ASUS Pro WS X299 Sage II Service Manual

Pro WS X299

SAGE II

Motherboard

E16184

Revised Edition V2

November 2019

Copyright© 2019 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”).

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ii

Contents

Safety information......................................................................................................	vi
About this guide.........................................................................................................	vii
Pro WS X299 SAGE II specifications summary........................................................	ix
Package contents.....................................................................................................	xiii
Installation tools and components..........................................................................	xiv

Chapter 1:		Product Introduction
1.1	Motherboard overview...............................................................................		1-1
	1.1.1	Before you proceed.....................................................................	1-1
	1.1.2	Motherboard layout......................................................................	1-2
	1.1.3	Central Processing Unit (CPU)....................................................	1-4
	1.1.4	System memory...........................................................................	1-5
	1.1.5	Expansion slots............................................................................	1-7
	1.1.6	Onboard buttons..........................................................................	1-9
	1.1.7	Onboard jumpers.......................................................................	1-11
	1.1.8	Onboard LEDs...........................................................................	1-12
	1.1.9	Internal connectors....................................................................	1-14

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.........................................................................	2-6
	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	M.2 installation...........................................................................	2-11
	2.1.10	ASUS fan holder installation......................................................	2-12
2.2	BIOS update utility....................................................................................		2-13
2.3	Motherboard rear and audio connections..............................................		2-15
	2.3.1	Rear I/O connection...................................................................	2-15
	2.3.2	Audio I/O connections................................................................	2-17
2.4	Starting up for the first time....................................................................		2-19
2.5	Turning off the computer.........................................................................		2-19

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
	3.2.3	Q-Fan Control..............................................................................	3-7
	3.2.4	AI OC Guide................................................................................	3-9
	3.2.5	EZ Tuning Wizard......................................................................	3-10
3.3	My Favorites..............................................................................................		3-12
3.4	Main menu.................................................................................................		3-14
3.5	Ai Tweaker menu......................................................................................		3-14
3.6	Advanced menu........................................................................................		3-16
	3.6.1	CPU Configuration.....................................................................	3-16
	3.6.2	Platform Misc Configuration.......................................................	3-16
	3.6.3	System Agent (SA) Configuration..............................................	3-16
	3.6.4	PCH Configuration.....................................................................	3-17
	3.6.5	PCH Storage Configuration.......................................................	3-17
	3.6.6	CPU Storage Configuration.......................................................	3-18
	3.6.7	Onboard Devices Configuration.................................................	3-18
	3.6.8	APM Configuration.....................................................................	3-18
	3.6.9	USB Configuration.....................................................................	3-19
	3.6.10	HDD/SSD SMART Information..................................................	3-19
	3.6.11	NVMe Configuration..................................................................	3-19
	3.6.12	Thunderbolt(TM) Configuration..................................................	3-19
	3.6.13	PCH-FW Configuration..............................................................	3-19
	3.6.14	Network Stack Configuration.....................................................	3-19
3.7	Monitor menu............................................................................................		3-20
3.8	Boot menu.................................................................................................		3-20
3.9	Tool menu..................................................................................................		3-22
	3.9.1	ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility.............................................................	3-22
	3.9.2	Secure Erase.............................................................................	3-23
	3.9.3	ASUS User Profile.....................................................................	3-24
	3.9.4	ASUS SPD Information..............................................................	3-24
	3.9.5	Graphics Card Information.........................................................	3-24
3.10	Exit menu...................................................................................................		3-25
3.11	Updating BIOS..........................................................................................		3-26
	3.11.1	EZ Update..................................................................................	3-26
	3.11.2	ASUS EZ Flash 3.......................................................................	3-27
	3.11.3	ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3..........................................................	3-29

iv

Chapter 4:		RAID Support
4.1	RAID configurations...................................................................................		4-1
	4.1.1	RAID definitions...........................................................................	4-1
	4.1.2	Installing storage devices............................................................	4-2
	4.1.3	Intel® Rapid Storage Technology in UEFI BIOS..........................	4-2
	4.1.4	Intel® Virtual Raid on CPU in UEFI BIOS.....................................	4-6
	4.1.5	Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility.................	4-13
4.2	Creating a RAID driver disk.....................................................................		4-17
	4.2.1	Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®..................................	4-17

Chapter 5:		Multi GPU Support
5.1	AMD CrossFireX™ technology..................................................................		5-1
	5.1.1	Requirements ..............................................................................	5-1
	5.1.2	Before you begin ..........................................................................	5-1
	5.1.3	Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards .................................	5-2
	5.1.4	Installing three CrossFireX™ graphics cards ..............................	5-3
	5.1.5	Installing four CrossFireX™ graphics cards ................................	5-4
	5.1.6	Installing the device drivers .........................................................	5-5
	5.1.7	Enabling the AMD CrossFireX™ technology ...............................	5-5
5.2	NVIDIA® SLI® technology...........................................................................		5-7
	5.2.1	Requirements ..............................................................................	5-7
	5.2.2	Installing two SLI - ready graphics cards .......................................	5-7
	5.2.3	Installing three SLI - ready graphics cards ....................................	5-8
	5.2.4	Installing four SLI - ready graphics cards ......................................	5-9
	5.2.5	Installing the device drivers .......................................................	5-10
	5.2.6	Enabling the NVIDIA ® SLI ® technology ......................................	5-10
Appendix
Pro WS X299 SAGE II block diagram (48-Lane)....................................................			A-1
Pro WS X299 SAGE II block diagram (44-Lane)....................................................			A-2
Pro WS X299 SAGE II block diagram (28-Lane)....................................................			A-2
Q-Code table		.............................................................................................................	A-3
Notices	.....................................................................................................................		A-7
ASUS contact ....................................................................................information			A-12

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:

1.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.

2.Chapter 2: Basic Installation

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

3.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.

4.Chapter 4: RAID Support

This chapter describes the RAID configurations.

5.Chapter 5: Multi GPU support

This chapter describes how to install and configure multiple AMD CrossFireX™ and

NVIDIA® SLI® graphics cards.

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

Pro WS X299 SAGE II specifications summary

		LGA2066 Socket for Intel® Core™ X-Series Processors
		Supports 14nm CPU
	CPU	Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0**
		* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.
		** Support of these features depends on the CPU types.
	Chipset	Intel® X299 Chipset
		Intel® Socket 2066 Core™ X-series Processors (6-core or above)
		8 x DIMM, Max. 256GB, DDR4 4266(O.C.) / 4200(O.C.) / 4133(O.C.) /
		4000(O.C.) / 3600(O.C.) / 2933 / 2666 / 2400 / 2133* MHz, non-ECC,
		unbuffered memory
	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.
		** Supported memory capacity depends on both CPU installed and memory
		installed.
		7 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 Slots (Single at x16, Dual at x16/x16, Quad at x16/x16/
	Expansion slots	x16/x16, Seven at x16/x8/x8/x8/x8/x8/x8)*
		* Please refer to the block diagrams in the Appendix for more details.
		Supports AMD 4-Way CrossFireX™ Technology
	Multi-GPU	Supports NVIDIA® 4-Way SLI® Technology*
	support	* Actual number of multi-graphic support differs per vendors’ graphic cards.
		Please check with vendor beforehand.
		Intel® X299 Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel Rapid Storage
		Technology 15 support
		- 1 x M.2_1 (Gen 3 x4) socket3, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage
		devices support (PCIe mode & SATA mode)
		- 1 x M.2_2 (Gen 3 x4) socket3, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices
		support (PCIe mode)*
		- 8 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports
	Storage	- 3 x U.2 connector (supports U.2 NVMe device)**
		- Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready
		- Intel® Virtual RAID (VROC) support for CPU RAID***
		* M.2 PCIe RAID support.
		** The U.2 connectors are only supported on 48/44-Lane CPUs. U.2_3 is only
		supported on 48-Lane CPUs.
		*** Intel® VROC is supported via RSTe and Intel® VROC_HW_Key. VROC_HW_Key
		is purchased separately. NVMe RAID type and function will depend on the
		Intel® VROC_HW_Key installed.
	LAN	2 x Intel® I225-LM Gigabit LAN controller
		(continued on the next page)

ix

Pro WS X299 SAGE II specifications summary

		Realtek ALC S1220A 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC featuring
		Crystal sound 3
		- Power pre-regulator reduces power input noise to ensure consistent
		performance.
		- Separate layer for left and right track, ensuring both sound deliver equal
		quality
		- Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs
		- Audio Shielding: Ensures precision analog/digital separation and greatly
		reduced multi-lateral interference
		- Internal audio Amplifier to enhance the highest quality sound for
		headphone and speakers
		- Unique de-pop circuit: Reduces start-up popping noise to audio outputs
	Audio	- Premium Japanese-made audio capacitors provides warm, natural and
		immersive sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity
		- High quality 120dB SNR stereo playback output (Line-out@back) & 113dB
		SNR input (Line-in) support
		- Supports up to 32-Bit/192kHz playback*
		- DTS Connect
		- DTS:X® Ultra
		- DTS Headphone:X
		- Supports: Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-
		retasking(MIC)
		- Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel
		* Due to limitations in HDA bandwidth, 32-Bit/192kHz is not supported for
		8-channel audio. 32-Bit/192kHz is only available under Windows® 10.
		1 x BIOS FlashBack™ Button
		2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB Type-C® & Type A)
	Back Panel I/O	6 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (Blue)
		4 x USB 2.0 ports (1 Supports BIOS FlashBack™)
	Ports
		1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
		2 x Intel® LAN (RJ45) ports
		8-channel Audio I/O ports
		Supporting ASUS Control Center (ACC) Management IT software
		OC Design - ASUS PRO Clock Technology
		Full BCLK range for extreme overclocking performance.
		5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processors 5
		Whole system optimization with a single click! Perfectly consolidates better
		CPU performance, power saving, digital power control, system cooling and
		app usages.
	Features	DIGI+ Power Control
		- CPU Power: Digital 8-phase power design
		- DRAM Power: Digital 2-phase power design
		TPU
		- Auto Tuning, TPU
		EPU
		Fan Xpert 4 with FAN Extension Card support
		Turbo Core App
		(continued on the next page)

x

Pro WS X299 SAGE II specifications summary

		Intel Virtual RAID on CPU (VROC) ready
		ASMedia USB 3.2 Gen 2 Controller supports Multiple-Ins function
		Thunderbolt 3 support
		Blistering-fast 40 Gb/s data transfers upgrades with ThunderboltEX 3 cards
		M.2 and U.2 Onboard (The Latest Transfer Technology with up to
		32Gb/s Data-transfer Speeds for M.2 and U.2)
		Vertical M.2 design with bracket set, up to 22110
		ASUS SafeSlot and SafeSlot Core:
		Fortified PCIe Slot preventing damages
		ASUS Overvoltage Protection:
		World-class circuit-protecting power design
		ASUS Enhanced DRAM Overcurrent Protection
		Short circuit damage prevention
		ASUS Stainless-Steel Back I/O:
		3X corrosion-resistance for greater durability!
		ASUS ESD Guards - Enhanced ESD protection
		AURA Sync
		- Aura RGB Strip Headers
	Features	- Aura Addressable Strip Header
		Ai Charger +
		File Transfer
		ASUS Q-Design:
		- ASUS Q-Shield
		- ASUS Q-Code
		- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
		- ASUS Q-Slot
		- ASUS Q-DIMM
		- ASUS Q-Connector
		ASUS BIOS FlashBack™
		Onboard Button: Power/Reset
		UEFI BIOS
		- CrashFree BIOS 3
		- EZ Flash3
		- EZ Tuning Wizard
		- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode
		- Multi-language BIOS
		AI overclocking
		AI Suite 3
		(continued on the next page)

xi

Pro WS X299 SAGE II specifications summary

		Intel® X299 Chipset
		- 8 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (6 ports @ rear, 2 ports @ front)
	USB	- 4 x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports @ rear)
		ASMedia USB 3.1 Controller
		- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports @ rear (1 x Type A; 1 x USB Type-C®)
		- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 @ front (optional Type A or USB Type-C®)
		2 x Aura Addressable Strip Header
		1 x AAFP connector
		2 x Aura RGB Strip Header
		1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1
		port(s)
		1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 front panel connector
		1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices
		support (PCIe 3.0 x 4 & SATA mode)
		1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support
		(PCIe 3.0 x 4 mode)
		8 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
		1 x VROC_HW_Key
		2 x CPU Fan connectors
		2 x Chassis Fan connectors
		1 x 4-pin Water Pump header
	Internal I/O	1 x AIO_PUMP connector
		1 x Thunderbolt header
	connectors
		1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
		2 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connectors
		1 x 6-pin ATX 12V Power connector
		1 x System panel connector
		1 x Thermal sensor connector
		1 x Power-on button
		1 x FlexKey button (Reset)
		1 x Clear CMOS button
		3 x U.2 connectors
		1 x CPU_OV jumper
		1 x COM port header
		1 x TPM header
		1 x EZ XMP switch
		1 x M.2 Fan connector
		3 x U.2 LED switch header
	Operating	Windows® 10 64-bit
	system support
	Form factor	CEB Form Factor, 12” x 10.5” (30.5cm x 26.7cm)

• Specifications are subject to change without notice.

• Visit the ASUS website for the software manual.

xii

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

	Motherboard	1 x Pro WS X299 SAGE II motherboard
	Cables	8 x SATA 6Gb/s cables
		2 x Extension cable for Addressable LED
		1 x M.2 screws kit
		1 x Vertical M.2 bracket set
		1 x ASUS 3-Way SLI® bridge
		1 x ASUS 4-Way SLI® bridge
		1 x ASUS HB SLI® bridge
	Accessories	1 x COM port bracket
		1 x I/O shield
		1 x ASUS fan holder
		2 x Fan screws
		1 x Fan kit
		1 x Q-Connector
	Application DVD	1 x Motherboard support DVD
	Documentation	1 x User guide
		1 x ASUS CONTROL CENTER QSG

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

xiii

Installation tools and components

Intel® LGA 2066 compatible CPU Fan

Intel® LGA 2066 CPU

PC chassis

SATA hard disk drive

Phillips (cross) screwdriver

Power supply unit

1 bag of screws

DIMM

SATA optical disc drive (optional)	Graphics card
M.2 SSD module (optional)

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

xiv

Product Introduction

1

1.1Motherboard overview

1.1.1Before 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.

Chapter 1

ASUS Pro WS X299 SAGE II

1-1

1.1.2Motherboard layout

1 Chapter

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

1-2	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Layout contents		Page
1.	DDR4 DIMM slots	1-5
2.	Power connectors	1-18
3.	CPU socket	1-4
4.	Fan and pump connectors	1-17
5.	U.2 connectors	1-20
6.	M.2 slot	1-21
7.	SATA 6 Gb/s connectors	1-14
8.	USB 3.2 Gen 1 connector	1-16
9.	USB 3.2 Gen 2 connector	1-15
10.	System panel connector	1-19
11.	Thermal sensor connector	1-22
12.	VROC Key connector	1-25
13.	U.2 LED SW jumper	1-11
14.	TPM connector	1-25
15.	CPU Over Voltage jumper	1-11
16.	Addressable RGB LED connectors	1-24
17.	AURA RGB LED connectors	1-23
18.	Serial port connector	1-22
19.	Clear CMOS button	1-10
20.	Q-Code LED	1-9
21.	FlexKey button (Reset)	1-9
22.	Power-on button	1-9
23.	Front panel audio connector	1-15
24.	Thunderbolt header	1-20

Chapter 1

ASUS Pro WS X299 SAGE II

1-3

1.1.3Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA2066 socket designed for the Intel® Core™ X-series Processors.

1 Chapter

•

•

•

•

•

Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA2066 socket only. DO NOT install a CPU designed for other sockets on the LGA2066 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 LGA2066 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.

1-4	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1.4System memory

The motherboard comes with eight DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4) 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

Intel® Core™ X-series Processors (6-core or above)

Chapter 1

ASUS Pro WS X299 SAGE II

1-5

1 Chapter

Memory configurations

You may install 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB and 32 GB unbuffered and non ECC DDR4 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

For Intel® Core™ X-Series Processors (6-core or above), you may install varying memory sizes in Channel A, Channel B, Channel C, and Channel D. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the quad-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

•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.

•For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (8 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

•Always install the DIMMS with the same CAS Latency. For an optimum compatibility, we recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or data code (D/C) from the same vendor. Check with the vendor to get the correct memory modules.

•Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

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1.1.5Expansion slots

Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

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	Slot Description		Single	Dual VGA		Triple	Quad	Septuple
			VGA			VGA	VGA	VGA
	1.	PCIEX16_1	X16	X16	X16	X16	X16	X16
	2.	PCIEX16_2	-	-	-	-	-	X8
	3.	PCIEX16_3	-	X16	-	X16	X16	X8
	4.	PCIEX16_4	-	-	-	-	-	X8
	5.	PCIEX16_5	-	-	X16	X16	X16	X8
	6.	PCIEX16_6	-	-	-	-	-	X8
	7.	PCIEX16_7	-	-	-	-	X16	X8

•We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI®

mode.

•Connect a chassis fan to the chassis fan connectors when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.

•We recommend that install the graphics cards into the PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 and PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_3 slots when running 2-Way SLI® bridge.

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1.1.6Onboard buttons

1.

Power-on button

The motherboard comes with a power-on button that allows you to power up or wake

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up the system. The button also lights up when the system is plugged to a power

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source indicating that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable

before removing or installing any motherboard component.

2.FlexKey button (Reset)

Press the FlexKey button to reboot the system. You may also configure the button and assign a quick access feature such as activating Safe Boot or turning Aura lighting on or off to the button.

This button is set to [Reset] by default. You can assign a different function to this button in the BIOS settings.

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3.Clear CMOS button

Press this button to clear the BIOS setup information only when the systems hangs due to overclocking.

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1.1.7Onboard jumpers

1.	CPU Over Voltage jumper
	The CPU Over Voltage jumper allows you to set a higher CPU voltage for a flexible
	overclocking system, depending on the type of the installed CPU. To gain more CPU	1
	voltage setting, insert the jumper to pins 2-3. To go back to its default CPU voltage
		Chapter
	setting, insert the jumper to pins 1-2.

2.U.2 LED SW jumper

The U.2 LED SW jumper allows you to select the LED mode for storage devices. Set to pins 1-2 for NVMe device LED mode. Set to pins 2-3 for normal storage device LED mode.

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1.1.8Onboard LEDs

1.M.2 LEDs

The M.2 LED near the M.2 socket will light up when an SATA SSD device is detected.

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2.Q-Code LEDs

The Q-Code LED design provides you with a 2-digit error code that displays the system status.

•The Q-Code LEDs provide the most probable cause of an error code as a starting point for troubleshooting. The actual cause may vary from case to case.

•Please refer to the Q-Code table in the Appendix section for more details.

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3.POST State LEDs

The POST State LEDs provide the status of these key components during POST (Power-On Self-Test): CPU, memory modules, VGA card, and hard disk drives. If an error is found, the critical component’s LED stays lit up until the problem is solved.

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The POST State LEDs provide the most probable cause of an error code as a starting point for troubleshooting. The actual cause may vary from case to case.

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1.1.9Internal connectors

1.

SATA 6 Gb/s connectors

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These connectors connect to SATA 6 Gb/s hard disk drives via SATA 6 Gb/s signal

cables.

If you installed SATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10

configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel®

X299 chipset.

These connectors are set to [Intel RST Premium (RAID)] by default.

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2.Front panel audio connector

This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports HD Audio. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.

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We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-definition audio capability.

3.USB 3.2 Gen 2 connector

This connector allows you to connect a USB 3.2 Gen 2 module for additional USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. The latest USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity provides data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps.

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	4.	USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectors
		This connector allows you to connect a USB 3.2 Gen 1 module for additional USB
		3.2 Gen 1 front or rear panel ports. With an installed USB 3.2 Gen 1 module, you can
	1Chapter	enjoy all the benefits of USB 3.2 Gen 1 including faster data transfer speeds of up to
		5 Gb/s, faster charging time for USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency,
		and backward compatibility with USB 2.0.

The USB 3.2 Gen 1 module is purchased separately.

The plugged USB 3.2 Gen 1 device may run on xHCI or EHCI mode depending on the operating system’s setting.

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