Asus Computer Hardware H87 PLUS User Manual

H87-PLUS  
 
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  
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.  
** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.  
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.  
** Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List).  
*** 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