User Guide

iii
Contents
Safety information ...................................................................................................... vi
About this guide ........................................................................................................ vii
Z97-WS specifications summary .............................................................................. ix
Package contents ...................................................................................................... xv
Installation tools and components ......................................................................... xvi
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.1 Special features..........................................................................................1-1
1.1.1 Product highlights........................................................................1-1
1.1.2 ASUS-exclusive workstation features ......................................... 1-2
1.1.3 Other special features ................................................................. 1-3
1.2 Motherboard overview ...............................................................................1-4
1.2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-4
1.2.2 Motherboard layout ..................................................................... 1-5
1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-7
1.2.4 System memory .......................................................................... 1-8
1.2.5 Expansion slots ......................................................................... 1-10
1.2.6 Onboard buttons and switches.................................................. 1-13
1.2.7 Jumpers .................................................................................... 1-18
1.2.8 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................... 1-18
1.2.9 Internal connectors....................................................................1-26
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 Connector .................................................................... 2-9
2.1.8 Expansion Card installation....................................................... 2-10
2.2 BIOS update utility ................................................................................... 2-11
2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections .............................................2-13
2.3.1 Rear I/O connection .................................................................. 2-13
2.3.2 Audio I/O connections ............................................................... 2-15
2.4 Starting up for the first time ....................................................................2-17
2.5 Turning off the computer ........................................................................2-18