P8Z77 WS
Contents
Notices ...................................................................................................................... vii
Safety information.................................................................................................... viii
About this guide......................................................................................................... ix
P8Z77 WS specifications summary.......................................................................... xi
Chapter 1:
Product introduction
1.1
1.2
1.3
Welcome! ....................................................................................................1-1
Package contents.......................................................................................1-1
Special features..........................................................................................1-2
1.3.1
1.3.2
1.3.3
1.3.4
1.3.5
1.3.6
1.3.7
Product highlights........................................................................1-2
Dual Intelligent Processors 3.1 with New DIGI+ Power Control . 1-4
ASUS Exclusive Features...........................................................1-4
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution.....................................................1-6
ASUS EZ DIY..............................................................................1-6
ASUS Workstation exclusive features.........................................1-7
Other special features.................................................................1-8
Chapter 2:
Hardware information
2.1
2.2
Before you proceed ...................................................................................2-1
Motherboard overview...............................................................................2-2
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3
2.2.4
2.2.5
2.2.6
2.2.7
2.2.8
Motherboard layout.....................................................................2-2
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................2-4
System memory..........................................................................2-5
Expansion slots...........................................................................2-7
Onboard switches .......................................................................2-9
Onboard LEDs ..........................................................................2-14
Jumper......................................................................................2-20
Internal connectors....................................................................2-21
2.3
Building your computer system.............................................................2-30
2.3.1
2.3.2
2.3.3
2.3.4
2.3.5
2.3.6
2.3.7
2.3.8
2.3.9
2.3.11
Additional tools and components to build a PC system............2-30
CPU installation.........................................................................2-31
CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation.............................2-33
DIMM installation.......................................................................2-35
Motherboard installation............................................................2-36
ATX Power connection..............................................................2-38
SATA device connection............................................................2-39
Front I/O Connector ..................................................................2-40
Expansion Card installation.......................................................2-41
USB BIOS Flashback................................................................2-42
iii
Contents
2.3.12
Rear panel connection..............................................................2-43
Audio I/O connections...............................................................2-45
2.3.13
2.4
Starting up for the first time....................................................................2-47
2.5
Turning off the computer.........................................................................2-47
Chapter 3:
BIOS setup
3.1
3.2
Knowing BIOS............................................................................................3-1
BIOS setup program..................................................................................3-1
3.2.1
3.2.2
EZ Mode......................................................................................3-2
Advanced Mode..........................................................................3-3
3.3
Main menu ..................................................................................................3-5
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.3.3
System Language [English] ........................................................3-5
System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx].....................................................3-5
System Time [xx:xx:xx]................................................................3-5
3.4
3.5
Ai Tweaker menu........................................................................................3-8
Advanced menu .......................................................................................3-19
3.5.1
3.5.2
3.5.3
3.5.4
3.5.5
3.5.6
3.5.7
3.5.8
CPU Configuration....................................................................3-20
PCH Configuration....................................................................3-22
SATA Configuration...................................................................3-24
System Agent Configuration......................................................3-25
USB Configuration ....................................................................3-26
Onboard Devices Configuration................................................3-27
APM ..........................................................................................3-29
Network Stack...........................................................................3-30
3.6
3.7
3.8
Monitor menu ...........................................................................................3-31
Boot menu ................................................................................................3-34
Tools menu ...............................................................................................3-36
3.8.1
3.8.2.
3.8.3.
3.8.4.
ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility............................................................3-36
ASUS O.C. Profile.....................................................................3-36
ASUS SPD Information.............................................................3-37
ASUS Drive Xpert .....................................................................3-38
3.9
Exit menu..................................................................................................3-39
Updating BIOS..........................................................................................3-40
3.10
3.10.1
3.10.2
3.10.3
3.10.4
ASUS Update utility...................................................................3-40
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility.............................................................3-43
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility.................................................3-44
ASUS BIOS Updater.................................................................3-45
Chapter 4:
4.1
Software support
Installing an operating system .................................................................4-1
iv
Contents
4.2
Support DVD information..........................................................................4-1
4.2.1
4.2.2
Running the support DVD...........................................................4-1
Obtaining the software manuals..................................................4-2
4.3
Software information.................................................................................4-3
4.3.1
4.3.2
4.3.3
4.3.4
4.3.5
4.3.6
4.3.7
4.3.8
4.3.9
4.3.10
4.3.11
4.3.12
4.3.13
4.3.14
4.3.15
AI Suite II.....................................................................................4-3
TurboV EVO................................................................................4-4
DIGI+ Power Control...................................................................4-9
EPU...........................................................................................4-13
Probe II......................................................................................4-14
FAN Xpert..................................................................................4-15
Sensor Recorder.......................................................................4-16
USB BIOS Flashback Wizard....................................................4-17
USB 3.0 Boost...........................................................................4-19
ASUS Update............................................................................4-20
ASUS SSD Caching..................................................................4-21
Network iControl........................................................................4-22
USB Charger+...........................................................................4-26
MyLogo2 ...................................................................................4-28
Audio configurations..................................................................4-30
4.4
RAID configurations ................................................................................4-31
4.4.1
4.4.2
4.4.3
4.4.4
4.4.5
RAID definitions ........................................................................4-31
Installing Serial ATA hard disks .................................................4-32
Setting the RAID item in BIOS..................................................4-32
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility ................4-32
Marvell RAID utility....................................................................4-36
4.5
Creating a RAID driver disk.....................................................................4-42
4.5.1
4.5.2
4.5.3
4.5.4
Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS................4-42
Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®..................................4-42
Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation......4-43
Using a USB floppy disk drive...................................................4-44
Chapter 5:
5.1
Multiple GPU technology support
AMD® CrossFireX™
technology.........................................5-1
Requirements..............................................................................5-1
Before you begin.........................................................................5-1
5.1.1
5.1.2
5.1.3
5.1.4
Installing two CrossFireX™
Installing the device drivers.........................................................5-3
Enabling the AMD® CrossFireX™
technology......5-3
graphics cards .........5-2
5.1.5
5.2
NVIDIA® SLI™ technology.........................................................................5-4
v
Contents
5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3
5.2.4
5.2.3
5.2.4
Requirements..............................................................................5-4
Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards ......................................5-4
Installing three SLI-ready graphics cards....................................5-5
Installing four SLI-ready graphics cards......................................5-6
Installing the device drivers.........................................................5-7
Enabling the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology .....................................5-7
5.3
LucidLogix® Virtu™ solution...................................................................5-10
5.3.1
Hardware installAMDon ............................................................5-10
5.3.2
Software configuration .............................................................. 5-11
vi
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
•
•
This device may not cause harmful interference, and
This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•
•
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required
to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
REACH
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at
ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to
enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal
waste.
vii
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.
viii
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 how to install and configure multiple ATI® CrossFireX™ and
NVIDIA® SLI™ graphics cards.
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.
ix
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 (+).
Example: <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Del>
x
P8Z77 WS specifications summary
CPU
LGA1155 socket for 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ processor-based platform and
2nd Generation Core™ i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium® / Celeron® processors
Supports 22nm / 32nm 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® Z77 Express Chipset
4 x DIMMs, max. 32GB, DDR3 2600(O.C.)*/2400(O.C.)*/2200(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. Some hyper DIMMs only support one DIMM per channel. Please
refer to Memory QVL for details.
Expansion
slots
2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots
4 x PCI Express 3.0* / 2.0 x16 slot (single at x16 mode, dual at x16 /16, triple at
x16/ x8/ x8, Quad at x8/ x8/ x8/ x8)
* PCIe 3.0 speed is supported by Intel® 3rd generation processors.
VGA
Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel® HD Graphics support
- Supports DVI-I Port with a max. resolution of 1920 x 1200 @60Hz
- Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D/Quick Sync Video/Clear Video HD Technology/
Insider™
Multi-GPU
support
Supports AMD® 4-Way CrossFireX™ Technology
Supports NVIDIA® 4-Way SLI™ Technology
Supports LucidLogix Virtu MVP Technology* *
*LucidLogix Virtu MVP supports Windows 7 operating systems.
Storage
Intel® Z77 Express Chipset:
- 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 support
- 4 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 support
*
Supports on Intel® Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start
Technology, Intel® Smart ConnectTechnology*
Marvell® 9128 SATA controllers:
- 2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID 0,1 support
ASMedia® SATA 6Gb/s controller**
- 2 x eSATA 6Gb/s ports with port multiplier support
*Supports on Intel® Core™ processor family with Windows 7 operating
systems.
**These SATA ports are for data hard drivers only. ATAPI devices are not
supported.
LAN
2*Intel® 82574L Gigabit LAN controller
Audio
Realtek® ALC898 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC
- 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 back I/O
(continued on the next page)
xi
P8Z77 WS specifications summary
USB
2 x ASMedia USB 3.0 controllers-supports ASUS USB 3.0 Boost UASP
Mode.
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at back panel (blue)
Intel® Z77 Express Chipset - supports ASUS USB 3.0 Boost UASP Turbo
Mode*
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at mid-board for front panel support
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at back panel (blue)
Intel® Z77 Express Chipset
- 9 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (5 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
SMART DIGI+
Unique
Features
- Smart DIGI+ Key-quickly delivers higher VRM frequency, voltage, and
current for superior CPU/iGPU/DRAM/ overclocking performance with one
switch.
- Smart CPU Power Level (VRD 12.5 Ready)-provides the best digital power
saving conditions.
CPU Power
- Industry leading digital 20-phase power design (16-phase for CPU,
4-phase or iGPU)
- ASUS CPU power utility
DRAM Power
- Industry leading Digital 2-phase DRAM power desig
- ASUS DRAM power utility
ASUS TPU
- Auto Tuning, TurboV, TPU switch
ASUS EPU
- EPU Utility
- EPU Switch
ASUS Exclusive Features
- ASUS SSD Caching
- 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
- USB Charger+ featuring quick-charging function for all smart devices
- AI Charger+
- Disk Unlocker featuring 3TB+ HDD support
- AI Suite II
- Anti Surge
- MemOK!
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:
- ASUS Fan Xpert 2 featuring Fan Auto Tuning function for optimized speed
control
- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe 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
(continued on the next page)
xii
P8Z77 WS specifications summary
ASUS
Exclusive
Features
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS Q-Design:
- ASUS Q-code
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
- ASUS Q-DIMM
- ASUS Q-Connector
Workstation
Unique
Features
- 4PCIe x 16 slots
- Quick Gate: 1 vertical USB 2.0 on board
- ASUS SASsaby series Cards support
- ASUS WS Diag. LED
- WS 3-color LED
Back Panel
I/O Ports
4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, 1 supports USB BIOS Flashback)
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x USB BIOS Flashback button
1 x PS/2 KB/MS port
1 x DVI-I port
2 x eSATA ports
2 x LAN (RJ-45) port (2 x Intel® LAN)
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
8-channel Audio I/O
Internal I/O
connectors
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB ports (19-pin)
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 4 USB ports
1 x USB 2.0/1.1 trpe A vertical ports
4 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (2 x gray; 2 x navy blue)
4 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (blue)
1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin)
1 x CPU Opt Fan connectors (4-pin)
4 x Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin)
1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
1 x S/PDIF out header
24-pin EATX Power connector
8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
19-pin TPM header
1 x MemOK! button
1 x EPU Switch
1 x TPU Switch
1 x Power-on Switch
1 x Reset button
BIOS features
Manageability
64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI
2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, F12
PrintScreen, 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)
xiii
P8Z77 WS specifications summary
Accessories
4 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables
2 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s cables
ASUS 3-Way SLI bridge connector
ASUS SLI bridge connector
I/O Shield
User Manual
Support DVD
contents
Drivers
ASUS Utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Form factor
ATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.4cm)
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.
xiv
Chapter 1
Chapter 1:
Product introduction
1.1
Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® P8Z77 WS 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 WS motherboard
User manual
Support DVD
1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge
connector
4 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables
2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s cables
1 x ASUS Q-Shield
1 x 4-way SLI bridge
1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit
1 x 3-way SLI bridge
•
•
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.
1-1
ASUS P8Z77 WS
1.3
Special features
1.3.1
Product highlights
LGA1155 socket for Intel® Second/Third Generation Core™ i7 / Core™
i5 / Core™ i3 / Pentium® / Celeron® Processors
This motherboard supports the 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 out with dedicated chipsets, 2-channel (4 DIMMs)
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 the 1155 socket Intel®
3rd/2nd generation Core™ i7/i5/ i3/Pentium®/Celeron® processors. It provides improved
performance by utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability.
Additionally, 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.
PCI Express® 3.0
PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the latest PCI Express bus standard with improved encoding
schemes that provide twice the performance of the current PCIe 2.0. The 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 an 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.
* PCI 3.0 speed is supported by Intel® 3rd generation Core™ processors.
Dual-Channel DDR3 2400(O.C.) / 2200(O.C.) / 2133(O.C.) / 1866(O.C.) / 1600 /
1333 / 1066 MHz Support
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of DDR3
2600(O.C.) / 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 Intel 2nd generation processor’s behavior, DDR3 2200 and above, 2000/1800 MHz memory
modules run at DDR3 2133/1866/1600 MHz frequency as default.
Quad-GPU SLI™ and Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Support
Flexible Multi-GPU Solutions, Your Weapon of Choice!
P8Z77 WS brings you the multi-GPU choice of either SLI™ or CrossFireX. The motherboard
features the most powerful Intel® Z77 platform to optimize PCIe allocation in multiple GPU
configurations. Expect a brand-new gaming style you’ve never experienced before!
1-2
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
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 6X faster than a hard drive-only system, and an important
part of Green ASUS eco-friendly computing.
* 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
system memory to the designed SSD, it provides your computer a faster wake-up response
time, while still keeping the energy use low.
Complete USB 3.0 Integration
ASUS facilitates the strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear panel – 8 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 WS affords greater convenience to high speed connectivity.
Extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s Support
The Intel® Z77 Express Chipset natively supports the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA)
interface, delivering up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer. ASUS provides extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports
with enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, and double the bandwidth of current bus
systems.
Dual Gigabit LAN support
The P8Z77 WS features the dual Gigabit LAN design which complies with 802.3az
Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) standard, and allows a PC to serve as a network gateway
for managing traffic between two separate networks. Moreover, this motherboard also
implements one Intel® Gigabit LAN controller which reduces power consumption during
normal operation, and enhances faster transfer speed through a dual interconnection
between the Integrated LAN controller and physical layer (PHY).
1-3
ASUS P8Z77 WS
1.3.2
Dual Intelligent Processors 3.1 with New DIGI+ Power
Control
The world’s first Dual Intelligent Processors from ASUS pioneered twin onboard chips - TPU
(TurboV Processing Unit) and EPU (Energy Processing Unit). Dual Intelligent Processors
3 builds on that foundation with new SMART DIGI+ power control, which includes multiple
digital voltage controllers, allowing ultra-precise tuning for the CPU, iGPU and DRAM. It’s
upgraded with one-click extreme performance optimization and selectable CPU wattage
levels, offering easier power control and better power savings with the user-friendly AI Suite
II utility.
Smart DIGI+ Technology
Get incredible performance increases with TPU and the all-new SMART DIGI+.
Up to 85% CPU O.C. Performance Boost
Always at the forefront of digital power design, ASUS propels you into the future
standard of power management by SMART DIGI+ Technology, which works with the
TPU (TurboV Processing Unit) to give an exceptional increase in CPU overclocking
performance. When combined, you can adjust CPU ratios manually in the TPU and
enable the all new SMART DIGI+ Key by a single click to see an extreme boost in TPU
frequency up to 85%.
CPU Power Wattage cut in half!
SMART DIG+ Technology also includes the Smart CPU Power Level profile, which
reduces CPU power consumption to a specific indicated wattage with a single click,
creating a cooler and quieter PC. With the support for the next generation Intel® VRD
12.5 power design, ASUS once again leaps to the future of innovation.
TPU
Unleash your performance with ASUS’ simple onboard switch or AI Suite II utility. The TPU
chip offers precise voltage control and advanced monitoring through Auto Tuning and TurboV
functions. Auto tuning offers a user friendly way to automatically optimize the system for fast,
yet stable clock speeds, while TurboV enables unlimited freedom to adjust CPU frequencies
and ratios for optimized performance in diverse situations.
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.
1.3.3
ASUS Exclusive Features
GPU Boost
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.
1-4
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
USB 3.0 Boost
New ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), the
latest USB 3.0 standard. Witht 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.
USB Charger+
With a dedicated onboard controller, quick-charge all your smart devices such as iProducts,
smartphones, tablets, and more, all up to 3x faster, even when the PC is powered off, in
sleep, or hibernation modes.
ASUS SSD Caching
SSD Caching from ASUS is easier than ever. At 3X faster, this feature boosts system
performance by using an installed SSD with no capacity limitations as a cache for frequently
accessed data. Harness a combination of SSD-like performance and response, and hard
drive capacity with just one click, no rebooting needed, and instant activation for complete
ease of use, and even prevent data loss with included backup functionality.
USB BIOS Flashback
A truly revolutionary hardware-based BIOS update solution. USB BIOS Flashback offers
the most convenient way to update the BIOS! It allows users to update new UEFI BIOS
versions even without hardware such as a CPU or a DRAM installed into the motherboard.
Just plug in a USB flash drive containing the BIOS file, and press the BIOS Flashback button
for 3 seconds with the power supply connected. The UEFI BIOS then automatically updates
without requiring further interaction. With its new complementary Windows® application, users
can regularly check for UEFI BIOS updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically.
Hassle-free updating for the ultimate convenience!
Network iControl
With a single-click on/off button, the application currently in use has its data and network
bandwidth prioritized over other programs. Moreover, you can prioritize your favorite software
easily by configuring profiles through the intuitive user interface. Within the profile, the
programs can be pre-scheduled to run in a specific time period to avoid network congestion.
and long-waits on downloads. Auto PPPoE network connection gives a one-step setup.
Overall, it’s an intuitive network bandwidth control center.
AI Suite II
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.
1-5
ASUS P8Z77 WS
MemOK!
Any Memory is A-OK!
MemOK! quickly ensures memory boot compatibility. This remarkable memory rescue tool
requires a mere push of a button to patch memory issues. MemOK! determines fail-safe
settings and dramatically improves your system boot success. Get your system up and
running in no time!
1.3.4
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
ASUS Fan Xpert 2 - featuring Fan Auto Tuning mode for the Ultimate
Cool and Quiet
Hardware-level ASUS Fan Xpert 2 provides the most customizable settings for an even
cooler and quieter computing environment. Upgraded with the Fan Auto Tuning mode, it
enables tailored fan speed settings for each CPU and chassis fan, with exclusive automatic
fan speed detection, which scans each fan to run at specific settings based on different
criteria, achieving the best balance of cooling performance and low noise. Fan Xpert 2 also
includes an RPM Fixed Mode for users who wish to reduce noise levels to near 0dB with
highly specific fan speed control. It reacts to system loads for greater control.
1.3.5
ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)
Flexible and Easy BIOS Interface
Media-renowned UEFI BIOS offers the first mouse-controlled graphical BIOS designed
with selectable modes and native support for hard drives over 2.2 TB. Users can also drag
and drop boot priorities with the exclusive EZ Mode, while Advanced Mode offers inticrate
settings.
New upgrade! Quick and easy information for enhanced system control
-
-
-
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.
ASUS Q-Design
DIY Quickly, DIY Easily!
ASUS Q-Design enhances your DIY experience. All of Q-LED, Q-Code, Q-Slot, and Q-DIMM
design speed up and simplify the DIY process!
ASUS Q-Shield
Easy and Comfortable Installations
The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual "fingers" - making it
convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your
motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference
(EMI).
1-6
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
ASUS Q-Connector
Make Connection Quick and Accurate!
The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables
in one easy step with one complete module. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of
plugging in one cable at a time, making the connection quick and accurate.
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.
1.3.6
ASUS Workstation exclusive features
4-way SLI
Native third generation PCI-Express x16 ™ 4-way CrossFireX™ and Geforce SLI™ offers
the fastest and most reliable graphics performance ever. It’s ideal for professional use in
mechanical, architectural, interior design, aeronautics, audio and video design applications.
Additionally, this ample graphics power can easily run even the most demanding PC games
in full detail for enhanced entertainment.
Dual Intel® LAN
For more reliable networking, the P8Z77 WS features built-in dual server grade Intel® Gigabit
LAN. This leads to lower 71% CPU utilization , increasing throughput to achieve outstanding
performance as well as better support for diverse operating systems.
WS O.C. LED
At a glance workstation overclocking status with easy to understand color coding. Red
means overclocked, blue means normal, while green denotes power saving mode. This is an
essential and convenient tool to let users know more about overclocking conditions without
entering the BIOS.
Diag. LED
Diag. LED checks key components (CPU, memory, graphics card and hard drive) in
sequence during bootup. If an error is found, the LED next to the relevant device will stay lit
until the problem is solved. This user-friendly design provides an intuitive way to locate root
problems in seconds.
Quick Gate
Quick Gate is a vertical USB connector on the motherboard, allowing you to install USB
devices directly with no messy cables. This stops important data storage devices from
breaking off unexpectedly. P8P67 WS Revolution with this unique design provides a
convenient and safe way to install data and applications on your PC.
1-7
ASUS P8Z77 WS
1.3.7
Other special features
LucidLogix Virtu MVP
LucidLogix Virtu MVP featuring HyperFormance™ Technology boosts your discrete graphics
card up to 30% beyond its original performance. Designed for Intel® processor graphics and
Windows® 7 PCs, it perfectly combines the performance of discrete graphic cards with fast
computing iGPU. Also, with newly designed Virtual Sync, users can enjoy a smoother gaming
experience by eliminating tearing artifacts. LucidLogix Virtu MVP can also dynamically assign
tasks to the best available graphics resource, based on power, performance, and system
load. This allows users to fully utilize 3x faster video conversion with Intel® Quick Sync Video
2.0 technology while retaining high-end 3D rendering and gaming performance, provided
by both NVIDIA and AMD graphic cards. When the discrete graphic cards are not required,
it puts the power use down to zero, making the system more environmentally friendly. For
users searching for perfection, LucidLogix Virtu MVP provides great graphical performance,
and best flexibility and efficiency.
* LucidLogix Virtu MVP supports Windows® 7 operating system.
** Intel® Quick Sync Video feature is supported by 3rd/2nd generation Intel® Core™ processor
family
DTS UltraPC II
DTS UltraPC II delivers an exceptional 7.1 surround experience through the most popular PC
audio setups—your existing stereo speakers or headphones. In addition to virtual surround,
it upgrades the original sound to new levels with Audio Restoration, recreating dynamic
range of audio files. Symmetry mode improves the balance of perceived loudness across
different input sources, and enhances boost audio quality through high hand low frequency
equalization. With these technologies, users experience better home theater audio with ease.
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.
2-1
ASUS P8Z77 WS
2.2
Motherboard overview
2.2.1
Motherboard layout
Refer to 2.2.7 Internal 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
1.
ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V,
2-27
4-pin EZ_PLUG)
2.
3.
LGA1155 CPU socket
2-4
CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN,
4-pin CPU_OPT, 3/4 pin CHA_FAN4)
2-26
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
DDR3 DIMM slots
2-5
TPU switch
2-11
2-10
2-24
2-20
2-23
MemOK! switch
USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12)
Chassis fan switch
Marvell® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
(7-pin SATA6G_E1/E2 [navy blue])
10.
11.
Intel® Z77 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
(7-pin SATA6G_1/2 [gray])
2-21
2-22
Intel® Z77 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors
(7-pin SATA3G_3–6 [blue])
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Clear CMOS switch
2-13
2-12
2-29
2-15
2-24
EPU switch
System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
Q-Code LED (LED1, LED2)
USB 2.0 connectors (USB10 [Type A], 10-1 pin USB1112,
10-1 pin USB1314)
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
Trusted Platform Module connector (20-1 pin TPM)
Reset switch
2-28
2-9
Power-on switch
2-9
Serial connector (10-1 pin COM1)
IEEE 1394 connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1)
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
LAN1 and LAN2 WG82574 LAN chip
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
2-19
2-25
2-25
2-43
2-27
2-3
ASUS P8Z77 WS
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 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3 / Pentium / Celeron Processors.
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) 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
2-5
ASUS P8Z77 WS
Memory configurations
You may install 1GB, 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.
•
•
•
•
Due to Intel® 2nd generation processors' behavior, DDR3 2200 and above, 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.
P8Z77 WS Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)
•
•
ASUS exclusively provides hyper DIMM support function.
Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs. Load
the X.M.P. or D.O.C.P. settings in the BIOS for the hyper DIMM support.
•
Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.
2-6
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.2.4
Expansion slots
Ensure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do
so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
Slot No. Slot Description
1
PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot (single at x16 or dual at x8/x8 mode)
PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_2 slot (at x8 mode)
PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot
2
3
4
5
6
PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_3 slot (single at x16 or dual at x8/x8 mode)
PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot
PCIe 2.0 x16_4 slot [black] (at x8 mode)
PCI Express operating mode
VGA configuration
PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1
PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_2
x16
Single VGA/PCIe card
Dual VGA/PCIe card
N/A
(Recommend for single VGA)
x8
x8
2-7
ASUS P8Z77 WS
•
•
•
In single VGA card mode, use the PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot (navy blue) for a PCI
Express x16 graphics card to get better performance.
In CrossFireX™ or SLI™ mode, use the PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 and PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_2
slots for PCI Express x16 graphics cards to get better performance.
We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI™
mode. Refer to page 2-31 for details.
•
•
Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/2 when using
multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment. See page 2-30 for details.
The PCIe 3.0 speed is supported by Intel® 3rd generation Core™ processors.
IRQ assignments for this motherboard
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Intel PCH SATA
Controller #0
–
–
–
shared
–
–
–
–
Intel PCH SATA
Controller #1
–
–
–
shared
–
–
–
–
SMBUS Controller
Thermal Controller
EHCI #0
–
shared
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared
EHCI #1
shared
shared
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
PCIE x16_1
PCIE x16_2
PCIE x16_3
PCIE x16_4
PCIE x1_1
–
shared
shared
shared
shared
–
–
–
–
PCIE x1_2
ASMedia SATA
Connector
VIA 1394
shared
–
–
shared
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
ASMedia USB 3.0
Intel 82574L #0
Intel 82574L #1
shared
–
shared
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared
Marvell 9128 Hardware
RAID Controller
–
–
–
shared
–
–
–
–
2-8
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.2.5
Onboard switches
Onboard switches allow you to fine-tune performance when working on a bare or open-
case system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to
enhance system performance.
1.
Power-on switch
The motherboard comes with a power-on switch that allows you to power up or wake
up the system. The switch also lights up when the system is plugged to a power source
indicating that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before
removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the
location of the onboard power-on switch.
2.
Reset switch
Press the reset switch to reboot the system.
2-9
ASUS P8Z77 WS
3.
MemOK! switch
Installing DIMMs that are incompatible with the motherboard may cause system boot
failure, and the DIAG_DRAM LED near the MemOK! switch lights continuously. Press
and hold the MemOK! switch until the DIAG_DRAM LED starts blinking to begin
automatic memory compatibility tuning for successful boot.
•
•
Refer to section 2.2.6 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the DIAG_DRAM LED.
The DIAG_DRAM LED also lights when the DIMM is not properly installed. Turn off the
system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! function.
•
•
The MemOK! switch does not function under Windows™ OS environment.
During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. It
takes about 30 seconds for the system to test one set of failsafe settings. If the test
fails, the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe settings. The blinking speed
of the DIAG_DRAM LED increases, indicating different test processes.
•
Due to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each
timing set is tested. If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning
process, the DIAG_DRAM LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones
recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on
the ASUS website at www.asus.com.
•
•
•
If you turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system
continues memory tuning after turning on the computer. To stop memory tuning, turn
off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 5–10 seconds.
If your system fail to boot due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! switch to boot
and load BIOS default settings. A messgae will appear during POST reminding you
that the BIOS has been restored to its default settings.
We recommend that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from the
ASUS website at www.asus.com after using the MemOK! function.
2-10
Chapter 2: Hardware information
4.
TPU switch
Turning this switch to Enable will automatically optimize the system for fast, yet stable
clock speeds.
For ensuring the system performance, turn the switch setting to Enable when the system is
powered off.
•
The TPU LED (O2LED2) near the TPU switch lights when the switch setting is turned
to Enable. Refer to section 2.2.6 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the TPU
LED.
•
•
If you change the switch setting to Enable under the OS environment, the TPU
function will be activated after the next system bootup.
You may use the TurboV and Auto Tuning feature in the TurboV EVO application,
adjust the BIOS setup program, or enable the TPU switch at the same time. However,
the system will use the last setting you have made.
2-11
ASUS P8Z77 WS
5.
EPU switch
Turning this switch to Enable will automatically detect the current PC loadings and
intelligently moderate the power consumption.
For ensuring the system performance, turn the switch setting to Enable when the system is
powered off.
•
The EPU LED (O2LED3) near the EPU switch lights when the switch setting is turned
to Enable. Refer to section 2.2.6 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the EPU
LED.
•
•
If you change the switch setting to Enable under the OS environment, the EPU
function will be activated after the next system bootup.
You may change the EPU settings in the software application or BIOS setup program,
and enable the EPU function at the same time. However, the system will use the last
setting you have made.
2-12
Chapter 2: Hardware information
6.
Clear CMOS switch
Turning this switch to clear the BIOS setup information, only when the systems hangs
due to overclocking.
2-13
ASUS P8Z77 WS
2.2.6
Onboard LEDs
1.
POST State LEDs
The POST State LEDs of CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and HDD indicate key components
status during POST (Power-on Self Test). If an error is found , the LED next to the
error device will continue lighting until the problem is solved. This user-friendly design
provides an intuitional way to locate the root problem within a second.
2.
TPU LED
The TPU LED lights when the TPU switch is turned to Enable.
2-14
Chapter 2: Hardware information
3.
EPU LED
The EPU LED lights when the EPU switch is turned to Enable.
4.
Q-Code LEDs
The Q-Code LED design provides you the 2-digit display, allowing you to know the
system status. Refer to the Q-Code table below for details.
2-15
ASUS P8Z77 WS
Q-Code table
Code
00
Description
Not used
01
Power on. Reset type detection (soft/hard).
AP initialization before microcode loading
System Agent initialization before microcode loading
PCH initialization before microcode loading
Microcode loading
02
03
04
06
07
AP initialization after microcode loading
System Agent initialization after microcode loading
PCH initialization after microcode loading
Cache initialization
08
09
0B
0C – 0D
0E
Reserved for future AMI SEC error codes
Microcode not found
0F
Microcode not loaded
10
PEI Core is started
11 – 14
15 – 18
19 – 1C
2B – 2F
30
Pre-memory CPU initialization is started
Pre-memory System Agent initialization is started
Pre-memory PCH initialization is started
Memory initialization
Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)
Memory Installed
31
32 – 36
37 – 3A
CPU post-memory initialization
Post-Memory System Agent initialization is started
2-16
Chapter 2: Hardware information
Q-Code table (continued)
Code
3B – 3E
4F
Description
Post-Memory PCH initialization is started
DXE IPL is started
Memory initialization error. Invalid memory type or incompatible memory
speed
50 – 53
54
Unspecified memory initialization error
Memory not installed
55
56
Invalid CPU type or Speed
57
CPU mismatch
58
CPU self test failed or possible CPU cache error
CPU micro-code is not found or micro-code update is failed
Internal CPU error
59
5A
5B
Reset PPI is not available
5C – 5F
E0
Reserved for future AMI error codes
S3 Resume is stared (S3 Resume PPI is called by the DXE IPL)
S3 Boot Script execution
E1
E2
Video repost
E3
OS S3 wake vector call
E4 – E7
E8
Reserved for future AMI progress codes
S3 Resume Failed
E9
S3 Resume PPI not Found
EA
S3 Resume Boot Script Error
EB
S3 OS Wake Error
EC – EF
F0
Reserved for future AMI error codes
Recovery condition triggered by firmware (Auto recovery)
Recovery condition triggered by user (Forced recovery)
Recovery process started
F1
F2
F3
Recovery firmware image is found
Recovery firmware image is loaded
Reserved for future AMI progress codes
Recovery PPI is not available
F4
F5 – F7
F8
F9
Recovery capsule is not found
Invalid recovery capsule
FA
FB – FF
60
Reserved for future AMI error codes
DXE Core is started
61
NVRAM initialization
62
Installation of the PCH Runtime Services
CPU DXE initialization is started
PCI host bridge initialization
63 – 67
68
69
System Agent DXE initialization is started
System Agent DXE SMM initialization is started
6A
2-17
ASUS P8Z77 WS
Q-Code table (continued)
Code
6B – 6F
70
Description
System Agent DXE initialization (System Agent module specific)
PCH DXE initialization is started
PCH DXE SMM initialization is started
PCH devices initialization
PCH DXE Initialization (PCH module specific)
ACPI module initialization
CSM initialization
71
72
73 – 77
78
79
7A – 7F
90
Reserved for future AMI DXE codes
Boot Device Selection (BDS) phase is started
Driver connecting is started
PCI Bus initialization is started
PCI Bus Hot Plug Controller Initialization
PCI Bus Enumeration
91
92
93
94
95
PCI Bus Request Resources
PCI Bus Assign Resources
Console Output devices connect
Console input devices connect
Super IO Initialization
96
97
98
99
9A
USB initialization is started
USB Reset
9B
9C
USB Detect
9D
USB Enable
9E – 9F
A0
Reserved for future AMI codes
IDE initialization is started
IDE Reset
A1
A2
IDE Detect
A3
IDE Enable
A4
SCSI initialization is started
SCSI Reset
A5
A6
SCSI Detect
A7
SCSI Enable
A8
Setup Verifying Password
Start of Setup
A9
AA
AB
AC
AD
AE
AF
Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)
Setup Input Wait
Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)
Ready To Boot event
Legacy Boot event
Exit Boot Services event
Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP Begin
B0
2-18
Chapter 2: Hardware information
Q-Code table (continued)
Code
B1
Description
Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP End
Legacy Option ROM Initialization
System Reset
B2
B3
B4
USB hot plug
B5
PCI bus hot plug
B6
Clean-up of NVRAM
B7
Configuration Reset (reset of NVRAM settings)
Reserved for future AMI codes
CPU initialization error
B8– BF
D0
D1
System Agent initialization error
PCH initialization error
D2
D3
Some of the Architectural Protocols are not available
PCI resource allocation error. Out of Resources
No Space for Legacy Option ROM
No Console Output Devices are found
No Console Input Devices are found
Invalid password
D4
D5
D6
D7
D8
D9
Error loading Boot Option (LoadImage returned error)
Boot Option is failed (StartImage returned error)
Flash update is failed
DA
DB
DC
Reset protocol is not available
ACPI/ASL Checkpoints
Code
0x01
Description
System is entering S1 sleep state
0x02
0x03
0x04
0x05
0x10
0x20
0x30
0x40
0xAC
0xAA
System is entering S2 sleep state
System is entering S3 sleep state
System is entering S4 sleep state
System is entering S5 sleep state
System is waking up from the S1 sleep state
System is waking up from the S2 sleep state
System is waking up from the S3 sleep state
System is waking up from the S4 sleep state
System has transitioned into ACPI mode. Interrupt controller is in PIC mode.
System has transitioned into ACPI mode. Interrupt controller is in APIC mode.
2-19
ASUS P8Z77 WS
2.2.7
Jumper
1.
Chassis Fan control setting (3-pin CHAFAN_SEL)
These jumpers allow you to switch for fan pin selection. The CHAFAN_SEL jumper is for
the front fans and rear fans control. Set to pins 1–2 when using 3-pin fans or pins 2–3
when using 4-pin fans.
•
•
If you use a 4-pin fan but set the jumper to pin 1-2, the fan you installed may not work.
If you use a 3-pin fan but set the jumper for a 4-pin fan, the fan control will not work and
the fan you installed will always run at full speed.
2-20
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.2.8
Internal connectors
1.
Intel® Z77 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1/2 [gray])
These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0
Gb/s signal cables.
If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10
configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® Z77
chipset.
•
These connectors are set to [AHCI Mode] by default. If you intend to create a Serial
ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [RAID
Mode]. Refer to section 3.5.3 SATA Configuration for details.
•
Before creating a RAID set, refer to section 4.4 RAID configurations or the manual
bundled in the motherboard support DVD.
•
When using NCQ, set the SATA Mode in the BIOS to [AHCI Mode]. Refer to section
3.5.3 SATA Configuration for details.
•
You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial
ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using
Windows® XP SP3 or later versions.
2-21
ASUS P8Z77 WS
2.
Intel® Z77 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_3–6 [blue])
These connectors connect to Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk drives and optical disc
drives via Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s signal cables.
If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10
configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® Z77
chipset.
•
These connectors are set to [AHCI Mode] by default. If you intend to create a Serial
ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [RAID
Mode]. Refer to section 3.5.3 SATA Configuration for details.
•
Before creating a RAID set, refer to section 4.4 RAID configurations or the manual
bundled in the motherboard support DVD.
•
When using NCQ, set the SATA Mode in the BIOS to [AHCI Mode]. Refer to section
3.5.3 SATA Configuration for details.
•
You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial
ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using
Windows® XP SP3 or later versions.
2-22
Chapter 2: Hardware information
3.
Marvell® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E1/E2 [navy blue])
These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0
Gb/s signal cables.
•
•
•
•
You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial ATA
hard disk drives.
When using NCQ, set the Marvell Storage Controller item in the BIOS to [Enabled].
Refer to section 3.5.6 Onboard Devices Configuration for details.
Press <Ctrl> + <M> during POST to enter the Marvell RAID utility to create or delete a
RAID configuration.
If you want to install a Windows operating system to a RAID configuration created
using the Marvell SATA controller, you have to create a RAID driver disk using the
motherboard support DVD and load the driver during OS installation. For 32/64bit
Windows XP OS, load first the Marvell shared library driver, and then load Marvell
91xx SATA Controller Driver. For Windows Vista / Windows 7 OS, load only the
Marvell 91xx SATA Controller Driver.
•
•
Connect one HDD and one SSD to Marvell® SATA6G_E1/E2 connectors for a high
performance of ASUS SSD Caching.
The SATA6G_E1/E2 connectors are recommended for regular use.
2-23
ASUS P8Z77 WS
4.
USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12)
This connector is for the additional USB 3.0 ports, and complies with the USB 3.0
specificaton that supports up to 480 MBps connection speed. If the USB 3.0 front panel
cable is available from your system chassis, with this USB 3.0 connector, you can have
a front panel USB 3.0 solution.
•
•
The USB 3.0 box is purchased separately.
Due to Intel® limitations, the USB3_12 only supports Windows® 7 operating system.
5.
USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112; USB1314)
These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of
these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system
chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to
48 MBps connection speed.
Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard!
You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) first, and
then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard if your chassis supports
front panel USB ports.
The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.
2-24
Chapter 2: Hardware information
6.
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s).
Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a
slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.
7.
IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)
This connector is for an IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module cable
to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system
chassis.
Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage the
motherboard!
The IEEE 1394 bracket is purchased separately.
2-25
ASUS P8Z77 WS
8.
CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 3/4 pin CHA_FAN1-4)
Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the
black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.
Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the
system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! Do not place
jumper caps on the fan connectors!
•
•
The CPU_FAN connector supports the CPU fan of maximum 1A (12 W) fan power.
Only the CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN 1/2/3/4 connectors support the ASUS FAN Xpert 2
feature.
•
If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis fan cable
to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN2 for better thermal
environment.
2-26
Chapter 2: Hardware information
9.
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports
either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel
audio I/O module cable to this connector.
•
•
We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this
connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-definition audio capability.
If you want to connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector, set
the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD]; if you want to connect an AC'97
front panel audio module to this connector, set the item to [AC97]. By default, this
connector is set to [HD].
10. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V, 4-pin EZ_PLUG)
These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are
designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and
push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
2-27
ASUS P8Z77 WS
•
For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit
(PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2.0 (or later version) and provides a
minimum power of 350 W.
•
•
Do not forget to connect the 4-pin/8-pin EATX12 V power plug; otherwise, the system
will not boot.
Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when configuring a system
with more power-consuming devices. The system may become unstable or may not
boot up if the power is inadequate.
•
•
If you want to use two or more high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with
1000W power or above to ensure the system stability.
If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system,
refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus.
com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.
11. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)
This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which can securely
store keys, digital certificates, passwords, and data. A TPM system also helps enhance
network security, protects digital identities, and ensures platform integrity. This
connector can also serve for G.P. Diagnosis card installation.
2-28
Chapter 2: Hardware information
12. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.
•
•
System power LED (2-pin PLED)
This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED
cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system
power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.
Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)
This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable
to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or flashes when data is read from or written to
the HDD.
•
•
System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)
This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The speaker
allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.
ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)
This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button turns the
system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending on the BIOS settings.
Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds while the system is ON turns the
system OFF.
•
Reset button (2-pin RESET)
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without
turning off the system power.
2-29
ASUS P8Z77 WS
2.3
Building your computer system
2.3.1
Additional tools and components to build a PC system
1 bag of screws
Philips (cross) screwdriver
PC chassis
Power supply unit
Intel LGA 1155 CPU
Intel LGA 1155 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.
2-30
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3.2
CPU installation
The LGA1156 CPU is incompatible with the LGA1155 socket. DO NOT install a LGA1156
CPU on the LGA1155 socket.
1
A
B
2
3
2-31
ASUS P8Z77 WS
4
C
A
B
5
2-32
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3.3
CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation
Apply the Thermal Interface Material
to the CPU heatsink and CPU
before you install the heatsink and
fan if necessary.
To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly
A
1
2
B
B
A
3
4
2-33
ASUS P8Z77 WS
To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly
1
2
A
B
B
A
2-34
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3.4
DIMM installation
1
2
3
To remove a DIMM
B
A
2-35
ASUS P8Z77 WS
2.3.5
Motherboard installation
The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with
models, but the installation steps remain the same.
1
2
2-36
Chapter 2: Hardware information
3
DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
2-37
ASUS P8Z77 WS
2.3.6
ATX Power connection
1
2
OR
OR
2-38
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3.7
SATA device connection
1
OR
2
OR
2-39
ASUS P8Z77 WS
2.3.8
Front I/O Connector
To install ASUS Q-Connector
1
2
To install USB 2.0 Connector
To install front panel audio
connector
AAFP
USB 2.0
To install USB 3.0 Connector
USB 3.0
2-40
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3.9
Expansion Card installation
To install PCIe x16 cards
To install PCIe x1 cards
2-41
ASUS P8Z77 WS
2.3.11
USB BIOS Flashback
USB BIOS Flashback offers the most convenient way to flash the BIOS. It allows overclockers
to try new BIOS versions easily without having to enter their existing BIOS or operating
system. Just plug in USB storage and push the dedicated button for 3 seconds, and the
BIOS is automatically flashed using standby power. Worry-free overclocking for the ultimate
convenience!
1
Download the BIOS Flashback program from theASUS service website (www.asus.com).
Save it to a USB portable disk, and place it in the root directory.
2
3
Plug the USB flash drive to the bottom port connector in the back I/O.
Press the BIOS Flashback button for 3 seconds, and the light will begin to flash (on the
third second).
4
The Flashback function is enabled once the light starts to flash.
The flashing rate of the light signal accelerates along with the updating speed.
BIOS update is complete once the light signal goes out.
5
6.
USB BIOS Flashback port
1. Do not unplug portable disk, power system, or press the CLR_CMOS button while
BIOS update is ongoing, otherwise update will be interrupted. In case of interruption,
please follow the recommended procedures again to complete BIOS update.
2.
If the light flashes for five seconds and turns into a stable lighting, this means that
the BIOS Flashback is not operating properly. This may be caused by:1. Improper
installation of the portable disk.2. Error in file name or incompatibility in file format.If
this is the case, please restart the system to turn off the light.
3. Updating BIOS may have risks. If the BIOS program is damaged during the process
causing the system unable to reboot, please contact the local service station for help.
2-42
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3.12
Rear panel connection
Rear panel connectors
1. PS/2 keyboard and mouse port
7. ASMedia eSATA 6G port
8. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6
2. ASMedia USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2,
supportASUS USB 3.0 Boost UASP
Mode
3. Intel® LAN (RJ-45) port*
4. DVI Display Port
9. Optical S/PDIF Out port
10. USB BIOS Flashback button
11. Intel USB 3.0 ports 3 and 4, support
ASUS USB 3.0 Boost UASP Mode.
Bottom port supports USB BIOS
5. Intel® LAN (RJ-45) port*
6. USB 2.0 ports 7 and 8
Flashback and USB Charger+
12. Audio I/O ports**
*, ** and ***: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LED, and audio port definitions.
Due to Intel® limitations, the USB3_1-2 only support Windows® 7 operating system.
2-43
ASUS P8Z77 WS
•
Press the Clear CMOS switch to clear BIOS setup information only when the system
hangs due to overclocking.
•
•
DO NOT insert a different connector to the external SATA port.
Due to USB 3.0 controller limitation, USB 3.0 devices can only be used under
Windows® OS environment and after the USB 3.0 driver installation.
•
•
USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only.
We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 devices to USB 3.0 ports for faster
and better performance for your USB 3.0 devices.
•
If you want to use the hot-plug function of the external SATA ports, you have to set the
ASMedia® 1061 SATA controllers item in the BIOS setting to [Enabled] and install
the ASMedia® 1061 SATA controllers from the motherboard support DVD. Refer to
section 3.5.6 Onboard Devices Configuration for details.
** LAN ports LED indications
Activity Link LED
Speed LED
ACT/LINK SPEED
LED LED
Status
Description
Status
OFF
Description
OFF
No link
10 Mbps connection
100 Mbps connection
1 Gbps connection
ORANGE
BLINKING
Linked
ORANGE
GREEN
Data activity
LAN port
*** Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration
Port
Headset
4-channel
6-channel
8-channel
2-channel
Light Blue Line In
Line In
Line In
Line In
Lime
Line Out
Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
Front Speaker Out
Mic In
Pink
Mic In
Mic In
Mic In
Orange
Black
Gray
–
–
–
–
Center/Subwoofer
Rear Speaker Out
–
Center/Subwoofer
Rear Speaker Out
Side Speaker Out
Rear Speaker Out
–
2-44
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3.13
Audio I/O connections
Audio I/O ports
Connect to Headphone and Mic
Connect to Stereo Speakers
Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers
2-45
ASUS P8Z77 WS
Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers
Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers
Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers
When the DTS UltraPC II function is enabled, ensure to connect the rear speaker to the
gray port.
2-46
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.4
Starting up for the first time
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.
Be sure that all switches are off.
Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis.
Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.
Turn on the devices in the following order:
a. Monitor
b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)
c. System power
6.
After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case lights up.
For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up when you press the
ATX power button. If your monitor complies with the “green” standards or if it has a
“power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up or change from orange to green
after the system LED turns on.
The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are running, the
BIOS beeps (refer to the BIOS beep codes table below) or additional messages appear
on the screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned
on the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Check the jumper settings
and connections or call your retailer for assistance.
BIOS Beep
Description
One short beep
VGA detected
Quick boot set to disabled
No keyboard detected
No memory detected
One continuous beep followed by two
short beeps then a pause (repeated)
One continuous beep followed by three
short beeps
No VGA detected
One continuous beep followed by four
short beeps
Hardware component failure
7.
At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the
instructions in Chapter 3.
2.5
Turning off the computer
While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts the system
on sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Pressing the power switch
for more than four seconds lets the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS
setting.
2-47
ASUS P8Z77 WS
2-48
Chapter 2: Hardware information
Chapter 3
Chapter 3:
BIOS setup
3.1
Knowing BIOS
The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unified Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI
architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-
only BIOS controls to enable a more flexible and convenient mouse input. Users can easily
navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as their operating system. The
term “BIOS” in this user manual refers to “UEFI BIOS” unless otherwise specified.
BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage
device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device
configuration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In normal
circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure optimum
performance. We recommend that you not change the default BIOS settings except in
the following circumstances:
•
•
An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to
run the BIOS Setup.
You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or
update.
Inappropriate settings of the BIOS may result to instability or failure to boot. We strongly
recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service
personnel.
3.2
BIOS setup program
A BIOS setup program is provided for BIOS item modification. When you start up the
computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press <Del>
during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility. Otherwise, POST continues
with its test routines.
If you wish to enter Setup after POST, press <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete>, or press the reset
button on the system chassis to restart the system. You can also turn the system off and then
turn it back on to restart the system. Do this last option only if the first two failed.
•
•
•
The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and
may not exactly match what you see on your screen.
Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to your motherboard if you want to use the
mouse to control the BIOS setup program.
If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default
settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized
Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.9 Exit Menu for details.
•
If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and
reset the motherboard to the default value. See section 2.2.5 Onboard switches for
information on how to erase the RTC RAM.
•
The BIOS setup program does not support the bluetooth devices.
The BIOS setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a
menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various submenus and select from the
available options using a keyboard or a USB mouse.
The BIOS setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode.
You can change modes from the Exit menu or from the Exit/Advanced Mode button in the
EZ Mode/Advanced Mode screen.
3-1
ASUS P8Z77 WS
3.2.1
EZ Mode
By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ
Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select
the display language, system performance mode and boot device priority. To access the
Advanced Mode, click Exit/Advanced Mode, then select Advanced Mode or press F7 hot
key for the advanced BIOS settings.
The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the
Setup Mode item in section 3.7 Boot memu for details.
Clicks to display all fan
Selects the display language of
speeds if available
the BIOS setup program
Displays the CPU/motherboard temperature,
CPU/5V/3.3V/12V voltage output,
CPU/chassis/power fan speed
Exits the BIOS setup program without saving
the changes, saves the changes and resets the
system, or enters the Advanced Mode
Displays the Advanced
mode menus
Loads optimized default
ASUS Optimal mode
Power Saving mode
Normal mode
Selects the boot device priority
Displays the system properties of the
selected mode on the right hand side
Selects the boot device priority
Selects the Advanced mode functions
•
•
The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system.
The Boot Menu(F8) button is available only when the boot device is installed to the
system.
3-2
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.2.2
Advanced Mode
The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure
the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the
following sections for the detailed configurations.
To access the Advanced Mode, click Exit, then select Advanced Mode or press F7 hotkey.
Menu items
Menu bar
Configuration fields
General help
Advanced
Pop-up window
Navigation keys
Menu bar
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:
Main
For changing the basic system configuration
For changing the overclocking settings
For changing the advanced system settings
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing the
fan settings.
Monitor
Boot
Tool
Exit
For changing the system boot configuration
For configuring options for special functions
For selecting the exit options and loading default settings
3-3
ASUS P8Z77 WS
Menu items
The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example,
selecting Main shows the Main menu items.
The other items (Ai Tweaker, Advanced, Monitor, Boot, Tool, and Exit) on the menu bar have
their respective menu items.
Back button
This button appears when entering a submenu. Press <Esc> or use the USB mouse to click
this button to return to the previous menu screen.
Submenu items
A greater than sign (>) before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a
submenu. To display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.
Pop-up window
Select a menu item and press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the configuration
options for that item.
Scroll bar
A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that do not fit on
the screen. Press the Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> / <Page Down> keys to display the
other items on the screen.
Navigation keys
At the bottom right corner of the menu screen are the navigation keys for the BIOS setup
program. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.
General help
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item. Use
<F12> key to capture the BIOS screen and save it to the removable storage device.
Configuration fields
These fields show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-configurable, you can
change the value of the field opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not
user-configurable.
A configurable field is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a field, select it and
press <Enter> to display a list of options.
3-4
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.3
Main menu
The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup
program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and
allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings.
3.3.1
System Language [English]
Allows you to choose the BIOS language version from the options. Configuration options:
[
] [
] [
] [
] [
] [
] [
] [
]
3.3.2
System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]
Allows you to set the system date.
3.3.3
System Time [xx:xx:xx]
Allows you to set the system time.
3-5
ASUS P8Z77 WS
3.3.4
Security
The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings.
•
•
If you have forgotten your BIOS password, erase the CMOS Real Time Clock
(RTC) RAM to clear the BIOS password. See section 2.3.5 Onboard switches for
information on how to erase the RTC RAM.
The Administrator or User Password items on top of the screen show the default
Not Installed. After you set a password, these items show Installed.
Administrator Password
If you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator
password for accessing the system. Otherwise, you might be able to see or change only
selected fields in the BIOS setup program.
To set an administrator password:
1.
2.
3.
Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.
From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.
Confirm the password when prompted.
To change an administrator password:
1.
2.
Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.
From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press
<Enter>.
3.
From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.
4.
Confirm the password when prompted.
To clear the administrator password, follow the same steps as in changing an administrator
password, but press <Enter> when prompted to create/confirm the password. After you clear
the password, the Administrator Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed.
3-6
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
User Password
If you have set a user password, you must enter the user password for accessing the system.
The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set
a password, this item shows Installed.
To set a user password:
1.
2.
3.
Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.
From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.
Confirm the password when prompted.
To change a user password:
1.
2.
Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.
From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press
<Enter>.
3.
From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.
4.
Confirm the password when prompted.
To clear the user password, follow the same steps as in changing a user password, but press
<Enter> when prompted to create/confirm the password. After you clear the password, the
User Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed.
3-7
ASUS P8Z77 WS
3.4
Ai Tweaker menu
The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items.
Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field
values can cause the system to malfunction.
The configuration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you
installed on the motherboard.
Scroll down to display the following items:
3-8
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]
Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal
frequency. Select any of these preset overclocking configuration options:
[Auto]
Loads the optimal settings for the system.
[Manual]
[X.M.P.]
Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.
If you install memory modules supporting the eXtreme Memory Profile
(X.M.P.) Technology, choose this item to set the profiles supported by your
memory modules for optimizing the system performance.
The item X.M.P. appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner to [Manual].
Turbo Ratio [Auto]
Allows you to set the CPU ratio automatically or manually.
[Auto]
[Manual]
Sets all Turbo Ratio to Intel® CPU default settings automatically.
Sets the Turbo Ratio for every core-activation condition of a full
unlocked CPU manually.
When the Turbo Ratio is set to [Manual], the following item appears:
Ratio Synchronizing Control [Disable]
[Enabled] Allows you to set an individual Turbo Ratio for every core-activation condition
[Disabled] Allows you to set one single Turbo Ratio for all core-activation conditions.
1-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]
Allows you to set the 1-Core Ratio Limit
[Auto]
Select to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting
[35~63]
Select to to manually assign a 1-Core Ration Limit value that is
higher than or equal to the 2-Core Ratio Limit.
2-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]
Allows you to set the 2-Core Ratio Limit
[Auto]
Select to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting
[35~63]
Select to to manually assign a 2-Core Ratio Limit value that is
higher than or equal to the 3-Core Ratio Limit. 1-Core Limit must
not be set to [Auto]
3-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]
Allows you to set the 3-Core Ratio Limit
[Auto]
Select to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting
[35~63]
Select to to manually assign a 3-Core Ratio Limit value that is
higher than or equal to the 4-Core Ratio Limit. 1-Core/2-Core
Ratio Limit must not be set to [Auto]
4-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]
Allows you to set the 4 Core Ratio Limit
[Auto]
Select to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting
[35~63]
Select to to manually assign a 4-Core Ratio Limit value that is
higher than or equal to the 3-Core Ratio Limit. 1-Core/2-Core/
3-Core Limit must not be set to [Auto]
3-9
ASUS P8Z77 WS
Internal PLL Overvoltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the internal PLL voltage.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]
CPU bus speed : DRAM speed ratio mode [Auto]
Allows you to set the CPU bus speed to DRAM speed ratio mode.
[Auto]
DRAM speed is set to the optimized settings.
[100:133] The CPU bus speed to DRAM speed ratio is set to 100:133.
[100:100} The CPU bus speed to DRAM speed ratio is set to 100:100.
Memory Frequency [Auto]
Allows you to set the memory operating frequency. The configuration options vary with the
BCLK/PCIE Frequency item settings. Configuration options: [Auto]
[DDR3-800MHz] [DDR3-1066MHz] [DDR3-1333MHz] [DDR3-1400MHz] [DDR3-1600MHz]
[DDR3-1800MHz] [DDR3-1866MHz] [DDR3-2000MHz] [DDR3-2133MHz] [DDR3-2200MHz]
[DDR3-2400MHz] [DDR3-2600MHz] [DDR3-2660MHz] [DDR3-2800MHz]
Selecting a very high memory frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default setting.
EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
OC Tuner
OC Tuner automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of CPU and DRAM for
enhancing the system performance. Configuration options: [OK] [Cancel]
3-10
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
DRAM Timing Control
The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features. Use the <+>
and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard
and press the <Enter> key.
Changing the values in this menu may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default settings.Primary Timings
Scroll down to display the following items:
3-11
ASUS P8Z77 WS
Scroll down to display the following items:
Primary Timings
DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]
DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]
DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [255 DRAM Clock]
DRAM COMMAND Mode [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] [2 DRAM Clock] [3 DRAM Clock]
Secondary Timings
DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]
DRAM REF Cycle Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [511 DRAM Clock]
DRAM Refresh Interval [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [65535 DRAM Clock]
DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [31 DRAM Clock]
3-12
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]
DRAM FOUR ACT WIN Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [63 DRAM Clock]
DRAM WRITE to READ Delay [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]
DRAM CKE Minimum pulse width [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]
DRAM CAS# Write Latency [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHA) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [63 DRAM Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHB) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [63 DRAM Clock]
DRAM IO-L (CHA) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Delay 1 Clock] – [Delay 15 Clock]
DRAM IO-L (CHB) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Delay 1 Clock] – [Delay 15 Clock]
Third Timings
tWRDR (DD) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [8 DRAM Clock]
tRWDR (DD) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [8 DRAM Clock]
tRWSR [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [8 DRAM Clock]
tRR (DD) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [8 DRAM Clock]
tRR (DR) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [8 DRAM Clock]
tRRSR [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [4 DRAM Clock] – [7 DRAM Clock]
tWW (DD) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [8 DRAM Clock]
tWW (DR) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [8 DRAM Clock]
tWWSR [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [4 DRAM Clock] – [7 DRAM Clock]
3-13
ASUS P8Z77 WS
MISC
MRC Fast Boot [Enabled]
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
DRAM CLK Period [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [14]
Transmitter Slew (CHA) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [7]
Transmitter Slew (CHB) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [7]
Receiver Slew (CHA) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [7]
Receiver Slew (CHB) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [7]
MCH Duty Sense (CHA) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]
MCH Duty Sense (CHB) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]
Channel A DIMM Control [Enable Both DIMMS]
Configuration options: [Enable Both DIMMS] [Disable DIMM0] [Disable DIMM1]
[Disable Both DIMMS]
Channel B DIMM Control [Enable Both DIMMS]
Configuration options: [Enable Both DIMMS] [Disable DIMM0] [Disable DIMM1]
[Disable Both DIMMS]
DRAM Read Additional Swizzle [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]
DRAM Write Additional Swizzle [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]
CPU Power Management
The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the CPU ratio and features.
CPU Ratio [Auto]
Allows you to manually adjust the maximum non-turbo CPU ratio. Use <+> and <-> keys to
adjust the value. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model.
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep Technology (EIST).
[Disabled] Disables this function.
[Enabled] The operating system dynamically adjusts the processor voltage and
core frequency which may result in decreased average consumption and
decreased average heat production.
3-14
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Turbo Mode [Enabled]
Allows you to enable your core processor’s speed to run faster than the marked
frequency in a specific condition. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
The following three items appears only when you set the Turbo Mode to [Enabled].
Long Duration Power Limit [Auto]
Allows you to limit the turbo ratio’s long duration power.
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.
Long Duration Maintained [Auto]
Allows you to maintain the turbo ratio’s long duration power.
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.
Short Duration Power Limit [Auto]
Allows you to limit the turbo ratio’s long duration power.
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.
Primary Plane Current Limit [Auto]
Maximum instantaneous current allowed at any given time for CPU cores
Use <+> and <-> key to adjust the value at 0.125A increment. .
Secondary Plane Current Limit [Auto]
Maximum instantaneous current allowed at any given time for Internal Graphics cores.
Use <+> and <-> key to adjust the value at 0.125A increment.
DIGI+ Power Control
Do not remove the thermal module while changing the DIGI+ Power Control related
parameters . The thermal conditions should be monitored.
Some of the following items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric
keypad and press the <Enter> key. You can also use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the
value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter>
key.
CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
CPU Load-line is defined by Intel VRM spec and affects CPU voltage. The CPU
working voltage will decrease proportionally to CPU loading. Higher load-line
calibration would get higher voltage and better overclocking performance, but increase
the CPU and VRM thermal. This item allows you to adjust the voltage range from the
following percentages to boost the system performance: 0% (Regular), 25% (Medium),
50% (High), 75% (Ultra High) and 100% (Extreme).
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Medium] [High] [Ultra High] [Extreme]
The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specification.
CPU Voltage Frequency [Auto]
Frequency switching affects the VRM transient response, and the thermal component.
Higher frequency gets quicker transient response.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]
3-15
ASUS P8Z77 WS
DO NOT remove the thermal module when switching to Manual Mode. The thermal
conditions should be monitored.
VRM Spread Spectrum [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the Frequency item to [Auto] and allows you to
enable the spread spectrum to enhance system stability.
CPU Power Phase Control [Auto]
Phase number is the number of working VRM phase. Increasing phase number under
heavy system loading to get more transient and better thermal performance. Reducing
phase number under light system loading to increase VRM efficiency
[Auto]
The default power control phase mode
Proceeds phase control depending on the CPU loading.
Loads the ASUS optimized phase tuning profile.
Proceeds the full phase mode.
[Standard]
[Optimized]
[Extreme]
[Manual Adjustment]
Allows manual adjustment.
CPU Power Duty Control [T.Probe]
[T.Probe] Maintains the VRM thermal balance.
[Extreme] Maintains the VRM current balance.
CPU Current Capability [100%]
Allows you to configure the total power range, and extends the overclocking frequency
range simultaneously.
Configuration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%] [140%]
Choose a higher value when overclocking, or under a high CPU loading for extra power
support.
CPU Power Thermal Control [130]
A higher temperature brings a wider CPU power thermal range and extends the
overclocking tolerance to enlarge the O.C. potential. Use the <+> and <-> keys to
adjust the value. The values range from 130 to 151.
DO NOT remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.
CPU Power Response Control [Auto]
The DIG+ VRM controller provides a faster, and precise power response rate for the
CPU. Apply a higher value for an extreme overclocking.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Medium] [Fast] [Ultra Fast]
The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU configuration.
iGPU Load-line Calibration [Auto]
Allows you to set the iGPU Load-line Calibration.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [High] [Extreme]
iGPU Current Capability [100%]
Allows you to set the iGPU Current Capability.
Configuration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%] [140%]
DO NOT remove the thermal module while changing the DIGI+ VRM related parrameters .
The thermal conditions should be monitored.
3-16
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
DRAM Current Capability [100%]
Setting a higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the overclocking
frequency range simultaneously.
Configuration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%]
DRAM Voltage Frequency [Auto]
This item allows you to adjust the DRAM switching frequency. Assign a fixed high
DRAM frequency to increase O.C range or a lower DRAM frequency for better system
stability.
Configuration options: [Auto] [manual]
DRAM Power Phase control [Auto]
[Auto]
Allows you to set the default DRAM power phase control settings.
[Optimized] Allows you to set ASUS optimized phase tuning profile.
[Extreme] Allows you to set the Full phase mode.
DRAM Power Thermal Control [110]
A higher temperature brings a wider DRAM power thermal range, and extends the
overclocking tolerance to enlarge the O.C. potential. Use the <+> and <-> keys to
adjust the value. The values range from 110 to 131.
DO NOT remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions must be monitored.
CPU Voltage [Offset Mode]
[Manual Mode] Allows you to set a fixed CPU voltage.
[Offset Mode]
Allows you to set the Offset voltage.
Offset Mode Sign [+]
This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Offset Mode].
[+]
[–]
To offset the voltage by a positive value.
To offset the voltage by a negative value.
CPU Offset Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Offset Mode] and
allows you to set the Offset voltage. The values range from 0.005V to 0.635V with a
0.005V interval.
CPU Manual Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Manual Mode] and
allows you to set a fixed CPU voltage. The values range from 0.800V to 1.990V with a
0.005V interval.
Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU voltage. Setting a high voltage
may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may make the system
unstable.
DRAM Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.20V to 1.99V with a 0.005V
interval. The 1.92V voltage is available only when the Extreme OV item is set to [Enabled].
3-17
ASUS P8Z77 WS
According to Intel CPU spec, DIMMs with voltage requirement over 1.65V may damage
the CPU permanently. We recommend you install the DIMMs with the voltage requirement
below 1.65V.
VCCSA Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the VCCSA voltage. The values range from 0.80V to 1.70V with a 0.00625V
interval.
VCCIO Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the VCCIO voltage. The values range from 0.80V to 1.70V with a 0.00625V
interval.
CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the CPU PLL voltage. The values range from 1.20V to 2.20V with a
0.00625V interval.
PCH Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the Platform Controller Hub voltage. The values range from 0.8000V to
1.7000 with a 0.01V interval.
•
•
The values of the CPU Manual Voltage, CPU Offset Voltage, iGPU Manual Voltage,
iGPU Offset Voltage, DRAM Voltage, VCCIO Voltage, and PCH Voltage items are
labeled in different color, indicating the risk levels of high voltage settings.
The system may need better cooling system to work stably under high voltage
settings.
DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/B [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM DATA Reference Voltage on Channel A/B. The values
range from 0.395x to 0.630x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance DRAM
overclocking ability.
DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA/B [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM Control Reference Voltage on Channel A/B. The values
range from 0.395x to 0.630x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance DRAM
overclocking ability.
CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]
[Auto]
Automatic configuration.
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Enhances the BCLK overclocking ability.
Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.
3-18
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.5
Advanced menu
The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system
devices.
Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values
can cause the system to malfunction.
3-19
ASUS P8Z77 WS
3.5.1
CPU Configuration
The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically
detects.
The items shown in this screen may be different due to the CPU you installed.
Scroll down to display the following items:
Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the overheated CPU to throttle its clock speed to cool down.
Disables the CPU thermal monitor function.
Active Processor Cores [All]
Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor package.
Configuration options: [All] [1] [2] [3]
Limit CPUID Maximum [Disabled]
[Enabled]
Allows legacy operating systems to boot even without support for CPUs
with extended CPUID functions.
[Disabled]
Disables this function.
3-20
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]
[Enabled]
Enables the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.
Forces the XD feature flag to always return to zero (0).
[Disabled]
Intel® Virtualization Technology [Disabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Allows a hardware platform to run multiple operating systems separately
and simultaneously, enabling one system to virtually function as several
systems.
Disables this function.
Hardware Prefetcher [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Allows a hardware platform to run multiple operating systems separately
and simultaneously, enabling one system to virtually function as several
systems.
Disables this function.
Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled]
[Enabled]
Allows a hardware platform to perform adjacent cache line prefetching.
[Disabled]
Disables this function.
CPU Power Management Configuration
This item allows you to manage and configure the CPU’s power.
CPU Ratio [Auto]
Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the BCLK Frequency. Use
<+> and <-> keys to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges vary according to your
CPU model.
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep Technology (EIST).
[Disabled] The CPU runs at its default speed.
[Enabled} The operating system controls the CPU speed.
Turbo Mode [Enabled]
Allows you to set the processor cores to run faster than the marked frequency in a
specific condition.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
CPU C1E [Auto]
[Auto]
Set this item automatically.
[Enabled] Enables the C1E support function. This function must be enabled to enable
or disable the Intel® Turbo Mode Technology.
[Disabled] Disables the function.
CPU C3 Report [Auto]
Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C3 report to OS.
[Auto]
Set this item automatically.
[Enabled] Enables the C3 Report support function.
[Disabled] Disables the function.
3-21
ASUS P8Z77 WS
CPU C6 Report [Auto]
Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C6 report to OS.
[Auto]
Set this item automatically.
[Enabled] Enables the C6 Report support function.
[Disabled] Disables the function.
3.5.2
PCH Configuration
High Precision Timer [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the High Precision Event Timer.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology
Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
The following three items appear only when you set the Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology
to [Enabled].
3-22
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Entry on S3 RTC Wake [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the iFFS invocation upon S3 RTC wake.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
Entry After [10 Minutes]
This item appears only when you set the Entry on S3 RTC Wake to [Enabled] and
allows you to set the RTC wake timer at S3 entry.
Configuration options: [Immediately] [1 minute] [2 minute] [5 minute] [10 minute] [15
minute] [30 minute] [1 hour] [2 hours]
Active Page Threshold Support [Disbaled]
Allows you to enable or disable the Active Page Threshold Support.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
Active Memory Threshold [x]
This item appears only when you set the Active Page Threshold Support to
[Enabled] and allows you to set the Active Memory Threshold. When the partition size
is larger than the Active Page Threshold size, the system will try to support the Intel(R)
Rapid Start Technology. When the item is set to zero, the system automatically checks
whether the partition size is enough at S3 entry. Key in the desired value using the
numeric keypad.
Intel(R) Smart Connect Technology
ISCT Configuration [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the ISCT configuration.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
3-23
ASUS P8Z77 WS
3.5.3
SATA Configuration
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The SATA
Port items show Not Present if no SATA device is installed to the corresponding SATA port.
Scroll down to display the following items:
SATA Mode Selection [AHCI]
Allows you to set the SATA configuration.
[IDE]
Set to [IDE Mode] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as
Parallel ATA physical storage devices.
[AHCI]
Set to [AHCI Mode] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the
AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard
storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases
storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to
internally optimize the order of commands.
[RAID]
Set to [RAID Mode] when you want to create a RAID configuration from the
SATA hard disk drives.
3-24
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
S.M.A.R.T. Status Check [Enabled]
S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitor system. When
read/write of your hard disk errors occur, this feature allows the hard disk to report warning
messages during the POST.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
Hot Plug [Disabled]
These items appear only when you set the SATA Mode Selection item to [AHCI] or [RAID],
and allow you to enable/disable SATA Hot Plug Support.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
3.5.4
System Agent Configuration
Memory Remap Feature [Enabled]
Allows you to enable remapping the memory above 4GB.
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the function.
Disables this function.
Graphics Configuration [Auto]
Allows you to select a primary display from iGPU, and PCIe graphical devices.
Primary Display [Auto]
Allows you to select which of the iGPU/PEG Graphics device should be the Primary
Display.
Configuration options: [Auto] [IGPU] [PCIE]
iGPU Memory [64M]
Allows you to select the amount of system memory allocated to DVMT 5.0 used by the
iGPU. Configuration options: [32M] [64M] [96M] [128M] ~ [448M] [480M] [512M]
Render Standby [Enabled]
Allows you to enable the Intel Graphics Render Standby support to reduce the iGPU
power use when idle. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
iGPU Multi-Monitor [Disabled]
Allows you to enable the iGPU Multi-Monitor. For Lucid Virtu MVP function supports,
set this item to [Enabled] to empower both integrated and discrete graphics. iGPU
shared system memory size is fixed in 64MB.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
3-25
ASUS P8Z77 WS
3.5.5
USB Configuration
The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.
The USB Devices item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the
item shows None.
Legacy USB Support [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Auto]
Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS).
The USB devices can be used only for the BIOS setup program.
Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If
detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is
detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.
Legacy USB3.0 Support [Enabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Auto] or [Enabled] and allows you
to enable or disable the Legacy USB 3.0 Support.
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the support for USB 3.0 devices on legacy operating systems
(OS).
Disables the function.
Intel xHCI Mode [Smart Auto]
Allows you to select the Intel xHCI Mode.
Configuration options: [Smart Auto] [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]
EHCI Hand-off [Disabled]
[Enabled]
Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off
feature.
[Disabled]
Disables the function.
3-26
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.5.6
Onboard Devices Configuration
Scroll down to display the following items:
HD Audio Controller [Enabled]
[Enabled]
Enables the High Definition Audio Controller.
[Disabled]
Disables the controller.
The following two items appear only when you set the HD Audio Controller item to
[Enabled].
Front Panel Type [HD]
Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or high-
definition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio module supports.
[HD]
Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high definition audio.
[AC97]
Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97
3-27
ASUS P8Z77 WS
SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF]
[SPDIF]
[HDMI]
Sets to [SPDIF] for SPDIF audio output.
Sets to [HDMI] for HDMI audio output.
VIA 1394 Controller [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the onboard 1394 controller.
Disables the contoller.
Marvell Storage Controller [Enabled]
Allows you to select the Marvell storage controller operating mode.
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the controller.
Enables the controller.
Marvell Storage OPROM [Enabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable
or disable the OptionRom of the Marvell storage controller.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
Marvell Storage Firmware Check And Update [Disabled]
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
ASM1061 Storage Controller (Rear) [Enabled]
Allows you to select the ASM1061 storage controller operating mode.
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the controller.
Enables the controller.
ASM1061 Storage OPROM [Enabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable
or disable the OptionRom of the ASM1061storage controller.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
Intel LAN1/2 Controller [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the Intel LAN controller.
Disables the controller.
Intel LAN1/2 OPROM [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable
or disable the PXE OptionRom of the Intel LAN controller.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
ASmedia USB 3.0 Controller (USB3_E12) [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the USB 3.0 controller.
Disables the controller.
3-28
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
ASmedia USB 3.0 Battery Charging Support [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable
or disable the ASmedia USB 3.0 Battery Charging Support.
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables Asmedia USB 3.0 fast battery charging support for USB 3.0
devices complying with the BC 1.1 regulation.
Disables battery charging support.
Serial Port Configuration
The sub-item in this menu allow you to set the serial port configuration.
This item functions only if there is a serial port (COM1) connector on the motherboard.
Serial Port [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the serial port (COM).
Configuration options: [Enabled][Disabled]
Change Settings [IO=3F8h; IRQ=4
]
Allows you to select the Serial Port base address.
Configuration options: [IO=3F8h; IRQ=4][IO=2F8h; IRQ=3][IO=3E8h; IRQ=4][IO=2E8h;
IRQ=3]
3.5.7
APM
ErP Ready [Disabled]
This item allows user to switch off some power at S5 to get the system ready for ErP
requirement. When set enabled to Enabled, all other PME options will be switched off.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off]
[Power On]
[Power Off]
[Last State]
The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.
The system goes into off state after an AC power loss.
The system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was
before the AC power loss.
3-29
ASUS P8Z77 WS
Power On By PCIE/PCI [Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.
Enables the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.
Power On By Ring [Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables Ring to generate a wake event.
Enables Ring to generate a wake event.
Power On By RTC [Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables RTC to generate a wake event.
When set to [Enabled], the items RTC Alarm Date (Days) and Hour/
Minute/Second will become user-configurable with set values.
3.5.8
Network Stack
Network Stack [Disable Link]
This item allows user to disable or enable the UEFI network stack.
Configuration options: [Disable Link] [Enabled]
The following items appears only when you set the Network Stack to [Enabled].
Ipv4 PXE Support [Enable]
This item allows user to disable or enable the Ipv4 PXE Support.
Configuration options: [Disable Link] [Enabled]
Ipv6 PXE Support [Enable]
This item allows user to disable or enable the Ipv6 PXE Support.
Configuration options: [Disable Link] [Enabled]
3-30
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.6
Monitor menu
The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change
the fan settings.
Scroll down to display the following items:
Scroll down to display the following items:
3-31
ASUS P8Z77 WS
CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard
temperatures. Select Ignore if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures.
CPU Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A]
CPU OPT Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A]
Chassis Fan 1/4 Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU, chassis,
and power fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the
motherboard, the field shows N/A. Select Ignore if you do not wish to display the detected
speed.
CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard
voltage regulators. Select Ignore if you do not want to detect this item.
CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.
Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.
CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]
This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to
disable or set the CPU fan warning speed.
Configuration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]
CPU Fan Profile [Standard]
This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows
you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU fan.
[Standard] Sets to [Standard] to make the CPU fan automatically adjust depending on
the CPU temperature.
[Silent]
[Turbo]
[Manual]
Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation.
Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.
Sets to [Manual] to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.
The following four items appear only when you set CPU Fan Profile to [Manual].
CPU Upper Temperature [70]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature. The values range
from 40ºC to 90ºC.
CPU Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from
20% to 100%. When the CPU temperature reaches the upper limit, the CPU fan will operate at
the maximum duty cycle.
3-32
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
CPU Lower Temperature [20]
Displays the lower limit of the CPU temperature.
CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [20]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from 0%
to 100%. When the CPU temperature is under 40ºC, the CPU fan will operate at the minimum
duty cycle.
Chassis Q-Fan Control 1/4 [Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.
Enables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.
Chassis Fan Speed Low Limit 1/4 [600 RPM]
This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and allows you
to disable or set the chassis fan warning speed.
Configuration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]
Chassis Fan Profile 1/4 [Standard]
This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and
allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the chassis fan.
[Standard] Sets to [Standard] to make the chassis fan automatically adjust depending
on the chassis temperature.
[Silent]
[Turbo]
[Manual]
Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet chassis fan operation.
Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum chassis fan speed.
Sets to [Manual] to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.
The following four items appear only when you set Chassis Fan Profile to [Manual].
Chassis Upper Temperature [70]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature. The values range
from 40ºC to 90ºC.
Chassis Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan duty cycle. The values range
from 20% to 100%. When the chassis temperature reaches the upper limit, the chassis fan will
operate at the maximum duty cycle.
Chassis Lower Temperature [40]
Displays the lower limit of the chassis temperature.
CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [60]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum chassis fan duty cycle. The values range from
0% to 100%. When the chassis temperature is under 40ºC, the chassis fan will operate at the
minimum duty cycle.
Anti Surge Support [Enabled]
This item allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge function.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
3-33
ASUS P8Z77 WS
3.7
Boot menu
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.
Scroll down to display the following items:
Bootup NumLock State [On]
[On]
[Off]
Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [On].
Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [Off].
Full Screen Logo [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the full screen logo display feature.
Disables the full screen logo display feature.
Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature.
Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables this function.
The system waits for the <F1> key to be pressed when error occurs.
3-34
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS]
[Force BIOS]
The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the boot
sequence.
[Keep Current] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-party
manufacturer had set the add-on device to do so.
Setup Mode [EZ Mode]
[Advanced Mode] Sets Advanced Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup
program.
[EZ Mode]
Sets EZ Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup program.
UEFI/Legacy Boot [Enable both UEFI and Legacy]
[Enable both UEFI and Legacy]
[Disable UEFI]
Enables both UEFI and Legacy boot.
Enables the Legacy boot, and disables the UEFI
boot.
[Disable Legacy]
Enables the UEFI booth, and disables the Legacy
boot.
PCI ROM Priority [Legacy ROM]
[Legacy ROM]
[EFI Compatibe ROM]
Launch Legacy ROM
Launch UEFI Compatible ROM
Boot Option Priorities
These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The
number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices
installed in the system.
•
•
To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo appears.
To access Windows OS in Safe Mode, do any of the following:
- Press <F5> when ASUS Logo appears.
- Press <F8> after POST.
Boot Override
These items displays the available devices. The number of device items that appears on
the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. Click an item to start
booting from the selected device.
3-35
ASUS P8Z77 WS
3.8
Tools menu
The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item
then press <Enter> to display the submenu.
3.8.1
ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility
Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation message
appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to
confirm your choice.
For more details, refer to section 3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility.
3.8.2.
ASUS O.C. Profile
This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.
The Setup Profile Status items show Not Installed if no profile is created.
3-36
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Label
Allows you to input the label of the setup profiles.
Save to Profile
Allows you to save the current BIOS settings to the BIOS Flash, and create a profile. Key in a
profile number from one to eight, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.
Load from Profile
Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the profile
number that saved your BIOS settings, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.
•
•
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the
system boot failure!
We recommend that you update the BIOS file only coming from the same memory/CPU
configuration and BIOS version.
3.8.3.
ASUS SPD Information
Allows you to view the DRAM SPD information.
3-37
ASUS P8Z77 WS
3.8.4.
ASUS Drive Xpert
•
Before using the Drive Xpert function, ensure that you have connected the SATA
signal cables and installed SATA hard disk drives to the SATA6G_E1 and SATA6G_E2
connectors.
•
You can only make one Drive Xpert change a time before you save BIOS settings and
restart the computer.
Drive Xpert Mode [Normal Mode]
[Normal Mode] Allows you to use the SATA6G_E1 and SATA6G_E2 connectors as normal
SATA connectors.
[Super Speed] Allows you to use the Super Speed function that combines two hard drives
as one single drive partition.
[EZ Backup]
Allows you to use the EZ Backup function that copies and maintains an
identical image of data from the SATA6G_E1 drive to the SATA6G_E2
drive.
When using only one hard disk in Normal Mode, connect the hard disk to the SATA6G_E1
connector on the motherboard.
•
•
All original data of the two hard drives will be erased for Super Speed setup.
All original data of the SATA6G_E2 hard disk will be erased for EZ Backup setup.
Drive Xpert Device(s) List:
SATA 6G E1 (Blue) / SATA 6G E2 (Blue)
Press <Enter> to display the information of the hard disks which are connected to the
SATA6G_E1 and SATA6G_E2 connectors on the motherboard.
3-38
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.9
Exit menu
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and
save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. You can access the EZ Mode from the Exit
menu.
Exit
Load Optimized Defaults
Save Changes & Reset
Discard Changes & Exit
ASUS EZ Mode
Launch EFI Shell from filesystem device
Load Optimized Defaults
This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup
menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation window appears.
Select Yes to load the default values.
Save Changes & Reset
Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to
ensure the values you selected are saved. When you select this option or if you press <F10>,
a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to save changes and exit.
Discard Changes & Exit
This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes. When you
select this option or if you press <Esc>, a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to
discard changes and exit.
ASUS EZ Mode
This option allows you to enter the EZ Mode screen.
Launch EFI Shell from filesystem device
This option allows you to attempt to launch the EFI Shell application (shellx64.efi) from one of
the available filesystem devices.
3-39
ASUS P8Z77 WS
3.10
Updating BIOS
The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system
stability, compatibility, or performance. However, BIOS updating is potentially risky. If there
is no problem using the current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS.
Inappropriate BIOS updating may result in the system’s failure to boot. Carefully follow the
instructions of this chapter to update your BIOS if necessary.
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for this
motherboard.
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program.
1.
2.
3.
ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.
ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a USB flash drive.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support DVD or
a USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.
4.
ASUS BIOS Updater: Updates and backups the BIOS in DOS environment using the
motherboard support DVD and a USB flash disk drive.
Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.
Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need
to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS
Update or BIOS Updater utilities.
3.10.1
ASUS Update utility
The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard
BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you to:
•
•
•
•
•
Update the BIOS directly from the Internet
Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet
Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file
Save the current BIOS file
View the BIOS version information
This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.
ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet
Service Provider (ISP).
Launching ASUS Update
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch ASUS Update by
clicking Update > ASUS Update on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.
3-40
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Updating the BIOS through the Internet
To update the BIOS through the Internet:
1.
From the ASUS Update screen, select
Update BIOS from Internet, and
then click Next.
2.
Select the ASUS FTP site nearest
you to avoid network traffic.
If you want to enable the BIOS
downgradable function and auto
BIOS backup function, check the
checkboxs before the two items on
the screen.
3.
Select the BIOS version that you
want to download. Click Next.
4.
5.
You can decide whether to change
the BIOS boot logo, which is the
image appearing on screen during
the Power-On Self-Tests (POST).
Click Yes if you want to change the
boot logo or No to continue.
Follow the onscreen instructions to
complete the update process.
3-41
ASUS P8Z77 WS
Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file
To update the BIOS through a BIOS file:
1.
From the ASUS Update screen,
select Update BIOS from file, and
then click Next.
2.
Locate the BIOS file from the Open
window, click Open, and click Next.
3.
4.
You can decide whether to change
the BIOS boot logo. Click Yes if you
want to change the boot logo or No to
continue.
Follow the onscreen instructions to
complete the update process.
•
•
The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual BIOS information
vary by models.
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
3-42
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.10.2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility
The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a
bootable floppy disk or an OS-based utility.
Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website
at www.asus.com.
To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:
1.
Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port.
2.
Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select
ASUS EZ Flash Utility and press <Enter> to enable it.
Exit
ASUSTek EZ Flash BIOS ROM Utility V00.75
Flash Info
MODEL: P8Z77 WS
VER: 0080
DATE: 12/21/2011
fs0:\
Drive
Folder Info
12/21/11 10:23p
fs0:\
fs1:\
4194304
P8Z77ID.ROM
File Infor
MODEL:
Help Info
VER:
DATE:
[Enter] Select or Load
[Tab] Switch
[Up/Down/PageUp/PageDown/Home/End] Move
[Esc] Exit
[F2] Backup
3.
4.
Press <Tab> to switch to the Drive field.
Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS,
and then press <Enter>.
5.
6.
Press <Tab> to switch to the Folder Info field.
Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the BIOS file, and then press <Enter> to perform
the BIOS update process. Reboot the system when the update process is done.
3-43
ASUS P8Z77 WS
•
•
This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and
single partition only.
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system
boot failure!
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select
the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.9 Exit Menu for
details.
3.10.3
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the
BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a
corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains
the BIOS file.
The BIOS file in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS file published
on the ASUS official website. If you want to use the newer BIOS file, download the file at
support.asus.com and save it to a USB flash drive.
Recovering the BIOS
To recover the BIOS:
1.
Turn on the system.
2.
Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB flash drive
containing the BIOS file to the USB port.
3.
The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file. When found, the utility
reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility automatically.
4.
The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS setting. To ensure
system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you press <F5> to load default
BIOS values.
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause
system boot failure!
3-44
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.10.4
ASUS BIOS Updater
The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also
allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or
gets corrupted during the updating process.
The succeeding utility screens are for reference only. The actual utility screen displays may
not be same as shown.
Before updating BIOS
1.
Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive in FAT32/16 format and
single partition.
2.
Download the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater from the ASUS website at http://
support.asus.com and save them on the USB flash drive.
•
•
NTFS is not supported under DOS environment. Do not save the BIOS file and BIOS
Updater to a hard disk drive or USB flash drive in NTFS format.
Do not save the BIOS file to a floppy disk due to low disk capacity.
3.
Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives (optional).
Booting the system in DOS environment
1.
Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to the USB port.
2.
Boot your computer. When the ASUS Logo appears, press <F8> to show the BIOS
Boot Device Select Menu. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive and select the
optical drive as the boot device.
Please select boot device:
SATA: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
USB XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
UEFI: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Enter Setup
↑ and ↓ to move selection
ENTER to select boot device
ESC to boot using defaults
3.
4.
When the Make Disk menu appears, select the FreeDOS command prompt item by
pressing the item number.
At the FreeDOS prompt, type d:and press <Enter> to switch the disk from
Drive C (optical drive) to Drive D (USB flash drive).
Welcome to FreeDOS (http://www.freedos.org)!
C:\>d:
D:\>
3-45
ASUS P8Z77 WS
Updating the BIOS file
To update the BIOS file using BIOS Updater
1.
2.
At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /i <xxxxx.rom> and press <Enter>.
D:\>bupdater /i <xxxxx.rom>
The BIOS Updater screen appears as below.
ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.30 [2012/12/22]
FLASH TYPE: MX1C 25L1065A
Current ROM
Update ROM
BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
BOARD: P8Z77 WS
VER: 0205
DATE: Unknown
DATE: 12/21/2011
PATH: A:\
A:
P8Z77ID.CAP
2097152 2011-12-21 17:30:48
Note
[Enter] Select or Load
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move
[Tab] Switch
[B] Backup
[V] Drive Info
[Esc] Exit
3.
Press <Tab> to switch between screen fields and use the <Up/Down/Home/End> keys
to select the BIOS file and press <Enter>. BIOS Updater checks the selected BIOS file
and prompts you to confirm BIOS update.
Are you sure to update BIOS?
Yes
No
4.
Select Yes and press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS
Updater. Restart your computer.
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot
failure!
•
•
For BIOS Updater version 1.04 or later, the utility automatically exits to the DOS
prompt after updating BIOS.
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability.
Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit BIOS menu. See Chaper 3
of your motherboard user manual for details.
•
Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS file if you have
disconnected them.
3-46
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Chapter 4
Chapter 4:
Software support
4.1
Installing an operating system
This motherboard supports Windows® XP/ 64-bit XP/ 7 / 64-bit 7 operating systems (OS).
Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of
your hardware.
•
Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup procedures presented
in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed
information.
•
Ensure that you install the Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before
installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.
4.2
Support DVD information
The support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software
applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features.
The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the
ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates.
4.2.1
Running the support DVD
Place the support DVD into the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if
Autorun is enabled in your computer. Click each menu tab and select the items you want to install.
The Make Disk menu
contains items to
create the RAID/AHCI
driver disk.
The Manual menu contains
the list of supplementary user
manuals. Click an item to open
the folder of the user manual.
The Drivers menu shows the available
device drivers if the system detects
installed devices. Install the necessary
drivers to use the devices.
Click the Contact
tab to display the
ASUS contact
information.
The Utilities
menu shows the
applications and
other software that
the motherboard
supports.
Click an icon
to display DVD/
motherboard
information
Click an item
to install
If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to
locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to run
the DVD.
4-1
ASUS P8Z77 WS
4.2.2
Obtaining the software manuals
The software manuals are included in the support DVD. Follow the instructions below to get
the necessary software manuals.
The software manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe®
Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening the files.
1.
Click the Manual tab. Click ASUS
Motherboard Utility Guide from
the manual list on the left.
2.
The Manual folder of the support
DVD appears. Double-click the
folder of your selected software.
3.
Some software manuals are
provided in different languages.
Double-click the language to
show the software manual.
The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual software manuals
containing in the support DVD vary by models.
4-2
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3
Software information
Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you
through the installation. View the online help or readme file that came with the software
application for more information.
4.3.1
AI Suite II
AI Suite II is an all-in-one interface that integrates several ASUS utilities and allows users to
launch and operate these utilities simultaneously.
Installing AI Suite II
To install AI Suite II on your computer
1.
Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab appears if your
computer has enabled the Autorun feature.
2.
3.
Click the Utilities tab, then click AI Suite II.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete installation.
Using AI Suite II
AI Suite II automatically starts when you enter the Windows® operating system (OS). The AI
Suite II icon appears in the Windows® notification area. Click the icon to open the AI Suite II
main menu bar.
Click each button to select and launch a utility, to monitor the system, to update the motherboard
BIOS, to display the system information, and to customize the settings of AI Suite II.
Click to customize the
interface settings
Click to show the
system information
Click to update the motherboard BIOS
Click to monitor sensors
or CPU frequency
Click to select a utility
Shortcut to the Auto Tuning
Mode under TurboV EVO
•
•
•
The Auto Tuning button appears only on models with the TurboV EVO function.
The applications in the Tool menu vary with models.
The screeshots of AI Suite II in this user manual are for reference only. The actual
screenshots vary with models.
•
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website
at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
4-3
ASUS P8Z77 WS
4.3.2
TurboV EVO
ASUS TurboV EVO introduces TurboV that allows you to manually adjust the CPU frequency
and related voltages as well as Auto Tuning function that offers automatic and easy
overclocking and system level up. After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support
DVD, launch TurboV EVO by clicking Tool > TurboV EVO on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
TurboV
TurboV allows you to overclock the BCLK frequency, CPU voltage, IMC voltage, and DRAM
Bus voltage in Windows® environment and takes effect in real-time without exiting and
rebooting the OS.
Refer to the CPU documentation before adjusting CPU voltage settings. Setting a high
voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may make the
system unstable.
For system stability, all changes made in TurboV will not be saved to BIOS settings and
will not be kept on the next system boot. Use the Save Profile function to save your
customized overclocking settings and manually load the profile after Windows starts.
Click to
select mode
Save the current
Load profile
settings as a new
Target values
profile
Current values
Voltage
Click to show
settings
Adjustment
bars
Undoes all changes
without applying
Click to restore
all start-up
settings
Applies all changes
immediately
4-4
Chapter 4: Software support
Using Advanced Mode
Click on the Advanced Mode tab to adjust the advanced voltage settings.
Advanced mode
Target values
Voltage
Adjustment
bars
Undoes all changes
without applying
Current values
Click to restore
all start-up
settings
Applies all changes
immediately
CPU Ratio
Allows you to manually adjust the CPU ratio.
The first time you use CPU Ratio, go to AI Tweaker > CPU Power Management in BIOS
and set the Turbo Ratio item to [Maximum Turbo Ratio setting in OS].
1.
2.
3.
Click on the CPU Ratio tab.
Drag the adjustment bar upwards or downwards to the desired value.
Click on Apply to make the change take effect.
CPU Ratio
Adjustment
bar
Undoes all changes
without applying
Click to restore
all start-up
settings
Applies all changes
immediately
•
Set the CPU Ratio Setting item in BIOS to [Auto] before using the CPU Ratio function
in TurboV. Refer to Chapter 3 of your motherboard user manual for details.
•
The CPU Ratio bars show the status of the CPU cores, which vary with your CPU
model.
4-5
ASUS P8Z77 WS
Auto Tuning
ASUS TurboV EVO includes two auto tuning modes, providing the most flexible auto-tuning
options.
•
•
The overclocking result varies with the CPU model and the system configuration.
To prevent overheating from damaging the motherboard, a better thermal environment
is strongly recommended.
•
•
Fast Tuning: fast CPU overclocking
Extreme Tuning: extreme overclocking for CPU and memory
Using Fast Tuning
1.
Click the Auto Tuning tab and
then click Fast.
2.
Read through the warning
messages and click OK to start
auto-overclocking.
ll
ll
3.
TurboV automatically overclocks
the CPU, saves BIOS settings
and restarts the system. After
re-entering Windows, a message
appears indicating auto tuning
success. Click OK to exit.
Using Extreme Tuning
1.
Click the Auto Tuning tab and then
click Extreme.
2.
Read through the warning
messages and click OK to start
auto-overclocking.
4-6
Chapter 4: Software support
3.
TurboV automatically overclocks
the CPU and memory and restarts
the system. After re-entering
Windows, a message appears
indicating the current overclocking
result. To keep the result, click
Stop.
4.
If you did not click Stop in
the previous step, TurboV
automatically starts further system
overclocking and stability test.
An animation appears indicating
the overclocking process. Click
Stop if you want to cancel the
Overclocking process.
5.
TurboV automatically adjusts and
saves BIOS settings and restarts
the system. After re-entering
Windows, a message appears
indicating auto tuning success.
Click OK to exit.
4-7
ASUS P8Z77 WS
Ai Charger+
Battery Charging Version 1.1 (BC 1.1), a USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) certified USB
charging function, is designed to make USB charging faster than the standard USB devices.
If your USB device supports the BC 1.1 function*, when you connect your USB device to your
system, the system automatically detects your USB device and starts a fast USB charging.
The charging speed may get 3 times faster than that of the standard USB devices**.
•
•
•
* Check your USB device manufacturer if it fully supports the BC 1.1 function.
** The actual charging speed may vary with your USB device’s conditions.
Ensure to remove and reconnect your USB device after enabling or disabling
Ai Charger+ to ensure normal charging function.
4-8
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.3
DIGI+ Power Control
DIGI+ PowerControl allows you to adjust the VRM voltage and frequency modulation to
enhance reliability and stability. It also provides profile settings to achieve the highest power
efficiency, generating less heat to prolong component lifespan, and minimize power loss.
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch DIGI+ Power Control
by clicking Tool > DIGI+ Power Control on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Select CPU Power or DRAM Power to adjust the power control settings.
Smart DIGI+
4
5
1
2
6
3
Function no. Function description
1
2
3
Smart DIGI+ Key
Quickly delivers a higher VRM frequency, voltage, and current for superior
CPU/iGPU/DRAM overclocking performance with one switch.
Smart CPU Power Level - 45W
CPU power usage is limited to 45W to achieve the best digital power
saving conditions.
Smart CPU Power Level - 35W
CPU power usage is limited to 35W to achieve the best digital power
saving mode.
4
5
6
OC Now!
Adjusts the CPU ratio in TurboV EVO.
Default (Smart DIGI+ Setting)
Sets your CPU/iGPU/DRAM power to default settings.
Default (Smart CPU Power Level)
Sets your power consumption to CPU default setting.
Enabling the Smart CPU Power Level may decrease the total power delivery to the CPU,
and affect the CPU performance under a heavy system load. The system restores to its
default settings on the next startup.
4-9
ASUS P8Z77 WS
CPU Power
4
5
1
2
Application aids
3
6
Apply all changes
immediately
Undo all changes
without applying
7
Application aids
8
9
Apply all changes
immediately
Undo all changes
without applying
Function no. Function description
1
CPU Load-line Calibration
It allows you to adjust the voltage settings and control the system
temperature. Higher load-line calibration could get higher voltage and
good overclocking performance but increases the CPU and VRM thermal.
2
3
CPU Current Capability
CPU Current Capability provides wider total power range for overclocking.
A higher value setting gets higher VRM power consumption delivery.
CPU Voltage Frequency
Switching frequency will affect the VRM transient response and
component thermal. Higher frequency gets quicker transient response.
4-10
Chapter 4: Software support
Function no. Function description
4
iGPU Load-line Calibration
Load-line is defined by Intel VRM specifications, and affects the iGPU
voltage. The iGPU working voltage decreases proportionally to integrated
graphics loading. A higher value can get a higher iGPU voltage, and a
good performance, but decreases the CPU and VRM thermal conditions.
5
6
iGPU Current Capability
A higher value brings wider total iGPU power range, and extends the
overclocking frequency range simultaneously to enhance the iGPU
performance.
CPU Power Phase Control
Increase phase number under heavy system loading to get more transient
and better thermal performance. Reduce phase number under light
system loading to increase VRM efficiency.
7
8
9
CPU Power Thermal Control
A higher temperature brings a wider CPU power thermal range, and
extends the overclocking tolerance to enlarge overclocking potential.
CPU Power Response Control
The DIGI+ VRM controller provides a faster and precise power response
rate for CPU. Apply a higher value for an extreme overclocking.
CPU Power Duty Control
CPU Power Duty Control adjusts the current of every VRM phase and the
thermal of every phase component.
4-11
ASUS P8Z77 WS
DRAM Power
1
2
Application aids
3
4
Apply all changes
immediately
Undo all changes
without applying
Function no. Function description
1
2
3
DRAM Current Capability
A higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the
overclocking frequency range simultaneously.
DRAM Voltage Frequency
Allows you to adjust the DRAM switching frequency for system stability or
to increase OC Range.
DRAM Power Phase Control
Select Extreme for full phase mode to increase system performance or
select Optimized for ASUS optimized phase tuning profile to increase
DRAM power efficiency.
4
DRAM Power Thermal Control
A higher temperature brings a wider DRAM power thermal range, and
extends the overclocking tolerance to enlarge overclocking potential.
•
•
The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specification.
Do not remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions must be monitored.
4-12
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.4
EPU
EPU is an energy-efficient tool that satisfies different computing needs. This utility provides
several modes that you can select to save system power. Selecting Auto mode will have the
system shift modes automatically according to current system status. You can also customize
each mode by configuring settings like CPU frequency, GPU frequency, vCore Voltage, and
Fan Control.
Launching EPU
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch EPU by clicking
Tool > EPU on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Displays the following
message if no VGA power
saving engine is detected.
Multiple system
operating modes
The items lighting up
means power saving
engine is activated
Displays the amount of
CO2 reduced
*Shifts between the
display of Total and
Current CO2 reduced
Displays the
current CPU power
Advanced settings for each mode
Displays the system
properties of each
mode
*•
*•
•
Select From EPU Installation to show the CO2 that has been reduced since you
installed EPU.
Select From the Last Reset to show the total CO2 that has been reduced since you
click the Clear button
.
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
4-13
ASUS P8Z77 WS
4.3.5
Probe II
Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you
of any problem with these components. Probe II senses fan rotations, CPU temperature,
and system voltages, among others. With this utility, you are assured that your computer is
always at a healthy operating condition.
Launching Probe II
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch Probe II by clicking
Tool > Probe II on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Configuring Probe II
Click the Voltage/Temperature/Fan Speed tabs to activate the sensors or to adjust the
sensor threshold values. The Preference tab allows you to customize the time interval of
sensor alerts, or change the temperature unit.
Saves your
configuration
Loads the default
threshold values
for each sensor
Loads your saved
Applies your
changes
configuration
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
4-14
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.6
FAN Xpert
Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds according
to different ambient temperatures caused by different climate conditions in different
geographic regions and your PC’s system loading. The built-in variety of useful profiles
offer flexible controls of fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool environment.
Launching FAN Xpert
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch FAN Xpert by clicking
Tool > Fan Xpert on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Using FAN Xpert
Click Fan Name to select a fan and then click Setting to select a preset mode for your
selected fan.
Click to select a fan profile
Click to select a fan type
Click to apply the
settings
Click to discard the
settings
Fan setting
•
•
•
•
•
Disable: disables the Fan Xpert function.
Standard: adjusts fan speed in a moderate pattern.
Silent: minimizes fan speed for quiet fan operation.
Turbo: maximizes the fan speed for the best cooling effect.
Intelligent: automatically adjusts the CPU fan speed according to the ambient
temperature.
•
•
Stable: fixes the CPU fan speed to avoid noise caused by the unsteady fan rotation.
However, the fan will speed up when the temperature exceeds 70°C.
User: Allows you to configure the CPU fan profile under certain limitations.
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
4-15
ASUS P8Z77 WS
4.3.7
Sensor Recorder
Sensor Recorder monitors the changes in the system voltage, temperature, and fan speed on
a timeline. The History Record function allows you to designate specific time spans on record
to keep track of the three system statuses for certain purposes.
Launching Sensor Recorder
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch Sensor Recorder by
clicking Tool > Sensor Recorder on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Using Sensor Recorder
Click on Voltage/ Temperature/ Fan Speed tabs for the status you want to monitor. Colored
lines will automatically appear on the diagram to indicate the immediate changes in the
system status.
Using History Record
1.
Click on the History Record tab and adjust the settings on the left for Record Interval
and Record Duration according to need.
2.
3.
4.
Click on Start Recording to start measurement and recording of each sensor.
To stop recording, click on Recording again.
To track the recorded contents, set Type/ Date/ Select display items to display the
history details.
Click on Monitor > Sensor on the AI Suite II main menu bar and a highlight of the system
statuses will appear on the right panel.
4-16
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.8
USB BIOS Flashback Wizard
This utility allows you to check and save the latest BIOS version to a USB storage device.
With ASUS USB BIOS Flashback hardware feature, the system BIOS is conveniently
updated without booting your system.
Current BIOS
Sets the schedule
information
for BIOS Update
download
Click to check for
an update BIOS
firmware available
for download
Cancels all changes
Applies all changes
Scheduling the latest BIOS download
1.
In the Download Setting field, tick Schedule (days) and select the number of days for
the next download update available.
2.
Click Apply to save the BIOS download schedule. Click Cancel to cancel the changes
made.
Downloading the updated BIOS
Plug the flash drive before you start downloading.
1.
2.
Click Check for New BIOS Update to look for an updated BIOS firmware.
Wait for the system to check the latest
BIOS firmware.
4-17
ASUS P8Z77 WS
3.
After the utility detects a new BIOS
firmware, save the BIOS firmware by
clicking
from the Save to field,
select the USB flashdrive, and click
Download.
4.
After the download is complete,
click OK.
After you download the BIOS file to your flash drive, you can update the motherboard’s BIOS.
Refer to 2.3.11 USB BIOS Flashback for details.
4-18
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.9
USB 3.0 Boost
The ASUS exclusive USB 3.0 Boost provides speed boost for USB 3.0 devices and the
up-to-date support of USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UASP). With USB 3.0 Boost, you can
accelerate the transfer speed of your USB 3.0 devices with ease.
Launching USB 3.0 Boost
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch USB 3.0 Boost by
clicking Tool > USB 3.0 Boost on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Configuring USB 3.0 Boost
1.
2.
Connect a USB 3.0 device to the USB 3.0 port.
USB 3.0 Boost automatically detects the property of the connected device and
switches to Turbo mode or UASP mode (if UASP is supported by the connected
device).
3.
You can manually switch the USB 3.0 mode back to Normal mode at any time.
•
•
•
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
Due to Intel® chipset limitation, Intel® USB 3.0 ports do not support ASUS 3.0 Boost in
Windows XP operating system.
Use the USB 3.0 devices for high performance. The data transfer speed varies with
USB devices.
4-19
ASUS P8Z77 WS
4.3.10
ASUS Update
ASUS Update lays out the options for updating BIOS on your system. Update BIOS utility
on your system or simply save the utility for later use just by following the directions on this
convenient updating feature.
Launching ASUS Update
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch ASUS Update by
clicking Update> ASUS Update on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Using ASUS Update
Select the way you would like to do with the BIOS utility. Click on Next and follow the
instructions to complete your request.
•
•
•
Update BIOS from Internet
Download the latest BIOS utility from the ASUS service website (www.asus.com) and
follow the suggested procedures to update the BIOS version on your system.
Download BIOS from Internet
Download the latest BIOS utility from the ASUS service website (www.asus.com) and
save for later use.
Update BIOS from file
Use the BIOS utility demanded from a source file to update the BIOS version on your
system.
There may be risks of system crash when updating BIOS. Backing up the original BIOS
utility is recommended before updating.
4-20
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.11
ASUS SSD Caching
This feature boosts system performance by using an installed SSD with no capacity
limitations as a cache for frequently accessed data. Harness a combination of SSD-like
performance and response and hard drive capacity with just one click. No rebooting is
needed with instant activation for complete ease of use.
Launching ASUS SSD Caching
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch ASUS SSD Caching
by clicking Tool > ASUS SSD Caching on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Configuring ASUS SSD Caching
1.
Connect one HDD and one SSD to the
the Marvell® SATA ports (SATA6G_E1/
E2). ASUS SSD Caching automatically
detects the HDD and SSD.
2.
Click on Caching Now! to initialize the
connected disks. Initialization status is
shown on the program interface.
3.
4.
Caching function will be activated once
initialization is complete.
Click on Disable when deactivating SSD
caching.
•
During initialization, you can proceed with doing any system operations. You can
check the caching status later or wait for a pop-up message notifying that initialization
is completed.
•
•
For regular usage, the SATA6G_E1/E2 connectors are recommended for data drives.
After disabling SSD Caching, the SSD will become a non-configurable disk in
Windows OS. To use the SSD again for normal functions, go to Disk Management to
reconfigure the SSD.
4-21
ASUS P8Z77 WS
4.3.12
Network iControl
ASUS Network iControl, a one-stop setup network control center that gives you the EZ Start,
Quick Connection, and EZ Profile functions, makes it easier for you to manage your network
bandwidth. It also allows you to automatically connect to a PPPoE network for a more
convenient online experience.
To launch Network iControl, click Tool > Network iControl from AI Suite II main menu bar.
•
•
Ensure to install the LAN drivers before using this function.
Network iControl is only supported under Windows 7 and can only support the
onboard LAN.
Using EZ Start
EZ Start allows you to quickly activate Network iControl, and set the highest bandwidth
priority for your top currently running program.
To use EZ Start:
1.
2.
Click the EZ Start tab.
Click ON/OFF to enable/disable Network iControl.
•
•
•
By default, Network iControl is set to ON.
When switched off, the Quick Connection, EZ Profile and Info are disabled.
You may monitor the bandwidth priority from your desktop’s taskbar.
3.
Tick Set current network program as the highest priority to enable User Profile.
4.
Select a profile and click Apply.
You may also apply your personal profile in EZ Start.
Select ON to activate
Network iControl
Displays the
current network
programs
bandwidth
Click to apply
the settings
made
Click to enable the network
program as the highest priority
Click to select a profile
4-22
Chapter 4: Software support
Using Quick Connection
Configuring the PPPoE connection settings
Before enabling the Network iControl’s Quick Connection functions, you must configure the
PPPoE connection settings
To configure the PPPoE settings:
1.
Right-click
in the taskbar, and select Open Network and Sharing Center.
.
2.
Right-click the PPPoE Connection, and select Properties.
3.
Click the Options tab, and deselect Prompt for name and password, certificate, etc.
Click OK to complete the auto PPPoE connection settings.
•
•
You only need to configure the PPPoE connection settings once.
Obtain the necessary information about your PPPoE connection from your
network provider.
4-23
ASUS P8Z77 WS
Configuring the Quick Connection
To configure the auto-PPPoE connection:
1.
2.
Click the Quick Connection tab.
Tick Automatically connect online anytime option, then select the connection name
in the Connection Name dropdown box.
3.
Click Apply to enable PPPoE automatic network connection.
You can also enable the No Delay TCP function to help improve the network performance.
Click to select
Connection Name
Tick to set
the auto
PPPoE
connection
Click to apply
settings
Click ON
to improve
network
performance
4-24
Chapter 4: Software support
Using EZ Profile
To use the EZ Profile:
EZ Profile allows you to load, edit, and save your own network program priority profile.
1.
2.
Click the EZ Profile tab. The programs are shown in the network program column.
Select the network program, and click to create your profile.
to save the changes and/or rename your profile.
3.
4.
Click
Click
,
, or
to set the program priority as High, Normal, or Low.
Click to save, or rename your
Click to select a
profile settings
network profile
Click to set
program as
High/Normal/
Low priority
Information
pane of
currently
running
Pre-schedule
your network
priorities to
programs
avoid network
congestions
Select a
program, and
click
to edit your
network profile
4-25
ASUS P8Z77 WS
4.3.13
USB Charger+
This utility allows you to fast-charge your portable USB devices even if your PC is off, in
Sleep Mode, or Hibernate Mode.
When you enable the ErP-ready option in the BIOS, the USB Charger+ will not operate
under Sleep Mode, Hibernate Mode and Off mode.
Launching the USB Charger+
To launch this utility, open the AI Suite II, then click Tool > USB Charger+.
Displays the
status of the
Application aids
connected device*
Click to detect the
currently connected
device
Click to choose
Click to discard the
the USB fast-
settings
charging mode
Click to apply the
settings
settings
* The illustration above shows that no device connected to your PC for
fast-charging.
USB fast-charging mode settings
Click the dropdown box, and select a proper charge mode when your PC is off, in Sleep
Mode, or Hibernate Mode.
•
•
•
•
•
Disable: disables the USB fast-charging function.
ASUS: fast-charges your connected ASUS devices.
Apple: fast-charges your connected Apple devices.
Kindle: fast-charges your Kindle devices.
Others: charges other portable USB devices.
The utility cannot detect the devices connected to your computer if the charging mode is
enabled.
4-26
Chapter 4: Software support
Setting up the charging function
When a portable device is connected to the USB port of the PC, the USB Charger+
automatically detects the kind of your device.
Charging the device
Click
to fast-charge your device.
Indicates that
the portable
device is in
charging mode
Click to fast-charge
your connected
device.
Click to rescan the
connected device.
Clicking the
stops the charging of your connected device, and rescans for other detected
devices. Click the
to re-enable the fast-charging.
Disabling the charging function
Click
to stop charging your device.
Click to stop
fast-charging the
connected device.
4-27
ASUS P8Z77 WS
4.3.14
MyLogo2
This MyLogo utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot logo is the image that appears
on screen during the Power-On-Self-Tests (POST). Personalize your computer from the very
beginning!
Launching ASUS Update
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch MyLogo by clicking
Update> MyLogo on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Using MyLogo
Select the way you would like to do update your boot logo. Then click Next and follow the
given instructions.
Change the BIOS boot logo of my motherboard
1.
Under Current BIOS, click Browse and choose the desired image for your boot logo.
Then click on Next.
4-28
Chapter 4: Software support
2.
3.
4.
5.
Click on Auto Tune to adjust image size compatibility or adjust the resolution bar.
You can click on Booting Preview to preview the boot image. Then click Next.
Click on Flash to start updating the image to the boot logo.
Click on Yes to reboot or you can also see the new logo next time you restart your
computer.
Change the boot logo of a downloaded BIOS file and update (or do not update) this
BIOS to the motherboard
1.
At BIOS File, Browse to download the requested BIOS file to your system. This utility
will help you detect the compatibility of the BIOS version.
2.
3.
Then at Picture File, Browse to select the desired image for boot logo. Click Next.
Follow steps 2-5 in Change the BIOS boot logo of my motherboard to complete
logo update.
The fullscreen logo application in BIOS utility must be enabled for MyLogo to take effect.
4-29
ASUS P8Z77 WS
4.3.15
Audio configurations
The Realtek® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio
experience on your computer. The software provides Jack-Sensing function, S/PDIF Out
support, and interrupt capability. The CODEC also includes the Realtek® proprietary UAJ®
(Universal Audio Jack) technology for all audio ports, eliminating cable connection errors, and
giving users plug and play convenience.
Follow the installation wizard to install the Realtek® Audio Driver from the support DVD that
came with the motherboard package.
If the Realtek audio software is correctly installed, you will find
the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon on the taskbar. Double-
click on the icon to display the Realtek HD Audio Manager.
Realtek HD Audio Manager
A. Realtek HD Audio Manager with DTS UltraPC II for Windows® 7™
Configuration option tabs (vary with the audio devices connected)
Device advanced
settings
Exit button
Information button
Minimize button
Control settings
Set default device buttons
Connector settings
Analog and digital connector status
B.
Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows XP
Exit button
Configuration
options
Minimize button
Control settings
window
Information button
•
•
•
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
Due to Intel® Z77 platform does not support Windows® Vista™, Realtek HD Audio
driver is only supported by Windows® 7™/Windows® XP™.
To play Blu-Ray disc, make sure to use an HDCP compliant monitor.
4-30
Chapter 4: Software support
4.4
RAID configurations
The motherboard supports the following SATA RAID solutions:
•
•
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 and RAID 5 support.
Mavell® RAID utility with RAID 0 and RAID 1 support.
•
•
•
You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial
ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using
Windows® XP SP3 or later versions.
Due to Windows® XP / Vista limitation, a RAID array with the total capacity over 2TB
cannot be set as a boot disk. A RAID array over 2TB can only be set as a data disk
only.
If you want to install a Windows® operating system to a hard disk drive included in a
RAID set, you have to create a RAID driver disk and load the RAID driver during OS
installation. Refer to section 4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk for details.
4.4.1
RAID definitions
RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in
parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a single drive but at a
sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone, thus improving data access
and storage. Use of two new identical hard disk drives is required for this setup.
RAID 1 (Data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data from one drive to
a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array management software directs all applications
to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of the data in the other drive. This RAID
configuration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to the entire system. Use
two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive for this setup. The new drive must be
of the same size or larger than the existing drive.
RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard disk drives. Among
the advantages of RAID 5 configuration include better HDD performance, fault tolerance, and
higher storage capacity. The RAID 5 configuration is best suited for transaction processing,
relational database applications, enterprise resource planning, and other business systems.
Use a minimum of three identical hard disk drives for this setup.
RAID 10 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity (redundancy data) having
to be calculated and written. With the RAID 10 configuration you get all the benefits of both
RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations. Use four new hard disk drives or use an existing drive
and three new drives for this setup.
4-31
ASUS P8Z77 WS
4.4.2
Installing Serial ATA hard disks
The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install
identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array.
To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration:
1.
2.
3.
Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.
Connect the SATA signal cables.
Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.
4.4.3
Setting the RAID item in BIOS
You must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID set(s) using
SATA HDDs. To do this:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Enter the BIOS Setup during POST.
Go to the Advanced menu > SATA Configuration, and then press <Enter>.
Set the SATA Mode item to [RAID Mode].
Save your changes, and then exit the BIOS Setup.
Refer to Chapter 3 for details on entering and navigating through the BIOS Setup.
Due to chipset limitation, when set any of SATA ports to RAID mode, all SATA ports run at
RAID mode together.
4.4.4
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility
To enter the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility:
1.
2.
Turn on the system.
During POST, press <Ctrl> + <I> to display the utility main menu.
Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - v10.5.1.1070
Copyright(C) 2003-10 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
[ MAIN MENU ]
1. Create RAID Volume
2. Delete RAID Volume
3. Reset Disks to Non-RAID
4. Recovery Volume Options
5. Acceleration Options
6. Exit
[ DISK/VOLUME INFORMATION ]
RAID Volumes:
None defined.
Physical Devices:
Port Device Model
Serial #
9LS0HJA4
9LS0F4HL
3LS0JYL8
9LS0BJ5H
Size Type/Status(Vol ID)
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
0
1
2
3
ST3160812AS
ST3160812AS
ST3160812AS
ST3160812AS
[↑↓]-Select
[ESC]-Exit
[ENTER]-Select Menu
4-32
Chapter 4: Software support
The navigation keys at the bottom of the screen allow you to move through the menus
and select the menu options.
The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only and may not
exactly match the items on your screen.
The utility supports maximum four hard disk drives for RAID configuration.
Creating a RAID set
To create a RAID set:
1.
From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The
following screen appears:
Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - v10.5.1.1070
Copyright(C) 2003-10 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
[ CREATE VOLUME MENU ]
Name: Volume0
RAID Level: RAID0(Stripe)
Disks: Select Disks
Strip Size:
128KB
Capacity: 0.0
Sync: N/A
GB
Create Volume
[ HELP ]
Enter a unique volume name that has no special characters and is
16 characters or less.
[↑↓]Change
[TAB]-Next
[ESC]-Previous Menu
[ENTER]-Select
2.
3.
Enter a name for the RAID set and press <Enter>.
When the RAID Level item is selected, press the up/down arrow key to select a RAID
level to create, and then press <Enter>.
4.
When the Disks item is selected, press <Enter> to select the hard disk drives you want
to include in the RAID set. The SELECT DISKS screen appears:
[ SELECT DISKS ]
Port Drive Model
Serial #
9LS0HJA4
9LS0F4HL
3LS0JYL8
9LS0BJ5H
Size Status
0
1
2
3
ST3160812AS
ST3160812AS
ST3160812AS
ST3160812AS
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
Select 2 to 6 disks to use in creating the volume.
]-Prev/Next [SPACE]-SelectDisk [ENTER]-Done
[
↑↓
4-33
ASUS P8Z77 WS
5.
Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press <Space> to select. A small
triangle marks the selected drive. Press <Enter> after completing your selection.
6.
Use the up/down arrow key to select the stripe size for the RAID array (for RAID 0, 10
and 5 only),and then press <Enter>. The available stripe size values range from 4KB
to 128KB. The following are typical values:
RAID 0: 128KB
RAID 10: 64KB
RAID 5: 64KB
We recommend a lower stripe size for server systems, and a higher stripe size for
multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing.
7.
8.
When the Capacity item is selected, enter the RAID volume capacity that you want
and press <Enter>. The default value indicates the maximum allowed capacity.
When the Create Volume item is selected, press <Enter>. The following warning
message appears:
WARNING: ALL DATA ON SELECTED DISKS WILL BE LOST.
Are you sure you want to create this volume? (Y/N):
9.
Press <Y> to create the RAID volume and return to the main menu, or <N> to go back
to the CREATE VOLUME menu.
4-34
Chapter 4: Software support
Deleting a RAID set
Take caution when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when
you delete a RAID set.
To delete a RAID set:
1.
From the utility main menu, select 2. Delete RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The
following screen appears:
Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - v10.5.1.1070
Copyright(C) 2003-10 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
[ DELETE VOLUME MENU ]
Name
Volume0
Level
RAID0(Stripe)
Drives
2
Capacity
298.0GB
Status
Normal
Bootable
Yes
[ HELP ]
Deleting a volume will reset the disks to non-RAID.
WARNING: ALL DISK DATA WILL BE DELETED.
(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)
[↑↓]-Select
[ESC]-Previous Menu
[DEL]-Delete Volume
2.
Use the up/down arrow key to select the RAID set you want to delete, and then press
<Del>. The following warning message appears:
[ DELETE VOLUME VERIFICATION ]
ALL DATA IN THE VOLUME WILL BE LOST!
(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)
Are you sure you want to delete volume “Volume0”? (Y/N):
3.
Press <Y> to delete the RAID set and return to the utility main menu, or press <N> to
return to the DELETE VOLUME menu.
Exiting the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility
To exit the utility:
1.
From the utility main menu, select 5. Exit, and then press <Enter>. The following
warning message appears:
[ CONFIRM EXIT ]
Are you sure you want to exit? (Y/N):
2.
Press <Y> to exit or press <N> to return to the utility main menu.
4-35
ASUS P8Z77 WS
4.4.5
Marvell RAID utility
The onboard Marvell SATA 6.0 Gb/s controller allows you to create a RAID 0 or
RAID 1 array using two SATA hard disk drives. Refer to Chapter 2 of your motherboard user
manual for the exact location of the Marvell SATA 6.0 Gb/s connector.
To enter the Marvell utility, press <Ctrl> + <M> during POST.
All exisiting data on the hard disk drives will be erased when creating or deleting a RAID
array. Ensure that you have back up all your data in your hard disk drives before making
any change to the drive status.
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Topology
Information
HBA 0: Marvell 0
Vendor ID
:
:
:
:
1B4B
├ Virtual Disks
Device ID
9130
└ Free Physical Disks
├ PD 0: ST3160812AS
└ PD 8: ST3160812AS
Revision ID
BIOS Version
Firmware Version:
PCIe Speed Rate :
Configure SATA as:
B1
1.0.0.1028
2.2.0.1105
5.0Gbps
AHCI Mode
▶
▶
Help
Marvell RAID on chip controller.
ENTER: Operation
F10: Exit/Save
ESC: Return
Create a RAID Array
1.
2.
Move the selection bar to HBA 0: Marvell 0 and press <Enter>.
Select Configuration Wizard and press <Enter>.
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Configure->Select free disks
HBA 0: Marvell 0
├ Virtual Disks
Port ID
PD ID
Type
:
:
:
:
:
0
0
└ Free Physical Disks
SATA PD
Unconfigured
152626MB
MCQ 3G 48Bits
3G
ST3160812AS
9LS0F4HL
3.AAE
*
├ PD 0: ST3160812AS
└ PD 8: ST3160812AS
Status
Size
Feature Support :
Current Speed
Model
:
:
:
:
Serial
FW Version
▶
▶
Help
Use space bar to select the free disks to be used in the array.
ENTER: Operation SPACE: Select F10: Exit/Save ESC: Return
3.
Press <Space> to select the hard drives to be included in the RAID array.
An asterisk (*) appears in front of the selected hard drive. After selecting all the drives
needed for the RAID array, press <Enter> to continue.
4-36
Chapter 4: Software support
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Configure->Select free disksCreate Virtual Disk
HBA 0: Marvell 0
├ Virtual Disks
RAID Level
Max Size(MB)
Stripe Size
: RAID 0
: 305253
: 64KB
└ Free Physical Disks
*
*
├ PD 0: ST3160812AS
└ PD 8: ST3160812AS
Gigabyte Rounding : 1G
Quick Init
Name
Threshold(%)
Next
: Yes
: Default
: 90
▶
▶
Help
Virtual disk configurations.
ENTER: Select F10: Exit/Save
ESC: Return
4.
Use the up or down arrow key to move the selection bar and press <Enter> to
configure further RAID settings.
RAID Level: Select a RAID Level. Configuration options: [RAID 0] [RAID 1]
Stripe Size: Specifies the size of single data block on the virtual disk. In general, a
larger stripe size is recommended for applications requiring large data transfers such
as audio, video, and graphics. A smaller stripe size is better for applications with
content in much smaller size, such as e-mails and documents.
Configuration options: [32K] [64K]
Gigabyte Rounding: In the event of a single physical disk failure in a RAID 1 virtual
disk, Gigabyte Rounding allows the replacement physical disk to be of a size slightly
smaller than the existing physical disk. The capacity of the rebuilt virtual disk equals
to the size of the smaller physical disk included in the RAID 1 array. The configuration
options represent the tolerance value of drive capacity difference.
Configuration options: [None] [1G] [10G]
Name: Enter a name with 1–10 letters (no special characters) for the RAID array.
5.
Move the selection bar to Next and press <Enter>. The following warning message
appears:
Create Virtual Disk
Do you want to create this virtual disk ?
Yes
No
Press <Y> to create the RAID array, or press <N> to cancel. The new RAID array
appears under Virtual Disks, as shown in the image below.
4-37
ASUS P8Z77 WS
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Topology
Information
HBA 0: Marvell 0
├ Virtual Disks
│ └ VD 0: New_VD
Vendor ID
Device ID
Revision ID
:
:
:
:
1B4B
9130
B1
│
│
├ PD 0: ST3160812AS BIOS Version
1.0.0.1028
2.2.0.1105
5.0Gbps
AHCI Mode
└ PD 8: ST3160812AS Firmware Version:
└ Free Physical Disks
PCIe Speed Rate :
Configure SATA as:
▶
▶
Help
Marvell RAID on chip controller.
ENTER: Operation F10: Exit/Save
ESC: Return
6.
Press <F10>. The following warning message appears:
Exit
Do you want to exit from Marvell BIOS Setup?
Yes
No
Press <Y> to save the RAID setting and exit the Marvell RAID utility.
Delete an existing RAID Array
1.
Select the RAID array to delete and press <Enter>. Select Delete and press <Enter>.
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Topology
Information
HBA 0: Marvell 0
├ Virtual Disks
│ └ VD 0: New_VD
ID
: 0
Name
: New_VD
: Functional
: 64K
tatus
│
│
├ PD 0: ST3160[Delete]tripte Size
└ PD 8: ST3160AID Mode
└ Free Physical Disks
: RAID0
: 304128MB
: N/A
: 2
: 0 8
Size
BGA Status
Number of PDs
Members
▶
▶
Help
Delete the selected virtual disk.
ENTER: Operation F10: Exit/Save
ESC: Return
4-38
Chapter 4: Software support
2.
The following warning message appears:
Delete Virtual Disk
Do you want to delete this virtual disk ?
Yes
No
Press <Y> to delete the selected RAID array. The following warning message appears:
Delete MBR
Do you want to delete MBR from this virtual disk ?
Yes
No
Press <Y> to delete the Master Boot Record (MBR) from the selected RAID array.
Press <F10>. The following warning message appears:
3.
Exit
Do you want to exit from Marvell BIOS Setup?
Yes
No
Press <Y> to save the RAID setting and exit the Marvell RAID utility.
4-39
ASUS P8Z77 WS
Intel® Smart Response Technology
Intel® Smart Response Technology boosts overall system performance. It uses an installed
fast SSD (min 18.6GB available) as a cache for frequently accessed operations, speeding up
hard drive/ main memory interaction. Key benefits are expedited hard drive speeds, reduced
load and wait times, and maximized storage utilization. Power consumption also goes down
by reducing unnecessary hard drive spin.
•
•
Intel® Smart Response Technology supports Windows® 7/ Vista operating systems.
Intel® Smart Response Technology is supported by 2nd generation Intel® Core™
processor family.
•
•
Operating systems must be installed on the HDD to launch Intel® Smart Response
Technology. The capacity of the SSD is reserved for caching function.
Before applying Intel® Smart Response Technology, set the SATA Mode BIOS item to
[RAID mode] in BIOS setup. Refer to section 3.5.4 SATA Configuration for details.
To install Intel® Smart Response Technology:
1.
Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab appears if your
computer has enabled the Autorun feature.
2.
3.
Click the Drivers tab, then click Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Driver software.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete installation.
To use Intel® Smart Response Technology:
1.
Click Accelerate to launch Smart
Response Technology settings.
2.
a. Select the SSD you want to use to
accelerate your storage system.
b. Select the size allocated for SSD
caching.
c. Select which HDD for caching.
d. Enhanced mode:WRITE THROUGH,
write to SSD and HDD at the same
time.
Maximized mode:WRITE BACK,
write to SSD and write back to HDD in
a later time.
4-40
Chapter 4: Software support
3.
Select Disable Acceleration to disable
this function and select Change Mode to
switch acceleration mode to Enhanced/
Maximus.
•
•
•
•
Only Intel® internal SATA ports (gray and blue) support Intel® Smart Response
Technology.
You need at least one SSD (>18.6GB) and one HDD as a set to enable Intel® Smart
Response Technology. A single SSD can only be assigned to one HDD for caching.
The maximum caching size on the SSD is 64GB. If the SSD exceeds 64GB, storage
capacity left out of caching can still be identified by the system for normal storage.
Be sure to disable the acceleration function of Intel® Smart Response Technology
under OS when applying the actions below:
– Removing or replacing the SSD
– Updating IRST 10.5 driver
– Updating BIOS
•
•
If you want to restore the OS, go to BIOS Option ROM utility and select Acceleration
Options to disable Intel® Smart Response Technology.
The performance of Intel® Smart Response Technology varies by SSD.
4-41
ASUS P8Z77 WS
4.5
Creating a RAID driver disk
A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing a Windows® operating system
on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set.
•
•
The motherboard does not provide a floppy drive connector. You have to use a
USB floppy disk drive when creating a SATA RAID driver disk.
Windows® XP may not recognize the USB floppy disk drive due to Windows® XP
limitation. To work around this OS limitation, refer to section 4.5.4 Using a USB
floppy disk drive.
4.5.1
Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS
To create a RAID driver disk without entering the OS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Boot your computer.
Press <Del> during POST to enter the BIOS setup utility.
Set the optical drive as the primary boot device.
Insert the support DVD into the optical drive.
Save changes and exit BIOS.
When the Make Disk menu appears, press <1> to create a RAID driver disk.
Insert a formatted floppy disk into the USB floppy disk drive, then press <Enter>.
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.
4.5.2
Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®
To create a RAID driver disk in Windows®:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Start Windows®.
Plug the USB floppy disk drive and insert a floppy disk.
Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive.
Go to the Make Disk menu, and then click Intel AHCI/RAID Driver Disk to create a
RAID driver disk.
5.
Select USB floppy disk drive as the destination disk.
6.
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.
Write-protect the floppy disk to avoid a computer virus infection.
4-42
Chapter 4: Software support
4.5.3
Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation
To install the RAID driver in Windows® XP:
1.
During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to install third-
party SCSI or RAID driver.
2.
Press <F6>, and then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the USB floppy disk drive.
3.
When prompted to select the SCSI adapter to install, select the RAID driver for the
corresponding OS version.
4.
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.
To install the RAID driver for Windows® Vista or later OS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
During the OS installation, click Load Driver to allow you to select the installation
media containing the RAID driver.
Insert the USB flash drive with RAID driver into the USB port or the support DVD into
the optical drive, and then click Browse.
Click the name of the device you’ve inserted, go to Drivers > RAID, and then select
the RAID driver for the corresponding OS version. Click OK.
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.
Before loading the RAID driver from a USB flash drive, you have to use another computer
to copy the RAID driver from the support DVD to the USB flash drive.
4-43
ASUS P8Z77 WS
4.5.4
Using a USB floppy disk drive
Due to OS limitation, Windows® XP may not recognize the USB floppy disk drive when you
install the RAID driver from a floppy disk during the OS installation.
To solve this issue, add the USB floppy disk drive’s Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID) to
the floppy disk containing the RAID driver. Refer to the steps below:
1.
Using another computer, plug the USB floppy disk drive, and insert the floppy disk
containing the RAID driver.
2.
Right-click My Computer on the
Windows® desktop or start menu,
and then select Manage from the
pop-up window.
or
3.
Select Device Manager. From the
Universal Serial Bus controllers,
right-click xxxxxx USB Floppy, and
then select Properties from the pop-up
window.
The name of the USB floppy disk
drive varies with different vendors.
4.
Click Details tab. The Vendor ID (VID)
and Product ID (PID) are displayed.
5.
Browse the contents of the RAID driver
disk to locate the file txtsetup.oem.
6.
Double-click the file. A window appears,
allowing you to select the program for
opening the oem file.
4-44
Chapter 4: Software support
7.
Use Notepad to open the file.
8.
9.
Find the [HardwareIds.scsi.iaAHCI_DesktopWorkstationServer] and
[HardwareIds.scsi.iaStor_DesktopWorkstationServer] sections in the txtsetup.oem
file.
Type the following line to the bottom of the two sections:
id = “USB\VID_xxxx&PID_xxxx”, “usbstor”
[HardwareIds.scsi.iaAHCI_DesktopWorkstationServer]
id= “PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1C02&CC_0106”,”iaStor”
id= “USB\VID_03EE&PID_6901”, “usbstor”
[HardwareIds.scsi.iaStor_DesktopWorkstationServer]
id= “PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2822&CC_0104”,”iaStor”
id= “USB\VID_03EE&PID_6901”, “usbstor”
Add the same line to both sections.
The VID and PID vary with different vendors.
10. Save and exit the file.
4-45
ASUS P8Z77 WS
4-46
Chapter 4: Software support
Chapter 5
Chapter 5:
Multiple GPU technology support
5.1
AMD® CrossFireX™
technology
The motherboard supports the AMD® CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to install
multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in
this section.
5.1.1
Requirements
•
In Dual CrossFireX mode, you should have two identical CrossFireX-ready graphics
cards or one CrossFireX-ready dual-GPU graphics card that are AMD® certified.
•
•
Ensure that your graphics card driver supports the AMD CrossFireX technology.
Download the latest driver from the AMD website (www.amd.com).
Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum power
required by your system. See Chapter 2 for details.
•
•
We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal environment.
Visit the AMD Game website (http://game.amd.com) for the latest certified graphics
card and the supported 3D application list.
5.1.2
Before you begin
For AMD CrossFireX to work properly, you have to uninstall all existing graphics card drivers
before installing AMD CrossFireX graphics cards to your system.
To uninstall existing graphics card drivers:
1.
2.
Close all current applications.
For Windows XP, go to Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.
For Windows Vista, go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
3.
4.
Select your current graphics card driver/s.
For Windows XP, select Add/Remove.
For Windows Vista, select Uninstall.
5.
Turn off your computer.
ASUS P8Z77 WS
5-1
5.1.3
Installing two CrossFireX™
graphics cards
The following pictures are for reference only. The graphics cards and the motherboard
layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the same.
1.
2.
Prepare two CrossFireX-ready graphics
cards.
Insert the two graphics card into the
PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard
has more than two PCIEX16 slots,
refer to Chapter 2 in this user manual
for the locations of the PCIEX16 slots
recommended for multi-graphics card
installation.
4.
Align and firmly insert the CrossFireX
bridge connector to the goldfingers on
each graphics card. Ensure that the
connector is firmly in place.
goldfingers
CrossFireX bridge
(bundled with
graphics cards)
5.
6.
Connect two independent auxiliary power
sources from the power supply to the two
graphics cards separately.
Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the
graphics card.
5-2
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
5.1.4
Installing the device drivers
Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device
drivers.
Ensure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the AMD® CrossFireX™
technology. Download the latest driver from the AMD website (www.amd.com).
5.1.5
Enabling the AMD® CrossFireX™
technology
After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers, enable the CrossFireX™ feature
through the AMD Catalyst™ Control Center in Windows environment.
Launching the AMD VISION Engine Control Center
To launch the AMD VISION Engine Control Center:
1.
Right-click on the Windows® desktop and select
AMD VISION Engine Control Center. You can
also right-click the AMD icon in the Windows
notificAMDon area and select Vision Engine
Control Center.
2.
The VISION Engine Control Center
Setup Assistant appears when the
system detects the existance of multi-
graphics cards. Click Go to continue
to the VISION Engine Control Center
Advanced View window.
Enabling Dual CrossFireX technology
1.
In the Catalyst Control Center window,
click Graphics Settings > Performance
> AMD CrossFireXTM Configuration.
2
2.
From the Graphics Adapter list, select the
graphics card to act as the display GPU.
3
3.
4.
Select Enable CrossFireXTM
.
Click Apply, and then click OK to exit the
window.
1
4
ASUS P8Z77 WS
5-3
5.2
NVIDIA® SLI™ technology
The motherboard supports the NVIDIA® SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) technology that
allows you to install multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the
installation procedures in this section.
5.2.1
Requirements
•
In Dual SLI mode, you should have two identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are
NVIDIA® certified.
•
•
•
•
In Triple SLI mode, you should have three identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are
NVIDIA® certified.
In Quad SLI mode, you should have four identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are
NVIDIA® certified.
Ensure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI technology. Download
the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia.com).
Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum power
required by your system. See Chapter 2 for details.
•
•
We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal environment.
Visit the NVIDIA zone website (http://www.nzone.com) for the latest certified graphics
card and supported 3D application list.
5.2.2
Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards
The following pictures are for reference only. The graphics cards and the motherboard
layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the same.
1.
2.
Prepare two SLI-ready graphics cards.
Insert the two graphics card into the
PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard
has more than two PCIEX16 slots,
refer to Chapter 2 in this user manual
for the locations of the PCIEX16 slots
recommended for multi-graphics card
installation.
3.
Ensure that the cards are properly seated
on the slots.
4.
Align and firmly insert the SLI bridge connector to the goldfingers on each graphics
card. Ensure that the connector is firmly in place.
5.
Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two
graphics cards separately.
5-4
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
6.
Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card.
SLI bridge
Goldfingers
5.2.3
Installing three SLI-ready graphics cards
1.
2.
Prepare three SLI-ready graphics cards.
Insert the three graphics card into the
PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard
has more than two PCIEX16 slots,
refer to Chapter 2 in this user manual
for the locations of the PCIEX16 slots
recommended for multi-graphics card
installation.
3.
Ensure that the cards are properly
seated on the slots.
4.
Align and firmly insert the 3-Way SLI
bridge connector to the goldfingers on
each graphics card. Ensure that the
connector is firmly in place.
5.
6.
Connect three independent auxiliary
power sources from the power supply to
the three graphics cards separately.
Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the
graphics card.
3-Way SLI bridge
ASUS P8Z77 WS
5-5
5.2.4
Installing four SLI-ready graphics cards
1.
2.
Prepare four SLI-ready graphics cards.
Insert the four graphics card into the PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard has more
than two PCIEX16 slots, refer to Chapter 2 in this user manual for the locations of the
PCIEX16 slots recommended for multi-graphics card installation.
3.
Ensure that the cards are properly seated on the slots.
4.
Align and firmly insert the 4-Way SLI bridge connector to the goldfingers on each
graphics card. Ensure that the connector is firmly in place.
5.
6.
Connect four independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the four
graphics cards separately.
Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card.
4-Way SLI bridge
5-6
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
5.2.3
Installing the device drivers
Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device
drivers.
Ensure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology.
Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia.com).
5.2.4
Enabling the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology
After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers, enable the SLI feature in NVIDIA®
Control Panel under the Windows® Vista™ operating system.
Launching the NVIDIA Control Panel
You can launch the NVIDIA Control Panel by the following two methods.
A.
Right click on the empty space of the Windows® desktop
and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
The NVIDIA Control Panel window appears (See Step B5).
B1. If you cannot see the NVIDIA Control Panel item in step
(A), select Personalize.
B2. From the Personalization window,
select Display Settings.
ASUS P8Z77 WS
5-7
B2. From the Personalization window,
select Display Settings.
B4. Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab, and
then click Start the NVIDIA Control
Panel.
B5. The NVIDIA Control Panel window
appears.
5-8
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
Enabling SLI settings
From the NVIDIA Control Panel window, select
Set SLI Configuration. Click Enable SLI
and set the display for viewing SLI rendered
content. When done, click Apply.
ASUS P8Z77 WS
5-9
5.3
LucidLogix® Virtu™ solution
LucidLogix® Virtu™ is a new generation GPU virtualization software that blurs the line
between embedded graphics and discrete GPU for increased graphics performance. Its GPU
virtualization dynamically assigns tasks to the best available graphics resources based on
power, performance and system load. It allows users to fully utilize the unique capabilities
of advanced Sandy Bridge multimedia features alongside the high end 3D rendering
performance provided by installed graphics cards. For users with diverse needs, LucidLogix®
Virtu™ GPU virtualization provides great flexibility and efficiency.
•
•
LucidLogix® Virtu™ supports Windows® 7 operating systems.
Intel® Quick Sync Video feature is supported by 2nd generation Intel® Core™
processor family.
•
•
iGPU Multi-Monitor support option has to be enabled in BIOS before installing
LucidLogix® Virtu™.
Supports NVIDIA® GF4xx/ 5xx series & AMD® HD5xxx/ 6xxx series graphic cards.
5.3.1
Hardware installAMDon
To install LucidLogix® Virtu™:
1.
Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab appears if your
computer has enabled the Autorun feature.
2.
3.
Click the Drivers tab, then click LucidLogix® Virtu™ software.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete installation.
i-Mode
To use LucidLogix® Virtu™ solution in i-Mode,
display must be always connected to Sandy
Bridge motherboard video output.
Be sure to set Initial Graphic Adaptor
to iGPU in BIOS to activate i-Mode
support.
i-Mode (output from the
Sandy Bridge GPU)
d-Mode (recommended mode)
To use LucidLogix® Virtu™ solution in
d-Mode, display must be connected to the
discrete GPU installed in the system.
Be sure to set Initial Graphic Adaptor
to PCIE or PCIE/ PCI in BIOS to
enable d-Mode support.
d-Mode (output from the discrete GPU)
Both i-Mode and d-Mode enjoy the performance of Intel® Sandy Bridge built-in
media features and discrete card. d-Mode is recommended for enhanced 3D gaming
performance.
5-10
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
5.3.2
Software configuration
After you successfully installed the LucidLogix® Virtu™ from the support DVD that comes with
your motherboard package, a LucidLogix® Virtu™ icon appears in the notificaion area.
To enable LucidLogix® Virtu™
1.
2.
Right-click LucidLogix® Virtu™ icon in the notification area and select Enable Virtu.
LucidLogix® Virtu™ is enabled.
LucidLogix® Virtu™ is automatically activated when your system is powered on. Select
Remove from system tray, if you want to remove LucidLogix® Virtu™.
ASUS P8Z77 WS
5-11
To open the control panel
1.
2.
Right-click LucidLogix® Virtu™ icon in the notification area and select Open control
panel.
In the Main tab, you can check the LucidLogix® Virtu™ status and customize your
settings.
Check your current display mode, i-mode (blue) or d-Mode (green)
Adjust Performance optimization,
Quality over Performance or
Performance over Quality
Select the way to show the Lucid
icon when you are in game.
5-12
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
ASUS contact information
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail
Web site
15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259
+886-2-2894-3447
+886-2-2890-7798
info@asus.com.tw
www.asus.com.tw
Technical Support
Telephone
Online support
+86-21-38429911
support.asus.com
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)
Address
Telephone
Fax
800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539, USA
+1-812-282-3777
+1-510-608-4555
usa.asus.com
Web site
Technical Support
Telephone
Support fax
+1-812-282-2787
+1-812-284-0883
support.asus.com
Online support
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)
Address
Fax
Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany
+49-2102-959911
Web site
Online contact
www.asus.de
www.asus.de/sales
Technical Support
Telephone
Support Fax
+49-1805-010923*
+49-2102-9599-11
support.asus.com
Online support
* EUR 0.14/minute from a German fixed landline; EUR 0.42/minute from a mobile phone.
|
GE DECT 28129xx2 User Manual
Fujitsu PDS5004W User Manual
Efficient Networks Siemens Sinamics S120 User Manual
Cypress CY62137EV30 User Manual
Cooper Lighting 6109 User Manual
Contec SPI 8451 LLVA User Manual
Compaq TFT 8000 User Manual
Blodgett CTBR User Manual
Asus E3360 User Manual
Asus Computer Monitor T1 User Manual