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Copyright
This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected
under international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor
any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of
the author.
Version 1.0
Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The
manufacturer makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents
hereof and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or
fitness for any particular purpose. The manufacturer reserves the right to revise this
publication and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof without
obligation of the manufacturer to notify any person of such revision or changes.
Trademark Recognition
Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
MMX, Pentium, Pentium-II, Pentium-III, Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel
Corporation.
Other product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective owners
and are acknowledged.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
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 the 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 the receiver
Connect the equipment onto 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
Shielded interconnect cables and a shielded AC power cable must be employed with
this equipment to ensure compliance with the pertinent RF emission limits
governing this device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
system's manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL
Preface
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Summary of Contents for ECS Z87H3-A2X EXTREME

  • Page 1 Shielded interconnect cables and a shielded AC power cable must be employed with this equipment to ensure compliance with the pertinent RF emission limits governing this device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the system’s manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 2: Declaration Of Conformity

    Canadian Department of Communications This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference- causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Réglement sur le matériel brouilieur du Canada. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 3 Hybrid SLI Technology Support  ® Describes Intel Rapid page 85 Chapter 7 ® Storage Technology RAID Intel Rapid Storage Technology Configuration. RAID Configuration  Chapter 8 page 91 Provides basic trouble Trouble Shooting shooting tips. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 4 Memo Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Entering the Setup Utility............31 Resetting the Default CMOS Values........32 Using BIOS..................32 BIOS Navigation Keys..............33 Main Menu................34 Advanced Menu..............35 Chipset Menu................49 M.I.B.X (MB Intelligent BIOS X) Menu........57 Boot Menu................67 Security Menu.................68 Exit Menu................69 Updating the BIOS..............70 Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 6 Chapter 4 Using the Motherboard Software Auto-installing under Windows 7/8..........71 ..Running Setup..............71 Manual Installation................73 ECS Utility Software (Intelligent EZ Utility)........73 Chapter 5 ATI CrossFire Technology Support Requirements...................77 Installing CrossFire graphics cards........77 The Catalyst Control Center Dialog Box........79 To Enable CrossFire ..............79...
  • Page 7: Introducing The Motherboard

    Chapter 1 Introducing the Motherboard Introduction Thank you for choosing the Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN)* motherboard. This motherboard is a high performance, enhanced function motherboard designed to ® support the LGA1150 socket for Intel Generation Core Family Processors. ® ® ® ® ®...
  • Page 8: Specifications

    ® • LGA1150 socket for Intel Generation Core Family Processors • TDP: 200W Note: Please go to ECS website for the latest CPU support list. ® Chipset • Intel Z87 Chipset Extra Chipset • 1 x ASM1061 Chip integrates two eSATA 6Gb/s Host Controllers Memory •...
  • Page 9 3rd Party Bundled software: Cyberlink Media Suite* /Norton* Muzee* /Sound Blaster Cinema* Note: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is required. Free bundle software including ECS DVD: Cyberlink/Norton/ Muzee/Sound Blaster Cinema. Form Factor • ATX Size, 305mm x 244mm Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 10: Motherboard Components

    Motherboard Components Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 11 PCI Express x1 slot 27. BZ1 Buzzer 28. PCIEX16_1 PCI Express slot for graphics interface 29. PWR_FAN 3-pin power cooling fan connector 30. SYS_FAN 3-pin system cooling fan connector 31. ATX12V 8-pin +12V power connector Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 12: I/O Ports

    A: Center & Woofer D: Front Out B: Back Surround E: Mic_in Rear C: Line-in The above port definition can be changed to audio input or audio output by changing the driver utility setting. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 13 F8 to update BIOS under the POST prompting picture. Your computer will fast reset after pressing this EZ RESET RST_BTN button. EZ POWER PWR_BTN This is power button. EZ Clear CMOS CLR_CMOS_BTN This button is used to clear CMOS. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 14 Memo Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 15: Installing The Motherboard

    Place the motherboard over the mounting brackets and secure the motherboard onto the mounting brackets with screws. Do not over-tighten the screws as this can stress the motherboard. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 16: Installing Hardware

    Lift the tail of the load lever and rotate the load plate to fully open position. Grasp the edge of the package substrate. Make sure pin 1 indicator is on your bottom-left side. Aim at the socket and place the package carefully into the socket by purely vertical motion. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 17 Spreader). Engage the load lever while pressing down lightly onto the load plate. Secure the load lever with the hook under retention tab. Then the cover will flick automatically. Please save and replace the cover onto the CPU socket if processor is removed. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 18: Installing The Cpu Cooler

    B. Fasten the cooling fan supporting base onto the CPU socket on the motherboard. And make sure the CPU fan is plugged to the CPU fan connector. C. Connect the CPU cooler power connector to the CPU_FAN connector. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 19: Installing Memory Modules

    Install the DIMM module into the slot and press it firmly down until it seats correctly. Check that the cutouts on the DIMM module edge connector match the notches in the DIMM slot. The slot latches are levered upwards and latch on to the edges of the DIMM. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 20 1. For best performance and compatibility, we recommend that users give priority to the white DIMMs (DDR3_2/DDR3_4) when installing DIMMs. 2. We suggest users not to mix memory type. It is recommended to use the same brand and type memory on this motherboard. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 21: Installing Add-On Cards

    TV card. MINI_PCIE Slot Before installing an add-on card, check the documentation for the card carefully. If the card is not Plug and Play, you may have to manually configure the card before installation. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 22 Please refer the following illustrations to install the add-on card: Install the LAN Card in the PCIE X1 slot Install the VGA Card in the PCIE X16 slot Install the VGA Card in the PCI slot Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 23: Connecting Optional Devices

    Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional devices: Components Components EZM1 F_USB1~2 CASE ME_UNLOCK SPDIFO SATA3_1~7 F_AUDIO USB3F_1 —— —— 1. EZM1: Easy Measure Point Connector This connector allows user to measure the voltage easily. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 24 2. CASE: Chassis Intrusion Detect Header This detects if the chassis cover has been removed. This function needs a chassis equipped with instrusion detection switch and needs to be enabled in BIOS. 3. ME_UNLOCK: ME Unlock Header Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 25 This Motherboard implements one USB 3.0 header supporting two extra front USB 3.0 ports, which delivers 5Gb/s transfer rate. Please make sure that the USB cable has the same pin assignment as indicated above. A different pin assignment may cause damage or system hang-up. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 26 Please make sure that the USB cable has the same pin assignment as indicated above. A different pin assignment may cause damage or system hang-up. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 27 Connect a serial port extension bracket to this header to add a serial port to your system. 8. SPDIFO: SPDIF Out Header This is an optional header that provides an SPDIFO (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) output to digital multimedia device through optical fiber or coaxial connector. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 28 97 Front Panel, please tick off the option of “ Disabled Front Panel Detect ”. If you use HD Audio Front Panel, please don’ t tick off “Disabled Front Panel Detect ” . * For reference only Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 29 97 Front Panel, please don’ t tick off “Using Front Jack Detect ”. If you use HD Audio Front Panel, please tick off the option of “Using Front Jack Detect ”. * For reference only Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 30: Installing A Sata Hard Drive

    Attach either cable end to the connector on the motherboard. Attach the other cable end to the SATA hard drive. Attach the SATA power cable to the SATA hard drive and connect the other * For reference only Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 31: Connecting Case Components

    2-4-7. Connecting Case Components After you have installed the motherboard into a case, you can begin connecting the motherboard components. Refer to the following: Components Components CPU_FAN SYS_FAN ATX_POWER ATX12V F_PANEL PWR_FAN NB_FAN —— —— Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 32 Connect the power cooling fan connector to PWR_FAN. Connect the system cooling fan connector to SYS_FAN. Users please note that the fan connector supports the CPU cooling fan of 1.1A ~ 2.2A (26.4W max) at +12V. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 33 The ATX 24-pin connector allows you to connect to ATX v2.x power supply. With ATX v2.x power supply, users please note that when installing 24-pin power cable, the latches of power cable and the ATX_POWER match perfectly. 24-pin power cable Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 34 8-pin power cable Connecting 4-pin power cable The ATX12V power connector is used to provide power to the CPU. When installing 4-pin power cable, the latches of power cable and the ATX12V match perfectly. 4-pin power cable Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 35 50 ms to signal the power supply to switch on or off. The time requirement is due to internal de-bounce circuitry. After receiving a power on/off signal, at least two seconds elapses before the power supply recognizes another on/off signal. This concludes Chapter 2. The next chapter covers the BIOS. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 36 Memo Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 37: Using Bios

    When you power on the system, BIOS enters the Power-On Self Test (POST) routines. POST is a series of built-in diagnostics performed by the BIOS. After the POST routines are completed, the following message appears: Press DEL to enter SETUP Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 38: Resetting The Default Cmos Values

    Other options lead to dialog boxes that prompt you for informa- tion. Some options (marked with an icon ) lead to submenus that enable you to change the values for the option. Use the cursor arrow keys to scroll through the items in the submenu. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 39: Bios Navigation Keys

    Select the boot icon and press <Enter> or double click the left key of the mouse to display the screen. Then you can choose the boot device. Advanced Select the advanced icon and press <Enter> or double click the left key of the mouse to display the screen. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 40: Main Menu

    The Date and Time items show the current date and time on the computer. If you are running a Windows OS, these items are automatically updated whenever you make changes to the Windows Date and Time Properties utility. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 41: Advanced Menu

    Super IO Configuration Enter/Dbl Click : Select Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology +/- : Change Opt. Intel(R) Smart Connect Technology F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 42: Lan Configuration

    F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit Onboard LAN 1/2 Controller (Enabled) Use these items to enable or disable Onboard LAN 1/2 controller. Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 43: Pc Health Status

    CPU/System/Power Smart Fan Control (Enabled) These items enable you to define the CPU/system/power by smartly adjusting the CPU/system/power Fan. When it is set at certain temperature, the CPU/system/ power Fan PWM value will change accordingly. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 44 CPU Fan Speed • System Fan Speed • Power Fan Speed • NB Fan Speed • Core Voltage • DIMM Voltage • PCH Voltage • PCH IO Voltage Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 45: Power Management Setup

    EUP Function (Enabled) This item allows user to enable or disable EUP support. Power LED Type (Dual Color LED) This item shows the type of the Power LED. Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 46: Pci Express Configuration

    F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit PCI Express 16X Speed (Auto) This item allows user to configure the PCI Express 16X speed.??? Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 47: Acpi Settings

    F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit ACPI Sleep State (S3(Suspend to RAM)) This item allows user to enter the ACPI S3 (Suspend to RAM) Sleep State (default). Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 48: Cpu Configuration

    This item shows the computer supports Intel VT-x Technology. Hyper-threading (Enabled) This item is only available when the chipset supports Hyper-threading and you are using a Hyper-threading CPU. Active Processor Cores (All) Use this item to control the number of active processor cores. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 49 Use this item to set the package C state limit. Enhanced Halt (C1E) (Enabled) Use this item to enable the CPU energy-saving function when the system is not running. Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 50: Sata Configuration

    This motherboard supports seven SATA channels and one mSATA channel, and each channel allows one SATA/mSATA device to be installed. Use these items to configure each device on the SATA/mSATA channel. Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 51: Usb Configuration

    Use this item to enable or disable all USB devices. Legacy USB Support (Enabled) Use this item to enable or disable support for legacy USB devices. Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 52: Super Io Configuration

    This item allows you to enable or disable serial port. Device Settings (IO=3F8h; IRQ=4) This item shows the information of the device settings. Change Settings (Auto) Use this item to change device settings. Press <Esc> to return to the Super IO Configuration page. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 53: Intel Rapid Start Technology

    F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology (Disabled) Use this item to enable or disable the Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology. Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 54: Intel Smart Connect Technology

    F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit ISCT Support (Disabled) Use this item to enable or disable ISCT support. Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 55: Chipset Menu

    When set to Fixed Mode, the graphics driver will reserve a fixed position of the system memory as graphics memory, according to system and graphics requirements. IGD Multi-Monitor (Disabled) This item allows you to enable or disable the IGD Multi-Monitor. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 56 CPU SA Audio Device (Enabled) This item allows you to enable or disable the CPU SA Audio device. Press <Esc> to return to the Chipset Menu page. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 57 Intel integrated Graphics and one or two PCI-Express graphics devices under Windows 7/8. Step 1. Insert ECS drives DVD to run Auto setup or browse the DVD to install Intel chipset drivers, VGA and sound drivers.(If you want know the detail information, please refer to chapter 4.)
  • Page 58 CPU SA Audio Device Enabled  : Select Screen  /Click: Select Item Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 59: Display Devices

    Extend desktop to this display You must select Apply before making additional changes. Disconnect this display Make this my main display Advance settings Make text and other items larger or smaller What display settings should I choose? Cancel Apply Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 60 Extend desktop to this display You must select Apply before making additional changes. Make this my main display Advance settings Make text and other items larger or smaller What display settings should I choose? Cancel Apply Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 61: Pch Configuration

    This item enables or disables the warning if the case is opened up, and the item below indicates the current status of the case. Chassis Opened (No) This item indicates whether the case has been opened. Press <Esc> to return to the Chipset Menu page. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 62 ESC/Right Click: Exit ME Control (Enabled) Use this item to enable or disable the ME Firmware. ME FW Version (9.0.2.1345) This item shows the ME FW version. Press <Esc> to return to the Chipset Menu page. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 63: Mb Intelligent Bios X) Menu

    F3: Optimized Defaults Host Clock Override(1/100 MHz) 10000 F4: Save & Exit PEG/DMI Ratio 1.00 ESC/Right Click: Exit LCPLL or SBPLL select SBPLL CPU Ratio (35) This item allows you to control non turbo CPU ratio. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 64 PEG/DMI Ratio (1.00) This item allows you to set PEG/DMI Ratio. LCPLL or SBPLL select (SBPLL) This item allows you to select LCPLL or SBPLL. Press <Esc> to return to the M.I.B. X Menu page. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 65: North Bridge Configuration

    F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit Graphics Core Ratio Limit (25) This item allows you to control the internal GFX core ratio. Press <Esc> to return to the M.I.B. X Menu page. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 66: Memory Configuration

    Enter/Dbl Click : Select OdtReadDelay Auto +/- : Change Opt. tCKE Auto F1: General Help tCCD Auto F2: Previous Values tWPRE Auto F3: Optimized Defaults tRPRE Auto F4: Save & Exit tRDRD Auto ESC/Right Click: Exit tRDRD_dr Auto Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 67 DLL Weak Lock Support (Enabled) This item allows you to enable or disable the DLL weak lock support. Mc Lock (Enabled) This item allows you to enable or disable capacity to lock MC registers or not. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 68 Refresh 2x Support (Disabled) This item allows you to enable or disable 2xRef when warm and Hot 2-iMC enables 2xRef when Hot. Press <Esc> to return to the M.I.B. X Menu page. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 69 PCH IO Voltage 1.482 V (Auto) This item allows you to adjust the SB voltage. Processor Input Voltage (Auto) This item allows you to adjust the processor input voltage. Vdroop (Enabled) Use this item to enable or disable the Vdroop. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 70 This item allows you to enable or disable the FIVR efficiency. If this function is disabled, it will not be changed until CPU powers down. Press <Esc> to return to the M.I.B. X Menu page. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 71 Use this item to select the profile to configure. Restore last setting (Disabled) Use this item to enable or disable the restore last setting configuration. Press <Esc> to return to the M.I.B. X Menu page. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 72 2. Press and hold the “Page Up Key (PgUp)” of the keyboard, and then boot the PC 3. Two seconds after the PC boots up, release the “Page Up Key (PgUp)”. 4. The BIOS returns to the default setting by itself. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 73: Boot Menu

    Use this item to select boot mode. Set Boot Priority This item enables you to set boot priority for all boot devices. Boot Option #1 /2 /3 /4 /5 /6 /7 These items show the boot priorities. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 74: Security Menu

    Platform Mode (Setup) This item allows you to set the platform mode. Secure Boot (Disabled) This item is used to control the secure boot flow, it is possible only if system runs in User Mode. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 75: Exit Menu

    This item enables you to discard any changes that you have made. Restore Defaults This item enables you to restore defaults to all the setup options. Boot Override Use this item to select the boot device. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 76: Updating The Bios

    ECS provides ROM A and ROM B protection mechanism for the motherboard with EZ Duo BIOS design. You can recover ROM B when ROM A is damaged by pressing the onboard EZ Duo BIOS button. If you want to update ROM B version, the following screen will show when the computer was first booted after updating the BIOS.
  • Page 77: Using The Motherboard Software

    Click Setup. The installation program begins: The following screens are examples only. The screens and driver lists will be different according to the motherboard you are installing. The motherboard identification is located in the upper left-hand corner. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 78 Windows 8 will show the following screen after system restart, you must select “Desktop” in the bottom left to install the next driver. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 79: Manual Installation

    ECS Utility Software (Intelligent EZ Utility) ECS Intelligent EZ Utility provides friendly interfaces under Windows O.S, which makes your computing more easily and conveniently. These software(s) are subject to change at anytime without prior notice. Please refer to the support disk for available software.
  • Page 80 Just select the one you prefer and start to download and install the drivers. eBLU ECS eBLU utility makes BIOS update faster and easier. eBLU will list the latest BIOS with a default check-mark. Click”install” button to install. Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is required.
  • Page 81 ECS eOC Utility is a simple over-clocking tool that provides user-friendly windows operation interface for novices and over-clockers. Combining with ECS MIB X technology, eOC challenges the undiscovered over-clocking capability than ever before. Monitor Easy Tuning Advance Tuning Options Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is required.
  • Page 82 Memo Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 83: Ati Crossfire Tm Technology Support

    PCIEX16 slots. Make sure that the card is properly seated on the slot. A. For 2-way configuration, install two graphic cards on PCIE16X and connect them with the CrossFire Bridge. * For reference only Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 84 2. Connect the cable from your monitors to the CrossFireX ready graphics card installed on the PCIEX16 slot. Monitor Cable * For reference only 3. Connect an auxiliary power source from the power supply to the graphics cards. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 85: The Catalyst Tm Control Center Dialog Box

    The Catalyst Control Center Dialog Box To enable CrossFireX • Install AMD graphic card driver. • Enter the Catalyst Control Center Dialog Box. • check the “Enable CrossFireX ” item. • Click OK to apply. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 86 Memo Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 87: Nvidia

    Installing your NVIDIA SLI-Ready Components 1. Install both of the NVIDIA ® SLI-Ready graphics cards. For 2-way configuration, install two graphic cards on PCIEX16_1 & PCIEX16_2 and connect them with one SLI bridge. * For reference only Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 88 * For reference only Once the new NVIDIA ® SLI-certified components have been installed in the system, they will be recognized by the operating system upon Windows boot-up. A Found NewHardware message will be displayed: Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 89: Enabling Nvidia Sli

    All NVIDIA ® GPUs work together with SLI technology to increase the rendering performance of your 3D applications. Typical usage scenarios: •Playing 3D games •Using any application that renders hardware-accelerated Direct 3D or OpenGL content. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 90 You can also access these settings by opening the NVIDIA Control Panel (right-click on desktop), clicking on 3D Settings (shown below) and then selecting “SetSLI configuration”. Control Panel Setting of 2-Way SLI All in all, the NVIDIA SLI technology works. This concludes Chapter 6. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 91: Intel ® Rapid Storage Technology Raid Configuration

    Enter/Dbl Click : Select SATA Port7 +/- : Change Opt. Not Present F1: General Help Spin Up Device Disabled F2: Previous Values External SATA Disabled F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit mSATA ESC/Right Click: Exit Not Present Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 92: Entering Intel ® Rapid Storage Technology Raid Bios Utility

    During POST, press <Ctrl-I> to enter the Intel Rapid Storage Technology RAID BIOS menu. The main Intel ® Rapid Storage Technology RAID BIOS menu appears. Use the arrow keys to move the color bar and navigate through the items. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 93: Creating A Raid Set

    Key in the RAID volume capacity. Use the up/down arrow to choose the Capacity. The default value indicates the maximum capacity using the selected disks. Entering a lower capacity allows you to create a second volume on these disks. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 94 1st Boot Intel volume0  : Select Screen  /Click: Select Item Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 95: Deleting A Raid Set

    Use the space bar to select the RAID set you want to delete. Press the <Del> key to delete the set. A dialogue box appears to confirm the action. Press <Y> to confirm; otherwise, press <N>. Pressing <Y> deletes all the data in the HDDs. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 96: Reseting Disks To Non-Raid

    <Enter> to exit the Intel ® Rapid Storage Technology RAID BIOS utility. A dialogue box appears to confirm the action. Press <Y> to confirm; otherwise, press <N> to return to the Intel ® Rapid Storage Technology RAID BIOS menu. Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 97: Trouble Shooting

    Before calling for technical support or returning for warranty, this chapter may help to address some of the common questions using some basic troubleshooting tips. You may also log onto our ECS website for more information: http:// www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Support/Support_FAQ.aspx?MenulD=49& childid=M 49&LanlD=0 a) System does not power up and the fans are not running.
  • Page 98: Start Up Problems After Prolong Use

    5. Check whether there is any bulked up electrolytic capacitor or abnormal component. Please logo onto our ECS website: http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Support/ Technical_Support_List.aspx?MenuID=50&LanID=0 for more information. Maintenance and care tips Your computer, like any electrical appliance, requires proper care and maintenance.
  • Page 100 Memo Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 101: Post Code Checkpoints

    Memory initialization. Configuring memory Memory initialization (other). Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below) Memory Installed CPU post-memory initialization is started CPU post-memory initialization. Cache initialization CPU post-memory initialization. Application Processor(s) (AP) initialization Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 102 Recovery condition triggered by user (Forced recovery) Recovery process started Recovery firmware image is found Recovery firmware image is loaded F5-F7 Reserved for future AMI progress codes Recovery PPI is not available Recovery capsule is not found Invalid recovery capsule Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 103 PCI Bus Hot Plug Controller Initialization PCI Bus Enumeration PCI Bus Request Resources PCI Bus Assign Resources Console Output devices connect Console input devices connect Super IO Initialization USB initialization is started USB Reset USB Detect USB Enable Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...
  • Page 104 Reset protocol is not available Platform PCI resource requirements cannot be met System is entering S1 sleep state System is entering S2 sleep state System is entering S3 sleep state System is entering S4 sleep state Z87H3-A2X EXTREME (GOLDEN) USER MANUAL...

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