron, which supports up to 40A rated current,  
25% higher than the standard chokes. The TUF Chokes are packaged in a single piece,  
eliminating the emission of vibration noise, delivering superb characteristics, and durability  
under extreme conditions.  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
1.1.4  
“Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel  
ESD Guards  
ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Guards provides protection against electrostatic discharges,  
which can damage the motherboard’s components. The ASUS exclusive Anti-Static chip  
and circuit design, and the I/O shield provide four times better protection and ensure the  
motherboard’s lifespan.  
MemOK!  
MemOK!, the remarkable memory rescue tool, allows you to simply press a button to  
patch memory issues, ensure memory boot compatibility, determine fail-safe settings, and  
dramatically improve the system’s bootup.  
1.1.5  
ASUS EZ DIY  
ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)  
ASUS UEFI BIOS, a UEFI compliant architecture, offers the first mouse-controlled intuitive  
graphical BIOS interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls,  
providing you with more flexibility, convenience, and easy to navigate UEFI BIOS than the  
traditional BIOS versions. It offers you with dual selectable modes and native support for hard  
drives larger than 2.2 TB.  
ASUS UEFI BIOS includes the following new features:  
New My Favorite function allows you to quickly access the frequently used items  
New Quick Note function allows you to take notes in the BIOS environment  
New log reminder allows you to view all your modified settings  
F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey  
F3 Shortcut for most accessed information  
ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) information detecting faulty DIMMs, and  
helping with difficult POST situations.  
ASUS Q-Design  
ASUS Q-Design enhances your DIY experience. All of Q-Slot and Q-Shield design speed up  
and simplify the DIY process.  
ASUS Q-shield  
ASUS Q-Shield’s special design makes it convenient and easy to install on your  
motherboard. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard against  
static electricity and shields it against EMI (Electronic Magnetic Interference).  
ASUS Q-connector  
ASUS Q-Connector is a unique adapter that allows you to easily connect or disconnect the  
chassis front panel cables to one module, eliminating the hassle of plugging one cable at a  
time and making the connection quick and accurate.  
1-3  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
DirectKey  
DirectKey allows you to conveniently go into the BIOS setup with the press of a button. With  
this feature, you can enter the BIOS anytime without having to press the <Del> key during  
POST. It also allows you to shut down or turn on your computer and directly enter the BIOS  
during boot-up.  
1.1.6  
ASUS Exclusive Features  
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 up to 170% faster than the  
already impressive USB 3.0 transfer speed. It automatically accelerates data speeds for  
compatible USB 3.0 peripherals without the need for any user interaction.  
USB Charger+  
With a dedicated onboard controller, quick-charge all your smart devices such as  
smartphones, tablets and more, all up to three times faster, even when the system is  
powered off, in sleep or hibernation mode.  
USB BIOS Flashback  
USB BIOS Flashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for your ultimate convenience.  
Install a USB storage device containing the BIOS file, press the USB BIOS Flashback button  
for about three seconds, and the UEFI BIOS is automatically updated even without entering  
the existing BIOS or operating system. It also allows you to regularly check for UEFI BIOS  
updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically.  
AI Suite 3  
With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite 3 consolidates all the exclusive ASUS features  
into one simple-to-use software package. It allows you to supervise energy management, fan  
speed control, voltage and sensor readings. This all-in-one software offers diverse and ease  
to use functions, with no need to switch back and forth between different utilities.  
1.1.7  
Other special features  
HDMI Support  
High Definition Multimedia Surface (HDMI) is a set of digital video standards that delivers  
mulit-channel audio and uncompressed digital video up to 4K/2K resolution visuals through  
a single cable. Supporting HDCP copy protection such as HD DVD and blu-ray discs, HDMI  
provides you with the highest quality home theater experience.  
ErP Ready  
The motherboard is European Union’s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP requires  
products to meet certain energy efficiency requirement in regards to energy consumptions.  
This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-efficient products  
through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the product and thus  
mitigate environmental impacts.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
1.2  
Motherboard overview  
Before you proceed  
1.2.1  
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change  
any motherboard settings.  
Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.  
Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded  
object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due  
to static electricity.  
Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.  
Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the  
bag that came with the component.  
Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is  
switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so  
may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.  
1-5  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
1.2.2  
Motherboard layout  
Refer to 1.2.9 Internal connectors and 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection for more information  
about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.  
1-6  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
Layout contents  
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots  
Page  
1-33  
1-31  
1.  
2.  
ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)  
CPU, CPU optional, chassis, and assistant fan connectors (4-pin CPU_  
FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-4; 3-pin ASST_FAN)  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
7.  
8.  
9.  
LGA1150 CPU socket  
1-8  
DDR3 DIMM slots  
1-9  
MemOK! button  
1-24  
1-29  
1-28  
1-34  
1-35  
1-25  
2-11  
1-32  
USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12)  
Intel® Z87 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [brown])  
System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)  
DirectKey Connector (2-pin DRCT)  
10. DirectKey button  
11. USB BIOS Flashback button  
12. Thermal Sensor connectors (2-pin T_SENSOR1; T_SENSOR2;T_  
SENSOR3)  
13. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112; USB1314)  
14. Standby Power LED  
1-30  
1-27  
1-35  
1-26  
1-32  
1-29  
15. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)  
16. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)  
17. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)  
18. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)  
1-7  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
1.2.3  
Central Processing Unit (CPU)  
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1150 socket designed for the 4th  
Generation Intel® Core™ i7 / Intel® Core™ i5 / Intel® Core™ i3, Pentium® and Celeron®  
processors.  
Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.  
Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1150 only. DO NOT install a  
CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1150 socket.  
Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and  
the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap  
is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard  
components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/  
transit-related.  
Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise  
Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the  
LGA1150 socket.  
The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from  
incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP  
cap.  
1-8  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
1.2.4  
System memory  
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules  
(DIMM) slots.  
A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module. DO NOT install a DDR  
or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot.  
Recommended memory configurations  
1-9  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
Memory configurations  
You may install 2GB, 4GB and 8GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM  
sockets.  
You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps  
the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess  
memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.  
According to Intel® CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect  
the CPU.  
Memory modules with memory frequency higher than 2133MHz and their  
corresponding timing or the loaded XMP profile is not the JEDEC memory standard.  
The stability and compatibility of the memory modules depend on the CPU’s  
capabilities and other installed devices.  
Always install the DIMMS with the same CAS Latency. For an optimum compatibility,  
we recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or data code (D/  
C) from the same vendor. Check with the vendor to get the correct memory modules.  
Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows® OS, when you install 4GB  
or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be  
about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the  
following:  
a) Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows® OS.  
b) Install a 64-bit Windows® OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the  
motherboard.  
c) For more details, refer to the Microsoft® support site at http://support.microsoft.  
com/kb/929605/en-us.  
This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less  
(Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1 Megabyte/MB).  
The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect  
(SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.  
Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a  
lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked  
or at a higher frequency, refer to section 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory  
frequency adjustment.  
For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full  
memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.  
1-10  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
GRYPHON Z87 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR3 2800(O.C.) MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip  
NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM socket  
support (Optional)  
1
2
4
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
APACER  
APACER  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
F3-2800C11Q-16GTXD(XMP)  
F3-2800C12Q-32GTXD(XMP)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
32GB (4x8GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
11-13-13-35  
12-13-13-35  
12-14-14-35  
12-14-14-35  
12-14-14-35  
11-14-14-35  
12-14-14-36  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
F3-2800C12Q-32GTXDG(XMP) 32GB (4x8GB)  
78.BAGH5.AFD0C  
8GB (2x4GB)  
16GB (2x8GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
78.CAGH6.AFD0C  
CMD16GX3M4A2800C11  
CMD16GX3M4A2800C12  
DDR3 2666(O.C.) MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/ Chip  
Chip Timing  
Voltage DIMM socket  
support (Optional)  
DS  
Brand NO.  
1
2
4
APACER  
APACER  
78.BAGFF.AFC0C  
78.CAGFF.AFD0C  
16GB (4x4GB)  
32GB (4x8GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
32GB (4x8GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
16GB (2x8GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12-13-13-35  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
12-13-13-35  
11-13-13-35  
11-13-13-35  
10-12-12-31  
11-13-13-35  
11-13-13-35  
11-13-13-35  
9-11-9-27  
CORSAIR CMD16GX3M4A2666C11  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
F3-2666C11Q-16GTXD(XMP)  
F3-2666C10Q-16GTXD(XMP)  
GOC332GB2666C11QC(XMP)  
TXD34G2666HC11CBK  
TEAM  
TEAM  
TXD38G2666HC11CBK  
G.SKILL  
F3-2666CL10Q-16GBZHD(XMP)  
DDR3 2600(O.C.) MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip  
NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM socket  
support  
(Optional)  
1
2
4
ADATA  
AX3U2600GW8G11-DG2  
16GB (2x4GB)  
DS  
-
-
11-13-13-35  
1.65V  
DDR3 2500(O.C.) MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip  
NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM socket  
support  
(Optional)  
1
2
4
G.SKILL  
F3-20000CL10Q-16GBZHD(XMP)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
DS  
-
-
10-11-11-31  
1.65  
1-11  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
DDR3 2400(O.C.) MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip Chip  
Brand NO.  
Timing  
Voltage DIMM socket  
support (Optional)  
1
2
4
A-DATA  
Apacer  
AX3U2400GC4G10(XMP)  
78.BAGFL.AFD0C(XMP)  
783BAGF3.AFD0C(XMP)  
CMGTX8(XMP)  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10-12-12-31  
11-12-12-30  
11-11-11-30  
10-12-10-30  
10-12-12-31  
1.65  
-
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB (4x2GB)  
16GB (2x8GB)  
Apacer  
-
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
1.65  
1.65  
CMZ16GX3M2A2400C10  
(Ver4.21)  
CORSAIR  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
CMZ16GX3M4A2400C9R  
(Ver4.13)(XMP)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
32GB (4x8GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
4G (2x2GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2400 9-11-11-31  
10-12-12-31  
11-11-11-31  
11-11-11-31  
9-11-9-28  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
F3-19200CL10Q-  
32GBZHD(XMP)  
F3-19200CL11Q-  
16GBZHD(XMP)  
F3-19200CL11Q-  
16GBZHD(XMP)  
F3-19200CL9D-  
4GBPIS(XMP)  
F3-19200CL9Q-  
16GBZMD(XMP)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
8GB (4x2GB)  
9-11-11-31  
GOC316GB2400  
C10QC(XMP)  
10-11-11-30  
11-11-11-30  
11-13-11-30  
GEIL  
GOC316GB2400  
C11QC(XMP)  
Kingston  
KHX2400C11D3  
K4/8GX(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX24C11K4/16X(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX24C11T2K2/8X(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX24C11T3K4/32X(XMP)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
32GB (4x8GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
11-13-13-30  
-
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.66  
1.65  
9-9-9-24  
9-11-9-27  
11-11-11-30  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Team  
PVV34G2400C 9K(XMP)  
PXD38G2400C 11K(XMP)  
PXD38G2400C 11K(XMP)  
2400 11-11-11-30 1.65  
TXD38G2400HC  
10QBK(XMP)  
10-12-12-31  
1.65  
DDR3 2200(O.C.) MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip  
NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM socket  
support  
(Optional)  
1
2
4
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
F3-17600CL7D-4GBFLS(XMP)  
GET34GB2200C9DC(XMP)  
GET38GB2200C9ADC(XMP)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
7-10-10-28  
9-10-9-28  
9-11-9-28  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
GEIL  
1-12  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
DDR3 2133(O.C.) MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip Chip Timing  
Brand NO.  
Voltage  
DIMM socket  
support  
(Optional)  
1
2
4
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
Apacer  
AX3U2133XC4G10(XMP)  
AX3U2133XW8G10(XMP)  
78.BAGE4.AFD0C(XMP)  
AHU04GFB33CAQ3R(XMP)  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10-11-11-30  
10-11-11-30  
9-9-9-24  
1.65  
1.65  
-
8GB  
8GB (2x4GB)  
4GB  
Apacer  
11-13-13-31  
9-11-10-27  
-
CORSAIR  
CMD8GX3M2A2133C9  
(Ver1.5)(XMP)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
1.5  
CORSAIR  
CMT4GX3M2B2133C9(Ver  
7.1)(XMP)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
DS  
-
-
9-10-9-27  
1.5  
CORSAIR  
G.SKILL  
CMT4GX3M2B2133C9(XMP)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
64GB (8x8GB)  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
9-10-9-27  
1.5  
1.5  
F3-17000CL11Q2-  
64GBZLD(XMP)  
11-11-11-30  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
F3-17000CL9Q-  
16GBXLD(XMP)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-11-9-28  
9-11-10-28  
9-9-9-24  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
F3-17000CL9Q-  
16GBZH(XMP)  
F3-17066CL9D-  
8GBPID(XMP)  
F3-17066CL9Q-  
16GBTDD(XMP)  
9-9-9-24  
G.SKILL  
F3-2133C11Q-32GZL(XMP)  
32GB (4x8GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
11-11-11-31  
11-12-11-30  
1.5  
KINGSTON  
KHX2133C11D3K4/  
16GX(XMP)  
1.65  
KINGSTON  
KHX2133C11D3T1K2/  
16GX(XMP)  
16GB (2x8GB)  
DS  
-
-
9-9-9-24  
1.6  
KINGSTON  
OCZ  
KHX21C11T3FK8/64X(XMP)  
OCZ3XTEP2133C 9LV4GK  
PV316G213C1K (XMP)  
64GB (8x8GB)  
2GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
7-7-7-20  
1.65  
1.5  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Team  
16GB (2x8GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
11-11-11-30  
9-11-9-27  
PVV34G2133C9 K(XMP)  
PXD38G2133C1 1K(XMP)  
PXD38G2133C11 K(XMP)  
1.66  
1.65  
1.5  
9-9-9-24  
2133 11-11-11-27  
11-11-11-31  
11-11-11-31  
TLD38G2133HC11A BK(XMP) 8GB  
1.65  
1.65  
Team  
TXD34096M2133HC11A-  
V(XMP)  
4GB  
1-13  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
DDR3 2000(O.C.) MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage DIMM socket  
support  
(Optional)  
1
2
4
AEXEA  
AEXEA  
Apacer  
Asint  
AXA3ES2G2000LG28V(XMP)  
AXA3ES4GK2000LG28V(XMP)  
78.AAGD5.9KD(XMP)  
2GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
1.65  
4GB (2x2GB)  
6GB (3x2GB)  
4GB  
-
-
1.65  
-
9-9-9-27  
9-9-9-27  
-
-
SLA302G08-ML2HB(XMP)  
Hynix  
H5TQ2G83BF  
RH9C  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
F3-16000CL9D-4GBRH(XMP)  
F3-16000CL9D-4GBTD(XMP)  
GUP34GB2000C9DC(XMP)  
PV736G2000ELK(XMP)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
6GB (3x2GB)  
12GB (3x4GB)  
2GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-28  
7-7-7-20  
9-11-9-27  
-
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
-
Patriot  
Patriot  
PX7312G2000ELK(XMP)  
SP002GBLYU200S02(XMP)  
Silicon  
Power  
Team  
Team  
Team  
TXD32048M2000C9(XMP)  
TXD32048M2000C9-L(XMP)  
TXD32048M2000C9-L(XMP)  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
Team  
Team  
Team  
T3D1288RT-20 9-9-9-24  
T3D1288LT-20 9-9-9-24  
1.5  
1.5  
1.6  
T3D1288RT-20 9-9-9-24  
DDR3 1866(O.C.) MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip Timing  
NO.  
Voltage DIMM socket  
support  
(Optional)  
1
2
4
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CMD16GX3M2A1866C9  
(Ver5.29)(XMP)  
16GB (2x8GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
32GB (4x8GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
32GB (4x8GB)  
32GB (4x8GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1866 9-9-9-27  
9-10-9-27  
9-10-9-27  
-
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
CMD16GX3M4A1866C9  
(Ver4.13)(XMP)  
CMD16GX3M4A1866C9  
(Ver8.16)(XMP)  
CMD8GX3M2A1866C9  
(Ver4.13)(XMP)  
CMD8GX3M2A1866C9  
(Ver5.12)(XMP)  
9-10-9-27  
9-10-9-27  
9-10-9-27  
9-10-9-27  
9-10-9-27  
10-11-10-27  
10-11-10-27  
9-10-9-27  
CMD8GX3M2A1866C9  
(Ver8.16)(XMP)  
CMT32GX3M4X1866C9(Ver3  
.23)(XMP)  
CMZ16GX3M4X1866C9R  
(Ver8.16)(XMP)  
CMZ16GX3M4X1866C9R(Ver  
8.16)(XMP)  
CMZ32GX3M4X1866C10  
(Ver3.23)(XMP)  
CMZ32GX3M4X1866C10(Ver  
3.23)(XMP)  
CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9  
(Ver8.16)(XMP)  
(continued on the next page)  
1-14  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
DDR3 1866(O.C.) MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip Timing  
NO.  
Voltage DIMM socket  
support  
(Optional)  
1
2
4
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9(XMP)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
9-10-9-27  
1.5  
1.5  
CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9G  
(Ver5.12)(XMP)  
1866 9-10-9-27  
Crucial  
BLE4G3D1869DE1XT0.16F  
MD(XMP)  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
9-9-9-27  
1.5  
1.5  
G.SKILL  
F3-14900CL10Q2-  
64GBZLD(XMP)  
64GB (8x8GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
10-11-10-30  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
KINGSTON  
Patriot  
F3-14900CL9D-8GBSR(XMP)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-10-9-28  
9-10-9-28  
9-10-9-28  
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
F3-14900CL9Q-16GBXL(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB)  
F3-14900CL9Q-16GBZL(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB)  
F3-14900CL9Q-8GBFLD(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB)  
1.5  
1.5  
1.6  
F3-1866C9Q-32GXM(XMP)  
KHX1866C9D3K2/8GX(XMP)  
PXD34G1866ELK(XMP)  
PXD38G1866ELK(XMP)  
PXD38G1866ELK(XMP)  
PXD38G1866ELK(XMP)  
TLD34G1866HC9KBK(XMP)  
TLD38G1866HC10SBK(XMP)  
32GB (4x8GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
4GB  
9-10-9-28  
-
1.5  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.5  
9-9-9-24  
Patriot  
9-11-9-27  
9-11-9-27  
1866 9-10-9-27  
9-11-9-27  
10-11-10-30  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Team  
1.5  
Team  
8GB  
1.5  
DDR3 1800(O.C.) MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/ Chip  
Chip  
NO.  
Timing  
Voltage DIMM socket  
support  
DS  
Brand  
(Optional)  
1
2
4
G. SKILL  
F3-14400CL9D-4GBRL(XMP)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
DS  
9-9-9-24  
1.6  
DDR3 1600 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM socket  
support (Optional)  
1
2
4
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
AMD  
AD3U1600C2G11  
AD3U1600C4G11  
AD3U1600W4G11  
AD3U1600W8G11  
AE32G1609U1-U  
AE34G1609U2-U  
2GB  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
MICRON  
MICRON  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
AMD  
D9PFJ  
11-11-11-28  
11-11-11-28  
11-11-11-28  
11-11-11-28  
-
-
4GB  
D9PFJ  
-
4GB  
3WCD-1211A  
3WCD-1211A  
23EY4587MB6H  
23EY4587MB6H  
-
-
8GB  
-
2GB  
1.5  
1.5  
1.65  
AMD  
4GB  
AMD  
-
AMD  
AP38G1608U  
2K(XMP)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
-
9-9-9-28  
Apacer  
Apacer  
78.B1GE3.9L10C  
78.B1GET.9K00C  
4GB  
4GB  
DS  
SS  
Apacer  
Apacer  
AM5D5908DEQSCK  
-
1.65  
-
AM5D6008BQQSCK 11-11-11-28  
(continued on the next page)  
1-15  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
DDR3 1600 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM socket  
support  
(Optional)  
1
2
4
Apacer  
78.C1GET.9K10C  
8GB  
DS  
Apacer  
AM5D6008 11-11-  
-
BQQSCK  
11-31  
Apacer  
Apacer  
AHU04GFA60C9Q1D(XMP)  
AHU04GFA60C9Q3R(XMP)  
4GB  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
9-9-9-27  
1.65  
-
11-11-  
11-28  
Apacer  
Asint  
AHU08GFA60CBT3R(XMP)  
SLA302G08-EGG1C(XMP)  
8GB  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
-
-
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-27  
-
-
Asint  
302G08-  
GG1C  
Asint  
SLA302G08-EGJ1C(XMP)  
SLA302G08-EGN1C  
SLB304G08-EGN1B  
SLZ302G08-EGN1C  
SLZ3128M8-EGJ1D(XMP)  
AQ12M64B8BKK0S  
4GB  
4GB  
8GB  
2GB  
2GB  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
Asint  
302G08-  
GJ1C  
9-9-9-27  
-
Asint  
ASint  
302G08-  
GN1C  
-
-
Asint  
ASint  
304G08-  
GN1B  
-
-
Asint  
ASint  
302G08-  
GN1C  
-
-
Asint  
Asint  
3128M8-  
GJ1D  
-
-
ATP  
SAMSUNG  
K4B2G  
08460  
-
NO  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.65  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
Crucial  
CMD16GX3M2A1600C9  
(Ver8.21)(XMP)  
16GB  
(2x8GB)  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-9-9-24  
CMD8GX3M2A1600C8  
(Ver5.12)(XMP)  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
1600  
8-8-8-24  
CMD8GX3M2A1600C9  
(Ver2.12)(XMP)  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
9-9-9-24  
CMG4GX3M2A1600C6  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
6-6-6-18  
CML16GX3M4X1600C8(Ver  
2.12)(XMP)  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
Heat-Sink 1.5  
Package  
CMP6GX3M3A1600C8(XMP)  
CMP6GX3M3A1600C8(XMP)  
CMX6GX3M3C1600C7(XMP)  
6GB  
(3x2GB)  
8-8-8-24  
8-8-8-24  
7-8-7-20  
9-9-9-24  
1.65  
6GB  
(3x2GB)  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.5  
6GB  
(3x2GB)  
CMX8GX3M2A1600C9  
(Ver3.19)(XMP)  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
CMZ16GX3M2A1600C10  
(Ver.3.24)(XMP)  
16GB  
(2x8GB)  
10-10-  
10-27  
CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9(XMP)  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
CMZ32GX3M4X1600C10  
(Ver2.2)(XMP)  
32GB  
(4x8GB)  
10-10-  
10-27  
1.5  
CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8(XMP)  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
8-8-8-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
8-8-8-24  
8-8-8-24  
1.5  
CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9(XMP)  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
1.5  
CMZ8GX3M4X1600C9(Ver  
2.12)(XMP)  
8GB  
(4x2GB)  
1.5  
HX3X12G1600C9(XMP)  
12GB  
(6x2GB)  
1.6  
BL12864BN1608 .8FF(XMP)  
2GB  
(2x1GB)  
1.65  
1.5  
Crucial  
BLT4G3D1608DT1TX0.16F  
M(XMP)  
4GB  
(continued on the next page)  
1-16  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
DDR3 1600 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM socket  
support (Optional)  
1
2
4
EK Memory  
EK Memory  
Elixir  
EKM324L28BP8-  
I16(XMP)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
9
9
-
EKM324L28BP8-  
I16(XMP)  
-
-
M2X2G64CB88 G7N- 2GB  
DG(XMP)  
Elixir  
N2CB2G80GN- 9-9-9-28  
DG  
-
Elixir  
M2X4G64CB8HG  
5N-DG(XMP)  
4GB  
Elixir  
N2CB2G80GN- 9-9-9-28  
DG  
-
Elixir  
M2X8G64CB8HB  
5N-DG(XMP)  
8GB  
Elixir  
N2CB4G80BN- 9-9-9-28  
DG  
1.5  
1.6  
1.6  
1.35  
1.5  
1.25  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.6  
1.6  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.Skill  
F3-12800CL7D-  
8GBRH(XMP)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
32GB (4x8GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7-8-7-24  
7-8-7-24  
8-8-8-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
-
F3-12800CL7Q-  
16GBXH(XMP)  
F3-12800CL8D-  
8GBECO(XMP)  
F3-12800CL9D-  
8GBRL(XMP)  
F3-12800CL9D-  
8GBSR2(XMP)  
F3-12800CL9Q-  
16GBXL(XMP)  
F3-12800CL9Q-  
16GBZL(XMP)  
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
F3-1600C9Q-  
32GXM(XMP)  
GET316GB160  
0C9QC(XMP)  
9-9-9-28  
7-7-7-24  
GEIL  
GUP34GB160  
0C7DC(XMP)  
GoodRam  
KINGMAX  
GR1600D364L9/2G  
2GB  
2GB  
DS  
SS  
GoodRam  
KINGMAX  
GF1008KC-JN  
N/A  
-
-
-
FLGE85F-  
C8KL9A(XMP)  
9-9-9-28  
KINGMAX  
FLGF65F-  
C8KL9A(XMP)  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
KINGMAX  
N/A  
9-9-9-28  
-
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KHX1600C9D3K3/  
12GX(XMP)  
12GB (3x4GB)  
12GB (3x4GB)  
6GB (3x2GB)  
6GB (3x2GB)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
24GB (6x4GB)  
32GB (8x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.35  
1.5  
KHX1600C9D3K3/  
12GX(XMP)  
9
KHX1600C9D3K3/  
6GX(XMP)  
9
KHX1600C9D3K3/  
6GX(XMP)  
9
KHX1600C9D3K4/  
16GX(XMP)  
9-9-9-24  
KHX1600C9D3K6/  
24GX(XMP)  
9
KHX1600C9D3K8/  
32GX(XMP)  
9-9-9-27  
KHX1600C9D3LK2/  
8GX(XMP)  
9-9-9-24  
KHX1600C9D3P1K2/ 8GB (2x4GB)  
8G  
9
9
9
KHX1600C9D3T  
1BK3/12GX(XMP)  
12GB (3x4GB)  
1.65  
1.65  
KHX1600C9D3T1K3/ 6GB (3x2GB)  
6GX(XMP)  
(continued on the next page)  
1-17  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
DDR3 1600 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM socket  
support (Optional)  
1
2
4
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KHX16C10B1K2/  
16X(XMP)  
16GB  
(2x8GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
KHX16C9K2/16  
KHX16C9P1K2/16  
KVR16N11/4  
16GB  
(2x8GB)  
1333-9-  
9-9-24  
16GB  
(2x8GB)  
-
4G  
DS  
DS  
DS  
Hynix  
H5TQ2G83CFRPBC  
-
-
-
1.5  
-
KINGTIGER KTG2G1600PG3(XMP) 2GB  
-
-
MICRON  
MICRON  
MICRON  
Mushkin  
Mushkin  
OCZ  
MT16JTF1G64AZ-  
1G6D1  
8GB  
4GB  
2GB  
MICRON  
D9PBC  
1.5  
MT16KTF51264AZ-  
1G6M1  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
MICRON  
D9PFJ  
-
-
-
MT8KTF25664AZ-  
1G6M1  
MICRON  
D9PFJ  
-
996805(XMP)  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6-8-6-  
24  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.5  
998805(XMP)  
6GB  
(3x2GB)  
6-8-6-  
24  
OCZ3BE1600C8LV4GK 4GB  
(2x2GB)  
8-8-8  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
PGD316G1600E  
LK(XMP)  
16GB  
(2x8GB)  
-
PGD316G1600E  
LK(XMP)  
16GB  
(2x8GB)  
9-9-  
9-24  
PGD38G1600EL  
K(XMP)  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
9-9-9-  
24  
1.65  
1.5  
PGD38G1600E  
LK(XMP)  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
9-9-9-  
24  
PGS34G1600LLKA  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
7-7-7-  
20  
1.7  
PGS34G1600LL KA2  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
8-8-8-  
24  
1.7  
PV316G160C9Q  
KRD(XMP)  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
9-9-9-  
24  
1.5  
PV38G160C9KR  
D(XMP)  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
9-9-9-  
24  
1.5  
PVV38G1600L  
LK(XMP)  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
8-9-8-  
24  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
PX7312G1600L  
LK(XMP)  
12GB  
(3x4GB)  
8-9-8-  
24  
PXD38G1600LL  
K(XMP)  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
1600 8-  
9-8-24  
PSC  
AL9F8L93B-GN2E  
ALAF8L93B-GN2E  
SMD-4G68HP-16KZ  
SMD-4G68NG-16KK  
4GB  
8GB  
4GB  
4GB  
2GB  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
PSC  
A3P4GF3BLF  
-
-
-
-
-
PSC  
PSC  
A3P4GF3BLF  
-
SanMax  
SanMax  
Hynix  
H5TQ2G83BFRPBC  
J2108BDBG-GN-F  
20YT5NG  
1.5  
-
ELPIDA  
S-POWER  
Silicon  
Power  
SP002GBLTU16  
0V02(XMP)  
9-11-  
11-28  
1.5  
Silicon  
Power  
SP004GBLTU16  
0V02(XMP)  
4GB  
4GB  
8GB  
8GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
S-POWER  
Hynix  
20YT5NG  
9-9-9-  
24  
1.5  
1.5  
-
Team  
TXD34096M1600HC9-  
D(XMP)  
H5TC2G83BFRH9A  
TK963EBF3  
9-9-9-  
24  
Transcend  
Transcend  
JM1600KLH-  
8G(626633)  
Transcend  
SAMSUNG  
-
TS1GLK64V  
6H(620945)  
K4B4G0846B  
-
-
1-18  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
DDR3 1333 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip Brand Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage DIMM socket  
support (Optional)  
1
2
4
ACTICA  
ACTICA  
ACTICA  
ACTICA  
ACTICA  
ACTICA  
ACTICA  
ACTICA  
AMD  
ACT1GHU64B  
8F1333S  
1GB  
1GB  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
Micron  
K4B1G0846F  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
ACT1GHU72C  
8G1333S  
K4B1G0846F(ECC)  
D9KPT  
-
ACT2GHU64B  
8G1333M  
-
ACT2GHU64B  
8G1333S  
SAMSUNG  
Micron  
K4B1G0846F  
-
ACT2GHU72D  
8G1333M  
D9KPT(ECC)  
-
ACT2GHU72D8 2GB  
G1333S  
SAMSUNG  
Hynix  
K4B1G0846F(ECC)  
H5TQ2G83AFR  
H5TQ2G83AFR(ECC)  
23EY4587MB3H  
23EY4587MB3H  
-
ACT4GHU64B8 4GB  
H1333H  
-
ACT4GHU72D8 4GB  
H1333H  
Hynix  
-
AE32G1339U1- 2GB  
U
AMD  
1.5  
1.5  
AMD  
AE34G1339U2- 4GB  
U
AMD  
Apacer  
Apacer  
78.A1GC6.9L1  
2GB  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
Apacer  
Apacer  
AM5D5808FEQSBG  
AM5D5908CEHSBG  
9
9
-
-
78.B1GDE.9L  
10C  
Asint  
Asint  
ATP  
SLA302G08-  
EDJ1C  
2GB  
4GB  
4GB  
SS  
DS  
DS  
ASint  
302G08-DJ1C  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
SLZ302G08-  
EDJ1C  
ASint  
302G08-DJ1C  
AQ12M72E8B  
KH9S  
SAMSUNG  
K4B2G0846C(ECC)  
BUFFALO  
BUFFALO  
BUFFALO  
CORSAIR  
D3U1333-1G  
D3U1333-2G  
D3U1333-4G  
1GB  
2GB  
4GB  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
Elpida  
Elpida  
NANYA  
-
J1108BFBG-DJ-F  
J1108BFBG-DJ-F  
NT5CB256M8BN-CG  
N/A  
-
-
-
-
CMV4GX3M2A 4GB (2x2GB)  
1333C9  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CMV8GX3M2A 8GB (2x4GB)  
1333C9  
DS  
DS  
-
-
N/A  
-
-
CMX8GX3M1A 8GB  
1333C9  
1.5  
(Ver2.2)  
CORSAIR  
CMX8GX3M1A 8GB  
1333C9  
DS  
-
-
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
(Ver3.23)  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
EK Memory  
G.SKILL  
CMX8GX3M2  
A1333C9(XMP)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9
1.5  
1.5  
-
TW3X4G133  
3C9A  
-
-
EKM324L28B  
P8-I13  
-
-
F3-  
10600CL9D-  
4GBNT  
G.SKILL  
D3 128M8CE9 2GB  
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
G.SKILL  
F3-  
10666CL9D-  
8GBRL  
8GB (2x4GB)  
DS  
-
-
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
(continued on the next page)  
1-19  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
DDR3 1333 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip Brand Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage DIMM socket  
support (Optional)  
1
2
4
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
F3-10666CL9D-  
8GBRL  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
-
-
-
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.3  
1.3  
1.5  
1.5  
-
F3-10666CL9D-  
8GBXL  
-
9-9-9-24  
GB34GB1333C7DC 4GB (2x2GB)  
GEIL  
GL1L128M8  
8BA15FW  
7-7-7-24  
GEIL  
GET316GB1333  
C9QC  
16GB (4x4GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
4GB (2x2GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
2GB  
-
-
9-9-9-24  
GEIL  
GG34GB1333C  
9DC  
GEIL  
GL1L128M8  
8BA115FW  
9-9-9-24  
GEIL  
GG34GB1333C  
9DC  
GEIL  
GL1L128M  
88BA15B  
9-9-9-24  
GEIL  
GVP34GB1333  
C9DC  
-
-
9-9-9-24  
GEIL  
GVP38GB1333  
C9DC  
-
-
9-9-9-24  
GoodRam  
Hynix  
GR1333D364L9/  
2G  
Qimonda  
Hynix  
IDSH1G-03A  
1F1C-13H  
-
HMT125U6TFR8A- 2GB  
H9  
H5TC1G83T  
FR  
-
-
INNODISK  
INNODISK  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGTIGER  
M3UN-2GHJB C09  
M3UN-4GHJA C09  
FLFE85F-B8KL9  
FLFE85F-C8KL9  
FLFE85F-C8KL9  
FLFE85F-C8KM9  
FLFF65F-C8KL9  
FLFF65F-C8KL9  
FLFF65F-C8KM9  
2GB  
4GB  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
4GB  
4GB  
4GB  
4GB  
4GB  
8GB  
4GB  
2GB  
Hynix  
H5TQ2G83C  
FRH9C  
9-9-9-24  
-
Hynix  
H5TQ2G83C  
FRH9C  
9-9-9-24  
-
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
Kingmax  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
Kingmax  
Elpida  
ELPIDA  
ELPIDA  
ELPIDA  
KFB8FNLXL-  
BNF-15A  
-
-
KFC8FNLBF-  
GXX-12A  
-
-
KFC8FNLXF-  
DXX-15A  
-
-
KFC8FNMXF-  
BXX-15A  
-
-
KFC8FNLBF-  
GXX-12A  
-
-
KFC8FNLXF-  
DXX-15A  
-
-
KFC8FNMXF-  
BXX-15A  
-
-
KVR1333D3  
E9S/4G  
J2108ECSE-  
DJ-F  
9
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
-
KVR1333D3  
N9H/4G  
J2108BDBG-  
GN-F  
-
KVR1333D3N  
9H/8G  
J4208EASE-  
DJ-F  
9-9-9-24  
KVR13N9S8H/4  
J4208BBBG-  
GN-F  
-
-
F10DA2T1680  
KINGTIGER KTG1333P  
S1208NST-  
C9  
KINGTIGER  
Mach Xtreme  
Mach Xtreme  
KTG2G1333 PG3  
2GB  
DS  
DS  
SS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
MXD3U1333 16GQ 16GB (4x4GB)  
MXD3V1333 2GS  
2GB  
Mach  
Xtreme  
C2S46D30-  
D313  
MICRON  
MT8JTF25664AZ-  
1G4M1  
2GB  
SS  
MICRON  
D9PFJ  
-
-
(continued on the next page)  
1-20  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
DDR3 1333 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage DIMM socket  
support (Optional)  
1
2
4
OCZ  
OCZ3G1333L  
V4GK  
4GB (2x2GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
8GB (2x4GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-9-9  
9-9-9  
9-9-9  
9-9-9  
-
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.5  
OCZ  
OCZ3G1333L  
V8GK  
OCZ  
OCZ3G1333L  
V8GK  
OCZ  
OCZ3RPR1333 8GB (2x4GB)  
C9LV8GK  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
PG38G1333EL  
(XMP)  
8GB  
PGD316G1333 16GB (2x8GB)  
ELK(XMP)  
9-9-9-24  
7-7-7-20  
1.5  
PGS34G1333L  
LKA  
4GB (2x2GB)  
1.7  
Patriot  
PSD32G13332  
2GB  
2GB  
DS  
DS  
Prtriot  
PM128M8D3BU-15  
9
9
-
-
RiDATA  
C304627CB1A  
G22Fe  
RiDATA  
C304627CB1AG22Fe  
RiDATA  
E304459CB1A  
G32Cf  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
RiDATA  
E304459CB1AG32Cf  
9
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
SAMSUNG  
M378B5273CH 4GB  
0-CH9  
SAMSUNG K4B2G0846C  
-
Silicon  
Power  
SP001GBLTE  
133S01  
1GB  
NANYA  
NT5CB128M8AN-CG  
-
Silicon  
Power  
SP001GBLTU1 1GB  
33S02  
S-POWER  
NANYA  
10YT3E5  
9
Silicon  
Power  
SP002GBLTE1  
33S01  
2GB  
NT5CB128M8AN-CG  
20YT3NG  
-
Silicon  
Power  
SP002GBLTU1 2GB  
33V02  
S-POWER  
S-POWER  
Team  
9-9-9-24  
Silicon  
Power  
SP004GBLTU1 4GB  
33V02  
20YT3NG  
9-9-9-24  
Team  
TED34096M1  
333HC9  
4GB  
8GB  
8GB  
T3D2568LT-13  
TK963EBF3  
D9QBJ  
-
-
-
Transcend  
Transcend  
JM1333KLH-8  
G(623654)  
Transcend  
MICRON  
TS1GLK64V3  
H(620053)  
Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided DIMM support:  
(1) Supports one (1) module inserted into any slot as Single-channel memory  
configuration. We suggest that you install the module into A2 slot.  
(2) Supports two (2) modules inserted into either the yellow slots or the dark brown slots  
as one pair of Dual-channel memory configuration. We suggest that you install the  
modules into slots A2 and B2 for better compatibility.  
(4) Supports four (4) modules inserted into both the yellow slots and dark brown slots as  
two pairs of Dual-channel memory configuration.  
ASUS exclusively provides hyper DIMM support function.  
Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs. Load  
the X.M.P. or D.O.C.P. settings in the BIOS for the hyper DIMM support.  
Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.  
1-21  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
1.2.5  
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.  
Slot No. Slot Description  
1
2
3
4
PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot  
PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot  
PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_2 slot  
PCIe 2.0 x16_3 slot  
1-22  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
PCIe Express 3.0 operating mode  
PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_2  
VGA configuration  
x16  
Single VGA/PCIe card  
Dual VGA/PCIe card  
N/A  
x8  
(single VGA recommended)  
x8  
We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI™  
mode.  
Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1-4 when  
using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.  
IRQ assignments for this motherboard  
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Intel® LAN  
shared  
Intel® SATA Controller # 1  
Intel® SATA Controller # 2  
SMBUS Controller  
Intel® USB 2.0  
Intel® USB 3.0 # 1  
Intel® USB 3.0 # 2  
HD Audio  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
PCIEX16_1  
shared  
shared  
PCIEX16_2  
PCIEX16_3  
shared  
PCIEX1_1  
shared  
Integrated Graphic Display  
controller  
shared  
1-23  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
1.2.6  
Onboard buttons  
Onboard buttons allow you to fine-tune performance when working on a bare or open-  
case system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to  
enhance system performance.  
1.  
MemOK! button  
Installing DIMMs that are not compatible with the motherboard may cause system  
boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! switch lights continuously. Press  
and hold the MemOK! button until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic  
memory compatibility tuning for successful boot.  
Refer to section 1.2.8 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.  
The DRAM_LED also lights up when the DIMM is not properly installed. Turn off the  
system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! function.  
The MemOK! switch does not function under Windows® OS environment.  
During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. It  
takes about 30 seconds for the system to test one set of failsafe settings. If the test  
fails, the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe settings. The blinking speed  
of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes.  
Due to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each  
timing set is tested. If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning  
process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones  
recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on  
the ASUS website at www.asus.com.  
If you turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system  
continues memory tuning after turning on the computer. To stop memory tuning, turn  
off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 5–10 seconds.  
If your system fails to boot up due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! switch  
to boot and load the BIOS default settings. A message will appear during POST  
reminding you that the BIOS has been restored to its default settings.  
We recommend that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from the  
ASUS website at www.asus.com after using the MemOK! function.  
1-24  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
2.  
DirectKey button  
This feature allows your system to go to the BIOS Setup program with the press of a  
button. With DirectKey, you can enter the BIOS anytime without having to press the  
<Delete> key during POST. It also allows you to turn on or turn off your system and  
conveniently enter the BIOS during boot-up.  
Ensure to save your data before using the DirectKey button.  
When the system is on and you press the DirectKey button, your system will shut  
down. Press the DirectKey button again or the Power-on button to reboot and enter  
the BIOS directly.  
Turn off your system using the power-on button to allow your system to go through  
POST (without entering the BIOS) when you reboot your system.  
Refer to section 3.8 Boot Menu for details about setting the DirectKey default  
function.  
1-25  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
1.2.7  
Jumpers  
1.  
Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)  
This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can  
clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing  
the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in  
CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords.  
To erase the RTC RAM:  
1.  
2.  
Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.  
Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for  
about 5-10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.  
3.  
4.  
Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.  
Hold down the <Delete> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter  
data.  
Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default  
position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!  
If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper  
again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After the CMOS clearance, reinstall the  
battery.  
You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For  
system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature.  
Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter  
settings to default values.  
Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is required to enable C.P.R. function. You  
must turn off and on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before  
rebooting the system.  
1-26  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
1.2.8  
Onboard LEDs  
1.  
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 drive.s If an  
error is found, the critical component’s LED stays lit up until the problem is solved.  
2.  
Standby Power LED  
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up to  
indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder  
that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or  
plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of  
the onboard LED.  
1-27  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
1.2.9  
1.  
Internal connectors  
Intel® Z87 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [brown])  
These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0  
Gb/s signal cables.  
If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10  
configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® Z87  
chipset.  
These connectors are set to [AHCI Mode] by default. If you intend to create a Serial  
ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [RAID  
Mode]. Refer to section 3.6.3 SATA Configuration for details.  
Before creating a RAID set, refer to section 5.1 RAID configurations or the manual  
bundled in the motherboard support DVD.  
1-28  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
2.  
USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12)  
This connector allows you to connect a USB 3.0 module for additional USB 3.0 front  
or rear panel ports. With an installed USB 3.0 module, you can enjoy all the benefits of  
USB 3.0 including faster data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps, faster charging time for  
USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency, and backward compatibility with  
USB 2.0.  
The USB 3.0 module is purchased separately.  
These connectors are based on xHCI specification. We recommend you to install the  
related driver to fully use the USB 3.0 ports under Windows® 7.  
3.  
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)  
This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Connect  
the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot  
opening at the back of the system chassis.  
The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.  
1-29  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
4.  
USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112; USB1314)  
These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of  
these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system  
chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to  
480 Mbps connection speed.  
DO NOT connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the  
motherboard!  
You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, dark brown)  
first, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard if your chassis  
supports front panel USB ports.  
The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.  
1-30  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
5.  
CPU, CPU optional, chassis, and assistant fan connectors  
(4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-4; 3-pin ASST_FAN)  
Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the  
black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.  
DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow  
inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers!  
Do not place jumper caps on the fan connectors!  
Ensure to fully insert the 4-pin CPU fan cable to the CPU fan connector.  
The CPU_FAN connector supports the CPU fan of maximum 1A (12 W) fan power.  
The CPU_FAN connector, ASST_FAN connector and CHA_FAN connectors support  
Thermal Radar 2.  
To fully use the fan control function, ensure that you connect only an assistant fan to  
the ASST_FAN connector.  
The assistant fan for the ASST_FAN connector is bundled with the Gryphon Armor Kit, that  
is purchased separately.  
1-31  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
6.  
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)  
This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports  
either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel  
audio I/O module cable to this connector.  
We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this  
connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-definition audio capability.  
If you want to connect a high-definition or an AC’97 front panel audio module to this  
connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD] or [AC97].  
7.  
Thermal Sensor connectors (2-pin T_SENSOR1; T_SENSOR2;T_SENSOR3)  
These connectors are for the thermistor cables that monitor the temperature of the  
devices and the critical components inside the motherboard. Connect the thermistor  
cables and place the sensor on the device or the motherboard°¶s component to detect  
its temperature.  
1-32  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
8.  
ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)  
These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are  
designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and  
push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.  
For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit  
(PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2.0 (or later version) and provides a  
minimum power of 350 W.  
DO NOT forget to connect the 4-pin/8-pin EATX12 V power plug. Otherwise, the  
system will not boot.  
We recommend that you use a PSU with a higher power output when configuring a  
system with more power-consuming devices. The system may become unstable or  
may not boot up if the power is inadequate.  
If you want to use two or more high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with  
1000W power or above to ensure the system stability.  
If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system,  
refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus.  
com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.  
1-33  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
9.  
System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)  
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.  
System power LED (2-pin PLED)  
This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED  
cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system  
power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.  
Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)  
This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable  
to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or flashes when data is read from or written to  
the HDD.  
System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)  
This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The speaker  
allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.  
ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)  
This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button turns the  
system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending on the operating  
system settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds while the  
system is ON turns the system OFF.  
Reset button (2-pin RESET)  
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without  
turning off the system power.  
1-34  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
10. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)  
This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which securely  
store keys, digital certificates, passwords and data. A TPM system also helps enhance  
the network security, protects digital identities, and ensures platform integrity.  
11. DirectKey Connector (2-pin DRCT)  
This connector is for the chassis-mounted button that supports the DirectKey function.  
Connect the button cable that supports DirectKey, from the chassis to this connector on  
the motherboard.  
Ensure that your chassis comes with the extra button cable that supports the DirectKey  
feature. Refer to the technical documentation that came with the chassis for details.  
1-35  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
1-36  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
Chapter 2:  
Basic installation  
Basic installation  
2
2.1  
Building your PC system  
2.1.1  
Motherboard installation  
The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with  
models, but the installation steps are the same for all models.  
1.  
Install the ASUS Q-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.  
2-1  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
3.  
Place nine screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the  
chassis.  
DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.  
2-2  
Chapter 2: Basic installation  
2.1.2  
CPU installation  
Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1150 socket only. DO NOT install  
a CPU designed for LGA155 and LGA1156 socket on the LGA1150 socket.  
2-3  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
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  
2-4  
Chapter 2: Basic installation  
 
To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly  
2-5  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
2.1.4  
DIMM installation  
To remove a DIMM  
2-6  
Chapter 2: Basic installation  
 
2.1.5  
ATX Power connection  
OR  
2-7  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
2.1.6  
SATA device connection  
OR  
OR  
2-8  
Chapter 2: Basic installation  
 
2.1.7  
Front I/O Connector  
To install ASUS Q-Connector  
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  
2-9  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
2.1.8  
Expansion Card installation  
To install PCIe x16 cards  
To install PCIe x1 cards  
2-10  
Chapter 2: Basic installation  
 
2.2  
BIOS update utility  
USB BIOS Flashback  
USB BIOS Flashback allows you to easily update the BIOS without entering the existing  
BIOS or operating system. Simply insert a USB storage device to the USB port, press the  
USB BIOS Flashback button for three seconds, and the BIOS is updated automatically.  
To use USB BIOS Flashback:  
1.  
Place the bundled support DVD to the optical drive and install the USB BIOS  
Flashback Wizard. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.  
2.  
Insert the USB storage device to the USB BIOS Flashback port.  
We recommend you to use a USB 2.0 storage device to save the latest BIOS version for  
better compatibility and stability.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
Launch the USB BIOS Flashback Wizard to automatically download the latest BIOS  
version.  
Press the BIOS Flashback button for three seconds until a flashing light appears, which  
indicates that the BIOS Flashback function is enabled.  
Wait until the light goes out, indicating that the BIOS updating process is completed.  
2-11  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
For more BIOS update utilities in BIOS setup, refer to the section 3.11 Updating BIOS in  
Chapter 3.  
USB BIOS  
Flashback port  
1. Do not disconnect the USB flash drive or power system, or move the CLRTC jumper  
during the BIOS updating process. Doing so will interrupt the BIOS updating process.  
In case of interruption, follow the steps again to update the BIOS.  
2. If FLBK_LED flashes for five seconds and turns into a stable light, this indicates  
that USB BIOS Flashback is not working properly due to improper USB flash drive  
connection, BIOS file name error, or incompatible BIOS file format. If this happens,  
restart the syetem.  
3. BIOS updating poses some risks. If the BIOS program is damaged during the updating  
process and the system fails to reboot, please contact your local ASUS Service Center  
for assistance  
2-12  
Chapter 2: Basic installation  
2.3  
Motherboard rear and audio connections  
Rear I/O connection  
2.3.1  
Rear panel connectors  
1.  
2.  
USB 2.0 ports 7-10  
5.  
6.  
7.  
HDMI port  
Optical S/PDIF Out port  
USB 3.0 ports 5 and 6  
Intel® USB 3.0 ports, support ASUS  
USB 3.0 Boost Turbo Mode. (Bottom  
port supports USB BIOS Flashback  
and USB Charger+)  
3.  
4.  
LAN (RJ-45) port*  
DVI port  
8.  
Audio I/O ports**  
* and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LEDs, and audio port definitions.  
2-13  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
Due to USB 3.0 controller limitation, USB 3.0 devices can only be used under  
Windows® OS environment and after the USB 3.0 driver installation.  
USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only.  
We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 devices to USB 3.0 ports for faster  
and better performance for your USB 3.0 devices.  
Due to the design of the Intel® 8 series chipset, all USB devices connected to the  
USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports are controlled by the xHCI controller. Some legacy USB  
devices must update their firmware for better compatibility.  
Multi-VGA output supports up to three displays under Windows® OS environment, two  
displays under BIOS, and one display under DOS.  
Due to design of the Intel display architecture, below are the following onboard  
graphics output and their maximum supported pixel clocks:  
-
HDMI port supports: 300 MHz  
* LAN ports LED indications  
Activity Link LED  
Speed LED  
Status  
Description  
No link  
Status Description  
ACT/LINK  
LED  
SPEED  
LED  
Off  
Off  
10 Mbps connection  
Orange  
Linked  
Orange 100 Mbps connection  
Green 1 Gbps connection  
Orange (Blinking)  
Data activity  
Orange (Blinking  
then steady)  
Ready to wake up  
from S5 mode  
LAN port  
** Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration  
Port  
Headset  
4-channel  
6-channel  
8-channel  
2-channel  
Light Blue Line In  
Line In  
Line In  
Line In  
Lime  
Line Out  
Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out  
Front Speaker Out  
Mic In  
Pink  
Mic In  
Mic In  
Mic In  
Orange  
Black  
Gray  
Center/Subwoofer  
Rear Speaker Out  
Center/Subwoofer  
Rear Speaker Out  
Side Speaker Out  
Rear Speaker Out  
2-14  
Chapter 2: Basic installation  
2.3.2  
Audio I/O connections  
Audio I/O ports  
Connect to Headphone and Mic  
Connect to Stereo Speakers  
Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers  
2-15  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers  
Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers  
2-16  
Chapter 2: Basic installation  
Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers  
When the DTS UltraPC II function is enabled, ensure to connect the rear speaker to the  
gray port.  
2.4  
1.  
Starting up for the first time  
After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.  
Ensure that all switches are off.  
2.  
3.  
Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis.  
Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.  
Turn on the devices in the following order:  
4.  
5.  
a. Monitor  
b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)  
c. System power  
6.  
After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case lights up.  
For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up when you press the  
ATX power button. If your monitor complies with the “green” standards or if it has a  
“power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up or change from orange to green  
after the system LED turns on.  
The system then runs the power-on self tests (POST). While the tests are running, the  
BIOS beeps (refer to the BIOS beep codes table) or additional messages appear on  
the screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on  
the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Check the jumper settings and  
connections or call your retailer for assistance.  
2-17  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
BIOS Beep  
Description  
One short beep  
VGA detected  
Quick boot set to disabled  
No keyboard detected  
No memory detected  
One continuous beep followed by two  
short beeps then a pause (repeated)  
One continuous beep followed by three  
short beeps  
No VGA detected  
One continuous beep followed by four  
short beeps  
Hardware component failure  
7.  
At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the  
instructions in Chapter 3.  
2.5  
Turning off the computer  
While the system is ON, press the power button for less than four seconds to put the system  
on sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Press the power switch  
for more than four seconds to let the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS  
setting.  
2-18  
Chapter 2: Basic installation  
 
Chapter 3:  
BIOS setup  
BIOS setup  
3
3.1  
Knowing BIOS  
The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unified Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI  
architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-  
only BIOS controls to enable a more flexible and convenient mouse input. You can easily  
navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as your operating system. The  
term “BIOS” in this user manual refers to “UEFI BIOS” unless otherwise specified.  
BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage  
device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot  
device configuration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In  
normal circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure  
optimal performance. DO NOT change the default BIOS settings except in the following  
circumstances:  
q
An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you  
to run the BIOS Setup.  
q
You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or  
update.  
Inappropriate BIOS settings may result to instability or boot failure. We strongly  
recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service  
personnel.  
When downloading or updating the BIOS file, rename it as Z87GP.CAP for this  
motherboard.  
3-1  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
3.2  
BIOS setup program  
Use the BIOS Setup to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screen  
include navigation keys and brief onscreen help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup  
program.  
Entering BIOS at startup  
To enter BIOS Setup at startup, press <Delete> during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you  
do not press <Delete>, POST continues with its routines.  
Entering BIOS Setup after POST  
To enter BIOS Setup after POST:  
q
q
q
Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete> simultaneously.  
Press the reset button on the system chassis.  
Press the power button to turn the system off then back on. Do this option only if you  
failed to enter BIOS Setup using the first two options.  
The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and  
may not exactly match what you see on your screen.  
Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to your motherboard if you want to use the  
mouse to control the BIOS setup program.  
If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default  
settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized  
Defaults item under the Exit menu or press hotkey <F5>. See section 3.10 Exit Menu  
for details.  
If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and  
reset the motherboard to the default value. See section 1.2.7 Jumpers for information  
on how to erase the RTC RAM via the Clear CMOS jumper.  
The BIOS setup program does not support the bluetooth devices.  
BIOS menu screen  
The BIOS Setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode.  
You can change modes from the Exit menu or from the Exit/Advanced Mode screen.  
3-2  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.2.1  
EZ Mode  
By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ  
Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select  
the display language, system performance mode and boot device priority. To access the  
Advanced Mode, click Exit/Advanced Mode, then select Advanced Mode or press <F7> hot  
key for the advanced BIOS settings.  
The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the  
Setup Mode item in section 3.8 Boot menu for details.  
Exits the BIOS setup program  
Displays the CPU/motherboard  
temperature, CPU/5V/3.3V/12V voltage  
output, CPU/chassis/power fan speed  
without saving the changes, saves  
the changes and resets the system,  
or enters the Advanced Mode  
Selects the display language  
of the BIOS setup program  
Selects the boot  
device priority  
Loads optimized  
default settings  
Selects the Advanced  
mode functions  
Displays the Advanced  
mode menus  
Displays the system properties of the  
selected mode on the right hand side  
Selects the boot  
device priority  
The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system.  
The Boot Menu (F8) button is available only when the boot device is installed to the  
system.  
3-3  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
3.2.2  
Advanced Mode  
The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure  
the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the  
following sections for the detailed configurations.  
To access the Advanced Mode, click Exit, then select Advanced Mode or press F7 hotkey.  
Menu bar  
General help  
Back button  
Menu items  
Submenu item  
Configuration fields  
Last modified  
settings  
Pop-up window  
Navigation keys  
Scroll bar  
Quick note  
Menu bar  
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:  
My Favorites For saving the frequently-used system settings and configuration.  
Main  
For changing the basic system configuration  
For changing the overclocking settings  
For changing the advanced system settings  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing the  
fan settings.  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
Exit  
For changing the system boot configuration  
For configuring options for special functions  
For selecting the exit options and loading default settings  
3-4  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
Menu items  
The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example,  
selecting Main shows the Main menu items.  
The other items (My Favorites, Ai Tweaker, Advanced, Monitor, Boot, Tool, and Exit) on the  
menu bar have their respective menu items.  
Back button  
This button appears when entering a submenu. Press <Esc> or use the USB mouse to click  
this button to return to the previous menu screen.  
Submenu items  
A greater than sign (>) before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a  
submenu. To display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.  
Pop-up window  
Select a menu item and press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the configuration  
options for that item.  
Scroll bar  
A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that do not fit on  
the screen. Press the Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> / <Page Down> keys to display the  
other items on the screen.  
Navigation keys  
At the bottom right corner of the menu screen are the navigation keys for the BIOS setup  
program. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.  
If you delete all shortcut items from the F3: Shortcut list, the default shortcut items will  
reappear after your next startup.  
General help  
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item. Use  
<F12> key to capture the BIOS screen and save it to the removable storage device.  
Configuration fields  
These fields show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-configurable, you can  
change the value of the field opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not  
user-configurable.  
A configurable field is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a field, select it and  
press <Enter> to display a list of options.  
Quick Note button  
This button allows you to enter notes of the activities that you have done in BIOS.  
The Quick Note function does not support the following keyboard functions: delete,  
cut, copy and paste.  
You can only use the alphanumeric characters to enter your notes.  
3-5  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
Last Modified button  
This button shows the items that you last modified and saved in BIOS Setup.  
3.3  
My Favorites  
MyFavorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite  
BIOS items.  
Adding items to My Favorites  
To add frequently-used BIOS items to My Favorites:  
1.  
Use the arrow keys to select an item that you want to add. When using a mouse, hover  
the pointer to the item.  
2.  
Press <F4> on your keyboard or right-click on your mouse to add the item to My  
Favorites page.  
You cannot add the following items to My Favorites:  
Items with submenu options  
User-configurable items such as language and boot device order  
Configuration items such as Memory SPD Information, system time and date  
3-6  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.4  
Main menu  
The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup  
program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and  
allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings.  
Security  
The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings.  
If you have forgotten your BIOS password, erase the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC)  
RAM to clear the BIOS password. See section 1.2.7 Jumpers for information on how  
to erase the RTC RAM via the Clear CMOS jumper.  
The Administrator or User Password items on top of the screen show the default [Not  
Installed]. After you set a password, these items show [Installed].  
3-7  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
Administrator Password  
If you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator  
password for accessing the system. Otherwise, you might be able to see or change only  
selected fields in the BIOS setup program.  
To set an administrator password:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.  
From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.  
Confirm the password when prompted.  
To change an administrator password:  
1.  
2.  
Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.  
From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press  
<Enter>.  
3.  
From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.  
4.  
Confirm the password when prompted.  
To clear the administrator password, follow the same steps as in changing an administrator  
password, but press <Enter> when prompted to create/confirm the password. After you clear  
the password, the Administrator Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed.  
User Password  
If you have set a user password, you must enter the user password for accessing the system.  
The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a  
password, this item shows Installed.  
To set a user password:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.  
From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.  
Confirm the password when prompted.  
3-8  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
To change a user password:  
1.  
2.  
Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.  
From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press  
<Enter>.  
3.  
From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.  
4.  
Confirm the password when prompted.  
To clear the user password, follow the same steps as in changing a user password, but press  
<Enter> when prompted to create/confirm the password. After you clear the password, the  
User Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed.  
3.5  
Ai Tweaker menu  
The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure the overclocking-related items.  
Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field  
values can cause the system to malfunction.  
The configuration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you  
installed on the motherboard.  
Scroll down to display other BIOS items.  
3-9  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]  
Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal  
frequency. Select any of these preset overclocking configuration options:  
[Auto]  
Loads the optimal settings for the system.  
[Manual]  
[X.M.P.]  
Allows you to automatically optimize the CPU ratio and BCLK frequency.  
Allows your system to automatically optimize the CPU ratio, BCLK  
frequency, and memory parameters. If you install memory modules  
supporting the Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) Technology, select this  
item to set the profiles supported by your memory modules for optimizing  
the system performance.  
The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner to [Manual].  
Filter PLL [Auto]  
Allows you to select a BCLK (base clock) mode when running in a high or low BCLK.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Low BCLK Mode] [High BCLK Mode]  
BCLK Frequency [100.0]  
Allows you to set the BCLK frequency to enhance the system performance. Use the  
<+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 80.0MHz to 300.0MHz.  
The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner to [X.M.P.].  
Extreme Memory Profile [X.M.P.]  
Allows you to select the X.M.P. mode supported by your memory module.  
Configuration options: [Profile #1] [Profile #2]  
ASUS MultiCore Enhancement [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Default set to [Enabled] for maximum performance under XMP/Manual/  
User-defined memory frequency mode.  
[Disabled]  
Allows you to set to default core ratio settings.  
CPU Core Ratio [Sync All Cores]  
Allows you to set the CPU ratio and synchronize automatically either per core or all cores.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Sync All Cores] [Per Core]  
When the CPU Core Ratio is set to [Sync All Cores], the following item appears:  
1-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]  
Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting or manually  
assign a 1-Core Limit value that must be higher than or equal to the 2-Core  
Ratio Limit.  
When the CPU Core Ratio is set to [Per Core], the following items appear:  
3-10  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
1-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]  
Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting or manually  
assign a 1-Core Limit value that must be higher than or equal to the 2-Core  
Ratio Limit.  
2-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]  
Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting or manually  
assign a 2-Core Limit value that must be higher than or equal to the 3-Core  
Ratio Limit.  
3-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]  
Select [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 the 4-Core  
Ratio Limit.  
4-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]  
Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting or manually  
assign a 4-Core Limit value that must be higher than or equal to the 3-Core  
Ratio Limit.  
If you assign a value for 4-Core Ratio Limit, do not set the 1-Core Ratio Limit, 2-Core Ratio  
Limit, and 3-Core Ratio to [Auto].  
Min CPU Cache Ratio [Auto]  
Allows you to set the minimum possible ratio on the Uncore part of the processor. Use the  
<+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values depend on the CPU installed.  
Max CPU Cache Ratio [Auto]  
Allows you to set the maximum possible ratio on the Uncore part of the processor. Use the  
<+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values depend on the CPU installed.  
Internal PLL Overvoltage [Auto]  
Allows you to enable the internal PLL Overvoltage for K-SKU CPUs to get the extreme  
overclocking capability.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]  
CPU bus speed : DRAM speed ratio mode [Auto]  
Allows you to set the CPU bus speed to DRAM speed ratio mode.  
[Auto]  
DRAM speed is set to the optimized settings.  
[100:133]  
[100:100]  
The CPU bus speed to DRAM speed ratio is set to 100:133.  
The CPU bus speed to DRAM speed ratio is set to 100:100.  
3-11  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
Memory Frequency [Auto]  
Allows you to set the memory operating frequency. The configuration options vary with the  
BCLK/PCIE Frequency item settings.  
CPU Graphics Max. Ratio [Auto]  
[Auto]  
Allows you to automatically optimize the CPU Graphics Ratio depending on  
the system loading.  
[Manual]  
Allows you to set a value for an optimal CPU Grapics Ratio. Use the <+> or  
<-> keys to adjust the CPU graphics ratio. The minimum value depends on  
the installed CPU.  
OC Tuner [As Is]  
OC Tuner automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of CPU and DRAM for  
enhancing the system performance and accelerates the iGPU performance to the extreme  
according to the integrated graphics loading.  
Configuration options: [As Is] [Ratio Only] [BCLK First]  
EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
DRAM Timing Control  
The subitems in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features. Use the <+> or  
<-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and  
press the <Enter> key.  
Changing the values in this menu may cause the system to become unstable! If this  
happens, revert to the default settings.  
Primary Timings  
DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]  
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]  
DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]  
DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [63]  
DRAM COMMAND Mode [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [3]  
Secondary Timings  
DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]  
3-12  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
DRAM REF Cycle Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [511]  
DRAM Refresh Interval [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [65535]  
DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [16]  
DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]  
DRAM FOUR ACT WIN Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [255]  
DRAM WRITE to READ Delay [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]  
DRAM CKE Minimum pulse width [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]  
DRAM CAS# Write Latency [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]  
RTL IOL control  
DRAM RTL initial Value [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [63]  
DRAM RTL (CHA_R0D0) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [63]  
DRAM RTL (CHA_R0D1) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [63]  
DRAM RTL (CHA_R1D0) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [63]  
DRAM RTL (CHA_R1D1) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [63]  
DRAM RTL (CHB_R0D0) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [63]  
DRAM RTL (CHB_R0D1) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [63]  
DRAM RTL (CHB_R1D0) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [63]  
DRAM RTL (CHB_R1D1) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [63]  
DRAM IO-L (CHA_R0D0) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [15]  
DRAM IO-L (CHA_R0D1) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [15]  
3-13  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
DRAM IO-L (CHA_R1D0 [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [15]  
DRAM IO-L (CHA_R1D1 [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [15]  
DRAM IO-L (CHB_R0D0 [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [15]  
DRAM IO-L (CHB_R0D1 [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [15]  
DRAM IO-L (CHB_R1D0 [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [15]  
DRAM IO-L (CHB_R1D1 [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [15]  
Third Timings  
tRDRD [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [7]  
tRDRD_dr [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]  
tRDRD_dd [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]  
tWRRD [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [63]  
tWRRD_dr [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]  
tWRRD_dd [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]  
tWRWR [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [7]  
tWRWR_dr [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]  
tWRWR_dd [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]  
Dec_WRD  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0] – [1]  
tRDWR [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]  
tRDWR_dr [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]  
tRDWR_dd [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]  
3-14  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
MISC  
MRC Fast Boot [Auto]  
Allows you to enable, disable or automatically set the MRC fast boot.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Enable] [Disable]  
DRAM CLK Period [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [14]  
Channel A/B DIMM Control [Enable Bot...]  
Configuration options: [Enable Both DIMMS] [Disable DIMM0] [Disable DIMM1]  
[Disable Both DIMMS]  
Scrambler Setting [Optimized ...]  
Allows you to set the optimized scrambler setting for stability.  
Configuration options: [Optimized (ASUS] [Default (MRC)]  
DIGI+ Power Control  
CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]  
Load-line is defined by Intel® VRM specification and affects CPU power voltage. The  
CPU working voltage will decrease proportionally to CPU loading. Higher load-line  
calibration could get higher voltage and good overclocking performance, but increases  
the CPU and VRM thermal conditions.  
Select from Level 1 to Level 8 to adjust CPU power voltage from 0% to 100%.  
The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specification.  
DO NOT remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.  
CPU Voltage Frequency [Auto]  
Frequency switching affects the VRM transient response and the thermal component  
conditions. Higher frequency gets quicker transient response.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]  
DO NOT remove the thermal module when setting this item to [Manual Mode]. The thermal  
conditions should be monitored.  
The following item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage Frequency to [Manual].  
CPU Fixed Frequency [300]  
This item allows you to set a fixed CPU Voltage frequency. Use the <+> or  
<-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 300kHz to 500kHz with  
a 50kHz interval.  
3-15  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
The following items appear only when you set the CPU Voltage Frequency to [Auto].  
VRM Spread Spectrum [Disabled]  
Enable the VRM Spread Spectrum to enhance system stability.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Active Frequency Mode [Disabled]  
Set this item to [Enabled] to help enhance the power saving condition while  
switching frequencies. While a higher frequency makes the VRM transient  
response much faster, switching frequencies affect the VRM thermal  
components.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
CPU Power Phase Control [Auto]  
Allows you to set the power phase control of the CPU.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Standard] [Optimized] [Extreme] [Manual Adjustment]  
DO NOT remove the thermal module when setting this item to [Extreme] and [Manual  
Adjustment]. The thermal conditions should be monitored.  
The following item appears only when you set the CPU Power Phase Control to [Manual  
Adjustment].  
Manual Adjustment [Fast]  
Allows you to set a faster phase response for the CPU to increase system  
performance or to slower phase response to decrease DRAM power  
efficiency.  
Configuration options: [Ultra Fast] [Fast] [Medium] [Regular]  
CPU Power Duty Control [T.Probe]  
DIGI + VRM Duty Control adjusts the current of every VRM phase and the thermal  
conditions of every phase component.  
[T. Probe]  
[Extreme]  
Select to maintain the VRM thermal balance.  
Select to maintain the current VRM balance.  
DO NOT remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.  
CPU Current Capability [Auto]  
DIGI+ VRM CPU Current Capability provides wider total power range for overclocking.  
A higher value setting gets higher VRM power consumption delivery and extends the  
overclocking frequency range simultaneously.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%] [140%]  
Choose a higher value when overclocking, or under a high CPU loading for extra power  
support.  
CPU Power Thermal Control [130]  
A higher temperature brings a wider CPU power thermal range and extends the  
overclocking tolerance to enlarge the O.C. potential. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust  
the value. The values depend on the CPU installed.  
3-16  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
DO NOT remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.  
DRAM Current Capability [100%]  
A higher value brings a wider total power range, and extends the overclocking range  
simultaneously.  
Configuration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%]  
DRAM Voltage Frequency [Auto]  
Allows you to adjust the DRAM switching frequency. Assign a fixed high DRAM  
frequency to increase the O.C. range, or a low DRAM frequency for a better system  
stability.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]  
The following item appears only when you set set the DRAM Frequency Mode item to  
[Manual].  
DRAM Fixed Frequency Mode [300]  
Allows you to set a fixed DRAM frequency to increase the overclocking  
range or a low DRAM frequency for better system stability. Use the <+> or  
<-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 300kHz to 500kHz with  
a 50kHz interval.  
DRAM Power Phase Control [Auto]  
[Auto]  
Allows you to set the Auto mode.  
[Optimized]  
[Extreme]  
Allows you to set the ASUS optimized phase tuning profile.  
Allows you to set the full phase mode.  
CPU Power Management  
The subitems in this menu allow you to set the CPU ratio and their features.  
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled]  
Allows the operating system to dynamically adjust the processor voltage and cores  
frequency, resulting to a decreased average power consumption and decreased  
average heat production.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Turbo Mode [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable your core processor’s speed to run faster than the base operating  
frequency when it is below operating power, current and temperature specification limit.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
The following items appear only when you set the Turbo Mode to [Enabled].  
Turbo Mode Parameters  
Long Duration Package Power Limit [Auto]  
Allows you to limit the Turbo Ratio’s time duration that exceeds the TDP  
(Thermal Design Power) for maximum performance. Use the <+> or <->  
keys to adjust the value. The values range from 1W t0 4096W.  
3-17  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
Package Power Time Window [Auto]  
Also known as Power Limit 1, and allows you to maintain the time window  
for Turbo Ratio over TDP (Thermal Design Power). Use the <+> or <->  
keys to adjust the value. The values range from 1 to 127 in seconds.  
Short Duration Package Power Limit [Auto]  
Also known as Power Limit 2, and allows you to provide rapid protection  
when the package power exceeds the Power Limit 1. Use the <+> or <->  
keys to adjust the value. The values range from 1W t0 4096W.  
CPU Integrated VR Current Limit [Auto]  
Allows you to set a higher current limit to prevent frequency and power  
throttling when overclocking. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value.  
The values range from 0.125 to 1023.875 with a 0.125 interval.  
The CPU Integrated VR Current Limit is the only item that appears when you set Turbo  
Mode to [Disabled].  
CPU Internal Power Switching Frequency  
Frequency Tuning Mode [Auto]  
Allows you to increase or decrease the switching frequency of the internal regulator.  
Decrease to help consume less power or increase to help votlage stability. When this  
item is set to [+] or [-], the Frequency Tuning Offset appears and allows you to set its  
value from 0% to 6%.  
CPU Internal Power Fault Control  
Thermal Feedback [Auto]  
Allows your system to take precautionary actions to be taken by the CPU when the  
thermal conditions of the external regulator exceeds the threshold.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
CPU Integrated VR Fault Management [Auto]  
Disable this item to prevent tripping the Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator when doing  
over-voltage. We recommend you to disable this item when overclocking.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]  
CPU Internal Power Configuration  
CPU Integrated VR Efficiency Management [Auto]  
Allows you to improve power saving when the processor is in low power state. Disable  
to make the Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator work in high performance at all times.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [High Performance] [Balanced]  
3-18  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
Power Decay Mode [Auto]  
Allows your system to improve the power saving mode on the Fully Integrated Voltage  
Regulator as the processor goes into low current state.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Idle Power-in Response [Auto]  
Allows you to set the slew rate for the Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator as it enters  
manual override mode.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Fast]  
Idle Power-out Response [Auto]  
Allows you to set the slew rate for the Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator as it exits  
manual override mode.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Fast]  
Power Current Slope [Auto]  
Allows you to set the gradient of the high-speed active phase current balance during  
load transients to eliminate current imbalance that can result from a load current  
oscillating near the switching frequency.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [LEVEL -4] - [LEVEL 4]  
Power Current Offset [Auto]  
Allows you to increase or decrease the output current sensed by the CPU. It finds the  
balance between optimal regulating while staying below the current threshold.  
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%] [-50.0%] [-62.5%] [-75.0%] [-87.5%] [-100%]  
Power Fast Ramp Response [Auto]  
Allows you to increase to enhance the response of the voltage regulator during the  
load transient.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0.00] - [1.50]  
CPU Internal Power Saving Control  
Power Saving Level 1 Threshold [Auto]  
Lower value provides sufficient overclocking tolerance to enlarge the overclocking  
potential. Higher value provides better power-saving condition.Use <+> or <-> key to  
adjust the value. The values range from 0A to 80A at 1Amp increment.  
Power Saving Level 2 Threshold [Auto]  
Lower value provides sufficient overclocking tolerance to enlarge the overclocking  
potential. Higher value provides better power-saving condition.Use <+> or <-> key to  
adjust the value. The values range from 0A to 50A at 1Amp increment.  
Power Saving Level 3 Threshold [Auto]  
Lower value provides sufficient overclocking tolerance to enlarge the overclocking  
potential. Higher value provides better power-saving condition.Use <+> or <-> key to  
adjust the value. The values range from 0A to 30A at 1Amp increment.  
3-19  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
Extreme OV [Disabled]  
Disable this item to help protect the CPU from being burned by Over Voltage. When you  
enable this item, you can choose a high level voltage to overclock, but will not guarantee the  
CPU life.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
CPU Core Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to configure the voltage amount for the processor’s cores. Increase the voltage  
when setting a high Core Frequency value.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual Mode] [Offset Mode]  
The following item appears only when you set the CPU Core Voltage to [Manual].  
CPU Core Voltage Override [Auto]  
Allows you to set the CPU Core Voltage override. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the  
value, The values range from 0.001V to 1.920V with a 0.001V interval.  
The following items appear only when you set the CPU Core Voltage to [Offset Mode].  
Offset Mode Sign [+]  
[+]  
[–]  
To offset the voltage by a positive value.  
To offset the voltage by a negative value.  
CPU Core Voltage Offset  
Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V  
to 0.999V with a 0.001V interval.  
CPU Cache Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to configure the amount of voltage fed to the uncore of the processor including its  
cache. Increase the voltage when increasing Ring frequency.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual Mode] [Offset Mode]  
The following item appears only when you set the CPU Cache Voltage to [Manual Mode].  
CPU Cache Voltage Override [Auto]  
Allows you to set the CPU Cache Voltage override. By default, this item takes the  
standard value of the installed CPU. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the  
value. The values range from 0.001V to 1.920V with a 0.001V interval.  
The following items appear only when you set the CPU Cache Voltage to [Offset Mode].  
Offset Mode Sign [+]  
[+]  
[–]  
To offset the voltage by a positive value.  
To offset the voltage by a negative value.  
3-20  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
CPU Cache Voltage Offset  
Allows you to set the CPU cache voltage offset. By default, this item takes the standard  
value of the installed CPU. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The  
values range from 0.001V to 0.999V with a 0.001V interval.  
CPU Graphics Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to configure the voltage amount for the integrated graphics processing unit  
(iGPU). Increase the voltage when setting a high iGPU frequency value.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual Mode] [Offset Mode] [Adaptive Mode]  
The following item appears only when you set the CPU Graphics Voltage to [Manual].  
CPU Graphics Voltage Override [Auto]  
Allows you to set the CPU Graphics Voltage override. By default, this item takes the  
standard value of the installed CPU. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the  
value. The values range from 0.001V to 1.920V with a 0.001V interval.  
The following items appear only when you set the CPU Graphics Voltage to [Offset Mode]  
and [Adaptive Mode].  
Offset Mode Sign [+]  
[+]  
[–]  
To offset the voltage by a positive value.  
To offset the voltage by a negative value.  
CPU Graphics Voltage Offset  
By default, this item takes the standard value of the installed CPU. You can  
use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V  
to 0.999V with a 0.001V interval.  
The following item appears only when you set the CPU Graphics Voltage to [Adaptive  
Mode].  
Additional Turbo Mode CPU Graphics Voltage [Auto]  
This item allows you to increase the voltage for Turbo Mode CPU Graphics.  
By default, this item takes the standard value of the installed CPU. You can  
use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V  
to 1.920V with a 0.001V interval.  
Total Adaptive Mode CPU Graphics Voltage [Auto]  
This item sums up the voltages of the CPU Graphics Voltage offset and  
Additional Turbo Mode CPU Graphics Voltage options.  
CPU System Agent Voltage Offset Mode Sign [+]  
[+]  
[–]  
To offset the voltage by a positive value.  
To offset the voltage by a negative value.  
3-21  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
CPU System Agent Voltage Offset [Auto]  
Allows you to configure the amount of voltage fed to the system agent of the processor  
including its PCIe controller and power control unit. Increase the voltage when  
increasing DRAM frequency.  
You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V to  
0.999V with a 0.001V interval.  
CPU Analog I/O Voltage Offset Mode Sign [+]  
[+]  
[–]  
To offset the voltage by a positive value.  
To offset the voltage by a negative value.  
CPU Analog I/O Voltage Offset [Auto]  
Allows you to configure the amount of voltage fed to the analog portion of the I/O on  
the processor. By default, this item takes the standard value of the installed CPU.  
Increase the amount of voltage when increasing DRAM frequency.  
You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V to  
0.999V with a 0.001V interval.  
CPU Digital I/O Voltage Offset Mode Sign [+]  
[+]  
[–]  
To offset the voltage by a positive value.  
To offset the voltage by a negative value.  
CPU Digital I/O Voltage Offset [Auto]  
Allows you to configure the amount of voltage fed to the digital portion of the I/O on the  
processor. By default, this item takes the standard value of the installed CPU. Increase  
the amount of voltage when increasing DRAM frequency.  
You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V to  
0.999V with a 0.001V interval.  
SVID Support [Auto]  
When overclocking, set this item to [Enabled]. Disabling this item would stop the processor  
from communicating with the external voltage regulator.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
The following item appears only when you set SVID Support to [Enabled].  
SVID Voltage Override [Auto]  
Allows you to set the SVID Voltage override. By default, this item takes the standard  
value of the installed CPU. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The  
values range from 0.001V to 2.440V with a 0.001V interval.  
CPU Input Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set an input voltage for the processor by the external voltage regulator. By  
default, this item takes the standard value of the installed CPU. You can use the <+> or <->  
keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.800V to 2.700V with a 0.010V interval.  
The CPU Input Voltage item appears only when they SVID Support item is set to [Auto] or  
[Disabled].  
3-22  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
DRAM Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value.  
The values range from 1.20V to 1.92V with a 0.005V interval.  
According to Intel® CPU specifications, DIMMs with voltage requirement over 1.65V may  
damage the CPU permanently. We recommend that you install the DIMMs with the voltage  
requirement below 1.65V.  
PCH VLX Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the I/O voltage on the PCH (Platform Controller Hub). You can use the <+>  
or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 1.2000V to 2.0000V with a 0.0125V  
interval.  
PCH Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the Core voltage for the PCH (Platform Controller Hub). You can use the  
<+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.70V to the DRAM Voltage’s  
maximum value with a 0.0125V interval and limited to the maximum 1.5V voltage.  
The values of the CPU PLL Voltage, CPU Manual Voltage, CPU Offset Voltage,  
iGPU Manual Voltage, iGPU Offset Voltage, DRAM Voltage, VCCSA Voltage, VCCIO  
Voltage, and PCH Voltage items are labeled in different color, indicating the risk levels  
of high voltage settings.  
The system may need better cooling system for a more stable performance under high  
voltage settings.  
VTTDDR Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the termination voltage for the system memory. You can use the <+> or <->  
keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.6000V to 1.0000V with a 0.0125V interval.  
DRAM CTRL REF Voltage [Auto]  
This item is the DRAM reference voltage for the control lines from the memory bus. You can  
use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.3950x to 0.6300x with a  
0.0050x interval.  
DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/CHB [Auto]  
This item is the DRAM reference voltage for the data lines on Channels A and B. You can  
use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.3950x to 0.6300x with a  
0.005x interval.  
Clock Crossing VBoot [Auto]  
Allows you to increase the value of the clock crossing voltage boot when the rising edge of  
the BCLK DN is equal to the falling edge of the BCLK DP. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to  
adjust the value. The values range from 0.1V to 1.9V with a 0.00625V interval.  
3-23  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
Clock Crossing Reset Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to increase the value of the clock crossing reset voltage when the rising edge of  
the BCLK DN is equal to the falling edge of the BCLK DP. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to  
adjust the value. The values range from 0.1V to 1.9V with a 0.00625V interval.  
Clock Crossing Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to increase the value of the clock crossing voltage when the rising edge of the  
BCLK DN is equal to the falling edge of the BCLK DP. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to  
adjust the value. The values range from 0.1V to 1.9V with a 0.00625V interval.  
CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]  
[Auto]  
Automatic configuration.  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Enhances the BCLK overclocking ability.  
Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.  
3-24  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
3.6  
Advanced menu  
The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system  
devices.  
Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values  
can cause the system to malfunction.  
3-25  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
3.6.1  
CPU Configuration  
The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically  
detects.  
The items in this menu may vary based on the CPU installed.  
Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the overheated CPU to throttle its clock speed to cool down.  
Disables the CPU thermal monitor function.  
Active Processor Cores [All]  
Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to be enabled in each processor package.  
Configuration options: [All] [1] [2] [3]  
Limit CPUID Maximum [Disabled]  
When set to [Enabled], this item allows the legacy OS to boot even without support for CPUs  
with extended CPUID functions.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]  
XD can prevent certain classes of malicious buffer overflow attacks when combined with a  
supporting OS (SuSE Linux 9.2, RedHat Enterprise 3 Update 3).  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
3-26  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
Intel Virtualization Technology [Disabled]  
When set to [Enabled] a VMM can utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by  
Vanderpool Technology.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Hardware Prefetcher [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable the Mid Level Cache (L2) streamer prefetcher.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable the Mid Level Cache (L2) prefetching of adjacent cache lines.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Boot Performance Mode [Max Non-Tu...]  
Allows you to select the performance state that the BIOS will set before OS handoff.  
Configuration options: [Max Non-Turbo Performance] [Max Battery] [Turbo Performance]  
Dynamic Storage Accelerator [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Dynamic Storage Accelerator for C state configuration.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
CPU Power Management Configuration  
This item allows you to manage and configure the CPU’s power.  
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled]  
Allows your system to adjust the processor’s voltage and cores frequency, resulting in  
decreased power consumption and heat production.  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
The CPU runs at its default speed.  
The system controls the CPU speed.  
Turbo Mode [Enabled]  
Allows you to automatically set the processor cores to run faster than the base  
frequency when operating below power, current and temperature specification limit.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
CPU C States [Auto]  
Allows you to enable or disable the CPU C states.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]  
The following items appear only when you set the CPU C States to [Enabled].  
Enhanced C1 state [Enabled]  
Allows your processor to reduce power when the system is in idle mode.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
CPU C3 Report [Enabled]  
Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C3 report to the operating system.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
3-27  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
CPU C6 Report [Enabled]  
Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C6 report to the operating system.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
C6 Latency [Short]  
Allows you to set the duration of C6 latency for C6 state.  
Configuration options: [Short] [Long]  
CPU C7 Report [CPU C7s]  
Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C7 report to the operating system.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [CPU C7] [CPU C7s]  
C7 Latency [Long]  
Allows you to set the duration of C7 latency for C7 state.  
Configuration options: [Short] [Long]  
Package C State Support [Auto]  
Allows you to set the a C-state according to the following configuration  
options: [Auto] [Enabled] [C0/C1] [C2] [C3] [C6] [CPU C7] [CPU C7s]  
3.6.2  
PCH Configuration  
PCI Express Configuration  
Allows you to configure the PCI Express slots.  
DMI Link ASPM Control [Auto]  
Allows you to control the ASPM (Active State Power Management) on both Northbridge  
side and Southbridge side of the DMI Link.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ASPM Support [Disabled]  
Allows you to set the ASPM level.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] [L0s] [L1] [L0sL1]  
PCIe Speed [Auto]  
Allows you to select the PCI Express port speed.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Gen1] [Gen2]  
3-28  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
Intel Rapid Start Technology [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable Intel® Rapid Start Technology.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
The following items appear only when you set the Intel® Rapid Start Technology to  
[Enabled].  
Entry on S3 RTC Wake [Enabled]  
The system automatically wakes up and set to Rapid Start Technology S3 mode.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Entry After [0]  
Allows you to set the RTC wake-up timer at S3 entry. The time ranges from  
0 minute (immediately) to 120 minutes.  
Active Page Threshold Support [Enabled]  
The system automatically goes into sleep mode when the partition size is not enough  
for the Intel® Rapid Start Technology to work.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Active Memory Threshold [0]  
This item supports Intel Rapid Storage Technology when the partition size  
is greater than the Active Page Threshold size. When set to zero (0), it will  
go to Auto mode and checks if the partition size is enough at S3 entry.  
Ensure that the caching partition size is larger than the total memory size.  
Hybrid Hard Disk Support [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the hybrid hard disk support.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Intel Smart Connect Technology  
ISCT Support [Disabled]  
Allow you to enable or disable the Intel® Smart Connect Technology.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
3-29  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
3.6.3  
SATA Configuration  
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The  
SATA Port items show Not Present if no SATA device is installed to the corresponding SATA  
port.  
Scroll down to display the other BIOS items.  
SATA Mode Selection [AHCI]  
Allows you to set the SATA configuration.  
[Disabled]  
[IDE]  
Disables the SATA function.  
Set to [IDE Mode] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as  
Parallel ATA physical storage devices.  
[AHCI]  
Set to [AHCI Mode] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the  
AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard  
storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases  
storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to  
internally optimize the order of commands.  
[RAID]  
Set to [RAID Mode] when you want to create a RAID configuration from the  
SATA hard disk drives.  
Aggressive LPM Support [Auto]  
Allows you to enable the PCH to aggressively enter link power state.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]  
3-30  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
S.M.A.R.T. Status Check [Enabled]  
S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitor system. When  
read/write of your hard disk errors occur, this feature allows the hard disk to report warning  
messages during the POST.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Hot Plug [Disabled] (SATA6G_1 - SATA6G_6 [Brown])  
These items appear only when you set the SATA Mode Selection item to [AHCI] or [RAID],  
and allow you to enable/disable SATA Hot Plug Support.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
3.6.4  
System Agent Configuration  
Allows you to configure the System Agent Configuration parameters.  
VT-d [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable virtualization technology function on memory control hub.  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the function.  
Disables this function.  
CPU Audio Devices [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable CPU SA Audio devices.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
DVI Port Audio [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable DVI port Audio.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Graphics Configuration  
Allows you to select a primary display from iGPU, and PCIe graphical devices.  
Primary Display [Auto]  
Allows you to select the primary display from iGPU, PCIE and PCI Graphics devices.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [iGPU] [PCIE]  
iGPU Memory [Auto]  
Allows you to select the amount of system memory allocated to DVMT 5.0  
by the iGPU.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [32M] [64M] [96M] [128M] [160M] [192M]  
[224M] [256M] [288M] [320M] [352M] [384M] [416M] [448M] [480M] [512M]  
[1024M]  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
3-31  
 
Render Standby [Auto]  
Allows you to enable the Intel® Graphics Render Standby support to reduce  
iGPU power use when the system is idle.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
iGPU Multi-Monitor [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable both integrated and discrete graphics for multi-monitor output.  
The iGPU shared system memory size will be fixed at 64MB.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
DMI Configuration  
Allows you to control various DMI (Desktop Management Interface) functions.  
DMI Gen 2 [Auto]  
Allows you to enable or disable DMI Gen 2.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]  
NB PCIe Configuration  
Allows you to configure the NB PCI Express settings.  
PCIEx16_1/2 Link Speed [Auto]  
Allows you to configure the PCIEx16 speed for slots 1 and 2.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Gen1] [Gen2] [Gen3]  
DMI Link ASPM Control [Auto]  
Allows you to enable or disable the control of Active State Power Management on SA  
side of the DMI Link.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [L0s] [L1] [L0sL1]  
PEG - ASPM [Disabled]  
Allows you to control ASPM support for the PEG device.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] [ASPM L0s] [ASPM L1] [ASPM L0sL1]  
Memory Configuration  
Allows you to configure the memory configuration parameters.  
Memory Scrambler [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Memory Scrambler support.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Memory Remap [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable remapping the memory above 4GB.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
3-32  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
3.6.5  
USB Configuration  
The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.  
The USB Devices item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the  
item shows None.  
Legacy USB Support [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS).  
The USB devices can be used only for the BIOS setup program. It cannot  
be recognized in boot devices list.  
[Auto]  
Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If  
detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is  
detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.  
Intel xHCI Mode [Smart Auto]  
[Auto]  
Keeps the last operation of xHCI controller in OS during bootup.  
[Smart Auto]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the operation of xHCI controller.  
Enables the xHCI controller.  
Disables the xHCI controller.  
EHCI Hand-off [Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off  
feature.  
[Disabled]  
Disables the EHCI Hand-off support.  
USB Single Port Control  
Allows you to enable or disable the individual USB port.  
Refer to section 1.2.2 Motherboard layout for the location of the USB ports.  
3-33  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
3.6.6  
Platform Misc Configuration  
The items in this menu allow you to configure the platform-related features.  
PCI Express Native Power Management [Disabled]  
Allows you to enhance the power saving feature of PCI Express and perform ASPM  
operations in the operating system.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
The following item appears only when you set the PCI Express Native Power Management  
to [Enabled].  
Native ASPM [Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Vista controls the ASPM support for the device.  
BIOS controls the ASPM support for the device.  
3-34  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.6.7  
Onboard Devices Configuration  
Scroll down to view the other BIOS items.  
HD Audio Controller [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Enables the High Definition Audio Controller.  
[Disabled]  
Disables the controller.  
The following items appear only when you set the HD Audio Controller to [Enabled].  
Front Panel Type [HD]  
Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or  
high-definition 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 legacy AC’97  
SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF]  
[SPDIF]  
[HDMI]  
Sets to an SPDIF audio output.  
Sets to an HDMI audio output.  
3-35  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
Intel LAN Controller [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the Intel® LAN controller.  
Disables the Intel® LAN controller.  
Intel PXE OPROM [Disabled]  
This item appears only when you set the Intel LAN Controller item to [Enabled] and allows  
you to enable or disable the PXE OptionRom of the Intel® LAN controller.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
3-36  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
3.6.8  
APM  
ErP Ready [Disabled]  
Allows you to switch off some power at S4+S5 or S5 to get the system ready for ErP  
requirement. When set to [Enabled], all other PME options will be switched off.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled (S4+S5] [Enabled (S5)]  
Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off]  
[Power On]  
[Power Off]  
[Last State]  
The system goes into ON state after an AC power loss.  
The system goes into OFF state after an AC power loss.  
The system goes into either OFF or ON state, whatever the system state  
was before the AC power loss.  
Power On By PCIE/PCI [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
Disables the PCIE/PCI devices to generate a wake-on-LAN feature of the  
Intel®/LAN device or other installed PCIE LAN devices.  
[Enabled]  
Enables the PCIE/PCI devices to generate a wake-on-LAN feature of the  
Intel®/LAN device or other installed PCIE LAN devices..  
Power On By RTC [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables RTC to generate a wake event.  
When set to [Enabled], the items RTC Alarm Date (Days) and Hour/  
Minute/Second will become user-configurable with set values.  
3-37  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
3.6.9  
Network Stack  
Network Stack [Disable]  
This item allows user to disable or enable the UEFI network stack.  
Configuration options: [Disable] [Enable]  
The following item appears only when you set the Network Stack to [Enabled].  
Ipv4/Ipv6 PXE Support [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Ipv4/Ipv6 PXE boot option.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
3-38  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.7  
Monitor menu  
The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change  
the fan settings.  
Scroll down to display the other BIOS items.  
CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard  
temperatures. Select [Ignore] if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures.  
CPU Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A], CPU OPT Speed [xxxx RPM]  
or [Ignore] / [N/A], Chassis Fan 1/4 Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A],  
Assistant Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU, chassis, power,  
and assistant fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the  
motherboard, the field shows N/A. Select [Ignore] if you do not wish to display the detected  
speed.  
CPU core 0-3 Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard  
voltage regulators. Select [Ignore] if you do not want to detect this item.  
3-39  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
CPU Q-Fan Control [Auto]  
Allows you to set the CPU Q-Fan operating mode.  
[Advance  
Mode]  
Detects the type of CPU fan installed and automatically switches the  
mode control. When a 3-pin CPU fan is installed, select this mode for the  
DC mode Q-Fan control.  
[Auto]  
Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature in PWM mode for 4-pin CPU fan.  
Disables the Q-Fan control.  
[Disabled]  
The following items appear only when you set the CPU Q-Fan Control to [Advance Mode]  
and [Auto].  
CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]  
Allows you to set the low limit warning for CPU Fan speed.  
Configuration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]  
CPU Fan Profile [Standard]  
Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU fan.  
[Standard]  
Set to make the CPU fan adjust automatically depending on the CPU  
temperature.  
[Silent]  
[Turbo]  
[Manual]  
Set to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation.  
Set to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.  
Set to assign the detailed fan speed control parameters.  
The following items appear only when you set the CPU Fan Profile to [Manual].  
CPU Upper Temperature [70]  
Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature.  
The values range from 20ºC to 75ºC.  
CPU Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100]  
Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. The  
values range from 20% to 100%. When the CPU temperature reaches the  
upper limit, the CPU fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle.  
CPU Lower Temperature [20]  
Displays the lower limit of the CPU temperature.  
CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [20]  
Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the minimum CPU fan duty cycle. The  
values range from 0% to 100%. When the CPU temperature is under 40ºC,  
the CPU fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.  
Chassis Q-Fan Control 1/4 [Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.  
Enables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.  
3-40  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
Chassis Fan Speed Low Limit 1/4 [600 RPM]  
This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and allows  
you to disable or set the chassis fan warning speed.  
Configuration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]  
Chassis Fan 1/4 Profile [Standard]  
This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature. It allows  
you to set the appropriate performance level of the chassis fan.  
[Standard]  
Set to make the chassis fan adjust automatically depending on the  
chassis temperature.  
[Silent]  
[Turbo]  
[Manual]  
Set to minimize the fan speed for quiet chassis fan operation.  
Set to achieve maximum chassis fan speed.  
Set to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.  
The following items appear only when you set the Chassis Fan Profile to [Manual].  
Chassis 1/4 Upper Temperature [70]  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan duty cycle  
and CPU temperature upper limit. The values range from 40ºC to 90ºC.  
Chassis 1/4 Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100]  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan duty cycle.  
The values range from 20% to 100%. When the chassis temperature  
reaches the upper limit, the chassis fan will operate at the maximum duty  
cycle.  
Chassis 1/4 Lower Temperature [40]  
Displays the lower limit of the chassis temperature.  
Chassis 1/4 Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [60]  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum chassis fan duty cycle.  
The values range from 0% to 100%. When the chassis temperature is  
under 40ºC, the chassis fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.  
ASST Q-Fan Control [Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the Assistant Q-Fan control feature.  
Enables the Assistant Q-Fan control feature.  
ASST Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]  
This item appears only when you enable the ASST Q-Fan Control feature and allows  
you to disable or set the assistant fan warning speed.  
Configuration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]  
3-41  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
ASST Fan Profile [Standard]  
This item appears only when you enable the Assistant Q-Fan Control feature. It allows  
you to set the appropriate performance level of the assistant fan.  
[Standard]  
Set to make the assistant fan adjust automatically depending on the  
chassis temperature.  
[Silent]  
Set to minimize the fan speed for quiet assistant fan operation.  
Set to achieve maximum assistant fan speed.  
Set to turn off all assistant fans.  
[Turbo]  
[Fan Off]  
[Manual]  
Set to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.  
The following items appear only when you set the Assistant Fan Profile to [Manual].  
ASST Upper Temperature [70]  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum assistant fan duty cycle  
and temperature upper limit. The values range from 40ºC to 90ºC.  
ASST Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100]  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum assistant fan duty cycle.  
The values range from 20% to 100%. When the temperature reaches the  
upper limit, the assistant fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle.  
ASST Lower Temperature [40]  
Displays the lower limit of the temperature.  
ASST Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [60]  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum assistant fan duty cycle.  
The values range from 0% to 100%. When the temperature is under 40ºC,  
the assistant fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.  
Allow Fan Stop [Disabled]  
Allows your assistant fans to run at 0% duty cycle when the motherboard’s  
temperature drops to a certain degree.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Fan Overtime [1 minute]  
Allows you to extend the turbo fan’s working time for good heat dissipation and lowers the  
temperature after system shutdown.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [1 minute] [3 minutes] [5 minutes] [10 minutes]  
Anti Surge Support [Enabled]  
This item allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge function for UVP or OVP protection.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
3-42  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
3.8  
Boot menu  
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.  
Boot Configuration  
Fast Boot [Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Allows your system to go back to its normal boot speed.  
Allows your system to accelerate the boot speed.  
The following items appear only when you set the Fast Boot to [Enabled].  
USB Support [Partial In...]  
[Disabled]  
All USB devices will not be available until OS boot up for a  
fastest POST time.  
[Full Initialization] All USB devices will be available during POST. This process will  
extend the POST time.  
[Partial  
Initialization]  
For a faster POST time, only USB ports with keyboard and  
mouse connections will be detected.  
Network Stack Driver Support [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Select to skip the network stack driver from loading during POST.  
Select to load the network stack driver during POST.  
Next Boot after AC Power Loss [Normal Boot]  
[Normal Boot] Returns to normal boot on the next boot after an AC power loss.  
[Fast Boot]  
Accelerates the boot speed on the next boot after an AC power loss.  
3-43  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
HW Fast Boot [Disabled]  
Allows the system to enable or disable the HW Fast Boot.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
DirectKey Enable [Go to BIOS...]  
[Disabled]  
Disables the DirectKey button. The system will only power on or off  
when you press the DirectKey button.  
[Go to BIOS  
Setup]  
Allows the system to power on and go to the BIOS Setup directly when  
you press the DirectKey button.  
Boot Logo Display [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the full screen boot logo display during POST.  
Disables the full screen boot logo display during POST.  
The following items appear only when you set the Boot Logo Display to [Enabled].  
Boot Logo Size Control [Auto]  
[Auto]  
Automatically adjusts for Windows® requirements.  
[Full Screen]  
Maximizes the boot logo size.  
Post Delay Time [3 sec]  
This item allows you to select a desired additional POST waiting time to easily enter  
the BIOS Setup. You can only execute the POST delay time during normal boot. The  
values range from 0 to 10 seconds.  
This feature will only work when set under normal boot.  
The following items appear only when you set the Boot Logo Display to [Disabled].  
Post Report [5 sec]  
This item allows you to select a desired POST report waiting time  
Configuration options: [1 sec] - [10 sec] [Until Press ESC]  
Bootup NumLock State [On]  
[On]  
[Off]  
Set the power-on state of the NumLock to [On].  
Set the power-on state of the NumLock to [Off].  
Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the function.  
The system waits for the <F1> key to be pressed when error occurs.  
3-44  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS]  
[Force BIOS]  
The third-party ROM messages will be displayed during the boot sequence.  
[Keep Current] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-party  
manufacturer had set the add-on device to do so.  
Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled]  
Allows you to trap Interrupt 19 by the option ROMs.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Setup Mode [EZ Mode]  
[Advanced Mode] Allows you to go to Advanced Mode of the BIOS after POST.  
[EZ Mode]  
Allows you to go to EZ Mode of the BIOS after POST.  
CSM (Compatibility Support Module)  
Allows you to configure the CSM (Compatibility Support Module) items to fully support the  
various VGA, bootable devices and add-on devices for better compatibility.  
Launch CSM [Enabled]  
[Auto]  
The system automatically detects the bootable devices and the add-  
on devices.  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
For better compatibility, enable the CSM to fully support the non-UEFI  
driver add-on devices or the Windows® UEFI mode.  
Disable the CSM to fully support the non-UEFI driver add-on devices  
or the Windows® UEFI mode.  
The following items appear only when you set the Launch CSM to [Enabled].  
Boot Devices Control [UEFI and Legacy OpROM]  
Allows you to select the type of devices that you want to boot.  
Configuration options: [UEFI and Legacy OpROM] [Legacy OpROM only]  
[UEFI only]  
Boot from Network Devices [Legacy OpROM first]  
Allows you to select the type of network devices that you want to launch.  
Configuration options: [Legacy OpROM first] [UEFI driver first] [Ignore]  
Boot from Storage Devices [Legacy OpROM first]  
Allows you to select the type of storage devices that you want to launch.  
Configuration options: [Both, Legacy OpROM first] [Both, UEFI first]  
[Legacy OpROM first] [UEFI driver first] [Ignore]  
Boot from PCIe/PCI Expansion Devices [Legacy OpROM first]  
Allows you to select the type of PCIe/PCI expansion devices that you want  
to launch.  
Configuration options: [Legacy OpROM first] [UEFI driver first]  
3-45  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
Secure Boot  
Allows you to configure the Windows® Secure Boot settings and manage its keys to protect  
the system from unauthorized access and malwares during POST.  
OS Type [Windows UEFI mode]  
[Windows UEFI  
Mode]  
Allows you to select your installed operating system. Execute  
the Microsoft® Secure Boot check. Only select this option when  
booting on Windows® UEFI mode or other Microsoft® Secure  
Boot compliant OS.  
[Other OS]  
Get the optimized function when booting on Windows® non-  
UEFI mode. Microsoft® Secure Boot only supports Windows®  
UEFI mode.  
The following item appears only when you set the OS Type to [Windows UEFI mode].  
Key Management  
This item appears only when you set OS Type to [Windows UEFI Mode]. It allows you  
to manage the Secure Boot keys.  
Install Default Secure Boot keys  
Allows you to immediately load the default Security Boot keys, Platform key  
(PK), Key-exchange Key (KEK), Signature database (db), and Revoked  
Signatures (dbx). When the default Secure boot keys are loaded, the PK  
state will change from Unloaded mode to loaded mode.  
Clear Secure Boot keys  
This item appears only when you load the default Secure Boot keys. This  
item allows you to clear all default Secure Boot keys.  
Save Secure Boot Keys  
Allows you to save the PK (Platform Keys) to a USB storage device.  
PK Management  
The Platform Key (PK) locks and secures the firmware from any permissible changes.  
The system verifies the PK before your system enters the OS.  
Delete PK  
Allows you to delete the PK from your system. Once the PK is deleted, all  
the system’s Secure Boot keys will not be active.  
Configuration options: [Yes] [No]  
Load PK from File  
Allows you to load the downloaded PK from a USB storage device.  
The PK file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated  
variable.  
3-46  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
KEK Management  
The KEK (Key-exchange Key or Key Enrollment Key) manages the Signature database  
(db) and Revoked Signature database (dbx).  
Key-exchange Key (KEK) refers to Microsoft® Secure Boot Key-Enrollment Key (KEK).  
Delete the KEK  
Allows you to delete the KEK from your system.  
Configuration options: [Yes] [No]  
Load KEK from File  
Allows you to load the downloaded KEK from a USB storage device.  
Append KEK from File  
Allows you to load the additional KEK from a storage device for an  
additional db and dbx loaded management.  
The KEK file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated  
variable.  
DB Management  
The db (Authorized Signature database) lists the signers or images of UEFI  
applications, operating system loaders, and UEFI drivers that you can load on the  
single computer.  
Delete the db  
Allows you to delete the db file from your system.  
Configuration options: [Yes] [No]  
Load db from File  
Allows you to load the downloaded db from a USB storage device.  
Append db from File  
Allows you to load the additional db from a storage device so that more  
images can be loaded securely.  
The db file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated  
variable.  
DBX Management  
The dbx (Revoked Signature database) lists the forbidden images of db items that are  
no longer trusted and cannot be loaded.  
Delete the dbx  
Allows you to delete the dbx file from your system.  
Load dbx from File  
Allows you to load the downloaded dbx from a USB storage device.  
Configuration options: [Yes] [No]  
3-47  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
Append dbx from File  
Allows you to load the additional dbx from a storage device so that more  
db’s images cannot be loaded.  
The dbx file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated  
variable.  
Boot Option Priorities  
These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The  
number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices  
installed in the system.  
To access Windows® OS in Safe Mode, do any of the following:  
-
-
Press <F5> when ASUS Logo appears.  
Press <F8> after POST.  
To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo  
appears.  
Boot Override  
These items displays the available devices. The number of device items that appears on  
the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. Click an item to start  
booting from the selected device.  
3-48  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
3.9  
Tools menu  
The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item  
then press <Enter> to display the submenu.  
3.9.1  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility  
Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation message  
appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to  
confirm your choice.  
For more details, refer to section 3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2.  
3.9.2  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.  
The Setup Profile Status items show Not Installed if no profile is created.  
3-49  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
Save to Profile  
Allows you to save the current BIOS settings to the BIOS Flash, and create a profile. Key in a  
profile number from one to eight, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.  
Load from Profile  
Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the profile  
number that saved your BIOS settings, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.  
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the  
system boot failure!  
We recommend that you update the BIOS file only coming from the same memory/  
CPU configuration and BIOS version.  
3.9.3  
ASUS SPD Information  
Allows you to view the DRAM SPD information.  
3-50  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.10  
Exit menu  
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and  
save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. You can access the EZ Mode from the Exit  
menu.  
Load Optimized Defaults  
This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup  
menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation window appears.  
Select Yes to load the default values.  
Save Changes & Reset  
Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to  
ensure the values you selected are saved. When you select this option or if you press <F10>,  
a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to save changes and exit.  
Discard Changes & Exit  
This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes. When you  
select this option or if you press <Esc>, a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to  
discard changes and exit.  
ASUS EZ Mode  
This option allows you to enter the EZ Mode screen.  
Launch EFI Shell from filesystem device  
This option allows you to attempt to launch the EFI Shell application (shellx64.efi) from one of  
the available filesystem devices.  
3-51  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
3.11  
Updating BIOS  
The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system  
stability, compatibility, or performance. However, BIOS updating is potentially risky. If there  
is no problem using the current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS.  
Inappropriate BIOS updating may result in the system’s failure to boot. Carefully follow the  
instructions of this chapter to update your BIOS if necessary.  
Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file for this  
motherboard.  
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program.  
1.  
EZ Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.  
For details, refer to the section 4.3.5 EZ Update.  
2.  
ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a USB flash drive.  
3.  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support DVD or a  
USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.  
4.  
ASUS BIOS Updater: Updates and back ups the BIOS in DOS environment using the  
motherboard support DVD and a USB flash disk drive.  
3-52  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.11.1  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a bootable floppy disk  
or an OS-based utility.  
Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website  
at www.asus.com.  
To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:  
1.  
Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port.  
2.  
Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select  
ASUS EZ Flash Utility and press <Enter> to enable it.  
3.  
4.  
Press <Tab> to switch to the Drive field.  
Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS,  
and then press <Enter>.  
5.  
6.  
Press <Tab> to switch to the Folder Info field.  
Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the BIOS file, and then press <Enter> to perform  
the BIOS update process. Reboot the system when the update process is done.  
3-53  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and  
single partition only.  
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system  
boot failure!  
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select  
the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for  
details.  
3.11.2  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3  
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the  
BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a  
corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains  
the BIOS file.  
The BIOS file in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS file published  
on the ASUS official website. If you want to use the newer BIOS file, download the file at  
http://support.asus.com and save it to a USB flash drive.  
Recovering the BIOS  
To recover the BIOS:  
1.  
Turn on the system.  
2.  
Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB flash drive  
containing the BIOS file to the USB port.  
3.  
The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file. When found, the utility  
reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 automatically.  
4.  
The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover the BIOS setting. To ensure  
system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you press <F5> to load default  
BIOS values.  
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause  
system boot failure!  
3-54  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
3.11.3  
ASUS BIOS Updater  
The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update the BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also  
allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or  
gets corrupted during the updating process.  
The succeeding utility screens are for reference only. The actual utility screen displays may  
not be same as shown.  
Before updating BIOS  
1.  
Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive in FAT32/16 format and  
single partition.  
2.  
Download the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater from the ASUS website at  
http://support.asus.com and save them on the USB flash drive.  
NTFS is not supported under DOS environment. Do not save the BIOS file and BIOS  
Updater to a hard disk drive or USB flash drive in NTFS format.  
Do not save the BIOS file to a floppy disk due to low disk capacity.  
3.  
Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives (optional).  
Booting the system in DOS environment  
1.  
Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to the USB port.  
2.  
Boot your computer. When the ASUS Logo appears, press <F8> to show the BIOS  
Boot Device Select Menu. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive and select the  
optical drive as the boot device.  
Please select boot device:  
SATA: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
USB XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
UEFI: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
Enter Setup  
and to move selection  
ENTER to select boot device  
ESC to boot using defaults  
3-55  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
3.  
4.  
When the Make Disk menu appears, select the FreeDOS command prompt item by  
pressing the item number.  
At the FreeDOS prompt, type d: and press <Enter> to switch the disk from Drive C  
(optical drive) to Drive D (USB flash drive).  
Welcome to FreeDOS (http://www.freedos.org)!  
C:\>d:  
D:\>  
Updating the BIOS file  
To update the BIOS file using BIOS Updater:  
1.  
At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>.  
D:\>bupdater /pc /g  
2.  
The BIOS Updater screen appears as below.  
ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.30 [2013/02/22]  
FLASH TYPE:  
MX1C 25L1065A  
Current ROM  
Update ROM  
BOARD:UNKNOWN  
VER: UNKNOWN  
DATE: UNKNOWN  
BOARD:  
VER:  
GRYPHON Z87  
0204  
DATE:  
01/01/2012  
PATH:  
A:\  
Z87D.CAP  
2097152 2013-02-22 17:30:48  
A:  
Note  
[Enter] Select or Load  
[Tab] Switch  
[B] Backup  
[V] Drive Info  
[Esc] Exit  
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move  
3.  
Press <Tab> to switch between screen fields and use the <Up/Down/Home/End> keys  
to select the BIOS file and press <Enter>. BIOS Updater checks the selected BIOS file  
and prompts you to confirm BIOS update.  
Are you sure to update BIOS?  
Yes  
No  
3-56  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
4.  
Select Yes and press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS  
Updater. Restart your computer.  
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot  
failure!  
For BIOS Updater version 1.04 or later, the utility automatically exits to the DOS  
prompt after updating BIOS.  
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability.  
Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit BIOS menu. See Chaper 3  
of your motherboard user manual for details.  
Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS file if you have  
disconnected them.  
3-57  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
3-58  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
Chapter 4:  
Software support  
Software support  
4
4.1  
Installing an operating system  
This motherboard supports 32-bit/64-bit Windows® 7 and 32-bit/64-bit Windows®  
operating systems (OS).  
8
Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. The setup procedures presented  
in this chapter are for reference only. Refer to Windows® operating system  
documentation for detailed information.  
4.2  
Support DVD information  
The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the  
ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates.  
4.2.1  
Running the support DVD  
.Ensure that you have an Administrator account before running the support DVD in  
Windows® 7 or Windows® 8 OS.  
To run the support DVD:  
1.  
2.  
Place the Support DVD into the optical drive.  
In the AutoPlay dialog box, click Run ASSETUP.EXE.  
If the AutoPlay dialog box does not appear, browse the contents of the support DVD and  
double-click or tap \\bin\ASSETUP.EXE to launch the ASUS motherboard support DVD  
main menu.  
4-1  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
Support DVD main menu  
The Manual menu contains  
the list of supplementary user  
manuals. Click an item to open  
the folder of the user manual.  
The Drivers menu shows the available  
device drivers if the system detects  
installed devices. Install the necessary  
drivers to use the devices.  
The AHCI/RAID Driver  
menu contains the  
RAID/AHCI driver disk.  
Click the Contact  
tab to display the  
ASUS contact  
information.  
The Utilities  
menu shows the  
applications and  
other software that  
the motherboard  
supports.  
Click an icon  
to display DVD/  
motherboard  
information  
Click an item  
to install  
The Support DVD screenshot is for reference only. The actual screenshot varies depending  
on motherboard model.  
4-2  
Chapter 4: Software support  
4.2.2  
Obtaining the software manuals  
The software manuals are included in the support DVD. Follow the instructions below to get  
the necessary software manuals.  
The software manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe®  
Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities tab before opening the files.  
To read about your motherboard’s utility guide:  
1.  
Click Manual tab > ASUS  
Motherboard Utility Guide.  
2.  
From the Manual folder, open the  
folder of the software manual that  
you wish to read.  
3.  
Some software manuals are  
provided in different languages.  
Open the language’s folder to view  
the software manual.  
The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual software manuals  
containing in the support DVD vary by models.  
4-3  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
4.3  
Software information  
Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you  
through the installation. View the online help or readme file that came with the software  
application for more information.  
4.3.1  
AI Suite 3  
AI Suite 3 is an all-in-one interface that integrates several ASUS utilities and allows you to  
launch and operate these utilities simultaneously.  
Installing AI Suite 3  
Ensure that you have an Administrator account before installing AI Suite 3 in Windows® 7 or  
Windows® 8 OS.  
To install AI Suite 3 on your computer:  
Windows® 7 OS  
1.  
2.  
Place the Support DVD into the optical drive.  
In the AutoPlay dialog box, click Run ASSETUP.exe then select the Utilities tab.  
3.  
From the Utilities tab, click AI Suite 3 then follow the succeeding onscreen  
instructions.  
4-4  
Chapter 4: Software support  
 
Windows® 8 OS  
1.  
2.  
Place the Support DVD into the optical drive then follow onscreen instructions.  
From the ASUS motherboard support DVD main menu, select the Utilities tab and  
click AI Suite 3.  
3.  
Follow the succeeding onscreen instructions.  
If the ASUS motherboard support DVD main menu did not appear, try the following  
steps:  
a.  
b.  
Go to the Start screen then click or tap the Desktop app.  
On the lower left corner of the Desktop, click or tap File Explorer  
then  
select your DVD drive and tap or double-click the Setup application.  
Launching AI Suite 3  
Windows® 7 OS  
From the Desktop, click Start > All Programs > ASUS > AI Suite 3 > AI Suite 3.  
You can also launch AI Suite 3 in Windows® 7 by clicking  
on the Notification area.  
Windows® 8 OS  
To launch AI Suite 3 in Windows® 8, tap the AI Suite 3 app on the Start  
screen (or if you’re using a mouse, click the AI Suite 3 app on the Start  
screen).  
4-5  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
AI Suite 3 Main menu  
The AI Suite 3 main menu gives you easy-access controls and insight to what’s going on  
with your computer - allowing you to optimize performance settings while at the same time  
ensuring system stability.  
Included in the AI Suite main menu is a quick-access menu bar that allows you to swiftly  
launch any of the integrated ASUS utilities. Click or tap the  
launch the menu bar.  
on the top-edge of menu to  
Click or tap to launch AI Suite 3 menu bar  
The AI Suite 3 screenshots in this section are for reference only and can vary depending on  
motherboard model.  
AI Suite 3 main menu bar  
Network  
iControl  
USB BIOS  
Flashback  
Thermal Radar 2  
USB 3.0 Boost  
Remote GO!  
System  
Information  
USB Charger+  
EZ Update  
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at  
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.  
4-6  
Chapter 4: Software support  
4.3.2  
Thermal Radar 2  
The Thermal Radar 2 comes with these four utilities in one interface:  
Thermal Tuning, Thermal Status, Fan Control and DIGI+ Power Control.  
Thermal Tuning  
The Thermal Tuning utility allows you to automatically optimize your system’s cooling solution  
such as the CPU fan, chassis fans, and the TUF turbo fan in just one click.  
Click or tap  
to start the  
thermal tuning  
process  
Click or tap the  
to see the sensor’s  
information  
Click or tap to assign a component to  
the thermal sensor  
Thermal Status  
The Thermal Status utility allows you to monitor the thermal conditions of your motherboard’s  
CPU and VGA zones in real time. With this utility, you can also assess your CPU’s  
temperature level during system load.  
CPU Zone  
VGA Zone  
Click or tap to assess the  
CPU’s temperature level  
during system load  
4-7  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
Fan Control  
The Fan Control utility provides an easy-to-use preset fan profiles that automatically tweaks  
the fan speed. It also allows you to customize the speed of each fan and save it as a fan  
profile.  
Click or tap a  
screen to select the  
fan type that you  
want to customize  
Click or tap to  
select a fan mode  
Click or tap to save  
a customized fan  
profile  
Click or tap to  
apply the changes  
Click or tap to load  
a profile  
Drag the slider to set a fan  
overtime after your system  
shuts down  
The Fan Overtime is only applicable for the assistant fan.  
The assistant fan for the ASST_FAN connector is bundled with the Gryphon Armor Kit,  
that is purchased separately.  
The Fan Overtime is disabled when you enable the ErP item in the BIOS.  
The assistant fan will use the system’s standby power after shutdown. DO NOT  
connect too many power-sharing devices as this result to power overload.  
4-8  
Chapter 4: Software support  
Customizing the fan settings  
You can customize your fan’s speed using the Smart Mode and RPM (rotations per minute)  
Mode.  
Smart Mode  
Smart Mode allows you to customize the fan’s rotation speed for a certain temperature. With  
this utility, you can also assign three critical components for the Thermal Radar 2 to monitor.  
Drag these  
points to  
set the fan’s  
rotation  
speed and  
Click or tap to view  
the fan information  
temperature  
Click or tap  
to select a sensor  
then drag the  
sliders to assign a  
weight percentage  
Drag these  
sliders to  
adjust the  
fan’s response  
time  
Click or tap to  
apply the changes  
Click or tap to undo  
the changes  
Click or tap to  
go back to main  
screen  
Click or tap to switch  
between CPU, chassis, and  
assistant fan screens  
RPM Mode  
The RPM mode allows you to set the fan speed when the temperature is below 75ºC.  
Drag the slider up  
or down to adjust  
the fan speed  
Click or tap to  
go back to main  
screen  
Click or tap to switch  
between CPU, chassis, and  
assistant fan screens  
4-9  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
DIGI+ Power Control  
DIGI+ Power Control utility allows you to adjust the CPU and DRAM power settings for an  
optimum system efficiency, overall system stability and performance.  
Adjusting the CPU power  
Click or tap to switch  
between screens  
Click or tap to  
go back to main  
screen  
Click or tap to  
apply the changes  
Click or tap to undo  
the changes  
CPU Load-line Calibration  
CPU Load-line Calibration adjusts the voltage range and controls the system  
temperature. Higher load-line calibration could get higher voltage and good  
overclocking performance but increases the CPU and VRM thermal conditions.  
CPU Current Capability  
CPU Current Capability provides wider total power range for overclocking. A higher  
value setting gets higher VRM power consumption delivery.  
CPU Power Phase Control  
CPU Power Phase Control allows you to get more transient and better thermal  
performance by increasing the phase number under heavy system loading. To  
increase VRM efficiency, reduce the phase number under light system loading.  
* The system automatically sets the default to [Extreme] when using the Intel® iGPU.  
CPU Power Thermal Control  
A higher temperature brings a wider CPU power thermal range, and extends the  
overclocking tolerance to enlarge overclocking potential.  
CPU Voltage Frequency  
CPU Voltage Frequency affects the VRM transient response and thermal  
components. Higher VRM frequency gets quicker transient response.  
Active Frequency Mode  
Active Frequency Mode allows you to enhance the power saving condition of the  
CPU. Tick on to enable this item to get a quicker transient response while saving  
the CPU power.  
CPU Power Duty Control  
CPU Power Duty Control allows to balance the CPU load based on the  
temperature or on the current system load.  
4-10  
Chapter 4: Software support  
Adjusting the DRAM power  
Click or tap to undo  
the changes  
Click or tap to go back  
to main screen  
Click or tap to  
apply the changes  
DRAM Current Capability  
A higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the overclocking  
frequency range simultaneously.  
DRAM Voltage Frequency  
Allows you to adjust the DRAM switching frequency for system stability or to  
increase OC range.  
DRAM Power Phase Control  
Select Extreme for full phase mode to increase system performance or select  
Optimized for ASUS optimized phase tuning profile to increase DRAM power  
efficiency.  
4-11  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
4.3.3  
Remote GO!  
Remote GO! is an ASUS-exclusive Wi-Fi utility that allows you to wirelessly stream your  
media files to DLNA devices, control your computer using your smart device, transfer files to  
your smart device, and provides access to your files stored in your cloud storage.  
System requirements  
System  
PC  
Smart device  
requirements  
OS  
Windows® 7/Windows®  
ASUS AI Suite 3  
8
Android 2.3 or later versions  
iOS5 or later versions  
Utilities  
ASUS Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote  
Install the AI Suite 3 utility from your ASUS motherboard’s bundled support DVD.  
For your Android smart device, download the ASUS Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote from  
Google Play. For your iOS smart device, download the ASUS Wi-Fi GO! & NFC  
Remote from App store.  
Ensure that all Wi-Fi smart devices using the Remote GO! utility must be in the same  
local area network (LAN).  
The user interface of your smart device may vary with the operating system and the  
screen resolution.  
Smart device supported screen resolutions  
Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote supports the following screen resolutions of your smart devices:  
Screen  
type  
Low Density Medium Density  
High Density  
(240, hdpi)  
Extra high density  
(320, xhdpi)  
(120, ldpi)  
(160, mdpi)  
WXGA  
(1280x800)  
1536 x 1152  
1920 x 1152  
1920 x 1200  
2048 x 1536  
2560 x 1536  
2560 x 1600  
Screen  
Resolution  
1024 x 600  
1024 x 768  
1280 x 768  
4-12  
Chapter 4: Software support  
 
Using Remote GO!  
To use Remote GO!, click or tap the  
on the top edge of the AI Suite 3 main menu, then  
select Remote GO!  
Click or tap to  
set a password  
Remote GO! menu  
Launch Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote on your smart device to use the Wi-Fi GO! & NFC  
Remote control functions. For more details, refer to section Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote  
of this user manual for more details.  
To protect your Wi-Fi utility from unauthorized remote access, click  
then set a  
password.  
Ensure that the ASUS AI Suite 3 utility is active when using the Remote GO! functions.  
Using Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote  
Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote allows you to remotely control your computer using your smart  
device.  
Launching Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote  
1.  
On your smart device, turn on the Wi-Fi connection. Ensure that your smart device is  
within the same network as your computer.  
2.  
3.  
Tap  
Wi-Fi GO!  
NFC Remote  
> Enter, then tap the computer you want to connect with your smart  
&
device.  
Tap OK on the confirmation message.  
4-13  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
Remote GO! functions  
q
q
q
q
Cloud GO!: Allows you to remotely control and sync your files across multiple cloud  
services such as ASUS WebStorage, GoogleDrive™, and DropBox®.  
Remote Desktop: Allows you to remotely control your desktop in real time using your  
smart device.  
DLNA Media Hub: Allows you to stream media files to a DLNA-supported device and  
remotely control playback using your smart device.  
File Transfer: Allows you to transfer files between your computer and your smart  
device.  
Using the Wake-on-LAN  
If you want to wake up your computer using the smart device, ensure that you enable the  
computer’s Wake-on-LAN settings. To configure your computer’s Wake-on-LAN settings:  
1.  
From BIOS Setup, go to Advanced > APM then set Power On By PCIE/PCI item to  
[Enabled].  
2.  
From Windows® OS, do the following steps:  
a.  
On your desktop, click Start, right-click Computer > Manage to launch the  
Computer Management window.  
b.  
c.  
Click Device Manager to view all the installed devices.  
Click Network Adapters, right-click Intel® Ethernet connection I217-V then click  
Properties > Power Management tab.  
d.  
Tick these items Wake on Magic Packet from power off state.  
4-14  
Chapter 4: Software support  
Using Cloud GO!  
1.  
2.  
3.  
From the Remote GO! screen, click or tal Cloud GO!  
Tick I Agree then click or tal Enter to access your cloud storage accounts.  
Log into your Asus WebStorage, Google Drive™ or Dropbox® cloud account then click  
Sign In.  
Click or  
tap to open  
cloud storage  
accounts  
Click or tap an  
icon to upload,  
create folder,  
download, delete  
or refresh your  
cloud accounts  
Tick to select  
contents  
Click or tap to  
synchronize your  
files to other  
cloud accounts  
or create a back  
up to your local  
drive  
Click or tap  
to go back to  
Remote GO!  
window  
Click or tap to go back to  
the previous screen  
To access your cloud files from your smart device, ensure that you log into your cloud  
accounts on your computer.  
Due to the cloud storage limitation, you can only upload or synchronize files with a  
maximum size of 100 MB.  
Ensure to set the correct system time of your computer for the Cloud GO! to work  
properly.  
When you synchronize the files, they will automatically synchronize under the Remote  
GO! folder of each cloud storage. For the backed up files, you can find them in  
Favorites folder of your local drive.  
Using Remote Desktop  
1.  
2.  
On your smart device, tap Remote Desktop > Enter.  
Select Extended Mode or Main Screen Mode to control your computer.  
The Extended Mode support varies with the VGA driver installed in your computer.  
4-15  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
Using DLNA Media Hub  
To stream media files to a DLNA display, enable the remote control functions in your  
Windows Media Player. To do this, launch Windows Media Player, click Stream then tick  
Allow remote control of my Player and Automatically allow devices to play my media.  
Using DLNA Media Hub on the computer  
From the Remote GO! screen on your Desktop, click or tap DLNA Media Hub then click or  
tap Enter.  
Click or tap to select media  
Click or tap to edit the playlist  
file type  
Click or tap to  
select receiver  
Tick to select  
source location  
Media files pane  
Displays the  
target receiver’s  
name and  
the media file  
currently playing  
Click or tap  
to go back to  
Remote GO!  
window  
Click or tap to go back to  
previous screen  
Using DLNA Media Hub on the smart device  
1.  
2.  
3.  
On your smart device, tap DLNA Media Hub.  
Select and tap the receiver name.  
Tap Enter to remotely control your computer.  
4-16  
Chapter 4: Software support  
Using File Transfer  
Click or  
tap to set a  
destination  
path for file  
transfers from  
smart device to  
computer  
Click or tap  
to go back to  
Remote GO!  
window  
Click or tap to go back to  
the previous screen  
Click or tap to transfer  
files  
Transferring files from your computer to your smart device  
To transfer files from your computer to your smart device, right-click the file then click Send  
to > [Device name]. After the file transfer is complete, click OK.  
Ensure to enable File Transfer in your smart device to receive files from your computer.  
Transferring files from your smart device to your computer  
To transfer files from your smart device to your computer, tap File Transfer then tap Enter.  
Tick the file that you want to transfer then click Send.  
When transferring files from your computer to your iOS device, you can only receive  
files in PNG, BMP, JPG, GIF, and TIFF formats.  
To receive files on your iOS devices, go to Settings > Privacy > Photos then turn the  
Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote on.  
4-17  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
4.3.4  
USB 3.0 Boost  
USB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) that automatically  
speeds up the transfer rates of your USB storage devices.  
Launching USB 3.0 Boost  
To launch USB 3.0 Boost, click or tap the  
on the top edge of the AI Suite 3 main menu,  
then select USB 3.0 Boost.  
Using the USB 3.0 Boost  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Connect a USB 3.0 device to the USB 3.0 port.  
From the USB 3.0 Boost screen, Click or tap to select a USB device.  
To enable UASP on your USB device, click UASP. To revert to its normal transfer rate,  
click Normal.  
USB 3.0 Boost screen  
Click or tap to enable the  
USB device’s normal data  
transfer rate  
Click or tap to enable  
UASP or Turbo Mode to  
the USB device for a faster  
data transfer rate  
Click or tap to select a  
USB device  
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at  
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.  
Use the USB 3.0 devices for high performance. The data transfer speed varies with  
USB devices.  
4-18  
Chapter 4: Software support  
 
4.3.5  
EZ Update  
EZ Update is a utility that allows you to automatically update your motherboard’s softwares,  
drivers and the BIOS version easily.  
With this utlity, you can also manually update the saved BIOS and select the boot logo that  
will display during POST.  
Launching EZ Update  
To launch EZ Update, click or tap the  
on the top edge of the AI Suite 3 main menu, then  
select EZ Update.  
EZ Update screen  
Click or tap to automatically update your  
motherboard’s driver, software and firmware  
Click or tap to  
select a boot logo  
Click or tap to  
update the BIOS  
Click or tap to search and  
select the BIOS file  
EZ Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an ISP (Internet  
Service Provider) to download the latest BIOS.  
4-19  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
4.3.6  
Network iControl  
Network iControl is a one-stop setup network control center that allows you to manage your  
network bandwidth and set the bandwidth priority for your running programs.  
Launching Network iControl  
To launch Network iControl, click or tap the  
on the top edge of the AI Suite 3 main  
menu, then select Network iControl.  
Ensure to install the LAN drivers before using this utility.  
Network iControl can only support the onboard LAN.  
EZ Start screen  
Click or tap  
to activate  
Network  
iControl  
Click or tap to  
select a profile  
Tick to enable the  
selected profile  
Click or tap to apply  
the changes made  
Quick Connection screen  
Click or tap  
to turn the No  
delay TCP on  
or off  
4-20  
Chapter 4: Software support  
 
EZ Profile screen  
Click or tap to save the profile  
settings or rename the profile  
Click or tap  
to select a  
network profile  
Tick to assign  
a schedule of  
your network  
programs to  
avoid network  
congestions  
Click or tap  
to set the  
program as  
High, Normal,  
or Low priority  
Select a  
program from  
this list and  
click  
to  
add to your  
network profile  
4-21  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
4.3.7  
USB BIOS Flashback Wizard  
USB BIOS Flashback Wizard allows you to check and save the latest BIOS version to a USB  
storage device. Use this utility to quickly check for the latest available BIOS and set the BIOS  
download schedule.  
USB BIOS Flashback Wizard screen  
Set a schedule for  
the BIOS Update  
download  
Current BIOS  
information  
Click or tap to  
check for a new  
BIOS update  
available for  
download  
Click or tap  
to cancel the  
download  
schedule setting  
Click or tap  
to apply the  
download  
schedule setting  
Scheduling the BIOS download  
1.  
In the Download Setting field, tick Schedule (days) then select the number of days for  
the BIOS download schedule.  
2.  
Click Apply to save the BIOS download schedule. Click Cancel to cancel the  
download schedule.  
Downloading the updated BIOS  
Before you start downloading, ensure that you have installed the USB storage device to  
your computer’s USB port that supports USB BIOS Flashback. Refer to section  
2.3.1 Rear I/O connection of your user manual for more details.  
4-22  
Chapter 4: Software support  
 
To download the updated BIOS:  
1.  
From the USB BIOS Flashback screen,  
click Check for New BIOS Update.  
Wait for the system to check the latest  
BIOS version.  
2.  
After the utility detects a new BIOS, click  
from the Save to: field, select the USB  
flash drive, then click Download.  
3.  
After the download is complete, click OK.  
4-23  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
4.3.8  
USB Charger+  
USB Charger+ allows you to quick-charge your portable USB devices even if your computer  
is off, in sleep mode or hibernate mode.  
Before using the USB Charger+, ensure to disable the ErP Ready item from the  
Advanced > APM > ErP Ready in the Advanced mode of the BIOS setup program.  
Launching USB Charger+  
To launch USB Charger+, click or tap the  
on the top edge of the AI Suite 3 main menu,  
then select USB Charger+.  
USB Charger+ screen  
Click or tap  
to detect the  
connected USB  
device  
Indicates that  
the connected  
USB device  
is in charging  
mode  
Click or tap  
to fast-charge  
your USB  
device  
Click or tap to  
stop charging  
your USB  
device  
Click or tap  
to apply the  
settings  
Click or tap  
to discard the  
settings  
Click or tap to select the type of USB device  
that you wish to charge when the system is off  
Ensure to connect your USB device into the USB port that supports this utility. Refer to  
section 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection of your user manual for more details.  
The USB Charger+ does not support USB hubs, USB extension cables, and generic  
USB cables.  
The USB Charger+ may not recognize some ASUS devices due to a special design.  
4-24  
Chapter 4: Software support  
 
4.3.9  
System Information  
This utility allows you get the detailed information of the motherboard, CPU, and memory  
settings.  
Launching the System Information  
To launch System Information, click or tap the  
on the top edge of the AI Suite 3 main  
menu, then select System Information.  
Viewing the motherboard information  
From the System Information screen, click MB tab to view the motherboard’s information.  
Viewing the CPU information  
From the System Information screen, click CPU tab to view the processor’s information.  
4-25  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
Viewing the SPD information  
From the System Information screen, click SPD tab to view the memory’s information.  
4.3.10  
Audio configurations  
The Realtek® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio  
experience on your computer. The software provides Jack-Sensing function, S/PDIF Out  
support, and interrupt capability. The CODEC also includes the Realtek® proprietary UAJ®  
(Universal Audio Jack) technology for all audio ports, eliminating cable connection errors, and  
giving users plug and play convenience.  
Follow the installation wizard to install the Realtek® Audio Driver from the support DVD that  
came with the motherboard package.  
If the Realtek® audio software is correctly installed, you will find the  
Realtek® HD Audio Manager icon on the taskbar. Double-click on  
the icon to display the Realtek® HD Audio Manager.  
Realtek® HD Audio Manager  
4-26  
Chapter 4: Software support  
 
A.  
Realtek® HD Audio Manager for Windows® 8 / Windows® 7  
Advanced  
settings  
Configuration option tabs (vary with the audio devices connected)  
Set default  
device  
button  
Control  
settings panel  
Analog and digital connector status  
This version of Realtek HD Audio Manager supports Intel® 8 Series motherboards and other  
selected models.  
4-27  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
4-28  
Chapter 4: Software support  
Chapter 5:  
RAID support  
RAID support  
5
5.1  
RAID configurations  
The motherboard supports the following SATA RAID solutions:  
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 and RAID 5 support.  
If you want to install a Windows® operating system to a hard disk drive included in a RAID  
set, you have to create a RAID driver disk and load the RAID driver during OS installation.  
Refer to section 5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk for details.  
5.1.1  
RAID definitions  
RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in  
parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a single drive but at a  
sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone, thus improving data access  
and storage. Use of two new identical hard disk drives is required for this setup.  
RAID 1 (Data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data from one drive to  
a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array management software directs all applications  
to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of the data in the other drive. This RAID  
configuration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to the entire system. Use  
two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive for this setup. The new drive must be  
of the same size or larger than the existing drive.  
RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard disk drives. Among  
the advantages of RAID 5 configuration include better HDD performance, fault tolerance, and  
higher storage capacity. The RAID 5 configuration is best suited for transaction processing,  
relational database applications, enterprise resource planning, and other business systems.  
Use a minimum of three identical hard disk drives for this setup.  
RAID 10 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity (redundancy data) having  
to be calculated and written. With the RAID 10 configuration you get all the benefits of both  
RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations. Use four new hard disk drives or use an existing drive  
and three new drives for this setup.  
5-1  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
5.1.2  
Installing Serial ATA hard disks  
The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install  
identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array.  
To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.  
Connect the SATA signal cables.  
Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.  
5.1.3  
Setting the RAID item in BIOS  
You must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID sets using SATA  
HDDs. To do this:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Enter the BIOS Setup during POST.  
Go to the Advanced menu > SATA Configuration, and then press <Enter>.  
Set the SATA Mode item to [RAID Mode].  
Save your changes, and then exit the BIOS Setup.  
Refer to Chapter 3 for details on entering and navigating through the BIOS Setup  
Due to chipset limitation, when SATA ports are set to RAID mode, all SATA ports run at  
RAID mode together.  
5-2  
Chapter 5: RAID configurations  
 
5.1.4  
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility  
To enter the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility:  
1.  
2.  
Turn on the system.  
During POST, press <Ctrl> + <I> to display the utility main menu.  
Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - v10.5.1.1070  
Copyright(C) 2003-10 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.  
[ MAIN MENU ]  
4. Recovery Volume Options  
5. Acceleration Options  
6. Exit  
1. Create RAID Volume  
2. Delete RAID Volume  
3. Reset Disks to Non-RAID  
[ DISK/VOLUME INFORMATION ]  
RAID Volumes:  
None defined.  
Physical Devices:  
Port Device Model  
Serial #  
9LS0HJA4  
9LS0F4HL  
3LS0JYL8  
9LS0BJ5H  
Size Type/Status(Vol ID)  
Non-RAID Disk  
Non-RAID Disk  
Non-RAID Disk  
Non-RAID Disk  
0
1
2
3
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
149.0GB  
149.0GB  
149.0GB  
149.0GB  
[↑↓]-Select  
[ESC]-Exit  
[ENTER]-Select Menu  
The navigation keys at the bottom of the screen allow you to move through the menus  
and select the menu options.  
The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only and may not  
exactly match the items on your screen.  
The utility supports maximum four hard disk drives for RAID configuration.  
5-3  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
Creating a RAID set  
To create a RAID set:  
1.  
From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The  
following screen appears:  
Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - v10.5.1.1070  
Copyright(C) 2003-10 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.  
[ CREATE VOLUME MENU ]  
Name:  
RAID Level:  
Disks:  
Volume0  
Strip Size:  
Capacity:  
Sync:  
Create volume  
[ HELP ]  
Enter a unique volume name that has no special characters and is  
16 characters or less.  
[↑↓]-Select  
[ESC]-Exit  
[ENTER]-Select Menu  
2.  
3.  
Enter a name for the RAID set and press <Enter>.  
When the RAID Level item is selected, press the up/down arrow key to select a RAID  
level to create, and then press <Enter>.  
4.  
When the Disks item is selected, press <Enter> to select the hard disk drives you want  
to include in the RAID set. The SELECT DISKS screen appears:  
[ SELECT DISKS ]  
Port Drive Model  
Serial #  
9LS0HJA4  
9LS0F4HL  
3LS0JYL8  
9LS0BJ5H  
Size Status  
0
1
2
3
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk  
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk  
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk  
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk  
Select 2 to 6 disks to use in creating the volume.  
[↑↓]-Prev/Next [SPACE]-SelectDisk [ENTER]-Done  
5-4  
Chapter 5: RAID configurations  
5.  
Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press <Space> to select. A small  
triangle marks the selected drive. Press <Enter> after completing your selection.  
6.  
Use the up/down arrow key to select the stripe size for the RAID array (for RAID 0, 10  
and 5 only),and then press <Enter>. The available stripe size values range from 4KB  
to 128KB. The following are typical values:  
RAID 0: 128KB  
RAID 10: 64KB  
RAID 5: 64KB  
We recommend a lower stripe size for server systems, and a higher stripe size for  
multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing.  
7.  
8.  
When the Capacity item is selected, enter the RAID volume capacity that you want  
and press <Enter>. The default value indicates the maximum allowed capacity.  
When the Create Volume item is selected, press <Enter>. The following warning  
message appears:  
WARNING: ALL DATA ON SELECTED DISKS WILL BE LOST.  
Are you sure you want to create this volume? (Y/N):  
9.  
Press <Y> to create the RAID volume and return to the main menu, or <N> to go back  
to the CREATE VOLUME menu.  
5-5  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
Deleting a RAID set  
Be cautious when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when  
you delete a RAID set.  
To delete a RAID set:  
1.  
From the utility main menu, select 2. Delete RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The  
following screen appears:  
[ DELETE VOLUME MENU ]  
Name  
Volume0  
Level  
RAID0(Stripe)  
Drives  
2
Capacity  
298.0GB  
Status  
Normal  
Bootable  
Yes  
[ HELP ]  
Deleting a volume will reset the disks to non-RAID.  
WARNING:  
ALL DISK DATA WILL BE DELETED.  
(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)  
[↑↓]-Select  
[ESC]-Previous Menu  
[DEL]-Delete Volume  
2.  
Use the up/down arrow key to select the RAID set you want to delete, and then press  
<Delete>. The following warning message appears:  
[ DELETE VOLUME VERIFICATION ]  
ALL DATA IN THE VOLUME WILL BE LOST!  
(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)  
Are you sure you want to delete volume “Volume0”? (Y/N):  
3.  
Press <Y> to delete the RAID set and return to the utility main menu, or press <N> to  
return to the DELETE VOLUME menu.  
5-6  
Chapter 5: RAID configurations  
Exiting the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility  
To exit the utility:  
1.  
From the utility main menu, select 5. Exit, and then press <Enter>. The following  
warning message appears:  
[ CONFIRM EXIT ]  
Are you sure you want to exit? (Y/N):  
2.  
Press <Y> to exit or press <N> to return to the utility main menu.  
5.2  
Creating a RAID driver disk  
A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing a Windows® operating system  
on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set.  
The motherboard does not provide a floppy drive connector. You have to use a USB floppy  
disk drive when creating a SATA RAID driver disk.  
5.2.1  
Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS  
To create a RAID driver disk without entering the OS:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
7.  
8.  
Boot your computer.  
Press <Delete> during POST to enter the BIOS setup utility.  
Set the optical drive as the primary boot device.  
Insert the support DVD into the optical drive.  
Save changes and exit BIOS.  
When the Make Disk menu appears, press <1> to create a RAID driver disk.  
Insert a formatted floppy disk into the USB floppy disk drive, then press <Enter>.  
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.  
5-7  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
5.2.2  
Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®  
To create a RAID driver disk in Windows®:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Start Windows®.  
Plug the USB floppy disk drive and insert a floppy disk.  
Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive.  
Go to the Intel AHCI/RAID Driver menu then click Intel AHCI/RAID Driver path to  
open the RAID driver folder.  
5.  
Select 32bit or 64bit folder depending on your operating system. Copy the files of the  
selected folder to the root path of your USB floppy disk drive.  
Write-protect the floppy disk to avoid a computer virus infection.  
5.2.3  
Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS  
installation  
To install the RAID driver for Windows® 7:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
During the OS installation, click Load Driver to allow you to select the installation  
media containing the RAID driver.  
Insert the USB flash drive with RAID driver into the USB port or the support DVD into  
the optical drive, and then click Browse.  
Click the name of the device you’ve inserted, go to Drivers > RAID, and then select  
the RAID driver for the corresponding OS version. Click OK.  
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.  
Before loading the RAID driver from a USB flash drive, you have to use another computer  
to copy the RAID driver from the support DVD to the USB flash drive.  
5-8  
Chapter 5: RAID configurations  
 
Appendices  
Appendices  
Notices  
Federal Communications Commission Statement  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two  
conditions:  
This device may not cause harmful interference.  
This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause  
undesired operation.  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital  
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide  
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This  
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed  
and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference  
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur  
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or  
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user  
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is  
connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required  
to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not  
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority  
to operate this equipment.  
A-1  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
IC: Canadian Compliance Statement  
Complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B specifications. This device complies with RSS  
210 of Industry Canada. This Class B device meets all the requirements of the Canadian  
interference-causing equipment regulations.  
This device complies with Industry Canada license exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is  
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2)  
this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired  
operation of the device.  
Cut appareil numérique de la Classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.  
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le  
matériel brouilleur du Canada.  
Cet appareil est conforme aux normes CNR exemptes de licence d’Industrie Canada. Le  
fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes :  
(1) cet appareil ne doit pas provoquer d’interférences et  
(2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, y compris celles susceptibles de provoquer  
un fonctionnement non souhaité de l’appareil.  
Canadian Department of Communications Statement  
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from  
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department  
of Communications.  
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.  
VCCI: Japan Compliance Statement  
VCCI Class B Statement  
KC: Korea Warning Statement  
A-2  
Appendices  
REACH  
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of  
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at  
ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.  
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to  
enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin  
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in  
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.  
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol  
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal  
waste.  
ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services  
ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards  
for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to  
responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging  
materials. Please go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for detailed recycling  
information in different regions.  
RF Equipment Notices  
CE: European Community Compliance Statement  
The equipment complies with the RF Exposure Requirement 1999/519/EC, Council  
Recommendation of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to  
electromagnetic fields (0–300 GHz). This wireless device complies with the R&TTE Directive.  
Wireless Radio Use  
This device is restricted to indoor use when operating in the 5.15 to 5.25 GHz frequency  
band.  
Exposure to Radio Frequency Energy  
The radiated output power of the Wi-Fi technology is below the FCC radio frequency  
exposure limits. Nevertheless, it is advised to use the wireless equipment in such a manner  
that the potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized.  
FCC Bluetooth Wireless Compliance  
The antenna used with this transmitter must not be colocated or operated in conjunction with  
any other antenna or transmitter subject to the conditions of the FCC Grant.  
A-3  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
Bluetooth Industry Canada Statement  
This Class B device meets all requirements of the Canadian interference-causing equipment  
regulations.  
Cet appareil numérique de la Class B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le  
matériel brouilleur du Canada.  
BSMI: Taiwan Wireless Statement  
Japan RF Equipment Statement  
KC (RF Equipment)  
A-4  
Appendices  
ASUS contact information  
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.  
Address  
Telephone  
Fax  
E-mail  
Web site  
15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259  
+886-2-2894-3447  
+886-2-2890-7798  
info@asus.com.tw  
www.asus.com.tw  
Technical Support  
Telephone  
Online support  
+86-21-38429911  
support.asus.com  
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)  
Address  
Telephone  
Fax  
800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539, USA  
+1-812-282-3777  
+1-510-608-4555  
usa.asus.com  
Web site  
Technical Support  
Telephone  
Support fax  
+1-812-282-2787  
+1-812-284-0883  
support.asus.com  
Online support  
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)  
Address  
Fax  
Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany  
+49-2102-959911  
Web site  
Online contact  
www.asus.de  
www.asus.de/sales  
Technical Support  
Telephone  
Support Fax  
+49-1805-010923*  
+49-2102-9599-11  
support.asus.com  
Online support  
* EUR 0.14/minute from a German fixed landline; EUR 0.42/minute from a mobile phone.  
A-5  
ASUS GRYPHON Z87  
 
A-6  
Appendices  

Hotpoint E320SIX User Manual
Hitachi 32PD5000 User Manual
Fisher Price COLOR ME GEMZ N1128N1128 User Manual
Eiki LC SB15 User Manual
Dell Daily Deal ST2220M User Manual
Cadco CAPO 403 User Manual
Audiovox D2017 User Manual
Asus Xonar Essence St 7 1 Channel Sound Card 90 YAA0E0 0UAN00Z User Manual
Apple Sonic Blaster User Manual
American Dynamics AD950B User Manual