ASUS Motherboard Gaming User Manual

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

1 x M.2 Screw package
1 x TUF GAMING sticker
Application DVD| Support DVD
Documentation| User Guide
TUF Certification Card

If any of the above items are damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

TUF B360M-PLUS GAMING specifications summary

CPU| LGA1151 socket for 8th Generation Intel ®  Core™ i7/i5/i3, Pentium®  and Celeron®  processors  Supports Intel® 14nm CPU
Supports Intel®  Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*

• The Intel®  Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU types.
  ** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel®  CPU support list.
  ---|---
  Chipset| Intel®  B360 Chipset
  Memory| 4 x DIMMs, maximum 64GB, DDR4 2600/2400/2133 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory
  Dual-channel memory architecture
  Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
• The maximum memory frequency supported varies by processor.
  DDR4 2666MHz and higher memory modules will run at max. 2666MHz on Intel® 8th
  Gen. 6-core or higher processors.
  ** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List).
  Expansion slots| 1 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot (at x16 mode)
  2 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x1 slots
  Graphics| Integrated graphics processor – Intel®
  HD Graphics support
  Multi-VGA output support: HDMI/DVI-D ports
  – Supports HDMI 1.4b with max. resolution 4096 x 2160@24Hz / 2560 x 1600@60Hz
  – Supports DVI-D with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1200 @ 60Hz Supports Intel®
  InTru™ 3D/Quick Sync Video/Clear Video HD Technology/Insider™
  Maximum shared memory of 1024 MB (for iGPU exclusively)
  Storage| Intel® B360 Chipset:
  – 1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support
  (both SATA and PCIe 3.0 x 4 mode)
  – 1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (PCIe 3.0 x 4 mode)
  – 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (gray)
  – Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready
• When a device in SATA mode is installed on the M.2_1 socket, SATA_2 port cannot be used.
  * Only the M.2_2 socket can support Intel® Optane TM memory.
  ---|---
  LAN| Intel ® I219-V Gigabit LAN – Dual interconnection between the integrated Media Access Controller (MAC) and physical layer (PHY)
  TUF LANGuard
  Audio| Realtek ® ALC887 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC
  – Audio Shielding: Ensures precision analog/digital separation and greatly reduced multi
  -lateral interference
  – Dedicated audio PCB layers: Separate layers for left and right channels to guard the quality of the sensitive audio signals
  – Premium Japanese audio capacitors: Provide warm, natural, and immersive sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity
  – Supports Jack-Detection and Front Panel Jack-Retasking
  USB| Intel ® B360 Chipset
  – 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps) ports (2 ports @back panel, teal blue, Type A)
  – 3 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (up to 5Gbps) ports (2 ports @mid-board, 1 port @back panel, Type C)
  – 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports @mid-board, 2 ports @back panel, black, Type A)
  ASUS special features| TUF Components (TUF Cap, TUF Chokes, MOSFET & LANGuard; certified by military-standard)
  ASUS TUF PROTECTION
  – ASUS SafeSlot – Protect your graphics card investment
  – ASUS ESD Guard: Enhanced ESD protection
  – ASUS Overvoltage Protection: World-class circuit-protecting power design
  – ASUS Stainless-Steel Back I/O: 3X corrosion-resistance for greater durability!
  – ASUS DIGI+ VRM: 5 Phase digital power design Superb Performance ASUS OptiMem
  – Improved DDR4 stability M.2 onboard
  – The latest transfer technologies with up to 32Gb/s data transfer speeds ASUS Fan Xpert 2+
  – Ultimate cooling and quietness ASUS EPU – EPU UEFI BIOS
  – Most advanced options with fast response time
  ASUS special
  features| Gaming Scenario
  Aura
  – Bright up your Build
  Audio Features
  – Audio that roars on the battlefield
  ASUS Exclusive Features
  – ASUS Ai Charger
  – ASUS AI Suite 3
  – ASUS File Transfer
  – ASUS PC Cleaner
  EZ DIY
  UEFI BIOS EZ Mode
  – Featuring friendly graphics user interface
  – ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
  – ASUS EZ Flash 3
  Q-Design
  – ASUS Q-DIMM
  – ASUS Q-Slot
  ---|---
  ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution| Quiet Thermal Design
  – ASUS Fan Xpert 2+
  – Stylish Fanless Design: PCH Heat-sink & MOS Heat-sink
  Rear panel I/O ports| 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
  1 x HDMI port
  1 x DVI-D port
  2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps) ports (Type A, teal blue)
  1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (up to 5Gbps) port (Type C)
  2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
  1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
  3 Audio jacks support 8 channel
• Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an 8-channel audio output.
  Internal connectors| 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (up to 5Gbps) connector support additional 2 USB ports (19-pin)
  2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 4 USB ports
  6 x SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (gray)
  2 x M.2 Socket 3 (for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 devices)
  1 x CPU Fan connector
  2 x Chassis Fan Connectors (4-pin) for both 3-pin(DC mode) and 4-pin (PWM mode) coolers control
  1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
  1 x System panel connector
  1 x Clear CMOS header
  1 x S/PDIF out header
  Internal connectors| 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
  1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
  1 x COM header
  1 x Aura RGB Strip header
  BIOS| 128Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, SM BIOS 3.1, ACPI 6.1, Multilanguage BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 3, CrashFree BIOS 3, F3 My Favorites, Last Modified log, F4 AURA ON/OFF, F6 Qfan Control, F9 Search, F12 PrintScreen, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information
  Manageability| WOL by PME, PXE
  Support DVD| Drivers
  ASUS Utilities
  ASUS EZ Update
  Anti-virus software (OEM version)
  OS Support| Windows® 10 (64-bit)
  Form Factor| mATX Form Factor, 9.6”x 9.1” (24.4cm x 23.1cm)

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Product introduction

Motherboard overview

• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.
• Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity.
• 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.
• Unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage to motherboard components.
  Scan the QR code to get the detailed pin definitions.

http://c3.clewm.net/BQnEfp

1. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1~2)
   Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.
   Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient airflow inside the system may damage the motherboard components.
   These are not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the fan connectors! The CPU_FAN connector supports a CPU fan of maximum 1A (12 W) fan power.

2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)
   Correctly orient the ATX power supply plugs into these connectors and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.

• For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2.0 (or later version) and provides a minimum power of 350 W. This PSU type has 24-pin and 8-pin power plugs.
• We recommend that you use a PSU with higher power output when configuring a system with more power-consuming devices or when you intend to install additional devices. 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.cn/PowerSupply.aspx?SLanguage=en for details.

3. Intel ® LGA1151 CPU socket
Install Intel ® LGA1151 CPU into this surface mount LGA1151 socket, which is designed for 8th Generation Intel ® Core™ i7 / i5 / i3, Pentium ® and Celeron processors.

For more details, refer to Central Processing Unit (CPU).

4. DDR4 DIMM slots
Install 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR4 DIMMs into these DIMM sockets.

For more details, refer to System memory.

5. RGB LED
The RGB LED lighting control provides several lighting schemes, which allow you to customize your favorite LED effect. You can set your favorite LED effect to cast  a  stunning multi-color glow across your build, change shades to indicate CPU temperature, pulsate in time to the beat of your music or set your favorite color for  each pair of LEDs

6. USB 3.1 Gen1 (Up to 5Gbps) connectors (20-1 pin U31G1_56)
This connector allows you to connect a USB 3.1 Gen 1 module for additional USB 3.1 Gen 1 front or rear panel ports. With an installed USB 3.1 Gen 1 module, you can enjoy all the benefits of USB 3.1 Gen 1 including faster data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gb/s, faster charging time for USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency, and backward compatibility with USB 2.0.

7. Intel ® B360 Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~6)
These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables.

8.  RGB header (4-pin RGB_HEADER)
This header is for RGB LED strips.
The RGB header supports 5050 RGB multi-color LED strips (12V/G/R/B), with a maximum power rating of 3A (12V), and no longer than 3 m.
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.

• Actual lighting and color will vary with LED strips.
• If your LED strip does not light up, check if the RGB LED extension cable and the RGB LED strip is connected in the correct orientation, and the 12V connector is aligned with the 12V header on the motherboard.
• The LED strip will only light up when the system is operating.
• The LED strips are purchased separately.

9. Clear RTC RAM (2-pin CLRTC)
This header allows you to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data of the system setup information such as date, time, and system passwords.
To erase the RTC RAM:
1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Use a metal object such as a screwdriver to short the two pins.
3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
4. Hold down the < Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data.

If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and short the two pins again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After clearing the CMOS, reinstall the battery.

10. System panel connector (20-5 pin PANEL)
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

11. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1011, USB914)
Connect a USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB  2.0 specifications and support up to 480Mbps connection speed.

12. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM)
Connect the serial port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

13. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

14. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this 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 Audio].
If you want to connect an AC’97 front panel audio module to this connector, set the item to [AC97]. By default, this connector is set to [HD Audio].

15. PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x1 slots
This motherboard has two PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x1 slots that support PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications.

16. M.2 socket 3
These sockets allow you to install M.2 (NGFF) SSD modules.
The M.2 (NGFF) SSD module is purchased separately.

• These M.2 sockets support M Key and 2242/2260/2280 storage devices.
• Both M.2 sockets can support data transfer speed up to 32Gb/s.
• Only the M.2_2 socket can support Intel® OptaneTM memory.
• Only the M.2_1 socket can support SATA mode storage devices. When a device in
  SATA mode is installed on the M.2_1 socket, SATA_2 is disabled.

17. PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot
This motherboard supports one PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 graphic card that complies with the PCI Express specifications.

Rear panel connectors **

**

1. PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard combo port. This port connects to a PS/2 mouse or PS/2 keyboard.
2. DVI-D port. This port is for any DVI-D compatible device.

DVI-D can not be converted to output from RGB Signal to CRT and is not compatible with DVI-I.

3. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.

LAN port LED indications

Activity/Link LED| | Speed LED|
---|---|---|---
Status| Description| Status| Description
Off| No link| OFF| 10Mbps connection
Orange| Linked| ORANGE| 100Mbps connection
Orange (Blinking)| Data activity| GREEN| 1Gbps connection
Orange (Blinking
then steady)| Ready to wake
up from S5 mode| |

4. Line In port (light blue). This port connects to the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio sources.
5. Line Out port (lime). This port connects to a headphone or a speaker. In the 4.1, 5.1, and 7.1-channel configurations, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out.
6. Microphone port (pink). This port connects to a microphone.

Refer to the audio configuration table for the function of the audio ports in 2.1, 4.1, 5.1, or 7.1-channel configuration.\

Audio 2.1, 4.1, 5.1, or 7.1-channel configuration

Port| Headset
2.1-channel| 4.1-channel| 5.1-channel| 7.1-channel
---|---|---|---|---
Light Blue (Rear panel)| Line In| Rear Speaker Out| Rear Speaker Out| Rear Speaker Out
Lime (Rear panel)| Line Out| Front Speaker Out| Front Speaker Out| Front Speaker Out
Pink (Rear panel)| Mic In| Mic In| Bass/Center| Bass/Center
Lime (Front panel)| | | | Side Speaker Out

To configure a 7.1-channel audio output:
Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support a 7.1-channel audio output.

7. USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps) ports (teal blue, Type A). These 9-pin Universal Serial Bus 3.1 (USB 3.1) Gen 2 ports are for USB 3.1 Gen 2 devices.

• USB 3.1 Gen 2 / Gen 1 devices can only be used for data storage.
• Due to the design of the Intel® 300 series chipset, all USB devices connected to the
USB 2.0 and USB 3.1 Gen 2 / Gen 1 ports are controlled by the xHCI controller. Some legacy USB devices must update their firmware for better compatibility.
• We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.1 Gen 2 devices to USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports for faster and better performance from your USB 3.1 Gen 2 devices.

8. USB 5Gb/s Type C port. This 24-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) port is for USB (Type C) devices.
9. HDMI port. This port is for a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray, and other protected content.
10. USB 2.0 ports. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB 2.0/1.1 devices.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)
This motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1151 socket designed for the 8th Generation Intel ® Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium ® and Celeron ® processors.
Unplug all power cables before installing the CPU.

• Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for the LGA1151 socket only. DO NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1150, LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the
  LGA1151 socket.

• Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing,  or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard components.

• 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 LGA1151 socket.

• The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP cap.

Installing the CPU

Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you install the heatsink and fan if necessary.

System memory

Overview

This motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 4 (DDR4) Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) sockets. A DDR4 module is notched differently from a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 module. DO NOT install a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 memory module to the DDR4 slot.

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimal compatibility, we recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or date code (D/C) from the same vendor. Check with the retailer to get the correct memory modules.

• DDR4 2666MHz and higher memory modules will run at max. 2666MHz on Intel® 8th Generation 6-core or higher processors.

• Memory modules with memory frequency higher than 2133/2400/2666 MHz and its corresponding timing or the loaded X.M.P. Profile is not the JEDEC memory standard. The stability and compatibility of these memory modules depend on the CPU’s capabilities and other installed devices.

•  The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.  Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value.

• For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs).

• Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List)

Recommended memory configurations

Installing a DIMM

BIOS information

• Scan the QR code to view the BIOS update guide.
• Before using the ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable device into TB360MP.CAP.

http://c3.clewm.net/BzlxKN

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:
Press or during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you do not press or , POST continues with its routines.
Entering BIOS Setup after POST
To enter BIOS Setup after POST:
Press ++ simultaneously.
Press the reset button on the system chassis.
Press the power button to turn the system off then back on. Do this option only if you failed to enter BIOS Setup using the first two options.

Using the power button, reset button, or the ++ keys to force reset from a running operating system can cause damage to your data or system. We recommend you always shut down the system properly from the operating system.

• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

• Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard.

• If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized
  Defaults item under the Exit menu or press hotkey F5.

• If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and reset the motherboard to the default value. See section Motherboard overview for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.

BIOS menu screen
The BIOS setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode. Press to change between the two modes.

EZ Mode

By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information and allows you to select the display language, system performance mode, fan profile, and boot device priority. To access the Advanced Mode, click Advanced Mode(F7) or press .

The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the Setup Mode item under the Boot menu for details.
The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system.

Advanced Mode

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 EzMode(F7) or press .

Search on FAQ

Move your mouse over this button to show a QR code. Scan this QR code with your mobile device to connect to the ASUS BIOS FAQ web page. You can also scan the QR code below.

http://c3.clewm.net/BzlxKN

Exit menu

The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.

Load Optimized Defaults
This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press