ASRock H170 Combo UEFI Setup Utility

1. Introduction

This section introduces how to configure your system using the UEFI SETUP UTILITY. After powering on the computer, press F2 or Del to enter the UEFI SETUP UTILITY. Otherwise, the Power-On Self-Test (POST) will continue its test routine. If you wish to enter the UEFI SETUP UTILITY after POST, you can restart the system by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete or the reset button on the system chassis. You can also restart the system by turning it off and then on again.

Due to continuous updates of UEFI software, the UEFI setup screens and descriptions below are for reference only and may differ from what you see on your own screen.

1.1 UEFI Menu Bar

• Main: System time/date information.
• Overclocking Tool: Overclocking configuration.
• Advanced: Advanced system configuration.
• Tool: Useful tools.
• Hardware Monitor: Displays current hardware status.
• Boot: Configures boot settings and boot priority.
• Security: Security settings.
• Exit: Exits the current screen or the UEFI Setup Utility.

1.2 Navigation Keys

Use the ← and → keys to select options on the menu bar, and use the ↑ and ↓ keys to move the cursor to select items, then press Enter to enter sub-screens. You can also click on the desired item using the mouse.

Please check the table below for descriptions of each navigation key:

2. Main Screen

The Main screen appears when you enter the UEFI SETUP UTILITY and displays a system overview.

Main Screen Description:

• UEFI Version: H170 Combo L0.16
• Processor Type: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-6600K CPU @ 3.50GHz
• Processor Speed: 3500MHz
• Cache Size: 6MB
• Total Memory: 8GB 256MB Shared Memory
• Single Channel Memory Mode
• DDR3 A1: None
• DDR3 A2: None
• DDR4 A1: 8GB (DDR4-2133)
• DDR3 B1: None
• DDR3 B2: None
• DDR4 B1: None

Customized UEFI

Displays your favorite BIOS items. Press F5 to add/remove favorite items.

3. Overclocking Tool

In the Overclocking Tool screen, you can set overclocking functions.

Intel SpeedStep Technology

Intel SpeedStep Technology allows the processor to switch between multiple frequencies and voltage points to achieve better power saving and thermal management.

Intel Turbo Boost Technology

Intel Turbo Boost Technology enables the processor to run at a higher speed than its base operating frequency when the operating system requires maximum performance.

Long Duration Power Limit

Configures the Package Power Limit 1 (Watts). When this limit is exceeded, the CPU multiplier will be reduced after a period of time. A lower limit protects the CPU and saves power, while a higher limit can improve performance.

Long Duration Maintained

Configures how long the CPU multiplier will be reduced after exceeding the Long Duration Power Limit.

Short Duration Power Limit

Configures the Package Power Limit 2 (Watts). When this limit is exceeded, the CPU multiplier will be reduced immediately. A lower limit protects the CPU and saves power, while a higher limit can improve performance.

GT Frequency

Sets the frequency for the integrated GPU.

DRAM Configuration

DRAM Tools

Fine-tune DRAM settings by selecting the checkboxes. Press OK [Confirm] to confirm and apply new settings.

DRAM Timing Control

Load XMP Setting

Loads XMP settings to overclock the memory and perform beyond standard specifications.

DRAM Reference Clock

Select [Auto] for optimized settings.

DRAM Frequency

If [Auto] is selected, the motherboard will detect the installed memory modules and automatically assign the appropriate frequency.

Primary Timings

• CAS# Latency (tCL): The time between sending a column address to the memory and the beginning of the column DDR3 read data strobe.
• RAS# to CAS# Delay and Row Precharge Time (tRCD): RAS# to CAS# Delay and Row Precharge Time: The number of clock cycles required to access different row in memory.
• Row Precharge Time: The number of clock cycles required to open a row in memory before another row access can occur.
• RAS# Active Time (tRAS): The number of clock cycles between the memory bank active command and the precharge command.
• Command Rate (CR): Selects the delay between the memory chip and the first active command.

Secondary Timings

• Write Recovery Time (tWR): The delay that must occur after a write operation before a precharge command can be issued to the same bank.
• Refresh Cycle Time (tRFC): The number of clock cycles from a Refresh command to the first Activate command to the same rank.
• RAS to RAS Delay (tRRD_L): The number of clock cycles between activating two rows in the same rank.
• AS to RAS Delay (tRRD_S): The number of clock cycles between activating two rows in the same rank.
• Write to Read Delay (tWTR_L): The number of clock cycles between the last write operation and the next read command to the same internal memory cell.
• Write to Read Delay (tWTR_S): The number of clock cycles between the last write operation and the next read command to the same internal memory cell.
• Read to Precharge (tRTP): The number of clock cycles inserted between a read command and a precharge command to the same rank.
• Four Activate Window (tFAW): The time window during which four memory banks can be activated in the same rank.
• CAS Write Latency (tCWL): Configures CAS write latency.

Tertiary Timings

• tREFI: Configures the refresh period.
• tCKE: Configures the period during which DDR3 enters self-refresh mode.
• tRDRD_sg: Configures module read to read delay.
• tRDRD_dg: Configures module read to read delay.
• tRDRD_dr: Configures module read to read delay.
• tRDRD_dd: Configures module read to read delay.
• tRDWR_sg: Configures module read to write delay.
• tRDWR_dg: Configures module read to write delay.
• tRDWR_dr: Configures module read to write delay.
• tRDWR_dd: Configures module read to write delay.
• tWRRD_sg: Configures module write to read delay.
• tWRRD_dg: Configures module write to read delay.
• tWRRD_dr: Configures module write to read delay.
• tWRRD_dd: Configures module write to read delay.
• tWRWR_sg: Configures module write to write delay.
• tWRWR_dr: Configures module write to write delay.
• tWRWR_dd: Configures module write to write delay.

Fourth Timing

• RTL (CH A): Configures the round trip delay for Channel A.
• RTL (CH B): Configures the round trip delay for Channel B.
• IO-L (CH A): Configures the IO delay for Channel A.
• IO-L (CH B): Configures the IO delay for Channel B.
• twRPRE: Configures twRPRE.
• Write_Early_ODT: Configures Write_Early_ODT.
• tAONPD: Configures tAONPD.
• tXP: Configures tXP.
• tXPDLL: Configures tXPDLL.
• tPRPDEN: Configures tPRPDEN.
• tRDPDEN: Configures tRDPDEN.
• twRPDEN: Configures twRPDEN.
• OREF_RI: Configures OREF_RI.
• tREFIx9: Configures tREFIx9.
• txSDLL: Configures txSDLL.
• txs_offset: Configures txs_offset.
• tZQOPER: Configures tZQOPER.
• tMOD: Configures tMOD.
• ZQCS_period: Configures ZQCS_period.
• tZQCS: Configures tZQCS.

Advanced Settings

• ODT WR (CHA): Configures the termination resistance WR for Channel A.
• ODT WR (CHB): Configures the termination resistance WR for Channel B.
• ODT PARK (CH A): Configures the termination resistance PARK for Channel A.
• ODT PARK (CH B): Configures the termination resistance PARK for Channel B.
• ODT NOM (CHA): Use this to change ODT (CHA) auto/manual settings.
• ODT NOM (CHB): Use this to change ODT (CHB) auto/manual settings.

4. Advanced

In this section, you can configure CPU Configuration, Chipset Configuration, Storage Configuration, Super IO Configuration, ACPI Configuration, USB Configuration, and Trusted Computing.

4.1 CPU Configuration

Activate Processor Core

Selects the number of cores to be enabled in each processor package.

CPU C-State Support

Enables CPU C-State support for power saving. It is recommended to enable C3, C6, and C7 for better power saving.

Enhanced Halt State (C1E)

Enables Enhanced Halt State (C1E) to reduce power consumption.

Package C-State Support

Enables CPU, PCIe, Memory, and Graphics C-State support for power saving.

CPU Over-Temperature Protection

Enables internal CPU temperature control to prevent CPU overheating.

No-Execute Memory Protection

Processors with No-Execute Memory Protection technology can prevent certain types of malicious buffer overflow attacks.

Intel Virtualization Technology

Intel Virtualization Technology allows a platform to run multiple operating systems and applications in isolation, enabling a single computer system to be used as multiple virtual systems.

Hardware Prefetcher

Prefetches processor data and code. Enabling it can improve performance.

Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch

Prefetches the next cache line while retrieving the current cache line. Enabling it can improve performance.

4.2 Chipset Configuration

Primary Graphics Adapter

Selects the primary VGA.

4GB TOLUD

Sets the maximum TOLUD value. Setting this to [Dynamic] allows TOLUD to automatically adjust based on the MMIO length of the installed graphics controller.

VT-d

Intel® Virtualization Technology Directed I/O enhances virtual machine monitors by improving application compatibility and reliability, and providing additional manageability, security, isolation, and I/O performance for better hardware utilization.

PCIE2 Link Speed

Selects the PCIE2 link speed.

PCIE4 Link Speed

Selects the PCIE4 link speed.

PCI-E ASPM Support

This option enables or disables ASPM support for all CPU downstream devices.

PCH PCI-E ASPM Support

This option enables or disables ASPM support for all PCH downstream devices.

DMI ASPM Support

This option enables or disables ASPM control for the CPU side of the DMI Link.

PCH DMI ASPM Support

This option enables or disables ASPM support for all PCH DMI devices.

Shared Memory

Configures the amount of memory allocated to the integrated graphics processor during system boot.

Onboard Graphics Multi-Monitor Support

When an external graphics card is installed, selecting [Disabled] disables the integrated graphics. Selecting [Enabled] keeps the integrated graphics enabled.

Render Standby

Slows down rendering when the GPU is idle to reduce power consumption.

Intel(R) Gigabit Ethernet Connection I219-V

Enables or disables the onboard network interface controller.

Onboard HD Audio

Enables or disables onboard high-definition audio. Setting to [Auto] enables onboard high-definition audio and automatically disables it when a sound card is installed.

Front Panel

Enables or disables the front panel high-definition audio.

Deep Sleep

Configures the Deep Sleep mode for power saving when the computer is turned off.

AC/Power Failure Recovery

Selects the power state after a power failure. If [Off] is selected, the power will remain off after power is restored. If [On] is selected, the system will start booting after power is restored.

Night Mode Indicator

Enabling the Night Mode Indicator turns off the Power/HDD LED when the system is on. It also powers off the Power and HDD LEDs when the system enters Standby/Hibernation mode.

4.3 Storage Configuration

SATA Controller

Enables or disables SATA controllers.

SATA Mode Selection

• AHCI: Supports new features that enhance performance.
• RAID: Combines multiple disk drives into a single logical unit.

AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) supports NCQ and other advanced features, which can improve SATA disk performance. IDE mode does not have these advantages.

SATA Active Link Power Management

Allows SATA devices to enter a low power state when inactive to save power. Only supported in AHCI mode.

Hard Drive S.M.A.R.T.

S.M.A.R.T. stands for Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. It is a computer hard drive monitoring system used to detect and report various indicators of reliability.

4.4 Super IO Configuration

Serial Port

Enables or disables the serial port.

Serial Port Address

Selects the address for the serial port.

PS2 Y-Cable

Enables the PS2 Y-cable or sets this option to [Auto].

4.5 ACPI Configuration

Suspend to RAM

Select [Disabled] to disable ACPI S1 sleep states. It is recommended to select [Auto] for ACPI S3 power saving.

ACPI HPET Table

Enables the High Precision Event Timer for better performance and WHQL compliance.

PS/2 Keyboard Power On

Allows waking the system via PS/2 keyboard.

PCIe Devices Power On

Allows waking the system via PCIe devices and enables Wake-on-LAN.

RTC Alarm Power On

Allows waking the system via the Real-Time Clock. Setting this to By OS allows your operating system to handle it.

USB Keyboard / Remote Wake Up

Allows waking the system via keyboard or remote control.

USB Mouse Power On

Allows waking the system via USB mouse.

4.6 USB Configuration

Legacy USB Support

Enables or disables Legacy OS support for USB 2.0 devices. If you encounter USB compatibility issues, it is recommended to disable Legacy USB Support. Selecting UEFI Setup Only allows USB support only in UEFI setup and Windows/Linux operating systems.

PS/2 Simulator

Enables this item to allow non-USB aware operating systems to support USB legacy keyboards.

4.7 Trusted Computing

Security Device Support

Enables or disables BIOS support for security devices. The OS will not show the Security Device. TCG EFI protocol and INTIA interface will not be available.

5. Tools

ASRock OMG (Internet Gatekeeper)

Administrators can set Internet curfew times or restrict Internet access to specified times using OMG. You can schedule the start and end times for other users to access the Internet. To prevent users from bypassing OMG, a guest account without system time modification privileges is required.

Cloud Station

If your PC has any issues, please contact Cloud Station. Please configure network settings before using Cloud Station.

Easy RAID Installer

The Easy RAID Installer utility helps you copy RAID drivers from the support CD to a USB storage device. After copying the drivers, change the SATA mode to RAID, and then you can install the operating system in RAID mode.

Cloud Driver

This is a convenient tool in UEFI for users who want to install drivers from a support CD but do not have an optical drive. It can install LAN drivers to the system via a USB storage device, and then automatically download and install other required drivers.

Boot Manager

Boot Manager is designed for users with dual-boot or multi-boot operating systems to customize and manage their boot menu.

Dehumidifier Function

If the dehumidifier function is enabled, the computer will automatically turn on the CPU fan to dehumidify the system when entering S4/S5 state.

Dehumidifier Time Period

Configures the time period from when the computer enters S4/S5 state until the dehumidifier function is enabled.

Dehumidifier Duration

Configures the duration of the dehumidification process before returning to S4/S5 state.

Instant Flash

Save the UEFI file to a USB storage device, then run Instant Flash to update your UEFI.

Cloud Upgrade

Cloud Upgrade downloads and updates the latest UEFI firmware from our servers. Please configure network settings before using Cloud Upgrade.

* For BIOS backup and restore, insert a USB drive and then use this function.

Network Configuration

Use this to configure network connection settings for Cloud Upgrade.

Internet Settings

Enables or disables sound effects in the setup utility.

UEFI Download Server

Select a server to download UEFI firmware.

6. Hardware Monitor

This section allows you to monitor hardware status, including CPU temperature, motherboard temperature, fan speed, and voltage parameters.

Fan Speed Control

Selects the CPU fan 1 and 2 mode or selects custom to set 5 CPU temperatures and assign a corresponding fan speed for each temperature.

CPU Fan Setting

Selects the CPU fan mode or selects custom to set 5 CPU temperatures and assign a corresponding fan speed for each temperature.

Chassis Fan Setting

Selects the chassis fan mode or selects custom to set 5 CPU temperatures and assign a corresponding fan speed for each temperature.

Chassis Fan Temperature Source

Selects the temperature source for the chassis fan.

Over Temperature Protection

When Over Temperature Protection is enabled, the system will automatically shut down if the motherboard overheats.

7. Security

In this section, you can set or change the supervisor/user passwords for your system. You can also clear user passwords.

Supervisor Password

Sets or changes the administrator account password. Only the administrator can change settings in the UEFI Setup Utility. Leave this blank and press Enter to remove the password.

User Password

Sets or changes the user account password. Users cannot change settings in the UEFI Setup Utility. Leave this blank and press Enter to remove the password.

Secure Boot

Enables support for Windows 8.1 Secure Boot.

TPM Device Selection

Enables or disables Intel PTT in ME. Disabling this item uses a discrete TPM module.

8. Boot

This section displays the available devices on your system, allowing you to configure boot settings and boot priorities.

Boot Option Priorities

Sets the system boot order.

USB Device BBS Priorities

Fast Boot

Fast Boot minimizes the system boot time. In Fast Boot mode, you cannot boot from a USB storage device. Hyper Fast mode is only supported by Windows 8.1, and if you use an external graphics card, the VBIOS must also support UEFI GOP. Please note that Hyper Fast mode boots very quickly, and the only way to enter this UEFI Setup Utility is to clear the CMOS or restart into the UEFI utility from Windows.

Boot from Onboard LAN

Allows waking the system via the onboard LAN.

Boot Prompt Timeout

Configures the number of seconds to wait for the hotkey prompt.

Boot Num-Lock State

Selects whether the Num-Lock key is off or on during system startup.

Boot Beep Sound

Selects whether the boot beep sound is off or on during system startup. Note that a buzzer is required.

Full Screen Logo

Enables display of the boot logo; disabling it displays normal POST messages.

Additonal ROM Display

Enables display of additional ROM information, or configures additional ROM (if Full Screen Logo is enabled). Disabling it provides faster boot speeds.

Boot Failure Guard Message

If the system fails to boot multiple times, it will automatically restore default settings.

CSM (Compatibility Support Module)

Enables the Compatibility Support Module. Do not disable it unless you are running WHCK tests. If you are using Windows 8.1 64-bit and all your devices support UEFI, you can also disable CSM for faster boot speeds.

Launch PXE OpROM Policy

Select UEFI only to run items that support UEFI Option ROMs. Select Legacy only to run items that support Legacy Option ROMs. Select Do not launch to skip executing legacy and UEFI compatible ROMs.

Launch Storage OpROM Policy

Select UEFI only to run items that support UEFI Option ROMs. Select Legacy only to run items that support Legacy Option ROMs. Select Do not launch to skip executing legacy and UEFI compatible ROMs.

Launch Video OpROM Policy

Select UEFI only to run items that support UEFI Option ROMs. Select Legacy only to run items that support Legacy Option ROMs. Select Do not launch to skip executing legacy and UEFI compatible ROMs.

9. Exit

Save Changes and Exit

When this option is selected, the message "Save configuration changes and exit setup?" will pop up. Select [OK] to save changes and exit the UEFI SETUP UTILITY.

Discard Changes and Exit

When this option is selected, the message "Discard changes and exit setup?" will pop up. Select [OK] to exit the UEFI SETUP UTILITY without saving any changes.

Discard Changes

When this option is selected, the message "Discard changes?" will pop up. Select [OK] to discard all changes.

Load UEFI Defaults

Loads the UEFI default values for all options. You can use the F9 key to perform this operation.

Boot EFI Shell from File System Device

Copy shellx64.efi to the root directory to boot the EFI Shell.