ECS Z77H2-A3D (V1.0) manual

Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Preface Copyright This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected under international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of the author . V ersion 1.0 Disclaimer The information i[...]

ii Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Declaration of Conformity This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the follow- ing conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference. • This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Canadian Department of Commun[...]

iii Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Chapter 2 7 Installing the Motherboard 7 Safety Precautions.............................................................................7 Installing the Motherboard in a Chassis......................................7 Checking Jumper Settings..................................................................8 Installing Hard[...]

iv Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Chapter 4 55 Using the Motherboard Software 55 Auto-inst alling under Windows XP /Vista/7.................................55 Running Setup.............................................. ...... .....................55 Manual Installation..........................................................................57 ECS Utility S[...]

1 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Introducing the Motherboard Introduction Thank you for choosing the Z77H2-A3D motherboard. This motherboard is a high performance, enhanced function motherboard designed to support the LGA1155 socket for latest new Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge high-end desktop processors. This motherboard is based on Intel[...]

Chapter 1 2 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL CPU Specifications • Intel ® Z77 Chipset Chipset • Dual-channel DDR3 memory architecture • 4 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets support up to 32 GB • Supports DDR3 2400+(OC)/ 1600 DDR3 SDRAM Memory • 1 x PCI Express Gen3.0 x16 slot • 4 x PCI Express x1 slots • 2 x PCI slots • Supported by Intel ® Z77 Exp[...]

3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Chapter 1 • AMI BIOS with 64Mb SPI Flash ROM • Supports Plug and Play , STR (S3)/ STD(S4), Hardw are Monitor , Multi Boot • Audio, LAN, can be disabled in BIOS • F7 hot key for boot up devices option • Supports ACPI 3.0 revision & DMI • Supports Pgup clear CMOS Hotkey • Supports Over-Clocking • Supports E[...]

Chapter 1 4 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Motherboard Components[...]

5 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Chapter 1 T able of Motherboard Components LA BEL COMP ONEN TS 1. C PU So cke t LGA1155 so cket 2. CPU _FAN 4-pi n CPU cool i ng fan con nector 3. DD R3_1~4 240-p i n DD R3 Mo du l e sl o ts 4. ATX _P OW ER Stand ard 24 - pin ATX po we r co nnec tor 5. PW R _FAN P ower cooli ng fa n conn ector 6. SP I_DEB U G SP I de bug hea[...]

Chapter 1 6 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL I/O Ports 1. PS/ 2 Combo port Use the PS/ 2 combo port to connect the PS/ 2 Ke yboard or PS/ 2 Mouse. 2. USB 2.0 Ports Use the USB 2.0 ports to connect USB 2.0 devices. 3. VGA Port Connect your monitor to the VGA port. 4. DVI Port Y ou can connect the displa y device to the D VI port. 5. USB 3.0 Ports Use the USB 3[...]

Chapter 2 7 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Chapter 2 Installing the Motherboard 2-1. Safety Precautions 2-2. Installing the motherboard in a Chassis This motherboard carries an A TX f orm factor of 305 x 210 mm. Choose a chassis that accommodates this from f actor . Make sure tha t the I/O template in the chassis matches the I/O ports installed on the rear [...]

Chapter 2 8 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1 is labeled. T o avoid the syst em instability after clearing CMOS, we recommend users t o enter the main BIOS setting page to “Load Default Settings” and then “Save and Exit Setup”. 2-3. Checking Jumper Settings[...]

Chapter 2 9 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 2-4. Installing Hardware 2-4-1. Installing the Processor • This motherboard has an LGA1155 socket. • When choosing a processor , consider the performance requiremen ts of the system. Performance is based on the processor design, the clock speed and sy stem bus fr equency of the processor , and the quantity of i[...]

Chapter 2 10 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL D. Rotate the load plate onto the package IHS (Intergraded Heat Spreader). Engage the load lever while pressing down lightly onto the load plate. Secure the load lever with the hook under retention tab. Then the cover will flick automa tically . Please save and replace the cover onto the CPU socket if processor is[...]

Chapter 2 11 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL A. Apply some thermal grease onto the contacted area between the heatsink and the CPU , and make it to be a thin la yer . B. Fasten the cooling fan supporting base onto the CPU socket on the motherboard. And make sure the CPU fan is plugged to the CPU fan connector . C. Connect the CPU cooler power connector t o t[...]

Chapter 2 12 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 2-4-3. Installing Memory Modules • This motherboard accommodates four memory modules. It can support four 240-pin DDR3 2400+(OC)/ 1600. • Do not remove any memory module from its antistatic packaging until you are ready to install it on the motherboard. Handle the modules only by their edges. Do not touch the [...]

Chapter 2 13 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Recommend memory configuration Mo de l Sockets DD R3_ 1 DD R 3_ 2 DD R 3_ 3 DDR3_4 1 DI MM ~ Populated ~ ~ 1 DI MM ~ ~ ~ Populated 2 DI MM s ~ Populated ~ Po pulated 3 DI MM s P opulated Populated ~ Po pulated 3 DI MM s ~ Populated Po pul a t ed Po pulated 4 DI MM s P opulated Populated Po pul a t ed Po pulated Du[...]

Chapter 2 14 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 2-4-4. Installing Add-on Cards The slots on this motherboard are designed to hold expansion cards and connect them to the system bus. Expansion slots are a means of adding or enhancing the motherboard’s features and capabilities. With these efficient facilities, you can increase the motherboard’s capabilities [...]

Chapter 2 15 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Install the VGA Card in the PCIE X16 slot 1 Remove a blanking plate from the system case corresponding to the slot you are going to use. 2 Install the edge connector of the add-on card into the expansion slot. Ensure that the edge connector is correctly seated in the slot. 3 Secure the metal br acket of the c ard [...]

Chapter 2 16 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 2-4-5. Connecting Optional Devices Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional devices: No. Compone nts N o. Compone nts 1 USB3 F 5 ME _ UNL O CK 2C A S E 6 C O M 3 S ATA1 ~6 7 SP D I FO 4 F_ USB1 ~2 8 F_ AUDIO[...]

Chapter 2 17 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Please make sure that the USB cable has the same pin assignment as indi- cated above. A different pin assignment may cause damage or system hang- up. This Motherboard implements one USB 3.0 header supporting 2 extra front USB 3.0 ports, which delivers 5Gb/s transfer rate. 1. USB3F: Front Panel USB 3.0 header 2. CA[...]

Chapter 2 18 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL SA T A3~6 connectors are used t o support the Serial A T A 3.0Gb/s device, SA T A1 / 2 con- nector s support the Serial A T A 6.0Gb/s device, simpler disk drive cabling and easier PC assembly . It eliminates limitations of the curr ent Par allel A T A interface. But main- tains regis ter compatibility and softwar [...]

Chapter 2 19 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 5. ME_UNLOCK: ME Unlock Header 6. COM: Onboard serial port header Connect a serial port extension bracket to this header to add a serial port to your system.[...]

Chapter 2 20 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL The front panel audio header allows the user to install auxiliary front-oriented mi- crophone and line-out ports for easier access. This header supports HD audio by default. If you want connect an AC ’ 97 front panel audio to HD onboard headers, please set as below picture. 8. F_AUDIO: Front Panel Audio Header T[...]

Chapter 2 21 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL If you use AC ’ 97 Front Panel, please t ick off the option of “ Disabled Front Panel Detect ” . If you use HD Audio Front Panel, please don ’ t t ick off “ Disabled Front Panel Detect ” . * For reference only AC ’ 97 Audio Configuration: T o enable the fron t panel audio connector t o sup- port AC97[...]

Chapter 2 22 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 2-4-6. Installing a SA T A Hard Drive About SA T A Connectors Y our motherboard features six SA T A connectors supporting a total of six drives. SA T A ref ers to Serial A T A (Advanced T echnology Attachment) is the s tandard interf ace for the IDE hard drives which are currently used in most PCs. These connector[...]

Chapter 2 23 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 1. CPU_F AN (CPU cooling F AN Po wer Connector) & 6. S YS_F AN (Syst em Cool- ing F AN Power Connector) & 3. PWR_F AN (Power Cooling F AN Power Connec- tor) After you have installed the motherboard into a case, you can begin connecting the motherboard components. Refer to the following: Connect the CPU coo[...]

Chapter 2 24 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 2. A TX_POWER (A TX 24-pin Power Connect or) & 7. A TX12V (A TX 12V Power Connector) The A TX 24-pin connector allows y ou to connect t o A TX v2.x power supply . With A TX v2.x power supply , users please note that when installing 24-pin power cable, the latches of power cable and the A TX match perfectly . C[...]

Chapter 2 25 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Hard Drive Activity LED Connecting pins 1 and 3 to a front panel mounted LED provides visual indication that data is being r ead from or writt en to the hard driv e. For the LED to function properly , an IDE drive should be connected to the onboard IDE interface. The LED will also show activity f or devices connec[...]

Chapter 2 26 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Connect the case speaker cable to SPK . 5. SPK: Speaker This concludes Chapter 2. The next chapter covers the BIOS.[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 27 About the Setup Utility The computer uses the latest “American Megatrends Inc. ” BIOS with support for Windows Plug and Play . The CMOS chip on the motherboard contains the ROM setup instructions for configuring the motherboard BIOS. The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) Setup Utility displays the system’[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 28 Press the delet e key t o access BIOS Setup Utility . Using BIOS When you st art the Setup Utility , the main menu appears. The main menu of the Setup Utility displays a list of the options that are available. A highlight indicates which option is currently selected. Use the cursor arrow keys to move the highlight[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 29 The default BIOS setting for this motherboard apply for most conditions with optimum performance. We do not suggest users change the default values in the BIOS setup and take no responsibility to any damage caused by changing the BIOS settings. BIOS Navigation Keys The BIOS navigation keys are listed below: K E Y [...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 30 Main Menu Date & Time The Date and Time items show the curr ent date and time on the c omputer . If you are running a Windows OS, these items are automatically updated whenever you make changes to the Windows Dat e and Time Properties utility . System Language (English) This item is used to set system language[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 31 Launch Storage OpROM (Enabled) Use this item to enable or disable the Storage OpROM. The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system. Advanced Menu Launch PXE OpROM (Disabled) The item enables or disables launch PXE Option ROM. Enable or Disable Boot Option for Legacy Network [...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 32 Onboard LAN Controller (Enabled) Use this item to enable or disable the Onboard LAN. LAN Configuration The item in the menu shows the LAN-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Enabled/Disabled Onboard LAN 1 Controller Main Advanced Chipset M[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 33 PC Health Status On motherboards support hardware monitoring, this item lets you monitor the parameters for critical voltages, temperatures and fan speeds. Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen: f Smart Fan Function Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Save & Exit +/[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 34 Smart Fan Mode (Normal) This item allows you to select the fan mode (Normal, Quiet, Silent, or Manual) for a better operation environment. If you choose Normal mode, the fan speed will be auto adjusted depending on the CPU temperature. If you choose Quite mode, the fan speed will be auto minimized for quiet enviro[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 35 Power Management Setup This page sets up some parameters for system power management operation. Resume By PME (Disabled) The system can be turned off with a software command. If you enable this item, the system can automatically resume if there is an incoming call on the PCI Modem or PCI LAN card. Y ou must use an[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 36 ACPI Configuration The item in the menu shows the highest ACPI sleep state when the system enters suspend. ACPI Sleep State [S3(Suspend to RAM)] This item allows user to enter the ACPI S3 (Suspend to RAM) Sleep State (default). Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III [...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 37 CPU Configuration The item in the menu shows the CPU. Enabled for windows XPand Linux (OS optimized for Hyper-Threading T echnology) and Disabled for other OS (OS not optimized for Hyper-Threading T echnology). when Disabled only one thread per enabled core is enabled. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 38 Limit CPUID Maximum (Disabled) Use this item to enable or disable the maximum CPUID value limit. When supports Prescott and LGA775 CPUs, enables this to prevent the system from “rebooting” when trying to install Windows NT 4.0. Excute Disable Bit (Enabled) This item allows the processor to classify areas in me[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 39 SA T A Configura tion Use this item to show the mode of serial SA T A configur ation options. Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. SA T A Mode (IDE Mode) Use this item to select SA T A mode. SA T A Port 2~6 (Not Present) This motherboard supports six S A T A channels and each channel allow s one [...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 40 All USB Devices (Enabled) Use this item to enable or disable all USB devices. USB Configuration Use this item to show the information of USB configuration. Legacy USB Support (Enabled) Use this item to enable or disable support for legacy USB devices. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Save & Exit +[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 41 Super IO Configuration Use this item to show the information of Super IO configuration. Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced menu page. Super IO Chip (IT8728) This item shows the information of the super IO chip. f Serial Port 0 Configuration Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 42 Use this item to show the in formation of Intel(R) Rapid Start T echnology . Intel(R) Rapid St art T echnology Intel(R) Rapid St art T echnology (Disabled) Use this item to enable or disable the Intel(R) Rapid St art T echnology . Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Save & Exit +/- : Change Opt. Ente[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 43 IGD Memory (64M) This item shows the inf ormation of the IGD (Internal Gr aphics Device) memory . The chipset menu items allow you to change the settings for the North chipset, South chipset and other system. Chipset Menu This item allows you to select graphics controller to use as the primary boot device. DVMT Me[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 44 f PCH Configuration Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen: Restore AC Power Loss (Power Off) This item enables your computer to automatically restart or return to its operating status. Audio Configuration This item shows the information of the audio configuration. Azalia HD Audio[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 45 f Management Engine T echnology Configuration Scroll to this item and press <Enter> to view the following screen: ME FW V ersion (8.0.0.1351) This item shows the ME FW version. Press <Esc> to return to the chipset menu page. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Save & Exit +/- : Change Opt[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 46 This page enables you to set the clock speed and system bus for your system. The clock speed and system bus are determined by the kind of processor you have installed in your system. M.I.B III (MB Intelligent BIOS III) Menu CPU OverClocking Configuration Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Save & Exi[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 47 IA Core Current Max (1/8 Amp) (1680) Use this item to control CPU Current Limit. iGFX Core Current Max (1/8 Amp) (800) Use this item to control iGFX Core Current Limit. E nhanc ed In t el SpeedSt ep T echnology (E nabled) This item allows user s to enable or disable the EIST (Enhanced In tel SpeedStep T ech- nolog[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 48 f Chipset OverClocking Configuration Scroll to this item to view the following screen: The selection of Perfor- mance Memory Profiles which impacts memory siz- ing behavior. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Save & Exit +/- : Change Opt. Enter/Dbl Click : Select lk mn : Select Screen /Click: Select[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 49 Read CAS# Precharge (tRTP) (6) Press <Esc> to return to the M.I.B III page. When end-users encounter failure after attempting over-clocking, please take the following steps to recover from it. 1. Shut down the computer . 2. Press and hold the “Page Up Key (PgUp)” of the keyboard, and then boot the PC up.[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 50 This page enables you to set the keyboard NumLock state. Boot Menu Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Save&Exit +/- : Change Opt. Enter/Dbl Click : Select lk mn : Select Screen /Click: Select Item F1: General Help F2: Previous V alues Select the keyboard NumLock state F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 51 f Network Device Priorities This item enables you to specify the sequence of loading the operating system from the installing network devices. f UEFI Boot Drive Priorities This item enables you to specify the sequence of loading the operating system from the installing UEFI Boot drives. f USB Flash Drive Prioritie[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 52 This page enables you to set setup administrator password and user password. Security Menu Administrator Password Press <Enter> to setup administrator password. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B III Boot Security Save & Exit +/- : Change Opt. Enter/Dbl Click : Select lk mn : Select Screen /Click: Select Item F[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 53 Boot Override Use this item to select the boot device. Save Options This item enables you to save the options that you have made. Save Changes This item enables you to save the changes that you have made. Discard Changes This item enables you to discard any changes that you have made. Restore Defaults This item en[...]

Chapter 3 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL 54 Updating the BIOS Y ou can download and install updated BIOS f or this motherboard fr om the manufacturer’s Website. New BIOS provides support for new peripherals, improve- ments in performance, or fixes for known bugs. Install new BIOS as follows: This concludes Chapter 3. Refer to the next chapter for informat[...]

55 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Chapter 4 Chapter 4 Using the Motherboard Software The auto-install DVD-ROM makes it easy for you to install the drivers and software. The support software D VD-ROM disc loads automa tically under Windows XP /Vista/ 7. When you insert the DVD-ROM disc in the DVD-ROM drive, the auto-run feature will automatically bring up th[...]

56 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Chapter 4 Windows Vista/7 will appear below UAC (User Account Control) message after the s ystem restart. Y ou must select “Allow” to inst all the next driver . Continue this process to complete the drivers installation. 2. Click Next. The following screen appears: 3. Check the box next to the items you want to install.[...]

57 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Chapter 4 If the auto-install DVD-ROM does not work on your system, you can still install drivers through the file manager for your OS (for example, Windows Explorer). Look for the chipset and motherboard model, and then browse to the directory and path to begin ins talling the driver s. Most driver s have a se tup progr am[...]

58 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Chapter 4 eOC ECS eOC Utility is a simple over-clocking tool that provides user-friendly windows operation interface for novices and over-clockers. Combining with ECS MIB III tech- nology , eOC challenges the undiscovered o ver-clocking capabilit y than ever bef ore. eBLU ECS eBL U utility mak es BIOS update f aster and eas[...]

59 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Intel ® Matrix Storage Manager RAID Configuration The Intel ® Matrix Storage Manager allows you to configure RAID 0, and 1 sets on the external Serial A T A hard disk drives. 1 . Install the external Serial A T A hard disk driv e (HDD) on your sy stem. 2 . Set the Onboard SA T A Mode item in the BIOS t[...]

60 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Chapter 5 2 . The main Intel ® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu appears. Entering Intel ® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS utility 1 . During POST , press <Ctrl-I> to enter the Int el ® Matrix St orage Manager RAID BIOS menu. 3 . Use the arrow keys to move the color bar and navigate through the items.[...]

61 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Chapter 5 2 . When the RAID Level item is highlighted, use the up/down arrow key to select the RAID set that you want to create. Creating a RAID set 1 . In the main Intel ® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu, highlight Cre- ate RAID Volume using the up/down arrow key then press <Enter>. 3 . Key in the RAID volume [...]

62 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Chapter 5 Pressing <Y> deletes all the data in the HDDs. 5 . The following screen appears, displaying the relevant information about the RAID set you created. Users please be noted that RAID 0 (Stripe) is set to accelerate the data access, and RAID 1 (Mirror) is set to provide the data backup. If you want to set RAID [...]

63 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Chapter 5 Deleting a RAID set 1 . In the main Intel ® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu, highlight De- lete RAID Volume using the up/down arrow key then press <Enter>. 2 . Use the space bar to select the RAID set you want to delete. Press the <Del> key to delete the set. 3 . A dialogue box appears to confir[...]

64 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Chapter 5 Resetting disks to Non-RAID An HDD that has been previously configured as part of another RAID set in another platform is called a broken RAID HDD. When you install a bro- ken RAID HDD, you cannot select this disk when configuring a RAID set through the Intel ® Matrix Storage Manager option. If you still want to [...]

65 Chapter 6 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Chapter 6 T rouble Shooting Start up problems during assembly After assembling the PC for the first time you may experience some start up problems. Befor e calling f or technical support or returning for warr anty , this chapter may help to address some of the common questions using some basic troubleshooting tip [...]

66 Chapter 6 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Y our computer , like an y electrical appliance, requir es proper c are and maintenance. Here are some basic PC care tips to help prolong the life of the motherboard and keep it running as best as it can. 1. Keep your computer in a well ventilated area. Leave some space between the PC and the wall f or sufficient [...]

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68 Chapter 6 Z77H2-A3D USER MANUAL Memo[...]