ASUS ROG STRIX B250G GAMING Motherboard User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the installation, configuration, and operation of your ASUS ROG STRIX B250G GAMING motherboard. Designed for Intel LGA1151 processors, this Micro-ATX motherboard supports DDR4 memory, M.2 storage, and USB 3.1 connectivity, offering a robust foundation for your computing system. Please read this manual thoroughly before proceeding with installation to ensure proper setup and optimal performance.

2. Safety Information

Observe the following safety guidelines to prevent damage to the motherboard and injury to yourself:

• Always disconnect the power cable from the wall socket before touching any internal components.
• Wear an anti-static wrist strap or frequently touch a grounded metal object to discharge static electricity before handling components.
• Handle the motherboard by its edges to avoid touching sensitive components.
• Ensure all cables are correctly oriented and securely connected before powering on the system.
• Keep the motherboard and components away from moisture and extreme temperatures.

3. Package Contents

Verify that your package contains the following items. If any item is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

• ASUS ROG STRIX B250G GAMING Motherboard
• User Manual
• I/O Shield
• SATA 6Gb/s Cables
• M.2 Screw Package
• Support DVD (with drivers and utilities)
• ROG Strix Stickers
• Cable Ties

4. Motherboard Layout

Familiarize yourself with the key components and connectors on your motherboard. Refer to the image below for a visual guide.

Figure 4.1: Overview of the ASUS ROG STRIX B250G GAMING Motherboard. This image displays the full Micro-ATX motherboard, highlighting the LGA1151 CPU socket, four DDR4 DIMM slots, PCIe slots, M.2 slots, SATA ports, and various headers and connectors. The distinctive black and red ROG STRIX design elements are visible.

4.1 Key Components

• LGA1151 CPU Socket: For Intel 6th and 7th Generation Core i7/i5/i3/Pentium/Celeron Processors.
• DDR4 DIMM Slots (4): Supports up to 64GB of DDR4 2400/2133 MHz non-ECC, un-buffered memory.
• PCIe Slots: Includes PCIe 3.0 x16 for graphics cards and PCIe 3.0 x1 slots for expansion cards.
• M.2 Sockets (2): Supports NVMe PCIe and SATA M.2 SSDs for high-speed storage.
• SATA 6Gb/s Ports (6): For connecting SATA storage devices.
• USB 3.1 Gen 1 Ports: Rear I/O and internal headers for high-speed USB connectivity.
• Audio Connectors: Powered by ROG SupremeFX S1220A for high-fidelity audio.
• LAN Port: Intel I219V Gigabit LAN with ASUS LANGuard protection.

5. Setup and Installation

Follow these steps carefully to install your motherboard and components.

5.1 CPU Installation

1. Locate the LGA1151 socket on the motherboard.
2. Open the CPU socket lever and lift the load plate.
3. Carefully align the notches on your Intel LGA1151 processor with the keys on the socket. Ensure the golden triangle on the CPU aligns with the triangle on the socket.
4. Gently place the CPU into the socket without forcing it.
5. Close the load plate and push down the lever until it locks into place.
6. Install the CPU cooler according to its manufacturer's instructions.

5.2 Memory (RAM) Installation

1. Open the clips at both ends of the DDR4 DIMM slots.
2. Align the notch on the DDR4 memory module with the key in the DIMM slot.
3. Insert the memory module firmly into the slot until the clips snap into place. Ensure both clips are closed.
4. For dual-channel configuration, refer to the motherboard manual for recommended slot pairings (typically A2/B2 or A1/B1).

5.3 Storage Device Installation

5.3.1 M.2 SSD Installation

1. Locate the M.2 sockets on the motherboard.
2. Remove the M.2 screw and standoff from the desired socket.
3. Insert the M.2 SSD into the socket at a 30-degree angle.
4. Gently push down the M.2 SSD and secure it with the M.2 screw.

5.3.2 SATA Drive Installation

1. Connect one end of the SATA data cable to a SATA 6Gb/s 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 SATA drive.

5.4 Expansion Card Installation (PCIe)

1. Align your graphics card or other PCIe expansion card with the appropriate PCIe slot.
2. Press the card firmly into the slot until it is fully seated. The retention clip at the end of the slot should snap into place.
3. Secure the card to the chassis with a screw.
4. If installing a graphics card, connect any required PCIe power cables from your PSU.

5.5 Power Connections

• 24-pin ATX Power Connector: Connect the main 24-pin power cable from your PSU to the connector on the motherboard.
• 8-pin ATX 12V Power Connector: Connect the 8-pin (or 4+4 pin) CPU power cable from your PSU to the connector near the CPU socket.

5.6 Front Panel Connections

Connect your chassis' front panel cables (power button, reset button, HDD LED, power LED, front USB, front audio) to the corresponding headers on the motherboard. Refer to the motherboard layout diagram and the small labels on the motherboard for correct pin assignments.

6. Operating Instructions

6.1 Initial Power On and BIOS/UEFI Setup

1. After assembling all components, connect your monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
2. Connect the power cable to the PSU and turn on the PSU switch.
3. Press the power button on your chassis.
4. During POST (Power-On Self-Test), repeatedly press the DEL or F2 key to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup utility.
5. In the BIOS/UEFI, you can configure boot order, system time, fan speeds, and other advanced settings. Save changes and exit to proceed with operating system installation.

6.2 Driver and Utility Installation

After installing your operating system, install the necessary drivers and utilities from the provided support DVD or by downloading the latest versions from the ASUS support website. Key drivers include chipset, audio, LAN, and graphics drivers.

• ASUS AI Suite 3: Provides access to various ASUS utilities for system monitoring, fan control (Fan Xpert 3), and power management.
• ROG SupremeFX Audio Driver: Ensures optimal audio performance.
• Intel LAN Driver: For stable network connectivity.

7. Maintenance

7.1 Cleaning

Regularly clean your computer's interior to prevent dust buildup, which can lead to overheating and component failure. Use compressed air to remove dust from fans, heatsinks, and other components. Ensure the system is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.

7.2 BIOS Updates

BIOS updates can improve system stability, add support for new hardware, or fix bugs. Download BIOS updates only from the official ASUS support website. Follow the instructions provided by ASUS for the update process, typically using the ASUS EZ Flash utility within the BIOS.

8. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter.

• No Power:
  • Ensure the PSU is switched on and connected to a working power outlet.
  • Verify all power cables (24-pin ATX, 8-pin CPU) are securely connected to the motherboard.
  • Check front panel power switch connection.
• No Display:
  • Confirm the monitor is connected to the graphics card (or motherboard if using integrated graphics) and powered on.
  • Reseat the graphics card and memory modules.
  • Try booting with only one memory stick.
• System Instability/Crashes:
  • Check CPU and GPU temperatures. Ensure cooling solutions are properly installed.
  • Verify memory compatibility and stability (run memory diagnostic tools).
  • Ensure all drivers are up-to-date.
  • Check for loose connections.
• Operating System Not Booting:
  • Check boot order in BIOS/UEFI.
  • Ensure the storage drive with the OS is properly connected and detected.
  • Run OS repair tools.

9. Specifications

Below are the detailed technical specifications for the ASUS ROG STRIX B250G GAMING Motherboard.

10. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official ASUS support website. ASUS provides technical support, driver downloads, and BIOS updates through its global support network. You can find contact information and resources on the official ASUS website.

ASUS Official Support Website: www.asus.com/support/