Asus SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2/USB 3.1 User manual

Motherboard
SABERTOOTH Z97
MARK 2/USB 3.1

ii
E10183
First Edition
March 2015
Copyright©2015 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
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iii
Contents
Safety information...................................................................................................... vi
About this guide........................................................................................................ vii
SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2/USB 3.1 specications summary ............................. ix
Package contents..................................................................................................... xiii
Installation tools and components......................................................................... xiv
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......................................................................... 1-24
1.2.6 Onboard buttons ....................................................................... 1-26
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

iv
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
2.4 Starting up for the rst 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 ....................................................................................... 3-30
3.6.1 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 3-31
3.6.2 PCH Conguration .................................................................... 3-34
3.6.3 PCH Storage Conguration....................................................... 3-35
3.6.4 System Agent Conguration ..................................................... 3-37
3.6.5 USB Conguration .................................................................... 3-38
3.6.6 Platform Misc Conguration...................................................... 3-39
3.6.7 Onboard Devices Conguration................................................ 3-41
3.6.8 APM Conguration.................................................................... 3-43
3.6.9 Network Stack Conguration..................................................... 3-44
3.6.10 Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology........................................... 3-45
3.7 Monitor menu ........................................................................................... 3-46
3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................ 3-51
3.9 Tool menu................................................................................................. 3-57
3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ............................................................ 3-57
3.9.2 ASUS O.C. Prole..................................................................... 3-58
3.9.3 ASUS DRAM SPD Information ................................................. 3-59
3.10 Exit menu.................................................................................................. 3-60
3.11 Updating BIOS.......................................................................................... 3-61
3.11.1 EZ Update................................................................................. 3-61
3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2...................................................................... 3-62
3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3.......................................................... 3-63

v
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
4.3 Software information ................................................................................. 4-4
4.4 AI Suite 3..................................................................................................... 4-4
4.4.1 Ai Charger+............................................................................... 4-11
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 3.1 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 congurations............................................................................... 4-25
Chapter 5: RAID support
5.1 RAID congurations .................................................................................. 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 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.

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
SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2/USB 3.1
specications 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 (Qualied Vendors List)
for details.
*Refer to www.asus.com or this user guide for the complete the Memory
QVL (Qualied Vendors List).
Expansion slots
2 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (Single at x16, Dual at x8/x8)
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot* [black] (Max. at x4 mode, compatible
with PCIe x1 and x4 devices)
3 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots
* The PCIe 2.0 x16 slot shares bandwidth with USB3.1 E1/E2 ports at
back. The PCIe 2.0 x16 slot default setting is in x2 mode.
VGA
Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel®HD Graphics support
Multi-VGA output support: DisplayPort/HDMI port
- Supports DisplayPort 1.2* with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @
24Hz / 3840 x 2160 @ 60Hz
- Supports HDMI with max. resolution 4096x2160@24Hz /
2560x1600 @ 60Hz
Supports Intel®InTru™ 3D/Quick Sync Video/Clear Video HD
Technology/Insider™
Maximum shared memory of 512 MB
* DP 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport compliant, supports DP 1.2 monitor
daisy chain up to 3 displays
Multi-GPU support Supports NVIDIA®Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology
Supports AMD®Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
LAN Intel®I218-V Gigabit LAN controller- Dual interconnect between the
integrated LAN controller and physical layer (PHY)
(continued on the next page)

x
Storage
Intel®Z97 Express Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel Rapid
Storage Technology 13 support
- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 support
- Supports Intel®Smart Response Technology, Intel®Rapid Start
Technology, Intel®Smart Connect Technology*
* These functions will work depending on the CPU installed.
Audio
Realtek® ALC1150 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 112dB SNR stereo playback output (Line-out at
rear) and 104dB 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 3.1 Boost
- 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at mid-board for front panel support
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at rear panel (blue)
- 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at rear
panel)
ASMedia®USB 3.1 controller - supports ASUS USB 3.1 Boost
- 2 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 ports at rear panel (teal blue)
Exclusive TUF Features
“Ultimate COOL!” Thermal Solution
- TUF Thermal Radar 2
- TUF ICe
“TUF ENGINE!” Power Design
- 8+2 Digital Phase Power Design
- TUF Components (10K Ti-Cap, New Alloy Choke & MOSFET;
certied by military-standard)
- ASUS DIGI+ Power Control Utility
“Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel
- TUF ESD Guards
- MemOK!
(continued on the next page)
SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2/USB 3.1
specications summary

xi
(continued on the next page)
SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2/USB 3.1
specications summary
Other Special Features
- USB 3.1 Boost featuring speedy USB 3.1 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 & Mouse, File Transfer
- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring 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
- 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
- EZ Update
- Disk Unlocker
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- Multi-language BIOS
Rear Panel I/O Ports
1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI port
1 x Optical S/PDIF Output
1 x USB BIOS Flashback Button
1 x LAN (RJ45) port
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, 1 supports USB BIOS Flashback)
2 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 ports (teal blue)
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel Audio I/O ports

xii
Internal I/O connectors
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 connectors support additional 4 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 (3-pin White)
Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
24-pin EATX Power connector
8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
System Panel (Q-Connector)
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 Thunderbolt header (5-pin) for ASUS ThunderboltEX series
support
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
BIOS features
64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.7, WfM 2.0, 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
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 TUF Inside sticker
1 x TUF Certication card
1 x TUF 5 Year Warranty manual (by region)
1 x User’s manual
Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 2.7, WOL by PME, PXE
Support DVD contents
Drivers
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
ASUS/TUF CPU-Z
ASUS Utilities
Form factor ATX form factor: 12.0 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2/USB 3.1
specications summary
Specications are subject to change without notice.

xiii
User Manual
ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2/
USB 3.1 motherboard
Technical documentations,
certication and warranty card Support DVD
4 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector
(7 cm) 1 x ASUS Q-Shield
1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items
• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may
vary with different models.

xiv
Installation tools and components
1 bag of screws Philips (cross) screwdriver
PC chassis Power supply unit
Intel®LGA1150 CPU Intel®LGA1150 compatible CPU Fan
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.

ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2/USB 3.1 1-1
Chapter 1
Product introduction
1
1.1 Special features
1.1.1 Product highlights
LGA1150 socket for the 4th, New 4th, and 5th generation Intel®Core™ i7 /
Intel®Core™ i5 / Intel®Core™ i3, Pentium®, and Celeron®processors
This motherboard supports the 4th, New 4th, and 5th generation Intel®Core™ i7 / Intel®
Core™ i5 /Intel®Core™ i3, Pentium®, and Celeron®processors in the LGA1150 package. It
provides great graphics and system performance with its GPU, dual-channel DDR3 memory
slots, and PCI Express 2.0/3.0 expansion slots.
Intel®Z97 Express Chipset
Intel®Z97 Express Chipset is a single chipset that supports the LGA1150 socket for the 4th,
New 4th, and 5th generation Intel®Core™ i7/Intel®Core™ i5/Intel®Core™ i3, Pentium®and
Celeron®processors. It utilizes the serial point-to-point links, which increases bandwidth and
enhances the system’s performance. It natively supports up to six USB 3.0 ports for up to ten
times faster transfer rate than USB 2.0 and enables the iGPU function for Intel®integrated
graphics performance.
PCI Express®3.0
PCI Express®3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the PCI Express bus standard that provides twice the
performance and speed of PCIe 2.0. It provides an optimal graphics performance,
unprecedented data speed and seamless transition with its complete backward compatibility
to PCIe 1.0/2.0 devices.
Dual-Channel DDR3 1866 / 1600 / 1333 MHz Support
The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates
of DDR3 1866 / 1600 / 1333 MHz to boost the system’s performance, and to meet the higher
bandwidth requirements of 3D graphics, multimedia and Internet applications.
Quad-GPU SLI and Quad GPU CrossFireX™ Support
This motherboard features the most powerful Intel®Z97 platform that optimizes PCIe
allocation in multi-GPU SLI and CrossFireX™ solution, giving you a brand-new gaming
enjoyment.
Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1
Intel®Smart Response Technology
Intel®Smart Response Technology, an important part of Green ASUS eco-friendly
computing, reduces load and wait time, eliminates unnecessary hard drive spin thus lowering
power usage, and uses an installed SSD (requires 18.6 GB available space) as a cache
for frequently accessed data or applications. It combines SSD performance and hard drive
capacity, operating up to six times faster than a hard-drive-only system to boost the system’s
overall performance.
• 4thGenerationIntel®Core™ processors family support Intel®Smart Response
Technology.
• AnoperatingsystemmustbeinstalledontheHDDtolaunchIntel®Smart Response
Technology.
• TheSSDisreservedforcachingfunction.
Intel®Smart Connect Technology
Your computer can receive fresh updates for selected applications, even when the system
is in sleep mode. This means less time waiting for applications to update and sync with the
cloud,leadingtoamoreefcientcomputingexperience.
Intel®Rapid Start Technology
Intel®Rapid Start Technology allows your computer to quickly resume from a low-power
hibernate state in seconds. Saving your system memory to the designated SSD, it provides
your computer a faster wake-up response time, while still keeping the energy use low.
Complete USB 3.1 integration
This motherboard has the latest USB 3.1 connectivity built in with dual Type-A ports for the
very fastest USB data transfers — that’s up to 10 Gb/s, or twice as fast as USB 3.0. The
next-generation standard is completely backward-compatible with your existing USB devices,
and you’ll be all set for USB 3.1’s breakneck speeds.
1.1.2 “Ultimate COOL” Thermal Solutions
Thermal Radar 2
Thermal Radar 2 uses multiple sensors to control motherboard temperatures, automatically
adjustingfanspeedsforbettersystemstabilityandpowerefciency.Italsoprovides
customizable fan management that displays real-time motherboard, CPU and VGA zone
cooling status, and promotes extended system longevity, power saving solution, and noise
reduction.
TUF ICe
ASUS TUF have forged a brand new microchip that delivers incredibly precise temperature
monitoring and fan controls. With the TUF ICe, you can be assured that monitoring of
onboard temperature sensors and fan speeds is always ultra-accurate—whether you are
adjusting settings manually or using the automatic one-click organization.

ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2/USB 3.1 1-3
Chapter 1
1.1.3 “TUF Engine” Power Design
Digital Power Control
ASUS DIGI+ Power Control features the revolutionary and innovative digital VRM, DRAM,
and CPU Voltage controllers. These controllers offers ultra-precise memory and voltage
tuningforoptimalsystemefciency,stabilityandperformance.
TUF Components (TUF new Alloy Chokes, TUF 10K Ti-Caps, and TUF
MOSFET; certied by military-standard)
The motherboard’s TUF components features improved military-standard robust TUF new
alloy chokes, titanium solid state capacitors, and MOSFETs. The TUF alloy choke is 13.6%
cooler for extra unbeatable durability. Its 10K Titanium capacitors has 20% more temperature
toleranceandprovidesvetimeslongerlifetimeusagewhilethemilitarygradecertiedTUF
MOSFETs offers lower RDS (on).
1.1.4 “Safe & Stable!” Guardian Angel
TUF ESD Guards
TUF ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Guards provides protection against electrostatic
discharges, which can damage the motherboard’s components. The ASUS exclusive Anti-
Static chip and circuit design, and the I/O shield provide four times better protection and
ensure the motherboard’s lifespan.
MemOK!
MemOK!, the remarkable memory rescue tool, allows you to simply press a button to
patch memory issues, ensure memory boot compatibility, determine fail-safe settings, and
dramatically improve the system’s bootup.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1
1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)
ASUSUEFIBIOS,aUEFIcompliantarchitecture,offerstherstmouse-controlledintuitive
graphical BIOS interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls,
providingyouwithmoreexibility,convenience,andeasytonavigateUEFIBIOSthanthe
traditional BIOS versions. It offers you with dual selectable modes and native support for hard
drives larger than 2.2 TB.
ASUS UEFI BIOS includes the following new features:
• New My Favorites function allows you to quickly access the frequently used items
• New quick Note function allows you to take notes in the BIOS environment
• NewLastModiedlogallowsyoutoviewallyourmodiedsettings
• F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey
• F3 Shortcut for most accessed information
• ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) information detecting faulty DIMMs, and
helpingwithdifcultPOSTsituations.
ASUS Q-Design
ASUS Q-Design enhances your DIY experience. All of Q-Slot and Q-Shield design speed up
and simplify the DIY process.
ASUS Q-shield
ASUS Q-Shield’s special design makes it convenient and easy to install on your
motherboard. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard against
static electricity and shields it against EMI (Electronic Magnetic Interference).
ASUS Q-connector
ASUS Q-Connector is a unique adapter that allows you to easily connect or disconnect the
chassis front panel cables to one module, eliminating the hassle of plugging one cable at a
time and making the connection quick and accurate.

ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK 2/USB 3.1 1-5
Chapter 1
1.1.6 ASUS Exclusive Features
Remote GO!
ASUS Remote GO! leads the way to a more enjoyable home entertainment. With ASUS
RemoteGO!,youcanwirelesslystreammedialestoDLNAdevices,remotelycontrol
andaccessyourcomputerusingyoursmartdeviceandeasilytransferlesbetweenyour
computer and smart device.
Conveniently use and enjoy these ASUS Remote GO! functions:
• Cloud GO!:Allowsyoutocontrollesandsyncthemallacrosscloudservicesinafew
clicks.
• ASUS Media Streamer:AllowsyoutostreammedialestoaDLNA-supporteddevices.
• Remote Desktop: Allows you to view your computer’s desktop and remotely operate
your computer in real-time from your smart device.
• File Transfer:Allowsyoutotransferlesbetweenyourcomputerandsmartdevice.
USB Charger+
With a dedicated onboard controller, quick-charge all your smart devices such as
smartphones, tablets and more, all up to three times faster, even when the system is
powered off, in sleep or hibernation mode.
USB BIOS Flashback
USB BIOS Flashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for your ultimate convenience.
InstallaUSBstoragedevicecontainingtheBIOSle,presstheBIOSFlashbackbuttonfor
about three seconds, and the UEFI BIOS is automatically updated even without entering
the existing BIOS or operating system. It also allows you to regularly check for UEFI BIOS
updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically.
AI Suite 3
With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite 3 consolidates all the exclusive ASUS
features into one simple-to-use software package. It allows you to supervise fan speed
control, voltage and sensor readings. This all-in-one software offers diverse and ease to use
functions, with no need to switch back and forth between different utilities.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1
1.1.7 Other special features
DisplayPort Support
DisplayPort is a digital display interface standard that delivers up to 10.8 Gbps of bandwidth
over standard cables, providing billions of colors and bi-directional communications, thus
enabling the fastest refresh rates, and the highest resolution digital display through a single
cable. Also, it supports HDCP copy protection for Blu-ray discs. Simply output 3D signals
through the connected DisplayPort cable with your 3D display, then you can sit back and
enjoy a perfect 3D animation experience.
HDMI Support
HighDenitionMultimediaSurface(HDMI)isasetofdigitalvideostandardsthatdelivers
multi-channel audio and uncompressed digital video up to 4K/2K resolution visuals through
a single cable. Supporting HDCP copy protection such as HD DVD and blu-ray discs, HDMI
provides you with the highest quality home theater experience.
ErP Ready
The motherboard is European Union’s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP
requiresproductstomeetcertainenergyefciencyrequirementinregardstoenergy
consumptions. This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-
efcientproductsthroughproductdesignandinnovationtoreducecarbonfootprintofthe
product and thus mitigate environmental impacts.