Asus Computer Hardware Z87 PRO User Manual

Z87-PRO  
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  
Z87-PRO specifications summary  
CPU  
LGA1150 socket for the 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i7/Intel®  
Core™i5/ Intel® 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® Z87 Express Chipset  
4 x DIMM, max. 32GB, DDR3 3000 (O.C.)* / 2933 (O.C.)* / 2800  
(O.C.)* / 2666 (O.C.)* 2600 (O.C.)* / 2500 (O.C.)* / 2400 (O.C.)* /  
2200(O.C.)* / 2133(O.C.)* / 2000 (O.C.)* / 1866(O.C.)* /  
1800(O.C.)* /1600 / 1333 MHz, non-�CC, un-buffered memory  
Dual channel memory architecture  
Supports Intel® �xtreme 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)*  
4 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots**  
*
The PCIe x16_3 slot shares bandwidth with PCIe x1_2/3/4 slots. The  
PCIe x16_3 slot is set to x1 mode by default.  
** The PCIe x1_2 shares bandwidth with SATA6G_E12. The SATA6G_E12  
is enabled by default for system resource optimization.  
VGA  
Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel® HD Graphics support  
Multi-VGA output support: DisplayPort/HDMI/DVI-D/VGA port  
Supports DisplayPort 1.2* with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @24Hz  
and 3840 x 2160 @60Hz  
Supports HDMI with max. resolution of 4096 x 2160 @24Hz and  
2560 x 1600 @60Hz  
Supports DVI with max. resolution of 1920 x 1200 @60Hz  
Supports RGB 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 three displays simultaneously  
Maximum shared memory 1024MB  
*
DisplayPort 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport compliant, supports  
DisplayPort 1.2 monitor daisy chain up to 3 displays.  
Multi-GPU support  
LAN  
Supports NVIDIA® Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology (with 2 PCIe x16  
graphics cards)  
Supports AMD® 3-WAY/Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology  
Intel® I217-V Gigabit LAN - Dual interconnect between the  
integrated LAN controller and physical layer (PHY)  
(continued on the next page)  
ix  
 
Z87-PRO specifications summary  
Intel® Z87 Express Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10  
Storage  
-
-
6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (yellow)  
Supports Intel® Dynamic Storage Accelerator, Intel® Smart  
Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start Technology, Intel®  
Smart Connect Technology*  
ASMedia® SATA 6Gb/s controller**  
2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports (dark brown)  
-
*
Supports on Intel® Core™ processor family.  
** These SATA ports are for data hard drives only. ATAPI devices are not  
supported.  
Wireless Data Network  
Speedy Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n supports dual frequency band 2.4/5  
GHz  
ASUS Wi-Fi GO! Utility  
Bluetooth  
Audio  
Bluetooth v4.0  
Bluetooth v3.0 + HS  
Realtek® ALC1150 8-channel high definition audio COD�C  
-
High quality 112dB SNR stereo playback output (Line-out at  
rear) and 104dB SNR recording input (Line-in) support.  
-
-
-
-
-
Absolute Pitch 192khz/24bit True BD Lossless Sound  
BD audio layer content protection  
DTS UltraPC II  
DTS Connect  
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  
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)  
8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports at mid-board  
ASMedia® USB 3.0 controller - supports ASUS USB 3.0  
Boost  
-
4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at rear panel (blue)  
ASUS Exclusive  
features  
ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 4 with 4-Way  
Optimization  
-
4-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates  
ASUS-exclusive DIGI+Power Control, TPU, EPU, and Fan  
Xpert 2 that quickly optimize the digital power setting, system  
performance, power saving and whole system cooling  
configuration with just a click.  
CPU Power  
-
-
Industry leading digital 12-phase power design  
ASUS CPU power utility  
DRAM Power  
-
-
Industry leading digital 2-phase DRAM power design  
ASUS DRAM power utility  
(continued on the next page)  
x
Z87-PRO specifications summary  
ASUS Exclusive  
features  
ASUS EPU  
-
EPU, EPU switch  
ASUS TPU  
-
TurboV, GPU Boost, TPU switch  
ASUS Fan Xpert 2  
-
Featuring Fan Auto Tuning function for optimized speed  
control.  
ASUS Wi-Fi GO!  
-
Wi-Fi GO! functions include Cloud GO!, Media Streaming Hub,  
Smart Sensor Control, Remote Desktop, Remote Keyboard &  
Mouse, File Transfer, Capture & Send  
-
-
“Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote” for portable Smartphone/Tablet,  
supporting iOS and Android systems.  
Wi-Fi Engine’s Client and AP modes for network sharing and  
connection.  
ASUS Exclusive Features:  
-
Network iControl featuring instant network bandwidth  
domination for top network program in use  
-
-
USB 3.0 Boost featuring speedy USB 3.0 transmission  
USB Charger+ featuring quick-charging function for all smart  
devices  
-
-
-
-
-
Ai Charger+  
Disk Unlocker  
AI Suite 3  
Anti Surge  
MemOK!  
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:  
-
-
ASUS Fan Xpert 2  
ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-sink solution  
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 O.C. Tuner  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
ASUS Q-Design  
-
-
-
-
-
ASUS Q-Code  
ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)  
ASUS Q-Slot  
ASUS Q-DIMM  
ASUS Q-Connector  
(continued on the next page)  
xi  
Z87-PRO specifications summary  
ASUS exclusive  
overclocking features  
Precision Tweaker 2  
-
-
-
vCore: Adjustable CPU Core voltage at 0.001V increment  
iGPU: Adjustable CPU Graphics voltage at 0.001V increment  
vCCIO: Adjustable Analog and Digital I/O voltage at 0.001V  
increment  
-
-
vCCIN: Adjustable CPU Input voltage at 0.01V increment  
vCCSA: Adjustable CPU System Agent voltage at 0.001V  
increment  
-
-
vDRAM Bus: Adjustable DRAM voltage control at 0.005V  
increment  
vPCH: Adjustable PCH voltage control at 0.0125 increment  
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)  
-
BCLK/PCI� frequency tuning from 80MHz up to 300MHz at  
0.1MHz increment  
Overclocking Protection  
ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)  
-
Rear Panel I/O Ports  
1 x PS/2 Keyboard/mouse combo port  
1 x DisplayPort  
1 x HDMI port  
1 x DVI  
1 x RGB  
2 x ASUS Wi-Fi GO! SMA antenna ports (2TR2) (Wi-Fi 802.11  
a/b/g/n and Bluetooth v4.0/3.0+HS)  
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port  
1 x Intel® LAN (RJ-45) port  
6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, 1 supports USB BIOS Flashback)  
8-channel Audio I/O ports  
Internal I/O connectors  
1 x 19-pin USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB ports  
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 8 USB ports  
8 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (6 x yellow; 2 x dark brown)  
1 x 4-pin CPU Fan connector supports both 3-pin (DC mode) and  
4-pin (PWM mode) CPU coolers control  
1 x 4-pin CPU Optional Fan connector (CPU_OPT)  
4 x 4-pin Chassis Fan connectors  
1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)  
1 x S/PDIF out header  
1 x TPM connector  
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector  
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector  
System Panel (Q-Connector)  
1 x MemOK! button  
1 x Clear CMOS jumper  
(continued on the next page)  
xii  
Z87-PRO specifications summary  
Internal I/O connectors  
1 x DirectKey button  
1 x DRCT (DirectKey) connector  
1 x BIOS Flashback button  
1 x EPU switch  
1 x TPU switch (advanced two-stage adjustments)  
1 x Power-on switch  
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  
ASUS Utilities  
EZ Update  
Anti-virus software (OEM version)  
Form factor  
ATX form factor: 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)  
Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
xiii  
Package contents  
Check your motherboard package for the following items  
User Manual  
ASUS Z87-PRO motherboard  
User manual  
Support DVD  
4 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables  
1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector  
1 x ASUS I/O Shield  
1 x 2T2R dual-band Wi-Fi moving  
antennas (Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n  
compliant)  
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.  
The 1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit is for retailer version only.  
xiv  
 
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.  
xv  
 
xvi  
Chapter 1:  
Product Introduction  
Product introduction  
1
1.1  
Special features  
1.1.1  
Product highlights  
LGA1150 socket for 4th generation Intel® Core™ i7/Intel® Core™ i5/Intel®  
Core™ i3, Pentium® and Celeron® processors  
This motherboard supports 4th generation Intel® Core™ i7/Intel® Core™ i5/Intel® Corei3,  
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® Z87 Express Chipset  
Intel® Z87 Express Chipset is a single chipset that supports the LGA1150 socket for 4th  
generation Intel® Core™ i7/Intel® Core™ i5/Intel® 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 2800 (O.C.) / 2666 (O.C.) / 2600 (O.C.) / 2500 (O.C.) / 2400  
(O.C.) / 2200 (O.C.) / 2133 (OC.) / 2000 (O.C.) / 1866 (O.C.) / 1800 (O.C.) / 11600 /  
1333 MHz Support  
The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates  
of DDR3 2800 (O.C.) / 2666 (O.C.) / 2600 (O.C.) / 2500 (O.C.) / 2400 (O.C.) / 2200 (O.C.) /  
2133 (OC.) / 2000 (O.C.) / 1866 (O.C.) / 1800 (O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 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 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 Z87-PRO  
 
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  
Allows your computer to quickly resume from a low-power hibernate state in seconds. Saving  
your system memory to the designated SSDs, it provides your computer a faster wake-up  
response time, while still keeping the energy use low.  
1.1.2  
Dual Intelligent Processors 4 with 4-Way Optimization  
ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 4 brings system control solution to a totally whole new  
level, combining TPU, EPU, DIGI+ Power Control and Fan Xpert 2 functions to push the  
system’s performance to its optimal potential. It automatically pushes or reasonably balances  
the system’s performance, power saving levels and fan settings via the user-friendly AI Suite  
3 utility.  
DIGI+ 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.  
TPU  
TPU (Turbo Processing Unit), offers precise voltage control and advanced monitoring  
mechanisms through the TurboV functions in your ASUS AI Suite 3 utility.  
EPU  
�PU (�nergy Processing Unit), the world’s first real-time system power-saving chip,  
automatically detects the current system load and intelligently moderates power usage.  
It offers a total system-wide energy optimization, reduces fan noise and extends the  
component’s lifespan.  
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.  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
1.1.3  
ASUS Exclusive Features  
Wi-Fi GO!  
ASUS Wi-Fi GO! leads the way to a more enjoyable home entertainment. With ASUS Wi-Fi  
GO!, you can wirelessly stream media files to your HDTV, remotely control and access your  
computer using your smart device and easily transfer files between your computer and smart  
device.  
Conveniently use and enjoy these ASUS Wi-Fi GO! functions:  
Cloud GO!: Allows you to control files and sync them all across cloud services in a few  
clicks.  
Media Streaming Hub: Allows you to stream media files to your HDTV.  
Remote Desktop: Allows you to view your computer’s desktop and remotely operate  
your computer in real-time from your smart device.  
Remote Keyboard & Mouse: Allows you to use your smart device’s touch panel as a  
remote keyboard and mouse for your computer.  
Smart Sensor Control: Allows you to remotely control your computer using your smart  
device’s customized gestures.  
File Transfer: Allows you to transfer files between your computer and smart device.  
Capture & Send: Allows you to take screenshots and send them to a smart device.  
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 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.  
1-3  
ASUS Z87-PRO  
 
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, and even interact with smart  
devices via Wi-Fi. This all-in-one software offers diverse and ease to use functions, with no  
need to switch back and forth between different utilities.  
1.1.4  
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution  
ASUS Fanless Design - Heat-sink 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.  
1.1.5  
ASUS EZ DIY  
ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)  
ASUS U�FI BIOS, a U�FI 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 U�FI 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-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.  
1.1.6  
Other special features  
DTS Connect  
To get the most out of your audio entertainment across all formats and quality levels, DTS  
Connect combines two enabling technologies, DTS Neo:PC™ upmixes stereo sources (CDs,  
MP3s, WMAs, internet radio) into as many as 7.1 channels of incredible surround sound.  
Consumers can connect their PC to a home theater system. DTS Interactive is capable of  
performing mult-channel encoding of DTS bitstreams on personal computers, and sending  
encoded bitstreams out of a digital audio connection (such as S/PDIF or HDMI) designed to  
deliver audio to an external decoder.  
DTS UltraPC II  
DTS UltraPC II delivers a superior surround sound experience through your system’s  
speakers and headphones while monitoring and balancing the loudness level difference  
between digital audio formats. It also ehnances the audio settings through augmenting  
low and high frequencies of musical tones, restores compressed or re-mastered sounds,  
improves bass performance even without a subwoofer, and improves dialogues derived from  
DVD or Blu-ray Disc™.  
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 Z87-PRO  
 
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  
 
1.2.2  
Motherboard layout  
Refer to 1.2.8 Internal connectors and 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection for more information  
about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.  
1-7  
ASUS Z87-PRO  
 
Layout contents  
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots  
Page  
1-44  
1-9  
1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)  
2. LGA1150 CPU socket  
3. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin  
CPU_OPT, 4-pin CHA_FAN1-4 )  
1-42  
4. DDR3 DIMM slots  
1-10  
1-26  
1-40  
1-28  
1-39  
5. MemOK! button  
6. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12)  
7. TPU switch  
8. ASMedia® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors  
(7-pin SATA6G_E12 [dark brown])  
9. Intel® Z87 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [yellow])  
1-38  
1-29  
1-30  
1-46  
1-45  
1-41  
2-12  
1-27  
1-32  
1-25  
1-43  
1-46  
1-39  
10. EPU switch  
11. Clear CMOS jumper  
12. Direct connector (2-pin DRCT)  
13. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)  
14. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112, USB1314)  
15. BIOS_FLBK button  
16. DirectKey button  
17. Q-Code LED  
18. Power-on button  
19. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)  
20. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)  
21. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)  
1-8  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
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.  
1-9  
ASUS Z87-PRO  
 
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  
1-10  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
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.  
Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, we  
recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.  
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.  
Memory modules with memory frequency higher than 2133MHz and their  
corresponding timing or the loaded XMP profile is not the J�D�C 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.  
1-11  
ASUS Z87-PRO  
Z87-PRO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR3 3000(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  
F3-3000C12Q-16GTXDG(XMP)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
DS  
-
-
12-14-14-35  
1.65V  
DDR3 2933(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  
F3-2933C12Q-16GTXDG(XMP)  
16GB (4x4GB)  
DS  
-
-
12-14-14-35  
1.65V  
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)  
1-12  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
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  
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  
10-12-12-31 1.65  
TXD38G2400HC  
10QBK(XMP)  
1-13  
ASUS Z87-PRO  
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  
DDR3 2133(O.C.) MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand NO.  
Chip Timing  
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  
1-14  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
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)