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Copyright
This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected
under international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor
any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of
the author.
Version 1.0
Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manufac-
turer makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof
and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for
any particular purpose. The manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publica-
tion and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation
of the manufacturer to notify any person of such revision or changes.
Trademark Recognition
Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
MMX, Pentium, Pentium-II, Pentium-III, Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel
Corporation.
Other product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective owners
and are acknowledged.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential instal-
lation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interfer-
ence will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
Connect the equipment onto an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
Shielded interconnect cables and a shielded AC power cable must be employed with
this equipment to ensure compliance with the pertinent RF emission limits govern-
ing this device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the system's
manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL
Preface

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Summary of Contents for ECS Z77H2-A4

  • Page 1 Shielded interconnect cables and a shielded AC power cable must be employed with this equipment to ensure compliance with the pertinent RF emission limits govern- ing this device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the system’s manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 2: Declaration Of Conformity

    Chapter 5 ® Storage Manager RAID Intel Matrix Storage Manager Configurations. RAID Configurations Chapter 6 page 67 Describes the ATI Crossfire ATI CrossFireX Technology Technology Support Chapter 7 page 71 Provides basic trouble Trouble Shooting shooting tips. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    About the Setup Utility..............29 The Standard Configuration............29 Entering the Setup Utility............29 Resetting the Default CMOS Values........30 Using BIOS..................30 BIOS Navigation Keys..............31 Main Menu................32 Advanced Menu..............33 Chipset Menu................46 M.I.B III(MB Intelligent Bios III) Menu........49 Boot Menu................53 Security Menu................54 Exit Menu................55 Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 4 Auto-installing under Windows XP/Vista/7.........57 ..Running Setup..............57 Manual Installation................59 ECS Utility Software (Intelligent EZ Utility)........59 Chapter 5 Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID Configuration Before creating a RAID set.............61 Entering Intel® Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS utility..62 Creating a RAID set.................63...
  • Page 5: Introducing The Motherboard

    Chapter 1 Introducing the Motherboard Introduction Thank you for choosing the Z77H2-A4 motherboard. This motherboard is a high per- formance, enhanced function motherboard designed to support the LGA1155 socket for latest new Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge high-end desktop processors.
  • Page 6: Specifications

    Specifications • LGA1155 socket for latest new Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge high-end desktop processors Note: Please go to ECS website for the latest CPU support list. ® Chipset • Intel Z77 Chipset Memory • Dual-channel DDR3 memory architecture •...
  • Page 7 • Supports PgUp clear CMOS Hotkey (Has PS2 KB Model only) • Supports Dual Dispaly • Supports Over-Clocking • Supports ECS M.I.B III Utility • Supports eBLU, eDLU, eOC, eSF • Supports EZ Charger • Supports GUI UEFI BIOS II •...
  • Page 8: Motherboard Components

    Motherboard Components Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 9 Mini PCI-Ex1 slot/ mSATA connector 22. PCIEX16_S PCI Express Gen2.0 x4 slot 23. PCIE1~3 PCI Express x1 slots 24. PCIEX16 PCI Express Gen3.0 slot for graphics interface 25. SYS_FAN 3-pin system cooling fan connector 26. ATX12V 4-pin +12V power connector Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 10: I/O Ports

    8: Center & Woofer 11: Line-in 12: Front Out 9: Back Surround 13: Mic_in Rear 10: Side Surround The above port definition can be changed to audio input or audio output by changing the driver utility setting. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 11: Installing The Motherboard

    Place the motherboard over the mounting brackets and secure the motherboard onto the mounting brackets with screws. Do not over-tighten the screws as this can stress the motherboard. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 12: Checking Jumper Settings

    The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1 is labeled. To avoid the system instability after clearing CMOS, we recommend users to enter the main BIOS setting page to “Load Default Settings” and then “Save and Exit Setup”. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 13: Installing Hardware

    Lift the tail of the load lever and rotate the load plate to fully open position. Grasp the edge of the package substrate. Make sure pin 1 indicator is on your bottom-left side. Aim at the socket and place the package carefully into the socket by purely vertical motion. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 14 Spreader). Engage the load lever while pressing down lightly onto the load plate. Secure the load lever with the hook under retention tab. Then the cover will flick automatically. Please save and replace the cover onto the CPU socket if processor is re- moved. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 15: Installing The Cpu Cooler

    B. Fasten the cooling fan supporting base onto the CPU socket on the motherboard. And make sure the CPU fan is plugged to the CPU fan connector. C. Connect the CPU cooler power connector to the CPU_FAN connector. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 16: Installing Memory Modules

    The slot latches are levered upwards and latch on to the edges of the DIMM. The four DDR3 memory sockets (DDR3_1, DDR3_2, DDR3_3 and DDR3_4) are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as following: Channel A: DDR3_1, DDR3_2 Channel B: DDR3_3, DDR3_4 Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 17 1. For best performance and compatibility, we recommend that users give priority to the white DIMMs (DDR3_2/DDR3_4) when installing DIMMs. 2. We suggest users not to mix memory type. It is recommended to use the same brand and type memory on this motherboard. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 18: Installing Add-On Cards

    Please insert your Graphic Card (VGA card) on gray PCIEX16 slot when you use one Graphic Card (VGA card), please reference Chapter 2-4-4. The black SATA6 connector will become unavailable when miniPCI-Ex1 slot/ mSATA connec- tor is installed. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 19 2. The onboard PCI interface does not support 64-bit SCSI cards. Please refer the following illustrations to install the add-on card: Install the LAN Card in the PCIE X1 slot Install the VGA Card in the PCI slot Install the VGA Card in the PCIE X16 slot Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 20 Make the other end of the cable (with a gold screw) through the upper hole of the bracket, and tighten the antenna on to the gold screw after installing a metal gasket on the screw (Please refer to Picture 3). Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3 Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 21: Connecting Optional Devices

    2-4-5. Connecting Optional Devices Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional devices: Components Components USB3F F_USB(EZ)/ F_USB2 SATA1~6 CASE ME_UNLOCK SPDIFO F_AUDIO Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 22 Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s device, simpler disk drive cabling and easier PC assembly. It eliminates limitations of the current Parallel ATA interface. But main- tains register compatibility and software compatibility with Parallel ATA. The black SATA6 connector will become unavailable when miniPCI-Ex1 slot/ mSATA connector is installed. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 23 3. CASE: Chassis Intrusion Detect Header This detects if the chassis cover has been removed. This function needs a chassis equipped with instrusion detection switch and needs to be enabled in BIOS. 4. ME_UNLOCK: ME Unlock Header Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 24 Please make sure that the USB cable has the same pin assignment as indi- cated above. A different pin assignment may cause damage or system hang- Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 25 Connect a serial port extension bracket to this header to add a serial port to your system. 8. LPT: Onboard parallel port header This is a header that can be used to connect to the printer, scanner or other devices. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 26 The front panel audio header allows the user to install auxiliary front-oriented mi- crophone and line-out ports for easier access. This header supports HD audio by default. If you want connect an AC’ 97 front panel audio to HD onboard headers, please set as below picture. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 27 If you use AC’ 97 Front Panel, please don’ t tick off “Using Front Jack Detect ”. If you use HD Audio Front Panel, please tick off the option of “Using Front Jack Detect ”. * For reference only Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 28: Installing A Sata Hard Drive

    Attach either cable end to the connector on the motherboard. Attach the other cable end to the SATA hard drive. Attach the SATA power cable to the SATA hard drive and connect the other end to the power supply. * For reference only Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 29: Connecting Case Components

    Connect the CPU cooling fan cable to CPU_FAN. Connect the system cooling fan connector to SYS_FAN. Connect the power cooling fan connector to PWR_FAN. Users please note that the fan connector supports the CPU cooling fan of 1.1A ~ 2.2A (26.4W max) at +12V. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 30 24-pin power cable Connecting 4-pin power cable The ATX12V4P power connector is used to provide power to the CPU. When installing 4-pin power cable, the latches of power cable and the ATX12V4P match perfectly. 4-pin power cable Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 31: Front Panel Header

    50 ms to signal the power supply to switch on or off. The time requirement is due to internal de-bounce circuitry. After receiving a power on/off signal, at least two seconds elapses before the power supply recognizes another on/off signal. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 32 5. SPK: Speaker Connect the case speaker cable to SPK. This concludes Chapter 2. The next chapter covers the BIOS. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 33: Using Bios

    When you power on the system, BIOS enters the Power-On Self Test (POST) routines. POST is a series of built-in diagnostics performed by the BIOS. After the POST routines are completed, the following message appears: Press DEL to enter SETUP Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 34: Resetting The Default Cmos Values

    Other options lead to dialog boxes that prompt you for informa- tion. Some options (marked with a icon ) lead to submenus that enable you to change the values for the option. Use the cursor arrow keys to scroll through the items in the submenu. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 35: Bios Navigation Keys

    Select the boot icon and press <Enter> or double click the left key of the mouse to display the screen. Then you can choose the boot device. Advanced Select the advanced icon and press <Enter> or double click the left key of the mouse to display the screen. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 36: Main Menu

    The Date and Time items show the current date and time on the computer. If you are running a Windows OS, these items are automatically updated whenever you make changes to the Windows Date and Time Properties utility. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 37: Advanced Menu

    F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit Launch PXE OpROM (Disabled) The item enables or disables launch PXE Option ROM. Launch Storage OpROM (Enabled) Use this item to enable or disable the Storage OpROM. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 38: Lan Configuration

    F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit Onboard LAN Controller (Enabled) Use this item to enable or disable the Onboard LAN. Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 39: Pc Health Status

    Delta T CPU/System/Power Smart Fan Control (Enabled) This item enables you to define the CPU/system/Power by smartly adjusting the CPU/system/Power Fan. When it is set at certain temperature, the CPU/system/ Power Fan PWM value will change accordingly. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 40 CPU Fan Speed • System Fan Speed • PWR Fan Speed • CPU Voltage • AXG Voltage • IMC Voltage • DIMM Voltage • PCH Voltage • • +12V Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 41: Power Management Setup

    EUP Function (Enabled) This item allows user to enable or disable EUP support. Power LED Type (Dual Color LED) This item shows the type of the Power LED. Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 42: Acpi Configuration

    F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit ACPI Sleep State [S3(Suspend to RAM)] This item allows user to enter the ACPI S3 (Suspend to RAM) Sleep State (default). Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 43: Cpu Configuration

    Limit CPUID Maximum (Disabled) Use this item to enable or disable the maximum CPUID value limit. When supports Prescott and LGA775 CPUs, enables this to prevent the system from “rebooting” when trying to install Windows NT 4.0. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 44 Use this item to enable or disable CPU C6(ACPI C3) report to OS. Enhanced Halt (C1E) (Enabled) Use this item to enable the CPU energy-saving function when the system is not run- ning. Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 45: Sata Configuration

    SATA Port 1~6 (Not Present) This motherboard supports six SATA channels and each channel allows one SATA device to be installed. Use these items to configure each device on the SATA channel. Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 46: Usb Configuration

    All USB Devices (Enabled) Use this item to enable or disable all USB devices. Legacy USB Support (Enabled) Use this item to enable or disable support for legacy USB devices. Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced Menu page. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 47: Super Io Configuration

    This item allows you to enable or disable serial port. Device Settings (IO=3F8h; IRQ=4) This item shows the information of the device settings. Change Settings (Auto) Use this item to change device settings. Press <Esc> to return to the Advanced menu page. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 48 This item shows the information of the device settings. Change Settings (Auto) Use this item to change device settings. Device Mode (Standard Parallel P...) This item shows the information of the device mode. Press <Esc> to return to the Super IO Configuration page. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 49: Intel Rapid Start Technology

    +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology (Disabled) Use this item to enable or disable the Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 50: Chipset Menu

    When set to Fixed Mode, the graphics driver will reserve a fixed position of the sys- tem memory as graphics memory, according to system and graphics requirements. IGD Multi-Monitor (Disabled) This item allows you to enable or disable the IGD Muti-Monitor. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 51 PCIEX16_S slot. Please insert your Graphic Card (VGA card) on gray PCIEX16 slot when you use one Graphic Card (VGA card), please reference Chapter 2-4-4. Press <Esc> to return to the Chipset Menu page. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 52 +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit ME FW Version (8.0.2.1410) This item shows the ME FW version. Press <Esc> to return to the chipset menu page. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 53: Mb Intelligent Bios Iii) Menu

    Short Duration Power Limit Override Maximum F2: Previous Values 1 Core Ratio Limit F3: Optimized Defaults 2 Core Ratio Limit 3 Core Ratio Limit ESC/Right Click: Exit 4 Core Ratio Limit Intel Graphics Configuration Graphics Core Ratio Limit Graphics Voltage (1/256) Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 54 This item shows the information of Intel Graphics Configuration. Graphics Core Ratio Limit (22) This item allows you to control the internal GFX Turbo ratio. Graphics Voltage(1/256) (0) This item allows you to adjust the internal GFX voltage. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 55 This item specifies the write recovery time. Row Refresh Cycle Time (tRFC) (74) This item specifies the row refresh cycle time. Active to Active Delay (tRRDmin) (4) This item controls the ACTIVE bank x to ACTIVE bank y in memory clock cycles. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 56 2. Press and hold the “Page Up Key (PgUp)” of the keyboard, and then boot the PC 3. Two seconds after the PC boots up, release the “Page Up Key (PgUp)”. 4. The BIOS returns to the default setting by itself. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 57: Boot Menu

    This item shows the information of the Boot Configuration. Bootup NumLock State (On) This item enables you to select NumLock state. Set Boot Priority This item enables you to set boot priority for all boot devices. 1st/2nd/3rd/4th/5th/6th/7th/8th Boot These items show the boot priorities. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 58: Security Menu

    : Select Screen /Click: Select Item Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit Administrator Password Press <Enter> to setup administrator password. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 59: Exit Menu

    Discard Changes This item enables you to discard any changes that you have made. Restore Defaults This item enables you to restore defaults to all the setup options. Boot Override Use this item to select the boot device. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 60: Updating The Bios

    BIOS jumper, reset the jumper to protect the newly installed BIOS from being overwritten. The computer will restart automatically. This concludes Chapter 3. Refer to the next chapter for information on the software supplied with the motherboard. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 61: Using The Motherboard Software

    Click Setup. The installation program begins: The following screens are examples only. The screens and driver lists will be different according to the motherboard you are installing. The motherboard identification is located in the upper left-hand corner. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 62 Windows Vista/7 will appear below UAC (User Account Control) message after the system restart. You must select “Allow” to install the next driver. Continue this process to complete the drivers installation. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 63: Manual Installation

    ECS eDLU utility makes updating drivers fast and easy. eDLU saves time and hassle by listing all the latest drivers online. Just select the one you prefer and start to download and install the drivers.
  • Page 64 ECS eBLU utility makes BIOS update faster and easier. eBLU will list the latest BIOS with a default check-mark. Click”install” button to install. ECS eOC Utility is a simple over-clocking tool that provides user-friendly windows operation interface for novices and over-clockers. Combining with ECS MIB III tech- nology, eOC challenges the undiscovered over-clocking capability than ever before.
  • Page 65: Intel® Matrix Storage Manager Raid Configuration

    Create an Intel Matrix Storage Manager driver disk for Windows OS in- stallation. See section “Creating a RAID driver disk” for details. ® ® Install the Intel Matrix Storage Manager driver after the Windows had been installed. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 66: Entering Intel Matrix Storage Manager Raid Bios Utility

    During POST, press <Ctrl-I> to enter the Intel Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu. ® The main Intel Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu appears. Use the arrow keys to move the color bar and navigate through the items. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 67: Creating A Raid Set

    Key in the RAID volume capacity. Use the up/down arrow to choose the Capacity. The default value indicates the maximum capacity using the selected disks. Entering a lower capacity allows you to create a second volume on these disks. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 68 RAID 1 (Mirror) is set to provide the data backup. If you want to set RAID 0, you need to set the 2nd Boot Device item in the BIOS to Intel Volume0. See section “Advanced Setup” for details. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 69: Deleting A Raid Set

    Use the space bar to select the RAID set you want to delete. Press the <Del> key to delete the set. A dialogue box appears to confirm the action. Press <Y> to confirm; other- wise, press <N>. Pressing <Y> deletes all the data in the HDDs. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 70: Reseting Disks To Non-Raid

    Intel Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS utility. A dialogue box appears to confirm the action. Press <Y> to confirm; otherwise, press ® <N> to return to the Intel Matrix Storage Manager RAID BIOS menu. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 71: Ati Crossfirex

    PCIE16X/PCIE16X_S slots. Make sure that the card is properly seated on the slot. For 2-way configuration, install two graphic cards on PCIE16X & PCIE16X_S and con- nect them with the CrossFire Bridge. * For reference only Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 72 2. Connect the cable from your monitors to the CrossFireX ready graphics card installed on the PCIE16X slot. Monitor Cable * For reference only 3. Connect an auxiliary power source from the power supply to the graphics cards. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 73: The Catalyst Control Center Dialog Box

    The Catalyst Control Center Dialog Box To enable CrossFireX • Install ATI graphic card driver. • Enter the Catalyst Control Center Dialog Box. • check the “Enable CrossFireX ” item. • Click OK to apply. Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 74 Memo Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 75: Trouble Shooting

    Before calling for technical support or returning for warranty, this chapter may help to address some of the common questions using some basic troubleshooting tips. You may also log onto our ECS website for more information: http:// www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Support/Support_FAQ.aspx?MenulD=49& childid=M 49&LanlD=0 a) System does not power up and the fans are not running.
  • Page 76: Start Up Problems After Prolong Use

    5. Check whether there is any bulked up electrolytic capacitor or abnormal component. Please logo onto our ECS website: http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Support/ Technical_Support_List.aspx?MenuID=50&LanID=0 for more information. Maintenance and care tips Your computer, like any electrical appliance, requires proper care and maintenance.
  • Page 78 Memo Z77H2-A4 USER MANUAL...

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