EVGA Z87 User manual

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User Guide
EVGA Z87
Motherboard

EVGA Z87 Motherboard
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Table of Contents
Before You Begin…......................................................................................................................4
Parts NOT in the Kit ....................................................................................................................5
Intentions of the Kit......................................................................................................................5
Motherboard Specifications ..................................................................................................... 7-8
Unpacking and Parts Descriptions..............................................................................................8
Equipment.................................................................................................................................9-10
Hardware Installation..................................................................................................................10
Safety Instructions .......................................................................................................................10
Preparing the Motherboard........................................................................................................11
Installing the CPU........................................................................................................................11
Installing the Cooling Device.....................................................................................................12
Installing System Memory (DIMMs)........................................................................................13
Installing the Motherboard.........................................................................................................14
Installing the I/O Shield.............................................................................................................14
Securing the Motherboard into a System Case .......................................................................15
Connecting Cables .......................................................................................................................15
24pin ATX Power (PW1)...........................................................................................................16
8pin ATX 12V Power .................................................................................................................17
BIOS Select Switch (optional) ...................................................................................................17
Connecting Internal Headers.....................................................................................................18
Front Panel Header .....................................................................................................................18
USB Headers ................................................................................................................................19

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Audio .............................................................................................................................................20
PCI-E x4 Slots..............................................................................................................................21
PCI-E x16/x8 Slots .....................................................................................................................21
Onboard Buttons.........................................................................................................................22
Clear CMOS Button....................................................................................................................22
RESET and POWER Button ....................................................................................................22
Post Port Debug LED and LED Status Indicators ...............................................................23
Installing Drivers and Software .................................................................................................24
Windows 8/7 Driver Installation ..............................................................................................24
POST Codes...........................................................................................................................27-31
EVGA Glossary of Terms ...................................................................................................32-34
Compliance Information ............................................................................................................33

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Before You Begin…
Welcome to a new class of high performance motherboards that boast 4th Generation
Intel® Core™ Processor compatibility. These platforms offer a return to greatness with
a completely redesigned GUI BIOS interface, reimagined power VRM that focuses on
efficiency, and loaded with features like up to 4-Way SLI, Creative Sound Core3D quad-
core audio processor, Intel Gigabit LAN, native SATA 6G/USB 3.0 and more.
Did we also mention that this motherboard is designed for the overclocker? Built from
the ground up to give you all the essentials you need for overclocking, with a GUI BIOS
that is focused on functionality, brand new software interface for overclocking in the
O.S., ultra high quality components, and robust PCI-E 3.0 and memory trace layout.
With these features and more, it is clear that the EVGA Z87 motherboards are not
engineered to just be the best, they are engineered to exceed the best.

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Parts NOT in the Kit
This kit contains all the hardware necessary to install and connect your new
EVGA Z87 Motherboard. However, it does not contain the following items
that must be purchased separately to make the motherboard functional.
Intel Socket 1150 Processor
DDR3 System Memory
CPU Cooling Device
PCI Express Graphics Card
Power Supply
EVGA assumes you have purchased all the necessary parts needed to allow for
proper system functionality. For a full list of supported CPUs on this
motherboard, please visit www.evga.com/support/motherboard
Intentions of the Kit
This kit provides you with the motherboard and all connecting cables necessary
to install the motherboard into a PC case.
When replacing a motherboard in a PC case, you will need to reinstall an
operating system even though the current storage drive may already have one
installed.

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EVGA Z87
Motherboard
Motherboard Specifications
Size
Classified: EATX form factor of 12 inches x 10.3 inches
FTW: ATX form factor of 12 inches x 9.6 inches
Stinger: mITX form factor of 6.7 inches x 6.7 inches
Microprocessor support
Intel Socket 1150 Processor
Operating systems
Supports Windows 8 / 7
Contains Intel Z87 chipset
System Memory support
Supports Dual channel DDR3-2666MHz+. Officially supports up to
32GB/16GB of DDR3 memory.
USB 2.0 Ports
Supports hot plug
Supports wake-up from S1 and S3 mode
Supports USB 2.0 protocol up to a 480 Mbps transmission rate
USB 3.0 Ports
Backwards compatible USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 support
Supports transfer speeds up to 5Gbps

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SATA Ports
SATA ports up to 3G (300 MB/s) data transfer rate
SATA ports up to 6G (600 MB/s) data transfer rate
Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID5 and RAID 10
ESATA
Onboard Intel LAN
Supports 10/100/1000 Mb/sec Ethernet
Onboard Audio
Classified/Stinger: 6 Channel Creative Core3D Quad-Core Audio Processor
Supports Jack-Sensing function
Supports Optical Output
FTW: 8 Channel Realtek ALC898 High-Definition audio
Supports Jack-Sensing function
Supports Optical Output
PCI-E 3.0 Support
Low power consumption and power management features
Power Functions
Supports ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface)
Supports S0 (normal), S1 (power on suspend), S3 (suspend to RAM), S4
(Suspend to disk - depends on OS), and S5 (soft - off)
Expansion Slots
Classified/FTW: PCI-E x1 slot
Classified/FTW/Stinger: PCI-E 3.0 x16/x8 slots
Classified/Stinger: mSATA/mPCI-E Slot

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Unpacking and
Parts Descriptions
Unpacking
The EVGA Z87 Motherboard comes with all the necessary cables for adding a
motherboard to a system case. If replacing a motherboard, you may not need
many of these cables.
Equipment
The following accessories are included with the EVGA Z87 Motherboard:
EVGA Z87 Motherboard
This PCI-E motherboard contains the Intel Z87 chipset and is
SLI®-ready.
Visual Guide
Helps to quickly and visually guide you through the hardware
installation of the motherboard.
I/O Shield
Installs in the system case to block radio frequency
transmissions, protect internal components from dust, foreign
objects, and aids in proper airflow within the chassis.
SATA Data Cables
Used to support the SATA protocol and each one connects a
single drive to the motherboard.

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4-way SLI®Bridge (Classified only)
Bridges four graphics cards together which allows for
4-way SLI®.
3-way SLI®Bridge (Classified Only)
Bridges three graphics cards together which allows for
3-way SLI®.
2-way SLI®Bridge (Classified/FTW Only)
Bridges two graphics cards together which allows for
2-way SLI®.
Installation CD
Contains drivers and software needed to setup the
motherboard.
User Manual
The user manual you are reading right now!

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Hardware Installation
This section will guide you through the installation of the motherboard. The
topics covered in this section are:
Preparing the motherboard
Installing the CPU
Installing the Cooling Device
Installing the memory
Installing the motherboard
Connecting cables
Safety Instructions
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury, always follow basic
safety precautions.
Remember to remove power from your computer by disconnecting the
AC main source before removing or installing any equipment from/to the
computer chassis.

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Preparing the Motherboard
Installing the CPU
Be very careful when handling the CPU. Hold the processor
only by the edges and do not touch the bottom of the
processor.
Use the following procedure to install the CPU onto the
motherboard:
Remove the protective socket cover by pulling
it straight up. Be sure not to damage any of the
pins inside the socket
Unhook the socket lever by pushing down and
away from the socket.
Pull the socket lever back and the load plate will
automatically lift.
Open the load plate and make sure not to
damage any of the pins inside of the socket.
Note: After removing the CPU socket cover, it is recommended to store it in
case you ever need to transport your motherboard. If you ever remove the
CPU, it is highly recommended to reinstall the socket cover.

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Align the notches on the CPU to the notches in
the socket.
Lower the processor straight down into the socket.
Lower the load plate so it is resting on the CPU.
Pull back the socket lever again to ensure the load
plate tip engages under the shoulder screw.
Carefully lock the lever back into place.
Installing the Cooling Device
There are many different cooling devices that can be used with this
motherboard. Follow the instructions that came with your cooling assembly.

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Installing System Memory (DIMMs)
Your new motherboard has four or two 240-pin slots for DDR3 memory.
These slots support 2GB, 4GB and 8GB DDR3 DIMMs. There must be at
least one memory slot populated to ensure normal operation.
The Intel Z87 chipset supports dual channel
memory; please refer to the visual installation guide
for the proper installation procedure.
Use the following procedure to install DIMMs.
Note that there is only one gap near the center of
the DIMM slots. This slot matches the slot on the
DIMM to ensure the component is installed
properly.
Unlock a DIMM slot by pressing the module clip outward.
Align the memory module to the DIMM slot, and insert the module
vertically into the DIMM slot. The plastic clips at top side of the
DIMM slot automatically lock the DIMM into the connector.
EVGA Z87 Classified

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Installing the Motherboard
The sequence of installing the motherboard into a system case depends on the
chassis you are using and if you are replacing an existing motherboard or
working with an empty system case. Determine if it would be easier to make all
the connections prior to this step or to secure the motherboard and then make
all the connections. It is normally easier to secure the motherboard first.
Use the following procedure to install the I/O shield and secure the
motherboard into the chassis.
Note: Be sure that the CPU fan assembly has enough clearance for the system
case covers to lock into place and for the expansion cards. Also make sure
the CPU Fan assembly is aligned with the vents on the covers. This will
depend on the system case being used.
Installing the I/O Shield/Cover
The motherboard kit comes with an I/O shield that is used to block radio
frequency transmissions, protects internal components from dust and foreign
objects, and promotes correct airflow within the chassis.
Before installing the motherboard, install the I/O shield from the inside of the
chassis. Press the I/O shield into place and make sure it fits securely.
Also included is an I/O cover. This I/O cover adds a unique appearance to the
I/O area of the motherboard and is completely optional. If you wish to use the
cover, please place it over the I/O area, and install the chassis screws. The
chassis screws are intended to hold the I/O cover down.

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Securing the Motherboard into a System Case
Most system cases have a base with mounting studs or spacers to allow the
motherboard to be secured to the chassis and help to prevent short circuits. If there
are studs that do not align with a mounting hole on the motherboard, it is
recommended that you remove that stud to prevent the possibility of a short circuit.
Carefully place the motherboard onto the stand offs located inside the
chassis.
Align the mounting holes with the stand offs.
Align the connectors to the I/O shield and/or I/O cover.
Ensure that the fan assembly is aligned with the chassis vents according to
the fan assembly instruction.
Secure the motherboard with screws.
Connecting Cables
This section takes you through all the necessary connections on the
motherboard. This will include:
Power Connections
24pin ATX power (PW1)
8pin ATX 12V power
Internal Headers
Front Panel Header
USB Headers
Audio Header
SATA II
SATA III
USB 3.0/2.0
Expansion slots

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CMOS Clear Button
24pin ATX Power (PW1)
PW1 is the main power supply connector located along the right edge of the
board. Make sure that the power supply cable and pins are properly aligned with
the connector on the motherboard. Firmly plug the power supply cable into the
connector and make sure it is secure.
The 24pin Power Connector may be standard or right angled depending on
your motherboard model.
Connector
Pin
Signal
Pin
Signal
1
+3.3V
13
+3.3V
2
+3.3V
14
-12V
3
GND
15
GND
4
+5V
16
PS_ON
5
GND
17
GND
6
+5V
18
GND
7
GND
19
GND
8
PWROK
20
RSVD
9
+5V_AUX
21
+5V
10
+12V
22
+5V
11
+12V
23
+5V
12
+3.3V
24
GND
Right Angled 24pin Power Connector
24
13
12
1

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8-pin ATX 12V Power
The 8-pin ATX 12V power connections are used to provide power to the CPU.
Align the pins to the connector and press firmly until seated. Your motherboard
may have one or two 8-pin power connectors, if it has two, either can be used
and the secondary is optional for improved overclocking.
BIOS Select Switch (Optional)
Some EVGA Z87 motherboard models have a BIOS select switch. The BIOS
Select Switch is located directly on the right edge of the motherboard. This
jumper controls which of physical BIOS chips are to be used when the system
is powered on.
GND
+12V

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Connecting Internal Headers
Front Panel Header
The front panel header on this motherboard is used to
connect the following four cables.
PWRLED
Attach the front panel power LED
cable to these two pins of the connector. The Power
LED indicates the system’s status. When the system
is powered on, the LED will be on.
Note: Some system cases may not have all four cables. Be sure to match the
name on the connectors to the corresponding pins.
PWRSW
Attach the power button cable
from the case to these two pins.
Pressing the power button on the
front panel turns the system on and
off rather than using the onboard
button.
HD_LED
Attach the hard disk drive indicator
LED cable to these two pins. The
HDD indicator LED indicates the
activity status of the hard disks.
RESET
Attach the Reset switch cable from
the front panel of the case to these
two pins.
Pin
Signal
HD_LED
1
HD_PWR
3
HD Active
PWRLED
2
PWR LED
4
STBY LED
RESET
5
Ground
7
RST BTN
PWRSW
6
PWR BTN
8
Ground
No Connect
9
+5V
Empty
10
Empty

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USB Headers
This motherboard contains USB 3.0 and 2.0
ports that are exposed on the rear panel of the
chassis. The motherboard also contains 10-pin
internal header connectors onboard that can be
used to connect an optional external bracket
containing up to four (4) USB 2.0 ports. It may
also have an internal header connector for USB
3.0.
Secure the bracket to either the front or rear panel
of your chassis (not all chassis are equipped with the
front panel option).
Connect the two ends of the cables to the USB 2.0 or 3.0
headers on the motherboard.
Connector
Pin
Signal
USB 2.0 Header Connector
1
5V_DUAL
3
D-
5
D+
7
GND
9
Empty
Pin
Signal
2
5V_DUAL
4
D-
6
D+
8
GND
10
No Connect

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Audio
The audio connector supports HD audio standard and provides two kinds of
audio output choices: the Front Audio and the Rear Audio.
Connector
Pin
Signal
Front Audio Connector
1
PORT1_L
2
AUD_GND
3
PORT1_R
4
PRECENCE_J
5
PORT2_R
6
SENSE1_RETURN
7
SENSE_SEND
8
Empty
9
PORT2_L
10
SENSE2_RETURN
9
7
5
3
1
10
8
6
4
2