Asus GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION User manual

Motherboard
GRYPHON Z97
ARMOR EDITION

ii
E9266
First Edition
May 2014
Copyright©2014 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
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iii
Contents
Safety information...................................................................................................... vi
About this guide........................................................................................................ vii
GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION specifications summary.................................... ix
Package contents..................................................................................................... xiv
Installation tools and components.......................................................................... xv
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.1 Special features..........................................................................................1-1
1.1.1 Product highlights........................................................................ 1-1
1.1.2 “Ultimate COOL” Thermal Solutions ........................................... 1-2
1.1.3 “TUF Engine” Power Design ....................................................... 1-3
1.1.4 “Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel................................................. 1-3
1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY.............................................................................. 1-4
1.1.6 ASUS Exclusive Features........................................................... 1-5
1.1.7 Other special features................................................................. 1-6
1.2 Motherboard overview............................................................................... 1-7
1.2.1 Before you proceed..................................................................... 1-7
1.2.2 Motherboard layout ..................................................................... 1-8
1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................. 1-10
1.2.4 System memory ........................................................................ 1-11
1.2.5 Expansion slots......................................................................... 1-23
1.2.6 Onboard buttons ....................................................................... 1-25
1.2.7 Jumpers ....................................................................................1-27
1.2.8 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................... 1-29
1.2.9 Internal connectors.................................................................... 1-30
Chapter 2: Basic installation
2.1 Building your PC system...........................................................................2-1
2.1.1 Motherboard installation.............................................................. 2-1
2.1.2 CPU installation........................................................................... 2-3
2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation............................... 2-4
2.1.4 DIMM installation......................................................................... 2-6
2.1.5 ATX Power connection................................................................ 2-7
2.1.6 SATA device connection............................................................. 2-8
2.1.7 Front I/O Connector .................................................................... 2-9
2.1.8 Expansion Card installation....................................................... 2-10
2.2 BIOS update utility................................................................................... 2-11
2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections ............................................. 2-12
2.3.1 Rear I/O connection .................................................................. 2-12
2.3.2 Audio I/O connections............................................................... 2-14

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2.4 Starting up for the first time.................................................................... 2-16
2.5 Turning off the computer ........................................................................ 2-16
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................3-1
3.2 BIOS setup program ..................................................................................3-2
3.2.1 EZ Mode...................................................................................... 3-3
3.2.2 Advanced Mode .......................................................................... 3-4
3.2.3 Q-Fan Control ............................................................................. 3-7
3.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard ....................................................................... 3-9
3.3 My Favorites .............................................................................................3-10
3.4 Main menu ................................................................................................3-12
3.5 Ai Tweaker menu......................................................................................3-14
3.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................3-28
3.6.1 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 3-29
3.6.2 PCH Conguration .................................................................... 3-32
3.6.3 PCH Storage Conguration....................................................... 3-33
3.6.4 System Agent Conguration ..................................................... 3-35
3.6.5 USB Conguration .................................................................... 3-36
3.6.6 Platform Misc Conguration...................................................... 3-37
3.6.7 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................ 3-39
3.6.8 APM Conguration .................................................................... 3-40
3.6.9 Network Stack Conguration..................................................... 3-41
3.7 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................3-42
3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-48
3.9 Tool menu.................................................................................................3-54
3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ............................................................ 3-54
3.9.2 ASUS Overclocking Prole ....................................................... 3-55
3.9.3 ASUS SPD Information............................................................. 3-56
3.10 Exit menu..................................................................................................3-57
3.11 Updating BIOS.......................................................................................... 3-58
3.11.1 EZ Update.................................................................................3-58
3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2...................................................................... 3-59
3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3.......................................................... 3-60
Chapter 4: Software support
4.1 Installing an operating system .................................................................4-1
4.2 Support DVD information.......................................................................... 4-1
4.2.1 Running the support DVD ........................................................... 4-1
4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals..................................................4-3

v
4.3 Software information .................................................................................4-4
4.4 AI Suite 3.....................................................................................................4-4
4.4.1 Thermal Radar 2 ......................................................................... 4-7
4.4.2 EZ Update.................................................................................4-12
4.4.3 USB BIOS Flashback................................................................ 4-14
4.4.4 Push Notice...............................................................................4-16
4.4.5 USB 3.0 Boost........................................................................... 4-19
4.4.6 System Information ................................................................... 4-20
4.4.7 USB Charger+........................................................................... 4-22
4.4.8 Version......................................................................................4-23
4.5 Turbo LAN.................................................................................................4-24
4.6 Audio configurations............................................................................... 4-25
Chapter 5: RAID support
5.1 RAID configurations ..................................................................................5-1
5.1.1 RAID denitions .......................................................................... 5-1
5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ..................................................5-2
5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS .................................................... 5-2
5.1.4 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility.................. 5-3
5.2 Installing the RAID driver during Windows®OS installation .................5-7
Appendices
Notices .................................................................................................................... A-1
ASUS contact information...................................................................................... A-5

vi
Safety information
Electrical safety
 To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet
before relocating the system.
 When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables
for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible,
disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
 Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all
power cables are unplugged.
 Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices
could interrupt the grounding circuit.
 Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not
sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power
company.
 If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a Qualied service
technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
 Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.
 Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.
 To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,
slots, sockets and circuitry.
 Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area
where it may become wet.
 Place the product on a stable surface.
 If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a Qualied service
technician or your retailer.

vii
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the
motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the
motherboard.
• Chapter 2: Basic installation
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when
installing system components.
• Chapter 3: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
• Chapter 4: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package and the software.
• Chapter 5: RAID support
This chapter describes the RAID congurations.
Where to find more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software
updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software
products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,
that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the
standard package.

viii
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to
complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to
complete a task
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
means that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key.
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
names are linked with a plus sign (+).

ix
GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION specifications summary
CPU
LGA1150 socket for the 4th, New 4th, and 5th generation Intel®
Core™ i7 / Intel®Core™ i5 / Intel®Core™ i3, Pentium®, and
Celeron®Processors
Supports 22nm CPU
Supports Intel®Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
*The Intel®Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU
types.
*Refer to www.asus.com for the complete CPU support list.
Chipset Intel®Z97 Express Chipset
Memory
4 x DIMM, max. 32 GB, DDR3 1866 / 1600 / 1333 MHz,
non-ECC, un-buffered Memory
Dual channel memory architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)
*Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of
individual CPUs. Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List)
for details.
*Refer to www.asus.com or this user guide for the complete the Memory
QVL (Qualified Vendors List).
Expansion slots
2 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (single at x16 or dual at x8 /x8
mode)
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot [black] (x4 mode)
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot [brown]
VGA
Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel®HD Graphics support
Multi-VGA output support: DisplayPort/HDMI/DVI port
- Supports DisplayPort 1.2* with max. resolution of 4096 x 2160
@ 24Hz / 3840 x 2160 @ 60Hz
- Supports HDMI with max. resolution of 4096 x 2160 @ 24Hz /
2560 x 1600 @ 60Hz
- Supports DVI with max. resolution of 1920 x 1200 @ 60Hz
Supports Intel®InTru™ 3D, Intel® Quick Sync Video, Intel® Clear
Video HD Technology, and Intel® Insider™
Maximum shared memory 512 MB
* DisplayPort 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport compliant. Supports up to three
displays of DisplayPort 1.2 monitors on a daisy chain.
Multi-GPU support Supports NVIDIA®Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology
Supports AMD®Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
LAN Intel® I218V Gigabit LAN controller
(continued on the next page)

x
Storage
Intel®Z97 Express Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel®
Rapid Start Technology 13 support
- 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 support
- Supports Intel®Smart Response Technology, Intel®Rapid
Start Technology, and Intel®Smart Connect Technology*
* These functions will work depending on the CPU installed.
Audio
Realtek® ALC892 8-channel High denition audio CODEC
- Audio shielding ensures precision analog/digital separation
and greatly reduced multi-lateral interference
- Separate layer for left and right track, ensuring both sound
deliver equal quality
- Top notch audio sensation delivers according to the audio
conguration
- Audio amplier to enhance the highest quality sound for
headphone and speakers
- High Quality 97dB SNR stereo playback output (Line-out at
rear) and 90dB SNR recording input (Line-in) support
- Absolute pitch 192khz/24bit true BD lossless sound
- BD audio layer content protection
- Supports jack-detection, multi-streaming, and front panel jack-
retasking
- Optical S/PDIF out ports at rear I/O
USB
Intel®Z97 Express Chipset - supports ASUS USB 3.0 Boost
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at mid-board for front panel support
- 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at back panel (blue)
- 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at back
panel)
Exclusive TUF Features
“Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solution
- TUF ICe
- TUF Thermal Armor
- TUF Thermal Radar 2 with Thermistors
“We Got Your Back!” Shape Force
- TUF Fortier
“TUF ENGINE” Power Design
- 8+2 Digital Phase Power Design
- TUF Components (10K Ti-Cap, New Alloy Choke and
MOSFET; certied by military-standard)
- ASUS DIGI+ Power Control Utility
“SAFE & Stable!” Guardian Angel
- Dust Defenders with connector covers and back I/O dust lter
- TUF ESD Guards
- MemOK!
(continued on the next page)
GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION specifications summary

xi
(continued on the next page)
GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION specifications summary
Rear Panel I/O Ports
1 x DVI-D port
1 x HDMI port
1 x DisplayPort
1 x Optical S/PDIF Output
1 x LAN (RJ45) port
4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel Audio I/O ports
Other Special Features
- USB 3.0 Boost featuring speedy USB 3.0 transmission
- USB BIOS Flashback with USB BIOS Flashback Wizard for EZ
BIOS download scheduling
- USB Charger+ featuring quick-charging function for all smart
devices
- ASUS Remote GO! with Cloud GO! Remote Desktop, Remote
Keyboard and Mouse, and File Transfer
- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring user-friendly graphics user
interface
- Turbo LAN to experience smooth online gaming with lower pings
and less lags
- Push Notice monitors your PC status with smart devices in real
time
- AI Suite 3
- Ai Charger
- ASUS Q-Connector
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
- ASUS Q-Slot
- ASUS Q-DIMM
- ASUS O.C. Prole
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Update
- Disk Unlocker
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- Multi-language BIOS
Support DVD contents
Drivers
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
ASUS/TUF CPU-Z
ASUS Utilities

xii
Internal I/O connectors
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports
(19-pin; moss green)
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (brown)
1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin moss green) for both 4-pin (PWM
mode) and 3-pin (DC mode) CPU coolers control with auto
detection support
1 x CPU OPT Fan connector (4-pin Black) for both 4-pin(PWM
mode) and 3-pin(DC mode) CPU coolers control
4 x Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin Black) for both 4-pin(PWM
mode) and 3-pin(DC mode) CPU coolers control
2 x Assistant Fan connectors (1 x 3-pin, 1 x 4-pin [White])
1 x Front panel audio connector(AAFP)
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
1 x System Panel (Q-Connector)
1 x USB BIOS Flashback button
1 x MemOK! Button
1 x DRCT(DirectKey) header
3 x T_Sensor (Thermal Sensor) headers
1 x S/PDIF Out header
1 x TPM header
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
BIOS features
64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0,
Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS
3, My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modied Log, F12 PrintScreen
function, F3 Shortcut functions, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial
Presence Detect) memory information
Manageability Wfm 2.0, DMI 2.7, WOL by PME, PXE
Operating System
Support
Windows®8.1
Windows®8
Windows®7
GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION specifications summary
(continued on the next page)

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Accessories
4 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s cables
1 x ASUS SLI bridge connector 7cm
1 x ASUS Q-Shield
1 x 2-in-1 Q-connector
1 x Assistant Fan (40mm)
1 x TUF Accessory Package
- 3 x Thermistor cables
- 1 x back I/O dust frame
- 1 x back I/O dust grid
- 1 x connector dust cover collection (On board USB 3.0, DVI,
HDMI, DP, LAN)
- 10 x USB connector dust covers (2 x On board, 8 x back)
- 7 x SATA connector dust covers
- 1 x SATA Express dust cover
- 5 x Audio connector dust covers
- 3 x PCIe x16 slot dust covers
- 2 x DRAM slot dust covers
- 1 x PCIe x1 slot dust cover
- 2 x Short fan screws
1 x TUF Inside sticker
1 x TUF Certication card
1 x TUF 5-Year Warranty manual (by region)
TUF Accessory Installation Guide
User’s manual
Form factor µATX form factor: 9.6 in. x 9.6 in. (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm)
GRYPHON Z97 ARMOR EDITION specifications summary
Specications are subject to change without notice.