Asus Z170-PRO User manual

Motherboard
Z170-PRO

ii
E10417
First Edition
September 2015
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Productwarrantyorservicewillnotbeextendedif:(1)theproductisrepaired,modiedoraltered,unless
suchrepair,modicationofalterationisauthorizedinwritingbyASUS;or(2)theserialnumberofthe
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the product and describing the problem (please DO NOT send large attachments such as source code
archives, etc. to this email address).

iii
Contents
Safety information...................................................................................................... vi
About this guide........................................................................................................ vii
Z170-PRO specifications summary .......................................................................... ix
Package contents..................................................................................................... xvi
Installation tools and components........................................................................ xvii
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......................................................................... 1-17
1.2.6 Onboard buttons and switches.................................................. 1-19
1.2.7 Jumpers .................................................................................... 1-20
1.2.8 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................... 1-22
1.2.9 Internal connectors.................................................................... 1-23
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
2.2 Motherboard rear and audio connections ............................................. 2-12
2.2.1 Rear I/O connection .................................................................. 2-12
2.2.2 Audio I/O connections............................................................... 2-14
2.3 Starting up for the first time.................................................................... 2-16
2.4 Turning off the computer ........................................................................ 2-16

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......................................................................................3-16
3.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................3-31
3.6.1 CPUConguration .................................................................... 3-32
3.6.2 PlatformMiscConguration...................................................... 3-34
3.6.3 SystemAgent(SA)Conguration ............................................. 3-35
3.6.4 PCHConguration .................................................................... 3-36
3.6.5 PCHStorageConguration....................................................... 3-37
3.6.6 USBConguration .................................................................... 3-39
3.6.7 NetworkStackConguration..................................................... 3-40
3.6.8 OnboardDevicesConguration................................................ 3-40
3.6.9 APMConguration.................................................................... 3-42
3.6.10 HDD/SSD SMART Information ................................................. 3-43
3.6.11 Intel(R)ThunderboltConguration............................................ 3-44
3.7 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................3-47
3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-53
3.9 Tool menu.................................................................................................3-58
3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility ............................................................ 3-58
3.9.2 Secure Erase ............................................................................ 3-58
3.9.3 ASUSOverclockingProle ....................................................... 3-60
3.9.4 ASUS SPD Information............................................................. 3-61
3.9.5 Graphics Card Information........................................................ 3-61
3.10 Exit menu..................................................................................................3-62
3.11 Updating BIOS.......................................................................................... 3-63
3.11.1 EZ Update................................................................................. 3-63
3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3...................................................................... 3-64
3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3.......................................................... 3-66

v
Chapter 4: Software Support
4.1 Installing an operating system ................................................................. 4-1
4.1.1 Windows®7 and USB 3.0 driver for 100 Series .......................... 4-1
4.2 Support DVD information.......................................................................... 4-8
4.2.1 Running the support DVD ........................................................... 4-8
4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals.................................................. 4-9
4.3 Software information ...............................................................................4-10
4.4 AI Suite 3...................................................................................................4-10
4.4.1 Ai Charger................................................................................. 4-14
4.4.2 USB 3.1 Boost........................................................................... 4-15
4.4.3 EZ Update................................................................................. 4-16
4.4.4 Push Notice............................................................................... 4-18
4.4.5 System Information ................................................................... 4-21
4.5 Audio configurations............................................................................... 4-23
Chapter 5: RAID Support
5.1 RAID configurations ..................................................................................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 Creating a RAID driver disk ......................................................................5-7
5.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®.................................... 5-7
5.2.2 Installing the RAID driver during Windows®OS installation........ 5-8
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: 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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
CPU
LGA1151 socket for 6th Generation Intel®Core™ i7/ i5/ i3/Pentium®/Celeron®
Processors
Supports 14nm CPU
Supports Intel®Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
* The Intel®Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU types.
Chipset Intel®Z170 Express Chipset
Memory
4 x DIMM, max. 64GB, DDR4 3866(O.C.)* / 3800(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 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (single at x16 or dual at x8/x8 mode)
1 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot* (max. at x4 mode, compatible with PCIe x1,
x2 and x4 devices)
4 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots
* The PCIe x16_3 slot shares bandwidth with SATA6G_56. The PCIe x16_3 is
default set at x2 mode.
VGA
Integrated Graphics Processor- Intel®HD Graphics support
Multi-VGA output support: DisplayPort/HDMI/DVI-D ports
SupportsDisplayPort1.2*withmax.resolution4096x2160@24Hz/3840x
2160@60Hz
SupportsHDMI1.4bwithmax.resolution4096x2160@24Hz/2560x
1600@60Hz
SupportsDVI-Dwithmax.resolution1920x1200@60Hz
Supports Intel®InTru™ 3D/Quick Sync Video/Clear Video HD Technology/
Insider™
Supports up to 3 displays simultaneously
Maximum shared memory of 512MB
*DP 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport compliant, supports DP 1.2 monitor daisy chain up
to 3 displays
Multi-GPU
support
Supports NVIDIA®2-Way/Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology (with 2 PCIex16
graphics card)
Supports AMD®3-Way/Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
(continued on the next page)
Z170-PRO specifications summary

x
(continued on the next page)
Z170-PRO specifications summary
Storage
Intel®Z170 Express 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)
- 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage
devices support (both SATA & PCIE mode)**
- 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (gray, 2 from SATA Express)
- Supports Intel®Smart Response Technology***
*Supports PCIE RAID configurations via onboard M.2 and PCIEX16_3 slot
storages.
** The M.2 socket shares SATA ports with SATA Express. Adjust BIOS settings
to use an M.2 SATA device.
*** These functions will work depending on the CPU installed.
LAN
GigabitIntelLANconnection-802.3azEnergyEfcientEthernet(EEE)
appliance
Intel®I219-V Gigabit LAN- Dual interconnect between the integrated
Media Access Controller (MAC) and physical layer (PHY)
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 precise analog/digital separation and greatly
reduced multi-lateral interference
- Unique de-pop circuit to reduce start-up popping noise to audio outputs
- EMI protection cover to prevent electrical noise from affecting the
amplierquality
-AudioAmpliertoenhancethehighestqualitysoundforheasphones
and speakers
- Premium Japan-made audio capacitors provides warm, natural, and
immersivesoundwithexceptionalclarityanddelity
- High quality 112dB SNR stereo playback output (Line-out@back) &
104dB SNR recording input (Line-in) support
-AbsolutePitch192khz/24bittrueBDlosslesssound
- BD audio layer content protection
- DTS®Studio Sound™
- DTS®Connect
- Supports jack-detection, multi-streaming, front panel jack-retasking
(MIC)
- Optical S/PDIF out port at back I/O

xi
USB
Intel®Z170 Express Chipset- supports ASUS USB 3.1 Boost
- 6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (4 ports @mid-board, 2 ports @back panel, blue)
- 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports @mid-board, 2 ports @back panel, black)
Intel®USB 3.1 controller - supports ASUS USB 3.1 Boost and 3A power
output
- 1 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 port @back panel (teal blue, Type A)
- 1 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 port @back panel (Type C)
ASUS Exclusive
Features
Superb Performance
OC Design: ASUS PRO Clock Technology
- Full BCLK range for extreme overclocking performance
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+ Power Control
- CPU Power: Digital 8-phase power design
- iGPU Power: Digital 2-phase power design
TPU
- Auto Tuning, GPU Boost
EPU
- EPU
Fan Xpert 3 featuring Fan Auto Tuning function and multiple thermistors
selectionforoptimizedsystemcoolingcontrol
Turbo App featuring system performance tuning, network priority, and
audioscenecongurationforselectedapplications
UEFI BIOS
- Most advanced options with fast response time
Special Memory O.C. Design
-SuperbmemoryO.C.capabilityunderfullloadbyminimizingthecoupling
noiseandsignalreectioneffect
PC Cleaner
-Fastandeasywaytogetridofunnecessaryjunkles
Remote 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 7 & Android 4.0 systems
(continued on the next page)
Z170-PRO specifications summary

xii
ASUS Exclusive
Features
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 7 & Android 4.0 systems
HyStream
- Stream Android/iOS/Windows devices’ screen on your PC screen*
*Contact your device vendor for supporting information.
eSports Champions
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!
Turbo APP
- Tailored app performance, network priority and audio
congurationforyourneeds
EZ DIY
Push Notice
- Monitor your PC status with smart devices in real time
UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface
- CrashFree BIOS 3
- EZ Flash 3
Q-Design
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
- ASUS Q-Slot
- ASUS Q-DIMM
- ASUS Q-Connector
Z170-PRO specifications summary
(continued on the next page)

xiii
Z170-PRO specifications summary
(continued on the next page)
ASUS Special Features
ASUS 5X Protection II:
- ASUS LANGuard - Protects against LAN surges, lightning strikes
andstatic-electricitydischarges!
- ASUS Overvoltage Protection - World-class circuit-protecting
power design
- ASUS DIGI+ VRM - 8+2 Phase digital power design
- ASUS DRAM Overcurrent Protection: Enhanced DRAM
overcurrent protection
- ASUS Stainless-Steel Back I/O: 3X corrosion-resistance for
greaterdurability!
AI suite 3
Mobo Connect
USB 3.1 Boost
Ai Charger
MemOK!
ASUS Quiet Thermal
Solution
Quiet Thermal Design
- ASUS Fan Xpert 3
- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-sink solution
ASUS Exclusive
Overclocking Features
Precision Tweaker 2
- CPU Core/Cache Voltage: Adjustable CPU Core/Cache Voltage at
0.005V increment
- CPU Graphics Voltage: Adjustable CPU Graphics voltage at
0.005V increment
- CPU VCCIO Voltage: Adjustable CPU VCCIO Voltage at 0.0125V
increment
- CPU System Agent Voltage: Adjustable CPU System Agent
Voltage at 0.0125V increment
- DRAM Voltage: 200-step Memory voltage control
- PCH Core Voltage: 88-step Chipset voltage control
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)
-BCLK/PCIEfrequencytuningfrom40MHzupto500MHzat
0.01MHzincrement
Overclocking Protection:
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)

xiv
Z170-PRO specifications summary
(continued on the next page)
Rear Panel I/O Ports
1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI port
1 x DVI-D
1 x Optical S/PDIF out
1 x Intel LAN (RJ45) port
1 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 port (teal blue, Type A)
1 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 port (Type C)
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)
2 x USB 2.0 ports
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 M.2 Socket 3 (for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 devices)
1 x SATA Express connector
4 x SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (gray)
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 Water Pump header (4-pin)
2 x Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin) for both 3-pin(DC mode) and
4-pin(PWM mode) coolers control
1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
1 x S/PDIF out header
1 x Thunderbolt header (5-pin) for ASUS ThunderboltEX series
support
1 x TPM connector
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
1 x System Panel(Q-Connector)
1xMemOK!button
1 x CPU OV jumper
1 x Clear CMOS header
1 x DRCT(Direct Key) header
1 x 5-pin EXT_FAN(Extension Fan) connector
BIOS Features
128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI3.0, 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

xv
Z170-PRO specifications summary
Specicationsaresubjecttochangewithoutnotice.
Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 3.0, WOL by PME, PXE
Accessories
4 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables
1 x ASUS SLI bridge connector
1 x ASUS Q-Shield
1 x Q-connector
1 x M.2 screw package
1 x CPU Installation Tool
1 x User’s Manual
1 x Z170 Series Exclusive Feature manual
Support DVD contents
Drivers
ASUS Utilities
EZ Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Operating system
support
Windows® 10*
Windows®8.1*
Windows®7
*64-bit supported only.
Form factor ATX Form Factor, 12” x 9.6” (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

xvi
 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.
 CPUInstallationTool&Q-Connectorareinthecolorboxpackageonly.
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
ASUS Z170-PRO Series motherboard
User manual
1 x CPU Installation Tool
Support DVD
4 x Serial ATA 6 Gb/s cables
1 x M.2 screws
1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector
1 x ASUS Q-Shield
User Manual
1 x ASUS Q-Connector kit

xvii
Installation tools and components
The tools and components above are not included in the motherboard package.
PC chassis
Power supply unit
Intel®LGA1151 compatible CPU Fan
Intel®LGA1151 CPU
DIMM
SATA hard disk drive
Graphics card
Phillips (cross) screwdriver
SATA optical disc drive (optional)
1 bag of screws

xviii

ASUS Z170-PRO Series 1-1
Chapter 1
Product Introduction
1
1.1 Special features
1.1.1 Product highlights
LGA1151 socket for the 6th Generation Intel®Core™ i7/Intel®Core™ i5/Intel®
Core™ i3, Pentium®and Celeron®processors
This motherboard supports 6th generation Intel®Core™ i7/Intel®Core™ i5/Intel®Core™ i3,
Pentium®, and Celeron®processors in the LGA1151 package. It provides great graphics
and system performance with its GPU, dual-channel DDR4 memory slots and PCI Express
2.0/3.0 expansion slots.
Intel®Z170 Express Chipset
Intel®Z170 Express Chipset is a single chipset that supports the LGA1151 socket for the
6th 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 ten USB 3.0 ports, six SATA 6 Gb/s
ports, and M.2 Gen 3 X4 support for faster data retrieval.
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.
Quad-GPU SLI and 3-WAY CrossFireX™ Support
ThismotherboadfeaturesNVIDIASLIand3-WayAMDCrossreX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denition)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.
Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
Dual-Channel DDR4 3866 MHz Support
The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR4 memory that features data transfer rates
of DDR4 3866 MHz to boost the system’s performance, and to meet the higher bandwidth
requirements of 3D graphics, multimedia and Internet applications.
PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 Support
With a 4x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 bandwidth, the M.2 can support up to 32 Gbit/s of data transfer
speed. It is a perfect choice for the operating system or application drive, making your system
and its installed apps work in a faster pace.
Complete USB 3.1 integration
This motherboard has the latest USB 3.1 connectivity built in 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 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.
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.