Asus Z87I-PRO User manual

Motherboard
Z87I-PRO

ii
E8527
Second Edition
July 2013
Copyright©2013 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
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means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
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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Licenses. Such software in this product is distributed without any warranty to the extent permitted by the
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archives, etc. to this email address).

iii
Contents
Safety information...................................................................................................... vi
About this guide........................................................................................................ vii
Z87I-PRO specications summary ........................................................................... ix
Package contents..................................................................................................... xiii
Installation tools and components......................................................................... xiv
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.1 Special features.......................................................................................... 1-1
1.1.1 Product highlights........................................................................ 1-1
1.1.2 ASUS Exclusive Features........................................................... 1-2
1.1.3 ASUS EZ DIY.............................................................................. 1-4
1.1.4 Other special features................................................................. 1-4
1.2 Motherboard overview............................................................................... 1-6
1.2.1 Before you proceed..................................................................... 1-6
1.2.2 Motherboard layout ..................................................................... 1-7
1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-8
1.2.4 System memory .......................................................................... 1-9
1.2.5 Expansion slots ......................................................................... 1-20
1.2.6 Onboard button ......................................................................... 1-21
1.2.7 POST State LEDs ..................................................................... 1-22
1.2.8 Internal connectors.................................................................... 1-22
Chapter 2: Basic installation
2.1 Building your PC system...........................................................................2-1
2.1.1 Motherboard installation.............................................................. 2-1
2.1.2 CPU installation........................................................................... 2-3
2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation............................... 2-4
2.1.4 DIMM installation......................................................................... 2-6
2.1.5 ATX Power connection................................................................ 2-7
2.1.6 SATA device connection.............................................................. 2-8
2.1.7 Front I/O Connectors................................................................... 2-9
2.1.8 Expansion Card installation....................................................... 2-10
2.1.9 Wi-Fi antenna 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
3.3 My Favorites ............................................................................................... 3-6
3.4 Main menu ..................................................................................................3-7
3.5 Ai Tweaker menu........................................................................................ 3-9
3.6 Advanced menu ....................................................................................... 3-25
3.6.1 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 3-25
3.6.2 PCH Conguration .................................................................... 3-28
3.6.3 SATA Conguration................................................................... 3-29
3.6.4 System Agent Conguration...................................................... 3-31
3.6.5 USB Conguration .................................................................... 3-33
3.6.6 Platform Misc Conguration...................................................... 3-34
3.6.7 Onboard Devices Conguration................................................ 3-35
3.6.8 APM .......................................................................................... 3-37
3.6.9 Network Stack ........................................................................... 3-38
3.7 Monitor menu ........................................................................................... 3-39
3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-42
3.9 Tools menu ............................................................................................... 3-48
3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ............................................................ 3-48
3.9.2 ASUS O.C. Prole..................................................................... 3-48
3.9.3 ASUS SPD Information............................................................. 3-49
3.10 Exit menu.................................................................................................. 3-50
3.11 Updating BIOS.......................................................................................... 3-51
3.11.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2...................................................................... 3-52
3.11.2 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3.......................................................... 3-53
3.11.3 ASUS BIOS Updater................................................................. 3-54
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.................................................. 4-2
4.3 Software information ................................................................................. 4-3
4.3.1 AI Suite 3..................................................................................... 4-3
4.3.2 USB 3.0 Boost............................................................................. 4-5

v
4.3.3 USB BIOS Flashback Wizard...................................................... 4-6
4.3.4 Ai Charger+................................................................................. 4-8
4.3.5 EZ Update ................................................................................... 4-9
4.3.6 Network iControl........................................................................ 4-10
4.3.7 USB Charger+........................................................................... 4-11
4.3.8 System Information ................................................................... 4-12
4.3.9 Audio congurations.................................................................. 4-13
Chapter 5: RAID support
5.1 RAID congurations .................................................................................. 5-1
5.1.1 RAID denitions .......................................................................... 5-1
5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ................................................... 5-2
5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS .................................................... 5-2
5.1.4 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility .................. 5-3
5.2 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
Appendices
Notices .................................................................................................................... A-1
ASUS contact information...................................................................................... A-3

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.
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vii
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the
motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the
motherboard.
• Chapter 2: Basic installation
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when
installing system components.
• Chapter 3: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
• Chapter 4: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package and the software.
• Chapter 5: RAID support
This chapter describes the RAID congurations.
Where to nd more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software
updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software
products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,
that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the
standard package.

viii
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to
complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to
complete a task
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
means that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key.
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
names are linked with a plus sign (+).

ix
Z87I-PRO specications summary
CPU LGA1150 socket for the 4th Generation Intel®Core™ i7/Intel®
Core™ i5/ Intel®Core™ i3, Pentium®, and Celeron® processors
Supports 22nm CPU
Supports Intel®Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
*The Intel®Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU
types.
Chipset Intel®Z87 Express Chipset
Memory 2 x DIMM, max. 16GB, DDR3 3000 (O.C.)* / 2933 (O.C.)* / 2800
(O.C.)* / 2666 (O.C.)* / 2600 (O.C.)* / 2500 (O.C.)* / 2400 (O.C.)*
/ 2200 (O.C.)* / 2133 (O.C.) / 2000 (O.C.) / 1866 (O.C.) / 1600 /
1333 / 1066 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory
Dual channel memory architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)
*Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of
individual CPUs. Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List)
for details.
Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot
VGA Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel®HD Graphics support
Multi-VGA output support: DisplayPort//HDMI/DVI-I port
Supports DisplayPort 1.2* with max. resolution of 4096 x 2160
@24Hz / 3840 x 2160 @60Hz
Supports HDMI with max. resolution of 4096 x 2160 @24Hz /
2560 x 1600 @60Hz
Supports DVI-I with max. resolution of 1920 x 1200 @60Hz
Supports Intel®InTru™ 3D, Intel® Quick Sync Video, Intel® Clear
Video HD Technology, and Intel® Insider™
Supports up to three displays simultaneously
Maximum shared memory 1024MB
*DisplayPort 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport compliant; supports
DisplayPort 1.2 monitor daisy-chain up to 3 displays
LAN Intel®I217-V Gigabit LAN - Dual interconnect between the
integrated LAN controller and physical layer (PHY)
802.3az Energy Efcient Ethernet (EEE) appliance
Wireless Data Network Speedy Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n supports dual frequency band 2.4/5
GHz
ASUS Wi-Fi GO! Utility
(continued on the next page)

x
Bluetooth Bluetooth v4.0
Bluetooth v3.0 + HS
Storage Intel®Z87 Express Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and
Intel®Rapid Storage Technology 12 support
- 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports
- Supports Intel®Smart Response Technology, Intel®Rapid Start
Technology, Intel®Smart Connect Technology*
* These functions will work depending on the CPU installed.
Audio Realtek® ALC1150 8-channel high denition audio CODEC
- 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 UltraPC II
- DTS Connect
- Supports jack-detection, multi-recording and front panel jack-
retasking
- Optical S/PDIF out ports at rear I/O
USB Intel®Z87 Express Chipset - supports ASUS USB 3.0
Boost
- 6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (2 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at back
panel)
- 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (2 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at the back
panel)
ASMedia®USB 3.0 Controller - supports ASUS USB 3.0
Boost
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at the back panel
ASUS unique features ASUS DIGI+VRM
- ASUS Digital Power Control: Digital Power Design for CPU
- Industry leading digital 12+2 Phase Power Design
- ASUS DIGI+ VRM utility
ASUS DRAM Fuse
- Enhanced DRAM overcurrent protection and short circuit
damage prevention
ASUS ESD Guards
- Strong ESD protection for extended component lifespan
ASUS Stainless Steel Back I/O
- 3x More durable corrosion-resistant coating
ASUS Fan Xpert 2
- Featuring Fan Auto Tuning function for optimized speed
control, providing an exclusive tailored fan speed setting for
each fan
(continued on the next page)
Z87I-PRO specications summary

xi
ASUS unique features ASUS Wi-Fi GO!
- Wi-Fi GO! functions include Cloud GO!, DLNA Media Hub,
Smart Sensor Control, Remote Desktop, Remote Keyboard &
Mouse, File Transfer, Capture & Send
- Wi-Fi Engine for network sharing and connection: Client Mode,
AP Mode
ASUS Exclusive Features:
- ASUS EPU
- ASUS Turbo V
- ASUS GPU Boost
- Network iControl featuring instant network bandwidth
domination for top network program in use
- USB 3.0 Boost featuring speedy USB 3.0 transmission
- USB Charger+ featuring quick-chargingfunction for all smart
devices
- Ai Charger+
- Disk Unlocker
- AI Suite 3
- Anti Surge
- MemOK!
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS USB BIOS Flashback with USB BIOS Flashback Wizard
for EZ BIOS download sccheduling
- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user
interface
- ASUS O.C. Tuner
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS Q-Design
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
- ASUS Q-Cable
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-Slot
ASUS exclusive
overclocking features
Precision Tweaker 2
- vCore: Adjustable CPU Core voltage at 0.001V increment
- iGPU: Adjustable CPU Graphics voltage at 0.001V increment
- vCCIO: Adjustable Analog and Digital I/O voltage at 0.001V
increment
- vCCIN: Adjustable CPU Input voltage at 0.01V increment
- vCCSA: Adjustable CPU System Agent voltage at 0.001V
increment
- vDRAM Bus: 124-step Memory voltage control
- vPCH: 154-step Chipset voltage control
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)
- BCLK/PCIE frequency tuning from 80MHz up to 300MHz at
0.1MHz increment
Overclocking Protection
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
(continued on the next page)
Z87I-PRO specications summary

xii
Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x DVI-I
1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI port
2 x ASUS Wi-Fi GO! SMA antenna ports (2T2R) (Wi-Fi 802.11
a/b/g/n and Bluetooth v4.0/3.0+HS)
1 x USB BIOS Flashback button
1 x Clear CMOS button
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, 1 supports USB BIOS Flashback)
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
6-channel Audio I/O ports
Internal I/O connectors 1 x 19-pin USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB ports
1 x USB 2.0/1.1 connector supports additional 2 USB ports
6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
1 x 4-pin CPU Fan connector supports both 3-pin (DC mode) and
4-pin (PWM mode) CPU coolers control
3 x 4-pin Chassis Fan connectors
1 x System Panel (with Q-Cable)
1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
1 x S/PDIF out header
1 x speaker header
1 x MemOK! Button
BIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.7, WfM 2.0, SM
BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2,
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modied
Log, F12 PrintScreen function, F3 Shortcut functions, and ASUS
DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information
Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 2.7, WOL by PME, PXE
Support DVD contents Drivers
ASUS Utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Form factor mini ITX form factor: 6.7 in. x 6.7 in. (17 cm x 17 cm)
Z87I-PRO specications summary
Specications are subject to change without notice.

xiii
• 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.
PRO
-
I
7
8
Z
6
User Manual
ASUS Z87I-PRO motherboard User manual Support DVD
6 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x ASUS Q-Shield
1 x 2T2R dual-band Wi-Fi moving
antenna (Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n
compliant)
1 x ASUS Q-Cable
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items

xiv
Installation tools and components
1 bag of screws Philips (cross) screwdriver
PC chassis Power supply unit
Intel®LGA1150 CPU Intel®LGA1150 compatible CPU Fan
DIMM SATA hard disk drive
SATA optical disc drive (optional) Graphics card (optional)
The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.

ASUS Z87I-PRO 1-1
Chapter 1
Product introduction
1
1.1 Special features
1.1.1 Product highlights
LGA1150 socket for 4th generation Intel®Core™ i7/Intel®Core™ i5/Intel®
Core™ i3, Pentium®and Celeron®processors
This motherboard supports 4th generation Intel®Core™ i7/Intel®Core™ i5/Intel®Core™
i3, Pentium®, and Celeron®processors in the LGA1150 package. It provides great graphics
and system performance with its GPU, dual-channel DDR3 memory slots and PCI Express
2.0/3.0 expansion slots.
Intel®Z87 Express Chipset
Intel®Z87 Express Chipset is a single chipset that supports 4th generation Intel®Core™
i7/Intel®Core™ i5/Intel®Core™ i3, Pentium®and Celeron®processors in the LGA1150
package. It utilizes the serial point-to-point links, which increases bandwidth and enhances
the system’s performance. It natively supports up to six USB 3.0 ports for up to ten times
faster transfer rate than USB 2.0 and enables the iGPU function for Intel®integrated graphics
performance.
PCI Express®3.0
PCI Express®3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the PCI Express bus standard that provides twice the
performance and speed of PCIe 2.0. It provides an optimal graphics performance,
unprecedented data speed and seamless transition with its complete backward compatibility
to PCIe 1.0/2.0 devices.
Dual-Channel DDR3 3000 (O.C.) / 2933 (O.C.) / 2800 (O.C.) / 2666 (O.C.) /
2600 (O.C.) / 2500 (O.C.) / 2400 (O.C.) / 2200 (O.C.) 2133 (O.C.) / 2000 (O.C.) /
1866 (O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz Support
The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates
of DDR3 3000 (O.C.) / 2933 (O.C.) / 2800 (O.C.) / 2666 (O.C.) / 2600 (O.C.) / 2500 (O.C.) /
2400 (O.C.) / 2200 (O.C.) 2133 (O.C.) / 2000 (O.C.) / 1866 (O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz
to boost the system’s performance, and to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of 3D
graphics, multimedia and Internet applications.
Intel®Smart Response Technology
Intel®Smart Response Technology, an important part of Green ASUS eco-friendly computing,
reduces load and wait time, eliminates unecessary hard drive spin thus lowering power
usage, and uses an installed SSD (requires 18.6 GB available space) as a cache for
frequently accessed data or applications. It combines SSD performance and hard drive
capacity, operating up to six times faster than a hard-drive-only system to boost the system’s
overall performance.
* 4th Generation Intel®Core™ processors family support Intel®Smart Response Technology.
** An operating system must be installed on the HDD to launch Intel®Smart Response Technology.
*** The SSD is reserved for caching function.
Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1
Intel®Smart Connect Technology
Intel®Smart Connect Technology allows your system to receive updates for your web
applications in real-time even when your system is in sleep mode. This saves wait time for
applications to update and sync with the cloud for a more efcient computing experience.
Intel®Rapid Start Technology
Intel®Rapid Start Technology allows your computer to quickly resume from a low-power
hibernate state in seconds. Saving your system memory to the designated SSD, it provides
your computer a faster wake-up response time, while still keeping the energy use low.
1.1.2 ASUS Exclusive Features
EPU
EPU (Energy Processing Unit), the world’s rst real-time system power-saving chip,
automatically detects the current system load and intelligently moderates power usage.
It offers a total system-wide energy optimization, reduces fan noise and extends the
component’s lifespan.
ASUS Fan Xpert 2
ASUS Fan Xpert 2 provides customizable settings for a cooler and quieter computing
environment. With its Fan Auto Tuning feature, ASUS Fan Xpert 2 automatically detects
and tweaks all fan speeds, and provides you with optimized fan settings based on the fans’
specications and positions.
Wi-Fi GO!
ASUS Wi-Fi GO! leads the way to a more enjoyable home entertainment. With ASUS Wi-Fi
GO!, you can wirelessly stream media les to DLNA devices, remotely control and access
your computer using your smart device and easily transfer les between your computer and
smart device.
Conveniently use and enjoy these ASUS Wi-Fi GO! functions:
Cloud GO!: Allows you to control les and sync them all across cloud services in a few
clicks.
DLNA Media Hub: Provides support to the latest DLNA standard and allows you to
stream media les to a DLNA-supported device.
Remote Desktop: Allows you to view your computer’s desktop and remotely operate
your computer in real-time from your smart device.
Remote Keyboard & Mouse: Allows you to use your smart device’s touch panel as a
remote keyboard and mouse for your computer.
Smart Sensor Control: Allows you to remotely control your computer using your smart
device’s customized gestures.
File Transfer: Allows you to transfer les between your computer and smart device.
Capture & Send: Allows you to take screenshots and send them to a smart device.
GPU Boost
GPU Boost accelerates the integrated GPU for extreme graphics performance, facilitates
exible frequency adjustments, and easily delivers stable system-level upgrades for every
use.
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ASUS Z87I-PRO 1-3
Chapter 1
USB 3.0 Boost
ASUS USB 3.0 Boost, which supports USB 3.0 standard UASP (USB Attached SCSI
Protocol), signicantly increases a USB device’s transfer speed up to 170% faster than the
already impressive USB 3.0 transfer speed. It automatically accelerates data speeds for
compatible USB 3.0 peripherals without the need for any user interaction.
USB Charger+
With a dedicated onboard controller, quick-charge all your smart devices such as
smartphones, tablets and more, all up to three times faster, even when the system is
powered off, in sleep or hibernation mode.
USB BIOS Flashback
USB BIOS Flashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for your ultimate convenience.
Install a USB storage device containing the BIOS le, press the BIOS Flashback button for
about three seconds, and the UEFI BIOS is automatically updated even without entering
the existing BIOS or operating system. It also allows you to regularly check for UEFI BIOS
updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically.
Network iControl
Network iControl is an intuitive one-step network control center that makes it easier for you to
manage your bandwidth and allows you to set, monitor and schedule the bandwidth priorities
for your network programs.
AI Suite 3
With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite 3 consolidates all the exclusive ASUS features
into one simple-to-use software package. It allows you to supervise overclocking, energy
management, fan speed control, voltage and sensor readings, and even interact with smart
devices via Wi-Fi. This all-in-one software offers diverse and ease to use functions, with no
need to switch back and forth between different utilities.
MemOK!
MemOK!, the remarkable memory rescue tool, allows you to simply press a button to
patch memory issues, ensure memory boot compatibility, determine fail-safe settings, and
dramatically improve the systemís bootup.
ASUS Anti-Surge Protection
This special design protects expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused
by power surges from switching power supply unit (PSU).
Ai Charger+
ASUS Ai Charger+, the latest Ai Charger* version, brings you to a new level of USB3.0 fast
charging experience. With its easy and user-friendly interface, you can easily charge iPod,
iPhone, iPad, but also BC 1.1** standard mobile devices three times*** as fast as before.
* Ai Charger is ASUS unique fast-charging software that supports iPod, iPhone and
iPad.
** Check your USB mobile device manufacturer if it fully supports the BC 1.1 function.
*** The actual charging speed may vary with your USB device’s conditions.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1
Disk Unlocker
ASUS Disk Unlocker, an ASUS-exclusive utility, provides an intuitive interface that identies
all of your hard disk drive (HDD) spaces and allows you to use all of these spaces, breaking
the HDD size limitation of various operating systems.
1.1.3 ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)
ASUS UEFI BIOS, a UEFI compliant architecture, offers the rst mouse-controlled intuitive
graphical BIOS interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls,
providing you with more exibility, convenience, and easy to navigate UEFI BIOS than the
traditional BIOS versions. It offers you with dual selectable modes and native support for hard
drives larger than 2.2 TB.
ASUS UEFI BIOS includes the following new features:
• New My Favorite function allows you to quickly access the frequently used items
• New Quick Note function allows you to take notes in the BIOS environment
• New log reminder allows you to view all your modied settings
• F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey
• F3 Shortcut for most accessed information
• ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) information detecting faulty DIMMs, and
helping with difcult POST situations.
ASUS Q-shield
ASUS Q-Shield’s special design makes it convenient and easy to install on your
motherboard. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard against
static electricity and shields it against EMI (Electronic Magnetic Interference).
ASUS Q-cable
ASUS Q-cable is a unique extension cable that allows you to easily connect or disconnect the
chassis front panel cable in a small chassis, making the connection quick and accurate.
1.1.4 Other special features
DisplayPort Support
DisplayPort is a digital display interface standard, providing billions of colors and bi-
directional communications, thus enabling the fastest refresh rates, and the highest resolution
digital display through a single cable. Also, it supports HDCP copy protection for Blu-ray
discs. Simply output 3D signals through the connected DisplayPort cable with your 3D
display, then you can sit back and enjoy a perfect 3D animation experience.
HDMI Support
High Denition Multimedia Surface (HDMI) is a set of digital video standards that delivers
mulit-channel audio and uncompressed digital video up to 4K/2K resolution visuals through
a single cable. Supporting HDCP copy protection such as HD DVD and blu-ray discs, HDMI
provides you with the highest quality home theater experience.

ASUS Z87I-PRO 1-5
Chapter 1
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™.
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.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1
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.
• 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.