Asus Crosshair IV Formula User Manual

Crosshair IV Formula

Motherboard

E5443

First Edition March 2010

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, modied or altered, unless such repair, modication 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 identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software

This product may contain copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”) and under the Lesser General Public License Version (“LGPL”). The GPL and LGPL licensed code in this product is distributed without any warranty. Copies of these licenses are included in this product.

You may obtain the complete corresponding source code (as dened in the GPL) for the GPL Software,

and/or the complete corresponding source code of the LGPL Software (with the complete machinereadable “work that uses the Library”) for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product including the GPL Software and/or LGPL Software, which will be no earlier than December 1, 2011, either (1) for free by downloading it from http://support.asus.com/download; or (2) for the cost of reproduction and shipment, which is dependent on the preferred carrier and the location where you want to have it shipped to, by sending a request to:

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. Legal Compliance Dept. 15 Li Te Rd., Beitou, Taipei 112 Taiwan

In your request please provide the name, model number and version, as stated in the About Box of the product for which you wish to obtain the corresponding source code and your contact details so that we can coordinate the terms and cost of shipment with you.

The source code will be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under the same license as the corresponding binary/object code.

This offer is valid to anyone in receipt of this information.

ASUSTeK is eager to duly provide complete source code as required under various Free Open Source Software licenses. If however you encounter any problems in obtaining the full corresponding source code we would be much obliged if you give us a notication to the email address gpl@asus.com, stating the product and describing the problem (please do NOT send large attachments such as source code archives etc to this email address).

Contents

Notices ....................................................................................................... viii

Safety information ...................................................................................... ix

About this guide .......................................................................................... x

Crosshair IV Formula specications summary ...................................... xii

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2

1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2

1.3.2 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features ... 1-3

1.3.3 ROG unique features ...................................................... 1-5

1.3.4 ASUS special features .................................................... 1-6

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 2-6

2.2.1 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 2-6

2.2.2 Layout contents ............................................................... 2-7

2.2.3 Placement direction ........................................................ 2-8

2.2.4 Screw holes .................................................................... 2-8

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-9

2.3.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-9

2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan .......................................2-11

2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-14

2.4.1 Overview ....................................................................... 2-14

2.4.2 Memory congurations .................................................. 2-15

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-22

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-22

2.5 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 2-23

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-23

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-23

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-24

2.5.4 PCI slot ......................................................................... 2-25

2.5.5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots ............................................. 2-25

2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-26

iii

Contents

2.7 I/O shield Installation ................................................................. 2-27

2.8 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-28

2.8.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 2-28

2.8.2 Audio I/O connections ................................................... 2-29

2.8.3 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-32

2.8.4 ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) .............................. 2-40

2.8.5 Onboard switches ......................................................... 2-41

2.8.6 ProbeIt .......................................................................... 2-45

2.9 Starting up for the rst time ...................................................... 2-46

2.10 Turning off the computer ........................................................... 2-47

2.10.1 Using the OS shut down function .................................. 2-47

2.10.2 Using the dual function power switch ............................ 2-47

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 3-1

3.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 3-1

3.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ................................................... 3-4

3.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 3-5

3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 3-6

3.2.1 BIOS menu screen .......................................................... 3-7

3.2.2 Menu bar ......................................................................... 3-7

3.2.3 Navigation keys ............................................................... 3-7

3.2.4 Menu items ..................................................................... 3-8

3.2.5 Submenu items ............................................................... 3-8

3.2.6 Conguration elds ......................................................... 3-8

3.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................... 3-8

3.2.8 Scroll bar ......................................................................... 3-8

3.2.9 General help ................................................................... 3-8

3.3 Extreme Tweaker menu ............................................................... 3-9

3.3.1 CPU Level Up ................................................................ 3-9

3.3.2 OC Tuner Utility ............................................................. 3-10

3.3.3 Ai Overclock Tuner ....................................................... 3-10

3.3.4 CPU Ratio .....................................................................3-11

3.3.5 DRAM Frequency .........................................................3-11

3.3.6 CPU/NB Frequency ......................................................3-11

3.3.7 HT Link Speed ..............................................................3-11

3.3.8 DRAM Timing Conguration ..........................................3-11

3.3.9 DRAM Driving Conguration ......................................... 3-13

3.3.10 CPU & NB Voltage Mode .............................................. 3-13

3.3.11 CPU VDDA Voltage ...................................................... 3-14

3.3.12 DRAM Voltage ............................................................. 3-14

3.3.13 HT Voltage ................................................................... 3-14

3.3.14 NB Voltage ................................................................... 3-14

3.3.15 NB 1.8V Voltage ........................................................... 3-14

3.3.16 SB Voltage ................................................................... 3-14

3.3.17 VDDR Voltage .............................................................. 3-14

3.3.18 VDDPCIE Voltage ........................................................ 3-15

3.3.19 DRAM CTRL REF Voltage ........................................... 3-15

3.3.20 DRAM DATA REF Voltage ........................................... 3-15

3.3.21 CPU Load-Line Calibration .......................................... 3-15

3.3.22 CPU/NB Load-Line Calibration .................................... 3-15

3.3.23 CPU Spread Spectrum ................................................ 3-15

3.3.24 PCIE Spread Spectrum ................................................ 3-15

3.4 Main menu .................................................................................. 3-16

3.4.1 System Time ................................................................. 3-16

3.4.2 System Date ................................................................. 3-16

3.4.3 Language ...................................................................... 3-16

3.4.4 SATA 1–6 ...................................................................... 3-17

3.4.5 Storage Conguration ................................................... 3-19

3.4.6 System Information ....................................................... 3-20

3.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 3-21

3.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 3-21

3.5.2 Chipset .......................................................................... 3-22

3.5.3 Onboard Device Conguration ...................................... 3-25

3.5.4 USB Conguration ........................................................ 3-26

3.5.5 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 3-27

3.5.6 LED Control .................................................................. 3-27

3.5.7 iROG Conguration ....................................................... 3-28

3.5.8 EC Conguration ........................................................... 3-28

3.5.9 ROG Connect ............................................................... 3-29

3.6 Power menu ................................................................................ 3-30

3.6.1 Suspend Mode ............................................................. 3-30

3.6.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ........................................ 3-30

3.6.3 ACPI 2.0 Support .......................................................... 3-30

3.6.4 ACPI APIC Support ....................................................... 3-31

3.6.5 APM Conguration ........................................................ 3-31

3.6.6 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 3-32

3.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 3-36

3.7.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 3-36

3.7.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 3-36

3.7.3 Security ......................................................................... 3-38

3.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 3-40

3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 .......................................................... 3-40

3.8.2 ASUS O.C. Prole ......................................................... 3-41

3.8.3 Go Button File ............................................................... 3-42

3.8.4 AI NET 2........................................................................ 3-43

3.9 Exit menu .................................................................................... 3-44

Chapter 4: Software support

4.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 4-1

4.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 4-1

4.2.1 Running the support DVD ............................................... 4-1

4.2.2 Drivers menu ................................................................... 4-2

4.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 4-3

4.2.4 Make disk menu .............................................................. 4-4

4.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 4-4

4.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 4-5

4.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 4-5

4.3 Software information ................................................................... 4-7

4.3.1 ASUS MyLogo3™ ........................................................... 4-7

4.3.2 Sound Blaster X-Fi audio utility ....................................... 4-9

4.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II ......................................................... 4-13

4.3.4 ASUS AI Suite ............................................................... 4-19

4.3.5 ASUS Fan Xpert ........................................................... 4-20

4.3.6 CPU Level Up ............................................................... 4-21

4.3.7 ASUS EPU .................................................................... 4-22

4.3.8 ASUS Unique Overclocking Utility—TurboV EVO ........ 4-23

4.3.9 ROG Connect ............................................................... 4-26

4.4 RAID congurations .................................................................. 4-28

4.4.1 RAID denitions ............................................................ 4-28

4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ..................................... 4-29

4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS ...................................... 4-29

4.4.4 AMD® Option ROM Utility .............................................. 4-30

4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk ....................................................... 4-33

4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS .... 4-33

4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®...................... 4-33

4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during

Windows® OS installation .............................................. 4-34

4.5.4 Using a USB oppy disk drive ....................................... 4-34

Chapter 5: ATI® CrossFireX™ technology support

5.1 ATI® CrossFireX™ technology .................................................... 5-1

5.1.1 Requirements .................................................................. 5-1

5.1.2 Before you begin ............................................................. 5-1

5.1.3 Installing CrossFireX graphics cards .............................. 5-2

5.1.4 Installing the device drivers ............................................. 5-3

5.1.5 Enabling the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology ................... 5-3

Appendix: Debug code table

vii

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

• 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 manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. 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 to 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.

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is

required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications

to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

REACH

Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and

Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at ASUS website at http://green.asus.com/english/ REACH.htm.

viii

Safety information

Electrical safety

• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the

electrical outlet before relocating the system.

• When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

• Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables are unplugged.

• Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.

• Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company.

• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied

service technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

• Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals that came with the package.

• Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.

• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.

• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area where it may become wet.

• Place the product on a stable surface.

• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied

service technician or your retailer.

DO NOT throw the motherboard 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 mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal waste.

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring

the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports.

• Chapter 2: Hardware information

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.

• Chapter 3: BIOS setup

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

• Chapter 4: Software support

This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package and the software.

• Chapter 5: ATI® CrossFireX™ technology support

This chapter describes how to install and congure multiple ATI®

CrossFireX™ graphics cards.

• Appendix: Debug code table

The Appendix lists the debug code table for the LCD Poster.

Where to nd more information

Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.

1. ASUS websites

The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty

yers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not

part of the standard package.

Conventions used in this guide

To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself

when trying to complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components

when trying to complete a task.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a

task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a

task.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italics

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign

means that you must press the enclosed key.

Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or Return key.

<Key1+Key2+Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the

key names are linked with a plus sign (+).

Example: <Ctrl+Alt+Del>

Crosshair IV Formula specications summary

CPU AMD® Socket AM3; Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II /

Chipset AMD® 890FX / SB850

System Bus Up to 5200 MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0

Memory 4 x DIMM, max. 16GB, DDR3 1866(O.C.) / 1800(O.C.)

Expansion Slots 3 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots (dual at x16 or triple at x16 / x8 /

Multi-GPU Technology Support ATI CrossFire™X Technology graphics cards

Storage AMD® SB850 chipset

LAN Marvell® 8059 Gigabit LAN controller

High Denition Audio SupremeFX X-Fi built-in

Sempron™ 100 Series Processors AMD® 140W CPU Support AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology Supports 45nm CPU

/ 1600(O.C.) / 1333 / 1066 MHz,ECC and non-ECC,

un-buffered memory Dual channel memory architecture * When you install a total memory of 4 GB capacity or

more, Windows® 32-bit operating system may only

recognize less than 3 GB. We recommend using a

maximum of 3 GB system memory if you are using a Windows® 32-bit OS.

** Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the

Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists)

x8 mode) 1 x PCIe 2.0 x4 slot 2 x PCI 2.2 slots

- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 support

JMicron® JMB363 controller

- 1 x SATA 3Gb/s port (black)

- 1 x eSATA 3Gb/s port (SATA-On-the-Go)

* Due to the Windows OS limitation, the RAID array with the total capacity over 2TB cannot be set as a boot disk. A RAID array over 2TB can only be set as a data disk only.

GameFirst

- 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC

- EAX® Advanced™ HD 4.0

- X-Fi CMSS®-3D

- X-Fi Crystalizer™

- Creative ALchemy

- Supports Blu-ray audio layer content protection

- Supports 1 x S/PDIF out header

- Supports 1 x Optical S/PDIF out port at back I/O

- Supports Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking

(continued on the next page)

xii

Crosshair IV Formula specications summary

IEEE 1394 2 x 1394a ports (1 port at back I/O, 1 port onboard)

USB NEC USB 3.0 controller:

ROG Exclusive Overclocking Features

Other Special Features Turbo Key II

Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port(purple)

- 2 x USB 3.0 ports (blue at back panel)

SB850 chipset:

- 12 x USB 2.0 ports (5 ports at midboard; 7 ports at back I/O, 1 port at back I/O is also for ROG connect)

ROG Connect

GameFirst

Extreme Tweaker

Power Design

- 8+2 phase CPU power design

CPU Level Up

MemOK!

iROG

Loadline Calibration

Intelligent overclocking tools

- ASUS TurboV EVO

- O.C Prole

Overclocking Protection

- COP EX (Component Overheat Protection - EX)

- Voltiminder LED

- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)

Core Unlocker ASUS Q-Connector ASUS Q-Shield ASUS Q-Fan 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS MyLogo 3 AMD® OverDrive Support* ASUS TurboV EVO

1 x External SATA port 1 x LAN (RJ45) port 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports 7 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (1 port is also for ROG Connect) 1 x IEEE1394a port 1 x S/PDIF Out (Optical) 8-channel Audio I/O 1 x ROG Connect On/Off switch 1 x Clr CMOS switch

(continued on the next page)

xiii

Crosshair IV Formula specications summary

Internal I/O Connectors 3 x USB 2.0 connectors supports additional 5 USB 2.0

BIOS Features 16Mb AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.4,

Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE

Software Support DVD:

Form Factor ATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.5cm)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

ports 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (red) 1 x SATA 3Gb/s connector (black) 8 x Fan connectors: 1 x CPU / 1 x PWR / 3 x Chassis / 3 x Optional 7 x ProbeIt Measurement Points 3 x thermal sensor connectors 1 x IEEE1394a connector 1 x SPDIF_Out Connector 1 x 24-pin ATX Power connector 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector 1 x En/Dis-able Clr CMOS switch 1 x Core unlocker switch 1 x Turbo key II switch 1 x Power on switch 1 x Reset switch 1 x OC Station Header 1 x Go Button 1 x System panel connector

ACPI2.0a Multi-Language BIOS

- Drivers and applications * ASUS PC Probe II * ASUS Update * ASUS AI Suite * AMD OverDrive Utility (AOD) * Sound Blaster X-Fi Utility * Kaspersky® Anti-Virus (1-year license)

xiv

This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.

Chapter 1: Product

introduction

Chapter summary

1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2

ROG Crosshair IV Formula

1.1 Welcome!

User Manual

Thank you for buying an ROG Crosshair IV Formula motherboard!

The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!

Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below.

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

ROG Crosshair IV Formula Motherboard

1 x ROG Connect cable 1 x CrossFire Cable

1 x 2-in-1 SATA 6.0Gb/s signal cables 2 x 2-in-1 SATA 3Gb/s signal cables

1 x ASUS Q-Shield (I/O shield) 1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector Kit

Cable ties User Guide ROG Support DVD

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

• The item illustrations in above table are for reference only. Actual product

specications may vary with different models.

1 x Multi-functional module (2-port USB 2.0

and 1-port eSATA)

1 x ROG theme label 1 x ROG SATA cable

labels (12-in-1)

ROG Crosshair IV Formula 1-1

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Republic of Gamers

The Republic of Gamers consists only the best of the best. We offer the best hardware engineering, the fastest performance, the most innovating ideas, and we welcome the best gamers to join in. In the Republic of Gamers, mercy rules are only for the weak, and bragging rights means everything. We believe in making statements and we excel in competitions. If your character matches our trait, then join the elite club, make your presence felt, in the Republic of Gamers.

Green ASUS

This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction

on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision

of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard

consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.

AMD socket AM3 Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 Series processors support

This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM3 multi-core processors with unique L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power consumption. It features dual-channel DDR3 1333 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™ 3.0 based system bus. This motherboard also supports AMD® CPUs in the new 45nm manufacturing process.

AMD® 890FX Chipset

AMD® 890FX Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0

(HT 3.0) interface speed and PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized with

AMD®’s latest AM3 and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities.

ATI CrossFireX™ Technology

ATI’s CrossFireX™ boosts image quality along with rendering speed, eliminating the need to scale down screen resolution to get high quality images. CrossFireX™

allows higher antialiasing, anisotropic ltering, shading, and texture settings. Adjust your display congurations, experiment with the advanced 3D settings, and check

the effects with a real-time 3D-rendered previews within ATI Catalyst™ Control Center.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

DDR3 2000 (O.C.) support

This motherboard supports DDR3 2000(O.C.) that provides faster data transfer

rate and more bandwidth to increase memory computing efciency, enhancing

system performance in 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications

PCIe 2.0

Double Speed; Double Bandwidth

This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 device for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance.

100% high-quality Japan-made conductive polymer capacitors (VRM 5000hrs lifespan at 105ºC, 500,000hrs at 65ºC)

This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.

USB 3.0 support

10X Faster Data Rates!

Experience ultra-fast data transfers at 4.8Gbps with USB 3.0—the latest connectivity standard. Built to connect easily with next generation components and peripherals, USB 3.0 transfers data 10X faster and is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 components.

SATA 6Gb/s support

Experience the future of storage!

Supporting next-generation Serial ATA (SATA) storage interface, this motherboard delivers up to 6Gb/s data transfer rates. Additionally, get enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, double the bandwidth of current bus systems.

1.3.2 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features

MemOK!

Any memory is A-OK!

Memory compatibility is among the top concerns when it comes to computer upgrades. Worry no more, MemOK! is the fastest memory booting solution today. This remarkable memory rescue tool requires nothing but a push of a button to patch memory issues and get you system up and running in no time. The technology is able to determine failsafe settings that can dramatically improve system booting success.

ROG Crosshair IV Formula 1-3

CPU Level Up

A simple click for instant upgrade!

Ever wish that you could have a more expansive CPU? Upgrade your CPU at no additional cost with ROG’s CPU Level Up! Simply pick the processor you want to OC to, and the motherboard will do the rest for you. See the new CPU speed and enjoy the performance instantly! Overclocking is never as easy as this.

ROG Connect

Plug and Overclock—Tweak it the hardcore way!

Monitor the status of your desktop PC and tweak its parameters in real-time via a notebook—just like a race car engineer—with ROG Connect. ROG Connect links your main system to a notebook through a USB cable, allowing you to view realtime POST code and hardware status readouts on your notebook, as well as make

on-the-y parameter adjustments at a purely hardware level.

GameFirst

The speed you need to pwn

Low Internet latency allows you to frag more, and get fragged less. That's why

ROG has introduced GameFirst, a feature that manages the ow of trafc

according to your needs so that you can still listen to online music, download and

upload les, and engage in Internet chats without sacricing the low ping times you

need to pwn your opponents.

iROG

Intelligent multiple control at hand

iROG is a special IC which enables several ROG highlighted functions that give you full disposal of the motherboard at any stage! This design allows advanced user control and management to be processed at a hardware level. iROG greatly increases fun during overclocking for PC enthusiasts and it provides system

maintenance and management with more control and efciency.

ProbeIt

Get all hands-on with hardware-based overclocking

ProbeIt takes the guesswork out of locating the motherboard’s measurement points, identifying them clearly in the form of 7 sets of detection points so you’ll know exactly where to get quick yet accurate readings using a multitester.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Extreme Tweaker

One stop performance tuning shop

Extreme Tweaker is the one stop shop to ne-tune your system to optimal

performance. No matter if you are looking for frequency adjustment, over-voltage options, or memory timing settings, they are all here!

Voltiminder LED

Friendly reminder on Voltage Settings

In the pursuit of extreme performance, overvoltage adjustment is critical but risky.

Acting as the “red zone” of a tachometer, the Voltiminder LED displays the voltage

status for CPU, NB, SB, and Memory in a intuitive color-coded fashion. The Voltiminder LED allows quick voltage monitoring for overclockers.

Component Overheat Protection-EX (COP EX)

Maximum OC with condence with burn proof protection to chipsets and

GPU! The COP EX allows overclockers to increase chipset voltages without the worries of overheating. It can also be used to monitor and save an overheating GPU. The COP EX allows more freedom and less constraint for maximum performance achievement.

Loadline Calibration

Optimal power boost for extreme CPU overclocking!

Maintaining ample voltage support for the CPU is critical during overclocking. The Loadline calibration ensures stable and optimal CPU voltage under heavy loading. It helps overclockers enjoy the motherboard’s ultimate OC capabilities and benchmark scores.

1.3.3 ROG unique features

SupremeFX X-Fi features

Listen with absolute HD

Play in extreme delity!

SupremeFX X-FI delivers an excellent high denition audio experience to the

gamers of ROG. SupremeFX X-Fi features unique audio innovations for gamers to spot enemies in 3D environment during game play. SupremeFX X-Fi combines the technological quality design of SupremeFX and sound effect technology from Creative Labs® to offer games exceptional game sound with absolute quality.

ROG Crosshair IV Formula 1-5

Noise Filter

Eliminate background noise while recording

This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises like computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates it in the incoming audio stream while recording.

Onboard Switches

No more shorting pins or moving jumpers With an easy press during overclocking, this exclusive onboard switch allows

gamers to effortlessly ne-tune the performance without having to short the pins or

moving jumpers.

Kaspersky® Anti-Virus

The best protection from viruses and spyware

Kaspersky® Anti-Virus Personal offers premium antivirus protection for individual

users and home ofces. It is based on advanced antivirus technologies. The

product incorporates the Kaspersky® Anti-Virus engine, which is renowned for malicious program detection rates that are among the industry’s highest.

1.3.4 ASUS special features

ASUS Turbo Key II

Switch on the Potential, Turn up the Performance

Enjoy superb performance by auto-tuning your processor to an extreme yet stable state. Simply activate a dedicated switch on the motherboard to unleash extra processing capabilities.

ASUS Core Unlocker

Intelligently Unlocks True Core Performance

ASUS Core Unlocker simplies the activation of a latent AMD CPU—with just a

press of a button. enjoy an instant performance boost by simply unlocking the extra cores, without performing complicating BIOS changes.

ASUS TurboV EVO

The ultimate O.C. Processor

The ultimate O.C. processor satises every level of overclockers—from die-hard

enthusiasts to beginners. Auto tuning intelligently pushes the system to the fatest clock speeds while maintaining stability. Turbo Key boosts performance with just

one touch; while TurboV offers more options to advanced overclockers to achieve

world O.C. record.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

ASUS EZ DIY

ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.

ASUS Q-Shield

The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual “ngers”—

making it convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).

ASUS Q-Connector

The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in one easy step with one complete module. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of plugging in one cable at a time, making connection quick and accurate.

8 O.C. Prole

Freely share and distribute favorite overclocking settings. The motherboard

features the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows users to conveniently store or

load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS

or a separate le, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favorite

overclocking settings.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data

from a USB ash disk containing the BIOS le.

ASUS EZ Flash 2

EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply launch this tool and

update BIOS using a USB ash disk without entering the OS. You can update your BIOS in a few clicks without preparing an additional oppy diskette or using an OS-based ash utility.

ROG Crosshair IV Formula 1-7

1-8 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.

Chapter 2: Hardware

information