Contents
About this guide........................................................................................................ vii
H87-PLUS specifications summary.......................................................................... ix
Installation tools and components......................................................................... xiii
1.1 Special features..........................................................................................1-1
Motherboard overview...............................................................................1-6
Building your PC system...........................................................................2-1
Starting up for the first time....................................................................2-16
Turning off the computer.........................................................................2-16
iii
Knowing BIOS............................................................................................3-1
BIOS setup program..................................................................................3-2
My Favorites...............................................................................................3-6
Main menu ..................................................................................................3-7
Ai Tweaker menu........................................................................................3-9
Advanced menu .......................................................................................3-22
Monitor menu ...........................................................................................3-36
Boot menu ................................................................................................3-39
Tools menu ...............................................................................................3-45
Exit menu..................................................................................................3-47
Updating BIOS..........................................................................................3-48
Support DVD information..........................................................................4-1
Software information.................................................................................4-3
iv
RAID configurations ..................................................................................5-1
Creating a RAID driver disk.......................................................................5-7
Notices .................................................................................................................... A-1
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
H87-PLUS specifications summary
CPU
LGA1150 socket for Intel® 4th Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 /
Core™ i3, Pentium®, and 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® H87 Express Chipset
4 x DIMM, max. 32GB, DDR3 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.
*** Due to Intel® chipset limitation, DDR3 1600 MHz and higher memory
modules on XMP mode will run at the maximum transfer rate of DDR3
1600 Mhz.
Expansion slots
1 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots [yellow] (at x16 mode)
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot [dark brown] (run at x4 mode,
compatible with PCIe x1 and x4 devices)
2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots
3 x PCI slots
VGA
Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel® HD Graphics support
Multi-VGA output support: HDMI/DVI-D/RGB port
Supports HDMI with max. resolution of 4096 x 2160 @24Hz / 2560
x 1600 @60Hz
Supports DVI-D with max. resolution of 1920 x 1200 @60Hz
Supports RGB with max. resolution of 1920 x 1200 @60Hz
Maximum shared memory 1024MB
Supports up to three displays simultaneously
Multi-GPU support
Storage
Supports AMD® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
Intel® H87 Express Chipset
-
-
6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (yellow) with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 support
Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start
Technology, and Intel® Smart Connect Technology*
*
These functions will work depending on the CPU installed.
LAN
Realtek® 8111G Gigabit LAN controller
(continued on the next page)
ix
H87-PLUS specifications summary
Audio
Realtek® ALC887 8-channel high definition audio CODEC
-
Supports Jack-Detection, multi-streaming, and front panel jack-
retasking
*
Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an
8-channel audio output.
Intel® H87 Express Chipset - supports ASUS USB 3.0
Boost
USB
-
-
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at mid-board for front panel support
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at rear panel (blue)
Intel® H87 Express Chipset
-
10 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at rear
panel)
ASUS unique features
ASUS 5X Protection
-
ASUS motherboards safeguard your PC with 5X Protection:
DIGI+VRM, DRAM Fuse, ESD Guards, All 5K-Hour Solid
Capacitors, and Stainless Steel Back I/O to ensure the best
quality, reliability, and durability.
ASUS DIGI+ VRM
-
-
-
ASUS DIGI+ VRM: Digital Power Design for the CPU
ASUS 4 Phase Power Design
ASUS CPU power utility
ASUS DRAM Fuse
Enhanced DRAM overcurrent protection and short circuit
damage prevention
-
ASUS ESD Guards
-
Strong ESD protection for extended component lifespan
ASUS All 5K-Hour Solid Capacitors
-
2.5x Longer lifespan with excellent durability
ASUS Stainless Steel Back I/O
3x More durable corrosion-resistant coating
-
ASUS EPU
EPU
-
ASUS Exclusive Features
-
ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring user-friendly graphics
interface
-
-
-
-
-
-
ASUS USB 3.0 Boost
GPU Boost
MemOK!
AI Suite 3
Anti-Surge protection
ESD
(continued on the next page)
x
H87-PLUS specifications summary
ASUS unique features
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
-
-
ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish Heatsink solution & MOS
heatsink
ASUS Fan Xpert 2
ASUS Q-Design
ASUS Q-Slot
-
ASUS EZ DIY
-
-
-
ASUS MyLogo 2
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS EZ Flash 2
Other features
ASUS 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors
1 x PS/2 mouse / keyboard combo port
1 x HDMI port
Back Panel I/O Ports
1 x DVI-D port
1 x RGB port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
3-jack 8-channel audio I/O ports
1 x 19-pin USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB ports
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB ports
6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
1 x 4-pin CPU Fan connector
2 x 4-pin Chassis Fan connectors
1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
1 x System panel
Internal I/O connectors /
jumpers / buttons
1 x S/PDIF out header
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
1 x MemOK! button
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
1 x COM connector
BIOS features
64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM
BIOS 2.7, ACPI 4.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2,
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, iGPU+PEG and OA3.0 support, My
Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modified Log, F12 PrintScreen function,
F3 Shortcut functions, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence
Detect) memory information
Manageability
WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, PXE
Drivers
Support DVD contents
ASUS Utilities
EZ Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
ATX form factor: 12 in. x 8.2 in. (30.5 cm x 20.8 cm)
Form factor
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
xi
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items
User Manual
ASUS H87-PLUS motherboard
User manual
Support DVD
2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables
1 x ASUS I/O shield
•
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
•
The illustrations above are for reference only. Actual product specifications may vary
with different models.
xii
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.
xiii
xiv
Chapter 1:
Product Introduction
Product introduction
1
1.1
Special features
1.1.1
Product highlights
LGA1150 socket for Intel® 4th Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3,
Pentium®, and Celeron® Processors
This motherboard supports Intel® 4th generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium®,
and 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® H87 Express Chipset
Intel® H87 Express Chipset is a single-chipset that supports the 1150 socket Intel® 4th
generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium® and Celeron® processors. It utilizes
the serial point-to-point links, which increases bandwidth and enhances the system’s
performance. It natively supports up to four 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 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz Support
The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates
of DDR3 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz to boost the system’s performance, and to meet the higher
bandwidth requirements of 3D graphics, multimedia and Internet applications.
*
Due to Intel® chipset limitation, DDR3 1600 MHz and higher memory modules on XMP mode will run at the
maximum transfer rate ot DDR3 1600 MHz.
Native SATA 6.0 Gb/s support
With Intel® H87 Express Chipset natively support for the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA)
storage interface, this motherboard delivers up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer rates. It also
provides enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, double the bandwidth of current bus
systems.
Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Support
This motherboard features the most powerful Intel® H87 platform that optimizes PCIe
allocation in multi-GPU CrossFireX™ solution, giving you a brand-new gaming enjoyment.
1-1
ASUS H87-PLUS
S/PDIF out connector
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems
via the optical S/PDIF (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) out connector. The S/PDIF transfers
digital audio without converting it to analog format and keeps the best signal quality.
100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors
This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved
lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.
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 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
Intel® Smart Connect Technology allows your system to receive updates for your web
applications in real-time even when your system is in sleep mode. This saves wait time for
applications to update and sync with the cloud for a more efficient computing experience.
Intel® Rapid Start Technology
Intel® Rapid Start Technology allows your computer to quickly resume from a low-power
hibernate state in seconds. Saving your system memory to the designated SSD, it provides
your computer a faster wake-up response time, while still keeping the energy use low.
1.1.2
5X Protection
5X Protection
ASUS motherboard guards your PC with 5X PROTECTION. We use components like
ESD units tested to strict standards that eliminate electrostatic interference, polyswitches
(resettable fuses) around DRAM slots to prevent overcurrent and short-circuit damage, and
a corrosion-resistant back I/O shield. All examples of ASUS providing the best possible
reliability and durability.
DIGI+ VRM
Voltage regulator modules (VRMs) are among the most essential motherboard components.
A good VRM intelligently delivers CPU power based on actual needs at any given time.
Quickly-changing digital signal (SVID) requests from the CPU may prove too much for
generic VRMs, and ASUS was first with digital controllers featuring faster sensing and
response to deliver precise CPU power on demand. This great accuracy reduces energy
waste and improves system stability.
1-2
Chapter 1: Product introduction
ASUS DRAM Fuse
Onboard polyswitch (resettable fuse) prevents overcurrent and short-circuit damage. This
extends beyond I/O ports to DRAM to safeguard the system and device lifespan.
ASUS ESD Guards
Electrostatic discharges (ESD) can happen suddenly, and their damaging effects are often
underestimated. ASUS ESD Guards offer an active protective circuit design that ensures
electrostatic discharges are properly grounded, providing prolonged component longevity.
ASUS All 5K-Hour Solid Capacitors
ASUS high-quality solid state capacitors assure a 5000-hour lifespan --- equivalent to 2.5
times longer than traditional capacitors. All capacitors pass testing under temperatures as
high as 105 degrees and meet Japanese industrial standards to provide excellent durability
and enhanced thermal capacity.
ASUS Stainless Steel Back I/O
ASUS motherboard back I/O panels are made from strong and corrosion-resistant stainless
steel, which is bonded with a thin layer of chromium oxide to enhance anti-corrosive
properties. Passing 72-hour spray salt endurance tests, ASUS stainless steel back I/O panels
have a usage life three times longer compared to ordinary panels.
1.1.3
ASUS Exclusive Features
EPU
Tap into the world’s first real-time PC power saving chip through a simple onboard switch or
AI Suite 3 utility. Get total system-wide energy optimization by automatically detecting current
PC loadings and intelligently moderating power consumption. This also reduces fan noise
and extends component longevity.
GPU Boost
GPU Boost accelerates the integrated GPU for extreme graphics performance, facilitates
flexible frequency adjustments and easily delivers stable system-level upgrades for every
use.
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.
Network iControl
Network iControl is an intuitive one-step network control center that makes it easier for you to
manage your bandwidth and allows you to set, monitor and schedule the bandwidth priorities
for your network programs.
1-3
ASUS H87-PLUS
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 overclocking, 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.
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 systemís bootup.
ASUS Anti-Surge
This special design protects expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused
by power surges from switching power supply unit (PSU).
1.1.4
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
ASUS Fanless Design: stylish heatsink solution
The stylish heatsink features a 0-dB thermal solution that offers you a noiseless PC
environment. The heatsink design also lowers the temperature of the chipset and power
phase area through high efficient heat-exchange. Combined with usability and aesthetics,
the ASUS stylish heatsink will give you an extremely silent and cooling experience with its
elegant appearance.
ASUS Fan Xpert 2
ASUS Fan Xpert 2 provides customizable settings for a cooler and quieter computing
environment. With its Fan Auto Tuning feature, ASUS Fan Xpert 2 automatically detects
and tweaks all fan speeds, and provides you with optimized fan settings based on the fans’
specifications and positions.
1.1.5
ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS UEFI BIOS
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.
1-4
Chapter 1: Product introduction
ASUS Q-Slot
ASUS Q-Slot is designed to speed up and simplify the DIY process to enhance your DIY
experience.
1.1.6
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.
1-5
ASUS H87-PLUS
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.
1-6
Chapter 1: Product introduction
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