Asus Maximus Formula User Manual

Maximus Formula
(Special Edition)/
Maximus Formula

Motherboard

E3471

Second Edition V2
October 2007

Copyright © 2007 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
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.

ii

Contents

Contents ...................................................................................................... iii

Notices ........................................................................................................ vii

Safety information .................................................................................... viii

About this guide ......................................................................................... ix

Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula specications

summary ...................................................................................................... xi

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

1.2 Package contents .........................................................................

1.3 Special features ............................................................................

1.3.1 Product highlights ...........................................................

1.3.2 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features ...

1.3.3 ROG unique features ......................................................

1.3.4 ASUS special features ....................................................

Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

2.2 Motherboard overview .................................................................

2.2.1 Placement direction ........................................................

2.2.2 Screw holes ....................................................................

2.2.3 Motherboard layout .........................................................

2.2.4 Audio card layout ............................................................

2.2.5 Layout contents ...............................................................

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................

2.3.1 Installing the CPU ...........................................................

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan ...............................

2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan .........................

2.3.4 Installing the optional fans ............................................

2.4 System memory .........................................................................

2.4.1 Overview .......................................................................

2.4.2 Memory congurations ..................................................

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................

2.5 Expansion slots ..........................................................................

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................

1-1

1-2

1-2

1-4

1-6

1-7

2-4

2-4

2-4

2-5

2-5

2-6

2-8

2-9

2-11

2-13

2-15

2-16

2-16

2-17

2-20

2-20

2-21

2-21

iii

Contents

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-21

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ...................................................

2.5.4 PCI slots ........................................................................

2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots .....................................................

2.5.6 PCI Express x16 slots ...................................................

2.6 Slide switch ................................................................................

2.7 Audio card, I/O shield, and LCD Poster installation ...............

2.7.1 Audio card Installation ...................................................

2.7.2 I/O shield and LCD Poster Installation ..........................

2.8 Connectors .................................................................................

2.8.1 Rear panel connectors ..................................................

2.8.2 Internal connectors .......................................................

2.8.3 Onboard switches .........................................................

2.8.4 Installing Fusion Block System accessory ....................

Chapter 3: Powering up

3.1 Starting up for the rst time ........................................................ 3-1

3.2 Turning off the computer .............................................................

3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function ....................................

3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch ..............................

2-22

2-23

2-23

2-23

2-24

2-25

2-25

2-26

2-27

2-27

2-29

2-38

2-39

3-2

3-2

3-2

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1

4.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................

4.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ...................................................

4.1.3 AFUDOS utility ................................................................

4.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ......................................

4.2 BIOS setup program ....................................................................

4.2.1 BIOS menu screen ..........................................................

4.2.2 Menu bar .........................................................................

4.2.3 Navigation keys ...............................................................

4.2.4 Menu items ...................................................................

4.2.5 Sub-menu items ............................................................

4.2.6 Conguration elds .......................................................

4.2.7 Pop-up window .............................................................

4.2.8 Scroll bar .......................................................................

iv

4-1

4-4

4-5

4-7

4-8

4-9

4-9

4-9

4-10

4-10

4-10

4-10

4-10

Contents

4.2.9 General help ................................................................. 4-10

4.3 Main menu ..................................................................................

4.3.1 System Time ..................................................................

4.3.2 System Date ..................................................................

4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ..........................................................

4.3.4 Language .......................................................................

4.3.5

4.3.6 SATA Conguration .......................................................

4.3.7 AHCI Conguration .......................................................

4.3.8 System Information .......................................................

4.4 Extreme Tweaker menu .............................................................

4.4.1 Congure System Performance Settings ......................

4.5 Advanced menu .........................................................................

4.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................

4.5.2 Chipset ..........................................................................

4.5.3 OnBoard Devices Conguration ...................................

4.5.4 USB Conguration ........................................................

4.5.5 PCI PnP ........................................................................

4.6 Power menu ................................................................................

4.6.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] ...................................................

4.6.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ........................................

4.6.3 ACPI Version .................................................................

4.6.4 ACPI APIC Support .......................................................

4.6.5 APM Conguration ........................................................

4.6.6 Hardware Monitor .........................................................

4.7 Boot menu ..................................................................................

4.7.1 Boot Device Priority ......................................................

4.7.2 Boot Settings Conguration ..........................................

4.7.3 Security .........................................................................

4.8 Tools menu .................................................................................

4.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ..........................................................

4.8.2 ASUS O.C. Prole .........................................................

4.8.3 Ai Net 2 .........................................................................

4.9 Exit menu ....................................................................................

SATA 1-6 ..........................................................................................4-12

4-11

4-11

4-11

4-11

4-11

4-13

4-14

4-15

4-16

4-16

4-23

4-23

4-25

4-26

4-27

4-28

4-29

4-29

4-29

4-29

4-29

4-30

4-31

4-35

4-35

4-36

4-37

4-39

4-39

4-40

4-41

4-42

Chapter 5: Software support

5.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1

v

Contents

5.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 5-1

5.2.1 Running the support DVD ...............................................

5.2.2 Drivers menu ...................................................................

5.2.3 Utilities menu ..................................................................

5.2.4 Make Disk menu .............................................................

5.2.5 Manuals menu ................................................................

5.2.6 Video menu .....................................................................

5.2.7 ASUS Contact information ..............................................

5.2.8 Other information ............................................................

5.3 Software information ...................................................................

5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo3™ ...........................................................

5.3.2 AI NET 2

5.3.3 AI Audio 2 (SoundMAX

5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II .........................................................

5.3.5 ASUS AI Suite ...............................................................

5.3.6 ASUS EPU Utility—AI Gear 3 .......................................

5.3.7 ASUS AI Nap ................................................................

5.3.8 ASUS Q-Fan 2 ..............................................................

5.3.9 ASUS AI Booster ...........................................................

5.3.10 CPU Level Up ...............................................................

5.4 RAID congurations ..................................................................

5.4.1 RAID denitions ............................................................

5.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks .....................................

5.4.3 Intel

5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk .......................................................

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

5.5.2 Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows

.........................................................................5-11

®

High Denition Audio utility) ... 5-12

®

RAID congurations ............................................. 5-35

®

............ 5-43

5-1

5-2

5-3

5-5

5-6

5-6

5-7

5-7

5-9

5-9

5-21

5-27

5-29

5-30

5-31

5-32

5-33

5-34

5-34

5-35

5-43

5-43

Appendix: CPU features

A.1 Intel® EM64T ..................................................................................A-1

®

A.2 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep

A.2.1 System requirements ......................................................

A.2.2 Using the EIST ................................................................

®

A.3 Intel

Hyper-Threading Technology ...........................................A-3

Using the Hyper-Threading Technology ........................................ A-3

A.4 Debug Code Table ........................................................................

vi

Technology (EIST) ........................A-1

A-1

A-2

A-4

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.

vii

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 adpater or extension cord.
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.

•

Make sure 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, make sure 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.

viii

This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical
and electronic equipment, and mercury-containing button cell battery) should
not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of
electronic products.

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: Powering up

This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down
the system.

• Chapter 4: 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 5: Software support

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

• Appendix: CPU features

The Appendix describes the CPU features and technologies that the
motherboard supports as well as 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.

ix

Conventions used in this guide

To make sure 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+D>

Command Means that you must type the command exactly as

shown, then supply the required item or value enclosed
in brackets.

Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:

afudos /i[lename]

afudos /iFormula.ROM

x

Maximus Formula (Special Edition) /

Maximus Formula specications summary

CPU LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™2 Quad /

Chipset Intel® X38 / ICH9R with Intel® Fast Memory Access

System Bus 1600/1333/1066/800 MHz

Memory Dual-channel memory architecture

Expansion Slots 2 x PCIe x16 slots (@ full x16, x16 speed)

CrossFire™ Technology Supports ATI CrossFire™ graphics cards

Storage Southbridge

LAN Dual Gigabit LAN controllers, both featuring AI NET 2

High Denition Audio SupremeFX II Audio Card

IEEE 1394 2 x IEEE 1394a ports (one at midboard; one at back

USB 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at midboard, 6 ports at back

Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® Extreme /
Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 processors
Supports Intel® next-generation 45nm multi-core CPUs
Compatible with Intel® 06/05B/05A processors
* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list

Technology

- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered ECC /
non-ECC DDR2 1200*/1066/800/667MHz memory
modules

- Supports up to 8 GB system memory
*The DDR2 frequency reaches 1200 MHz after
overclocking.
*Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the

Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists).

3 x PCIe x1 (PCIEX1_1 (black) is compatible with the
audio slot.)
2 x PCI 2.2 slots

- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports

- Intel® Matrix Storage Technology supports RAID 0,
1, 5, and 10

JMicron® JMB368 PATA controller

- 1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 for up to 2 PATA devices

Supports Teaming Technology

- ADI 1988B 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC

- Noise Filter
Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF Out ports at back I/O

panel)

panel)

(continued on the next page)

xi

Maximus Formula (Special Edition) /

Maximus Formula specications summary

ROG Exclusive
Overclocking features

ROG Special Features LCD Poster

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

Internal I/O Connectors 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports

Fusion Block System
Extreme Tweaker
2-Phase DDR2
ASUS EPU
Loadline Calibration
Intelligent overclocking tools:

- CPU Level Up

- AI Gear 3

- AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)

- AI Booster Utility

- O.C. Prole
Overclocking protection:

- COP EX (Component Overheat Protection -EX)

- Voltiminder LED

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

Onboard Switches: Power / Reset / Clr CMOS (at rear
panel)
ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS Q-Fan 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS MyLogo 3™

1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial + Optical)
1 x IEEE1394a port
2 x LAN (RJ45) ports
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x Clr CMOS switch

1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector for two devices
6 x SATA connectors
8 x Fan connectors (1 x CPU / 1 x Power / 3 x Chassis /
3 x Optional)
3 x Thermal sensor connectors
1 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x Chassis Intrusion connector
24-pin ATX Power connector
8-pin ATX 12V Power connector
1 x En/Dis-able Clr CMOS
1 x LCD Poster connector
1 x System panel connector
1 x Power-on switch
1 x Reset switch

(for Special Edition only)

(continued on the next page)

xii

Maximus Formula (Special Edition) /

Maximus Formula specications summary

BIOS Features 16 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,

Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, Chassis Intrusion, PXE

Accessories Fusion Block System Accessory

Software The hottest 3D game: S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

Form Factor ATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI 2.0a Multi-Language BIOS

(for Special Edition only)

LCD Poster
ASUS Optional Fan
SupremeFX II Audio Card
3 in 1 ASUS Q-connector kit
UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable
Floppy disk drive cable
Serial ATA cables
Serial ATA power cables
2-port USB2.0 + IEEE 1394a module
I/O Shield
Cable ties
User's manual

Support DVD:
Drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
ASUS AI Suite
Futuremark® 3DMark® 06 Advanced Edition
Kaspersky® Anti-virus software

xiii

xiv

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

Product

1

introduction

Chapter summary

1

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

1.2 Package contents .........................................................................

1.3 Special features ............................................................................

1-1

1-2

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus
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.

Motherboard ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) /
Maximus Formula

I/O module USB 2.0 + IEEE 1394a module

Cables Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
Floppy disk drive cable
Serial ATA cables
Serial ATA power cables

Accessories I/O shield
ASUS Optional Fan
Fusion Block System Accessory (for Special Edition
only)
LCD Poster
SupremeFX II Audio Card
3-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector Kit
Cable ties

Application DVD/CD ROG motherboard support DVD
The hottest game: S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

Documentation User guide

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

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus 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.

Intel® Quad-core Processor ready

This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Quad-core processors in the LGA775
package and Intel’s next-generation 45nm multi-core processors. It is excellent for

multi-tasking, multi-media and enthusiastic gamers with 1333/1066/800 MHz FSB.

Intel® Quad-core processor is one of the most powerful CPU in the world. See
page 2-8 for details.

Intel® Core™2 Duo/ Intel® Core™2 Extreme CPU support

This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core™2 processor in the LGA775
package and Intel’s next-generation 45nm multi-core processors. With the new
Intel® Core™ microarchitecture technology and 1333/1066/800 MHz FSB, the
Intel® Core™2 is one of the most powerful and energy efcient CPUs in the world.
See page 2-8 for details.

Intel® X38 Chipset

The Intel® X38 Express Chipset is the latest chipset designed to support 8GB of
dual-channel DDR2 1066/800/677 architecture, 1333/1066/800 FSB (Front Side
Bus), dual PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphics, and multi-core CPUs. With the specially
included Intel® Fast Memory Access technology, available memory bandwidth

usage is optimized and memory access latency is reduced—allowing faster

memory speed.

ATI CrossFire™ Technology

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

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

Native DDR2 1066 memory support

To attain top performance, ASUS engineers have successfully unleashed the
true potential of DDR2 memory. While in DDR2 1066 mode, ASUS’s exclusive
technology offers a choice of FSB 1333, providing great performance for 3D
graphics and other memory demanding applications. See page 2-16 for details.

Dual-channel DDR2 800 memory support

The motherboard supports DDR2 memory that features data transfer rates of

800/667 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D graphics,

multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR2 architecture
doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance,
eliminating bottlenecks with peak bandwidths of up to 12.8 GB/s. Furthermore, this

motherboard does not restrict the memory size across two channels. Users may
install different memory size DIMMs into the two channels and enjoy dual-channel
and single-channel functions at the same time. This new feature optimizes the use
of available memory size. See page 2-16 for details.

ASUS Super Memspeed Technology

To attain top performance, ASUS has managed to break through current FSB

and DRAM ratio proportions by utilizing Super Memspeed Technology–the latest

technology that provides even more precise overclocking options to unleash the

true potential of DDR2 memory. The DDR2 Mode maximizes system performance
by eliminating the bottleneck when overclocking both the CPU and memory–

providing great performance for 3D graphics and other memory demanding
applications. See page 2-16 for details.

Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology

This motherboard supports the next-generation hard drives based on the Serial

ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specication, delivering enhanced scalability and

doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. See page
2-30 for details.

Dual Gigabit LAN

The integrated dual Gigabit LAN design allows a PC to serve as a network

gateway for managing trafc between two separate networks. This capability

ensures rapid transfer of data from WAN to LAN without any added arbitration or
latency. See page 2-27 for details.

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 1-3

IEEE 1394a support

The IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video
appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals
& other PC portable devices. See pages 2-28 and 2-32 for details.

High Denition Audio

Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High

Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality
192KHz/24-bit audio output, jack-sensing feature, retasking functions, and multi-

streaming technology that simultaneously sends different audio streams to different
destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphones while playing
multi-channel network games. See pages 2-28 for details.

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.

1.3.2 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features

Fusion Block System

The Fusion Block System is a more efcient thermal solution compared to

competing followers with complicated looks. It is a hybrid thermal design that
combines the ROG’s renowned heatpipe design with the additional ability to
connect to a water cooling system. By taking the entire integrated solution into
design considerations, the user can enjoy exceptional thermal improvement
to the northbridge and southbridge with a single connection. The Fusion Block

System is the most veratile, efcient, and advanced thermal system there is on a

motherboard.

(for Special Edition only)

CPU Level Up

Ever wish that you could have a more expansive CPU? Upgrade your CPU at no
additional cost with ROG’s CPU Level Up! Simply choose a 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. See pages
4-16 and 4-17 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

ASUS EPU

The ASUS EPU utilizes innovative technology to digitally monitor and tune the

CPU power supply with improved VR responses in heavy or light loadings. It

automatically provides power for higher performance or improve efciency by 7%

when the PC is running low intensity applications. Working together with AI Gear 3,

this can help you attain the best possible power efciency and energy savings up
to 20% to help save the environment. See page 5-29 for details.

2-Phase DDR2

With the embedded 2-Phase DDR2, this motherboard allows users to reach higher
memory frequencies and enjoy better performance. Compared with only one phase
solutions, this motherboard ensures longer power component lifespans and higher

overclockability due to cooler temperatures and better efciency.

Extreme Tweaker

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! See page 4-16 for details.

Voltiminder LED

In the persuit 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. See pages 2-1

to 2-3 for details.

Component Overheat Protection -EX (COP EX)

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.

AI Booster

The ASUS AI Booster allows you to overclock the CPU speed in Windows
environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. See page 5-32 for details.

ASUS O.C. Prole

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

settings. See page 4-40 for details.

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 1-5

C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

When the system hangs due to overclocking failure, there is no need to open the
system chassis to clear CMOS data. Simply reboot the system, and the BIOS
automatically restores the CPU default settings for each parameter.

Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is required before using C.P.R.
function.

1.3.3 ROG unique features

Supreme FX II features

Supreme FX II delivers an excellent high denition audio experience to the gamers

of ROG. The SupremeFX II features unique audio innovations for gamers to spot
enemies in 3D environment during game play. SupremeFX II also provides a

special tool to emphasize human voices in games to help make dialogues clearer.

Noise Filter

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

External LCD Poster

The new LCD Poster now posts critical POST information in an ever friendly

and exible external display. When system malfunction occurs, the LCD Poster

automatically detects device failure and translates the errors on the LCD during
POST. Unlike other competing 2 digit displays, users do not need to read

“gibberish” to nd out what is wrong. See page 2-26 for details.

Onboard Switches

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. See page 2-38 for details.

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the
overclocking capability.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Fanless Design–Heat-pipe

The ASUS fanless design allows multi-directional heat ow from major

thermal sources in the motherboard to lower overall system temperature,
resulting in quieter operation and longer system life. ASUS has devoted
special efforts to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and
most notably in the following areas: CPU, power, VGA, Northbridge and
Southbridge. The heat pipe, heatsink, and strategic board layout were tailor

made to dissipate heat in the most efcient manner.

Fanless Design–Stack Cool 2

ASUS Stack Cool 2 is a fan-less and zero-noise cooling solution that lowers

the temperature of critical heat generating components. The motherboard
uses a special design on the printed circuit board (PCB) to dissipate heat
these critical components generate.

1.3.4 ASUS special features

AI Gear 3

With a manual or automatic mode, AI Gear 3 allows users to choose from

four proles to adjust CPU frequency and vCore voltage—“Turbo Mode,”

“High Performance Mode,” “Medium Power Saving Mode,” and “Max Power
Saving Mode.” As a digital solution, AI Gear 3 is very precise and can
automatically detect current CPU loading, dynamically overclocking the CPU
speed in real time and lowering the voltage for power saving during light
loading. With this power saving mode, users can make real-time changes in

the operating system and can save up to 62% CPU power in light loading.

See page 5-29 for details.

AI Nap

With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise
when you are temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS
environment, simply click the mouse or press a key. See page 5-30 for
details.

ASUS Q-Fan 2

ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan

speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efcient operation.

See pages 4-32 and 5-31 for details.

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 1-7

Optional Fan

The optional fan is specically designed to provide sufcient airow over the

CPU power modules and chipset area when water-cooling or passive-cooling

is utilized, ensuring effective heat dissipation for the entire system. See

pages 2-15 and 2-33 for details.

ASUS MyLogo 3

ASUS MyLogo 3 is a new feature present in the motherboard that allows you

to personalize and add style to your system with customizable and animated

boot logos. See page 5-9 for details.

ASUS Multi-language BIOS

The multi-language BIOS allows you to select the language of your choice

from the available options. The localized BIOS menus allow easier and faster
conguration. See page 4-11 for details.

(for water-cooling/passive-cooling only)

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-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. See pages 2-37 for details.

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. See pages 4-4 and 4-39 for details.

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. See page 4-7 for details.

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.

information

Hardware

2

Chapter summary

2

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

2.2 Motherboard overview .................................................................

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................

2.4 System memory .........................................................................

2.5 Expansion slots ..........................................................................

2.6 Switch ..........................................................................................

2.7 Aduio card, I/O shield, and LCD Poster Installation ...............

2.8 Connectors .................................................................................

2-4

2-8

2-16

2-21

2-22

2-25

2-27

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula

2.1 Before you proceed

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA CPU LED

CPU_CRAZY
CPU_HIGH
CPU_NORMAL

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.

• Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal
object, such as the power supply case, before handling components 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, ensurethat 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, and/or components.

Onboard LEDs

The motherboard comes with LEDs that indicate the voltage conditions of CPU,
memory, northbridge, and southbridge. You may adjust the voltages in BIOS. There
are also an LED for hard disk drive activity and an onboard switch for power status.
For more information about voltage adjustment, refer to 4.4 Extreme Tweaker
menu.

1. CPU LED

The CPU LED has two voltage displays: CPU Voltage and CPU PLL Voltage;

you can select the voltage to display in BIOS. Refer to the illustration below

for the location of the CPU LED and the table below for LED denition.

Normal (green) High (yellow) Crazy (red)

CPU Voltage

CPU PLL Voltage

1.10000~1.50000 1.50625~1.69375 1.70000~

1.50000~1.60000 1.62000~1.80000 1.82000~

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-1

2. Memory LED

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA DDR LED

DDR_CRAZY
DDR_HIGH
DDR_NORMAL

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA North/South Bridge LED

NB_CRAZY
NB_HIGH
NB_NORMAL

SB_CRAZY
SB_HIGH
SB_NORMAL

Refer to the illustration below for the location of the memory LED and the

table below for LED denition.

Normal (green) High (yellow) Crazy (red)

DRAM Voltage

1.80~2.20 2.22~2.60 2.62~

3. Northbridge/Southbridge LEDs

The northbridge and southbridge LEDs each have two different voltage

displays. The northbridge LED displays either the North Bridge Voltage or
the FSB Termination Voltage. The southbridge LED shows either the South
Bridge Voltage or the SB 1.5V Voltage. You can select the voltage to display
in BIOS. Refer to the illustration below for the location of the northbridge/

southbridge LEDs and the table below for LED denition.

North Bridge Voltage

FSB Termination Voltage

South Bridge Voltage

SB 1.5V Voltage

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Normal (green) High (yellow) Crazy (red)

1.25~1.49 1.51~1.73 1.73~

1.20~1.40 1.42~1.60 1.62~

1.050~1.125 1.150~1.175 1.200~

1.50~1.60 1.65~1.85 1.90~

4. Hard Disk LED

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA Hard Disk LED

HD_LED

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA Power on switch

The hard disk LED is designed to indicate the hard disk activity. It blinks when

data is being written into or read from the hard disk drive. The LED does not
light up when there is no hard disk drive connected to the motherboard or
when the hard disk drive does not function.

5. Power LED

The motherboard comes with a power-on switch that lights up to indicate

that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder
that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before
removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below
shows the location of the onboard power-on switch.

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-3

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

2.2 Motherboard overview

Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to
ensure that the motherboard ts into it.

Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the
motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage
motherboard components.

2.2.1 Placement direction

When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the
correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis
as indicated in the image below.

2.2.2 Screw holes

Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard
to the chassis.

DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

Place this side towards

the rear of the chassis

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information

PANEL

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

CHASSIS

24.5cm (9.6in)

30.5cm (12.0in)

CPU_FAN

DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit,240-pin module)

OPT_FAN3

FLOPPY

Super

I/O

CLRTC_SW

Intel

®

ICH9R

EATXPWR

CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

Intel

®

X38

KB_USB56

LAN2_USB34

JMB368

CHA_FAN1

SPDIF_OUT

LGA775

IE1394_2

USB78

EATX12V

PWR_FAN

DDR2 DIMM_A2 (64 bit,240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64 bit,240-pin module)

CHA_FAN2

BIOS

PCIEX1_2

PCIEX1_3

PCI1

PCIEX16_1

PCIEX16_2

PCI2

SATA56

SATA34

SATA12

LAN1_USB12

VIA

VT6308P

OPT_TEMP3

CHA_FAN3

ADH

DDR_CRAZY

DDR_HIGH

DDR_NORMAL

USB910

OPT_FAN2

OPT_TEMP2

CLR_CMOS

CPU_CRAZY
CPU_HIGH
CPU_NORMAL

PWR_SW

RST_SW

PRI_EIDE

SPDIF_O12

E1394

LCD_CON

SB_CRAZY

SB_HIGH

SB_NORMAL

NB_CRAZY
NB_HIGH
NB_NORMAL

HD_LED

PCIEX1_1

88E8056

88E8056

USB1112

SB_PWR

OPT_FAN1

OPT_TEMP1

SUPREMEFX II

Listen with Absolute HD

2.2.3 Motherboard layout

Refer to

2.8 Connectors

internal connectors.

2.2.4 Audio card layout

for more information about rear panel connectors and

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-5

2.2.5 Layout contents

Slots Page

1. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-16

2. PCI slots

3. PCI Express x 1 slots

4. PCI Express x 16 slots 2-23

Switch Page

1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC_SW) 2-24

Rear panel connectors Page

1. PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 2-27

2. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port

3. LAN 2 (RJ-45) port

4. LAN 1 (RJ-45) port

5.* Line In port (light blue)

6.* Line Out port (lime)

7.* Microphone port (pink)

8.* Center/Subwoofer port (orange)

9.* Rear Speaker Out port (black)

10.* Side Speaker Out port (gray)

11. USB 2.0 ports 1, 2, 3 and 4

12. IEEE 1394a port

13. Clear CMOS switch

14. Optical S/PDIF Out port

15. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6

2-23

2-23

2-27

2-27

2-27

2-28

2-28

2-28

2-28

2-28

2-28

2-28

2-28

2-28

2-28

2-28

*These audio ports are on the Supreme FX II audio card.

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Internal connectors Page

1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2- 29

2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE)

3. ICH9R Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1~6)

4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112)

5. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)

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

7. CPU, chassis, and optional fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1~3, 3-pin PWR_FAN,
3-pin OPT_FAN1~3)

8. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)

9. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)

10. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT, for ASUS HDMI
VGA card)

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

Onboard switches Page

1. Power-on switch 2-38

2. Reset switch

2- 29

2- 30

2- 31

2- 32

2- 32

2- 33

2- 34

2- 34

2- 35

2-36

2-38

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-7

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed for the
Intel® Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 /
Pentium® Extreme processors.

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

• If installing a dual-core CPU, connect the chassis fan cable to the
CHA_FAN1 connector to ensure system stability.

•

Upon purchase of the motherboard, make sure 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 LGA775 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.

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.1 Installing the CPU

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA CPU Socket 775

To install a CPU:

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

Before installing the CPU, make sure that the cam box is facing towards you
and the load lever is on your left.

2. Press the load lever with your thumb (A), then move it to the left (B) until it is
released from the retention tab.

Retention tab

Load lever

To prevent damage to the socket pins, do not remove the PnP cap unless you
are installing a CPU.

3. Lift the load lever in the direction of
the arrow to a 135º angle.

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-9

A

PnP cap

B

This side of the socket box
should face you.

4. Lift the load plate with your thumb

and forenger to a 100º angle (A),

then push the PnP cap from the load
plate window to remove (B).

Alignment key

5. Position the CPU over the
socket, making sure that
the gold triangle is on the
bottom-left corner of the

socket then t the socket

alignment key into the
CPU notch.

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!

CPU notch

Gold triangle mark

B

A

Load plate

6. Close the load plate (A), then

A

push the load lever (B) until it
snaps into the retention tab.

7. If installing a dual-core CPU,
connect the chassis fan cable

B

to the CHA_FAN1 connector to
ensure system stability.

The motherboard supports Intel® LGA775 processors with the Intel® Enhanced
Memory 64 Technology (EM64T), Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology
(EIST), and Hyper-Threading Technology. Refer to the Appendix for more
information on these CPU features.

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan

The Intel® LGA775 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan
assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.

•

When you buy a boxed Intel® processor, the package includes the CPU fan
and heatsink assembly. If you buy a CPU separately, make sure that you
use only Intel®-certied multi-directional heatsink and fan.

•

Your Intel® LGA775 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design
and requires no tool to install.

•

If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make sure
that you have properly applied Thermal Interface Material to the CPU
heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.

Make sure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before you
install the CPU fan and heatsink assembly.

To install the CPU heatsink and fan:

1. Place the heatsink on top of the
installed CPU, making sure that the
four fasteners match the holes on
the motherboard.

Orient the heatsink and fan
assembly such that the CPU fan
cable is closest to the CPU fan
connector.

Motherboard hole

Fastener

Narrow end
of the groove

Make sure to orient each fastener with the narrow end of the groove pointing
outward. (The photo shows the groove shaded for emphasis.)

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-11

2. Push down two fasteners at a time

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA CPU fan connector

CPU_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

in a diagonal sequence to secure
the heatsink and fan assembly in
place.

B

A

A

A

B

B

A

B

3. Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled
CPU_FAN.

DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors
can occur if you fail to plug this connector.

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan:

1. Disconnect the CPU fan cable from
the connector on the motherboard.

2. Rotate each fastener
counterclockwise.

3. Pull up two fasteners at a time in
a diagonal sequence to disengage
the heatsink and fan assembly from
the motherboard.

A

B

A

A

B

B

A

B

4. Carefully remove the heatsink
and fan assembly from the
motherboard.

ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-13

5. Rotate each fastener clockwise to
ensure correct orientation when
reinstalling.

The narrow end of the
groove should point outward
after resetting. (The photo
shows the groove shaded for
emphasis.)

Narrow end of the groove

Refer to the documentation in the boxed or stand-alone CPU fan package for
detailed information on CPU fan installation.

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.4 Installing the optional fans

Install the optional fan only if you are using a passive cooler or a water cooler.

Installing the optional fan with an active CPU cooler will interfere with the airow
and destabilize the system.

Optional fan on one side ns

1. Position the fan above the pipe
and heatsink assembly.

3. Carefully push down the fan until

it snugly ts the heatsink, then

connect the fan cable.

2. Fit the fan to the grooved edge of
the heatsink.

4. The photo shows the fan installed
on the motherboard.

•

Plug the optional fan cables to any of the CHA_FAN1, CHA_FAN3, and
PWR_FAN connectors on the motherboard.

•

Make sure the optional fan is installed correctly to prevent damage to the fan
and motherboard components.

ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-15

2.4 System memory

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets

DIMM_A2

DIMM_A1

DIMM_B2

DIMM_B1

2.4.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory
Modules (DIMM) sockets.

The gure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:

Channel Sockets

Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2

Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2

• This chipset ofcially supports DDR2-800 MHz. With the ASUS Super

Memspeed Technology, this motherboard natively supports up to

DDR2-1066 MHz. See the table below.

FSB DDR2

1333 1066*

1333 800

1333 667

1066 1066*

1066 800

1066 667

• *If you install a DDR2-1066 memory module, make sure that you set the

DRAM Frequency item in BIOS to [DDR2-1066MHz]. See section 4.4
Extreme Tweaker menu for details.

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.4.2 Memory congurations

You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC
DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

Recommended Memory Congurations

Mode

Single-Channel

Dual-channel (1)

Dual-channel (2)

• 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 optimum compatibility,
it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.

• If you install four 1 GB memory modules, the system may only recognize less

than 3GB because the address space is reserved for other critical functions.
This limitation appears on Windows® XP/Vista 32-bit operation system which
does not support Physical Address Extension (PAE).

• If you install Windows
less than 3GB is recommended.

• This motherboard does not support memory modules made up of 128 Mb
chips.

Notes on memory limitations

• Due to chipset limitation, this motherboard can only support up to
8 GB on the operating systems listed below. You may install a maximum of
2 GB DIMMs on each slot.

Sockets

DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2

Populated – – –

– – Populated –

Populated – Populated –

Populated Populated Populated Populated

®

XP/Vista 32-bit operation system, a total memory of

64-bit

Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition

Windows® Vista x64 Edition

• Some old-version DDR2-800 DIMMs may not match Intel®’s
On-Die-Termination (ODT) requirement and will automatically downgrade
to run at DDR2-667. If this happens, contact your memory vendor to check
the ODT value.

• Due to chipset limitation, DDR2-800 with CL=4 will be downgraded to run
at DDR2-667 by default setting. If you want to operate with lower latency,
adjust the memory timing manually.

ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-17

Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula
Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR2-800 MHz capability

Size Vendor Chip No.

512MB KINGSTON K4T51083QC SS KVR800D2N5/512 • • •
1024MB KINGSTON Heat-Sink Package DS KHX6400D2LL/1G • •
1024MB KINGSTON Heat-Sink Package SS KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN •
1024MB KINGSTON V59C1512804QBF25 DS KVR800D2N5/1G • • •
1024MB KINGSTON Heat-Sink Package SS KHX6400D2ULK2/1G • • •
2048MB KINGSTON Heat-Sink Package DS KHX6400D2ULK2/2G • • •
512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF25F SS HYS64T64000HU-25F-B • • •
1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF25F DS HYS64T128020HU-25F-B • • •
512MB Hynix HY5PS12821CFP-S5 SS HYMP564U64CP8-S5 • • •
1024MB Hynix HY5PS12821CFP-S5 DS HYMP512U64CP8-S5 • • •
512MB MICRON D9GKX SS MT8HTF6464AY-80ED4 • • •
1024MB MICRON D9GKX DS MT16HTF12864AY-80ED4 • • •
1024MB CORSAIR Heat-Sink Package DS CM2X1024-6400C4 • • •
1024MB ELPIDA E1108AB-8E-E(ECC) SS EBE10EE8ABFA-8E-E • • •
2048MB ELPIDA E1108AB-8E-E(ECC) DS EBE21EE8ABFA-8E-E • • •
512MB Crucial Heat-Sink Package SS BL6464AA804.8FD • • •
1024MB Crucial Heat-Sink Package DS BL12864AA804.16FD • • •
1024MB Crucial Heat-Sink Package DS BL12864AL804.16FD3 • • •
1024MB Crucial Heat-Sink Package DS BL12864AA804.16FD3 • • •
512MB Apacer Heat-Sink Package DS AHU512E800C5K1C • • •
1024MB Apacer Heat-Sink Package DS AHU01GE800C5K1C • • •
512MB A-DATA AD29608A8A-25EG SS M2OAD6G3H3160G1E53 • •
1024MB A-DATA AD26908A8A-25EG DS M2OAD6G3I4170I1E58 •
512MB KINGMAX KKA8FEIBF-HJK-25A SS KLDC28F-A8KI5 • • •
1024MB KINGMAX KKA8FEIBF-HJK-25A DS KLDD48F-ABKI5 • •
512MB Transcend HY5PS12821CFP-S5 SS TS64MLQ64V8J • • •
1024MB Transcend HY5PS12821CFP-S5 DS TS128MLQ64V8J • • •
512MB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package SS T800UA12C4 • •
1024MB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package DS T800UB1GC4 • • •
512MB NANYA NT5TU64M8BE-25C SS NT512T64U880BY-25C • • •
1024MB NANYA NT5TU64M8BE-25C DS NT1GT64U8HB0BY-25C • • •
512MB PSC A3R12E3HEF641B9A05 SS AL6E8E63B8E1K • • •
1024MB PSC A3R12E3HEF641B9A05 DS AL7E8E63B-8E1K • •
256MB TwinMOS E2508AB-GE-E SS 8G-24IK2-EBT • • •
1024MB Elixir N2TU51280BE-25C DS M2Y1G64TU8HB0B-25C • •

SS/
DS

Part No.

DIMM support
A* B* C*

•

• A*: Supports one module inserted in any slot as Single-channel memory

conguration.

• B*: Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the blue slots or the

white slots as one pair of Dual-channel memory conguration.

• C*: Supports 4 modules inserted into both the blue and white slots as two

pairs of Dual-channel memory conguration.

Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR2-800/667MHz QVL.

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula
Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR2-667MHz capability

Size Vendor Chip No.

256MB KINGSTON HYB18T256800AF3S SS KVR667D2N5/256 • •
256MB KINGSTON 6SBI2D9DCG SS KVR667D2N5/256 • • •
512MB KINGSTON D6408TEBGGL3U SS KVR667D2N5/512 • • •
2048MB KINGSTON E1108AB-6E-E DS KVR667D2N5/2G • • •
1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF3S(ECC) DS HYS72T128020HU-3S-B • • •
512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF3S SS HYS64T64000HU-3S-B • •
1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF3S DS HYS64T128020HU-3S-B • • •
256MB SAMSUNG K4T51163QE-ZCE6 SS M378T3354EZ3-CE6 • • •
512MB SAMSUNG K4T51083QE DS M378T6553EZS-CE6 • • •
1024MB SAMSUNG K4T51083QE DS M378T2953EZ3-CE6 • • •
256MB Hynix HY5PS121621CFP-Y5 SS HYMP532U64CP6-Y5 • • •
1024MB Hynix HY5PS12821CFP-Y5 DS HYMP512U64CP8-Y5 • • •
256MB CORSAIR MIII00605 SS VS256MB667D2 • • •
512MB CORSAIR 64M8CFEG SS VS512MB667D2 • • •
1024MB CORSAIR 64M8CFEG DS VS1GB667D2 • • •
256MB ELPIDA E2508AB-6E-E SS EBE25UC8ABFA-6E-E • • •
512MB A-DATA AD29608A8A-3EG SS M2OAD5G3H3166I1C52 • •
1024MB A-DATA AD29608A8A-3EG DS M2OAD5G3I4176I1C52 • •
2048MB A-DATA NT5TU128M8BJ-3C DS M2ONY5H3J4170I1C5Z • •
512MB crucial Heat-Sink Package SS BL6464AA663.8FD •
1024MB crucial Heat-Sink Package DS BL12864AA663.16FD • •
1024MB crucial Heat-Sink Package DS BL12864AL664.16FD • • •
512MB Apacer AM4B5708GQJS7E0628F SS AU512E667C5KBGC • • •
1024MB Apacer AM4B5708GQJS7E DS AU01GE667C5KBGC • • •
512MB Transcend K4T51083QE SS TS64MLQ64V6J • • •
1024MB Transcend K4T51083QE DS TS128MLQ64V6J • • •
256MB Kingmax N2TU51216AG-3C SS KLCB68F-36KH5 • • •
512MB Kingmax KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX SS KLCC28F-A8KB5 • • •
1024MB Kingmax KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX DS KLCD48F-A8KB5 • •
512MB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package SS T6UA512C5 • • •
1024MB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package DS T6UB1GC5 • • •
2048MB NANYA NT5TU128M8BJ-3C DS NT2GT64U8HB0JY-3C • • •
512MB NANYA NT5TU64M8BE-3C SS NT512T64U88B0BY-3C • • •
512MB PSC A3R12E3GEF637BLC5N SS AL6E8E63B-6E1K • • •
1024MB PSC A3R12E3GEF637BLC5N DS AL7E8E63B-6E1K • • •
512MB TwinMOS TMM6208G8M30C SS 8D-23JK5M2ETP • •

SS/
DS

Part No.

DIMM support
A* B* C*

•

ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-19

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM

Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other
system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the
motherboard and the components.

To install a DIMM:

1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing
the retaining clips outward.

2. Align a DIMM on the socket
such that the notch on the DIMM
matches the break on the socket.

3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the

1

socket until the retaining clips
snap back in place and the DIMM
is properly seated.

• A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it ts in only one direction. Do

not force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.

• The DDR2 DIMM sockets do not support DDR DIMMs. Do not install DDR
DIMMs to the DDR2 DIMM sockets.

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM:

1. Simultaneously press the retaining
clips outward to unlock the DIMM.

3

DDR2 DIMM notch

Unlocked retaining clip

2

2

1

Support the DIMM lightly with

your ngers when pressing the

retaining clips. The DIMM might

get damaged when it ips out with

extra force.

1

DDR2 DIMM notch

1

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.5 Expansion slots

In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections
describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.

Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion
cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard
components.

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card

To install an expansion card:

1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with
it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.

2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a
chassis).

3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw
for later use.

4. Align the card connector with the slot and press rmly until the card is

completely seated on the slot.

5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.

6. Replace the system cover.

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, congure it by adjusting the software settings.

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See
Chapter 4 for information on BIOS setup.

2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share

IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conicts will

arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card
inoperable. Refer to the table on the next page for details.

ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-21

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments

IRQ Priority Standard function

0 1 System timer
1 2 Keyboard controller
2
3 11 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
4 12 Communications port (COM1)*
5 13 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
6 14 Floppy disk controller
7 15 Printer port (LPT1)*
8 3 System CMOS/Real Time Clock

9 4 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
10 5 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
11 6 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
12 7 PS/2 compatible mouse port*
13 8 Numeric data processor
14 9 SATA Primary IDE (legacy mode)
15 10 SATA Secondary IDE (legacy mode)

* These IRQs are usually available for PCI devices.

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

PCI slot 1 shared – – – – – – –
PCI slot 2 – shared – – – – – –
LAN (8056) shared – – – – – – –
SATA (368) shared – – – – – – –
LAN (8056) – shared – – – – – –
PCIe x16_1 shared – – – – – – –
PCIe x16_2 shared – – – – – – –
PCIe x1_1 – shared – – – – – –
PCIe x1_2 shared – – – – – – –
PCIe x1_3 – – shared – – – – –
USB controller 1 – – – – – – shared
USB controller 2 – – – shared – – – –
USB controller 3 – – shared – – – – –
USB controller 4 shared – – – – – – –
USB controller 5 – – – – – shared – –
USB controller 6 – – shared – – – – –
USB 2.0 controller 1 – – – – – – – shared
USB 2.0 controller 2 – – shared – – – – –
SATA controller 1 – – – – – – shared –
SATA controller 2 – – – – – – shared –

–

Re-direct to IRQ#9

A B C D E F G H

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.5.4 PCI slots

The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other

cards that comply with PCI specications. Refer to the gure below for the location

of the slots.

2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots

This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other

cards that comply with the PCI Express specications. Refer to the gure below for

the location of the slots.

• Install the audio card prior to other compatible cards to the black PCIe x1
slot.

• Install a PCIe x1 device to a PCIe x1 slot prior to a PCIe x16 slot.

2.5.6 PCI Express x16 slots

This motherboard supports two ATI CrossFire™ PCI Express x16 graphics cards

that comply with the PCI Express specications. Refer to the gure below for the

location of the slots.

Audio/PCI Express x1 slot

PCI slot

PCI Express x 16 slot

PCI Express x1 slot

• In CrossFire™ mode, install the ATI CrossFire™ Edition (Master) graphics
card on the primary PCI Express slot.

• Install two ATI graphics cards from the same GPU family that support
CrossFire™ mode.

• If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis
fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/3 for better
thermal environment. See page 2-36 for the connector location.

ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-23

PCI Express x1 slot

PCI slot

PCI Express x 16 slot

2.6 Slide switch

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA Clear RTC RAM

CLRTC_SW

DisableEnable

(Default)

1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC_SW)

This onboard slide switch allows you to enable the clr CMOS switch on the back
I/O. You can clear the CMOS memory and system setup parameters by erasing the
CMOS RTC RAM data. The clr CMOS switch on the back I/O helps you easily to
clear the system setup information such as system passwords.

To erase the RTC RAM:

1. Press down the

clr CMOS switch on the back I/O.

2. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to
re-enter data.

clr CMOS switch behavior

System power state G3* S5* S0 (DOS mode) S0 (OS mode) S1 S3 S4

Clearing CMOS

*G3: Power off without +5VSB power (AC power loss); S5: Power off with +5VSB power
**The system shuts dowm immediately.

• The clr CMOS switch will not function if the CLRTC_SW switch is moved

to the Disable position, but the shutdwon function in S0 mode (DOS mode)
still works.

• Make sure to re-enter your previous BIOS settings after you clear the
CMOS.

• You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to CPU
overclocking. With the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature, shut down
and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset CPU parameter

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information

settings to default values. If the system hangs due to overclocking of
memory timing or chipset voltage and the power button fails to function,
pressing down the clr CMOS switch will shut down the system and clear
CMOS simultaneously.

**

2.7 Audio card, I/O shield, and LCD Poster
installation

2.7.1 Audio card Installation

1. Take out the Audio card from the
package.

3. Align the card connector with the

slot and press rmly until the card

sits on the slot completely.

2. Locate the audio slot on the
motherboard.

4. The photo below shows the
audio card installed on the
motherboard.

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula

2-25

2.7.2 I/O shield and LCD Poster Installation

1. Install the I/O shield to the chassis rear panel. Orient the I/O shield so that

the openings of the ports t the motherboard rear ports. Snaps the I/O shield

into place.

2. Position the motherboard
I/O side toward the chassis
rear panel and install the
motherboard to the chassis.

Be cautious when installing
the I/O shield. The I/O shield
edge springs may damage
the I/O ports.

3. Thread the LCD Poster cable
through the opening until its
stopper snaps into place.

5. This photo shows the LCD
Poster installed. Place the
device wherever you can
monitor the screen.

4. Plug the LCD Poster cable into
the onboard connector labeled
LCD_CON.

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.8 Connectors

2

1

1415

3 4

5

1112

13

clr

CMOS

Line inMic inCen/SubRear-outSide-out Front-out

6

7

8

9

10

SPEED

LED

ACTIVITY/

LINK LED

LAN port

2.8.1 Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.

2. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port.

via a coaxial S/PDIF cable.

3. LAN 2 (RJ-45) port.

a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer
to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.

4. LAN 1 (RJ-45) port.

a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer
to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.

This port connects an external audio output device

This port allows Gigabit connection to

This port allows Gigabit connection to

32-bit OS LAN port LED indications

Activity/Link Speed LED Description

OFF OFF Soft-off Mode

YELLOW* OFF During Power ON/OFF

YELLOW* ORANGE 100 Mbps connection

* Blinking

64-bit OS LAN port LED indications

Activity/Link Speed LED Description

OFF OFF Soft-off Mode

YELLOW* OFF During Power ON/OFF

YELLOW* ORANGE 100 Mbps connection

YELLOW* GREEN 1 Gbps connection

* Blinking

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula

2-27

5. Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or

other audio sources.

6. Line Out port (lime).

This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In

4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel conguration, the function of this port

becomes Front Speaker Out.

7. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.

8. Center/Subwoofer port (orange).

This port connects the center/subwoofer

speakers.

Rear Speaker Out port (black). This port connects the rear speakers on a

9.

4-channel, 6-channel, or 8-channel audio conguration.

Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speakers in an

10.

8-channel audio conguration.

Refer to the audio conguration table on the next page for the function of the
audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration.

Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration

Port

Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In

Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In

Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer

Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Ou Rear Speaker Out

Gray – – – Side Speaker Out

Headset
2-channel

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

11. USB 2.0 ports 1, 2, 3 and 4. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

12. IEEE 1394a port.

This 6-pin IEEE 1394a port provides high-speed
connectivity for audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable
devices.

13. Clear CMOS switch. Press the clear CMOS switch to clear setup information

when the system hangs due to overclocking.

14. Optical S/PDIF Out port.

This port connects an external audio output device

via an optical S/PDIF cable.

15. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6.

These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are

available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.8.2 Internal connectors

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA Floppy disk drive connector

NOTE: Orient the red markings on

the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PIN 1

FLOPPY

1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)

This connector is for the provided oppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert

one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the

signal connector at the back of the oppy disk drive.

Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when
using a FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.

2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE)

The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable.
There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable:
blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE

connector, then select one of the following modes to congure your device.

Drive jumper setting

Single device Cable-Select or Master - Black

Cable-Select

Two devices

Master Master

Slave Slave

• Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the
Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you
connect the IDE cable.

• Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE devices.

If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device
jumpers have the same setting.

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula

Mode of
device(s)

Master

Cable connector

Black

Slave Gray

Black or gray

2-29

3. ICH9R Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1~6)

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA IDE connector

NOTE: Orient the red markings

(usually zigzag) on the IDE

cable to PIN 1.

PRI_EIDE

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA SATA connectors

GND
RSATA_TXP1
RSATA_TXN1

GND
RSATA_RXP1
RSATA_RXN1

GND

SATA1

GND
RSATA_TXP3
RSATA_TXN3

GND
RSATA_RXP3
RSATA_RXN3

GND

SATA3

GND
RSATA_TXP2
RSATA_TXN2

GND
RSATA_RXP2
RSATA_RXN2

GND

SATA2

GND
RSATA_TXP4
RSATA_TXN4

GND
RSATA_RXP4
RSATA_RXN4

GND

SATA4

GND
RSATA_TXP5
RSATA_TXN5

GND
RSATA_RXP5
RSATA_RXN5

GND

SATA5

GND
RSATA_TXP6
RSATA_TXN6

GND
RSATA_RXP6
RSATA_RXN6

GND

SATA6

These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk
drives.

If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID

1, RAID 5, RAID 10 conguration with the Intel® Matrix Storage Technology

through the onboard Intel® ICH9R RAID controller.

•

These connectors are set to Standard IDE mode by default. In Standard
IDE mode, you can connect Serial ATA boot/data hard disk drives to these
connectors. If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these

connectors, set the [Congure SATA as] item in the BIOS to [RAID]. See

section 4.3.6 SATA Conguration for details.

•

For RAID 5, use at least three hard disk drives. For RAID 10, use at least
four hard disk drives. Use two to four Serial ATA hard disk drives for each
RAID 0 or RAID 1 set.

• Before creating a RAID set, refer to
the manual bundled in the motherboard support DVD.

5.4.3 Intel® RAID congurations or

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information

You must install the Windows® XP Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA hard

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA USB 2.0 connectors

USB910 USB78

USB1112

USB+5V

USB_P12-

USB_P12+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P11-

USB_P11+

GND

USB+5V

USB_P10-

USB_P10+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P9-

USB_P9+

GND

USB+5V

USB_P8-

USB_P8+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P7-

USB_P7+

GND

disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature (RAID 0/RAID 1/RAID 5/RAID 10) is
available only if you are using Windows® XP or later version.

right angle side

Connect the right-angle side
of SATA signal cable to SATA
device. Or you may connect the
right-angle side of SATA cable to
the onboard SATA port to avoid

mechanical conict with huge

graphics cards.

4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB 78, USB 910, USB 1112)

These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable
to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the
back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0

specication that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the
motherboard!

You can connect the USB cable to ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) rst, and

then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard.

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula

2-31

5. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

PIN 1

GND

+12V

TPB1-

GND

TPA1-

+12V

TPB1+

GND

TPA1+

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA IEEE 1394a connector

IE1394_2

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA
Thermal sensor cable connectors

OPT_TEMP3

Temperature

Ground

Temperature
Ground

OPT_TEMP2

Temperature

Ground

OPT_TEMP1

This connector is for a IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module
cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back
of the system chassis.

Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage
the motherboard!

You can connect the 1394 cable to ASUS Q-Connector (1394, red) rst, and

then install the Q-Connector (1394) to the 1394 connector onboard.

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

These connectors are for temperature monitoring. Connect the thermal
sensor cables to these connectors and place the other ends to the devices
which you want to monitor temperature. The optional fan1/2/3 can work with
the temperature sensors for a better cooling effect.

Enable OPT_TEMP1/2/3 Overheat Protection in BIOS if you connect thermal
sensor cables to these connectors. Refer to page 4-31 for details.

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information

The thermal sensor cable is purchased separately.

7. CPU, chassis, and optional fan connectors

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA Fan connectors

CPU_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

PWR_FAN

OPT_FAN1

OPT_FAN2

GND

Rotation

+12V

CHA_FAN2

GND

Rotation

+12V

CPU_FAN

PWR_FAN

CHA_FAN3

CHA_FAN1

OPT_FAN1

OPT_FAN3

OPT_FAN2
CHA_FAN2

GND

Rotation

+12V

CHA_FAN1

GND

Rotation

+12V

CHA_FAN3

GND

Rotation

+12V

GND

Rotation

+12V

GND

Rotation

+12V

OPT_FAN3

(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1~3, 3-pin PWR_FAN,
3-pin OPT_FAN1~3)

The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA~1000 mA (24 W max.) or
a total of 1 A~3.48 A (41.76 W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the
fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each
cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufcient air
ow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are

not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors!

• Only the CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN1~3, and OPT_FAN1~3 connectors support
the ASUS Q-Fan 2 feature.

• If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the chassis fan
cable to the motherboard connector labled CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN3 for
better themal environment.

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula

2-33

8. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

+5VSB_MB

Chassis Signal

GND

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA Chassis intrusion connector

CHASSIS

(Default)

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA ATX power connectors

EATXPWR

EATX12V

+3 Volts

+3 Volts

Ground

+5 Volts

+5 Volts

Ground

Ground

Power OK

+5V Standby

+12 Volts

-5 Volts

+5 Volts

+3 Volts

-12 Volts

Ground

Ground
Ground
PSON#

Ground

+5 Volts

+12 Volts

+3 Volts

+5 Volts

Ground

GND

+12V DC

GND

+12V DC

GND

+12V DC

GND

+12V DC

This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch.
Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this
connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to
this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced. The signal
is then generated as a chassis intrusion event.

By default, the pin labeled “Chassis Signal” and “Ground” are shorted with
a jumper cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the
chassis intrusion detection feature.

9. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)

These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs

are designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper
orientation and push down rmly until the connectors completely t.

• Make sure to remove the cap on the EATX12V connector before connecting
an 8-pin EPS +12V power plug.

• Use only an 8-pin EPS +12V power plug for the EATX12V connector.

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information

•

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA Digital audio connector

+5V

SPDIFOUT

GND

SPDIF_OUT

For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply

unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specication 2.0 (or later version)

and provides a minimum power of 400 W.

• Do not forget to connect the 4-pin/8pin EATX12V power plug; otherwise,

the system will not boot.

• Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when

conguring a system with more power-consuming devices. The system

may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

• If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your

system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator
at http://support.asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.
aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.

• The ATX 12 V Specication 2.0-compliant (400W) PSU has been tested

to support the motherboard power requirements with the following
conguration:

CPU: Intel® Pentium® Extreme 3.73GHz
Memory: 512 MB DDR2 (x4)
Graphics card: ASUS EAX1900XT
Parallel ATA device: IDE hard disk drive
Serial ATA device: SATA hard disk drive (x2)
Optical drive: DVD-RW

• If you want to use two high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with
500W to 600W power or above to ensure the system stability.

10. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT for ASUS HDMI VGA card)

This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF)
port(s). If you are using an ASUS HDMI-equipped graphics card, connect the
HDMI card to this connector with a S/PDIF Out cable.

The ASUS HDMI-equipped graphics card and the S/PDIF Out cable are
purchased separately.

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-35

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

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA System panel connector

* Requires an ATX power supply.

PANEL

PLED-

PWR

+5V

Speaker

Ground

RESET

Ground

Reset

Ground

Ground

PWRSW

PLED+

IDE_LED-

IDE_LED+

IDE_LED

PLED SPEAKER

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

•

System power LED (2-pin PLED)

This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis
power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when
you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.

•

Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)

This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity

LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or ashes when data is

read from or written to the HDD.

•

System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The
speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

•

ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)

This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button
turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending
on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds
while the system is ON turns the system OFF.

•

Reset button (2-pin RESET)

This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system
reboot without turning off the system power.

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware information

ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)

You can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front panel
cables in a few steps. Refer to the instructions below to install the ASUS Q­Connector.

1. Connect the front panel cables to the
ASUS Q-Connector.

Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector

to know the detailed pin denitions, then

match them to the respective front panel
cable labels.

2. Install the ASUS Q-Connector to the
system panel connector, making sure
the orientation matches the labels on the
motherboard.

3. The front panel functions are now enabled.

The gure shows the Q-Connector properly

installed on the motherboard.

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-37

2.8.3 Onboard switches

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA Power on switch

MAXIMUS FORMULA

®

MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/
MAXIMUS FORMULA Reset switch

Onboard switches allow you to ne-tune performance when working on a bare

or open-case system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually
change settings to enhance system performance.

1. Power-on switch

Press the power-on switch to wake/power up the system.

2. Reset switch

Press the reset switch to reboot the system.

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.8.4 Installing Fusion Block System accessory

Install your watercooling system to the motherboard using the bundled accessories
to obtain the best thermal solution.

Package contents

3/8” ID tubes x 2 1/2” to 3/8” ID ttings x 2 10mm to 3/8” ID ttings x 2

1/2” ID tube clips x 2 3/8” ID tube clips x 6

For watercooling system with 3/8” ID tubes

1. Firmly press a tube clip and t the tube into the clip.

2. Press the clip and connect the tube to the waterblock. When done, release
the clip to tighten the two together.

3. Repeat Step 1 and 2 for another tube. Make sure that both tubes are well

connected to prevent leak, and then ll the coolant into the reservoir.

1

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-39

2

For watercooling system with 1/2” or 10mm ID tubes

1. Insert a tting (1/2” to 3/8” ID or 10mm to 3/8” ID) into the tube.

Your watercooling system may come with tube clips. Use the clips to fasten the

ttings and the tubes together.

2. Connect a supplied 3/8” ID tube to the tting.

3. Firmly press a tube clip and hitch it to the bottom end of the 3/8” ID tube.

4. Press another clip and hitch it to the top end of the 3/8” ID tube.

1

2

3

4

5. Press the clip and connect the assembled tube to the waterblock. When
done, release the clip to tighten the two together.

6. Repeat Step 1 to 5 for another tube. Make sure that both tubes are well

connected to prevent leak, and then ll the coolant into the reservoir. The

picture shows a watercooling system installed to the motherboard.

5

6

2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware information

This chapter describes the power up
sequence, the vocal POST messages,
and ways of shutting down the system.

Powering up

3

Chapter summary

3

3.1 Starting up for the rst time ........................................................ 3-1

3.2 Turning off the computer .............................................................

3-2

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula

3.1 Starting up for the rst time

1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.

2. Be sure that all switches are off.

3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system
chassis.

4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge
protector.

5. Turn on the devices in the following order:

a. Monitor

b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)

c. System power

6. After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case
lights up. For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up
when you press the ATX power button. If your monitor complies with “green”
standards or if it has a “power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up
or switch between orange and green after the system LED turns on.

The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are

running, the BIOS beeps (see BIOS beep codes table below) or additional
messages appear on the screen. If you do not see anything within 30
seconds from the time you turned on the power, the system may have failed a
power-on test. Check the jumper settings and connections or call your retailer
for assistance.

BIOS Beep Description

One short beep VGA detected

One continuous beep followed by two
short beeps then a pause (repeated)

One continuous beep followed by three
short beeps

One continuous beep followed by four
short beeps

Quick boot set to disabled
No keyboard detected

No memory detected

No VGA detected

Hardware component failure

7. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the
instructions in Chapter 4.

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 3-1

3.2 Turning off the computer

3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function

If you are using Windows® XP:

1. Click the

2. Click the

3. The power supply should turn off after Windows

button then select

Start

Turn Off

button to shut down the computer.

Turn Off Computer

®

shuts down.

.

If you are using Windows® Vista™:

1. Click the

2. The power supply should turn off after Windows

button then select

Start

ShutDown

.

®

shuts down.

3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch

While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts
the system to sleep mode or to soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting.
Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the
soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting. Refer to section

4.6 Power Menu

details.

for

3-2 Chapter 3: Powering up

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

BIOS setup

4

Chapter summary

4

4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1

4.2 BIOS setup program ....................................................................

4.3 Main menu ..................................................................................

4.4 Extreme Tweaker menu .............................................................

4.5 Advanced menu .........................................................................

4.6 Power menu ................................................................................

4.7 Boot menu ..................................................................................

4.8 Tools menu .................................................................................

4.9 Exit menu .................................................................................... 4-41

4-9

4-12

4-17

4-23

4-29

4-34

4-38

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula

4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic
Input/Output System (BIOS) setup.

1.

ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.)

ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using a oppy disk or USB ash disk.)

2.

ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS using a bootable oppy disk.)

3.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 (Updates the BIOS using a bootable USB ash

4.

disk or the motherboard support DVD when the BIOS le fails or gets

corrupted.)

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk or
USB ash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the

original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities.

4.1.1 ASUS Update utility

The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the
motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you
to:

• Save the current BIOS le

• Download the latest BIOS le from the Internet

• Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS le

• Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and

• View the BIOS version information.

This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard
package.

ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an
Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Installing ASUS Update

To install ASUS Update:

1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears.

2. Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX.

3. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-1

Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.

Updating the BIOS through the Internet

To update the BIOS through the Internet:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows

> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update
main window appears.

®

desktop by clicking Start

2. Select Update BIOS from the

Internet option from the drop-down
menu, then click Next.

4-2 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest

you to avoid network trafc, or

click Auto Select. Click Next.

4. From the FTP site, select the BIOS
version that you wish to download.
Click Next.

5. Follow the screen instructions to
complete the update process.

The ASUS Update utility is
capable of updating itself through
the Internet. Always update the
utility to avail all its features.

Updating the BIOS through a BIOS le

To update the BIOS through a BIOS le:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows
> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update
main window appears.

2. Select Update BIOS from a le

option from the drop-down menu,
then click Next.

®

desktop by clicking Start

3. Locate the BIOS le from the Open

window, then click Open.

4. Follow the screen instructions to

iFormula

complete the update process.

iFormula

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-3

4.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility

The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go

through the long process of booting from a oppy disk and using a DOS-based

utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing
<Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self Tests (POST).

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:

1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for

the motherboard.

2. Save the BIOS le to a oppy disk or a USB ash disk, then restart the

system.

3. You can launch the EZ Flash 2 by two methods.

Insert the oppy disk / USB ash disk that contains the BIOS le to the

(1)

oppy disk drive or the USB port.

Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.

FLASH TYPE: ATML 26DF161

PATH: A:\

(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.06

Current ROM

BOARD: MAXIMUS Formula
VER: 0504
DATE: 10/01/07

A:

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [B] Backup [ESC] Exit

[Tab] Switch [Up/Down/Home/End] Move

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown

Tools menu to select EZ Flash2

and press <Enter> to enable it.

You can switch between drives by pressing <Tab> before the correct le

is found. Then press <Enter>.

4. When the correct BIOS le is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update

process and automatically reboots the system when done.

• This function can support devices such as USB ash disk, or oppy disk

with

FAT 32/16

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent
system boot failure!

format and single partition only.

4-4 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.1.3 AFUDOS utility

The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS le in DOS environment using
a bootable oppy disk with the updated BIOS le. This utility also allows you to
copy the current BIOS le that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets

corrupted during the updating process.

Copying the current BIOS

To copy the current BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:

• Make sure that the oppy disk is not write-protected and has at least
1024KB free space to save the le.

• The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS
screen displays may not be same as shown.

1. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to

the bootable oppy disk you created earlier.

2. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:

afudos /o[lename]

where the [lename] is any user-assigned lename not more than eight
alphanumeric characters for the main lename and three alphanumeric

characters for the extension name.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

Main lename Extension name

3. Press <Enter>. The utility copies the current BIOS le to the oppy disk.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reading ash ..... done

Write to le...... ok

A:\>

The utility returns to the DOS prompt after copying the current BIOS le.

Updating the BIOS le

To update the BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:

1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS le for
the motherboard. Save the BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk.

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-5

Write the BIOS lename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS
lename at the DOS prompt.

2. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to

the bootable oppy disk you created earlier.

3. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:

afudos /i[lename]

where [lename] is the latest or the original BIOS le on the bootable oppy

disk.

A:\>afudos /iFormula.ROM

4. The utility veries the le and starts updating the BIOS.

A:\>afudos /iFormula.ROM

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

WARNING!! Do not turn off power during ash BIOS

Reading le ....... done

Reading ash ...... done

Advance Check ......

Erasing ash ...... done

Writing ash ...... 0x0008CC00 (9%)

Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent
system boot failure!

5. The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is
completed. Reboot the system from the hard disk drive.

A:\>afudos /iFormula.ROM

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

WARNING!! Do not turn off power during ash BIOS

Reading le ....... done

Reading ash ...... done

Advance Check ......

Erasing ash ...... done

Writing ash ...... done

Verifying ash .... done

Please restart your computer

A:\>

4-6 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore

the BIOS le when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can
update a corrupted BIOS le using the motherboard support DVD or the USB ash
disk that contains the updated BIOS le.

Prepare the motherboard support DVD or the USB ash disk containing the

updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.

Recovering the BIOS from the support DVD

To recover the BIOS from the support DVD:

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive.

3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the DVD

for the BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...

Checking for oppy...

When found, the utility reads the BIOS le and starts ashing the corrupted

BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for oppy...
Floppy found!
Reading le “Formula.ROM”. Completed.
Start ashing...

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

Recovering the BIOS from the USB ash disk

To recover the BIOS from the USB ash disk:

1. Insert the USB ash disk that contains BIOS le to the USB port.

2. Turn on the system.

3. The utility will automatically checks the devices for the BIOS le When found,
the utility reads the BIOS le and starts ashing the corrupted BIOS le.

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

• Only the USB ash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition can
support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. The device size should be smaller than

8GB.

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so
can cause system boot failure!

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-7

4.2 BIOS setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) chip
that you can update using the provided utility described in section “4.1 Managing
and updating your BIOS.”

Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconguring
your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to congure

your system using this utility.

Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the

conguration of your computer in the future. For example, you can enable the

security password feature or change the power management settings. This

requires you to recongure your system using the BIOS Setup program so that the
computer can recognize these changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the

SPI chip.

The SPI chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up the
computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press

<Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility; otherwise,

POST continues with its test routines.

If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing
<Ctrl+Alt+Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You can
also restart by turning the system off and then back on. Do this last option only if

the rst two failed.

The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a
menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various sub-menus and make
your selections from the available options using the navigation keys.

• The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions
to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after
changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to ensure system
compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the
Exit Menu. See section 4.9 Exit Menu.

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

• Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for

this motherboard.

4-8 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.2.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu bar

Main Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [10:55:25]
System Date [Thur 10/04/2007]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]
Language [English]

SATA 1 [Not Detected]
SATA 2 [Not Detected]
SATA 3 [Not Detected]
SATA 4 [Not Detected]
SATA 5 [Not Detected]
SATA 6 [Not Detected]

SATA Coniguration
System Information

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

Sub-menu items

Conguration eldsMenu items

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

General help

Use [ENTER], [TAB] or
[SHIFT-TAB] to select
a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to
congure system Time.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Navigation keys

4.2.2 Menu bar

The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:

Main For changing the basic system conguration

Extreme Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings

Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

Power For changing the advanced power management (APM)

conguration

Boot For changing the system boot conguration

Tools For Conguring options for special functions

Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default

settings

To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard
until the desired item is highlighted.

4.2.3 Navigation keys

At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that
particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change
the settings.

Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another.

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-9

4.2.4 Menu items

The highlighted item on the menu bar

displays the specic items for that

menu. For example, selecting Main
shows the Main menu items.

The other items (Advanced, Power,
Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have
their respective menu items.

System Time [06:22:54]
System Date [Thur 10/04/2007]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]
Language [English]

SATA 1 [Not Detected]
SATA 2 [Not Detected]
SATA 3 [Not Detected]
SATA 4 [Not Detected]

SATA 5 [Not Detected]
SATA 6 [Not Detected]

SATA Conguration

System Information

Main menu items

Use [ENTER], [TAB],
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to
congure system.

4.2.5 Sub-menu items

A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the iteam has a
sub-menu. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press <Enter>.

4.2.6 Conguration elds

These elds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user- congurable,
you can change the value of the eld opposite the item. You cannot select an item
that is not user-congurable.

A congurable eld is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To
change the value of a eld, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options.

Refer to 4.2.7 Pop-up window.

4.2.7 Pop-up window

Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the

conguration options for that item.

4.2.8 Scroll bar

A scroll bar appears on the right side of a
menu screen when there are items that do
not t on the screen. Press the
Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> /<Page
Down> keys to display the other items on
the screen.

4.2.9 General help

At the top right corner of the menu screen
is a brief description of the selected item.

4-10 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

Pop-up window

Scroll bar

4.3 Main menu

When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving
you an overview of the basic system information.

Refer to section 4.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen
items and how to navigate through them.

Main Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [10:55:25]
System Date [Thur 10/04/2007]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]
Language [English]

SATA 1 [Not Detected]
SATA 2 [Not Detected]
SATA 3 [Not Detected]
SATA 4 [Not Detected]
SATA 5 [Not Detected]
SATA 6 [Not Detected]

SATA Coniguration
System Information

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Use [ENTER], [TAB] or
[SHIFT-TAB] to select
a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to
congure system Time.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

4.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]

Allows you to set the system time.

4.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]

Allows you to set the system date.

4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

Sets the type of oppy drive installed.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

4.3.4 Language [English]

Allows you to choose the BIOS language version from the options.
Conguration options: [Chinese BIG5] [Chinese (GB)] [Japanese] [Français]
[German] [English]

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-11

4.3.5 SATA 1-6

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial ATA
devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SATA device. Select a device item
then press <Enter> to display the SATA device information.

Main

SATA 1

Device :Not Detected

Type [Auto]
LBA/Large Mode [Auto]
Block(Multi-Sector Transfer) [Auto]
PIO Mode [Auto]
DMA Mode [Auto]
SMART Monitoring [Auto]
32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device,

Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and
SMART monitoring). These values are not user-congurable. These items show

[Auto] if no IDE device is installed in the system.

Type [Auto]

Selects the type of IDE drive. Setting to [Auto] allows automatic selection of the

appropriate IDE device type. Select [CDROM] if you are specically conguring a

CD-ROM drive. Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device is
either a ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive.

Conguration options: [Not Installed] [Auto] [CDROM] [ARMD]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select the type of
device connected to
the system.

Select Screen

Select Item

+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]

Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the
device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA

mode disabled. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Block (Multi-sector Transfer) [Auto]

Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to [Auto], the data
transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device
supports multi-sector transfer feature. When set to [Disabled], the data transfer
from and to the device occurs one sector at a time.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

PIO Mode [Auto]

Selects the PIO mode.

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]

4-12 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

DMA Mode [Auto]

Selects the DMA mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1]

[SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2]
[UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5]

SMART Monitoring [Auto]

Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4.3.6 SATA Conguration

The items in this menu allow you to set or change the congurations for the SATA

devices installed in the system. Select an item then press <Enter> if you want to

congure the item.

SATA Conguration

SATA Conguraton [Enhanced]
Congure SATA as [IDE]

Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled]
SATA Detect Time Out (Sec) [35]

Options

Disabled
Compatible
Enhanced

SATA Conguration [Enhanced]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Compatible] [Enhanced]

Configure SATA as [IDE]

Sets the conguration for the Serial ATA connectors supported by the

Southbridge chip.

The AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial
ATA features that increases storage performance on random workloads by

allowing the drive to internally optimize the order of commands.

If you want to create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, or the Intel

Matrix Storage Technology conguration from the Serial ATA hard disk drives,

set this item to [RAID].

If you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical
storage devices, keep the defaul setting [IDE].

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-13

®

If you want the Serial ATA hard disk drives to use the Advanced Host Controller
Interface (AHCI), set this item to [AHCI].

Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled]

Disables or enables device write protection. This will be effective only if device is
accessed through BIOS.

Conuration option: [Disabled] [Enabled]

SATA Detect Time Out (Sec) [35]

Selects the time out value for detecting ATA/ATAPI devices.

Conguration options: [0] [5] [10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35]

4.3.7 AHCI Conguration

This menu is for AHCI conguration. It appears only when you set the Congure
SATA as item under SATA Conguration to [AHCI].

AHCI Settings

AHCI CD/DVD Boot Time out [15]

AHCI Port1 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port2 [Not Detected]

AHCI Port3 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port4 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port5 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port6 [Not Detected]

Some SATA CD/DVD in
AHCI mode need to
wait ready longer.

AHCI CD/DVD Boot Time out [15]

Conguration options: [0] [5] [10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35]

AHCI Port1~6 [XXX]

Displays the auto-detected SATA devices.

AHCI Port1

Device :Not Detected

SATA Port1 [Auto]
SMART Monitoring [Enabled]

4-14 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

Select the type of
devices connected to
the system.

SATA Port1 [Auto]

Allows you to select the type of device connected to the system.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Not Installed]

SMART Monitoring [Enabled]

Enables or disables the Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology

(SMART). Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4.3.8 System Information

This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS

automatically detects the items in this menu.

Main

ASUS BIOS

Version : 0504
Build Date : 10/01/07

Processor

Type : Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6300 @ 1.86GHz
Speed : 1876MHz
Count : 2

System Memory

Available : 2048 MB

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select Screen

Select Item
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

ASUS BIOS

Displays the auto-detected BIOS information.

Processor

Displays the auto-detected CPU specication.

System Memory

Displays the auto-detected system memory.

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-15

4.4 Extreme Tweaker menu

The Extreme Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related

items.

Take caution when changing the settings of the Extreme Tweaker menu items.

Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction.

Main Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Congure System Performance Settings

CPU Level Up [Auto]
Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]
CPU Ratio Control [Auto]
FSB Strap to North Bridge [Auto]

DRAM Frequency [Auto]

DRAM Command Rate [Auto]

DRAM Timing Control [Auto]

Primary Info : 4-4-3-15-3-42-4-3
Secondary Info : 8-3-5-4-6-4-6

DRAM Static Read Control [Auto]
Ai Clock Twister [Auto]
Transaction Booster [Auto]

NB LED Selection [NB Volt]

SB LED Selection [SB Volt]

CPU LED Selection [CPU Volt]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select the desired CPU
level, and relevant
parameters will be
auto-adjusted based on
the CPU level chosen.
If you would like to
adjust other settings
in more details, set
Ai Overclock Tuner to
Manual after you
select a CPU level.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Scroll down to see more items.

Voltiminder LED [Enabled]

CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]
PCIE Spread spectrum [Auto]

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

4.4.1 Congure System Performance Settings

CPU Level Up [Auto]

Allows you to select a CPU level, and the related parameters will be automatically

adjusted according to the selected CPU level. If you want to manually congure the

settings in detail, set Ai Overclock Tuner to [Manual] after selecting a CPU level.

Conguration options: [Auto] [E6400] [E6550] [E6600] [E6700] [X6800] [E6850]
[Crazy]

• The conguration options may vary depending on your CPU type.

• The option [Crazy] appears only when you use a CPU above E6600.

4-16 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]

Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal

frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking conguration options:

Manual Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.

Auto Loads the standard settings for the system.

Super MemProle Loads the optimal settings for the system.

CPU Level Up Allows you to select a CPU level, and the related parameters

Some of the following items appear when you set Ai Overclock Tuner to

[Manual] or [Super MemProle]. The items vary depending on which option you

select.

will be adjusted automatically.

Super Memory Prole [Prole #1]

Allows you to select the memory prole during overclocking between [Prole #1]
(high performance) and [Prole #2] (high frequency). This item appears only when
you set Ai Overclock Tuner to [Super MemProle].
Conguration options: [Prole #1] [Prole #2]

OC From CPU Level Up [Auto]

After you select a CPU level, the FSB Frequency and DRAM Frequency items
will be adjusted accordingly. This item appears only when you set Ai Overclock

Tuner to [Manual]. Conguration options: [Auto] [E6400] [E6550] [E6600] [E6700]
[X6800] [E6850] [Crazy]

The option [Crazy] appears only when you use a CPU above E6600.

CPU Ratio Control [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]

The following item appears when the CPU Ratio Control item is set to
[Manual].

Ratio CMOS Setting [7]

Whether this item is congurable depends on your CPU type. The valid value
ranges differently according to your CPU type. If this item is congurable,

enter the value using the numeric keypad.

FSB Frequency [XXX]

Displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI
bus. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the FSB frequency. You can also type
the desired FSB frequency using the numeric keypad. The values range from 200
to 800. Refer to the table below for the correct Front Side Bus and CPU External
Frequency settings.

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-17

FSB/CPU External Frequency Synchronization

Front Side Bus CPU External Frequency

FSB 1600 400 MHz

FSB 1333 333 MHz

FSB 1066 266 MHz

FSB 800 200 MHz

FSB Strap to North Bridge [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [200MHz] [266MHz] [333MHz] [400MHz]

PCIE Frequency [XXX]

Allows you to set the PCI Express frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust
the PCIE frequency. You can also type the desired value using the numeric
keypad. The values range from 100 to 180.

DRAM Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the DDR2 operating frequency.

Conguration options: [Auto] [DDR2-533MHz] [DDR2-639MHz] [DDR2-667MHz]
[DDR2-709MHz] [DDR2-800 MHz] [DDR2-852MHz] [DDR2-887MHz]
[DDR2-1066MHz] [DDR2-*1200MHz*]

The DDR2 frequency reaches 1200 MHz after overclocking.

A very high DRAM frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default setting.

The conguration options may vary depending on the CPU level you select.

DRAM Command Rate [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1T] [2T]

DRAM Timing Control [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]

The following items appear when you set the DRAM Timing Control item to
[Manual].

CAS# Latency [5 DRAM Clocks]

Conguration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks] [5 DRAM Clocks]

[6 DRAM Clocks] [7 DRAM Clocks]

RAS# to CAS# Delay [5 DRAM Clocks]

Conguration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks]~[17 DRAM Clocks]

[18 DRAM Clocks]

4-18 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

RAS# Precharge [5 DRAM Clocks]

Conguration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks]~[17 DRAM Clocks]

[18 DRAM Clocks]

RAS# Active Time [15 DRAM Clocks]

Conguration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks]~[33 DRAM Clocks]

[34 DRAM Clocks]

RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]~[15 DRAM Clocks]

Row Refresh Cycle Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [20 DRAM Clocks] [25 DRAM Clocks]
[30 DRAM Clocks] [35 DRAM Clocks] [42 DRAM Clocks]

Write Recovery Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]~[15 DRAM Clocks]

Read to Precharge Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]~[15 DRAM Clocks]

Read to Write Delay(S/D) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]~[15 DRAM Clocks]

Write to Read Delay(S) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]~[15 DRAM Clocks]

Write to Read Delay(D) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]~[15 DRAM Clocks]

Read to Read Delay(S) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]~[15 DRAM Clocks]

Read to Read Delay(D) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]~[15 DRAM Clocks]

Write to Write Delay(S) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]~[15 DRAM Clocks]

Write to Write Delay(D) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]~[15 DRAM Clocks]

DRAM Static Read Control [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

Ai Clock Twister [Auto]

Allows you to congure the DRAM performance. Setting this item to [Light]

enhances the DRAM compatibility. Setting this item to [Strong] enhances the

DRAM performance. Conguration options: [Auto] [Moderate] [Light] [Strong]

Transaction Booster [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-19

The following item appears when you set Ai Overclock Tuner to [Manual].

CPU Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU voltage. The text color in the conguration eld

corresponds to the onboard CPU LED color, both of which indicate voltage
condition. When you set the CPU LED item to [CPU Volt], the onboard CPU LED

displays CPU voltage condition. Refer to page 2-1 for CPU LED denition.
Conguration options: [Auto] [1.10000V] [1.10625V] [1.11250V] [1.11875V]

[1.12500V] [1.13125V] [1.13750V] [1.14375V] [1.15000V] [1.15625V] [1.16250V]
[1.16875V] [1.17500V] [1.18125V] [1.18750V] [1.19375V] [1.20000V] [1.20625V]
[1.21250V] [1.21875V] [1.22500V] [1.23125V] [1.23750V] [1.24375V] [1.25000V]
[1.25625V] [1.26250V] [1.26875V] [1.27500V] [1.28125V] [1.28750V] [1.29375V]
[1.30000V]~[1.87500V] [1.88125V] [1.88750V] [1.89375V] [1.90000V] [1.95000V]
[1.97500V] [2.00000V] [2.05000V] [2.07500V] [2.10000V]~[2.30000V] [2.32500V]
[2.35000V] [2.37500V] [2.40000V]

Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU voltage. Setting a
high voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may
make the system unstable.

CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU PLL voltage. The text color in the conguration
eld corresponds to the onboard CPU LED color, both of which indicate voltage

condition. When you set the CPU LED item to [PLL Volt], the onboard CPU LED

displays CPU PLL voltage condition. Refer to page 2-1 for CPU LED denition.
Conguration options: [Auto] [1.50V] [1.52V] [1.54V] [1.56V] [1.58V] [1.60V]~

[2.90V] [2.92V] [2.94V] [2.96V] [2.98V] [3.00V]

North Bridge Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the northbridge voltage. The text color in the conguration eld

indicates voltage condition. When you set the NB LED Selection item to [NB Volt],
the onboard northbridge LED displays northbridge voltage condition. Refer to page

2-2 for northbridge LED denition.
Conguration options: [Auto] [1.25V] [1.27V] [1.29V] [1.31V]~[1.87V] [1.89V]

[1.91V] [1.93V] [1.95V]

DRAM Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the DRAM voltage. The text color in the conguration eld

corresponds to the onboard memory LED color, both of which indicate voltage

condition. Refer to page 2-2 for memory LED denition.
Conguration options: [Auto] [1.80V] [1.82V] [1.84V] [1.86V] [1.88V] [1.90V]~

[3.32V] [3.34V] [3.36V] [3.38V] [3.40V]

4-20 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

FSB Termination Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the front side bus (FSB) termination voltage. The text

color in the conguration eld indicates voltage condition. When you set the

NB LED Selection item to [FSBT Volt], the onboard northbridge LED displays
FSB termination voltage condition. Refer to page 2-2 for northbridge LED

denition. Conguration options: [Auto] [1.20V] [1.22V] [1.24V] [1.26V] [1.28V]

[1.30V]~[1.90V] [1.92V] [1.94V] [1.96V] [1.98V] [2.00V]

Setting a high FSB termination voltage may damage the chipset and CPU.

South Bridge Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the southbridge voltage. The text color in the conguration
eld indicates voltage condition. When you set the SB LED Selection item to [SB

Volt], the onboard southbridge LED displays southbridge voltage condition. Refer

to page 2-2 for southbridge LED denition.
Conguration options: [Auto] [1.050V] [1.075V] [1.110V] [1.125V] [1.150V] [1.175V]

[1.200V] [1.225V]

Loadline Calibration [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

CPU GTL Reference [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU GTL reference.

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.63x] [0.61x] [0.59x] [0.57x]

North Bridge GTL Refernece [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.67V] [0.63V] [0.60V] [0.57V] [0.56V] [0.53V] [0.51V]

[0.49V]

DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to manually set the memory voltage, or you can set to [Auto] for the
safe mode.

Conguration options: [DDR2_REF-30mv] [DDR2_REF-20mv] [DDR2_REF-10mv]

[DDR2_REF] [DDR2_REF+10mv] [DDR2_REF+20mv] [DDR2_REF+30mv]

DDR2 Channel B REF Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to manually set the memory voltage, or you can set to [Auto] for the
safe mode.

Conguration options: [DDR2_REF-30mv] [DDR2_REF-20mv] [DDR2_REF-10mv]

[DDR2_REF] [DDRII_REF+10mv] [DDR2_REF+20mv] [DDR2_REF+30mv]

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-21

DDR2 Controller REF Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to manually set the memory voltage, or you can set to [Auto] for the
safe mode.

Conguration options: [DDR2_REF-30mv] [DDR2_REF-20mv] [DDR2_REF-10mv]

[DDR2_REF] [DDR2_REF+10mv] [DDR2_REF+20mv] [DDR2_REF+30mv]

SB 1.5V Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the southbridge 1.5V voltage. The text color in the

conguration eld indicates voltage condition. When you set the SB LED
Selection item to [SB 1.5 Volt], the onboard southbridge LED displays southbridge

1.5V voltage condition. Refer to page 2-2 for southbridge LED denition.
Conguration options: [Auto] [1.50V] [1.55V] [1.60V] [1.65V] [1.70V] [1.75V] [1.80V]

[1.85V] [1.90V] [1.95V] [2.00V] [2.05V]

NB LED Selection [NB Volt]

Allows you to switch the onboard northbridge LED display between northbridge
voltage [NB Volt] and front side bus termination voltage [FSBT Volt].

Conguration options: [NB Volt] [FSBT Volt]

SB LED Selection [SB Volt]

Allows you to switch the onboard southbridge LED display between southbridge
voltage [SB Volt] and southbridge 1.5V voltage [SB 1.5 Volt].

Conguration options: [SB 1.5 Volt] [SB Volt]

CPU LED [CPU Volt]

Allows you to switch the onboard CPU LED display between CPU voltage [CPU
Volt] and CPU PLL voltage [PLL Volt].

Conguration options: [CPU Volt] [PLL Volt]

Voltiminder LED [Enabled]

Enables or disables the onboard Voltiminder LED.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable the CPU spread spectrum.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]

PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable the PCIE spread spectrum.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]

4-22 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.5 Advanced menu

The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other
system devices.

Main Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

CPU Conguration
Chipset
Onboard Devices Conguration
USB Conguration
PCIPnP

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

4.5.1 CPU Conguration

The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS
automatically detects.

Advanced

Congure advanced CPU settings

Manufacturer:Intel
Brand String:Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6300@ 1.86GHz
Frequency :1.86GHz
FSB Speed :1066 MHz
Cache L1 :64 KB
Cache L2 :2048 KB
CPUID :6F6
Ratio Status:Unlocked (Max:07, Min:06)
Ratio Actual Value: 7

CPU Ratio Control [Auto]
C1E Support [Enabled]
CPU TM function: [Enabled]
Vanderpool Technology [Enabled]
Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]
Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled]
Intel(R) SpeedStep(tm) Tech. [Disabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Congure CPU.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Options

Auto
Manual

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-23

CPU Ratio Control [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]

The following item appears when the item CPU Ratio Control is set to
[Manual].

Ratio CMOS Setting [7]

Whether this item is congurable depends on your CPU type. The valid value
ranges differently according to your CPU type. If this item is congurable,

enter the value using the numeric keypad.

C1E Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable C1E Support.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

CPU TM function [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Vanderpool Technology [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.

Setting this item to [Disabled] forces the XD feature ag to always return to zero
(0). Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled]

Setting this item to [Enabled] allows legacy operating systems to boot even without
support for CPUs with extended CPUID functions.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Inter(R) SpeedStep (TM) Tech. [Enabled]

The following item appears when the CPU Ratio Control item is set to [Auto].

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

4-24 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.5.2 Chipset

The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an
item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Advanced

Advanced Chipset Settings

WARMING: Setting wrong values in below sections
may cause system to malfunction.

North Bridge Conguration

North Bridge Chipset Conguration

North Bridge Chipset Conguration

Memory Remap Feature [Enabled]
Initiate Graphic Adapter [PEG/PCI]
PEG Port Control [Auto]
PEG Port Force x1 [Disabled]

Memory Remap Feature [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the remapping of the overlapped PCI memory
above the total physical memory. Enable this option only when you install 64-

bit operating system. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Initiate Graphic Adapter [PEG/PCI]

Allows you to decide which graphics controller to use as the primary boot

device. Conguration options: [PCI/PEG] [PEG/PCI]

PEG Port Control [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Advanced

Congure North Bridge
features.

ENABLE: Allow
remapping of
overlapped PCI memory
above the total
physical memory.

DISABLE: Do not allow
remapping of memory.

PEG Force x1 [Disabled]

This item appears when the PEG Port Control item is set to [Auto].

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-25

4.5.3 OnBoard Devices Conguration

Advanced

Onboard Device Conguration

High Denition Audio [Enabled]
Front Panel Type [HD Audio]
J-Micron PATA/SATA Controller [Enabled]
Marvell GigaBit LAN 1 [Enabled]
LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
Marvell GigaBit LAN 2 [Enabled]
LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
VIA 1394 [Enabled]
LCD Poster Backlight(OS) [Turn off]
LCD Poster Backlight(S5) [Turn off]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

High Denition Audio [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the High Denition Audio. The following item

appears only when you enable this item.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Front Panel Support Type [HD Audio]

Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy

AC’97 or high-denition audio depending on the audio standard that the front
panel audio module supports. Conguration options: [AC97] [HD Audio]

J-Micron PATA/SATA Controller [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Enable or Disable
High Denition Audio
Controller

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Marvell GigaBit LAN 1/2 [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

VIA 1394 [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

LCD Poster Backlight (OS) [Turn off]

Allows you to turn on/off the LCD Poster backlight under the operating system.

Conguration options: [Turn on] [Turn off]

LCD Poster Backlight (S5) [Turn off]

Allows you to turn on/off the LCD Poster backlight when the system is powered off.

Conguration options: [Turn on] [Turn off]

4-26 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.5.4 USB Conguration

The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an

item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

Advanced

USB Conguration

USB Devices Enabled:

None

USB Functions [Enabled]
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]
USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]
BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Enabled]
Port 64/60 Emulation [Disabled]
Legacy USB Support [Auto]

The USB Devices Enabled item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB
device is detected, the item shows None.

USB Functions [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB functions. The following sub-items appear

when this item is set to [Enabled]. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following items appear only when you set USB Functions to [Enabled].

USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Enabled
Disabled

Options

USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]

Allows you to set the USB 2.0 controller mode to HiSpeed (480 Mbps) or

FullSpeed (12 Mbps). Conguration options: [FullSpeed] [HiSpeed]

The USB 2.0 Controller Mode item appears only when you enable the USB

2.0 Controller.

BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Enabled]

Allows you to enable the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off

feature. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Port 64/60 Emulation [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the I/O port 60h/64h emulation support. This item
should be enabled for the complete USB keyboard legacy support for non-USB
aware OSes. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-27

Legacy USB Support [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable the support for legacy USB devices. Setting to
[Auto] allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If
detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected,
the legacy USB support is disabled.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

4.5.5 PCI PnP

The PCIPnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP
devices.

Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect

eld values can cause the system to malfunction.

Advanced

Advanced PCI/PnP Settings

WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections
may cause system to malfunction.

Plug And Play O/S [No]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

NO: lets the BIOS
congure all the
devices in the system.
YES: lets the
operating system
congure Plug and Play
(PnP) devices not
required for boot if
your system has a Plug
and Play operating
system.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Plug And Play O/S [No]

When set to [No], BIOS congures all the devices in the system. When set to

[Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system

congures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot.
Conguration options: [No] [Yes]

4-28 Chapter 4: BIOS setup