ECS Z77H2-A3 User Manual Download Page 1

Z77H2-A3 USER MANUAL

Preface

Copyright

This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected
under international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor
any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of
the author.

Version 2.0

Disclaimer

The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manufac-
turer makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof
and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for
any particular purpose. The manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publica-
tion and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation
of the manufacturer to notify any person of such revision or changes.

Trademark Recognition

Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

MMX, Pentium, Pentium-II, Pentium-III, Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel
Corporation.

Other product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective owners
and are acknowledged.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for 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 instal-
lation. 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. However, there is no guarantee that interfer-
ence will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver

Connect the equipment onto an outlet on a circuit different from that to

which the receiver is connected

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

Shielded interconnect cables and a shielded AC power cable must be employed with
this equipment to ensure compliance with the pertinent RF emission limits govern-
ing this device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the system’s
manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Summary of Contents for Z77H2-A3

Page 1: ...been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interferen...

Page 2: ...eMotherboard Provides information on us ing the BIOS Setup Utility Chapter 5 Describes the motherboard software page 63 H Limits and methods of mesurement of radio disturbance char acteristics of info...

Page 3: ...d Drive 22 ConnectingCaseComponents 23 Front Panel Header 25 TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface i Chapter 1 1 Introducing the Motherboard 1 Introduction 1 PakageContents 1 Specifications 2 Motherboard Componen...

Page 4: ...apter 6 69 Trouble Shooting 69 Startupproblemsduringassembly 69 Startupproblemsafterprolonguse 70 Maintenanceandcaretips 70 BasicTroubleshootingFlowchart 71 Intel Matrix Storage Manager RAID Configura...

Page 5: ...nd two USB 2 0 headers support additional four USB 2 0 ports and four USB 3 0 ports two USB 3 0 ports at the rear panel and one USB 3 0 header supports additional two USB 3 0 ports The gray USB 2 0 he...

Page 6: ...LC892 8 Ch High Definition audio CODEC Compliant with HD audio specification Audio LGA1155 socket for latest new Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge high end desktop processors Note Please go to ECS website f...

Page 7: ...Audio LAN can be disabled in BIOS F7 hot key for boot up devices option Supports ACPI 3 0 revision DMI Supports Pgup clear CMOS Hotkey Supports Over Clocking Supports ECS M I B III Utility Supports eB...

Page 8: ...Chapter 1 4 Z77H2 A3 USER MANUAL Motherboard Components...

Page 9: ...s connectors 10 SATA3 6 Serial ATA 3 0 Gb s connectors 11 F_PANEL Front panel switch LED header 12 F_USB1 2 Front panel USB 2 0 headers F_USB1 supports EZ Charger 13 ME_UNLOCK ME unlock header for fa...

Page 10: ...audio devices No 10 port is for stereo line in signal while No 12 port is for microphone in signal This motherboard supports 8 channel audio devices that correspond to No 7 No 8 No 9 and No 11 port r...

Page 11: ...the motherboard Place the motherboard over the mounting brackets and secure the motherboard onto the mounting brackets with screws Follow these safety precautions when installing the motherboard Wear...

Page 12: ...ion shows the location of the motherboard jumpers Pin 1 is labeled To avoid the system instability after clearing CMOS we recommend users to enter the main BIOS setting page to Load Default Settings a...

Page 13: ...nge the settings in the system Setup Utility We strongly recommend you do not over clock processor or other compo nents to run faster than their rated speed The following illustration shows CPU instal...

Page 14: ...IHS Intergraded Heat Spreader Engage the load lever while pressing down lightly onto the load plate Secure the load lever with the hook under retention tab Then the cover will flick automatically Plea...

Page 15: ...board and processor socket Avoid using cooling fans with sharp edges in case the fan casing and the clips cause serious damage to the motherboard or its components To achieve better airflow rates and...

Page 16: ...least one module in any of the four slots Total memory capacity is 32 GB Refer to the following to install the memory modules C The slot latches are levered upwards and latch on to the edges of the D...

Page 17: ...ed Populated Populated 4 DIMMs Populated Populated Populated Populated Due to Intel CPU spec definition please follow the table above for recommended memory configuration 1 For best performance and co...

Page 18: ...external PCI Ex press graphics card that is fully compliant to the PCI Express Base Specification revision 3 0 This motherboard is equipped with two standard PCI slots PCI stands for Peripheral Compon...

Page 19: ...e slot 3 Secure the metal bracket of the card to the system case with a screw 1 For some add on cards for example graphics adapters and network adapt ers you have to install drivers and software befor...

Page 20: ...ANUAL 2 4 5 Connecting Optional Devices Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard s optional devices No Components No Components 1 USB3F 5 ME_UNLOCK 2 CASE 6 COM 3 SATA1 6 7...

Page 21: ...system hang up This Motherboard implements one USB 3 0 header supporting 2 extra front USB 3 0 ports which delivers 5Gb s transfer rate 1 USB3F Front Panel USB 3 0 header 2 CASE Chassis Intrusion Dete...

Page 22: ...rrent than general USB port in off mode for USB devices It is useful and excellent especially for the iPhone iPad and iPod touch devices that need a large amount of current for faster recharging withi...

Page 23: ...Chapter 2 19 Z77H2 A3 USER MANUAL 5 ME_UNLOCK ME Unlock Header 6 COM Onboard serial port header Connect a serial port extension bracket to this header to add a serial port to your system...

Page 24: ...s This header supports HD audio by default If you want connect an AC 97 front panel audio to HD onboard headers please set as below picture 8 F_AUDIO Front Panel Audio Header This is an optional heade...

Page 25: ...nel please don t tick off Disabled Front Panel Detect For reference only AC 97 Audio Configuration To enable the front panel audio connector to sup port AC97 Audio mode If you use AC 97 Front Panel pl...

Page 26: ...ow to install the SATA hard drives To install the Serial ATA SATA hard drives use the SATA cable that supports the Serial ATA protocol This SATA cable comes with a SATA power cable You can connect eit...

Page 27: ...cting the motherboard components Refer to the following Connect the CPU cooling fan cable to CPU_FAN Users please note that the fan connector supports the CPU cooling fan of 1 1A 2 2A 26 4W max at 12V...

Page 28: ...4 pin power cable the latches of power cable and the ATX match perfectly Connecting 24 pin power cable 24 pin power cable Connect the standard power supply connector to ATX_POWER Connect the auxiliary...

Page 29: ...orting the reset function requires connecting pin 5 and 7 to a momentary con tact switch that is normally open When the switch is closed the board resets and runs POST Power Switch Supporting the powe...

Page 30: ...Chapter 2 26 Z77H2 A3 USER MANUAL Connect the case speaker cable to SPK 5 SPK Speaker This concludes Chapter 2 The next chapter covers the BIOS...

Page 31: ...This chapter provides explanations for Setup Utility options The Standard Configuration A standard configuration has already been set in the Setup Utility However we rec ommend that you read this chap...

Page 32: ...that option Other options lead to dialog boxes that prompt you for informa tion Some options marked with a icon lead to submenus that enable you to change the values for the option Use the cursor arr...

Page 33: ...nual The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference only and may differ from the actual BIOS Please visit the manufacture s website for updated manual 2 In this Gui BIOS you can operat...

Page 34: ...English This item is used to set system language This menu shows the information of BIOS and enables you to set the system language date and time Choosethesystemdefault language Main Advanced Chipset...

Page 35: ...t M I B III Boot Security Save Exit Change Opt Enter Dbl Click Select lk mn Select Screen Click Select Item F1 General Help F2 Previous Values F3 OptimizedDefaults F4 Save Exit ESC Right Click Exit LA...

Page 36: ...s Values F3 OptimizedDefaults F4 Save Exit ESC Right Click Exit Onboard LAN Controller Enabled Use this item to enable or disable Onboard LAN 1 controller LAN Configuration Onboard LAN Controller Enab...

Page 37: ...s CPU System Power Smart Fan Control Enabled This item enables you to define the CPU system Power by smartly adjusting the CPU system Power Fan When it is set at certain temperature the CPU system Pow...

Page 38: ...e of the smart fan This item is used to set the start temperature of the smart fan DeltaT 3 This item specifies the range that controls CPU temperature and keeps it from going so high or so low when s...

Page 39: ...put signal on the serial Ring Indicator RI line in other words an incoming call on the modem awakens the system from a soft off state Power LED Type Dual Color LED This item shows the type of the Powe...

Page 40: ...to RAM Sleep State default Press Esc to return to the Advanced Menu page Main Advanced Chipset M I B III Boot Security Save Exit Change Opt Enter Dbl Click Select lk mn Select Screen Click Select Item...

Page 41: ...ocode version Processor Cores 4 This item shows the core number of the processor Intel HT Technology Supported This item shows the computer supports Intel HT Technology Intel VT x Technology Supported...

Page 42: ...disables code execution preventing damage or worm propagation Replacing older computers with Execute Disable Bit enabled systems can halt worm attacks reducing the need for virus related repair Intel...

Page 43: ...SATA channel DetermineshowSATA controller s operate Main Advanced Chipset M I B III Boot Security Save Exit Change Opt Enter Dbl Click Select lk mn Select Screen Click Select Item F1 General Help F2...

Page 44: ...anced Chipset M I B III Boot Security Save Exit Change Opt Enter Dbl Click Select lk mn Select Screen Click Select Item F1 General Help F2 Previous Values F3 OptimizedDefaults F4 Save Exit ESC Right C...

Page 45: ...se this item to change device settings Set Parameters of Serial Port 0 COMA Main Advanced Chipset M I B III Boot Security Save Exit Change Opt Enter Dbl Click Select lk mn Select Screen Click Select I...

Page 46: ...show the information of Intel R Smart Connect Technology Main Advanced Chipset M I B III Boot Security Save Exit Change Opt Enter Dbl Click Select lk mn Select Screen Click Select Item F1 General Hel...

Page 47: ...elect SG for SwitchableGfx Main Advanced Chipset M I B III Boot Security Save Exit Change Opt Enter Dbl Click Select lk mn Select Screen F1 General Help F2 Previous Values F3 OptimizedDefaults F4 Save...

Page 48: ...ed This item enables or disables the warning if the case is opened up and the item below indicates the current status of the case Chassis Opened No This item indicates whether the case has been opened...

Page 49: ...shows the ME FW version Press Esc to return to the chipset menu page Main Advanced Chipset M I B III Boot Security Save Exit Change Opt Enter Dbl Click Select lk mn Select Screen Click Select Item F1...

Page 50: ...t mn CPU Frequency Maximumsupported frequency 150 00 MHz Minimum supported frequency 99 54 MHz CPU OverClocking Configuration CPU OverClocking Configuration Chipset OverClocking Configuration B O M PT...

Page 51: ...limit during the Long Duration Power Limit Time Window Long Duration Maintained 10 Use this item to control the time window over PL1 Value should be maintained This is for Turbo Mode Intel R Turbo Bo...

Page 52: ...s item shows the information of Memory multiplier Configuration RAS to CAS Delay tRCD 9 This item specifies the RAS to CAS delay to Rd Wr command to the same bank Row Refresh Cycle Time tRFC 128 This...

Page 53: ...nology This function can run safe setting to setup menu when system boot fail 3 times IMC CPU DIMM System Agent PCH CPU PLL Voltage Auto These items allow you to adjust the IMC CPU DIMM System Agent P...

Page 54: ...it Windows 7 or other OS Boot policy for Legacy OS Windows 8 Boot policy for UEFI OS without Compatibility Support Module CSM Manual User customized CSM parameters boot policy Boot Configuration Opera...

Page 55: ...will be launched Launch PXE OpROM policy Do not Launch This controls the execution of UEFI and Legacy PXE OpROM Launch Storage OpROM policy Legacy only This controls the execution of UEFI and Legacy S...

Page 56: ...Mode Custom This item is used to select secure boot mode when you select standard mode se cure boot policy is fixed when you select custom mode the image execution policy and secure boot key databases...

Page 57: ...view the following screen Main Advanced Chipset M I B III Boot Security Save Exit Change Opt Enter Dbl Click Select lk mn Select Screen Click Select Item F1 General Help F2 Previous Values Image Exec...

Page 58: ...an entry to DBX Platform Key PK This item shows the information of the platform key Set PK KEK DB DBX from File This item launches the file browser to set Efi Variable from the file The file data must...

Page 59: ...nables you to reset the system setup after saving the changes Discard Changes and Reset This item enables you to reset system setup without saving any changes This page enables you to exit system setu...

Page 60: ...otable system disk Refer to Windows online help for information on creating a bootable system disk 4 Download the Flash Utility and new BIOS file from the manufacturer s Web site Copy these files to t...

Page 61: ...for all software and drivers available on the disk Open Windows Explorer and show the contents of the support disk Click Exit button to close the Auto Setup window Browse CD Click the Setup button to...

Page 62: ...l the items 4 Click Next to run the Installation Wizard An item installation screen appears Drivers and software are automatically installed in sequence Follow the onscreen instructions confirm comman...

Page 63: ...y Software Intelligent EZ Utility ECS Intelligent EZ Utility provides friendly interfaces under Windows O S which makes your computing more easily and conveniently If the driver you want to install do...

Page 64: ...assle by listing all the latest drivers online Just select the one you prefer and start to download and install the drivers eSF eSF Smart Fan utility provides easy and safe way to adjust fan speed in...

Page 65: ...l that provides user friendly windows operation interface for novices and over clockers Combining with ECS MIB III tech nology eOC challenges the undiscovered over clocking capability than ever before...

Page 66: ...62 Z77H2 A3 USER MANUAL Chapter 4 Memo...

Page 67: ...efore creating a RAID set 1 One SATA HDD 2 A write enabled floppy disk 3 Microsoft Windows OS installation disk Windows XP 4 Motherboard support CD with Intel Matrix Storage Manager driver 3 Enter the...

Page 68: ...ix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu appears Entering Intel Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS utility 1 During POST press Ctrl I to enter the Intel Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu 3 Use the arrow ke...

Page 69: ...s Enter 3 Key in the RAID volume capacity Use the up down arrow to choose the Capacity The default value indicates the maximum capacity using the selected disks Entering a lower capacity allows you to...

Page 70: ...ted that RAID 0 Stripe is set to accelerate the data access and RAID 1 Mirror is set to provide the data backup If you want to set RAID 0 you need to set the 2nd Boot Device item in the BIOS to Intel...

Page 71: ...menu highlight De lete RAID Volume using the up down arrow key then press Enter 2 Use the space bar to select the RAID set you want to delete Press the Del key to delete the set 3 A dialogue box appea...

Page 72: ...ever lose all data and previous RAID configurations To reset disks to Non RAID 1 In the main Intel Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu highlight Reset Disks to Non RAID using the up down arrow key t...

Page 73: ...N connector is connected to the motherboard 4 For Intel platforms check the pins on the CPU socket for damage or bent A bent pin may cause failure to boot and sometimes permanent damage from short cir...

Page 74: ...place a new one if necessary 3 Check that the 12V power ATX connectors are fully inserted into the motherboard connectors Make sure the latches of the cable and connector are locked into place 4 Remov...

Page 75: ...r p t o n y r o m e m M M I D e r u l i a f y r o m e m r o d e t r e s n i s p e e b t r o h s 8 d n a p e e b g n o l 1 f I d e t c e t e d t o n A G V s e Y s e Y n e e r c s T S O P t a t l a H s...

Page 76: ...72 Chapter 6 Z77H2 A3 USER MANUAL Memo...

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