ASUS Z97-PRO (Wi-Fi AC) Motherboard User Manual

1. Introdución

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your ASUS Z97-PRO (Wi-Fi AC) motherboard. This ATX form factor motherboard supports LGA 1150 socket processors and DDR3 memory, offering advanced features such as dual-band 802.11AC Wi-Fi, M.2 and SATA Express for high-speed data transfer, and ASUS 5-Way Optimization for system tuning. Please read this manual thoroughly before beginning installation to ensure proper setup and to maximize the performance and longevity of your system.

Figura 1: Máisview of the ASUS Z97-PRO (Wi-Fi AC) Motherboard. This image displays the full ATX motherboard with its various components, including the CPU socket, RAM slots, PCIe slots, and heatsinks.

2. Información de seguridade

Observe the following safety precautions to prevent damage to the motherboard and injury to yourself:

• Always disconnect the power cable from the wall socket before touching any components.
• Use unha pulseira antiestática ou toque con frecuencia un obxecto metálico conectado á terra para descargar a electricidade estática antes de manipular os compoñentes.
• Sujete a placa base polos bordos para evitar tocar os compoñentes sensibles.
• Asegúrate de ventilar axeitadamente a carcasa do teu PC para evitar o sobrequecemento.
• Manteña a placa base lonxe da humidade e das temperaturas extremas.

3. Contido do paquete

Verify that your package contains the following items. If any item is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

• ASUS Z97-PRO (Wi-Fi AC) Motherboard
• Manual de usuario
• DVD de soporte (que contén controladores e utilidades)
• Cables SATA 6 Gb/s
• Escudo de E / S
• Antena Wi-Fi
• Paquete de parafusos M.2

Note: Actual package contents may vary by region or retailer.

4. Deseño da placa base

Familiarízate cos compoñentes e conectores clave da túa placa base antes da instalación.

4.1. Compoñentes clave

• Soquete da CPU LGA 1150: For Intel Core 4th and 5th Generation processors.
• Ranuras para memorias DIMM DDR3: Four slots supporting up to 32GB of DDR3 memory. Refer to the manual for specific memory configurations (e.g., dual-channel operation).
• Ranuras PCIe: Multiple PCI Express slots for graphics cards and other expansion cards.
• Socket M.2: For high-speed M.2 SSDs, supporting up to 10Gb/s data transfer.
• SATA Express Ports: For next-generation storage devices, supporting up to 10Gb/s data transfer.
• Portos SATA de 6 Gb/s: Standard ports for connecting SATA hard drives and SSDs.
• USB 3.0/2.0 Headers: For connecting front panel USB ports.
• Cabeceiras do panel frontal: For power button, reset button, HDD LED, and power LED.
• Encabezados de fans: Multiple headers for CPU and chassis fans, controlled by Fan Xpert 3.

5. Configuración e instalación

Siga estes pasos para instalar correctamente a placa base e os seus compoñentes.

5.1. Instalación da CPU

1. Abra a panca do socket da CPU e levante a placa de carga.
2. Aliña coidadosamente a CPU co socket, asegurándote de que o triángulo dourado da CPU coincida co triángulo do socket.
3. Coloque a CPU no socket con coidado sen forzala.
4. Close the load plate and push down the lever to secure the CPU.
5. Instala o refrigerador da CPU segundo as instrucións do fabricante.

5.2. Instalación da memoria (RAM)

1. Abra os clips nos dous extremos da ranura DIMM.
2. Aliñe a muesca do módulo de memoria DDR3 coa chave da ranura DIMM.
3. Insira o módulo firmemente na ranura ata que os clips encaixen no seu lugar.
4. For dual-channel operation, install memory modules into matching colored slots (e.g., both gray or both black). If using two sticks, try the gray slots first if issues arise with black slots.

5.3. Instalación do dispositivo de almacenamento

• SSD M.2: Insert the M.2 SSD into the M.2 socket at an angle, then push it down and secure it with the provided screw.
• Dispositivos SATA: Connect SATA data cables from your storage devices (HDDs/SSDs) to the SATA 6Gb/s or SATA Express ports on the motherboard. Connect power cables from your power supply to the devices.

5.4. Instalación da tarxeta de expansión

1. Align your graphics card or other PCIe expansion card with the desired PCIe slot.
2. Press down firmly until the card is seated correctly and the retention clip locks.
3. Fixe a tarxeta ao chasis cun parafuso.

5.5. Conexións de alimentación

• Conecta o conector de alimentación ATX de 24 pines da fonte de alimentación á placa base.
• Connect the 8-pin ATX 12V power connector (EATX12V) to the motherboard.
• Connect power cables to your graphics card(s) if required.

5.6. Front Panel & Peripheral Connections

• Connect the front panel headers (power switch, reset switch, HDD LED, power LED) to their respective pins on the motherboard. Refer to the motherboard manual for pin assignments.
• Connect front panel USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 headers.
• Conecte o conector de audio do panel frontal.
• Instala a antena Wi-Fi nos conectores do panel de E/S traseiro.

6. Instrucións de funcionamento

6.1. Initial Boot-up and BIOS/UEFI Configuration

1. Despois de montar o sistema, conecte un monitor, un teclado e un rato.
2. Acenda o seu sistema. Prema o botón DEL key during startup to enter the UEFI BIOS.
3. The ASUS UEFI BIOS offers advanced options and a fast response time. Configure boot order, system time, and other settings as needed.
4. Save changes and exit the BIOS to continue with operating system installation.

6.2. Instalación de controladores

After installing your operating system, install all necessary drivers from the provided support DVD or download the latest versions from the ASUS support website. This includes chipset drivers, audio drivers (Crystal Sound 2), LAN drivers, and Wi-Fi drivers (802.11AC).

6.3. Wi-Fi AC Setup

The motherboard features dual-band 802.11AC Wi-Fi. Ensure the external Wi-Fi antenna is connected. After installing the Wi-Fi drivers, you can connect to wireless networks through your operating system's network settings. The Wi-Fi GO! and Media Streamer features can be configured via ASUS utilities for enhanced wireless functionality.

6.4. ASUS 5-Way Optimization

Utilize the ASUS AI Suite 3 software to access 5-Way Optimization. This feature consolidates TPU (TurboV Processing Unit), EPU (Energy Processing Unit), DIGI+ Power Control, Fan Xpert 3, and Turbo App to provide comprehensive system tuning, including automatic overclocking, power saving, and fan control. This can optimize your system for specific tasks or overall performance.

7. Mantemento

7.1. Limpeza

• Limpa regularmente o po do interior da carcasa do teu PC con aire comprimido.
• Ensure fans (CPU, chassis, GPU) are free from dust buildup to maintain optimal cooling.
• Apague e desconecte sempre o sistema antes de limpalo.

7.2. Actualizacións da BIOS

It is recommended to keep your BIOS updated to the latest version available on the ASUS support website. BIOS updates can improve system stability, compatibility, and performance. Refer to the ASUS website for detailed instructions on how to update the BIOS, which may include using the EZ Flash utility or BIOS Flashback feature.

8 Solución de problemas

Esta sección aborda problemas comúns cos que podes atoparte.

• Sen alimentación/Sen arranque: Ensure all power cables (24-pin ATX, 8-pin EATX12V) are securely connected. Check front panel power switch connection.
• Sen visualización: Verify that the graphics card is properly seated and connected to power. Ensure the monitor cable is securely connected to the graphics card or motherboard (if using integrated graphics).
• Memory Not Recognized: Re-seat memory modules. Ensure they are in the correct slots for dual-channel operation. Test modules individually if possible.
• Problemas co porto USB 3.0: Some users have reported intermittent issues with input devices or external drives connected to USB 3.0 ports, especially during startup or waking from sleep. Ensure you have the latest USB 3.0 drivers installed. If problems persist, try connecting devices to USB 2.0 ports or updating the BIOS.
• Problemas de conectividade wifi: Ensure Wi-Fi antenna is properly connected. Install the latest Wi-Fi drivers. Check for interference from other devices.
• Inestabilidade/fallos do sistema: Check CPU and GPU temperatures. Ensure all drivers are up to date. Run memory diagnostic tools.

9. Especificacións

10. Garantía e soporte

ASUS products are designed for reliability and performance. For warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official ASUS website. For technical support, driver downloads, and further assistance, please visit the ASUS support websitio:

www.asus.com/support/

You can also find FAQs and troubleshooting guides on the support page.