Motherboard ROG & ROG STRIX Z200 Series Features Manual
E12653 First Edition April 2017 Copyright© 2017 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Contents About this guide........................................................................................................... 4 AI Suite 3....................................................................................................................... 5 Dual Intelligent Processors 5........................................................................... 7 TPU (Turbo Processing Unit)........................................................................... 8 Turbo App .......................
Conventions used in this guide To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: I nformation to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. IMPORTANT: I nstructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
AI Suite 3 The AI Suite 3 main menu gives you easy-access controls and insight to what’s going on with your computer - allowing you to optimize performance settings while at the same time ensuring system stability. The AI Suite main menu includes is a quick-access menu bar that allows you to swiftly launch any of the integrated ASUS utilities. Click on the left of the menu to launch the menu bar. The AI Suite 3 screenshots in this section are for reference only and can vary depending on motherboard model.
AI Suite 3 main menu bar AI Suite 3 mini-menu The AI Suite 3 mini-menu appears on the desktop and can be conveniently accessed and moved around. The AI Suite 3 mini-menu allows you to quickly access the important items in the AI Suite 3.
Dual Intelligent Processors 5 ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 5 combines TPU, EPU, DIGI+ Power Control, Fan Xpert 4, and Turbo Core App functions to push the system’s performance to its optimal potential. It automatically balances the system’s performance, power saving, levels, and fan settings via the user-friendly AI Suite 3 utility. 5-Way Optimization The 5-Way Optimization function dynamically optimizes your PC based on real-time usage to provide the best system status.
TPU (Turbo Processing Unit) TPU allows you to manually adjust the CPU frequency, CPU cache, core frequencies, DRAM frequency, and related voltages for an enhanced system stability and a performance boost. Refer to the CPU documentation before adjusting CPU voltage settings. Setting a high voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may lead to an unstable system. For system stability, the TPU settings are not saved in the BIOS and are not loaded during system bootup.
GPU Boost CPU Graphics Voltage Adjustments Click to apply the changes Click to load the saved profile Click to save the changes to a profile Click to enable the default settings ASUS ROG & ROG STRIX Z200 Series Feature Manual Click to undo the changes 9
Turbo App Turbo App allows you customize the system performance, network priority, and audio setting of an application. When an application is on the Turbo App List, you can you can drag and drop the application to change the priority to allocate the CPU frequency, network priority, and define the audio setting of the selected application. Click to refresh the list of running applications Click to toggle the Turbo App function ON or OFF Click to assign a specific application (.
EPU (Energy Processing Unit) EPU is a real-time system power-saving chip that automatically detects the current system load and intelligently moderates power usage. It offers a total system-wide energy optimization, reduces fan noise, and extends the lifespan of your hardware components.
Fan Xpert 4 ASUS Fan Xpert 4 provides customizable settings of your fans for a cooler and quieter computing environment. With its fan Auto Tuning feature, ASUS Fan Xpert 4 automatically tweaks the settings of CPU and chassis fans to achieve their best cooling performance. ASUS Fan Xpert 4 also supports hardware level PWM/DC combo mode for the CPU, chassis fans, and fans connected to the fan extension card.
RPM Mode RPM Mode allows you to set the fan speed when the CPU temperature is below 75oC. Click and drag to adjust the fan’s speed Click to switch between fans • When the CPU temperature reaches 75oC, the fan will automatically run at full speed to protect the CPU. • The Fan Xpert 4 may not be able to detect the fan speed if your fan is installed with an external control kit for rotation speed. • Fan Xpert 4 does not support 2-pin fans. If you install a 2-pin fan, it can only run at its full speed.
DIGI+ VRM ASUS DIGI+ VRM features the revolutionary and innovative digital VRM and DRAM Voltage controllers. These controllers offers ultra-precise memory and voltage tuning for optimal system efficiency, stability and performance. The following screens are for reference only. Configuration options varies depending on the motherboard model.
Adjusting the GPU Power Click to undo the changes Click to apply the changes CPU Graphics Power Phase Control Increase the phase number under a heavy system load to get more transient and better thermal performance. Reduce the phase number under a light system load to increase the VRM efficiency. CPU Graphics VRM Switching Frequency Enables spread spectrum to enhance system stability. CPU Graphics Load-line Calibration It allows you to adjust the voltage range to control the CPU Graphics Loadline.
PC Cleaner PC Cleaner allows you to clean the system junk files by scanning and deleting selected files.
EZ Update EZ Update is a utility that allows you to automatically update your motherboard’s software, drivers and BIOS easily. With this utlity, you can also manually update the BIOS and select the boot logo that displays during POST.
System Information This utility allows you to get the detailed information of the motherboard, CPU, and memory settings. Viewing the motherboard information Click the MB tab to view the motherboard’s information. Viewing the CPU information Click the CPU tab to view the processor’s information.
Viewing the SPD information Click the SPD tab to view the memory’s information.
Aura Aura allows you to adjust the onboard RGB LEDs’ color and also select different light effects. You can also correct or adjust the RGB LED color by calibrating the LED strip. Ensure to update to the latest motherboard BIOS before installing the software. Synchronized control Click the Synchronized tab for synchronized control of AURA effects.
Independent control Click the Independent tab to set lighting effects for when the system enters off state. Select the desired AURA lighting effect for when the system enters off state Click to enable the default settings Click to undo the changes Click to apply the changes • Selecting Off will switch off all AURA lighting effects when the system enters off state. • Only the motherboard onboard LEDs will light up when the system enters off state.
KeyBot II KeyBot II is a built-in microprocessor that provides instant upgrade to your keyboard. You can configure and assign macros to specific keys on your keyboard to perform specific or several tasks at the same time. You can also configure your PC for overclocking, or enter BIOS directly. 1. Connect the USB keyboard into the dedicated KeyBot USB port. Refer to the Rear I/O connection section of your motherboard user manual for more information about the location of the KeyBot USB port. 2.
Function Keys Shortcut ASUS ROG & ROG STRIX Z200 Series Feature Manual 23
ROG CPU-Z This utility gathers information about the main devices installed in your system and displays it in a ROG custom layout. ROG CPU-Z provides you information and status of your CPU, motherboard, memory, graphics card, and other components installed in your system. You can generate a report about your system info and send or post it on the CPU-Z website.
RAMDisk RAMDisk is a data-storage software that reserves a part of your system’s memory and turns it into a high-speed virtual drive where you can store cache files and game apps for instant access. The Dynamic Memory Allocation function can release the unused memory of RAMDisk back to the system when needed and helps extend the lifespan of your SSD or HDD. The following folders are not suitable for RAMDisk optimization. Moving them into the RAMDisk might negatively affect the performance of your system.
To delete or format an existing RAMDisk drive Click to delete the existing RAMDisk drive Click to format the existing RAMDisk drive The format function is available only if you enable the Dynamic Memory Allocation function on your disk. Creating/Deleting a Junction Point A junction point creates a link that remaps the original contents into the RAMDisk, enabling access to the desired application or data to be done purely within the original file location.
Synchronizing backup files After creating a junction point, RAMDisk automatically creates a backup folder in the file’s original location. Use RAMDisk to manually synchronize updates with these backup files.
RAMCache II ROG RAMCache II software provides a user-friendly and transparent solution to increase your PC overall performance, by utilizing the system memory (DRAM) that is not in use. RAMCache II allocates a cache of RAM between the computer hard disk and the applications, then reads in real time your performance needs regarding the applications you are currently using and the disk I/O demands.
Advanced Mode Advanced Mode will allow you to allocate RAM cache from a selected disk. Select a disk or partition to allocate RAM cache Adjust the slider to increase or decrease the cache size Click to begin allocating RAM cache • You can only cache one partition at a time. • Min and Max amounts of RAM at disposal is automatically updated.
GameFirst IV GameFirst IV is a network management software that features an Intelligent Mode when Auto is selected or four preset packet prioritized profiles (Game, Media Streaming, File Sharing, User Defined) when Manual is selected, facilitating different user scenarios. Users can also manually allocate bandwidth and adjust priority settings of each application to run faster and smoother.
Network Monitor Top 5 application Displays the top 5 bandwidth consuming applications currently used. Application usage Displays the individual downloading and uploading bandwidth of currently used applications.
LAN usage Displays the total downloading and uploading bandwidth of the currently used applications. You may also toggle and display the downloading and uploading bandwidth of each connection. Wi-Fi Analyzer Displays the strength of 2.4GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi channels.
Network Information Displays information about the physical network card such as speed, physical address, IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.
CloneDrive CloneDrive allows you to simultaneously create an image or clone your storage device to up to two other drives. You may also manually select which files to copy or create an image of. Target drives will be completely erased and formatted, ensure to backup the files you wish to keep. Select a source drive to clone or create an image of Add target drives, or create an image file Click to start cloning To clone a disk: 34 1. Click on Select. 2.
3. Click on Add, then select Image to create an image file of the source disk, or Clone to copy the source disk to another disk. Click OK once you have selected your target. 4. Click on Start to start cloning the source disk.
Sonic Studio III Sonic Studio III is an audio suite that offers basic and advanced controls that will help customize lots of audio options. Customize audio effects through the Sonic Studio Basic Mode, Sonic Studio Advanced Mode, and Record Studio, then save all the settings made to cloud or your computer. Sonic Studio III supports Realtek® Audio Driver. Sonic Studio Basic Mode Access all Sonic Studio’s audio effects and profiles in the Basic Mode tab. The default device’s volume may also be adjusted.
Audio profiles This item allows you to select an audio profile and adjust it to your listening experience. Music profile: This profile is customized for stereo or 5.1 music. Movie profile: This profile is customized for video and movie contents. Gaming profile: This profile is customized for stereo or multi-channel video games, and particularly First Person Shooters. Communication profile: This profile is customized for improved communication.
Sonic Studio Advanced Mode Advanced mode allows you to adjust all the applications that have played or are currently playing an audio stream, and also gives you an overview of all available output devices. You may adjust the profile and device to play the audio for each application individually. Switching to Advanced mode will disable Basic Mode. Device Manager list This list displays all available output devices.
10-band EQ settings Click on this button to access the 10-band EQ. For more information, refer to 10-band Equalizer. Default device Check this box to set a device as a default device. Device routing This item allows you to customize playback of audio streams on different devices. You may enable or disable this function by clicking on the ON or OFF button. This will allow Sonic Studio 3 to easily assign different audio outputs to the front and rear panel.
10-band Equalizer Adjust the sliders of the 10-band Equalizer to customize your own audio settings for a specific device. Custom EQ You may adjust each slider to customize the audio settings for the device. Reset Click this reset to Flat for all frequencies.
Record Studio On my voice switch You may enable or disable all Perfect Voice effects on your voice by clicking on the ON or OFF button. Noise Reduction Check this box to enable Noise Reduction. This item removes the remaining voice on top of your voice or your friend’s voice. Volume Stabilizer Check this box to enable Volume Stabilizer on your voice or on incoming voice to maintain constant and clear communication. Use the slider to adjust the MIC volume.
Casting Enhancer You may enable or disable all Perfect Voice effects on an incoming voice by clicking on the ON or OFF button. The Casting Enhancer feature supports the following software: • XSplit Broadcaster • XSplit Gamecaster • OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) • Bandicam • Overwolf Specifications are subject to change without notice. Please refer to ASUS website for the latest specifications.
Settings The Settings menu allows you to automatically or manually save and read Sonic Studio III settings, change the language of your Sonic Studio III, and display the version number of your Sonic Studio III.
Sonic Radar III Sonic Radar III is designed for First Person Shooting (FPS) games and shows the precise direction and intensity of where a sound is coming from. It features a simple and friendly user-interface and also features sound enhancers to amplify desired sound effects. Preview Mode Preview Mode allows you to test Sonic Radar and its overlays using the Audio Player test sound. The test sound is recorded in a multi-channel video game, click the Play button to play the test sound.
Edit Mode Edit Mode allows you to customize the Signal, Radar, and 3D Pointer HUDs of each skin. You can adjust the color style, opacity, size of each HUD by selecting the HUD you wish to customize, or you can drag and drop the HUD to reposition it.
Settings Games The Games tab displays all applications which support the Sonic Radar III overlay, and allows you to enable or disable the overlay for each application. Sonic Radar III certifies a huge list of games, allowing full compatibility of the overlay on numerous softwares. Certified applications are enabled by default the first time you launch them. Other compatible applications appear at the bottom of the list.
Macros The Macros tab allows you to configure shortcut keys which you can use in software or video games when Sonic Radar III is enabled. For more details on shortcut keys and their functions, refer to the table below.
Display The Display tab allows you to adjust the settings of the visual appearance of the overlay. 3D Pointer Anti Aliasing This setting allows you to adjust how pixelated the 3D pointer will be. Number of Sectors This setting allows you to select the amount of sectors (4-16 sectors) you want in the radar. The more sectors you display, the more accurate the Radar becomes.
Audio Engine The Audio Engine tab allows you to adjust the settings related to the audio content of your application. Dynamic Range This setting allows you to select how precise your Sonic Radar should be. Choose a low value if you wish to display only the most important audio elements in your application. Release Time(s) This setting allows you to set how long the sectors and 3D Pointer should be displayed after the sound has stopped.
General The General settings tab allows you to select the language of your Sonic Radar III and displays the version number and legal information.
Help menu Click on the button to view information on the different HUDs and their functions.
ASUS ROG & ROG STRIX Z200 Series Feature Manual
