Asus B250 MINING EXPERT Manual

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard.

How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction
  This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. It includes descriptions of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.
• Chapter 2: BIOS information
  This chapter discusses changing system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.

Where to find more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.

1. ASUS websites
   The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
   Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.

Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.

Information to prevent injury to yourself when completing a task.

Information to prevent damage to the components when completing a task

Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.

NOTE:
Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

Specifications summary

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Product introduction

Product overview

• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.
• Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity.
• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.
• Unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage to motherboard components.

Scan the QR code to get the detailed pin definitions.

1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR_A/B/C, 8-pin EATX12V, 4-pin AUXPWR_A1/A2/A3)
   Correctly orient the ATX power supply plugs into these connectors and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.

• In order to fully support 19 graphic cards mining, we recommend that you use 3 power supply units (PSU) that are designed for mining with sufficient 12V power plugs and provide a minimum power of 3750W in total (2*1250W + 1*1350W are recommended).
• AUXPWR_A1/A2/A3 must be connected to the same power supply plugged in the 24-pin EATXPWR_A connector.

• We recommend that you use a PSU with higher power output when configuring a system with more power-consuming devices or when you intend to install additional devices. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.
• If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.

2. Intel LGA1151 CPU socket
   Install Intel LGA1151 CPU into this surface mount LGA1151 socket, which is designed for 7th/6th Generation Intel Core i7 / i5 / i3, Pentium, and Celeron processors.

For more details, refer to Central Processing Unit (CPU).

3. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN)
   Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the fan connectors! The CPU_FAN connector supports a CPU fan of maximum 1A (12 W) fan power.

4. DDR4 DIMM slots
   Install 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR4 DIMMs into these DIMM sockets.

• To make your build more stable, when using 8 or more mining cards, we recommend that you install 32GB memory modules and change the size of the virtual memory paging file to 16~20GB.
• For more details, refer to System memory.

5. USB 3.1 Gen 1 connector (20-1 pin U31G1_12)
   Connect a USB 3.1 Gen 1 module to this connector for additional USB 3.1 Gen 1 front or rear panel ports. This connector complies with USB 3.1 Gen 1 specifications and provide faster data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gbps, faster charging time for USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency, and backward compatibility with USB 2.0.
6. Clear RTC RAM (2-pin CLRTC)
   This header allows you to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data of the system setup information such as date, time, and system passwords.
   

To erase the RTC RAM:

1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Use a metal object such as a screwdriver to short the two pins.
3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
4. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data.

If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and short the two pins again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After clearing the CMOS, reinstall the battery.

7. System panel connector (20-5 pin F_PANEL)
   This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.
8. Intel B250 Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~4)
   These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables.
9. USB 2.0 connector (10-1 pin USB910)
   Connect a USB module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specifications and supports up to 480Mbps connection speed.
10. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM)
    Connect the serial port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
11. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
    Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
    
12. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
    This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC'97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.

• We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard's high-definition audio capability.
• If you want to connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD Audio]. If you want to connect an AC'97 front panel audio module to this connector, set the item to [AC97]. By default, this connector is set to [HD Audio].

13. PCI Express x16 slot
    This motherboard supports one PCI Express x16 graphic cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications.
14. PCI Express x1 slots
    This motherboard has eighteen PCI Express x1 slots that support PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications.

For more details, refer to Expansion slots.

Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 Mouse port. This port connects to a PS/2 mouse.
2. USB 2.0 ports. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB 2.0/1.1 devices.
3. HDMI port. This port is for a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector, and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray, and other protected content.
4. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
   

5. Line In port (light blue). This port connects to the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio sources.
6. Line Out port (lime). This port connects to a headphone or a speaker. In the 4.1, 5.1 and 7.1-channel configurations, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out.
7. Microphone port (pink). This port connects to a microphone.

Refer to the audio configuration table for the function of the audio ports in 2.1, 4.1, 5.1, or 7.1-channel configuration.

To configure a 7.1-channel audio output:
Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support a 7.1-channel audio output.

8. USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports (blue, Type A). These 9-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB 3.1 Gen 1 devices.

• USB 3.1 Gen 1 devices can only be used for data storage.
• We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.1 Gen 1 devices to USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports for faster and better performance from your USB 3.1 Gen 1 devices.
• Due to the design of the Intel 200 series chipset, all USB devices connected to the USB 2.0 and USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports are controlled by the xHCI controller. Some legacy USB devices must update their firmware for better compatibility.

9. PS/2 Keyboard port. This port connects to a PS/2 keyboard.

Central Processing Unit

This motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1151 socket designed for the 7th/6th Generation Intel Core i7 / Core i5 / Core i3, Pentium and Celeron processors.

Unplug all power cables before installing the CPU.

• Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for the LGA1151 socket only. DO NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1150, LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1151 socket.
• Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard components.
• Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA1151 socket.
• The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP cap.

Installing the CPU

Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you install the heatsink and fan if necessary.

System memory

Overview

This motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate 4 (DDR4) Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) sockets. A DDR4 module is notched differently from a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 module. DO NOT install a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 memory module to the DDR4 slot.

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.
• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimal compatibility, we recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or date code (D/C) from the same vendor. Check with the retailer to get the correct memory modules.
• According to Intel CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.4V is recommended to protect the CPU.
• Due to Intel chipset limitation, DDR4 2400MHz memory frequency is only supported by 7th Generation Intel processors. Higher memory modules will run at the maximum transfer rate of DDR4 2400MHz.
• Due to Intel chipset limitation, DDR4 2133MHz and higher memory modules on 6th Generation Intel processors will run at the maximum transfer rate of DDR4 2133MHz.
• Memory modules with memory frequency higher than 2133/2400 MHz and its corresponding timing or the loaded X.M.P. Profile is not the JEDEC memory standard. The stability and compatibility of these memory modules depend on the CPU's capabilities and other installed devices.

• To make your build more stable, when using 8 or more mining cards, we recommend that you install 32GB memory modules and change the size of the virtual memory paging file to 16~20GB.
• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module. Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value.
• For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (2 DIMMs).
• Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List)

Installing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM

Expansion slots

This motherboard comes with one PCIe x16 and eighteen (18) PCIe x1 expansion card slots that support graphics cards, network cards, and other cards that comply with PCIe specifications.
The added expansion slots and power connectors are uniquely designed to support up to 19 mining graphics cards for professional cryptocurrency mining. The following sections describe the location of the expansion slots and power connectors, and how to install the mining cards and connect the power supply unit.
The expansion slots and power connectors are divided into three groups, located in three areas and labeled with A, B and C, as shown in the illustrations below.

Installing mining cards

Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

* need AMD driver support.

To install mining cards:

• Seven (7) or less mining cards
  
  1. Install your mining cards into the PCIe x16 slot and the PCIe x1 slots labeled Axx in sequential order A01 ~ A06.
  2. Connect your power supply unit (PSU) to the 24-pin EATX power connector labeled EATXPWR_A.

AUXPWR_A1/A2/A3 must be connected to the same power supply plugged in the 24-pin EATXPWR_A connector.

• 8 ~ 13 mining cards
  

To make your build more stable, when using 8 or more mining cards, we recommend that you install 32GB memory modules and change the size of the virtual memory paging file to 16~20GB.

1. Install your mining cards into the PCIe x16 slot and the PCIe x1 slots labeled Axx and Bxx in sequential order A01 ~ B12.
2. Connect your power supply unit (PSU) to the 24-pin EATX power connectors labeled EATXPWR_A and EATXPWR_B.

• 14 ~ 19 mining cards
  
  1. Install your mining cards into the PCIe x16 slot and the PCIe x1 slots labeled Axx, Bxx and Cxx in sequential order A01 ~ C18.
  2. Connect your power supply unit (PSU) to 24-pin EATX power connectors labeled EATXPWR_A, EATXPWR_B and EATXPWR_C.

• To make the power consumption in balance, connect the 6-pin/8-pin power connectors of your mining cards in area A to the power supply unit (PSU) plugged in EATXPWR_A, mining cards in area B to the power supply unit (PSU) plugged in EATXPWR_B, and mining cards in area C to the power supply unit (PSU) plugged in EATXPWR_C.
• AMD driver support is required for using 17 and more graphics cards.

Changing the mining mode in BIOS

To change the mining mode in BIOS:

1. Press <Delete> or <F2> during POST to enter BIOS Setup.
2. Go to the Advanced menu > Mining Mode. This item is set to [Enabled] by default.
   

You can change this item by yourself.

Viewing the mining card status

To view the mining card status in BIOS:

1. Press <Delete> or <F2> during POST to enter BIOS Setup.
2. Go to the Advanced menu > On Board Slot States, then press <Enter> to display the status of the expansion cards.
   

To view the mining card status during POST:
An image appears during POST to display the status of the mining cards.

• Green slot: The mining card works normally.
• Red slot: There is an error with the mining card.
• Gray slot: Your system failed to detect the mining card.

To make your build more stable, when using 8 or more mining cards, we recommend that you install 32GB memory modules and change the size of the virtual memory paging file to 16~20GB.

BIOS information

Scan the QR code to view the BIOS update guide.

BIOS setup program

Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program.

Entering BIOS Setup at startup
To enter BIOS Setup at startup:
Press <Delete> or <F2> during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you do not press <Delete> or <F2>, POST continues with its routines.

Entering BIOS Setup after POST
To enter BIOS Setup after POST:
Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> simultaneously.
Press the reset button on the system chassis.
Press the power button to turn the system off then back on. Do this option only if you failed to enter BIOS Setup using the first two options.

Using the power button, reset button, or the <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> keys to force reset from a running operating system can cause damage to your data or system. We recommend you always shut down the system properly from the operating system.

• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.
• Visit the ASUS website atwww.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard.
• If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu or press hotkey F5.
• If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and reset the motherboard to the default value. See section Motherboard overview for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.

BIOS menu screen
The BIOS setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode. Press <F7> to change between the two modes.

EZ Mode

By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select the display language, system performance mode, fan profile and boot device priority. To access the Advanced Mode, click Advanced Mode(F7) or press <F7>.

The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the Setup Mode item under the Boot menu for details.
The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system.

Advanced Mode

The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed configurations.

To access the EZ Mode, click EzMode(F7) or press <F7>.

Search on FAQ
Move your mouse over this button to show a QR code. Scan this QR code with your mobile device to connect to the ASUS BIOS FAQ web page. You can also scan the QR code below.

Exit menu

The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.

Load Optimized Defaults
This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation window appears. Select OK to load the default values.

Save Changes & Reset
Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to ensure the values you selected are saved. When you select this option or if you press <F10>, a confirmation window appears. Select OK to save changes and exit.

Discard Changes & Exit
This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes. When you select this option or if you press <Esc>, a confirmation window appears. Select OK to discard changes and exit.

Launch EFI Shell from USB drives
This option allows you to attempt to launch the EFI Shell application (shellx64.efi) from one of the available USB devices.

Safety information

Electrical safety

• 
  To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system.
• When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
• Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables are unplugged.
• Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
• Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

• Before installing the motherboard and adding components, carefully read all the manuals that came with the package.
• Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.
• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.
• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area where it may be exposed to moisture.
• Place the product on a stable surface.
• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.

ASUS contact information

References

• ASUS Global
• ASUS USA
• ASUS Deutschland

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

Download Asus B250 MINING EXPERT Manual

Available languages