FX Gaming EHD-A2T - External hard drive ASUS - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	External Hard Drive
Capacity	1 TB
Interface	USB 3.0 (backward compatible with USB 2.0)
Connector	USB-A
Dimensions	125 mm x 78 mm x 15 mm
Weight	150 g
Power Supply	Bus-powered via USB
Drive Type	2.5-inch SATA HDD, 5400 RPM
Compatibility	Windows 10/8/7, macOS, and Linux (after reformatting)
Features	Gaming-style design, shock-resistant casing, LED activity indicator
Included	USB 3.0 cable, quick start guide, backup software
Maintenance	Wipe with a soft dry cloth; avoid exposure to moisture
Safety	Do not drop or expose to extreme temperatures
Repairability	No user-serviceable parts; seek professional maintenance
Warranty	Limited 2-year producer warranty

Frequently Asked Questions - FX Gaming EHD-A2T ASUS

What is the storage capacity of the ASUS FX Gaming EHD-A2T?

The ASUS FX Gaming EHD-A2T comes with a 1 TB capacity, offering ample space for games, media files, and backups.

Does the FX Gaming EHD-A2T require an external power adapter?

No, the drive is bus-powered via the USB connection, so it does not need a separate power adapter.

Is this external drive compatible with gaming consoles like PlayStation or Xbox?

Yes, the drive works with PlayStation 4 and Xbox One as external storage, but it may need to be formatted to the console's file system.

Can I use the FX Gaming EHD-A2T with a USB 2.0 port?

Absolutely, the drive is backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports, although transfer speeds will be limited to USB 2.0 rates.

Is the drive shock-resistant?

The ASUS FX Gaming EHD-A2T features a shock-resistant casing that helps protect the internal drive from accidental drops and bumps.

How do I back up my files using this external drive?

You can simply drag and drop files to the drive, or use the included backup software. For Windows, you can also use File History; on macOS, Time Machine is supported after formatting.

What is the transfer speed of the FX Gaming EHD-A2T?

With USB 3.0, the drive supports transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps theoretically; real-world speeds depend on the hard drive's mechanical limits, typically around 100-150 MB/s.

Does the drive require any specific drivers to be installed?

No drivers are needed on Windows 10/8/7 or macOS. The drive is plug-and-play and automatically recognized by the operating system.

Can I use this hard drive on both Windows and Mac without reformatting?

By default, the drive is formatted in NTFS for Windows. To use it on both systems, you can reformat it to exFAT, which is fully compatible with macOS and Windows.

How do I maintain the ASUS FX Gaming EHD-A2T?

To maintain the drive, keep it away from water and extreme heat, and clean the casing with a soft dry cloth. Avoid disassembling it, as this voids the warranty.

USER MANUAL FX Gaming EHD-A2T ASUS

User Guide

E13846

First Edition V1

March 2018

Copyright © 2018 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. ("ASUS").

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or explanation and to the owners' benefit, without intent to infringe.

Contents

1. Getting to know your ASUS FX......6

Overview....6

Specifications summary....6

Package contents 6

Disk format....7

Hardware features....7

2. Using your ASUS FX....8

Connecting to a Windows® computer ....8

Connecting to a Mac computer ....9

Safely removing your ASUS FX 11

3. Using the utilities 13

Using Aura....13

Issues executing the Aura program 15

Limitations of the Aura lighting modes....15

Using NTI Backup Now EZ 15

4. Formating your hard drive 16

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ......18

1. Safety notices ......25

2. Accessory Warranty Policy....25

Notices

In order to maintain compliance with the FCC RF exposure guidelines, this equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance [5mm] between the radiator and your body. Use only with supplied antenna. Unauthorized antenna, modification, or attachments could damage the transmitter and may violate FCC regulations.

CAUTION! Any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authorization to use this device.

Federal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

Users must not modify this device. Modifications by anyone other than the party responsible for compliance with the rules of the Federal Communications Commission(FCC) may void the authority granted under FCC regulations to operate this device.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CAUTION! Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for this device could void your authority to operate the equipment.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Regional Notice for California

WARNING! This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

Proper Disposal

DO NOT throw the product in municipal waste. This product has been designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

DO NOT throw the battery in municipal waste. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal waste.

WARNING

Cancer and Reproductive Harm-

www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

1. Getting to know your ASUS FX

Overview

Thank you for purchasing the ASUS FX External Hard Drive.

ASUS FX is the world's first gaming external hard drive designed with Aura Sync RGB lighting for you to express your personal style. Built specifically for gaming, ASUS FX also provides extra high-capacity storage under its attractive appearance, as well as a USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface with superior transfer speeds of 5Gbps and a total data backup solution.

Specifications summary

Model name ASUS FX
Product name External hard drive
Interface USB 3.1 Gen 1
Dimensions 128 x 80 x 16.3 mm (L x W x H)
Weight	145 g
System requirements (Hardware)	• Windows® 10 / Windows® 8 / Windows® 7• Mac® OS X 10.6.8 or later version• 100 MB or above available disk space
System requirements (Utilities)	• Aura: Windows® 10 / Windows® 8 64-bit are recommended.Support may vary depending on the hardware specifications and version of the operating system.• NTI Backup Now EZ: Refer to the NTI Backup Now EZ user guide on the hard disk.

Package contents

ASUS FX External Hard Drive USB 3.1 Gen 1 cable
Quick Start Guide Warranty card

NOTES:

• If any of the items are damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
• The illustrations above are for reference only. The actual contents may vary by country/region.

Disk format

The default format of your ASUS FX is NTFS. See section Formatting your ASUS FX on how to change the disk format.

Hardware features

2. Using your ASUS FX

Connecting to a Windows® computer

1. Connect one end of the bundled USB cable to the external hard drive's USB port.
2. Connect the other end of the bundled USB cable to your computer's USB port.

1. After ASUS FX has successfully connected to your computer, the Aura LED will light up in the preset lighting mode. The system automatically detects and installs the drivers required by ASUS FX, and displays a new disk icon and code to represent your ASUS FX.

Connecting to a Mac computer

1. Connect one end of the bundled USB cable to the external hard drive's USB port.

2. Connect the other end of the bundled USB cable to your Mac's USB port.

1. After ASUS FX has successfully connected to your computer, the Aura LED will light up in the preset lighting mode. The system automatically detects and installs the drivers required by ASUS FX, and displays a new disk icon and code to represent your ASUS FX.

NOTES:

• To ensure the high transfer rate of USB 3.1 Gen 1, make sure that you have connected your external hard drive to your computer's USB 3.1 Gen 1 port.
• For the best power efficiency, ensure that you have connected your external hard drive to your computer using the bundled USB 3.1 Gen 1 cable.
• If you want to change the preset lighting mode or synchronize lighting effects with other Aura-enabled devices, install the Aura program. The latest version of the Aura program is available at https://www.asus.com/support/.
  • To back up your data, install the NTI Backup Now EZ program.
• The Aura program and the NTI Backup Now EZ program are only available on Windows® operating systems.
• On a Mac computer, ASUS FX displays the lighting effect in the preset lighting mode. To change the lighting mode and color mode, you need to change the settings from the Aura program on your Windows® computer. But when you connect your external hard drive to your Mac after the change, not all lighting effects can be shown propely on your Mac.
• For the limitations of the Aura lighting mode, see the section Limitations of the Aura lighting modes.
• We strongly recommend you to periodically back up your data on the ASUS FX as well as backing up or making copies of data on other storage devices, in case the storage device containing your files fails making your original files inaccessible. ASUS will not be responsible for any data loss or damage incurred to your ASUS FX hard drive.

Safely removing your ASUS FX

To avoid data loss, when data transfer is in progress, follow the steps below to remove your hard drive.

On Windows®

1. Click from the taskbar, and then click Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media.

1. Click Eject External USB 3.0 - ASUS FX.

1. When the Safe to Remove Hardware message pops up, remove your hard drive from your computer.

On Mac

On your desktop, right-click the ASUS FX disk icon, and then click Exit "ASUS FX" to safely remove your hard drive.

Open

Eject "ASUS FX"

Get Info

Duplicate

Make Alias

Quick Look "ASUS FX"

Copy "ASUS FX"

Clean Up Selection

Show View Options

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Toast It

Folder Actions Setup...

Open File in TextWrangler

Reveal in Finder

3. Using the utilities

Using Aura

Aura is an application that controls the RGB LED lighting on Aura-enabled products, including hard drives, monitors, motherboards, graphics cards, desktop PC's, and others. Aura allows you to customize the RGB LED lighting on your ASUS FX, and synchronize lighting with other ASUS Aura Sync products.

Ensure that the Aura program has been installed correctly and it can run properly, and then do the following:

1. Ensure that the USB 3.1 Gen 1 cable has been properly connected to your computer's USB port.
2. Launch the Aura program. See the following section for the detailed features and functions.

NOTE: If you have any questions about executing the Aura program, please refer to section Issues executing the Aura program.

Main screen

Do the following to customize the LED color and the LED lighting effect of your ASUS FX.

Select your desired lighting effect, customize the color, and click Apply when finish.

Disabling the light effects

Select the Static or Breathing mode, and set Saturation and Brightness to their minimum values.

Issues executing the Aura program

Please check if you have done the following:

1. Ensure that the BIOS is updated to the latest version (for ASUS motherboards only).
2. Ensure that the firmware and drivers for your Aura Sync device are updated to the latest version.
3. Uninstall the previous version of the Aura program and turn your computer completely off (Turn off the power supply and unplug the power cord).
4. Turn on your computer and download the latest version of Aura from ASUS support website at https://www.asus.com/support/.
5. Unzip and open the installation file.
6. Right-click Setup, and then select Run this as program as an administrator.
7. After Aura has been installed successfully, connect the ASUS FX hard drive to your computer, and then reboot your computer.

Limitations of the Aura lighting modes

If Static / Breathing / Color cycle lighting modes are selected, after the power is turned off and on again, the LED will still light up in your selected mode.

But if other lighting modes are selected, after the power is turned off and on again, the LED can only light up in your last selected mode.

Using NTI Backup Now EZ

Refer to the user guide stored on your ASUS FX hard drive on how to use the NTI Backup Now EZ program.

4. Formating your hard drive

CAUTION! Formatting your ASUS FX erase everything on this device. If you have stored data on your ASUS FX, please back up your data using another storage device before formatting your ASUS FX.

On Windows®

1. Open File Explorer, right-click the ASUS FX hard drive icon, and then select Format to display the Format Local Disk menu.
2. Make your desired changes on the menu, and then click Start to format your hard drive.

On Mac

1. Open Finder and go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.

Disk Utility

App - 4.7 MB

Created 3/23/16, 6:37 AM

Modified 8/24/16, 4:09 AM

Last opened 5/9/17, 9:57 AM

Version 15.0

Add Tags...

1. Make your desired changes, and then click Erase to format your hard drive.

Erase "ASUS External USB 3.0 Media"?

Erasing "ASUS External USB 3.0 Media" will destroy of all the data stored on it. Enter a name, choose a partition map and format.

Name:

Untitled

Format:

OS X Extended (Journaled)

Scheme

GUID Partition Map

Cancel

Erase

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Only basic questions are listed here. For the latest FAQs, go to https://www.asus.com/support/.

Installation

Q1: Why is it that I cannot install the Aura program?

1. If you have installed an older version of Aura, uninstall it and reboot your system.
2. Download the latest version of Aura from ASUS support website at https://www.asus.com/support/.
3. Unzip and open the installation file.
4. Right-click Setup, and then select Run this as program as an administrator.

1. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Q2: How do I install the Aura program?

1. If you have installed an older version of Aura, uninstall it and reboot your system.
2. Download the latest version of Aura from ASUS support website at https://www.asus.com/support/.
3. Unzip and open the installation file.
4. Right-click Setup, and then select Run this as program as an administrator.

1. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
2. When done, reboot your system and run Aura.

Device recognition

Q1: My Aura Sync compatible device does not appear on the Aura UI.

1. Ensure that the device is correctly connected to your system. Unplug and replug it if necessary.
2. Click the refresh button on the top right corner of the UI and wait for a few seconds for the UI to refresh.
3. If the steps above do not work, exit and launch the Aura program again.
4. If the steps above do not work, restart your system and launch the Aura program again.

Q2: My Aura Sync compatible device appears on the Aura UI, but the Aura lighting effect I selected is not applied on the device.

1. Ensure that the device is synced in Aura. If the link below the device icon that you want to sync appears in red, the device is not synced.

1. To sync your device with Aura, click the link below the device icon that you want to sync, and then confirm your selection on the pop-up window.

The display icon should be light on to indicate that the device is ready to be synced with Aura.

1. If the steps above do not work, exit and launch the Aura program again.
2. If the steps above do not work, restart your system.

Q3: The motherboard icon does not appear on the Aura UI.

1. Check if the LED on your motherboard is on or off.

The motherboard icon does not appear when you are using a non-ASUS motherboard or an ASUS motherboard/ notebook PC that does not support Aura.

1. If the LED on your motherboard is on, follow the steps under question How do I install the Aura program to install the Aura program again.
2. If the LED on your motherboard is off, reboot your system and enter the BIOS.
3. Go to the Main menu and check if the LED EC version is displayed.

a. Yes, go to Advanced > ROG Effects, and then set the Onboard LED item to Enabled.
b. No, shut down your computer and check if the LED connector is properly connected. Location of the LED connector varies by your motherboard model. You can visit the ROG forum to get more information.

General issues and reports

Q1: I have problem with execution of the Aura program.

Check if you have:

1. The latest BIOS on your motherboard (for ASUS motherboard only)
2. The latest version of the Aura program
3. The latest drivers and firmwares installed for all of your Aura sync products
4. Other lighting control utilities installed on your system. Ensure that they are closed and not running in the background, or uninstalled to avoid conflict.

If you still have an issue, you can report on the ROG Forum - ASUS Software.

Q2: What information do I need to provide when reporting an issue on the ROG Forum - ASUS Software?

You need to provide the following:

1. If you are using a notebook PC, please let us know the brand and the model name.
2. If you are using a desktop PC, please provide the following system information:

• Motherboard (brand and model)
• Processor (brand and model)
- BIOS version
- OS version
• Memory kit (brand and model)
• Graphics card (brand and model)
• Mouse (brand and model)
• Keyboard (brand and model)
• Cooling system (brand and model)
- Aura version

1. A detailed description of your problem.

2. A screenshot / photo / video showing your problem.

If the LED on your motherboard is not working properly, please send a screenshot of the BIOS Main menu. See the example below.

1. If you are using any other lighting control software, please mention it.

NOTE: Conflicts might occur between Aura and other lighting control software. If you are having problem controlling the lighting of your Aura Sync products, ensure that any other lighting control software and its background processes are closed/uninstalled to avoid conflict.

Q3: Why is it that my computer cannot recognize the hard disk?

1. Ensure that your ASUS FX is connected properly to your computer's USB port.
2. Ensure that the USB driver is installed and working properly.
3. If there is a problem with the USB card or the driver, contact your USB card manufacturer.

Q4: Why is the data transfer rate much slower than normal USB 3.1 Gen 1 connection?

1. Ensure that your ASUS FX is connected properly to your computer's USB port.
2. Ensure that the USB driver is installed and working properly.
3. If both the USB card and the driver are working properly, your system may not support the USB 3.1 Gen 1. Thus it can only operate at USB 2.0 or lower speed.

Q5: How do I determine whether or not my device supports USB 3.1 Gen 1?

1. USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports are usually blue while USB 2.0 ports are black in color.
2. If you cannot determine the USB type from the port's appearance, you can differentiate them by the transmission speed. The data transmission speed of USB 3.1 Gen 1 can reach up to 5Gbps.
3. Use a USB device identifier to identify whether your device supports USB 3.1 Gen 1.

6. Safety notices

For safe and correct use, be sure to read this section before using your product.

• Use this product in an environment with ambient temperatures between 0°C (32°F) and 40°C (104°F).
• Do not allow your ASUS FX to come in contact with water or any other liquids. Do not use a damp/wet cloth to wipe or clean the exterior case.

- Do not use or place your ASUS FX in any of the following environments:

• Directly sunlight
  • Next to an air conditioner, electric heater or other heat sources
  • In a closed car that is in direct sunlight
  • In an area with strong magnetic fields or excessive vibration

- Avoid squeezing and bumping your ASUS FX without proper protection. Doing so may cause damage to the hard disk.

- Do not place anything on your ASUS FX to avoid possible damage.

- If your computer failed to boot up while ASUS FX is connected, please disconnect ASUS FX from your computer first and connect ASUS FX to your computer again after it successfully boots up.

7. Accessory Warranty Policy

A Limited Warranty is offered on ASUS branded hardware products. This Limited Warranty does not cover any software applications or programs; non-ASUS products or non-ASUS branded peripherals.

ASUS guarantees that the ASUS Accessory that you have purchased are free from defects in materials or workmanship under normal use during the Limited Warranty Period. The Limited Warranty Period starts from the date of purchase. Your sales receipt, showing the date of purchase, is the proof of your purchase date. You may be required by your Purchase Site or ASUS Authorized Service Providers to present the proof of purchase as a condition of receiving warranty service. You are entitled to a hardware warranty service if a repair is required within the Limited Warranty Period.

During the Limited Warranty Period, ASUS will, at its sole discretion, repair or replace any defective component. All spare-parts or module removed under this Limited Warranty become the property of ASUS.

Exclusions from this Limited Warranty Service

ASUS does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation of this product. Any technical or other support provided for the product under warranty, such as assistance via telephone with "how-to" questions and those regarding product setup and information, being provided without warranties of any kind. The warranty only covers failures or malfunctions occurred in normal use during the warranty period, as well as for any material or workmanship defect. The warranty will not apply if:

a. the product has been tampered, repaired and/or modified by non-authorized personnel;
b. the serial number has been altered, cancelled or removed;
c. the warranty seals have been broken or altered;

d. the damage is caused by accident, natural disaster, intentional or accidental misuse, abuse, neglect or improper maintenance, or the abnormal use conditions;

e. the damage is caused by an external electrical fault or any accident;

f. the damage from use outside of the operation or storage parameters or environment detailed in the User's Manual;

g. the damage is caused from the using of parts not manufactured or sold by ASUSTeK.

h. damage is caused from third party software or from virus(es);

i. the software loss or data loss that may occur during repair or replacement.

Returning an Accessory to your Purchase Site or an ASUS Authorized Service Provider during the warranty period does not automatically mean that it will be repaired free of charge. Upon receiving your product, the Service Centre reserves the right to check the validity of your warranty and your request for warranty service.

Neither ASUS, ASUS Notebook Service Center, ASUS Authorized Service Provider, nor your reseller are responsible for any of your confidential, proprietary or personal information contained in the product which you return to ASUS, ASUS Notebook Service Centre or ASUS Authorized Service Provider for any reason. You should remove all such information from the product prior to its return.

ASUS Notebook Service Centre n or ASUS Authorized Service Provider is not responsible for damage or loss of any personal data, programs, or removable storage media. ASUS is not responsible for the restoration or reinstallation of any data or programs other than software installed by ASUS when the product was manufactured.

Warning:

1. Warranty period may differ regionally, please check with your purchase Site.
2. Warranty invalid if damage/dysfunction caused by improper handling/usage, destruction.
3. Warranty invalid if serial label is removed, broken.
4. Warranty invalid if disassembly by end-user or non-ASUS-authorized repair centers.
5. Australia statement notice

From 1 January 2012 updated warranties apply to all ASUS products, consistent with the Australian Consumer Law. For the latest product warranty details please visit http://www.asus.com/support/. Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.