ASUS Z97 K USB 3.1 User Manual
Z97-K/USB 3.1  
Contents  
Safety information ...................................................................................... iv  
About this guide ......................................................................................... iv  
Package contents....................................................................................... vi  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 specifications summary ................................................... vi  
Chapter 1:  
Product introduction  
1.1  
1.2  
1.3  
1.4  
1.5  
1.6  
1.7  
1.8  
Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-1  
Motherboard overview................................................................. 1-2  
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-4  
System memory ........................................................................... 1-7  
Expansion slots.......................................................................... 1-10  
Jumpers ...................................................................................... 1-12  
Connectors ................................................................................. 1-13  
Software support........................................................................ 1-23  
Chapter 2:  
BIOS information  
2.1  
2.2  
2.3  
2.4  
2.5  
2.6  
2.7  
2.8  
2.9  
2.10  
Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-1  
BIOS setup program .................................................................... 2-6  
My Favorites ............................................................................... 2-15  
Main menu .................................................................................. 2-17  
Ai Tweaker menu........................................................................ 2-19  
Advanced menu ......................................................................... 2-31  
Monitor menu ............................................................................. 2-41  
Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-45  
Tool menu................................................................................... 2-51  
Exit menu.................................................................................... 2-52  
Appendices  
Notices.......................................................................................................A-1  
ASUS contact information .......................................................................A-4  
iii  
Safety information  
Electrical safety  
•
To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet  
before relocating the system.  
•
When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables  
for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible,  
disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.  
•
•
•
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all  
power cables are unplugged.  
Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices  
could interrupt the grounding circuit.  
Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not  
sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power  
company.  
•
If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service  
technician or your retailer.  
Operation safety  
•
•
•
•
Before installing the motherboard and adding components, carefully read all the manuals  
that came with the package.  
Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power  
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.  
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,  
slots, sockets and circuitry.  
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area  
where it may be exposed to moisture.  
•
•
Place the product on a stable surface.  
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service  
technician or your retailer.  
About this guide  
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the  
motherboard.  
How this guide is organized  
This guide contains the following parts:  
•
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it  
supports. It includes descriptions of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the  
motherboard.  
•
Chapter 2: BIOS information  
This chapter discusses changing system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.  
Detailed descriptions fo the BIOS parameters are also provided.  
iv  
Where to find more information  
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software  
updates.  
1.  
ASUS websites  
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software  
products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.  
2.  
Optional documentation  
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers,  
that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the  
standard package.  
Conventions used in this guide  
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used  
throughout this manual.  
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when  
completing a task.  
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when  
completing a task  
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a  
task.  
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.  
Typography  
Indicates a menu or an item to select.  
Bold text  
Italics  
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.  
<Key>  
Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign  
means that you must press the enclosed key.  
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or  
Return key.  
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key  
names are linked with a plus sign (+).  
v
Package contents  
Check your motherboard package for the following items.  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1 motherboard  
2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables  
1 x I/O Shield  
Motherboard  
Cables  
Accessories  
Application DVD  
Documentation  
Support DVD  
User Guide  
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 specifications summary  
LGA1150 socket for the 4th Generation, New 4th Generation and 5th  
Generation Intel® Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium®, and  
Celeron® processors  
CPU  
Supports 22nm CPU  
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*  
*
The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU  
types.  
** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.  
Intel® Z97 Express Chipset  
Chipset  
Memory  
4 x DIMM, max. 32GB, DDR3 3200(O.C.)*/3100(O.C.)*/3000(O.C.)*/  
2933(O.C.)*/2800(O.C.)*/2666(O.C.)*/2600(O.C.)*/2400(O.C.)*/ 2250(O.  
C.)*/2200(O.C.)*/2133(O.C.)*/2000(O.C.)*/ 1866(O.C.)*/ 1600/1333  
MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory  
Dual-channel memory architecture  
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)  
*
Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual  
CPUs. Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List) for details.  
** Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List).  
1 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot (at x16 mode)  
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (max at x2 mode)  
2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots  
Expansion slots  
2 x PCI slots  
(continued on the next page)  
vi  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 specifications summary  
Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel® HD Graphics support  
Graphics  
Multi-VGA output support: HDMI, DVI-D, RGB port  
Supports HDMI with max. resolution of 4096 x 2160 @24Hz / 2560 x  
1600 @60Hz  
Supports DVI-D with max. resolution of 1920 x 1200 @60Hz  
Supports RGB with max. resolution of 1920 x 1200 @60Hz  
Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D, Intel® Quick Sync Video, Intel® Clear Video  
HD Technology, and Intel® Insider™  
Supports up to three displays simultaneously  
Maximum shared memory 512MB  
Intel® Z97 Express Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel® Rapid  
Storage Technology 13 support  
Storage  
-
-
-
1 x M.2 Socket 3*  
6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (gray)  
Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start  
Technology, and Intel® Smart Connect Technology**  
* M.2 socket shares bandwidth with SATA6G_5 and SATA6G_6. This  
socket supports M Key and type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices.  
** These functions will work depending on the CPU installed.  
Realtek® 8111GR Gigabit LAN controller  
LAN  
Realtek® ALC887 7.1-channel high definition audio CODEC featuring  
Audio  
Crystal Sound 2  
- Audio Shielding: Ensures precision analog/digital separation and  
greatly reduced multi-lateral interference  
- Dedicated audio PCB layers: Separate layers for left and right  
channels to guard the quality of the sensitive audio signals  
- Audio amplifier: Provides the highest-quality sound for headphone  
and speakers  
- Premium Japanese-made audio capacitors: Provides warm, natural  
and immersive sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity  
- Unique de-pop circuit: Reduces start-up popping noise to audio  
outputs  
- Supports jack-detection and front panel jack-retasking  
*
Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an  
8-channel audio output  
Intel® Z97 Express Chipset - supports ASUS USB 3.1 Boost  
USB  
-
-
2 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 ports (2 ports at the back panel, teal blue)  
4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (2 ports at midboard, 2 ports at the back  
panel, blue)  
-
7 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at midboard, 1 port at the back panel)  
(continued on the next page)  
vii  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 specifications summary  
ASUS special  
features  
High Performance  
ASUS 5X PROTECTION  
-
-
ASUS DIGI+ VRM - 4 Phase digital power design  
ASUS Enhanced DRAM Overcurrent Protection - Short circuit  
damage prevention  
-
-
ASUS ESD Guards - Enhanced ESD protection  
ASUS High-Quality 5K-Hour Solid Capacitors - 2.5x long lifespan  
with excellent durability  
-
ASUS Stainless Steel Back I/O - 3x more durable corrosion-resistant  
coatin  
UEFI BIOS  
-
Most advanced options with fast response time  
M.2 onboard  
-
The latest transfer technologies with up to 10 Gb/s data transfer  
speeds  
ASUS Fan Xpert 2+  
Ultimate cooling ang quietness  
ASUS EPU  
EPU  
-
-
Interactive HomeCloud  
Media Streamer  
-
-
Pipe music or movies from your PC to a smart TV  
Media Streamer app for portable smartphone/tablet, supporting  
iOS 7 and Android 4.0 system  
Gaming Scenario  
Steam support  
-
Compatible with the most fun gaming platform under Windows®  
system  
ASUS Exclusive Features  
-
-
-
-
-
GPU Boost  
USB 3.1 Boost  
Ai Charger+  
AI Suite 3  
Disk Unlocker  
EZ DIY  
Push Notice  
Monitor your PC status with smart devices in real time  
UEFI BIOS EZ Mode  
-
-
-
-
-
featuring friendly graphics user interface  
ASUS O.C. Tuner  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
Q-Design  
ASUS Q-Slot  
-
(continued on the next page)  
viii  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 specifications summary  
ASUS quiet thermal  
solution  
Quiet Thermal Design  
-
ASUS Fan Xpert 2+  
-
Stylish Fanless Design: PCH Heat-sink & MOS Heat-sink solution  
ASUS exclusive  
overclocking features  
Precision Tweaker 2  
-
-
-
vCore: Adjustable CPU Core voltage at 0.001V increment  
iGPU: Adjustable CPU Graphics voltage at 0.001V increment  
vCCIO: Adjustable Analog and Digital I/O voltage at 0.001V  
increment  
-
-
-
-
vCCIN: Adjustable CPU Input voltage at 0.01V increment  
vCCSA: Adjustable CPU System Agent voltage at 0.001V increment  
vDRAM Bus: 124-step Memory voltage control  
vPCH: 154-step Chipset voltage control  
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)  
-
BCLK/PCIE frequency tuning from 80MHz up to 300MHz at 0.1MHz  
increment  
Overclocking Protection  
ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)  
-
1 x PS/2 keyboard port  
Rear panel I/O ports  
1 x PS/2 mouse port  
1 x HDMI port  
1 x DVI-D port  
1 x RGB port  
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port  
2 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 ports (teal blue)  
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)  
1 x USB 2.0/1.1 port (reversible)  
3-jack 7.1-channel audio I/O ports  
1 x 19-pin USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB ports  
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB ports  
1 x M.2 Socket 3 (for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 devices)  
6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (gray)  
1 x 4-pin CPU Fan connector (PWM mode)  
Internal connectors  
2 x 4-pin Chassis Fan connectors for 3-pin (DC mode) and 4-pin (PWM  
mode) coolers control  
1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)  
1 x System panel connector  
1 x S/PDIF out header  
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector  
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector  
1 x COM connector  
1 x TPM connector  
1 x Clear CMOS jumper  
(continued on the next page)  
ix  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 specifications summary  
64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.7, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS  
BIOS features  
2.8.0, ACPI 5.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, CrashFree  
BIOS 3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Quick  
Note, Last Modified Log, F12 PrintScreen function, F3 Shortcut function,  
and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information  
Manageability  
Support DVD  
WfM 2.0, DMI 2.7, WOR by PME, PXE  
Drivers  
ASUS utilities  
EZ Update  
Anti-virus software (OEM version)  
Windows® 8.1  
OS support  
Form factor  
Windows®  
Windows®  
8
7
ATX form factor: 12.0 in. x 8.6 in. (30.5 cm x 21.8 cm)  
Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
x
Product introduction  
1
1.1  
Before you proceed  
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change  
any motherboard settings.  
•
•
Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.  
Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded  
object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due  
to static electricity.  
•
•
Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.  
Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the  
bag that came with the component.  
•
Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is  
switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so  
may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.  
1-1  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
1.2  
Motherboard overview  
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the  
motherboard fits.  
Unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can  
cause you physical injury and damage to motherboard components.  
1.2.1  
Placement direction  
When installing the motherboard, place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge  
with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image.  
1.2.2  
Screw holes  
Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.  
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.  
Place this side  
towards the rear  
of the chassis  
Z97-K/USB 3.1  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.2.3  
Motherboard layout  
1
2
3
1
4
5
21.8cm(8.6in)  
KBMS  
CPU_FAN  
CHA_FAN2  
DIGI  
+VRM  
EATX12V  
HDMI  
ASM  
1442K  
LGA1150  
USB7/8  
2
USB 3.1  
_E12  
LAN_USB3_56  
AUDIO  
ASM  
1142  
CHA_FAN1  
6
7
PCIEX1_1  
RTL  
8111GR  
PCIEX16_1  
Z97-K/USB 3.1  
BATTERY  
ASM  
1083  
Intel®  
Z97  
PCIEX1_2  
PCIEX16_2  
PCI1  
Super  
I/O  
8
6
8Mb  
BIOS  
ALC  
887  
PCI2  
SATA6G_6 SATA6G_5  
SATA6G_4 SATA6G_3  
CLRTC  
SPDIF_OUT  
AAFP  
COM  
USB910 USB1112 USB1314  
TPM  
F_PANEL  
SPEAKER  
15 14 13  
12  
11  
10  
9
1-3  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
1.2.4  
Layout contents  
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED  
Page  
1-15  
1-19  
1-4  
1. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2)  
2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)  
3. LGA1150 CPU socket  
4. DDR3 DIMM slots  
1-7  
5. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12)  
6. Intel® Z97 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6)  
7. M.2 Socket 3  
1-22  
1-17  
1-22  
1-12  
1-21  
1-19  
1-20  
1-18  
1-15  
1-18  
1-16  
8. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)  
9. System panel connector (10-1 pin PANEL)  
10. Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER)  
11. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910, USB1112, USB1314)  
12. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)  
13. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM)  
14. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)  
15. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)  
1.3  
Central Processing Unit (CPU)  
This motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1150 socket designed for the 4th  
Generation, New 4th Generation and 5th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3,  
Pentium® , and Celeron® processors.  
Z97-K/USB 3.1  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 CPU socket LGA1150  
Unplug all power cables before installing the CPU.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
•
Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and  
the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap  
is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard  
components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/  
transit-related.  
•
•
Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise  
Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the  
LGA1150 socket.  
The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from  
incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP  
cap.  
1.3.1  
Installing the CPU  
1
A
B
3
2
1-5  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
4
C
5
A
B
1.3.2  
CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation  
Apply the Thermal Interface Material  
to the CPU heatsink and CPU  
before you install the heatsink and  
fan if necessary.  
To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly  
A
1
2
B
B
A
1-6  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
3
4
To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly  
2
1
A
B
B
A
1.4  
System memory  
Overview  
1.4.1  
This motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Module  
(DIMM) sockets. The figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:  
Channel  
Sockets  
Channel A  
Channel B  
DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2  
DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2  
Z97-K/USB 3.1  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets  
1-7  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
1.4.2  
Memory configurations  
You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM  
sockets.  
•
You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system  
maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any  
excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel  
operation.  
•
•
According to Intel CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect  
the CPU.  
Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimal compatibility, we  
recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or date code (D/C)  
from the same vendor. Check with the retailer to get the correct memory modules.  
•
Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows® OS, when you install 4GB  
or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be  
about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the  
following:  
-
-
Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows® OS.  
Install a 64-bit Windows® OS if you want to install 4GB or more on the  
motherboard.  
-
For more details, refer to the Microsoft® support site at http://support.microsoft.  
com/kb/929605/en-us.  
•
•
This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512 megabits (Mb) chips or  
less.  
The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect  
(SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.  
Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a  
lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked  
or at a higher frequency, refer to section 2.5 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory  
frequency adjustment.  
•
•
For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full  
memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.  
Visit the ASUS website at: www.asus.com for the latest QVL.  
1-8  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.4.3  
Installing a DIMM  
To install a DIMM  
1
2
3
To remove a DIMM  
B
A
A
1-9  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
1.5  
Expansion slots  
In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe  
the slots and the expansion cards that they support.  
Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may  
cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.  
1.5.1  
Installing an expansion card  
To install an expansion card:  
1.  
Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and  
make the necessary hardware settings for the card.  
2.  
3.  
Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis).  
Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw for later  
use.  
4.  
Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely  
seated on the slot.  
5.  
6.  
Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.  
Replace the system cover.  
1.5.2  
Configuring an expansion card  
After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings.  
1.  
Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 2 for  
information on BIOS setup.  
2.  
3.  
Assign an IRQ to the card.  
Install the software drivers for the expansion card.  
When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that  
the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI  
groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable.  
1.5.3  
PCI slots  
The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that  
comply with PCI specifications.  
1.5.4  
PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots  
This motherboard supports PCI Express 2.0 x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards  
that comply with the PCI Express specifications.  
1.5.5  
PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot  
This motherboard has a PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot that supports PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphic  
cards complying with the PCI Express specifications.  
1-10  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.5.6  
PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot  
This motherboard has a PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot that supports PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16  
graphic cards complying with the PCI Express specifications.  
PCI Express operating mode  
VGA configuration  
PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 (gray)  
PCIe 2.0 x16_2  
x16 (Recommended for single VGA  
card)  
Single VGA/PCIe  
card  
N/A  
Dual VGA/PCIe  
card  
x16  
x2  
•
•
•
In single VGA card mode, use the PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot (gray) for a PCI Express  
x16 graphics card to get better performance.  
We recommend that you provide sufficient power when using multiple graphics cards.  
See page 1-19 for details.  
Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/2 when  
using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.  
IRQ assignments for this motherboard  
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I.G.D.  
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
HD Audio  
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared  
–
EHCI 1  
EHCI 2  
XHCI  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared  
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared  
–
SATA  
LAN  
shared  
–
PCIEx16_1  
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
PCIEx16_2  
PCIEx1_1  
PCIEx1_2  
PCI_1  
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared  
shared  
PCI_2  
shared  
–
–
–
–
Asmedia  
U3.1  
shared  
1-11  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
1.6  
Jumpers  
Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)  
This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can  
clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the  
CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in  
CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords.  
CLRTC  
Z97-K/USB 3.1  
1
2
2
3
Normal  
Clear RTC  
(Default)  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 Clear RTC RAM  
To erase the RTC RAM:  
1.  
2.  
Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.  
Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3  
for about 5-10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.  
3.  
4.  
Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.  
Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-  
enter data.  
Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default  
position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!  
•
•
If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper  
again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After clearing the CMOS, reinstall the  
battery.  
You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For  
system failure due to overclocking, use the CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R.) feature.  
Shut down and reboot the system, then the BIOS automatically resets parameter  
settings to default values.  
1-12  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.7  
Connectors  
1.7.1  
Rear panel connectors  
4 5  
1
2
3
12  
11  
10  
9
8
7
6
1.  
2.  
PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.  
Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other  
VGA-compatible devices.  
3.  
LAN (RJ-45) port. These ports allow Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network  
(LAN) through a network hub.  
LAN port LED indications  
ACT/LINK SPEED  
Activity/Link LED  
Speed LED  
LED  
LED  
Status  
Off  
Description  
No link  
Status  
OFF  
Description  
10Mbps connection  
Orange  
Linked  
ORANGE 100Mbps connection  
Orange  
Data activity  
GREEN  
1Gbps connection  
(Blinking)  
LAN port  
Orange  
Ready to  
_
_
(Blinking then wake up from  
steady) S5 mode  
4.  
5.  
6.  
Line In port (light blue). This port connects to the tape, CD, DVD player, or other  
audio sources.  
Line Out port (lime). This port connects to a headphone or a speaker. In the 4.1, 5.1,  
and 7.1-channel configurations, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out.  
Microphone port (pink). This port connects to a microphone.  
Refer to the audio configuration table on the next page for the function of the audio ports in  
2.1, 4.1, 5.1, or 7.1-channel configuration.  
1-13  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
Audio 2.1, 4.1, 5.1, or 7.1-channel configuration  
Headset  
Port  
4.1-channel  
5.1-channel  
7.1-channel  
2.1-channel  
Light Blue (Rear  
panel)  
Line In  
Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out  
Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out  
Lime (Rear panel)  
Pink (Rear panel)  
Pink (Front panel)  
Line Out  
Mic In  
–
Mic In  
Bass/Center  
Bass/Center  
–
–
Side Speaker Out  
To configure a 7.1-channel audio output:  
Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support a 7.1-channel audio  
output.  
7.  
USB 3.0 ports. These 9-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports connect to USB 3.0/2.0  
devices.  
•
•
DO NOT connect a keyboard / mouse to any USB 3.0 port when installing Windows®  
operating system.  
Due to USB 3.0 controller limitation, USB 3.0 devices can only be used under  
Windows® OS environment and after the USB 3.0 driver installation.  
•
•
USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only.  
We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 devices to USB 3.0 ports for faster  
and better performance for your USB 3.0 devices.  
8.  
9.  
USB 3.1 ports. These 9-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports connect to USB 3.1/3.0  
/2.0 devices.  
USB 2.0 ports. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for  
connecting USB 2.0/1.1 devices.  
10. HDMI port. This port is for a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector,  
and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray, and other protected  
content.  
11. DVI-D port. This port is for any DVI-D compatible device. DVI-D can’t be converted to  
output RGB Signal to CRT and isn’t compatible with DVI-I.  
•
•
Multi-VGA output supports up to three displays under Windows® OS environment, two  
displays under BIOS, and one display under DOS.  
Intel® display architecture design supports the following maximum supported pixel  
clocks (Pixel Clock = H total x V Total x Frame Rate (Screen refresh rate)):  
-
-
-
DVI port: 165 MHz  
VGA port: 180 MHz  
HDMI port: 300 MHz  
11. PS/2 Keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.  
1-14  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.7.2  
Internal connectors  
1.  
Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM)  
This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to this  
connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.  
COM  
PIN 1  
Z97-K/USB 3.1  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 Serial port (COM) connector  
The COM module is purchased separately.  
2.  
CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, and 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2)  
Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the  
black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.  
A
B
CPU_FAN CHA_FAN2  
A
B
C
C
CHA_FAN1  
Z97-K/USB 3.1  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 Fan connectors  
•
•
DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow  
inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers!  
DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors.  
Ensure that the CPU fan cable is securely installed to the CPU fan connector.  
1-15  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
•
•
•
The CPU_FAN connector supports the CPU fan of maximum 1A (12 W) fan power.  
The CPU_FAN and CHA_FAN connectors support the ASUS FAN Xpert 2+ feature.  
The chassis fan connectors support DC and PWM modes. To set these fans to DC or  
PWM, go to Advanced Mode > Monitor > Chassis Fan 1/2 Q-Fan Control items in  
BIOS.  
3.  
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)  
This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel HD audio I/O module. Connect one  
end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.  
AAFP  
PIN 1  
PIN 1  
Z97-K/USB 3.1  
HD-audio-compliant  
pin definition  
Legacy AC’97  
compliant definition  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 Front panel audio connector  
•
•
We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this  
connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-definition audio capability.  
If you want to connect a high-definition or an AC’97 front panel audio module to this  
connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD Audio] or [AC97].  
1-16  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
4.  
Intel® Z97 Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~6)  
These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0  
Gb/s signal cables.  
If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10  
configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® Z97  
chipset.  
SATA6G_1  
GND  
RSATA_TXP1  
RSATA_TXN1  
GND  
RSATA_RXP1  
RSATA_RXN1  
GND  
SATA6G_2  
GND  
RSATA_TXP2  
RSATA_TXN2  
GND  
RSATA_RXP2  
RSATA_RXN2  
GND  
SATA6G_6  
SATA6G_4  
SATA6G_5  
SATA6G_3  
Z97-K/USB 3.1  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 Intel® SATA 6 Gb/s connectors  
•
These connectors are set to [AHCI] by default. If you intend to create a Serial ATA  
RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode Selection item in the BIOS to  
[RAID]. See section 2.6.3 PCH Storage Configuration for details.  
•
•
Before creating a RAID set, refer to the RAID Supplementary Guide included in the  
folder named Manual in the support DVD.  
When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the SATA Mode Selection item in the BIOS to  
[AHCI].  
M.2 Socket 3 shares the bandwidth with SATA ports 5 and 6. To ensure that the M.2  
PCIe device is working properly, SATA ports 5 and 6 are disabled. See section 2.6.3 PCH  
Storage Configuration of this user guide for more details.  
1-17  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
5.  
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)  
This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Connect  
the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot  
opening at the back of the system chassis.  
Z97-K/USB 3.1  
PIN 1  
SPDIF_OUT  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 Digital audio connector  
The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.  
6.  
TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)  
This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which can securely  
store keys, digital certificates, passwords, and data. A TPM system also helps enhance  
network security, protects digital identities, and ensures platform integrity.  
PIN 1  
Z97-K/USB 3.1  
TPM  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 TPM connector  
The TPM module is purchased separately.  
1-18  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
7.  
ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)  
These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are  
designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and  
push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.  
EATX12V  
EATXPWR  
+3 Volts  
GND  
+12 Volts  
+12 Volts  
+5V Standby  
Power OK  
GND  
+5 Volts  
+5 Volts  
+5 Volts  
-5 Volts  
GND  
PIN 1  
+5 Volts  
GND  
GND  
GND  
Z97-K/USB 3.1  
+5 Volts  
GND  
PSON#  
GND  
+3 Volts  
+3 Volts  
-12 Volts  
+3 Volts  
PIN 1  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 ATX power connectors  
•
For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit  
(PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2.0 (or later version) and provides a  
minimum power of 350 W.  
•
•
DO NOT forget to connect the 4-pin/8-pin EATX12 V power plug. Otherwise, the  
system will not boot.  
We recommend that you use a PSU with a higher power output when configuring a  
system with more power-consuming devices. The system may become unstable or  
may not boot up if the power is inadequate.  
•
•
If you want to use two or more high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with  
1000W power or above to ensure the system stability.  
If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system,  
refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus.  
com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.  
8.  
Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER)  
The 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The speaker  
allows you hear system beeps and warnings.  
SPEAKER  
Z97-K/USB 3.1  
PIN 1  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 Speaker Out connector  
1-19  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
9.  
USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910; USB1112; USB1314)  
These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of  
these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system  
chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to  
480 Mbps connection speed.  
USB910  
USB1112  
USB1314  
Z97-K/USB 3.1  
PIN 1  
PIN 1  
PIN 1  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 USB2.0 connectors  
Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the  
motherboard!  
The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.  
1-20  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
10. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL)  
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.  
F_PANEL  
+PWR LED- PWR BTN  
PIN 1  
Z97-K/USB 3.1  
+HDD_LED- RESET  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 System panel connector  
•
•
•
System power LED (2-pin +PWR_LED-)  
This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED  
cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system  
power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.  
Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin +HDD_LED-)  
This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable  
to this connector. The HDD LED lights up or flashes when data is read from or written  
to the HDD.  
ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWR_BTN)  
This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button turns the  
system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending on the operating  
system settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds while the  
system is ON turns the system OFF.  
•
Reset button (2-pin RESET)  
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without  
turning off the system power.  
1-21  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
11. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12)  
This connector allows you to connect a USB 3.0 module for additional USB 3.0 front  
or rear panel ports. With an installed USB 3.0 module, you can enjoy all the benefits  
of USB 3.0 including faster data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps, faster charging time for  
USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency, and backward compatibility with  
USB 2.0.  
USB3_12  
PIN  
1
USB3+5V  
USB3+5V  
IntA_P2_SSRX-  
IntA_P2_SSRX+  
GND  
IntA_P1_SSRX-  
IntA_P1_SSRX+  
IntA_P1_SSTX-  
GND  
Z97-K/USB 3.1  
IntA_P2_SSTX-  
IntA_P2_SSTX+  
GND  
IntA_P2_D-  
IntA_P2_D+  
IntA_P1_SSTX+  
GND  
IntA_P1_D-  
IntA_P1_D+  
GND  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 USB3.0 Front panel connector  
•
•
The USB 3.0 module is purchased separately.  
You can connect the ASUS front panel USB 3.0 bracket to this connector.  
12. M.2 Socket 3  
This socket allows you to install an M.2 (NGFF) SSD module.  
SCOKET3  
Z97-K/USB 3.1  
Z97-K/USB 3.1 M.2 socket  
•
•
This socket supports M Key and type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices.  
The M.2 Socket 3 shares bandwidth with SATA6G_5 and SATA6G_6. Refer to section  
2.6.3 PCH Storage Configuration of this user guide for more details.  
•
When using Intel® Desktop Responsiveness technologies with PCIe M.2 device,  
ensure to set up the Windows® UEFI operating system under RAID mode.  
The M.2 (NGFF) SSD module is purchased separately.  
1-22  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.8  
Software support  
1.8.1  
Installing an operating system  
This motherboard supports Windows® 7 (32/64bit), Windows® 8 (32/64bit) and Windows® 8.1  
(32/64bit) Operating Systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding  
updates to maximize the features of your hardware.  
Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Refer to your OS documentation for  
detailed information.  
1.8.2  
Support DVD information  
The Support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software  
applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features.  
The contents of the Support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the  
ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates.  
To run the Support DVD  
Place the Support DVD into the optical drive. If Autorun is enabled in your computer, the  
DVD automatically displays the Specials screen which lists the unique features of your ASUS  
motherboard. Click Drivers, Utilities, AHCI/RAID Driver, Manual, Contact, and Specials tabs  
to display their respective menus.  
The following screen is for reference only.  
Click an icon to  
display Support  
DVD/motherboard  
information  
Click an item to install  
If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the Support DVD to  
locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to run  
the DVD.  
1-23  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
1-24  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
BIOS information  
2
2.1  
Managing and updating your BIOS  
Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need  
to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS  
Update utility.  
2.1.1  
EZ Update  
EZ Update is a utility that allows you to automatically update your motherboard’s softwares,  
drivers and the BIOS version easily. With this utlity, you can also manually update the saved  
BIOS and select a boot logo when the system goes into POST.  
To launch EZ Update, click EZ Update on the AI Suite 3 main menu bar.  
Click to  
automatically  
update your  
motherboard’s  
driver, software  
and firmware  
Click to find and  
select the BIOS  
from file  
Click to select  
a boot logo  
Click to  
update the  
BIOS  
EZ Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an ISP (Internet  
Service Provider).  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-1  
2.1.2  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based  
utility.  
Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at  
www.asus.com.  
To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:  
1.  
2.  
Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port.  
Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility and press <Enter> to enable it.  
3.  
4.  
Press the Left/Right arrow keys to switch to the Drive field.  
Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS,  
and then press <Enter>.  
5.  
6.  
Press the Left/Right arrow keys to switch to the Folder Info field.  
Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the BIOS file, and then press <Enter> to perform  
the BIOS update process. Reboot the system when the update process is done.  
•
•
This function supports USB flash disks formatted using FAT32/16 on a single partition  
only.  
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system  
boot failure!  
2-2  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
2.1.3  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility  
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file  
when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS  
file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the updated BIOS  
file.  
•
•
Before using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable device into  
Z97KU31.CAP.  
The BIOS file in the support DVD may not be the latest version. Download the latest  
BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com.  
Recovering the BIOS  
To recover the BIOS:  
1.  
2.  
Turn on the system.  
Insert the support DVD to the optical drive or the USB flash drive that contains the  
BIOS file to the USB port.  
3.  
4.  
The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file. When found, the utility  
reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility automatically.  
The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS settings. To ensure  
system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you press <F5> to load default  
BIOS values.  
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause  
system boot failure!  
2.1.4  
ASUS BIOS Updater  
ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update the BIOS in DOS environment.  
The screen captures used in this section are for reference only and may not be exactly the  
same as actually shown on your computer screen.  
Before updating BIOS  
•
•
Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive.  
Download the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater from http://support.asus.com and  
save them in your USB flash drive.  
NTFS is not supported under FreeDOS environment. Ensure that your USB flash drive is in  
single partition and in FAT32/16 format.  
•
•
Turn off the computer.  
Ensure that your computer has a DVD optical drive.  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-3  
Booting the system in DOS environment  
To boot the system in DOS:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to the USB port.  
Boot your computer then press <F8> to launch the select boot device screen.  
When the select boot device screen appears, insert the Support DVD into the optical  
drive then select the optical drive as the boot device.  
Please select boot device:  
and to move selection  
ENTER to select boot device  
ESC to boot using defaults  
P2: ST3808110AS (76319MB)  
aigo miniking (250MB)  
UEFI: (FAT) ASUS DRW-2014L1T(4458MB)  
P1: ASUS DRW-2014L1T(4458MB)  
UEFI: (FAT) aigo miniking (250MB)  
Enter Setup  
4.  
5.  
When the booting message appears, press <Enter> within five (5) seconds to enter  
FreeDOS prompt.  
ISOLINUX 3.20 2006-08-26 Copyright (C) 1994-2005 H. Peter Anvin  
A Bootable DVD/CD is detected. Press ENTER to boot from the DVD/CD.  
If no key is pressed within 5 seconds, the system will boot next priority  
device automatically. boot:  
On the FreeDOS prompt, type d: then press <Enter> to switch the disk from Drive C  
(optical drive) to Drive D (USB flash drive).  
Welcome to FreeDOS (http://www.freedos.org)!  
C:/> d:  
D:/>  
Updating the BIOS file  
To update the BIOS file:  
1.  
On the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>.  
D:/> bupdater /pc /g  
2.  
On the BIOS Updater screen, press <Tab> to switch from Files panel to Drives panel  
then select D:.  
2-4  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
ASUSTeK BIOS Updater for DOS V1.30 [2014/01/01]  
Current ROM  
BOARD: Z97-K/USB 3.1  
VER: 0303 (H :00 B :00)  
DATE: 01/08/2009  
Update ROM  
BOARD: Unknown  
VER: Unknown  
DATE: Unknown  
PATH: C:\  
C:  
D:  
FORMAN~1  
Z97KU31.CAP  
<DIR>  
8390656 2014-03-14  
21:14:34  
Drives  
panel  
Files  
panel  
Note  
[Enter] Select or Load  
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move  
[Tab] Switch  
[Esc] Exit  
[V] Drive Info  
3.  
4.  
Press <Tab> to switch from Drives panel to Files panel then press <Up/Down or Home/  
End> keys to select the BIOS file and press <Enter>.  
After the BIOS Updater checks the selected BIOS file, select Yes to confirm the BIOS  
update.  
Are you sure you want to update the BIOS?  
Yes  
No  
The BIOS Backup feature is not supported due to security regulations.  
5.  
6.  
Select Yes then press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS  
Updater.  
Restart your computer.  
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot  
failaure.  
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select  
the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit BIOS menu. See section 2.10 Exit  
Menu for details.  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-5  
2.2  
BIOS setup program  
Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS  
screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup  
program.  
Entering BIOS Setup at startup  
To enter BIOS Setup at startup:  
Press <Delete> or <F2> during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you do not press <Delete>  
or <F2>, POST continues with its routines.  
Entering BIOS Setup after POST  
To enter BIOS Setup after POST:  
Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> simultaneously.  
Press the reset button on the system chassis.  
Press the power button to turn the system off then back on. Do this option only if you failed to  
enter BIOS Setup using the first two options.  
Using the power button, reset button, or the <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> keys to force reset from a  
running operating system can cause damage to your data or system. We recommend you  
always shut down the system properly from the operating system.  
•
•
•
•
The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and  
may not exactly match what you see on your screen.  
Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file for this  
motherboard.  
Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to your motherboard if you want to use the  
mouse to control the BIOS setup program.  
If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default  
settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized  
Defaults item under the Exit menu or press hotkey F5. See section 2.10 Exit Menu  
for details.  
•
If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and  
reset the motherboard to the default value. See section 1.6 Jumpers for information  
on how to erase the RTC RAM.  
BIOS menu screen  
The BIOS setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode.  
Press <F7> to change between the two modes.  
2-6  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
2.2.1  
EZ Mode  
By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ  
Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select the  
display language, system performance mode, fan profile and boot device priority. To access  
the Advanced Mode, click Advanced Mode(F7) or press <F7>.  
The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the  
Setup Mode item in section 2.8 Boot menu for details.  
Displays the system properties of  
the selected mode. Click <Enter> to  
switch EZ System Tuning modes  
Displays the CPU/motherboard  
temperature, CPU voltage output,  
Selects the display  
Creates storage RAID and  
configures system overclocking  
CPU/chassis fan speed, and SATA  
information  
language of the BIOS  
setup program  
Enables or disables the Intel  
Rapid Storage Technology  
Displays the  
Shows the  
Advanced mode  
bootable  
menus  
Displays the CPU Fan’s speed.  
Click the button to manually  
tune the fans  
devices  
Selects the boot  
device priority  
Saves the changes  
and resets the  
system  
Loads optimized  
default settings  
The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system.  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-7  
2.2.2  
Advanced Mode  
The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure the  
BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the  
following sections for the detailed configurations.  
To access the EZ Mode, click EzMode(F7) or press <F7>.  
Q-Fan control  
MyFavorite  
Language  
EZ Tuning  
Wizard  
Quick Note  
Hot Keys  
Menu bar  
Last modified  
settings  
Sub-menu item  
Menu items  
General help  
Configuration  
fields  
Scroll bar  
Goes back to EZ  
Mode  
Displays the CPU/motherboard  
temperature, CPU and memory  
voltage output  
2-8  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
Menu bar  
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:  
My Favorites  
Main  
For saving the frequently-used system settings and configuration  
For changing the basic system configuration  
For changing the overclocking settings  
Ai Tweaker  
Advanced  
For changing the advanced system settings  
Monitor  
For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing the fan settings  
Boot  
Tool  
Exit  
For changing the system boot configuration  
For configuring options for special functions  
For selecting the exit options and loading default settings  
Menu items  
The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example,  
selecting Main shows the Main menu items.  
The other items (My Favorites, Ai Tweaker, Advanced, Monitor, Boot, Tool, and Exit) on the  
menu bar have their respective menu items.  
Submenu items  
A greater than sign (>) before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a  
submenu. To display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.  
Language  
This button above the menu bar contains the languages that you can select for your BIOS.  
Click this button to select the the language that you want to display in your BIOS screen.  
MyFavorites (F3)  
This button above the menu bar shows all BIOS items in a Tree Map setup. Select frequently-  
used BIOS settings and save it to MyFavorites menu.  
Refer to section 2.3 My Favorites for more information.  
Q-Fan Control (F6)  
This button above the menu bar displays the current settings of your fans. Use this button to  
manually tweak the fans to your desired settings.  
Refer to section 2.2.3 QFan Control for more information.  
EZ Tuning Wizard (F11)  
This button above the menu bar allows you to view and tweak the overclocking settings of  
your system. It also allows you to change the motherboard’s SATA mode from AHCI to RAID  
mode.  
Refer to section 2.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard for more information.  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-9  
Quick Note (F9)  
This button above the menu bar allows you to key in notes of the activities that you have  
done in BIOS.  
•
•
The Quick Note function does not support the following keyboard functions: delete,  
cut, copy and paste.  
You can only use the alphanumeric characters to enter your notes.  
Hot keys  
This button above the menu bar contains the navigation keys for the BIOS setup program.  
Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.  
Scroll bar  
A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that do not fit  
on the screen. Press the Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> / <Page Down> keys to display  
the other items on the screen.  
General help  
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item. Use  
<F12> key to capture the BIOS screen and save it to the removable storage device.  
Configuration fields  
These fields show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-configurable, you can  
change the value of the field opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not  
user-configurable.  
A configurable field is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a field, select it and  
press <Enter> to display a list of options.  
Last Modified button  
This button shows the items that you last modified and saved in BIOS Setup.  
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Chapter 2: Getting started  
2.2.3  
QFan Control  
The QFan Control allows you to set a fan profile or manually configure the operating speed of  
your CPU and chassis fans.  
Click to select a fan  
Click to activate DC  
Click to activate  
to be configured  
Mode  
PWM Mode  
Select a profile to apply  
to your fans  
Click to apply  
the fan setting  
Click to undo  
the changes  
Click to  
go back to  
main menu  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-11  
Configuring fans manually  
Select Manual from the list of profiles to manually configure your fans’ operating speed.  
Click to manually  
configure your fans  
Speed points  
To configure your fans:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Select the fan that you want to configure and to view its current status.  
Click and drag the speed points to adjust the fans’ operating speed.  
Click Apply to save the changes then click Exit (ESC).  
2-12  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
2.2.4  
EZ Tuning Wizard  
EZ Tuning Wizard allows you to overclock your CPU and DRAM, computer usage, and CPU  
fan to their best settings. You can also easily set RAID in your system using this feature.  
System OC setup  
RAID setup  
Tuning your system settings  
To tune your settings:  
1.  
Press <F11> on your keyboard or click  
from the BIOS screen to open  
EZ Tuning Wizard screen, then click Next.  
2.  
3.  
Select a PC scenario Daily Computing or Gaming/Media Editing, then click Next.  
Select the CPU fan type (Box cooler, Tower cooler, or Water cooler) that you  
installed then click Next.  
If you are not sure of the CPU fan type, click I’m not sure. The system automatically  
detects the CPU fan type.  
4.  
Click Next then click Yes to confirm auto-tuning.  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-13  
Creating RAID  
To create RAID:  
1.  
Press <F11> on your keyboard or click  
from the BIOS screen to open  
EZ Tuning Wizard screen.  
2.  
Click RAID then click Next.  
•
•
Ensure that your HDDs have no existing RAID volumes.  
Ensure to connect your HDDs to Intel® SATA connectors.  
3.  
Select the type of storage for your RAID Easy Backup or Super Speed, then click  
Next.  
a.  
For Easy Backup, click  
Next then select from Easy  
Backup (RAID1) or Easy  
Backup (RAID10).  
You can only select Easy  
Backup (RAID 10) if you  
connect four (4) HDDs.  
b.  
For Easy Backup, click Next  
then select from Super  
Speed (RAID0) or Super  
Speed (RAID5).  
4.  
5.  
After selecting the type of RAID, click Next then click Yes to continue the RAID setup.  
After the RAID setup is done, click Yes to exit the setup then click OK to reset your  
system.  
2-14  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
2.3  
My Favorites  
MyFavorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite  
BIOS items.  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-15  
Adding items to My Favorites  
To add BIOS items:  
1.  
2.  
Press <F3> on your keyboard or click  
Setup Tree Map screen.  
from the BIOS screen to open  
On the Setup Tree Map screen, select the BIOS items that you want to save in  
MyFavorites screen.  
Main menu  
panel  
Selected  
shortcut items  
Submenu  
panel  
3.  
Select an item from main menu panel, then click the submenu that you want to save as  
favorite from the submenu panel and click  
.
You cannot add the following items to My Favorite items:  
User-managed items such as language and boot order  
•
4.  
5.  
Click Exit (ESC) or press <esc> key to close Setup Tree Map screen.  
Go to My Favorites menu to view the saved BIOS items.  
2-16  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
2.4  
Main menu  
The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup  
program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and  
allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings.  
2.4.1  
Language [English]  
Allows you to choose the BIOS language version from the options. Configuration options:  
[English]  
[Español] [Русский] [한국어]  
2.4.2  
Security  
The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings.  
•
•
If you have forgotten your BIOS password, erase the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC)  
RAM to clear the BIOS password. See section 1.6 Jumpers for information on how to  
erase the RTC RAM.  
The Administrator or User Password items on top of the screen show the default  
Not Installed. After you set a password, these items show Installed.  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-17  
Administrator Password  
If you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator  
password for accessing the system.  
To set an administrator password:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.  
From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.  
Confirm the password when prompted.  
To change an administrator password:  
1.  
2.  
Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.  
From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press  
<Enter>.  
3.  
4.  
From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.  
Confirm the password when prompted.  
To clear the administrator password, follow the same steps as in changing an administrator  
password, but press <Enter> when prompted to create/confirm the password. After you clear  
the password, the Administrator Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed.  
User Password  
If you have set a user password, you must enter the user password for accessing the system.  
The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set  
a password, this item shows Installed.  
To set a user password:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.  
From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.  
Confirm the password when prompted.  
To change a user password:  
1.  
2.  
Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.  
From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press  
<Enter>.  
3.  
4.  
From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.  
Confirm the password when prompted.  
To clear the user password, follow the same steps as in changing a user password, but press  
<Enter> when prompted to create/confirm the password. After you clear the password, the  
User Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed.  
2-18  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
2.5  
Ai Tweaker menu  
The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items.  
Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field  
values can cause the system to malfunction.  
The configuration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you  
installed on the motherboard.  
Scroll down to display other BIOS items.  
2.5.1  
Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]  
This item allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU  
internal frequency. Select any of these preset overclocking configuration options:  
[Auto]  
Loads the optimal settings for the system automatically.  
[Manual]  
Allows you to assign the BCLK (base clock) frequency manually.  
The following five items appear only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner to [Manual].  
CPU Strap [Auto]  
Manually select a strap value that is close to the target BCLK frequency for extreme  
overclocking. Configuration options: [Auto] [100MHz] [125MHz] [167MHz] [250MHz]  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-19  
PLL Selection [LC PLL]  
By default, this item is set to [LC PLL] for better stability. Set this item to [SB PLL] when  
BCLK (Base Clock) frequency is below 100MHz, which may affect the functionality of other  
devices that need precise clock jitters. Configuration options: [Auto] [LC PLL] [SB PLL]  
Filter PLL [Auto]  
Set this item to high BCLK (base clock) mode when using a very high BCLK to improve  
overclocking capability. Configuration options: [Auto] [Low BCLK mode] [High BCLK mode]  
BCLK Frequency [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the BCLK (base clock) frequency to enhance the system  
performance. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. The values range from 80.0 MHz to  
300.0 MHz.  
We recommend you to set the value based on the CPU specification, as high BCLK  
frequencies may damage the CPU permanently.  
Initial BCLK Frequency [Auto]  
This item allows you to start overclocking the system from the initial BCLK (base clock)  
frequency to the assigned BCLK frequency. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. The value  
ranges depend on the value you set on BCLK Frequency.  
2.5.2  
ASUS MultiCore Enhancement [Auto]  
[Auto]  
This item allows you to maximize the oveclocking performance optimized  
by ASUS core ratio settings.  
[Disabled]  
This item allows you to set to default core ratio settings.  
2.5.3  
CPU Core Ratio [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the CPU core ratio limit per core or synchronize automatically to  
all cores. Configuration options: [Auto] [Sync All Cores] [Per Core]  
When the CPU Core Ratio is set to [Sync All Cores] or [Per Core], the following items  
appear.  
1-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]  
Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting or manually assign a 1-Core Limit  
value that must be higher than or equal to the 2-Core Ratio Limit.  
2-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]  
Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting or manually assign a 2-Core Limit  
value that must be higher than or equal to the 3-Core Ratio Limit.  
If you assign a value for 2-Core Ratio Limit, do not set the 1-Core Ratio Limit to [Auto].  
2-20  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
3-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]  
Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting or manually assign a 3-Core Limit  
value that must be higher than or equal to the 4-Core Ratio Limit.  
If you assign a value for 3-Core Ratio Limit, do not set the 1-Core Ratio Limit and 2-Core  
Ratio Limit to [Auto].  
4-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]  
Select [Auto] to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting or manually assign a 4-Core Limit  
value that must be higher than or equal to the 3-Core Ratio Limit.  
If you assign a value for 4-Core Ratio Limit, do not set the 1-Core Ratio Limit, 2-Core Ratio  
Limit, and 3-Core Ratio to [Auto].  
2.5.4  
Min. CPU Cache Ratio [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the minimum possible ratio on the Uncore part of the processor.  
Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values depend on the CPU installed.  
2.5.5  
Max. CPU Cache Ratio [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the maximum possible ratio on the Uncore part of the processor.  
Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values depend on the CPU installed.  
2.5.6  
Internal PLL Overvoltage [Auto]  
Allows you to enable the internal PLL Overvoltage for K-SKU CPUs to get the extreme  
overclocking capability. Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]  
2.5.7  
CPU Radio Tuner [Auto]  
Enable this item to enhance the overclocking capability of non-K series CPUs. Configuration  
options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]  
2.5.8  
BCLK Frequency: DRAM Frequency Ratio [Auto]  
Allows you to set the CPU bus speed to DRAM speed ratio mode.  
[Auto]  
DRAM speed is set to the optimized settings.  
[100:133]  
[100:100]  
The BCLK frequency to DRAM speed ratio is set to 100:133.  
The BCLK frequency to DRAM speed ratio is set to 100:100.  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-21  
2.5.9  
DRAM Frequency [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the memory operating frequency. The configurable options vary  
with the BCLK (base clock) frequency setting. Select the auto mode to apply the optimized  
setting. Configuration options: [DDR3-800MHz] [DDR3-1066MHz] [DDR3-1333MHz]  
[DDR3-1400MHz] [DDR3-1600MHz] [DDR3-1800MHz] [DDR3-1866MHz] [DDR3-2000MHz]  
[DDR3-2133MHz] [DDR3-2200MHz] [DDR3-2400MHz] [DDR3-2600MHz] [DDR3-2666MHz]  
[DDR3-2800MHz] [DDR3-2933MHz] [DDR3-3000MHz] [DDR3-3200MHz] [DDR3-3400MHz]  
Selecting a very high memory frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this  
happens, revert to the default setting.  
2.5.10  
Max. CPU Graphics Ratio [Auto]  
Allows you to set the CPU Graphics ratio. Use <+>/<-> to adjust the value. The ratio may  
vary depending on the system loading.  
2.5.11  
OC Tuner [Keep Current Settings]  
This item allows you to automatically overclock the CPU and DRAM frequencies and voltage  
for an enhanced system performance. It also accelerates the CPU graphics performance to  
the extreme depending on the CPU graphics loading. Configuration options: [Keep Current  
Settings] [Ratio First] [BCLK + Ratio Tuning]  
Ensure that you installed an efficient CPU fan for CPU and graphics loading before  
selecting either [BCLK + Ratio Tuning] or [Ratio First]. To keep the current overclocking  
tuner status, select [Keep Current Settings].  
2.5.12  
EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled]  
ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) sets the CPU in its minimum power consumption  
settings. Enable this item to set lower CPU VCCIN and Vcore voltages and achieve the best  
energy saving condition. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2.5.13  
DRAM Timing Control  
The subitems in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features. Use the  
<+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the  
keyboard and press the <Enter> key.  
Changing the values in this menu may cause the system to become unstable! If this  
happens, revert to the default settings.  
2-22  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
2.5.14  
DIGI+ VRM  
CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]  
Load-line is defined by Intel VRM specification and affects the CPU power voltage. The CPU  
working voltage will decrease proportionally depending on the CPU loading. Higher levels of  
the load-line calibration can get a higher voltage and a better overclocking performance but  
increases the CPU and VRM thermal. Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Medium] [High]  
[Ultra High] [Extreme]  
The boosted performance may vary depending on the CPU specification. Do not remove  
the thermal module.  
CPU VRM Switching Frequency [Auto]  
This item affects the VRM transient response speed and the component thermal production.  
Select [Manual] to configure a higher frequency for a quicker transient response speed.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]  
DO NOT remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.  
The following item appears only when you set the CPU VRM Switching Frequency to  
[Manual].  
Fixed CPU VRM Switching Frequency (KHz) [250]  
This item allows you to set a higher frequency for a quicker transient response speed.  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 200KHz to  
350KHz with a 50KHz interval.  
CPU Power Phase Control [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the power phase control of the CPU. Configuration options: [Auto]  
[Standard] [Optimized] [Extreme] [Power Phase Response]  
DO NOT remove the thermal module when setting this item to [Power Phase Response].  
The thermal conditions should be monitored.  
The following item appears only when you set the CPU Power Phase Control to [Power  
Phase Response].  
Power Phase Response [Fast]  
This item allows you to set a faster phase response for the CPU to increase system  
performance or to slower phase response to decrease DRAM power efficiency.  
Configuration options: [Ultra Fast] [Fast] [Medium] [Regular]  
CPU Power Duty Control [T.Probe]  
DIGI + VRM Duty control adjusts the current and thermal conditions of every component’s  
phase.  
[T. Probe] Select to maintain the VRM thermal balance.  
[Extreme] Select to maintain the current VRM balance.  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-23  
CPU Current Capability [Auto]  
Allows you to configure the total power range, and extends the overclocking frequency range  
simultaneously. Configuration options: [Auto] [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%] [140%]  
Choose a higher value when overclocking, or under a high CPU loading for extra power  
support.  
2.5.15  
Internal CPU Power Management  
The subitems in this menu allow you to set the CPU ratio and their features.  
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled]  
This item allows the operating system to dynamically adjust the processor voltage and cores  
frequency, resulting to a decreased average power consumption and decreased average  
heat production. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Turbo Mode [Enabled]  
This item allows you to enable your core processor’s speed to run faster than the base  
operating frequency when it is below operating power, current and temperature specification  
limit. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
The following items appear only when you set the Turbo Mode to [Enabled].  
Turbo Mode Parameters  
Long Duration Package Power Limit [Auto]  
Allows you to limit the Turbo Ratio’s time duration that exceeds the TDP (Thermal  
Design Power) for maximum performance. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value.  
The values range from 1 W to 4096 W.  
Package Power Time Window [Auto]  
Also known as Power Limit 1, this item allows you to maintain the time window for  
Turbo Ratio over TDP (Thermal Design Power). Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the  
value. The values range from 1 to 127 in seconds.  
Short Duration Package Power Limit [Auto]  
Also known as Power Limit 2, this item allows you to provide rapid protection when  
the package power exceeds the Power Limit 1. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the  
value. The values range from 1 W to 4096 W.  
CPU Integrated VR Current Limit [Auto]  
Allows you to set a higher current limit to prevent frequency and power throttling when  
overclocking. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from  
0.125 to 1023.875 with a 0.125 interval.  
2-24  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
CPU Internal Power Switching Frequency  
Frequency Tuning Mode [Auto]  
This item allows you to increase or decrease the switching frequency of the internal  
regulator. Decrease the switching frequency to reduce the power consumption or  
increase the switching frequency to enhance voltage stability. When this item is set to  
[+] or [-], the Frequency Tuning Offset appears that allows you to set its value from 0%  
to 6%.  
CPU Internal Power Fault Control  
Thermal Feedback [Auto]  
Allows your system to take precautionary actions to protect the CPU when the thermal  
condition of the external regulator exceeds the threshold. Configuration options: [Auto]  
[Disabled] [Enabled]  
CPU Integrated VR Fault Management [Auto]  
Disable this item to prevent tripping the Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator when doing  
over-voltage. We recommend you to disable this item when overclocking. Configuration  
options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
CPU Internal Power Configuration  
CPU Integrated VR Efficiency Management [Auto]  
This item allows you to improve the power rating when the CPU is in low power state,  
or make the FIVR (fully integrated voltage regulator work in high performance at all  
times. Configuration options: [Auto] [High Performance] [Balanced]  
Power Decay Mode [Auto]  
This item allows your system to improve the power saving mode on the Fully Integrated  
Voltage Regulator as the processor goes into low current state. Configuration options:  
[Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Idle Power-in Response [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the slew rate for the Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator  
when it enters manual override mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Fast]  
Idle Power-out Response [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the slew rate for the Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator  
when it exits manual override mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Fast]  
Power Current Slope [Auto]  
This item allows you to enhance the power saving condition or the system overclocking  
capabiltity. Select a higher power current slope levels for power saving enhancement  
or lower power current slope levels for system overclocking enhancement.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [LEVEL -4] - [LEVEL 4]  
Power Current Offset [Auto]  
This item allows you to increase or decrease the output current sensed by the CPU. It  
finds the balance between optimal regulating while staying below the current threshold.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [100%] [87.5%] [75.0%] [62.5%] [50.0%] [37.5%] [25.0%]  
[12.5%] [0%] [-12.5%] [-25.0%] [-37.5%] [-50.0%] [-62.5%] [-75.0%] [-87.5%] [-100%]  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-25  
Power Fast Ramp Response [Auto]  
This item allows you to enhance the response of the CPU voltage regulator during the  
load transients. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. The values range from 0.00 to  
1.50. Configuration options: [Auto] [0.00] - [1.50]  
CPU Internal Power Saving Control  
Power Saving Level 1 Threshhold [Auto]  
Lower value provides sufficient overclocking tolerance to enlarge the overclocking  
potential. Higher value provides better power-saving condition.Use <+> or <-> key to  
adjust the value. The values range from 0 A to 80 A at 1 A increment.  
Power Saving Level 2 Threshold [Auto]  
Lower value provides sufficient overclocking tolerance to enlarge the overclocking  
potential. Higher value provides better power-saving condition.Use <+> or <-> key to  
adjust the value. The values range from 0 A to 50 A at 1 A increment.  
Power Saving Level 3 Threshold [Auto]  
Lower value provides sufficient overclocking tolerance to enlarge the overclocking  
potential. Higher value provides better power-saving condition.Use <+> or <-> key to  
adjust the value. The values range from 0 A to 30 A at 1A increment.  
2.5.16  
Extreme Over-voltage [Disabled]  
This item allows you to set higher voltages for overclocking. When you enable this item,  
you can choose a high level voltage to overclock, but does not guarantee the CPU life.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2.5.17  
CPU Core Voltage [Auto]  
This item allows you to configure the amount of voltage fed to the CPU cores. Increase the  
voltage when setting a high Core Frequency value. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual  
Mode] [Offset Mode] [Adaptive Mode]  
•
•
The following item appears only when you set the CPU Core Voltage to [Manual  
Mode].  
[Adaptive Mode] is available for some specific CPU types.  
CPU Core Voltage Override [Auto]  
Allows you to set the CPU Core Voltage override. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the  
value. The values range from 0.001V to 1.920V with a 0.001V interval.  
The following items appear only when you set the CPU Core Voltage to [Offset Mode] or  
[Adaptive Mode].  
Offset Mode Sign [+]  
[+]  
[–]  
To offset the voltage by a positive value.  
To offset the voltage by a negative value.  
2-26  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
CPU Core Voltage Offset  
Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V to 0.999V  
with a 0.001V interval.  
The following item appears only when you set the CPU Core Voltage to [Adaptive Mode].  
Additional Turbo Mode CPU Core Voltage [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the amount of voltage fed to the CPU cores when running  
in turbo mode. Increase the voltage when configuring a high CPU core frequency. The  
voltage you set is affected by the offset value. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the  
value. The values range from 0.001V to 1.920 V with a 0.001 V interval.  
Total Adaptive Mode CPU Core Voltage [Auto]  
This item sums up the voltages of the CPU Core Voltage offset and Additional Turbo  
Mode CPU Core Voltage options.  
2.5.18  
CPU Cache Voltage [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the amount of voltage fed to the CPU uncores including its cache.  
Increase the voltage when setting a high CPU cache frequency. Configuration options: [Auto]  
[Manual Mode] [Offset Mode] [Adaptive Mode].  
•
•
The following item appears only when you set the CPU Cache Voltage to [Manual  
Mode].  
[Adaptive Mode] is available for some specific CPU types.  
CPU Cache Voltage Override [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the CPU Cache Voltage override. By default, this item takes the  
standard value of the installed CPU. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value.  
The values range from 0.001V to 1.920V with a 0.001V interval.  
The following items appear only when you set the CPU Cache Voltage to [Offset Mode] or  
[Adaptive Mode].  
Offset Mode Sign [+]  
[+]  
[–]  
To offset the voltage by a positive value.  
To offset the voltage by a negative value.  
CPU Cache Voltage Offset  
Allows you to set the CPU cache voltage offset. By default, this item takes the standard  
value of the installed CPU. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The  
values range from 0.001V to 0.999V with a 0.001V interval.  
The following items appear only when you set the CPU Cache Voltage to [Adaptive Mode].  
Additional Turbo Mode CPU Cache Voltage [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the amount of voltage fed to the CPU cores when running  
in turbo mode. Increase the voltage when configuring a high CPU core frequency. The  
voltage you set is affected by the offset value. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the  
value. The values range from 0.001V to 1.920V with a 0.001V interval.  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-27  
Total Adaptive Mode CPU Cache Voltage [Auto]  
This item sums up the voltages of the CPU Cache Voltage offset and Additional Turbo  
Mode CPU Cache Voltage options.  
2.5.19  
CPU Graphics Voltage [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the CPU graphics voltage. Increase the graphics voltage when  
increasing the iGPU frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual Mode] [Offset Mode]  
[Adaptive Mode].  
•
•
The following item appears only when you set the CPU Graphics Voltage to [Manual  
Mode].  
[Adaptive Mode] is available for some specific CPU types.  
CPU Graphics Voltage Override [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the CPU graphics voltage override. The values range from 0.001V  
to 1.920V with a 0.001V interval.  
The following items appear only when you set the CPU Graphics Voltage to [Offset Mode]  
or [Adaptive Mode].  
Offset Mode Sign [+]  
[+]  
[–]  
To offset the voltage by a positive value.  
To offset the voltage by a negative value.  
CPU Graphics Voltage Offset [Auto]  
This item appears only when you set the CPU Graphics Voltage to [Offset Mode] or  
[Adaptive Mode] and allows you to set the CPU graphics voltage offset. The values  
range from 0.001V to 0.999V with a 0.001V interval.  
The following items appear only when you set the CPU Graphics Voltage to [Adaptive  
Mode].  
Additional Turbo Mode CPU Graphics Voltage [Auto]  
This item appears only when you set the CPU Graphics Voltage to [Adaptive Mode]  
and allows you to set the additional turbo mode CPU graphics voltage. The values  
range from 0.001V to 1.920V with a 0.001V interval.  
Total Adaptive Mode CPU Graphics Voltage [Auto]  
This item sums up the voltages of the CPU Graphics Voltage offset and Additional  
Turbo Mode CPU Graphics Voltage options.  
2.5.20  
CPU System Agent Voltage Offset Mode Sign [+]  
[+]  
[–]  
To offset the voltage by a positive value.  
To offset the voltage by a negative value.  
2-28  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
CPU System Agent Voltage Offset [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the amount of voltage fed to the system agent of the CPU  
including its PCIE controller and the PCU (power control unit). Increase the voltage to  
enhance the overclocking capability. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value.  
The values range from 0.001V to 0.999V with a 0.001V interval.  
2.5.21  
CPU Analog I/O Voltage Offset Mode Sign [+]  
[+]  
[–]  
To offset the voltage by a positive value.  
To offset the voltage by a negative value.  
CPU Analog I/O Voltage Offset [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the amount of voltage fed to the analog portion of the I/O on the  
CPU. By default, this item takes the standard value of the installed CPU. Increase the amount  
of voltage to enhance the overclocking capability. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust  
the value. The values range from 0.001V to 0.999V with a 0.001V interval.  
2.5.22  
CPU Digital I/O Voltage Offset Mode Sign [+]  
[+]  
[–]  
To offset the voltage by a positive value.  
To offset the voltage by a negative value.  
CPU Digital I/O Voltage Offset [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the amount of voltage fed to the digital portion of the I/O on the  
processor. By default, this item takes the standard value of the installed CPU. Increase the  
amount of voltage to enhance the overclocking capability. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to  
adjust the value. The values range from 0.001V to 0.999V with a 0.001V interval.  
2.5.23  
SVID Support [Auto]  
Set this item to [Enabled] when overclocking your system. Disabling this item stops the  
CPU from communicating with the external voltage regulator. Configuration options: [Auto]  
[Disabled] [Enabled]  
The following item appears only when you set SVID Support to [Enabled].  
SVID Voltage Override [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the SVID Voltage override. By default, this item takes the standard  
value of the installed CPU. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values  
range from 0.001V to 2.440 V with a 0.001 V interval.  
2.5.24  
DRAM Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the DRAM Voltage. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value.  
The values range from 1.1850V to 1.8000V with a 0.0050V interval.  
According to Intel CPU specifications, DIMMs with voltage requirement over 1.65V may  
damage the CPU permanently. We recommend that you install the DIMMs with the voltage  
requirement below 1.65V.  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-29  
2.5.25  
PCH VLX Voltage [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the I/O voltage on the PCH (Platform Controller Hub). You can  
use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 1.1850V to 2.1350V with  
a 0.0050V interval.  
2.5.26  
PCH Core Voltage [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the core voltage on the PCH (Platform Controller Hub). You can  
use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.73500V to 1.50000V  
with a 0.00500V interval.  
The system may need better cooling system for a more stable performance under high  
voltage settings.  
2.5.27  
DRAM CTRL REF Voltage [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the DRAM reference voltage on the control lines from the memory  
bus. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.39500V to  
0.63000V with a 0.00500V interval.  
2.5.28  
DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/CHB [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the DRAM reference voltage on the data lines on Channels A and  
B. You can use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.39500V to  
0.63000V with a 0.00500V interval.  
To set a value for the DRAM reference voltage, we recommend you to set a value close to  
the standard value which is 0.500000x.  
2.5.29  
CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]  
This item allows you to enhance the BCLK overclocking capability or reduce the EMI  
(electromagnetic disturbance) generated by the BCLK. Set this item to [Enabled] for EMI  
reduction, or set this item to [Disabled] to enhance BCLK overclocking. Configuration options:  
[Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2-30  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
2.6  
Advanced menu  
The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system  
devices.  
Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values  
can cause the system to malfunction.  
2.6.1  
CPU Configuration  
The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically  
detects.  
The items shown in submenu may be different due to the CPU you installed.  
Hyper-threading [Enabled]  
The Intel Hyper-Threading Technology allows a hyper-threading processor to appear as two  
logical processors to the operating system, allowing the operating system to schedule two  
threads or processes simultaneously.  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Two threads per activated core are enabled.  
Only one thread per activated core is enabled.  
Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor [Enabled]  
This item allows you to protect the CPU by decreasing its frequency as it reaches the thermal  
throttle point. The thermal monitor includes TM1 (Thermal monitor 1), TM2 (Thermal monitor  
2), and EMTTM (Enhanced Multi-threaded Thermal Monitoring). Configuration options:  
[Disabled] [Enabled]  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-31  
Active Processor Cores [All]  
This item allows you to select the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor  
package. Configuration options: [All] [1] [2] [3]  
For some CPU types, only [All] and [1] appear.  
Limit CPUID Maximum [Disabled]  
When set to [Enabled], this item allows the legacy OS to boot even without support for CPUs  
with extended CPUID functions. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]  
Execute Disable prevents certain classes of malicious buffer overflow attacks when combined  
with a supporting OS (SuSE Linux 9.2, RedHat Enterprise 3 Update 3). Configuration options:  
[Disabled] [Enabled]  
Intel Virtualization Technology [Disabled]  
When set to [Enabled], a VMM can utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by  
Vanderpool Technology. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Hardware Prefetcher(L2 Cache) [Enabled]  
This item allows the CPU to prefetch commands and data in the L2 cache, reduces the  
DRAM loading time and improves the system performance. Configuration options: [Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Adjacent Cache Line Prefetcher [Enabled]  
This item allows the mid level cache (L2) to prefetch adjacent cache lines, reducing the  
DRAM loading time and improves the system performance. Configuration options: [Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Boot Performance Mode [Max Non-Turbo Performance]  
This item allows you to select the CPU performance state during system boot before the  
operating system takes control. The CPU runs at a selected performance ratio based on CPU  
configuration. Configuration options: [Max Non-Turbo Performance] [Max Battery] [Turbo  
Performance]  
Dynamic Storage Accelerator [Disabled]  
This item allows you to accelerate the performance of the SSDs (Solid-State Drives) by  
dynamically adjusting the power management during heavy multitasking. Configuration  
options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
CPU Power Management Configuration  
This item allows you to manage and configure the CPU’s power.  
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled]  
This item allows your system to adjust the CPU’s voltage and cores frequency,  
resulting in decreased power consumption and heat production.  
[Disabled]  
The CPU runs at its default speed.  
[Enabled]  
The system controls the CPU speed.  
2-32  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
Turbo Mode [Enabled]  
This item allows you to automatically set the CPU cores to run faster than the base  
operating frequency when it is below the operating power, current and temperature  
specification limit. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Turbo Mode is only available on selected CPU models only.  
CPU C-States [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the power saving of the CPU states. Configuration options:  
[Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
The following items appear only when you set the CPU C-States to [Enabled].  
Enhanced C1 state [Enabled]  
This item allows your CPU to reduce power consumption when the system is in idle  
mode. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
CPU C3 Report [Enabled]  
This item allows you to disable or enable the CPU C3 report to the operating  
system. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
CPU C6 Report [Enabled]  
This item allows you to disable or enable the CPU C6 report to the operating  
system. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
C6 Latency [Short]  
This item allows you to set the duration of C6 latency for C6 state. Configuration  
options: [Short] [Long]  
CPU C7 Report [CPU C7s]  
This item allows you to disable or enable the CPU C7 report to the operating  
system. Configuration options: [Disabled] [CPU C7] [CPU C7s]  
C7 Latency [Long]  
This item allows you to set the duration of C7 latency for C7 state. Configuration  
options: [Short] [Long]  
Package C State Support [Auto]  
This item allows you to set the a C-state support for the CPU package.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [C0/C1] [C2] [C3] [C6] [CPU C7] [CPU C7s]  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-33  
2.6.2  
PCH Configuration  
PCI Express Configuration  
This item allows you to configure the PCI Express slots.  
PCI-E Speed [Auto]  
This item allows your system to automatically select the PCI Express port speed. When  
set to [Gen1], the PCI-E port runs at PCI-E 1.0 speed. When set to [Gen2], the PCI-E  
port runs at PCI-E 2.0 speed. Configuration options: [Auto] [Gen1] [Gen2]  
Intel Rapid Start Technology  
Intel® Rapid Start Technology [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable Intel® Rapid Start Technology. Configuration options:  
[Enabled] [Disabled]  
The following items appear only when you set the Intel® Rapid Start Technology to  
[Enabled].  
Entry on S3 RTC Wake [Enabled]  
The system automatically wakes up and set to Rapid Start Technology S3 mode.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Entry After [0]  
This item allows you to set the RTC wake-up timer at S3 entry. The time ranges  
from 0 minute (immediately) to 120 minutes.  
Active Page Threshold Support [Enabled]  
The system automatically goes into sleep mode when the partition  
size is not enough for the Intel® Rapid Start Technology to work.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Active Memory Threshold [0]  
This item supports Intel Rapid Storage Technology when the partition size is greater  
than the Active Page Threshold size. When set to zero (0), it will go to Auto mode  
and checks if the partition size is enough at S3 entry.  
Ensure that the caching partition size is larger than the total memory size.  
Hybrid Hard Disk Support [Disabled]  
This item allows you to enable or disable the hybrid hard disk support for a faster  
resume time. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Intel Smart Connect Technology [Disabled]  
Intel Smart Connect Technology Support [Disabled]  
This item allows the system to support Intel Smart Connect Technology, that  
periodically refreshes selected applications when the system is in sleep mode.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
2-34  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
2.6.3  
PCH Storage Configuration  
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The  
SATA Port items show Empty if no SATA device is installed to the corresponding SATA port.  
SATA(SATA5,6) and M.2 Configuration [Auto]  
This item allows you to set an automatic detection between the M.2 devices and SATA  
devices installed on SATA ports 5 and 6.  
[Auto]  
The system automatically detects the connected SATA and M.2 devices  
and set a higher priority to M.2 interface. The connected device will then  
run at PCIe mode first than SATA mode. The SATA devices are available  
when no M.2 devices are installed.  
[SATA]  
[M.2]  
The system assigns the priority bandwidth to SATA (SATA5.6) interface  
with M.2 Socket 3 disabled.  
The system assigns the priority bandwidth to M.2 Socket 3 with SATA  
(SATA5.6) interface disabled.  
SATA Mode Selection [AHCI]  
Allows you to set the SATA configuration.  
[Disabled]  
[IDE]  
Disables the SATA function.  
Set to [IDE] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as  
Parallel ATA physical storage devices.  
[AHCI]  
[RAID]  
Set to [AHCI] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the AHCI  
(Advanced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard storage  
driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage  
performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to internally  
optimize the order of commands.  
Set to [RAID Mode] when you want to create a RAID configuration from the  
SATA hard disk drives.  
The following item appears only when you set the SATA Mode Selection to [RAID].  
Pcie Nand Configuration [Auto]  
This item allows you to enable or disable PCIe NAND. Configuration options: [Auto]  
[Disabled] [Enabled]  
Aggressive LPM Support [Disabled]  
This item is designed for LPM (link power management) support with a better energy saving  
conditions. When disabled, the hot plug function of SATA ports are disabled. Configuration  
options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
S.M.A.R.T. Status Check [On]  
S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitoring system that  
shows a warning message during POST (Power-on Self Test) when an error occurs in the  
hard disks. Configuration options: [On] [Off]  
Hot Plug [Disabled] (SATA6G_1 (Gray) ~ SATA6G_6(Gray))  
These items allow you to enable/disable SATA Hot Plug Support. Configuration options:  
[Disabled] [Enabled]  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-35  
2.6.4  
System Agent Configuration  
VT-d [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable VT-d function on MCH. Configuration options: [Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
CPU Display Audio [Enabled]  
Enable this item to support CPU display audio output. Configuration options: [Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
DVI Port Audio [Off]  
Enable this item to support audio output for certain DVI monitors. Configuration options: [On]  
[Off]  
Graphics Configuration  
Allows you to select a primary display from CPU, PCIE and PCI graphical devices.  
Primary Display [Auto]  
Allows you to select the primary display from CPU, PCIE and PCI graphics devices.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [CPU Graphics] [PCIE] [PCI]  
Render Standby [Auto]  
This item allows you to enable Intel® Graphics Render Standby support to reduce iGPU  
power use when the system is idle. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
CPU Graphics Multi-Monitor [Disabled]  
This item allows you to empower both integrated and discrete graphics devices for the  
multi-monitor output. The CPU graphics shared system memory size is fixed at 64 MB.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
DMI Configuration  
This item allows you to control various DMI (direct media interface) to run at PCI-E 2.0 speed.  
DMI Gen 2 [Enabled]  
Set this item to [Enabled] to run DMI at PCI-E 2.0 speed. Configuration options:  
[Enabled] [Disabled]  
NB PCI-E Configuration  
Allows you to configure the NB PCI Express settings.  
PCIEx16_1 Link Speed [Auto]  
Allows you to configure the PCIEx16 speed for slot 1. Configuration options: [Auto]  
[Gen1] [Gen2] [Gen3]  
Memory Configuration  
Allows you to configure the memory configuration parameters.  
Memory Scrambler [Enabled]  
Set this item to [Enabled] to support high frequency DRAMs for a better stability.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
2-36  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
Memory Remap [Enabled]  
Set this item to [Enabled] to support DRAM address remapping for 64-bit operating  
systems. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
2.6.5  
USB Configuration  
The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.  
The USB Devices item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the  
item shows None.  
Legacy USB Support [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Your system supports the USB devices in legacy operating systems.  
Your USB devices can be used for BIOS setup only and cannot be  
recognized in the boot devices list.  
[Auto]  
Your system automatically detects the presence of USB devices at startup.  
If any USB devices are detected, the legacy USB support is enabled.  
Intel xHCI Mode [Smart Auto]  
[Auto]  
The xHCI is automatically enabled and runs at USB 3.0 mode when the  
xHCI driver is installed in the operating system.  
[Smart Auto]  
Upon detection, the xHCI driver supports the USB 3.0 mode during both  
POST and operating system.  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the xHCI controller.  
Disables the xHCI controller.  
EHCI Hand-off [Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off  
feature.  
[Disabled]  
Disables the EHCI Hand-off support.  
Mass Storage Devices [Auto]  
This item allows your system to detect the devices according to their media formats.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Floppy] [Forced FDD] [Hard Disk] [CD-ROM]  
USB Single Port Control  
This item allows you to enable or disable the individual USB ports.  
USB Single Port Control  
This item allows you to enable or disable the individual USB ports.  
Refer to section 1.2.3 Motherboard layout for the location of the USB ports.  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-37  
2.6.6  
Platform Misc Configuration  
The items in this menu allow you to configure the platform-related features.  
PCI-E Native Power Management [Disabled]  
This item allows you to enhance the power saving feature of PCI Express and perform ASPM  
operations in the operating system. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
The following item appears only when you set the PCI Express Native Power Management  
to [Enabled].  
Native ASPM [Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Windows® Vista OS controls the ASPM (active state power  
management) support for devices.  
[Disabled]  
BIOS controls the ASPM support for the device.  
PCH - PCI Express options  
DMI Link ASPM Control [Disabled]  
This item allows you to control the Active State Power Management on both NB  
(NorthBridge) side and SB (SouthBridge) side of the DMI Link. Configuration options:  
[Disabled] [Enabled]  
ASPM Support [Disabled]  
This item allows you to select the ASPM state for energy-saving conditions. Configuration  
options: [Disabled] [L0s] [L1] [L0sL1] [Auto]  
SA - PCI Express options  
DMI Link ASPM Control [Disabled]  
This item allows you to control the Active State Power Management on both CPU and PCH  
(platform controller hub) Both DMI link ASPM control items of the CPU and PCH sides must  
be enabled for the ASPM to take effect. Configuration options: [Disabled] [L0s] [L1] [L0sL1]  
PEG ASPM Support [Disabled]  
This item allows you to select the ASPM state for energy-saving conditions, or use the ASUS  
optimized energy saving profile. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] [ASPM L0s] [L1]  
[L0sL1]  
2.6.7  
Onboard Devices Configuration  
HD Audio Controller [Enabled]  
This item allows you to use the Azalia High Definition Audio Controller. Configuration options:  
[Disabled] [Enabled]  
The following three items appear only when you set the HD Audio Controller item to  
[Enabled].  
2-38  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
Front Panel Type [HD Audio]  
Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or  
high-definition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio  
module supports.  
[HD Audio]  
Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high definition  
audio.  
[AC97]  
Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97  
SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF]  
[SPDIF]  
[HDMI]  
Sets to an SPDIF audio output.  
Sets to an HDMI audio output.  
Depop [Enabled]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Auto Shielding LED [Auto]  
[Auto]  
Automatically activates the LED control based on settings of the ErP Ready  
item.  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Keeps the LED on.  
Disables this function.  
Asmedia USB 3.1 Controller [Enabled]  
This item allows you to enable or disable the Asmedia USB 3.1 function.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
The following two items appear only when you set the Asmedia USB 3.1 Controller item to  
[Enabled].  
USB 3.1_1/USB3.1_2 [Enabled]  
This item allows you to enable or disable USB3.1_1/USB3.1_2 controller.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Asmedia USB 3.1 Battery Charging Support [Enabled]  
This item allows you to enable or disable the Asmedia USB 3.1 battery charging function.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Realtek LAN Controller [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the Realtek LAN controller.  
Disables the controller.  
Realtek PXE Option ROM [Disabled]  
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to  
enable or disable the PXE OptionRom of the Realtek LAN controller. Configuration options:  
[Enabled] [Disabled]  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-39  
Serial Port Configuration  
The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the serial port configuration.  
Serial Port [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the serial port (COM).Configuration options: [Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Change Settings [IO=3F8h; IRQ=4]  
This item appears only when you set the Serial Port to [Enabled] and allows you  
to select the Serial Port base address. Configuration options: [IO=3F8h; IRQ=4]  
[IO=2F8h; IRQ=3] [IO=3E8h; IRQ=4] [IO=2E8h; IRQ=3]  
2.6.8  
APM  
Deep S4 [Disabled]  
When enabled, the system in S4 state will further reduce power usage and will power off the  
USB and PS/2 devices. The system in deep S4 state can be woken up via the power button,  
devices in LAN, or other ways except via the USB and PS/2 devices. Configuration options:  
[Disabled] [Enabled]  
ErP Ready [Enabled]  
Allows BIOS to switch off some power at S5 to get the system ready for ErP requirement.  
When set to [Enabled], all other PME options will be switched off.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off]  
[Power On]  
[Power Off]  
[Last State]  
The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.  
The system goes into off state after an AC power loss.  
The system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was  
before the AC power loss.  
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Space Bar]  
[Ctrl-Esc]  
Disables the Power On by a PS/2 keyboard.  
Sets the Space Bar on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system.  
Sets the Ctrl+Esc key on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system.  
[Power Key]  
Sets Power key on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature  
requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.  
Power On By PCI-E/PCI [Disabled]  
This item allows you to enable or disable the Wake-on-LAN function of the onboard LAN  
controller or other installed PCIe/PCI LAN cards. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Power On By Ring [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables Ring to generate a wake event.  
Enables Ring to generate a wake event.  
2-40  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
Power On By RTC [Disabled]  
This item allows you to enable or disable the RTC (Real-Time Clock) to generate a wake  
event and configure the RTC alarm date. When enabled, you can set the days, hours,  
minutes, or seconds to schedule an RTC alarm date. Configuration options: [Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
2.6.9  
Network Stack Configuration  
Network Stack [Disabled]  
This item allows user to disable or enable the UEFI network stack. Configuration options:  
[Disabled] [Enabled]  
The following two items appear only when you set the previous item to [Enabled].  
Ipv4 / Ipv6 PXE Support [Enabled]  
This item allows you to enable or disable the Ipv4/Ipv6 PXE wake event. Configuration  
options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2.7  
Monitor menu  
The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change  
the fan settings.  
Scroll down to display the other BIOS items.  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-41  
2.7.1  
CPU/ MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]/ [Ignore]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard  
temperatures. Select [Ignore] if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures.  
2.7.2  
CPU Fan/ Chassis Fan 1/2 Speed [xxxx RPM]/ [Ignore]/  
[N/A]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and chassis fan  
1/2 speeds in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the  
field shows N/A. Select [Ignore] if you do not wish to display the detected speed.  
2.7.3  
CPU Input Voltage (VCCIN), CPU Core Voltage, 3.3V  
Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard  
voltage regulators. Select [Ignore] if you do not want to detect this item.  
2.7.4  
CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.  
Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.  
CPU Fan Speed Lower Limit [200 RPM]  
This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you  
to disable or set the CPU fan warning speed. Configuration options: [Ignore] [100RPM]  
[200RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM]  
CPU Fan Profile [Standard]  
This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to  
set the appropriate performance level of the CPU fan.  
[Standard]  
Sets to [Standard] to make the CPU fan automatically adjust depending on  
the CPU temperature.  
[Silent]  
[Turbo]  
[Manual]  
Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation.  
Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.  
Sets to [Manual] to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.  
The following four items appear only when you set CPU Fan Profile to [Manual].  
CPU Upper Temperature [70]  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature. The values  
range from 25ºC to 75ºC.  
CPU Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100]  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. The values  
range from 20% to 100%. When the CPU temperature reaches the upper limit, the  
CPU fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle.  
2-42  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
CPU Middle Temperature [25]  
Use the <+> or <-> keys to set the value for CPU Middle Temperature. The range of  
the values depends on the CPU installed.  
CPU Fan Middle Duty Cycle(%) [20]  
Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the CPU fan middle duty cycle. The values range  
from 20% to 100%. When the CPU temperature reaches the upper limit, the CPU fan  
operates at the maximum duty cycle.  
CPU Lower Temperature [20]  
Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the CPU fan’s lower temperature. The values range  
from 20°C to 75°C.  
CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [20]  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum CPU fan duty cycle. The values  
range from 20% to 100%. When the CPU temperature is under the lower limit, the CPU  
fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.  
2.7.5  
Chassis Fan 1/2 Q-Fan Control [DC Mode]  
[PWM mode]  
[DC mode]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the chassis Q-Fan control in PWM mode for 4-pin chassis fan.  
Enables the chassis Q-Fan control in DC mode for 3-pin chassis fan.  
Disables the chassis Q-Fan control feature.  
The following items appear only when you set the Chassis Fan 1/2 Q-Fan Control to [PWM  
Mode] or [DC Mode].  
Chassis Fan 1/2 Q-Fan Source [CPU]  
This item controls the assigned fan according to the selected temperature source.  
Configuration options: [CPU] [MB]  
Chassis Fan 1/2 Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]  
This item allows you to disable or set the chassis fan warning speed. Configuration options:  
[Ignore] [200RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]  
Chassis Fan 1/2 Profile [Standard]  
This item allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the chassis fan.  
[Standard]  
Sets to [Standard] to make the chassis fan automatically adjust depending  
on the chassis temperature.  
[Silent]  
[Turbo]  
[Manual]  
Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet chassis fan operation.  
Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum chassis fan speed.  
Sets to [Manual] to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.  
The following four items appear only when you set Chassis Fan 1/2 Profile to [Manual].  
Chassis Fan 1/2 Upper Temperature [70]  
Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature. The values  
range from 40°C to 75°C.  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-43  
Chassis Fan 1/2 Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100]  
Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan duty cycle. The values  
range from 60% to 100%. When the chassis temperature reaches the upper limit, the  
chassis fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle.  
Chassis Fan 1/2 Middle Temperature [45]  
Use the <+> or <-> keys to set the value for Chassis Fan Middle Temperature.  
Chassis Fan 1/2 Middle Duty Cycle(%) [60]  
Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the chassis fan middle duty cycle. The values range  
from 60% to 100%.  
Chassis Fan 1/2 Lower Temperature [40]  
Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the chassis fans’ lower temperature. The values  
range from 40°C to 75°C.  
Chassis Fan 1/2 Min. Duty Cycle(%) [60]  
Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust the minimum chassis fan duty cycle. The values  
range from 60% to 100%. When the CPU temperature is under the lower limit, the  
chassis fan operates at the minimum duty cycle.  
Allow Fan Stop [Disabled]  
This function allows the fan to run at 0% duty cycle when the temperature of the source  
is dropped below the lower temperature.  
2.7.6  
Anti Surge Support [On]  
This item allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge function. Configuration options: [On]  
[Off]  
2-44  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
2.8  
Boot menu  
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.  
Scroll down to display the other BIOS items.  
2.8.1  
Fast Boot [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Select to accelerate the boot speed.  
Select to go back to normal boot speed.  
SATA Support [All Devices]  
[All Devices]  
All devices connected to SATA ports are available during POST.  
This process extends the POST time.  
[Hard Drive Only]  
[Boot Drive Only]  
Only hard drives connected to SATA ports are detected during  
POST.  
Only boot drives connected to a SATA ports are detected during  
POST.  
USB Support [Partial Initialization]  
[Disabled]  
All USB devices will not be available until OS boot up for a  
fastest POST time.  
[Full Initialization]  
[Partial Initialization]  
All USB devices will be available during POST. This process will  
extend the POST time.  
For a faster POST time, only the USB ports with keyboard and  
mouse connections will be detected.  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-45  
PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse Support [Auto]  
Select any of these settings when PS/2 keyboard and mouse are installed. These settings  
only apply when Fast Boot is enabled.  
[Auto]  
For a faster POST time, PS/2 devices will only be available when the  
system boots up or rebooted when the PS/2 devices have not been  
reconnected or changed. If you disconnect or change PS/2 devices before  
restarting the system, PS/2 devices will not be available and BIOS setup  
program will not be accessible via PS/2 devices.  
[Full Initialization] For full system control, PS/2 devices will be available during POST at any  
circumstances. This process will extend POST time.  
[Disabled]  
For the fastest POST time, all PS/2 devices will not be available until your  
computer enters the operating system.  
Network Stack Driver Support [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Select to skip the network stack driver from loading during POST.  
Select to load the network stack driver during POST.  
Next Boot after AC Power Loss [Normal Boot]  
[Normal Boot]  
[Fast Boot]  
Returns to normal boot on the next boot after AC power loss.  
Accelerates the boot speed on the next boot after AC power loss.  
2.8.2  
Boot Logo Display [Auto]  
[Auto]  
Adjusts logo automatically based on Windows® display requrements.  
[Full Screen]  
[Disabled]  
Maximize the boot logo size.  
Hide the logo during POST.  
POST Delay Time [3 sec]  
This item appears only when you set Boot Logo Display to [Auto] and [Full Screen]. This item  
allows you to select the desired additional POST waiting time to easily enter the BIOS setup.  
You can only execute the POST delay time during Normal Boot. The values range from 0 to  
10 seconds.  
This feature will only work under normal boot.  
Post Report [5 sec]  
This item appears only when you set Boot Logo Display to [Disabled]. This item allows you to  
select a desired post report waiting time. Configuration options: [1 sec] ~ [10 sec] [Until Press  
ESC].  
2.8.3  
Bootup NumLock State [Enabled]  
This item allows you to enable or disable power-on state of the NumLock. Configuration  
options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2.8.4  
Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]  
When this item is set to [Enabled], the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error  
occurs. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2-46  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
2.8.5  
Option ROM Messages [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
The third-party ROM messages will be displayed during POST.  
Disables the ROM messages and displays only the ASUS logo during  
POST.  
2.8.6  
Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled]  
This item allows you to trap Interrupt 19 by the option ROMs. Configuration options:  
[Disabled] [Enabled]  
2.8.7  
Above 4G Decording [Disabled]  
This item allows you to decode the 64-bit capable devices above 4G address space. Ensure  
that your system supports 64-bit PCI decoding. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2.8.8  
Setup Mode [EZ Mode]  
[Advanced Mode] This item allows you to go to Advanced Mode of the BIOS after POST.  
[EZ Mode]  
This item allows you to go to EZ Mode of the BIOS after POST.  
2.8.9  
CSM (Compatibility Support Module)  
Allows you to configure the CSM (Compatibility Support Module) items to fully support the  
various VGA, bootable devices and add-on devices for better compatibility.  
Launch CSM [Enabled]  
[Auto]  
The system automatically detects the bootable devices and the add-on  
devices.  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
For better compatibility, enable the CSM to fully support the non-UEFI  
driver add-on devices or the Windows® UEFI mode.  
Disable the CSM to fully support the Windows® Security Update and  
Security Boot.  
The following four items appear when you set Launch CSM to [Enabled].  
Boot Devices Control [UEFI and Legacy OPROM]  
Allows you to select the type of devices that you want to boot up. Configuration options:  
[UEFI and Legacy OPROM] [Legacy OPROM only] [UEFI only]  
Boot from Network Devices [Legacy OPROM first]  
Allows you to select the type of network devices that you want to launch. Configuration  
options: [Legacy OPROM first] [UEFI driver first] [Ignore]  
Boot from Storage Devices [Legacy OPROM first]  
Allows you to select the type of storage devices that you want to launch. Configuration  
options: [Both, Legacy OPROM first] [Both, UEFI first] [Legacy OPROM first] [UEFI driver  
first] [Ignore]  
Boot from PCI-E/PCI Expansion Devices [Legacy OPROM first]  
Allows you to select the type of PCIe/PCI expansion devices that you want to launch.  
Configuration options: [Legacy OPROM first] [UEFI driver first]  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-47  
2.8.10  
Secure Boot  
Allows you to configure the Windows® Secure Boot settings and manage its keys to protect  
the system from unauthorized access and malwares during POST.  
OS Type [Windows UEFI mode]  
Allows you to select your installed operating system.  
[Windows UEFI mode]  
This item allows you to select your installed operating system.  
Execute the Microsoft® Secure Boot check. Only select this  
option when booting on Windows® UEFI mode or other Microsoft®  
Secure Boot compliant OS.  
[Other OS]  
Get the optimized function when booting on Windows® non-UEFI  
mode. Microsoft® Secure Boot only supports Windows® UEFI  
mode.  
Key Management  
This allows you to manage the Secure Boot keys.  
Install Default Secure Boot keys  
This item allows you to immediately load the default Security Boot keys, Platform key  
(PK), Key-exchange Key (KEK), Signature database (db), and Revoked Signatures  
(dbx). When the default Secure boot keys are loaded, all the Secure Boot keys’ state  
will change from Unloaded mode to loaded mode.  
Clear Secure Boot keys  
This item appears only when you load the default Secure Boot keys. This item allows  
you to clear all the previously applied Secure Boot keys.  
Save Secure Boot Keys  
This item allows you to save all the Secure Boot keys to a USB storage device.  
PK Management  
The Platform Key (PK) locks and secures the firmware from any non-permissible  
changes. The system verifies the PK before your system enters the OS.  
Delete PK  
Allows you to delete the PK from your system. Once the PK is deleted, all the  
system’s Secure Boot keys will not be active.  
Load Default PK  
Select Yes to load the system default PK or select No to load a downloaded PK  
from a USB storage device.  
The PK file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated  
variable.  
2-48  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
KEK Management  
The KEK (Key-exchange Key or Key Enrollment Key) manages the Signature database  
(db) and Revoked Signature database (dbx).  
Key-exchange Key (KEK) refers to Microsoft® Secure Boot Key-Enrollment Key (KEK).  
Delete KEK  
Allows you to delete the KEK from your system. Once the KEK is deleted, the db  
and the dbx cannot be updated in the operating system.  
Load Default KEK  
Select Yes to load the system default KEK or select No to load a downloaded KEK  
from a USB storage device.  
Append Default KEK  
Select Yes to append the system default KEK or select No to append a downloaded  
additional KEK from a USB storage device for the db and dbx management.  
The KEK file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated  
variable.  
DB Management  
The db (Authorized Signature database) lists the signers or images of UEFI  
applications, operating system loaders, and UEFI drivers that you can load on the  
single computer.  
Delete the db  
Allows you to delete the db file from your system. Doing so may cause boot failures.  
Load Default db  
Select Yes to load the system default db or select No to load a downloaded db from  
a USB storage device.  
Append Default db  
Select Yes to append the system default db or select No to append a downloaded  
additional db from a USB storage device to load certain customized UEFI  
executable files.  
•
•
The DB file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based  
authenticated variable.  
UEFI executable files include UEFI boot devices, drivers and applications.  
dbx Management  
The dbx (Revoked Signature database) lists the forbidden images of db items that are  
no longer trusted and cannot be loaded.  
Delete the dbx  
Allows you to delete the DBX file from your system. Doing so may expose the  
system to security threats.  
Load Default dbx  
Select Yes to load the system default dbx or select No to load a downloaded dbx  
from a USB storage device.  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-49  
Append Default dbx  
Select Yes to append the system default dbx or select No to append a downloaded  
additional dbx from a USB storage device to forbid certain customized UEFI  
executable files.  
The DBX file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated  
variable.  
2.8.11  
Boot Option Priorities  
These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The  
number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices  
installed in the system.  
•
•
To access Windows® OS in Safe Mode, press <F8 > after POST (Windows® 8 not  
supported).  
To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo  
appears.  
2.8.12  
Boot Override  
These items displays the available devices. The number of device items that appears on  
the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. Click an item to start  
booting from the selected device.  
2-50  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
2.9  
Tool menu  
The Tool menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then  
press <Enter> to display the submenu.  
2.9.1  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility  
Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. Press [Enter] to launch the ASUS EZ Flash 2 screen.  
For more details, see section 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2.  
2.9.2  
Setup Animator [Enabled]  
Enables or disables the Setup animator. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2.9.3  
ASUS Overclocking Profile  
This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.  
The Overclocking Profile items show Not assigned if no profile is created.  
Load from Profile  
Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the profile  
number that saved your CMOS settings, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.  
•
•
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the  
system boot failure!  
We recommend that you update the BIOS file only coming from the same memory/  
CPU configuration and BIOS version.  
Profile Name  
Allows you to create a name for the profile you want to save.  
Save to Profile  
Allows you to save the current BIOS settings to the BIOS Flash, and create a profile. Key in a  
profile number from one to eight, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.  
Load/Save Profile from/to USB Drive  
This item allows you to load or save profile from your USB drive, load and save profile to your  
USB drive.  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
2-51  
2.9.4  
ASUS SPD Information  
DIMM Slot number [DIMM_A1]  
Displays the Serial Presence Detect (SPD) information of the DIMM module installed on the  
selected slot. Configuration options: [DIMM_A1] [DIMM_B1] [DIMM_A2] [DIMM_B2]  
2.10  
Exit menu  
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and  
save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.  
Load Optimized Defaults  
This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup  
menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation window appears.  
Select OK to load the default values.  
Save Changes & Reset  
Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to  
ensure the values you selected are saved. When you select this option or if you press <F10>,  
a confirmation window appears. Select OK to save changes and exit.  
Discard Changes & Exit  
This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes. When you  
select this option or if you press <Esc>, a confirmation window appears. Select OK to discard  
changes and exit.  
Launch EFI Shell from USB drives  
This option allows you to attempt to launch the EFI Shell application (shellx64.efi) from one of  
the available USB devices.  
2-52  
Chapter 2: Getting started  
Appendices  
Notices  
Federal Communications Commission Statement  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two  
conditions:  
•
•
This device may not cause harmful interference.  
This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause  
undesired operation.  
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 installation. This  
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed  
and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference  
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference 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 receiver.  
Connect the equipment to 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.  
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required  
to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not  
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority  
to operate this equipment.  
IC: Canadian Compliance Statement  
Complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B specifications. This device complies with RSS  
210 of Industry Canada. This Class B device meets all the requirements of the Canadian  
interference-causing equipment regulations.  
This device complies with Industry Canada license exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is  
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2)  
this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired  
operation of the device.  
Cut appareil numérique de la Classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.  
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le  
matériel brouilleur du Canada.  
Cet appareil est conforme aux normes CNR exemptes de licence d’Industrie Canada. Le  
fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes :  
(1) cet appareil ne doit pas provoquer d’interférences et  
(2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, y compris celles susceptibles de provoquer  
un fonctionnement non souhaité de l’appareil.  
A-1  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
Canadian Department of Communications Statement  
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from  
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department  
of Communications.  
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.  
VCCI: Japan Compliance Statement  
VCCI Class B Statement  
This is a Class B product based on the standard of the VCCI Council. If this is used near a  
radio or television receiver in a domestic environment, it may cause radio interference. Install  
and use the equipment according to the instruction manual.  
KC: Korea Warning Statement  
REACH  
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of  
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at  
ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.  
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to  
enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin  
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in  
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.  
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol  
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal  
waste.  
ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services  
ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards  
for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to  
responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging  
materials. Please go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for detailed recycling  
information in different regions.  
A-2  
Appendices  
Google™ License Terms  
Copyright© 2014 Google Inc. All Rights Reserved.  
Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the “License”); you may not use this file  
except in compliance with the License. You may obtain a copy of the License at:  
http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0  
Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software distributed under the  
License is distributed on an “AS IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF  
ANY KIND, either express or implied.  
See the License for the specific language governing permissions and limitations under the  
License.  
Latviski Līdz ar šo AsusTek Inc. paziņo, ka šī ierīce atbilst būtiskajām  
prasībām un citiem saistošajiem nosacījumiem, kas norādīti CE direktīvā. Lai  
uzzinātu vairāk, skatiet CE Atbilstības deklarāciju.  
English AsusTek Inc. hereby declares that this device is in compliance with  
the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of CE Directives.  
Please see the CE Declaration of Conformity for more details.  
Lietuvių Šiuo dokumentu bendrovė„AsusTek Inc.“ pareiškia, kad šis  
įrenginys atitinka pagrindinius CE direktyvų reikalavimus ir kitas susijusias  
nuostatas. Daugiau informacijos rasite CE atitikties deklaracijoje.  
Français AsusTek Inc. déclare par la présente que cet appareil est  
conforme aux critères essentiels et autres clauses pertinentes des directives  
européennes. Veuillez consulter la déclaration de conformité CE pour plus  
d’informations.  
Norsk AcerTek Inc. erklærer herved at denne enheten er i samsvar med  
hovedsaklige krav og andre relevante forskrifter i CE-direktiver. Du finner  
mer informasjon i CE-samsvarserklæringen.  
Deutsch AsusTek Inc. erklärt hiermit, dass dieses Gerät mit den  
wesentlichen Anforderungen und anderen relevanten Bestimmungen der  
CE-Richtlinien übereinstimmt. Weitere Einzelheiten entnehmen Sie bitte der  
CE-Konformitätserklärung.  
Polski Niniejszym AsusTek Inc. deklaruje, że to urządzenie jest zgodne z  
istotnymi wymaganiami oraz innymi powiązanymi zaleceniami Dyrektyw  
CE. W celu uzyskania szczegółów, sprawdź Deklarację zgodności CE.  
Italiano AsusTek Inc. con la presente dichiara che questo dispositivo  
è conforme ai requisiti essenziali e alle altre disposizioni pertinenti alle  
direttive CE. Per maggiori informazioni fate riferimento alla dichiarazione  
di conformità CE.  
Português A AsusTek Inc. declara que este dispositivo está em  
conformidade com os requisitos essenciais e outras disposições relevantes  
das Diretivas da CE. Para mais detalhes, consulte a Declaração de  
Conformidade CE.  
Компания ASUS заявляет, что это устройство соответствует основным  
требованиям и другим соответствующим условиям европейских  
директив. Подробную информацию, пожалуйста, смотрите в декларации  
соответствия.  
Română Prin prezenta, AsusTek Inc. declară faptul că acest dispozitiv  
respectă cerinţele esenţiale şi alte prevederi relevante ale directivelor CE.  
Pentru mai multe detalii, consultaţi declaraţia de conformitate CE.  
Български С настоящото AsusTek Inc. декларира, че това устройство  
е в съответствие със съществените изисквания и другите приложими  
постановления на директивите CE. Вижте CE декларацията за  
съвместимост за повече информация.  
Srpski AsusTek Inc. ovim izjavljuje da je ovaj uređaj u saglasnosti sa  
ključnim zahtevima i drugim relevantnim odredbama CE Direktiva. Molimo  
vas, pogledajte CE Deklaraciju o usklađenosti za više detalja.  
Slovensky Spoločnosť AsusTek Inc. týmto prehlasuje, že toto zariadenie  
vyhovuje príslušným požiadavkám a ďalším súvisiacim ustanoveniam  
smerníc ES. Viac podrobností si pozrite v prehlásení o zhode ES.  
Hrvatski AsusTek Inc. ovim izjavljuje da je ovaj uređaj sukladan s bitnim  
zahtjevima i ostalim odgovarajućim odredbama CE direktiva. Više  
pojedinosti potražite u CE izjavi o sukladnosti.  
Slovenščina AsusTek Inc. tukaj izjavlja, da je ta naprava skladna s  
temeljnimi zahtevami in drugimi relevantnimi določili direktiv CE. Za več  
informacij glejte Izjavo CE o skladnosti.  
Čeština Společnost AsusTek Inc. tímto prohlašuje, že toto zařízení  
splňuje základní požadavky a další příslušná ustanovení směrnic CE. Další  
podrobnosti viz Prohlášení o shodě CE.  
Español Por la presente, AsusTek Inc. declara que este dispositivo cumple  
los requisitos básicos y otras disposiciones relevantes de las directivas  
de la CE. Consulte la Declaración de conformidad de la CE para obtener  
más detalles.  
Dansk AsusTek Inc. Erklærer hermed, at denne enhed er i  
overensstemmelse med hovedkravene and andre relevante bestemmelser i  
CE-direktiverne. Du kan læse mere i CE-overensstemmelseserklæring.  
Nederlands AsusTek Inc. verklaart hierbij dat dit apparaat compatibel  
is met de essentiële vereisten en andere relevante bepalingen van CE-  
richtlijnen. Raadpleeg de CE-verklaring van conformiteit voor meer details.  
Svenska AsusTek Inc. förklarar härmed att denna enhet är i  
överensstämmelse med de grundläggande kraven och andra relevanta  
bestämmelser i CE-direktiven. Se CE-försäkran om överensstämmelse för  
mer information.  
Eesti Käesolevaga kinnitab AsusTek Inc., et see seade vastab CE direktiivide  
oluliste nõuetele ja teistele asjakohastele sätetele. Vt üksikasju CE  
vastavusdeklaratsioonist.  
Українська AsusTek Inc. заявляє, що цей пристрій відповідає основним  
вимогам відповідних Директив ЄС. Будь ласка, див. більше подробиць у  
Декларації відповідності нормам ЄС.  
Suomi AsusTek Inc. vakuuttaa täten, että tämä laite on CE-direktiivien  
olennaisten vaatimusten ja muiden asiaan kuuluvien lisäysten mukainen.  
Katso lisätietoja CE-vaatimustenmukaisuusvakuutuksesta.  
Türkçe AsusTek Inc., bu aygıtın temel gereksinimlerle ve CE Yönergelerinin  
diğer ilgili koşullarıyla uyumlu olduğunu beyan eder. Daha fazla ayrıntı için  
lütfen CE Uygunluk Beyanına bakın.  
Ελληνικά Με το παρόν, η AsusTek Inc. Δηλώνει ότι αυτή η συσκευή  
συμμορφώνεται με τις θεμελιώδεις απαιτήσεις και άλλες σχετικές διατάξεις  
των Οδηγιών της ΕΕ. Για περισσότερες λεπτομέρειες ανατρέξτε στην  
Δήλωση Συμμόρφωσης ΕΕ.  
Bosanski AsusTek Inc. ovim potvrđuje da je ovaj uređaj usklađen s  
osnovnim zahtjevima i drugim relevantnim propisima Direktiva EK. Za više  
informacija molimo pogledajte Deklaraciju o usklađenosti EK.  
Magyar Az AsusTek Inc. ezennel kijelenti, hogy a készülék megfelel  
a CE-irányelvek alapvető követelményeinek és ide vonatkozó egyéb  
rendelkezéseinek. További részletekért tekintse meg a CE-megfelelőségi  
nyilatkozatot.  
A-3  
ASUS Z97-K/USB 3.1  
ASUS contact information  
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.  
Address  
Telephone  
Fax  
E-mail  
Web site  
15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259  
+886-2-2894-3447  
+886-2-2890-7798  
[email protected]  
www.asus.com.com/  
Technical Support  
Telephone  
+86-21-38429911  
Fax  
Online support  
+86-21-5866-8722, ext. 9101#  
http://www.asus.com/tw/support/  
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)  
Address  
Telephone  
Fax  
800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539, USA  
+1-510-739-3777  
+1-510-608-4555  
Web site  
http://www.asus.com/us/  
Technical Support  
Support fax  
+1-812-284-0883  
Telephone  
+1-812-282-2787  
Online support  
http://www.service.asus.com/  
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)  
Address  
Fax  
Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany  
+49-2102-959911  
Web site  
http://www.asus.com/de  
Online contact  
Technical Support  
Telephone  
Support Fax  
Online support  
http://eu-rma.asus.com/sales  
+49-1805-010923*  
+49-2102-9599-11  
http://www.asus.com/de/support/  
A-4  
Appendices  
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY  
EC Declaration of Conformity  
Per FCC Part 2 Section 2. 1077(a)  
We, the undersigned,  
Manufacturer:  
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.  
Address:  
4F, No. 150, LI-TE Rd., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TAIWAN  
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH  
Authorized representative in Europe:  
Address, City:  
HARKORT STR. 21-23, 40880 RATINGEN  
GERMANY  
Country:  
Responsible Party Name: Asus Computer International  
declare the following apparatus:  
Product name :  
Motherboard  
Model name :  
Z97-K/USB 3.1  
Address: 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539.  
Phone/Fax No: (510)739-3777/(510)608-4555  
hereby declares that the product  
conform with the essential requirements of the following directives:  
2004/108/EC-EMC Directive  
EN 55022:2010+AC:2011  
EN 61000-3-2:2006+A2:2009  
EN 55013:2001+A1:2003+A2:2006  
EN 55024:2010  
EN 61000-3-3:2008  
EN 55020:2007+A11:2011  
1999/5/EC-R&TTE Directive  
Product Name : Motherboard  
EN 300 328 V1.7.1(2006-10)  
EN 300 440-1 V1.6.1(2010-08)  
EN 300 440-2 V1.4.1(2010-08)  
EN 301 511 V9.0.2(2003-03)  
EN 301 908-1 V5.2.1(2011-05)  
EN 301 908-2 V5.2.1(2011-07)  
EN 301 893 V1.6.1(2011-11)  
EN 302 544-2 V1.1.1(2009-01)  
EN 302 623 V1.1.1(2009-01)  
EN 50360:2001  
EN 301 489-1 V1.9.2(2011-09)  
EN 301 489-3 V1.4.1(2002-08)  
EN 301 489-4 V1.4.1(2009-05)  
EN 301 489-7 V1.3.1(2005-11)  
EN 301 489-9 V1.4.1(2007-11)  
EN 301 489-17 V2.2.1(2012-09)  
EN 301 489-24 V1.5.1(2010-09)  
EN 302 326-2 V1.2.2(2007-06)  
EN 302 326-3 V1.3.1(2007-09)  
EN 301 357-2 V1.4.1(2008-11)  
EN 302 291-1 V1.1.1(2005-07)  
EN 302 291-2 V1.1.1(2005-07)  
Model Number : Z97-K/USB 3.1  
Conforms to the following specifications:  
FCC Part 15, Subpart B, Unintentional Radiators  
Supplementary Information:  
EN 62479:2010  
EN 50385:2002  
EN 62311:2008  
2006/95/EC-LVD Directive  
EN 60950-1 / A2:2013  
EN 60065:2002 / A12:2011  
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the  
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference,  
and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference  
that may cause undesired operation.  
2009/125/EC-ErP Directive  
Regulation (EC) No. 1275/2008  
Regulation (EC) No. 642/2009  
Regulation (EC) No. 278/2009  
Regulation (EC) No. 617/2013  
2011/65/EU-RoHS Directive  
CE marking  
Ver. 140331  
Representative Person’s Name :  
Steve Chang / President  
(EC conformity marking)  
Position : CEO  
Name :  
Jerry Shen  
Signature :  
Date :  
Feb. 11, 2015  
Declaration Date: 11/02/2015  
Ver. 140331  
Year to begin affixing CE marking: 2015  
Signature : __________  

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