Asus Rog Maximus X Apex User manual

Motherboard
ROG
MAXIMUS X
APEX

ii
E13598
Revised Edition V2
October 2017
Copyright © 2017 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 https://www.asus.com/support/
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).

iii
Contents
Safety information...................................................................................................... vi
About this guide........................................................................................................ vii
ROG MAXIMUS X APEX specifications summary................................................... ix
Package contents..................................................................................................... xiv
Installation tools and components.......................................................................... xv
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.1 Motherboard overview............................................................................... 1-1
1.1.1 Before you proceed..................................................................... 1-1
1.1.2 Motherboard layout ..................................................................... 1-2
1.1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-4
1.1.4 System memory .......................................................................... 1-5
1.1.5 Expansion slots........................................................................... 1-7
1.1.6 Onboard buttons and switches.................................................... 1-9
1.1.7 Jumper ...................................................................................... 1-15
1.1.8 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................... 1-17
1.1.9 Internal connectors.................................................................... 1-19
1.1.10 ProbeIt....................................................................................... 1-30
Chapter 2: Basic Installation
2.1 Building your PC system...........................................................................2-1
2.1.1 CPU installation........................................................................... 2-1
2.1.2 Cooling system installation.......................................................... 2-3
2.1.3 Motherboard installation.............................................................. 2-6
2.1.4 DIMM installation......................................................................... 2-7
2.1.5 ATX power connection................................................................ 2-8
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
2.1.9 Fan bracket installation ............................................................. 2-11
2.2 BIOS update utility................................................................................... 2-12
2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections ............................................. 2-13
2.3.1 Rear I/O connection .................................................................. 2-13
2.3.2 Audio I/O connections............................................................... 2-15
2.4 Starting up for the first time.................................................................... 2-17
2.5 Turning off the computer ........................................................................ 2-17

iv
Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................3-1
3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................................. 3-2
3.2.1 Advanced Mode .......................................................................... 3-3
3.2.2 EZ Mode...................................................................................... 3-6
3.2.3 Q-Fan Control ............................................................................. 3-7
3.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard ....................................................................... 3-9
3.3 My Favorites .............................................................................................3-12
3.4 Main menu ................................................................................................3-14
3.5 Extreme Tweaker menu ...........................................................................3-14
3.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................3-16
3.6.1 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 3-16
3.6.2 Platform Misc Conguration...................................................... 3-16
3.6.3 System Agent (SA) Conguration ............................................. 3-16
3.6.4 PCH Conguration .................................................................... 3-16
3.6.5 PCH Storage Conguration....................................................... 3-17
3.6.6 PCH-FW Conguration ............................................................. 3-17
3.6.7 ROG Effects.............................................................................. 3-18
3.6.8 Onboard Devices Conguration................................................ 3-18
3.6.9 APM Conguration.................................................................... 3-19
3.6.10 Network Stack Conguration..................................................... 3-19
3.6.11 HDD/SSD SMART Information ................................................. 3-19
3.6.12 USB Conguration .................................................................... 3-19
3.7 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................3-20
3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-20
3.9 Tool menu.................................................................................................3-22
3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility ............................................................ 3-22
3.9.2 Secure Erase ............................................................................ 3-23
3.9.3 ASUS Overclocking Prole ....................................................... 3-24
3.9.4 BIOS FlashBack........................................................................ 3-24
3.9.5 ROG OC Panel H-Key Congure.............................................. 3-24
3.9.6 ASUS SPD Information............................................................. 3-25
3.9.7 Graphics Card Information........................................................ 3-25
3.10 Exit menu..................................................................................................3-25
3.11 Updating BIOS.......................................................................................... 3-26
3.11.1 EZ Update................................................................................. 3-26
3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3...................................................................... 3-27
3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3.......................................................... 3-29

v
Chapter 4: RAID Support
4.1 RAID configurations ..................................................................................4-1
4.1.1 RAID denitions .......................................................................... 4-1
4.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks .................................................. 4-2
4.1.3 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology in UEFI BIOS.......................... 4-2
4.1.4 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility.................. 4-6
4.2 Creating a RAID driver disk ....................................................................4-10
4.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®................................. 4-10
Appendix
Q-Code table............................................................................................................ A-1
Notices .................................................................................................................... A-5
ASUS contact information...................................................................................... A-9

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: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 website
The ASUS website (www.asus.com) provides updated information on ASUS hardware
and software products.
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
ROG MAXIMUS X APEX specifications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU
Intel®Socket 1151 for 8th generation Core™ i7/Core™ i5/Core™ i3/
Pentium®/Celeron®Processors
Supports 14nm CPU
Supports Intel®Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
* Intel®Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU type.
Please refer to www.asus.com for Intel®CPU support list
Chipset Intel®Z370 Chipset
Memory
2 x DIMM, max. 32GB DDR4 4266+(OC)* / 4133+(OC)* / 4000(OC)*
/ 3866(OC)* / 3733(OC)* / 3600(OC)* / 3466(OC)* / 3400(OC)*
/ 3333(OC)* / 3300(OC)* / 3200(OC)* / 3000(OC)* / 2800(OC)*
/ 2666(OC)* / 2400(OC)* / 2133 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 www.asus.com for Memory QVL
(Qualified Vendors List)
Expansion slots
New 8th Gen Intel®Core™ Processors
2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 Safeslots (supports x16, x8/x8)
1 x PCIe 3.0 x 16 Safeslot (max. at x8/x4 mode)
Intel®Z370 Express Chipset
1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (max. at x4 mode)
2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
Graphic
Integrated Graphics Processor- Intel®HD Graphics support
Multi-VGA output support : HDMI/DisplayPort
- Supports DisplayPort 1.2 with max. resolution 4096 x 2304 @
60Hz
- Supports HDMI 1.4b with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 30Hz
Maximum shared memory of 1024MB
Storage
Intel®Z370 Express Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and Intel
Rapid Storage Technology 15 support
ROG DIMM.2 Ext. Card
- 1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2230 / 2242 / 2260 / 2280 /
22110 (supports PCIE 3.0 x4 and SATA modes)
- 1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2230 / 2242 / 2260 / 2280 /
22110 (supports PCIE 3.0 x4 mode)
4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
- Supports Intel®Smart Response Technology*
- Ready for Intel®Optane™ Memory**
* This function will work depending on the CPU installed.
** Intel®Optane™ Technology is only supported when using 8th
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.

x
(continued on the next page)
LAN
Aquantia AQC-108 5G LAN
Intel®I219-V Gigabit LAN- Dual interconnect between the integrated
Media Access Controller (MAC) and physical layer (PHY)
Anti-surge LANGuard
Multi-GPU support Supports NVIDIA®2-Way/Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology
Supports AMD®4-Way/Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
Audio
ROG SupremeFX S1220A Codec
- Supports up to 32-Bit/192kHz playback*
- Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs
- Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, and Front Panel Jack-retasking
- Optical S/PDIF out port at back panel
* Due to limitations in HDA bandwidth, 32-Bit/192kHz is not supported for
8-channel audio.
USB
Intel®Z370 Express Chipset:
- 8 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports ( 2 ports at mid-board [grey])
- 6 x USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at mid-board [black])*
ASMedia®USB 3.1 controller
- 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports ( 1 Type-A [red] and 1 Type-C™ [black]
at back panel)
* 2 x USB 2.0 ports at mid-board share with ROG extension (ROG_EXT)
port.
Back I/O Ports
1 x Clear CMOS Button
1 x BIOS Flashback Button
1 x PS/2 Keyboard port
1 x PS/2 Mouse port
1 x HDMI 1.4b
1 x DisplayPort 1.2
6 x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports [blue]
1 x Anti-surge 5G LAN (RJ45) port
1 x Anti-surge LAN (RJ45) port
2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (1 x Type-A [red] and 1 x Type-C [black])
1 x Optical S/PDIF out
5 x Gold-plated audio jacks
ROG MAXIMUS X APEX specifications summary

xi
(continued on the next page)
Internal I/O Ports
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 header support additional 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1
ports
3 x USB 2.0 headers support additional 6 x USB 2.0 ports
[one connector via ROG_EXT header]
4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
1 x DIMM.2 slot
1 x ROG extension (ROG_EXT) header
1 x 4-Pin CPU fan connector
1 x 4-Pin CPU_OPT fan connector
3 x 4-Pin Chassis fan connectors
1 x 4-Pin Water_pump+ connector
1 x 4-Pin AIO_Pump connector
2 x Thermal sensor connectors
3 x 4-Pin Full speed fan connectors (FS_FAN)
1 x 24-Pin EATX power connector
2 x 8-Pin EATX 12V power connectors
1 x W_IN header
1 x W_OUT header
1 x W_FLOW header
1 x Start button
1 x Reset button
1 x LN2 mode jumper
1 x MemOK! Button
4 x Aura RGB headers
1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
1 x TPM connector
1 x BIOS switch button
1 x Slow mode Switch
1 x PCIe x16 Lane Switch
9 x ProbeIt measurement points
1 x EZ Plug connector
1 x Pause Switch
3 x LED ON/OFF headers (M.2_LIGHT, LIGHT_BAR1, LIGHT_
BAR2)
1 x System panel connector
ROG MAXIMUS X APEX specifications summary

xii
(continued on the next page)
Software
Drivers
AURA
ROG RAMDisk
ROG RAMCache II
ROG CPU-Z
ROG Mem TweakIt
Overwolf
CloneDrive
Kaspersky®Anti-Virus
DAEMON Tools Software
Winzip
ASUS Utilities
Fan Xpert 4
ROG Exclusive Features
Extreme Engine Digi+
- MicroFine Alloy Choke
- NexFET MOSFETs
- 10K Black Metallic Capacitors
Codensatation detection circuit
ROG DIMM.2 extension card with two M.2 slots
ROG APEX FAN BRACKET
ProbeIt
Start Button
Reset Button
ReTry Button
Safe Boot Button
Clear CMOS Button
MemOK! Button
LN2 Mode Jumper
Slow Mode Switch
Pause Switch
ROG RAMDisk
ROG RAMCache II
UEFI BIOS features :
- Extreme Tweaker
- Tweakers’ Paradise
- ROG SSD Secure Erase
- GPU Post
- O.C. Prole
- Graphics Card Information Preview
ROG MAXIMUS X APEX specifications summary

xiii
Special Features
ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 5
- 5-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU,
DIGI+ Power Control, Fan Xpert 4, and Turbo App
ASUS Exclusive Features
- AI Suite 3
- 3D Printing Friendly design
ASUS EZ DIY
- USB BIOS Flashback
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 3
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
- MemOK!
ASUS Q-Design
- Q-Code
- Q-Shield
- Q-Connector
- Q-LED (CPU[red], DRAM[yellow], VGA[white], Boot Device
LED[green])
- Safeslot
- SafeDIMM slot
BIOS
2 x 128 Mb 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, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control,
F3 My Favorites, Last Modied log, F12 PrintScreen, F3 Shortcut
functions and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory
information.
Manageability WfM2.0, DMI3.0, WOL by PME, PXE
Operating System
Support
Windows®10 64-bit
Form Factor EATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5cm x 27.2cm) X-SHAPED PCB
Specications are subject to change without notice.
ROG MAXIMUS X APEX specifications summary

xiv
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard 1 x ROG MAXIMUS X APEX motherboard
Cables 2 x 2-in-1 SATA 6Gb/s cables
1 x RGB LED extension cable
Accessories
1 x ROG DIMM.2 FAN bracket pack
1 x ROG APEX FAN bracket pack
1 x SLI™ HB Bridge(2-way-L)
1 x Q-Connector
1 x ROG Coaster
1 x CPU Installation Tool
2 x 1-in-1 M.2 Screw set
1 x ROG big sticker
Application DVD 1 x ROG motherboard support DVD
Documentation 1 x User guide
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

xv
Installation tools and components
1 Bag of screws Phillips (cross) screwdriver
PC chassis Power supply unit
Intel®LGA 1151 CPU Intel®LGA 1151 compatible CPU Fan
DDR4 DIMM SATA hard disk drive
SATA optical disc drive (optional) Graphics card (optional)
The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.

xvi

ROG MAXIMUS X APEX 1-1
Chapter 1
Product Introduction
1
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
• Unplugthepowercordfromthewallsocketbeforetouchinganycomponent.
• Beforehandlingcomponents,useagroundedwriststraportouchasafelygrounded
objectorametalobject,suchasthepowersupplycase,toavoiddamagingthemdue
tostaticelectricity.
• HoldcomponentsbytheedgestoavoidtouchingtheICsonthem.
• Wheneveryouuninstallanycomponent,placeitonagroundedantistaticpadorinthe
bagthatcamewiththecomponent.
• Beforeyouinstallorremoveanycomponent,ensurethattheATXpowersupplyis
switchedofforthepowercordisdetachedfromthepowersupply.Failuretodoso
maycauseseveredamagetothemotherboard,peripherals,orcomponents.
1.1 Motherboard overview
1.1.1 Before you proceed
Takenoteofthefollowingprecautionsbeforeyouinstallmotherboardcomponentsorchange
anymotherboardsettings.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
Referto1.1.9Internal connectorsand 2.3.1 Rear I/O connectionformoreinformation
aboutrearpanelconnectorsandinternalconnectors.
1.1.2 Motherboard layout

ROG MAXIMUS X APEX 1-3
Chapter 1
Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots Page
1. CPU,CPUoptional,fullspeed,andchassisfanconnectors;waterpump+,
andAIOpumpconnectors(4-pinCPU_FAN;4-pinCPU_OPT;4-pinFS_
FAN1-3;4-pinW_PUMP+;4-pinAIO_PUMP;4-pinCHA_FAN1-3)
1-22
2. ATXpowerconnectors(24-pinEATXPWR;8-pinEATX12V_1;8-pin
EATX12V_2;4-pinEZ_PLUG) 1-25
3. LGA1151CPUSocket 1-4
4. DDR4DIMMslots 1-5
5. DIMM.2slot(DIMM.2_SLOT) 1-28
6. RESETbutton(RESET) 1-9
7. Power-onbutton(START) 1-9
8. ReTrybutton(RETRY_BUTTON) 1-12
9. SafeBootbutton(SAFE_BOOT) 1-11
10. AURARGBheaders(4-pinRGB_HEADER1-4) 1-27
11. Q-CodeLED 1-18
12. SlowModeswitch(SLOW_MODE) 1-11
13. Pauseswitch(PAUSE) 1-13
14. RSVDswitch(RSVD) 1-14
15. PCIex16Laneswitch(PCIEX16_SW1) 1-13
16. LN2Modejumper(3-pinLN2_MODE) 1-15
17. ProbeIt 1-30
18. USB3.1Gen1connector(20-1pinU3G1_12) 1-20
19. Intel®Z370SerialATA6Gb/sconnectors(7-pinSATA6G_12;SATA6G_34) 1-19
20. M.2lightjumper(3-pinM.2_LIGHT) 1-15
21. Lightbarjumpers(3-pinLIGHT_BAR1-2) 1-16
22. Thermalsensorconnectors(2-pinT_SENSOR1-2) 1-20
23. Waterin,waterout,andwaterowconnectors(2-pinW_IN;2-pinW_OUT;
3-pinW_FLOW) 1-29
24. Systempanelconnectors(10-1pinF_PANEL;4-pinSPEAKER) 1-26
25. BIOSSwitchbutton(BIOS_SWITCH) 1-12
26. USB2.0connectors(10-1pinUSB910;USB1112;USB1314) 1-21
27. ROGExtensionconnector(18-1pinROG_EXT) 1-24
28. TPMconnector(14-1pinTPM) 1-29
29. MemOK!button(MemOK!) 1-10
30. Frontpanelaudioconnector(10-1pinAAFP) 1-24

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
1.1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
ThemotherboardcomeswithasurfacemountLGA1151socketdesignedforthe8th
GenerationIntel®Core™i7/Intel®Core™i5/Intel®Core™i3,Pentium®,andCeleron®
processors.
• EnsurethatallpowercablesareunpluggedbeforeinstallingtheCPU.
• Uponpurchaseofthemotherboard,ensurethatthePnPcapisonthesocketand
thesocketcontactsarenotbent.ContactyourretailerimmediatelyifthePnPcap
ismissing,orifyouseeanydamagetothePnPcap/socketcontacts/motherboard
components.ASUSwillshoulderthecostofrepaironlyifthedamageisshipment/
transit-related.
• Keepthecapafterinstallingthemotherboard.ASUSwillprocessReturnMerchandise
Authorization(RMA)requestsonlyifthemotherboardcomeswiththecaponthe
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.
EnsurethatyouinstallthecorrectCPUdesignedforLGA1151socketonly.DONOTinstall
aCPUdesignedforLGA1150,LGA1155andLGA1156socketsintheLGA1151socket.