Asus Desktop Motherboard P8Z77VLX User Manual

P8Z77-V LX  
Contents  
iii  
Contents  
iv  
Contents  
Introduction to Intel® 2012 Desktop responsiveness technologies ....4-13  
System Requirements for Intel® 2012 Desktop responsiveness  
Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®..................................4-30  
Enabling the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology ...............................5-3  
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.  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when  
installing system components. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and  
connectors on the motherboard.  
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: Multiple GPU technology support  
This chapter describes the ATI® CrossFireX™ feature and shows the graphics card  
installation procedures.  
Where to find more information  
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.  
1.  
ASUS websites  
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software  
products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.  
2.  
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  
completing a task.  
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when  
completing 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  
P8Z77-V LX specifications summary  
CPU  
LGA1155 socket for Intel® 3rd / 2nd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™  
i3 / Pentium® / Celeron® processors  
Supports 32nm and 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.  
Intel® Z77 Express Chipset  
Chipset  
Memory  
4 x DIMMs, max. 32GB, DDR3 2400(O.C.) / 2200(O.C.) / 2133(O.  
C.)/1866(O.C.) /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.  
Graphics  
Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel® HD Graphics Support  
Multi-VGA output support: HDMI, DVI, RGB port  
-
-
-
-
Supports HDMI 1.4a with max.resolution up to 1920 x 1200 @60Hz  
Supports DVI with max. resolution up to 1920 x 1200 @60Hz  
Supports RGB with max. resolution up to 2048 x 1536 @75Hz  
Maximum shared memory of 1696MB  
Multi-GPU  
support  
Supports ATI® Quad-GPU CrossFireXTM Technology  
Expansion  
slots  
1 x PCI Express 3.0* / 2.0 x16 slot (blue at x16 mode)  
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (black at x4 mode, compatible with PCIe x1  
and x4 devies)  
2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots  
3 x PCI slots  
* PCIe 3.0 speed is supported by Intel® 3rd generation CoreTM processors.  
Storage  
Intel® Z77 Express Chipset:  
- 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (gray) with RAID 0,1,5,10 support  
- 4 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s ports (blue) with RAID 0,1,5,10 support  
- Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start  
Technology, Intel® Smart Connect Technology*  
*Support for Intel® Core® processor family with Windows 7 operating  
systems.  
Realtek® 8111E / 8111F Gigabit LAN controller  
LAN  
Audio  
Realtek® ALC887 8-channel* High Definition Audio CODEC  
- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-streaming and Front Panel Jack-  
Retasking  
- Optical S/PDIF out ports at back I/O  
* Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an 8-  
channel audio output  
(continued on the next page)  
ix  
 
P8Z77-V LX specifications summary  
USB  
Intel® Z77 Express Chipset - supports ASUS USB 3.0 Boost UASP  
Mode.*  
- 4 x USB 3.0 /2.0 ports (2 ports at the mid-board and 2 ports at the  
back panel)  
- 10 x USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at back panel)  
*The USB 3.0 ports only support Windows 7® or later versions. UASP  
standard only supports Windows® 8.  
ASUS unique  
features  
ASUS DIGI+ VRM  
- Digital Power Control: Digital power Design for the CPU and iGPU  
- ASUS 4+1+1 Phase Power Design  
ASUS Exclusive Features  
- Network iControl featuring instant network bandwidth domination for  
top network program in use  
- USB 3.0 Boost featuring the latest USB 3.0 UASP standard  
- MemOK!  
- TurboV  
- GPU Boost  
- AI Charger  
- Disk Unlocker featuring 3TB+ HDD support  
- AI Suite II  
- Anti Surge  
- Low EMI Solution  
- 100% Solid Capacitors  
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution  
- ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish Heatsink solution  
- ASUS Fan Xpert+  
ASUS EZ DIY  
- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface  
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3  
- ASUS EZ Flash 2  
- ASUS My Logo 2  
ASUS exclusive  
overclocking  
features  
Precision Tweaker 2  
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.005V increment  
- vCCSA: 190-step system agent voltage control  
- vDRAM Bus: 190-step Memory voltage control  
- vPCH: 190-step Chipset voltage control  
- iGPU: 127-step iGPU voltage control  
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)  
- BCLK/PCIE frequency tuning from 80MHz up to 300MHz at 0.1MHz  
increment  
Overclocking Protection  
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)  
(continued on the next page)  
x
P8Z77-V LX specifications summary  
Rear panel I/O  
ports  
1 x PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port  
1 x Optical S/PDIF out port  
1 x HDMI port  
1 x DVI port  
1 x RGB port  
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port  
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports  
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
3-jack 8-channel audio I/O ports  
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB ports (19-pin)  
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB ports  
2 x SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (gray)  
4 x SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors (blue)  
1 x COM port connector  
Internal I/O  
connectors  
1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin)  
2 x Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin)  
1 x Power Fan connector (3-pin)  
1 x Front panel audio connector  
1 x S/PDIF Out Header  
24-pin ATX Power connector  
8-pin ATX 12V Power connector  
1 x System Panel  
1 x MemOK! Button  
1 x GPU Boost switch  
1 x Clear CMOS jumper  
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, F12 PrintScreen, F3 Shotcut Function  
and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory  
information  
WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE  
(continued on the next page)  
xi  
P8Z77-V LX specifications summary  
Accessories  
Support DVD  
Form Factor  
2 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables  
1 x User Manual  
1 x I/O Shield  
1 x Support DVD  
Drivers  
ASUS Utilities  
ASUS Update  
Anti-virus software (OEM version)  
ATX Form Factor, 12”x 8.6” (30.5cm x 21.8 cm)  
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
xii  
Chapter 1  
Chapter 1:  
Product introduction  
1.1  
Welcome!  
Thank you for buying an ASUS® P8Z77-V LX motherboard!  
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another  
standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!  
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in  
your package with the list below.  
1.2  
Package contents  
Check your motherboard package for the following items.  
User Manual  
ASUS P8Z77-V LX  
User guide  
Support DVD  
motherboard  
2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s  
1 x ASUS I/O Shield  
cables  
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.  
ASUS P8Z77-V LX  
1-1  
 
1.3  
Special features  
1.3.1  
Product highlights  
LGA1155 socket for Intel® 3rd / 2nd Generation Core™ i7/ Core™ i5/ Core™ i3  
Processors  
This motherboard supports Intel® 3rd/2nd generation Core™ i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium® / Celeron®  
processors in the LGA1155 package, with iGPU, memory and PCI Express controllers  
integrated to support onboard graphics output with dedicated chipsets, 2-channel (4 DIMM)  
DDR3 memory and 16 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 lanes. This provides great graphics performance.  
Intel® 3rd / 2nd generation Core™ i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium® / Celeron® processors are among the  
most powerful and energy efficient CPUs in the world.  
Intel® Z77 Express Chipset  
The Intel® Z77 Express Chipset is a single-chipset designed to support socket 1155 Intel®  
2nd / 3rd generation Core™ i7 / i5 / i3 processors. It provides improved performance by  
utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability. Additionally,  
the Z77 chipset provides 4 USB 3.0 ports for 10 times faster data retrieval speed. Moreover,  
Intel® Z77 Express Chipset can also enable iGPU function, letting users enjoy the latest Intel  
integrated graphic performance.  
Dual-Channel DDR3 2400(O.C.) / 2200(O.C.) / 2133(O.C) / 1866(O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 /  
1066 Support  
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 2400(O.C.) /  
2200(O.C.) / 2133(O.C.) / 1866(O.C.)/ 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth  
requirements of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-  
channel DDR3 architecture enlarges the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system  
performance.  
* Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2200/2000/1800 MHz memory module will run at DDR3 2133/1866/1600  
MHz frequency as default.  
Complete USB 3.0 Integration  
ASUS facilitates strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear panel - 4 USB 3.0  
ports in total. Experience the latest plug & play connectivity at speeds up to 10 times faster  
than USB 2.0. The P8Z77-V LX affords greater convenience to high speed connectivity.  
Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Support  
The motherboard’s powerful Intel® Z77 platform optimizes PCIe allocation in multiple-GPU  
configurations of CrossFireX™. This allows you to enjoy a never before-experienced brand  
new gaming style.  
Intel® Smart Response Technology  
SSD Speed with HDD Capacity  
Intel® Smart Response Technology boosts overall system performance. It uses an installed  
fast SSD (min 18.6GB available capacity required) as a cache for frequently accessed data.  
Key benefits include reduced load and wait times, and lower power consumption through the  
elimination of unnecessary hard drive spin. This technology combines SSD performance with  
hard drive capacity, operating up to 4X faster than a hard drive-only system, and an important  
part of Green ASUS eco-friendly computing.  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
 
* Intel® Smart Response Technology is supported by 2nd/3rd generation Intel® Core™ processor  
family on Windows® 7™ operating systems.  
** Operating systems must be installed on the HDD to launch Intel® Smart Response Technology.  
The capacity of the SSD is reserved for caching function.  
Intel® Smart Connect Technology  
Your computer can receive web updates with fresh content 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 designed SSD, it provides your computer a faster wake-  
up response time, while still keeping the energy use low.  
PCIe 3.0 Ready  
PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the latest PCI Express bus standard with improved encoding  
schemes that provide twice the performance of current PCIe 2.0. Total bandwidth for a x16  
link reaches a maximum of 32GB/s, double the 16GB/s of PCIe 2.0 (in x16 mode). As such,  
PCIe 3.0 provides users unprecedented data speeds, combined with the convenience and  
seamless transition offered by complete backward compatibility with PCIe 1.0 and PCIe  
2.0 devices. PCIe 3.0 will become a must-have feature for users who wish to improve and  
optimize graphic performance, as well as have the latest technology available to them.  
PCIe 3.0 speed is supported by Intel® 3rd generation processors.  
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.  
Gigabit LAN solution  
The onboard LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. It is enhanced with an  
ACPI management function to provide efficient power management for advanced operating  
systems.  
8-channel high definition audio  
The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Definition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia)  
CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output and jack-detect feature that  
automatically detects and identifies what types of peripherals are plugged into the audio  
I/O jacks and notifies users of inappropriate connection, which means there will be no more  
confusion of Line-in, Line-out, and Mic jacks.  
100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors  
This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved  
lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.  
ASUS P8Z77-V LX  
1-3  
ErP ready  
The motherboard is European Union´s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP  
requires products to meet certain energy efficiency requirements 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.  
1.3.2  
ASUS DIGI+ VRM Digital Power Design  
Digital Power Control: Digital Power Design for the CPU and iGPU  
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 and its processor graphics (iGPU) voltages for various  
overclocking scenarios, with accurate input through UEFI BIOS tuning or the exclusive ASUS  
interface. This proprietary design increases overlocking headroom to push performance to its  
full potential.  
ASUS EPU  
Tap into the world’s first real-time PC power saving chip through the 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.  
1.3.3  
ASUS Exclusive Features  
USB 3.0 Boost  
Faster USB 3.0 Transmission with UASP  
New ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), the  
latest USB 3.0 standard. With USB 3.0 Boost technology, a USB device’s transmission speed  
is significantly increased up to 170%, adding to an already impressive fast USB 3.0 transfer  
speed. ASUS software automatically accelerates data speeds for compatible USB 3.0  
peripherals without the need for any user interaction.  
MemOK!  
Any Memory is A-OK!  
MemOK! quickly ensures memory boot compatibility. This remarkable memory rescue tool  
requires a mere push of the button to patch memory issues. MemOK! determines failsafe  
settings and dramatically improves your system boot success. Get your system up and  
running in no time.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
 
Network iControl  
Real-Time Network Bandwidth Control  
With a one-click on/off button, the software currently in use is set as top priority over all other  
network programs, dominating the network bandwidth with ease. Moreover, you can prioritize  
your favorite software easily by configuring profiles through the intuitive user interface. Within  
the profile, programs can be pre-scheduled to run at a specific time period to avoid network  
clogging, and long-waits on downloads. Auto PPPoE network gives a one-step setup, and an  
intuitive network bandwidth control center.  
GPU Boost  
Go the Limit with iGPU Level Up!  
GPU Boost accelerates the integrated GPU for extreme graphics performance. The user-  
friendly interface facilitates flexible frequency adjustments. It easily delivers stable system-  
level upgrades for every use.  
AI Suite II  
One-stop Access to Innovative ASUS Features  
With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite II 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 mobile  
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.  
ASUS TurboV  
Feel the adrenaline rush of real-time OC-now a reality with the ASUS TurboV. This easy OC  
tool allows you to overclock without exiting or rebooting the OS; and its user-friendly interface  
makes overclocking just a few clicks away. Moreover, the ASUS OC profiles in TurboV  
provide the best O.C. settings in different scenarios.  
ASUS MyLogo2™  
This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for a more  
colorful and vivid image on your screen.  
Precision Tweaker 2  
Allows you to fine-tune the VCore voltage in 0.005V steps and DRAM voltage in 0.00625V  
steps to achieve the most precise setting for the ultimate overclocking configuration.  
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)  
The BIOS C.P.R. feature automatically restores the CPU default settings when the system  
hangs due to overclocking failure. C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system chassis and  
clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically  
restores the CPU parameters to their default settings.  
ASUS P8Z77-V LX  
1-5  
1.3.4  
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions  
ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking  
capability.  
Fan Xpert+  
ASUS Fan Xpert+ intelligently allows you to adjust the CPU fan speed according to different  
ambient temperatures caused by different climate conditions in different geographic regions  
and your PC’s loading. The built-in variety of useful profiles offer flexible controls of fan speed  
to achieve a quiet and cool environment.  
Fanless Design: stylish heatsink solution  
The stylish heatsink features a 0-dB thermal solution that offers users a noiseless PC  
environment. Not only the beautiful shape upgrades the visual enjoyment for motherboard  
users, but also the heatsink design 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 users an extremely silent and cooling experience with the elegant  
appearance!  
DO NOT uninstall the heat-pipe by yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and affect the  
heat heat dissipation performance.  
1.3.5  
ASUS EZ DIY  
ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)  
Flexible and Easy BIOS Interface  
ASUS UEFI BIOS offers the first mouse-controlled graphical BIOS designed with selectable  
modes, providing a user-friendly interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only  
controls. It also fully utilizes 2.2TB and larger hard drives in 64-bit operating systems with  
native support.  
ASUS exclusive interface  
EZ Mode displays frequently-accessed info. Users can choose system performance settings,  
and drag and drop boot priorities. Advanced Mode for performance enthusiasts includes  
detailed DRAM settings via a dedicated memory info page for complete insight.  
New upgrade! Quick and easy information for enhanced system control  
-
-
-
F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey for sharing UEFI information and troubleshooting  
New F3 Shortcut for most accessed information  
ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) information for accessing memory  
information, detecting faulty DIMMs, and helping with difficult POST situations.  
ASUS EZ-Flash 2  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using a  
bootable floppy disk or an OS-based utility.  
1-6  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
 
1.3.6  
Other special features  
HDMI Support  
Enjoy Full HD 1080p Multimedia Home-Theater Entertainment  
High Definition Multimedia Surface (HDMI) is a set of digital video standards that delivers  
mulit-channel audio and uncompressed digital video for full HD 1080p 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.  
ASUS P8Z77-V LX  
1-7  
 
1-8  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
Chapter 2  
Chapter 2:  
Hardware information  
2.1  
Before you proceed  
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.  
ASUS P8Z77-V LX  
2-1  
 
2.2  
Motherboard overview  
2.2.1  
Motherboard layout  
2
1
4
1
3
21.9cm(8.6in)  
KB_USB34  
CPU_FAN  
CHA_FAN2  
DIGI  
+VRM  
ASM  
1442  
SPDIFO  
5
6
GPU Boost  
MemOK!  
7
8
2
LAN3_12  
LAN_USB12  
AUDIO  
CHA_FAN1  
PWR_FAN  
Lithium Cell  
CMOS Power  
PCIEX1_1  
USB3_34  
RTL  
8111E/  
8111F  
9
PCIEX16_1  
P8Z77-V LX  
PCIEX1_2  
Intel®  
Z77  
Super  
I/O  
PCI1  
PCIEX16_2  
PCI2  
NCT  
5535D  
10  
11  
8Mb  
BIOS  
SATA3G_3 SATA3G_2 SATA3G_1  
ALC  
887  
SB_PWR  
USB56  
PCI3  
CLRTC  
PANELSATA3G_4  
COM1  
USB910  
USB78  
SATA6G_2 SATA6G_1  
SPDIF_OUT  
AAFP  
14  
18 17 16  
15  
13  
11  
12  
Refer to 2.2.8 Connectors and 2.3.10 Rear panel connection for more information about  
rear panel connectors and internal connectors.  
2-2  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
Layout contents  
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots  
Page  
CPU, Chassis and power fan connectors  
1.  
2-21  
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2, 3-pin PWR_FAN)  
EATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)  
Intel® CPU socket  
2.  
2-23  
2-4  
3.  
DDR3 DIMM sockets  
4.  
2-5  
GPU Boost LED  
5.  
2-17  
2-17  
2-16  
2-18  
2-22  
2-18  
2-22  
2-19  
2-24  
2-15  
2-20  
2-19  
2-21  
2-20  
GPU Boost Switch  
6.  
MemOK! button  
7.  
DRAM LED  
8.  
USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_56)  
Onboard LED (SB_PWR)  
9.  
10.  
11.  
12.  
13.  
14.  
15.  
16.  
17.  
18.  
Intel® Z77 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_1–4 [blue])  
Intel® Z77 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1/2 [gray])  
System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)  
Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)  
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB5~10)  
Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM1)  
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)  
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)  
ASUS P8Z77-V LX  
2-3  
2.2.2  
Central Processing Unit (CPU)  
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1155 socket designed for the Intel® 3rd  
2nd Generation Core™ i7/ i5/ i3 Processors.  
/
P8Z77-V LX  
P8Z77-V LX CPU socket LGA1155  
Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.  
The LGA1156 CPU is incompatible with the LGA1155 socket. DO NOT install a  
LGA1156 CPU on the LGA1155 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  
LGA1155 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.  
2-4  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
2.2.3  
System memory  
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules  
(DIMM) sockets.  
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.  
P8Z77-V LX  
P8Z77-V LX 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets  
Recommended memory configurations  
We recommend that you install the memory modules using the blue slots for better  
overclocking capability.  
ASUS P8Z77-V LX  
2-5  
 
Memory configurations  
You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB unbuffered 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.  
Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2200/2000/1800 MHz memory module will run at DDR3  
2133/1866/1600 MHz frequency as default.  
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:  
- Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows OS.  
- Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the  
motherboard.  
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 3.4 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.  
Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.  
2-6  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
P8Z77-V LX Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2400MHz  
capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
S S / C h i p Chip Timing  
DS Brand NO.  
Voltage D I M M s o c k e t s u p p o r t  
(Optional)  
1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs  
Transcend TX2400KLU-4GK (381850)(XMP) 4GB(2x 2GB) SS  
-
-
9
1.65V  
P8Z77-V LX Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2200MHz  
capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
S S / C h i p Chip Timing  
DS Brand NO.  
Voltage  
DIMM socket support (Optional)  
1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs  
G.SKILL  
F3-17600CL8D-4GBPS(XMP) 4GB(2x 2GB) DS  
4GB(2x 2GB) DS  
-
-
-
-
8-8-8-24  
-
1.65V  
KINGMAX FLKE85F-B8KJAFEIH(XMP)  
1.5V-1.7V  
P8Z77-V LX Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2133MHz  
capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
S S / C h i p Chip Timing  
DS Brand NO.  
Voltage  
DIMM socket support  
(Optional)  
1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs  
A-DATA  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
GEIL  
AX3U2133GC2G9B-DG2(XMP)  
CMT4GX3M2A2133C9(XMP)  
CMT4GX3M2B2133C9(XMP)  
GE34GB2133C9DC(XMP)  
GU34GB2133C9DC(XMP)  
2GB  
SS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-11-9-27 1.55~1.75V  
9-10-9-24 1.65V  
4GB(2x 2GB) DS  
4GB(2x 2GB) DS  
9-10-9-27 1.50V  
2GB  
DS  
9-9-9-28  
9-9-9-28  
-
1.65V  
1.65V  
1.65V  
GEIL  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS  
4GB(2x 2GB ) DS  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS  
8GB(4 x 2GB) DS  
KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3T1K2/4GX(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3X2K2/4GX(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3T1K4/8GX(XMP)  
9-11-9-27 1.65V  
9-11-9-27 1.65V  
KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3T1FK4/8GX(XMP) 8GB(4x 2GB) DS  
-
1.65V  
P8Z77-V LX Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2000MHz  
capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
S S / C h i p Chip Timing  
DS Brand NO.  
Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional)  
1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs  
Apacer  
78.AAGD5.9KD(XMP)  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS  
4GB(2 x 2GB) SS  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS  
6GB(3x 2GB ) DS  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-9-9-27  
1.65V  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
CMZ4GX3M2A2000C10(XMP)  
CMT6GX3M3A2000C8(XMP)  
F3-16000CL9D-4GBFLS(XMP)  
F3-16000CL9D-4GBTD(XMP)  
F3-16000CL6T-6GBPIS(XMP)  
GUP34GB2000C9DC(XMP)  
10-10-10-27 1.50V  
8-9-8-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-27  
6-9-6-24  
9-9-9-28  
-
1.65V  
1.65V  
1.65V  
1.65V  
1.65V  
1.65V  
1.65V  
KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2x 2GB ) DS  
KINGSTON K H X 2 0 0 0 C 9 A D 3 W 1 K 2 / 4GB(2x 2GB ) DS  
4GX(XMP)  
-
KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS  
-
-
-
-
9
-
1.65V  
1.65V  
KINGSTON K H X 2 0 0 0 C 9 A D 3 W 1 K 3 / 6GB(3x 2GB ) DS  
6GX(XMP)  
KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3x 2GB ) DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
1.65V  
1.6V  
Transcend  
TX2000KLN-8GK(XMP)  
8GB(2 x 4GB) DS  
ASUS P8Z77-V LX  
2-7  
P8Z77-V LX Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 1866MHz  
capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
S S / C h i p Chip Timing  
DS Brand NO.  
Voltage  
DIMM socket support (Optional)  
1 DIMM  
2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
G.SKILL  
CMT4GX3M2A1866C9(XMP)  
CMT6GX3MA1866C9(XMP)  
CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9(XMP)  
F3-14900CL9D8GBXL(XMP)  
F3-14900CL9Q8GBXL(XMP)  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS  
6GB(3 x 2GB) DS  
8GB(2 x 4GB) DS  
8GB(2 x 4GB) DS  
8GB(2GB x 4) DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
1.65V  
1.65V  
9-10-9-27 1.50V  
9-10-9-28 1.5V  
G.SKILL  
9-9-9-24  
1.6V  
KINGSTON KHX1866C9D3T1K3/3GX(XMP) 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS  
KINGSTON KHX1866C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS  
-
-
1.65V  
1.65V  
P8Z77-V LX Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 1600MHz  
capability  
Vendors  
Paart No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS Brand  
C
h
i
p
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM socket support  
(Optional)  
1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs  
A-DATA  
AM2U16BC2P1  
2GB  
SS A-DATA  
3CCD-150  
9A EL1126T  
-
-
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
AD31600E001GM(O)U3K  
AX3U1600XB2G79-2X(XMP)  
AM2U16BC4P2  
3GB(3 x 1GB) SS  
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS  
-
-
-
-
8-8-8-24 1.65V-1.85V  
7-9-7-21 1.55V-1.75V