Asus STRIX Z270G GAMING User manual

Motherboard
STRIX Z270G
GAMING

ii
E12187
Revised Edition V2
November 2016
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suchrepair,modicationofalterationisauthorizedinwritingbyASUS;or(2)theserialnumberofthe
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iii
Contents
Safety information...................................................................................................... vi
About this guide........................................................................................................ vii
STRIX Z270G 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) ................................................... 1-5
1.1.4 System memory .......................................................................... 1-6
1.1.5 Expansion slots........................................................................... 1-8
1.1.6 Jumpers .................................................................................... 1-10
1.1.7 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................... 1-12
1.1.8 Internal connectors.................................................................... 1-13
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............................... 2-5
2.1.4 DIMM installation......................................................................... 2-7
2.1.5 ATX power connection................................................................ 2-8
2.1.6 SATA device connection............................................................. 2-9
2.1.7 Front I/O connector ................................................................... 2-10
2.1.8 Expansion card installation ....................................................... 2-11
2.1.9 M.2 installation .......................................................................... 2-13
2.1.10 Wi-Fi antenna installation.......................................................... 2-14
2.1.11 3D printing part installation........................................................ 2-15
2.2 Motherboard rear and audio connections ............................................. 2-16
2.2.1 Rear I/O connection .................................................................. 2-16
2.2.2 Audio I/O connections............................................................... 2-18
2.3 Starting up for the first time.................................................................... 2-20
2.4 Turning off the computer ........................................................................2-21

iv
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 QFan 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 Ai 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...................................................... 3-17
3.6.3 SystemAgent(SA)Conguration ............................................. 3-17
3.6.4 PCHConguration .................................................................... 3-17
3.6.5 PCHStorageConguration....................................................... 3-17
3.6.6 PCH-FWConguration ............................................................. 3-18
3.6.7 OnboardDevicesConguration................................................ 3-18
3.6.8 APMConguration.................................................................... 3-19
3.6.9 NetworkStackConguration..................................................... 3-19
3.6.10 HDD/SSD SMART Information ................................................. 3-19
3.6.11 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 ............................................................................ 3-22
3.9.3 ASUSOverclockingProle ....................................................... 3-24
3.9.4 ASUS SPD Information............................................................. 3-24
3.9.5 Graphics Card Information........................................................ 3-24
3.10 Exit menu..................................................................................................3-25
3.11 Updating BIOS.......................................................................................... 3-25
3.11.1 EZ Update................................................................................. 3-25
3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3...................................................................... 3-26
3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3.......................................................... 3-28

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-6

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
STRIX Z270G GAMING specifications summary
CPU
Intel®Socket 1151 for 7th / 6th Generation Core™ i7/Core™ i5/Core™ i3/
Pentium®/Celeron®Processors
Supports 14nm CPU
Supports Intel®Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
* The support of these features depends on the CPU types.
Chipset Intel®Z270 Chipset
Memory
4 x DIMM, max. 64GB DDR4 4000(O.C.)* / 3866(O.C.)* / 3733(O.C.)* /
3600(O.C.)* / 3466(O.C.)* / 3400(O.C.)* / 3333(O.C.)* / 3300(O.C.)* /
3200(O.C.)* / 3000(O.C.)* / 2800(O.C.)* / 2666(O.C.)* / 2400(O.C.)* /
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 Memory QVL(Qualified Vendors List) for details.
Expansion slots 2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (supports x16, x8/x8)
2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1 slot
Multi-GPU
support
Supports NVIDIA®2-Way SLI™ Technology
Supports AMD®2-Way CrossFireX™ Technology
VGA
Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel®HD Graphics support
Multi-VGA output support : DisplayPort/HDMI ports
-SupportsDisplayPort1.2*withmax.resolution4096x2304@60Hz
-SupportsHDMI1.4bwithmax.resolution4096x2160@24Hz
- Supports Intel®InTru™ 3D/Quick Sync video/Clear Video HD Technology/
Insider™
- Supports up to 3 displays simultaneously
Maximum shared memory of 1024MB
* DP 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport compliant, supports DP 1.2 monitor daisy chain
up to 3 displays
Storage
Intel®Z270 Chipset
- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
- 1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices
support (both SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)**
- 1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage
devices support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
- Intel Optane Memory Ready*
* Intel®Optane Technology 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.
** The M.2_1 socket shares bandwidth with SATA_1 port when using M.2 SATA
mode device. Adjust BIOS settings to use SATA device.
(continued on the next page)

x
(continued on the next page)
STRIX Z270G 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
Wireless &
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi802.11a/b/g/n/acsupportsdualfrequencyband2.4/5GHzwith
MU-MIMO support
Bluetooth v4.1, 4.0LE, 3.0+HS*
* Support for the Bluetooth specification depends on the Windows®version.
Windows®7/8.1 can support up to Bluetooth 4.0.
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 120dB SNR stereo playback output and 113dB SNR recording
input
- SupremeFX Shielding Technology
-DualHeadphoneAmpliers
- Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, and Front Panel Jack-retasking
- Optical S/PDIF out port at back panel
Audio Features:
- Sonic Radar III
- Sonic Studio III
* Due to limitations in HDA bandwidth, 32-Bit/192kHz is not supported for
8-Channel audio
USB
Intel®Z270 Chipset:
- 6 x USB 3.0 ports ( 4 ports at back panel [blue], 2 ports at mid-board)
- 6 x USB 2.0 ports (2 ports at back panel [black], 4 ports at mid-board)
ASMedia®USB 3.1 controller*:
- 1 x USB 3.1 front panel connector
ASMedia®USB 3.1 controller*:
- 2 x USB 3.1 ports (1 x Type-A [red] and 1 x Type-C [black] ports at back
panel)
* Supports 3A power output
ROG Exclusive
Features
ROG RAMCache II
ROG GameFirst IV*
ROG CPU-Z
ROG Clonedrive
ROG Overwolf
* ROG GameFirst IV is only available for Windows®10/8.1 64-bit.

xi
STRIX Z270G GAMING specifications summary
(continued on the next page)
ASUS Special
Features
Performance Optimization
5-Way Optimization
-Wholesystemoptimizationwithasingleclick!Perfectlyconsolidates
better CPU performance, power saving, digital power control, system
cooling and app usages.
Digi+VRM
EPU
- EPU
TPU
- Auto Tuning, TurboV, GPU Boost
Fan Xpert 4 featuring Fan Auto Tuning function and multiple
thermistorsselectionforoptimizedsystemcoolingcontrol
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 3
ASUS Q-Design
- Q-Shield
- Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
- Q-Slot
- Q-DIMM
Gamer’s Guardian
- SafeSlot
- DIGI+ VRM
- DRAM Overcurrent Protection
- ESD Guards on VGA, LAN, Audio, KBMS and USB3.0/2.0 ports
- Highly Durable Components
- Stainless Steel Back I/O
ASUS Exclusive Features
- AURA Lighting Control
- 3D Printing Friendly design
- AI Suite 3
- AI Charger

xii
STRIX Z270G GAMING specifications summary
Rear Panel I/O
Ports
1xASUSWi-FiGO!module(Wi-Fi802.11a/b/g/n/acandBluetoothv4.1)
2 x USB 3.1 ports (1 x typeA [red] and 1 x TypeC [black])
1 x HDMI port
1 x DP port
2 x USB 2.0 ports [black]
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
4 x USB 3.0 ports [blue]
1 x Anti-surge LAN (RJ45) port
5 x Audio jacks
1 x Optical S/PDIF out
Internal I/O
connectors
1 x USB 3.1 front panel connector
1 x USB 3.0 connector supports additional 2 x USB 3.0 ports
2 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 4 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 W_PUMP+ connector
2 x 4-Pin CHA_FAN connectors
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V power connector
1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support
(both SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices
support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
1 x TPM connector
2 x RGB Header
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
1 x Thermal sensor connector
1 x System panel connector
1 x CPU_OV jumper
(continued on the next page)

xiii
STRIX Z270G GAMING specifications summary
Specicationsaresubjecttochangewithoutnotice.PleaserefertotheASUSwebsitefor
thelatestspecications.
BIOS Features
128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, 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, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory
information.
Manageability WfM2.0, DMI3.0, WOL by PME, PXE
Support DVD
contents
Drivers
ROG GameFirst IV*
ROG RAMCache II
ROG Clone Drive
Aura
ROG CPU-Z
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
ASUS WebStorage
ASUS Utilities
* ROG GameFirst IV is only available for Windows®10/8.1 64-bit.
Operating
system support
Windows®10 64-bit
Windows®8.1 64-bit*
Windows®7*
* Windows®8.1 64-bit and Windows®7 32/64-bit are only supported when using
6th Generation Intel®Processors.
Form factor mATX Form Factor, 9.6”x 9.6” (24.4cm x 24.4cm)

xiv
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard STRIX Z270G GAMING
Cables
2 x 2-in-1 SATA 6Gb/s cables
1 x SLI®HB BRIDGE (2-WAY-S)
1 x RGB LED extension cable
Accessories
1 x ROG cable label set
1 x M.2 screw kit (long screw and mount)
1 x M.2 screw kit (short screw and mount)
1 x ROG Coaster
1 x I/O shield
1 x CPU Installation tool
1 x 3D Printing Mount
1 x ROG Strix sticker
1 x ASUS 2T2R dual band Wi-Fi moving antennas
(Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compliant)
Application drive ROG motherboard support DVD
Documentation 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 Z270G 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
1.1.2 Motherboard layout

ROG STRIX Z270G GAMING 1-3
Chapter 1
 M.2_2islocatedonthebottomofthemotherboard.
 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.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots Page
1. ATXpowerconnectors(24-pinEATXPWR;8-pinEATX12V) 1-18
2. LGA1151CPUsocket 1-5
3. CPU,CPUoptional,waterpump,andchassisfanconnectors
(4-pinCPU_FAN;4-pinCPU_OPT;4-pinW_PUMP+;4-pinCHA_FAN1-2) 1-17
4. DDR4DIMMslots 1-6
5. RGBheaders(4-pinRGB_HEADER1-2) 1-21
6. 3DMount 2-15
7. USB3.1frontpanelconnector(USB3.1_E3) 1-14
8. Intel®SerialATA6Gb/sconnectors(7-pinSATA6G_12,SATA6G_34,
SATA6G_56) 1-13
9. Systempanelconnector(20-3pinPANEL) 1-19
10. Thermalsensorcableconnector(2-pinT_SENSOR) 1-16
11. ClearRTCRAMjumper(2-pinCLRTC) 1-10
12. USB3.0connector(20-1pinUSB3_34) 1-15
13. M.2sockets(M.2_1;M.2_2) 1-20
14. USB2.0connectors(10-1pinUSB1112,USB1314) 1-16
15. TPMconnector(14-1pinTPM) 1-15
16. Frontpanelaudioconnector(10-1pinAAFP) 1-14
17. CPUOverVoltagejumper(3-pinCPU_OV) 1-11