Asus ROG STRIX H370-F GAMING User manual

Motherboard
ROG STRIX
H370-F
GAMING

ii
E13589
First Edition
February 2018
Copyright© 2018 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
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iii
Contents
Safety information...................................................................................................... vi
About this guide........................................................................................................ vii
ROG STRIX H370-F GAMING 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 Jumper and holes........................................................................1-9
1.1.7 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................... 1-11
1.1.8 Internal connectors.................................................................... 1-12
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.............................................................. 2-5
2.1.4 DIMM installation......................................................................... 2-6
2.1.5 ATX power connection................................................................ 2-7
2.1.6 SATA device connection............................................................. 2-7
2.1.7 Front I/O connector ..................................................................... 2-8
2.1.8 Expansion card installation ......................................................... 2-9
2.1.9 M.2 installation .......................................................................... 2-12
2.2 Motherboard rear and audio connections ............................................. 2-13
2.2.1 Rear I/O connection .................................................................. 2-13
2.2.2 Audio I/O connections............................................................... 2-15
2.3 Starting up for the first time.................................................................... 2-17
2.4 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 QFan Control............................................................................... 3-7
3.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard ....................................................................... 3-9
3.3 My Favorites .............................................................................................3-11
3.4 Main menu ................................................................................................3-13
3.5 Ai Tweaker menu......................................................................................3-13
3.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................3-14
3.6.1 Platform Misc Conguration...................................................... 3-14
3.6.2 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 3-14
3.6.3 System Agent (SA) Conguration ............................................. 3-15
3.6.4 PCH Conguration .................................................................... 3-15
3.6.5 PCH Storage Conguration....................................................... 3-15
3.6.6 PCH-FW Conguration ............................................................. 3-16
3.6.7 Onboard Devices Conguration................................................ 3-16
3.6.8 APM Conguration.................................................................... 3-16
3.6.9 USB Conguration .................................................................... 3-17
3.6.10 Network Stack Conguration..................................................... 3-17
3.6.11 HDD/SSD SMART Information ................................................. 3-17
3.7 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................3-17
3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-18
3.9 Tool menu.................................................................................................3-19
3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility ............................................................ 3-19
3.9.2 Secure Erase ............................................................................ 3-20
3.9.3 ASUS Overclocking Prole ....................................................... 3-21
3.9.4 ASUS SPD Information............................................................. 3-21
3.9.5 Graphics Card Information........................................................ 3-21
3.10 Exit menu..................................................................................................3-22
3.11 Updating BIOS.......................................................................................... 3-22
3.11.1 EZ Update................................................................................. 3-22
3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3...................................................................... 3-23
3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3.......................................................... 3-25

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
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:
1. 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.
2. Chapter 2: Basic Installation
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when
installing system components.
3. 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.
4. 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 STRIX H370-F GAMING specifications summary
CPU
Intel®Socket 1151 for 8th Generation Intel®Core™ Processor**
Supports 14nm CPU
Supports Intel®Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
* The support of these features depends on the CPU types.
** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel®CPU support list.
Chipset Intel®H370 Chipset
Memory
4 x DIMM, max. 64GB DDR4 2666 / 2400 / 2133 MHz Non-ECC, Un-
buffered Memory
Dual channel memory architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)*
* The maximum memory frequency supported varies by processor. Please refer to
Memory QVL(Qualified Vendors List) for details.
Graphics
Integrated Graphics Processor- Intel®HD Graphics support
Multi-VGA output support: DisplayPort/HDMI/DVI-D ports
- Supports DisplayPort* with max. resolution 4096 x 2304@60Hz
- Supports HDMI with max. resolution 4096 x 2160@24Hz / 2560 x
1600@60Hz
- Supports DVI-D with max. resolution 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz
Maximum shared memory of 1024MB
* DP 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport compliant, supports DP 1.2 monitor daisy chain
up to 3 displays
Multi-GPU
support
Supports AMD 2-Way CrossFireX Technology
Expansion slots
8th Generation Intel®Core™ Processor
1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slot (supports x16)
Intel®H370 Chipset
1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slot (max at x4 mode)
4 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1 slots
Storage
Intel®H370 Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel Rapid Storage
Technology support
- 1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices
support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 2 mode)*
- 1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices
support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
- Intel®Optane Memory Ready**
* The M.2_1 socket shares bandwidth with SATA6G_2 port when using M.2 SATA
mode device. Adjust BIOS settings to use X2 mode (PCIE only).
** Intel®Optane™ Technology 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.
(continued on the next page)

x
(continued on the next page)
ROG STRIX H370-F GAMING specifications summary
LAN
Intel®I219-V Gigabit LAN- Dual interconnect between the integrated Media
Access Controller (MAC) and physical layer (PHY)
Anti-surge LANGuard
ROG GameFirst Technology
Audio
ROG SupremeFX S1220A 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
- Supports up to 32-Bit/192kHz playback*
- Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs
- High quality 120 dB SNR stereo playback output and 113 dB SNR stereo
playback input
- SupremeFX Shielding Technology
- Dual Headphone Ampliers
- Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking
- Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel
Audio Feature:
- Sonic Radar III
- Sonic Studio III + Sonic Studio Link
* Due to limitations in HDA bandwidth, 32-Bit/192kHz is not supported for
8-Channel audio
USB
Intel®H370 Chipset
- 3 x USB 3.1 gen 2 ports (1 x Type-C™ port [black] + 2 x Type-A ports [red]
at back panel*)
- 4 x USB 3.1 gen 1 ports (4 ports at mid-board)
- 6 x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports at back panel [black], 2 ports at mid-board)
* Supports 3A power output, one at a time only.
ROG Exclusive
Features
Aura
ROG RAMCache II
ROG CPU-Z
ROG CloneDrive
ROG Overwolf
ROG GameFirst IV*
* ROG GameFirst IV is only available for Windows®10 64-bit.

xi
(continued on the next page)
ROG STRIX H370-F GAMING specifications summary
ASUS Special
Features
ASUS Exclusive Features:
- AI Suite 3
- Ai Charger
ASUS EZ DIY:
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 3
ASUS Q-Design:
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
- ASUS Q-Slot
- ASUS Q-DIMM
Gamer’s Guardian
- SafeSlot
- DIGI+ VRM
- DRAM Overcurrent Protection
- ESD Guards on LAN, Audio, KBMS and USB ports
- Highly Durable Components
- Stainless Steel Back I/O
Back I/O Ports
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
4 x USB 2.0 ports [black]
3 x USB 3.1 gen 2 ports (1 Type-C™ port [black] + 2 Type-A ports [red])
1 x DP port
1 x HDMI port
1 x DVI port
1 x Anti-surge LAN (RJ45) port
5 x Audio jacks
1 x Optical S/PDIF out

xii
ROG STRIX H370-F GAMING specifications summary
Internal I/O
connectors
2 x USB 3.1 gen 1 connectors support additional 4 x USB 3.1 gen 1 ports
1 x USB 2.0 connector supports additional 2 x USB 2.0 ports
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x 4-Pin CPU_FAN connector
1 x 4-Pin CPU_OPT fan connector
1 x 4-Pin AIO_PUMP connector
2 x 4-Pin CHA_FAN connectors
1 x 4-Pin M.2_FAN connector
1 x 5-Pin EXT_FAN connector
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V power connector
1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices
support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x2 mode)
1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices
support (PCIE 3.0 x4 mode)
1 x System panel connector
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
1 x T_SENSOR header
1 x TPM connector
1 x RGB_HEADER
1 x COM connector
1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
BIOS
1 x 128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, SM BIOS 3.1, ACPI 6.1,
Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 3, CrashFree BIOS 3, Secure Erase,
User Prole, F11 EZ RAID Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Last
Modied log, F12 PrintScreen, , F4 AURA ON/OFF and F9 Search
Manageability WOL, WOR, PXE
(continued on the next page)

xiii
ROG STRIX H370-F GAMING specifications summary
Specications are subject to change without notice. Please refer to the ASUS website for
the latest specications.
Software
Drivers
Aura
ROG Sonic Studio III
ROG Sonic Radar III
ROG GameFirst IV*
ROG RAMCache II
ROG Clone Drive
ROG CPU-Z
WinRAR
Daemon Tools Software
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
ASUS Utilities
* ROG GameFirst IV is only available for Windows®10 64-bit.
Operating
system support
Windows®10 64-bit
Form factor ATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.4cm)

xiv
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard 1 x ROG STRIX H370-F GAMING motherboard
Cables 2 x 2-in-1 SATA 6Gb/s cables
1 x Extension cable for RGB Strips
Accessories
1 x Cable Ties set
1 x ROG Strix Series sticker
1 x ROG Strix Series Door Hanger
1 x M.2 Screws Package
1 x 3D Printing Mount Package
Application drive 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
The tools and components listed above are not included in the motherboard package.
PC chassis
Power supply unit
Intel®1151 compatible CPU Fan
Intel®1151 CPU
DIMM
SATA hard disk drive
Graphics card
Phillips (cross) screwdriver
SATA optical disc drive (optional)
1 bag of screws

xvi

ROG STRIX H370-F GAMING 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1.1.8 Internal connectorsand2.2.1 Rear I/O connectionformoreinformation
aboutrearpanelconnectorsandinternalconnectors.
1.1.2 Motherboard layout

ROG STRIX H370-F GAMING 1-3
Chapter 1
Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots Page
1. ATXpowerconnectors(24-pinEATXPWR;8-pinEATX12V) 1-19
2. LGA1151CPUsocket 1-4
3. Fanandpumpconnectors(4-pinCPU_FAN;4-pinCPU_OPT;4-pinAIO_
PUMP;4-pinM.2_FAN;5-pinEXT_FAN;4-pinCHA_FAN1-2) 1-17
4. DDR4DIMMslots 1-5
5. USB3.1Gen1connectors(20-1pinU31G1_78,U31G1_56) 1-14
6. M.2sockets(M.2_1;M.2_2) 1-18
7. 3DMount 1-10
8. Intel®SerialATA6Gb/sconnectors(7-pinSATA6G_1-6) 1-12
9. Systempanelconnector(20-3pinPANEL) 1-20
10. Thermalsensorconnector(2-pinT_SENSOR) 1-18
11. ClearRTCRAMjumper(2-pinCLRTC) 1-9
12. USB2.0connector(10-1pinUSB910) 1-15
13. TPMconnector(14-1pinTPM) 1-14
14. AURARGBheader(4-pinRGB_HEADER) 1-16
15. Serialportconnector(10-1pinCOM) 1-13
16. Frontpanelaudioconnector(10-1pinAAFP) 1-13
17. LEDconnector(13-pinLED1_CON1) 1-15

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™processor.
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.
• 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.