Asus Rampage II Gene User Manual

Rampage II GENE

Motherboard

E4504

First Edition February 2009

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the

product is defaced or missing.

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

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

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or

copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

Contents ...................................................................................................... iii

Notices ....................................................................................................... viii

Safety information ...................................................................................... ix

About this guide .......................................................................................... x

Rampage II GENE specications summary ............................................ xii

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2

1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2

1.3.2 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features ... 1-3

1.3.3 ROG unique features ...................................................... 1-4

1.3.4 ASUS special features .................................................... 1-5

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 2-6

2.2.1 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 2-6

2.2.2 Layout contents ............................................................... 2-7

2.2.3 Placement direction ........................................................ 2-8

2.2.4 Screw holes .................................................................... 2-8

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-9

2.3.1 Installing the CPU ......................................................... 2-10

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan .............................. 2-13

2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 2-14

2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-15

2.4.1 Overview ....................................................................... 2-15

2.4.2 Memory congurations .................................................. 2-16

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-22

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-22

2.5 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 2-23

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-23

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-23

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-24

2.5.4 PCI slot ......................................................................... 2-25

iii

Contents

2.5.5 PCI Express x4 slot ....................................................... 2-25

2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots ............................................. 2-25

2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-27

2.7 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-28

2.7.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 2-28

2.7.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-30

2.7.3 Onboard switches ......................................................... 2-40

2.7.4 Installing I/O shield and LCD Poster ............................. 2-42

2.8 Starting up for the rst time ...................................................... 2-43

2.9 Turning off the computer ........................................................... 2-44

2.9.1 Using the OS shut down function .................................. 2-44

2.9.2 Using the dual function power switch ............................ 2-44

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 3-1

3.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 3-1

3.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ................................................... 3-4

3.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 3-5

3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 3-6

3.2.1 BIOS menu screen .......................................................... 3-7

3.2.2 Menu bar ......................................................................... 3-7

3.2.3 Navigation keys ............................................................... 3-7

3.2.4 Menu items ..................................................................... 3-8

3.2.5 Submenu items ............................................................... 3-8

3.2.6 Conguration elds ......................................................... 3-8

3.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................... 3-8

3.2.8 Scroll bar ......................................................................... 3-8

3.2.9 General help ................................................................... 3-8

3.3 Extreme Tweaker menu ............................................................... 3-9

3.3.1 Tuning Mode ................................................................. 3-10

3.3.2 CPU Level Up .............................................................. 3-10

3.3.3 Memory Level Up ......................................................... 3-10

3.3.4 Ai Overclock Tuner ....................................................... 3-10

3.3.5 CPU Ratio Setting .........................................................3-11

3.3.6 CPU Conguration .........................................................3-11

3.3.7 DRAM Frequency ........................................................ 3-12

Contents

3.3.8 DRAM Timing Control ................................................... 3-12

3.3.9 EPU II Phase Control .................................................... 3-13

3.3.10 CPU Load-Line Calibration .......................................... 3-14

3.3.11 QPI Load-Line Calibration ............................................ 3-14

3.3.12 CPU Differential Amplitude ........................................... 3-14

3.3.13 NB OCP ....................................................................... 3-14

3.3.14 DRAM OCP .................................................................. 3-14

3.3.15 Extreme OV ................................................................. 3-14

3.3.16 CPU Voltage ................................................................ 3-14

3.3.17 CPU PLL Voltage ......................................................... 3-15

3.3.18 QPI/DRAM Core Voltage ............................................. 3-15

3.3.19 IOH Voltage .................................................................. 3-15

3.3.20 IOH PCIE Voltage ........................................................ 3-15

3.3.21 ICH Voltage .................................................................. 3-15

3.3.22 ICH PCIE Voltage ........................................................ 3-15

3.3.23 DRAM Bus Voltage ...................................................... 3-15

3.3.24 DRAM REF Voltages .................................................... 3-16

3.3.25 Debug Mode ................................................................. 3-16

3.3.26 Keyboard TweakIt Control ............................................ 3-16

3.3.27 CPU Spread Spectrum ................................................ 3-16

3.3.28 PCIE Spread Spectrum ................................................ 3-16

3.3.29 CPU Clock Skew .......................................................... 3-17

3.3.30 IOH Clock Skew ........................................................... 3-17

3.4 Main menu .................................................................................. 3-18

3.4.1 System Time ................................................................. 3-18

3.4.2 System Date ................................................................. 3-18

3.4.3 Language ...................................................................... 3-18

3.4.4 SATA 1–6 .........................................................................................3-19

3.4.5 Storage Conguration ................................................... 3-20

3.4.6 System Information ....................................................... 3-21

3.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 3-22

3.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 3-22

3.5.2 Chipset .......................................................................... 3-24

3.5.3 Onboard Device Conguration ...................................... 3-25

3.5.4 USB Conguration ........................................................ 3-26

Contents

3.5.5 PCI PnP ........................................................................ 3-27

3.5.6 LCD Poster and LED Control ........................................ 3-28

3.5.7 iROG Conguration ....................................................... 3-29

3.6 Power menu ................................................................................ 3-30

3.6.1 Suspend Mode ............................................................. 3-30

3.6.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ....................................... 3-30

3.6.3 ACPI 2.0 Support ......................................................... 3-30

3.6.4 ACPI APIC Support ...................................................... 3-30

3.6.5 APM Conguration ........................................................ 3-31

3.6.6 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 3-32

3.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 3-35

3.7.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 3-35

3.7.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 3-36

3.7.3 Security ......................................................................... 3-37

3.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 3-39

3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 .......................................................... 3-39

3.8.2 ASUS O.C. Prole ......................................................... 3-40

3.8.3 TweakIt Batch File ......................................................... 3-41

3.8.4 AI NET 2........................................................................ 3-42

3.9 Exit menu .................................................................................... 3-43

Chapter 4: Software support

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

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

4.2.1 Running the support DVD ............................................... 4-1

4.2.2 Drivers menu ................................................................... 4-2

4.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 4-3

4.2.4 Make disk menu .............................................................. 4-5

4.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 4-5

4.2.6 Video menu ..................................................................... 4-6

4.2.7 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 4-6

4.2.8 Other information ............................................................ 4-7

4.3 Software information ................................................................... 4-9

4.3.1 ASUS MyLogo3™ ........................................................... 4-9

4.3.2 Sound Blaster X-Fi audio utility ......................................4-11

4.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II ......................................................... 4-15

Contents

4.3.4 ASUS AI Suite ............................................................... 4-21

4.3.5 ASUS AI Nap ................................................................ 4-23

4.3.6 ASUS Fan Xpert ........................................................... 4-24

4.3.7 CPU Level Up ............................................................... 4-26

4.3.8 ASUS EPU-6 Engine .................................................... 4-27

4.3.9 ASUS TurboV ................................................................ 4-31

4.4 RAID congurations .................................................................. 4-33

4.4.1 RAID denitions ............................................................ 4-33

4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ..................................... 4-34

4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS ...................................... 4-34

4.4.4 Intel® Matrix Storage Manager option ROM utility ......... 4-35

4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk ....................................................... 4-40

4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS .... 4-40

4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®...................... 4-40

Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support

5.1 ATI® CrossFireX™ technology .................................................... 5-1

5.1.1 Requirements .................................................................. 5-1

5.1.2 Before you begin ............................................................. 5-1

5.1.3 Installing CrossFireX graphics cards .............................. 5-2

5.1.4 Installing the device drivers ............................................. 5-3

5.1.5 Enabling the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology ................... 5-3

5.2 NVIDIA® SLI™ technology ........................................................... 5-5

5.2.1 Requirements .................................................................. 5-5

5.2.2 Installing SLI-ready graphics cards ................................. 5-6

5.2.3 Installing the device drivers ............................................. 5-7

5.2.4 Enabling the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology ......................... 5-7

Appendix: Debug code table

vii

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

• This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is

required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications

to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

viii

Safety information

Electrical safety

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

electrical outlet before relocating the system.

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

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

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

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

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

service technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

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

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

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

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

• Place the product on a stable surface.

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

service technician or your retailer.

DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal waste.

About this guide

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

the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

• Chapter 2: Hardware information

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.

• 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: Multiple GPU technology support

This chapter describes how to install and congure multiple ATI®

CrossFireX™ and NVIDIA® SLI™ graphics cards.

• Appendix: Debug code table

The Appendix lists the debug code table for the LCD Poster.

Where to nd more information

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

1. ASUS websites

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

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty

yers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not

part of the standard package.

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 (+).

Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>

Rampage II GENE specications summary

CPU LGA1366 socket for Intel® Core™ i7 Processor Extreme

Chipset Intel® X58 / ICH10R

System Bus Up to 6.4GT/s; Intel® QuickPath Interconnect

Memory Triple channel memory architecture

Expansion Slots 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots at dual x16 speedat dual x16 speed

Multi-GPU Technology Supports NVIDIA® SLI™ Technology

Storage Intel® ICH10R Southbridge:

LAN Realtek® 8111C PCIe Gigabit LAN controller featuring

High Denition Audio SupremeFX X-Fi onboard

IEEE 1394 2 x IEEE 1394a ports (1 port at back I/O, 1 port onboard)

Edition / Core™ i7 Processor Supports Intel® Dynamic Speed Technology * Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.

6 x DIMM, max. 24GB, DDR3 2000 (O.C.) / 1800 (O.C.) / 1600 (O.C.) / 1333 / 1066 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)

* Due to Intel spec denition, DIMMs of DDR3-1333 or

above are out of spec. Refer to www.asus.com or this

user manual for the Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors

Lists).

1 x PCI Express 2.0 x4 slot 1 x PCI 2.2 slot

Supports ATI® CrossFireX™ Technology

- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports

- Intel® Matrix Storage Technology supports RAID 0,1, 5, and 10

JMicron® 363 controller:

- 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 for up to 2 PATA

devices

- 1 x External SATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA On-the-Go)

- 1 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s port

AI NET 2

- 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC

- EAX® Advanced™ HD 4.0

- X-Fi CMSS®-3D

- X-Fi Crystalizer™

- Creative ALchemy

- Supports Optical S/PDIF Out port on rear

(continued on the next page)

xii

Rampage II GENE specications summary

USB 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at midboard; 6 ports at back

ROG Exclusive Overclocking Features

Other Special Features MemOK!

BIOS Features 16 Mb AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.4,

Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, Chassis Intrusion, PXE

Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port (purple)

panel)

Power Design

- 8-phase CPU power

- 2-phase QPI/DRAM power

- 2-phase NB power

- 2-phase Memory power

CPU Level Up Keyboard-Tweakit (adjustable frequency at 0.2MHz increment) Memory Level Up iROG Extreme Tweaker Loadline Calibration Intelligent overclocking tools:

- ASUS AI Booster Utility

- ASUS O.C. ProleASUS O.C. ProleO.C. Prole

Overclocking Protection:

- COP EX (Component Overheat Protection - EX)

- Voltiminder LED

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

One DIMM latch External LCD Poster Onboard Switches: Power / Reset / Clr CMOS (at back panel) Q-Fan Plus ASUS EPU-6 Engine ASUS Fan Xpert ASUS Q-Connector ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS MyLogo 3™

ACPI 2.0a, Multi-Language BIOS

1 x S/PDIF (Optical) 1 x External SATA port 1 x IEEE1394a port 1 x LAN (RJ45) port 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 1 x Clr CMOS switch 8-channel Audio I/O with gold-plated jack

(continued on the next page)

xiii

Rampage II GENE specications summary

Internal I/O Connectors 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports

Software Support DVD:

Form Factor microATX Form Factor, 9.6”x 9.6” (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

1 x IDE connector for two devices 7 x SATA connectors 5 x Fan connectors: 1 x CPU / 2 x Chassis / 2 x Optional 2 x Thermal sensor connectors 1 x IEEE1394a connector 1 x LCD Poster connector 1 x Chassis Intrusion connector 24-pin EATX Power connector 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector 1 x En/Dis-able Clr CMOS header 1 x Front panel audio connector 1 x CD audio in 1 x System panel connector 1 x SPDIF_OUT connector

- Drivers and applications

Sound Blaster X-Fi utility Futuremark® 3DMark® 06 Advanced Edition Kaspersky® Anti-virus software ASUS TurboV utility ASUS PC Probe II ASUS Update ASUS AI Suite

xiv

This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.

Chapter 1: Product

introduction

Chapter summary

1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2

ROG Rampage II GENE

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ROG Rampage II GENE motherboard!

The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!

Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below.

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard ROG Rampage II GENE

Cables 1 x SLI cable 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cableUltra DMA 133/100/66 cable 2 x Serial ATA signal cables

Accessories 1 x External LCD Poster 1 x External LCD Poster 1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector Kit 1 x I/O Shield 1 x Cable ties 1 x ROG theme label

Application DVD ROG motherboard support DVD

Documentation User guide

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

ROG Rampage II GENE 1-1

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Republic of Gamers

The Republic of Gamers consists only the best of the best. We offer the best hardware engineering, the fastest performance, the most innovating 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 club, make your presence felt, in the Republic of Gamers.

Green ASUS

This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction

on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision

of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard

consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.

Intel® Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition / Core™ i7 Processor support

This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core™ i7 processors in LGA1366 package with integrated memory controller to support 3-channel (6 DIMMs) DDR3 memory. Supports Intel® QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) with a system bus of up to 6.4GT/s and a max bandwidth of up to 25.6GB/s. Intel® Core™ i7 processor is

one of the most powerful and energy efcient CPUs in the world. See page 2-9 for

details.

Intel® X58 Chipset

The Intel® X58 Express Chipset is the latest chipset designed to support latest Intel® Core™ i7 Processors and Intel’s next generation system interconnect interface, Intel® QuickPath Interconnect (QPI), providing improved performance by

utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability. It also

supports up to 36 PCI Express 2.0 lanes providing better graphics performance.

Triple-Channel DDR3 2000 (O.C.) MHz support

The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of

2000 (O.C.) / 1800 (O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth

requirements of the latest operation system, 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The triple-channel DDR3 architecture triples the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance, eliminating bottlenecks with peak bandwidths of up to 43.2 GB/s. See page 2-15 for details.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

SLI and CrossFireX on Demand

Why choose when you can have both?

SLI or CrossFireX? Fret no longer because with the ROG Rampage II GENE, you’ll be able to run both multi-GPU setups. The board features SLI/CrossFire

on Demand technology, supporting SLI or CrossFireX conguration. Whichever

path you take, you can be assured of jaw-dropping graphics at a level previously unseen.

PCIe 2.0

Double Speed; Double Bandwidth

This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 device for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance. See page 2-25 for details.

1.3.2 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features

iROG

Intelligent multiple control at hand

iROG is a special IC which enables several ROG highlighted functions that give you full disposal of the motherboard at any stage! This design allows advanced user control and management to be processed at a hardware level. iROG greatly increases fun during overclocking for PC enthusiasts and it provides system

maintenance and management with more control and efciency.

CPU Level Up

A simple click for instant upgrade!

Ever wish that you could have a more expansive CPU? Upgrade your CPU at no additional cost with ROG’s CPU Level Up! Simply pick the processor you want to OC to, and the motherboard will do the rest for you. See the new CPU speed and enjoy the performance instantly! Overclocking is never as easy as this. See page 3-12 and 4-26 for details.

MemOK!

Any memory is A-OK!

Memory compatibility is among the top concerns when it comes to computer upgrades. Worry no more, MemOK! is the fastest memory booting solution today. This remarkable memory rescue tool requires nothing but a push of a button to patch memory issues and get you system up and running in no time. The technology is able to determine failsafe settings that can dramatically improve

system booting success.

ROG Rampage II GENE 1-3

Extreme Tweaker

One stop performance tuning shop

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

performance. No matter if you are looking for frequency adjustment, over-voltage options, or memory timing settings, they are all here! See page 3-11 for details.

Voltiminder LED

Friendly reminder on Voltage Settings

In the pursuit of extreme performance, overvoltage adjustment is critical but risky.

Acting as the “red zone” of a tachometer, the Voltiminder LED displays the voltage

status for CPU, NB, SB, and Memory in a intuitive color-coded fashion. The Voltiminder LED allows quick voltage monitoring for overclockers. See page 2-2 to 2-5 for details.

Component Overheat Protection-EX (COP EX)

Maximum OC with condence with burn proof protection to chipsets and

GPU! The COP EX allows overclockers to increase chipset voltages without the worries of overheating. It can also be used to monitor and save an overheating GPU. The COP EX allows more freedom and less constraint for maximum performance achievement.

Loadline Calibration

Optimal power boost for extreme CPU overclocking!

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

1.3.3 ROG unique features

SupremeFX X-Fi features

Listen with Absolute HD

Play in extreme delity!

SupremeFX X-FI delivers an excellent high denition audio experience to the

gamers of ROG. SupremeFX X-Fi features unique audio innovations for gamers to spot enemies in 3D environment during game play. SupremeFX X-Fi combines the technological quality design of SupremeFX and sound effect technology from Creative Labs® to offer games exceptional game sound with absolute quality. SeeSee page 2-29 and 4-11 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

External LCD Poster

Debug and read system problems with an new external look!

The new LCD Poster now posts critical POST information in an ever friendly

and exible external display. When system malfunction occurs, the LCD Poster

automatically detects device failure and translates the errors on the LCD during POST. See page 2-42 and 3-30 for details.

Onboard Switches

No more shorting pins or moving jumpers With an easy press during overclocking, this exclusive onboard switch allows

gamers to effortlessly ne-tune the performance without having to short the pins or

moving jumpers. See page 2-40 for details.

Q-Fan Plus

Optimized quietness and cooling for more devices!

The Q-Fan function automatically detects temperature and adjusts fan speed

accordingly to achieve quiet and efcient cooling.

1.3.4 ASUS special features

ASUS Power Saving Solution

ASUS Power Saving solution intelligently and automatically provides balanced computing power and energy consumption.

ASUS EPU-6 Engine

System Level Energy Saving

The new ASUS EPU—the world’s rst power saving engine, has been

upgraded to a new 6-engine version, which provides total system power savings by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power in real-time. With auto phase switching for components (which includes the CPU, VGA card, memory, chipset, drives and system fan), the EPU automatically provides the most appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking—helping save power and money. See page 4-27 for details.

ASUS EZ DIY

ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.

ROG Rampage II GENE 1-5

ASUS Q-Connector

The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in one easy step with one complete module. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of plugging in one cable at a time, making connection quick and accurate. See page 2-39 for details.

ASUS O.C. Prole

The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows users to

conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be

stored in the CMOS or a separate le, giving users freedom to share and

distribute their favorite settings. See page 3-42 for details.

ASUS EZ Flash 2

EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply launch this tool and

update BIOS using a USB ash disk without entering the OS. You can update your BIOS in a few clicks without preparing an additional oppy diskette or using an OS-based ash utility. See page 3-6 for details.

Kaspersky® Anti-Virus

The best protection from viruses and spyware

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

users and home ofces. It is based on advanced antivirus technologies. The

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

C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

When the system hangs due to overclocking failure, there is no need to open the system chassis to clear CMOS data. Simply reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default settings for each parameter.

Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is required before using C.P.R. function.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.

Chapter 2: Hardware

information