ASUS E7295 User Manual

MAXIMUS V
FORMULA
Series

Motherboard

E7295
First Edition

May 2012

Copyright © 2012 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, 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
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DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
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SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
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Licenses. Such software in this product is distributed without any warranty to the extent permitted by the
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Where the applicable license entitles you to the source code of such software and/or other additional data,
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ii

Contents

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

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

MAXIMUS V FORMULA Series specications summary ......................................... x

ROG ThunderFX specications summary .............................................................. xv

Package contents ..................................................................................................... xvi

Installation tools and components ........................................................................ xvii

Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-1

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

1.1.1 Product highlights

1.1.2

1.1.3

1.1.4

1.1.5

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 Fusion Thermo ..........................................................................

ROG unique gaming features .....................................................1-2

ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features ............... 1-2

ASUS special features ................................................................1-4

ROG-rich bundled software......................................................... 1-4

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

.................................................. 1-24

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

1-6

1-6

1-7

1-9

1-10

1-21

1-26

1-27

1-47

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

2.1.9 mPCIe Combo installation

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

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

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

......................................................... 2-12

2-1

2-5

2-8

2-9

2-10

iii

2.2 BIOS update utility ................................................................................... 2-19

2.2.1 USB BIOS Flashback ................................................................

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

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

2.3.2 Audio I/O connections ...............................................................

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

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

2-19

2-20

2-20

2-21

2-25

2-25

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 PCH Conguration ....................................................................

3.5.3 SATA Conguration ...................................................................

3.5.4 System Agent Conguration

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

3.5.6 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................

3.5.7 APM ..........................................................................................

3.5.8 Network Stack ...........................................................................

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

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

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

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

3.8.2 ASUS O.C. Prole .....................................................................

3.8.3 ASUS SPD Information .............................................................

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

...................................................... 3-27

3-2

3-4

3-6

3-19

3-22

3-23

3-25

3-26

3-28

3-30

3-32

3-33

3-34

3-37

3-39

3-39

3-39

3-40

3-41

3-42

3-43

3-43

3-46

3-47

3-48

iv

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 2

4.3.6 USB 3.0 Boost

............................................................................... 4-11

........................................................................... 4-16

4.3.7 Ai Charger+ ...............................................................................

4.3.8 USB Charger+ ...........................................................................

4.3.9 Probe II

...................................................................................... 4-20

4.3.10 Sensor Recorder .......................................................................

4.3.11 ASUS Update ............................................................................

4.3.12 MyLogo2 ...................................................................................

4.3.13 Audio congurations

4.3.14 ROG Connect

.................................................................. 4-25

............................................................................ 4-28

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

4.3.16 MemTweakIt ..............................................................................

4-1

4-1

4-3

4-4

4-7

4-10

4-17

4-18

4-21

4-23

4-24

4-30

4-32

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 Intel

5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk

®

Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility ..................5-3

....................................................................... 5-8

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

5.2.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows

5.2.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows

®

.................................... 5-8

®

OS installation ........ 5-9

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

5-1

5-2

5-2

5-8

5-10

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

v

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 the device drivers .........................................................

6.2.4 Enabling the NVIDIA

®

SLI™ technology ..................................... 6-8

6.3 LucidLogix Virtu MVP ..............................................................................

6.3.1 Installing LucidLogix Virtu MVP .................................................

6.3.2 Setting up your display ..............................................................

6.3.3 Conguring LucidLogix Virtu MVP ............................................

6-3

6-4

6-6

6-6

6-7

6-10

6-10

6-11

6-12

Chapter 7: Intel® technologies 7-1

7.1 Intel® 2012 Desktop responsiveness technologies ................................. 7-1

7.1.1 Intel

7.1.2 Intel

7.1.3 Intel

®

Smart Response Technology ............................................. 7-3

®

Rapid Start Technology ...................................................... 7-4

®

Smart Connect Technology .............................................. 7-10

Chapter 8: ThunderFX 8-1

8.1 Hardware introduction ............................................................................... 8-1

8.1.1 Front panel ..................................................................................

8.1.2 Rear panel

................................................................................... 8-3

8.2 Connecting your devices ..........................................................................

8.2.1 Connecting to PC ........................................................................

8.2.2 Connecting to PlayStation3™ .....................................................

8.2.3 Connecting to Xbox 360™ ..........................................................

8.2.4 Connecting to iPhone/ iPod/ iPad/ MP3 player .........................

8.3 Driver Installation .....................................................................................

8.4 ThunderFX Utility Introduction ...............................................................

8-1

8-4

8-5

8-6

8-8

8-10

8-11

8-12

Appendices A-1

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

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

vi

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 ATI® CrossFireX™ and

NVIDIA® SLI™ graphics cards.

• Chapter 7: Intel

This chapter tells how to install the Intel® 2012 desktop responsiveness technologies.

• Chapter 8: ThunderFX

This chapter tells how to set up the ThunderFX with your system.

®

technologies

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 (+).

ix

MAXIMUS V FORMULA Series specications summary

CPU LGA1155 socket for Intel® 3rd/2nd Generation Core™ i7 Core™ i5 /

Core™ i3 / Pentium® / Celeron® Processors

Supports 22/32nm CPU

Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0

* The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU

types.

** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list

Chipset Intel® Z77 Express Chipset

Memory 4 x DIMM, max. 32GB, DDR3 2800 (O.C.)* / 2600 (O.C.)* / 2400

(O.C.)* / 2200(O.C.) / 2133(O.C.) / 1866(O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 /

1066 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory

Dual channel memory architecture

Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)

* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of

individual CPUs. Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List)

for details.

Expansion slots 3 x PCI Express 3.0*/2.0 x16 slots [red] (support x16, or dual at

x8/x8 mode, 3-way CFX at x8/x4/x4** native from CPU)

1 x PCI Express 2.0 x4 slot [black]

3 x PCI Express 2.0 slots

1 x mini-PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot*** on mPCIe Combo™ expansion

card

* Intel® 3rd generation Core™ processors support PCIe 3.0.

** Intel® 3rd generation Core™ processors supports x8/x4/x4 mode.

*** The mini-PCIe slot is pre-installed with a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module.

VGA Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel® HD Graphics support

Multi-VGA output support: DisplayPort/HDMI port

Supports DisplayPort 1.1a with max. resolution of 2560 x 1600

@60Hz

Supports HDMI with max. resolution of 1920 x 1200 @60Hz

Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D/Quick Sync Video/Clear Video HD

Technology/Insider™

Multi-GPU support Supports NVIDIA® SLI™/AMD CrossFireX™ Technology

Supports AMD® 3-WAY CrossFireX™ Technology

Supports Lucidlogix Virtu MVP Technology*

*LucidLogix Virtu MVP supports Windows® 7 operating system.

(continued on the next page)

x

MAXIMUS V FORMULA Series specications summary

Storage

Intel® Z77 Express Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 support

- 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (red)

- 2 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports (black)

- 1 x eSATA 3.0 Gb/s ports

- 1 x mSATA 3.0 Gb/s slot on mPCIe Combo™ expansion card

- Supports Intel
Technology and Intel® Smart Connect Technology*

®

Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start

ASMedia® SATA 6Gb/s controller*

- 4 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports [red]**

* Supports Intel® Core™ processors on Windows® 7 operating system.

** These SATA ports are for data hard drives only. ATAPI devices are not

supported.

LAN 1 x Intel® Gigabit LAN Controller

Wireless Data Network Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n supports dual frequency band 2.4/5 GHz on

Bluetooth Bluetooth v4.0/3.0+HS

ROG SupremeFX HD
Audio

mPCIe Combo™ expansion card

* The module is pre-installed on the mPCIe Combo™

SupremeFX IV, built-in 7.1 Channel High Denition

Audo CODEC

High delity headphone amplier

Texas Instruments (120dB SNR, -117dB THD+N at VCC+-12V,

RL=600 Ω, f=1KHz)

SupremeFX Shielding™ Technology

ELNA Premium Audio Capacitors

1500 uF Audio Power Capacitor

Output Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted): 110dB

Output THD+N at 1KHz: 95dB

Supports jack-detection, multi-streaming, front panel jack-retasking

Blu-ray audio layer content protection

Optical S/PDIF input and output ports at back panel

Audio Features:

DTS Ultra PC II

DTS Connect

USB

Intel® Z77 Express Chipset

- 4 x USB 3.0 ports (2 ports at mid-board [red]*, 2 ports at back
panel [blue])

- 8 x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports at mid-board, 1 port reserved for
ROG Connect [white], 3 ports at back panel)

ASMedia® USB 3.0 controller

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

* UASP standard on the Intel® native USB 3.0 only supports Windows® 8.

(continued on the next page)

xi

MAXIMUS V FORMULA Series specications summary

ROG Exclusive Features mPCIe Combo™ (mPCIe/mSATA combo card)

ROG Connect

- RC Diagram

- RC Remote

- RC Poster

- GPU TweakIt

ROG Extreme Engine Digi+ II

- 8-phase CPU power

- 4-phase iGPU power

- 2-phase DRAM power

UEFI BIOS features

- ROG BIOS Print

- GPU.DIMM Post

ROG Extreme OC Kit

- LN2 Mode

- Slow Mode

- EZ Plug

CPU Level Up

GameFirst II

Probelt

iROG

Extreme Tweaker

USB BIOS Flashback

Loadline Calibration

ROG O.C. Prole

Special Features ASUS EPU Engine

ASUS Wi-Fi GO!

ASUS Exclusive Features

- AI Suite II

- TurboV EVO

- USB 3.0 Boost

- Fan Xpert2

- AI Charger+

- USB Charger+

- Disk Unlocker

ASUS EZ DIY

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

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

ASUS Q-Design

- ASUS Q-Code

- ASUS Q-Shield

- ASUS Q-Connector

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

- ASUS Q-Slot

- ASUS Q-DIMM

(continued on the next page)

xii

MAXIMUS V FORMULA Series specications summary

Back I/O Ports 1 x Clear CMOS button

1 x ROG Connect On/Off button

4 x USB 2.0 (1 port for ROG Connect)

1 x eSATA 3.0 Gb/s connector

4 x USB 3.0 ports [blue]

1 x Optical S/PDIF IN

1 x Optical S/PDIF OUT

1 x HDMI port

1 x DisplayPort

1 x LAN (RJ45) port

5 x audio jacks

Internal Connectors 1 x USB 3.0 connector (supports additional 2 USB 3.0 ports)

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

6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors

2 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors

2 x CPU fan connectors

3 x Chassis fan connectors

3 x Optional fan connectors

3 x Thermal sensor connectors

1 x 24-pin EATX power connector

1 x 8-pin EATX 12V power connector

1 x 4-pin EATX 12V power connector

8 x Probelt measurement points

1 x EZ Plug connector

1 x LN2 Mode header

1 x Slow mode switch

1 s START (Power-on) button

1 x RESET button

1 x GO button

1 x S/PDIF OUT header

1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)

1 x System panel connector

1 x mPCIe Combo™ header

Manageability WfM2.0, DMI2.0, WOL by PME, PXE

(continued on the next page)

xiii

MAXIMUS V FORMULA Series specications summary

BIOS Features 64Mb UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.5,

Software Drivers

Form Factor extended ATX Form Factor, 12” x 10.1” (30.5cm x 25.7cm)

Specications are subject to change without notice.

ACPI2.0a Multi-language BIOS

Kaspersky® Anti-Virus

DAEMON Tools Pro Standard

GameFirst II

ROG CPU-Z

Mem TweakIt

ASUS AI Suite II

ASUS WebStorage

ASUS Utilities

xiv

ROG ThunderFX specications summary

Audio Performance Output Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted): 114dB

Digital-to-analog converter: 120dB SNR, 107dB THD+N (Max.

192kHz/24-bit)

C-Media 6631 audio processor (Max. 192kHz/ 24-bit)

Built-in high delity headphone amplier

Up to 300-ohms headphone ratio support

Special Features Multi-platform Support: PC, Xbox 360, PS3

Independent master / voice / game volume control (PS3. Xbox 360)

Built-in ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) Technology

GameEQ: 3 preset EQ proles with graphical audio effect tuning

hints

Xear™ Surround headphone

Xear™ SingFX

FlexBass™, Smart Volume Normalize™

DS3D GX 1.0, OpenAL

I/O Ports 2 x RCA audio input

1 x USB 2.0 connector

1 x 3.5mm headphone jack

1 x 3.5mm microphone jack

1 x 2.5mm microphone jack for Xbox 360 voice input

Dimensions 191mm x 137.5mm x 37mm (L x W x H)

Specications are subject to change without notice.

xv

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard ROG MAXIMUS V FORMULA

USB external sound card ROG ThunderFX*

Cables 1 x ROG Connect cable

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

1 x 2-in-1 SATA 3.0 Gb/s signal cables

1 x 2-in-1 RF cables

1 x SLI bridge

1 x Xbox 360 voice input cable (2.5mm)**

1 x Dual-head USB cable**

1 x ThunderFX Xbox 360 AV +3.5mm-to-RCA cable**

Accessories I/O Shield

1 x mPCIe Combo card with dual band Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
module

2 x dual band Wi-Fi Ring Moving Antenna

1 x 12-in-1 ROG cable label

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

1 x Diablo III mousepad**

1 x ROG logo sticker**

Application DVD

Documentation

ROG motherboard support DVD

User guide

xvi

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

• *ThunderFX is only available in selected models.

• ** These items are bundled with ThunderFX.

Installation tools and components

1 bag of screws Philips (cross) screwdriver

PC chassis Power supply unit

Intel LGA 1155 CPU Intel LGA 1155 compatible CPU Fan

DIMM SATA hard disk drive

SATA optical disc drive (optional) Graphics card (optional)

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

xvii

xviii

Product introduction

1

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.

LGA1155 socket for Intel® 2nd/3rd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™
i3, Pentium®, and Celeron® Processors

This motherboard supports Intel 2nd/3rd generation Core™ i7/i5/i3, Pentium, and Celeron
processors in the LGA1155 package. It provides great graphics and system performance with
its GPU, dual-channel DDR3 memory slots, and PCI Express 2.0/3.0 expansion slots.

Intel® Z77 Express Chipset

Intel® Z77 Express Chipset is a single-chipset that supports the 1155 socket Intel® 2nd/3rd
generation Core™ i7/i5/ i3, Pentium®, and Celeron® processors. It utilizes the serial point-to­point links, which increases bandwidth and enhances the system’s performance. It natively
supports four USB 3.0 ports for up to ten times faster transfer rate than USB 2.0, and enables
the iGPU function for Intel® integrated graphics performance.

PCI Express® 3.0

PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the PCI Express bus standard that provides twice the
performance and speed of PCIe 2.0. It provides an optimal graphics performance,
unprecedented data speed, and seamless transition with its complete backward compatibility
to PCIe 1.0/2.0 devices.

* Intel® 3rd generation Core™ processors support PCIe 3.0.

SLI/CrossFire On-Demand

This motherboard features a unique PCIe 3.0 bridge chip to support multi-GPU SL/
CrossFireX graphics cards for an unrivaled gaming performance. With the Intel Z77 platform

to optimize the PCIe allocation of multiple GPUs, it supports up to 2-WAY GPU SLI or 3-WAY
GPU CrossFireX conguration.

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1-1

LucidLogix® Virtu™ MVP

LucidLogix® Virtu™ MVP, with HyperFormance™ Technology, is designed for Intel® processor
graphics chip on Windows® 7 and perfectly combines the performance of a discrete graphics
card with fast computing iGPU (Integrated Graphics Processing Unit). The newly-designed
Virtual VSync eliminates tearing artifacts allowing you to enjoy a smoother gaming
experience.

LucidLogix® Virtu™ MVP can also dynamically assign tasks to the best available graphics
resource based on power, performance, and system load. With Intel® Quick Sync Video 2.0
technology, it provides 3x faster video conversion of NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards while
retaining the graphics cards’ high-end 3D rendering and gaming performance. When the
discrete graphics cards are not in use, it drastically reduces the power usage, making the
system more environmentally friendly.

* LucidLogix® Virtu™ MVP supports Windows® 7 operating system.

®

** Intel

Quick Sync Video feature is supported by 2nd/3rd generation Intel® Core™ processor family.

1.1.2 ROG unique gaming features

SupremeFX IV

The SupremeFX IV™ onboard audio solution is a set of audio capacitors that produce a

crisp, warm sound. With the bundled 300-ohm built-in headphone amplier, SupremeFX IV™

provides you with better gaming audio experience. Combined with the existing SupremeFX
innovation such as the Red Line physical PCB separation, and EMI shield, SupremeFX sets
an unrivaled audio standard for PC gamers.

GameFirst II

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

friendly network control to easily frag your gaming system. Featuring the EZ Mode for

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

ThunderFX

ThunderFX is an audio device that produces a premium gaming audio and easily connects
to your favorite PC headphones on any PC, laptop or console. Its Environmental Noise
Cancellation (ENC) technology reduces the gaming background noise and GamEQ provides
a 3-preset gaming audio genre and four audio effect hints for a quick and easy tuning. Its

300-ohm amplied headphone and premium Nichicon FG Series capacitors provide a pure
and powerful audio. ThunderFX is a supreme sound accessory t for your console and

network gaming entertainment.

1.1.3 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features

mPCIe Combo + Dual band Wi-Fi / Bluetooth 4.0

Chapter 1

The mPCIe Combo is a two-sided mini-card that allows you to install an extra mSATA SSD
and a Wi-Fi module into the motherboard. This device comes with one mSATA port that
supports Intel® Smart Response Technology hybrid storage acceleration, and a dual-band

2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth v4.0 functions.

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Chapter 1: Product introduction

Fusion Thermo

ROG Fusion Thermo is a VRM cooler made from a combination of 100% copper water

cooling channel with electro-plated nickel barbs, and anodized aluminum nned air-cooler.

With both water-cooling and air-cooling features, Fusion Thermo delivers the ultimate add-on
to achieve the best O.C. advantage.

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 is equipped with the nest Japan-made 10K Black Metallic

capacitors, and its digital VRM design allows you to achieve ultimate performance with
adjustable CPU and memory power management frequencies.

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.

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.

CPU Level Up

With ROG’s CPU Level Up, overclocking has never been so easy, or cost-free. Simply select
the processor that you want to overclock to, and the motherboard will do the rest.

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.

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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 seven 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 ground, platform controller hub, CPU phase locked loop, input.output, memory,
iGPU, and GPU voltages.

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.

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 ASUS special 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.

USB 3.0 Boost

ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), the latest
USB 3.0 standard. With USB 3.0 Boost technology, a USB device’s transmission speed is

signicantly increased up to 170%, adding to an already impressive fast USB 3.0 transfer

speed. It automatically accelerates data speeds for compatible USB 3.0 peripherals without
the need for any user interaction.

1.1.5 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

Chapter 1

are among the industry’s highest.

1-4

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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.

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.

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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.

Chapter 1

1-6

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2.2 Motherboard layout

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.

ASUS MAXIMUS V FORMULA Series

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1-7

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots Page

1. Power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V, 4-pin EATX12V;

4-pin EZ_PLUG)

LGA1155 CPU Socket 1-9

2.

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

3.
CPU_OPT, 4-pin OPT_FAN1-3, 4-pin CHA_FAN1-3)

4. DDR3 DIMM slots

5. Q_Code LEDs

6. Slow Mode switch

7. START (Power-on) button

8. RESET button

9. GO button

10. LN2 Mode header

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

12. USB 3.0 connectors (20-1 pin USB3_12)

®

13. Intel

14. Intel

15. Asmedia
[red])

16. TPM connector

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

18. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB56; USB78)

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

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

21. ROG Logo LED connector (3-pin)

22. mPCIe combo connector (26-1 pin mPCIe)

Z77 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_1/2 [black]) 1-37

®

Z77 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1/2 [red]) 1-36

®

Z77 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E12/E34

1-43

1-41

1-10

1-29

1-25

1-24

1-24

1-25

1-26

1-45

1-39

1-38

1-45

1-44

1-40

1-39

1-42

1-46

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Chapter 1

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Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1155 socket designed for the Intel®
3rd/2nd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium™, and Celeron™ processors.

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

• The LGA1156 CPU is incompatible with the LGA1155 socket. DO NOT install a
LGA1156 CPU on the LGA1155 socket.

• Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and
the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap
is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard
components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/
transit-related.

• Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise

Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the

LGA1155 socket.

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

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1-9

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

Chapter 1

1-10

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Memory congurations

You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB 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.

• Due to Intel

DDR3 2000/1800 MHz memory modules will run at the default frequency rates of
DDR3 2133/1866/1600 MHz.

• According to Intel CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect
the CPU.

• 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

c) For more details, refer to the Microsoft

• 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).

®

2nd generation processors' behavior, DDR3 2200 (and higher), and

motherboard.

®

com/kb/929605/en-us.

support site at http://support.microsoft.

• 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.

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1-11

MAXIMUS V FORMULA Series Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)

DDR3 2400 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

CORSAIR CMGTX8(XMP) 8GB (4x2GB) SS - - 10-12-10-30 1.65 • •

CORSAIR CMGTX3(XMP) 2GB DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65 • •

G.SKILL F3-19200CL11Q-

16GBZHD (XMP)

G.SKILL F3-19200CL11Q-

16GBZHD (XMP)

G.SKILL F3-19200CL9Q-16GBZMD

(XMP)

G.SKILL F3-19200CL10Q-

32GBZHD (XMP)

G.SKILL F3-19200CL9D-4GBPIS

(XMP)

GEIL GOC316GB2400C10QC

(XMP)

GEIL GOC316GB2400C11QC

(XMP)

Kingston KHX2400C11D3K4/8GX

(XMP)

Transcend TX2400KLU-4GK (381850)

(XMP)

Transcend TX2400KLU-4GK(374243)

(XMP)

Patriot PVV34G2400C9K(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.66 •

16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 11-11-11-31 1.65 • • •

16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 11-11-11-31 1.65 • •

16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 9-11-11-31 1.65 • • •

32GB (4x8GB) DS - - 10-12-12-31 1.65 • • •

4G (2x2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-28 1.65 • •

16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 10-11-11-30 1.65 • • •

16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 11-11-11-30 1.65 • • •

8GB (4x2GB) SS - - 11-13-11-30 1.65 • • •

2GB DS - - - 1.65 • • •

2GB DS - - - 1.65 • • •

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage DIMM socket

NO.

support (Optional)

1 2 4

DDR3 2200 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

G.SKILL F3-17600CL7D-4GBFLS(XMP) 4G (2x2G) DS - - 7-10-

GEIL GET34GB2200C9DC(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.65 • • •

GEIL GET38GB2200C9ADC(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-11-9-28 1.65 • • •

KINGMAX FLKE85F-B8KJAA-FEIS(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS Kingmax N/A - - •

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage DIMM socket

NO.

10-28

1.65 • •

support (Optional)

1 2 4

Chapter 1

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Chapter 1: Product introduction