Asus Z97I-PLUS, Manual, Page: 3 / 146

iii
Contents
Safety information ...................................................................................................... vi
About this guide ........................................................................................................ vii
Z97I-PLUS specifications 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 5X Protection...............................................................................1-2
1.1.3 ASUS Exclusive Features ...........................................................1-2
1.1.4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution.....................................................1-4
1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY ..............................................................................1-4
1.1.6 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 .........................................................................1-11
1.2.6 Headers.....................................................................................1-12
1.2.7
Onboard buttons and switches..................................................1-13
1.2.8 Onboard LEDs ..........................................................................1-14
1.2.9 Internal connectors....................................................................1-15
Chapter 2: Basic installation
2.1 Building your PC system ...........................................................................2-1
2.1.1 Motherboard installation ..............................................................2-1
2.1.2 CPU installation...........................................................................2-5
2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation ...............................2-6
2.1.4 DIMM installation.........................................................................2-8
2.1.5 ATX Power connection................................................................2-9
2.1.6 SATA device connection ...........................................................2-10
2.1.7 Front I/O Connector ..................................................................2-11
2.1.8 Expansion Card installation.......................................................2-12
2.2 Motherboard rear and audio connections .............................................2-13
2.2.1 Rear I/O connection ..................................................................2-13
2.2.2 Audio I/O connections ...............................................................2-15
2.3 Starting up for the first time ....................................................................2-17
2.4 Turning off the computer ........................................................................2-17