Asus X99-A II User manual

Motherboard
X99-A II

ii
E11090
First Edition
April 2016
Copyright© 2016 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
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iii
Contents
Safety information...................................................................................................... vi
About this guide........................................................................................................ vii
X99-A II specications summary .............................................................................. ix
Package contents...................................................................................................... xv
Installation tools and components......................................................................... xvi
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 Jumpers .................................................................................... 1-12
1.1.8 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................... 1-14
1.1.9 Internal connectors.................................................................... 1-21
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............................... 2-6
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
2.2 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 rst time.................................................................... 2-17
2.5 Turning off the computer ........................................................................ 2-18

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......................................................................................3-15
3.6 Advanced menu ....................................................................................... 3-18
3.6.1 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 3-19
3.6.2 PCH Conguration .................................................................... 3-20
3.6.3 PCH Storage Conguration....................................................... 3-21
3.6.4 System Agent Conguration ..................................................... 3-23
3.6.5 USB Conguration .................................................................... 3-23
3.6.6 Platform Misc Conguration...................................................... 3-24
3.6.7 Onboard Devices Conguration................................................ 3-24
3.6.8 APM Conguration.................................................................... 3-26
3.6.9 Network Stack Conguration..................................................... 3-26
3.6.10 HDD/SSD SMART Information ................................................. 3-27
3.7 Monitor menu ........................................................................................... 3-28
3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................ 3-29
3.9 Tool menu................................................................................................. 3-32
3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility ............................................................ 3-32
3.9.2 Secure Erase ............................................................................ 3-33
3.9.3 ASUS Overclocking Prole ....................................................... 3-34
3.9.4 ASUS SPD Information............................................................. 3-35
3.10 Exit menu.................................................................................................. 3-36
3.11 Updating BIOS.......................................................................................... 3-37
3.11.1 EZ Update................................................................................. 3-37
3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3...................................................................... 3-38
3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3.......................................................... 3-40

v
Chapter 4: RAID Support
4.1 RAID congurations .................................................................................. 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 nd 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
(continued on the next page)
X99-A II specications summary
CPU
New Intel®Core™ i7 X-Series Processors on LGA 2011-3 socket
Supports 14nm CPU
Supports Intel®Turbo Boost Technology 3.0*
* The Intel®Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU
types.
Chipset Intel®X99 Chipset
Memory
8 x DIMM, max. 128GB, DDR4 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
Quad 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.
Expansion Slots
40-Lane CPU
3 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots* (single at x16, dual at x16/x16,
triple at x8/x16/x8)
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot** (PCIe x16_2, max. at x4 mode,
compatible with PCIe x1 and x4 devices)
2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots** (compatible with PCIe x1 devices)
28-Lane CPU
3 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots* (single@x16, dual@x16/x8,
triple@x8/x8***/x8)
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot** (PCIe x16_2, max. at x4 mode,
compatible with PCIe x1 and x4 devices)
2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots** (compatible with PCIe x1 devices)
* PCIe x16_1 and PCIe x16_4 slots share the same bandwidth. PCIe
x16_4 slot support up to x8 mode.
** The PCIe x16_2 slot shares bandwidth with USB 3.1 and PCIe x1_2
slots. By default, the PCIe x16_2 slot automatically runs at x1 mode.
*** When using a 28-lane CPU, the PCIe x16_3 slot support up to x8 mode.
Multi-GPU Support
Supports NVIDIA®3-Way/Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology (with 2
PCIe x16 graphics card)
Supports AMD®3-Way/Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology (with
2 PCIe x16 graphics card)
Storage
New Intel®Core™ i7 X-Series Processors
- 1 x M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 Socket 3 with M Key, type
2242/2260/2280/22110 (support PCIe storage device only)*
- 1 x U.2 port (support PCIe 3.0 x4 NVM Express storage)*
Intel®X99 Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel Rapid Storage
Technology 14 support
- 1 x SATA Express port (compatible with 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports)
- 8 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports**

x
X99-A II specications summary
Storage
- Supports Intel®Smart Response Technology***
* M.2 shares bandwidth with U.2. Only one device can be activated at a
time.
** Due to chipset behavior, The SATA6G_78, SATA6G_910 ports (black)
do not support IRST including RAID conguration.
*** These functions will work depending on the CPU installed.
LAN
Gigabit Intel® LAN connection - 802.3az Energy Efcient Ethernet
(EEE) appliance
Intel®I218-V Gigabit LAN- Dual interconnect between the integrated
Media Access Controller (MAC) and physical layer (PHY)
ASUS LAN Guard
ASUS Turbo LAN Utility
Audio
Realtek® ALC1150 8-channel high denition audio CODEC featuring
Crystal Sound 3
- Power pre-regulator: Reduces power input noise to ensure
consistent performance
- 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 shielding ensures precision analog/digital separation and
greatly reduced multi-lateral interference
- EMI protection cover to prevent electrical noise to affect the
amplier quality
- Audio Amplier to enhance the highest quality sound for
headphone and speakers
- Unique de-pop circuit to reduce start-up popping noise to audio
outputs
- Premium Japan-made audio capacitors provide warm, natural,
and immersive sound with exceptional clarity and delity
- High quality 112 dB SNR stereo playback output (Line-out at back)
and 104 dB SNR recording input (Line-in) support
- Absolute Pitch 192 khz/24 bit True BD Lossless Sound
- BD audio layer content protection
- DTS Studio Sound
- DTS Connect
- Supports jack-detection, multi-streaming and front panel jack-
retasking (MIC)
- Optical S/PDIF out ports at rear I/O
USB
Intel®X99 Chipset- supports ASUS USB 3.1 Boost
- 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at mid-board for front panel support
- 1 x USB 3.0/2.0 port at rear panel (Supports USB BIOS Flashback)
- 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at rear panel)
ASMedia®USB 3.1 controllers- supports ASUS USB 3.1 Boost
- 2 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 ports at back panel (Type-A and Type-C)
ASMedia®USB 3.0 controllers- supports ASUS USB 3.1 Boost
- 3 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at back panel (blue)

xi
(continued on the next page)
X99-A II specications summary
ASUS Exclusive
Features
Performance
5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processors 5
- Whole system optimization with a single click! Perfectly
consolidates better CPU performance, power saving, digital
power control, system cooling and app usages.
DIGI+ Power Control
- CPU Power: Digital 8-phase power design
- DRAM Power: Digital 4-phase power design
TPU
- Auto Tuning, TPU
EPU
Fan Xpert4
Turbo Core App
UEFI BIOS
EZ Tuning Wizard
S.M.A.R.T.
Secure Erase
GPU Post
AURA Lighting Effect
CrashFree BIOS 3
EZ Flash 3
32Gb/s U.2 & M.2 onboard
- PCIe 3.0 x4
Special Memory O.C. Design
- Superb memory O.C. capability under full load by minimizing
the coupling noise and signal reection effect
Gaming
AURA
Turbo LAN
- Fast and smooth online gaming with lower pings and less lags
Crystal Sound 3
- Hear the cleanest sound with dedicated audio design onboard!
Connectivity
32Gb/s U.2 & M.2 onboard
- PCIe 3.0 x4
Thunderbolt 3 Support
- Blistering-fast 40Gb/s data transfers upgrades with
ThunderboltEX 3 Card.

xii
X99-A II specications summary
ASUS Exclusive
Features
Entertainment
Remote GO!
- Remote GO! Function: Cloud GO!, Remote Desktop, Remote
Keyboard & Mouse, File Transfer
- Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote app for portable smartphone/tablet,
supporting iOS 9 and Android™ 4.0 systems
Media Streamer
- Pipe music or movies from your PC to a smart TV, your
entertainment goes wherever you go!
- Media Streamer app for portable smartphone/tablet, supporting
iOS 9 and Android™ 4.0 systems
HyStream
- Stream iOS devices’ screen on your PC screen*
* Contact your device vendor for supporting information.
Mobo Connect
EZ DIY
Push Notice
- Monitor your PC status with smart devices in real time
USB BIOS Flashback
PC Cleaner
- Fast and easy way to get rid of unnecessary junk les
Q-Design
- Q-Code
- Q-Connector
- Q-DIMM
- Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, BOOT, PCIE_LED)
- Q-Shield
- Q-Slot
ASUS Special Features
ASUS 5X Protection II:
- ASUS LANGuard - 2.5X higher surge tolerance
- ASUS Overvoltage Protection - World-class circuit-protecting
power design
- ASUS DIGI+ VRM - 8 Phase digital power design
- ASUS DRAM Overcurrent Protection - Prevents damage from
short circuits
- ASUS Stainless-Steel Back I/O - 3X corrosion-resistance for
greater durability
- Mobo Connect
- LAN Guard
- USB 3.1 Boost
- Ai Charger+
- Disk Unlocker
- AI Suite 3
- MemOK!
- EZ XMP

xiii
ASUS Quiet Thermal
Solution
Quiet Thermal Design
- ASUS Fan Xpert 3
- ASUS Fanless Design: Heatsink solution
ASUS Exclusive
Overclocking Features
Precision Tweaker 2
- vCore: Adjustable CPU Core voltage at 0.001 V increment
- vCache: Adjustable CPU Cache voltage at 0.001 V increment
- vCCIN: Adjustable CPU Input voltage at 0.01 V increment
- vCCSA: Adjustable CPU System Agent voltage at 0.001 V
increment
- vDRAM Bus: 110-step Memory voltage control
- vPCH: 176-step Chipset voltage control
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)
- BCLK/PCIE frequency tuning from 80 MHz up to 300 MHz at
0.1 MHz increment.
Overclocking Protection
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
Rear Panel I/O Ports
1 x BIOS Flashback button
1 x Optical S/PDIF out port
1 x Intel®LAN (RJ45) port
1 x USB 3.1/3.0 port (Type-A, Teal blue)
1 x USB 3.1/3.0 port (Type-C)
4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (Blue, right bottom port supports USB BIOS
Flashback)
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse combo port
8-channel Audio I/O ports
Internal I/O Connectors
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 connectors, support additional 4 USB ports (19-pin)
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors, support additional 4 USB ports
1 x U.2 connector
1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key design, type 2242/2260/2280/22110
storage devices support (supports PCIE SSD only)
1 x SATA Express connector (gray)
8 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (2 from SATA Express)
1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin) for both 3-pin (DC mode) and 4-pin
(PWM mode) CPU coolers control with auto detection support
1 x CPU_OPT Fan connector (4-pin)
1 x W_Pump connector (4-pin)
1 x High AMP Fan connector (4-pin)
2 x Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin) for both 3-pin (DC Mode) and
4-pin (PWM Mode) fans control
1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
X99-A II specications summary
(continued on the next page)

xiv
Internal I/O Connectors
1 x S/PDIF Out header
1 x Thunderbolt header (5-pin) for ASUS ThunderboltEX series
support
1 x TPM connector
1 x Serial port (COM) header
1 x RGB header
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
1 x 4-pin EATX 12V Power connector
1 x System Panel (Q-Connector)
1 x 5-pin EXT_FAN (Extension Fan) connector
1 x 3-pin CHASSIS (Chassis intrusion) connector
1 x 2-pin Thermal sensor header
1 x 3-pin CPU OverVoltage (OV) header
1 x MemOK! button
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
1 x DRCT (Direct Key) connector
1 x EZ XMP switch
1 x Power-on button
1 x Reset button
BIOS Features
128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 3.0,
ACPI 5.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 3, CrashFree BIOS
3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Quick
Note, Last Modied log, F12 PrintScreen and ASUS DRAM SPD
(Serial Presence Detect) memory information
Manageability WfM 2.0, WOL by PME, PXE
Support DVD
Drivers
ASUS Utilities
EZ Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Operating System
Windows®10*
Windows®8.1 / Windows®8
Windows®7
*64-bit only
Form Factors ATX Form Factor, 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
X99-A II specications summary
Specications are subject to change without notice.

xv
• 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.
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items
ASUS X99-A II motherboard
1 x User Manual
1 x Support DVD
4 x Serial ATA 6 Gb/s cables
1 x ASUS Q-Shield
User Manual
1 x ASUS Q-Connector
1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector
1 x RGB LED extension cable 1 x CPU installation tool
1 x M.2 screws package

xvi
Installation tools and components
The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.
PC chassis
Power supply unit
Intel®LGA2011-3 compatible CPU Fan Intel®LGA2011-3 CPU
DIMM
SATA hard disk drive
Graphics card
Philips (cross) screwdriver
SATA optical disc drive (optional)
1 bag of screws

ASUS X99-A II 1-1
Chapter 1
Product Introduction
1
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.
• 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.
Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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

ASUS X99-A II 1-3
Chapter 1
Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots Page
1. DDR4DIMMslots 1-5
2. CPU,CPUoptional,extension,andchassisfanconnectors(4-pin
CPU_FAN;4-pinCPU_OPT;4-pinW_PUMP;4-pinH_AMP_FAN;5-pin
EXT_FAN,4-pinCHA_FAN1-2)
1-25
3. LGA2011-3CPUsocket 1-4
4. ATXpowerconnectors(24-pinEATXPWR;8-pinEATX12V_1;4-pin
EZTX12V_2)
1-26
5. MemOK!button 1-10
6. Intel®X99SerialATA6Gb/sconnectors(7-pinSATA6G_12,SATA6G_34,
SATA6G_56/SATAEXPRESS,SATA6G_78,SATA6G_910)
1-21
7. USB3.0connectors(20-1pinUSB3_12,USB3_34) 1-23
8. CPUOverVoltagejumper(3-pinCPU_OV) 1-13
9. U.2connector(U.2) 1-33
10. EZXMPswitch 1-11
11. Thunderboltheader(5-pinTB_HEADER) 1-29
12. ClearRTCRAMjumper(2-pinCLRTC) 1-12
13. Systempanelconnector(20-8pinPANEL) 1-27
14. DirectKeyconnector(2-pinDRCT) 1-28
15. USB2.0connectors(10-1pinUSB1112;USB1314) 1-24
16. T_Sensorconnector(2-pinT_SENSOR1) 1-29
17. M.2socket3 1-22
18. TPMconnector(14-1pinTPM) 1-28
19. Q-CodeLEDs 1-15
20. Resetbutton 1-9
21. Power-onbutton 1-9
22. AuraStripHeaders(4-pinRGB_HEADER) 1-32
23. Serialportconnector(10-1pinCOM) 1-30
24. Frontpanelaudioconnector(10-1pinAAFP) 1-31
25. Digitalaudioconnector(4-1pinSPDIF_OUT) 1-22

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
1.1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
ThemotherboardcomeswithasurfacemountLGA2011-3socketdesignedforIntel®Core™
i7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
LGA2011-3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.