Motherboard WS C246M PRO
E15306 Revised Edition V4 April 2019 Copyright© 2019 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 Safety information....................................................................................................... vi About this guide......................................................................................................... vii WS C246M PRO specifications summary................................................................. ix Package contents........................................................................................................
Contents Chapter 3: 3.1 3.2 3.1.1 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility................................................... 3-1 3.1.2 ASUS EzFlash Utility................................................................... 3-2 3.1.3 BUPDATER utility........................................................................ 3-3 BIOS setup program................................................................................... 3-5 3.2.1 BIOS menu screen...........................................................
Contents 3.6 Security menu........................................................................................... 3-32 3.7 Boot menu................................................................................................. 3-35 3.8 Monitor menu............................................................................................ 3-37 3.9 Tool menu.................................................................................................. 3-37 3.10 Event Logs menu.............
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.
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: 1. Chapter 1: Product Introduction This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard. 2.
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: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
WS C246M PRO specifications summary CPU LGA1151 socket for Intel® Xeon® Processor E Family (Coffee Lake) / Intel® 9th/8th Generation Core™ i9/i7/i5/i3 processors / Intel® Pentium™ processors / Intel® Celeron™ processors* Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology * Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list Chipset Intel® C246 Chipset 4 x DIMM, Max 64GB, DDR4 2666 / 2400 / 2133 MHz, ECC/ non-ECC UDIMM* Memory Dual channel architecture * Refer to www.asus.
WS C246M PRO specifications summary - 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (Type-A) - 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports - 2 x USB 2.0 ports Rear Panel I/O Ports - 1 x HDMI - 1 x DisplayPort - 1 x VGA - 2 x RJ-45 ports - 8-channel Audio I/O ports (5+1 Audio jacks) - 2 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 4 USB ports (9-pin) - 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 connectors support additional 2 USB ports (19-pin) - 8 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports - 1 x M.
Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard 1 x WS C246M PRO motherboard Cables 8 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s cables 1 x M.2 screws kits Accessories 1 x COM port brackets 1 X I/O shield Application DVD 1 x Motherboard support DVD Documentation 1 x User guide If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
Installation tools and components KY LINE OUT MIC IN REAR SIDE LINE IN C/SUB Intel® LGA1151 compatible CPU Fan Intel® LGA1151 CPU SPDIF OUT BIOS DVI USB BIOS Flashback USB 3.0 DisplayPort Power supply unit SATA optical disc drive (optional) HDMI PC chassis SATA hard disk drive 1 bag of screws Phillips (cross) screwdriver DIMM Graphics card The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.
Product Introduction Product Introduction 1.1 Motherboard overview 1.1.1 Before you proceed 1 Chapter 1 Chapter 1: Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • 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.
1.1.2 Motherboard layout Chapter 1 Refer to 1.1.9 Internal connectors and 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.
Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots 1. DDR4 DIMM slots 2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR1; 8-pin EATX12V1) 3. Smart Ride Through (SmaRT) setting (3-pin SMART_PSU1) 4. Power Supply SMBus connector (5-pin PSUSMB1) 5. System Management Bus (SMBUS) connector (5-1 pin SMBUS1) 6. Fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN1; 4-pin FRNT_FAN1-3; 4-pin REAR_FAN1) 7. M.2 (NGFF) connector (NGFF1) 8. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB34, USB78) 9. BIOS Flashback button Page 1-5 1-23 1-11 1-24 1-25 1-20 10.
1.1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) Chapter 1 The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1151 socket designed for the Intel® Xeon® Processor E Family (Coffee Lake) / Intel® 9th/8th Generation Core™ i9/i7/i5/i3 processors / Intel® Pentium™ processors / Intel® Celeron™ processors. Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1151 socket only. DO NOT install a CPU designed for other sockets on the LGA1151 socket. 1-4 • Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.
1.1.4 System memory Chapter 1 The motherboard comes with four DDR 4 (Double Data Rate 4) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots. 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.
Memory configurations You may install 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB and 16 GB unbuffered and ECC and non‑ECC DDR4 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. Chapter 1 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.
1.1.5 Expansion slots Chapter 1 Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. Slot No. Slot Description 1 PCIE x1_1 slot 2 PCIE x16_1 slot 3 PCIE x8_1 slot PCI Express 3.0 operating mode VGA / PCIe configuration Single VGA / PCIe card PCIe 3.0 x1_1 x1 PCIe 3.0 x16_1 x16 PCIe 3.
1.1.6 Onboard buttons and switches Onboard buttons and switches allow you to fine-tune performance when working on a bare or open-case system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to enhance system performance. Chapter 1 1. Power-on button The motherboard comes with a power-on button that allows you to power up or wake up the system.
1.1.7 1. Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC1) Chapter 1 This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3.
2. LAN controller setting (3-pin LAN_SW2) This jumper allows you to enable or disable the onboard Intel® I210-AT Gigabit (LAN_ SW2) controller. Set to pins 1–2 to activate the Gigabit LAN feature. Chapter 1 3. ME firmware force recovery setting (3-pin ME_RCVR1) This jumper allows you to force Intel® Management Engine (ME) boot from recovery mode when ME becomes corrupted.
4. PCH_MFG1 setting (3-pin PCH_MFG1) Chapter 1 This jumper allows you to update the BIOS ME block. 5. Smart Ride Through (SmaRT) setting (3-pin SMART_PSU1) This jumper allows you to enable or disable the Smart Ride Through (SmaRT) function. This feature is enabled by default. Set to pins 2-3 to disable it. When enabled, SmaRT allows uninterrupted operation of the system during an AC loss event.
1.1.8 1. Onboard LEDs Diagnosis LEDs Chapter 1 The Diagnosis LEDs provide the status of these key components during POST (PowerOn-Self Test): CPU, memory modules, VGA card, and hard disk drives. If an error is found, the critical component’s LED stays lit up until the problem is solved. The Diagnosis LEDs provide the most probable cause of an error code as a starting point for troubleshooting. The actual cause may vary from case to case. 2.
3. CPU Warning LED (ERRCPU1) Chapter 1 The CPU warning LED lights up to indicate that a CPU error or failure has occurred. 4. ME LED (MELED1) The ME LED is an onboard LED that blinks when the ME is operating properly.
5. CATT ERR LED (CATTERR1) The CATT ERR LED indicates that the system has experienced a fatal or catastrophic error and cannot continue to operate. Chapter 1 6. USB BIOS Flashback LED (FLBK_LED) The BIOS Flashback LED flashes when you press the BIOS Flashback button for BIOS update.
7. Q-Code LED Chapter 1 The Q-Code LED design provides you with a 2-digit POST code that displays the system status. • The Q-Code LED provides the most probable cause of an error code as a starting point for troubleshooting. The actual cause may vary from case to case. • Please refer to the Q-Code table in the Appendix section for more details.
1.1.9 Internal connectors 1. Intel® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-8) Chapter 1 These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6 Gb/s signal cables. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology enterprise through the onboard Intel® C246 chipset. These connectors are set to [AHCI] by default.
2. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) Chapter 1 This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports HD Audio. 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. 3.
4. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. Chapter 1 5. USB 3.1 Gen 1 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12) This connector allows you to connect a USB 3.1 Gen 1 module for additional USB 3.1 Gen 1 front or rear panel ports. With an installed USB 3.1 Gen 1 module, you can enjoy all the benefits of USB 3.
6. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB34, USB78) Chapter 1 The 10-1 pin connector allows you to connect a USB 2.0 module for additional USB 2.0 front or rear panel ports. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed. DO NOT connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! 7.
8. Fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN1; 4-pin FRNT_FAN1-3; 4-pin REAR_FAN1) 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. Chapter 1 8. • DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components.
10. System panel connector (20-1 pin PANEL1) Chapter 1 This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. • System power LED (3-pin PLED) This 3-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode. • Message LED (2-pin MLED) This 2-pin connector is for the message LED cable that connects to the front message LED.
11. Auxiliary panel connector (20-2 pin AUX_PANEL1) This connector is for additional front panel features including front panel SMB, locator LED and switch, chassis intrusion, and LAN LEDs. Chapter 1 • Front panel SMB (6-1 pin FPSMB) This 6-1 pin connector is for the front panel SMBus cable. • LAN activity LED (2-pin LAN1_LED, LAN2_LED) This 2-pin connector is for the Gigabit LAN activity LEDs on the front panel.
13. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR1; 8-pin EATX12V1) Chapter 1 These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit. Ensure to connect the 8-pin power plug. • For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2.
14. Serial General Purpose Input/Output connector (6-1 pin SGPIO1) The SGPIO1 connector is used for the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Enterprise SGPIO interface that controls the LED pattern generation, device information, and general purpose data. Chapter 1 15. Power Supply SMBus connector (5-pin PSUSMB1) This connector allows you to connect SMBus (System Management Bus) to the PSU (power supply unit) to read PSU information.
16. Chassis Intrusion (2-pin INTRUSION1) 17. Chapter 1 These leads are for the intrusion detection feature for chassis with intrusion sensor or microswitch. When you remove any chassis component, the sensor triggers and sends a high level signal to these leads to record a chassis intrusion event. The default setting is to short the CHASSIS# and the GND pin by a jumper cap to disable the function.
18. M.2 (NGFF) connector (NGFF1) This connector allows you to install an M.2 device. Chapter 1 • NGFF1 socket supports PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA mode M Key design and type 2242 / 2260 / 2280 / 22110 PCIe and SATA storage devices. • When the NGFF1 connector is operating in SATA mode, SATA connector 8 (SATA 6 Gbps_8) will be disabled. • These sockets support IRST (Intel® Rapid Storage Technology). The M.2 SSD module is purchased separately.
Chapter 2: 2 Basic Installation Basic Installation 2.1 Building your PC system The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps are the same for all models. CPU installation • Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1151 socket only. DO NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1151 socket.
Load lever Load lever Retention tab Chapter 2 Retention lock 2-2 Chapter 2: Basic Installation
2.1.2 Cooling system installation Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU cooling system and CPU before you install the cooling system, if necessary.
2.1.3 Chapter 2 2-4 Motherboard installation 1. Install the ASUS Q-Shield to the chassis rear I/O panel. 2. Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are aligned to the chassis’ rear I/O panel.
Place eight (8) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. Chapter 2 3. DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
2.1.
ATX power connection Chapter 2 2.1.5 Ensure to connect the 8-pin power plug. 2.1.
2.1.7 Front I/O connector To install USB 3.1 Gen 1 connector To install USB 2.0 connector USB 3.1 Gen 1 USB 2.
2.1.
2.1.9 M.2 installation Chapter 2 Supported M.2 type varies per motherboard.
2.13 BIOS update utility USB BIOS Flashback USB BIOS Flashback allows you to easily update the BIOS without entering a bootable environment, ideal for BIOS recovery, rollback, or updates to support new CPUs. Simply insert a USB storage device to the USB port (the USB port hole marked in green on the I/O shield) then press the USB BIOS Flashback button for three seconds to start the update process. To use USB BIOS Flashback: 2. Download the latest BIOS from the support site at www.asus.
• Refer to section 1.1.8 Onboard LEDs for more information of the Flashback LED. • For more BIOS update utilities in BIOS setup, refer to the section 3.10 Updating BIOS in Chapter 3. • Do not unplug portable disk, power system, or short the CLRTC jumper while BIOS update is ongoing, otherwise update will be interrupted. In case of interruption, please press and hold the BIOS_FLBK button for 3 seconds again to restart the process.
Motherboard rear and audio connections 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection Chapter 2 2.3 Rear panel connectors 1. DisplayPort 6. USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A ports 3 and 4 2. VGA port 7. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2 3. ® Intel LAN port 1 and 2 (I219-LM & I210-AT)* 8. Optical S/PDIF Out port 4. HDMI port 9. Audio I/O ports** 5. USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports 5 and 6 * and ** : Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LEDs and audio port definitions.
* LAN ports LED indications Activity Link LED Speed LED Status Description Status Description Off No link Off Orange Linked Orange 100 Mbps connection Orange (Blinking) Data activity Orange (Blinking then steady) Green 10 Mbps connection ACT/LINK LED SPEED LED 1 Gbps connection Ready to wake up from S5 mode LAN port You can disable the LAN controllers in BIOS. Due to hardware design, the LAN1 port’s LEDs may continue to blink even when disabled. Chapter 2 ** Audio 2, 4, 5.1 or 7.
2.3.
Connect to 4-channel Speakers Connect to 5.1-channel Speakers Chapter 2 Connect to 7.
2.4 Starting up for the first time 1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Ensure that all switches are off. 3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis. 4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector. 5. Turn on the devices in the following order: Monitor b. External storage devices (starting with the last device on the chain) c.
Chapter 2 2-18 Chapter 2: Basic Installation
Chapter 3: BIOS Setup BIOS Setup 3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS 3 The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup: 1. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 To recover the BIOS using a bootable USB flash disk drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted. 2. ASUS EzFlash Updates the BIOS using a USB flash disk. 3. BUPDATER Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable USB flash disk drive.
3.1.2 ASUS EzFlash Utility The ASUS EzFlash Utility feature allows you to update the BIOS using a USB flash disk without having to use a DOS‑based utility. Download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website at www.asus.com before using this utility. The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS screen displays may not be the same as shown. To update the BIOS using EzFlash Utility: 1. Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port. 2.
• This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Press and select Yes to load the BIOS default settings. 3.1.3 BUPDATER utility The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS screen displays may not be the same as shown.
The utility verifies the file, then starts updating the BIOS file. ASUS Tek. EzFlash Utility Current Platform Platform : WS C246M PRO Version : 0201 Build Date :04/20/2018 Start Programming Flash. New Platform Platform : WS C246M PRO Version : 0204 Build Date :05/24/2018 DO NOT SHUTDOWN THE SYSTEM!!! Write 75% DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is completed. 4.
3.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable firmware chip that you can update using the provided utility described in section 3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS. Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconfiguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to configure your system using this utility. Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the configuration of your computer in the future.
3.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar General help Configuration fields Navigation keys 3.2.
3.2.3 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Advanced, Chipset, Security, Boot, Monitor, Tool, Event Logs, Server Mgmt, and Save & Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. 3.2.4 Submenu items A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a submenu. To display the submenu, select the item and press . 3.2.
3.3 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to set the system date, time, and language. Chapter 3 Navigate to the second page of the screen to see the rest of items in this menu by pressing the Up or Down arrow keys. To quickly go to the last item of the second page, press the Page Down button. Press the Page Up button to go back to the first item in the first page.
3.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Chapter 3 Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction.
3.4.1 CPU Configuration C6DRAM [Enabled] Chapter 3 Allows you to enable or disable moving of DRAM contents to PRM memory when the CPU is in C6 state. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Software Guard Extensions (SGX) [Software Controlled] Allows you to select the behavior of Software Guard Extensions (SGX). Configuration options: [Software Controlled] [Disabled] [Enabled] The following items appear only when you set Software Guard Extensions (SGX) to [Enabled] or [Software Controlled].
The following items appear only when you set SGX Launch Control Policy to [Locked]. SGX LE Public Key Hash 0-3 [0] Allows you to set the Bytes of the Software Guard Extensions (SGX) Launch Enclave Public Key Hash. The following item appears only when you set Software Guard Extensions (SGX) to [Enabled]. PRMRR Size [128MB] Allows you to set the PRMMR Size. Configuration options: [32MB] [64MB] [128MB] CPU Flex Ratio Override [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable CPU Flex Ratio Override.
Intel Trusted Execution Technology [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable utilization of additional hardware capabilities provided by Intel(R) Trusted Execution Technology. Changes require a full power cycle to take effect. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 3.4.2 Power & Performance CPU - Power Management Control Boot performance mode [Max Non-Turbo Performance] This item allows you to select the performance state that the BIOS will set starting from reset vector.
The following items appears only when you set C-States to [Enabled]. Enhanced C-States [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable C11E. Enable this item to allow the CPU to switch to minimum speed when all cores enter C-State. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] C-State Auto Demotion [C1 and C3] This item allows you to configure the C-state auto demotion. Configuration options: [Disabled] [C1] [C3] [C1 and C3] C-State Un-demotion [C1 and C3] This item allows you to configure the C-state Un-demotion.
3.4.3 Server ME Configuration TPM Device Selection [PTT] Allows you to select the TPM device. Configuration options: [PTT] [dTPM] 3.4.4 Trusted Computing Chapter 3 Security Device Support [Enabled] This item allows you to enable or disable Security Device Support.
3.4.5 ACPI Settings Enable ACPI Auto Configuration [Disabled] This item allows you to enable or disable BIOS ACPI Auto Configuration. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following items appears only when you set Enable ACPI Auto Configuration to [Disabled]. Enable Hibernation [Enabled] This item allows you to enable or disable the system’s ability to Hibernate (OS/S4 Sleep State). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] This option may not be effective with some operating systems.
The following items appears only when you set ErP to [Disabled]. Restore AC Power Loss [Last State] When set to [Power Off], the system goes into off state after an AC power loss. When set to [Power On], the system will reboot after an AC power loss. When set to [Last State], the system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was before the AC power loss.
Intel LAN ROM Type [PXE] Allows you to select the Intel LAN ROM type. Configuration options: [Disabled] [PXE] [iSCSI] Due to Intel® limitations, both Intel LAN ROM Type options should be the same when [PXE] or [iSCSI] is selected. Intel I219 LAN Configuration LAN Enable [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the Intel LAN. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Serial Port Console Redirection Chapter 3 3.4.
Terminal Type [VT-UTF8] Allows you to set the terminal type. [VT100] ASCII char set. [VT100+] Extends VT100 to support color, function keys, etc. [VT-UTF8] Uses UTF8 encoding to map Unicode chars onto 1 or more bytes. [ANSI] Extended ASCII char set. Bits per second [57600] Selects serial port transmission speed. The speed must be matched on the other side. Long or noisy lines may require lower speeds.
Legacy Console Redirection Settings Legacy Console Redirection Port [COM1] Allows you to select a COM port to display redirection of Legacy OS and Legacy OPROM Messages. Configuration options: [COM1] [COM2] Resolution [80x24] Allows you to select a the number of rows and columns in supported redirection. Configuration options: [80x24] [80x25] Redirect After POST [Always Enable] Allows you to select the redirection after POST.
3.4.10 Intel TXT Information You may view the Intel TXT information in this menu. 3.4.11 PCI Subsystem Settings Allows you to configure PCI, PCI-X, and PCI Express Settings. Chapter 3 Above 4G Decoding [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable 64-bit capable devices to be decoded in above 4G address space. It only works if the system supports 64-bit PCI decoding.
3.4.12 USB Configuration [Disabled] The USB devices can be used only for the BIOS setup program. It cannot be recognized in boot devices list. [Enabled] Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS). [Auto] Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.
Device power-up delay [Auto] Allows you to set the maximum time the device takes before the device reports itself to the host controller properly. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] The following item appears only when you set Device power-up delay to [Manual]. Device power-up delay in seconds [5] Allows you to set the device power-up delay in seconds. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. The values range from 1 to 40.
IPSEC Certificate [Enabled] Enables or disables support for IPSEC Certificate. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] PXE boot wait time [0] Set the wait time to press ESC key to abort the PXE boot. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 5. Media detect count [1] Set the number of times presence of media will be checked. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. The values range from 1 to 50. 3.4.
Network / Storage / Video [Legacy] This option allows you to control the execution of UEFI and Legacy PXE/ Storage/ Video OpROM. Configuration options: [UEFI ] [Legacy] Other PCI devices [Legacy] This item determines the OpROM execution policy for devices other than Network, Storage, or Video. Configuration options: [UEFI ] [Legacy] 3.4.15 NVMe Configuration You may view the NVMe controller and Drive information if an NVMe device is connected. 3.4.
3.4.18 iSCSI Configuration Chapter 3 Allows you to configure the iSCSi parameters.
3.5 Chipset menu The Chipset menu allows you to change the platform settings. Take caution when changing the settings of the Chipset menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. 3.5.1 System Agent (SA) Configuration Memory Configuration Memory Test on Warm Boot [Enabled] Chapter 3 Allows you to enable or disable the Base Memory Test Run on Warm Boot.
PEG Port Configuration PEG 0:1:0 Max Link Speed [Auto] Allows you to set the Max Link Speed. Configuration options: [Auto] [Gen1] [Gen2] [Gen3] PEG0 Slot Power Limit Value [75] Set the upper limit on power supplied by slot. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 255. PEG0 Slot Power Limit Scale [1.0x] Allows you to select the scale for the Slot Power Limit Value. Configuration options: [1.0x] [0.1x] [0.01x] [0.
PEG2 Physical Slot Number [3] Allows you to set the physical slot number attached to this Port. The number has to be globally unique within the chassis. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 8191. PEG3 Slot Power Limit Value [75] Set the upper limit on power supplied by slot. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 255. PEG3 Slot Power Limit Scale [1.0x] Allows you to select the scale for the Slot Power Limit Value. Configuration options: [1.0x] [0.
PCI Express Configuration PCI Express Clock Gating [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable PCI Express clock gating for each root port. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] DMI Link ASPM Control [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable control of active state power management of DMI link. Configuration options: [Disabled] [L0s] [L1] [L0sL1] [Auto] Port8xh Decode [Disabled] Allows you to enable or PCI express port 8xh decode.
The following items appear only when you set HD Audio to [Enabled]. Audio DSP [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the Audio DSP. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following item appears only when you set Audio DSP to [Enabled]. Audio DSP Compliance Mode [Non-UAA (IntelSST)] Allows you to specify the DSP enabled system compliance.
HD Audio Advanced Configuration iDisplay Audio Disconnect [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable iDisplay Audio Disconnect. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Codec Sx Wake Capability [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable Codec Sx Wake Capability. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] PME Enable [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable PME wake of HD Audio controller during POST.
3.6 Security menu This menu allows a new password to be created or a current password to be changed. The menu also enables or disables the Secure Boot state and lets the user configure the System Mode state. Administrator Password To set an administrator password: 1. Select the Administrator Password item and press . 2. From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press . 3. Confirm the password when prompted. Chapter 3 To change an administrator password: 1.
User Password To set a user password: 1. Select the User Password item and press . 2. From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press . 3. Confirm the password when prompted. To change a user password: 1. Select the User Password item and press . 2. From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press . 3. From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press . 4. Confirm the password when prompted.
Restore Factory Keys This option will force the system to User Mode, and install factory default Secure Boot key databases. Reset to Setup Mode This option will delete all Secure Boot key databases from NVRAM. Key Management This item only appears when the item Secure Boot Mode is set to [Custom]. The Key Management item allows you to modify Secure Boot variables and set Key Management page.
Enroll Efi Image This item will allow the image to run in Secure Boot mode. Configuration options: [Set New] [Append] Device Guard Ready Remove ‘UEFI CA’ from DB Remove Microsoft UEFI CA from Secure Boot DB. Restore DB defaults Restore DB variable to factory defaults.
Boot Option Priorities These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. • To select the boot device during system startup, press when ASUS Logo appears. • To access Windows OS in Safe Mode, please press after POST.
3.8 Monitor menu This menu displays the system temperature, fan speed, and power status. You can also change the fan settings in this menu. Fan Speed Control [Generic Mode] Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock. Configuration options: [Auto Mode] [Full Speed Mode] [Manual Speed Mode] Chapter 3 The following items appear only when you set Fan Speed Control to [Manual Speed Mode].
3.10 Event Logs menu The Event Logs menu items allow you to change the event log settings and view the system event logs. 3.10.1 Change Smbios Event Log Settings Press to change the Smbios Event Log configuration. All values changed here do not take effect until computer is restarted. Enabling/Disabling Options Smbios Event Log [Enabled] Change this to enable or disable all features of Smbios Event Logging during boot.
Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 99. Custom Options Log EFI Status Code [Enabled] This option allows you to enable or disable logging of the EFI Status Codes. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following item appears only when you set Log EFI Status Code to [Enabled]. Convert EFI Status Codes to Standard Smbios Type [Disabled] This option allows you to enable or disable converting of EFI Status Codes to Standard Smbios Type (Not all may be translated).
The following items appear only when BMC Support is set to [Enabled]. Wait for BMC [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable wait for BMC response for specified time out. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] FRB-2 Timer [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable FRB-2 timer (POST timer). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] FRB-2 Timer timeout [6 minutes] Allows you to select the FRB-2 Timer Expiration value.
3.11.1 System Event Log Allows you to change the SEL event log configuration. Enabling/Disabling Options SEL Components [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable event logging for error/progress codes during boot. Configuration options: [No] [Yes, On next reset] [Yes, On every reset] • The following items are configurable only when SEL Components is set to [Enabled]. • All values changed here do not take effect until computer is restarted.
3.11.2 BMC self test log (for WS C246M PRO/SE only) Allows you to change the SEL event log configuration. Erase Log [Yes, On every reset] Choose options for erasing Smbios Event Log. Erasing is done prior to any logging activation during reset. Configuration options: [No] [Yes, On every reset] When Log is Full [Clear Log] Allows you to choose options for reactions to a full Smbios Event Log. Configuration options: [Clear Log] [Do not log any more] 3.11.
IPV4 DM_LAN1 / Shared LAN Configuration Address source [Unspecified] This item allows you to configure LAN channel parameters statistically or dynamically (by BIOS or BMC). Unspecified option will not modify any BMC network parameters during BIOS phase. Configuration options: [Unspecified] [Static] [DynamicBmcDhcp] [DynamicBmcNonDhcp] IPV6 DM_LAN1 IPV6 Support [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable LAN1 IPV6 Support.
3.11.4 View System Event Log This item allows you to view the system event log records. 3.11.5 BMC User Settings (for WS C246M PRO/SE only) The sub-items in this configuration allow you to add, delete, or change BMC user settings. 3.12 Save & Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. Chapter 3 Pressing does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this menu or from the legend bar to exit.
Chapter 4: RAID Support RAID Support 4.1 RAID configurations 4 The motherboard supports Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM Utility with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, and RAID 5 support. If you want to install a Windows® operating system to a hard disk drive included in a RAID set, you have to create a RAID driver disk and load the RAID driver during OS installation. Refer to section 4.2 Creating a RAID driver disk for details. 4.1.
4.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array. To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration: 1. Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays. 2. Connect the SATA signal cables. 3. Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive. 4.1.
4.2 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility The Intel® Rapid Storage Technology SATA Option ROM utility allows you to create RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 (RAID 1+0), and RAID 5 set from Serial ATA hard disk drives that are connected to the Serial ATA connectors supported by the Southbridge. Before you proceed, ensure that you have installed the Serial ATA hard disk drives, and have set the correct SATA mode in the BIOS setup. To enter the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility: 1.
4.2.1 Creating a RAID set To create a RAID set: 1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and press . The following screen appears: Name: Volume 0 RAID Level: aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Disks: dssdsdsds Strip Size:aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Capacity:aaaaaaaaaaaaaa Sync:aaaaaaaaaa Create volume [HELP] Enter a unique volume name that has no special characters and is 16 characters or less. 2. Enter a name for the RAID set and press . 3.
5. Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press to select. A small triangle marks the selected drive. Press after completing your selection. 6. Use the up/down arrow key to select the strip size for the RAID array (for RAID 0, 10 and 5 only), and then press . The available strip size values range from 4 KB to 128 KB.
4.2.2 Deleting a RAID set Be cautious when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when you delete a RAID set. To delete a RAID set: 1. From the utility main menu, select 2. Delete RAID Volume and press . The following screen appears: Name Volume0 [DELETE VOLUME MENU] Level Drives RAID0 (Stripe) 2 Capacity 298.0GB Status Normal Bootable Yes [HELP] Deleting a volume will reset the disks to non-RAID. WARNING: ALL DISK DATA WILL BE DELETED.
4.2.3 Exiting the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility To exit the utility: 1. From the utility main menu, select 6. Exit, then press . The following warning message appears: [CONFIRM EXIT] Are you sure you want to exit? (Y/N): 2. Press to exit or press to return to the utility main menu. 4.3 Creating a RAID driver disk 4.3.1 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® To install the RAID driver for Windows® OS: 1.
4.4 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (Windows) The Intel® Rapid Storage Technology allows you to create RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 (RAID 1+0), and RAID 5 set(s) from Serial ATA hard disk drives that are connected to the Serial ATA connectors supported by the Southbridge. You need to manually install the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology utility on a Windows® operating system. To enter the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology utility under Windows operating system: 1.
4.3.1 Creating a RAID set 1. From the utility main menu, select Create Volume and select volume type. 2. Click Next. 3. Enter a name for the RAID set, then select the array disks. 4. Select Volume Size tab, you can drag the bar to decide the volume size. 5. Click Next. • If you do not want to keep the data on one of the selected disks, select NO when prompted. • If you want to Enable volume write-back cache or Initialize volume, click Advanced.
6. Confirm the volume creation, than click Create Volume to continue. This process could take a while depending on the number and size of the disks. You can continue using other applications during this time. 7. Wait until the process is completed, then click OK when prompted. You still need to partition your new volume using Windows Disk Management before adding any data. The RAID set is displayed in the Volumes list and you can change the settings in Volume Properties.
4.3.2 Changing a Volume Type 1. Click the SATA array items you want to change in Volumes field. 2. From the Volume Properties field, select Type: RAID 1 Change type. 3. You can change the Name, Select the new volume type, and Select additional disks to include in the new volume if needed. 4. Select the Data stripe size for the RAID array (for RAID 0, 10 and 5 only), and click OK. The available stripe size values range from 4 KB to 128 KB.
4.3.3 Deleting a volume Be cautious when deleting a volume. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives. Before you proceed, ensure that you back up all your important data from your hard drives. To delete a volume: 1. From the utility main menu, select the volume (ex. Volume_0000) in Volumes field you want to delete. 2. Select Delete volume in Volume Properties field. The following screen appears. 3.
4.3.4 Preferences System Preferences Allow you to set to show the notification area icon and show system information, warning, or errors here.
Chapter 4 4-14 Chapter 4: RAID Configurations
Appendix ASUS WS C246M PRO Appendix WS C246M PRO block diagram A-1
Q-Code table Appendix Code 00 02 03 04 06 10 11 – 14 15 – 18 19 – 1C 2B – 2F 30 31 32 – 36 37 – 3A 3B – 3E 4F 50 – 53 4F 54 55 56 57 58 59 5A 5B 5C – 5F E0 E1 E2 E3 E4 – E7 E8 E9 EA EB EC – EF F0 F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 – F7 F8 F9 Description Not used microcode CACHE_ENABLED PCH initialization CPU_EARLY_INIT PEI Core is started Pre-memory CPU initialization is started Pre-memory System Agent initialization is started Pre-memory PCH initialization is started Memory initialization Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status C
Description Invalid recovery capsule Reserved for future AMI error codes DXE Core is started NVRAM initialization Installation of the PCH Runtime Services CPU DXE initialization is started PCI host bridge initialization System Agent DXE initialization is started System Agent DXE SMM initialization is started System Agent DXE initialization (System Agent module specific) PCH DXE initialization is started PCH DXE SMM initialization is started PCH devices initialization PCH DXE Initialization (PCH module speci
Appendix Code AC AD AE AF B0 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8– BF D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 DA DB DC Description Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below) Ready To Boot event Legacy Boot event Exit Boot Services event Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP Begin Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP End Legacy Option ROM Initialization System Reset USB hot plug PCI bus hot plug Clean-up of NVRAM Configuration Reset (reset of NVRAM settings) Reserved for future AMI codes CPU initialization error System Agent ini
Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement • This device may not cause harmful interference. • This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation. Appendix This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 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.
Compliance Statement of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) Appendix This device complies with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada licence exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
REACH Appendix Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm. DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling.
Appendix English ASUSTeK Computer Inc. hereby declares that this device is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of related Directives. Full text of EU declaration of conformity is available at: www.asus.com/support Français AsusTek Computer Inc. déclare par la présente que cet appareil est conforme aux critères essentiels et autres clauses pertinentes des directives concernées.
ASUS contact information ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. 4F, No. 150, Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei 112, Taiwan +886-2-2894-3447 +886-2-2890-7798 https://www.asus.com Appendix Address Telephone Fax Web site Technical Support Telephone +86-21-38429911 Fax +86-21-5866-8722, ext. 9101# Online support https://www.asus.com/support/Product/ContactUs/ Services/questionform/?lang=en ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America) Address 48720 Kato Rd.
Appendix FCC COMPLIANCE INFORMATION Per FCC Part 2 Section 2.1077(a) Responsible Party: Address: Phone/Fax No: Asus Computer International 48720 Kato Rd, Fremont, CA 94538 (510)739-3777/(510)608-4555 hereby declares that the product Product Name : Model Number : Motherboard WS C246M PRO/FULL, WS C246M PRO, WS C246M PRO/SE, WS C246M PRO/SI compliance statement: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
