Asus MAXIMUS VI EXTREME User Manual

MAXIMUS VI
EXTREME

Motherboard

E7948
First Edition

April 2013

Copyright © 2013 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
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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

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OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
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ii

Contents

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

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

MAXIMUS VI EXTREME specications summary .................................................... x

OC Panel specications summary ..........................................................................xv

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

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

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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

1.1.1 Product highlights

1.1.2 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features ...............

1.1.3 ASUS special features ................................................................

1.1.4 ROG-rich bundled software

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

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

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

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

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

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

1.2.6 Onboard buttons and switches

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

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

1.2.9 Internal connectors

1.2.10 ProbeIt

....................................................................................... 1-48

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

......................................................... 1-4

.................................................. 1-22

.................................................................... 1-37

1-2

1-4

1-6

1-6

1-7

1-9

1-10

1-19

1-27

1-28

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

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

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

2.1.2 CPU installation

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

2.1.4 DIMM installation

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

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

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

2.1.8 Expansion Card installation

2.1.9 mPCIe Combo II installation

........................................................................... 2-3

......................................................................... 2-6

....................................................... 2-10

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

2-1

2-4

2-7

2-8

2-9

iii

2.2 BIOS update utility ................................................................................... 2-15

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

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

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

2.4 OC Panel ...................................................................................................

2.4.1 OC Panel Overview

2.4.2 Setting up your OC Panel in Normal Mode ...............................

2.4.3 Setting up your OC Panel in Extreme Mode .............................

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

2.6 Turning off the computer .........................................................................

................................................................... 2-21

2-16

2-16

2-17

2-21

2-23

2-25

2-26

2-26

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

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

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

3.2.1 EZ Mode

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

3.3 My Favorites ...............................................................................................

3.4 Extreme Tweaker menu .............................................................................

3.5 Main menu ................................................................................................

3.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................

3.6.1 CPU Conguration ....................................................................

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

3.6.3 SATA Conguration ...................................................................

3.6.4 System Agent Conguration

3.6.5 USB Conguration ....................................................................

3.6.6 Platform Misc Conguration ......................................................

3.6.7 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................

3.6.8 APM ..........................................................................................

3.6.9 Network Stack ...........................................................................

3.5.10 LED Control

3.7 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................

3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................

3.9 Tools menu ...............................................................................................

3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ............................................................

3.9.2 ASUS O.C. Prole .....................................................................

3.9.3 ASUS SPD Information .............................................................

3.9.4 BIOS Flashback ........................................................................

3.10 Exit menu ..................................................................................................

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

...................................................... 3-32

............................................................................... 3-39

3-2

3-4

3-6

3-7

3-22

3-25

3-26

3-29

3-31

3-34

3-35

3-36

3-38

3-39

3-40

3-44

3-48

3-48

3-48

3-49

3-50

3-51

iv

3.11 Updating BIOS .......................................................................................... 3-52

3.11.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ......................................................................

3.11.2 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ..........................................................

3.11.3 ASUS BIOS Updater .................................................................

3.12 Secure Erase ............................................................................................

3-53

3-54

3-55

3-58

Chapter 4: Software support

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

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

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

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals

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

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

4.4 AI Suite 3 .....................................................................................................

4.4.1 Dual Intelligent Processors 4 ......................................................

4.4.2 Wi-Fi GO! ..................................................................................

4.4.3 Wi-Fi Engine

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

4.4.4 EZ Update .................................................................................

4.4.5 USB 3.0 Boost

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

4.4.6 System Information ...................................................................

4.4.7 USB BIOS Flashback Wizard

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

4.4.8 Ai Charger+ ...............................................................................

4.4.9 USB Charger+ ...........................................................................

4.4.10 Audio congurations

4.4.11 ROG Connect

.................................................................. 4-31

............................................................................ 4-32

4.4.12 MemTweakIt ..............................................................................

4.4.13 RAMDisk ...................................................................................

4-1

4-1

4-4

4-4

4-7

4-14

4-24

4-26

4-29

4-30

4-34

4-37

Chapter 5: RAID support

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

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

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

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

5.1.4 Intel

5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk

®

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

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

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

5.2.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows

5.2.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows

®

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

®

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

5-1

5-2

5-2

5-8

v

Appendices

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

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

vi

Safety information

Electrical safety

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

•
before relocating the system.

When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables

•
for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible,
disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all

•
power cables are unplugged.

Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices

•
could interrupt the grounding circuit.

Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not

•
sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power
company.

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

•
technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals

•
that came with the package.

Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power

•
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.

To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,

•
slots, sockets and circuitry.

Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area

•
where it may become wet.

Place the product on a stable surface.

•

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

•
technician or your retailer.

vii

About this guide

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

motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the
motherboard.

• Chapter 2: Basic Installation

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

• Chapter 3: BIOS setup

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

• Chapter 4: Software support

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

• Chapter 5: RAID support

This chapter describes the RAID congurations.

Where to nd more information

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

1. ASUS websites

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

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,

that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the
standard package.

viii

Conventions used in this guide

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

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

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

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

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

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italics

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

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

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

means that you must press the enclosed key.

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

names are linked with a plus sign (+).

ix

MAXIMUS VI EXTREME specications summary

CPU

Chipset

Memory

Expansion slots

VGA

Multi-GPU support

LGA1150 socket for 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 /

Intel® Core™ i5 / Intel

®

Core™ i3, Pentium®, Celeron® Processors

Supports 22nm CPU

Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*

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

type.

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

Intel® Z87 Express Chipset

Dual channel memory architecture

4 x DIMM, max. 32GB, DDR3 2800(O.C.) / 2666(O.C.) /

2600(O.C.) / 2500 (O.C.) / 2400 (O.C.) / 2200(O.C.) /
2133(O.C.) / 2000(O.C.) / 1866(O.C.) / 1800(O.C.) / 1600 / 1333

MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory

Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)

* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of

individual CPUs.

** Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List) for details.

5 x PCI Express 3.0*/2.0 x16 slots (single at native x16, dual at

x8/x8**, triple at x8/x16/x8, quad at x8/x16/x8/x8)

1 x PCI Express 2.0 x4 slot

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

card

* PCIe 3.0 speed is supported by 4th generation Intel® Core™ Processors.

** Native x8/x8 mode is available only when PCIE_x16/x8_1 and

PCIE_x8_B2 slots are in use.

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

Integrated Intel® HD Graphics Processor

Multi-VGA output support: DisplayPort/HDMI port

DisplayPort 1.2 with max. resolution of 4096 x 2160 @ 24 Hz/

3840 x 2160 at 60Hz

HDMI with max. resolution of 4096 x 2160 at 24Hz / 2560 x 1600

at 60Hz

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

NVIDIA® 4-Way/3-Way/Quad-GPU SLI® Technology

AMD CrossFireX™ Technology

(continued on the next page)

x

Storage

LAN

Wireless Data Network

Bluetooth

Audio

USB

Intel® Z87 Express Chipset:

6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports*

®

- Intel

Rapid Storage 12 supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10

®

- Intel

Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start

Technology, and Intel® Smart Connect Technology**

1 x M.2 (NGFF) SSD Slot B on mPCIe Combo II expansion card

- Supports PCI Express 2.0 x1 and SATA 6Gb/s standard

- Supports M.2 (NGFF) Type 2242 (22mm x 42mm) SSD card

ASMedia® SATA 6Gb/s controller:

- 4 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports ***

* SATA 6Gb/s port 5 will be disabled when M.2 (NGFF) slot on mPCIe

Combo II is in use.

** The functions supported depends on the CPU types.

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

supported.

1 x Intel® I217-V Gigabit LAN Controller

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac supports dual frequency band 2.4/5 GHz

* The module is pre-installed on the mPCIe Combo II expansion card.

Bluetooth v4.0/3.0+HS

* The module is pre-installed on the mPCIe Combo II expansion card.

Realtek® ALC1150 8-Channel High Denition Audio
CODEC

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

- Content Protection for Full Rate lossless DVD Audio, Blu-ray
DVD, and HD-DVD audio content playback

- Optical S/PDIF output port at back panel

Intel® Z87 Express Chipset

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

- 8 x USB 2.0 ports (2 ports at back panel, 1 port reserved for

ROG Connect; 6 ports at mid-board**

ASMedia® USB 3.0 SuperSpeed USB HUB controller

- 4 x USB 3.0 ports, 4 ports at back panel [blue]

* The UASP standard for Intel® native USB 3.0 is only supported under

Windows 8® OS.

** 2 x USB2.0 ports at mid-board shares with ROG extension (ROG_EXT)

port.

(continued on the next page)

xi

ROG Exclusive Features

Special Features

ROG Extreme OC Kit

- EZ Plug

- LN2 Mode

- Slow Mode

- PCIe x16 Lane switch

ROG Connect

- RC Diagram

- RC Remote

- RC Poster

ROG Extreme Engine Digi+ III

- Full digital 8+2 phase CPU/DRAM power

TM

- NexFET

Power Block MOSFET

- 60A BlackWing Chokes

- 10K Black Metallic Capacitors

mPCIe Combo II (mPCIe/M.2 (NGFF) combo card)

UEFI BIOS features

- ROG BIOS Print

- GPU.DIMM Post

- Extreme Tweaker

- Tweaker’s Paradise

- ROG SSD Secure Erase

- O.C. Prole

- ROG Pulse

CPU Level Up

Probelt

ROG RAMDisk

ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 4

- 4-way Optimization Tuning Key

ASUS EPU

ASUS Wi-Fi GO!

ASUS Exclusive Features

- AI Suite III

- TurboV EVO

- DIGI+ Power Control

- Fan Xpert 2

- USB 3.0 Boost

- GPU Boost

- AI Charger+

- USB Charger+

- Disk Unlocker

(continued on the next page)

xii

Special Features

Back I/O Ports

Internal Connectors

ASUS EZ DIY

- ASUS BIOS Flashback

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

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

ASUS Q-Design

- ASUS Q-Code

- ASUS Q-Shield

- ASUS Q-Connector

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

- ASUS Q-Slot

- ASUS Q-DIMM

1 x Clear CMOS button

1 x ROG Connect button

2 x USB 2.0 ports (1 port can be switched to ROG Connect)

6 x USB 3.0 ports [blue]

1 x LAN (RJ45) port

1 x Optical S/PDIF out

1 x HDMI port

1 x DisplayPort

1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port

6 x Audio jacks

1 x USB 3.0 connector (supports additional two USB 3.0 ports)

3 x USB 2.0 connectors (support additional six USB 2.0 ports, one

connector via ROG_EXT header)

10 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors

1 x ROG Extension (ROG_EXT) header

1 x 4-pin CPU fan connector for smart DC/PWM mode control

1 x 4-pin CPU optional fan connector

3 x 4-pin Chassis fan connector

3 x 4-pin Optional fan connector

3 x Thermal sensor connectors

1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector

1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector

1 x 4-pin EATX 12V Power connector

1 x 6-pin EZ Plug connector (in black for PCIe slots)

1 x 4-pin EZ Plug connector (in white for back I/O and PCIe slots)

10 x ProbeIt Measurement Points

1 x LN2 Mode jumper

1 x Slow mode switch

1 x Power-on button

1 x Reset button

1 x MemOK! button

1 x BIOS Switch button

1 x S/PDIF out header

(continued on the next page)

xiii

1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)

1 x System panel connector

Internal Connectors

Accessory

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

BIOS Features

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

Support DVD contents

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

1 x mPCIe Combo II connector

1 x Directkey button

1 x DRCT (DirectKey) header

1 x FastBoot switch

1 x User’s manual

1 x I/O Shield

OC Panel Kit

- 1 x OC Panel

- 1 x OC Panel 5.25-inch drive bay metal case

- 1 x OC Panel cable

- Set of screws (1 x 2 pcs) ; (1 x 4 pcs)

1 x mPCIe Combo II card with dual-band WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac +

Bluetooth v4.0/3.0+HS module

1 x 2T2R dual-band Wi-Fi moving antennas

5 x 2-in-1 SATA 6Gb/s signal cables

1 x 4-Way SLI® bridge

1 x 3-Way SLI® bridge

1 x SLI® cable

1 x CrossFire™ cable

1 x ROG Connect cable

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

1 x 12-in-1 ROG Cable Label

1 x ROG Magnet

64 Mb UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI

2.0a, Multi-language BIOS

Drivers

ROG RAMDisk

ROG CPU-Z

ROG Mem TweakIt

Kaspersky® Anti-Virus

DAEMON Tools Pro Standard

ASUS WebStorage

ASUS Utilities

xiv

Specications are subject to change without notice.

OC Panel specications summary

Display 2.6-inch LCM

Pure hardware-based overclocking support

Boot debug POST code

Intuitive tuning in two OC modes

- EXTREME Mode for subzero OC benching

- NORMAL Mode for in-chassis usage

Seamless integration with CPU Level Up at one-click OC button

Real-time control and display CPU fan speed, temperature, BCLK
and RATIO

Adjustable system voltages, frequencies on-the-y

Stylish design with 90 plus-degree-tilt movable faceplate
(EXTREME Mode)

Features

I/O Ports

Power

Installation
Requirements

Compatibility

FanSpeed Control button*

- Standard/Silent/Turbo mode

Four (4) additional 4-pin fan headers

LCM backlight on/off

ROG exclusive features

- VGA Hotwire

- Subzero Sense

- Slow Mode

- Pause Switch

- VGA SMB header

- ProbeIt

* FanSpeed Control button supports 4-pin CPU fan only.

POWER : 1 x SATA power connector

ROG_EXT port : 1 x 18-1 pin data connection port

FAN : 4 x 4-pin extra Fan connectors

Voltage : +12V, +5V, +5VSB

Power consumption : 5A

1 x 5.25-inch drive bay required for NORMAL Mode installation

1 x SATA power cable from system power supply

Maximus VI Series and other motherboards with ROG_EXT port

*Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest motherboard

support/compatibility lists.

**Please install the latest utility/rmware (ROG PLUS) for better

compatibility.

***Update the motherboard BIOS to the latest version for better

compatibility with OC Panel.

xv

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard

Cables 1 x ROG Connect cable

Accessories

Application DVD

Documentation

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

ROG MAXIMUS VI EXTREME

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

1 x 4-WAY SLI® bridge

1 x 3-WAY SLI® bridge

1 x SLI® cable

1 x CrossFireTM cable

1 x ROG_EXT cable

1 x I/O Shield

1 x OC Panel

1 x OC Panel 5.25-inch drive bay metal case

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

1 x dual band Wi-Fi Moving Antenna

1 x 12-in-1 ROG cable label

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

1 x ROG Magnet

ROG motherboard support DVD

User guide

xvi

Installation tools and components

1 bag of screws Philips (cross) screwdriver

PC chassis Power supply unit

Intel LGA 1150 CPU Intel LGA 1150 compatible CPU Fan

DDR3 DIMM SATA hard disk drive

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

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

xvii

xviii

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Product introduction

1

1.1 Special features

1.1.1 Product highlights

Republic of Gamers

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

LGA1150 socket for 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 / Intel

®

Intel

Core™ i3, Pentium® and Celeron® Processors

This motherboard supports 4th generation Intel® Core™ i7/ Intel® Core™ i5/ Intel® Core™
i3, Pentium® and Celeron® processors in the LGA1150 package. It provides great graphics
and system performance with its GPU, dual-channel DDR3 memory slots, and PCI Express

2.0/3.0 expansion slots.

Intel® Z87 Express Chipset

Intel® Z87 Express Chipset is a single-chipset that supports the LGA1150 socket 4th
generation Intel® Core™ i7/ Intel® Core™ i5/ Intel® Core™ i3, Pentium® and Celeron®

processors. It utilizes the serial point-to-point links, which increases bandwidth and enhances

the system’s performance. It natively supports up to six USB 3.0 ports for up to ten times
faster transfer rate than USB 2.0, and enables the iGPU function for Intel® integrated graphics
performance.

PCI Express® 3.0

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

SLI®/CrossFire™ On-Demand

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

platform to optimize the PCIe allocation of multiple GPUs, it supports up to 4-WAY GPU SLI
or CrossFireX™ conguration.

®

Core™ i5 /

®

Z87

®

ASUS MAXIMUS VI EXTREME

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1-1

1.1.2 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features

mPCIe Combo II

ROG mPCIe Combo II offers expandability solutions with the latest connectivity standards via
the proprietary connector onboard. It provides your system with the fastest Wi-Fi 802.11ac
and Bluetooth 4.0 connection. It also features the M.2 (NGFF) slot for an optimal system
performance.

ROG Connect

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

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

Extreme Engine Digi+ III

The Extreme Engine Digi+ III offers the best CPU/Memory design on the Z87® motherboard.
It is equipped with NexFET

up to 90% efciency under normal operation. The BlackWing Chokes handles pressures with
ease. The Black Metallic solid capacitor lasts ve times longer than the generic capacitors

with better low temperature tolerance. Altogether making it the perfect motherboard for
overclocking.

iROG

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

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

CPU Level Up

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

USB BIOS FlashBack

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

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

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

GPU.DIMM Post

Chapter 1

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

BIOS Print

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

TM

Power Block MOSFET that offers great durability and provides

1-2

Chapter 1: Product introduction

ProbeIt

This motherboard consists of eleven (11) ProbeIt measurement points that helps you detect
your system’s current voltage. With the use of a multimeter device, these points can help
measure your system’s Vcore, PCH, IO (Digital/Analog), DRAM, iGPU, System agent and
other critical voltages.

Extreme Tweaker

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

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

Loadline Calibration

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

BIOS Flashback

BIOS Flashback gives you the ability to save two versions of BIOS simultaneously: one
saved BIOS for the tweaked overclocking setting, and one saved BIOS from the previous
version.

OC Panel

Overclocking made easier than ever! No more messing with the BIOS, OS, or software
utilities. OC Panel is the next step in dedicated direct tweaking. It works inside the case or as
an external console, and features normal mode with info covering CPU temps, ratios, base
clocks, and CPU fan speed. With one press of the CPU Level Up button you can instantly

apply custom proles designed by the world’s leading overclockers, while FanSpeed Control
modies blower RPMs. In extreme mode, some of the most commonly used voltage tuning
settings are offered, along with Subzero Sense and VGA Hotwire, giving you eld access to

super-cool liquid thermal temp readings and streamlined hardware-level GPU overvolting.

ASUS MAXIMUS VI EXTREME

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1.1.3 ASUS special features

Wi-Fi GO!

ASUS Wi-Fi GO! leads the way to a more enjoyable home entertainment. With ASUS Wi-Fi

GO!, you can wirelessly stream media les to DLNA devices, remotely control and access
your computer using your mobile device, and easily transfer les between your computer and

mobile device.

Conveniently use and enjoy these ASUS Wi-Fi GO! functions:

Cloud GO!: Allows you to control les and sync them all across cloud services in a few

•

clicks.

•

DLNA Media Hub: Provides support to the latest DLNA standard, and allows you to

•

stream media les to a DLNA-supported device.

Remote Desktop: Allows you to view your computer’s desktop and remotely operate

•

your computer in real-time from your mobile device.

Remote Keyboard and Mouse: Allows you to use your mobile device’s touch panel as a

•

remote keyboard and mouse for your computer.

Smart Motion Control: Allows you to remotely control your computer using your mobile

•

device’s customized gestures.

File Transfer: Allows you to transfer les between your computer and mobile device.

•

Capture and Send: Allows you to take screenshots and send them to a mobile device.

•

1.1.4 ROG-rich bundled software

Kaspersky® Anti-Virus

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

home ofces. It is based on advanced antivirus technologies. The product incorporates the

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

DAEMON Tools Pro Standard

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

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

or netbook.

ROG CPU-Z

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

that allows you to gather information about your system’s main components. It gives you

Chapter 1

the current information and status of your CPU, motherboard, memory, and other main
components. Get that ROG look of reporting your system’s current information with ROG
CPU-Z.

MemTweakIt

MemTweakIt is a DRAM efciency tool that allows you to ne-tune your DRAM in real time
and allows you to post and share your DRAM conguration scores to the ROG website.

1-4

Chapter 1: Product introduction

ROG RAMDisk

RAMDisk reserves part of system memory and turns it into actual storage, so you can

place favorite app and game cache les in it to enjoy high-speed RAM performance while
accessing them. Plus, this extends SSD lifespan and keeps your main storage optimized for

really important tasks, and you get auto data backup and restore.

ASUS MAXIMUS VI EXTREME

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1-5

1.2 Motherboard overview

1.2.1 Before you proceed

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chapter 1

1-6

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2.2 Motherboard layout

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

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1-7

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots Page

1. Power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V, 4-pin EATX12V) 1-43

2. LGA1150 CPU Socket

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

4. DDR3 DIMM slots

5. Q_Code LEDs

6. PCIe x16 Lane switch

7. START (Power-on) button

8. Slow Mode switch

9. RESET button

10. MemOK! button

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

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

13. LN2 Mode header

14. Intel® Z87 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [red])

15. ASMedia® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E12/E34 [red])

16. BIOS Switch button

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

18. DRCT connector

19. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910; USB1112; USB1314)

20. ROG Extension connector (18-1 pin ROG_EXT)

21. DirectKey button

22. Fastboot switch

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

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

25. EZ Plug connectors (6-pin EZ_PLUG_1; 4-pin EZ_PLUG_2)

26. mPCIe Combo II slot (MPCIE_COMBO_II)

1-9
1-41

1-10
1-30
1-25
1-22
1-24
1-22
1-23
1-45
1-38
1-27
1-37

1-38

1-24
1-44
1-46
1-40
1-47
1-26
1-25
1-42
1-39
1-45
1-46

Chapter 1

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Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1150 socket designed for the 4th
Generation Intel® Core™ i7 / Intel® Core™ i5 / Intel® Core™ i3, Pentium®, and Celeron®
processors.

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

• Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1150 only. DO NOT install a
CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1150 socket.

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

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

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

LGA1150 socket.

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

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1-9

1.2.4 System memory

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

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

Recommended memory congurations

Chapter 1

1-10

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Memory congurations

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

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

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

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps
the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel conguration. Any excess
memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

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

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimal compatibility, we
recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or date code (D/C)
from the same vendor. Check with the retailer to get the correct memory modules.

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

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

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

motherboard.

c) For more details, refer to the Microsoft

com/kb/929605/en-us.

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

®

support site at http://support.microsoft.

• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect
(SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.
Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a
lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked or at
a higher frequency, refer to section 3.3 Extreme Tweaker menu for manual memory
frequency adjustment.

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

memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

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1-11

MAXIMUS VI EXTREME Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)

DDR3 2800 MHz capability

DIMM socket

Vendors Part No. Size

AVEXIR AVD3U28001204G-4CI 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 12-14-14-35 1.65V • •

CORSAIR CMD16GX3M4A2800C11 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 11-14-14-35 1.65V • •

CORSAIR CMD16GX3M4A2800C12 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 12-14-14-36 1.65V • •

G.SKILL F3-2800C11D-8GTXD 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 11-13-13-35 1.65V • •

G.SKILL F3-2800C11Q-16GTXD 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 11-13-13-35 1.65V • •

G.SKILL F3-2800C11D-8GTXDG 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 11-14-14-35 1.65V • •

G.SKILL F3-2800C11Q-16GTXDG 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 11-13-13-35 1.65V • •

G.SKILL F3-2800C12Q-32GTXG 32GB (4x8GB) DS - - 12-13-13-35 1.65V • •

G.SKILL F3-2800C10D-8GBTXD 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 10-13-13-35 1.65V • •

SS/DSChip

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage

NO.

support

(Optional)

2 4

DDR3 2666 MHz capability

DIMM socket

Vendors Part No. Size

Apacer 78.BAGFR.AFD0C(XMP) 8GB (2x 4GB) DS - - 12-13-13-35 - • •

Apacer 78.CAGFF.AFD0C(XMP) 16GB (2x 8GB) DS - - 12-13-13-35 - • •

G.SKILL F3-2666CL10Q-

16GBZHD(XMP)

GEIL GOC332GB2666C11QC(XMP) 32GB (4x 8GB) DS - - 11-13-13-32 1.65 • •

Team TXD34G2666HC11CBK(XMP) 8GB (2x 4GB) SS - - 11-13-13-35 1.65 • •

Team TXD38G2666HC11CBK(XMP) 16GB (2x 8GB) DS - - 11-13-13-35 1.65 •

16GB (4x 4GB) DS - - 10-12-12-31 1.65 •

SS/

DS

Chip

Chip

NO.

Timing

support

(Optional)

2 4

DDR3 2400 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

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

CORSAIR CMZ16GX3M2A2400C10 (Ver4.21) 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - 10-12-12-31 1.65 •

Chapter 1

GEIL GOC316GB2400C10QC(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 10-11-11-30 1.65 • •

GEIL GOC316GB2400C11QC(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 11-11-11-30 1.65 • •

KINGSTON KHX24C11K4/16X(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 11-13-13-30 1.65 • •

KINGSTON KHX24C11T2K2/8X(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - - 1.65 •

Patriot PXD38G2400C11K(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 2400 11-11-11-30 1.65 •

1-12

SS/DSChip

Brand

DIMM

Chip

Timing Voltage

NO.

socket
support

(Optional)

2 4

Chapter 1: Product introduction