Table of Contents
- Notices
- Chapter 1: Product Introduction
- Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
- Chapter 3: Motherboard Information
- Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
- 4.1 Knowing BIOS
- 4.2 BIOS setup program
- 4.3 My Favorites
- 4.4 Main menu
- 4.5 Ai Tweaker menu
- 4.6 Advanced menu
- 4.6.1 CPU Configuration
- 4.6.2 Platform Misc Configuration
- 4.6.3 System Agent (SA) Configuration
- 4.6.4 PCH Configuration
- 4.6.5 PCH Storage Configuration
- 4.6.6 USB Configuration
- 4.6.7 Onboard Devices Configuration
- 4.6.8 APM Configuration
- 4.6.9 Network Stack Configuration
- 4.6.10 Intel TXT Information
- 4.6.11 HDD/SSD SMART Information
- 4.7 Monitor menu
- 4.8 Boot menu
- 4.9 Tool menu
- 4.10 Exit menu
- 4.11 Updating BIOS
- Chapter 5: RAID Configuration
- Appendix
ASUS ESC300 G4 User Manual
Displayed below is the user manual for ESC300 G4 by ASUS which is a product in the PCs/Workstations category. This manual has pages.
Related Manuals
Workstation
ESC300 G4
User Guide
ii
Copyright © 2017 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted,
transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means,
except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission
of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
ASUS provides this manual “as is” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not
limited to the implied warranties or conditions of merchantability or tness for a particular purpose. In no
event shall ASUS, its directors, ofcers, employees, or agents be liable for any indirect, special, incidental,
or consequential damages (including damages for loss of prots, loss of business, loss of use or data,
interruption of business and the like), even if ASUS has been advised of the possibility of such damages
arising from any defect or error in this manual or product.
Specications and information contained in this manual are furnished for informational use only, and are
subject to change at any time without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by ASUS.
ASUS assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual,
including the products and software described in it.
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
E12755
First Edition
May 2017
iii
Contents
Notices ....................................................................................................................... vi
Federal Communications Commission Statement ..........................................vi
Canadian Department of Communications Statement ....................................vi
REACH ......................................................................................................vii
Safety information .................................................................................................... viii
Electrical Safety ............................................................................................ viii
Operation Safety ........................................................................................... viii
About this guide ......................................................................................................... ix
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.1 System package contents ......................................................................... 1-2
1.2 Serial number label .................................................................................... 1-2
1.3 ESC300 G4 specifications summary ........................................................ 1-3
1.4 Front panel features ...................................................................................1-5
1.5 Rear panel features ....................................................................................1-6
1.6 Internal features .........................................................................................1-7
1.7 LED information .........................................................................................1-8
1.7.1 Front panel LEDs ........................................................................ 1-8
1.7.2 Rear panel LEDs ......................................................................... 1-8
Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
2.1 Chassis cover .............................................................................................2-2
2.1.1 Removing the side cover............................................................. 2-2
2.2 CPU installation ..........................................................................................2-4
2.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation ...........................................2-6
2.4 System memory .........................................................................................2-7
2.4.1 Installing a DIMM on a single clip DIMM socket.......................... 2-9
2.5 Front panel cover ..................................................................................... 2-10
2.5.1 Removing the front panel cover ................................................ 2-10
2.6 5.25-inch drives ........................................................................................ 2-11
2.7 Hard disk drives (HDD) ............................................................................ 2-13
2.8 Expansion slots ........................................................................................2-17
2.8.1 Installing an expansion card...................................................... 2-18
2.8.2 Conguring an expansion card ................................................. 2-20
2.8.3 Installing M.2 (NGFF) cards ...................................................... 2-21
2.9 System fan ................................................................................................ 2-22
2.10 Motherboard rear and audio connection ...............................................2-23
iv
Contents
Chapter 3: Motherboard Information
3.1 Motherboard layout ....................................................................................3-2
Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................4-2
4.2 BIOS setup program ..................................................................................4-3
4.2.1 EZ Mode...................................................................................... 4-4
4.2.2 Advanced Mode .......................................................................... 4-5
4.2.3 QFan Control............................................................................... 4-8
4.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard ..................................................................... 4-10
4.3 My Favorites .............................................................................................4-12
4.4 Main menu ................................................................................................4-14
4.5 Ai Tweaker menu ......................................................................................4-14
4.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................4-15
4.6.1 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 4-15
4.6.2 Platform Misc Conguration ...................................................... 4-15
4.6.3 System Agent (SA) Conguration ............................................. 4-15
4.6.4 PCH Conguration .................................................................... 4-16
4.6.5 PCH Storage Conguration....................................................... 4-16
4.6.6 USB Conguration .................................................................... 4-17
4.6.7 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................ 4-17
4.6.8 APM Conguration .................................................................... 4-17
4.6.9 Network Stack Conguration..................................................... 4-18
4.6.10 Intel TXT Information................................................................. 4-18
4.6.11 HDD/SSD SMART Information ................................................. 4-18
4.7 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................4-18
4.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................4-18
4.9 Tool menu ................................................................................................. 4-20
4.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility ............................................................ 4-20
4.9.2 ASUS Overclocking Prole ....................................................... 4-20
4.9.3 ASUS SPD Information ............................................................. 4-20
4.10 Exit menu .................................................................................................. 4-21
4.11 Updating BIOS ..........................................................................................4-22
4.11.1 EZ Update ................................................................................. 4-22
4.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3 ...................................................................... 4-23
4.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 .......................................................... 4-25
v
Contents
Chapter 5: RAID Configuration
5.1 RAID configurations ..................................................................................5-2
5.1.1 RAID denitions .......................................................................... 5-2
5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks .................................................. 5-3
5.1.3 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology in UEFI BIOS .......................... 5-3
5.1.4 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility .................. 5-7
5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk ....................................................................5-11
5.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® ................................. 5-11
Appendix
E3-PRO V5 block diagram ...................................................................................... A-2
ASUS contact information ...................................................................................... A-3
vi
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, and
• 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.
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.
WARNING! The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card
is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications to this
unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate this equipment.
vii
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.
REACH
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at
ASUS website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.
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.
Australia statement notice
From 1 January 2012 updated warranties apply to all ASUS products, consistent with the
Australian Consumer Law. For the latest product warranty details please visit https://www.
asus.com/support. Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the
Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and
compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled
to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the
failure does not amount to a major failure.
If you require assistance please call ASUS Customer Service 1300 2787 88 or visit us at
https://www.asus.com/support
viii
Safety information
Electrical Safety
• Before installing or removing signal cables, ensure that the power cables for the system
unit and all attached devices are unplugged.
• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet
before relocating the system.
• When adding or removing any additional devices to or from the system, contact a
qualied service technician or your dealer. 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 service.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service
technician or your dealer.
Operation Safety
• Servicing of this product or units is to be performed by trained service personnel only.
• Before operating the server, carefully read all the manuals included with the server
package.
• Before using the server, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the power
cables are not damaged. If any damage is detected, contact your dealer as soon as
possible.
• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,
slots, sockets and circuitry.
• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Place the server on a stable surface.
This product is equipped with a three-wire power cable and plug for the user’s safety. Use
the power cable with a properly grounded electrical outlet to avoid electrical shock.
Lithium-Ion Battery Warning
CAUTION! Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only
with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of
used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Heavy System
CAUTION! This server system is heavy. Ask for assistance when moving or carrying
the system.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
ix
About this guide
Audience
This user guide is intended for system integrators, and experienced users with at least basic
knowledge of conguring a server.
Contents
This guide contains the following parts:
1. Chapter 1: Product Introduction
This chapter describes the general features of the server, including sections on front
panel and rear panel specications.
2. Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when
installing or removing system components.
3. Chapter 3: Motherboard Information
This chapter includes the motherboard layout and brief descriptions of the jumpers and
internal connectors.
4. Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus and
describes the BIOS parameters.
5. Chapter 5: RAID Configuration
This chapter provides instructions for setting up, creating and conguring RAID sets
using the available utilities.
x
References
Refer to the following sources for additional information, and for product and software
updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS websites worldwide provide updated information for all ASUS hardware and
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
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 trying to
complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to
complete a task
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
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 (+).
Example: <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Del>
Command Means that you must type the command exactly as shown,
then supply the required item or value enclosed in brackets.
Example: At DOS prompt, type the command line:
format A:/S
This chapter describes the general features of the server,
including sections on front panel and rear panel specications.
1
Product Introduction
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-2
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.1 System package contents
Check your system package for the following items.
1.2 Serial number label
Before requesting support from the ASUS Technical Support team, you must take note of the
product’s serial number containing 12 characters such as xxS0xxxxxxxx shown as the gure
below. With the correct serial number of the product, ASUS Technical Support team members
can then offer a quicker and satisfying solution to your problems.
Model Name ESC300 G4
Accessories 1 x ESC300 G4 Support CD
1 x Windows 10 and Windows 7 Professional Recovery DVD
(for OS bundled SKU)
1 x AC Power Cable
1 x COM port Cable
Optional Items Smart Card Reader
Anti-Virus CD pack
DVD-RW
Keyboard and mouse
xxS0xxxxxxxx
ESC300 G4
SD/MMC/MS
Smart Card
ASUS ESC300 G4 1-3
1.3 ESC300 G4 specifications summary
The ASUS ESC300 G4 is a workstation featuring the ASUS E3-Pro V5 server board.
(continued on the next page)
Processor / System Bus
LGA1151 socket for Intel® Xeon® E3-1200 v6/v5 series, 7th/6th
Generation Intel® CoreTM, Pentium®, and Celeron® Processors
Supports 14nm CPU
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
* Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU types.
** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.
Core Logic Intel® C232 Chipset
Memory
Total Slots 4 (2-channel per CPU, 4 DIMM per CPU)
Capacity Maximum up to 64GB (UDIMM)
Memory Type 4 x DIMM, Max 64GB, DDR4 2400/2133 MHz, ECC/ non-ECC UDIMM
* Refer to ASUS server AVL for the latest update
Memory Size 8GB, 16GB(UDIMM)
Expansion
Slots
Total PCI/PCI-X
/PCI-E Slots 7
Slot Type
1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 mode)
1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (max at x4 mode)*1
2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1 slots
3 x PCI slots
* When PCIE x16_2 is occupied by x4 or faster devices, PCIE x1_1 and
PCIE x1_2 will be disabled.
Disk
Controller
SATA
Controller
Intel® C232 Chipset with RAID 0/1/5/10 and Intel® Rapid Storage
Technology Enterprise support:
- 6 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (gray)
- 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage
devices support (both SATA & PCIE x4 mode)*
* When the M.2 Socket 3 is operating in SATA mode, SATA port 1 is
disabled.
* M.2 Socket and PCIe X16_2 connector support PCIe mode and share
bandwidth. By default, the device detection priority of the system is as
follows: SATA Mode M.2 > PCIe X16_2 connector.
Storage
Bays
I = internal
A or S will be
hot-swappable
3 x Internal 3.5" HDD Bays
1 x Internal 2.5" HDD/SSD Bays
Networking LAN Realtek® RTL8111H Gigabit LAN Controller
Auxiliary Storage Device
Bay (Floppy / Optical
Drive)
2 x 5.25" media bays
(Options: No DVD-ROM/DVD-RW)
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-4
Specications are subject to change without notice.
ESC300 G4 specifications summary
Rear I/O
1 x PS/2 keyboard (purple)
1 x PS/2 mouse (green)
1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)
4 x USB 3.0
4 x USB 2.0
3 x Audio jack(s)
Onboard I/O
1 x M.2 Socket 3 for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 devices
1 x COM port
1 x S/PDIF out header
2 x USB 3.0 (front)
2 x USB 2.0 (front) (optional switch to card reader)
OS Support
Windows® 10 (support Preload OS)
Windows® 7 RS2 32bit/64bit
* Refer to http://www.asus.com/ for the latest OS support.
Dimension (HH x WW x
DD) 423 mm x 190 mm x 435 mm
Net Weight Kg (CPU,
DRAM & HDD not inclu
ded)
12.65 Kg
Power Supply - 300W 80PLUS Single Power Supply
- 500W 80PLUS Single Power Supply
Power Rating 100-127 / 220-240Vac, 60-50Hz, 6A/3A, Class I
Environment
Operating temperature: 10°C ~ 35°C
Non operating temperature: -40°C ~ 70°C
Non operating humidity: 20% ~ 90% ( Non condensing)
ASUS ESC300 G4 1-5
SD/MMC/MS
Smart Card
1.4 Front panel features
The ESC300 G4 workstation features a simple yet stylish front panel design. The power and
reset buttons, LED indicators, optical drive, and USB ports are all conveniently located at the
front panel for easy access.
Refer to the Front panel LEDs section for the LED descriptions.
Optical Drive (Optional)
Empty 5.25-inch bay
HDD access LED
Reset button
Microphone port
Headphone port
Power button
USB 2.0 ports*
USB 3.0 ports
Power LED
Card reader (optional)*
* The USB 2.0 ports are unavailable if the optional card reader is purchased.
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-6
MIC
IN
LINE
OUT
LINE
IN
USB 3.0
USB 3.0
1.5 Rear panel features
The rear panel includes a slot for the motherboard rear I/O ports, expansion slots, a vent for
the system fan, and the power supply module.
Single power supply
Power connector
Expansion slots
PCI-E latch
LAN port
120 mm x 120 mm
system fan vents
Audio ports
PS/2 Mouse port
PS/2 keyboard port
USB 2.0 ports
USB 3.0 ports
ASUS ESC300 G4 1-7
1.6 Internal features
The ASUS ESC300 G4 Pedestal server system includes the basic components as shown:
The barebone server does not include a oppy disk drive. If you need to use a oppy disk,
connect the USB oppy disk drive to any of the USB ports on the front or rear panel.
WARNING
HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS
KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER BODY PARTS AWAY
Turn off the system power and detach the power supply before removing or replacing any
system component.
1. Power supply unit
2. 120 mm x 120 mm system fan (optional)
3. ASUS E3-PRO V5 Server Board
4. Expansion card locks
5. Optical drive (Optional)
6. 1 x 5.25-inch drive bay
7. Front I/O board (hidden)
8. 3 x 3.5-inch Internal HDD bays
9. 1 x 2.5-inch Internal HDD/SSD bay
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1-8
MIC
IN
LINE
OUT
LINE
IN
USB 3.0
USB 3.0
SD/MMC/MS
Smart Card
1.7 LED information
1.7.1 Front panel LEDs
LED Icon Display status Description
Power LED ON System power ON
HDD Access LED OFF
Blinking
No activity
Read/write data into the HDD
HDD Access LED
Power LED
1.7.2 Rear panel LEDs
ACT/LINK LED SPEED LED
Status Description Status Description
OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection
GREEN Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection
BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection
SD/MMC/MS
Smart Card
ACT/LINK LED
USB 3.0
MIC IN
SIDE REAR C/SUB
LINE OUT LINE IN
KY
DVI
VGA
OUT
HDMI
SPDIF OUT
Display/Port
USB 3.1
10
USB 3.0
SPEED LED
2
Hardware Setup
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have
to perform when installing system components. It includes
description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.
Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
2-2
MIC
IN
LINE
OUT
LINE
IN
USB 3.0
USB 3.0
2.1 Chassis cover
2.1.1 Removing the side cover
• Ensurethatyouunplugthepowercordbeforeremovingthesidecover.
• Takeextracarewhenremovingthesidecover.Keepyourngersfromcomponents
inside the chassis that can cause injury, such as the CPU fan, rear fan, and other
sharp-edged parts.
• Theimagesofthebareboneservershowninthissectionareforreferencepurposes
onlyandmaynotexactlymatchthemodelyoupurchase.
To remove the side cover:
1. Remove the two screws that secure the
side cover.
2. Pressthesidecoverlocksoutward.
Screws
MIC
IN
LINE
OUT
LINE
IN
USB 3.0
USB 3.0
Side cover locks
2-3
ASUS ESC300 G4
3. Slightly pull the side cover toward the
rear just enough to detach it from the
chassis.
4. Remove the cover and set it aside.
MIC
IN
LINE
OUT
LINE
IN
USB 3.0
USB 3.0
MIC
IN
LINE
OUT
LINE
IN
USB 3.0
USB 3.0
Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
2-4
2.2 CPU installation
ThismotherboardcomeswithasurfacemountLGA1151socket
designed for Intel® Xeon®E3-1200v6/v5series,7th/6thGeneration
Intel® Core™, Pentium®, and Celeron® processors.
Unplug all power cables before installing the CPU.
• EnsurethatyouinstallthecorrectCPUdesignedfortheLGA1151socketonly.DO
NOTinstallaCPUdesignedforLGA1150,LGA1155andLGA1156socketsonthe
LGA1151socket.
• Uponpurchaseofthemotherboard,ensurethatthePnPcapisonthesocketand
thesocketcontactsarenotbent.ContactyourretailerimmediatelyifthePnPcap
ismissing,orifyouseeanydamagetothePnPcap/socketcontacts/motherboard
components.
• Keepthecapafterinstallingthemotherboard.ASUSwillprocessReturnMerchandise
Authorization(RMA)requestsonlyifthemotherboardcomeswiththecaponthe
LGA1151socket.
• Theproductwarrantydoesnotcoverdamagetothesocketcontactsresultingfrom
incorrectCPUinstallation/removal,ormisplacement/loss/incorrectremovalofthePnP
cap.
2-5
ASUS ESC300 G4
Retention tab
Load lever
Load plate
Gold
triangle
mark
CPU notches
Alignment
key
Alignment
key
Retention
lock
Load lever
Retention tab
Load lever
Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
2-6
2.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation
ApplytheThermalInterfaceMaterialtothe
CPUheatsinkandCPUbeforeyouinstall
theheatsinkandfan,ifnecessary.
To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly
2-7
ASUS ESC300 G4
2.4 System memory
ThemotherboardcomeswithfourDDR4(DoubleDataRate4)DualInlineMemoryModules
(DIMM)slots.
ADDR4moduleisnotcheddifferentlyfromaDDR,DDR2orDDR3module.DONOTinstall
aDDR,DDR2orDDR3memorymoduletotheDDR4slot.
Recommended memory configurations
Channel Sockets
Channel A DIMM_A1&DIMM_A2
Channel B DIMM_B1&DIMM_B2
DIMM_A1
DIMM_A2
DIMM_B1
DIMM_B2
Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
2-8
• YoumayinstallvaryingmemorysizesinChannelAandChannelB.Thesystem
mapsthetotalsizeofthelower-sizedchannelforthedual-channelconguration.Any
excessmemoryfromthehigher-sizedchannelisthenmappedforsingle-channel
operation.
• AlwaysinstallDIMMswiththesameCASlatency.Foroptimalcompatibility,we
recommendthatyouinstallmemorymodulesofthesameversionordatecode(D/C)
fromthesamevendor.Checkwiththeretailertogetthecorrectmemorymodules.
• Duetothememoryaddresslimitationon32-bitWindows®OS,whenyouinstall4GB
ormorememoryonthemotherboard,theactualusablememoryfortheOScanbe
about3GBorless.Foreffectiveuseofmemory,werecommendthatyoudoanyofthe
following:
a) Useamaximumof3GBsystemmemoryifyouareusinga32-bitWindows®OS.
b) Installa64-bitWindows®OSwhenyouwanttoinstall4GBormoreonthe
motherboard.
c) Formoredetails,refertotheMicrosoft® support site at http://support.microsoft.
com/kb/929605/en-us.
• ThedefaultmemoryoperationfrequencyisdependentonitsSerialPresenceDetect
(SPD),whichisthestandardwayofaccessinginformationfromamemorymodule.
Underthedefaultstate,somememorymodulesforoverclockingmayoperateata
lowerfrequencythanthevendor-markedvalue.
• Forsystemstability,useamoreefcientmemorycoolingsystemtosupportafull
memoryload(4DIMMs).
• VisittheASUSwebsiteforthelatestQVL.
Memory configurations
Youmayinstall8GBand16GBunbufferedandECCandnon-ECCDDR4DIMMsintothe
DIMMsockets.
2-9
ASUS ESC300 G4
2.4.1 Installing a DIMM on a single clip DIMM socket
3. HoldtheDIMMbybothofitsends
theninserttheDIMMverticallyintothe
socket.Applyforcetobothendsofthe
DIMMsimultaneouslyuntiltheretaining
clipsnapsbackintoplaceandthe
DIMMcannotbepushedinanyfurther
toensurepropersittingoftheDIMM.
Locked Retaining Clip
1. UnlockaDIMMsocketbypressingthe
retaining clip outward.
2. AlignaDIMMonthesocketsuchthat
thenotchontheDIMMmatchesthe
DIMMslotkeyonthesocket.
Unlocked retaining clip
DIMM notch
DIMM slot key
1. Press the retaining clip outward to
unlocktheDIMM.
2. RemovetheDIMMfromthesocket.
Removing a DIMM from a single clip DIMM socket
• ToinstalltwoormoreDIMMs,refertotheuserguidebundledinthemotherboard
package.
• Refertotheuserguideforqualiedvendorlistsofthememorymodules.
SupporttheDIMMlightlywithyourngerswhenpressingtheretainingclips.TheDIMM
mightgetdamagedwhenitipsoutwithextraforce.
AlwaysinserttheDIMMintothesocketverticallytopreventDIMMnotchdamage.
ADIMMiskeyedwithanotchsothatittsinonlyonedirection.DONOTforceaDIMMinto
asocketinthewrongdirectiontoavoiddamagingtheDIMM.
Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
2-10
2.5 Front panel cover
Beforeyoucaninstalla5.25-inchdrive,youshouldrstremovethefrontpanelcover.
Ensuretounplugthepowercablebeforeinstallingorremovinganysystemcomponents.
Failuretodosomaycausedamagetothemotherboardandothersystemcomponents!
2.5.1 Removing the front panel cover
To remove the front panel cover:
1. Locatethefrontpanelassemblylockthenslideitoutwardtounlockthelatchesthat
secures the front panel cover to the chassis.
2. Remove the front panel assembly from the chassis and set it aside.
Front panel assembly
Assembly lock
2-11
ASUS ESC300 G4
2.6 5.25-inch drives
Installing a 5.25-inch drive
To install a 5.25-inch drive:
1. Remove the front panel cover. Refer to
the Removing the front panel cover
section for more information.
2. Pullthebaylocksoutward.
3. Remove the metal cover of the bay
you intend to use.
Takeextracarewhenremovingthe
metal cover. Use tools such as a
screw driver to bend and remove
the metal cover to avoid physical
injury.
This system comes with three 5.25-inch drive
bays located on the upper front section of the
chassis.
If your system came with an optical
drive, the optical drive occupies the
topmostbay(1).Thelowerbays(2
and3)areavailableforadditional
5.25-inchoptical,zip,oroppydisk
drives.
Bay locks
Screw driver
Metal cover
Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
2-12
7. ConnecttheSATAcabletotheSATA
connector of the drive.
8. Connect a SATA power cable from the
power supply to the power connector of
the drive.
9. Reinstallthefrontpanelcover.
4. Prepare the 5.25-inch drive.
5. Insert and carefully push the drive into
the bay until its screw holes align with
the holes on the bay.
6. Pushthebaylockstosecurethedrivein
place.
Bay locks
SATA cableSATA power cable
2-13
ASUS ESC300 G4
2.7 Hard disk drives (HDD)
Theserversystemsupportsthree(3)3.5-inchSerialATAharddiskdrivesviatheharddisk
drivebaysandone2.5-inchHDD/SSDdriveatthebottomoftheHDDcage.
Installing 3.5-inch HDDs
Toinstall3.5-inchSerialATAharddiskdrives:
1. Remove the side cover of the chassis. Refer to the Removing the side cover section
for more information.
2. Preparethe3.5-inchHDDandthebundledsetofscrews.
3. LocatetheHDDcagelock,presstheitup(A),thenswingtheHDDcageoutwards(B)
untilitclicksinplace.
4. Alignandinsertthe3.5-inchHDDinto
the drive bay ensuring that the screw
holesontheHDDmatchesthescrew
holesontheHDDcage.
Screw holes (HDD)
HDD cage lock
HDD cage
Screw hole (HDD cage)
Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
2-14
5. Securethe3.5-inchHDDtotheHDD
cage using the bundled set of screws.
6. SwingtheHDDcageinwardsuntilit
clicksbackintoplace.
7. ConnecttheSATAcableandSATA
powercabletothe3.5-inchHDD.
2-15
ASUS ESC300 G4
Installing 2.5-inch HDD/SSD
Toinstalla2.5-inchHDD/SSD:
1. Remove the side cover of the chassis. Refer to the Removing the side cover section
for more information.
2. Preparethe2.5-inchHDD/SDDandthebundledsetofscrews.
3. Laythesystemonitssideonaatandstablesurface.
4. LocatetheHDDcagelock,pressitup(A),thenswingtheHDDcageoutwards(B).
5. Alignandinsertthe2.5-inchHDD/SSDintothedrivebayasshown.Pushitalltheway
until its screw holes align with the holes on the drive bay.
HDD cage lock
HDD cage
Matching screw holes
2.5-inch HDD/SSD
Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
2-16
6. Securethe2.5-inchHDD/SSDto
theHDDcageusingthebundled
set of screws.
7. SwingtheHDDcageinwards
untilitclicksbackintoplace.
8. Connect a SATA cable and a
SATA power cable to the 2.5-inch
HDD/SSD.
2-17
ASUS ESC300 G4
2.8 Expansion slots
Unplugthepowercordbeforeaddingorremovingexpansioncards.Failuretodosomay
cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
Slot No. Slot Description
1PCIe3.0/2.0x1_1slot
2PCIe3.0/2.0x16_1slot
3 PCI1 slot
4 PCI2 slot
5PCIe3.0/2.0x16_2slot(maxatx4mode)
6 PCIe3.0/2.0x1_2slot
7PCI3 slot
E3-PRO V5
PCIEX16_1
PCIEX16_2
PCI2
PCI1
PCI3
2280 2260 2242
PCIEX1_2
PCIEX1_1
M.2(SOCKET3)
RTL
8111H
ASM
1083
USB1112
AAFP
EATXPWR
BATTERY
Super
I/O
ALC887
-VD2
KBMS
CLRTC
SPDIF_OUT
DDR4 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 288-pin module)
DDR4 DIMM_A2 (64bit, 288-pin module)
DDR4 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 288-pin module)
DDR4 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 288-pin module)
SATA6G_2 SATA6G_1
LANGuard
USB78
USB3_56
USB910
LAN_USB3_34
CHA_FAN1
CHA_FAN2
CPU_FAN
LGA1151
DIGI
+VRM
COM
EATX12V
USB3_12
Intel®
C232
128Mb
BIOS
PANEL
AUDIO
Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
2-18
2.8.1 Installing an expansion card
Toinstallanexpansioncard:
1. Laythesystemonitssideonaat,stablesurface.
3. Removethescrew(A)that
securesthemetalbracketto
the chassis then remove the
metalbracket(B).
Metal bracket
PCI-E latch
Edge of the PCI-E latch
Screw
2. PressthePCI-Elatch(A),hold
it by its edge then lift it towards
therear(B).
2-19
ASUS ESC300 G4
4. Alignandinserttheexpansioncardinto
thePCI-Eslot.
5. LiftthePCI-Elatchinwardsuntilitclicksintoplacesecuringtheexpansioncardtothe
chassis.
6. (Optional)Replacethescrewofthe
metalbracket.
PCI-E slotExpansion card
PCI-E latch
Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
2-20
2.8.2 Configuring an expansion card
IRQ assignments for this motherboard
VGA configuration PCI Express operating mode
PCIe 3.0 x16_1 (gray) PCIe 3.0 x16_2
Single VGA/PCIe card x16(Recommendedforsingle
VGAcard) N/A
Dual VGA/PCIe cards x16 x4
• InsingleVGAcardmode,usethePCIe3.0x16_1slot(gray)foraPCIExpressx16
graphics card to get better performance.
• WerecommendthatyouprovidesufcientpowerwhenrunningCrossFireX™mode.
• ConnectachassisfantothemotherboardconnectorlabeledCHA_FAN1/2when
using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.
WhenusingPCIcardsonsharedslots,ensurethatthedriverssupport“ShareIRQ”orthat
thecardsdonotneedIRQassignments.Otherwise,conictswillarisebetweenthetwoPCI
groups,makingthesystemunstableandthecardinoperable.
A B C D E F G H
HDAudioController shared – – – – – – –
XHCI shared – – – – – – –
SATA Controller shared – – – – – – –
LAN Controller – – – shared – – – –
PCIEx1_1 shared – – – – – – –
PCIEx1_2 – shared – – – – – –
PCIEx16_1 shared – – – – – – –
PCIEx16_2 shared – – – – – – –
M.2 shared – – – – – – –
AsmediaPCIEtoPCIController – – shared – – – – –
2-21
ASUS ESC300 G4
E3-PRO V5
2.8.3 Installing M.2 (NGFF) cards
ToinstallanM.2card:
1. LocatetheM.2connector(M.2(SOCKET3))onthemotherboard.
2. Remove the screw on the stand screw.
3. PreparetheM.2card.
4. AlignandinserttheM.2cardintotheM.2connector(M.2(SOCKET3)).
5. SecuretheM.2cardwiththescrewyouremovedinstep2.
• Pleasepayattentionwhenremovingthescrew,thestandscrewmightberemoved
together with it.
• EnsurethattheM.2cardispositionedbetweenthescrewandthestandscrewbefore
securing it.
Stand screw
Screw
NGFF1
Screw hole
Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
2-22
2.9 System fan
This section describes how to remove the system fan in the event that you need to install or
remove previously installed or new system components, or when the system fan needs to be
replaced because it was damaged or became defective.
To remove the system fan:
1. Disconnectthesystemfancablefrom
theCHA_FAN1connectoronthe
motherboard.
3. Remove the system fan.
2. Remove the four system fan screws at
therearpanel.Keepthescrewsforlater
use.
Hold the system fan with one hand
while removing the system fan
screws.
Followthepreviousinstructionsin
reverse order if you want to reinstall
the system fan.
2-23
ASUS ESC300 G4
2.10 Motherboard rear and audio connection
* and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LEDs and audio port definitions.
Rear panel connectors
1. PS/2Mouseport(green) 5. Microphoneport(pink)**
2. LAN(RJ-45)port* 6. USB3.0ports
3. LineInport(lightblue)** 7. USB2.0ports
4. LineOutport(lime)** 8. PS/2keyboardport(purple)
* LAN ports LED indications
7
3 42
5
1
86
LAN port
Speed
LED
Activity Link
LED
Activity/Link LED Speed LED
Status Description Status Description
Off Nolink OFF 10Mbpsconnection
Orange Linked ORANGE 100Mbpsconnection
Orange(Blinking) Dataactivity GREEN 1Gbps connection
Orange(Blinking
thensteady)
Readytowake
up from S5 mode
• DuetoUSB3.0controllerlimitations,USB3.0devicescanonlybeusedundera
Windows®OSenvironmentandafterUSB3.0driverinstallation.
• ThepluggedUSB3.0devicemayrunonxHCIorEHCImode,dependingonthe
operating system’s setting.
• USB3.0devicescanonlybeusedfordatastorage.
• WestronglyrecommendthatyouconnectUSB3.0devicestoUSB3.0portsforfaster
andbetterperformancefromyourUSB3.0devices.
Chapter 2: Hardware Setup
2-24
** Audio 2.1, 4.1, 5.1 or 7.1-channel configuration
Port Headset
2.1-channel 4.1-channel 5.1-channel 7.1-channel
Light Blue
(Rearpanel) Line In RearSpeakerOut RearSpeakerOut RearSpeakerOut
Lime(Rearpanel) LineOut FrontSpeakerOut FrontSpeakerOut FrontSpeakerOut
Pink(Rearpanel) MicIn MicIn Bass/Center Bass/Center
Lime(Frontpanel) — — — SideSpeakerOut
This chapter includes the motherboard layout and brief
descriptions of the jumpers and internal connectors.
3
Motherboard Information
Chapter 3: Motherboard Information
Chapter 3: Motherboard Information
3-2
3.1 Motherboard layout
Unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can
cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
E3-PRO V5
PCIEX16_1
PCIEX16_2
PCI2
PCI1
PCI3
2280 2260 2242
PCIEX1_2
PCIEX1_1
M.2(SOCKET3)
RTL
8111H
ASM
1083
USB1112
AAFP
EATXPWR
BATTERY
Super
I/O
ALC887
-VD2
KBMS
CLRTC
SPDIF_OUT
21.8cm(8.6in)
DDR4 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 288-pin module)
DDR4 DIMM_A2 (64bit, 288-pin module)
DDR4 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 288-pin module)
DDR4 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 288-pin module)
SATA6G_2 SATA6G_1
LANGuard
USB78
USB3_56
USB910
LAN_USB3_34
CHA_FAN1
CHA_FAN2
CPU_FAN
30.5cm(12.0in)
LGA1151
DIGI
+VRM
COM
EATX12V
USB3_12
Intel®
C232
128Mb
BIOS
PANEL
AUDIO
321 41
5
10 91114 1213
6
2
1
7
8
16
17
5
15
15
15
16
17
Place this side
towards the rear
of the chassis
ASUS ESC300 G4 3-3
Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page
1. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2) 3-4
2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 3-4
3. Intel® LGA1151 CPU socket 3-4
4. DDR4 DIMM slots 3-5
5. Intel® C232 SATA 6.0Gb/s ports (SATA6G_1~6) 3-5
6. M.2 Socket3 3-5
7. Clear RTC RAM (2-pin CLRTC) 3-6
8. System panel connector (20-5 pin F_PANEL) 3-6
9. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12) 3-7
10. USB 2.0 connector (10-1 pin USB1112) 3-7
11. TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM) 3-7
12. Serial Port Connector (10-1 pin COM) 3-7
13. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 3-8
14. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 3-8
15. PCI slots 3-8
16. PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x1 slots 3-8
17. PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots 3-8
Chapter 3: Motherboard Information
3-4
2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)
These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are
designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and
push down rmly until the connectors completely t.
1. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 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.
Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors.
Insufcient air ow inside the system may damage the
motherboard components. These are not jumpers! Do not place
jumper caps on the fan connectors! The CPU_FAN connector
supports a CPU fan of maximum 1A (12 W) fan power.
Only the 4-pin CPU fan supports the ASUS Fan Xpert 2+ feature.
CHA FAN PWM
CHA FAN IN
CHA FAN PWR
GND
CPU_FAN
CPU FAN PWM
CPU FAN IN
CPU FAN PWR
GND
CHA_FAN
•
We recommend that you use an EATX 12V Specication
2.0-compliant power supply unit (PSU) with a minimum of 300W
power rating. This PSU type has 24-pin and 8-pin power plugs.
•
DO NOT forget to connect the 8-pin EATX +12V power plug.
Otherwise, the system will not boot up.
• We recommend that you use a PSU with higher power output
when conguring a system with more power-consuming devices
or when you intend to install additional devices. The system may
become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.
EATX12V
+12V DC
+12V DC
+12V DC
+12V DC
GND
GND
GND
GND
EATXPWR
PIN 1
PIN 1
GND
+5 Volts
+5 Volts
+5 Volts
-5 Volts
GND
GND
GND
PSON#
GND
-12 Volts
+3 Volts
+3 Volts
+12 Volts
+12 Volts
+5V Standby
Power OK
GND
+5 Volts
GND
+5 Volts
GND
+3 Volts
+3 Volts
3. Intel® LGA1151 CPU socket
This motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1151 socket designed for Intel®
Xeon® E3-1200 v6/v5 series, 7th/6th Generation Intel® Core™, Pentium®,and Celeron®
processors.
For more details, refer to 2.2 CPU installation.
ASUS ESC300 G4 3-5
4. DDR4 DIMM slots
Install 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB unbuffered U-DIMM ECC DDR4 DIMMs into these
DIMM sockets.
For more details, refer to 2.4 System memory.
5. Intel® C232 SATA 6.0Gb/s ports (7-pin SATA6G_1~6)
These ports connect to SATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via SATA 6.0 Gb/s signal
cables.
GND
RSATA_TXP
RSATA_TXN
GND
RSATA_RXN
RSATA_RXP
GND
SATA6G
When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the SATA Mode Selection
item in the BIOS to [AHCI].
6. M.2 socket 3
This socket allows you to install an M.2 (NGFF) SSD module.
M.2(SOCKET3)
• This socket supports M Key and 2242/2260/2280 storage
devices.
• When the M.2 Socket 3 is operating in SATA mode, SATA
port 1 will be disabled.
• M.2 Socket and PCIe X16_2 connector support PCIe mode
and share bandwidth. By default, the device detection priority
of the system is as follows: SATA Mode M.2 > PCIe X16_2
connector.
• When using Intel® Desktop Responsiveness technologies
with PCIe M.2 device, ensure to set up the Windows® UEFI
operating system under RAID mode.
Chapter 3: Motherboard Information
3-6
To erase the RTC RAM:
1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Use a metal object such as a screwdriver to short the two pins.
3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
4. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS
setup to re-enter data.
If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and short the two pins again to
clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After clearing the CMOS, reinstall the battery.
CLRTC
+3V_BAT
GND
PIN 1
8. System panel connector (20-5 pin F_PANEL)
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.
• SystempowerLED(4-pinPWR_LED)
This 4-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.
• HarddiskdriveactivityLED(2-pinHDD_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 ashes when data is read from or written to the
HDD.
• Systemwarningspeaker(4-pinSPEAKER)
This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system
warning speaker. The speaker allows you to hear system
beeps and warnings.
• ATXpowerbutton/soft-offbutton(2-pinPWR_SW)
This connector is for the system power button.
• Resetbutton(2-pinRESET)
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button
for system reboot without turning off the system power.
PLED+
PLED-
PWRBTN#
GND
+5V
GND
GND
Speaker
HDD_LED+
HDD_LED-
GND
RSTCON#
NC
PLED+
PLED-
PIN 1
+PWR_LED-
+PWR_LED-
SPEAKER
PANEL
+HDD_LED-
PWR_SW
RESET
* Requires an ATX power supply
7. Clear RTC RAM (2-pin CLRTC)
This header allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can
clear the CMOS memory of date, 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.
ASUS ESC300 G4 3-7
9. 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 benets
of USB 3.0 including faster data transfer speeds of up
to 5Gbps, faster charging time for USB-chargeable
devices, optimized power efciency and backward
compatibility with USB 2.0.
USB3_12
GND
IntA_P1_D+
IntA_P1_D-
GND
IntA_P1_SSTX+
IntA_P1_SSTX-
GND
IntA_P1_SSRX+
IntA_P1_SSRX-
USB3+5V
PIN 1
IntA_P2_D+
IntA_P2_D-
GND
IntA_P2_SSTX+
IntA_P2_SSTX-
GND
IntA_P2_SSRX+
IntA_P2_SSRX-
USB3+5V
10. USB 2.0 connector (10-1 pin USB1112)
This connector is for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable
to any of this connector, then install the module to a slot opening
at the back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply
with USB 2.0 specications and supports up to 480Mbps connection
speed.
Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will
damage the motherboard!
USB+5V
USB_P11-
USB_P11+
GND
NC
USB+5V
USB_P12-
USB_P12+
GND
USB1112
PIN 1
12. 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.
PIN 1
COM
DCD
TXD
GND
RTS
RI
RXD
DTR
DSR
CTS
11. TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM)
This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system,
which securely store keys, digital certicates, passwords and data.
A TPM system also helps enhance network security, protect digital
identities, and ensures platform integrity.
The TPM module is purchased separately.
Chapter 3: Motherboard Information
3-8
17. PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots
This motherboard supports two PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 graphic cards that comply with
the PCI Express specications.
16. PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x1 slots
This motherboard has two PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x1 slots that support PCI Express
x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express
specications.
15. PCI slots
The PCI slots support cards such as LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards
that comply with the PCI specications.
13. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio
I/O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97
audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/
O module cable to this connector.
AAFP
AGND
NC
SENSE1_RETUR
SENSE2_RETUR
PORT1 L
PORT1 R
PORT2 R
SENSE_SEND
PORT2 L
HD-audio-compliant
pin definition
PIN 1
AGND
NC
NC
NC
MIC2
MICPWR
Line out_R
NC
Line out_L
Legacy AC’97
compliant definition
• We recommend that you connect a high-denition
front panel audio module to this connector to avail of
the motherboard’s high-denition audio capability.
• If you want to connect a high-denition front panel
audio module to this connector, set the Front Panel
Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD]. If you want to
connect an AC’97 front panel audio module to this
connector, set the item to [AC97]. By default, this
connector is set to [HD].
14. 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.
SPDIF_OUT
+5V
SPDIFOUT
GND
4
BIOS Setup
This chapter tells how to change the system settings through
the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS
parameters are also provided.
Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4-2 Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unied Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI
architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-
only BIOS controls to enable a more exible and convenient mouse input. You can easily
navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as your operating system. The
term “BIOS” in this user manual refers to “UEFI BIOS” unless otherwise specied.
BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage
device conguration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot
device conguration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In
normal circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure
optimal performance. DO NOT change the default BIOS settings except in the following
circumstances:
• An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you
to run the BIOS Setup.
• You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or
update.
Inappropriate BIOS settings may result to instability or boot failure. We strongly
recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service
personnel.
• When downloading or updating the BIOS le, rename it as E30G4.CAP for this
motherboard.
• BIOS settings and options may vary due to different BIOS release versions. Please
refer to the latest BIOS version for settings and options.
4.1 Knowing BIOS
ASUS ESC300 G4 4-3
• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and
may not exactly match what you see on your screen.
• 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 4.10 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 1.2.6 Onboard buttons and
switches for information on how to erase the RTC RAM via the Clear CMOS button.
• The BIOS setup program does not support the Bluetooth devices.
BIOS menu screen
The BIOS Setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode.
You can change modes from Setup Mode in Boot menu or by pressing the <F7> hotkey.
4.2 BIOS setup program
Use the BIOS Setup to update the BIOS or congure its parameters. The BIOS screen
include navigation keys and brief onscreen help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup
program.
Entering BIOS at startup
To enter BIOS Setup at startup, press <Delete> during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If
you do not press <Delete>, POST continues with its routines.
Entering BIOS Setup after POST
To enter BIOS Setup after POST:
• Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete> 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 rst two options.
After doing either of the three options, press <Delete> key to enter BIOS.
4-4 Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.2.1 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 and boot device priority. To access the
Advanced Mode, select Advanced Mode or press the <F7> hotkey for the advanced BIOS
settings.
The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the
Setup Mode item in section Boot menu for details.
The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system.
Selects the display language
of the BIOS setup program
Displays the CPU/motherboard temperature,
CPU voltage output, CPU/chassis/power fan
speed, and SATA information
Displays the system properties of the selected mode.
Click < or > to switch EZ System Tuning modes
Loads optimized
default settings
Creates storage RAID and
configures system overclocking
Displays the CPU Fan’s speed. Click
the button to manually tune the fans
Enables or disables the SATA RAID mode
for Intel Rapid Storage Technology Saves the changes
and resets the system
Click to display boot devices
Selects the boot device priority
Click to go to Advanced mode
Search on the FAQ
ASUS ESC300 G4 4-5
4.2.2 Advanced Mode
The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to congure
the BIOS settings. The gure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the
following sections for the detailed congurations.
To switch from EZ Mode to Advanced Mode, click Advanced Mode(F7) or press the <F7>
hotkey.
Menu items General help
Menu bar Language Hot Keys
Qfan Control(F6)
EZ Tuning Wizard(F11)
MyFavorite(F3) Quick Note (F9)
Scroll bar
Pop-up Menu
Configuration fields
Last modified settings Go back to EZ Mode
Displays the CPU temperature,
CPU, and memory voltage output
Search on the FAQ
4-6 Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
Menu bar
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:
My Favorites For saving the frequently-used system settings and conguration.
Main For changing the basic system conguration
Ai Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings
Advanced For changing the advanced system settings
Monitor For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing the
fan settings.
Boot For changing the system boot conguration
Tool For conguring options for special functions
Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings
Menu items
The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic 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 language that you want to display in your BIOS screen.
My Favorites (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 4.3 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 4.2.3 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 4.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard for more information.
ASUS ESC300 G4 4-7
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.
Search on FAQ
Move your mouse over this button to show a QR code, scan this QR code on your mobile
device to connect to the BIOS FAQ web page of the ASUS support website. You can also
scan the following QR code:
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 t
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 elds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-congurable, you can
change the value of the eld opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not
user-congurable.
A congurable eld is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a eld, select it and
press <Enter> to display a list of options.
Last Modified button
This button shows the items that you last modied and saved in BIOS Setup.
4-8 Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.2.3 QFan Control
The QFan Control allows you to set a fan prole or manually congure the operating speed of
your CPU and chassis fans.
Click to select a fan to be
configured Click to activate
PWM Mode
Click to undo the
changes
Click to apply the fan setting
Click to go back to main menu
Select a profile to apply to
your fans
Click to activate DC Mode
Select to manually configure
your fans
ASUS ESC300 G4 4-9
Configuring fans manually
Select Manual from the list of proles to manually congure your fans’ operating speed.
To congure your fans:
1. Select the fan that you want to congure and to view its current status.
2. Click and drag the speed points to adjust the fans’ operating speed.
3. Click Apply to save the changes then click Exit (ESC).
Speed points Select to manually
configure your fans
4-10 Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard
EZ Tuning Wizard allows you to easily set RAID in your system using this feature.
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 Next.
• Ensure that your HDDs have no existing RAID volumes.
• Ensure to connect your HDDs to Intel® SATA connectors.
3. Select SATA to set [RAID] mode, then click Next.
ASUS ESC300 G4 4-11
5. After selecting the type of RAID, click Next then click Yes to continue the RAID setup.
6. After the RAID setup is done, click Yes to exit the setup then click OK to reset your
system.
You can only select Easy Backup (RAID 10) if you connect four (4) HDDs.
b. For Super Speed, click Next then select from Super Speed (RAID 0) or Super
Speed (RAID 5).
a. For Easy Backup, click Next then select from Easy Backup (RAID 1) or Easy
Backup (RAID 10).
4. Select the type of storage for your RAID, Easy Backup or Super Speed, then click
Next.
4-12 Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.3 My Favorites
My Favorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite
BIOS items. My Favorites comes with several performance, power saving, and fast boot
related items by default. You can personalize this screen by adding or removing items.
ASUS ESC300 G4 4-13
Adding items to My Favorites
To add BIOS items:
1. Press <F3> on your keyboard or click from the BIOS screen to open
Setup Tree Map screen.
2. On the Setup Tree Map screen, select the BIOS items that you want to save in My
Favorites screen.
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 or press <Enter> on your keyboard.
You cannot add the following items to My Favorite items:
• Items with submenu options
• User-managed items such as language and boot order
• Conguration items such as Memory SPD Information, system time and date.
4. Click Exit (ESC) or press <Esc> key to close Setup Tree Map screen.
5. Go to My Favorites menu to view the saved BIOS items.
Main menu panel
Submenu panel
Selected shortcut
items
Delete all favorite
items
Recover to default
favorite items
4-14 Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.4 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.
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 3.1 Motherboard layout for
information on how to erase the RTC RAM via the CLRTC header.
• 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].
4.5 Ai Tweaker menu
The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.
Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect eld
values can cause the system to malfunction
The conguration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you
installed on the motherboard.
CPU Core Ratio
This item allows you to set the CPU core ratios.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Sync All Cores] [Per Core]
DRAM Frequency
This item allows you to set the memory operating frequency. The congurable options vary
with the BCLK (base clock) frequency setting. Select the auto mode to apply the optimized
setting.
Conguration options: [Auto] [DDR4-800MHz] - [DDR4-4266MHz]
Internal CPU Power Management
The subitems in this menu allow you to set the CPU ratio and features.
Intel(R) SpeedStep(tm)
Allows the operating system to dynamically adjust the processor voltage and cores
frequency to decrease the average power consumption and decrease average heat
production.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]
Turbo Mode
Allows you to enable your processor cores to run faster than the base operating
frequency when it is below power, current and specication limit. Conguration options:
[Disabled] [Enabled]
ASUS ESC300 G4 4-15
4.6 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 eld values
can cause the system to malfunction.
4.6.1 CPU Configuration
The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically
detects.
The items in this menu may vary based on the CPU installed.
Hyper-threading
This item allows a hyper-threading processor to appear as two logical processors, allowing
the operating system to schedule two threads or processors simultaneously.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
CPU Power Management Configuration
This item allows you to manage and congure the CPU’s power.
Intel(R) SpeedStep(tm)
This item allows more than two frequency to be supported.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]
Turbo Mode
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
specication limit.
Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
CPU C-States
This item allows you to set the power saving of the CPU states.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
4.6.2 Platform Misc Configuration
The items in this menu allow you to change the ASPM for PCH and SA PCI Express.
4.6.3 System Agent (SA) Configuration
The items in this menu allow you to adjust the Link Speed for PEG Port and Multi-Monitor.
4-16 Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.6.4 PCH Configuration
The items in this menu allow you to adjust the PCH PCI Express speed.
PCI Express Configuration
This item allows you to congure the PCI Express slots.
PCIe Speed
This item allows your system to automatically select the PCI Express port speed.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Gen1] [Gen2] [Gen3]
4.6.5 PCH Storage Configuration
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The
SATA Port items show Not Present if no SATA device is installed to the corresponding SATA
port.
SATA Controller(s)
This item allows you to enable or disable the SATA Device.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
SATA Mode Selection
This item allows you to set the SATA conguration.
[AHCI] 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.
[RAID] Set to [RAID] when you want to create a RAID conguration from the SATA
hard disk drives.
SMART Self Test
SMART (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.
Conguration options: [On] [Off]
SATA6G_1(Gray) - SATA6G_6(Gray)
SATA6G_1(Gray) - SATA6G_6(Gray)
This item allows you to enable or disable the selected SATA port.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Hot Plug
These items appears only when the SATA Mode Selection is set to [AHCI] and allows
you to enable or disable SATA Hot Plug Support.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
ASUS ESC300 G4 4-17
4.6.6 USB Configuration
The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.
The Mass Storage Devices item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is
detected, the item shows None.
USB Single Port Control
This item allows you to enable or disable the individual USB ports.
Refer to section 3.1 Motherboard layout for the location of the USB ports.
HD Audio Controller
This item allows you to use the Azalia High Denition Audio Controller
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
M.2/PCIEX16_2 Switch Control
[Auto] The system automatically detects the connected device and set a higher
priority to M.2 over PCIEX16_2. When M.2 and PCIEX16_2 devices are
connected independently, the system can detect both. When M.2 and
PCIEX16_2 devices are connected at the same time, the system can only
detect M.2 devices.
[M.2] Only M.2 devices can be detected.
[PCIEX16_2] Only PCIEX16_2 devices can be detected.
Realtek LAN Controller
This item allows you to enable or disable the Realtek LAN controllers.
Conguration options: [On] [Off]
4.6.7 Onboard Devices Configuration
The items in this menu allow you to switch between PCIe Lanes and congure onboard
devices.
4.6.8 APM Configuration
The items in this menu allow you to set system wake and sleep settings.
ErP Ready
This item allows you to switch off some power at S4+S5 or S5 to get the system ready for
ErP requirement. When set to [Enabled], all other PME options are switched off.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enable(S4+S5)] [Enable(S5)]
4-18 Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.6.9 Network Stack Configuration
The items in this menu allow you to congure Ipv4 / Ipv6 PXE support.
4.6.10 Intel TXT Information
This menu displays the Intel TXT information.
4.6.11 HDD/SSD SMART Information
This menu displays the SMART information of the connected devices.
NVM Express devices do not support SMART information.
4.7 Monitor menu
The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change
the fan settings.
Q-fan Configuration
Q-fan Tuning
Click this item to automatically detect the lowest speed and congure the minimum
duty cycle for each fan.
4.8 Boot menu
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.
Fast Boot
[Disabled] Allows your system to go back to its normal boot speed.
[Enabled] Allows your system to accelerate the boot speed.
The following items appear only when you set the Fast Boot to [Enabled].
Next Boot after AC Power Loss
[Normal Boot] Returns to normal boot on the next boot after an AC power loss.
[Fast Boot] Accelerates the boot speed on the next boot after an AC power loss.
Setup 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.
ASUS ESC300 G4 4-19
CSM (Compatibility Support Module)
This item allows you to congure the CSM (Compatibility Support Module) items to fully
support the various VGA, bootable devices and add-on devices for better compatibility.
Launch CSM
[Auto] The system automatically detects the bootable devices and the add-
on devices.
[Enabled] For better compatibility, enable the CSM to fully support the non-UEFI
driver add-on devices or the Windows® UEFI mode.
[Disabled] Disable the CSM to fully support the non-UEFI driver add-on devices
or the Windows® UEFI mode.
The following items appear only when you set the Launch CSM to [Enabled].
Boot Devices Control
This item allows you to select the type of devices that you want to boot.
Conguration options: [UEFI and Legacy OPROM] [Legacy OPROM only]
[UEFI only]
Boot from Network Device
This item allows you to select the type of network devices that you want to
launch.
Conguration options: [Ignore] [Legacy only] [UEFI driver rst]
Boot from Storage Devices
This item allows you to select the type of storage devices that you want to
launch.
Conguration options: [Ignore] [Legacy only] [UEFI driver rst]
Boot from PCI-E/PCI Expansion Devices
This item allows you to select the type of PCI-E/PCI expansion devices that
you want to launch.
Conguration options: [Legacy only] [UEFI driver rst]
Secure Boot
This item allows you to congure the Windows® Secure Boot settings and manage its keys to
protect the system from unauthorized access and malwares during POST.
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 the ASUS Logo
appears.
4-20 Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
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.
4.9 Tool menu
The Tool menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then
press <Enter> to display the submenu.
Setup Animator
This item allows you to enable or disable the Setup animator.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
4.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility
This item allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 3. When you press <Enter>, a conrmation
message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press
<Enter> to conrm your choice.
For more details, refer to section 4.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3.
4.9.2 ASUS Overclocking Profile
This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.
Load from Profile
This item allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the
prole number that saved your BIOS 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 le only coming from the same memory/
CPU conguration and BIOS version.
Profile Name
This item allows you to key in a prole name.
Save to Profile
This item allows you to save the current BIOS settings to the BIOS Flash, and create a
prole. Key in a prole 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 prole from your USB drive, load and save prole to your
USB drive.
4.9.3 ASUS SPD Information
This item allows you to view the DRAM SPD information.
ASUS ESC300 G4 4-21
4.10 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. You can access the EZ Mode from the Exit
menu.
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 conrmation window appears.
Select OK to load the default values.
Save Changes & Reset
Once you are nished 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 conrmation 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 conrmation window appears. Select Yes to
discard changes and exit.
Launch EFI Shell from filesystem device
This item allows you to attempt to launch the EFI Shell application (shellx64.e) from one of
the available lesystem devices.
4-22 Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.11 Updating BIOS
The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system
stability, compatibility,and performance. However, BIOS updating is potentially risky. If
there is no problem using the current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS.
Inappropriate BIOS updating may result to system’s failure to boot. Carefully follow the
instructions in this chapter to update your BIOS when necessary.
Visit http://www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS le for this motherboard.
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program.
1. EZ Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.
2. ASUS EZ Flash 3: Updates the BIOS using a USB ash drive.
3. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support DVD or a
USB ash drive when the BIOS le fails or gets corrupted.
4.11.1 EZ Update
The EZ Update is a utility that allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in Windows®
environment.
• EZ Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an ISP
(Internet Service Provider).
• This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.
ASUS ESC300 G4 4-23
4.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3
ASUS EZ Flash 3 allows you to download and update to the latest BIOS through the Internet
without having to use a bootable oppy disk or an OS-based utility.
Updating through the Internet varies per region and Internet conditions. Check your local
Internet connection before updating through the Internet.
To update the BIOS by USB:
1. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select
ASUS EZ Flash Utility and press <Enter>.
2. Insert the USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS le to the USB port.
3. Select by USB.
4. Press <Tab> to switch to the Drive eld.
5. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to nd the USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS,
and then press <Enter>.
6. Press <Tab> to switch to the Folder Info eld.
7. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to nd the BIOS le, and then press <Enter> to perform
the BIOS update process. Reboot the system when the update process is done.
4-24 Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
• This function can support devices such as a USB ash disk with FAT 32/16 format and
single partition only.
• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system
boot failure!
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select
the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 4.10 Exit Menu for
details.
To update the BIOS by Internet:
1. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select
ASUS EZ Flash Utility and press <Enter>.
2. Select by Internet.
3. Press the Left/Right arrow keys to select an Internet connection method, and then
press <Enter>.
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select
the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 4.10 Exit Menu for
details.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update.
5. Reboot the system when the update process is done.
ASUS ESC300 G4 4-25
4.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the
BIOS le when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a
corrupted BIOS le using the motherboard support DVD or a USB ash drive that contains
the BIOS le.
The BIOS le in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS le published
on the ASUS ofcial website. If you want to use the newer BIOS le, download the le at
https://www.asus.com/support/ and save it to a USB ash drive.
Recovering the BIOS
To recover the BIOS:
1. Turn on the system.
2. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB ash drive
containing the BIOS le to the USB port.
3. The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS le. When found, the utility
reads the BIOS le and enters ASUS EZ Flash 3 automatically.
4. The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover the BIOS setting. 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!
4-26 Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
5
RAID Conguration
This chapter provides instructions for setting up, creating, and
conguring RAID sets using the available utilities.
Chapter 5: RAID Conguration
5-2 Chapter 5: RAID Conguration
5.1 RAID configurations
The motherboard supports Intel® Rapid Storage Technology enterprise Option ROM Utility
with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, and RAID 5 support.
If you want to install a Windows® operating system to a hard disk drive included in a RAID
set, you have to create a RAID driver disk and load the RAID driver during OS installation.
Refer to section 5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk for details.
5.1.1 RAID definitions
RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in
parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a single drive but at a
sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone, thus improving data access
and storage. Use of two new identical hard disk drives is required for this setup.
RAID 1 (Data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data from one drive to
a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array management software directs all applications
to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of the data in the other drive. This RAID
conguration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to the entire system. Use
two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive for this setup. The new drive must be
of the same size or larger than the existing drive.
RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard disk drives. Among
the advantages of RAID 5 conguration include better HDD performance, fault tolerance, and
higher storage capacity. The RAID 5 conguration is best suited for transaction processing,
relational database applications, enterprise resource planning, and other business systems.
Use a minimum of three identical hard disk drives for this setup.
RAID 10 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity (redundancy data) having
to be calculated and written. With the RAID 10 conguration you get all the benets of both
RAID 0 and RAID 1 congurations. Use four new hard disk drives or use an existing drive
and three new drives for this setup.
ASUS ESC300 G4 5-3
5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks
The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install
identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array.
To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID conguration:
1. Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.
2. Connect the SATA signal cables.
3. Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.
5.1.3 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology in UEFI BIOS
To enter the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology in UEFI BIOS:
1. Enter the BIOS Setup during POST.
2. Go to the Advanced menu > PCH Storage Configuration, then press <Enter>.
3. Set the SATA Controller Mode Selection item to [RAID Mode].
4. Go to the Boot menu > CSM (Compatibility Support Module) > Launch CSM, then
set the item to [Disabled].
5. Save your changes and exit the BIOS Setup, then enter the BIOS Setup again.
6. Go to the Advanced menu > Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology, then press <Enter>
to display the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology menu.
Refer to Chapter 4 for details on entering and navigating through the BIOS Setup.
Due to chipset limitation, when SATA ports are set to RAID mode, all SATA ports run at
RAID mode together.
5-4 Chapter 5: RAID Conguration
Creating a RAID set
To create a RAID set:
1. From the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology menu, select Create RAID Volume and
press <Enter>. The following screen appears:
2. When the Name item is selected, enter a name for the RAID set and press <Enter>.
3. When the RAID Level item is selected, press <Enter> to select the RAID level to
create, and then press <Enter>.
4. Under Select Disks, press <Enter> and select X for the disks you want to include in the
RAID set.
ASUS ESC300 G4 5-5
5. When the Strip Size item is selected, press <Enter> to select strip size for the RAID
array (for RAID 0, 10 and 5 only), and then press <Enter>. The available strip size
values range from 4 KB to 128 KB. The following are typical values:
- RAID 0: 128 KB
- RAID 10: 64 KB
- RAID 5: 64 KB
We recommend a lower strip size for server systems, and a higher strip size for multimedia
computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing.
6. When the Capacity (MB) item is selected, enter the RAID volume capacity that you
want and press <Enter>. The default value indicates the maximum allowed capacity.
7. When the Create Volume item is selected, press <Enter> to create the RAID volume
and return to the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology menu.
5-6 Chapter 5: RAID Conguration
Deleting a RAID set
Be cautious when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when
you delete a RAID set.
To delete a RAID set:
1. From the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology menu, select the RAID volume you want to
delete and press <Enter>. The following screen appears:
2. When the Delete item is selected, press <Enter>, then select Yes to delete the RAID
volume and return to the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology menu, or select No to
cancel.
ASUS ESC300 G4 5-7
5.1.4 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility
To enter the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility:
1. Turn on the system.
2. During POST, press <Ctrl> + <I> to display the utility main menu.
The navigation keys at the bottom of the screen allow you to move through the menus
and select the menu options.
The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only and may not
exactly match the items on your screen.
The utility supports maximum four hard disk drives for RAID conguration.
RAID Volumes:
None defined.
Physical Devices:
Port Device Model Serial # Size Type/Status(Vol ID)
0 ST3160812AS 9LS0HJA4 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
1 ST3160812AS 9LS0F4HL 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
2 ST3160812AS 3LS0JYL8 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
3 ST3160812AS 9LS0BJ5H 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
5-8 Chapter 5: RAID Conguration
Creating a RAID set
To create a RAID set:
1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The
following screen appears:
2. Enter a name for the RAID set and press <Enter>.
3. When the RAID Level item is selected, press the up/down arrow key to select a RAID
level to create, and then press <Enter>.
4. When the Disks item is selected, press <Enter> to select the hard disk drives you want
to include in the RAID set. The SELECT DISKS screen appears:
Enter a unique volume name that has no special characters
and is 16 characters or less.
[HELP]
Name: Volume 0
RAID Level: aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Disks: dssdsdsds
Strip Size:aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Capacity:aaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Sync:aaaaaaaaaa
Create volume
[SELECT DISKS]
Port Device Model Serial # Size Status
0 ST3160812AS 9LS0HJA4 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
1 ST3160812AS 9LS0F4HL 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
2 ST3160812AS 3LS0JYL8 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
3 ST3160812AS 9LS0BJ5H 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
Select 2 to 6 to use in creating the volume.
[↑↓]-Prev/Next [SPACE]-SelectDisk [ENTER]-Done
ASUS ESC300 G4 5-9
5. Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press <Space> to select. A
small triangle marks the selected drive. Press <Enter> after completing your selection.
6. Use the up/down arrow key to select the strip size for the RAID array (for RAID 0, 10
and 5 only), and then press <Enter>. The available strip size values range from 4 KB to
128 KB. The following are typical values:
- RAID 0: 128 KB
- RAID 10: 64 KB
- RAID 5: 64 KB
We recommend a lower strip size for server systems, and a higher strip size for multimedia
computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing.
7. When the Capacity item is selected, enter the RAID volume capacity that you want
and press <Enter>. The default value indicates the maximum allowed capacity.
8. When the Create Volume item is selected, press <Enter>. The following warning
message appears:
9. Press <Y> to create the RAID volume and return to the main menu, or <N> to go back
to the CREATE VOLUME menu.
WARNING: ALL DATA ON SELECTED DISKS WILL BE LOST.
Are you sure you want to create this volume? (Y/N)
5-10 Chapter 5: RAID Conguration
Deleting a RAID set
Be cautious when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when
you delete a RAID set.
To delete a RAID set:
1. From the utility main menu, select 2. Delete RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The
following screen appears:
2. Use the up/down arrow key to select the RAID set you want to delete, and then press
<Delete>. The following warning message appears:
3. Press <Y> to delete the RAID set and return to the utility main menu, or press <N> to
return to the DELETE VOLUME menu.
Deleting a volume will reset the disks to non-RAID.
WARNING: ALL DISK DATA WILL BE DELETED.
(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)
[HELP]
[DELETE VOLUME MENU]
Name Level Drives Capacity Status Bootable
Volume0 RAID0 (Stripe) 2 298.0GB Normal Yes
[↑↓]-Select [ESC]-Previous Menu [DEL]-Delete Volume
ALL DATA IN THE VOLUME WILL BE LOST!
(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)
Are you sure you want to delete “Volume0”? (Y/N):
[DELETE VOLUME VERIFICATION]
ASUS ESC300 G4 5-11
Exiting the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility
To exit the utility:
1. From the utility main menu, select 6. Exit, then press <Enter>. The following warning
message appears:
2. Press <Y> to exit or press <N> to return to the utility main menu.
Are you sure you want to exit? (Y/N):
[CONFIRM EXIT]
5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk
5.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®
To install the RAID driver for Windows® OS:
1. During the OS installation, click Load Driver to allow you to select the installation
media containing the RAID driver.
2. Insert the USB ash drive with RAID driver into the USB port or the support DVD into
the optical drive, and then click Browse.
3. Click the name of the device you’ve inserted, go to Drivers > RAID, and then select
the RAID driver for the corresponding OS version. Click OK.
4. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.
Before loading the RAID driver from a USB ash drive, you have to use another computer
to copy the RAID driver from the support DVD to the USB ash drive.
To set up a Windows® UEFI operating system under RAID mode, ensure to load the UEFI
driver for your optical drive.
5-12 Chapter 5: RAID Conguration
A
Appendix
Appendix
A-2 Appendix
E3-PRO V5 block diagram
ASUS ESC300 G4 A-3
ASUS contact information
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
Address 4F, No. 150, Li-Te Rd., Peitou, Taipei 112, Taiwan
Telephone +886-2-2894-3447
Fax +886-2-2890-7798
Web site http://www.asus.com
Technical Support
Telephone +86-21-38429911
Fax +86-21-58668722 ext: 9101
Online Support http://www.asus.com/support/
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Taiwan)
Address 4F, No. 150, Li-Te Rd., Peitou, Taipei 112, Taiwan
Telephone +886-2-2894-3447
Fax +886-2-2890-7798
Web site http://www.asus.com
Technical Support
Telephone +886-2-2894-3447 (0800-093-456)
Online Support http://www.asus.com/support/
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (China)
Address No. 5077 Jindu Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China
Telephone +86-21-5442-1616
Fax +86-21-5442-0099
Web site http://www.asus.com.cn
Technical Support
Telephone +86-20-2804-7506 (400-620-6655)
Online Support http://support.asus.com/techserv/techserv.aspx
A-4 Appendix
ASUS contact information
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)
Address 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539, USA
Telephone +1-510-739-3777
Fax +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 Harkort Str. 21-23, 40880 Ratingen, Germany
Fax +49-2102-959911
Web site http://www.asus.de
Online contact http://eu-rma.asus.com/sales
Technical Support
Telephone +49-1805-010923
Support Fax +49-2102-959911
Online support http://www.asus.com/de/support/
ASUS Czech Service s.r.o. (Europe)
Address Na Rovince 887, 720 00 Ostrava – Hrabová, Czech
Republic
Telephone +420-596766888
Web site http://www.asus.cz
Technical Support
Telephone +420-596-766-891
Fax +420-596-766-329
E-mail advance.rma.eu@asus.com
Online Support http://support.asus.com/techserv/techserv.aspx
ASUS ESC300 G4 A-5
ASUS contact information
ASUS Holland BV (The Netherlands)
Address Marconistraat 2, 7825GD EMMEN, The Netherlands
Web site http://www.asus.com
Technical Support
Telephone +31-(0)591-5-70292
Fax +31-(0)591-666853
E-mail advance.rma.eu@asus.com
Online Support http://support.asus.com/techserv/techserv.aspx
ASUS Polska Sp. z o.o. (Poland)
Address Ul. Postępu 6, 02-676 Warszawa, Poland
Web site http://pl.asus.com
Technical Support
Telephone +48-225718033
Online Support http://support.asus.com/techserv/techserv.aspx
ASK-Service (Russia and CIS)
Address г.Москва, ул. Орджоникидзе, д.10, Россия
Telephone (495) 640-32-75
Web site http://ru.asus.com
Technical Support
Telephone 008-800-100-ASUS (008-800-100-2787)
Online Support http://vip.asus.com/eservice/techserv.aspx?SLanguage=ru
A-6 Appendix