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Started by raja@asus | | 180 answers
ASUS Z97 Motherboards - Official Support Thread
This thread is for the official support of the ASUS Z97 motherboard series.

Lots of feature changes over the older platforms - from software, UEFI and aesthetics.

Motherboard Info



A comparison table containing all ASUS Z97 motherboard features can be found here: http://www.asus.com/us/site/motherboards/Z97/comparison/


Key Features For ASUS 9 Series Motherboards




New UEFI Features




EZ Setup Screen - One-stop location for simple system setup..




The EZ mode screen allows quick setup of storage BOOT priority, XMP for memory, RAID, overclocking presets via wizards, system time, fan control and many more features.











Fan Controls are now far more intuitive with a graphical interface for setting the fan slope with 3 control points (more than enough to configure any fan) in manual mode as well as 4 preset modes. Full PWM and DC support is present on EVERY fan header across all ASUS Z97 motherboards from the Z97-A to Deluxe, ROG and of course the TUF series.

We've also introduced the ability to map each fan to various temperature sensors on the board instead of having all system fans react to the CPU temp only. For example, the chassis inlet fans can be mapped to PCH temperature which allows the fans to react to temperature changes in that region - GPU environment temperatures for example.

A fan calibration routine has also been added to UEFI advanced mode. The calibration routine determines the minimum rotational speed of each fan and then sets the fan slope minimum value accordingly.

With these features, users can enjoy comprehensive fan control with any operating system as no software is required (although we still have Fan Xpert 3 in Windows - more on that later).





Major Software Changes



Graphically AI Suite 3 is the same as the Z87 series but there have been a lot of functionality refinements that take the software to the next level.




5-Way Optimization - Auto Tuning (Mainstream and WS Only)




Auto Tuning is an automated overclocking routine that tunes a system overclock for the end-user. We’ve had this feature for a few generations now and have been enhancing it year-on-year based upon end-user, media and our internal feedback.

Auto tuning works by running a Prime based stress test on the system. Previously, there was no control over the duration of the stress test. We ran a quick 15 second test and then increased processor clock frequency in steps. For Z97, we've added the ability to set stress test duration up to 1 hour at each step (we can extend this further via an update). Plus we've added a memory stress test to the mix for more stringent overclock testing.

Users can also target frequency or a temperature to tune to. Overall a far more comprehensive set of auto tuning parameters to help make overclocking easy for newcomers and help seasoned users evaluate the overclocking potential of a CPU effortlessly.





Turbo App




Turbo App is the 5th element of 5-Way Optimization. This nifty addition allows us to set dynamic overclocking profiles based upon the application being used.


The advantage of this is two-fold:

[INDENT]1) Overclocks no longer need to be limited by the hottest application we run on our system. Typically, we tune our maximum overclock to the hottest software we will run. With Turbo Ap, we can set higher overclocks for software/games that don’t load the CPU as heavily.

2) The overclock is applied dynamically in real-time as we switch through applications – no need to enter UEFI to change the overclock preset or navigate via various GUIs changing configurations. Turbo App also contains LAN priority and audio presets which will change to our desired setting when the application is active.[/INDENT]

Turbo App is simple to use and setup and helps get the most out of each CPU.





Fan Xpert 3


While we have added a comprehensive set of fan control features in UEFI, there’s more on offer in Fan Xpert 3.



[INDENT]i) Full fan calibration for each fan connected to the motherboard.

ii) The ability to control fan spin up and spin down response.

iii) Setting lower speeds for fans that can spin at low duty cycles.

iv) Look up tables for each fan to show RPM versus power or duty cycle.

v) Renaming of each fan for easy reference. [/INDENT]


With all of these options at our disposal, just about any fan con be configured to be quiet and react to system temperature changes. Between UEFI and Fan Xpert 3, the options on offer are the most comprehensive ever seen for motherboard fan control. In fact, there’s no reason to invest in a dedicated fan controller at all.




Push Notice




Push notice is an application that teams a mobile device such as a phone or tablet to the PC in order to send system event, sensor or user messages to the remote device. Once a device is paired to the app (requires client software – which is free to download and use) the alerts will work over a local network or via the internet. This means the messages will be received no matter where you are, provided internet access is available.









System events such as configured restarts, system shutdown or sleep can be set and a message sent to the remote device at a user configured time before the event occurs.







Power supply voltage and CPU package temp warnings can also be set to trigger an alert message to the paired remote device.






Revised Audio deisgn (mainstream)




Mainstream motherboard audio has been revised for 9 series – physically similar layout techniques to the ROG boards to prevent crosstalk.

Other changes include a RTL circuit to prevent DC thump for all outputs while the Deluxe model gets a buffer amplifier to drive either the front headphone jack or rear output jack. The buffer is only needed when connecting hedphones with an impedance over 120 ohms or so to provide additional voltage gain and prevent excessive roll-off at frequency extremes.






Product Page Links




Z97-Deluxe : http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Z97DELUXENFC_WLC/
Z97-PRO : http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Z97PRO/
Z97-A : http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Z97A/
Maximus VII Hero : http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/MAXIMUS_VII_HERO/
Maximus VII Gene : http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/MAXIMUS_VII_GENE/
Z97 Sabertooth Mk.1 :http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/SABERTOOTH_Z97_MARK_1/







Guides



5-Way Optimization User Guide


UEFI Fan Control and Fan Xpert 3 Guide



Latest UEFI Releases (090* series)


Z97-Deluxe: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz2VRRbLPrZnckx1QmNHX0...

Z97 Sabertooth Mk.1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz2VRRbLPrZnTmNFb3VzST...

Z97-Pro: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz2VRRbLPrZnQ29DR25UUm...

Z97-A: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz2VRRbLPrZnWktvZjhnWk...

Maximus VII Hero: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz2VRRbLPrZndTFNVVpIRF...

Maximus VII Gene: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz2VRRbLPrZnSHJfMWNpNj...

Patch list:


1. Update uCode for new Anniversary Edition CPU support.
2. XMP DRAM frequency reset after load optimized defaults.
3. Enhance security setting.
4. Enhance compatibility for ASUS ThunderboltEX II series cards.
5. Enhance stability for OC profile function.
6. Enhance legacy storage support for the RAID wizard in EZ Tuning Wizard function.
7. Change “Next Boot after AC Power Loss” setting to speed up PC boot time.

These builds will be up on the support site shortly.

  • By posting on this site, I confirm I am over 13 years of age and agree to abide by the site’s rules.

October 18, 2014 4:03:39 AM

Hi there everyone,

I recently purchased this motherboard as upgrade in July and never install a dvd rom with it. Can someone teach me where I should plug my dvd rom on this motherboard?

I also have a side fan (free gift when I purchased this item..) and I am not sure how I can install that too. The pc currently have 2 fans at the front, 2 at the back already. The sale only told me it's for the left side of the case...

I know it may be a dumb question but really seeking for some helps here.

Many thanks
October 12, 2014 2:42:37 PM

Anybody, what is the Difference between the Z97 Sabertooth MK 1 and the Z97 Sabertooth MK 2? Feature wise and why is the MK1 more money? Thanks.
October 5, 2014 3:22:32 PM

Should I choose the asus 97a or go with msi or gigabytes?
September 30, 2014 9:11:53 AM

raja@asus said:
The boards are on sale on Newegg and some other vendors, you can search on there directly for prices.


Sorry I can't figure out how to make a post in this STICKY. Last time I started a new one damn it. -

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2316710/chose-mb...

I forgot to mention I have a i5-4690K w/ my Z-97 Deluxe. I have setup a Test Bench before placing all in case. I fired it up (it didn't explode fyi lol) & I got into the BIOS.

The thing is, my USB was not shown where u need to Update Drivers. It did show in the EZ Mode.
This leaves me to believe that my exFAT programed San Disk 3.0 was not correct. I reformatted but in FAT32. (haven't tried it yet) The problem is - or is there a problem? - I transferred my FILES to my Notebook Desktop, then deleted the USB. After the format & switch to FAT32 I dragged & dropped back in.

Backing up to when I saw the issue, I shut it off & when I went to do go through it again I got a message.

*Secure Boot Violation - The system found unauthorized changes.....>Boot and change the current boot device... ALL in a RED block.

Below is the list of drivers for my setup & Win. 7 64bit - Note: I did not attempt to get an OS in. I'll wait till after I finish my BIOS Update.
I have watched a video how to by an ASUS rep. PCDIY - "What to do with your PC hardware before you build"

Here is my BIOS Driver list. Please tell me if this is correct.

DRIVER LIST

#1 Z97-DELUXE BIOS 1304 Version 1304 /
#2 Bios Renamer for USB BIOS Flashback and Crashfree BIOS 2 Version /
#3 Bupdater Utility V1.30 Version 1.30 /
#4 Intel(R) Chipset Software Version 10.0.17 /
#5 Intel(R) Management Engine Version 10.0.0.1204 /
#6 Realtek Audio Driver Version 6.0.1.7233 /
#7 Intel(R) Graphics Accelerator Version 10.18.10.3496 /
#8 Turbo LAN V1.04.01 Version 1.04.01 /
#9 Intel(R) Gigabit Ethernet Version 19.1.51.0 /
#10 Intel USB 3.0 Driver V3.0.0.16 Version 3.0.0.16 /
#11 Asmedia USB Controller Driver Version 1.16.15.0 /
#12 Version 1.01.03 / #13 Version 1.00.82 / #14 Turbo LAN V1.05.01 Version 1.05.01 /
#15 ASUS Probe II Version 1.0.1.0 / #16 ASUS CPU-Z V1.69 Version 1.69 /
#17 ASUS PC Diagnostics V1.3.5 Version 1.3.5 /
#18 ASUS AO Help V1.2.17.225 Version 1.2.17.225 /
#19 Disk Unlocker V2.1.3 - 5,81 (MBytes Version - 2.1.3 - 2014.04.29 /
#20 ASUS Boot Setting V1.00.18 Version 1.00.18 /
#21 Wi-Fi Driver V6.32.223.1 Version 6.31.223.1&6.32.223 /
#22 Intel AHCI/RAID Driver Path Version 13.1.0.1058 /
#23 Intel Smart Connect Technology Version 5.0.10.2808 /
#24 Asmedia SATA Controller Driver Version 2.0.8.1 /
#25 Intel Rapid Start Technology Version 4.0.0.1068 /
#26 Bluetooth Driver V6.5.1.4800 Version 6.5.1.4800&12.0.0.9350 /

Thanks for any help.

EDIT* I have now installed my OS Win. 7 64bit. Thing is it WILL NOT load directly, I have to press F8 & click on my HDD. It is also about 10 min. to get to the log in screen. - quick info, more in depth below

I got the latest BIOS in #1304, yet can NOT get anymore drivers installed. 2 days of trying.
I can see the Drivers in the system, yet when I press enter, it just cycles back through over & over?
Do I have to keep doing that dumb press F8 then pop in the disc nonsense every time I want to update a driver?
I installed the BIOS before the OS. I have not been connected to an Ethernet cable during most of this until late today, Oct 1st.

Now after being wire connected, I can't get any signal so this is not getting any better. I think I'm going to RMA it unless I get some answers fast, be it here or from ASUS Support which was sent in today.

Either I don't have 2 clues, or this is one broken pos MBO that is pissing me off greatly. RMA or hammer time by end of week.
This is a very frustrating situation that *I can't tell if it's partially me, or just a defective product.

System is in Test Mode on a table still.
I need help asap. Very frustrated w/ the struggle to get operational.

It also tends to keep making my Optical Drive disappear, even though it is the #1 BOOT Priority. I restart, then most times it comes back. - tried making HDD the Boot Priority but it still wouldn't load direct from off.
September 29, 2014 12:37:14 PM

Sharl said:
I picked up a Sabertooth z97 Mark 2 board last week and have been mostly satisfied with it thus far. One thing that has bothered me is that my mouse doesn't seem to work in the fancy GUI BIOS. The cursor starts out in the middle of the screen when I enter the setup and only twitches madly about within that small area when I attempt to move it.

Ordinarily, I would just use the advanced setup and chalk it up as something to look into later. Unfortunately, Windows began having issues keeping the system clock moving so I reset the jumpers beneath the CMOS battery. This worked and now I am at the point where I need to reset the time and date in the BIOS.

Unfortunately, I cannot set it within the 'EZ' mode due to the mouse cursor refusing to do anything but twitch about and I cannot seem to access the date and time options in the advanced setup (the highlight just passes over the options entirely when using the cursor keys to navigate)

How can I fix this mouse issue within the BIOS GUI? It is powered and seems to be acknowledged by the system due to the way the cursor seems to attempt to move with the mouse. For whatever reason it just appears to be locked into that center position and I would really like to set my system clock.

Thank you.

Huh, weird I dont have that issue with my G9 mouse. I too am very satisfied with my Sabertooth mark 2 board very stable at 4.7ghz on my 4690k.

September 28, 2014 3:19:24 PM

I didn't bother updating to 1304 bios on my Sabertooth Mark 2 Z97. My 4690k is very stable@4.7ghz@1.290Vcore with the 1200 bios. Their's a saying "that if it isn't broken, don't fix it", I'm a firm believer in that. Motherboard bios updates are not very easy the way Asus makes you do it(cap file), nor would I ever attempt to update a bios via USB stick(so much can go wrong with USB sticks). I don't see any changes in the 1304 bios that are a must have it just says "increased stability" and that doesn't explain anything.

Firestrike score http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/4025076?
September 26, 2014 5:33:25 PM

I do not. I am using 1202 due to their updater program finding no more recent update than that. I grabbed the 1304 update from their website but lack any USB sticks to utilize that method of manually updating.
a c 985 Ĉ ASUS
a c 1798 V Motherboard
September 26, 2014 4:58:59 PM

Do you have the latest BIOS, believe still 1304 from last month?
September 26, 2014 1:47:53 PM

I picked up a Sabertooth z97 Mark 2 board last week and have been mostly satisfied with it thus far. One thing that has bothered me is that my mouse doesn't seem to work in the fancy GUI BIOS. The cursor starts out in the middle of the screen when I enter the setup and only twitches madly about within that small area when I attempt to move it.

Ordinarily, I would just use the advanced setup and chalk it up as something to look into later. Unfortunately, Windows began having issues keeping the system clock moving so I reset the jumpers beneath the CMOS battery. This worked and now I am at the point where I need to reset the time and date in the BIOS.

Unfortunately, I cannot set it within the 'EZ' mode due to the mouse cursor refusing to do anything but twitch about and I cannot seem to access the date and time options in the advanced setup (the highlight just passes over the options entirely when using the cursor keys to navigate)

How can I fix this mouse issue within the BIOS GUI? It is powered and seems to be acknowledged by the system due to the way the cursor seems to attempt to move with the mouse. For whatever reason it just appears to be locked into that center position and I would really like to set my system clock.

Thank you.
September 19, 2014 3:51:00 AM

How can I update the BIOS version of my Z97-K mobo using a USB stick ?

See all answers