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Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.
Chapter 1 Product introduction Welcome! ..................1-1 Package contents ................. 1-1 Special features ................1-1 1.3.1 Product highlights ............1-1 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ..........1-3 1.3.3 Intel Smart Response Technology & LucidLogix Virtu ® ® Solution................1-6 Before you proceed ..............1-9 Motherboard overview ...............
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Managing and updating your BIOS ..........2-1 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ............2-1 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............2-2 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ........2-3 2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater ............2-4 BIOS setup program ..............2-7 Main menu .................. 2-11 2.3.1 System Language [English] ...........2-11...
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Setup Mode [EZ Mode] ..........2-28 2.7.6 Boot Option Priorities ............ 2-28 2.7.7 Boot Override ..............2-28 Tools menu ................. 2-29 2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash Utility ........... 2-29 2.8.2 ASUS SPD Information ..........2-29 2.8.3 ASUS O.C. Profile ............2-29 Exit menu ..................2-30...
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. 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.
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.
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer.
* Due to the CPU behavior, DDR3 2200/2000/1800 MHz memory module will run at DDR3 2133/1866/1600 MHz frequency as default. ** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List). *** Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs.
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- 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors ASUS Hybrid Switches - GPU Boost - MemOK! ASUS Exclusive Features - ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface - MemOK! - AI Suite II - AI Charger+ - TurboV ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution - ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish Heatsink solution &...
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1 x Clear CMOS jumper(s) BIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, F12 PrintScreen Function Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE Accessories 2 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables...
® The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below.
This technology combines SSD performance with hard drive capacity, operating up to 4X faster than a hard drive-only system, and an important part of Green ASUS eco- friendly computing. LucidLogix Virtu ®...
The Intel Z68 Express Chipset natively supports the Serial ATA (SATA) ® interface, delivering up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer. ASUS provides extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports with enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, and double the bandwidth of current systems.
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Get your system up and running in no time. ASUS TurboV Feel the adrenaline rush of real-time OC-now a reality with the ASUS TurboV. This easy OC tool allows you to overclock without exiting or rebooting the OS; and its user-friendly interface makes overclock with just a few clicks away.
BIOS file using the bundled support DVD or USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file. ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility. C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) The BIOS C.P.R.
1.3.3 Intel Smart Response Technology & LucidLogix Virtu ® ® Solution Intel Smart Response Technology ® Intel Smart Response Technology boosts overall system performance. It uses an installed ® fast SSD (min 18.6GB available) as a cache for frequently accessed operations, speeding up hard drive/ main memory interaction.
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• If you want to restore the OS, go to BIOS Option ROM utility and select Acceleration Options to disable Intel Smart Response Technology. ® • The performance of Intel Smart Response Technology varies by SSD. ® ASUS P8Z68-M PRO...
LucidLogix Virtu™ solution ® LucidLogix Virtu™ is a new generation GPU virtualization software that blurs the line ® between embedded graphics and discrete GPU for increased graphics performance. Its GPU virtualization dynamically assigns tasks to the best available graphics resources based on power, performance and system load.
• 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. ASUS P8Z68-M PRO...
Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it. Ensure that you unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.5.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct...
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. • The LGA1156 CPU is incompatible with the LGA1155 socket. DO NOT install a LGA1156 CPU on the LGA1155 socket.
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CPU notches. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending Gold the connectors on the socket and triangle damaging the CPU! mark Alignment keys ASUS P8Z68-M PRO 1-13...
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Apply some Thermal Interface Material to the exposed area of the CPU that the heatsink will be in contact with, ensuring that it is spread in an even thin layer. Some heatsinks come with pre- applied thermal paste. If so, skip this step.
The type of CPU heatsink and fan assembly may differ, but the installation steps and functions should remain the same. The illustration above is for reference only. ASUS P8Z68-M PRO 1-15...
Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. CPU_FAN P8Z68-M PRO P8Z68-M PRO CPU fan connector Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. 1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan:...
DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 P8Z68-M PRO P8Z68-M PRO 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets Recommended memory configurations One DIMM: We recommend you install one memory module in the blue slots (DIMM_A2 or DIMM_B2) to get better performance. Two DIMMs (dual-channel operation): ASUS P8Z68-M PRO 1-17...
Four DIMMs (dual-channel operation): 1.7.2 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.
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G.SKILL 9-10-9-28 1.5V • • • 8GBXL(XMP) 4GB) KINGSTON KHX1866C9D3T1K3/ 3GB(3 x 1.65V • • • 3GX(XMP) 1GB) KHX1866C9D3T1K3/ 6GB(3 x KINGSTON 1.65V • • • 6GX(XMP) 2GB) 6GB(3 x OCZ3P1866C9LV6GK 9-9-9-28 1.65V • • 2GB) ASUS P8Z68-M PRO 1-19...
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DDR3-1600MHz capability DIMM socket support Chip (Optional) Vendors Part No. Size Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage 1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM A-Data AD31600E001GM(O)U3K 3GB(3 x 1GB) 8-8-8-24 1.65V-1.85V • • • A-Data AX3U1600GC4G9-2G(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - 9-9-9-24 1.55V-1.75V •...
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7-7-7-20 1.65V • OCZ3X1333LV6GK(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS 8-8-8-20 1.60V • • • OCZ3G1333LV8GK 8GB(2x 4GB ) DS 9-9-9-20 1.65V • • OCZ3RPR1333C9LV8GK 8GB(2x 4GB ) DS 9-9-9-20 1.65V • • • (continued on the next page) ASUS P8Z68-M PRO 1-21...
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• KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7/4G Hynix H5TQ2G83AFR 1.5V • • • Micron MT8JTF12864AZ-1G1F1 1GB Micron 9GF22D9KPT • • • MT16JTF25664AZ- Micron Micron 9HF22D9KPT • • • 1G1F1 Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest QVL. 1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
Press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM. Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clip. The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force. Remove the DIMM from the socket. DIMM notch ASUS P8Z68-M PRO 1-23...
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.
• 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. ASUS P8Z68-M PRO 1-25...
1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors 7 8 9 10 PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse combo port. This port is for a PS/2 keyboard/mouse. Optical S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device via an optical S/PDIF cable. 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.
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RGB Signal to CRT and isn’t compatible with DVI-I. DisplayPort. This port is for a DisplayPort-compatible devices. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports connect to USB 2.0/1.1 devices. ASUS P8Z68-M PRO 1-27...
1.10.2 Internal connectors Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either High Definition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector. AAFP PIN 1 PIN 1...
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You must install Windows XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using ® Serial ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using Windows XP SP3 or later versions. ® ASUS P8Z68-M PRO 1-29...
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Intel Z68 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1/2 [gray]) ® 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 ®...
PIN 1 PIN 1 PIN 1 PIN 1 P8Z68-M PRO P8Z68-M PRO 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. ASUS P8Z68-M PRO 1-31...
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The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate. • 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. 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.
The LPT (Line Printing Terminal) connector supports devices such as a printer. LPT standardizes as IEEE 1284, which is the parallel port interface on IBM PC-compatible computers. PIN 1 STB# ERR# INIT# SLIN# ACK# P8Z68-M PRO BUSY SLCT P8Z68-M PRO Parallel Port Connector ASUS P8Z68-M PRO 1-33...
If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on the ASUS website at www.asus.com.
, the LED next to the error device will continue lighting until the problem is solved. This user-friendly design provides an intuitional way to locate the root problem within a second. DRAM LED P8Z68-M PRO P8Z68-M PRO DRAM LED ASUS P8Z68-M PRO 1-35...
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GPU Boost LED The GPU Boost LED lights when the GPU Boost switch is turned to Enable. GPU_LED P8Z68-M PRO P8Z68-M PRO GPU Boost LED 1-36 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
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 to the optical drive.
BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows environment. ®...
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process. 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.
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.
2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process.
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Backing up the current BIOS To backup the current BIOS file using the BIOS Updater Ensure that the USB flash drive is not write-protected and has at least 4096KB free space to save the file. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /o[filename] and press <Enter>. D:\>bupdater /oOLDBIOS1.rom Filename Extension The [filename] is any user-assigned filename with no more than eight alphanumeric...
Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. Refer to section 2.9 Exit menu for details. • Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS file if you have disconnected them. ASUS P8Z68-M PRO...
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: •...
Power Saving mode Displays the system properties of the Normal mode ASUS Optimal mode selected mode on the right hand side Selects the boot device priority • The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system.
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 Exit, then select ASUS EZ Mode. Back button Menu items...
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> or click on it to display a list of options. 2-10 ASUS P8Z68-M PRO...
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. EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Exit Main...
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. 2-12 ASUS P8Z68-M PRO...
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.
Allows you to set the maximum frequency for the internal GPU. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad. The values range from 1100MHz to 3000MHz. 2-14 ASUS P8Z68-M PRO...
2.4.6 EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] EPU Setting [Auto] This item appears only when The EPU Power Saving Mode is set to [Enabled] and allows you to set power saving mode.
Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.185V to 2.135V with a 0.005V interval. According to Intel CPU specification, DIMMs with voltage requirement over 1.65V may damage the CPU permanently. We recommend you install the DIMMs with the voltage requirement below 1.65V. 2-16 ASUS P8Z68-M PRO...
2.4.13 VCCIO Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the VCCIO voltage. The values range from 0.735V to 1.685V with a 0.005V interval. 2.4.14 CPU PLL Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the CPU PLL voltage. The values range from 1.80V to 1.90V with a 0.1V interval 2.4.15 PCH Voltage [Auto]...
Version 2.00.1201. Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc. 2.5.1 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. 2-18 ASUS P8Z68-M PRO...
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CPU Ratio [Auto] Allows you to adjust the maximum non-turbo CPU ratio. Use <+> and <-> keys or the numeric keypad to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model. Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the overheated CPU to throttle its clock speed to cool down.
This item appears only when you set the SATA Mode item to [IDE Mode]. [Disabled] Disables the SATA function. [Enhanced] Set to [Enhanced] to support more than four SATA devices. [Compatible] Set to [Compatible] when using Windows 98/NT/2000/MS-DOS. Up to four SATA devices are supported under these oeprating syste. 2-20 ASUS P8Z68-M PRO...
Serial-ATA Controller 1 [Enhanced] This item appears only when you set the SATA Mode item to [IDE Mode]. [Disabled] Disables the SATA function. [Enhanced] Set to [Enhanced] to support more than four SATA devices. S.M.A.R.T. Status Check [Enabled] S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitor system. When read/write of your hard disk errors occur, this feature allows the hard disk to report warning messages during the POST.
IRQ=4] [IO=2F8h; IRQ=3] [IO=3E8h; IRQ=4] [IO=2E8h; IRQ=3] Parallel Port Configuration The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the parallel port configuration. Parallel Port [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the parallel port (LPT). 2-22 ASUS P8Z68-M PRO...
Version 2.00.1201. Copyright (C) 2011 American Megatrends, Inc. Scroll down to display the following items: 3.3V Voltage +3.328 V 5V Voltage +5.160 V 12V Voltage +12.000 V Anti Surge Support Enabled Version 2.00.1201. Copyright (C) 2011 American Megatrends, Inc. 2-24 ASUS P8Z68-M PRO...
2.6.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] 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. 2.6.2 CPU / Chassis /PWR Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU, chassis and power fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM).
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. 2.6.6 Anti Surge Support [Enabled] This item allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge function. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2-26 ASUS P8Z68-M PRO...
[Disabled] Disables the full screen logo display feature. Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature. Post Report [5 sec] This item appears only when the Full Screen Logo item is set to [Disabled] and allows you to set the waiting time for the system to display the post report.
> ASUS O.C. Profile 2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 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. 2.8.2 ASUS SPD Information...
Load Optimized Defaults Save Changes & Reset Discard Changes & Exit ASUS EZ Mode Launch EFI Shell from filesystem device Load Optimized Defaults This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus.
+1-510-739-3777 +1-510-608-4555 Web site usa.asus.com Technical Support Telephone +1-812-282-2787 Support fax +1-812-284-0883 Online support support.asus.com ASUS Computer GmbH (Germany and Austria) Address Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany +49-2102-959911 Web site www.asus.de Online contact www.asus.de/sales Technical Support Telephone (Component) +49-1805-010923*...