Asus Computer Hardware H87 PRO User Manual

H87-PRO  
Contents  
Chapter 1:  
Chapter 2:  
iii  
Contents  
Chapter 3:  
Chapter 4:  
iv  
Contents  
Chapter 5:  
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-PRO specifications summary  
CPU  
LGA1150 socket for Intel® 4th Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ 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.  
** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.  
Chipset  
Memory  
Intel® H87 Express Chipset  
4 x DIMMs, 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 or this user manual 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 slot [yellow] (at x16 mode)  
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot [dark brown] (max. at x4 mode, compatible with  
PCIe x1 and x4 devices)  
2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots  
3 x PCI Express slots  
*
The PCIe x16 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIe X1_1 and PCIe x1_2 slots. The  
default setting is x2 mode. Go to the BIOS Setup to change the settings.  
Graphics  
Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel® HD Graphics support  
Multi-VGA output support: DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, RGB port  
-
Supports DisplayPort 1.2 with max. resolution 4096 x 2160@24Hz /  
3840 x 2160@60Hz  
-
Supports HDMI with max. resolution 4096 x 2160@24Hz / 2560 x  
1600@60Hz  
-
-
-
-
Supports DVI with max. resolution 1920 x 1200@60Hz  
Supports RGB with max. resolution 1920 x 1200@60Hz  
Supports up to 3 displays simultaneously  
Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D, Intel® Quick Sync Video, Intel® Clear Video  
HD Technology, and Intel® Insider  
-
Maximum shared memory of 1024MB  
Multi-GPU  
support  
Supports ATI® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology  
Storage  
Intel® H87 Express Chipset:  
-
6 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (yellow) with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and  
Intel® Rapid Start Technology 12 support  
-
Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start  
Technology, Intel® Smart Connect Technology*  
*
These functions will work depending on the CPU installed.  
(continued on the next page)  
ix  
 
H87-PRO specifications summary  
LAN  
Realtek® RTL8111G Gigabit LAN controller  
Audio  
Realtek® ALC887 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC  
-
-
Supports jack-detection, multi-streaming and front panel pack-retasking  
Optical S/PDIF out port at back I/O  
USB  
Intel® H87 Express Chipset - supports ASUS USB 3.0 Boost  
-
-
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at mid-board for front panel support  
4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at rear panel (blue)  
Intel® H87 Express Chipset  
8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 2 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 Digital Power Design  
-
-
-
Digital Power Control: Digital Power Design for the CPU and iGPU  
ASUS 6 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 Exclusive Features  
-
-
ASUS EPU  
ASUS Network iControl featuring instant network bandwidth domination  
for top network program in use  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
ASUS USB 3.0 Boost featuring speedy USB 3.0 transmission  
ASUS Disk Unlocker featuring 3TB + HDD support  
ASUS GPU Boost  
ASUS MemOK!  
ASUS AI Suite 3  
ASUS AI Charger  
ASUS USB Charger+  
ASUS Anti-Surge  
ASUS Q-Design  
-
-
ASUS Q-Shield  
ASUS Q-Slot  
(continued on the next page)  
x
H87-PRO specifications summary  
ASUS unique features  
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution  
-
ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish Heatsink and MOS Heatsink  
Solution  
-
ASUS Fan Xpert 2 featuring Fan Auto Tuning function for  
optimized speed control, providing an exclusive tailored fan  
speed setting for each fan.  
ASUS EZ DIY  
-
ASUS USB BIOS Flashback with USB BIOS Flashback Wizard  
for EZ BIOS download scheduling  
-
ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user  
interface  
-
-
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
Rear panel I/O ports  
1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse COMBO port  
1 x Optical S/PDIF out port  
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port  
1 x DisplayPort  
1 x HDMI port  
1 x DVI port  
1 x D-Sub port  
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, 1 supports USB BIOS Flashback)  
8-channel audio ports  
Internal I/O connectors  
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 2.0/1.1 ports  
6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (yellow)  
1 x CPU fan connector (4-pin)  
3 x Chassis fan connectors (4-pin)  
1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)  
1 x S/PDIF Out connector  
1 x COM connector  
1 x System panel connector  
1 x GPU Switch  
1 x MemOK! Button  
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector  
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector  
BIOS features  
Manageability  
64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM  
BIOS 2.7, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2,  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modified  
Log, F12 PrintScreen Function, F3 Shortcut Function and ASUS  
DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information  
WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, PXE  
(continued on the next page)  
xi  
Accessories  
2 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables  
1 x Q-Shield  
1 x Support DVD  
1 x User Manual  
Drivers  
Support DVD contents  
ASUS Update  
ASUS Utilities  
Anti-virus software (OEM version)  
Form factor  
ATX Form Factor, 12”x 8.6” (30.5cm x 21.8cm)  
Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
Package contents  
Check your motherboard package for the following items.  
User Manual  
H87-PRO  
ASUS H87-PRO motherboard  
User manual  
Support DVD  
2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables  
1 x ASUS Q-Shield  
If any of the items are damaged or missing, contact your retailer.  
The illustrations above are for reference only. Actual product specifications may vary.  
xii  
 
Installation tools and components  
1 bag of screws  
Philips (cross) screwdriver  
PC chassis  
Power supply unit  
Intel LGA 1150 CPU  
Intel LGA 1150 compatible CPU Fan  
DDR3 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 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 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.  
Native SATA 6.0 Gb/s support  
With Intel® H87 Express Chipset natively support for the 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.  
S/PDIF out connector at the back I/O  
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems  
via the optical S/PDIF (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) out connector at the back I/O. The  
S/PDIF transfers digital audio without converting it to analog format and keeps the best signal  
quality.  
1-1  
ASUS H87-PRO  
 
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  
DIGI+ VRM Digital Power Design  
DIGI+ VRM  
All-new digital CPU power controls work perfectly together to match digital power signal  
(SVID) requests from the CPU, with ultra-fast sensing and response efficiently delivering  
precision power. Accurate delivery reduces waste, and provides more stable CPU Vcore  
voltages. Users can adjust CPU PWM voltages and frequencies for various overclocking  
scenarios, with accurate input through UEFI BIOS tuning or the exclusive ASUS interface.  
This proprietary design increases overclocking headroom to push performance to its full  
potential.  
EPU  
Tap into the world’s first real-time PC power saving chip through a simple onboard switch or  
AI Suite II 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.  
1.1.3  
ASUS Exclusive Features  
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.  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
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.  
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.  
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 Protection  
This special design protects expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused  
by power surges from switching power supply unit (PSU).  
ESD  
Protect your computer with ESD Guards. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) conditions can  
happen while plugging or unplugging any USB peripherals-causing damage to the computer.  
ASUS ESD Guards clamp the ESD voltage and shunt the majority of the ESD current away  
for a more reliable computing environment.  
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.  
1-3  
ASUS H87-PRO