Asus Crosshair V Formula-Z User Manual

CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z

Motherboard

E7477 First Edition

July 2012

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”).

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Contents

Safety information ..................................................................................................... vii

About this guide ....................................................................................................... viii

CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z specications summary ............................................. x

Package contents ..................................................................................................... xiv

Installation tools and components .......................................................................... xv

Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-1

1.1 Special features..........................................................................................1-1

1.1.1 Product highlights

1.1.2 ROG unique gaming features .....................................................

1.1.3 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features ...............

1.1.4 ROG-rich bundled software

1.1.5 Other features .............................................................................

1.2 Motherboard overview ...............................................................................

1.2.1 Before you proceed .....................................................................

1.2.2 Motherboard layout .....................................................................

1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................

1.2.4 System memory ..........................................................................

1.2.5 Expansion slots .........................................................................

1.2.6 Onboard buttons and switches

1.2.7 Jumpers ....................................................................................

1.2.8 Onboard LEDs ..........................................................................

1.2.9 Internal connectors

1.2.10 ProbeIt

....................................................................................... 1-45

........................................................................ 1-1

......................................................... 1-3

.................................................. 1-23

.................................................................... 1-36

1-2

1-4

1-5

1-6

1-8

1-9

1-21

1-26

1-27

Chapter 2: Basic Installation 2-1

2.1 Building your PC system...........................................................................2-1

2.1.1 Motherboard installation ..............................................................

2.1.2 CPU installation

2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation ...............................

2.1.4 DIMM installation

2.1.5 ATX Power connection ................................................................

2.1.6 SATA device connection ..............................................................

2.1.7 Front I/O Connector ..................................................................

2.1.8 Expansion Card installation

2.2 BIOS update utility ...................................................................................

USB BIOS Flashback ................................................................................. 2-12

2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections .............................................

2.3.1 Rear I/O connection ..................................................................

........................................................................... 2-4

......................................................................... 2-7

....................................................... 2-11

2-1

2-5

2-8

2-9

2-10

2-12

2-13

iii

2.3.2 Audio I/O connections ............................................................... 2-15

2.4 Starting up for the rst time ....................................................................

2.5 Turning off the computer .........................................................................

2-18

Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3-1

3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................3-1

3.2 BIOS setup program ..................................................................................

3.2.1 EZ Mode

3.2.2 Advanced Mode ..........................................................................

3.3 Extreme Tweaker menu .............................................................................

3.4 Main menu ................................................................................................

3.5 Advanced menu .......................................................................................

3.5.1 CPU Conguration ....................................................................

3.5.2 North Bridge Conguration

3.5.3 South Bridge Conguration .......................................................

3.5.4 SATA Conguration ...................................................................

3.5.5 USB Conguration ....................................................................

3.5.6 CPU Core On/Off Function .......................................................

3.5.7 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................

3.5.8 APM ..........................................................................................

3.5.9 Network Stack ...........................................................................

3.5.10 iROG Conguration ...................................................................

3.5.11 ROG Connect

3.5.12 LED Control

3.6 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................

3.7 Boot menu ................................................................................................

3.8 Tools menu ...............................................................................................

3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ............................................................

3.8.2 ASUS SPD Information .............................................................

3.8.3 ASUS O.C. Prole .....................................................................

3.8.4 GO Button File ..........................................................................

3.9 Exit menu ..................................................................................................

3.10 Updating BIOS ..........................................................................................

3.10.1 ASUS Update ............................................................................

3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ......................................................................

3.10.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ..........................................................

3.10.4 ASUS BIOS Updater .................................................................

...................................................................................... 3-3

........................................................ 3-20

............................................................................ 3-29

............................................................................... 3-30

3-2

3-4

3-6

3-16

3-18

3-19

3-21

3-22

3-24

3-25

3-27

3-28

3-29

3-31

3-35

3-37

3-38

3-39

3-40

3-41

3-44

3-45

3-46

Chapter 4: Software support 4-1

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

4.2 Support DVD information ..........................................................................

4.2.1 Running the support DVD ...........................................................

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals

.................................................. 4-2

4.3 Software information .................................................................................

4.3.1 AI Suite II

..................................................................................... 4-3

4.3.2 TurboV EVO ................................................................................

4.3.3 DIGI+ Power Control ...................................................................

4.3.4 EPU ...........................................................................................

4.3.5 FAN Xpert

4.3.6 Probe II

.................................................................................. 4-13

...................................................................................... 4-14

4.3.7 Sensor Recorder .......................................................................

4.3.8 USB 3.0 Boost

........................................................................... 4-17

4.3.9 Ai Charger+ ...............................................................................

4.3.10 ASUS Update ............................................................................

4.3.11 MyLogo .....................................................................................

4.3.12 USB BIOS Flashback Wizard

4.3.13 Audio congurations

4.3.14 ROG Connect

............................................................................ 4-27

.................................................... 4-22

.................................................................. 4-24

4.3.15 GameFirst II ..............................................................................

4-1

4-3

4-4

4-8

4-12

4-15

4-18

4-19

4-20

4-29

Chapter 5: RAID support 5-1

5.1 RAID congurations ..................................................................................5-1

5.1.1 RAID denitions ..........................................................................

5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ...................................................

5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS ....................................................

5.1.4 AMD

5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk

Option ROM utility ............................................................5-3

....................................................................... 5-6

5.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS ..................

5.2.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows

® .................................................................5-6

5.2.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation ........ 5-7

5.2.4 Using a USB oppy disk drive .....................................................

5-1

5-2

5-6

5-8

Chapter 6: Multiple GPU support 6-1

6.1 AMD® CrossFireX™ technology ...............................................................6-1

6.1.1 Requirements ..............................................................................

6.1.2 Before you begin .........................................................................

6-1

6.1.3 Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards ................................6-2

6.1.4 Installing three CrossFireX™ graphics cards ..............................

6.1.5 Installing the device drivers .........................................................

6.1.6 Enabling the AMD

6.2 NVIDIA

SLI™ technology ......................................................................... 6-6

CrossFireX™ technology ............................. 6-4

6.2.1 Requirements ..............................................................................

6.2.2 Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards ......................................

6.2.3 Installing three SLI-ready graphics cards ....................................

6.2.4 Installing the device drivers .........................................................

6.2.5 Enabling the NVIDIA

SLI™ technology ..................................... 6-9

6-3

6-4

6-6

6-7

6-8

Appendices A-1

Notices .................................................................................................................... A-1

ASUS contact information ...................................................................................... A-5

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.

vii

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. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.

• Chapter 2: Basic Installation

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components.

• 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: RAID support

This chapter describes the RAID congurations.

• Chapter 6: Multiple GPU technology support

This chapter describes how to install and congure multiple AMD® CrossFireX™ and

NVIDIA® SLI™ graphics cards.

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.

viii

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

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

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

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

means that you must press the enclosed key.

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

names are linked with a plus sign (+).

CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z specications summary

CPU AMD® Socket AM3+ for AMD® FX series CPU up to 8-core

Chipset AMD® 990FX / SB950

System Bus Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.0

Memory 4 x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 2400(O.C.) / 2133(O.C) /

Expansion slots 3 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (Dual at x16 or x16/x8/x8 mode)

Multi-GPU support Supports NVIDIA® 3-WAY SLI™ Technology

LAN 1 x Intel® Gigabit LAN controller

Storage

compatible with AMD® Socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon II™ / Sempron™ 100 series processors

Supports AMD® 140W CPU

AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology

Supports AM3+ 32nm CPU

1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz, ECC, Non-ECC, un-buffered Memory

Dual channel memory architecture

* Refer to www.asus.com for Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List) of

AM3+ / AM3 CPU for details.

** Due to OS limitation, when installing a total memory of 4GB capacity

or more, Windows® 32-bit operation system may only recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is recommended.

1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot [red] (supports x4 mode)

2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots

Supports AMD® 3-WAY CrossFireX™ Technology

AMD® SB950 Chipset

- 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports [red] with RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10 support

ASMedia® SATA 6Gb/s controllers

- 2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports [red]

- 2 x eSATA 6Gb/s ports [red]

Audio

SupremeFX III, built-in 8-Channel High Denition Audio

CODEC

- Supports jack-detection, multi-streaming and front panel jackretasking

- SupremeFX Shielding™ Technology

- 1500 uF Audio power capacitor

- Gold-plated jacks

Audio Features:

- Blu-ray audio layer content protection

- Optical S/PDIF out ports at rear I/O

- DTS UltraPC II

- DTS Connect

(continued on the next page)

CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z specications summary

USB

3 x ASMedia® USB 3.0 controllers

- 2 x USB 3.0 ports at mid-board for front panel support

- 4 x USB 3.0 ports at rear panel [blue]

AMD® SB950 Chipset

- 12 x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports at mid-board, 8 ports at rear panel)

ROG Exclusive Features ROG Connect

Special features ASUS TPU

- RC Diagram

- RC Remote

- RC Poster

- GPU TweakIt

ROG Extreme Engine Digi+ II

- 8+2+2 phase CPU power

UEFI BIOS features

- ROG BIOS Print

- GPU.DIMM Post

GameFirst II

iROG

Extreme Tweaker

Loadline Calibration

Overclocking Protection

- COP EX (Component Overheat Protection -EX)

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

- CPU Level Up

ASUS Exclusive Features:

- MemOK!

- AI Charger+

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:

- ASUS Fan Xpert

ASUS EZ DIY:

- ASUS Q-Shield

- ASUS O.C. Prole

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

- ASUS MyLogo3

ASUS Q-Design

- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)

- ASUS Q-Connector

(continued on the next page)

CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z specications summary

Back Panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port

1 x Optical S/PDIF Output port

2 x eSATA 6Gb/s ports [red]

1 x ROG Connect button

1 x LAN (RJ-45) port

4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports [blue]

8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (white port for ROG Connect)

6 x 8-channel audio jacks

1 x Clear CMOS button

Internal I/O connectors 1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector (supports additional 2 19-pin USB

BIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS

Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE

3.0/2.0 ports)

2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors (support additional 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports)

8 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors

2 x CPU fan connectors (4-pin)

3 x Optional fan connectors (4-pin)

3 x Chassis fan connectors (4-pin)

1 x S/PDIF Out header

1 x DirectKey button

1 x DRCT header

1 x TPM header

1 x Fast Boot switch

1 x 24-pin EATX power connector

1 x 8-pin EATX 12V power connector

1 x 4-pin EATX 12V power connector

1 x EZ Plug connector (4-pin Molex power connector)

1 x Power-on button

1 x Reset button

1 x GO button

8 x ProbeIt measurement points

3 x Thermal sensor connectors

Front panel audio connector

System panel (Q-Connector)

2.5, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS

(continued on the next page)

xii

CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z specications summary

Support DVD contents Drivers

GameFirst II

Kaspersky® Anti-virus

DAEMON Tools Pro Standaard

ROG CPU-Z

ASUS WebStorage

ASUS Utilities (AI Suite II/TurboV EVO/ASUS Update)

Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

Specications are subject to change without notice.

xiii

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard ROG CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z

Cables 1 x ROG Connect cable

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

1 x SLI bridge

1 x 3-WAY SLI bridge

1 x CrossFire cable

Accessories I/O Shield

1 x 12-in-1 ROG cable label

1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit

Application DVD

Documentation

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

ROG motherboard support DVD

User guide

xiv

Installation tools and components

1 bag of screws Philips (cross) screwdriver

PC chassis Power supply unit

AMD AM3+ CPU AMD AM3+ compatible CPU Fan

DDR3 DIMM SATA hard disk drive

SATA optical disc drive (optional) Graphics card

The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.

xvi

Product introduction

1.1 Special features

1.1.1 Product highlights

Republic of Gamers

The Republic of Gamers offers you the best of the best. We offer the best hardware engineering, the fastest performance, the most innovative 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 Republic of Gamers and make your presence felt.

AMD® FX™-Series/Phenom™ II/Athlon™ II/Sempron™ 100 Series Processors

(socket AM3+/AM3)

This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM3+ multi-core processors with up to 8-core native CPU cores, and AMD® CPUs in the new 32nm manufacturing process. It provides better overclocking capabilities with less power consumption. It features AMD® Turbo CORE Technology 2.0 to accelerate data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s rate via HyperTransport™ 3.0 based system bus.

AMD® 990FX Chipset

AMD® 990FX Chipset is designed to support up to 5.2GT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0)

interface speed and dual PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized with AMD® AM3+

and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities.

Dual-Channel DDR3 2400(O.C.) / 2133(O.C.) / 2000(O.C.) / 1800(O.C.) / 1600 /

1333 / 1066 MHz Support

The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR3 memory that features data transfer

rates of DDR3 2400(O.C.) / 2133(O.C.) / 2000(O.C.) / 1800(O.C.) / 1600/ 1333 / 1066 MHz

to boost the system’s performance, and to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications.

SLI™/CrossFire On-Demand

This motherboard features a unique PCIe 2.0 bridge chip to support multi-GPU SLI™/ CrossFireX™ graphics cards for an unrivaled gaming performance. With the AMD® 990FX

platform to optimize the PCIe allocation of multiple GPUs, it supports up to 3-WAY GPU SLI™ or 3-WAY GPU CrossFireX™ conguration.

ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z

Chapter 1

1-1

1.1.2 ROG unique gaming features

GameFirst II

ASUS GameFirst II, with cFOS Trafc Shaping technology, provides a powerful and user-

friendly network control to easily frag in online multiplayer games. Featuring the EZ Mode for

beginners’ setup and Advanced Mode for professionals’ tweaking, your frags comes rst.

SupremeFX III

SupremeFX™ III is an onboard 8-channel audio solution equipped with 1500uF capacitors, providing you a crisp, warm sound for a better gaming audio experience. Its ASUS-exclusive SupremeFX Shielding™ technology has a metallic EMI cover and a special PCB layout design that isolates analog audio signals from digital sources, and a gold-plated jack that provides rich notes with minimal audio distortion.

1.1.3 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features

ROG Connect

ROG Connect allows you to monitor the status of your desktop PC and tweak its parameters in real-time via a notebook. ROG Connect links your main system to a notebook through a USB cable, allowing you to view real-time POST code and hardware status readouts on your

notebook, as well as make on-the-y parameter adjustments at a purely hardware level.

Extreme Engine Digi+ II

The Extreme Engine Digi+ II has a digital VRM design that allows you to achieve ultimate performance with adjustable CPU and memory power management frequencies.

iROG

The iROG is a special IC that fully maximizes ROG’s unique functions, providing you with full

control of your motherboard at any stage. It greatly increases your overclocking enjoyment, and offers you with advanced system control and management features purely at a hardware level.

USB BIOS FlashBack

USB BIOS Flashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for your ultimate convenience.

Simply install a USB storage device containing the BIOS le, press the BIOS Flashback

button for three seconds, and the UEFI BIOS is automatically updated even without entering the existing the BIOS or operating system. It also allows you to regularly check for UEFI BIOS updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically.

CPU Level Up

With ROG’s CPU Level Up, overclocking has never been so easy, or cost-free. Simply select

Chapter 1

the processor that you want to overclock to, and the motherboard will do the rest.

1-2

Chapter 1: Product introduction

GPU.DIMM Post

GPU.DIMM Post enables you to catch potential problems even before you enter the OS, saving you valuable time in detecting component failure under extreme conditions. With GPU. DIMM Post, quickly and easily check your graphic cards, memory modules’ statuses in the BIOS, and overclocking settings.

BIOS Print

ROG offers a whole new UEFI BIOS feature to handle the demands of an overclocking experience. The motherboard features ROG BIOS Print that allows you to easily share your BIOS settings to others with the press of a button.

ProbeIt

This motherboard consists of eight Probelt measurement points that helps you detect your system’s current voltage. With the use of a multimeter device, these points can help measure your system’s CPU, PLL, VCCSA, PCH, IO, DIMM, and iGPU voltages.

MemOK!

MemOK!, the remarkable memory rescue tool, allows you to simply press a button to patch memory issues, ensure memory boot compatibility, determine fail-safe settings, and dramatically improve the system’s bootup.

Extreme Tweaker

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

With Extreme Tweaker, you can adjust the system settings such as frequency, over-voltage, memory timing, and more.

COP EX

COP EX allows you to increase the chipset voltages without worrying about overheating. You can monitor the CPU and save it from overheating, allowing your system to achieve its ulitmate performance.

Loadline Calibration

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.

1.1.4 ROG-rich bundled software

Kaspersky® Anti-Virus

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.

DAEMON Tools Pro Standard

DAEMON Tools Pro offers essential functionality to backup CD, DVD and Blu-ray discs. It converts optical media into virtual discs and emulates devices to work with the virtual copies.

DAEMON Tools Pro organizes data, music, video, and photo collections on a PC, notebook,

or netbook.

ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z

1-3

Chapter 1

ROG CPU-Z

ROG CPU-Z, authorized by Intel’s CPU Identication (CPUID), is a customized ROG utility

that allows you to gather information about your system’s main components. It gives you the current information and status of your CPU, motherboard, memory, and other main components. Get that ROG look of reporting your system’s current information with ROG CPU-Z.

1.1.5 Other features

Intel Gigabit LAN

The LAN solution from Intel has been long known to have a better throughput, lower CPU

utilization as well as better stability. With the Intel Gigabit LAN solutions onboard, the

ultimate network experience can therefore be delivered to its users like never before.

SATA 6.0 Gb/s support

With AMD® SB950 Southbridge natively support for the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA) storage interface, this motherboard delivers up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer rates. It also provides enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, double the bandwidth of current bus systems.

DTS Connect

To get the most out of your audio entertainment across all formats and quality levels, DTS Connect combines two enabling technologies, DTS Neo:PC™ upmixes stereo sources (CDs, MP3s, WMAs, internet radio) into as many as 7.1 channels of incredible surround sound. Consumers can connect their PC to a home theater system. DTS Interactive is capable of performing mult-channel encoding of DTS bitstreams on personal computers, and sending encoded bitstreams out of a digital audio connection (such as S/PDIF or HDMI) designed to deliver audio to an external decoder.

DTS UltraPC II

DTS UltraPC II delivers an exceptional 7.1 surround experience through the most popular PC audio setups—your existing stereo speakers or headphones. In addition to virtual surround, it upgrades the original sound to new levels with Audio Restoration, recreating dynamic

range of audio les. Symmetry mode improves the balance of perceived loudness across

different input sources, and enhances boost audio quality through high hand low frequency

equalization. With these technologies, users experience better home theater audio with ease.

ASUS Fan Xpert

ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds based on different ambient temperatures, resulting to a quiet and cool computing

Chapter 1

environment.

1-4

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2 Motherboard overview

1.2.1 Before you proceed

Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.

• 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.

• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.

• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component.

• 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.

ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z

Chapter 1

1-5

1.2.2 Motherboard layout

Chapter 1

1-6

Refer to 1.2.9 Internal connectors and 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots Page

1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V_1, 4-pin EATX12V_2, 4 pin EZ_PLUG)

AM3+/ AM3 CPU Socket 1-8

CPU, chassis, and optional fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN;

4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-3; 4-pin OPT_FAN1-3)

4. DDR3 DIMM slots

5. Slow Mode switch

6. LN2 Mode Jumper (3 pin LN2)

7. Q_Code LEDs

8. START (Power-on) button

9. Reset button

10. GO button

11. Thermal sensor cable connectors (2-pin OPT_TEMP1-3)

12. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_56)

13. AMD

14. Asmedia

15. Direct Connector (2-pin DRCT)

16. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)

17. DirectKey button (DirectKey)

18. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910; USB1112)

19. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)

20. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)

21. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)

Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [red]) 1-36

Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E12 [red]) 1-37

1-42

1-40

1-9

1-24

1-26

1-29

1-23

1-24

1-44

1-37

1-41

1-43

1-25

1-38

1-39

1-41

ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z

Chapter 1

1-7

1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with an AM3+ socket designed for AMD® Next Generation CPU up to 8-core, also compatible with AMD® socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™ II/Athlon™ II/ Sempron™ 100 Series Processors.

Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.

Ensure that you use a CPU designed for the AM3+/AM3 socket. The CPU ts in only

one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU!

Chapter 1

1-8

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2.4 System memory

The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots.

A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module. DO NOT install a DDR or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot.

Recommended memory congurations

ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z

Chapter 1

1-9

Memory congurations

You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB and 16GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

• Memory module with memory frequency higher than 2133 MHz and its corresponding timing or the loaded XMP prole is not the JEDEC memory standard. The stability and

compatibility of these memory modules depend on the CPU’s capabilities and other installed devices.

• 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 conguration. 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.

• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows OS, when you install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the following:

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

b) Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the

motherboard.

c) For more details, refer to the Microsoft

com/kb/929605/en-us.

• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less (Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1 Megabyte/MB).

• 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. To operate at the vendor-marked or at a higher frequency, refer to section 3.3 Extreme Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency adjustment.

• For system stability, use a more efcient memory cooling system to support a full

memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

support site at http://support.microsoft.

Chapter 1

1-10

Chapter 1: Product introduction

CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)

DDR3 2400 MHz capability

DIMM socket

Vendors Part No. Size

G.SKILL F3-19200CL10Q-32GBZHD 32GB

G.SKILL F3-19200CL11Q-16GBZHD 16GB

G.SKILL F3-19200CL9D-4GBPIS 4G (2x2G) DS - - 9-11-9-28 1.65 •

G.SKILL F3-19200CL9Q-16GBZMD 16GB

GEIL GOC316GB2400C10QC 16GB

Kingston KHX24C11K4/16X 16GB

Patriot PXD38G2400C11K 8GB

Team TXD34096M2400HC9N-L 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846D 9-9-9-24 1.65 •

(4x8GB)

(4x4GB)

(2x4GB)

SS/DSChip

Brand

DS - - 10-12-12-31 1.65 •

DS - - 11-11-11-31 1.65 •

DS - - 9-11-11-31 1.65 •

DS - - 10-11-11-30 1.65 •

DS - - 11-13-13-30 1.65 •

DS - - 11-11-11-30 1.65 •

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

support

(Optional)

2 4

DDR3 2200 MHz capability

DIMM socket

Vendors Part No. Size

G.SKILL F3-17600CL7D-

4GBFLS

GEIL GET34GB2200C9DC 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.65 •

4G ( 2x 2G ) DS - - 7-10-10-28 1.65 • •

SS/DSChip

Brand

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

support

(Optional)

2 4

DDR3 2133 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

A-DATA AX3U2133C2G9B 2GB SS - - 9-11-9-27 1.55~1.75 •

Apacer 78.BAGE4.AFD0C 8GB

CORSAIR CMT4GX3M2A2133C9 4GB

CORSAIR CMT4GX3M2B2133C9

CORSAIR CMT4GX3M2B2133C9 4GB

G.SKILL F3-17000CL11Q2-

G.SKILL F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZH 16GB

G.SKILL F3-17066CL9D-8GBPID 8GB

G.SKILL F3-17066CL9Q-

(Ver7.1)

64GBZLD

16GBTDD

ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z

SS/DSChip

DS - - 9-9-9-24 - •

(2x4GB)

DS - - 9-10-9-24 1.65 • •

(2x2GB)

4GB

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •

(2x2GB)

DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • •

(2x2GB)

64GB

DS - - 11-11-11-30 1.5 • •

(8x8GB)

DS - - 9-11-10-28 1.65 • •

(4x4GB)

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 •

(2x4GB)

16GB

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 •

(4x4GB)

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

Brand

(continued on the next page)

DIMM socket support

(Optional)

2 4

Chapter 1

1-11

DDR3 2133 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

KINGSTON KHX2133C11D3K4/16GX 16GB

KINGSTON KHX2133C11D3T1K2/

OCZ OCZ3XTEP2133C9LV4GK 2GB DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.65 •

Patriot PVV34G2133C9K 4GB

Patriot PXD38G2133C11K 8GB

Team TXD34096M2133HC9N-L 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846D 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

DDR3 2000 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

A-DATA AX3U2000GB2G9B 2GB DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.55~1.75 • •

A-DATA AX3U2000GC4G9B 4GB DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.55~1.75 • •

AEXEA AXA3ES2G2000LG28V 2GB DS - - - 1.65 • •

AEXEA AXA3ES4GK2000LG28V 4GB

Apacer 78.AAGD5.9KD 6GB

Asint SLA302G08-ML2HB 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83BFRH9C 9-9-9-27 - • •

CORSAIR CMT6GX3M3A2000C8 6GB

CORSAIR CMZ4GX3M2A2000C10

G.SKILL F3-16000CL9D-4GBTD 4GB

GEIL GUP34GB2000C9DC 4GB

Patriot PV736G2000ELK 6GB

Patriot PVT36G2000LLK 6GB

Chapter 1

Silicon Power

Team TXD32048M2000C9 2GB DS Team T3D1288RT-20 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •

Team TXD32048M2000C9-L 2GB DS Team T3D1288LT-20 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •

Team TXD32048M2000C9-L 2GB DS Team T3D1288RT-20 9-9-9-24 1.6 •

DIMM socket

SS/DSChip

Brand

(4x4GB)

16GX

(Ver 5.12)

SP002GBLYU200S02 2GB DS - - - - • •

16GB (2x8GB)

(2x2GB)

(2x4GB)

(2x2GB)

(3x2GB)

4GB (2x2GB)

(2x2GB)

(2x2GB )

(3x2GB)

DS - - 11-12-11-30 1.65 • •

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6 • •

DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.66 • •

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

SS/DSChip

Brand

DS - - - 1.65 • •

DS - - 9-9-9-27 - •

DS - - 8-9-8-24 1.65 • •

SS - - 10-10-10-27 1.5 •

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 •

DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65 • •

DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.65 • •

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • •

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

support

(Optional)

2 4

DIMM socket support

(Optional)

2 4

(continued on the next page)

1-12

Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR3 1866 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

A-DATA AX3U1866GC2G9B 2GB SS - - 9-11-9-27 1.55~

A-DATA AX3U1866GC4G9B 4GB DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.55~

CORSAIR CMD16GX3M4A1866C9

(Ver4.13)

CORSAIR CMD8GX3M2A1866C9

(Ver4.13)

CORSAIR CMT32GX3M4X1866C9

(Ver3.23)

CORSAIR CMZ16GX3M4X1866C9R

(Ver8.16)

CORSAIR CMZ32GX3M4X1866C10

(Ver3.23)

CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9 8GB

Crucial BLE4G3D1869DE1XT0.

16FMD

G.SKILL F3-14900CL10Q2-64GBZLD 64GB

G.SKILL F3-14900CL9D-8GBSR 8GB

G.SKILL F3-14900CL9Q-16GBXL 16GB

G.SKILL F3-14900CL9Q-16GBZL 16GB

G.SKILL F3-14900CL9Q-8GBFLD 8GB

Kingston KHX1866C9D3K2/8GX 8GB

Patriot PXD34G1866ELK 4GB

Patriot PXD38G1866ELK 8GB

Team TXD34096M1866HC9K-L 4GB DS Hynix H5TC2G83BFRH9A 9-11-9-27 1.65 • •

SS/DSChip

16GB

DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • •

(4x4GB)

8GB

DS - - - 1.5 • •

(2x4GB)

32GB

DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 •

(4x8GB)

16GB

DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • •

(4x4GB)

32GB

DS - - 10-11-10-27 1.5 • •

(4x8GB)

DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • •

(2x4GB)

4GB DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.5 • •

DS - - 10-11-10-30 1.5 • •

(8x8GB)

DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5 • •

(2x4GB)

DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5 • •

(4x4GB)

DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5 • •

(4x4GB)

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6 • •

(2x4GB)

DS - - - 1.65 • •

(2x4GB)

SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

(2x2GB)

DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65 • •

(2x4GB)

DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65 • •

(2x4GB)

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

Brand

1.75

DIMM socket support

(Optional)

2 4

• •

DDR3 1800 MHz capability

DIMM socket

Vendors Part No. Size

G.SKILL F3-14400CL9D-4GBRL 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6 • •

SS/DSChip

Brand

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

(continued on the next page)

ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z

support

(Optional)

2 4

Chapter 1

1-13

DDR3 1600 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

A-DATA AM2U16BC2P1 2GB SS A-DATA 3CCD-1509A - - • •

A-DATA AM2U16BC4P2 4GB DS A-DATA 3CCD-1509A - - • •

A-DATA AX3U1600GC4G9 4GB DS - - - 1.55~

A-DATA AX3U1600PC4G8 4GB DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.55~

A-DATA AX3U1600XC4G79 4GB DS - - 7-9-7-21 1.65 • •

AMD AE32G1609U1-U 2GB SS AMD 23EY4587MB6H - 1.5 • •

AMD AP38G1608U2K 8GB

Apacer 78.B1GE3.9L10C 4GB DS Apacer AM5D5908DEQSCK - 1.65 • •

Apacer AHU04GFA60C9Q1D 4GB DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65 • •

Asint SLA302G08-EGG1C 4GB DS Asint 302G08-GG1C 9-9-9-27 - • •

Asint SLA302G08-EGJ1C 4GB DS Asint 302G08-GJ1C 9-9-9-27 - • •

Asint SLA302G08-EGN1C 4GB DS ASint 302G08-GN1C - - • •

Asint SLB304G08-EGN1B 8GB DS ASint 304G08-GN1B - - • •

Asint SLZ302G08-EGN1C 2GB SS ASint 302G08-GN1C - - • •

Asint SLZ3128M8-EGJ1D 2GB DS Asint 3128M8-GJ1D - - • •

ATP AQ12M64B8BKK0S 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G08460 - NO • •

CORSAIR CMG4GX3M2A1600C6 4GB

CORSAIR CML16GX3M4X1600C8

CORSAIR CMP6GX3M3A1600C8 6GB

CORSAIR CMX6GX3M3A1600C9 6GB

CORSAIR CMX6GX3M3C1600C7 6GB

CORSAIR CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9 16GB

CORSAIR CMZ32GX3M4X1600C10

Chapter 1

CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8 8GB

CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 8GB

CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M4X1600C9

CORSAIR HX3X12G1600C9 12GB

(Ver 2.12)

(Ver2.2)

(Ver 2.12)

SS/DSChip

Brand

DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65 • •

(2x4GB)

DS - - 6-6-6-18 1.65 • •

(2x2GB)

16GB

DS - - Heat-

(4x4GB)

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • •

(3x2GB)

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • •

(3x2GB)

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

(3x2GB)

DS - - 7-8-7-20 1.65 • •

(3x2GB)

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •

(4x4GB)

32GB

DS - - 10-10-

(4x8GB)

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.5 • •

(2x4GB)

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •

(2x4GB)

8GB

SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •

(4x2GB)

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6 • •

(6x2GB)

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

Sink Package

10-27

(continued on the next page)

DIMM socket support

(Optional)

2 4

• •

1.75

• •

1.75

1.5 • •

1-14

Chapter 1: Product introduction

+ 154 hidden pages