Table of Contents
- Safety information
- Chapter 1: Product Introduction
- Chapter 2: Basic Installation
- Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
- 3.1 Knowing BIOS
- 3.2 BIOS setup program
- 3.3 My Favorites
- 3.4 Main menu
- 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu
- 3.6 Advanced menu
- 3.6.1 CPU Configuration
- 3.6.2 Platform Misc Configuration
- 3.6.3 System Agent (SA) Configuration
- 3.6.4 PCH Configuration
- 3.6.5 PCH Storage Configuration
- 3.6.6 PCH-FW Configuration
- 3.6.7 Thunderbolt(TM) Configuration
- 3.6.8 Onboard Devices Configuration
- 3.6.9 APM Configuration
- 3.6.10 Network Stack Configuration
- 3.6.11 HDD/SSD SMART Information
- 3.6.12 USB Configuration
- 3.7 Monitor menu
- 3.8 Boot menu
- 3.9 Tool menu
- 3.10 Exit menu
- 3.11 Updating BIOS
- Chapter 4: RAID Support
- Appendix
ASUS Z270-WS User Manual
Displayed below is the user manual for Z270-WS by ASUS which is a product in the Motherboards category. This manual has pages.
Related Manuals
Motherboard
Z270-WS
ii
E13108
Revised Edition V2
June 2017
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”).
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.
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 FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
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.
SPECIFICATIONS 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.
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.
Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software
This product contains copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”),
under the Lesser General Public License Version (“LGPL”) and/or other Free Open Source Software
Licenses. Such software in this product is distributed without any warranty to the extent permitted by the
applicable law. Copies of these licenses are included in this product.
Where the applicable license entitles you to the source code of such software and/or other additional data,
you may obtain it for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product, either
(1) for free by downloading it from https://www.asus.com/support/
or
(2) for the cost of reproduction and shipment, which is dependent on the preferred carrier and the location
where you want to have it shipped to, by sending a request to:
ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
Legal Compliance Dept.
15 Li Te Rd.,
Beitou, Taipei 112
Taiwan
In your request please provide the name, model number and version, as stated in the About Box of the
product for which you wish to obtain the corresponding source code and your contact details so that we
can coordinate the terms and cost of shipment with you.
The source code will be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under the same license as
the corresponding binary/object code.
This offer is valid to anyone in receipt of this information.
ASUSTeK is eager to duly provide complete source code as required under various Free Open Source
Software licenses. If however you encounter any problems in obtaining the full corresponding source
code we would be much obliged if you give us a notication to the email address gpl@asus.com, stating
the product and describing the problem (please DO NOT send large attachments such as source code
archives, etc. to this email address).
iii
Contents
Safety information ...................................................................................................... vi
About this guide ........................................................................................................ vii
Z270-WS specifications summary ............................................................................ ix
Package contents ..................................................................................................... xiv
Installation tools and components .......................................................................... xv
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.1 Motherboard overview ...............................................................................1-1
1.1.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-1
1.1.2 Motherboard layout ..................................................................... 1-2
1.1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-4
1.1.4 System memory .......................................................................... 1-5
1.1.5 Expansion slots ........................................................................... 1-7
1.1.6 Onboard buttons and switches.................................................... 1-9
1.1.7 Jumpers .................................................................................... 1-12
1.1.8 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................... 1-13
1.1.9 Internal connectors....................................................................1-19
Chapter 2: Basic Installation
2.1 Building your PC system ...........................................................................2-1
2.1.1 Motherboard installation .............................................................. 2-1
2.1.2 CPU installation...........................................................................2-3
2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation ............................... 2-5
2.1.4 DIMM installation......................................................................... 2-7
2.1.5 ATX power connection ................................................................ 2-8
2.1.6 SATA device connection ............................................................. 2-8
2.1.7 Front I/O connector ..................................................................... 2-9
2.1.8 Expansion card installation ....................................................... 2-10
2.1.9 M.2 installation .......................................................................... 2-11
2.2 BIOS update utility ................................................................................... 2-12
2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections .............................................2-13
2.3.1 Rear I/O connection .................................................................. 2-13
2.3.2 Audio I/O connections ............................................................... 2-15
2.4 Starting up for the first time ....................................................................2-17
2.5 Turning off the computer ........................................................................2-17
iv
Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................3-1
3.2 BIOS setup program ..................................................................................3-2
3.2.1 EZ Mode......................................................................................3-3
3.2.2 Advanced Mode .......................................................................... 3-4
3.2.3 QFan Control...............................................................................3-7
3.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard ....................................................................... 3-9
3.3 My Favorites .............................................................................................3-12
3.4 Main menu ................................................................................................3-14
3.5 Ai Tweaker menu ......................................................................................3-14
3.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................3-16
3.6.1 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 3-16
3.6.2 Platform Misc Conguration ...................................................... 3-17
3.6.3 System Agent (SA) Conguration ............................................. 3-17
3.6.4 PCH Conguration .................................................................... 3-17
3.6.5 PCH Storage Conguration....................................................... 3-17
3.6.6 PCH-FW Conguration ............................................................. 3-18
3.6.7 Thunderbolt(TM) Conguration ................................................. 3-18
3.6.8 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................ 3-19
3.6.9 APM Conguration .................................................................... 3-20
3.6.10 Network Stack Conguration..................................................... 3-20
3.6.11 HDD/SSD SMART Information ................................................. 3-20
3.6.12 USB Conguration .................................................................... 3-20
3.7 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................3-21
3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-21
3.9 Tool menu ................................................................................................. 3-23
3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility ............................................................ 3-23
3.9.2 Secure Erase ............................................................................ 3-24
3.9.3 ASUS Overclocking Prole ....................................................... 3-25
3.9.4 ASUS SPD Information ............................................................. 3-25
3.9.5 Graphics Card Information ........................................................ 3-25
3.10 Exit menu .................................................................................................. 3-26
3.11 Updating BIOS ..........................................................................................3-27
3.11.1 EZ Update ................................................................................. 3-27
3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3 ...................................................................... 3-28
3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 .......................................................... 3-30
v
Chapter 4: RAID Support
4.1 RAID configurations ..................................................................................4-1
4.1.1 RAID denitions .......................................................................... 4-1
4.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks .................................................. 4-2
4.1.3 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology in UEFI BIOS .......................... 4-2
4.1.4 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility .................. 4-6
4.2 Creating a RAID driver disk ....................................................................4-10
4.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® ................................. 4-10
Appendix
Z270 WS block diagram .......................................................................................... A-1
SSD Configurations ................................................................................................ A-2
Notices .................................................................................................................... A-3
ASUS contact information ...................................................................................... A-7
vi
Safety information
Electrical safety
• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet
before relocating the system.
• When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables
for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible,
disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
• Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all
power cables are unplugged.
• Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices
could interrupt the grounding circuit.
• Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not
sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power
company.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
• Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.
• Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.
• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,
slots, sockets and circuitry.
• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area
where it may become wet.
• Place the product on a stable surface.
• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
vii
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the
motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
1. Chapter 1: Product Introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the
motherboard.
2. Chapter 2: Basic Installation
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when
installing system components.
3. Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
4. Chapter 4: RAID Support
This chapter describes the RAID congurations.
Where to find more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software
updates.
1. ASUS website
The ASUS website (www.asus.com) provides updated information on ASUS hardware
and software products.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,
that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the
standard package.
viii
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 (+).
ix
Z270-WS specifications summary
CPU
Intel® Socket 1151 for 7th / 6th Generation Core™ i7/Core™ i5/Core™ i3/
Pentium®/Celeron® Processors
Supports 14nm CPU
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
* The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU types.
Chipset Intel® Z270 Chipset
Memory
4 x DIMM, max. 64GB, DDR4 3866(O.C.) / 3733(O.C.) / 3600(O.C.) /
3466(O.C.) / 3400(O.C.) / 3333(O.C.) / 3300(O.C.) / 3200(O.C.) /
3000(O.C.) / 2800(O.C.)* / 2666(O.C.)* / 2400/2133 MHz, non-ECC,
un-buffered memory
Dual channel memory architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)*
* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs.
Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List) for details.
Expansion slots
4 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (single at x16; dual at x16/x16; triple at x16/x8/x8; quad
at x8/x8/x8/x8 mode)
1 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x4 slot* (max. at x4 mode, compatible with PCIe x1, x2 and x4
devices)
VGA
Integrated Graphics Processor- Intel® HD Graphics support
Multi-VGA output support: DisplayPort/HDMI port
Supports DisplayPort 1.2* with max. resolution 4096 x 2304@24Hz / 4096 x
2304@60Hz
Supports HDMI 2.0 with max. resolution 4096x2160@60/24Hz**
Supports High Dynamic Range (HDR), Wide Color Gamut (Rec.2020),
HDCP 2.2
Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D/Quick Sync Video/Clear Video HD Technology/
Insider™
Supports up to 2 displays simultaneously
Maximum shared memory of 1024MB
* DP 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport compliant, supports DP 1.2 monitor daisy chain
up to 3 displays
** HDMI 2.0 60Hz resolution support requires necessary drivers update
Multi-GPU
support
Supports NVIDIA® 4-Way/Quad-GPU SLI® Technology * (with 4 PCIex16
graphics card)
Supports AMD® 4-Way/Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology(with 4 PCIex16
graphics card)
* Actual number of Multi-graphic supported differs per Vendors’ Graphic cards.
Please check with Vendor beforehand.
USB
Intel® Z270 Chipset
- 6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (4 ports @back panel, 2 ports @mid-board)
- 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports @back panel, 2 ports @mid-board)
Asmedia® USB 3.1 controllers
- 2 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 ports @back panel (1 x Type A ; 1 x Type C)
- 1 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 port @mid-board (optional Type A or Type C)
(continued on the next page)
x
Z270-WS specifications summary
(continued on the next page)
Storage
Intel® Z270 Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel Rapid Storage
Technology 15 support*
- 1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage
devices support ( PCIE mode only)**
- 1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage
devices support (both SATA & PCIE mode)***
- 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (gray)
- Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology****
- Supports PCIE RAID congurations via onboard U.2_1 and M.2_1 (and
U.2_2 or M.2_2) storages.
- 2 x U.2 connector (supports U.2 NVMe device) (U.2_2 connector***)
- Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready*****
* Supports PCIE RAID configurations via onboard U.2_1 and M.2_1 (and U.2_2 or
M.2_2) storages.
** The M.2_1 socket shares bandwidth with SATA6G_56 ports.
- When using M.2 PCIE devices in X2 mode, SATA_56 ports will not be disabled.
- When using M.2 PCIE devices in X4 mode, SATA_56 ports will be disabled.
*** The M.2_2 socket shares bandwidth with U.2_2 connector and SATA6G_1 port.
- When using M.2_2 socket with PCIE bandwidth, SATA6G_1 port will not be
disabled and U.2_2 connector will be disabled.
- When using M.2_2 socket with SATA bandwidth, SATA6G_1 port and U.2_2
connector will be disabled.
- When using U.2_2 connector, SATA6G_1 port will not be disabled and M.2_2
connector will be disabled.
**** These functions will work depending on the CPU installed.
***** Intel® Optane Technology is only supported when using 7th Generation Intel®
processors. Before using Intel® Optane memory modules, ensure that you have
updated your motherboard drivers and BIOS to the latest version from ASUS
support website.
Audio
- Realtek® S1220A 8-ch HD, DTS® Connect/DTS® Headphone:X
- Crystal Sound 3
- Impedance sense for headphone outputs
- 120dB SNR stereo playback output & 113dB SNR input(Line-in) support
- Power pre-regulator reduces power input noise to ensure consistent
performance
- EMI protection cover to prevent electrical noise to affect the amplier
quality
- Unique de-pop circuit to reduce start-up popping noise to audio outputs
- Audio shielding ensures precise analog/digital separation and greatly
reduced multi-lateral interference
- Premium Japan-made audio capacitors provides warm, natural, and
immersive sound with exceptional clarity and delity
- Separate layer for left and right track, ensuring both sound deliver equal
quality
- Supports jack-detection, multi-streaming
- S/PDIF Optical Out
xi
Z270-WS specifications summary
(continued on the next page)
ASUS Exclusive
Features
<Superb Performance>
OC Design: ASUS PRO Clock Technology
- Full BCLK range for extreme overclocking performance.
5-Way Optimization
- Whole system optimization with a single click! Perfectly consolidates better
CPU performance, power saving, digital power control, system cooling and
app usages.
DIGI+ Power Control
- CPU Power: Digital 8-phase power design
- iGPU Power: Digital 4-phase power design
- DRAM Power: Digital 2-phase power design
TPU
- Auto Tuning, GPU Boost
EPU
Fan Xpert 4 featuring Fan Auto Tuning function and multiple
thermistors selection for optimized system cooling control
Turbo App featuring system performance tuning, network priority, and
audio scene conguration for selected applications.
UEFI BIOS
- Most advanced options with fast response time
USB BIOS Flashback with USB BIOS Flashback Wizard for EZ BIOS
download scheduling
UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface
- CrashFree BIOS 3
- EZ Flash 3
- EZ Tuning Wizard
Q-Design
- ASUS Q-code
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, HDD LED)
- ASUS Q-Slot
- ASUS Q-DIMM
- ASUS Q-Connector
Intel® Thunderbolt 3 Support
- Blistering-fast 40Gb/s data transfers upgrades with ThunderboltEX 3 Card.
ASUS SafeSlot
- Protect your graphics card Investment
xii
Z270-WS specifications summary
(continued on the next page)
ASUS Special
Features
- Key Express
- MemOK!
- EZ XMP
- File Transfer
- AI Suite 3
- AI Charger
ASUS Quiet
Thermal
Solution
Quiet Thermal Design:
- ASUS Fan Xpert 4
- ASUS Fan less Design: Heat-pipe solution
Internal I/O
connectors
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB ports (19-pin)
1 x USB 2.0/1/1 connector supports additional 2 USB ports
1 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 1 USB port
2 x M.2 Socket 3 (for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 devices)
2 x U.2 connectors (support U.2 NVMe device)
6 x SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (6 x gray)
1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin) for both 3-pin(DC mode) and 4-pin(PWM
mode) CPU coolers control with auto detection support
1 x CPU OPT Fan connector (4-pin)
1 x Water Pump header
3 x Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin) for both 3-pin(DC mode) and 4-pin(PWM
mode) coolers control
1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
1 x S/PDIF out header
1 x Thunderbolt header (5-pin) for ASUS ThunderboltEX series support
1 x TPM connector
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
2 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
1 x 6-pin EATX 12V_1 Power Connector
1 x System Panel(Q-Connector)
1 x MemOK! Button
1 x Clear CMOS Button
1 x EZ XMP switch
1 x Power-on button
1 x 5-pin EXT_FAN(Extension Fan) connector
1 x 4-pin RGB LED header
LAN
Gigabit Intel LAN connection- 802.3az Energy Efcient Ethernet (EEE)
appliance
Intel® I219-LM Gigabit LAN- Dual interconnect between the integrated Media
Access Controller (MAC) and physical layer (PHY)
Intel® I210-AT Gigabit LAN controller
ASUS Turbo LAN Utility
xiii
Z270-WS specifications summary
Back Panel I/O
Ports
1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI port
1 x Optical S/PDIF out
2 x Intel LAN (RJ45) ports
1 x USB BIOS Flashback Button
1 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 ports (teal blue, Type A)
1 x USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 ports (Type C)
4 x USB 3.0/2.0 port (blue)
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 port
8-channel Audio I/O ports
BIOS Features
128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 3.0, ACPI
6.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 3, CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ
Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Last Modied log, F12
PrintScreen, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory
information.
Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 3.0, WOL by PME, PXE
Support DVD
contents
Drivers
ASUS Utilities
EZ Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Operating
system support
Windows® 10 64-bit
Windows® 8.1 64-bit*
Windows® 7 64-bit*
* Windows® 8.1 64-bit and Windows® 7 64-bit are only supported when using 6th
Generation Intel® Processors
Form factor ATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.4cm)
• Specications are subject to change without notice.
• Visit the ASUS website for the software manual.
xiv
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items:
User Manual
ASUS Z270-WS motherboard User manual Support DVD
6 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x COM port bracket 1 x ASUS SLI bridge
connector
1 x ASUS 4-Way SLI bridge connector 1 x ASUS 3-Way SLI bridge
connector 1 x Q-connector
1 x Q-Shield 2 x M.2 Screw package 1 x CPU Installation Tool
1 x RGB LED extension cable 1 x USB 2.0 2-port connector
xv
Installation tools and components
The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.
PC chassis
Power supply unit
Intel® LGA1151 compatible CPU Fan
Intel® LGA1151 CPU
DIMM
SATA hard disk drive
Graphics card
Phillips (cross) screwdriver
SATA optical disc drive (optional)
1 bag of screws
xvi
ASUS Z270-WS 1-1
Chapter 1
Product Introduction
1
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
• Unplugthepowercordfromthewallsocketbeforetouchinganycomponent.
• Beforehandlingcomponents,useagroundedwriststraportouchasafelygrounded
objectorametalobject,suchasthepowersupplycase,toavoiddamagingthemdue
tostaticelectricity.
• HoldcomponentsbytheedgestoavoidtouchingtheICsonthem.
• Wheneveryouuninstallanycomponent,placeitonagroundedantistaticpadorinthe
bagthatcamewiththecomponent.
• Beforeyouinstallorremoveanycomponent,ensurethattheATXpowersupplyis
switchedofforthepowercordisdetachedfromthepowersupply.Failuretodoso
maycauseseveredamagetothemotherboard,peripherals,orcomponents.
1.1 Motherboard overview
1.1.1 Before you proceed
Takenoteofthefollowingprecautionsbeforeyouinstallmotherboardcomponentsorchange
anymotherboardsettings.
1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
Referto1.1.9 Internal connectorsand2.3.1 Rear I/O connectionformoreinformation
aboutrearpanelconnectorsandinternalconnectors.
1.1.2 Motherboard layout
ASUS Z270-WS 1-3
Chapter 1
Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots Page
1. ATXpowerconnectors(24-pinEATXPWR;8-pinEATX12V1;8-pin
EATX12V;6-pinEATX12V_1)
1-24
2. LGA1151CPUsocket 1-4
3. CPU,CPUoptional,highamp,extension,waterpump,andchassisfan
connectors(4-pinCPU_FAN;4-pinCPU_OPT;4-pinH_AMP_FAN;4-pin
W_PUMP;5-pinEXT_FAN;4-pinCHA_FAN1-3)
1-23
4. DDR4DIMMslots 1-5
5. MemOK!button 1-10
6. U.2connectors(U.2_1-2) 1-20
7. USB3.0connector(20-1pinUSB3_12) 1-21
8. ClearCMOSbutton(CLR_CMOS) 1-11
9. Intel®SerialATA6Gb/sconnectors(7-pinSATA6G_12;SATA6G_34;
SATA6G_56)
1-19
10. RGBheader(4-pinRGB_HEADER) 1-28
11. Thermalsensorconnector(2-pinT_SENSOR) 1-29
12. Systempanelconnector(20-3pinPANEL) 1-25
13. USB3.1frontpanelconnector(USB3.1_EC1) 1-22
14. EZXMPswitch 1-11
15. TPMconnector(14-1pinTPM) 1-26
16. USB2.0connectors(10-1pinUSB1112) 1-22
17. CPUOverVoltagejumper(3-pinCPU_OV) 1-12
18. Resetbutton 1-9
19. Power-onbutton 1-9
20. Q-CodeLED 1-14
21. Serialportconnector(10-1pinCOM1) 1-29
22. Frontpanelaudioconnector(10-1pinAAFP) 1-20
23. M.2sockets(M2X4_1;M2X4_2) 1-27
24. Thunderboltheader(5-pinTB_HEADER) 1-26
1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
1.1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
ThemotherboardcomeswithasurfacemountLGA1151socketdesignedforthe7th&6th
GenerationIntel®Core™i7/Intel®Core™i5/Intel®Core™i3,Pentium®,andCeleron®
processors.
• EnsurethatallpowercablesareunpluggedbeforeinstallingtheCPU.
• Uponpurchaseofthemotherboard,ensurethatthePnPcapisonthesocketand
thesocketcontactsarenotbent.ContactyourretailerimmediatelyifthePnPcap
ismissing,orifyouseeanydamagetothePnPcap/socketcontacts/motherboard
components.ASUSwillshoulderthecostofrepaironlyifthedamageisshipment/
transit-related.
• Keepthecapafterinstallingthemotherboard.ASUSwillprocessReturnMerchandise
Authorization(RMA)requestsonlyifthemotherboardcomeswiththecaponthe
LGA1151socket.
• Theproductwarrantydoesnotcoverdamagetothesocketcontactsresultingfrom
incorrectCPUinstallation/removal,ormisplacement/loss/incorrectremovalofthePnP
cap.
ASUS Z270-WS 1-5
Chapter 1
Recommended memory configurations
1.1.4 System memory
ThemotherboardcomeswithfourDDR4(DoubleDataRate4)QuadInlineMemoryModules
(DIMM)slots.
ADDR4moduleisnotcheddifferentlyfromaDDR,DDR2,orDDR3module.DONOT
installaDDR,DDR2,orDDR3memorymoduletotheDDR4slot.
1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
Memory configurations
Youmayinstall1GB,2GB,4GB,8GBand16GBunbufferedandnon-ECCDDR4DIMMs
intotheDIMMsockets.
• YoumayinstallvaryingmemorysizesinChannelAandChannelB.Thesystem
mapsthetotalsizeofthelower-sizedchannelforthedual-channelconguration.Any
excessmemoryfromthehigher-sizedchannelisthenmappedforsingle-channel
operation.
• Duetothememoryaddresslimitationon32-bitWindows®OS,whenyouinstall4GB
ormorememoryonthemotherboard,theactualusablememoryfortheOScanbe
about3GBorless.Foreffectiveuseofmemory,werecommendthatyoudoanyof
thefollowing:
a) Useamaximumof3GBsystemmemoryifyouareusinga32-bitWindows®OS.
b) Installa64-bitWindows®OSwhenyouwanttoinstall4GBormoreonthe
motherboard.
c) Formoredetails,refertotheMicrosoft®supportsiteathttp://support.microsoft.
com/kb/929605/en-us.
• ThismotherboarddoesnotsupportDIMMsmadeupof512Mb(64MB)chipsorless
(MemorychipcapacitycountsinMegabit,8Megabit/Mb=1Megabyte/MB).
• ThedefaultmemoryoperationfrequencyisdependentonitsSerialPresenceDetect
(SPD),whichisthestandardwayofaccessinginformationfromamemorymodule.
Underthedefaultstate,somememorymodulesforoverclockingmayoperateata
lowerfrequencythanthevendor-markedvalue.
• Forsystemstability,useamoreefcientmemorycoolingsystemtosupportafull
memoryload(4DIMMs)oroverclockingcondition.
• AlwaysinstalltheDIMMSwiththesameCASLatency.Foranoptimumcompatibility,
werecommendthatyouinstallmemorymodulesofthesameversionordatacode
(D/C)fromthesamevendor.Checkwiththevendortogetthecorrectmemory
modules.
ASUS Z270-WS 1-7
Chapter 1
1.1.5 Expansion slots
Unplugthepowercordbeforeaddingorremovingexpansioncards.Failuretodosomay
causeyouphysicalinjuryanddamagemotherboardcomponents.
Slot No. Slot Description
1PCIE3.0/2.0x16_1slot
2PCIE3.0/2.0x16_2slot(max.atx8mode)
3PCIE3.0/2.0x4_1slot(max.atx4mode)
4 PCIE3.0/2.0x16_3slot
5 PCIE3.0/2.0x16_4slot(max.atx8mode)
1-8 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
• WerecommendthatyouprovidesufcientpowerwhenrunningCrossFireX™orSLI®
mode.
• ConnectachassisfantothemotherboardconnectorlabeledCHA_FAN1-4when
usingmultiplegraphicscardsforbetterthermalenvironment.
• WerecommendyouconnectanEATX12V1cablewhenrunningCrossFireX™and
SLI®.
Slot
No.
PCI Express 3.0 operating mode
Single VGA SLI CrossFireX 3-WAY SLI
CrossFireX
4-WAY SLI
CrossFireX
1x16
(singleVGA
recommended)
x16 x8 x8
2 - - x8 x8
4
-x16
(dualVGA
recommended)
x16 x8
5- - - x8
A B C D E F G
PCIEX16_1 shared - - - - - -
PCIEX16_2 shared - - - - - -
PCIEX16_3 shared - - - - - -
PCIEX16_4 shared - - - - - -
PCIEX4_1 shared - - - - - -
SMBUSController shared - - - - - -
IntelSATAController shared - - - - - -
LAN1(i219) shared - - - - - -
LAN2(i210) - - shared ----
IntelxHCI shared - - - - - -
HDAudio shared - - - - - -
ASMedia2142-1 shared - - - - - -
ASMedia2142-2 shared - - - - -
IRQ assignments for this motherboard
ASUS Z270-WS 1-9
Chapter 1
1.1.6 Onboard buttons and switches
Onboardbuttonsandswitchesallowyoutone-tuneperformancewhenworkingonabareor
open-casesystem.Thisisidealforoverclockersandgamerswhocontinuallychangesettings
toenhancesystemperformance.
1. Power-on button
Themotherboardcomeswithapower-onbuttonthatallowsyoutopoweruporwake
upthesystem.Thebuttonalsolightsupwhenthesystemispluggedtoapowersource
indicatingthatyoushouldshutdownthesystemandunplugthepowercablebefore
removingorinstallinganymotherboardcomponent.
2. Reset button
Presstheresetbuttontorebootthesystem.
1-10 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
3. MemOK! button
InstallingDIMMsthatarenotcompatiblewiththemotherboardmaycausesystem
bootfailure,andtheDIAG_DRAMLEDlightscontinuously.Pressandholdthe
MemOK!buttonuntiltheDIAG_DRAMLEDstartsblinkingtobeginautomaticmemory
compatibilitytuningforsuccessfulboot.
• Refertosection1.1.8 Onboard LEDsfortheexactlocationofthePOSTStateLEDs
(DIAG_DRAM).
• TheDIAG_DRAMalsolightsupwhentheDIMMisnotproperlyinstalled.Turnoffthe
systemandreinstalltheDIMMbeforeusingtheMemOK!function.
• TheMemOK!buttondoesnotfunctionunderWindows®OSenvironment.
• Duringthetuningprocess,thesystemloadsandtestsfailsafememorysettings.It
takesabout30secondsforthesystemtotestonesetoffailsafesettings.Ifthetest
fails,thesystemrebootsandteststhenextsetoffailsafesettings.Theblinkingspeed
oftheDIAG_DRAMincreases,indicatingdifferenttestprocesses.
• Duetomemorytuningrequirement,thesystemautomaticallyrebootswheneach
timingsetistested.IftheinstalledDIMMsstillfailtobootafterthewholetuning
process,theDIAG_DRAMlightscontinuously.ReplacetheDIMMswithones
recommendedintheMemoryQVL(QualiedVendorsLists)atwww.asus.com.
• IfyouturnoffthecomputerandreplaceDIMMsduringthetuningprocess,thesystem
continuesmemorytuningafterturningonthecomputer.Tostopmemorytuning,turn
offthecomputerandunplugthepowercordforabout5–10seconds.
• IfyoursystemfailstobootupduetoBIOSoverclocking,presstheMemOK!button
tobootandloadtheBIOSdefaultsettings.AmessagewillappearduringPOST
remindingyouthattheBIOShasbeenrestoredtoitsdefaultsettings.
• WerecommendthatyoudownloadandupdatetothelatestBIOSversionfrom
www.asus.comafterusingtheMemOK!function.
ASUS Z270-WS 1-11
Chapter 1
4. Clear CMOS button (CLR_CMOS)
PressthisbuttontocleartheBIOSsetupinformationonlywhenthesystemshangs
duetooverclocking.
5. EZ XMP switch
EnablethisswitchtooverclocktheinstalledDIMMs,allowingyoutoenhancethe
DIMM’sspeedandperformance.
1-12 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
1.1.7 Jumpers
1. CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV)
TheCPUOverVoltagejumperallowsyoutosetahigherCPUvoltageforaexible
overclockingsystem,dependingonthetypeoftheinstalledCPU.TogainmoreCPU
voltagesetting,insertthejumpertopins2-3.TogobacktoitsdefaultCPUvoltage
setting,insertthejumpertopins1-2.
ASUS Z270-WS 1-13
Chapter 1
1.1.8 Onboard LEDs
1. POST State LEDs
ThePOSTStateLEDsprovidethestatusofthesekeycomponentsduringPOST
(Power-OnSelf-Test):CPU,memorymodules,VGAcard,andharddiskdrives.Ifan
errorisfound,thecriticalcomponent’sLEDstayslitupuntiltheproblemissolved.
2. EZ XMP LED (XLED1)
ThisLEDlightsupwhenyouenabletheEZXMPswitch.
1-14 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
3. Q-Code LED
TheQ-CodeLEDdesignprovidesyouwitha2-digiterrorcodethatdisplaysthesystem
status.RefertotheQ-Codetableonthenextpagefordetails.
ASUS Z270-WS 1-15
Chapter 1
Q-Code table
Code Description
00 Notused
01 Poweron.Resettypedetection(soft/hard).
02 APinitializationbeforemicrocodeloading
03 SystemAgentinitializationbeforemicrocodeloading
04 PCHinitializationbeforemicrocodeloading
06 Microcodeloading
07 APinitializationaftermicrocodeloading
08 SystemAgentinitializationaftermicrocodeloading
09 PCHinitializationaftermicrocodeloading
0B Cacheinitialization
0C – 0D ReservedforfutureAMISECerrorcodes
0E Microcodenotfound
0F Microcodenotloaded
10 PEICoreisstarted
11 – 14 Pre-memoryCPUinitializationisstarted
15 – 18 Pre-memorySystemAgentinitializationisstarted
19 – 1C Pre-memoryPCHinitializationisstarted
2B – 2F Memoryinitialization
30 ReservedforASL(seeASLStatusCodessectionbelow)
31 MemoryInstalled
32 – 36 CPUpost-memoryinitialization
37 – 3A Post-MemorySystemAgentinitializationisstarted
3B – 3E Post-MemoryPCHinitializationisstarted
4F DXEIPLisstarted
50 – 53 Memoryinitializationerror.Invalidmemorytypeorincompatiblememory
speed
54 Unspeciedmemoryinitializationerror
55 Memorynotinstalled
56 InvalidCPUtypeorSpeed
57 CPUmismatch
58 CPUselftestfailedorpossibleCPUcacheerror
59 CPUmicro-codeisnotfoundormicro-codeupdateisfailed
5A InternalCPUerror
5B ResetPPIisnotavailable
5C – 5F ReservedforfutureAMIerrorcodes
E0 S3Resumeisstared(S3ResumePPIiscalledbytheDXEIPL)
E1 S3BootScriptexecution
E2 Videorepost
E3 OSS3wakevectorcall
E4 – E7 ReservedforfutureAMIprogresscodes
E8 S3ResumeFailed
(continuedonthenextpage)
1-16 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
Code Description
E9 S3ResumePPInotFound
EA S3ResumeBootScriptError
EB S3OSWakeError
EC – EF ReservedforfutureAMIerrorcodes
F0 Recoveryconditiontriggeredbyrmware(Autorecovery)
F1 Recoveryconditiontriggeredbyuser(Forcedrecovery)
F2 Recoveryprocessstarted
F3 Recoveryrmwareimageisfound
F4 Recoveryrmwareimageisloaded
F5 – F7 ReservedforfutureAMIprogresscodes
F8 RecoveryPPIisnotavailable
F9 Recoverycapsuleisnotfound
FA Invalidrecoverycapsule
FB – FF ReservedforfutureAMIerrorcodes
60 DXECoreisstarted
61 NVRAMinitialization
62 InstallationofthePCHRuntimeServices
63 – 67 CPUDXEinitializationisstarted
68 PCIhostbridgeinitialization
69 SystemAgentDXEinitializationisstarted
6A SystemAgentDXESMMinitializationisstarted
6B – 6F SystemAgentDXEinitialization(SystemAgentmodulespecic)
70 PCHDXEinitializationisstarted
71 PCHDXESMMinitializationisstarted
72 PCHdevicesinitialization
73 – 77 PCHDXEInitialization(PCHmodulespecic)
78 ACPImoduleinitialization
79 CSMinitialization
7A – 7F ReservedforfutureAMIDXEcodes
90 BootDeviceSelection(BDS)phaseisstarted
91 Driverconnectingisstarted
92 PCIBusinitializationisstarted
93 PCIBusHotPlugControllerInitialization
94 PCIBusEnumeration
95 PCIBusRequestResources
96 PCIBusAssignResources
97 ConsoleOutputdevicesconnect
98 Consoleinputdevicesconnect
99 SuperIOInitialization
9A USBinitializationisstarted
9B USBReset
(continuedonthenextpage)
ASUS Z270-WS 1-17
Chapter 1
Code Description
9C USBDetect
9D USBEnable
9E – 9F ReservedforfutureAMIcodes
A0 IDEinitializationisstarted
A1 IDEReset
A2 IDEDetect
A3 IDEEnable
A4 SCSIinitializationisstarted
A5 SCSIReset
A6 SCSIDetect
A7 SCSIEnable
A8 SetupVerifyingPassword
A9 StartofSetup
AA ReservedforASL(seeASLStatusCodessectionbelow)
AB SetupInputWait
AC ReservedforASL(seeASLStatusCodessectionbelow)
AD ReadyToBootevent
AE LegacyBootevent
AF ExitBootServicesevent
B0 RuntimeSetVirtualAddressMAPBegin
B1 RuntimeSetVirtualAddressMAPEnd
B2 LegacyOptionROMInitialization
B3 SystemReset
B4 USBhotplug
B5 PCIbushotplug
B6 Clean-upofNVRAM
B7 CongurationReset(resetofNVRAMsettings)
B8– BF ReservedforfutureAMIcodes
D0 CPUinitializationerror
D1 SystemAgentinitializationerror
D2 PCHinitializationerror
D3 SomeoftheArchitecturalProtocolsarenotavailable
D4 PCIresourceallocationerror.OutofResources
D5 NoSpaceforLegacyOptionROM
D6 NoConsoleOutputDevicesarefound
D7 NoConsoleInputDevicesarefound
D8 Invalidpassword
D9 ErrorloadingBootOption(LoadImagereturnederror)
DA BootOptionisfailed(StartImagereturnederror)
DB Flashupdateisfailed
DC Resetprotocolisnotavailable
1-18 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
ACPI/ASL Checkpoints (under OS)
Code Description
03 SystemisenteringS3sleepstate
04 SystemisenteringS4sleepstate
05 SystemisenteringS5sleepstate
30 SystemiswakingupfromtheS3sleepstate
40 SystemiswakingupfromtheS4sleepstate
AC SystemhastransitionedintoACPImode.InterruptcontrollerisinPICmode.
AA SystemhastransitionedintoACPImode.InterruptcontrollerisinAPICmode.
ASUS Z270-WS 1-19
Chapter 1
1.1.9 Internal connectors
1. Intel® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12; SATA 6G_34;
SATA 6G_56)
TheseconnectorsconnecttoSerialATA6Gb/sharddiskdrivesviaSerialATA6Gb/s
signalcables.
IfyouinstalledSerialATAharddiskdrives,youcancreateaRAID0,1,5,and10
congurationwiththeIntel®RapidStorageTechnologythroughtheonboardIntel®
Z270chipset.
Theseconnectorsaresetto[AHCI Mode]bydefault.IfyouintendtocreateaSerialATA
RAIDsetusingtheseconnectors,settheSATAModeitemintheBIOSto[Intel RST
Premium With Intel Optane System Acceleration (RAID)].
1-20 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
2. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
Thisconnectorisforachassis-mountedfrontpanelaudioI/OmodulethatsupportsHD
Audio.ConnectoneendofthefrontpanelaudioI/Omodulecabletothisconnector.
Werecommendthatyouconnectahigh-denitionfrontpanelaudiomoduletothis
connectortoavailofthemotherboard’shigh-denitionaudiocapability.
3. U.2 connectors (U.2_1-2)
ThismotherboardcomeswithU.2connectorswhichsupportPCIe3.0x4NVMExpress
storage.
ASUS Z270-WS 1-21
Chapter 1
4. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12)
ThisconnectorallowsyoutoconnectaUSB3.0moduleforadditionalUSB3.0front
orrearpanelports.WithaninstalledUSB3.0module,youcanenjoyallthebenetsof
USB3.0includingfasterdatatransferspeedsofupto5Gb/s,fasterchargingtimefor
USB-chargeabledevices,optimizedpowerefciency,andbackwardcompatibilitywith
USB2.0.
TheUSB3.0moduleispurchasedseparately.
• EnsuretoinstalltherelateddrivertofullyusetheUSB3.0portsunderWindows®7.
• ThepluggedUSB3.0devicemayrunonxHCIorEHCImodedependingonthe
operatingsystem’ssetting.
1-22 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
DONOTconnecta1394cabletotheUSBconnectors.Doingsowilldamagethe
motherboard!
5. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112)
ThisconnectorisforUSB2.0ports.ConnecttheUSBmodulecabletothese
connectors,theninstallthemoduletoaslotopeningatthebackofthesystemchassis.
ThisUSBconnectorcomplieswithUSB2.0specicationthatsupportsupto480Mb/s
connectionspeed.
6. USB 3.1 front panel connector (USB3.1_EC1)
ThisconnectorallowsyoutoconnectaUSB3.1moduleforadditionalUSB3.1ports.
ThelatestUSB3.1connectivityprovidesdatatransferspeedsofupto10Gbps.The
next-generationstandardiscompletelybackward-compatiblewithyourexistingUSB
devices.
ASUS Z270-WS 1-23
Chapter 1
7. CPU, CPU optional, high amp, extension, water pump, and chassis fan
connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin H_AMP_FAN; 4-pin W_
PUMP; 5-pin EXT_FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-3)
Connectthefancablestothefanconnectorsonthemotherboard,ensuringthatthe
blackwireofeachcablematchesthegroundpinoftheconnector.
• TheCPU_FANconnectorsupportstheCPUfanofmaximum1A(12W)fanpower.
• TheEXT_FANconnectorsupports2of5thermalsensorsources.
• ForbetterQ-Fanfunctions,werecommendusing4-pinPWMfanswhenyouconnect
powerfulfans(1Aorabove)ontotheH_AMP_FANconnector.
• EnsuretodisableQ-Fanfunctionsifyouwanttoconnectpowerful3-pinDCfans(1A
orabove)ontotheH_AMP_FANconnector.
• ConnectthefanofyourwatercoolingkittotheW_PUMPconnector.
• DONOTforgettoconnectthefancablestothefanconnectors.Insufcientairow
insidethesystemmaydamagethemotherboardcomponents.Thesearenotjumpers!
Donotplacejumpercapsonthefanconnectors!
• EnsurethattheCPUfancableissecurelyinstalledtotheCPUfanconnector.
1-24 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
• Forafullyconguredsystem,werecommendthatyouuseapowersupplyunit
(PSU)thatcomplieswithATX12VSpecication2.0(orlaterversion)andprovidesa
minimumpowerof350W.
• DONOTforgettoconnectthe4-pin/8-pinEATX12Vpowerplug.Otherwise,the
systemwillnotboot.
• WerecommendthatyouuseaPSUwithahigherpoweroutputwhenconguringa
systemwithmorepower-consumingdevices.Thesystemmaybecomeunstableor
maynotbootupifthepowerisinadequate.
• Ifyouwanttousetwoormorehigh-endPCIExpressx16cards,useaPSUwith
1000Wpowerorabovetoensurethesystemstability.
8. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V1; 8-pin EATX12V;
6-pin EATX12V_1)
TheseconnectorsareforATXpowersupplyplugs.Thepowersupplyplugsare
designedtottheseconnectorsinonlyoneorientation.Findtheproperorientationand
pushdownrmlyuntiltheconnectorscompletelyt.
ASUS Z270-WS 1-25
Chapter 1
• SystempowerLED(2-pinor3-1pinPLED)
The2-pinor3-1pinconnectorisforthesystempowerLED.Connectthechassis
powerLEDcabletothisconnector.ThesystempowerLEDlightsupwhenyouturnon
thesystempower,andblinkswhenthesystemisinsleepmode.
• HarddiskdriveactivityLED(2-pinHDD_LED)
This2-pinconnectorisfortheHDDActivityLED.ConnecttheHDDActivityLEDcable
tothisconnector.TheHDDLEDlightsuporasheswhendataisreadfromorwritten
totheHDD.
• Systemwarningspeaker(4-pinSPEAKER)
This4-pinconnectorisforthechassis-mountedsystemwarningspeaker.Thespeaker
allowsyoutohearsystembeepsandwarnings.
• ATXpowerbutton/soft-offbutton(2-pinPWRSW)
Thisconnectorisforthesystempowerbutton.Pressingthepowerbuttonturnsthe
systemonorputsthesysteminsleeporsoft-offmodedependingontheoperating
systemsettings.Pressingthepowerswitchformorethanfoursecondswhilethe
systemisONturnsthesystemOFF.
• Resetbutton(2-pinRESET)
This2-pinconnectorisforthechassis-mountedresetbuttonforsystemrebootwithout
turningoffthesystempower.
• Chassisintrusionconnector(2-pinCHASSIS)
Thisconnectorisforachassis-mountedintrusiondetectionsensororswitch.Connect
oneendofthechassisintrusionsensororswitchcabletothisconnector.Thechassis
intrusionsensororswitchsendsahigh-levelsignaltothisconnectorwhenachassis
componentisremovedorreplaced.Thesignalisthengeneratedasachassisintrusion
event.
9. System panel connector (20-3 pin PANEL)
Thisconnectorsupportsseveralchassis-mountedfunctions.
1-26 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
10. TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM)
ThisconnectorsupportsaTrustedPlatformModule(TPM)system,whichsecurely
storeskeys,digitalcerticates,passwordsanddata.ATPMsystemalsohelps
enhancenetworksecurity,protectdigitalidentities,andensuresplatformintegrity.
TheTPMmoduleispurchasedseparately.
11. Thunderbolt header (5-pin TB_HEADER)
Thisconnectorisfortheadd-onThunderboltI/OcardthatsupportsIntel’sThunderbolt
Technology,allowingyoutoconnectuptosixThunderbolt-enableddevicesanda
DisplayPort-enableddisplayinadaisy-chainconguration.
Theadd-onThunderboltI/OcardandThunderboltcablesarepurchasedseparately.
ASUS Z270-WS 1-27
Chapter 1
12. M.2 sockets (M2X4_1; M2X4_2)
ThesesocketsallowyoutoinstallM.2SSDmodules.
• M.2_1socketsupportsPCIe3.0x4modeMKeydesignandtype2242/2260/2280/
22110storagedevices.
• M.2_2socketsupportsPCIe3.0x4andSATAmodeMKeydesignandtype2242/
2260/2280/22110storagedevices.
• ThesesocketssupportIRST(Intel®RapidStorageTechnology).
TheM.2SSDmoduleispurchasedseparately.
1-28 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
13. RGB header (4-pin RGB_HEADER)
ThisconnectorisforRGBLEDstrips.
TheRGBheadersupports5050RGBmulti-colorLEDstrips(12V/G/R/B),withamaximum
powerratingof2A(12V),andnolongerthan2m.
Beforeyouinstallorremoveanycomponent,ensurethattheATXpowersupplyisswitched
offorthepowercordisdetachedfromthepowersupply.Failuretodosomaycausesevere
damagetothemotherboard,peripherals,orcomponents.
• ActuallightingandcolorwillvarywithLEDstrip.
• IfyourLEDstripdoesnotlightup,checkiftheRGBLEDextensioncableandthe
RGBLEDstripisconnectedinthecorrectorientation,andthe12Vconnectoris
alignedwiththe12Vheaderonthemotherboard.
• TheLEDstripwillonlylightupundertheoperatingsystem.
• TheLEDstripispurchasedseparately.
ASUS Z270-WS 1-29
Chapter 1
14. Thermal sensor connector (2-pin T_SENSOR)
Thisconnectorisforthethermistorcablethatmonitorsthetemperatureofthedevices
andthecriticalcomponentsinsidethemotherboard.Connectthethermistorcable
andplacethesensoronthedeviceorthemotherboard’scomponenttodetectits
temperature.
15. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)
Thisconnectorisforaserial(COM)port.Connecttheserialportmodulecabletothis
connector,theninstallthemoduletoaslotopeningatthebackofthesystemchassis.
TheCOMmoduleispurchasedseparately.
1-30 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
ASUS Z270-WS 2-1
Chapter 2
Basic Installation
2
2.1 Building your PC system
The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with
models, but the installation steps are the same for all models.
2.1.1 Motherboard installation
1. Install the ASUS Q-Shield to the chassis rear I/O panel.
Chapter 2: Basic Installation
2. Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are aligned to
the chassis’ rear I/O panel.
2-2 Chapter 2: Basic Installation
Chapter 2
3. Place nine screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the
chassis.
DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
ASUS Z270-WS 2-3
Chapter 2
2.1.2 CPU installation
Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1151 socket only. DO NOT install
a CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1151 socket.
Top of CPU
Bottom of CPU
Bottom of CPU
2-4 Chapter 2: Basic Installation
Chapter 2
Top of CPU
• TheCPUInstallationToolisonlycompatibleonASUSmotherboardswithaIntel®
LGA1151 socket.
• EnsurethattheCPUisrmlyclickedintoplacebeforeinstallingitontotheCPUsocket
on the motherboard.
• UsetheCPUInstallationToolforinstallingtheCPUonly.DONOTdamageorbend
the CPU Installation Tool.
• AlwaysrmlyholdbothsidesoftheCPUInstallationToolwheninstalling,removing,or
picking up the CPU Installation Tool.
• EnsuretouseasoftstablesurfacewheninstallingtheCPUtotheCPUInstallation
Tool to prevent CPU damage.
• ASUSwillnotcoverdamagesresultingfromincorrectCPUinstallation/removal,
incorrect CPU orientation/placement, or other damages resulting from negligence by
the user.
ASUS Z270-WS 2-5
Chapter 2
2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation
Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the
CPU heatsink and CPU before you install
the heatsink and fan, if necessary.
To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly
2-6 Chapter 2: Basic Installation
Chapter 2
To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly
ASUS Z270-WS 2-7
Chapter 2
To remove a DIMM
2.1.4 DIMM installation
2-8 Chapter 2: Basic Installation
Chapter 2
2.1.5 ATX power connection
Ensure to connect the 8-pin power plug.
2.1.6 SATA device connection
OR
ASUS Z270-WS 2-9
Chapter 2
USB 3.1
To install USB 3.1 connector
Thisconnectorwillonlytinone
orientation. Push the connector until it
clicks into place.
2.1.7 Front I/O connector
To install ASUS Q-Connector
USB 2.0
AAFP
To install USB 2.0 connector To install front panel audio connector
USB 3.0
To install USB 3.0 connector
2-10 Chapter 2: Basic Installation
Chapter 2
2.1.8 Expansion card installation
To install PCIe x16 cards
To install PCIe x1 cards
ASUS Z270-WS 2-11
Chapter 2
2.1.9 M.2 installation
Supported M.2 type varies per motherboard.
2-12 Chapter 2: Basic Installation
Chapter 2
2.2 BIOS update utility
USB BIOS Flashback
USB BIOS Flashback allows you to easily update the BIOS without entering the existing
BIOS or operating system. Simply insert a USB storage device to the USB port, press the
USB BIOS Flashback button for three seconds, and the BIOS is updated automatically.
To use USB BIOS Flashback:
1. DownloadthelatestBIOSlefromtheASUSwebsite.
2. ExtractandrenametheBIOSimageletoZ270WS.CAP.
3. Copy Z270WS.CAP to the root directory of your USB storage device.
4. Turn off the system and connect the USB storage device to the USB BIOS Flashback
port.
5. Press the USB BIOS Flashback button.
AashinglightindicatesthattheBIOSFlashbackfunctionisenabled.Thelightgoesout
when the process of updating the BIOS is complete.
For more BIOS update utilities in BIOS setup, refer to the section Updating BIOS in
Chapter 3.
Updating BIOS may have risks. If the BIOS program is damaged during the process and
results to the system’s failure to boot up, please contact your local ASUS Service Center.
USB BIOS Flashback buttonUSB BIOS Flashback port
ASUS Z270-WS 2-13
Chapter 2
2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections
2.3.1 Rear I/O connection
Rear panel connectors
1. DisplayPort 7. HDMI port
2. USB 2.0 ports 7-10 8. USB 3.1 Type-C port EC2
3. USB BIOS Flashback button 9. USB 3.0 ports 3 and 4
4. USB 3.1 Type-A port EA2 10. USB 3.0 ports 5 and 6
5. Intel® LAN port 1* 11. Optical S/PDIF Out port
6. Intel® LAN port 2* 12. Audio I/O ports**
* and ** : Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LEDs and audio port definitions.
• USB3.1/3.0devicescanonlybeusedasdatastorageonly.
• Westronglyrecommendthatyouconnectyourdevicestoportswithmatchingdata
transfer rate. Please connect your USB 3.0 devices to USB 3.0 ports and your USB
3.1 devices to USB 3.1 ports for faster and better performance for your devices.
2-14 Chapter 2: Basic Installation
Chapter 2
* LAN ports LED indications
ACT/LINK
LED SPEED
LED
LAN port
Activity Link LED Speed LED
Status Description Status Description
Off No link Off 10 Mbps connection
Orange Linked Orange 100 Mbps connection
Orange (Blinking) Data activity Green 1 Gbps connection
Orange (Blinking
then steady)
Ready to wake up
from S5 mode
You can disable the LAN controllers in BIOS. Due to hardware design, the LAN1 port’s
LEDs may continue to blink even when disabled.
** Audio 2, 4, 6 or 8-channel configuration
Port Headset
2-channel 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel
Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Side Speaker Out
Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In
Orange – – Center/Sub
woofer
Center/Sub
woofer
Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out
ASUS Z270-WS 2-15
Chapter 2
2.3.2 Audio I/O connections
Audio I/O ports
Connect to Headphone and Mic
Connect to Stereo Speakers
Connect to 2 Speakers
2-16 Chapter 2: Basic Installation
Chapter 2
Connect to 4 Speakers
Connect to 6 Speakers
Connect to 8 Speakers
ASUS Z270-WS 2-17
Chapter 2
2.4 Starting up for the first time
1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.
2. Ensure that all switches are off.
3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis.
4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.
5. Turn on the devices in the following order:
a. Monitor
b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)
c. System power
6. After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case lights up.
For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up when you press the
ATX power button. If your monitor complies with the “green” standards or if it has a
“power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up or change from orange to green
after the system LED turns on.
Thesystemthenrunsthepower-onselftests(POST).Whilethetestsarerunning,the
BIOS beeps (refer to the BIOS beep codes table) or additional messages appear on
the screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on
the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Check the jumper settings and
connections or call your retailer for assistance.
BIOS Beep Description
One short beep VGA detected
Quick boot set to disabled
No keyboard detected
One continuous beep followed by two
short beeps then a pause (repeated)
No memory detected
One continuous beep followed by three
short beeps
No VGA detected
One continuous beep followed by four
short beeps
Hardware component failure
7. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the
instructions in Chapter 3.
2.5 Turning off the computer
WhilethesystemisON,pressthepowerbuttonforlessthanfoursecondstoputthesystem
on sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Press the power switch
for more than four seconds to let the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS
setting.
2-18 Chapter 2: Basic Installation
Chapter 2
ASUS Z270-WS 3-1
Chapter 3
3
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 Z270WS.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.
BIOS Setup
3.1 Knowing BIOS
Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
3
3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
Chapter 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 3.10 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 1.1.6 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.
Please visit ASUS website for the detailed BIOS content manual.
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.
3.2 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> or <F2> during the Power-On Self Test
(POST). If you do not press <Delete> or <F2>, POST continues with its routines.
Entering BIOS Setup after POST
To enter BIOS Setup after POST:
• Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<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.
ASUS Z270-WS 3-3
Chapter 3
3.2.1 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
3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
Chapter 3
3.2.2 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)
MyFavorite(F3) EZ Tuning Wizard(F11)
Scroll barPop-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
ASUS Z270-WS 3-5
Chapter 3
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 3.3 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 3.2.3 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 3.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard for more information.
3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
Chapter 3
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 bottom 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.
ASUS Z270-WS 3-7
Chapter 3
3.2.3 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
3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
Chapter 3
Speed points Select to manually
configure your fans
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).
ASUS Z270-WS 3-9
Chapter 3
3.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard
EZ Tuning Wizard allows you to easily overclock your CPU and DRAM, computer usage, and
CPU fan to their best settings. You can also set RAID in your system using this feature.
RAID setup
OC Tuning
To start OC Tuning:
1. Press <F11> on your keyboard or click from the BIOS screen to open
EZ Tuning Wizard screen.
2. Click OC
then click Next.
3. Select a PC scenario Daily Computing or Gaming/Media Editing, then click Next.
OC setup
3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
Chapter 3
4. Select a Main Cooling System BOX cooler, Tower cooler, Water cooler, or I’m not
sure, then click Next.
5. After selecting the Main Cooling System, click Next then click Yes to start the OC
Tuning.
Creating RAID
To create RAID:
1. Press <F11> on your keyboard or click from the BIOS screen to open
EZ Tuning Wizard screen.
2. Click RAID
then click Next.
• Ensure that your HDDs have no existing RAID volumes.
• Ensure to connect your HDDs to Intel® SATA connectors.
3. Select the port that you want to set to [RAID] mode, PCIE or SATA, then click Next.
ASUS Z270-WS 3-11
Chapter 3
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.
3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
Chapter 3
3.3 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 Z270-WS 3-13
Chapter 3
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
3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
Chapter 3
3.4 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 1.1.6 Onboard buttons and switches
for information on how to erase the RTC RAM via the Clear CMOS button.
• 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].
3.5 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.
Ai Overclock Tuner
Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal
frequency. Conguration options:
[Auto] Loads the optimal settings for the system.
[Manual] Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.
[X.M.P.] If you install memory modules supporting the eXtreme Memory Prole
(X.M.P.) Technology, choose this item to set the proles supported by your
memory modules for optimizing the system performance.
The [X.M.P.] conguration option appears only when you install memory modules
supporting the eXtreme Memory Prole(X.M.P.) Technology.
ASUS Z270-WS 3-15
Chapter 3
The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner to [Manual].
BCLK Frequency
This item allows you to set the BCLK (base clock) frequency to enhance the system
performance. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. The values range from 40.0 MHz
to 650.0 MHz.
We recommend you to set the value based on the CPU specication, as high BCLK
frequencies may damage the CPU permanently.
ASUS MultiCore Enhancement
[Auto] This item allows you to maximize the oveclocking performance optimized
by ASUS core ratio settings.
[Disabled] This item allows you to set to default core ratio settings.
CPU Core Ratio
This item allows you to set the CPU core ratios.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Sync All Cores] [Per Core]
BCLK Frequency : DRAM Frequency Ratio
[Auto] The BCLK frequency to DRAM frequency ratio will be set to the optimized
setting.
[100:133] The BCLK frequency to DRAM frequency ratio will be set to 100:133.
[100:100] The BCLK frequency to DRAM frequency ratio will be set to 100:100.
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]
TPU
This item allows you to automatically overclock the CPU and DRAM frequencies and voltage
for an enhanced system performance.
[Keep Current Settings] Keep the current settings without changing anything.
[TPU I] Applies air cooling overclocking conditions.
[TPU II] Applies water cooling overclocking conditions.
Ensure to use water cooling device before selecting [TPU II].
3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
Chapter 3
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]
3.6 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.
3.6.1 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]
ASUS Z270-WS 3-17
Chapter 3
3.6.2 Platform Misc Configuration
The items in this menu allow you to change the ASPM for PCH and SA PCI Express.
3.6.3 System Agent (SA) Configuration
The items in this menu allow you to adjust the Link Speed for PEG Port and Multi-Monitor.
3.6.4 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]
3.6.5 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.
[Intel RST Premium
With Intel Optane
System Acceleration
(RAID)]
Set to [Intel RST Premium With Intel Optane System
Acceleration (RAID)] when you want to create a RAID
conguration from the SATA hard disk drives.
3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
Chapter 3
S.M.A.R.T. Status Check
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]
3.6.7 Thunderbolt(TM) Configuration
The items in this menu allow you to congure Thunderbolt settings.
Intel Thunderbolt (TM) Technology
This item allows you to disable or enable the Intel Thunderbolt Technology.
Conguration options: [Fully Disabled] [Disabled] [Enabled]
ThunderBolt (TM) PCIe Support
This item allows you to disable or enable the ThunderBolt PCIe Support.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
3.6.6 PCH-FW Configuration
This item allows you to congure the rmware TPM.
ASUS Z270-WS 3-19
Chapter 3
HD Audio Controller
This item allows you to use the Azalia High Denition Audio Controller
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
PCIX4_1 Bandwidth
[X2 Mode] Run at X2 mode with Asmedia Front USB 3.1 Controller enabled.
[X4 Mode] Run at X4 mode for higher performance with Asmedia Front USB 3.1
Controller disabled.
M.2_1 PCIe Bandwidth Configuration: [X2][X4]
[X2] Run at X2 mode with SATA6G_56 enabled.
[X4] Run at X4 mode for higher performance with SATA6G_56 disabled.
M.2_2 Configuration: [Auto][SATA mode][PCIE mode][U2 mode]
[Auto] Auto-detects the M.2 device mode. If a SATA device is detected,
SATA6G_1 will be disabled. U.2_2 is disabled in this mode.
[SATA mode] Only supports M.2 SATA devices. SATA6G_1 and U.2_2 are disabled in
this mode.
[PCIE mode] Only supports M.2 PCIE devices.
[U2 mode] Only supports U.2 PCIE devices.
USB Type C Power Switch
[Auto] The system will automatically detect your USB Type C devices and provide
suitable power if needed.
[Enabled] The USB Type C port will always provide power to your devices.
RGB LED lighting
This item allows you to turn the RGB LED lighting on or off.
Conguration options: [On] [Off]
Intel LAN Controller
This item allows you to enable or disable the Intel LAN controllers.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
3.6.8 Onboard Devices Configuration
The items in this menu allow you to switch between PCIe Lanes and congure onboard
devices.
3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
Chapter 3
3.6.9 APM Configuration
The items in this menu allow you to set system wake and sleep settings.
ErP Ready [Disabled]
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)]
3.6.10 Network Stack Configuration
The items in this menu allow you to congure Ipv4 / Ipv6 PXE support.
3.6.11 HDD/SSD SMART Information
This menu displays the SMART information of the connected devices.
NVM Express devices do not support SMART information.
3.6.12 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 1.1.2 Motherboard layout for the location of the USB ports.
ASUS Z270-WS 3-21
Chapter 3
3.7 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.
W_PUMP Control
[Disabled] Disable the Water Pump control feature.
[Auto] Detects the type of water pump installed and automatically switches
the control modes.
[DC mode] Enable the Water Pump control in DC mode for 3-pin chassis fan.
[PWM mode] Enable the Water Pump control in PWM mode for 4-pin chassis fan.
3.8 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.
3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
Chapter 3
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 [UEFI and Legacy OPROM]
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 Devices [Legacy only]
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 [Legacy only]
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 [Legacy only]
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.
ASUS Z270-WS 3-23
Chapter 3
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.
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.
3.9 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]
3.9.1 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 3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3.
3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
Chapter 3
3.9.2 Secure Erase
SSD speeds may lower over time as with any storage medium due to data processing.
Secure Erase completely and safely cleans your SSD, restoring it to factory performance
levels.
Secure Erase is only available in AHCI mode. Ensure to set the SATA mode to AHCI. Click
Advanced > PCH Storage Configuration > SATA Mode Selection > AHCI.
To launch Secure Erase, click Tool > Secure Erase on the Advanced mode menu.
Check the ASUS support site for a full list of SSDs tested with Secure Erase. The drive may
become unstable if you run Secure Erase on an incompatible SSD.
• The time to erase the contents of your SSD may take a while depending on its size.
Do not turn off the system during the process.
• Secure Erase is only supported on Intel SATA port. For more information about Intel
SATA ports, refer to section 1.1.2 Motherboard layout of this manual.
Status definition:
• Frozen. The frozen state is the result of a BIOS protective measure. The BIOS
guards drives that do not have password protection by freezing them prior to booting.
If the drive is frozen, a power off or hard reset of your PC must be performed to
proceed with the Secure Erase.
• Locked. SSDs might be locked if the Secure Erase process is either incomplete
or was stopped. This may be due to a third party software that uses a different
password dened by ASUS. You have to unlock the SSD in the software before
proceeding with Secure Erase.
Displays the
available SSDs
ASUS Z270-WS 3-25
Chapter 3
3.9.3 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.
3.9.4 ASUS SPD Information
This item allows you to view the DRAM SPD information.
3.9.5 Graphics Card Information
This item displays the information about the graphics card installed in your system.
GPU Post
This item displays the information and recommended conguration for the PCIE slots that the
graphics card is installed in your system.
This feature is only supported on selected ASUS graphics cards.
Bus Interface
This item allows you to select the bus interface.
Conguration options: [PCIEX16_1] [PCIEX16_2]
3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
Chapter 3
3.10 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.
ASUS Z270-WS 3-27
Chapter 3
3.11 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.
3.11.1 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.
3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
Chapter 3
3.11.2 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.
ASUS Z270-WS 3-29
Chapter 3
• 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 3.10 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 3.10 Exit Menu for
details.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update.
5. Reboot the system when the update process is done.
3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
Chapter 3
3.11.3 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!
ASUS Z270-WS 4-1
Chapter 4
RAID Support
4
Chapter 4: RAID Support
4.1 RAID configurations
The motherboard supports Intel® Rapid Storage Technology with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5,
and RAID 10 solution.
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 4.2 Creating a RAID driver disk for details.
4.1.1 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 strips 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.
4-2 Chapter 4: RAID Support
Chapter 4
4.1.2 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.
4.1.3 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 3 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.
ASUS Z270-WS 4-3
Chapter 4
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.
4-4 Chapter 4: RAID Support
Chapter 4
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.
ASUS Z270-WS 4-5
Chapter 4
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.
4-6 Chapter 4: RAID Support
Chapter 4
4.1.4 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
ASUS Z270-WS 4-7
Chapter 4
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
4-8 Chapter 4: RAID Support
Chapter 4
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)
ASUS Z270-WS 4-9
Chapter 4
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]
4-10 Chapter 4: RAID Support
Chapter 4
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]
4.2 Creating a RAID driver disk
4.2.1 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.
ASUS Z270-WS A-1
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Z270 WS block diagram
A-2 Appendix
Appendix
SSD Configurations
U.2_1 U.2_2 M.2_1 M.2_2
3 x PCIe SSDs
(supports RAID 0/1/5)
Gen3x4 Gen3x4 Gen3x4 N/A
Gen3x4 N/A Gen3x4 Gen3x4
2 x PCIe SSDs
(supports RAID 0/1)
Gen3x4 Gen3x4 N/A N/A
Gen3x4 N/A Gen3x4 N/A
Gen3x4 N/A N/A Gen3x4
N/A Gen3x4 Gen3x4 N/A
N/A N/A Gen3x4 Gen3x4
1 x PCIe SSD
Gen3x4 N/A N/A N/A
N/A Gen3x4 N/A N/A
N/A N/A Gen3x4 N/A
N/A N/A N/A Gen3x4
1 x SATA SSD N/A N/A N/A SATA III
Notes
When a Gen3x4
device is detected,
SATA6G_56 will
be disabled.
When a Gen3x2
device is detected,
SATA6G_56 will
be enabled.
When a SATA
device is detected,
SATA6G_1 will be
disabled.
This slot does not
support Hyper kit.
ASUS Z270-WS A-3
Appendix
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required
toassurecompliancewithFCCregulations.Changesormodicationstothisunitnot
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.
A-4 Appendix
Appendix
IC: Canadian Compliance Statement
ComplieswiththeCanadianICES-003ClassBspecications.ThisdevicecomplieswithRSS
210 of Industry Canada. This Class B device meets all the requirements of the Canadian
interference-causing equipment regulations.
This device complies with Industry Canada license exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Cut appareil numérique de la Classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le
matériel brouilleur du Canada.
Cet appareil est conforme aux normes CNR exemptes de licence d’Industrie Canada. Le
fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes :
(1) cet appareil ne doit pas provoquer d’interférences et
(2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, y compris celles susceptibles de provoquer
un fonctionnement non souhaité de l’appareil.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
VCCI: Japan Compliance Statement
Class B ITE
KC: Korea Warning Statement
ASUS Z270-WS A-5
Appendix
REACH
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at
ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to
enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal
waste.
ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services
ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards
for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to
responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging
materials. Please go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for detailed recycling
information in different regions.
Regional notice for California
WARNING! This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
Google™ License Terms
Copyright© 2017 Google Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LicensedundertheApacheLicense,Version2.0(the“License”);youmaynotusethisle
except in compliance with the License. You may obtain a copy of the License at:
http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software distributed under the
License is distributed on an “AS IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
ANY KIND, either express or implied.
SeetheLicenseforthespeciclanguagegoverningpermissionsandlimitationsunderthe
License.
A-6 Appendix
Appendix
Română ASUSTeK Computer Inc. declară că acest dispozitiv se conformează
cerinţelor esenţiale şi altor prevederi relevante ale directivelor conexe. Textul
complet al declaraţiei de conformitate a Uniunii Europene se găseşte la:
www.asus.com/support
Srpski ASUSTeK Computer Inc. ovim izjavljuje da je ovaj uređaj u saglasnosti
sa osnovnim zahtevima i drugim relevantnim odredbama povezanih
Direktiva. Pun tekst EU deklaracije o usaglašenosti je dostupan da adresi:
www.asus.com/support
Slovensky Spoločnosť ASUSTeK Computer Inc. týmto vyhlasuje, že toto
zariadenie vyhovuje základným požiadavkám a ostatým príslušným
ustanoveniam príslušných smerníc. Celý text vyhlásenia o zhode pre štáty EÚ
je dostupný na adrese: www.asus.com/support
Slovenščina ASUSTeK Computer Inc. izjavlja, da je ta naprava skladna z
bistvenimi zahtevami in drugimi ustreznimi določbami povezanih direktiv.
Celotno besedilo EU-izjave o skladnosti je na voljo na spletnem mestu:
www.asus.com/support
Español Por la presente, ASUSTeK Computer Inc. declara que este dispositivo
cumple los requisitos básicos y otras disposiciones pertinentes de las
directivas relacionadas. El texto completo de la declaración de la UE de
conformidad está disponible en: www.asus.com/support
Svenska ASUSTeK Computer Inc. förklarar härmed att denna
enhet överensstämmer med de grundläggande kraven och andra
relevanta föreskrifter i relaterade direktiv. Fulltext av EU-försäkran om
överensstämmelse finns på: www.asus.com/support
Українська ASUSTeK Computer Inc. заявляє, що цей пристрій відповідає
основним вимогам та іншим відповідним положенням відповідних
Директив. Повний текст декларації відповідності стандартам ЄС
доступний на: www.asus.com/support
Türkçe AsusTek Computer Inc., bu aygıtın temel gereksinimlerle ve ilişkili
Yönergelerin diğer ilgili koşullarıyla uyumlu olduğunu beyan eder. AB
uygunluk bildiriminin tam metni şu adreste bulunabilir:
www.asus.com/support
Bosanski ASUSTeK Computer Inc. ovim izjavljuje da je ovaj uređaj usklađen
sa bitnim zahtjevima i ostalim odgovarajućim odredbama vezanih direktiva.
Cijeli tekst EU izjave o usklađenosti dostupan je na: www.asus.com/support
English ASUSTeK Computer Inc. hereby declares that this device is in
compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of
related Directives. Full text of EU declaration of conformity is available at:
www.asus.com/support
Français AsusTek Computer Inc. déclare par la présente que cet appareil est
conforme aux critères essentiels et autres clauses pertinentes des directives
concernées. La déclaration de conformité de l’UE peut être téléchargée à
partir du site Internet suivant : www.asus.com/support.
Deutsch ASUSTeK Computer Inc. erklärt hiermit, dass dieses Gerät mit
den wesentlichen Anforderungen und anderen relevanten Bestimmungen
der zugehörigen Richtlinien übereinstimmt. Der gesamte Text der EU-
Konformitätserklärung ist verfügbar unter: www.asus.com/support
Italiano ASUSTeK Computer Inc. con la presente dichiara che questo
dispositivo è conforme ai requisiti essenziali e alle altre disposizioni pertinenti
con le direttive correlate. Il testo completo della dichiarazione di conformità
UE è disponibile all’indirizzo: www.asus.com/support
Русский Компания ASUS заявляет, что это устройство соответствует
основным требованиям и другим соответствующим условиям
соответствующих директив. Подробную информацию, пожалуйста,
смотрите на www.asus.com/support
Български С настоящото ASUSTeK Computer Inc. декларира, че това
устройство е в съответствие със съществените изисквания и другите
приложими постановления на свързаните директиви. Пълният текст на
декларацията за съответствие на ЕС е достъпна на адрес:
www.asus.com/support
Hrvatski ASUSTeK Computer Inc. ovim izjavljuje da je ovaj uređaj sukladan
s bitnim zahtjevima i ostalim odgovarajućim odredbama vezanih direktiva.
Cijeli tekst EU izjave o sukladnosti dostupan je na: www.asus.com/support
Čeština Společnost ASUSTeK Computer Inc. tímto prohlašuje, že toto
zařízení splňuje základní požadavky a další příslušná ustanovení souvisejících
směrnic. Plné znění prohlášení o shodě EU je k dispozici na adrese:
www.asus.com/support
Dansk ASUSTeK Computer Inc. erklærer hermed, at denne enhed er i
overensstemmelse med hovedkravene og andre relevante bestemmelser i de
relaterede direktiver. Hele EU-overensstemmelseserklæringen kan findes på:
www.asus.com/support
Nederlands ASUSTeK Computer Inc. verklaart hierbij dat dit apparaat
voldoet aan de essentiële vereisten en andere relevante bepalingen van
de verwante richtlijnen. De volledige tekst van de EU-verklaring van
conformiteit is beschikbaar op: www.asus.com/support
Eesti Käesolevaga kinnitab ASUSTeK Computer Inc, et see seade vastab
asjakohaste direktiivide oluliste nõuetele ja teistele asjassepuutuvatele
sätetele. EL vastavusdeklaratsiooni täielik tekst on saadaval järgmisel
aadressil: www.asus.com/support
Suomi ASUSTeK Computer Inc. ilmoittaa täten, että tämä laite on
asiaankuuluvien direktiivien olennaisten vaatimusten ja muiden tätä
koskevien säädösten mukainen. EU-yhdenmukaisuusilmoituksen koko teksti
on luettavissa osoitteessa: www.asus.com/support
Ελληνικά Με το παρόν, η AsusTek Computer Inc. δηλώνει ότι αυτή η
συσκευή συμμορφώνεται με τις θεμελιώδεις απαιτήσεις και άλλες σχετικές
διατάξεις των Οδηγιών της ΕΕ. Το πλήρες κείμενο της δήλωσης συμβατότητας
είναι διαθέσιμο στη διεύθυνση: www.asus.com/support
Magyar Az ASUSTeK Computer Inc. ezennel kijelenti, hogy ez az eszköz
megfelel a kapcsolódó Irányelvek lényeges követelményeinek és egyéb
vonatkozó rendelkezéseinek. Az EU megfelelőségi nyilatkozat teljes szövege
innen letölthető: www.asus.com/support
Latviski ASUSTeK Computer Inc. ar šo paziņo, ka šī ierīce atbilst saistīto
Direktīvu būtiskajām prasībām un citiem citiem saistošajiem nosacījumiem.
Pilns ES atbilstības paziņojuma teksts pieejams šeit: www.asus.com/support
Lietuvių „ASUSTeK Computer Inc.“ šiuo tvirtina, kad šis įrenginys atitinka
pagrindinius reikalavimus ir kitas svarbias susijusių direktyvų nuostatas. Visą
ES atitikties deklaracijos tekstą galima rasti: www.asus.com/support
Norsk ASUSTeK Computer Inc. erklærer herved at denne enheten er i
samsvar med hovedsaklige krav og andre relevante forskrifter i relaterte
direktiver. Fullstendig tekst for EU-samsvarserklæringen finnes på:
www.asus.com/support
Polski Firma ASUSTeK Computer Inc. niniejszym oświadcza, że
urządzenie to jest zgodne z zasadniczymi wymogami i innymi właściwymi
postanowieniami powiązanych dyrektyw. Pełny tekst deklaracji zgodności UE
jest dostępny pod adresem: www.asus.com/support
Português A ASUSTeK Computer Inc. declara que este dispositivo está em
conformidade com os requisitos essenciais e outras disposições relevantes
das Diretivas relacionadas. Texto integral da declaração da UE disponível em:
www.asus.com/support
ASUS Z270-WS A-7
Appendix
ASUS contact information
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
Address 4F, No. 150, Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei 112, Taiwan
Telephone +886-2-2894-3447
Fax +886-2-2890-7798
Web site www.asus.com
Technical Support
Telephone +86-21-38429911
Fax +86-21-5866-8722, ext. 9101#
Online support http://qr.asus.com/techserv
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://qr.asus.com/techserv
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)
Address Harkort Str. 21-23, 40880 Ratingen, Germany
Fax +49-2102-959931
Web site http://www.asus.com/de
Online contact http://eu-rma.asus.com/sales
Technical Support
Telephone +49-2102-5789555
Support Fax +49-2102-959911
Online support http://qr.asus.com/techserv
A-8 Appendix
Appendix
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Compliance Information Statement
Per FCC Part 2 Section 2. 1077(a)
Responsible Party Name:
Asus Computer International
Address: 800 Corporate Way, Fremont
, CA 94539.
Phone/Fax No: (510)739-3777/(510)608-4555
hereby declares that the product
Product Name : Motherboard
Model Number : Z270-WS
Conforms to the following specifications:
FCC Part 15, Subpart B, Unintentional Radiators
Supplementary Information:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.