Contents

Safety information
- About this guide
- Z97-PRO specifications summary
- Package contents
- Installation tools and components
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
- 1.1 Special features
  - 1.1.1 Product highlights
  - 1.1.2 Other special features
- 1.2 Motherboard overview
  - 1.2.1 Before you proceed
  - 1.2.2 Motherboard layout
  - 1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  - 1.2.4 System memory
  - 1.2.5 Expansion slots
  - 1.2.6 Onboard buttons and switches
  - 1.2.7 Jumpers
  - 1.2.8 Onboard LEDs
  - 1.2.9 Internal connectors
Chapter 2: Basic installation
- 2.1 Building your PC system
  - 2.1.1 Motherboard installation
  - 2.1.2 CPU installation
  - 2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation
  - 2.1.4 DIMM installation
  - 2.1.5 ATX Power connection
  - 2.1.6 SATA device connection
  - 2.1.7 Front I/O Connector
  - 2.1.8 Expansion Card installation
  - 2.1.9 Wi-Fi antenna installation (Optional)
- 2.2 BIOS update utility
- 2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections
  - 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection
  - 2.3.2 Audio I/O connections
- 2.4 Starting up for the first time
- 2.5 Turning off the computer
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
- 3.1 Knowing BIOS
- 3.2 BIOS setup program
  - 3.2.1 EZ Mode
  - 3.2.2 Advanced Mode
  - 3.2.3 QFan Control
  - 3.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard
- 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 PCH Configuration
  - 3.6.3 PCH Storage Configuration
  - 3.6.4 System Agent Configuration
  - 3.6.5 USB Configuration
  - 3.6.6 Platform Misc Configuration
  - 3.6.7 Onboard Devices Configuration
  - 3.6.8 APM Configuration
  - 3.6.9 Network Stack Configuration
  - 3.6.10 Intel Rapid Storage Technology
- 3.7 Monitor menu
- 3.8 Boot menu
- 3.9 Tool menu
  - 3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility
  - 3.9.2 ASUS O.C. Profile
  - 3.9.3 ASUS DRAM SPD Information
- 3.10 Exit menu
- 3.11 Updating BIOS
  - 3.11.1 EZ Update
  - 3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2
  - 3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
  - 3.11.4 ASUS BIOS Updater
Chapter 4: Software support
- 4.1 Installing an operating system
- 4.2 Support DVD information
  - 4.2.1 Running the support DVD
  - 4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals
- 4.3 Software information
- 4.4 AI Suite 3
  - 4.4.1 Ai Charger+
  - 4.4.2 USB 3.0 Boost
  - 4.4.3 EZ Update
  - 4.4.4 USB BIOS Flashback
  - 4.4.5 USB Charger+
  - 4.4.6 Push Notice
  - 4.4.7 System Information
- 4.5 Audio configurations
Chapter 5: RAID support
- 5.1 RAID configurations
  - 5.1.1 RAID definitions
  - 5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks
  - 5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS
  - 5.1.4 Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility
- 5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk
  - 5.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows
  - 5.2.2 Installing the RAID driver during Windows OS installation
Appendices
- Notices
- ASUS contact information

ASUS Z97-PRO User Manual

Pages 180

Year 2014

Language(s)

of 180

ASUS Z97-PRO Motherboard Specification

The ASUS Z97-PRO Motherboard is a high-performance platform designed for enthusiasts and gamers who require robust and reliable computing power. It features the Intel Z97 chipset, supporting 4th and 5th generation Intel Core processors with LGA 1150 sockets. It offers four DIMM slots supporting up to 32GB of DDR3 RAM, with speeds up to 3200 MHz when overclocked. The motherboard is equipped with advanced connectivity options, including six SATA 6Gb/s ports for extensive storage capabilities and an M.2 slot supporting PCIe 2.0 x2 for ultra-fast SSDs.

Connectivity is further enhanced with onboard 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0, providing seamless wireless networking. The ASUS Z97-PRO also includes an Intel Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connections. For expansion, it offers three PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slots, supporting NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFireX for multi-GPU setups, in addition to three PCIe 2.0 x1 slots and two legacy PCI slots.

The audio on this motherboard is powered by ASUS's Crystal Sound 2, delivering high-definition 8-channel audio with advanced shielding and audio separation technologies for premium sound quality. The user-friendly UEFI BIOS provides an intuitive interface for system tuning, while ASUS's 5-Way Optimization offers real-time system performance adjustments for optimal power and cooling efficiency.

For connectivity, the rear I/O panel includes USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, and VGA outputs, as well as audio jacks and a PS/2 port for legacy peripherals. The ASUS Z97-PRO combines cutting-edge features with exceptional build quality, making it an ideal choice for users looking to build a powerful and versatile desktop system.

ASUS Z97-PRO Motherboard F.A.Q.

How do I update the BIOS on my ASUS Z97-PRO Motherboard?

To update the BIOS, download the latest BIOS version from the ASUS support website, save it to a USB drive, and use the ASUS EZ Flash utility in the BIOS setup to install the update.

What should I do if my ASUS Z97-PRO Motherboard is not powering on?

Check the power connections, ensure the PSU is functional, reseat the RAM and GPU, and try clearing the CMOS. If the issue persists, test with a different power supply.

How can I enable XMP for my RAM on the ASUS Z97-PRO?

Enter the BIOS setup during boot, navigate to the AI Tweaker menu, and set the XMP profile to enable enhanced memory performance.

What is the maximum RAM capacity supported by the ASUS Z97-PRO Motherboard?

The ASUS Z97-PRO supports up to 32GB of DDR3 RAM distributed across four DIMM slots.

How can I troubleshoot CPU overheating issues on my ASUS Z97-PRO?

Ensure proper thermal paste application, verify the CPU fan is operational, check for adequate airflow in the case, and clean any dust from heatsinks and fans.

Does the ASUS Z97-PRO support NVMe SSDs?

Yes, the ASUS Z97-PRO supports NVMe SSDs via the M.2 slot, but ensure to update to the latest BIOS for optimal compatibility.

How do I reset the CMOS on the ASUS Z97-PRO Motherboard?

To reset the CMOS, turn off the computer, unplug the power cord, and remove the CMOS battery for a few minutes. Alternatively, use the CLRTC jumper on the motherboard.