Contents

Safety information......................................................................................................

vi

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

vii

Z87-EXPERT specifications 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....................................................................

1-39

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

 

2.1.9

Wi-Fi antenna installation..........................................................

2-11

2.2

BIOS update utility....................................................................................

2-12

2.3

Motherboard rear and audio connections..............................................

2-14

 

2.3.1

Rear I/O connection...................................................................

2-14

iii