Home

ECS Z87H3-A3X (V1.0) motherboard

1. System Ground m System Ground Power 12V Power 12V m Sensor Sensor PWM BEES PWR_FAN CPU_FAN1 2 PWM a i Sensor BR System Ground Power 12V m Power 12V System Ground m Sensor SYS_FAN1 SYS_FAN3 SS System Ground _ Power 12V COTE m Sensor TC PWM AA SYS_FAN2 Users please note that the fan connector supports the CPU cooling fan of 1 1A 2 2A 26 4W max at 12V 3 ATX_POWER ATX 24 pin Power Connector amp 10 ATX12V 8 pin ATX 12V Power Connector Connect the standard power supply connector to ATX_POWER Connect the auxiliary case power supply connector to ATX12V 12V 12V 12V 12V PIN 1 Ground Ground Ground Ground ATX12V 3 3V GH Ground 12V H Dit 5V 12V GH 5V 5VSB Git 5V PWRGD G 5V Ground HH Ground 5V Dr Ground Ground HE GHH Ground 5V ul Gi PS ON Ground WC DIr Ground 3 3V ICG r 12V 3 3V IF Gi 3 3V PIN 1 ATX_POWER 28 743 A3X USER MANUAL 25 Connecting 24 pin power cable The ATX 24 pin connector allows you to connect to ATX v2 x power supply With ATX v2 x power supply users please note that when installing 24 pin power cable the latches of power cable and the ATX match perfectly 24 pin po
2. Jemen analog AH li Back Panel 1 EE 1 E E bh Gas rer FZ Frortlettandnght Sumaur speatere Ai REALTEK E 1 For reference only If you use AC 97 Front Panel please don t tick off Using Front Jack Detect If you use HD Audio Front Panel please tick off the option of Using Front Jack Detect Speaker Mixer Effect Jack Phone Jack Back Panei Front Pane Configuration For reference only 28 743 A3X USER MANUAL 21 9 SPDIFO SPDIF out header This is an optional header that provides an SPDIFO Sony Philips Digital Interface output to digital multimedia device through optical fiber or coaxial connector SPDIF OUT VCC Ground PIN 1 SPDIFO 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 22 2 4 6 Installing a SATA Hard Drive This section describes how to install a SATA Hard Drive About SATA Connectors Your motherboard features six SATA connectors supporting a total of six drives SATA refers to Serial ATA Advanced Technology Attachment is the standard interface for the IDE hard drives which are currently used in most PCs These connectors are well designed and will only fit in one orientation Locate the SATA connectors on the motherboard and follow the illustration below to install the SATA hard drives Installing Serial ATA Hard Drives To install the
3. ATX_POWER e x SYS_FAN1 Z87H3 A3X d bd hH bdh g PCIE1 PCIEX16_1 PCIEX16_2 CLR_CMOS PANEL F_USB1 F K lt oco o EH a F_AUDIO 652 2 0383556655350 PED g el Z 7H3 A3X USER MANUAL Table of Motherboard Components LABEL COMPONENTS 1 CPU Socket LGA1150 socket for Intel 47 Generation Core Family processors 2 CPU_FAN 2 4 pin CPU cooling fan connector 3 CDU FAN 4 pin CPU cooling fan connector 4 DDR3_1 4 240 pin DDR3 Module slots 5 ATX_POWER Standard 24 pin ATX power connector 6 SYS_FAN3 3 pin system cooling fan connector 7 USB3F Front panel USB 3 0 header 8 5 5 3 175 7 3 6 Serial ATA 6Gb s connectors 9 SYS_FAN2 4 pin system cooling fan connector 10 F_USB1 2 Front panel USB 2 0 headers Gray header supports EZ Charger 11 CLR_CMOS Clear CMOS jumper 12 F_PANEL Front panel switch LED header 13 SPK Speaker header 14 TPM Trusted platform module header 15 CASE CASE open header 16 COM Onboard serial port header 17 LPT Parallel port header 18 F_AUDIO Front panel audio header 19 SPDIFO SPDIF out header 20 PCIE1 4 PCI Express Gen2 x1 slots 21 PCIEX16_1 2 PCI Express Gen3 x16 slots for graphics interface 22 SYS_FAN1 4 pin system cooling fan connector 23 PWR_FAN 3 pin power cooling fan connector 24 ATX12V 8 pin 12V power connecto
4. Please refer the following illustrations to install the add on card Install the LAN Card in the PCIE slot Install the VGA Card in the PCIEX16 slot 28 743 A3X USER MANUAL e 2 4 5 Connecting Optional Devices Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard s optional devices Tee e sare rum rano F x wm so Ps 28 7H3 A3XUSER MANUAL 16 1 USB3F Front Panel USB 3 0 header This Motherboard implements one USB 3 0 header supporting 2 extra front USB 3 0 ports which delivers 5Gb s transfer rate USB3 ICC Port2 D USB3 ICC Port2 D Ground USB3 ICC Port2 SuperSpeed Tx USB3 ICC Port2 SuperSpeed Tx Ground USB3 ICC Port2 SuperSpeed Rx USB3 ICC Port2 SuperSpeed Rx Front Panel USB Power Not Connected USB3 ICC Port1 D USB3 ICC Port1 D Ground USB3 ICC Port1 SuperSpeed Tx USB3 ICC Port1 SuperSpeed Tx Ground USB3 ICC Port SuperSpeed Rx USB3 ICC Port1 SuperSpeed Rx Front Panel USB Power cated above A different pin assignment may cause damage or system hang Please make sure that the USB cable has the same pin assignment as indi up 2 SATA3_1 SATA3_6 Serial ATA connectors SATA3_1 SATA3_6 connectors are used
5. AFD ERROR INIT SLCT Ground Ground Ground Ground Ground Ground Ground m Ground 0 STROBE LPT 8 F_AUDIO Front Panel Audio Header The front panel audio header allows the user to install auxiliary front oriented mi crophone and line out ports for easier access This header supports HD audio by default If you want connect an AC 97 front panel audio to HD onboard headers please set as below picture HD Audio Analog ground Presence Sense1_Return Sense2_Return PIN 1 Left channel to front panel Sense _Send Right channel to front panel Microphone power L Front panel microphone input signal AC 97 Audio Analog ground Analog power 5V Right channel return from front panel Left channel return from front panel PIN 1 Left channel to front panel RSVD Right channel to front panel Microphone power Front panel microphone input signal 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 20 AC 97 Audio Configuration To enable the front panel audio connector to support AC97 Audio mode If you use AC 97 Front Panel please tick off the option of Disabled Front Panel Detect If you use HD Audio Front Panel please don t tick off Disabled Front Panel Detect E Festak stees ze i
6. On Enabled LEGACY Hard Disk CD DVD USB Floppy USB CD DVD USB Hard Disk USB Flash Silicon P Network Chapter 3 Boot Configuration This item shows the information of the Boot Configuration Operation System Select Windows 7 or other OS This item is used to select the operation system Launch PXE OpROM Disabled The item enables or disables launch PXE Option ROM Launch Storage OpROM Enabled Use this item to enable or disable the Storage OpROM Fast Boot Disabled This item enables or disables boot with initialization of a minimal set of device re quired to launch active boot option Has no effect for BBS boot options Bootup NumLock State On This item enables you to select NumLock state Quiet Boot Enabled This item enables or disables quiet boot Boot Mode Select LEGACY Use this item to select boot mode Set Boot Priority This item enables you to set boot priority for all boot devices Boot Option 1 2 8 4 5 6 7 These items show the boot priorities USB Flash Drive Priorities These items enable you to specify the sequence of loading the operating system Press lt Enter gt to see the submenu 7B7H3 A3X USER MANUAL 63 gt gt Hard Disk Drive BBS Priorities Scroll to this item to view the following screen GAM amp a m E HH a Main Advanced Chipset M I B X Boot Security Boot Option 1 Silicon Power PMAP Sets the system boot
7. 1 x USB 3 0 header supports additional two USB 3 0 ports Z 7H3 A3X USER MANUAL 6 x SATA 660 5 7 1 x SPDIF out header 1 x Front Panel audio header H 1 x Front Panel switch LED header 1 x COM header 1 x CLR_CMOS jumper 1 x Parallel port header LPT 1 x Trusted platform module header TPM 1 x Speaker header 1 x Case open header Note The gray SATA3_6 connector will become unavailable when eSATA connector is used System BIOS AMI BIOS with 64Mb SPI Flash ROM Supports Plug and Play STR S3 STD S4 Hardware Monitor H Audio LAN can be disabled in BIOS F7 hot key for boot up devices option Supports ACPI amp DMI Supports PgUp clear CMOS Hotkey Has PS2 KB Model only Supports Dual Triple Dispaly Supports Over Clocking Supports GUI UEFI BIOS II Supports Multi Language Supports AC 97 HD Audio auto detect default AP Bundled ECS Exclusive AP Supports eBLU eDLU eOC eSF EZ Software Charger Support 3rd Party Bundled software Cyberlink Norton Muzee Sound Blaster Cinema MAGIX Note IMicrosoft NET Framework 3 5 is required 2Free bundle software including ECS DVD Cyberlink Norton Muzee Sound Blaster Cinema MAGIX Form Factor ATX Size 305mm x 220mm Z 743 A3X USER MANUAL Motherboard Components ER E Ri DDR3_1 DOR _2 Di R3_3 pDR3_4 AIGA GAIL HHHH HHEH
8. Advanced Select the advanced icon and press lt Enter gt or double click the left key of the mouse to display the screen 28 M3 A3XUSER MANUAL 31 Main Menu This menu shows the information of BIOS and enables you to set the system language date and time GC i Main Advanced Chipset Boot Security Choose the system default BIOS Information language English System Date Fri 08 23 2013 _ 052 System Time t Click Select Item Enter Dbl Click Select Change Opt F1 General Help F2 Previous Values F3 Optimized Defaults F4 Save amp Exit F9 Capture Screen ESC Right Click Exit System Language English This item is used to set system language System Date amp Time The Date and Time items show the current date and time on the computer If you are running a Windows OS these items are automatically updated whenever you make changes to the Windows Date and Time Properties utility 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 32 Advanced Menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system a a E 3 Main Advanced Chipset M I B X Boot Security LAN Configuration PC Health Status Parameters Power Management Setup ACPI Settings CPU Configuration SATA Configuration Select Screen Trusted Computing t Click Select Item USB Configuration Enter Dbl Click Select Super IO Configuration Change Opt Intel R Rapid
9. Press lt Esc gt to return to the Advanced Menu page 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL gt gt SATA Configuration Use this item to show the mode of serial SATA configuration options GC A 1 0 1 Main Advanced Chipset M I B X Boot Security SATA Configuration Determines how SATA controller s operate AHCI Mode SATA Port1 Not Present Spin Up Device Disab Extemal SATA Disabled SATA Port2 Not Present Spin Up Device External SATA SATA Port3 Not Present Spin Up Device Disab External SATA Disabled SATA Port4 Not Present Se Spin Up Device _ Disabled Select Screen External SATA 11 Click Select Item Enter Dbl Click Select SATA Port5 Change Opt Not Present F1 General Help Spin Up Device F2 Previous Values External SATA F3 Optimized Defaults F4 Save amp Exit SATA Port6 F9 Capture Screen Not Present ESC Right Click Exit Spin Up Device External SATA SATA Mode AHCI Mode Use this item to select SATA mode SATA Port 17 6 Not Present This motherboard supports six SATA channels and each channel allows one SATA device to be installed Use these items to configure each device on the SATA channel Spin Up Device Disabled Use this item to enable or disable the spin up device External SATA Disabled Use this item to enable or disable the external SATA Press lt Esc gt to return to the Advanced Menu page 28 7H3 A3XUSER MANUAL 41 gt gt Trusted Computing Use
10. secure the motherboard onto the mounting brackets with screws H zm Dh Z87H3 A3X SS Ven em pue 6 Do not over tighten the screws as this can stress the motherboard Z 743 A3X USER MANUAL 2 3 Checking Jumper Settings The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers Pin 1 is labeled CLR_CMOS 123 123 Normal Clear CMOS Default E enter the main BIOS setting page to Load Default Settings and then Save To avoid the system instability after clearing CMOS we recommend users to and Exit Setup 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 2 4 Installing Hardware 2 4 1 Installing the Processor This motherboard has an LGA1150 socket When choosing a processor consider the performance requirements of the system Performance is based on the processor design the clock speed and system bus frequency of the processor and the quantity of internal cache memory and external cache memory You may be able to change the settings in the system Setup Utility We strongly recommend you do not over clock processor or other compo nents to run faster than their rated speed The following illustration shows CPU installation components A Press the hook of lever down with your thumb and pull it to the right
11. side to release it from retention tab B Lift the tail of the load lever and rotate the load plate to fully open position C Grasp the edge of the package substrate Make sure pin 1 indicator is on your bottom left side Aim at the socket and place the package carefully into the socket by purely vertical motion 28 743 A3X USER MANUAL 10 D Rotate the load plate onto the package IHS Intergraded Heat Spreader Engage the load lever while pressing down lightly onto the load plate Secure the load lever with the hook under retention tab Then the cover will flick automatically Please save and replace the cover onto the CPU socket if processor is re moved 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 2 4 2 Installing the CPU Cooler Install the cooling fan in a well lit work area so that you can clearly see the motherboard and processor socket Avoid using cooling fans with sharp edges in case the fan casing and the clips cause serious damage to the motherboard or its components To achieve better airflow rates and heat dissipation we suggest that you use a high quality fan with 3800 rpm at least CPU fan and heat sink instal lation procedures may vary with the type of CPU fan heatsink supplied The form and size of fan heatsink may also vary DO NOT remove the CPU cap from the socket before installing a CPU Return Material Authorization RMA requests will be accepted only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA1150 s
12. 48 Step 2 Install all the drivers of PCI Express graphic cards Click the Browse CD item then appears the following screen Select the driver you want to install e g NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS Microsoft Corporation WDDM v1 1 and double click it Die Action View Help E E I me RE A ECS PC E Computer b Ga Disk drives a Ba Display adapters AK NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS Microsoft Corporation WDDM v1 1 gt yf DVD CD ROM drives b D Human Interface Devices b Gq IDE ATA ATAPI controllers b Keyboards D Mice and other pointing devices b Kk Monitors gt i Network adapters b KR Portable Devices DI Processors b a Sound video and game controllers b ll System devices 8 Universal Serial Bus controllers Step 3 Enable IGD Multi Monitor from BIOS In the following BIOS screen please set IGD Multi Monitor to Enabled S E 3 Main Advanced Chipset M I B X Boot Security System Agent Configuration Select DVMT 5 0 Pre Allocated Fixed Graphics Memory size used by the DVMT Memory 256m sid Internal Graphics Device IGD Multi Monitor Se Select Screen CPU SA Audio Device Ll Click Select Item Enter Dbl Click Select Change Opt F1 General Help F2 Previous Values F3 Optimized Defaults F4 Save amp Exit F9 Capture Screen ESC Right Click Exit 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 49 50 Step 4 Change the appearance of your displays under Windows 7 8 1 Ente
13. BIOS utility A dialogue box appears to confirm the action Press lt Y gt to confirm otherwise press lt N gt to return to the Intel Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL Chapter 8 Trouble Shooting Start up problems during assembly After assembling the PC for the first time you may experience some start up problems Before calling for technical support or returning for warranty this chapter may help to address some of the common questions using some basic troubleshooting tips You may also log onto our ECS website for more information http www ecs com tw ECSWebSite Support Support_FAQ aspx MenulD 49 amp childid M 49 amp LanID 0 a System does not power up and the fans are not running 1 Disassemble the PC to remove the VGA adaptor card DDR memory LAN USB and other peripherals including keyboard and mouse Leave only the motherboard CPU with CPU cooler and power supply connected Make sure the power cord is plugged into the wall socket amp the switch on the Power Supply Unit PSU is turned on as well Turn on again to see if the CPU and power supply fans are running 2 Make sure to remove any unused screws or other metal objects such as screwdrivers from the inside PC case This is to prevent damage from short circuit 3 Check the CPU FAN connector is connected to the motherboard 4 For Intel platforms check the pins on the CPU socket for damage or bent A bent pin m
14. Control Panel Change the apprearance of your displays O II SS Display 4 AL1717 Resolution 1920x 1200 recommended Orientation Landscape Multiple displays Disconnect this display D AX You mustselect Apply before making additional changes Make this my main display Advance settings Make text and other items larger or smaller What display settings should choose OK Cancel Apply Control Panel gt All Control Panel Items Display Screen Resolution gt Change the apprearance of your displays et a Display 4 AL1717 Resolution 1920x1200 recommended w Orientation Landscape Multiple displays Extend desktop to this display w ZX You must select Apply before making additional changes Make this my main display Advance settings Make text and other items larger or smaller What display settings should choose OK Cancel Apply 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 51 gt PCH Configuration Scroll to this item and press lt Enter gt to view the following screen m 1 I sal Advanced Chipset M I B X Boot Security PCH Configuration Select AC Power state when Power is re applied after Power Off a power failure Audio Configuration Azalia HD Audio Select Screen 1 tl Click Select Item Case Open Warning Enter Dbl Click Select Chassis Opened ss Change Opt F1 General Help F2 Previous Values F3 O
15. Interleave support NOTE RI and HORI can not be enabled at the same time DLL Weak Lock Support Enabled This item allows you to enable or disable the DLL weak lock support Mc Lock Enabled This item allows you to enable or disable capacity to lock MC registers or not CMD Tri State Enabled This item allows you to enable or disable the CMD Tri State ending of the training Memory Scrambler Enabled This item allows you to enable or disable the memory scrambler MRC Fast Boot Enabled This item allows you to enable or disable the MRC fast boot Memory Remap Enabled This item allows you to enable or disable the memory remap above 4G Memory Thermal Management Enabled This item allows you to enable or disable the memory thermal management DDR PowerDown and idle counter BIOS This item allows you to BIOS or PCODE the DDR Power Down and idle counter BIOS BIOS is in countrol of DDR CKE mode and idle timer value PCODE pcode will manage the modes Refresh 2x Support Disabled This item allows you to enable or disable 2xRef when warm and Hot 2 iMC enables 2xRef when Hot Press lt Esc gt to return to the M I B X Menu page 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 59 gt Over Voltage Configuration Scroll to this item to view the following screen m E Main Advanced Chipset M I B X Boot Security Auto Auto Auto Enabled DIMM Voltage Processor Input Voltage Vdroop 1 512V ChOWriteVref Ch1WriteV
16. Start Technology F1 General Help Intel R Smart Connect Technology F2 Previous Values F3 Optimized Defaults F4 Save amp Exit F9 Capture Screen ESC Right Click Exit 28 M3 A3XUSER MANUAL 33 gt gt LAN Configuration The item in the menu shows the LAN related information that the BIOS automatically detects GC A m 1 0 1 3 HH a Main Advanced Chipset M I B X Boot Security Exit LAN Configuration Enabled Disabled Onboard LAN Controller Enabled Select Screen Select Item Enter Dbl Click Select Change Opt F1 General Help F2 Previous Values F3 Optimized Defaults F4 Save amp Exit F9 Capture Screen ESC Right Click Exit Onboard LAN Controller Enabled Use this item to enable or disable Onboard LAN controller Press lt Esc gt to return to the Advanced Menu page 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 34 gt gt PC Health Status On motherboards support hardware monitoring this item lets you monitor the parameters for critical voltages temperatures and fan speeds wuss lt I A gt gt Smart Fan Function gt gt Smart Fan Function Scroll to this item and press lt Enter gt to view the following screen CPU Fan 1 Smart Fan Control Enabled Normal Enabled Enabled Normal Chapter 3 35 CPU Fan 1 CPU Fan 2 System Fan 1 Smart Fan Control Enabled These items enable you to define the CPU
17. and if not installed and used in accordance with the 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 the receiver Connect the equipment onto 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 Shielded interconnect cables and a shielded AC power cable must be employed with this equipment to ensure compliance with the pertinent RF emission limits governing this device Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the system s manufacturer could void the user s authority to operate the equipment Z JH3 A3X USER MANUAL Declaration of Conformity This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules Operation is subject to the following conditions This device may not cause harmful interference This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation This device is in conformity with the following EC EMC directives
18. fan 1 CPU fan 2 system fan 1 by smartly adjusting the CPU fan 1 CPU fan 2 system fan 1 fan When it is set at certain temperature the CPU fan 1 CPU fan 2 system fan 1 PWM value will change accordingly Smart Fan Mode Normal This item allows you to select the fan mode Normal Quiet Silent or Manual for a better operation environment If you choose Normal mode the fan speed will be auto adjusted depending on the CPU temperature If you choose Quite mode the fan speed will be auto minimized for quiet environment If you choose Silent mode the fan speed will be auto restricted to make system more quietly If you choose Manual mode the fan speed will be adjust depending on users parameters Smart Fan start PWM value 180 This item is used to set the start PWM value of the smart fan Smart Fan start PWM TEMP DTS 45 This item is used to set the start temperature of the smart fan DeltaT 3 This item specifies the range that controls CPU temperature and keeps it from going so high or so low when smart fan works Smart Fan Slope PWM value 10 PWM value unit This item is used to set the Slope Select PWM of the smart fan CPU Fan 1 CPU Fan 2 System Fan 1 Full Speed Offset DTS 52 This item is used to set the CPU fan 1 CPU fan 2 System fan 1 full speed offset value Press lt Esc gt to return to the PC Health Status page System Component Characteristics These items display the monitoring of the overall inboard har
19. m EN 55022 Limits and methods of mesurement of radio disturbance characteristics of information technology equipment EN 61000 3 2 Disturbances in supply systems caused EN 61000 3 3 Disturbances in supply systems caused by household appli ances and similar electrical equipment Voltage fluctuations EN 55024 Information technology equipment Immunity characteristics Limits and methods of measurement EN 60950 Safety for information technology equipment including electrical business equipment CE marking 3 Canadian Department of Communications This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference causing Equipment Regulations Cet appareil num rique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du R glement sur le mat riel brouilieur du Canada Z 7H3 A3X USER MANUAL Aboutthe Manual The manual consists of the following Chapter 1 Describes features of the gt page 1 Introducing the Motherboard motherboard Chapter 2 Describes installation of gt page 7 Installing the Motherboard motherboard components Chapter 3 Provides information on wy page Using BIOS using the BIOS Setup Utility Chapter 4 Describes the motherboard gt page 69 Using the Motherboard Software software Chapter 5 Describes the AMD page 75 AMD Crossfire Technology Crossfire Technology Support Chapter 6 Describes the NVIDIA page 77 NVIDIA Hybrid SLI Technology Hybird SLI
20. order Select Screen 1 Click Select Item Enter Dbl Click Select Change Opt F1 General Help F2 Previous Values F3 Optimized Defaults F4 Save amp Exit F9 Capture Screen ESC Right Click Exit Boot Option 1 Silicon Power PMAP This item shows the boot priorities Press lt Esc gt to return to the M I B X Menu page 2 1 MANUAL 64 Security Menu This page enables you to set setup administrator password and user password iq A L33 W GAMING 1 Administrator Password Disabled Chapter 3 GAMING Administrator Password Setup Disabled Administrator Password Status Not Install This item shows administrator password installed or not User Password Status Not Install This item shows user password installed or not Security Check Setup This item is used to enable or disable the security check Platform Mode Setup This item allows you to set the platform mode Secure Boot Disabled This item is used to control the secure boot flow it is possible only if system runs in User Mode This item and User Password will be hidden when Administratro Password Status is set to Not Install 65 Exit Menu This page enables you to exit system setup after saving or without saving the changes Ei a Advanced Chipset M I B X Boot Security Go back to EZ Mode Sa
21. state the system will enter when the 53 Suspend to RAM SUSPEND button is pressed Select Screen 1 Click Select Item Enter Dbl Click Select Change Opt F1 General Help F2 Previous Values F3 Optimized Defaults F4 Save amp Exit F9 Capture Screen ESC Right Click Exit ACPI Sleep State S3 Suspend to RAM This item allows user to enter the ACPI S3 Suspend to RAM Sleep State default Press lt Esc gt to return to the Advanced Menu page 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 38 gt gt CPU Configuration The item in the menu shows the CPU KY GAMING 9 Disabled Enabled Enabled Enabled Enabled Disabled Disabled Enabled Intel R Core TM i5 4570S CPU 2 90GHz This is display only field and displays the information of the CPU installed in your computer EM64T Supported This item shows the computer supports EM64T Processor Speed 2900MHz This item shows the current processor speed Processor Stepping 306c3 This item shows the processor stepping version Microcode Revision 9 This item shows the Microcode version Processor Cores 4 This item shows the core number of the processor Intel HT Technology Not Supported This item shows the computer not supports Intel HT Technology Intel VT x Technology Supported This item shows the computer supports Intel VT x Technology Active Processor Cores All Use thi
22. the CPU cooler fan to remove dust and hair 4 In places of hot and humid weather you should turn on your computer once every other week to circulate the air and prevent damage from humidity 5 Add more memory to your computer if possible This not only speeds up the system but also reduces the loading of your hard drive to prolong its life span 6 If possible ensure the power cord has an earth ground pin directly from the wall outlet This will reduce voltage fluctuation that may damage sensitive devices Z 7H3 A3X USER MANUAL U isai pue SOND 2 pue Upw 0112300632 10 384205 YMS 54 UO uni 8135 solg Aupou s ye qelsun JO Ups 0 WEI WaysAs YNY Duo lt wajqoid 8 VINY 1289002 lt Wajqoud pieoq J Sd YIM Wa qolg 40 201 8 uo Daun s YMS NSd pue p 33n d s SOND D 01 p u 3 52 AAH 20551 32 1308 64 0 d Hes pue SOND 2 Aejdsip seu Joyo 4 0312313 JOU VOA sd q poys g pue d q 8uo T JI anje 3 37 351 10 Musdod jou 3 6 sd q 05 Dd ay HeY u 13s 1SOd I YEH payauuos s Aeidat sey Joo Jl eu J A punos d g Auy 42 AZT 00 99949 pue SOND 2 BUOM S NSd tun Iddns samog H 9949 oN HEIs 0 S e Jd 1nq passaid s uonng 0 MEYIM
23. to support the Serial ATA 6 0Gb s device sim pler disk drive cabling and easier PC assembly It eliminates limitations of the cur rent Parallel ATA interface But maintains register compatibility and software com patibility with Parallel ATA Ground Ground ki DIS Al SATA3_1 SATA3_4 SATA3_5 SATA3_6 The gray SATA3_6 connector will become unavailable when eSATA connec tor is used 28 743 A3X USER MANUAL 1 3 F_USB1 2 Front Panel USB 2 0 headers The motherboard has two USB 2 0 headers supporting four USB 2 0 ports Addition ally some computer cases have USB ports at the front of the case If you have this kind of case use auxiliary USB connector to connect the front mounted ports to the motherboard Unlike F_USB2 F_USB1 supports EZ Charger technology provides 3 times current than general USB port in off mode for USB devices It is useful and excellent espe cially for the iPhone iPad and iPod touch devices that need a large amount of cur rent for faster recharging within less time Power 5V m USB Port B m USB Port B Ground NC Ground USB Port A USB Port A Power 5V F_USB1 2 Please make sure that the USB cable has the same pin assignment a
24. 108 and the default is 54 1 step is 4mV ChVrefCA 0 756 V Auto This item allows you to adjust the ChVrefCA from 0 to 108 and the default is 54 1 step is 4mV ChReadVref 0 756 V BIOS This item allows you to adjust the ChReadVref from 0 to 108 and the default is 54 1 step is 4mV CPU RING Cache GT Adaptive Voltage Target mV 0 This item allows you to adjust the CPU RING Cache GT Adaptive voltage target from 0 to 2000mV CPU RING Cache GT Voltage Mode Adaptive This item allows you to set the CPU RING Cache GT voltage mode CPU RING Cache GT UNCORE IOA IOD Voltage Offset mV 0 This item allows you to adjust the CPU RING Cache GT UNCORE IOA IOD voltage offset from 1000 to 998mV Offset Prefix This item allows you to select the offset value as positive or negative SVID Control Enable Enabled This item allows you to enable or disable the SVID control If this function be dis abled it will not be changed until CPU powers down SVID Override Voltage Target mV 0 This item allows you to adjust the SVID override voltage target up to 2500mV FIVR Faults Enable Enabled This item allows you to enable or disable the FIVR faults If this function is disabled it will not be changed until CPU powers down FIVR Efficiency Enable Enabled This item allows you to enable or disable the FIVR efficiency If this function is dis abled it will not be changed until CPU powers down Press lt Esc gt to retu
25. 2 Advanced MON 33 Chipset Men u lalu asuaka Guayama qaspa 47 M I B X MB Intelligent BIOS X Menu 54 BOOT ET 63 Security Men s srties 65 Exit Menu S UPAGtiNG thE e 67 Z 7H3 A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 4 69 Using the Motherboard Software 69 Auto installing under Windows 7 8 69 RUNNING Set B EE 69 Mandal lastallatl Mrs sieves aaa ukap aa aaa a 71 ECS Utility Software Intelligent EZ Utility 71 Chapter 5 75 AMD CrossFire Technology Support 75 Requirements ssns riore eege e reas 75 Installing CrossFire graphics cards 75 The Catalyst Control Center Dialog Box 76 To Enable CrossFlIreTM u na n 76 Chapter 6 77 NVIDIA Hybrid SLI Technology Support 77 Requirements erana rrara areni anaE INESE 77 Installing your NVIDIA SLl Ready Components 77 Enabling VTT TD 79 Chapter 7 81 Intel Rapid Storage Technology RAID Configuration 81 Before creating a RAID set 81 Entering Intel Rapid Storage Technology RAID BIOS utility 82 Creating a RAID Seti seicescutesssectes ees ceseastevexeestteassties vat 83 Deleting a RAID set 85 Reseting disks to Non RALD 86 E Meter
26. 4 The PCI Express x1 slots are fully compliant to the PCI Express Base Specification revision 2 0 The PCI Express x16 slots are used to install an external PCI Ex press graphics card that is fully compliant to the PCI Express Base Specification revision 3 0 The PCIEX16_2 slot supports PCI E Gen 3 0 running at X8 mode and shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16_1 slot If installing two graphic cards into PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2 slots both two slots will run at X8 mode Before installing an add on card check the documentation for the card carefully If the card is not Plug and Play you may have to manually configure the card before installation Recommend add_on card configuration PCIEX16 Slots Model PCIEX16_1 PCIEX16_2 SPEC PCI E Gen 3 Running x16 mode PCI E Gen 3 Running x8 mode Color Black Black 1 Graphic Card VGA card Populated ig 1 4 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL Follow these instructions to install an add on card Remove a blanking plate from the system case corresponding to the slot 1 you are going to use 2 Install the edge connector of the add on card into the expansion slot Ensure that the edge connector is correctly seated in the slot 3 Secure the metal bracket of the card to the system case with a screw 1 For some add on cards for example graphics adapters and network adapt ers you have to install drivers and software before you can begin using the add on card
27. 8 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 66 Updating the BIOS You can download and install updated BIOS for this motherboard from the manufacturer s Website New BIOS provides support for new peripherals improvements in performance or fixes for known bugs Install new BIOS as follows 1 If your motherboard has a BIOS protection jumper change the setting to allow BIOS flashing If your motherboard has an item called Firmware Write Protect in Advanced BIOS features disable it Firmware Write Protect prevents BIOS from being overwritten Prepare a bootable device or create a bootable system disk Refer to Windows online help for information on creating a bootable system disk Download the Flash Utility and new BIOS file from the manufacturer s Web site Copy these files to the bootable device Turn off your computer and insert the bootable device in your computer You might need to run the Setup Utility and change the boot priority items on the Advanced BIOS Features Setup page to force your computer to boot from the bootable device first At the C or A prompt type the Flash Utility program name and the file name of the new BIOS and then press lt Enter gt Example AFUDOS EXE 040706 ROM When the installation is complete remove the bootable device from the computer and restart your computer your motherboard has a Flash BIOS jumper reset the jumper to protect the newly installed BIOS from being overwritten The computer will re
28. AID 1 Mirror is set to provide the data backup If you want to set RAID 0 you need to set the 2nd Boot Device item in the BIOS to Intel Volume0 See section Advanced Setup for details Users please be noted that RAID 0 Stripe is set to accelerate the data 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 84 1 f Main Advanced Chipset M I B X Security Hard Disk Drive Priorities Sets the system boot order Intel volume0 Select Screen 1 Click Select Item Enter Dbl Click Select Change Opt F1 General Help F2 Previous Values F3 Optimized Defaults F4 Save amp Exit F9 Capture Screen ESC Right Click Exit Deleting a RAID set 1 In the main Intel Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu highlight 6 RAID Volume using the up down arrow key then press lt Enter gt 1 Create RAID Volume 4 Recovery Volume Options 2 Delete RAID Volume 5 Acceleration Options 3 Reset Disks to Non RAID 6 Exit 2 Use the space bar to select the RAID set you want to delete Press the lt Del gt key to delete the set 3 dialogue box appears to confirm the action Press lt Y gt to confirm otherwise press lt N gt Intel R Matrix Storage Manager option ROM 11 0 0 1204 Copyright C 2003 07 Intel Corporation All Rights Reserved Name Level Drives Capacity Status Bootable Volume0 RAIDO Stripe 2 931 5GB Normal Yes DELETE VOLUME VERIFICATION ALL DATA IN THE VOLUME WILL BE LOST Deleting a volu
29. OJA Sunoous qnoa 9 89 Memo Z MANUAL
30. Preface Copyright This publication including all photographs illustrations and software is protected under international copyright laws with all rights reserved Neither this manual nor any of the material contained herein may be reproduced without written consent of the author Version 1 0 Disclaimer The information in this document is subject to change without notice The manufacturer makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose The manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation of the manufacturer to notify any person of such revision or changes Trademark Recognition Microsoft MS DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp MMX Pentium Pentium ll Pentium lll Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation Other product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective owners and are acknowledged Federal Communications Commission FCC 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
31. S 5QM0KLEY 465 8GB Press RAAH to enter Configuration Utility 2 The main Intel Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu appears 3 Use the arrow keys to move the color bar and navigate through the items Intel R Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM 11 0 0 1204 Copyright C 2003 11 e i WE All Rights Reserved 1 Create RAID Volume 4 Recovery Volume Options 2 Delete RAID Volume 5 Acceleration Options 3 Reset Disks to Non RAID 6 Exit RAID Volumes Physical Devices ID Device Model Serial Size Type Status Vol ID 71 1 8TB tJ Select i ENTER Select Menu 28 M3 A3XUSER MANUAL 82 Creating a RAID set 1 In the main Intel Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu highlight Create RAID Volume using the up down arrow key then press lt Enter gt 1 1 Create RAID Volume 4 Recovery Volume Options 2 Delete RAID Volume 5 Acceleration Options 3 Reset Disks to Non RAID 6 Exit 2 When the RAID Level item is highlighted use the up down arrow key to select the RAID set that you want to create Name Volume0 SYN RK BRAID0 Stripe Disks Select Disks Strip Size 128KB Capacity 931 5 GB Create Volume Name VolumeO DAD Lee RAID Mirror Disks ct Strip Size N A Capacity 465 8 GB Create Volume will be selectable Then users can select the HDD that you want to belong to the RAID set Please be noticed that selecting a wrong disk will result in losing the original
32. Serial ATA SATA hard drives use the SATA cable that supports the Serial ATA protocol This SATA cable comes with a SATA power cable You can connect either end of the SATA cable to the SATA hard drive or the connector on the motherboard Refer to the illustration below for proper installation 1 Attach either cable end to the connector on the motherboard 2 Attach the other cable end to the SATA hard drive 3 Attach the SATA power cable to the SATA hard drive and connect the other end to the power supply For reference only 28 743 A3X USER MANUAL 23 2 4 7 Connecting Case Components After you have installed the motherboard into a case you can begin connecting the motherboard components Refer to the following OO Q Z87H3 A3X he components 1 cura 6 raver meow SAN smp _ 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 24 1 amp 2 CPU_FAN1 2 CPU cooling FAN Power Connectors amp 9 PWR_FAN Power Cooling FAN Power Connector 4 amp 5 amp 8 SYS_FAN1 3 System Cooling FAN Power Connectors Connect the CPU cooling fan cable to CPU_FAN Connect the system cooling fan connector to SYS_FAN Connect the power cooling fan connector to PWR_FAN
33. Supports DDR3 3000 OC 2133 OC 1866 OC 1600 1333 MHz SDRAM Note Please go to ECS website for the latest Memory support list Expansion 2 x PCI Express x16 Gen3 slots Slots 4 x PCI Express x1 Gen2 slots Note The PCIEX16_2 slot supports PCI E Gen 3 0 running at X8 mode and shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16_1 slot If installing two graphic cards into PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2 slots both two slots will run at X8 mode AMDCrossFireX e Supports AMD CrossFirex Technology amp NVIDIA SLI o Supports NVIDIA SLI Technology Technology Storage Supported by Intel Z87 Express Chipset 6 x Serial ATA 6Gb s devices RAID 0 RAID 1 RAID 5 RAID 10 configuration Audio Realtek ALC1150 8 Ch High Definition audio CODEC Compliant with HD audio specification LAN Intel 1217 V Gigabit Lan Rear Panel UO 1 x PS 2 Combo amp USB connectors 1 x D sub VGA port 1 x DVI port 1 x HDMI port 1 x eSATA port 4 x USB 2 0 ports 4 x USB 3 0 ports 1 x RJ45 LAN connector 1 x Audio jacks 1 x line in 4 x line out 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Internal I O Connectors amp Headers 1 x 24 pin ATX Power Supply connector 1 x 8 pin ATX 12V Power connector 2 x 4 pin CPU_FAN connector 2 x 4 pin SYS_FAN connectors 1 x 3 pin SYS_FAN connector 1 x 3 pin PWR_FAN connector 2 x USB 2 0 headers support additional four USB 2 0 ports Gray header supports EZ charger
34. Technology Support Chapter 7 Describes Intel Rapid gt page 81 Intel Rapid Storage Technology Storage Technology RAID RAID Configuration Configuration Chapter 8 Provides basic trouble gt page 87 Trouble Shooting shooting tips Z JH3 A3X USER MANUAL ili Memo Z 7H3 A3X USER MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface i Chapter 1 1 Introducing the Motherboard 1 ig gel Ile le LE 1 Pakage COnBtents o apasun pihi k Specifications Motherboard Components Meel 6 Chapter 2 Installing the Motherboard SafetyPPreca ti nS Installing the Motherboard in a Chassis Checking 1 7082911183 u s sua susu asian den 8 Installing Hardware 9 Installing the Processor u uu u u S Qassaismiaqu 9 Installing the CPU Cooler ada Installing Memory Modules a12 Installing Add on Cards z414 Connecting Optional DewiIces uu u u sinisa 16 Installing a SATA Hard Drive 23 Connecting Case Components u Uu n aaa aa 24 Front Panel HGR 2 aaaiqhasdqhuasqsshassaasq 27 Chapter 3 29 Using BIOS 29 About the Setup Utility 29 The Standard Configuration 29 Entering the Setup Uilitv 29 Resetting the Default CMOS Values 30 USING BIOS os u a a ansa ees 30 BIOS Navigation Keys 31 Main Me EE 3
35. Verslun 2 00 0011 Z87H3 A3X Autosetup Program Mainboard ID Auto Setup Package The following screens are examples only The screens and driver lists will be different according to the motherboard you are installing The motherboard identification is located in the upper left hand corner 28 743 A3X USER MANUAL 69 70 2 Click Next The following screen appears Auto Setup Package software Version 2 00 0009 Select Features Choose the features Setup will instal Select the features you want to install clear the features you do not want to install 36961 K Description Intel R Chipset Software Installation Utity Version 6 0 0 1011 Release Date 2004 05 28 Space Required on C 40785K Space Available on C 29063888K 3 Check the box next to the items you want to install The default options are recommended 4 Click Next to run the Installation Wizard An item installation screen appears Welcome to the InstallShield R Wizard for Intel R Chipset Software Installation Utility Welcome to the Intel Chipset Software Installation tity This utility will enable Plug amp Play INF support for IntelR chipset components es zs 5 Follow the instructions on the screen to install the items Drivers and software are automatically installed in sequence Follow the onscreen instructions confirm commands and allow the computer to restart a few times to complete the inst
36. allation Windows 8 will show the following screen after system restart you must select Desktop in the bottom left to install the next driver m e Calendar EE 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL Windows 7 8 will appear below UAC User Account Control message after the system restart You must select Yes to install the next driver Continue this process to complete the drivers installation Program name ChPrio exe Publisher Unknown File origin CD DVD drive v Show details Manual Installation If the auto install DVD ROM does not work on your system you can still install drivers through the file manager for your OS for example Windows Explorer Look for the chipset and motherboard model and then browse to the directory and path to begin installing the drivers Most drivers have a setup program SETUP EXE that automatically detects your operating system before installation Other drivers have the setup program located in the operating system subfolder If the driver you want to install does not have a setup program browse to the oper ating system subfolder and locate the readme text file README TXT or README DOC for information on installing the driver or software for your operating system ECS Utility Software Intelligent EZ Utility ECS Intelligent EZ Utility provides friendly interfaces under Windows O S which makes your computing more easily and conveniently These software s are subject to change
37. at anytime without prior notice Please refer to the support disk for available software 28 743 A3X USER MANUAL eSF eSF Smart Fan utility provides easy and safe way to adjust fan speed in accordance with your PC s system loading and temperature It has five modes to adjust fan speed in a safe range without entering the BIOS to optimize your system cooling environment X noma enen Tenperetue Ei evaa Sere Ley Microsoft NET Framework 3 5 is required eDLU ECS eDLU utility makes updating drivers fast and easy eDLU saves time and hassle by listing all the latest drivers online Just select the one you prefer and start to download and install the drivers eBLU ECS eBLU utility makes BIOS update faster and easier eBLU will list the latest BIOS with a default check mark Click install button to install a ES ELITEGROUP System Information Operating System Windows XO Recommended Updates Current Verson Online Version Seel Update A Microsoft NET Framework 3 5 is required Z M3 A3XUSER MANUAL eOC ECS eOC Utility is a simple over clocking tool that provides user friendly windows operation interface for novices and over clockers Combining with ECS MIB X technology eOC challenges the undiscovered over clocking capability than ever before Monitor Easy Tuning Advance Tuning GG Ln Microsoft NET Fram
38. ay cause failure to boot and sometimes permanent damage from short circuit 5 Check the 12V power connector is connected to the motherboard 6 Check that the 12V power amp ATX connectors are fully inserted into the motherboard connectors Make sure the latches of the cable and connector are locked into place b Power is on fans are running but there is no display 1 Make sure the monitor is turned on and the monitor cable is properly connected to the PC 2 Check the VGA adapter card if applicable is inserted properly 3 Listen for beep sounds If you are using internal PC speaker make sure it is connected a continuous 3 short beeps memory not detected b 1 long beep and 8 short beeps VGA not detected c The PC suddenly shuts down while booting up 1 The CPU may experience overheating so it will shutdown to protect itself Apply the thermal grease onto the CPU heatsink amp ensure the CPU fan is well connected with the CPU heatsink Check if the CPU fan is working properly while the system is running Z 7H3 A3X USER MANUAL 2 From the BIOS setting try to disable the Smartfan function to let the fan run at default speed Doing a Load Optimised Default will also disable the Smartfan Start up problems after prolong use After a prolong period of use your PC may experience start up problems again This may be caused by breakdown of devices connected to the motherboard such as HDD CPU fan etc The following
39. charger technology please refer to Front Panel USB 2 0 headers of chapter 2 for more details The motherboard is equipped with advanced full set of I O ports in the rear panel including PS 2 Combo amp USB connectors one VGA port one DVI port one HDMI port one eSATA one RJ45 LAN connector four USB 2 0 ports four USB 3 0 ports one optical SPDIF Out and audio jacks for line in 8 ch line out In addition this motherboard supports six SATA 6Gb s for expansion The PCIEX16_2 slot supports PCI E Gen 3 0 running at X8 mode and shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16_1 slot 1 f installing two graphic cards into PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2 slots both two slots will run at X8 mode The gray SATA3_6 connector will become unavailable when eSATA connector is used Package Contents Your motherboard package ships with the following items Z87H3 A3X Motherboard Quick Installation Guide User Manual DVD UO Shield 2 SATA 6G cable UUUUUU The package contents above are for reference only please take the actual package items as Ley standard Z 743 A3X USER MANUAL Specifications CPU LGA1150 socket for Intel Am Generation Core Family processors Supports CPU up to 84W TDP up to 125W Note Please go to ECS website for the latest CPU support list Chipset Intel 7 87 Chipset Memory Dual channel DDR3 memory architecture 4 x 240 pin DDR3 DIMM sockets support up to 32 GB e
40. data of the HDD Name Volumen RAID Level RAIDO Stripe Disks Select Disks Strip St Capacity 931 5 GB Create Volume 3 Key in the RAID volume capacity Use the up down arrow to choose the Capacity The default value indicates the maximum capacity using the selected disks Entering a lower capacity allows you to create a second volume on these disks When more than two HDDs are installed in your computer the Disks item Name Volumen AID Level RAIDO Stripe isks Select Disks Strip Size 128KB 8 2 1 001 56 Create Volume 28 743 A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 7 4 When done press lt Enter gt to confirm the creation of the RAID set A dialogue box appears to confirm the action Press lt Y gt to confirm otherwise press lt N gt Intel R Matrix Storage Manager option ROM 11 0 0 1204 Copyright C Intel Corporation All ae Reserved Name Volume0 RAID Level RAIDO Stripe Disks Select Disks Strip Size 128KB Capacity 931 5 GB WARNING ALL DATA ON SELECTED DISKS WILL BE LOST Press ENTER to create the specified volume tj Change TAB Next ESC Previous Menu ENTER Select Pressing lt Y gt deletes all the data in the HDDs 5 The following screen appears displaying the relevant information about the RAID set you created 1 RAID Volumes ID Name Level Strip Size Status Bootable AID0 Strir Physical Disks Port Drive Model Serial Type Status Vol ID access and R
41. dware health events such as CPU amp DIMM voltage CPU amp System fan speed etc CPU Temperature DTS System Temperature CPU Fan 1 Speed CPU Fan 2 Speed System Fan 1 Speed System Fan 2 Speed System Fan 3 Speed Processor Input Voltage DIMM Voltage 12V 5V 3 3V PCH Core Voltage Press lt Esc gt to return to the Advanced Menu page 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 36 gt gt Power Management Setup This page sets up some parameters for system power management operation a Main Advanced Chipset M I B X Boot Power Management Setup About Resume by Ring Disabled Resume By PME Disabled Wake on LAN Disabled a Eesen beste By SE Ge a t Click Select Item esume By Enter Dbl Click Sel Resume By PS2 MS Disabled GENEE e Resume By RTC Alarm Disabled F1 General Help EUP Function Enabled F2 Previous Values Power LED Type Dual Color LED F3 Optimized Defaults F4 Save amp Exit F9 Capture Screen ESC Right Click Exit Resume By RING Disabled An input signal on the serial Ring Indicator RI line in other words an incoming call on the modem awakens the system from a soft off state Resume By PME Disabled The system can be turned off with a software command If you enable this item the system can automatically resume if there is an incoming call on the PCI PCI E Modem or PCI PCI E LAN card You must use an ATX power supply in order to use this feature Use t
42. e Catalyst Control Center Dialog Box To enable CrossFireX Install AMD graphic card driver Enter the Catalyst Control Center Dialog Box check the Enable CrossFirex item Click Apply button Catalyst Control Center AMD CrossFirexX gt Pinned AMD CrossFireX enables multiple graphics processors to work together for improved graphics quality and AMD Home performance gt Presets gt Desktop Choose to enable AMD CrossFireX for added graphics performance Management Common Display v Tasks 1 Ve K 1 Enable AMD CrossFireX gt My VGADisplays Enable AMD CrogeifeX for applications that have no associated application profile Vide ued Disable AMD CrossFireX gt Gaming e gt Performance OH gt Information 6 1 Discard 7 7B7H3 A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 6 NVIDIA Hybrid SLI Technology Support This motherboard supports the NVIDIA SU Technology that allows you to install multi graphics processing units GPU graphics cards Please follow the installation procedures in this section Requirements 1 Two identical SU ready graphic cards are needed for the setup of 2 way SLI configuration 2 Make sure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SU technology 3 Make sure that your power supply unit PSU can provide at least the minimum power required by your system Installing your NVIDIA SLI Ready Components 1 Install b
43. emory Profiles which impacts Memory RC Version 1 4 0 3 memory sizing behavior Memory Frequency 1067 Mhz Total Memory 1024 MB DDR3 Automatic Memory Frequency Timing Default Current Target tCL 7 tRCD 7 tRP ie tRAS 20 NMode 1 tWR 8 tRFC tRRD tWTR tRTP tCWL tREFI tFAW tWRPRE tCPDED tPRPDEN OdtReadDelay tCKE tCCD tWPRE tRPRE tRDRD tRDRD_dr elect Screen 11 Click Select Item Enter Dbl Click Select Change Opt F1 General Help F2 Previous Values F3 Optimized Defaults F4 Save amp Exit F9 Capture Screen ESC Right Click Exit 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 57 002 58 Enabled Enabled Enabled Enabled Enabled Enabled Enabed Enabled Enabled BIOS Refresh 2x Support 1 Memory RC Version 1 4 0 3 This item shows the information of the memory RC version Memory Frequency 1067 MHz This item shows the information of the memory frequency Total Memory 1024 MB DDR3 This item shows the information of the total memory Memory Profiles Automatic This item enables you to set the memory profiles The selection of memory profiles impacts memory sizing behavior Memory Frequency 1067 This item shows the memory frequency Enh Interleave Support Enabled This item allows you to enable or disable the Enh Interleave support RI Support Enabled This item allows you to enable or disable the Rank
44. ers with both right amp left channels individually Users please refer to the following note for specific port function definition A Center amp Woofer D Front Out B Back Surround E Mic_in Rear Ley The above port definition can be changed to audio input or audio output by changing the driver utility setting 10 Optical SPDIF Output This jack connects to external optical digital audio output devices Z 7H3 A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 2 Installing the Motherboard 2 1 Safety Precautions Follow these safety precautions when installing the motherboard Wear a grounding strap attached to a grounded device to avoid damage from static electricity Discharge static electricity by touching the metal case of a safely grounded object before working on the motherboard Leave components in the static proof bags Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the power outlet before installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware components 2 2 Installing the motherboard in a Chassis This motherboard carries an ATX form factor of 305 x 220 mm Choose a chassis that accommodates this form factor Make sure that the I O template in the chassis matches the I O ports installed on the rear edge of the motherboard Most system chassis have mounting brackets installed in the chassis which corresponds to the holes in the motherboard Place the motherboard over the mounting brackets and
45. ework 3 5 is required Z 743 A3X USER MANUAL Memo 2 MANUAL 74 Chapter 5 AMD CrossFireX Technology Support This motherboard supports the AMD CrossFirex Technology that allows you to in stall multi graphics processing units GPU graphics cards Follow the installation procedures in this section Requirements 1 Two identical CrossFirexX ready graphic cards are needed for the setup of 2 way CrossFireX configuration 2 You would need one Crossfirex bridge cable 3 Make sure that your graphics card driver supports the AMD CrossFirexX technology Download the latest driver from the AMD website www amd com 4 Make sure that your power supply unit PSU can provide at least the mini mum power required by your system Installing CrossFireX graphics cards 1 Insert the CrossFireX graphics cards into the PCIEX16_1 PCIEX16_2 slots Make sure that the card is properly seated on the slot 2 Connect the cable from your monitors to the CrossFireX ready graphics card installed on the PCIEX16_1 slot Monitor Cable For reference only 3 Connect an auxiliary power source from the power supply to the graphics cards the PCIEX16_1 slot If installing two graphic cards into PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2 slots both two slots will run at X8 mode The PCIEX16_2 slot supports PCI E Gen 3 0 running at X8 mode and shares bandwidth with 28 743 A3X USER MANUAL Th
46. g the Default CMOS Values When powering on for the first time the POST screen may show a CMOS Settings Wrong message This standard message will appear following a clear CMOS data at factory by the manufacturer You simply need to Load Default Settings to reset the default CMOS values Note Changes to system hardware such as different CPU memories etc may also trigger this message American Megatrends 20 t C 2010 American Megatrends Inc to enter BBS POPUP 2 gt to enter setup CMOS Setting Using BIOS When you start the Setup Utility the main menu appears The main menu of the Setup Utility displays a list of the options that are available A highlight indicates which option is currently selected Use the cursor arrow keys to move the highlight to other options When an option is highlighted execute the option by pressing lt Enter gt Some options lead to pop up dialog boxes that prompt you to verify that you wish to execute that option Other options lead to dialog boxes that prompt you for informa tion Some options marked with an icon gt gt lead to submenus that enable you to change the values for the option Use the cursor arrow keys to scroll through the items in the submenu Z 743 A3X USER MANUAL In this manual default values are enclosed in parenthesis Submenu items are denoted by an icon gt gt The default BIOS setting for this motherboard apply for most conditions with optimum perfo
47. he Advanced Menu page 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 43 deu 44 gt gt Super IO Configuration Use this item to show the information of Super IO configuration D Ky GAMING A gt gt Serial Port 0 Configuration gt Super IO Chip IT8728 This item shows the information of the super IO chip gt gt Serial Port 0 Configuration Scroll to this item and press lt Enter gt to view the following screen ALS GAMING 1 a Serial Port Enabled Auto Serial Port Enabled This item allows you to enable or disable serial port Device Settings IO 3F8h IRQ 4 This item shows the information of the device settings Change Settings Auto Use this item to change device settings Press lt Esc gt to return to the Super IO Configuration page gt gt Parallel Port Configuration Scroll to this item and press lt Enter gt to view the following screen MING a EI Main Advanced Chipset M I B X Boot Parallel Port Configuration Enabled or Disabled Parallel Port LPT LPTE Enabled Device Settings 10 378h IRQ 5 DMA 3 Change Settings Select Screen Device Mode 11 Click Select Item Enter Dbl Click Select Change Opt F1 General Help F2 Previous Values F3 Optimized Defaults F4 Save amp Exit F9 Capture Screen ESC Right Click Exit Parallel Port Enabled This item allows you to enable or disable parallel po
48. his item to do wake up action if inserting the PCI PCI E card Wake on LAN Disabled Use this item to enable or disable integrated LAN to wake the system The Wake on LAN cannot be disabled if ME is on at Sx state If disabled resume by USB S3 will not be available Resume By USB Disabled This item allows you to enable or disable the USB device wakeup function from 3 mode Resume By PS2 KB Disabled This item enables or disables you to allow keyboard activity to awaken the system from power saving mode Resume By PS2 MS Disabled This item enables or disables you to allow mouse activity to awaken the system from power saving mode Resume By RTC Alarm Disabled The system can be turned off with a software command If you enable this item the system can automatically resume at a fixed time based on the system s RTC realtimeclock Use the items below this one to set the date and time of the wake up alarm You must use an ATX power supply in order to use this feature 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 37 EUP Function Enabled This item allows user to enable or disable EUP support Power LED Type Dual Color LED This item shows the type of the Power LED Press lt Esc gt to return to the Advanced Menu page gt gt ACPI Settings The item in the menu shows the highest ACPI sleep state when the system enters suspend 4 Gil Main Advanced Chipset M I B X Boot Security ACPI Settings Select ACPI sleep
49. me will reset the disks to non RAID ALL DISK DATA WILL BE DELETED Chapter 7 ty Select ESC Previous Menu DEL Delete Volume Pressing lt Y gt deletes all the data in the HDDs 28 743 A3X USER MANUAL 86 Resetting disks to Non RAID An HDD that has been previously configured as part of another RAID set A in another platform is called a broken RAID HDD When you installa broken RAID HDD you cannot select this disk when configuring a RAID set through the Intel Matrix Storage Manager option If you still want to use this broken RAID HDD as part of the RAID set configured through the Intel Matrix Storage Manager you may do so by resetting the disk to Non RAID You will however lose all data and previous RAID configurations To reset disks to Non RAID 1 In the main Intel Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu highlight Reset Disks to Non RAID using the up down arrow key then press lt Enter gt 1 Create RAID Volume 4 Recovery Volume Options 2 Delete RAID Volume 5 Acceleration Options 3 Reset Disks to Non RAID 6 Exit Pressing lt Y gt deletes all the data in the HDDs 2 Use the space bar to select the HDD to reset to Non RAID 3 A dialogue box appears to confirm the action Press lt Y gt to confirm otherwise press lt N gt Exiting Setup When you have finished highlight Exit using the up down arrow key then press lt Enter gt to exit the Intel Matrix Storage Manager RAID
50. mory DVMT Memory 256M When set to Fixed Mode the graphics driver will reserve a fixed position of the system memory as graphics memory according to system and graphics requirements IGD Multi Monitor Disabled This item allows you to enable or disable the IGD Multi Monitor Chapter 3 47 CPU SA Audio Device Enabled This item allows you to enable or disable the CPU SA Audio device Press lt Esc gt to return to the Chipset Menu page Multi Monitor technology Multi Monitor technology can help you to increase the area available for programs running on a single computer system through using multiple display devices It is not only to increase larger screen viewing but aslo to improving personal pro ductivity Intel Integrated Graphics PCI Express Graphics SIGS Please note that Multi Monitor technology supports up to four monitors 0 2 one or two Intel integrated Graphics and one or two PCI Express graphics devices under Windows 7 8 Step 1 Insert ECS drives DVD to run Auto setup or browse the DVD to install Intel chipset drivers VGA and sound drivers If you want know the detail information please refer to chapter 4 Let Mainboard Setup Utility fl Utilities Information ESS ELITEGROUP L337 GAMING Mainboard Z87H3 A3X BIOS Version 08 23 13 Driver CD Version DYD 4 31 _ Z MANUAL
51. ned back on the system is configured with the values you stored in CMOS The BIOS Setup Utility enables you to configure Hard drives diskette drives and peripherals Video display type and display options Password protection from unauthorized use Power Management features The settings made in the Setup Utility affect how the computer performs Before using the Setup Utility ensure that you understand the Setup Utility options This chapter provides explanations for Setup Utility options The Standard Configuration A standard configuration has already been set in the Setup Utility However we rec ommend that you read this chapter in case you need to make any changes in the future This Setup Utility should be used when changing the system configuration when a configuration error is detected and you are prompted to make changes to the Setup Utility when trying to resolve IRQ conflicts when making changes to the Power Management configuration when changing the password or making other changes to the Security Setup Entering the Setup Utility When you power on the system BIOS enters the Power On Self Test POST routines POST is a series of built in diagnostics performed by the BIOS After the POST routines are completed the following message appears Press DEL to enter SETUP 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 29 Jade 30 Press the delete key to access BIOS Setup Utility Resettin
52. ned by the kind of processor you have installed in your system gt gt CPU OverClocking Configuration Enabled gt CPU OverClocking Configuration Scroll to this item to view the following screen Sa SN GAMING Package Current Lock Disabled Enabled Enabled Max Non Turbo Perfor Disabled 8 Enabled Enabled 100 00 CPU Ratio 29 This item allows you to control non turbo CPU ratio Package Current Lock Disabled This item allows you to enable or disable the package current lock IA Core Current Maximum This item allows you to set IA Core Current Max Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology Enabled This item allows users to enable or disable the EIST Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology Turbo Mode Enabled This item allows you to control the Intel Turbo Boost Technology Runtime Turbo Enable Disabled This item shows if CPU support runtime turbo or not Boot Performance mode Max Non Turbo Perfor Use this item to select the performance state that the BIOS will set before OS handoff Package TDP Lock Enable Disabled This item allows you to enable or disable the package TDP lock Long Duration Power Limit Override Maximum Intel R Turbo Boost Technology will use this power limit during the long duration power limit time window Power Limit 1 Time Second 8 This item allows yo
53. nel has two memory sockets as following Channel A DDR3_1 DDR3_2 Channel B DDR3_3 DDR3_4 28 M3 A3XUSER MANUAL Recommend memory configuration Sockets Model DDR3_1 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_4 1 DIMM Populated 1DIMM S ia S Populated 2 DIMMs g Populated 8 Populated 3 DIMMs Populated Populated Populated 3 DIMMs Populated Populated Populated 4DIMMs Populated Populated Populated Populated Due to Intel CPU spec definition please follow the recommended memory configuration table above for 1 For best performance and compatibility we recommend that users give priority to the DIMMs DDR3_2 DDR3_4 when installing DIMMs 2 We suggest users not to mix memory type It is recommended to use the same brand and type memory on this motherboard 28 743 A3X USER MANUAL 2 4 4 Installing Add on Cards The slots on this motherboard are designed to hold expansion cards and connect them to the system bus Expansion slots are a means of adding or enhancing the motherboard s features and capabilities With these efficient facilities you can increase the motherboard s capabilities by adding hardware that performs tasks that are not part of the basic system PCIE1 4 Slots PCIEX16_1 2 Slot 111 91 11111111111 1 PCIE
54. ocket The following illustration shows how to install CPU fan A Apply some thermal grease onto the contacted area between the heatsink and the CPU and make it to be a thin layer B Fasten the cooling fan supporting base onto the CPU socket on the motherboard And make sure the CPU fan is plugged to the CPU fan connector 28 743 A3X USER MANUAL 2 4 3 Installing Memory Modules This motherboard accommodates four memory modules It can support four 240 pin DDR3 3000 OC 2133 OC 1866 OC 1600 1333 MHz Do not remove any memory module from its antistatic packaging until you are ready to install it on the motherboard Handle the modules only by their edges Do not touch the components or metal parts Always wear a grounding strap when you handle the modules You must install at least one module in any of the four slots Total memory capacity is 32 GB Refer to the following to install the memory modules A Push the latches on each side of the DIMM slot down B Install the DIMM module into the slot and press it firmly down until it seats correctly Check that the cutouts on the DIMM module edge connector match the notches in the DIMM slot C The slot latches are levered upwards and latch on to the edges of the DIMM i Doms S on The four DDR3 memory sockets DDR3_1 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 and DDR3_4 are divided into two channels and each chan
55. oth of the NVIDIA SLI Ready graphics cards For 2 way configuration install two graphic cards on PCIEX16_1 amp PCIEX16_2 and connect them with one SLI bridge For reference only The PCIEX16_2 slot supports PCI E Gen 3 0 running at X8 mode and shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16_1 slot If installing two graphic cards into PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2 slots both two slots will run at X8 mode Z 7H3 A3X USER MANUAL 2 Connect the cable from your monitors to the SLI Ready graphics card installed on the PCIEX16_1 slot Monitor Cable For reference only Once the new NVIDIA SLI certified components have been installed in the system they will be recognized by the operating system upon Windows boot up A Found New Hardware message will be displayed i Found New Hardware x Your new hardware is installed and ready to use Z 7H3 A3X USER MANUAL Enabling NVIDIA SLI 1 Click on the SLI capable system message to open the following window gs Set SLI Configuration gories Setting Your graphics cards feature NVIDIA SLI technology for signilicant enprovements in rendering peifoeman Select the SLI configuration for your system O Do not use SLI technology Enable SLI technology recommended Description All NVIDIA GPUs work together with SLI technology to increase the rendering performance of your 3D applications Typical usage scenarios ePlaying 3D games eUsing any applica
56. pporting the reset function requires connecting pin 5 and 7 to a momentary con tact switch that is normally open When the switch is closed the board resets and runs POST Power Switch Supporting the power on off function requires connecting pins 6 and 8 to a momen tary contact switch that is normally open The switch should maintain contact for at least 50 ms to signal the power supply to switch on or off The time requirement is due to internal de bounce circuitry After receiving a power on off signal at least two seconds elapses before the power supply recognizes another on off signal This concludes Chapter 2 The next chapter covers the BIOS 28 743 A3X USER MANUAL 27 28 7 SPK Speaker header Connect the case speaker cable to SPK SPK 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL VCC Signal Chapter 3 Using BIOS About the Setup Utility The computer uses the latest American Megatrends Inc BIOS with support for Windows Plug and Play The CMOS chip on the motherboard contains the ROM setup instructions for configuring the motherboard BIOS The BIOS Basic Input and Output System Setup Utility displays the system s con figuration status and provides you with options to set system parameters The pa rameters are stored in battery backed up CMOS RAM that saves this information when the power is turned off When the system is tur
57. ptimized Defaults F4 Save amp Exit F9 Capture Screen ESC Right Click Exit Restore AC Power Loss Power Off This item enables your computer to automatically restart or return to its operating status Azalia HD Audio Enabled This item enables or disables Azalia HD audio Case Open Warning Disabled This item enables or disables the warning if the case is opened up and the item below indicates the current status of the case Chassis Opened No This item indicates whether the case has been opened Press lt Esc gt to return to the Chipset Menu page 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 52 gt gt ME Configuration Scroll to this item and press lt Enter gt to view the following screen ail Advanced Chipset M I B X Boot Management Engine Technology Configuration Enabled ME FW Version 9 0 10 1372 Select Screen tl Click Select Item Enter Dbl Click Select Change Opt F1 General Help F2 Previous Values F3 Optimized Defaults F4 Save amp Exit F9 Capture Screen ESC Right Click Exit ME Control Enabled Use this item to enable or disable the ME Firmware ME FW Version 9 0 10 1372 This item shows the ME FW version Press lt Esc gt to return to the Chipset Menu page 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 53 deu 54 M I B X MB Intelligent BIOS X Menu This page enables you to set the clock speed and system bus for your system The clock speed and system bus are determi
58. r dy 1 The SATA3_6 connector will become unavailable when eSATA connector is used The PCIEX16_2 slot supports PCI E Gen 3 0 running at X8 mode and shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16_1 slot If installing two graphic cards into PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2 slots both two slots will run at X8 mode Z 743 A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 1 1 PS 2 Combo port Use the PS 2 combo port to connect the PS 2 Keyboard or PS 2 Mouse 2 USB 2 0 Ports Use the USB 2 0 ports to connect USB 2 0 devices 3 VGA Port Connect your monitor to the VGA port 4 DVI Port You can connect the display device to the DVI port 5 eSATA Port Use this port to connect to external SATA box or Serial ATA port multiplier 6 HDMI Port You can connect the display device to the HDMI port 7 USB 3 0 Ports Use the USB 3 0 ports to connect USB 3 0 devices 8 LAN Port Connect an RJ 45 jack to the LAN port to connect your computer to the Network Activity LED Link LED tan uo status Description e Activity LED odata Orange blinking orr _ Nolink Link LED LAN Port 9 Audio ports Use the audio jacks to connect audio devices The C port is for stereo line in signal while the E port is for microphone in signal This motherboard supports audio devices that correspond to the A B and D port respectively In addition all of the 3 ports B and D provide us
59. r details a dh D Ail Main Advanced Chipset M I B X Boot SATA Configuration Determines how SATA controller s operate AHCI Mode SATA Port Not Present Spin Up Device External SATA SATA Port2 Not Present Spin Up Device External SATA SATA Port3 Not Present Spin Up Device External SATA SATA Port4 Not Present Spin Up Device Select Screen External SATA t Click Select Item Enter Dbl Click Select SATA Port5 Change Opt Not Present F1 General Help Spin Up Device F2 Previous Values External SATA F3 Optimized Defaults F4 Save amp Exit SATA Port6 F9 Capture Screen Not Present ESC Right Click Exit Spin Up Device External SATA 3 Enter the Intel Matrix Storage Manager option to set up your RAID configuration 4 Create an Intel Matrix Storage Manager driver disk for Windows OS in stallation See section Creating a RAID driver disk for details 5 Install the Intel Matrix Storage Manager driver after the Windows OS had been installed Entering Intel Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS utility 1 During POST press lt Ctrl I gt to enter the Intel Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu Intel R Matrix Storage Manager option ROM 11 0 0 1204 Copyright C 2003 07 Intel Corporation All Rights Reserved RAID Volumes None defined Physical Disks Port Drive Model Serial Size Type Status Vol ID 4 Maxtor 7H500F0 H81D3FLH 465 8GB 5 ST3500320A
60. r the Control Panel menu select the Display in the All Control Panel Items and click the Screen Resolution then appears the following screen Show the path of the setting location Display devices X Search Control Panel lt Control Panel gt All Control Panel Items gt Display Screen Resolution Change the apprearance of your displays Detect Identify Display Resolution 1920x1200 recommended Orientation Landscape Multiple displays C Extend desktop to this display This is currently your main display Advance settings Make text and other items larger or smaller What display settings should choose Cancel Apply The type of the display Set the multiple displays 2 Select display devices set the multiple displays option and to extend destop for display Multi Monitor technology LE x Control Panel All Control Panel Items Display Screen Resolution Search Control Panel Change the apprearance of your displays E OGS Display 3 DELL U2410 v Resolution 1920x 1200 recommended y Orientation Landscape S Multiple displays Disconnect this display D Extend desktop to this display Z You must select Disconnect this display anges Make this my main qispiay Advance settings Make text and other items larger or smaller What display settings should choose OK Cancel Apply 28 M3 A3XUSER MANUAL xX Search
61. ref ChVrefCA ChReadVref 0 780 V 0 756 V 0 756 V 0 756 V Auto Auto Auto CPU Adaptive Voltage Target mV CPU Voltage Mode Adaptive gard D CPU Voltage Offset mV Offset Preflx RING Cache Adaptive Voltage Target mV RING Cache Voltage Mode RING Cache Voltage Offset mV Adaptive Offset Prefix SVID Control Enable Enabled SVID Override Voltage Target mV Enabled Enabled FIVR Faults Enable FIVR Efficiency Enable GT Adaptive Voltage Target mV GT Voltage Mode Adaptive GT Voltage Offset mV Offset Prefix Select Screen 11 Click Select Item Enter Dbl Click Select Change Opt F1 General Help F2 Previous Values F3 Optimized Defaults F4 Save amp Exit F9 Capture Screen ESC Right Click Exit UNCORE Voltage Offset mV Offset Prefix IOA Voltage Offset mV Offset Prefix IOD Voltage Offset mV Offset Prefix PCH Core Voltage 1 044 V Auto This item allows you to adjust the PCH voltage DIMM Voltage 1 512 V Auto This item allows you to adjust the DIMM voltage Processor Input Voltage Auto This item allows you to adjust the processor input voltage Vdroop Enabled Use this item to enable or disable the Vdroop ChOWriteVref 0 780 V Auto This item allows you to adjust the ChOWriteVref from 0 to 108 and the default is 54 1 step is 4mV 27 B A3XUSER MANUAL Ch1WriteVref 0 756 V Auto This item allows you to adjust the Ch1WriteVref from 0 to
62. rmance We do not suggest users change the default values in the BIOS setup and take no responsibility to any damage caused by changing the BIOS settings BIOS Navigation Keys The BIOS navigation keys are listed below KEY FUNCTION ESC Exits the current menu to Scrolls through the items on a menu Change Opt Enter Select F1 General Help F2 Previous Value F3 Optimized Defaults F4 Save amp Exit 1 For the purpose of better product maintenance the manufacture reserves the right to change the BIOS items presented in this manual The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference only and may differ from the actual BIOS Please visit the manufacture s website for updated manual 2 In this Gui BIOS you can operate by mouse or keyboard Click select item Double click enter Right click exit Language Select the language icon and press lt Enter gt or double click the left key of the mouse to display the screen Then you can choose the language English Traditional Chinese Simple Chinese Russian Korean German Spanish Italian Portuguese Japanese Default Select the default icon and press lt Enter gt or double click the left key of the mouse to display the screen Then you can load optimized defaults or not Boot Select the boot icon and press lt Enter gt or double click the left key of the mouse to display the screen Then you can choose the boot device
63. rn to the M I B X Menu page 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 61 62 Spread Spectrum Enabled If you enable spread spectrum it can significantly reduce the EMI Electro Magnetic Interference generated by the system Intel R Core TM i5 4570S CPU 2 90GHz This is display only field and displays the information of the CPU installed in your computer Processor Speed 2900 MHz This item shows the CPU speed Memory Frequency 1067 MHz This item shows the memory frequency Total Memory 1024 MB DDR3 This item shows the total memory Warning Over clocking components can adversely affect the reliability of the system and introduce errors into your system Over clocking can permanently damage the motherboard by generating excess heat in components that are run beyond the rated limits Fail Safe Procedures for Over clocking When end users encounter failure after attempting over clocking please take the following steps to recover from it 1 Shut down the computer 2 Press and hold the Page Up Key PgUp of the keyboard and then boot the PC up 3 Two seconds after the PC boots up release the Page Up Key PgUp 4 The BIOS returns to the default setting by itself 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL Boot Menu This page enables you to set the keyboard NumLock state w GAMING Operation System Select do or other O Disabled Enabled Disabled
64. rt Device Settings lIO 378h IRQ 5 DMA 3 This item shows the information of the device settings Change Settings Auto Use this item to change device settings Device Mode ECP Mode This item shows the information of the device mode Press lt Esc gt to return to the Super IO Configuration page 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 45 gt Intel R Rapid Start Technology Use this item to show the information of Intel R Rapid Start Technology E deu Intel R Rapid Start Technology Disabled Use this item to enable or disable the Intel R Rapid Start Technology Press lt Esc gt to return to the Advanced Menu page 2 gt Intel R Smart Connect Technology Use this item to show the information of Intel R Smart Connect Technology ALI SN GAMING ISCT Support ISCT Support Disabled Use this item to enable or disable ISCT support Press lt Esc gt to return to the Advanced Menu page 46 Chipset Menu The chipset menu items allow you to change the settings for the North Bridge chipset South Bridge chipset and other system 2 System Agent Configuration 2 gt System Agent Configuration Scroll to this item and press lt Enter gt to view the following screen W GAMING H IGD Memory 256M Enabled IGD Memory 64M This item shows the information of the IGD Internal Graphics Device me
65. s indi cated above A different pin assignment may cause damage or system hang up 4 TPM Trusted Platform Module header Trusted platform module TPM is a published specification detailing a microcontroller that can store secured information and implementations of that specification GND SMBDATA LAD2 LAD1 GND RESERVE1 SERIRQ r GND SMBCLK LPCPD GND VCC3_DUAL RESERVE0 LAD0 VCC3 LAD3 LREST LFRAME TPM_CLK TPM 23 7H3 A3X USER MANUAL 5 CASE Chassis Intrusion Detect Header This detects if the chassis cover has been removed This function needs a chassis equipped with instrusion detection switch and needs to be enabled in BIOS CASE 1 2 1 2 Chassis cover Chassis cover is removed is closed 6 COM Onboard serial port header Connect a serial port extension bracket to this header to add a serial port to your system Serial Input Data Terminal Ready Data Set Ready Clear to Send Ring Indicator Request to Send Ground Serial Output Data Carrier Detect COM 28 743 A3X USER MANUAL 7 LPT Onboard parallel port header This is a header that can be used to connect to the printer scanner or other devices
66. s item to control the number of active processor cores Limit CPUID Maximum Disabled Use this item to enable or disable the maximum CPUID value limit you can enables this item to prevent the system from rebooting when trying to install Windows NT 4 0 Z 743 A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 3 39 40 Execute Disable Bit Enabled This item allows the processor to classify areas in memory by where application code can execute and where it cannot When a malicious worm attempts to insert code in the buffer the processor disables code execution preventing damage or worm propagation Replacing older computers with Execute Disable Bit enabled systems can halt worm attacks reducing the need for virus related repair Intel Virtualization Technology Enabled When disabled a VMM cannot utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by Vandor Pool Technology LakeTiny Feature Enabled Use this item to enable or disable the LakeTiny for C state configuration CPU C3 Report Enabled Use this item to enable or disable CPU C3 ACPI C2 report to OS CPU C6 Report Disabled Use this item to enable or disable CPU C6 ACPI C3 report to OS CPU C7 Report Disabled Use this item to enable or disable CPU C7 report to OS Package C State limit AUTO Use this item to set the package C state limit Enhanced Halt C1E Enabled Use this item to enable the CPU energy saving function when the system is not running
67. s m l aa aan kuyun mD aqa asas nasqa 86 Chapter 8 87 Trouble Shooting 87 Start up problems during assembly 87 Start up problems after prolong use 88 Maintenance and Care Ups 88 Basic Troubleshooting Flowchart a 89 Z 743 A3X USER MANUAL Chapter 1 Introducing the Motherboard Introduction Thank you for choosing the Z87H3 A3X motherboard This motherboard is a high performance enhanced function motherboard designed to support the LGA1150 socket for Intel A Generation Core Family processors This motherboard is based on Intel Z87 Express Chipset for best desktop platform solution It supports up to 32 GBof system memory with dual channel DDR3 3000 OC 2133 OC 1866 OC 1600 1333 MHz High resolution graphics via two PCle x16 Gen3 slots It supports 2 way NVIDIA SLI and 2 way AMD CrossfirexX technology that allows you to install Multi graphic cards with identical GPU running at PCle Gen3 speed In addition four PCI Express x1 Gen2 slots are for extending usage It integrates USB 2 0 and USB 3 0 interface supporting up to eight USB 2 0 ports four USB 2 0 ports at rear panel and two USB 2 0 headers support additional four USB 2 0 ports and six USB 3 0 ports four USB 3 0 ports at the rear panel and one USB 3 0 header supports additional two USB 3 0 ports The gray USB 2 0 header provides EZ
68. start automatically This concludes Chapter 3 Refer to the next chapter for information on the software supplied with the motherboard 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 67 Memo 2 MANUAL 68 Chapter 4 Using the Motherboard Software Auto installing under Windows 7 8 The auto install DVD ROM makes it easy for you to install the drivers and software The support software DVD ROM disc loads automatically under Windows 7 8 When you insert the DVD ROM disc in the DVD ROM drive the auto run feature will automatically bring up the installation screen The screen has four buttons on it Setup Utilities Browse CD and Exit Mainboard Setup Utility ol Divers Z Uer Information Information Displays the path for all software and drivers available on the disk gt Click Exit button to Mainboard Z87H3 A3X BIOS Version 08 23 13 close the Auto Setup Driver CD Version DVD 4 31 window d J Browse CD Open Windows Explorer and show the contents of the support disk Click the Setup Click the Utilities button to select and button to select and run the software install ECS Intelligent installation program Utility Running Setup Follow these instructions to install device drivers and software for the motherboard 1 Click Setup The installation program begins Sa Autu Setup Package software
69. this item to show the information of trusted computing configuration m 1 ais a Main Advanced Chipset M I B X Boot Configuration Enables or Disables BIOS Enabled support for security device O S will not show Security Device TCG EFI protocol and INT1A interface will not be available Current Status Information NO Security Device Found Select Screen tl Click Select Item Enter Dbl Click Select Change Opt F1 General Help F2 Previous Values F3 Optimized Defaults F4 Save amp Exit F9 Capture Screen ESC Right Click Exit TPM Support Enabled Use this item to enable or disable the TPM support O S will not show TPM Reset of platform is required Press lt Esc gt to return to the Advanced Menu page Z M3 A3XUSER MANUAL 42 gt gt USB Configuration Use this item to show the information of USB configuration 1 Main Advanced Chipset M I B X Boot USB Configuration USB Support Parameters All USB Devices Enabled Legacy USB Support Enabled Select Screen 1 Click Select Item Enter Dbl Click Select Change Opt F1 General Help F2 Previous Values F3 Optimized Defaults F4 Save amp Exit F9 Capture Screen ESC Right Click Exit All USB Devices Enabled Use this item to enable or disable all USB devices Legacy USB Support Enabled Use this item to enable or disable support for legacy USB devices Press lt Esc gt to return to t
70. tion that renders hardware accelerated Direct 3D or OpenGL content 28 7H3 A3XUSER MANUAL 2 Select the checkbox Enable SLI technology and then click Apply You now have an NVIDIA SLI enabled PC You can also access these settings by opening the NVIDIA Control Panel right click on desktop clicking on 3D Settings shown below and then selecting SetSLI configuration Control Panel Setting of 2 Way SLI fh k ws ep oO e TT Advanced ve Select a Category Video amp Television Setup makay perch tion ma tipe Tot vue rettings ond protas wd vidmo you All in all the NVIDIA SLI technology works This concludes Chapter 6 M ZB7H3 A3XUSER MANUAL Chapter 7 Intel Matrix Storage Manager RAID Configuration The Intel Matrix Storage Manager allows you to configure RAID 0 and 1 sets on the external Serial ATA hard disk drives Before creating a RAID set Prepare the following items 1 One SATA HDD 2 A write enabled floppy disk 3 Microsoft Windows OS installation disk Windows XP 7 8 4 Motherboard support CD with Intel Matrix Storage Manager driver Complete the following steps before you create a RAID set 1 Install the external Serial ATA hard disk drive HDD on your system 2 Set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS from IDE Mode to RAID Mode See section SATA Configuration fo
71. tips may help to revive the PC or identify the cause of failure 1 Clear the CMOS values using the CLR_CMOS jumper Refer to CLR_CMOS jumper in Chapter 2 for Checking Jumper Settings in this user manual When completed follow up with a Load Optimised Default in the BIOS setup 2 Check the CPU cooler fan for dust Long term accumulation of dust will reduce its effectiveness to cool the processor Clean the cooler or replace a new one if necessary 3 Check that the 12V power amp ATX connectors are fully inserted into the motherboard connectors Make sure the latches of the cable and connector are locked into place 4 Remove the hard drive optical drive or DDR memory to determine which of these components may be at fault 5 Check whether there is any bulked up electrolytic capacitor or abnormal component Please logo onto our ECS website http www ecs com tw ECSWebSite Support Technical Support List aspx MenulD 50 amp LanID 0 for more information Maintenance and care tips Your computer like any electrical appliance requires proper care and maintenance Here are some basic PC care tips to help prolong the life of the motherboard and keep it running as best as it can 1 Keep your computer in a well ventilated area Leave some space between the PC and the wall for sufficient airflow 2 Keep your computer in a cool dry place Avoid dusty areas direct sunlight and areas of high moisture content 3 Routinely clean
72. u to set the power limit 1 time Power Limit 2 Switch Enabled This item allows you to enable or disable the power limit 2 switch Short Duration Power Limit Override Maximum Intel R Turbo Boost Technology will use this power limit for a very short duration After that the long duration power limit will be honored 1 2 B A Core Ratio Limit 36 35 33 32 These items show the Core Ratio Limit Value Disable OverClocking Lock Enabled This item allows you to control the OverClocking lock Host Clock Override 1 100 MHz 100 00 This item shows the information of the host clock override Press lt Esc gt to return to the M I B X Menu page 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 55 gt North Bridge Configuration Scroll to this item to view the following screen CH E Advanced Chipset M I B X Boot Intel Graphics Configuration Graphics Core Ratio Limit Select Screen ftl Click Select Item Enter Dbl Click Select Change Opt F1 General Help F2 Previous Values F3 Optimized Defaults F4 Save amp Exit F9 Capture Screen ESC Right Click Exit Graphics Core Ratio Limit 16 This item allows you to control the internal GFX core ratio Press lt Esc gt to return to the M I B X Menu page Z M3 A3XUSER MANUAL 56 gt Memory Configuration Scroll to this item to view the following screen a ail Main Advanced Chipset M I B X Boot Security Memory Information The selection of M
73. ve Changes and Exit Discard Changes and Exit Save Changes and Reset Discard Changes and Reset o Select Screen Save Options Click Select Item Save Changes Enter Dbl Click Select Discard Changes Change Opt F1 General Help Restore Defaults F2 Previous Values Save as User Defaults F3 Optimized Defaults Restore User Defaults F4 Save amp Exit F9 Capture Screen Boot Override ESC Right Click Exit Silicon Power PMAP Back to EZ Mode This item enables you to back to EZ mode Save Changes and Exit This item enables you to exit the system setup after saving the changes Discard Changes and Exit This item enables you to exit system setup without saving any changes Save Changes and Reset This item enables you to reset system setup after saving the changes Discard Changes and Reset This item enables you to reset system setup without saving any changes Save Options This item enables you to save the options that you have made Save Changes This item enables you to save the changes that you have made Discard Changes This item enables you to discard any changes that you have made Restore Defaults This item enables you to restore defaults to all the setup options Save as User Defaults This item enables you to save the changes that you have made as user defaults Restore User Defaults This item enables you to restore the user defaults Boot Override Use this item to select the boot device 2
74. wer cable Connecting 8 pin power cable The ATX12V power connector is used to provide power to the CPU When installing 8 pin power cable the latches of power cable and the ATX12V match perfectly 4 pin power cable Connecting 4 pin power cable The ATX12V power connector is used to provide power to the CPU When installing 4 pin power cable the latches of power cable and the ATX12V A match perfectly ED KE 4 pin power cable 28 743 A3XUSER MANUAL 26 6 F_PANEL Front Panel Header The front panel header F_PANEL provides a standard set of switch and LED headers commonly found on ATX or Micro ATX cases Refer to the table below for information SEET RED MSGLED Power Switch PwRBTN Power Switch Reserved Reset Switch 7 SS SELES a seso F_PANEL Hard Drive Activity LED Connecting pins 1 and 3 to a front panel mounted LED provides visual indication that data is being read from or written to the hard drive For the LED to function properly an IDE drive should be connected to the onboard IDE interface The LED will also show activity for devices connected to the SCSI hard drive activity LED connector Power Sleep Message waiting LED Connecting pins 2 and 4 to a single or dual color front panel mounted LED provides power on off sleep and message waiting indication Reset Switch Su

ECS Z87H3-A3X (V1.0) motherboard

Contents

Download Pdf Manuals

Related Search

Related Contents