Asus z87-plus [3/174] Chapter 2 basic installation

iii

Contents

Safety information ...................................................................................................... vi

About this guide ........................................................................................................ vii

Z87-PLUS specications summary .......................................................................... ix

Package contents ..................................................................................................... xiv

Installation tools and components .......................................................................... xv

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1 Special features..........................................................................................1-1

1.1.1 Product highlights........................................................................1-1

1.1.2 Dual Intelligent Processors 4 with 4-Way Optimization ............... 1-2

1.1.3 ASUS Exclusive Features ........................................................... 1-3

1.1.4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution ..................................................... 1-4

1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY .............................................................................. 1-4

1.1.6 Other special features ................................................................. 1-5

1.2 Motherboard overview ............................................................................... 1-6

1.2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-6

1.2.2 Motherboard layout ..................................................................... 1-7

1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-9

1.2.4 System memory ........................................................................ 1-10

1.2.5 Expansion slots ......................................................................... 1-24

1.2.6 Onboard buttons and switches..................................................1-26

1.2.7 Jumper ...................................................................................... 1-31

1.2.8 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................... 1-32

1.2.9 Internal connectors....................................................................1-34

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 ............................... 2-4

2.1.4 DIMM installation......................................................................... 2-6

2.1.5 ATX Power connection ................................................................ 2-7

2.1.6 SATA device connection .............................................................. 2-8

2.1.7 Front I/O Connectors...................................................................2-9

2.1.8 Expansion Card installation....................................................... 2-10

2.2 BIOS update utility ................................................................................... 2-11

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