Biostar GAMING Z97W User guide

GAMING Z97W Setup Manual
FCC Information and Copyright
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. There is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation.
The vendor makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents
here and specially disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness
for any purpose. Further the vendor reserves the right to revise this publication
and to make changes to the contents here without obligation to notify any party
beforehand.
Duplication of this publication, in part or in whole, is not allowed without first
obtaining the vendor’s approval in writing.
The content of this user’s manual is subject to be changed without notice and we
will not be responsible for any mistakes found in this user’s manual. All the brand
and product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
Dichiarazione di conformità
sintetica
Ai sensi dell’art. 2 comma 3 del D.M.
275 del 30/10/2002
Si dichiara che questo prodotto è
conforme alle normative vigenti e
soddisfa i requisiti essenziali richiesti
dalle direttive
2004/108/CE, 2006/95/CE e
1999/05/CE
quando ad esso applicabili
Short Declaration of conformity
We declare this product is complying
with the laws in force and meeting all
the essential requirements as specified
by the directives
2004/108/CE, 2006/95/CE and
1999/05/CE
whenever these laws may be applied

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................. 1
1.1 Before You Start ................................................................................1
1.2 Package Checklist ............................................................................1
1.3 Motherboard Specifications .............................................................2
1.4 Rear Panel Connectors....................................................................3
1.5 Motherboard Layout..........................................................................4
Chapter 2: Hardware Installation .................................. 5
2.1 Install Central Processing Unit (CPU)............................................5
2.2 Install a Heatsink...............................................................................7
2.3 Connect Cooling Fans......................................................................8
2.4 Install System Memory.....................................................................9
2.5 Expansion Slots...............................................................................10
2.6 Jumper Setting ................................................................................12
2.7 Headers & Connectors...................................................................13
2.8 Smart Switches & Indicators..........................................................18
Chapter 3: UEFI BIOS & Software ................................ 19
3.1 UEFI BIOS Setup............................................................................19
3.2 BIOS Update....................................................................................19
3.3 Software............................................................................................23
Chapter 4: Useful Help ................................................. 34
4.1 Driver Installation.............................................................................38
4.2 AMI BIOS Beep Code.....................................................................39
4.3 AMI BIOS Post Code......................................................................39
4.4 Troubleshooting...............................................................................41
4.5 RAID Functions ...............................................................................42
Appendix: Specifications in Other Languages .............. 44
Arabic.....................................................................................................................44
French ...................................................................................................................46
German .................................................................................................................48
Italian .....................................................................................................................50
Japanese...............................................................................................................52
Polish.....................................................................................................................54
Portuguese ...........................................................................................................56
Russian .................................................................................................................58
Spanish..................................................................................................................60

GAMING Z97W
1
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Before You Start
Thank you for choosing our product. Before you start installing the
motherboard, please make sure you follow the instructions below:
Prepare a dry and stable working environment with sufficient
lighting.
Always disconnect the computer from power outlet before
operation.
Before you take the motherboard out from anti-static bag,
ground yourself properly by touching any safely grounded
appliance, or use grounded wrist strap to remove the static
charge.
Avoid touching the components on motherboard or the rear
side of the board unless necessary. Hold the board on the
edge, do not try to bend or flex the board.
Do not leave any unfastened small parts inside the case after
installation. Loose parts will cause short circuits which may
damage the equipment.
Keep the computer from dangerous area, such as heat
source, humid air and water.
The operating temperatures of the computer should be 0 to
45 degrees Celsius.
To avoid injury, be careful of:
Sharp pins on headers and connectors
Rough edges and sharp corners on the chassis
Damage to wires that could cause a short circuit
1.2 Package Checklist
Serial ATA Cable x4
Rear I/O Panel for ATX Case x1
User’s Manual x1
USB Business Card x1 (Fully Setup Drivers included)
GAMING COMMANDER x1 (Optional)
Note: The package contents may be different due to the sales region or models in which it was
sold. For more information about the standard package in your region, please contact your dealer
or sales representative.

Motherboard Manual
2
1.3 Motherboard Specifications
Specifications
CPU Support
Socket 1150 for Intel® Core i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium / Celeron processor
Maximum CPU TDP (Thermal Design Power): 95Watt
* Please refer to www.biostar.com.tw for CPU support list.
Chipset INTEL® Z97
Memory
Supports Dual Channel DDR3 1066/ 1333/ 1600
Supports Dual Channel DDR3 1800(OC) / 1866(OC) / 2133(OC) / 2200(OC) / 2400(OC) /
2600(OC) / 2667(OC) / 2800(OC) / 3000(OC)
4 x DDR3 DIMM Memory Slot, Max. Supports up to 32 GB Memory
Each DIMM supports non-ECC 512MB/ 1/ 2/ 4/ 8 GB DDR3 module
* Please refer to www.biostar.com.tw for Memory support list.
Storage
INTEL® Z97
1x SATA Express Connector, compatible with 2x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports
4x SATA 6Gb/s Connector
Supports RAID 0,1,10,5, AHCI & SRT
* SATA Express Connector is shared with M.2 slot.
LAN Realtek RTL8111GR + Atheros Killer E2201
2x 10/ 100/ 1000 Mb/s auto negotiation, Half / Full duplex capability
Audio Codec ALC898
7.1 Channels, High Definition Audio, Biostar Hi-Fi 3D
USB
2x USB 3.1 port (2 on rear I/Os)
6x USB 3.0 port (4 on rear I/Os and 2 via internal headers)
4x USB 2.0 port (4 via internal headers)
Expansion Slots
2x PCI Slot
2x PCIe 2.0 x1 Slot
2x PCIe 3.0 x16 Slot ( x8/x8)
1x PCIe M.2 (Key M, Socket 3) Slot
Rear I/Os
1x PS/2 Keyboard/ Mouse
1x DVI-D Port
1x VGA
1x HDMI Port
1x DP Port
2x LAN port
2x USB 3.1 Port
4x USB 3.0 Port
6x Audio Jack

GAMING Z97W
3
Specifications
Internal I/Os
1x SATA Express Connector, compatible with 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports
4x SATA 6.0Gb/s Connector
2x USB 2.0 Header (each header supports 2 USB 2.0 ports)
1x USB 3.0 Header (each header supports 2 USB 3.0 ports)
1x 8-Pin Power Connector
1x 24-Pin Power Connector
2x CPU Fan Connector
3x System Fan Connector
2x Front Panel Header
1x Front Audio Header
1x Clear CMOS Header
1x Consumer IR Header (Gaming Commander)
1x S/PDIF out Connector
Form Factor ATX Form Factor, 305 mm x 244 mm
OS Support Windows 7/ 8/ 8.1
Biostar reserves the right to add or remove support for any OS with or without notice.
1.4 Rear Panel Connectors
Note1: VGA, HDMI, DVI-D & DP ports only work with an Intel® integrated Graphics Processor.
Note2: Maximum resolution:
HDMI: 4096 x 2160 @24Hz, compliant with HDMI 1.4a
DVI-D: 1920 x 1200 @60Hz
VGA: 1920 x 1200 @60Hz
DP: 3840 x 2160 @60Hz
Note3: The mainboard supports three onboard display outputs at same time.

Motherboard Manual
4
1.5 Motherboard Layout
Note: ■represents the 1st pin.

GAMING Z97W
5
CHAPTER 2: HARDWARE INSTALLATION
2.1 Install Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Step 1: Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard
Note1: Remove Pin Cap before installation, and make good preservation for future use. When the
CPU is removed, cover the Pin Cap on the empty socket to ensure pin legs won’t be damaged.
Note2: The motherboard might equip with two different types of pin cap. Please refer below
instruction to remove the pin cap.
Step 2: Pull the socket locking lever out from the socket and then raise the lever
up.
Step 3: Remove the Pin Cap.

Motherboard Manual
6
Step 4: Hold processor with your thumb and index fingers, oriented as shown.
Align the notches with the socket. Lower the processor straight down
without tilting or sliding the processor in the socket.
Note1: The LGA1155 CPU is not compatible with LGA 1150 socket. Do not install a LGA 1155 CPU
on the LGA 1150 socket.
Note2: The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. Do not force the CPU into the socket to prevent
damaging the CPU.
Step 5: Hold the CPU down firmly, and then lower the lever to locked position to
complete the installation.

GAMING Z97W
7
2.2 Install a Heatsink
Step 1: Place the CPU fan assembly on top of the installed CPU and make sure
that the four fasteners match the motherboard holes. Orient the assembly
and make the fan cable is closest to the CPU fan connector.
Ensure the fastener slots are pointing perpendicular to the heatsink.
Step 2: Press down two fasteners at one time in a diagonal sequence to secure
the CPU fan assembly in place. As each fastener locks into position a click
should be heard.
Note1: Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector.
Note2: For proper installation, please kindly refer to the installation manual of your CPU heatsink.

Motherboard Manual
8
2.3 Connect Cooling Fans
These fan headers support cooling-fans built in the computer. The fan cable and
connector may be different according to the fan manufacturer.
CPU_FAN1/2: CPU Fan Header
Pin Assignment
1 Ground
2 +12V
3 FAN RPM rate sense
4 Smart Fan Control (By Fan)
SYS_FAN1/2/3: System Fan Header
Pin Assignment
1 Ground
2 +12V
3 FAN RPM rate sense
4 Smart Fan Control (By Fan)
Note: CPU_FAN1/2, SYS_FAN1/2/3 support 4-pin and 3-pin head connectors. When connecting
with wires onto connectors, please note that the red wire is the positive and should be connected to
pin#2, and the black wire is Ground and should be connected to pin#1(GND).

GAMING Z97W
9
2.4 Install System Memory
DDR3 Modules
Step 1: Unlock a DIMM slot by pressing the retaining clips outward. Align a DIMM
on the slot such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the slot.
Step 2: Insert the DIMM vertically and firmly into the slot until the retaining clips
snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.
Note: If the DIMM does not go in smoothly, do not force it. Pull it all the way out and try again.

Motherboard Manual
10
Memory Capacity
DIMM Socket
Location DDR3 Module Total Memory Size
DDR3_A1 512MB/1GB/2GB/4GB/8GB
Max is 32GB.
DDR3_A2 512MB/1GB/2GB/4GB/8GB
DDR3_B1 512MB/1GB/2GB/4GB/8GB
DDR3_B2 512MB/1GB/2GB/4GB/8GB
Dual Channel Memory Installation
Please refer to the following requirements to activate Dual Channel function:
Install memory module of the same density in pairs, shown in the table.
Dual Channel Status DDR3_A1 DDR3_A2 DDR3_B1 DDR3_B2
Enabled O X O X
Enabled X O X O
Enabled O O O O
(O means memory installed, X means memory not installed.)
Note: When installing more than one memory module, we recommend to use the same brand and
capacity memory on this motherboard.
2.5 Expansion Slots
Install an Expansion Card
You can install your expansion card by following steps:
1. Read the related expansion card's instruction document before install the
expansion card into the computer.
2. Remove your computer's chassis cover, screws and slot bracket from the
computer.
3. Place a card in the expansion slot and press down on the card until it is
completely seated in the slot.
4. Secure the card’s metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.
5. Replace your computer's chassis cover.
6. Power on the computer, if necessary, change BIOS settings for the
expansion card.
7. Install related driver for the expansion card.

GAMING Z97W
11
PEX16_1/ PEX16_1: PCI-Express Gen3 x16 Slots (x8+x8)
-PCI-Express 3.0 compliant.
-Maximum theoretical realized bandwidth of 8GB/s simultaneously per
direction, for an aggregate of 16GB/s totally.
PEX1_1/1_2: PCI-Express Gen2 x1 Slots
-PCI-Express 2.0 compliant.
-Data transfer bandwidth up to 500MB/s per direction; 1GB/s in total
PCI1/ PCI2: Peripheral Component Interconnect Slots
-The PCI slots support cards used in PCs include: LAN cards, sound cards,
modems, TV tuner cards and other cards that comply PCI standard.
PCIE-M2: M.2 (Key M, Socket 3) Slot
-M.2 (formerly known as NGFF) is a small form factor card and supports
ultimate performance SSD or cache.
-The M.2 slot supports M.2 SATA3 6.0 Gb/s module and M.2 PCI Express
module up to Gen2 x2 (10 Gb/s)
-The M.2 slot supports M.2 Type 2242/2260/2280 SSD module. When
installing M.2 SSD module, please place the screw and hex pillar to correct
position
Note1: Please remove the protective cover before installing M.2 module.
Note2: When the M.2 slot is been occupied, the SATA_Express connecotor will be disabled.

Motherboard Manual
12
2.6 Jumper Setting
The illustration shows how to set up jumpers. When the jumper cap is placed on
pins, the jumper is “close”, if not, that means the jumper is “open”.
Pin opened Pin closed Pin1-2 closed
JCMOS1: Clear CMOS Jumper
Placing the jumper on pin2-3, it allows user to restore the BIOS safe setting and
the CMOS data. Please carefully follow the procedures to avoid damaging the
motherboard.
Pin 1-2 Close:
Normal Operation (default).
Pin 2-3 Close:
Clear CMOS data.
※Clear CMOS Procedures:
1. Remove AC power line.
2. Set the jumper to “Pin 2-3 close”.
3. Wait for five seconds.
4. Set the jumper to “Pin 1-2 close”.
5. Power on the AC.
6. Load Optimal Defaults and save settings in CMOS.
JLN2: LN2 Mode Switch
When the LN2 mode is ON, the motherboard can boot at an extremely low
temperature (-130°C)
OFF (default).
ON

GAMING Z97W
13
2.7 Headers & Connectors
ATXPWR1: ATX Power Source Connector
For better compatibility, we recommend to use a standard ATX 24-pin power
supply for this connector. Make sure to find the correct orientation before plugging
the connector.
Pin Assignment Pin
A
ssignment
13 +3.3V 1 +3.3V
14 -12V 2 +3.3V
15 Ground 3 Ground
16 PS_ON 4 +5V
17 Ground 5 Ground
18 Ground 6 +5V
19 Ground 7 Ground
20 NC 8 PW_OK
21 +5V 9 Standby Voltage+5V
22 +5V 10 +12V
23 +5V 11 +12V
24 Ground 12 +3.3V
ATXPWR2: ATX Power Source Connector
The connector provides +12V to the CPU power circuit. If the CPU power plug is
4-pin, please plug it into Pin 1-2-5-6 of ATXPWR2.
Pin Assignment
1 +12V
2 +12V
3 +12V
4 +12V
5 Ground
6 Ground
7 Ground
8 Ground
Note1: Before you power on the system, please make sure that both ATXPWR1 and ATXPWR2
connectors have been plugged-in.
Note2: Insufficient power supplied to the system may result in instability or the peripherals not
functioning properly. Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when configuring a
system with more power-consuming devices.

Motherboard Manual
14
PANEL1: Front Panel Header
This 16-pin header includes Power-on, Reset, HDD LED, Power LED, and speaker
connection. It allows user to connect the PC case’s front panel switch functions.
Pin Assignment Function Pin Assignment Function
1 +5V
Speaker
Connector
9 N/A N/A
2 N/A 10 N/A
3 N/A 11 N/A N/A
4 Speaker 12 Power LED (+)
Power LED
5 HDD LED (+) Hard drive
LED
13 Power LED (+)
6 HDD LED (-) 14 Power LED (-)
7 Ground Reset button 15 Power button Power-on button
8 Reset control 16 Ground
PANEL2: Gaming Control Panel Header
This 16-pin header allows user to connect gaming control panel.
Pin Assignment Pin Assignment
1 N/A 2 TEMP_HIGH_P
3 CIRRX_8051 4 TEMP_MIDDLE_P
5 SMB_CLK_RESUME 6 TEMP_LOW_P
7 SMB_DATA_RESUM 8 CPU_CHECK_P
9 AUDIO_GAIN1 10 DDR_CHECK_P
11 GND 12 VGA_CHECK_P
13 VCC3_3 14 VCC5
15 VCC12- 16 VCC12

GAMING Z97W
15
SATA_Express: SATA Express Connector
The connector can support one SATA Express device or two SATA devices.
Pin Assignment
Pin Assignment
S1/S8 Ground P1 Reserved
S2/S9 TX+ P2 PERST#
S3/S10 TX- P3 CLKREQ#/DEVSLP
S4/S11 Ground P4 IFDet
S5/S12 RX-
S6/S13 RX+
S7/S14 Ground
Note: When the M.2 slot is been occupied, the SATA_Express connecotor will be disabled.
SATA3-1U/1L & SATA3-2U/2L: Serial ATA Connectors
These connectors connect to SATA hard disk drives via SATA cables.
Pin Assignment
1 Ground
2 TX+
3 TX-
4 Ground
5 RX-
6 RX+
7 Ground

Motherboard Manual
16
JFRONT_USB3_1: Header for USB 3.0 Ports at Front Panel
This header allows user to add additional USB ports on the PC front panel, and
also can be connected with a wide range of external peripherals.
Pin Assignment Pin Assignment
1 VBUS0 11 D2+
2 SSRX1- 12 D2-
3 SSRX1+ 13 Ground
4 Ground 14 SSTX2+
5 SSTX1- 15 SSTX2-
6 SSTX1+ 16 Ground
7 Ground 17 SSRX2+
8 D1- 18 SSRX2-
9 D1+ 19 VBUS1
10 ID 20 Key
F_USB1/2: Header for USB 2.0 Ports at Front Panel
This header allows user to add additional USB ports on the PC front panel, and
also can be connected with a wide range of external peripherals.
Pin Assignment
1 +5V (fused)
2 +5V (fused)
3 USB-
4 USB-
5 USB+
6 USB+
7 Ground
8 Ground
9 Key
10 NC
JSPDIFOUT1: Digital Audio-out Connector
The connector is for connecting the S/PDIF output bracket.
Pin Assignment
1 +5V
2 SPDIF_OUT
3 Ground

GAMING Z97W
17
F_AUDIO1: Front Panel Audio Header
This header allows user to connect the chassis-mount front panel audio I/O which
supports HD and AC’97 audio standards.
HD Audio AC’97
Pin Assignment Pin Assignment
1 Mic Left in 1 Mic In
2 Ground 2 Ground
3 Mic Right in 3 Mic Power
4 GPIO 4 Audio Power
5 Right line in 5 RT Line Out
6 Jack Sense 6 RT Line Out
7 Front Sense 7 Reserved
8 Key 8 Key
9 Left line in 9 LFT Line Out
10 Jack Sense 10 LFT Line Out
Note1: It is recommended that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this
connector to avail of the motherboard's high definition audio capability.
Note2: Please try to disable the "Front Panel Jack Detection" if you want to use an AC'97 front
audio output cable. The function can be found via O.S. Audio Utility.

Motherboard Manual
18
2.8 Smart Switches & Indicators
On-Board Buttons
SW_XMP:
This is an on-board XMP Switch button which will make installing RAM with
Intel XMP profiles. The led will light when the XMP profiles are activated.
Note1: You must reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.
Note2: Please make sure that your DDR3 memory modules support XMP.
CL_CMOS_BTN:
This is an on-board Clear CMOS button. Press the button 1~2 seconds to load
the BIOS defaults.
SW_RST1:
This is an on-board Reset button. The led will blink when reading or writing to
the HDDs.
SW_PWR1:
This is an on-board Power Switch button.
BIOS POST Code/CPU Temperature Indicator
This indicator will show POST code while booting. After the booting sequence, it
will show current CPU temperature in Celsius. Please refer to Chapter 4.3 for all
the BIOS POST codes.