Asus MAXIMUS VIII RANGER User’s Manual

MAXIMUS VIII RANGER

<![if ! IE]>

<![endif]>Motherboard

E10343

First Edition

July 2015

Copyright © 2015 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 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 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).

ii

Contents

Safety information......................................................................................................	vi
About this guide.........................................................................................................	vii
MAXIMUS VIII RANGER 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 Gaming Features................................................................	1-3
	1.1.3	ROG Exclusive Features.............................................................	1-4
	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..........................................................................	1-19
	1.2.6	Onboard buttons........................................................................	1-22
	1.2.7	Onboard LEDs...........................................................................	1-25
	1.2.8	Jumper.......................................................................................	1-32
	1.2.9	Internal connectors....................................................................	1-33

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................................	2-5
	2.1.4	DIMM installation.........................................................................	2-7
	2.1.5	ATX Power connection................................................................	2-8
	2.1.6	SATA device connection..............................................................	2-9
	2.1.7	Front I/O Connector...................................................................	2-10
	2.1.8	Expansion Card installation.......................................................	2-11
2.2	BIOS update utility....................................................................................		2-12
2.3	Motherboard rear and audio connections..............................................		2-13
	2.3.1	Rear I/O connection...................................................................	2-13
	2.3.2	Audio I/O connections................................................................	2-14
2.4	Starting up for the first time....................................................................		2-17
2.5	Turning off the computer.........................................................................		2-17

iii

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................................................................................................		3-7
3.4	Main menu...................................................................................................		3-8
3.5	Extreme Tweaker menu............................................................................		3-11
3.6	Advanced menu........................................................................................		3-22
	3.6.1	CPU Configuration.....................................................................	3-23
	3.6.2	Platform Misc Configuration.......................................................	3-25
	3.6.3	System Agent (SA) Configuration..............................................	3-26
	3.6.4	ROG Effects...............................................................................	3-28
	3.6.5	PCH Configuration.....................................................................	3-28
	3.6.6	PCH Storage Configuration.......................................................	3-29
	3.6.7	USB Configuration.....................................................................	3-31
	3.6.8	Network Stack Configuration.....................................................	3-32
	3.6.9	Onboard Devices Configuration.................................................	3-32
	3.6.10	APM Configuration.....................................................................	3-34
	3.6.11	HDD/SSD SMART Information..................................................	3-35
	3.6.12	Intel(R) ThunderBolt..................................................................	3-35
3.7	Monitor menu............................................................................................		3-36
3.8	Boot menu.................................................................................................		3-41
3.9	Tool menu..................................................................................................		3-46
	3.9.1	ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility.............................................................	3-46
	3.9.2	Secure Erase.............................................................................	3-47
	3.9.3	ASUS Overclocking Profile........................................................	3-48
	3.9.4	ROG OC Panel H-Key Configure..............................................	3-49
	3.9.5	ASUS SPD Information..............................................................	3-50
	3.9.6	Graphics Card Information.........................................................	3-50
3.10	Exit menu...................................................................................................		3-51
3.11	Updating BIOS..........................................................................................		3-52

iv

Chapter 4:		Software Support
4.1	Installing an operating system..................................................................		4-1
	4.1.1	Windows ® 7 and USB 3.0 driver for 100 Series ...........................	4-1
4.2	Support DVD information...........................................................................		4-8
	4.2.1	Running the support DVD ............................................................	4-8
	4.2.2	Obtaining the software manuals ..................................................	4-9
4.3	Software information................................................................................		4-10
4.4	AI Suite 3	...................................................................................................	4-10
4.5	Dual Intelligent ..................................................................Processors 5		4-13
4.6	ROG Audio .................................................................................features		4-29
4.7	Sonic Radar ............................................................................................II		4-36
4.8	GameFirst ..............................................................................................III		4-38
4.9	KeyBot II....................................................................................................		4-41
4.10	ASUS Media ..............................................................................Streamer		4-43
4.11	RAMDisk....................................................................................................		4-45
4.12	MemTweakIt...............................................................................................		4-48
4.13	ROG CPU ................................................................................................-Z		4-50
4.14	RAMCache.................................................................................................		4-51

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.......................................................................		5-7
	5.2.1	Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS...................	5-7
	5.2.2	Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®....................................	5-8
	5.2.3	Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation.........	5-8
Appendix
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 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 website

The ASUS website (www.asus.com) provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products.

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 VIII RANGER specifications summary

		LGA1151 socket for 6th Generation Intel® Core™ i7/i5/i3/Pentium®/
		Celeron® Processors
	CPU	Supports 14nm CPU
		Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
		* Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU type
		* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list
	Chipset	Intel® Z170 Express Chipset
		4 x DIMM, max. 64GB DDR4 3400 (OC)* / 3333(OC)* / 3300(OC)*
		/ 3200(OC)* / 3000(OC)* / 2800(OC)* / 2666(OC)* /2400(OC)*/
		2133 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory
	Memory	Dual channel memory architecture
		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.
		New 6th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors
		2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (supports x16, x8/x8)
	Expansion slots	Intel® Z170 Express Chipset
		1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (max. at x4 mode)
		3 x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
		Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel® HD Graphics support
		Multi-VGA output support: HDMI/DisplayPort
		- Supports DisplayPort 1.2 with max. resolution 4096 x 2304 @
	Graphic	60Hz
		- Supports HDMI 1.4b with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 24 Hz
		- Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D / Quick Sync Video / Clear Video HD
		Technology / Insider™
	Multi-GPU support	Supports NVIDIA® 2-Way/Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology
		Supports AMD® 3-Way/Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
		Intel® Z170 Express Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and Intel
		Rapid Storage Technology 14 support
		- 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242 / 2260 / 2280 / 22110
		storage devices support (PCIE 3.0 x4 and SATA Modes)*
		- 2 x SATA Express ports
	Storage	- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports (4 ports from 2 x SATA Express)*
		- Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology**
		* When the M.2 Socket 3 is operating in SATA mode, SATA ports 1 will be
		disabled.
		** This function will work depending on the CPU installed.
		(continued on the next page)

ix

MAXIMUS VIII RANGER specifications summary

		Intel® I219-V Gigabit LANDual interconnect between the integrated
	LAN	Media Access Controller (MAC) and physical layer (PHY)
		Anti-surge LANGuard
		ROG GameFirst technology
		ROG SupremeFX 2015 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
		- ES9023P High Definition Codec
		- 2VRMS Headphone Amp into (32-600 Ohms)
		- SupremeFX Shielding Technology
		- Sonic SenseAmp
	Audio	- Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, and Front Panel Jack-retasking
		- Optical S/PDIF out port at back panel

Audio Features:

-Sonic Studio II

-Sonic Radar II

-DTS Connect

Intel® Z170 Express Chipset - supports ASUS USB 3.1 Boost:

-6 x USB 3.0 ports (2 ports at back panel [blue], 4 ports at midboard [grey])

-8 x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports at back panel [black], 4 ports at midboard [black])*

USB

ASMedia® USB 3.1 controller - supports ASUS USB 3.1 Boost:

- 2 x USB 3.1 ports (1 Type-A [red] and 1 Type-C [black] at back panel)

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

1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port

1 x BIOS Flashback Button

4 x USB 2.0 ports

2 x USB 3.0 ports [blue]

Back I/O Ports

2 x USB 3.1 ports (1 x Type-A [red] and 1 x Type-C [black]) 1 x HDMI 1.4b

1 x DisplayPort 1.2

1 x Anti-surge LAN (RJ45) port

1 x Optical S/PDIF out

5 x Gold-plated audio jacks

(continued on the next page)

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MAXIMUS VIII RANGER specifications summary

		Start button
		Reset button
		Clear CMOS button
		LN2 Mode
		ROG RAMDisk
		ROG RAMCache
		Overwolf
		KeyBot II
		- One-click overclocking
	ROG Exclusive Features	- X.M.P.
		- DirectKey
		- Clr CMOS
		- Power On
		UEFI BIOS features :
		- Extreme Tweaker
		- Tweakers’ Paradise
		- ROG SSD Secure Erase
		- GPU.DIMM Post
		- O.C. Profile
		- Graphics Card Information Preview
		ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 5
		- 5-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU,
		DIGI+ Power Control, Fan Xpert 3, and Turbo App
		ASUS Exclusive Features
		- AI Suite 3
		- USB 3.1 Boost
		- AI Charger+
		- Push Notice
		- Disk Unlocker
	Special Features	- PC Cleaner
		- HyStream
		- Media Streamer
		- Mobo Connect

ASUS EZ DIY

-USB BIOS Flashback

-ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

-ASUS EZ Flash 3

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

-MemOK!

(continued on the next page)

xi

MAXIMUS VIII RANGER specifications summary

		ASUS Q-Design
		- Q-Code
		- Q-Shield
	Special Features	- Q-Connector
		- Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
		- Q-Slot
		- Q-DIMM
		2 x USB 3.0 headers support additional 4 USB 3.0 ports
		2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports [one
		connector via ROG_EXT header]
		2 x SATA Express connectors
		6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors (4 ports from 2 x SATA Express)
		1 x M.2 Socket 3 for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage
		devices support (Supports PCIE 3.0 x4 and SATA modes)
		1 x ROG extension (ROG_EXT) header
		1 x 4-Pin CPU fan connector
		1 x 4-Pin CPU_OPT fan connector
		4 x 4-Pin Chassis fan connectors
		1 x 4-Pin Water pump connector
	Internal I/O Ports	1 x EXT_Fan header
		1 x Thermal sensor connector
		1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
		1 x 8-pin EATX 12V power connector
		1 x Start button
		1 x Reset button
		1 x LN2 mode jumper
		1 x MemOK! button
		1 x Thunderbolt header (5-pin) for ASUS ThunderboltEX II series
		support
		1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
		1 x TPM connector
		1 x System panel connector
		1 x 128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI3.0, WfM3.0,
		SM BIOS 3.0, ACPI 5.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ
	BIOS	Flash 3, CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan
		Control, F3 My Favorites, F9 Quick Note, Last Modified log,
		F12 PrintScreen, F3 Shortcut functions and ASUS DRAM SPD
		(Serial Presence Detect) memory information.
	Manageability	WfM2.0, DMI3.0, WOL by PME, PXE
		(continued on the next page)

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MAXIMUS VIII RANGER specifications summary

		Drivers
		ROG GameFirst technology
		ROG RAMDisk
		ROG RAMCache
		ROG CPU-Z
	Software	ROG Mem TweakIt
		Overwolf
		ROG Keybot II
		Kaspersky® Anti-Virus
		DAEMON Tools Pro Standard
		ASUS WebStorage
		ASUS Utilities
		Windows® 10*
	Operating System	Windows® 8.1*
		Windows® 7
	Support
		*64-bit supported only
	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 VIII RANGER
	Cables	2 x 2-in-1 SATA 6 Gb/s cables
		1 x SLI™ cable
		1 x I/O Shield
		1 x 12-in-1 ROG cable label
		1 x Q-Connector
	Accessories	1 x ROG Door Hanger
		1 x CPU Installation Tool
		1 x Fan Label
		1 x M.2 Screw
	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

Phillips (cross) screwdriver

PC chassis

Power supply unit

Intel LGA 1151 CPU

Intel LGA 1151 compatible CPU Fan

DDR4 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

Product Introduction

1

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.

LGA1151 socket for New 6th generation Intel Core processors

This motherboard supports the New 6th Gen Intel® Core™ processors on the LGA1151 package, with memory and PCI Express controllers integrated to support dual-channel (4 DIMM) DDR4 memory and 16 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 lanes.

Intel® Z170 Express Chipset

The Intel® Z170 Express Chipset is a single-chipset design that supports socket LGA1151 6th Gen Intel® Core™ processors. It provides improved performance by utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability. Additionally, Z170 provides a maximum 10 USB 3.0 ports, 6 SATA 6Gbit/s ports for faster data retrieval.

PCIE® 3.0

PCIE® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the PCIe 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 supports multi-GPU SLI®/CrossFireX™ graphics cards for an unrivalled gaming performance. With the Intel® Z97 platform to optimize the PCIe allocation of multiple

GPUs, it supports up to 2-WAY GPU SLI® or CrossFireX™ configuration.

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M.2 Support

This motherboard features an M.2 slot, which supports both PCIE and SATA modes. The PCIE mode operates at full PCI Gen. 3.0 x4 speeds. The SATA mode shares bandwidth with SATA ports 1 and 2 and will automatically disable those ports when an M.2 card is inserted.

Supports 2242 (22 mm x 42 mm), 2260 (22 mm x 60 mm), 2280 (22 mm x 80 mm), and 22110 (22 mm x 110 mm) SSD cards.

Complete USB 3.0 integration

This motherboard offers you the strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear panels, allowing you to experience the convenience of the latest plug and play connectivity solution at speed up to ten times faster than USB 2.0.

1-2	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1.2ROG Gaming Features

SupremeFX 2015

The re-engineered ROG-exclusive SupremeFX 2015 audio technology features an onboard

8-channel high-definition sound of true audiophile-grade performance that is equal in power, clarity, and range to dedicated sound cards. Its unique Red Line Shielding and special metallic cover provides pristine sound and a highly attractive look for the motherboard that is in keeping with the ROG style. The Japan-made premium Nichicon capacitor ensures warm natural sound with exceptional clarity for all your gaming and multimedia activities. SupremeFX 2015 revolutionizes the way you hear games, movies, music, and even other people via chat - letting you rule and discover a totally whole new dimension of superior audio.

Sonic Radar II

Sonic Radar II features the exclusive audio enhancement that enhances in-game sound for better hearing awareness. It has a customizable user interface with a stealthy overlay display that shows what opponents and teammates are up to including information on the precise direction and origin of gunshots, footsteps, and call-outs when playing first person shooting

(FPS) games.

Sonic Studio II

Sonic Studio II is an audio tuning software that simulates 7.1 channels even through a stereo (2.0-channel) headset with its virtual surround-sound function. It comes with six superb audio controls including Reverb, Bass Boost, Equalizer, Voice Clarity, Smart EQ (Smart Volume), and Virtual Surround.

Sonic SenseAmp

Sonic SenseAmp is an exclusive ROG invention that automatically detects your headset’s impedance and adjusts the built-in amp accordingly. Sonic SenseAmp makes tuning your high-quality headphones as simple as plugging them in.

GameFirst technology

ASUS GameFirst technology is a network management software that features four preset packet prioritized profiles facilitating user’s need. Users can also manually allocate bandwidth and adjust priority settings of each application to run faster and smoother.

Intel® Ethernet

This LAN solution from Intel features high TCP and UDP throughput with lower CPU utilization for a smooth networking experience. It has advanced features including advanced interrupt-handling, low-power consumption, and Intel Stable Image Platform Program (SIPP) support thanks to its compatibility with the Intel CPU and chipset.

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1.1.3ROG Exclusive Features

Extreme Engine Digi+

Extreme Engine Digi+ offers you a hardcore power delivery for a challenging and extreme

gaming enjoyment. It utilizes the best components such as NexFET™ Power Block MOSFETs, MicroFine alloy chokes, and super-premium 10K black metallic solid state

capacitors. The NexFET™ Power Block MOSFETs combine great durability and up to 90% efficiency under normal operation. Super-premium 10K Black Metallic solid state capacitors are forged for overclocking and the most extreme demands, lasting up to five times longer than generic capacitors with 20% wider temperature tolerance.

RAMCache

ROG’s unique technology caches either whole data files or their most frequently-used fragments, depending on your available memory — getting to work from the moment it’s activated. RAMCache turns milliseconds into microseconds to boost game-load times to stratospheric speeds, and minimize risk of data loss!

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.

RAMDisk only supports 64-bit operating systems.

KeyBot II

KeyBot II is a built-in microprocessor that provides instant upgrade to your keyboard. You can configure and assign macros to specific keys on your keyboard to perform specific or several task at the same time. You can also configure your PC to wake up in CPU Level UP, XMP, or directly to BIOS mode.

This feature supports USB keyboards only.

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 3.1 Boost

ASUS USB 3.1 Boost, which supports USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 standard UASP (USB Attached

SCSI Protocol), significantly increases a USB device’s transfer speed up to 170% faster than the already impressive USB 3.1 transfer speed. It automatically accelerates data speeds for compatible USB 3.1 peripherals without the need for any user interaction.

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USB BIOS Flashback

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

Install a USB storage device containing the BIOS file, press the BIOS Flashback button for about three seconds, and the UEFI BIOS is automatically updated even without entering the existing BIOS or operating system. It also allows you to regularly check for UEFI BIOS updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically.

1.1.5ROG rich bundled software

Kaspersky® Anti-Virus

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

Overwolf

The clever unobtrusive overlay that keeps you in the game, so you can browse, email, IM, stream or record while you play — and all dressed up in downloadable color-matched ROG skins to show you’re part of an elite pack. Plus, download awesome Overwolf apps to make your gaming experiences even more epic!

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 is a customized ROG version utility authorized by Intel’s CPU Identification

(CPUID) that allows you to gather information of the main devices of your system. It gives you the information and status of your CPU, motherboard, memory, and the whole component. Use the 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™ up mixes 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 theatre system. DTS Interactive is capable of performing multichannel 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

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Refer to Internal connectors and 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.	ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)	1-38
2.	LGA1151 CPU Socket	1-9
3.	CPU, water pump, CPU optional, extension, and chassis fan connectors
	(4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin W_PUMP; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 5-pin EXT_FAN;	1-37
	4-pin CHA_FAN1-4)
4.	DDR4 DIMM slots	1-10
5.	MemOK! button	1-23
6.	Q_Code LEDs	1-26
7.	USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12; USB3_34)	1-34
8.	Intel® Z170 Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12;	1-33
	SATAEXPRESS12)
9.	M.2 (Socket 3)	1-41
10.	LN2 Mode jumper (3-pin LN2_MODE)	1-32
11.	System panel connector (20-5 pin PANEL)	1-39
12.	USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1314, USB1112)	1-35
13.	ROG Extension connector (18-1 pin ROG_EXT)	1-40
14.	TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM)	1-40
15.	Clear CMOS button (CLR_CMOS)	1-24
16.	RESET button	1-22
17.	START (Power-on) button	1-22
18.	Thunderbolt header (5-pin TB_HEADER)	1-42
19.	Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)	1-36
20.	T_Sensor connector (2-pin T_SENSOR1)	1-41

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1.2.3Central Processing Unit (CPU)

This motherboard supports the New 6th Gen Intel® Core™ processors on the LGA1151 package, with memory and PCI Express controllers integrated to support dual-channel (4 DIMM) DDR4 memory and 16 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 lanes.

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Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1151 socket only. DO NOT install a CPU designed for LGA155 and LGA1156 sockets in the LGA1151 socket.

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

•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

LGA1151 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 4 (DDR4) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots.

A DDR4 module is notched differently from a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 module. DO NOT install a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 memory module to the DDR4 slot.

Recommended memory configurations

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Memory configurations

You may install 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB and 8 GB unbuffered and non ECC DDR4 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 Channel A and 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.

•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.

•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.

•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 3.5 Ai 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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MAXIMUS VIII RANGER Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)

DDR4 3400 MHz capability

									DIMM
									socket
	Vendors	Part No.	Size	SS/	Chip	Chip NO.	Timing	Voltage	support
				DS	Brand				(Optional)
									2	4
	CORSAIR	CMD16GX4M4B3400C16	16GB(4GB*4) SS		Samsung K4A4G085WD		16-18-18-38	1.35V	•	•
		ver. 4.23

DDR4 3333 MHz capability

									DIMM
									socket
	Vendors	Part No.	Size	SS/	Chip	Chip NO.	Timing	Voltage	support
				DS	Brand				(Optional)
									2	4
	G.SKILL	F4-3333C16D-8GTZ	8GB(4GB*2)	SS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	16-18-18-38	1.35V	•
	G.SKILL	F4-3333C16Q-16GRKD	16GB(4GB*4)	SS	Samsung	K4A4G085WD	16-16-16-36	1.35V	•
	CORSAIR	CMD16GX4M4B3333C16	16GB(4GB*4)	SS	Samsung	K4A4G085WD	16-18-18-36	1.35V	•
		ver4.23
	A-DATA	AX4U3333W4G16	16GB(4GB*4)	SS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	16-16-16-36	1.35V	•

DDR4 3300 MHz capability

									DIMM
									socket
	Vendors	Part No.	Size	SS/	Chip	Chip NO.	Timing	Voltage	support
				DS	Brand				(Optional)
									2	4
	G.SKILL	F4-3300C16Q-16GRK	16GB(4GB*4)	SS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	16-16-16-36	1.35V	•	•
	G.SKILL	F4-3300C16D-8GTZ	8GB(4GB*2)	SS	Samsung	K4A4G085WD	16-18-18-38	1.35V	•	•
	CORSAIR	CMD16GX4M4B3300C16	16GB(4GB*4)	SS	Samsung	K4A4G085WD	16-18-18-36	1.35V	•

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DDR4 3200 MHz capability

									DIMM
									socket
	Vendors	Part No.	Size	SS/	Chip	Chip NO.	Timing	Voltage	support
				DS	Brand				(Optional)
									2	4
	G.SKILL	F4-3200C16Q-16GRR	16GB(4GB*4)	SS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	16-16-16-36	1.35V	•	•
	G.SKILL	F4-3200C16Q-16GRB	16GB(4GB*4)	SS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	16-16-16-36	1.35V	•	•
	G.SKILL	F4-3200C16Q-16GRRK	16GB(4GB*4)	SS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	16-16-16-36	1.35V	•	•
	AVEXIR	AVD4U32001604G-4BZ1	16GB(4GB*4)	SS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	16-18-18-36	1.35V	•
	AVEXIR	AVD4U32001604G-4CIR	16GB(4GB*4)	SS			16-18-18-36	1.35V	•
	CORSAIR	CMD16GX4M4A3200C16	16GB(4GB*4)	SS			16-18-18-36	1.35V	•
	GEIL	GPR416GB3200C15QC	16GB(4GB*4)	SS			15-15-15-35	1.35V	•
	Kingston	HX432C16PB2K4/16	16GB(4GB*4)	SS			16-16-16-39	1.35V	•
	Panram	PUD43200C164G4NJW	16GB(4GB*4)	SS			16-18-18-39	1.35V	•
	DDR4 3000 MHz capability
									DIMM
									socket
	Vendors	Part No.	Size	SS/	Chip	Chip NO.	Timing	Voltage	support
				DS	Brand				(Optional)
									2	4
	G.SKILL	F4-3000C15Q-32GRR	32GB(8GB*4)	DS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	15-15-15-35	1.35V	•
	G.SKILL	F4-3000C15Q-32GRB	32GB(8GB*4)	DS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	15-15-15-35	1.35V	•
	G.SKILL	F4-3000C15Q-32GRK	32GB(8GB*4)	DS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	15-15-15-35	1.35V	•
	G.SKILL	F4-3000C16Q-32GRR	32GB(8GB*4)	DS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	16-16-16-36	1.35V	•
	G.SKILL	F4-3000C16Q-32GRB	32GB(8GB*4)	DS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	16-16-16-36	1.35V	•
	G.SKILL	F4-3000C16Q-32GRK	32GB(8GB*4)	DS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	16-16-16-36	1.35V	•
	G.SKILL	F4-3000C15Q-16GRR	16GB(4GB*4)	SS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	15-15-15-35	1.35V	•	•
	G.SKILL	F4-3000C15Q-16GRB	16GB(4GB*4)	SS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	15-15-15-35	1.35V	•	•
	G.SKILL	F4-3000C15Q-16GRK	16GB(4GB*4)	SS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	15-15-15-35	1.35V	•	•
	G.SKILL	F4-3000C15Q2-32GRK	32GB(4GB*8)	SS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	15-15-15-35	1.35V	•	•
	G.SKILL	F4-3000C15D-8GTZ	8GB(4GB*2)	SS	Samsung	K4A4G085WD	15-15-15-35	1.35V	•	•
	AVEXIR	AVD4U30001604G-4CI	16GB(4GB*4)	SS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	16-18-18-36	1.35V	•	•
	AVEXIR	AVD4U30001504G-4BZ1	16GB(4GB*4)	SS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	15-15-15-35	1.35V	•	•
	AVEXIR	AVD4U30001608G-4CI	32GB(8GB*4)	DS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	16-18-18-36	1.35V	•
	Kingston	HX430C15PB2K4/16	16GB(4GB*4)	SS			15-16-16-39	1.35V	•	•
	CORSAIR	CMD16GX4M4B3000C15	16GB(4GB*4)	SS	Samsung	K4A4G085WD	15-17-17-35	1.35V	•	•
	CORSAIR	CMK16GX4M4B3000C15	16GB(4GB*4)	SS	Samsung	K4A4G085WD	15-17-17-35	1.35V	•	•
	Panram	PUD43000C154G4NJW	16GB(4GB*4)	SS			15-17-17-35	1.35V	•	•
	Asint	SLB404G08-EWWHMX	16GB(8GB*2)	SS	SK hynix	H5AN4G8NMFR	15-15-15-44	1.35V	•

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DDR4 2800 MHz capability

									DIMM
									socket
	Vendors	Part No.	Size	SS/	Chip	Chip NO.	Timing	Voltage	support
				DS	Brand				(Optional)
									2	4
	Apacer	78.BAGM8.AF20B (XMP)	4GB	SS	-	-	17-17-17-36	-	•	•
	Apacer	78.CAGM8.AF30B (XMP)	8GB	DS	-	-	17-17-17-36	-	•	•
	CORSAIR	CMD16GX4M4A2800C16	16GB ( 4x	SS	-	-	16-18-18-36	1.2	•	•
		(Ver4.23) (XMP)	4GB )
	CORSAIR	CMD16GX4M4A2800C16	16GB ( 4x	SS	-	-	16-18-18-36	1.2	•	•
		(Ver5.29)	4GB )
	CORSAIR	CMK16GX4M4A2800C16	16GB ( 4x	SS	-	-	16-16-18-36	1.2	•	•
		(Ver4.23) (XMP)	4GB )
	CORSAIR	CMK16GX4M4A2800C16	16GB ( 4x	SS	-	-	16-18-18-36	1.2	•	•
		(Ver5.29)	4GB )
	CORSAIR	CMD32GX4M4A2800C16	32GB ( 4x	DS	-	-	18-18-18-36	1.2	•	•
		(Ver5.29) (XMP)	8GB )
	CORSAIR	CMK32GX4M4A2800C16	32GB ( 4x	DS	-	-	16-18-18-36	1.2	•	•
		(Ver5.29) (XMP)	8GB )
	G.SKILL	F4-2800C16Q-16GRR	16GB ( 4x	SS	-	-	16-16-16-36	1.2	•	•
		(XMP)	4GB )
	G.SKILL	F4-2800C16Q-32GRR	32GB ( 4x	DS	-	-	16-16-16-36	1.2	•	•
		(XMP)	8GB )
	G.SKILL	F4-2800C15Q2-64GRK	64GB ( 8x	DS	-	-	15-16-16-35	1.25	•	•
		(XMP)	8GB )
	Kingston	HX428C14PBK4/16	16GB ( 4x	SS	-	-	14-15-15-	1.35	•	•
		(XMP)	4GB )				40-2
	ADATA	AX4U2800W4G17	32GB ( 8x	DS	-	-	17-17-17-36	1.2	•	•
			4GB )
	ADATA	AX4U2800W8G17	8GB	DS	-	-	15-15-15-36	1.2	•	•
	AVEXIR	AVD4U28001504G-4CIR	4GB	SS	-	-	15-15-15-35	1.35	•	•
		(XMP)
	AVEXIR	AVD4U28001608G-4CIR	32GB ( 8x	DS	-	-	16-16-16-36	1.2	•	•
		(XMP)	4GB )
	Panram	PUD42800C164G4NJW	16GB ( 4x	SS	-	-	2800-16-18-	1.25	•	•
		(XMP)	4GB )				18-36

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