Asus Hyper Express User manual

Hyper Express
User Guide

2
E9496
First Edition
October 2014
Copyright © 2014 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
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means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
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ASUS provides this manual “as is” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not
limited to the implied warranties or conditions of merchantability or tness for a particular purpose. In no
event shall ASUS, its directors, ofcers, employees, or agents be liable for any indirect, special, incidental,
or consequential damages (including damages for loss of prots, loss of business, loss of use or data,
interruption of business and the like), even if ASUS has been advised of the possibility of such damages
arising from any defect or error in this manual or product.
Specications and information contained in this manual ae furnished for informational use only, and are
subject to change at any time without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by ASUS.
ASUS assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual,
including the products and software described in it.
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
product is defaced or missing.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

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Contents
1. Package contents............................................................................ 4
2. Hyper Express specifications summary ....................................... 5
3. Hyper Express hardware feature ................................................... 6
4. Recommended configurations ...................................................... 7
4.1 Qualied Vendors List for mSATA SSD............................. 7
4.2 Qualied Vendors List for M.2 SATA SSD......................... 8
5. Installing storage cards to the Hyper Express............................. 9
5.1 Removing the top cover ..................................................... 9
5.3 Installing mSATA SSD cards ........................................... 10
5.4 Installing M.2 SATA SSD cards ....................................... 11
5.5 Replacing the top cover ................................................... 12
6. Installing Hyper Express to the chassis ..................................... 13
7. Switching mode using the Mode change button ....................... 15
8. Installing the Hyper Express Utility............................................. 15
9. Using the Hyper Express Utility................................................... 16
9.1 Hyper Express Mode (default view) ................................. 16
9.2 SSD information............................................................... 19
9.3 Benchmark....................................................................... 20
Notices........................................................................................................ 21
ASUS contact information ........................................................................ 23

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1. Package contents
Check your package for the following items:
1 x Hyper Express
1 x Support CD
1 x SATA Express cable
1 x 2-pin front panel led convert cable
1 x M.2 & mSATA screw package
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

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2. HyperExpressspecicationssummary
Chipset ASMedia® 1062R RAID Controller
Interface SATA Express interface (PCI Express 2.0 x2 bandwidth)
External Connectors
1 x SATA Express connector
1 x 2-pin front panel led header(Q-LED header)
1 x mode switch button
Internal Connectors
Lane 1 sockets*:
1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key design, type 2242/2260/2280/22110
storage devices support (Support SATA SSD only)**
1 x mSATA 6.0 Gb/s port support half or full size SSD (Support
SATA SSD only)**
Lane 2 sockets*:
1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key design, type 2242/2260/2280/22110
storage devices support (Support SATA SSD only)**
1 x mSATA 6.0 Gb/s port support half or full size SSD (Support
SATA SSD only)**
* Install only one M.2 or mSATA on the same lane.
** Support two M.2 or two mSATA devices at the same time. For Super
Speed mode (RAID 0 mode), it is recommended that you install the same
type of storage device (two M.2 or two mSATA) for better compatibility
and reliability. Installing mixed type of storage devices (one M.2 and
mSATA) can be done in the Normal mode (AHCI mode) but make sure
that the storage devices are not installed on the same socket lane.
Data Rate SATA Express maximum at 10Gbps
LEDs and button
1 x Lane 1 sockets LED (S1, green)
1 x Lane 2 sockets LED (S2, green)
1 x Super Speed mode* change LED (blue)
1 x Mode switch button
Operating Systems
Supported Windows®7, Windows®8, Windows®8.1
Support CD ASUS Hyper Express Utility
Size 3.5-inch standard (14.6 cm x 10 cm x 2.5 cm) (L x W x H)
• Specications are subject to change without notice.
• SSD data rate depends on the speed of the installed SSDs.
• Thermal condition must be monitored during SSD usage.
Hyper Express allows you to install two M.2 or mSATA storage devices providing exibility
while enjoying the ultra-fast transfer speed of up to 10 Gb/s.

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3. HyperExpresshardwarefeature
Front view Rear view (without top cover)
Parts / components Short description
SATA Express connector Connects to the SATA Express header on the motherboard.
Provides maximum data transfer rate of up to 10 Gb/s
2-pin front panel LED header
(Q-LED header)
Connects to the front panel LED of the chassis.
Lane 2 sockets (S2) LED
indicator
Green LED lights up to indicate that a storage device (M.2 or
mSATA) is installed on the Lane 2 sockets (S2).
Lane 1 sockets (S1) LED
indicator
Green LED lights up to indicate that a storage device (M.2 or
mSATA) is installed on the Lane 1 sockets (S1).
Super Speed mode change LED Super Speed mode change LED indications:
ON: Super Speed mode
BLINKING: When mode is changing
OFF: Normal mode
Mode switch button Press and hold this button for 5 seconds to manually switch
from Normal mode to Super Speed mode. To switch from
Super Speed mode to Normal mode, press the Mode switch
button twice.
Top cover Remove the top cover when installing storage devices to the
Hyper Express.
M.2 slot connectors Allows you to install supported M.2 cards.
mSATA slot connector Allows you to install supported mSATA cards.
mSATA screw slots These screw slots are for the stand screw of mSATA cards.
M.2 screw slots These screw slots are for the stand screw of M.2 cards.
Socket1 lane Socket2 lane

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4. Recommendedcongurations
It is highly recommended that you install two M.2 card or two mSATA cards for the Normal
mode (AHCI) or for the Super Speed mode (RAID 0) to ensure optimum performance and
reliability.
4.1 Qualified Vendors List for mSATA SSD
Model Super Speed mode speed
ATTO
CRUCIAL M500 480GB Read:749 MB/s
Write:785 MB/s
KINGSTON SMS200S3/120G Read:745 MB/s
Write:787 MB/s
INTEL SSDMCEAW120A401 Read:738 MB/s
Write:783 MB/s
ADATA SSD SX300 Read:738 MB/s
Write:563 MB/s
SAMSUNG 840EVO 250G Read:721.8 MB/s
Write:776.1 MB/s
• Use ATTO to test the Super Speed mode performance.
• Use only SSDs with NCQ function.
For the list of compatible mSATA and M.2 SSD storage cards, refer to the Qualied Vendors
List table.
Mixed conguration (one M.2 and one mSATA SSD) in Normal mode is possible but the
performance and reliability is not guaranteed. For this kind of conguration, always install
one M.2 SSD or one mSATA SSD on each lane. DO NOT install both on the same lane.
Always use the same size, type, and model of M.2 or mSATA SSD.

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4.2 Qualified Vendors List for M.2 SATA SSD
Model Super Speed mode speed
ATTO
KINGSTON SM2280S3-120GB Read:752 MB/s
Write:802 MB/s
CRUCIAL M550-256GB Read:749 MB/s
Write:799 MB/s
CRUCIAL M550-128GB Read:749 MB/s
Write:740 MB/s
KINGSHARE KN300-128GB Read:749 MB/s
Write:337 MB/s
TRANSCEND TS512GMTS800-512GB Read:747 MB/s
Write:610 MB/s
TRANSCEND TS128GMTS600-128GB Read:749 MB/s
Write:306 MB/s
TRANSCEND TS64GMTS400-64GB Read:745 MB/s
Write:159 MB/s
TIGO M242-128GB Read:742.1 MB/s
Write:749.1 MB/s
KINGSTON RBU-SNS6100S3/128GC-2260-128GB Read : 741.6 MB/s
Write : 794.4 MB/s
INTEL SSDSCKGW180A4 180GB Read:738 MB/s
Write:791 MB/s
LITEON LGT-256M6G-2280-256GB Read:730 MB/s
Write:787 MB/s
ADATA ASP900NS38 256G Read : 710.4 MB/s
Write : 794.4 MB/s
• Use ATTO to test the Super Speed mode performance.
• Do not use SSD without NCQ function.

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5. Installing storage cards to the Hyper
Express
5.1 Removing the top cover
To remove the top cover of the Hyper Express:
1. Place the Hyper Express on a at and stable surface.
2. Remove the two screws at the rear.
3. Slide the top cover toward the rear then lift it it to remove. Set aside.

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5.3 Installing mSATA SSD cards
You can install two half-size or two full-size mSATA cards into the Hyper Express.
To install a full-size mSATA to the Hyper Express:
1. Locate the screw hole for the full-size mSATA on the Hyper Express.
2. Get the bundled stand screw and screw for mSATA.
3. Install the stand screw on the screw hole.
4. Insert the mSATA card into the mSATA connector then press it down ensuring the hole
on the stand screw matches the hole on the mSATA.
5. Using a screw driver, secure the mSATA with a screw.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 to install another mSATA card.
To install half-size mSATA cards, follow steps 1 to 6 but use the screw holes for the half-
size mSATA.
screw hole for mSATA
stand screw
screw

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5.4 Installing M.2 SATA SSD cards
You can install two type 2242/2260/2280/22110 M.2 cards with Socket 3 M Key design into
the Hyper Express.
The M.2 connector supports SATA SSD only.
To install a type 2260 M.2 card:
1. Locate the screw holes on the Hyper Express for the type of M.2 card to use.
2. Get the bundled stand screw and screw for your M.2 card.
3. Install the stand screw on the screw hole that corresponds to the type of M.2 card to
use.
4. Insert the M.2 card into the M.2 slot connector then press it down ensuring that the hole
on the stand screw matches the screw hole on the M.2 card.
5. Using a screw driver, secure the M.2 card with a screw.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 to install another M.2 card.
screw slot for M.2 card
stand screw
screw

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5.5 Replacing the top cover
To replace the top cover of the Hyper Express card:
1. Align and place the top cover to the Hyper express.
2. Slide the top cover towards the front ensuring that the screw holes matches the screw
holes on the rear of the Hyper Express.
3. Fasten the two screw at the rear
To install type 2242/2260/22110 M.2 card, follow steps 1 to 6 in installing a type 2260 M.2
card. Install the stand screw on the screw slot corresponding to the type of M.2 card you to
intend to use.

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6. Installing Hyper Express to the chassis
To install the Hyper Express to the chassis:
1. Align and insert the Hyper Express into an available 3.5-inch drive bay in your chassis.
Match the screw holes of the Hyper Express to the screw holes on the chassis.
2. Secure the Hyper Express with two screws.
3. Prepare the bundled SATA Express cable and the Q-LED header cable.
Before installing Hyper Express, ensure that you have an available 3.5-inch drive bay in
your chassis.

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7. Connect the other end of the SATA Express cable to the SATA Express connector on
the Hyper Express.
8. Connect the Q-LED header cable’s 2-pin front panel LED connector to the connector
on the Hyper Express.
2-pin front panel LED connector
SATA Express cable
4. Connect the SATA Express cable to the SATA Express connector on the motherboard.
5. Connect the Q-LED header cable to the connectors on the motherboard’s system
panel connector.
6. Connect chassis LED cable to Q-LED header cable as shown.
Q-LED cable (with 2-pin led connector)
SATA Express cable
If a Q-connector is already installed, uninstall it rst before installing the Q-LED header
cable.

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9. Connect a SATA power cable from the power supply to the bundled SATA Express
cable.
SATA power cable from power supply
SATA Express cable
To install the Hyper Express Utility, insert the bundled support CD into the optical disc drive
then follow on-screen instructions.
8. Installing the Hyper Express Utility
7. SwitchingmodeusingtheMode
 changebutton
To manually switch from Normal mode to Super Speed mode, press and hold the Mode
switch button on the front panel of the Hyper Express for 5 seconds. To switch from Super
Speed mode to Normal mode, press the Mode switch button twice.
When the Super Speed mode change LED is OFF, Hyper Express is in Normal mode. If the
Super Speed mode change LED is ON, Hyper Express in on the Super Speed mode.
Refer to the Hyper Express hardware feature section for more information on the LED
indications and for the location of the Mode switch button.
Always back up your data before switching mode. Hyper Express automatically formats
and initializes the installed storage device every time you switch modes.
The utility automatically initializes the disk when you switch modes.
To manually initialize the disk in Windows OS:
1. Open the Disk Management application.
2. On the Initialize Disk window, put a check mark on Disk 0 from the Select disks
pane, tick GPT (GUID Partition Table) from the Use the following partition style for
the selected disks: then click OK.
3. Format the disk to complete the initialization. To format the disk, you can perform
either of the following:
• From Windows Explorer, right-click on the disk that you want to format, select
Format then click Start.
• From Windows Disk Management, right-click on the disk that you want to
format, select Format then click OK.

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Normal mode (AHCI mode)
9.1 Hyper Express Mode (default view)
Super Speed mode (RAID 0 mode)
The Hyper Express Mode allows you to switch between the Normal mode (the default mode)
and the Super Speed mode or from the Super Speed mode back to the Normal mode.
Click to switch to Normal mode
Click to switch to Super Speed mode
Click to open the Benchmark screen
Click to open the Benchmark screen
Click to open the SSD information screen
Click to open the SSD information screen
9. Using the Hyper Express Utility
The user interface of the Hyper Express Utility is consists mainly of three main tabs. Hyper
Express Mode, SSD information, and Benchmark.
Always back up your data on the installed storage device before switching mode. The utility
automatically initializes the installed storage device every time you switch modes.

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9.1.1 Switching from Normal mode to Super Speed mode
To switch from Normal mode (default) to Super Speed mode:
1. From the Hyper Express Mode screen, click the Super Speed icon .
2. From the Initialize Disk window of the Windows Disk Management application, put
a check mark on Disk 0 from the Select disks pane, tick GPT (GUID Partition Table)
from the Use the following partition style for the selected disks:, then click OK to
initialize the disk.
3. When done, click OK.
4. Format the disk to complete the initialization.
To format the disk, perform either of the following:
• From Windows Explorer, right-click on the disk that you want to format, select
Format then click Start.
• From Windows Disk Management, right-click on the disk that you want to format,
select Format then click OK.

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9.1.2 Switching from Super Speed mode to Normal mode
To switch from the Super Speed mode to the Normal mode:
1. From the Hyper Express Mode screen, click the Normal icon .
2. From the Initialize Disk window of the Windows Disk Management application, put
a check mark on Disk 0 from the Select disks pane, tick GPT (GUID Partition Table)
from the Use the following partition style for the selected disks:, then click OK to
initialize the disk.
3. When done, click OK.
4. Format the disk to complete the initialization.
To format the disk, perform either of the following:
• From Windows Explorer, right-click on the disk that you want to format, select
Format then click Start.
• From Windows Disk Management, right-click on the disk that you want to format,
select Format then click OK.

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9.2 SSD information
Normal mode
Super Speed mode
Displays information about the storage device installed on your Hyper Express.
Click to open the Hyper Express Mode screen
Click to open the SSD information screen
Information about the storage device
Information about the storage device

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9.3 Benchmark
Normal mode
Super Speed mode
The Benchmark feature displays the read and write speed of the installed storage device
when activated.
Click to open the Hyper Express Mode screen
Click to determine the read/write speed of the installed storage device
Click to determine the read/write speed of the installed storage device
Click to view historical data
Click to open the SSD information screen
Click to open the Hyper Express Mode screen
Click to open the SSD information screen
Click to view historical data