ASUS Official Z68 Chipset Motherboards - Support Thread

[Raja@ASUS]

This thread will be used to provide official support for ASUS Z68 chipset motherboards. Share your experience, tips tricks and place support/technical queries in this thread please.



BIOS 0501 is due to go up soon, this will be for all current Z68 motherboards (P8Z68-V, Pro, Deluxe).

The fix-list is as follows.

1. Update RAID OPROM to version 10.5.0.1034 to enable the support of Intel Rapid Storage Technology version 10.5.0.1026
2. Allow adjustment of Turbo Ratio for the K series CPU regardless of the status of the C-STATE option.

Note: For proper operation, please ensure to update Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver to version 10.5.0.1026 before enabling Intel Smart Response Technology.
Update procedure for users needing Intel Smart Response Technology:

(1) Enter OS, and ensure Intel Smart Response Technology has been turned off under Intel Rapid Storage Technology interface.
(2) Install version Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver to version 10.5.0.1026.
(3) Reboot the system, and update BIOS to version 0501, then reboot.
(5) Enter the BIOS setup screen, press F5 to load BIOS default, then change the Intel SATA Port to RAID mode.
(4) Boot into OS, and re-enable Intel Smart Response Technology under Intel Rapid Storage Technology.

Lucid have also released a new beta Virtu driver:

http://www.mediafire.com/file/6cohyipli8vmgc8/Virtu.rar

Lucid Virtu changes include: Support HTML 5.0 & Bug fixing in supported games




As always please ensure you have the latest Intel Chipset, LAN and Management Engine Interface drivers loaded along with AI Suite II or ROG Connect utilities.
Intel INF Update 1030 -
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Det...3334&lang=eng&OSVersion=%0A&DownloadType=



Intel Management Engine Interface Driver Update 1065 -
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Sea...rd+DZ68DB&ProdId=3334&LineId=3272&FamilyId=36



Intel LAN Driver Update 16.2
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Det...tProduct=Intel®+Desktop+Board+DZ68DB&lang=eng




Intel RST 1027
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Det...tProduct=Intel®+Desktop+Board+DZ68DB&lang=eng



Marvell & JMicron (SATA Drivers)
http://support.asus.com/Download.aspx?SLanguage=en&m=P8Z68-V+PRO&p=1&s=39

 

[Minjin]

I can't get AI Suite to install. Fails every time. I tried v10124 and the v10135 which is linked in the FAQ for the mobo. The first one just fails after a few files ask for permission to run. The second one at least tells me that it doesn't support my OS.

Win 7 Pro 64
P8Z68V Pro
2500k

Only other issue I have is that the North(south?) bridge heatsink is extremely hot. I like the idea of passive cooling but at least with my last mobo, it had heatpipes going to the other heatsinks. I hope this chipset can handle lots of heat.

Lower left:

Another thing I haven't played around with is Virtu. I tried installing it but it couldn't find the onboard GPU. Do I have to remove my video card (or switch it around in bios) to get it to see the onboard GPU and install drivers for that first?

 

[Raja@ASUS]

Hi,

I'll check out the AI Suite issue (which BIOS version are you using - I'd recommend flashing to the latest).

For Virtu, the iGPU Multi-Monitor support option has to be enabled in BIOS to allow the IGP to remain functional when add-on graphic cards are used.

-Raja

 

[Minjin]

Hi,

I'll check out the AI Suite issue (which BIOS version are you using - I'd recommend flashing to the latest).

Tried with the newest non-beta, 0401. Same result. I think the previous (shipping) one was 0221. I don't typically like to updates bios when there is no changelog...

I tried installing some of the individual programs that come with the AI Suite. I did get one to install, the Ai Charger.

edit: looks like someone else has the same issue:

http://vip.asus.com/forum/view.aspx...id=1&model=P8Z68-V+PRO&page=1&SLanguage=en-us

 

[Dribble]

One problem I have is that after booting up the machine freezes up for about 45 seconds - mouse still works, windows redraw but open programs show busy cursor and no new programmes will open. Then suddenly after approx. 45 secs it all starts working and it doesn't happen again till next reboot.

This happens randomly each time - sometimes as early as the windows login screen - and has happened since I build the PC (i.e. before I installed pretty much anything). Not o/c right now either. Looks like a disk access problem like all disk access is locked till some timeout happens (using crucial m4 128GB SSD for boot disk). Hoping newer motherboard drivers fix this (still using first available driver - last I looked there was only a beta available). All disks attached to Intel slots (1 SSD for boot, 1 big HD + 1 SSD for cache).

 

[bankster55]

The AI suite wont install thingy was already around with the P67 mobo. They offered a patch, which I assume is still around.

IIRC use of any loader type Win 7 hack might cause it. And trying it with mobo not overclocked could help. I would have thought that by now, with the Z68, this would all be past history. Guess not - lol.

http://vip.asus.com/forum/view.aspx...O&id=20110120201226098&page=1&SLanguage=en-us
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?p=18716986
http://windows7forums.com/windows-7-software/3420-asus-ai-suite-fail-install-acpi-driver-2.html

 

[bankster55]

@dribble
Unplug DVD and see what happens
Try AHCI hot swap enabled on all Intel Intel ports - EXCEPT DVD optical
Uninstall Intel RST driver allow Win to detect HDD and install generic MS drivers just as a test
Are you running RST 10.1.XXXX or higher?

 

[Dribble]

@dribble
Unplug DVD and see what happens
Try AHCI hot swap enabled on all Intel Intel ports - EXCEPT DVD optical
Uninstall Intel RST driver allow Win to detect HDD and install generic MS drivers just as a test
Are you running RST 10.1.XXXX or higher?

Thanks for that - enabling AHCI hot swap seems to fix it Unplugging DVD had no effect, RST drivers were 10.5.

 

[Raja@ASUS]

Tried with the newest non-beta, 0401. Same result. I think the previous (shipping) one was 0221. I don't typically like to updates bios when there is no changelog...

The changes are to correct issues between Intel's RST drivers and Virtu, so if that applies to you I'd recommend flashing. The 8801 is the BIOS used by all media for reviews, coincidentally.

-Raja

 

[Crank]

Built two computers with this board over the weekend. Neither will wake up after going to sleep.
Tried disabling the Intel RST drivers and updating to the beta BIOS, and no luck.
No overclock other than choosing the "speed" setting in the EZ BIOS.
Would appreciate any troubleshooting advice.

PC1: i72600k, OCZ Vertex 3 MaxIOPS 120gb SSD.
G.SKILL Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR
EVGA GTX-570

PC2: i72600k, WD Caviar Black 2TB HDD,
Patriot Viper Xtreme Series, Division 2 Edition 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model PXD38G1600LLK
EVGA GeForce 9800 Ultra

 

[d4a2n0k]

Built two computers with this board over the weekend. Neither will wake up after going to sleep.
Tried disabling the Intel RST drivers and updating to the beta BIOS, and no luck.
No overclock other than choosing the "speed" setting in the EZ BIOS.
Would appreciate any troubleshooting advice.

PC1: i72600k, OCZ Vertex 3 MaxIOPS 120gb SSD.
G.SKILL Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR
EVGA GTX-570

PC2: i72600k, WD Caviar Black 2TB HDD,
Patriot Viper Xtreme Series, Division 2 Edition 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model PXD38G1600LLK
EVGA GeForce 9800 Ultra

This works on the P67 boards so might work on this too. Go into the bios and disable "Internal PLL Overvoltage"

That worked for me.

 

[Doggiedog]

I had to rebuild my rig after exchanging the defective P67 P8P67 Deluxe for a P8Z68 Pro. I encountered a problem with my Corsair F120 SSD where it just randomly hangs and then blue screens. It seems as if its some kind of firmware issue with the Corsair and TRIM according the some forum threads I've read. I didn't have this problem with my previous board though. You wouldn't happen to know of any solution to this problem would you? This problem is so bad that I don't even have enough time once Win 7 is booted to affect any changes. Once Windows is booted and I try accessing the SSD, it hangs then blue screens.

 

[bankster55]

try it on marvel
try MS generic default drivers on Intel not RST
what RST do you have now?

Did you run accross this?
http://forums.crucial.com/t5/Solid-...eze-ups-in-Windows-7-solved-for-me/td-p/38766

 

[Minjin]

Built two computers with this board over the weekend. Neither will wake up after going to sleep.
Tried disabling the Intel RST drivers and updating to the beta BIOS, and no luck.
No overclock other than choosing the "speed" setting in the EZ BIOS.
Would appreciate any troubleshooting advice.

PC1: i72600k, OCZ Vertex 3 MaxIOPS 120gb SSD.
G.SKILL Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR
EVGA GTX-570

PC2: i72600k, WD Caviar Black 2TB HDD,
Patriot Viper Xtreme Series, Division 2 Edition 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model PXD38G1600LLK
EVGA GeForce 9800 Ultra

Just tried sleep on mine for the first time and it works fine.

2500k
GT240
4x2gb Kingston Hyperx 1600 RAM
all drives on intel ports

I haven't changed a single setting in BIOS from the default.

 

[Doggiedog]

try it on marvel
try MS generic default drivers on Intel not RST
what RST do you have now?

Did you run accross this?
http://forums.crucial.com/t5/Solid-...eze-ups-in-Windows-7-solved-for-me/td-p/38766

Thanks Bankster! I am on the Marvel controller now. I downloaded the latest RST whatever it is. I don't think it's the 10.x version though. I thought it was like 9.6X. I'll check it out if my PC is up and running long enough. I usually give it about a minute before it locks up and blue screens. I will also try the Crucial solution and standard MS drivers.

I don't know if this issue has screwed up my SSD though. I got this error after all of my problems. After hitting 57%, the process completely blue screens and then loops back to the boot up again and the cycle starts over.

 

[crealisiss]

Been running into ai suite ii installation failure with my p8z68 pro and win7 64. Decided to use another HDD to experiment with, instead of rewriting my primary repeatedly. Strangely enough, 10124 decided to install. The difference between the two hdds is the primary that doesn't install is a 3.5 sata2 drive. The test drive is 2.5 ide going through a sata to ide converter. Guess I'll try ghosting it over.

What's the deal!?

 

[doozyeff]

AI Suite ii does not install for me also.

Windows 7 64-bit

Faulting application name: Setup.exe_ASUS AI Suite II, version: 1.1.7.2, time stamp: 0x4d919536
Faulting module name: KERNELBASE.dll, version: 6.1.7601.17514, time stamp: 0x4ce7bafa
Exception code: 0x0eedfade
Fault offset: 0x0000b727
Faulting process id: 0x9c0
Faulting application start time: 0x01cc1ba6d14dbd3e
Faulting application path: D:\temp\AISuite_II_V10124_XPVistaWin7\Setup.exe
Faulting module path: C:\Windows\syswow64\KERNELBASE.dll
Report Id: 103fadcb-879a-11e0-8b9e-00268318425f

Gives that error whether I try to install off DVD, off HD after copying the files, or trying to run the download from Asus website.

 

[bankster55]

Been running into ai suite ii installation failure with my p8z68 pro and win7 64. Decided to use another HDD to experiment with, instead of rewriting my primary repeatedly. Strangely enough, 10124 decided to install. The difference between the two hdds is the primary that doesn't install is a 3.5 sata2 drive. The test drive is 2.5 ide going through a sata to ide converter. Guess I'll try ghosting it over.

What's the deal!?

This is an interesting post
Running a SATA drive in IDE (emulation) mode in bios solves most problems on Intel port because it defaults to MS generic drivers - either 2009 or in your case prob 2006
SATA is just really a cabling and power and bandwidth update

However you are using an ancient IDE drive with the wide ribbon cables and a connection converter module TO a SATA port.

You may have discovered a new workaround to get AI to install - lol. The big question is when you ghost it BACK to AHCI SATA HDD and Intel drivers, will it still function correctly?

Questions:
No other drives connected now - correct?
What port are you plugging old drive to? Intel SATA 2, SATA3?
Bios now set AHCI or IDE for that drive?
In Dev Man as far as IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers what do you have? What drivers are loaded now?

 

[bankster55]

@doggledog
You def dont want 9's RST on your mobo
Intel RST 10.1.0.1008 will solve many SSD probs, not earler not later
However the 10.5.0.1027 are actually for the Z68, not recommended for P67 as far as I understand, so would use these
The prob is these type basic drivers really should be loaded during O/S install. Windows file protection sometimes stops complete implementation during an update
http://www.station-drivers.com/page/intel%20raid.htm

 

[bankster55]

heres the AI Suite no install patch
http://support.asus.com/download/do..._name=AI_Suite_II_Patcher.zip&f_type=14&os=29
Must run as admin
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1597390



I would think they would have fixed this issue by now
http://forums.techarena.in/motherboard-processor-ram/1398296.htm


Edit: I would assume you would have to uninstall anything left from previous attempts first

 

[bankster55]

@doozyef
I wonder if this would work
Try loading AI from USB stick NTFS format
Do NOT load from your optical drive

 

[doozyeff]

Nope, exact same error log when trying

I had a look back at earlier posts for the P67 board, it seems either Asus or someone else (HardOCP?) managed to patch the install in some way to solve this problem for other people. Maybe I will wait for an updated installer and see if that works

 

[bankster55]

Nope, exact same error log when trying

Try optimized defaults in bios - no overclocking

 

[doozyeff]

I did initially try the install on a stock system, and got the error there initially. It's odd that it gives this error. I thought it might have been a .NET Framework error, but after removing / cleaning and reinstalling, it still came up with the same error.

I guess it's not too big a deal right now - the BIOS / UEFI options for overclocking are decent enough and it would be nice but not required to do it from within windows.

Like I say, it seems Asus eventually managed to find + fix the problem with the installer so I'll just hold off for a bit.

 

[Raja@ASUS]

Updated first post:

BIOS 0501 is due to go up soon, this will be for all current Z68 motherboards (P8Z68-V, Pro, Deluxe).

The fix-list is as follows.

1. Update RAID OPROM to version 10.5.0.1034 to enable the support of Intel Rapid Storage Technology version 10.5.0.1026
2. Allow adjustment of Turbo Ratio for the K series CPU regardless of the status of the C-STATE option.

Note: For proper operation, please ensure to update Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver to version 10.5.0.1026 before enabling Intel Smart Response Technology.
Update procedure for users needing Intel Smart Response Technology:

(1) Enter OS, and ensure Intel Smart Response Technology has been turned off under Intel Rapid Storage Technology interface.
(2) Install version Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver to version 10.5.0.1026.
(3) Reboot the system, and update BIOS to version 0501, then reboot.
(5) Enter the BIOS setup screen, press F5 to load BIOS default, then change the Intel SATA Port to RAID mode.
(4) Boot into OS, and re-enable Intel Smart Response Technology under Intel Rapid Storage Technology.

Lucid have also released a new beta Virtu driver:

http://www.mediafire.com/file/6cohyipli8vmgc8/Virtu.rar

Lucid Virtu changes include: Support HTML 5.0 & Bug fixing in supported games