Asus MAXIMUS VI FORMULA User Manual

MAXIMUS VI
FORMULA

Motherboard

E8336
First Edition

June 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
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.

Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software

This product contains copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”),
under the Lesser General Public License Version (“LGPL”) and/or other Free Open Source Software
Licenses. Such software in this product is distributed without any warranty to the extent permitted by the
applicable law. Copies of these licenses are included in this product.

Where the applicable license entitles you to the source code of such software and/or other additional data,
you may obtain it for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product, either

(1) for free by downloading it from http://support.asus.com/download
or
(2) for the cost of reproduction and shipment, which is dependent on the preferred carrier and the location

where you want to have it shipped to, by sending a request to:

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
Legal Compliance Dept.
15 Li Te Rd.,
Beitou, Taipei 112
Taiwan

In your request please provide the name, model number and version, as stated in the About Box of the
product for which you wish to obtain the corresponding source code and your contact details so that we
can coordinate the terms and cost of shipment with you.

The source code will be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under the same license as
the corresponding binary/object code.

This offer is valid to anyone in receipt of this information.
ASUSTeK is eager to duly provide complete source code as required under various Free Open Source

Software licenses. If however you encounter any problems in obtaining the full corresponding source
code we would be much obliged if you give us a notication to the email address [e-mail], stating
the product and describing the problem (please DO NOT send large attachments such as source code
archives, etc. to this email address).

ii

Contents

Safety information ...................................................................................................... vi

About this guide ........................................................................................................ vii

MAXIMUS VI FORMULA specications summary ................................................... ix

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

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

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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

1.1.1 Product highlights

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

1.1.3 ROG exclusive features ..............................................................

1.1.4 ASUS special features ................................................................

1.1.5 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 Onboard LEDs ..........................................................................

1.2.8 Internal connectors

1.2.9 ProbeIt

1.2.10 CrossChill ..................................................................................

....................................................................................... 1-50

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

.................................................. 1-27

.................................................................... 1-40

1-2

1-3

1-4

1-5

1-6

1-6

1-7

1-9

1-10

1-25

1-31

1-51

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2-1

2-4

2-7

2-8

2-9

2-15

2-16

2-16

2-17

iii

2.4 Starting up for the rst time .................................................................... 2-21

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

2-21

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 ...........................................................................

3.6.10 ROG Effects ..............................................................................

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

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

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

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

3.9.2 ROG Secure Erase ...................................................................

3.9.3 ASUS O.C. Prole .....................................................................

3.9.4 ASUS SPD Information .............................................................

3.9.5 ROG OC Panel H-Key Congure ..............................................

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

3.11 Updating BIOS ..........................................................................................

3.11.1 EZ Update .................................................................................

3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ......................................................................

3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ..........................................................

3.11.4 ASUS BIOS Updater .................................................................

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

...................................................... 3-33

3-2

3-4

3-6

3-7

3-25

3-27

3-28

3-30

3-32

3-35

3-36

3-37

3-39

3-40

3-40

3-41

3-45

3-50

3-50

3-50

3-52

3-53

3-53

3-55

3-56

3-56

3-57

3-58

3-59

Chapter 4: Software support

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

iv

4.2 Support DVD information .......................................................................... 4-1

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

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals

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

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

.............................................................................. 4-21

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

4.4.5 USB 3.0 Boost

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

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

4.4.7 USB BIOS Flashback ................................................................

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

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

4.4.10 Audio congurations

4.5 ROG Connect

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

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

4.6 MemTweakIt ..............................................................................................

4.7 RAMDisk ...................................................................................................

4.8 Sonic Radar ..............................................................................................

4.8.1 Main menu ...............................................................................

4.8.2 Game presets and Radar Selection .........................................

4.8.3 Advanced Settings ...................................................................

4.9 Perfect Voice .............................................................................................

4-1

4-3

4-3

4-6

4-13

4-23

4-25

4-27

4-29

4-30

4-34

4-36

4-39

4-39

4-41

4-42

4-44

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

Appendices

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

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

v

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.

vi

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.

vii

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 (+).

viii

MAXIMUS VI FORMULA specications summary

LGA1150 socket for 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i7/ i5/ i3/
Pentium®/ Celeron® processors

Supports 22nm CPU

CPU

Chipset

Memory

Expansion slots

Multi-GPU support

Storage

Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*

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

types.

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

Intel® Z87 Express Chipset

Dual channel memory architecture

4 x DIMM, max. 32GB, DDR3 3000(O.C.) / 2933(O.C.) / 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.

3 x PCI Express 3.0*/2.0 x16 slots (single at x16, dual at x8/x8,
3-way CFX at x8/x4/x4 native from CPU)

3 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots

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

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

Processors.

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

Support NVIDIA® SLI® Technology / AMD CrossFireX™ Technology

Support AMD 3-way CrossFireX™ Technology

Intel® Z87 Express Chipset:

6 x SATA 6 Gb/s ports*

®

- Intel

Rapid Storage Technology 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) Socket 2 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 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 support depends on the CPU types.

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

supported.

(continued on the next page)

ix

Integrated Intel® HD Graphics Processor

DisplayPort 1.2 with max. resolution of 4096 x 2160 @ 24 Hz/ 3840

VGA

LAN 1 x Intel® Ethemet Connection I217-V

Wireless

x 2160 at 60Hz

HDMI with max. resolution of 4096 x 2160 at 24Hz / 2560 x 1600
@ 60Hz

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

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

Bluetooth v4.0/3.0+HS

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

ROG SupremeFX Audio 8-Channel High Denition

Audio

- SupremeFX Shielding Technology

- Front Panel DAC Headphone: 120dB SNR, -107dB THD+N (Max.

192kHz/ 24-bit)

- High Fidelity Headphone Amplier: 120dB SNR, -117dB THD+N
@ Vcc+-12V, RL=600, f=1kHz

- Front DAC playback Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted,
Differential output): 115 dB

Audio

- ADC recording Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 104 dB

- WIMA® Film Capacitors

- ELNA® Premium Audio Capacitors

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

- Jack-detection and Multi-streaming

- Optical S/PDIF out port at back panel

Audio Feature:

- Sonic Radar

- DTS Connect

Intel® Z87 Express Chipset

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

8 x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports at back panel, 1 for ROG Connect; 4

ports at mid-board**)

USB

ASMedia® USB 3.0 SuperSpeed USB HUB controller

4 x USB 3.0 ports (4 ports at back panel [blue])

* Supports ASUS USB3.0 Boost, UASP standard on the Intel® native USB

3.0 is only supported under Windows® 8.

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

port.

(continued on the next page)

x

Back I/O Ports

ROG Exclusive Features

1 x Clear CMOS button

1 x ROG Connect On/Off switch

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

6 x USB 3.0 ports [blue]

1 x Optical S/PDIF out

1 x HDMI port

1 x DisplayPort

1 x LAN (RJ45) port

6 x Audio jacks

CrossChill (hybrid air and liquid cooling)*

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

Extreme Engine Digi+ III

- Fully digital 8+2 phase CPU/DRAM power

TM

- NexFET

Power Block MOSFET

- 60A BlackWing Chokes

- 10K Black Metallic Capacitors

ROG GameFirst II

ROG RAMDisk

CPU Level Up

ROG Connect**

- RC Diagram

- RC Remote

- RC Poster

ROG Armor (including top cover and SECC steel backplate)***

UEFI BIOS features

- Extreme Tweaker

- Tweaker’s Paradise

- ROG SSD Secure Erase

- BIOS Print

- GPU.DIMM Post

- O.C. Prole

- ROG Pulse

Probelt

* Support G1/4” threaded ttings. Fittings require separate purchase.

** The dedicated ROG Connect USB cable is purchased separately.

*** Chassis must conform to ATX specication for successful installation:

brass stand-offs of at least 6mm are required.

(continued on the next page)

xi

Special Features

ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 4

- 4-way Optimization Tuning Key, consolidating DIGI+ Power

Control, TPU, EPU, and Fan Xpert 2

ASUS Wi-Fi GO!

- Wi-Fi GO! Function: Cloud GO!, DLNA Media Hub, Smart
Sensor Control, Remote Desktop, Remote Keyboard & Mouse,
File Transfer, Capture & Send

- Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote for portable Smartphone/Tablet,
supporting iOS & Android systems

- Wi-Fi Engine for network sharing and connection: Client Mode,
AP Mode

ASUS Exclusive Features

- AI Suite III

- USB 3.0 Boost

- GPU Boost

- USB Charger+

- AI Charger+

- Disk Unlocker

ASUS EZ DIY

- USB 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

(continued on the next page)

xii

1 x USB 3.0 connector supports additional 2 USB 3.0 ports

2 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports (1
connector shares with ROG_EXT header)

1 x ROG Extension (ROG_EXT) header

10 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors

1 x 4-pin CPU fan connector

1 x 4-pin CPU optional fan connector

3 x 4-pin Chassis fan connectors

3 x 4-pin Optional fan connectors

3 x Thermal sensor connectors

1 x 24-pin EATX power connector

1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector

Internal Connectors

BIOS Features

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

Software

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

1 x 4-pin EATX 12V Power connector

10 x ProbeIt Measurement Points

1 x Power-on button

1 x Reset button

1 x MemOK! button

1 x DirectKey button

1 x DRCT (DirectKey) header

1 x S/PDIF out header

1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)

1 x System panel connector

1 x TPM connector

1 x mPCIe Combo II connector

1 x FastBoot switch

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

2.0a, Multi-language BIOS

Drivers

ROG GameFirst II

ROG RAMDisk

ROG CPU-Z

ROG Mem TweakIt

Kaspersky® Anti-Virus

DAEMON Tools Pro Standard

ASUS WebStorage

ASUS Utilities

Specications are subject to change without notice.

xiii

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard ROG MAXIMUS VI FORMULA

Cables 4 x 2-in-1 SATA 6 Gb/s cables

1 x SLI® bridge

Accessories I/O Shield

1 x mPCIe Combo II card with dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/
n/ac + Bluetooth v4.0/3.0+HS module

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

1 x 2-in-1 Q-Connector kit

1 x 12-in-1 ROG cable label

1 x ROG Door Hanger

Application DVD ROG motherboard support DVD

Documentation User guide

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

xiv

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.

xv

xvi

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 2-WAY SLI® or
3-WAY CrossFireX™ conguration.

®

Core™ i5 /

®

Z87

ASUS MAXIMUS VI FORMULA

Chapter 1

1-1

1.1.2 ROG unique gaming features

CrossChill

Choose between air or water cooling - it works with both! Unlike competing hybrid thermal
solutions, CrossChill requires no fans, so there’s no noise or dust build-up.

For those who prefer water cooling, you can achieve up to 23o C lower MOSFET

temperatures for a more stable overclocking experience! The water channel ns help
maximize the surface area for heat transfer and thanks to its G1/4 threaded ttings,
CrossChill ts into any existing setup!

SupremeFX

SupremeFX delivers premium audio quality without a separate audio card. SupremeFX
Shielding Technology using physical PCB isolation, grounding separation, and EMI cover
shielding combined with premium components such as ELNA audio capacitors and German­made WIMA Film capacitors result in audiophile level audio performance. Lossless audio
quality is ensured thanks to a new front-panel headphone DAC that delivers 120dB SNR
while a new HD audio IC pumps audio quality to 115dB SNR in live tests. Enhanced with

a 600 Ohm headphone amplier, every sound detail is boosted to maximum clarity and

audibility.

Sonic Radar

Sonic awareness can make or break online combat, so we’ve developed a stealthy overlay
that shows you what opponents and teammates are up to. Gunshots, footsteps, and call outs
appear with precise directioning on the on-screen radar, which gives you the advantage of
better intelligence and avoiding sneaky opponent surprises. Even snipers can’t get away that

easy! Plus, it integrates Enhancer, which has four pre-set equalizer bands optimized to FPS

games you can select to best-suit your gameplay preferences, leading to games that always
sound better, clearer, and more real.

GameFirst II

Offering powerful, yet easy-to-use network control, ROG GameFirst II with cFos Trafc

Shaping technology is revamped with a more intuitive ROG user interface. Featuring both
an exclusive EZ Mode for beginners to setup and Advanced Mode for professional users to

tweak, it means whatever your PC does in the background; your fragging will always come
rst!

Intel Gigabit LAN

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

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

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

Chapter 1

1-2

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1.3 ROG exclusive 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.

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.

ROG Armor

100% exclusive to ASUS, ROG Armor is more than just a stylish addition to the ultimate
gaming motherboard. ROG Armor contains two parts: a plastic vanity cover that DIYers can

customize and a reinforced SECC steel support behind the PCB to prevent bending. Thermal

pads also drive away heat from crucial components to reduce mainboard temperature.

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.

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.

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.

TM

Power Block MOSFET that offers great durability and provides

The The dedicated ROG Connect cable is purchased separately.

ASUS MAXIMUS VI FORMULA

Chapter 1

1-3

1.1.4 ASUS special features

AI Suite 3

With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite 3 consolidates all the exclusive ASUS
features into one simple-to-use software package. It allows you to supervise fan speed
control, voltage and sensor readings. This all-in-one software offers diverse and ease to use
functions, with no need to switch back and forth between different utilities.

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.

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 smart device and easily transfer les between your computer and

smart 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 smart device.

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

•

remote keyboard and mouse for your computer.

Smart Sensor Control: Allows you to remotely control your computer using your smart

•

device’s customized gestures.

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

•

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

•

Chapter 1

1-4

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1.5 ROG rich bundled software

Kaspersky® Anti-Virus

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

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

Kaspersky® Anti-Virus engine, which is renowned for malicious program detection rates that
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
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 read DRAM timings and allows you
to post and share your DRAM conguration scores to the ROG website.

DTS Connect

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

ASUS MAXIMUS VI FORMULA

Chapter 1

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

ASUS MAXIMUS VI FORMULA

Chapter 1

1-7

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots Page

1. Thermal sensor cable connectors (2-pin OPT_TEMP1-3) 1-49

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

3. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V_1;

4-pin EATX12V_2)

4. LGA1150 CPU Socket

5. MemOK! button

6. DDR3 DIMM slots

7. Q_Code LEDs

8. START (Power-on) button

9. RESET button

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

®

11. Intel

12. ASMedia

13. Fast Boot switch

14. DirectKey connector (2-pin DRCT)

15. DirectKey button

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

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

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

19. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)

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

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

22. mPCIe Combo II connector (36-2 pin MPCIE_COMBO_II)

Z87 Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [red]) 1-40

®

Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E1/2/3/4 [red]) 1-41

1-44

1-45

1-9

1-28

1-10

1-33

1-27

1-27

1-41

1-30

1-47

1-29

1-46

1-43

1-48

1-48

1-42

1-42

1-47

Chapter 1

1-8

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.

ASUS MAXIMUS VI FORMULA

Chapter 1

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 3.4 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.

ASUS MAXIMUS VI FORMULA

Chapter 1

1-11

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

DDR3 3000 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

G.SKILL F3-3000C12Q-16GTXDG 16GB (4x4GB) SS - - 12-14-14-35 1.65 • •

CORSAIR CML8GX3M2A3000C12R 8GB (2x4B) SS - - 12-14-14-36 1.65 • •

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage DIMM socket

NO.

support (Optional)

2 4

DDR3 2800 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

A_DATA AX3U2800GW4G12-DG2 32GB (4 x 8GB ) DS 12-14-14-36 1.65V • •

Apacer 78.BAGH5.AFD0C 4GB DS 12-14-14-35 1.65V • •

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

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

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

G.SKILL F3-2800C11D-8GTXD 8GB ( 2x 4GB ) DS - - 11-13-13-35 1.65V • •

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

G.SKILL F3-2800C11D-8GTXDG 8GB ( 2x 4GB ) DS - - 11-14-14-35 1.65V • •

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

G.SKILL F3-2800C12Q-32GTXG 32GB (4 x 8GB ) DS - - 12-13-13-35 1.65V • •

G.SKILL F3-2800C10D-8GBTXD 8GB ( 2x 4GB ) DS - - 10-13-13-35 1.65V • •

G.SKILL F3-2800C10D-8GZHD 8GB ( 2x 4GB ) DS 10-12-12-35 1.65V • •

G.SKILL F3-2800C12Q-16GZHD 16GB ( 4x 4GB ) DS - - 12-14-14-35 1.65V • •

G.SKILL F3-2800C11Q-32GTXDG 32GB (4 x 8GB ) DS 11-14-14-35 1.65V • •

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage DIMM

NO.

socket
support

(Optional)

2 4

DDR3 2500 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

Chapter 1

G.SKILL F3-20000CL10Q-16GBZHD(XMP) 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 10-11-11-31 1.65 • •

1-12

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage DIMM socket

NO.

support

(Optional)

2 4

Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR3 2400 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

A-DATA AX3U2400GC4G10(XMP) 4GB DS - - 10-12-12-31 1.65 •

A-DATA AX3U2400GW8G11(XMP) 16GB ( 2x 8GB ) DS - - 11-13-13-35 1.65 • •

Apacer 78.BAGFL.AFD0C(XMP) 8GB ( 2x 4GB ) DS - - 11-12-12-30 - • •

Apacer 783BAGF3.AFD0C(XMP) 8GB ( 2x 4GB ) DS - - 11-11-11-30 - • •

CORSAIR CMZ16GX3M2A2400C10

CORSAIR CMZ16GX3M4A2400C9R

G.SKILL F3-19200CL10Q-32GBZHD

G.SKILL F3-19200CL11Q-16GBZHD

G.SKILL F3-19200CL11Q-16GBZHD

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

G.SKILL F3-19200CL9Q-16GBZMD(XMP) 16GB ( 4x 4GB ) DS - - 9-11-11-31 1.65 • •

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

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

Kingston KHX2400C11D3K4/8GX (XMP) 8GB ( 4x 2GB ) SS - - 11-13-11-30 1.65 •

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

Team TXD38G2400HC10QBK (XMP) 8GB DS - - 10-12-12-31 1.65 • •

(Ver4.21)

(Ver4.13) (XMP)

(XMP)

(XMP)

(XMP)

16GB ( 2x 8GB ) DS - - 10-12-12-31 1.65 • •

16GB ( 4x 4GB ) DS - - 2400 9-11-

32GB ( 4x 8GB ) DS - - 10-12-12-31 1.65 • •

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

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

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage DIMM

NO.

11-31

socket
support

(Optional)

2 4

1.65 • •

DDR3 2200 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

G.SKILL F3-17600CL7D-4GBFLS(XMP) 4G ( 2x2G) DS - - 7-10-10-28 1.65 •

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

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

ASUS MAXIMUS VI FORMULA

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage DIMM socket

NO.

support (Optional)

2 4

Chapter 1

1-13

DDR3 2133 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

A-DATA AX3U2133XC4G10 (XMP) 4GB DS - - 10-11-11-30 1.65 • •

A-DATA AX3U2133XW8G10 (XMP) 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - 10-11-11-30 1.65 • •

A-DATA AX3U2133XW8G10 (XMP) 8GB DS - - 10-11-11-30 1.65 • •

Apacer 78.BAGE4.AFD0C (XMP) 8GB ( 2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 - • •

Apacer AHU04GFB33CAQ3R (XMP) 4GB DS - - 11-13-13-31 - • •

CORSAIR CMD8GX3M2A2133C9

G.SKILL F3-17000CL11Q2-64GBZLD

G.SKILL F3-17000CL9Q-16GBXLD

G.SKILL F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZH

G.SKILL F3-17066CL9D-8GBPID

G.SKILL F3-17066CL9Q-16GBTDD

G.SKILL F3-2133C11Q-32GZL (XMP) 32GB (4x8GB) DS - - 11-11-11-31 1.5 • •

KINGSTON KHX2133C11D3K4/16GX

KINGSTON KHX21C11T3FK8/64X

Patriot PV316G213C1K (XMP) 16GB (2x8GB) DS - - 11-11-11-30 1.5 • •

Patriot PVV34G2133C9K (XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.66 • •

Patriot PXD38G2133C11K (XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 •

Patriot PXD38G2133C11K (XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 2133 11-11-11-27 1.5 •

Team TLD38G2133HC11ABK

Team TXD34096M2133HC11A-V

(Ver1.5)(XMP)

(XMP)

(XMP)

(XMP)

(XMP)

(XMP)

(XMP)

(XMP)

(XMP)

(XMP)

8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-11-10-27 1.5 •

64GB (8x8GB) DS - - 11-11-11-30 1.5 • •

16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 9-11-9-28 1.65 • •

16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 9-11-10-28 1.65 • •

8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 •

16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 11-12-11-30 1.65 • •

64GB (8x8GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • •

8GB DS - - 11-11-11-31 1.65 • •

4GB DS - - 11-11-11-31 1.65 • •

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage DIMM

NO.

socket
support

(Optional)

2 4

DDR3 2000 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

Chapter 1

AEXEA AXA3ES2G2000LG28V

AEXEA AXA3ES4GK2000LG28V

Apacer 78.AAGD5.9KD(XMP) 6GB

1-14

(XMP)

(XMP)

Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM

Brand

2GB DS - - - 1.65 •

4GB

DS - - - 1.65 • •

(2x2GB)

DS - - 9-9-9-27 - •

(3x2GB)

(continued on the next page)

Chapter 1: Product introduction

socket
support

(Optional)

2 4