Asus ROG STRIX B250G GAMING Motherboard Instruction Manual

Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Asus ROG STRIX B250G GAMING motherboard. Designed for 7th/6th Generation Intel Core processors, this motherboard offers robust performance for gaming and demanding applications, featuring Intel B250 chipset, DDR4 memory support, multiple storage options including M.2, and advanced audio and networking capabilities.

Setup and Installation

Before beginning installation, ensure your system is powered off and unplugged from the wall outlet. Wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to components.

1. CPU Installation (LGA 1151 Socket)

1. Locate the LGA 1151 socket on the motherboard.
2. Open the CPU socket lever and lift the load plate.
3. Carefully align the notches on your Intel 7th/6th Generation Core processor with the socket. Do not force the CPU into place.
4. Once aligned, gently lower the CPU into the socket.
5. Close the load plate and push down the lever until it locks into place.

2. Memory (RAM) Installation

The motherboard supports up to 64GB of DDR4 2400/2133 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory across 4 DIMM slots.

1. Open the clips at both ends of the DIMM slot.
2. Align the memory module with the slot, ensuring the notch on the module matches the key in the slot.
3. Press down firmly on both ends of the memory module until the clips snap into place.
4. For optimal performance, refer to your CPU and memory manufacturer's guidelines for dual-channel configuration.

3. Storage Device Installation

SATA Drives

The motherboard features 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports.

1. Connect one end of a SATA data cable to a SATA port on the motherboard.
2. Connect the other end of the SATA data cable to your SATA hard drive or SSD.
3. Connect a SATA power cable from your power supply unit (PSU) to the drive.

M.2 SSDs

The motherboard includes two M.2 Sockets:

• 1 x M.2 Socket 3 (M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110) for PCIe 3.0 x4 mode.
• 1 x M.2 Socket 3 (M key, type 2242/2260/2280) for SATA & PCIe 3.0 x4 mode.

1. Locate the M.2 slot(s) on the motherboard.
2. Remove the M.2 standoff screw.
3. Insert the M.2 SSD into the slot at a 30-degree angle.
4. Gently push down the SSD and secure it with the standoff screw.

4. Expansion Card Installation

The motherboard provides:

• 1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slot
• 2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1 slots

1. Align your expansion card (e.g., graphics card, sound card) with the appropriate PCIe slot.
2. Press down firmly until the card is securely seated in the slot.
3. Secure the card to your chassis with a screw.

5. Power Connections

1. Connect the 24-pin EATX Power connector from your PSU to the corresponding port on the motherboard.
2. Connect the 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector from your PSU to the corresponding port on the motherboard.

6. Front Panel and Internal I/O Connections

Connect your chassis' front panel connectors (power button, reset button, HDD LED, power LED, front USB ports, front audio) to the corresponding headers on the motherboard. Refer to the motherboard diagram for exact pin locations.

• USB Headers: 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 connector(s) (supports 4 additional USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports), 1 x USB 2.0 connector(s) (supports 2 additional USB 2.0 ports).
• Fan Connectors: 1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin), 1 x Chassis Fan connector (4-pin).
• Other: 1 x AAFP connector, 1 x TPM connector, 1 x COM port connector, 1 x System panel connector.

7. Back I/O Ports Overview

The back I/O panel provides various connectivity options:

• 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
• 1 x DVI port
• 1 x HDMI port
• 1 x LAN (RJ45) port (Intel Gigabit Ethernet)
• 4 x USB 2.0 ports
• 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports
• 3 x Audio jack(s) (ROG SupremeFX S1220A)

Operating Instructions

1. Initial Boot and BIOS Setup

Upon first boot, press the 'Delete' key during startup to enter the ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode. Here you can configure boot order, system time, and monitor hardware status. Advanced settings are available for fine-tuning performance.

2. Driver Installation

After installing your operating system, install the necessary drivers for the motherboard's components (chipset, audio, LAN, graphics) from the ASUS support website or the provided driver disc (if applicable). This ensures optimal performance and stability.

3. Key Features

• Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0: Automatically increases processor frequency when operating below power, current, and temperature specification limits.
• Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready: Supports Intel Optane memory for enhanced system responsiveness.
• ROG SupremeFX S1220A Audio: Features dual headphone amplifiers, impedance sensing, and premium Japan-made audio capacitors for high-fidelity sound. Includes Sonic Studio III and Sonic Radar III for enhanced gaming audio.
• Intel® Gigabit Ethernet: Provides optimized LAN and online gaming experiences with surge-protecting LANGuard.
• GPU Boost: Optimizes graphics performance.
• Fan Xpert 3: Advanced fan control for optimal cooling and quiet operation.
• ASUS AI Suite 3: A comprehensive software suite for system tuning and monitoring.

Maintenance

1. BIOS Updates

Regularly check the ASUS support website for BIOS updates. Updates can improve system stability, compatibility, and performance. Use the ASUS EZ Flash 3 utility within the BIOS for safe and easy updates.

2. Driver Updates

Keep your drivers updated to ensure compatibility with new software and hardware, and to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes.

3. Physical Cleaning

Periodically clean dust from the motherboard and other components using compressed air. Ensure the system is powered off and unplugged before cleaning. Pay attention to fan vents and heatsinks to maintain optimal cooling.

Troubleshooting

1. No Power/No Boot

• Check all power connections (24-pin EATX, 8-pin EATX 12V) from the PSU to the motherboard.
• Ensure the CPU and RAM are correctly seated.
• Verify the front panel power button connection.
• Test with minimal components (CPU, one RAM stick, graphics card if no integrated graphics) to isolate the issue.

2. No Display

• Ensure your monitor is connected to the correct video output (HDMI/DVI) on the motherboard or dedicated graphics card.
• Verify the graphics card is properly seated in its PCIe slot and has adequate power.
• Try resetting the CMOS (see below).

3. System Instability/Crashes

• Check RAM modules for proper seating; try testing with one module at a time.
• Ensure CPU cooler is properly installed and making good contact.
• Update BIOS and drivers.
• Monitor system temperatures using software like ASUS AI Suite 3.

4. Clear CMOS

If you encounter system instability or cannot boot after making BIOS changes, you may need to clear the CMOS. Locate the 'Clear CMOS jumper(s)' on the motherboard (refer to the motherboard diagram). With the system powered off and unplugged, move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 to 2-3 for 5-10 seconds, then return it to 1-2. Alternatively, remove the CMOS battery for a few minutes and then reinsert it.

5. ASUS Q-Design Features

• ASUS Q-Shield: Helps prevent accidental damage during installation.
• ASUS Q-Slot: Easy-release clip for PCIe slots.
• ASUS Q-DIMM: Single-sided clips for easier memory installation.

6. ESD Guards

The motherboard features ESD Guards on LAN, Audio, KBMS, and USB 3.0/2.0 ports to protect against electrostatic discharge.

Specifications

User Tips

• Cable Management: Proper cable management improves airflow and aesthetics. Utilize chassis tie-down points and route cables behind the motherboard tray.
• BIOS Settings: Explore the UEFI BIOS for features like XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) to ensure your RAM runs at its advertised speeds.
• Fan Control: Use ASUS Fan Xpert 3 software to create custom fan curves for optimal cooling and noise levels based on your system's workload.
• Integrated Graphics: If using integrated graphics, ensure sufficient system RAM is allocated to it in the BIOS for better performance.
• M.2 Slot Prioritization: If using multiple M.2 drives, be aware that some slots might share bandwidth with SATA ports. Consult the full motherboard manual (available on the ASUS website) for specific configurations to avoid conflicts.

Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information, technical support, and the latest drivers and BIOS updates, please visit the official ASUS support website. You can typically find support by searching for your motherboard model (ROG STRIX B250G GAMING) on their website.