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, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing byASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

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

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

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

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 notification 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).

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Contents

Safety information......................................................................................................	vi
About this guide.........................................................................................................	vii
MAXIMUS VI FORMULA specifications 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
	1.1.2	ROG unique gaming features......................................................	1-2
	1.1.3	ROG exclusive features...............................................................	1-3
	1.1.4	ASUS special features.................................................................	1-4
	1.1.5	ROG rich bundled software.........................................................	1-5
1.2	Motherboard overview...............................................................................		1-6
	1.2.1	Before you proceed.....................................................................	1-6
	1.2.2	Motherboard layout......................................................................	1-7
	1.2.3	Central Processing Unit (CPU)....................................................	1-9
	1.2.4	System memory.........................................................................	1-10
	1.2.5	Expansion slots..........................................................................	1-25
	1.2.6	Onboard buttons and switches..................................................	1-27
	1.2.7	Onboard LEDs...........................................................................	1-31
	1.2.8	Internal connectors....................................................................	1-40
	1.2.9	ProbeIt.......................................................................................	1-50
	1.2.10	CrossChill..................................................................................	1-51

Chapter 2:		Basic Installation
2.1	Building your PC system...........................................................................		2-1
	2.1.1	Motherboard installation..............................................................	2-1
	2.1.2	CPU installation...........................................................................	2-3
	2.1.3	CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation................................	2-4
	2.1.4	DIMM installation.........................................................................	2-6
	2.1.5	ATX Power connection................................................................	2-7
	2.1.6	SATA device connection..............................................................	2-8
	2.1.7	Front I/O Connector.....................................................................	2-9
	2.1.8	Expansion Card installation.......................................................	2-10
	2.1.9	mPCIe Combo II installation......................................................	2-11
2.2	BIOS update utility....................................................................................		2-15
2.3	Motherboard rear and audio connections..............................................		2-16
	2.3.1	Rear I/O connection...................................................................	2-16
	2.3.2	Audio I/O connections................................................................	2-17

iii

2.4	Starting up for the first 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
	3.2.1	EZ Mode......................................................................................	3-3
	3.2.2	Advanced Mode...........................................................................	3-4
3.3	My Favorites................................................................................................		3-6
3.4	Extreme Tweaker menu..............................................................................		3-7
3.5	Main menu.................................................................................................		3-25
3.6	Advanced menu........................................................................................		3-27
	3.6.1	CPU Configuration.....................................................................	3-28
	3.6.2	PCH Configuration.....................................................................	3-30
	3.6.3	SATAConfiguration....................................................................	3-32
	3.6.4	SystemAgent Configuration......................................................	3-33
	3.6.5	USB Configuration.....................................................................	3-35
	3.6.6	Platform Misc Configuration.......................................................	3-36
	3.6.7	Onboard Devices Configuration.................................................	3-37
	3.6.8	APM...........................................................................................	3-39
	3.6.9	Network Stack............................................................................	3-40
	3.6.10	ROG Effects...............................................................................	3-40
3.7	Monitor menu............................................................................................		3-41
3.8	Boot menu.................................................................................................		3-45
3.9	Tools menu................................................................................................		3-50
	3.9.1	ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility.............................................................	3-50
	3.9.2	ROG Secure Erase....................................................................	3-50
	3.9.3	ASUS O.C. Profile.....................................................................	3-52
	3.9.4	ASUS SPD Information..............................................................	3-53
	3.9.5	ROG OC Panel H-Key Configure..............................................	3-53
3.10	Exit menu...................................................................................................		3-55
3.11	Updating BIOS..........................................................................................		3-56
	3.11.1	EZ Update..................................................................................	3-56
	3.11.2	ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................................	3-57
	3.11.3	ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3..........................................................	3-58
	3.11.4	ASUS BIOS Updater..................................................................	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 ............................................................	4-1
	4.2.2	Obtaining the software manuals ..................................................	4-2
4.3	Software information..................................................................................		4-3
4.4	AI Suite 3	.....................................................................................................	4-3
	4.4.1 .......................................................	Dual Intelligent Processors 4	4-6
	4.4.2 ...................................................................................	Wi - Fi GO!	4-13
	4.4.3 ..............................................................................	Wi - Fi Engine	4-21
	4.4.4 ..................................................................................	EZ Update	4-23
	4.4.5 ...........................................................................	USB 3.0 Boost	4-24
	4.4.6 ....................................................................	System Information	4-25
	4.4.7 ................................................................	USB BIOS Flashback	4-27
	4.4.8 ...............................................................................	Ai Charger+	4-29
	4.4.9 ...........................................................................	USB Charger+	4-30
	4.4.10 ..................................................................	Audio configurations	4-31
4.5	ROG Connect............................................................................................		4-32
4.6	MemTweakIt...............................................................................................		4-34
4.7	RAMDisk....................................................................................................		4-36
4.8	Sonic Radar...............................................................................................		4-39
	4.8.1 ................................................................................	Main menu	4-39
	4.8.2 ..........................................	Game presets and Radar Selection	4-41
	4.8.3 ....................................................................	Advanced Settings	4-42
4.9	Perfect Voice.............................................................................................		4-44

Chapter 5:		RAID support
5.1	RAID configurations...................................................................................		5-1
	5.1.1	RAID definitions...........................................................................	5-1
	5.1.2	Installing Serial ATA hard disks....................................................	5-2
	5.1.3	Setting the RAID item in BIOS.....................................................	5-2
	5.1.4	Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility...................	5-3
5.2	Creating a RAID driver disk.......................................................................		5-8
	5.2.1	Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS...................	5-8
	5.2.2	Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®....................................	5-8
	5.2.3	Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation.........	5-9
Appendices
Notices	.....................................................................................................................		A-1
ASUS contact information......................................................................................			A-5

Safety information

Electrical safety

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

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

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

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

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

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

Operation safety

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

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

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

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

•Place the product on a stable surface.

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

vi

About this guide

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

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

•Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

Where to find more information

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

1.ASUS websites

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

2.Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.

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

viii

MAXIMUS VI FORMULA specifications summary

		LGA1150 socket for 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i7/ i5/ i3/
		Pentium®/ Celeron® processors
		Supports 22nm CPU
	CPU	Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
		* The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU
		types.
		** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list
	Chipset
		Intel® 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
	Memory	MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory
		Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
		* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of
		individual CPUs.
		** Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualified 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
	Expansion 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.
	Multi-GPU support	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
	Storage	- 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	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™
	LAN	1 x Intel® Ethemet Connection I217-V
		Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac supports dual frequency band 2.4/5 GHz
	Wireless	Bluetooth v4.0/3.0+HS
		* The module is pre-installed within the mPCIe Combo II expansion card.
		ROG SupremeFX Audio 8-Channel High Definition
		Audio
		- SupremeFX Shielding Technology
		- Front Panel DAC Headphone: 120dB SNR, -107dB THD+N (Max.
		192kHz/ 24-bit)
		- High Fidelity HeadphoneAmplifier: 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)

	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)
Back I/O Ports	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
	-	NexFETTM Power Block MOSFET
	-	60A BlackWing Chokes
	- 10K Black Metallic Capacitors
	ROG GameFirst II
	ROG RAMDisk
	CPU Level Up
	ROG Connect**
	-	RC Diagram
	-	RC Remote
ROG Exclusive Features	-	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. Profile
	-	ROG Pulse
	Probelt
	* Support G1/4” threaded fittings. Fittings require separate purchase.
	** The dedicated ROG Connect USB cable is purchased separately.
	*** Chassis must conform to ATX specification for successful installation:
	brass stand-offs of at least 6mm are required.
		(continued on the next page)

xi

	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
Special Features	-	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		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
	BIOS Features		64 Mb UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI
			2.0a, Multi-language BIOS
	Manageability		WfM2.0, DMI2.0, WOL by PME, PXE
			Drivers
			ROG GameFirst II
			ROG RAMDisk
	Software		ROG CPU-Z
			ROG Mem TweakIt
			Kaspersky® Anti-Virus
			DAEMON Tools Pro Standard
			ASUS WebStorage
			ASUS Utilities
	Form Factor		ATX Form Factor, 12” x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.4cm)

Specifications 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	1
Product introduction

1.1Special features

1.1.1Product 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® Core™ i5 / 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® Z87 platform to optimize the PCIe allocation of multiple GPUs, it supports up to 2-WAY SLI® or

3-WAY CrossFireX™ configuration.

Chapter 1

ASUS MAXIMUS VI FORMULA

1-1

1.1.2ROG 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 fins help maximize the surface area for heat transfer and thanks to its G1/4 threaded fittings, CrossChill fits 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 amplifier, 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 Traffic

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 first!

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.

1 Chapter

1-2	Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1.3ROG 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 NexFETTM Power Block MOSFET that offers great durability and provides up to 90% efficiency under normal operation. The BlackWing Chokes handles pressures with ease. The Black Metallic solid capacitor lasts five 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 files 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-fly parameter adjustments at a purely hardware level.

The The dedicated ROG Connect cable is purchased separately.

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1.1.4ASUS 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 file, 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 files to DLNAdevices, remotely control and access your computer using your smart device and easily transfer files between your computer and smart device.

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

•Cloud GO!: Allows you to control files 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 files 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 files between your computer and smart device.

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

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1.1.5ROG rich bundled software

Kaspersky® Anti-Virus

Kaspersky® Anti-Virus Personal offers premium antivirus protection for individual users and home offices. It is based on advanced antivirus technologies. The product incorporates the

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

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 Identification (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 efficiency tool that allows you to read DRAM timings and allows you to post and share your DRAM configuration 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.

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1.2Motherboard overview

1.2.1Before you proceed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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1.2.2Motherboard 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.

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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	1-44
	CPU_OPT, 4-pin OPT_FAN1-3, 4-pin CHA_FAN1-3)
3.	ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V_1;	1-45
	4-pin EATX12V_2)
4.	LGA1150 CPU Socket	1-9
5.	MemOK! button	1-28
6.	DDR3 DIMM slots	1-10
7.	Q_Code LEDs	1-33
8.	START (Power-on) button	1-27
9.	RESET button	1-27
10.	USB 3.0 connectors (20-1 pin USB3_12)	1-41
11.	Intel® Z87 Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [red])	1-40
12.	ASMedia® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E1/2/3/4 [red])	1-41
13.	Fast Boot switch	1-30
14.	DirectKey connector (2-pin DRCT)	1-47
15.	DirectKey button	1-29
16.	System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)	1-46
17.	USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112; USB1314)	1-43
18.	ROG Extension connector (18-1 pin ROG_EXT)	1-48
19.	TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)	1-48
20.	Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)	1-42
21.	Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)	1-42
22.	mPCIe Combo II connector (36-2 pin MPCIE_COMBO_II)	1-47

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1.2.3Central 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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1.2.4System 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 configurations

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Memory configurations

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 profile 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 ChannelAand Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration.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® support site at http://support.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).

• 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 efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

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1 Chapter

MAXIMUS VI FORMULA Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)

DDR3 3000 MHz capability

Vendors	Part No.	Size	SS/	Chip	Chip	Timing	Voltage	DIMM socket
			DS	Brand	NO.			support (Optional)
								2	4
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	•	•

DDR3 2800 MHz capability

Vendors	Part No.	Size	SS/	Chip	Chip	Timing	Voltage	DIMM
			DS	Brand	NO.			socket
								support
								(Optional)
								2	4
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	•	•

DDR3 2500 MHz capability

Vendors	Part No.	Size	SS/	Chip	Chip	Timing	Voltage	DIMM socket
			DS	Brand	NO.			support
								(Optional)
								2	4
G.SKILL	F3-20000CL10Q-16GBZHD(XMP)	16GB (4x4GB)	DS	-	-	10-11-11-31	1.65	•	•

1-12	Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR3 2400 MHz capability

Vendors	Part No.	Size	SS/	Chip	Chip	Timing	Voltage	DIMM
			DS	Brand	NO.			socket
								support
								(Optional)
								2	4
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	16GB ( 2x 8GB )	DS	-	-	10-12-12-31	1.65	•	•
	(Ver4.21)
CORSAIR	CMZ16GX3M4A2400C9R	16GB ( 4x 4GB )	DS	-	-	2400 9-11-	1.65	•	•
	(Ver4.13) (XMP)					11-31
G.SKILL	F3-19200CL10Q-32GBZHD	32GB ( 4x 8GB )	DS	-	-	10-12-12-31	1.65	•	•
	(XMP)
G.SKILL	F3-19200CL11Q-16GBZHD	16GB ( 4x 4GB )	DS	-	-	11-11-11-31	1.65	•	•
	(XMP)
G.SKILL	F3-19200CL11Q-16GBZHD	16GB ( 4x 4GB )	DS	-	-	11-11-11-31	1.65	•
	(XMP)
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	•	•

DDR3 2200 MHz capability

Vendors	Part No.	Size	SS/	Chip	Chip	Timing	Voltage	DIMM socket
			DS	Brand	NO.			support (Optional)
								2	4
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	•	•

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1 Chapter

DDR3 2133 MHz capability

Vendors	Part No.	Size	SS/	Chip	Chip	Timing	Voltage	DIMM
			DS	Brand	NO.			socket
								support
								(Optional)
								2	4
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	8GB (2x4GB)	DS	-	-	9-11-10-27	1.5	•
	(Ver1.5)(XMP)
G.SKILL	F3-17000CL11Q2-64GBZLD	64GB (8x8GB)	DS	-	-	11-11-11-30	1.5	•	•
	(XMP)
G.SKILL	F3-17000CL9Q-16GBXLD	16GB (4x4GB)	DS	-	-	9-11-9-28	1.65	•	•
	(XMP)
G.SKILL	F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZH	16GB (4x4GB)	DS	-	-	9-11-10-28	1.65	•	•
	(XMP)
G.SKILL	F3-17066CL9D-8GBPID	8GB (2x4GB)	DS	-	-	9-9-9-24	1.65	•	•
	(XMP)
G.SKILL	F3-17066CL9Q-16GBTDD	16GB (4x4GB)	DS	-	-	9-9-9-24	1.65	•
	(XMP)
G.SKILL	F3-2133C11Q-32GZL (XMP)	32GB (4x8GB)	DS	-	-	11-11-11-31	1.5	•	•
KINGSTON	KHX2133C11D3K4/16GX	16GB (4x4GB)	DS	-	-	11-12-11-30	1.65	•	•
	(XMP)
KINGSTON	KHX21C11T3FK8/64X	64GB (8x8GB)	DS	-	-	9-9-9-24	1.5	•	•
	(XMP)
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	8GB	DS	-	-	11-11-11-31	1.65	•	•
	(XMP)
Team	TXD34096M2133HC11A-V	4GB	DS	-	-	11-11-11-31	1.65	•	•
	(XMP)

DDR3 2000 MHz capability

Vendors	Part No.	Size	SS/	Chip	Chip NO.	Timing	Voltage	DIMM
			DS	Brand				socket
								support
								(Optional)
								2	4
AEXEA	AXA3ES2G2000LG28V	2GB	DS	-	-	-	1.65	•
	(XMP)
AEXEA	AXA3ES4GK2000LG28V	4GB	DS	-	-	-	1.65	•	•
	(XMP)	(2x2GB)
Apacer	78.AAGD5.9KD(XMP)	6GB	DS	-	-	9-9-9-27	-	•
		(3x2GB)

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