Page 2
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.
Contents Notices ......................vi Safety information ..................vii About this guide ..................viii P8Z68-V LX specifications summary ............ix Chapter 1: Product introduction Welcome! ..................1-1 Package contents ................. 1-1 Special features ................1-1 1.3.1 Product highlights ............1-1 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ..........
Page 4
Managing and updating your BIOS ..........2-1 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ............2-1 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............2-2 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ........2-3 2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater ............2-4 BIOS setup program ..............2-7 Main menu .................. 2-11 2.3.1 System Language [English] ...........2-11...
Page 5
Setup Mode [EZ Mode] ..........2-27 2.7.6 Boot Option Priorities ............ 2-27 2.7.7 Boot Override ..............2-27 Tools menu ................. 2-28 2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash Utility ........... 2-28 2.8.2 ASUS SPD Information ..........2-28 2.8.3 ASUS O.C. Profile ............2-28 Exit menu ..................2-29...
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging materials.
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.
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer.
* Due to the CPU behavior, DDR3 2200/2000/1800 MHz memory module will run at DDR3 2133/1866/1600 MHz frequency as default. ** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List). *** Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs.
Page 10
- Auto Tuning, TurboV, GPU Boost, TPU (GPU Boost) switch ASUS Power Design - Industry leading 4+2 phase Power Design ASUS Exclusive Features - ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface - MemOK! - AI Suite II...
Page 11
1 x TPU (GPU Boost) switch BIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, F12 PrintScreen Function Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE Accessories 2 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables...
® The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below.
This technology combines SSD performance with hard drive capacity, operating up to 4X faster than a hard drive-only system, and an important part of Green ASUS eco- friendly computing. * Intel Smart Response Technology supports Windows 7/ Vista OS.
Page 15
ASUS facilitates strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for 2 USB 3.0 ports at the rear panel. Experience the latest plug & play connectivity at speeds up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0. The P8Z68-V LX affords greater convenience to high speed connectivity.
Get your system up and running in no time. ASUS TurboV Feel the adrenaline rush of real-time OC-now a reality with the ASUS TurboV. This easy OC tool allows you to overclock without exiting or rebooting the OS; and its user-friendly interface makes overclock with just a few clicks away.
BIOS file using the bundled support DVD or USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file. ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility. ASUS P8Z68-V LX...
ErP requires products to meet certain energy efficiency requirements in regards to energy consumptions. This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-efficient products through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the product and thus mitigate environmental impacts.
Page 19
• If you want to restore the OS, go to BIOS Option ROM utility and select Acceleration Options to disable Intel Smart Response Technology. ® • The performance of Intel Smart Response Technology varies by SSD. ® ASUS P8Z68-V LX...
LucidLogix Virtu™ solution ® LucidLogix Virtu™ is a new generation GPU virtualization software that blurs the line ® between embedded graphics and discrete GPU for increased graphics performance. Its GPU virtualization dynamically assigns tasks to the best available graphics resources based on power, performance and system load.
• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. ASUS P8Z68-V LX...
Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis P8Z68-V LX 1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/transit-related. • Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA1155 socket.
Page 25
CPU notches. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending Gold the connectors on the socket and triangle damaging the CPU! mark Alignment keys ASUS P8Z68-V LX 1-13...
Page 26
Apply some Thermal Interface Material to the exposed area of the CPU that the heatsink will be in contact with, ensuring that it is spread in an even thin layer. Some heatsinks come with pre- applied thermal paste. If so, skip this step.
The type of CPU heatsink and fan assembly may differ, but the installation steps and functions should remain the same. The illustration above is for reference only. ASUS P8Z68-V LX 1-15...
Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. CPU_FAN P8Z68-V LX P8Z68-V LX CPU fan connector Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.
The figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: Channel Sockets Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 P8Z68-V LX Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 P8Z68-V LX 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets ASUS P8Z68-V LX 1-17...
Recommended memory configurations One DIMM: We recommend you install one memory module in the blue slots (DIMM_A2 or DIMM_B2) to get better performance. Two DIMMs (dual-channel operation): Four DIMMs (dual-channel operation): 1-18 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
2.4 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency adjustment. • For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. P8Z68-V LX Motherboard Qualified Vendors List (QVL) DDR3-2200MHz capability DIMM socket support (Optional) Chip Vendors Part No.
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Ensure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. To install a DIMM DIMM notch Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.
This motherboard has a PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot that supports PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphic cards complying with the PCI Express specifications. 1.8.5 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. ASUS P8Z68-V LX 1-25...
Normal Clear RTC (Default) P8Z68-V LX Clear RTC RAM 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. Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5-10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.
Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speaker in an 8-channel audio configuration. Refer to the audio configuration table below for the function of the audio ports in a 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration. ASUS P8Z68-V LX 1-27...
Page 40
Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration Headset Port 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel 2-channel Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In Orange...
Legacy AC’97 pin definition compliant definition P8Z68-V LX Front panel audio 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. • If you want to connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD].
Page 42
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. P8Z68-V LX SPDIF_OUT P8Z68-V LX Digital audio connector The S/PDIF module is purchased separately. Intel Z68 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_1–4 [blue]) ®...
Page 43
SATA6G_2 SATA6G_1 P8Z68-V LX SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors • These connectors are set to [AHCI Mode] by default. If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [RAID Mode].
PIN 1 PIN 1 PIN 1 PIN 1 P8Z68-V LX USB2.0 connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. CPU and Chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1, 4-pin...
Page 45
The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate. • If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus. com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details. ASUS P8Z68-V LX...
IDE_LED PWRSW RESET * Requires an ATX power supply P8Z68-V LX System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-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.
If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on the ASUS website at www.asus.com.
Turning this switch to Enable will automatically optimize the system for fast, yet stable clock speeds. P8Z68-V LX TPU switch P8Z68-V LX TPU switch For ensuring the system performance, turn the switch setting to Enable • when the system is powered off.
Page 49
This user-friendly design provides an intuitional way to locate the root problem within a second. DRAM LED P8Z68-V LX P8Z68-V LX DRAM LED TPU LED The TPU LED lights when the TPU switch is turned to Enable. P8Z68-V LX...
The contents of the Support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates. To run the Support DVD Place the Support DVD to the optical drive.
BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows environment. ®...
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility. Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com.
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the updated BIOS file.
2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process.
Page 55
The BIOS Updater backup screen appears indicating the BIOS backup process. When BIOS backup is done, press any key to return to the DOS prompt. ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.07 Current ROM Update ROM BOARD: P8Z68-V LX BOARD: Unknown VER: 0211 VER:...
Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. Refer to section 2.9 Exit menu for details. • Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS file if you have disconnected them. ASUS P8Z68-V LX...
BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program. Entering BIOS Setup at startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup: •...
Selects the boot device priority • The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system. • The Boot Menu(F8) button is available only when the boot device is installed to the system. ASUS P8Z68-V LX...
The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed configurations. To access the EZ Mode, click Exit, then select ASUS EZ Mode. Back button Menu items...
You cannot select an item that is not user-configurable. A configurable field is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a field, select it and press <Enter> or click on it to display a list of options. 2-10 ASUS P8Z68-V LX...
Main menu The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings. EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Exit Main...
To clear the user password, follow the same steps as in changing a user password, but press <Enter> when prompted to create/confirm the password. After you clear the password, the User Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed. 2-12 ASUS P8Z68-V LX...
Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. The configuration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you installed on the motherboard.
Allows you to set the maximum frequency for the internal GPU. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad. The values range from 1100MHz to 3000MHz. 2-14 ASUS P8Z68-V LX...
2.4.6 EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] EPU Setting [Auto] This item appears only when The EPU Power Saving Mode is set to [Enabled] and allows you to set power saving mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Light Power Saving Mode] [Medium Power Saving Mode] [Max Power Saving Mode] 2.4.7 OC Tuner...
• The values of the CPU Offset Voltage, DRAM Voltage, VCCIO Voltage, CPU PLL Voltage, and PCH Voltage items are labeled in different color, indicating the risk levels of high voltage settings. • The system may need better cooling system to work stably under high voltage settings. 2-16 ASUS P8Z68-V LX...
2.4.14 Load-Line Calibration [Auto] Load-line is defined by Intel VRM specification and affects CPU voltage. The CPU working voltage will decrease proportionally to CPU loading. Higher load-line calibration would get higher voltage and better overclocking performance, but increase the CPU and VRM thermal. This item allows you to set this function for better system performance.
Allows processor cores to run faster than marked frequency in specific condition. [Disabled] Disables this function. CPU C1E [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the C1E support function. This item should be enabled in order to enable the Enhanced Halt State. [Disabled] Disables this function. 2-18 ASUS P8Z68-V LX...
CPU C3 Report [Enabled] Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C3 report to OS. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] CPU C6 Report [Enabled] Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C6 report to OS. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 2.5.2 System Agent Configuration The System Agent Configuration menu allows you to change the northbridge chipset settings.
Disables the function. 2.5.6 Onboard Devices Configuration HD Audio Controller [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the High Definition Audio Controller. [Disabled] Disables the controller. The following two items appear only when you set the HD Audio Controller item to [Enabled]. 2-20 ASUS P8Z68-V LX...
Front Panel Type [HD] Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or high- definition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio module supports. [HD] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high definition audio. [AC97] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF]...
Enables Ring to generate a wake event. Power On By RTC [Disabled] [Disabled] Disables RTC to generate a wake event. When set to [Enabled], the items RTC Alarm Date (Days) and Hour/ [Enabled] Minute/Second will become user-configurable with set values. 2-22 ASUS P8Z68-V LX...
Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings. EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Exit Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Monitor Boot Tool CPU Temperature CPU Temperature +45ºC / +113ºF +45ºC / +113ºF MB Temperature +34ºC / +93ºF CPU Fan Speed...
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from 0% to 100%. When the CPU temperature is under the lower limit, the CPU fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle. 2-24 ASUS P8Z68-V LX...
2.6.4 Chassis Q-Fan Control [Enabled] [Disabled] Disables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature. [Enabled] Enables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature. Chassis Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM] This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to disable or set the chassis fan warning speed. Configuration options: [Ignore] [200RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM] Chassis Fan Profile [Standard] This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and...
[Disabled] Disables the full screen logo display feature. Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature. Post Report [5 sec] This item appears only when the Full Screen Logo item is set to [Disabled] and allows you to set the waiting time for the system to display the post report.
> ASUS O.C. Profile 2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash Utility Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. Press [Enter] to launch the ASUS EZ Flash 2 screen. For more details, see section 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2. 2.8.2 ASUS SPD Information...
Load Optimized Defaults Save Changes & Reset Discard Changes & Exit ASUS EZ Mode Launch EFI Shell from filesystem device Load Optimized Defaults This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus.
+1-510-739-3777 +1-510-608-4555 Web site usa.asus.com Technical Support Telephone +1-812-282-2787 Support fax +1-812-284-0883 Online support support.asus.com ASUS Computer GmbH (Germany and Austria) Address Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany +49-2102-959911 Web site www.asus.de Online contact www.asus.de/sales Technical Support Telephone (Component) +49-1805-010923*...