Asus PRIME B250M-PLUS User manual

Motherboard
PRIME B250M-PLUS
E12098_PRIME_B250M-PLUS_UM.indb 1 2016-11-07 17:34:19

ii
E12098
First Edition
October 2016
Copyright © 2016 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Productwarrantyorservicewillnotbeextendedif:(1)theproductisrepaired,modiedoraltered,unless
suchrepair,modicationofalterationisauthorizedinwritingbyASUS;or(2)theserialnumberofthe
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrightsoftheirrespectivecompanies,andareusedonlyforidenticationorexplanationandtothe
ownersbenet,withoutintenttoinfringe.
Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software
This product contains copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”),
under the Lesser General Public License Version (“LGPL”) and/or other Free Open Source Software
Licenses. Such software in this product is distributed without any warranty to the extent permitted by the
applicable law. Copies of these licenses are included in this product.
Where the applicable license entitles you to the source code of such software and/or other additional data,
you may obtain it for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product, either
(1) for free by downloading it from http://support.asus.com/download
or
(2) for the cost of reproduction and shipment, which is dependent on the preferred carrier and the location
where you want to have it shipped to, by sending a request to:
ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
Legal Compliance Dept.
15 Li Te Rd.,
Beitou, Taipei 112
Taiwan
In your request please provide the name, model number and version, as stated in the About Box of the
product for which you wish to obtain the corresponding source code and your contact details so that we
can coordinate the terms and cost of shipment with you.
The source code will be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under the same license as
the corresponding binary/object code.
This offer is valid to anyone in receipt of this information.
ASUSTeK is eager to duly provide complete source code as required under various Free Open Source
Software licenses. If however you encounter any problems in obtaining the full corresponding source
codewewouldbemuchobligedifyougiveusanoticationtotheemailaddress[email protected], stating
the product and describing the problem (please DO NOT send large attachments such as source code
archives, etc. to this email address).
E12098_PRIME_B250M-PLUS_UM.indb 2 2016-11-07 17:34:19

iii
Contents
Safety information ...................................................................................... iv
About this guide ......................................................................................... iv
Package contents ....................................................................................... vi
PRIME B250M-PLUS specications summary......................................... vi
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Motherboard overview ............................................................................. 1-1
Central Processing Unit (CPU)................................................................ 1-8
System memory........................................................................................ 1-9
Chapter 2: BIOS information
BIOS setup program................................................................................. 2-1
EZ Mode..................................................................................................... 2-2
Advanced Mode ........................................................................................ 2-3
Exit menu................................................................................................... 2-4
Appendix
Notices.......................................................................................................A-1
ASUS contact information .......................................................................A-4
E12098_PRIME_B250M-PLUS_UM.indb 3 2016-11-07 17:34:19

iv
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 components, 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 be exposed to moisture.
 Place the product on a stable surface.
 Ifyouencountertechnicalproblemswiththeproduct,contactaqualiedservice
technician or your retailer.
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 descriptions of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the
motherboard.
 Chapter 2: BIOS information
This chapter discusses changing system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
E12098_PRIME_B250M-PLUS_UM.indb 4 2016-11-07 17:34:19

v
Where to nd 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.
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when
completing a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when
completing a task
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
Typography
Bold text 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 (+).
E12098_PRIME_B250M-PLUS_UM.indb 5 2016-11-07 17:34:19

vi
PRIME B250M-PLUS specications summary
(continued on the next page)
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard ASUS PRIME B250M-PLUS motherboard
Cables 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables
Accessories 1 x I/O Shield, 2 x M.2 screws
Application DVD Support DVD
Documentation User Guide
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
CPU
LGA1151 socket for Intel®7th/6th Generation Core™ i7 / i5 / i3, Pentium®, and
Celeron®processors
Supports Intel®14nm CPU
Supports Intel®Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
* The Intel®Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU types.
** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel®CPU support list.
Chipset Intel®B250 Chipset
Memory
4xDIMMs,maximum64GB,DDR42400*/2133**MHz,non-ECC,un-buffered
memory***
Dual-channel memory architecture
Supports Intel®ExtremeMemoryProle(XMP)
* Due to Intel®chipset limitation, DDR4 2400MHz memory frequency is only supported
by 7th Generation Intel®processors. Higher memory modules will run at the maximum
transfer rate of DDR4 2400MHz.
** Due to Intel®chipset limitation, DDR4 2133MHz and higher memory modules on 6th
Generation Intel®processors will run at the maximum transfer rate of DDR4 2133MHz.
*** Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL(Qualied Vendors List)
Expansion
slots
1 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot (gray, at x16 mode)
1 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot (black, at x4 mode)
1 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x1 slot
Multi-GPU
Support Supports AMD®CrossFireX™ Technology
Graphics
Integrated graphics processor - Intel®HD Graphics support
Multi-VGA output support: HDMI/DVI-D/D-Sub ports
- SupportsHDMI1.4bwithmaximumresolutionof4096x2160@24Hz/
2560x1600@60Hz
-SupportsDVI-Dwithmaximumresolutionof1920x1200@60Hz
- SupportsD-Subwithmaximumresolutionof1920x1200@60Hz
Support Intel®InTru™ 3D/Quick Sync Video/Clear Video HD Technology/
Insider™
Support up to three displays simultaneously
Maximum shared memory of 1024 MB (for iGPU exclusively)
E12098_PRIME_B250M-PLUS_UM.indb 6 2016-11-07 17:34:19

vii
PRIME B250M-PLUS specications summary
(continued on the next page)
Storage
Intel®B250 Chipset with Intel®Rapid Storage Technology 15 support:
- 1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices
support (both SATA and PCIe x2 mode)*
- 1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices
support (IRST support, PCIe x4 mode)**
- 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (gray)
- Intel®Optane™ Memory Ready***
* When a device in SATA mode is installed on the M.2_1 socket, SATA_1 port cannot
be used.
** Only M.2_2 socket can support Intel®Optane™ Memory.
*** Intel®Optane™ Technology is only supported when using 7th Generation Intel®
processors. Before using Intel®Optane™ memory modules, ensure that you have
updated your motherboard drivers and BIOS to the latest version from ASUS support
website.
LAN
Intel®I219-V Gigabit LAN
- Dual interconnection between the integrated Media Access Controller (MAC)
and physical layer (PHY)
Audio
Realtek®ALC8878-channelHighDenitionAudioCODEC
- LED-illuminated design: Brighten up your build with the gorgeous illuminated
audio trace path
- Audio Shielding: Ensures precision analog/digital separation and greatly
reduced multi-lateral interference
- Dedicated audio PCB layers: Separate layers for left and right channels to
guard the quality of the sensitive audio signals
- Premium Japanese audio capacitors: Provide warm, natural and immersive
soundwithexceptionalclarityanddelity
- Supports Jack-Detection and Front Panel Jack-Retasking
USB
Intel®B250 Chipset
- 1 x 5Gb/s USB Type C port (at back panel) support 3A power output
-5xUSB3.0/2.0ports(2portsatmid-board;3 ports at back panel, blue,
Type A)
-6xUSB2.0/1.1ports(4portsatmid-board;2portsatbackpanel)
ASUS special
features
ASUS 5X PROTECTION III
- ASUSSafeSlotCore:FortiedPCIeSlotpreventsdamage
- ASUS LANGuard: Protects against LAN surges, lightning strikes and static-
electricity discharges
- ASUS Overvoltage Protection: World-class circuit-protecting power design
- ASUS Stainless Steel Back I/O: 3X corrosion-resistance for greater durability
- ASUS DIGI+ VRM: 6 Phase digital power design
Superb Performance
M.2 onboard
- The latest transfer technologies with up to 32Gb/s data transfer speeds
ASUS Fan Xpert 2+
- Advanced fan controls for ultimate cooling and quietness
ASUS EPU
- EPU
UEFI BIOS
- Most advanced options with fast response time
E12098_PRIME_B250M-PLUS_UM.indb 7 2016-11-07 17:34:19

viii
PRIME B250M-PLUS specications summary
(continued on the next page)
ASUS special
features
Gaming Scenario
Audio Features
- Audiothatroarsonthebattleeld
ASUS Exclusive Features
- ASUS AI Charger
- ASUS AI Suite 3
EZ DIY
UEFI BIOS EZ Mode
- Featuring friendly graphics user interface
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 3
Q-Design
- ASUS Q-DIMM
- ASUS Q-Slot
ASUS Quiet
Thermal
Solution
Quiet Thermal Design
- ASUS Fan Xpert 2+
- Stylish Fanless Design: MOS Heat-sink and PCH Heat-sink solution
Rear panel I/O
ports
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
1 x HDMI port
1 x DVI-D port
1 x D-Sub port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
1 x USB 5Gb/s Type C port
3 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, Type A)
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
6-Jack 8-Channel Audio I/O ports
Internal
connectors
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB ports (19-pin)
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 4 USB ports
2 x M.2 Socket 3 (for M Key)
6 x SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (gray)
1 x 4-pin CPU Fan connector for 4-pin (PWM mode) coolers control*
2 x 4-pin Chassis Fan connectors for both 3-pin (DC mode) and 4-pin (PWM
mode) coolers control*
1 x Front panel audio connector(AAFP)
1 x System panel connector
1 x S/PDIF out header
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector
1 x COM header
1 x Clear CMOS header
BIOS
128Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI3.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 3.0, ACPI
6.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 3, CrashFree BIOS 3, F6 Qfan
Control,F3MyFavorites,LastModiedlog,F12PrintScreen,andASUS
DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information
E12098_PRIME_B250M-PLUS_UM.indb 8 2016-11-07 17:34:19

ix
PRIME B250M-PLUS specications summary
Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 3.0, WOL by PME, PXE
Support DVD
Drivers
ASUS Utilities
ASUS EZ Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
OS Support
Windows®10 (64-bit only)
Windows®8.1 (64-bit only)*
Windows®7 (64-bit/32-bit)*
* Windows®8.1 64-bit and Windows®7 32-bit/64-bit are only supported when using 6th
Generation Intel®processors.
Form Factor uATX form factor: 9.6 in x 8.8 in (24.4 cm x 22.4 cm)
Specicationsaresubjecttochangewithoutnotice.
E12098_PRIME_B250M-PLUS_UM.indb 9 2016-11-07 17:34:19

ASUS PRIME B250M-PLUS
1-1
Product introduction
1
Motherboard overview
 Unplugthepowercordfromthewallsocketbeforetouchinganycomponent.
 Beforehandlingcomponents,useagroundedwriststraportouchasafelygrounded
objectorametalobject,suchasthepowersupplycase,toavoiddamagingthemdue
tostaticelectricity.
 Beforeyouinstallorremoveanycomponent,ensurethattheATXpowersupplyis
switchedofforthepowercordisdetachedfromthepowersupply.Failuretodoso
maycauseseveredamagetothemotherboard,peripherals,orcomponents.
 Unplugthepowercordbeforeinstallingorremovingthemotherboard.Failuretodoso
cancauseyouphysicalinjuryanddamagetomotherboardcomponents.
Place this
side towards
the rear of the
chassis
PRIME B250M-PLUS
PCIEX16_1
PCIEX16_2
PCIEX1_1
CLRTC
SPDIF_OUT
AAFP
ATX12V
EATXPWR
CHA_FAN1
CPU_FAN
CHA_FAN2
BATTERY
Super
I/O
ALC
887
Intel
I219-V
DIGI
+VRM
24.4cm(9.6in)
LGA1151
Intel®
B250
DDR4 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 288-pin module)
2280 2260 2242
2280 2260 2242
M.2_1(SOCKET3)
M.2_2(SOCKET3)
DDR4 DIMM_A2 (64bit,288-pin module) DDR4 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 288-pin module) DDR4 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 288-pin module)
AUDIO
KBMS_USB78
HDMI
LAN_USB3_34
USB3_5
USB3_C6
22.4cm(8.8in)
128Mb
BIOS
SATA6G_6 SATA6G_5
SATA6G_4 SATA6G_3
SATA6G_2 SATA6G_1
USB3_12
DVI VGA
LANGuard
PANEL
USB1112 USB910
COM
PCIE SATA
M.2_1
IRST
X2 V X
PCIE SATA
M.2_2
IRST
X4 V
X
21 43
1
78
6
5
1
101112
15
9
14
13
3
15
13
ScantheQRcodetogetthedetailedpindenitions.
E12098_PRIME_B250M-PLUS_UM.indb 1 2016-11-07 17:34:20

1-2
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Intel®LGA1151 CPU socket
InstallIntel®LGA1151CPUintothissurfacemountLGA1151socket,whichis
designedfor7th/6thGenerationIntel®Corei7/i5/i3,Pentium®,andCeleron®
processors.
Formoredetails,refertoCentral Processing Unit (CPU).
CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1~2)
Connectthefancablestothefanconnectorsonthemotherboard,ensuringthatthe
blackwireofeachcablematchesthegroundpinoftheconnector.
Donotforgettoconnectthefancablestothefanconnectors.Insufcientairowinside
thesystemmaydamagethemotherboardcomponents.Thesearenotjumpers!Donot
placejumpercapsonthefanconnectors!TheCPU_FANconnectorsupportsaCPUfan
ofmaximum1A(12W)fanpower.
DDR4 DIMM slots
Install2GB,4GB,8GB,and16GBunbufferednon-ECCDDR4DIMMsintothese
DIMMsockets.
Formoredetails,refertoSystem memory.
USB 3.0 connectors (20-1 pin USB3_12)
ConnectaUSB3.0moduletoanythisconnectorforadditionalUSB3.0front
orrearpanelports.ThisconnectorcomplieswithUSB3.0specicationsand
providefasterdatatransferspeedsofupto5Gbps,fasterchargingtimeforUSB-
chargeabledevices,optimizedpowerefciency,andbackwardcompatibilitywith
USB2.0.
ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)
CorrectlyorienttheATXpowersupplyplugsintotheseconnectorsandpushdown
rmlyuntiltheconnectorscompletelyt.
 Forafullyconguredsystem,werecommendthatyouuseapowersupplyunit
(PSU)thatcomplieswithATX12VSpecication2.0(orlaterversion)andprovides
aminimumpowerof350W.
 WerecommendthatyouuseaPSUwithhigherpoweroutputwhenconguringa
systemwithmorepower-consumingdevicesorwhenyouintendtoinstalladditional
devices.Thesystemmaybecomeunstableormaynotbootupifthepoweris
inadequate.
 Ifyouareuncertainabouttheminimumpowersupplyrequirementforyoursystem,
refertotheRecommendedPowerSupplyWattageCalculatorathttp://support.
asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-usfor
details.
E12098_PRIME_B250M-PLUS_UM.indb 2 2016-11-07 17:34:20

ASUS PRIME B250M-PLUS
1-3
Intel®B250 Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~6)
TheseconnectorsconnecttoSerialATA6.0Gb/sharddiskdrivesviaSerialATA
6.0Gb/ssignalcables.
Clear RTC RAM (2-pin CLRTC)
ThisheaderallowsyoutocleartheCMOSRTCRAMdataof
thesystemsetupinformationsuchasdate,time,andsystem
passwords.
To erase the RTC RAM:
1. TurnOFFthecomputerandunplugthepowercord.
2. Useametalobjectsuchasascrewdrivertoshortthe
twopins.
3. PlugthepowercordandturnONthecomputer.
4. Holddownthe<Del>keyduringthebootprocessand
enterBIOSsetuptore-enterdata.
CLRTC
+3V_BAT GND
PIN 1
Ifthestepsabovedonothelp,removetheonboardbatteryandshortthetwopins
againtocleartheCMOSRTCRAMdata.AfterclearingtheCMOS,reinstallthe
battery.
System panel connector (20-5 pin PANEL)
Thisconnectorsupportsseveralchassis-mountedfunctions.
USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910, USB1112)
ConnectaUSBmodulecabletoanyoftheseconnectors,theninstallthemodule
toaslotopeningatthebackofthesystemchassis.TheseUSBconnectors
complywithUSB2.0specicationsandsupportsupto480Mbpsconnection
speed.
Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM)
Connecttheserialportmodulecabletothisconnector,theninstallthemoduleto
aslotopeningatthebackofthesystemchassis.
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
ConnecttheS/PDIFOutmodulecabletothis
connector,theninstallthemoduletoaslot
openingatthebackofthesystemchassis.
SPDIF_OUT
+5V SPDIFOUT GND
PIN 1
E12098_PRIME_B250M-PLUS_UM.indb 3 2016-11-07 17:34:20

1-4
Chapter 1: Product introduction
 InsingleVGAcardmode,usethePCIe3.0/2.0x16_1slot(gray)foraPCIExpress
x16graphicscardtogetbetterperformance.
 WerecommendthatyouprovidesufcientpowerwhenrunningCrossFireXmode.
 ConnectachassisfantothemotherboardconnectorlabeledCHA_FAN1/2when
usingmultiplegraphicscardsforbetterthermalenvironment.
VGA conguration PCI Express operating mode
PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 (gray) PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_2
Single VGA/PCIe card x16(Recommendedforsingle
VGAcard) N/A
Dual VGA/PCIe cards x16 x4
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
Thisconnectorisforachassis-mountedfrontpanelaudioI/Omodulethatsupports
eitherHDAudioorlegacyAC`97audiostandard.Connectoneendofthefront
panelaudioI/Omodulecabletothisconnector.
 Werecommendthatyouconnectahigh-denitionfrontpanelaudiomoduletothis
connectortoavailofthemotherboardshigh-denitionaudiocapability.
 Ifyouwanttoconnectahigh-denitionfrontpanelaudiomoduletothisconnector,
settheFrontPanelTypeitemintheBIOSsetupto[HDAudio].Ifyouwantto
connectanAC97frontpanelaudiomoduletothisconnector,settheitemto
[AC97].Bydefault,thisconnectorissetto[HDAudio].
PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots
ThismotherboardsupportstwoPCIExpress3.0/2.0x16graphiccardsthatcomply
withthePCIExpressspecications.
PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x1 slot
ThismotherboardhasonePCIExpress3.0/2.0x1slotsthatsupportPCIExpress
x1networkcards,SCSIcards,andothercardsthatcomplywiththePCIExpress
specications.
E12098_PRIME_B250M-PLUS_UM.indb 4 2016-11-07 17:34:20

ASUS PRIME B250M-PLUS
1-5
A B C D E F G H
HDAudioController shared –––––––
XHCI shared –––––––
SATAController shared –––––––
LANController shared –––––––
PCIEx1 – – shared –––––
PCIEx16_1 shared –––––––
PCIEx16_2 shared –––––––
M.2_1 shared –––––––
M.2_2 shared –––––––
IRQ assignments for this motherboard
WhenusingPCIcardsonsharedslots,ensurethatthedriverssupportShareIRQorthat
thecardsdonotneedIRQassignments.Otherwise,conictswillarisebetweenthetwoPCI
groups,makingthesystemunstableandthecardinoperable.
M.2 socket 3
ThesesocketsallowyoutoinstallM.2(NGFF)SSDmodules.
M.2(SOCKET3)
 TheseM.2socketssupportMKeyand2242/2260/2280storagedevices.
 TheM.2_1socketsupportsdatatransferspeedupto16Gb/s.
 TheM.2_2socketsupportsdatatransferspeedupto32Gb/s.
 OnlyM.2_2cansupportIntel®OptaneMemory.Intel®OptaneTechnologyis
onlysupportedwhenusing7thGenerationIntel®processors.BeforeusingIntel®
Optanememorymodules,ensurethatyouhaveupdatedyourmotherboard
driversandBIOStothelatestversionfromASUSsupportwebsite.
 WhenadeviceinSATAmodeisinstalledontheM.2_1socket,SATA_1port
cannotbeused.
E12098_PRIME_B250M-PLUS_UM.indb 5 2016-11-07 17:34:21

1-6
Chapter 1: Product introduction
4. Center / Subwoofer port (orange).Thisportconnectsthecenter/subwooferspeakers.
5. Rear Speaker Out port (black).Thisportconnectstherearspeakersina4.1channel,
5.1channel,or7.1channelaudioconguration.
6.Line In port (light blue).Thisportconnectstothetape,CD,DVDplayer,orother
audiosources.
7. Line Out port (lime). Thisportconnectstoaheadphoneoraspeaker.Inthe4.1,5.1,
and7.1-channelcongurations,thefunctionofthisportbecomesFrontSpeakerOut.
8. Microphone port (pink).Thisportconnectstoamicrophone.
9. Side Speaker Out port (gray). Thisportconnectstothesidespeakersina
7.1-channelaudioconguration.
Refertotheaudiocongurationtableforthefunctionoftheaudioportsin2.1,4.1,5.1,or
7.1-channelconguration.
LAN port
Speed
LED
Activity Link
LED
Activity/Link LED Speed LED
Status Description Status Description
Off Nolink OFF 10Mbpsconnection
Orange Linked ORANGE 100Mbpsconnection
Orange
(Blinking)
Dataactivity GREEN 1Gbpsconnection
Orange
(Blinkingthen
steady)
Readytowake
upfromS5mode
1. PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard combo port.ThisportconnectstoaPS/2mouseorPS/2
keyboard.
2. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port.This15-pinportisforaVGAmonitororother
VGA-compatibledevices.
3. LAN (RJ-45) port.ThisportallowsGigabitconnectiontoaLocalAreaNetwork(LAN)
throughanetworkhub.
LAN port LED indications
2 3
10
13 12
1
14 11
4 5 6 7
89
1.2.2 Rear panel connectors
E12098_PRIME_B250M-PLUS_UM.indb 6 2016-11-07 17:34:21

ASUS PRIME B250M-PLUS
1-7
10. USB 3.0 ports (blue, Type A).These9-pinUniversalSerialBus(USB)portsarefor
USB3.0devices.
 USB3.0devicescanonlybeusedfordatastorage.
 WestronglyrecommendthatyouconnectUSB3.0devicestoUSB3.0portsforfaster
andbetterperformancefromyourUSB3.0devices.
 DuetothedesignoftheIntel®200serieschipset,allUSBdevicesconnectedtothe
USB2.0andUSB3.0portsarecontrolledbythexHCIcontroller.SomelegacyUSB
devicesmustupdatetheirrmwareforbettercompatibility.
11. USB 5Gb/s Type C port.This24-pinUniversalSerialBus(USB)portisforUSB(Type
C)devices.
12. HDMI port.ThisportisforaHigh-DenitionMultimediaInterface(HDMI)connector,
andisHDCPcompliantallowingplaybackofHDDVD,Blu-ray,andotherprotected
content.
13.DVI-D port.ThisportisforanyDVI-Dcompatibledevice.
DVI-DcannotbeconvertedtooutputfromRGBSignaltoCRTandisnotcompatiblewith
DVI-I.
14. USB 2.0 ports.These4-pinUniversalSerialBus(USB)portsareforUSB2.0/1.1
devices.
Audio 2.1, 4.1, 5.1 or 7.1-channel conguration
Port Headset
2.1 channel
4.1 channel 5.1 channel 7.1 channel
LightBlue LineIn Linein Linein Linein
Lime LineOut FrontSpeakerOut FrontSpeakerOut FrontSpeakerOut
Pink MicIn MicIn Micin Micin
Orange - - Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer
Black -RearSpeakerOut RearSpeakerOut RearSpeakerOut
Gray - - - SideSpeakerOut
E12098_PRIME_B250M-PLUS_UM.indb 7 2016-11-07 17:34:22

1-8
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
ThismotherboardcomeswithasurfacemountLGA1151socket
designedforthe7th/6thGenerationIntel®Corei7/Corei5/Core
i3,Pentium®andCeleron®processors.
UnplugallpowercablesbeforeinstallingtheCPU.
 EnsurethatyouinstallthecorrectCPUdesignedfortheLGA1151socketonly.DO
NOTinstallaCPUdesignedforLGA1150,LGA1155andLGA1156socketsonthe
LGA1151socket.
 Uponpurchaseofthemotherboard,ensurethatthePnPcapisonthesocketand
thesocketcontactsarenotbent.ContactyourretailerimmediatelyifthePnPcap
ismissing,orifyouseeanydamagetothePnPcap/socketcontacts/motherboard
components.
 Keepthecapafterinstallingthemotherboard.ASUSwillprocessReturnMerchandise
Authorization(RMA)requestsonlyifthemotherboardcomeswiththecaponthe
LGA1151socket.
 Theproductwarrantydoesnotcoverdamagetothesocketcontactsresultingfrom
incorrectCPUinstallation/removal,ormisplacement/loss/incorrectremovalofthePnP
cap.
Installing the CPU
1
4
ApplytheThermalInterfaceMaterialtotheCPUheatsinkandCPUbeforeyouinstallthe
heatsinkandfanifnecessary.
2
3
A
B
A
B
C
D
5
4
4
5
E12098_PRIME_B250M-PLUS_UM.indb 8 2016-11-07 17:34:22

ASUS PRIME B250M-PLUS
1-9
System memory
Overview
ThismotherboardcomeswithfourDoubleDataRate4(DDR4)DualInlineMemoryModule
(DIMM)sockets.ADDR4moduleisnotcheddifferentlyfromaDDR,DDR2,orDDR3module.
DONOTinstallaDDR,DDR2,orDDR3memorymoduletotheDDR4slot.
 YoumayinstallvaryingmemorysizesinChannelAandChannelB.Thesystem
mapsthetotalsizeofthelower-sizedchannelforthedual-channelconguration.Any
excessmemoryfromthehigher-sizedchannelisthenmappedforsingle-channel
operation.
 AlwaysinstallDIMMswiththesameCASlatency.Foroptimalcompatibility,we
recommendthatyouinstallmemorymodulesofthesameversionordatecode(D/C)
fromthesamevendor.Checkwiththeretailertogetthecorrectmemorymodules.
 AccordingtoIntel®CPUspec,DIMMvoltagebelow1.4Visrecommendedtoprotect
theCPU.
 DuetoIntel®chipsetlimitation,DDR42400MHzmemoryfrequencyisonlysupported
by7thGenerationIntel®processors.Highermemorymoduleswillrunatthemaximum
transferrateofDDR42400MHz.
 DuetoIntel®chipsetlimitation,DDR42133MHzandhighermemorymoduleson6th
GenerationIntel®processorswillrunatthemaximumtransferrateofDDR42133MHz.
 Duetothememoryaddresslimitationon32-bitWindows®OS,whenyouinstall4GB
ormorememoryonthemotherboard,theactualusablememoryfortheOScanbe
about3GBorless.Foreffectiveuseofmemory,werecommendthatyoudoanyofthe
following:
- Useamaximumof3GBsystemmemoryifyouareusinga32-bitWindows®OS.
 - Installa64-bitWindows®OSifyouwanttoinstall4GBormoreonthe
motherboard.
 - Formoredetails,refertotheMicrosoft®supportsiteathttp://support.microsoft.
com/kb/929605/en-us.
 Memorymoduleswithmemoryfrequencyhigherthan2133/2400MHzandits
correspondingtimingortheloadedX.M.P.ProleisnottheJEDECmemorystandard.
ThestabilityandcompatibilityofthesememorymodulesdependontheCPUs
capabilitiesandotherinstalleddevices.
 ThedefaultmemoryoperationfrequencyisdependentonitsSerialPresenceDetect
(SPD),whichisthestandardwayofaccessinginformationfromamemorymodule.
Underthedefaultstate,somememorymodulesforoverclockingmayoperateata
lowerfrequencythanthevendor-markedvalue.
 Forsystemstability,useamoreefcientmemorycoolingsystemtosupportafull
memoryload(4DIMMs).
 Refertowww.asus.comforthelatestMemoryQVL(QualiedVendorsList)
Channel Sockets
ChannelA DIMM_A1andDIMM_A2
ChannelB DIMM_B1andDIMM_B2
DIMM_A1
DIMM_A2
DIMM_B1
DIMM_B2
E12098_PRIME_B250M-PLUS_UM.indb 9 2016-11-07 17:34:22

1-10
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Installing a DIMM
1 2
To remove a DIMM
B
A
B
A
A
E12098_PRIME_B250M-PLUS_UM.indb 10 2016-11-07 17:34:22

BIOS information
2
 ScantheQRcodetoviewtheBIOSupdateguide.
 BeforeusingtheASUSCrashFreeBIOS3utility,renamethe
BIOSleintheremovabledeviceintoB250MP.CAP.
BIOS setup program
UsetheBIOSSetupprogramtoupdatetheBIOSorcongureitsparameters.TheBIOS
screensincludenavigationkeysandbriefonlinehelptoguideyouinusingtheBIOSSetup
program.
Entering BIOS Setup at startup
To enter BIOS Setup at startup:
Press<Delete>or<F2>duringthePower-OnSelfTest(POST).Ifyoudonotpress<Delete>
or<F2>,POSTcontinueswithitsroutines.
Entering BIOS Setup after POST
To enter BIOS Setup after POST:
Press<Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del>simultaneously.
Presstheresetbuttononthesystemchassis.
Pressthepowerbuttontoturnthesystemoffthenbackon.Dothisoptiononlyifyoufailedto
enterBIOSSetupusingthersttwooptions.
Usingthepowerbutton,resetbutton,orthe<Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del>keystoforceresetfroma
runningoperatingsystemcancausedamagetoyourdataorsystem.Werecommendyou
alwaysshutdownthesystemproperlyfromtheoperatingsystem.
 TheBIOSsetupscreensshowninthissectionareforreferencepurposesonly,and
maynotexactlymatchwhatyouseeonyourscreen.
 VisittheASUSwebsiteatwww.asus.comtodownloadthelatestBIOSleforthis
motherboard.
 IfthesystembecomesunstableafterchanginganyBIOSsetting,loadthedefault
settingstoensuresystemcompatibilityandstability.SelecttheLoad Optimized
DefaultsitemundertheExitmenuorpresshotkeyF5.
 IfthesystemfailstobootafterchanginganyBIOSsetting,trytocleartheCMOSand
resetthemotherboardtothedefaultvalue.SeesectionMotherboard overviewfor
informationonhowtoerasetheRTCRAM.
BIOS menu screen
TheBIOSsetupprogramcanbeusedundertwomodes:EZ ModeandAdvanced Mode.
Press<F7>tochangebetweenthetwomodes.
ASUS PRIME B250M-PLUS
2-1
E12098_PRIME_B250M-PLUS_UM.indb 1 2016-11-07 17:34:23