Asus X99-E WS User manual

Motherboard
X99-E WS

ii
E9552
First Edition
August 2014
Copyright© 2014 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
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iii
Contents
Safety information..................................................................................................... vii
About this guide....................................................................................................... viii
X99-E WS specifications summary............................................................................ x
Package contents...................................................................................................... xv
Installation tools and components......................................................................... xvi
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.1 Special features..........................................................................................1-1
1.1.1 Product highlights........................................................................ 1-1
1.1.2 Other special features................................................................. 1-2
1.2 Motherboard overview............................................................................... 1-3
1.2.1 Before you proceed..................................................................... 1-3
1.2.2 Motherboard layout ..................................................................... 1-4
1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-6
1.2.4 System memory .......................................................................... 1-7
1.2.5 Expansion slots........................................................................... 1-9
1.2.6 Onboard buttons and switches..................................................1-12
1.2.7 Jumpers .................................................................................... 1-18
1.2.8 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................... 1-19
1.2.9 Internal connectors.................................................................... 1-26
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......................................................................... 2-6
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
2.2 BIOS update utility...................................................................................2-11
2.3 Q-Code Logger utility ..............................................................................2-12
2.3.1 Using the Q-Code Logger ......................................................... 2-12
2.4 Motherboard rear and audio connections ............................................. 2-13
2.4.1 Rear I/O connection .................................................................. 2-13
2.4.2 Audio I/O connections............................................................... 2-15
2.5 Starting up for the first time.................................................................... 2-17
2.6 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 .............................................................................................3-11
3.4 Main menu ................................................................................................3-13
3.5 Ai Tweaker menu......................................................................................3-15
3.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................3-32
3.6.1 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 3-33
3.6.2 PCH Conguration .................................................................... 3-35
3.6.3 PCH Storage Conguration....................................................... 3-36
3.6.4 System Agent Conguration ..................................................... 3-38
3.6.5 USB Conguration .................................................................... 3-40
3.6.6 Platform Misc Conguration...................................................... 3-42
3.6.7 Onboard Devices Conguration................................................ 3-43
3.6.8 APM Conguration.................................................................... 3-46
3.6.9 Network Stack Conguration..................................................... 3-47
3.6.10 Intel(R) Ethernet Connection (2)
I218-LM 00:1E:99:00:00:37...................................................... 3-48
3.6.11 Intel(R) I210 Gigabit Network
Connection - 00:1E:99:00:00:38 ............................................... 3-49
3.7 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................3-50
3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-54
3.9 Tool menu.................................................................................................3-60
3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ............................................................ 3-60
3.9.2 ASUS O.C. Prole..................................................................... 3-61
3.9.3 ASUS DRAM SPD Information ................................................. 3-62
3.10 Exit menu..................................................................................................3-63
3.11 Updating BIOS..........................................................................................3-64
3.11.1 EZ Update................................................................................. 3-64
3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2...................................................................... 3-64
3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3.......................................................... 3-66

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+................................................................................. 4-7
4.4.2 USB 3.0 Boost.............................................................................4-8
4.4.3 EZ Update................................................................................... 4-9
4.4.4 USB BIOS Flashback................................................................ 4-11
4.4.5 USB Charger+........................................................................... 4-13
4.4.6 Push Notice............................................................................... 4-14
4.4.7 System Information ................................................................... 4-17
4.5 Audio configurations............................................................................... 4-18
4.6 ASUS Dr. Power Utility ............................................................................4-20
Chapter 5: RAID support
5.1 RAID configurations ..................................................................................5-1
5.1.1 RAID denitions .......................................................................... 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 Creating a RAID driver disk ......................................................................5-7
5.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS.................. 5-7
5.2.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®................................................................. 5-8
5.2.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows®OS installation........ 5-8
Chapter 6: Multi GPU support
6.1 AMD®CrossFireX™ technology ...............................................................6-1
6.1.1 Requirements.............................................................................. 6-1
6.1.2 Before you begin......................................................................... 6-1
6.1.3 Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards ................................ 6-2
6.1.4 Installing three CrossFireX™ graphics cards.............................. 6-3
6.1.5 Installing four CrossFireX™ graphics cards................................ 6-4
6.1.6 Installing the device drivers......................................................... 6-5
6.1.7 Enabling the AMD®CrossFireX™ technology............................. 6-5

vi
6.2 NVIDIA®SLI™ technology......................................................................... 6-7
6.2.1 Requirements.............................................................................. 6-7
6.2.2 Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards ...................................... 6-7
6.2.3 Installing three SLI-ready graphics cards.................................... 6-8
6.2.4 Installing four SLI-ready graphics cards...................................... 6-9
6.2.5 Installing the device drivers....................................................... 6-10
6.2.6 Enabling the NVIDIA®SLI™ technology ................................... 6-10
Appendices
Notices .................................................................................................................... A-1
ASUS contact information...................................................................................... A-5

vii
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 qualied 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 qualied service
technician or your retailer.

viii
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring 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: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package and the software.
5. Chapter 5: RAID support
This chapter describes the RAID congurations.
6. Chapter 6: Multi GPU support
This chapter describes how to install and congure multiple AMD®CrossFire™ and
NVIDIA®SLI™ graphics cards.
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.

ix
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 (+).

x
(continued on the next page)
X99-E WS specifications summary
CPU
LGA2011-v3 socket for the Next Generation Intel®Core™ i7
processors
Supports 22nm CPU, up to 20 MB Smart Cache*
Supports Intel®Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
* The Intel®Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU
types.
Chipset Intel®X99 Express Chipset
Memory
8 x DIMM DDR4 max at 64 GB 2800 (O.C.) / 2666 (O.C.) / 2400
(O.C.) / 2133 MHz, non-ECC unbuffered memory
Quad channel memory architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)
* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics
of individual CPUs. Refer to www.asus.com for the memory QVL
(Qualified Vendors Lists).
Expansion slots
40-LANE CPU
7 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots* (single at x16, dual at x16/x16,
triple at x16/x16/x16, quad at x16/x16/x16/x16, seven at x16/x8/x8/
x8/x8/x8/X8)
28-LANE CPU
7 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots* (single at x16, dual at x16/x16,
triple at x16/x16/x16, quad at x16/x16/x16/x16, seven at x16/x8/x8/
x8/x8/x8/X8)
* The PCIe x16_2's default setting is in Auto mode that automatically
optimizes the system bandwidth. The PCIe x16_2 automatically runs at
x2 mode with ASUS Thunderbolt EX card installed on PCIe x16_2 slot.
Multi-GPU support Supports AMD®Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
Supports NVIDIA®4-Way SLI™ Technology
Storage
Intel®X99 Express Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel®
Rapid Storage Technology 13 support
- 1 x SATA Express port (gray at upper, compatible with 2 x SATA
6.0 Gb/s ports)
- 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, 2260/2280 storage devices support
(PCIe mode only)
- 8 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports* (4 x gray from controller 1, 4 x black
from controller 2)
- Supports Intel®Rapid Storage Technology** (Intel®Smart
Response Technology, Intel®Rapid Start Technology, Intel®
Smart Connect Technology)
ASMedia®SATA Express controller***
- 1 x SATA Express port (gray at bottom, compatible with 2 x SATA
6.0 Gb/s ports)
ASMedia®SATA 6.0 Gb/s controller
- 2 x eSATA 6 Gb/s ports
* Due to chipset behavior, the SATA6G_78, SATA_910 ports (black) do not
support Intel®Rapid Storage Technology including RAID configuration.
** These functions work depending on the CPU installed.
*** These SATA ports are for data hard drives only. ATAPI devices are not
supported

xi
(continued on the next page)
X99-E WS specifications summary
LAN
1 x Intel®I210-AT Gigabit LAN controller
1 x Intel®I218-LM Gigabit LAN-Dual interconnect between the
integrated LAN controller and physical layer (PHY)
ASUS Turbo LAN utility
Audio
Realtek® ALC1150 8-channel high denition audio CODEC
featuring Crystal Sound 2
- Separate layer for left and right track, ensuring both sound deliver
equal quality
- Audio shielding ensures precision analog/digital separation and
greatly reduced multi-lateral interference
- Audio amplier to enhance the highest quality sound for
headphone and speakers
- High quality 109 dB SNR stereo playback output (Line-out at
back) and 104 dB SNR recording input (Line-in) support
- Absolute Pitch 192khz/24bit True BD Lossless Sound
- DTS UltraPC II
- 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 Express Chipset - supports ASUS USB 3.0 Boost
- 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at rear panel
- 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at mid-board)
ASMedia®USB 3.0 controllers - support ASUS USB 3.0 Boost
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at rear panel (blue)
ASMedia®USB 3.0 Hubs - support ASUS USB 3.0 Boost
- 8 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (4 ports at rear panel, 4 ports at mid-board
for front panel support)
ASUS Exclusive
Features
High Performance
5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processors 5
- Whole system optimization with a single click! 5-Way
Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU,
DIGI+ Power Control, Fan Xpert 3, and Turbo APP together,
providing better CPU performance, efcient power saving,
precise digital power control, whole system cooling and even
tailor your own app usages.
DIGI+ Power Control
CPU Power
- Industry leading digital 8-phase power design
- ASUS CPU power utility
DRAM Power
- Industry leading digital 2+2-phase DRAM power design
- ASUS DRAM power utility
TPU
- Auto Tuning, TPU, GPU Boost, 2-level TPU switch

xii
(continued on the next page)
ASUS Exclusive
Features
EPU
- EPU, EPU switch
ASUS Fan Xpert3
- Featuring Fan Auto Tuning function and multiple thermistors
selection for optimized system cooling control.
Turbo App
- Featuring automatic system performance tuning, network
priority, and audio scene conguration for selected
applications.
UEFI BIOS
- Most advanced options with fast response time
M.2 and SATA Express onboard
- The latest transfer technology with up to 32 Gb/s data transfer
speeds for M.2
- The ultra-fast transfer technology with up to 10 Gb/s data
transfer speeds for SATA Express
Interactive HomeCloud
ASUS HomeCloud Server
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 iOS7 and Android 4.0 systems
Gaming Scenario
Turbo APP
- Perform each application with tailored performance, network
priority, and audio conguration for your needs
Turbo LAN
- Experience smooth online gaming with lower pings and less
lags
Crystal Sound 2
- Feel the sound power with different usage scenarios
Steam support
- Compatible with the most fun gaming platform under
Windows®system
ASUS EZ DIY
Push Notice
- Monitor your PC status with smart devices in real time
USB BIOS Flashback
- with USB BIOS Flashback Wizard for EZ BIOS download
scheduling
UEFI BIOS EZ Mode
- featuring friendly graphics user interface
X99-E WS specifications summary

xiii
(continued on the next page)
X99-E WS specifications summary
ASUS Exclusive
Features
- ASUS O.C. Tuner
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
Q-Design
- ASUS Q-Code
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-LED (DIAG_CPU, DIAG_DRAM, DIAG_VGA, DIAG_
HDD)
- ASUS Q-Slot
- ASUS Q-DIMM
- ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS Quiet Thermal
Solution
Quiet Thermal Design
- ASUS Fan Xpert 3
- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe solution
Rear Panel I/O Ports
1 x BIOS Flashback button
1 x Q-Code Logger button
10 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)
2 x eSATA ports
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
2 x LAN (RJ45) ports (2 x Intel®LAN)
8 Audio I/O jacks
Internal I/O Connectors
2 x 19-pin USB 3.0/2.0 connectors support additional 4 USB ports
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 4 USB ports
1 x M.2 Socket 3 (for M Key, type 2260/2280 devices)
2 x SATA Express connectors (gray)
8 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (4 x gray; 4 x black)
1 x 4-pin CPU Fan connector for both 3-pin (DC Mode) and 4-pin
(PWM Mode) CPU coolers control with auto detection support
1 x 4-pin CPU OPT Fan connector
4 x 4-pin Chassis Fan connectors for both 3-pin (DC Mode) and
4-pin (PWM Mode) fan control
1 x Front panel audio connector(AAFP)
1 x S/PDIF Out header
1 x 5-pin Thunderbolt header for ASUS ThunderboltEX series
support
1 x TPM connector
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
2 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connectors
1 x 6-pin EATX 12V_1 Power connector
1 x MemOK! button
1 x Clear CMOS button
1 x Chassis intrusion header
1 x DRCT (DirectKey) connector
1 x Dr. Power switch
1 x TPU switch (advanced two-stage adjustments)

xiv
Specications are subject to change without notice.
Internal I/O Connectors
1 x EPU switch
1 x EZ XMP switch
1 x Power-on button
1 x Reset button
1 x 3-pin Chassis intrusion (CHASSIS) connector
System Panel (Q-Connector)
BIOS features
128 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,
CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My
Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modied Log, F12 PrintScreen function,
F3 Shortcut function, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence
Detect) memory information
Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 2.7, WOL by PME, PXE
Support DVD Drivers
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Operating system
Windows®8.1
Windows®8
Windows®7
Form Factors CEB Form Factor, 12 in. x 10.5 in. (30.5 cm x 26.7 cm)
X99-E WS specifications summary

xv
• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may
vary with different models.
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items
ASUS X99-E WS motherboard
User Guide
Support DVD
12 x Serial ATA 6 Gb/s cables
1 x 3-WAY SLI bridge connector
1 x ASUS Q-Shield
User Manual
1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit
1 x 4-WAY SLI bridge connector
1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector
COM port bracket

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-v3 compatible CPU Fan
Intel®LGA2011-v3 CPU
DIMM
SATA hard disk drive
Graphics card
Philips (cross) screwdriver
SATA optical disc drive (optional)
1 bag of screws

ASUS X99-E WS 1-1
Chapter 1
Product introduction
1
1.1 Special features
1.1.1 Product highlights
LGA2011-v3 socket for Intel®Core™ i7 processors
This motherboard supports Intel®Core™ i7 processors in the LGA2011-v3 package. It
provides great system performance, quad-channel DDR4 memory slots and PCI Express
2.0/3.0 expansion slots.
Intel®X99 Express Chipset
Intel®X99 Express Chipset is a single chipset that supports the LGA2011-v3 socket for Intel®
Core™ i7 processors. It utilizes the serial point-to-point links, which increases bandwidth and
enhances the system’s performance. It natively supports up to six (6) USB 3.0 ports and ten
(10) SATA 6 Gb/s ports.
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.
4-WAY SLI and Quad GPU CrossFireX™ Support
This motherboad features NVIDIA 4-WAY and Quad GPU AMD CrossreX support that
enables mulit-GPU setup, giving you the full power of the latest graphics technologies. It also
features native support for 4K/UHD (ultra high denition) resolution of up to 4096 x 2160 via
HDMI or DisplayPort, resulting to four times the number of pixels for incredible visual clarity,
detail, and realism.
SATA Express support
SATA Express provides faster data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gb/s, allowing your system to
catch up with the speed of the SSDs. It also features backward compatibility with up to two
SATA drives of the same speed.
Quad-Channel DDR4 2133 MHz Support
The motherboard supports the quad-channel DDR4 memory that features data transfer rates
of DDR4 2133 MHz to boost the system’s performance, and to meet the higher bandwidth
requirements of 3D graphics, multimedia and Internet applications.
M.2 Support*
This motherboard features the M.2 slot, which shares bandwidth with PCI Express 3.0 x4 slot
to speed up data transfer up to 32 Gb/s. This helps enhance the performance of your SSD
(Solid State Drive) that is dedicated only to the operating system.
* Supports PCIe mode only.
Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1
Complete USB 3.0 integration
This motherboard offers you the strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear
panels, allowing you to experience the convenience of the latest plug and play connectivity
solution at speed up to ten times faster than USB 2.0.
1.1.2 Other special features
DTS Connect
To get the most out of your audio entertainment across all formats and quality levels, DTS
Connect combines two enabling technologies, DTS Neo:PC™ upmixes stereo sources (CDs,
MP3s, WMAs, internet radio) into as many as 7.1 channels of incredible surround sound.
Consumers can connect their PC to a home theater system. DTS Interactive is capable of
performing mult-channel encoding of DTS bitstreams on personal computers, and sending
encoded bitstreams out of a digital audio connection (such as S/PDIF or HDMI) designed to
deliver audio to an external decoder.
DTS UltraPC II
DTS UltraPC II delivers a superior surround sound experience through your system’s
speakers and headphones while monitoring and balancing the loudness level difference
between digital audio formats. It also ehnances the audio settings through augmenting
low and high frequencies of musical tones, restores compressed or re-mastered sounds,
improves bass performance even without a subwoofer, and improves dialogues derived from
DVD or Blu-ray Disc™.

ASUS X99-E WS 1-3
Chapter 1
• 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.
1.2 Motherboard overview
1.2.1 Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change
any motherboard settings.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1
Refer to 1.2.9 Internal connectors and 2.4.1 Rear I/O connection for more information
about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.
1.2.2 Motherboard layout
Table of contents
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