Asus Maximus III Gene User Manual

Maximus III

GENE

Motherboard

E4946

First Edition

August 2009

Copyright © 2009 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

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

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

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

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

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

ii

Contents

Notices.......................................................................................................	viii
Safety information.......................................................................................	ix
About this guide...........................................................................................	x
Maximus III GENE specifications summary.............................................	xii

Chapter 1:		Product introduction
1.1	Welcome!.......................................................................................		1-1
1.2	Package contents.........................................................................		1-1
1.3	Special features............................................................................		1-2
	1.3.1	Product highlights............................................................	1-2
	1.3.2	ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features...	1-3
	1.3.3	ROG unique features.......................................................	1-5
	1.3.4	ASUS special features.....................................................	1-6

Chapter 2:		Hardware information
2.1	Before you proceed......................................................................		2-1
2.2	Motherboard overview.................................................................		2-5
	2.2.1	Motherboard layout..........................................................	2-5
	2.2.2	Layout contents...............................................................	2-6
	2.2.3	Placement direction.........................................................	2-7
	2.2.4	Screw holes.....................................................................	2-7
2.3	Central Processing Unit (CPU)....................................................		2-8
	2.3.1	Installing the CPU............................................................	2-8
	2.3.2	Installing the CPU heatsink and fan...............................	2-11
	2.3.3	Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan..........................	2-12
2.4	System memory..........................................................................		2-13
	2.4.1	Overview........................................................................	2-13
	2.4.2	Memory configurations..................................................	2-14
	2.4.3	Installing a DIMM...........................................................	2-21
	2.4.4	Removing a DIMM.........................................................	2-21
2.5	Expansion slots..........................................................................		2-22
	2.5.1	Installing an expansion card..........................................	2-22
	2.5.2	Configuring an expansion card......................................	2-22
	2.5.3	Interrupt assignments....................................................	2-23
	2.5.4	PCI slot..........................................................................	2-24
	2.5.5	PCI Express x4 slot.......................................................	2-24
	2.5.6	PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots.............................................	2-24

iii

Contents

2.6	Jumper	.........................................................................................	2-26
2.7	I/O shield ..................................................................installation		2-27
2.8	Connectors..................................................................................		2-28
	2.8.1 ..................................................	Rear panel connectors	2-28
	2.8.2 ........................................................	Internal connectors	2-30
	2.8.3 ...............................	ASUS Q - Connector (system panel)	2-38
	2.8.4 ..........................................................	Onboard switches	2-39
2.9	Starting ......................................................up for the first time		2-41
2.10	Turning ...........................................................off the computer		2-42
	2.10.1 ..................................	Using the OS shut down function	2-42
	2.10.2 ............................	Using the dual function power switch	2-42

Chapter 3:		BIOS setup
3.1	Managing and updating your BIOS.............................................		3-1
	3.1.1	ASUS Update utility.........................................................	3-1
	3.1.2	ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility...................................................	3-4
	3.1.3	ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility.......................................	3-5
	3.1.4	ASUS BIOS Updater.......................................................	3-6
3.2	BIOS setup program.....................................................................		3-9
	3.2.1	BIOS menu screen........................................................	3-10
	3.2.2	Menu bar.......................................................................	3-10
	3.2.3	Navigation keys.............................................................	3-10
	3.2.4	Menu items.....................................................................	3-11
	3.2.5	Submenu items...............................................................	3-11
	3.2.6	Configuration fields.........................................................	3-11
	3.2.7	Pop-up window...............................................................	3-11
	3.2.8	Scroll bar........................................................................	3-11
	3.2.9	General help...................................................................	3-11
3.3	Extreme Tweaker menu..............................................................		3-12
	3.3.1	CPU Level Up ...............................................................	3-13
	3.3.2	Memory Level Up .........................................................	3-13
	3.3.3	Ai Overclock Tuner .......................................................	3-13
	3.3.4	OC From CPU/Memory Level Up .................................	3-13
	3.3.5	CPU Ratio Setting ........................................................	3-14
	3.3.6	CPU Configuration.........................................................	3-14
	3.3.7	Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech .......................................	3-14

iv

Contents

	3.3.8	Intel(R) TurboMode Tech ..............................................	3-14
	3.3.9	QPI Frequency .............................................................	3-14
	3.3.10	DRAM Timing Control....................................................	3-15
	3.3.11	CPU Clock Amplitude ...................................................	3-16
	3.3.12	PCH Clock Amplitude ...................................................	3-17
	3.3.13	CPU Clock Skew ..........................................................	3-17
	3.3.14	PCH Clock Skew ..........................................................	3-17
	3.3.15	Extreme OV ..................................................................	3-17
	3.3.16	Full Phase Control.........................................................	3-17
	3.3.17	Load-Line Calibration ...................................................	3-17
	3.3.18	CPU Voltage Mode .......................................................	3-17
	3.3.19	CPU Voltage ................................................................	3-17
	3.3.20	CPU PLL Voltage ..........................................................	3-18
	3.3.21	IMC Voltage .................................................................	3-18
	3.3.22	PCH Voltage .................................................................	3-18
	3.3.23	DRAM Voltage ..............................................................	3-18
	3.3.24	DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/B ...........................	3-18
	3.3.25	DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA/B ...........................	3-19
	3.3.26	CPU Spread Spectrum .................................................	3-19
	3.3.27	PCIE Spread Spectrum ................................................	3-19
	3.3.28	ASUS O.C. Profile.........................................................	3-19
3.4	Main menu...................................................................................		3-20
	3.4.1	System Time..................................................................	3-20
	3.4.2	System Date..................................................................	3-20
	3.4.3	Language.......................................................................	3-20
	3.4.4	SATA1–6.........................................................................................	3-21
	3.4.5	Storage Configuration....................................................	3-23
	3.4.6	AHCI Configuration........................................................	3-24
	3.4.7	System Information........................................................	3-24
3.5	Advanced menu..........................................................................		3-25
	3.5.1	CPU Configuration.........................................................	3-25
	3.5.2	Chipset..........................................................................	3-28
	3.5.3	Onboard Device Configuration......................................	3-29
	3.5.4	USB Configuration.........................................................	3-30
	3.5.5	LED Control...................................................................	3-31
	3.5.6	iROG Configuration.......................................................	3-32

Contents

	3.5.7	ROG Connect................................................................	3-32
3.6	Power menu................................................................................		3-33
	3.6.1	Suspend Mode .............................................................	3-33
	3.6.2	Repost Video on S3 Resume........................................	3-33
	3.6.3	ACPI 2.0 Support ..........................................................	3-33
	3.6.4	ACPI APIC Support ......................................................	3-34
	3.6.5	EuP Ready ....................................................................	3-34
	3.6.6	APM Configuration........................................................	3-34
	3.6.7	Hardware Monitor..........................................................	3-36
3.7	Boot menu...................................................................................		3-39
	3.7.1	Boot Device Priority.......................................................	3-39
	3.7.2	Boot Settings Configuration...........................................	3-40
	3.7.3	Security..........................................................................	3-41
3.8	Tools menu..................................................................................		3-43
	3.8.1	ASUS O.C. Profile.........................................................	3-43
	3.8.2	GO_Button File..............................................................	3-44
	3.8.3	AI NET 2........................................................................	3-45
	3.8.4	MemPerfect...................................................................	3-46
	3.8.5	ASUS EZ Flash 2..........................................................	3-46
3.9	Exit menu.....................................................................................		3-47

Chapter 4:		Software support
4.1	Installing an operating system....................................................		4-1
4.2	Support DVD information.............................................................		4-1
	4.2.1	Running the support DVD................................................	4-1
	4.2.2	Drivers menu...................................................................	4-2
	4.2.3	Utilities menu...................................................................	4-3
	4.2.4	Make disk menu..............................................................	4-4
	4.2.5	Manual menu...................................................................	4-5
	4.2.6	Video menu......................................................................	4-5
	4.2.7	ASUS Contact information...............................................	4-6
	4.2.8	Other information.............................................................	4-6
4.3	Software information....................................................................		4-8
	4.3.1	Sound Blaster X-Fi audio utility.......................................	4-8
	4.3.2	ASUS PC Probe II.........................................................	4-12
	4.3.3	ASUS AI Suite...............................................................	4-18

vi

Contents

	4.3.4	ASUS Fan Xpert............................................................	4-20
	4.3.5	ASUS EPU-6 Engine.....................................................	4-21
	4.3.6	TurboV EVO..................................................................	4-22
4.4	RAID configurations...................................................................		4-26
	4.4.1	RAID definitions.............................................................	4-26
	4.4.2	Installing Serial ATA hard disks......................................	4-27
	4.4.3	Setting the RAID item in BIOS.......................................	4-27
	4.4.4	Intel® Matrix Storage Manager option ROM utility.........	4-27
4.5	Creating a RAID driver disk.......................................................		4-31
	4.5.1	Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS....	4-31
	4.5.2	Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®......................	4-31
	4.5.3	Installing the RAID driver during	4-32
		Windows® OS installation..............................................
	4.5.4	Using a USB floppy disk drive.......................................	4-32

Chapter 5:		ATI® CrossFireX™ technology support
5.1	ATI® CrossFireX™ technology.....................................................		5-1
	5.1.1	Requirements..................................................................	5-1
	5.1.2	Before you begin.............................................................	5-1
	5.1.3	Installing CrossFireX graphics cards...............................	5-2
	5.1.4	Installing the device drivers.............................................	5-3
	5.1.5	Enabling the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology....................	5-3
5.2	NVIDIA® SLI™ technology............................................................		5-5
	5.2.1	Requirements..................................................................	5-5
	5.2.2	Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards...........................	5-5
	5.2.3	Installing the device drivers.............................................	5-6
	5.2.4	Enabling the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology..........................	5-6
Appendix:		Debug code table

vii

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

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

•This device may not cause harmful interference, and

•This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio

frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

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

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

REACH

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

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

viii

Safety information

Electrical safety

•To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system.

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

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

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

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

•If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

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

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

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

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

•Place the product on a stable surface.

•If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.

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

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

ix

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

•Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

•Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

•Chapter 3: BIOS setup

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

•Chapter 4: Software support

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

•Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support

This chapter describes how to install and configure multipleATI®

CrossFireX™ graphics cards.

•Appendix: Debug code table

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

Where to find 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 flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.

Conventions used in this guide

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

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

Typography

Bold text	Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics	Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key>	Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
	means that you must press the enclosed key.
	Example: <Enter> means that you must press the
	Enter or Return key.
<Key1+Key2+Key3>	If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the
	key names are linked with a plus sign (+).
	Example: <Ctrl+Alt+Del>

xi

Maximus III GENE specifications summary

CPU

Chipset

Memory

Expansion Slots

Multi-GPU Technology

Storage

LAN

High Definition Audio

IEEE 1394a

Supports the Intel® Core™i7 and Intel® Core™i5 Processors in the LGA1156 package

Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology

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

Intel® P55 Express Chipset

Dual channel memory architecture

4 x DIMM, max. 16GB, DDR3 2133(O.C.)/

2000(O.C.)/1600/1333/1066 MHz,

non-ECC, un-buffered memory modules

* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical

characteristics of individual CPUs.

** Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)

*** Please refer to www.asus.com or user manual for the

Memory QVL(Qualified Vendors Lists).

2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots (support single at x16 or dual at x8 mode)

1 x PCIe x4 slot

1 x PCI 2.2 slot

Supports NVIDIA® Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology

Supports ATI® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology

Intel® P55 Express Chipset built-in:

- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports

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

JMicron® 363 controller:

- 1 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s port

- 1 x External SATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA On-the-Go)

Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET2

GameFirst

SupremeFX X-Fi built-in

- 8-channel High DefinitionAudio CODEC

- EAX® Advanced™ HD 4.0 - X-Fi CMSS®-3D

- X-Fi Crystalizer™

- Creative ALchemy - Blu-ray support

- Supports Optical S/PDIF out port on rear panel

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

(continued on the next page)

xii

Maximus III GENE specifications summary

USB

ROG Exclusive

Overclocking Features

Other Special Features

max. 14 USB 2.0 ports (5 ports at mid-board, 9 ports at back panel)

CPU Power Design

- 8-phase CPU power

- 2-phase VTT power

- 2-phase Memory power

ROG Connect

CPU Level Up iROG

Extreme Tweaker Loadline Calibration

Intelligent overclocking tools:

- ASUS TurboV EVO

- O.C. Profile

Overclocking Protection:

- COP EX (Component Overheat Protection - EX)

- Voltiminder LED

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

MemOK!

MemPerfect

ProbeIt

Onboard Switches: Power / Reset / Clr CMOS (at rear) ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED) ASUS Q-Connector

ASUS Q-Slot

ASUS Q-DIMM

ASUS EPU

ASUS MyLogo 3

ASUS Fan Xpert

ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

BIOS Features	16Mb AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.4,
	ACPI2.0a Multi-Language BIOS
Manageability	WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE
Back Panel I/O Ports	1 x PS/2 Keyboard port (purple)
	1 x Clr CMOS switch
	1 x Optical S/PDIF out port
	1 x IEEE1394a port
	1 x External SATA port
	1 x LAN (RJ45) port
	9 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (1 port for ROG Connect)
	1 x ROG Connect On/Off switch
	8-channel Audio I/O with gold-plated jack
	(continued on the next page)

xiii

Maximus III GENE specifications summary

Internal I/O Connectors	3 x USB 2.0 connectors supports additional 5 USB 2.0
	ports (1 port reserved for ROG Connect @ rear)
	7 x SATA connectors
	5 x Fan connectors: 1 x CPU / 2 x Chassis / 2 x Optional
	1 x IEEE1394a connector
	1 x SPDIF out connector
	1 x CD audio in
	1 x Front panel audio connector
	2 x thermal sensor connectors
	1 x 24-pin ATX Power connector
	1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector
	1 x En/Dis-able Clr CMOS header
	5 x ProbeIt measurement points
	1 x Go Button
	System panel connector
Software	Support DVD:
	- Drivers and applications
	Sound Blaster X-Fi Utility
	ROG GameFirst Utility
	ASUS TurboV EVO Utility
	ASUS PC Probe II
	ASUS Update
	ASUS AI Suite
	Kaspersky® Anti-Virus
Form Factor	mATX Form Factor, 9.6”x 9.6” (24.4cm x 24.4cm)

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

xiv

This chapter describes the motherboard	1
features and the new technologies
it supports.
Chapter 1: Product
	introduction

	Chapter summary	1

1.1	Welcome!.......................................................................................	1-1
1.2	Package contents.........................................................................	1-1
1.3	Special features............................................................................	1-2

ROG Maximus III GENE

1.1Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ROG Maximus III GENE 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.

1.2Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

ROG Maximus III GENE Motherboard		1 x ASUS Q-Shield (I/O shield)
3 x 2-in-1 Serial ATA signal cables		1 x ROG Connect cable
	1 x SLI Cable	1 x 2-in1 ASUS Q-Connector Kit
	Manual	1 x ROG theme label
	User
		1 x ROG SATA cable
		labels (12-in-1)
Cable ties	User Guide	ROG Support DVD

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

•The item illustrations in above table are for reference only. Actual product specifications may vary with different models.

ROG Maximus III GENE

1-1

1.3Special features

1.3.1Product highlights

Republic of Gamers

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

Green ASUS

This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with theASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.

Intel® LGA1156 Lynnfield Processor Ready

This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Lynnfield processors in LGA1156 package, which as memory and PCI Express controller integrated to support 2- channel (4 DIMMs) DDR3 memory and 16 PCI Express 2.0 lanes, providing great graphics performance. Intel® Lynnfield processor is one of the most powerful and energy efficient CPU in the world.

Intel® P55 Chipset

The Intel® P55 Express Chipset is the latest one-chipset design to support the latest 1156 socket Intel® Lynnfield processors. Intel P55 provides improved performance by utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability.

SLI/CrossFireX On-Demand

SLI or CrossFireX? Fret no longer because with the ROG Maximus III GENE, you'll be able to run both multi-GPU setups. The board features SLI/CrossFireX on Demand technology, supporting SLI or CrossFireX configuration. Whichever path you take, you can be assured of jaw-dropping graphics at a level previously unseen.

1-2	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Dual-Channel, DDR3 2133(O.C.) MHz

The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of

2133(O.C.)/2000(O.C.)/1800(O.C.)/1600/1333/1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest operation system, 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR3 architecture double the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance.

PCIe 2.0

Double Speed; Double Bandwidth

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

1.3.2ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features

ROG Connect

Plug and Overclock - Tweak it the hardcore way!

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

GameFirst

The speed you need to pwn

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

ROG has introduced GameFirst, a feature that manages the flow of traffic according to your needs so that you can still listen to online music, download and upload files, and engage in Internet chats without sacrificing the low ping times you need to pwn your opponents.

MemPerfect

Optimize your memory without lifting a finger!

Why risk crippling your system with poorly tuned memory? Now, with ROG’s exclusive MemPerfect optimizing your memory performance is a simple matter of selecting the frequency you desire, and letting MemPerfect do the rest!

MemPerfect quickly checks your memory settings for errors and automatically fixes them—ensuring system stability and maximum efficiency.

ROG Maximus III GENE

1-3

iROG

Intelligent multiple control at hand

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

CPU Level Up

A simple click for instant upgrade!

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

MemOK!

Any memory is A-OK!

Memory compatibility is among the top concerns when it comes to computer upgrades. Worry no more, MemOK! is the fastest memory booting solution today. This remarkable memory rescue tool requires nothing but a push of a button

to patch memory issues and get you system up and running in no time. The technology is able to determine failsafe settings that can dramatically improve

system booting success.

Extreme Tweaker

One stop performance tuning shop

Extreme Tweaker is the one stop shop to fine-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!

ProbeIt

Get all hands-on with hardware-based overclocking

ProbeIt takes the guesswork out of locating the motherboard’s measurement points, identifying them clearly in the form of 5 sets of detection points so you’ll know exactly where to get quick yet accurate readings using a multitester.

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Voltiminder LED

Friendly reminder on Voltage Settings

In the pursuit of extreme performance, overvoltage adjustment is critical but risky.Acting as the “red zone” of a tachometer, the Voltiminder LED displays the voltage status for CPU, PCH, and Memory in a intuitive color-coded fashion. The Voltiminder LED allows quick voltage monitoring for overclockers.

Component Overheat Protection-EX (COP EX)

Maximum OC with confidence with burn proof protection to chipsets and

CPU!

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 CPU. The COP EX allows more freedom and less constraint for maximum performance achievement.

Loadline Calibration

Optimal power boost for extreme CPU overclocking!

Maintaining ample voltage support for the CPU is critical during overclocking. The Loadline calibration ensures stable and optimal CPU voltage under heavy

loading. It helps overclockers enjoy the motherboard’s ultimate OC capabilities and benchmark scores.

1.3.3ROG unique features

SupremeFX X-Fi features

Listen with absolute HD

Play in extreme fidelity!

SupremeFX X-Fi delivers an excellent high definition audio experience to the gamers of ROG. The SupremeFX X-Fi features unique audio innovations for gamers to spot enemies in 3D environment during game play. SupremeFX X-Fi also provides gamers a special tool to emphasize human voices in games to help make dialogues clearer and more audible.

Noise Filter

Eliminate background noise while recording

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

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Onboard Switches

No more shorting pins or moving jumpers

With an easy press during overclocking, this exclusive onboard switch allows gamers to effortlessly fine-tune the performance without having to short the pins or moving jumpers.

Kaspersky® Anti-Virus

The best protection from viruses and spyware

Kaspersky® Anti-Virus Personal offers premium antivirus protection for individual users and home offices. It is based on advanced antivirus technologies. The product incorporates the Kaspersky® Anti-Virus engine, which is renowned for malicious program detection rates that are among the industry’s highest.

1.3.4ASUS special features

ASUS EZ DIY

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

ASUS Q-Shield

The specially designedASUS Q-Shield does without the usual “fingers”— making it convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).

ASUS Q-Connector

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

ASUS O.C. Profile

The motherboard features theASUS O.C. Profile that allows users to conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favorite settings.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a USB flash disk containing the BIOS file.

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ASUS EZ Flash 2

EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply launch this tool and update BIOS using a USB flash disk without entering the OS. You can update your BIOS in a few clicks without preparing an additional floppy diskette or using an OS-based flash utility.

TurboV EVO

Ultimate O.C. Processor

The ultimate O.C. processor satisfies every level of overclockers—from die-hard enthusiasts to beginners. Auto tuning intelligently pushes the system to the fastest clock speeds while maintaining stability. Turbo Key boosts performance with just one touch; while TurboV offers more options to advanced overclockers to achieve world O.C. record.

ASUS EPU

System Level Energy Saving

The newASUS EPU - the world's first power saving engine, has been upgraded to a new 6 engine version, which provides total system power savings by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power in real-time. With auto phase switching for components (which includes the CPU, VGA card, memory, chipset, hard drives and CPU cooler/system fans), the EPU automatically provides the most appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking

- helping save power and money.

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.

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1-8	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includesChapterdescription of the jumpers2:and connectors on the motherboard.

Hardware2 information

	Chapter summary	2

2.1	Before you proceed......................................................................	2-1
2.2	Motherboard overview.................................................................	2-5
2.3	Central Processing Unit (CPU)....................................................	2-8
2.4	System memory..........................................................................	2-13
2.5	Expansion slots..........................................................................	2-22
2.6	Jumper.........................................................................................	2-26
2.7	I/O shield installation..................................................................	2-27
2.8	Connectors..................................................................................	2-28
2.9	Starting up for the first time......................................................	2-41
2.10	Turning off the computer...........................................................	2-42

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2.1Before you proceed

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

•Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.

•Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity.

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

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

•Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.

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Onboard LEDs

The motherboard comes with LEDs that indicate the voltage conditions of CPU, memory, and PCH. 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 3.3 Extreme Tweaker menu.

1.CPU LED

The CPU LED has three voltage displays: CPU Voltage, CPU PLL, and IMC

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 definition.

2.Memory LED

Refer to the illustration below for the location of the memory LED and the table below for LED definition.

3.PCH LED

The PCH LED shows the PCH Voltage. Refer to the illustration below for the location of the PCH LED and the table below for LED definition.

CPU Voltage (default)

Normal (green)

High (yellow)

Crazy (red)

0.85–1.4

1.40625–1.54375

1.55–

CPU PLL

1.60325–2.00075

2.014–2.10675

2.12–

IMC

1.007–1.3515

1.36475–1.60325

1.6165–

DRAM Bus Voltage	Normal (green)	High (yellow)	Crazy (red)
	1.3515–1.60325	1.6165–1.78875	1.80200–
PCH Voltage	Normal (green)	High (yellow)	Crazy (red)
	1.007–1.15275	1.166–1.20575	1.219–

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4.Hard Disk LED

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.

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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.

When you turn on the ATX power supply, the Power LED flashes three times to indicate that the system is ready to boot. Wait till the flash stops before you press the power-on switch.

6.GO LED

Blinking: Indicates that MemOK! is enabled before POST.

Lighting: Indicates that the system loads the preset profile for temporary overclocking when in OS.

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Chapter 2: Hardware information