Asus RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION User Manual

RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

Motherboard

E8670 First Edition October 2013

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Contents

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

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

RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION specications summary ........................................ ix

OC Panel specications summary .........................................................................xiii

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

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

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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

1.1.1 Product highlights

1.1.2 ROG Unique Gaming Features ...................................................

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

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

1.1.5 ROG rich-bundled software

1.2 Motherboard overview ...............................................................................

1.2.1 Before you proceed .....................................................................

1.2.2 Motherboard layout .....................................................................

1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .................................................

1.2.4 System memory ........................................................................

1.2.5 Expansion slots .........................................................................

1.2.6 Onboard buttons and switches

1.2.7 Onboard LEDs ..........................................................................

1.2.8 Jumper ......................................................................................

1.2.9 Internal connectors

1.2.10 ProbeIt

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

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

......................................................... 1-6

.................................................. 1-24

.................................................................... 1-38

1-2

1-3

1-5

1-7

1-8

1-10

1-11

1-22

1-29

1-37

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.1 Building your PC system...........................................................................2-1

2.1.1 Motherboard installation ..............................................................

2.1.2 CPU installation

2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation ...............................

2.1.4 DIMM installation

2.1.5 ATX Power connection ................................................................

2.1.6 SATA device connection ..............................................................

2.1.7 Front I/O Connector ..................................................................

2.1.8 Expansion Card installation

2.1.9 Wi-Fi antenna installation ..........................................................

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

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

......................................................................... 2-7

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

2-1

2-5

2-8

2-9

2-10

2-12

2-13

iii

2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections .............................................2-14

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

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

2.4 OC Panel ...................................................................................................

2.4.1 OC Panel Overview

2.4.2 Setting up your OC Panel in Normal Mode ...............................

2.4.3 Setting up your OC Panel in Extreme Mode .............................

2.5 Starting up for the rst time ....................................................................

2.6 Turning off the computer .........................................................................

................................................................... 2-18

2-14

2-16

2-18

2-20

2-22

2-23

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................3-1

3.2 BIOS setup program ..................................................................................

3.2.1 EZ Mode

3.2.2 Advanced Mode ..........................................................................

3.3 My Favorites ...............................................................................................

3.4 Extreme Tweaker menu .............................................................................

3.5 Main menu ................................................................................................

3.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................

3.6.1 CPU Conguration ....................................................................

3.6.2 System Agent Conguration

3.6.3 PCH Conguration ....................................................................

3.6.4 SATA Conguration ...................................................................

3.6.5 USB Conguration ....................................................................

3.6.6 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................

3.6.7 APM ..........................................................................................

3.6.8 Network Stack ...........................................................................

3.6.9 ROG Effects ..............................................................................

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

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

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

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

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

3.9.3 ASUS SPD Information .............................................................

3.9.4 ASUS Overclocking Prole .......................................................

3.9.5 BIOS Flashback ........................................................................

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

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

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

3.11.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ......................................................................

3.11.2 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ..........................................................

3.11.3 ASUS BIOS Updater .................................................................

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

...................................................... 3-26

3-2

3-4

3-6

3-7

3-21

3-23

3-24

3-26

3-27

3-29

3-30

3-32

3-33

3-34

3-38

3-43

3-44

3-45

3-46

3-47

3-49

3-50

3-51

3-52

3-53

Chapter 4: Software support

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

4.2 Support DVD information ..........................................................................

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

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals

.................................................. 4-3

4.3 Software information .................................................................................

4.4 AI Suite 3 .....................................................................................................

4.4.1 Dual Intelligent Processors 4 with 4-Way Optimization ...............

4.4.2 Ai Charger+ ...............................................................................

4.4.3 Wi-Fi Engine

.............................................................................. 4-19

4.4.4 Wi-Fi GO! ..................................................................................

4.4.5 USB 3.0 Boost

........................................................................... 4-37

4.4.6 USB BIOS Flashback ................................................................

4.4.7 EZ Update .................................................................................

4.4.8 System Information ...................................................................

4.5 Audio congurations ...............................................................................

4.6 ROG Connect

............................................................................................ 4-44

4.7 MemTweakIt ..............................................................................................

4.8 ROG RAMDisk ..........................................................................................

4.9 Sonic Radar ..............................................................................................

4.9.1 Main menu ...............................................................................

4.9.2 Game presets and Radar Selection .........................................

4.9.3 Advanced Settings ...................................................................

4.10 GameFirst II ..............................................................................................

4.10.1 Using EZ Mode .........................................................................

4.10.2 Using Advanced Mode ..............................................................

4-1

4-4

4-7

4-18

4-21

4-38

4-40

4-41

4-43

4-46

4-49

4-52

4-54

4-55

4-57

4-58

Chapter 5: RAID support

5.1 RAID congurations ..................................................................................5-1

5.1.1 RAID denitions ..........................................................................

5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ...................................................

5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS ....................................................

5.1.4 Intel

5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk

Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility ..................5-3

....................................................................... 5-8

5.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS ..................

5.2.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows

5.2.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows

.................................... 5-8

OS installation ........ 5-9

5-1

5-2

5-8

Appendices

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

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

Safety information

Electrical safety

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

• before relocating the system.

When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables

• for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all

• power cables are unplugged.

Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices

• could interrupt the grounding circuit.

Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not

• sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company.

If the power supply is broken, do not try to 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.

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:

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: Software support

This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package and the software.

5. Chapter 5: RAID support

This chapter describes the RAID congurations.

Where to nd more information

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

1. ASUS websites

The ASUS website (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 yers,

that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.

vii

Conventions used in this guide

To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. .

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italics

<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign

<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

means that you must press the enclosed key.

Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or Return key.

names are linked with a plus sign (+).

viii

RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION specications summary

Intel® Core™ i7 Processors for LGA 2011 socket Support 22nm CPU

CPU

Chipset Intel® X79 Express Chipset

Memory

Expansion Slots

Multi-GPU Technology

Storage

LAN Intel® Gigabit Ethernet LAN

SupremeFX

High Denition Audio

Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0

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

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

types.

8 x DIMM, max. 64GB, DDR3 2800(O.C.)/2666(O.C.)/

2400(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz, non-ECC,

un-buffered memory

Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)

* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of

individual CPUs.

** Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2200/2000/1800 MHz memory module will

run at DDR3 2133/1866/1600 MHz frequency as default.

*** Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List) for details.

4 x PCIe3.0 x16 slots, support x16; x16/x16; x16/x8/x16 and x16/x8/x8/x8 congurations

2 x PCIe2.0 x1 slots

* This motherboard is ready to support PCIe 3.0 SPEC. Functions will be

available when using PCIe 3.0-compliant devices. Please refer to www.asus.com for updated details.

4-Way/ 3-Way/ Quad-GPU NVIDIA® SLI™ Technology AMD CrossFireX™ Technology

Intel® X79 Express Chipset:

- 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (gray)

- 4 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports (black)

- Intel

Rapid Storage Technology supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10

ASMedia® SATA 6.0 Gb/s controller:

- 2 x External SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports

- 4 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (gray)

ROG SupremeFX Black 8-Channel High Denition Audio CODEC

- SupremeFX Shielding Technology: Red Line PCB shielding, PCB dedicated audio layer and EMI protection cover

- Cirrus Logic® CS4398 DAC: 120dB SNR, -107dB THD+N (Max. 192kHz/ 24-bit)

- Texas Instruments® TPA6120A2 600ohm headphone amplier

- WIMA® lm capacitors

- ELNA® premium audio capacitors

- NEC TOKIN UC2 audio relay

- High-delity audio operational ampliers (OP-AMPs)

- Differential circuit design

- Content protection for full bitrate lossless DVD Audio, Blu-ray DVD, and HD-DVD audio content playback

- Jack-detection and multi-streaming

- Optical S/PDIF out port at back panel

- Sonic Radar

- DTS Connect

(continued on the next page)

Wireless

USB

ROG Exclusive Features

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac supports dual band frequency 2.4/5 GHz Bluetooth V4.0

Intel® X79 Chipset:

- 10 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board*, 3 ports at back panel, 1 port reserved for ROG Connect)

* 2 x USB2.0 ports at mid-board shares with ROG extension

(ROG_EXT) port.

ASMedia® USB 3.0 SuperSpeed USB HUB Controller:

- 8 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (6 at back panel, 2 at mid-board)

ROG Extreme OC kit

- Slow Mode

- LN2 Mode

- PCIe x16 Lane switch

- EZ Plug

ROG Connect

- RC Poster

- RC Remote

- RC Diagram

ROG Extreme Engine Digi+ III

- 8 phase CPU power

- 3 phase VCCSA power

- 2+2 phase DRAM power

- NexFET™ Power Block MOSFET

- 60A chokes

- 10K Black Metallic Capacitors

UEFI BIOS features

- ROG BIOS Print

- GPU.DIMM Post

- Extreme Tweaker

- Tweakers’ Paradise (CPU/Memory/PCH)

- ROG SSD Secure Erase

- O.C. Prole

- ROG Pulse

CPU Level Up ProbeIt ROG RAMDisk

(continued on the next page)

Special Features

Back Panel I/O Ports

ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 4

- 4-Way Optimization Tuning Key, consolidating DIGI+ Power Control, TPU, EPU, and Fan Xpert 2

ASUS Wi-Fi GO!

Overclocking Protection

- COP EX (Component Overheat Protection - EX)

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

ASUS Exclusive Features

- MemOK!

- Onboard Switches: Power/Reset/Clr CMOS (at rear)

- AI Suite 3

- USB 3.0 Boost

- USB Charger+

- AI Charger+

- Disk Unlocker

ASUS EZ DIY

- USB BIOS Flashback

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS Q-Design

- ASUS Q-Code

- ASUS Q-Shield

- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)

- ASUS Q-Slot

- ASUS Q-DIMM

- ASUS Q-Connector

1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port 1 x Clear CMOS button 1 x ROG Connect button 2 x External SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports 1 x LAN (RJ45) port 6 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue) 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (1 port also for ROG Connect) 1 x ASUS Wi-Fi GO! module (Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth v4.0) 1 x Optical S/PDIF out 5 x Audio jacks

(continued on the next page)

1 x USB 3.0 connectors supports additional 2 USB 3.0 ports 3 x USB 2.0 connectors supports additional 6 USB 2.0 ports [one connector via ROG_EXT header] 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (gray) 4 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (black) 1 x ROG extension (ROG_EXT) header 8 x 4-pin Fan connectors: 2 x CPU / 3 x Chassis / 3 x Optional 11 x ProbeIt Measurement points 3 x Thermal sensor connectors 1 x SPDIF_Out header 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector

Internal I/O Connectors

BIOS Features

Manageability WfM2.0, DMI2.7, WOL by PME, PXE

Software

Operating Systems Support Windows® 7, Windows® 8 , Windows® 8.1

Form Factor

1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector 1 x LN2 Mode header 1 x Slow Mode switch 1 x START (Power On) button 1 x RESET button 1 x EZ Plug connector(s) (4-pin Molex power connector) 1 x MemOK! button 1 x BIOS Switch button 1 x Audio front panel (AAFP) 1 x System panel connector 1 x TPM connector 1 x DirectKey button 1 x DRCT (DirectKey) header

2 x 64Mb UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.7, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI5.0a Multi-Language BIOS

Support DVD

- Drivers and Applications

- Daemon Tool Pro Standard

- Kaspersky Anti-Virus

- ROG CPU-Z

- ROG Mem TweakIt

- ROG RAMDisk

- ASUS Utilities

- ASUS WebStorage

Extended ATX Form Factor, 12-inch x 10.7-inch (30.5cm x 27.2 cm)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

xii

OC Panel specications summary

Display 2.6-inch LCM

Pure hardware-based overclocking support

Boot debug POST code

Intuitive tuning in two OC modes

- EXTREME Mode for subzero OC benching

- NORMAL Mode for in-chassis usage

Seamless integration with CPU Level Up at one-click OC button

Real-time control and display CPU fan speed, temperature, BCLK and RATIO

Adjustable system voltages, frequencies on-the-y

Stylish design with 90 plus-degree-tilt movable faceplate

Features

I/O Ports

Power

Installation Requirements

Compatibility

(EXTREME Mode)

FanSpeed Control button

- Standard/Silent/Turbo mode

Four (4) additional 4-pin fan headers

LCM backlight on/off

ROG exclusive features

- VGA Hotwire

- Subzero Sense

- Slow Mode

- Pause Switch

- VGA SMB header

- ProbeIt

POWER : 1 x SATA power connector ROG_EXT port : 1 x 18-1 pin data connection port FAN : 4 x 4-pin extra Fan connectors

Voltage : +12V, +5V, +5VSB Power consumption : 5A

1 x 5.25-inch drive bay required for NORMAL Mode installation 1 x SATA power cable from system power supply

RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION and other motherboards with ROG_EXT port

*Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest motherboard

support/compatibility lists.

**Please install the latest utility/rmware (ROG Connect Plus) for better

compatibility.

***Update the motherboard BIOS to the latest version for better

compatibility with OC Panel.

xiii

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard ROG RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

1 x ROG Connect cable

2 x 2-in-1 SATA 3.0 Gb/s signal cables

Cables

Accessories

Application DVD

Documentation

3 x 2-in-1 SATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables

1 x SLI® cable

1 x CrossFireTM cable

1 x I/O Shield

OC Panel Kit

- 1 x OC Panel

- 1 x OC Panel 5.25-inch drive bay metal case

- 1 x OC Panel cable

- 1 x set of screws 1 x 2T2R dual-band Wi-Fi moving antennas

1 x ROG Magnet

1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector Kit

1 x 12-in-1 ROG Cable label

1 x X-Socket pad

1 x 4-WAY SLI® bridge

1 x 3-WAY SLI® bridge

ROG motherboard support DVD

User’s manual

xiv

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

Installation tools and components

1 set of screws Philips (cross) screwdriver

PC chassis Power supply unit

Intel LGA 2011 CPU Intel LGA 2011 compatible CPU Fan

DDR3 DIMM SATA hard disk drive

Graphics card SATA optical disc drive (optional)

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

xvi

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Product introduction

1.1 Special features

1.1.1 Product highlights

LGA2011 socket for Intel® Core™ i7 processor family

This motherboard supports Intel® Core™ i7 processor family in the LGA2011 package and supports both the Sandy Bridge-E and the Ivy Bridge-E processors. It provides great system performance with its quad-channel DDR3 memory slots, PCI Express 2.0/3.0 expansion

slots, and level 3 (L3) cache sizes.

Intel® X79 Express Chipset

Intel® X79 Express Chipset is a single chipset that supports the LGA2011 socket for the Intel® Core™ i7 processor family. It utilizes the serial point-to-point links, which increases bandwidth and enhances the system’s performance.

PCIe 3.0 Ready

The PCI Express bus standard delivers improved encoding for twice the performance of current PCIe 2.0. Total bandwidth for a x16 link reaches a maximum of 32Gb/s, double the 16Gb/s of PCIe 2.0 in x16 mode. PCIe 3.0 provides you unprecedented data speeds, with the convenience and seamless transition offered by complete backward compatibility with PCIe

1.0 and PCIe 2.0 devices, and improves and optimizes graphics performance.

* This motherboard is ready to support PCIe 3.0 specication. Functions are available when using PCIe 3.0-

compliant devices. Refer to www.asus.com for updated details.

3-Way/4-way/Quad-GPU SLI™ and CrossFireX™ Support

This motherboard features the most powerful Intel® X79 platform that optimizes PCIe allocation in multi-GPU SLI and CrossFireX™ solution, giving you a brand-new gaming enjoyment.

Quad-Channel, 8 x DIMM DDR3 2800 (O.C.)/ 2666 (O.C)/ 2400 (O.C.)/ 2133(O.C.)/ 1866 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz Support

The motherboard supports the quad-channel DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates

of DDR3 2800(O.C.)/ 2666(O.C.)/ 2400(O.C.)/ 2133(O.C.)/ 1866/ 1600/ 1333/ 1066 MHz

to boost the system’s performance, and to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of 3D graphics, multimedia and Internet applications.

* Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2200 / 2000 / 1800MHz memory modules run at DDR3 2133/1866/1600MHz

frequencies as default.

Extra SATA 6Gb/s support

The Intel® X79 Express Chipset natively supports the next-generation SATA (Serial ATA) interface, delivering up to 6Gb/s data transfer. ASUS provides extra 6Gb/s ports with enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, and double the bandwidth of current bus systems.

Chapter 1

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

1-1

8 DIMM Design

Support for up to 64GB of system memory with an 8-DIMM design on this motherboard provides you to fully use of modern 64-bit software, ideal for rendering detailed images or

manipulating large les. It also allows you to set up big RAM disks and speed up frequently accessed programs, minimizing the impact of storage transfer delays while maximizing user benet.

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.

1.1.2 ROG Unique Gaming Features

SupremeFX Black

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

SNR. Enhanced with a 600 Ohm headphone amplier, every sound detail is boosted to

maximum clarity and audibility.

Sonic Radar

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

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

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

GameFirst II

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

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

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

Chapter 1

Intel Gigabit LAN

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

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

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

1-2

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1.3 ROG exclusive features

Extreme Engine Digi+ III

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

gaming enjoyment. It utilizes the best components such as NexFET™ Power Block

MOSFETs, 60A chokes, and super-premium 10K black metallic solid state capacitors. The NexFET™ Power Block MOSFETs combine great durability and up to 90% efciency under

normal operation. 60A chokes can handle as much as 60A of power, which is twice that of generic chokes. Super-premium 10K Black Metallic solid state capacitors are forged for

overclocking and the most extreme demands, lasting up to ve times longer than generic

capacitors with 20% wider temperature tolerance.

iROG

The iROG is a special IC that fully maximizes ROG’s unique functions, providing you with full

control of your motherboard at any stage. It greatly increases your overclocking enjoyment, and offers you with advanced system control and management features purely at a hardware level.

RAMDisk

RAMDisk reserves part of system memory and turns it into actual storage, so you can

place favorite app and game cache les in it to enjoy high-speed RAM performance while accessing them. Plus, this extends SSD lifespan and keeps your main storage optimized for

really important tasks, and you get auto data backup and restore.

NOTE: RAMDisk only supports 64-bit operating systems.

CPU Level Up

With ROG’s CPU Level Up, overclocking has never been so easy, or cost-free. Simply select the processor that you want to overclock to, and the motherboard will do the rest.

ROG Connect

ROG Connect allows you to monitor the status of your desktop PC and tweak its parameters in real-time via a notebook. ROG Connect links your main system to a notebook through a USB cable, allowing you to view real-time POST code and hardware status readouts on your

notebook, as well as make on-the-y parameter adjustments at a purely hardware level.

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

Chapter 1

1-3

GPU.DIMM Post

GPU.DIMM Post enables you to catch potential problems even before you enter the OS, saving you valuable time in detecting component failure under extreme conditions. With GPU. DIMM Post, quickly and easily check your graphic cards, memory modules’ statuses in the BIOS, and overclocking settings.

BIOS Print

ROG offers a whole new UEFI BIOS feature to handle the demands of an overclocking experience. The motherboard features ROG BIOS Print that allows you to easily share your BIOS settings to others with the press of a button.

ProbeIt

This motherboard consists of eleven (11) ProbeIt measurement points that helps you detect your system’s current voltage. With the use of a multimeter device, these points can help measure your system’s important system voltages.

Extreme Tweaker

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

With Extreme Tweaker, you can adjust the system settings such as frequency, over-voltage, memory timing, and more.

Loadline Calibration

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.

OC Panel

Overclocking made easier than ever! No more messing with the BIOS, OS, or software utilities. OC Panel is the next step in dedicated direct tweaking. It works inside the case or as an external console, and features normal mode with info covering CPU temp, ratio, base clock, and CPU fan speed. With one press of the CPU Level Up button you can instantly

apply custom proles designed by the world’s leading overclockers, while FanSpeed Control modies blower RPMs. In extreme mode, some of the most commonly used voltage tuning settings are offered, along with Subzero Sense and VGA Hotwire, giving you eld access to

super-cool liquid thermal temp readings and streamlined hardware-level GPU overvolting.

Chapter 1

1-4

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1.4 ASUS special features

AI Suite 3

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

USB BIOS FlashBack

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

Simply install a USB storage device containing the BIOS le, press the BIOS Flashback

button for three seconds, and the UEFI BIOS is automatically updated even without entering the existing the BIOS or operating system. It also allows you to regularly check for UEFI BIOS updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically.

Wi-Fi GO!

ASUS Wi-Fi GO! leads the way to a more enjoyable home entertainment. With ASUS Wi-Fi

GO!, you can wirelessly stream media les to HDTV devices, remotely control and access your computer using your mobile device, and easily transfer les between your computer and

mobile device.

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

Cloud GO!: Allows you to control les and sync them all across cloud services in a few

•

clicks.

•

Media Streaming Hub: Allows you to stream media les to an HDTV device.

•

Remote Desktop: Allows you to view your computer’s desktop and remotely operate

•

your computer in real-time from your mobile device.

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

•

remote keyboard and mouse for your computer.

Smart Motion Control: Allows you to remotely control your computer using your mobile

•

device’s customized gestures.

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

•

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

•

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

Chapter 1

1-5

1.1.5 ROG rich-bundled software

Kaspersky® Anti-Virus

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

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

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

DAEMON Tools Pro Standard

DAEMON Tools Pro offers essential functionality to backup CD, DVD and Blu-ray discs. It converts optical media into virtual discs and emulates devices to work with the virtual copies.

DAEMON Tools Pro organizes data, music, video, and photo collections on a PC, notebook,

or netbook.

ROG CPU-Z

ROG CPU-Z, authorized by Intel’s CPU Identication (CPUID), is a customized ROG utility

that allows you to gather information about your system’s main components. It gives you the current information and status of your CPU, motherboard, memory, and other main components. Get that ROG look of reporting your system’s current information with ROG CPU-Z.

MemTweakIt

MemTweakIt is a DRAM efciency tool that allows you to ne-tune your DRAM in real time and allows you to post and share your DRAM conguration scores to the ROG website.

DTS Connect

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

Chapter 1

1-6

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2 Motherboard overview

1.2.1 Before you proceed

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

Chapter 1

1-7

1.2.2 Motherboard layout

Chapter 1

1-8

Refer to section 1.2.9 Internal connectors and the section about the Rear I/O Connection on Chapter 2 for more information about the internal connectors and rear panel connectors.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page

1. DDR3 DIMM slots channel 1-11

ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 4-pin EATX12V_1;

4. 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1/ CHA_FAN2/ CHA_FAN3; 4-pin OPT_FAN1/ OPT_FAN2 / OPT_FAN3)

OPT_TEMP2; OPT_TEMP3)

7. Q-Code LEDs

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

SATA3G_2; SATA3G_3; SATA3G_4 [black])

15.

(7-pin SATA6G_1; SATA6G_2 [gray])

16.

SATA6G_E2; SATA6G_E3 ; SATA6G_E4 [gray])

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

8-pin EATX12V_2)

LGA2011 CPU socket 1-10

CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN;

Power-on (START) button 1-24

Thermal sensor cable connectors (2-pin OPT_TEMP1;

Slow Mode Switch 1-28

LN2 Mode jumper (3-pin LN2) 1-38

Reset button 1-24

PCIe x16 Lane switch 1-27

USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_78) 1-42

MemOK! button 1-25

Intel® X79 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_1;

Intel® X79 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors

ASMedia® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E1;

DirectKey connector (2-pin DRCT) 1-47

System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 1-50

USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB56; USB78; USB910) 1-43

ROG Extension - ROG_EXT connector (18-1 pin ROG_EXT) 1-47

BIOS Switch button 1-27

DirectKey button 1-26

Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) 1-48

TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) 1-48

Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-46

Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-44

1-49

1-45

1-42

1-31

1-40

1-39

1-41

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

Chapter 1

1-9

1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA2011 socket designed for Intel® Core™ i7 Processor Family for the LGA 2011 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

LGA2011 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.

Chapter 1

1-10

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2.4 System memory

The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots.

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

Recommended memory congurations

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

Chapter 1

1-11

Memory congurations

You may install 2GB, 4GB and 8GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

Chapter 1

• 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 dualchannel conguration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then

mapped for single-channel operation.

• According to Intel

CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect

the CPU.

• Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2200/2000/1800 MHz memory modules run at DDR3 2133/1866/1600 MHz frequency as default.

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.

• 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

b) Install a 64-bit Windows

OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the

OS.

motherboard.

c) For more details, refer to the Microsoft

support site at http://support.microsoft.

com/kb/929605/en-us.

• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less (Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1 Megabyte/MB).

• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module. Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked or at a higher frequency, refer to section 3.4 Extreme Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency adjustment.

• For system stability, use a more efcient memory cooling system to support a full

memory load (8 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

• Memory modules with memory frequency higher than 2133MHz and their corresponding timing or the loaded XMP prole is not the JEDEC memory standard.

The stability and compatibility of the memory modules depend on the CPU’s capabilities and other installed devices.

• 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.

1-12

Chapter 1: Product introduction

RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION Motherboard Qualied Vendors List (QVL)

DDR3 2800 MHz capacity

Vendors Part No. Size

CORSAIR CMD16GX3M4A2800C12 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 12-14-14-36 1.65 •

CORSAIR CMD16GX3M4A2800C11 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 11-14-14-35 1.65 •

G.SKILL F3-2800C12Q-32GTXDG 32GB (4x8GB) DS - - 12-14-14-35 1.65 •

G.SKILL F3-2800C11Q-16GTXDG 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 11-14-14-35 1.65 •

ADATA AX3U2800GW8G12-DG2 32GB (4x8GB) DS - - 12-14-14-36 1.65 •

ADATA AX3U2800GW4G12-DG2 16GB (4x4GB) SS - - 12-14-14-36 1.65 •

AVEXIR AVD3U28001204G-4CI 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 12-14-14-35 1.65 •

SS/DSChip

Brand

Chip

NO.

Timing Voltage

DDR3 2666 MHz capacity

Vendors Part No. Size

CORSAIR CMD16GX3M4A2666C10 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 10-12-12-31 1.65 •

G.SKILL F3-2666C10Q-16GTXD 16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 10-12-12-31 1.65 •

Team TXD38G2666HC11CBK 32GB (4x8GB) DS - - 11-13-13-35 1.65 •

SS/DSChip

Brand

Chip

NO.

Timing Voltage

DDR3 2400 MHz capacity

Vendors Part No. Size

A-DATA AX3U2400GW8G11(XMP) 16GB

Apacer 78.BAGFL.AFD0C(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 11-12-12-30 - • •

Apacer 783BAGF3.AFD0C(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 11-11-11-30 - • •

CORSAIR CMD16GX3M2A2400C10

CORSAIR CMY16GX3M2A2400C10A

CORSAIR CMY16GX3M2A2400C10R

CORSAIR CMZ16GX3M2A2400C10

G.SKILL F3-19200CL10Q2-

G.SKILL F3-2400C11Q-32GXM

G.SKILL F3-19200CL10Q-

(Ver4.21)(XMP)

(Ver4.21)

64GBZHD (XMP)

(XMP)

32GBZHD (XMP)

(2x8GB)

16GB (2x8GB)

16GB (8x2GB)

16GB (2x8GB)

64GB (8x8GB)

32GB (4x8GB)

SS/DSChip

DS - - 11-13-13-35 1.65 • •

DS - - 10-12-12-31 1.65 • •

DS - - 10-12-12-31 1.65 • • •

DS - - 11-13-13-31 1.65 • • •

DS - - 10-12-12-31 1.65 •

Brand

Chip NO.

Timing Voltage

DIMM socket support

(Optional)

2 4 6 8

DIMM socket support

(Optional)

2 4 6 8

DIMM socket support

(Optional)

2 4 6 8

Chapter 1

(Continued on the next page)

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

1-13

DDR3 2400 MHz capacity

Vendors Part No. Size

G.SKILL F3-19200CL11Q-

G.SKILL F3-19200CL9D-4GBPIS

G.SKILL F3-19200CL9Q-16GBZMD

GEIL GET34GB2400C9DC

GEIL GOC316GB2400C10QC

GEIL GOC316GB2400C11QC

KINGSTON KHX2400C11D3K4/8GX

KINGSTON KHX24C11K4/16X

KINGSTON KHX24C11T2K2/8X

KINGSTON KHX24C11T3K4

KINGSTON KHX24C11T3K4/32X

Mushkin 997122R

Silicon Power

Team TXD34G2400HC10QBK

Transcend TX2400KLN-8GK

16GBZHD (XMP)

(XMP)

SP004GXLYU240NSA (XMP)

(XMP)

16GB (4x4GB)

4G (2x2G ) DS - - 9-11-9-28 1.65 •

16GB (4x4GB)

4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65 •

16GB (4x4GB)

8GB (4x2GB) SS - - 11-13-11-30 1.65 • •

16GB (4x4GB)

8GB (2x4GB) DS - - - 1.65 • •

16GB (4x4GB)

32GB (4x8GB)

16GB (2x8GB)

4GB SS - - 2400-11-13-

8GB (2x4GB) DS - - 10-12-12-31 1.65 • •

8GB (2x4GB )

SS/DSChip

DS - - 11-11-11-31 1.65 •

DS - - 9-11-11-31 1.65 • •

DS - - 10-11-11-30 1.65 • •

DS - - 11-11-11-30 1.65 • •

DS - - 11-13-13-30 1.65 •

DS - - 2400-11-13-

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

DS - - 2400-10-12-

DS - - 2400-11-12-

Brand

Chip

NO.

Timing Voltage

13-30

12-28

13-32

11-29

DIMM socket support

2 4 6 8

1.65 • •

- • •

1.6 • • •

(Optional)

Chapter 1

1-14

Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR3 2133 MHz capacity

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS

Apacer 78.BAGE4.AFD0C(XMP)

Apacer AHU04GFB33CAQ3R(XMP) 4GB DS - -

CORSAIR

G.SKILL

G.SKILL F3-2133C10Q-32GSR(XMP)

G.SKILL F3-2133C11Q-32GZL(XMP)

KINGSTON

KINGSTON KHX21C11T3FK8/64X(XMP)

Team TLD34G2133HC11ABK(XMP)

Team TLD38G2133HC11ABK(XMP)

CMD16GX3M2A2133C9 (Ver4.21)(XMP)

CMD32GX3M4A2133C9 (Ver4.21)(XMP)

CMD8GX3M2A2133C9 (Ver1.5)(XMP)

CMD8GX3M2B2133C9 (Ver5.12)(XMP)

CMZ8GX3M2A2133C11R (Ver4.21)(XMP)

F3-17000CL11Q264GBZLD(XMP)

F3-17000CL9Q16GBXLD(XMP)

F3-17000CL9Q16GBZH(XMP)

KHX2133C11D3K4/ 16GX(XMP)

8GB (2x4GB)

16GB (2x8GB)

32GB (4x8GB)

8GB (2x4GB)

64GB (8x8GB)

16GB (4x4GB)

32GB (4x8GB)

16GB (4x4GB)

64GB (8x8GB)

8GB (2x4GB)

16GB (2x8GB)

Chip Brand

DS - - 9-9-9-24 - •

DS - - 9-11-11-31 1.65 •

DS - - 9-11-10-27 1.5 •

DS - - 9-11-11-31 1.65 •

DS - -

DS - - 9-11-9-28 1.65 •

DS - - 9-11-10-28 1.65 •

DS - -

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 •

DS - -

Chip

Timing Voltage

NO.

11-1313-31

11-1111-27

11-1111-30

10-1212-31

11-1111-31

11-1211-30

11-1111-31

DIMM socket support

(Optional)

2 4 6 8

- •

1.5 •

1.65 •

DDR3 2000 MHz capacity

Vendors Part No. Size

AEXEA AXA3ES4GK2000LG28V

(XMP)

Asint SLA302G08-ML2HB

(XMP)

GEIL GUP34GB2000C9DC

(XMP)

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

SS/DSChip

4GB

DS - - - 1.65 • •

(2x2GB)

4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83BFRH9C 9-9-9-27 - • •

4GB

DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65 • •

(2x2GB)

Brand

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

DIMM socket

support (Optional)

2 4 6 8

Chapter 1

1-15

DDR3 1866 MHz capacity

Vendors Part No. Size

A-DATA AX3U1866XW8G10(XMP)

CORSAIR

Crucial

G.SKILL

Chapter 1

G.SKILL

KINGSTON

Team TED34GM1866C13BK 4GB DS Hynix H5TC2G83EFR 13-13-13-32 1.5 • •

Team TED38GM1866C13BK 8GB DS Hynix H5TQ4G83AFR 13-13-13-32 1.5 • •

Team

CMD16GX3M4A1866C9

(Ver4.13)(XMP)

CMD16GX3M4A1866C9

(Ver8.16)(XMP)

CMD32GX3M4A1866C9

(Ver3.24)(XMP)

CMD8GX3M2A1866C9

(Ver4.13)(XMP)

CMT32GX3M4X1866C9

(Ver3.23)(XMP)

CMY16GX3M2A1866C9

(Ver 4.21)(XMP)

CMY8GX3M2A1866C9

(Ver3.24)(XMP)

CMZ16GX3M2A1866C10

(Ver5.29)(XMP)

CMZ32GX3M4X1866C10

(Ver3.23)(XMP)

CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9G

(Ver5.12)(XMP)

BLE8G3D1869DE1TX0.1

6FED(XMP)

BLE4G3D1869DE1XT0.1

6FMD(XMP)

F3-14900CL10Q2-

64GBZLD(XMP)

F3-14900CL10Q-

32GBZL(XMP)

F3-14900CL9D-

8GBSR(XMP)

F3-14900CL9Q-

16GBXL(XMP)

F3-14900CL9Q-

16GBZL(XMP)

F3-14900CL9Q-

16GBZL(XMP)

F3-14900CL9Q-

8GBFLD(XMP)

F3-1866C9Q-32GXM

(XMP)

KHX1866C9D3K2/8GX

(XMP)

TLD34G1866HC9KBK

(XMP)

TLD38G1866HC10SBK

(XMP)

SS/DSChip

16GB

DS - - 10-11-10-30 1.5 •

(2x8GB)

16GB

DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 •

(4x4GB)

16GB

DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • •

(4x4GB)

32GB

DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • •

(4x8GB)

8GB

DS - - - 1.5 •

(2x4GB)

32GB

DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 •

(4x8GB)

16GB

DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 • •

(2x8GB)

8GB

DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5 •

(2x4GB)

16GB

DS - - 10-11-10-30 1.5 •

(2x8GB)

32GB

DS - - 10-11-10-27 1.5 •

(4x8GB)

8GB

DS - -

(2x4GB)

16GB

DS - -

(2x8GB)

4GB DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.5 •

64GB

DS - - 10-11-10-30 1.5 •

(8x8GB)

32GB

DS - - 10-11-10-30 1.5 •

(4x8GB)

8GB

DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5 •

(2x4GB)

16GB

DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5 •

(4x4GB)

16GB

DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5 • •

(4x4GB)

16GB

DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5 •

(4x4GB)

8GB

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6 •

(2xGB)

32GB

DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5 • •

(4xGB)

8GB

DS - - - 1.65 • •

(2xGB)

8GB

DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.5 • •

(2xGB)

16GB

DS - - 10-11-10-30 1.5 •

(2x8GB)

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

Brand

1866 9-10-

9-27

1866-9-9-

9-27

1.5 • •

1.5 •

DIMM socket

support

(Optional)

2 4 6 8

1-16

Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR3 1600 MHz capacity

DIMM socket

Vendors Part No. Size

A-DATA AD3U1600W4G11 4GB SS A-DATA 3WCD-1211A

A-DATA AD3U1600W8G11 8GB DS A-DATA 3WCD-1211A

A-DATA AX3U1600W8G11

AMD AE32G1609U1-U 2GB SS AMD 23EY4587MB6H - 1.5 •

AMD AE34G1609U2-U 4GB DS AMD 23EY4587MB6H - 1.5 •

AMD AP38G1608U2K(XMP)

Apacer 78.B1GE3.9L10C 4GB DS Apacer AM5D5908DEQSCK - 1.65 •

Apacer 78.B1GET.9K00C 4GB SS Apacer AM5D6008BQQSCK

AHU04GFA60C9Q3R

Apacer

(XMP)

AHU08GFA60CBT3R

Apacer

(XMP)

SLA302G08-

Asint

EGG1C(XMP)

SLA302G08-EGJ1C

Asint

(XMP)

Asint SLA302G08-EGN1C 4GB DS ASint 302G08-GN1C - - •

Asint SLA304G08-ENG1B 4GB SS Asint 304G08-GN1B

SLB304G08-EGJ1B

Asint

(XMP)

Asint SLB304G08-EGN1B 8GB DS ASint 304G08-GN1B - - • •

Asint SLZ302G08-EGN1C 2GB SS ASint 302G08-GN1C - - •

AVD3U16000904G-

AVEXIR

2CW(XMP)

CMD8GX3M2A1600C8

CORSAIR

(Ver5.12)(XMP)

CMD8GX3M2A1600C9

CORSAIR

(Ver2.12)(XMP)

CML16GX3M2A1600C10

CORSAIR

(Ver2.21)(XMP)

CML8GX3M2A1600C9

CORSAIR

(Ver7.12)(XMP)

CORSAIR CMV8GX3M1A1600C11 8GB DS - -

CMX8GX3M2A1600C9

CORSAIR

(Ver3.19)(XMP)

CMZ16GX3M2A1600C10

CORSAIR

(Ver.3.24)(XMP)

SS/DSChip

16GB

DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.5 • •

(2x8GB)

8GB

DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65 •

(2x4GB)

4GB DS - -

8GB DS - - 9-9-9-24 - •

4GB DS Asint 302G08-GG1C 9-9-9-27 - •

4GB DS Asint 302G08-GJ1C 9-9-9-27 - •

8GB DS - - 9-9-9-27 - •

8GB

DS - -

(2x4GB)

8GB

DS - -

(2x4GB)

8GB

DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 •

(2x4GB)

16GB

DS - -

(2x8GB)

8GB

DS - - 9-9-9- 24 1.5 •

(2x4GB)

8GB

SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 •

(2x4GB)

16GB

DS - -

(2x8GB)

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

Brand

11-1111-28

9-1111-28

11-1111-28

1600 8-88-24

10-1010-27

11-1111-30

10-1010-27

(Continued on the next page)

support

(Optional)

2 4 6 8

- •

1.5 •

- •

1.5 •

Chapter 1

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

1-17

DDR3 1600 MHz capacity

Vendors Part No. Size

CORSAIR

Crucial

Elixir

G.SKILL

GEIL

KINGMAX

KINGSTON

Chapter 1

KINGSTON

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3P1K2/8G

KINGSTON

CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9 (XMP)

CMZ16GX3M4X1600C9 (Ver8.16)(XMP)

CMZ32GX3M4X1600C10 (Ver2.2)(XMP)

CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8 (XMP)

BLS4G3D1609DS1S00. 16FMR(XMP)

BLT4G3D1608DT1TX0. 16FM(XMP)

M2X2G64CB88G7NDG(XMP)

M2X4G64CB8HG5NDG(XMP)

F3-12800CL9D8GBSR2(XMP)

F3-12800CL9Q16GBZL(XMP)

F3-1600C9Q-32GXM (XMP)

GUP34GB1600C7DC (XMP)

FLGE85F-C8KL9A (XMP)

FLGF65F-C8KL9A (XMP)

KHX16009CD3K2/8GX (XMP)

KHX1600C9D3B1/4G (XMP)

KHX1600C9D3K3/ 12GX(XMP)

KHX1600C9D3K3/ 6GX(XMP)

KHX1600C9D3K4/ 16GX(XMP)

KHX1600C9D3K6/ 24GX(XMP)

KHX1600C9D3LK2/ 8GX(XMP)

KHX16C10B1K2/ 16X(XMP)

SS/DSChip

16GB

DS - -

(4x4GB)

16GB

DS - -

(4x4GB)

32GB

DS - -

(4x8GB)

8GB

DS - -

(2x4GB)

4GB DS - -

2GB SS Elixir N2CB2G80GN-DG

4GB DS Elixir N2CB2G80GN-DG

8GB

DS - -

(2x4GB)

16GB

DS - -

(4x4GB)

32GB

DS - - - 1.5 • •

(4x8GB)

4GB

DS - -

(2x2GB)

2GB SS KINGMAX N/A

4GB DS KINGMAX N/A

8GB

DS - -

(2x4GB)

4GB SS - -

12GB

DS - - 9 1.65 •

(3x4GB)

6GB

DS - - 9 1.65 •

(3x2GB)

16GB

DS - -

(4x4GB)

24GB

DS - - 9 1.65 •

(6x4GB)

8GB

DS - -

(2x4GB)

8GB

DS - - 9 1.5 •

(2x4GB)

16GB

DS - - - 1.5 •

(2x8GB)

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

Brand

9-9-924

1600-99-9-24

10-1010-27

8-8-824

1600-99-9-24

8-8-824

9-9-928

9-9-924

7-7-724

9-9-928

9-9-927

9-9-924

DIMM socket support

(Optional)

2 4 6 8

1.5 •

1.5 • •

1.5 •

- •

- • •

1.25 •

1.5 • •

1.6 •

- •

1.65 •

1.65 • •

1.35 •

1-18

(Continued on the next page)

Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR3 1600 MHz capacity

DIMM socket

Vendors Part No. Size

KINGSTON KHX16C9K2/16

KINGSTON KHX16C9P1K2/16

KINGSTON KVR16N11/4 4GB DS KINGSTON D2568JPUCPGGBU

KINGSTON KVR16N11/4 4G DS Hynix H5TQ2G83CFRPBC - 1.5 •

Micron

Patriot PV316G160C9K(XMP)

SanMax SMD-4G28N1P-16KM 4GB SS ELPIDA J4208BBBG-GN-F 1600 - • •

SanMax SMD-4G68HP-16KZ 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83BFRPBC - 1.5 • •

SanMax SMD-4G68NG-16KK 4GB DS ELPIDA J2108BDBG-GN-F - - • •

SanMax SMD-8G28NP-16KM 8GB DS ELPIDA J4208BBBG-GN-F 1600 - • •

Silicon Power

Team TED34GM1600C11BK 4GB DS Hynix H5TC2G83EFR

Team TED38GM1600C11BK 8GB DS Hynix H5TQ4G83AFR

Team

Transcend TS1GLK64V6H(620945) 8GB DS SAMSUNG K4B4G0846B - - •

Transcend TS1GLK64W6H 8GB DS SAMSUNG K4B4G0846B

MT16JTF1G64AZ1G6E1

MT8JTF51264AZ1G6E1

MT8KTF25664AZ1G6M1

SP002GBLTU160V02 (XMP)

SP004GBLTU160V02 (XMP)

TLD34G1600HC9BK (XMP)

TLD38G1600HC9BK (XMP)

TXD34096M1600HC9D(XMP)

SS/

Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage

16GB

DS - -

(2x8GB)

16GB

DS - - - 1.5 •

(2x8GB)

8GB DS Micron D9QBJ - - • •

4GB SS Micron D9QBJ - - • •

2GB SS MICRON D9PFJ - - •

16GB

SS - -

(2x8GB)

16GB

SS - -

(2x8GB)

2GB SS S-POWER 20YT5NG

4GB DS S-POWER 20YT5NG

8GB

DS - -

(2x4GB)

16GB

DS - -

(2x8GB)

4GB DS Hynix H5TC2G83BFRH9A

13339-9-9-241.5 •

11-111128-1

16009-9-924

9-1111-28

9-9-924

11-1111-28

9-9-924

11-111128-1

support

(Optional)

2 4 6 8

- •

1.5 •

1.5 • •

1.5 •

1.5 • •

1.5 •

1.5 • •

- •

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

Chapter 1

1-19

DDR3 1333 MHz capacity

Vendors Part No. Size

AMD AE32G1339U1-U 2GB SS AMD 23EY4587MB3H - 1.5 •

AMD AE34G1339U2-U 4GB DS AMD 23EY4587MB3H - 1.5 •

Apacer 78.B1GDE.9L10C 4GB DS Apacer AM5D5908CEHSBG 9 - • •

Asint SLA302G08-EDJ1C 2GB SS ASint 302G08-DJ1C - - •

Asint SLA304G08-EDJ1B 4GB SS Asint 304G08-DJ1B 9-10-

Asint SLB304G08-EDJ1B 8GB DS Asint 304G08-DJ1B 9-9-9-24- •

BUFFALO D3U1333-1G 1GB SS Elpida J1108BFBG-DJ-F - - •

BUFFALO D3U1333-2G 2GB DS Elpida J1108BFBG-DJ-F - •

BUFFALO D3U1333-4G 4GB DS NANYA NT5CB256M8BN-CG - •

CORSAIR CMV8GX3M1A1333C9 8GB DS - - 9-9-9-24- •

CORSAIR CMV8GX3M2A1333C9 8GB

CORSAIR CMX8GX3M2A1333C9

G.SKILL F3-10666CL9D-8GBXL 8GB

GEIL GVP34GB1333C9DC 4GB

INNODISK M3UN-2GHJBC09 2GB SS Hynix H5TQ2G83CFRH9C 9-9-9-24- • •

INNODISK M3UN-4GHJAC09 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83CFRH9C 9-9-9-24- • •

KINGMAX FLFE85F-C8KL9 2GB SS KINGMAX KFC8FNLBF-

KINGMAX FLFE85F-C8KL9 2GB SS KINGMAX KFC8FNLXF-

KINGMAX FLFF65F-C8KL9 4GB DS KINGMAX KFC8FNLXF-

KINGSTON KVR1333D3E9S/4G 4GB DS Elpida J2108ECSE-DJ-F 9 1.5 •

KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9H/4G 4GB DS ELPIDA J2108BDBG-GN-F - 1.5 •

KINGSTON KVR13N9S8H/4 4GB SS ELPIDA J4208BBBG-GN-F - 1.5 •

Mach

Chapter 1

Xtreme

Mach Xtreme

MICRON MT8JTF25664AZ-

Patriot PSD32G13332 2GB DS Prtriot PM128M8D3BU-15 9 - •

RiDATA C304627CB1AG22Fe 2GB DS RiDATA C304627CB1AG22Fe 9 - •

RiDATA E304459CB1AG32Cf 4GB DS RiDATA E304459CB1AG32Cf 9 - •

SS/

Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage

DS - N/A 9-9-9-24- •

(2x4GB)

8GB

(XMP)

MXD3U133316GQ 16GB

MXD3V13332GS 2GB SS Mach

1G4M1

DS - - 9-9-9-241.5 •

(2x4GB)

DS - - 9-9-9-241.5 • •

(2x4GB)

DS - - 9-9-9-241.5 •

(2x2GB)

DS - - - - •

(4x4GB)

Xtreme

2GB SS MICRON D9PFJ - - • •

DIMM socket support

(Optional)

2 4 6 8

- •

10-26

GXX-12A

DXX-15A

C2S46D30-D313 - - • •

- - •

- - • •

1-20

(Continued on the next page)

Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR3 1333 MHz capacity

Vendors Part No. Size

Silicon Power

Team TED34096M1333HC9 4GB DS Team T3D2568LT-13 - - •

Team TED34GM1333C9BK 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2GB83CFR

Team TED38GM1333C9BK 8GB DS Hynix H5TQ4G83AFR

Transcend

SP001GBLTU133S02 1GB SS S-POWER 10YT3E5 9 - • •

SP004GBLTU133V02 4GB DS S-POWER 20YT3NG

JM1333KLH8G(623654)

Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided DIMM support:

Supports one (1) module inserted into any slot as Single-channel memory

conguration. We suggest that you install the module into D1 slot.

Supports two (2) modules inserted into one pair of the dark gray slots or the black

slots as one pair of dual-channel memory conguration. We suggest that you install

the modules into slots B1 and D1 for better compatibility.

Supports four (4) modules inserted into both the dark gray slots and black slots as two

pairs of quad-channel memory conguration. We suggest that you install the modules

into slots A1, B1, C1, and D1 for better compatibility.

Supports six (6) modules inserted into four dark gray slots and two black slots as three

pairs of quad-channel memory conguration. We suggest that you install the modules

into slots A1, B1, B2, C1, D1, and D2 for better compatibility.

Supports eight (8) modules inserted into all slots as fully-loaded quad-channel

memory congurations.

• ASUS exclusively provides hyper DIMM support function.

• Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs. Load the X.M.P. or D.O.C.P. settings in the BIOS for the hyper DIMM support.

• Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

SS/

Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage

9-9-9-

- •

9-9-9-

1.5 • •

9-9-9-

1.5 • •

8GB DS Transcend TK963EBF3 - - •

DIMM socket support

(Optional)

2 4 6 8

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

Chapter 1

1-21

1.2.5 Expansion slots

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

Slot No. Slot Description

1 PCIe 3.0 x16_1 slot

Chapter 1

1-22

2 PCIe 3.0 x8_2 slot

3 PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot

4 PCIe 3.0 x16/8_3 slot

5 PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot

6 PCIe 3.0 x8_4 slot

Chapter 1: Product introduction

• Refer to the following conguration table for installation.

PCIe x16

Slot #

Single

VGA

SLI/CF

3 way

SLI/CFX

Quad

SLI/CFX

1 x16 x16 x16 x16

2 — — x8 x8

4 — x16 x16 x8

6 — — — x8

• We recommend that you provide sufcient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI

mode.

• While running at heavy loaded four VGA cards, ensure to plug in the 6-pin extra PCIe power supply for stability.

• Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/CHA_FAN2/ CHA_FAN3 when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

A B C D E F G H

PCIE_X16_1 shared - - - - - - -

PCIE_X8_2 shared - - - - - - -

PCIE_X16/X8_3 shared - - - - - - -

PCIE_X8_4 shared - - - - - - -

PCIE_X1_1 shared - - - - - - -

ASM USB3#1 - shared - - - - - -

ASM USB3#2 shared - - - - - - -

ASM SATA6#1 - shared - - - - - -

ASM SATA6#2 - - - shared - - - -

Intel LAN 82579V - - shared - - - - -

On Chip USB1 - - - - - - - shared

On Chip USB2 - - - - - shared - -

HD Audio - - - - - - shared -

On Chip SATA - - - - shared - - -

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

Chapter 1

1-23

1.2.6 Onboard buttons and switches

Onboard buttons and switches allow you to ne-tune performance when working on a bare or

open-case system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to enhance system performance.

1. Power-on (START) button

The motherboard comes with a power-on button that allows you to power up or wake up the system. The button also lights up when the system is plugged to a power source indicating that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or installing any motherboard component.

2. Reset button

Press the Reset button to reboot the system.

Chapter 1

1-24

Chapter 1: Product introduction

3. MemOK! button

Installing DIMMs that are not compatible with the motherboard may cause system boot failure. One indicator is the DRAM_LED lighting continuously.

Press and hold the MemOK! button to initiate the memory compatibility tuning process that can help lead to a successful boot.

• Refer to section 1.2.7 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the MEMOK_LED.

• The DRAM_LED lights up when the DIMM is not properly installed. Turn off the system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! function.

• The DRAM_LED is one of the LEDs in the Q LEDs that helps check key components during the motherboard booting process. See section 1.2.7 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.

• The MemOK! button does not function under Windows

• During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. It takes about 30 seconds for the system to test one set of failsafe settings. If the test fails, the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe settings. The blinking speed of the MEMOK_LED increases, indicating different test processes.

• Due to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each timing set is tested. If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones

recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on

the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

• If you turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system continues memory tuning after turning on the computer. To stop memory tuning, turn off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 5–10 seconds.

• If your system fails to boot up due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! switch to boot and load the BIOS default settings. A message will appear during POST reminding you that the BIOS has been restored to its default settings.

• We recommend that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www.asus.com after using the MemOK! function.

OS environment.

Chapter 1

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

1-25

4. DirectKey button

This feature allows your system to go to the BIOS Setup program with the press of a button. With DirectKey, you can enter the BIOS anytime without having to press the <Del> key during POST. It also allows you to turn on or turn off your system and conveniently enter the BIOS during boot-up.

Ensure to save your data before using the DirectKey button.

• When the system is on and you press the DirectKey button, your system will shut down. Press the DirectKey button again or the Power-on button to reboot and enter the BIOS directly.

• Turn off your system using the power-on button to allow your system to go through POST (without entering the BIOS) when you reboot your system.

• Refer to section function.

3.8 Boot Menu for details about setting the DirectKey default

Chapter 1

1-26

Chapter 1: Product introduction

5. BIOS Switch button

The motherboard comes with two BIOS. Press the BIOS button to switch BIOS and

load different BIOS settings. The nearby BIOS LEDs indicate the BIOS you are using.

6. PCIe x16 Lane switch

These slide switches allows you to enable and disable the corresponding PCIe x16 slots.

When one of the installed PCIe x16 cards is out of order, you can use the slide switch to

nd out the faulty one without removing the cards.

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

Chapter 1

1-27

7. Slow Mode Switch

Slow Mode Switch is employed during LN2 benching. Some processors have a small

optimum temperature range to run at their highest frequency. Warmer or colder yields

instability at this frequency. For example, a certain processor may need -80C loaded in order to run 5.8GHz, which means about -75C idle in order to stay stable at 5.8GHz.

Going colder or warmer crashes. It will however remain stable at slower frequencies

at much colder or warmer temperatures. Once it comes out of a heavy load while transitioning over to a light load, when the temperature does not warm fast enough,

it may crash. To over-come this simply ip the switch over to “slow” the processor

instantaneously. Switching over to Slow-Mode during critical moments when Temperature/Max Frequency alignment is off-synch saves you a lot of crashes, even when trying to boot into the OS at cold temperatures.

Chapter 1

1-28

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2.7 Onboard LEDs

1. Hard Disk LED

The hard disk LED is designed to indicate the hard disk activity. It blinks when data

is being written into or read from the hard disk drive. The LED does not light up when there is no hard disk drive connected to the motherboard or when the hard disk drive does not function.

2. BIOS LED

The BIOS LEDs help indicate the BIOS activity. Press the BIOS button to switch

between BIOS1 and BIOS2 and the LED lights up when the corresponding BIOS is in use.

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

Chapter 1

1-29

3. MemOK! LED

Blinking: Indicates that MemOK! is enabled before POST.

4. Q LED

Q LEDs check key components (CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and booting devices) in sequence during motherboard booting process. If an error is found , the corresponding LED will continue lighting until the problem is solved. This user-friendly design provides an intuitive way to locate the root problem within seconds.

Chapter 1

1-30

For more information about the MEMOK_LED and DRAM_LED, see the MemOK! button on section 1.2.6 Onboard buttons and switches.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

5. Power LED

The motherboard comes with a power-on button that lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard power-on button.

6. Q-Code LEDs

The Q-Code LED design provides you with a 2-digit error code that displays the system status. Refer to the Q-Code table on the next page for details.

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

Chapter 1

1-31

Q-Code table

Code Description

00 Not used

01 Power on. Reset type detection (soft/hard).

02 AP initialization before microcode loading

03 System Agent initialization before microcode loading

04 PCH initialization before microcode loading

06 Microcode loading

07 AP initialization after microcode loading

08 System Agent initialization after microcode loading

09 PCH initialization after microcode loading

0B Cache initialization

0C – 0D Reserved for future AMI SEC error codes

0E Microcode not found

0F Microcode not loaded

10 PEI Core is started

11 – 14 Pre-memory CPU initialization is started

15 – 18 Pre-memory System Agent initialization is started

19 – 1C Pre-memory PCH initialization is started

2B – 2F Memory initialization

30 Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)

31 Memory Installed

32 – 36 CPU post-memory initialization

37 – 3A Post-Memory System Agent initialization is started

3B – 3E Post-Memory PCH initialization is started

4F DXE IPL is started

50 – 53

Chapter 1

Memory initialization error. Invalid memory type or incompatible memory

speed

(continued on the next page)

1-32

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Q-Code table

Code Description

54 Unspecied memory initialization error

55 Memory not installed

56 Invalid CPU type or Speed

57 CPU mismatch

58 CPU self test failed or possible CPU cache error

59 CPU micro-code is not found or micro-code update is failed

5A Internal CPU error

5B Reset PPI is not available

5C – 5F Reserved for future AMI error codes

E0 S3 Resume is stared (S3 Resume PPI is called by the DXE IPL)

E1 S3 Boot Script execution

E2 Video repost

E3 OS S3 wake vector call

E4 – E7 Reserved for future AMI progress codes

E8 S3 Resume Failed

E9 S3 Resume PPI not Found

EA S3 Resume Boot Script Error

EB S3 OS Wake Error

EC – EF Reserved for future AMI error codes

F0 Recovery condition triggered by rmware (Auto recovery)

F1 Recovery condition triggered by user (Forced recovery)

F2 Recovery process started

F3 Recovery rmware image is found

F4 Recovery rmware image is loaded

F5 – F7 Reserved for future AMI progress codes

F8 Recovery PPI is not available

(continued on the next page)

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

Chapter 1

1-33

Q-Code table

Code Description

F9 Recovery capsule is not found

FA Invalid recovery capsule

FB – FF Reserved for future AMI error codes

60 DXE Core is started

61 NVRAM initialization

62 Installation of the PCH Runtime Services

63 – 67 CPU DXE initialization is started

68 PCI host bridge initialization

69 System Agent DXE initialization is started

6A System Agent DXE SMM initialization is started

6B – 6F System Agent DXE initialization (System Agent module specic)

70 PCH DXE initialization is started

71 PCH DXE SMM initialization is started

72 PCH devices initialization

73 – 77 PCH DXE Initialization (PCH module specic)

78 ACPI module initialization

79 CSM initialization

7A – 7F Reserved for future AMI DXE codes

90 Boot Device Selection (BDS) phase is started

91 Driver connecting is started

92 PCI Bus initialization is started

93 PCI Bus Hot Plug Controller Initialization

94 PCI Bus Enumeration

95 PCI Bus Request Resources

96 PCI Bus Assign Resources

Chapter 1

97 Console Output devices connect

98 Console input devices connect

99 Super IO Initialization

9A USB initialization is started

9B USB Reset

(continued on the next page)

1-34

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Q-Code table

Code Description

9C USB Detect

9D USB Enable

9E – 9F Reserved for future AMI codes

A0 IDE initialization is started

A1 IDE Reset

A2 IDE Detect

A3 IDE Enable

A4 SCSI initialization is started

A5 SCSI Reset

A6 SCSI Detect

A7 SCSI Enable

A8 Setup Verifying Password

A9 Start of Setup

AA Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)

AB Setup Input Wait

AC Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)

AD Ready To Boot event

AE Legacy Boot event

AF Exit Boot Services event

B0 Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP Begin

B1 Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP End

B2 Legacy Option ROM Initialization

B3 System Reset

B4 USB hot plug

B5 PCI bus hot plug

B6 Clean-up of NVRAM

B7 Conguration Reset (reset of NVRAM settings)

B8– BF Reserved for future AMI codes

D0 CPU initialization error

D1 System Agent initialization error

(continued on the next page)

Chapter 1

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

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Q-Code table

Code Description

D2 PCH initialization error

D3 Some of the Architectural Protocols are not available

D4 PCI resource allocation error. Out of Resources

D5 No Space for Legacy Option ROM

D6 No Console Output Devices are found

D7 No Console Input Devices are found

D8 Invalid password

D9 Error loading Boot Option (LoadImage returned error)

DA Boot Option is failed (StartImage returned error)

DB Flash update is failed

DC Reset protocol is not available

ACPI/ASL Checkpoints

Code Description

0x01 System is entering S1 sleep state

0x02 System is entering S2 sleep state

0x03 System is entering S3 sleep state

0x04 System is entering S4 sleep state

0x05 System is entering S5 sleep state

0x10 System is waking up from the S1 sleep state

0x20 System is waking up from the S2 sleep state

0x30 System is waking up from the S3 sleep state

0x40 System is waking up from the S4 sleep state

0xAC System has transitioned into ACPI mode. Interrupt controller is in PIC mode.

0xAA System has transitioned into ACPI mode. Interrupt controller is in APIC mode.

Chapter 1

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Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2.8 Jumper

1. LN2 Mode jumper (3-pin LN2)

With LN2 mode activated, the ROG motherboard is optimized to remedy the cold-

boot bug during POST at an extremely low temperature and help the system boot successfully.

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1.2.9 Internal connectors

1. Intel® X79 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1; SATA6G_2 [gray])

These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables.

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

conguration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® X79

chipset.

Chapter 1

1-38

• These connectors are set to [AHCI Mode] by default. If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [RAID Mode]. Refer to section 3.6.5 SATA Conguration for details.

• Before creating a RAID set, refer to section bundled in the motherboard support DVD.

5.1 RAID congurations or the manual

Chapter 1: Product introduction

2. Intel® X79 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_1; SATA3G_2;

SATA3G_3; SATA3G_4 [black])

These connectors connect to Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk drives and optical disc drives via Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s signal cables.

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

conguration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® X79

chipset.

•

These connectors are set to [AHCI Mode] by default. If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [RAID Mode]. Refer to section 3.6.5 SATA Conguration for details.

• Before creating a RAID set, refer to section bundled in the motherboard support DVD.

5.1 RAID congurations or the manual

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3. ASMedia® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E1; SATA6G_E2;

SATA6G_E3; SATA6G_E4 [gray])

These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables.

• ASMedia storage controller can only support AHCI mode.

• These SATA ports are for data drives only.

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Chapter 1: Product introduction

4. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_E78)

This connector is for the additional USB 3.0 ports, and complies with the USB 3.0

specicaton that supports up to 4.8Gbps connection speed. If the USB 3.0 front panel

cable is available from your system chassis, with this USB 3.0 connector, you can have a front panel USB 3.0 solution.

• The USB 3.0 module is purchased separately.

• These connectors are based on xHCI specication. We recommend you to install the

related driver to fully use the USB 3.0 ports under Windows® 7.

5. Thermal sensor cable connectors (2-pin OPT_TEMP1; OPT_TEMP2;

OPT_TEMP3)

These connectors are for temperature monitoring. Connect the thermal sensor cables to these connectors and place the other ends to the devices which you want to monitor temperature. The optional fans 1, 2, and 3 can work with the temperature sensors for a better cooling effect.

Enable OPT FAN1/ OPT FAN2/ OPT FAN3 overheat protection in BIOS if you connect thermal sensor cables to these connectors.

• Thermal sensor cables or thermistors are purchased separately.

• To monitor the temperature at the BIOS, go to BIOS>Monitor>Temperature Monitor.

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6. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB56; USB78; USB910)

These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system

chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specication that supports up to

480 Mbps connection speed.

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard!

You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB) rst, and then

install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard if your chassis supports front panel USB ports.

The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.

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Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s). Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

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8. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1/ CHA_FAN2/ CHA_FAN3; 4-pin OPT_FAN1/ OPT_FAN2 /

OPT_FAN3)

Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufcient air ow inside the

system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the fan connectors!

• The CPU_FAN connector supports the CPU fan of maximum 1A (12 W) fan power.

• If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1, CHA_FAN2 or CHA_FAN3 for better thermal environment.

Chapter 1

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Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.

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

• If you want to connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this connector, set

the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD]; if you want to connect an AC'97 front panel audio module to this connector, set the item to [AC97]. By default, this connector is set to [HD].

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10. DirectKey connector (2-pin DRCT)

This connector is for the chassis-mounted button that supports the DirectKey function. Connect the button cable that supports DirectKey, from the chassis to this connector on the motherboard.

Ensure that your chassis comes with the extra button cable that supports the DirectKey feature. Refer to the technical documentation that came with the chassis for details.

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

This connector is for the OC Panel and other ROG accessories supporting the ROG_EXT connector. The OC Panel allows you to perform overclocking without going to the BIOS settings, loading the OS, or using overclocking software utilities.

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Chapter 1: Product introduction

12. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)

This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which securely

store keys, digital certicates, passwords and data. A TPM system also helps enhance

the network security, protects digital identities, and ensures platform integrity.

13. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)

This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch. Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced. The signal is then generated as a chassis intrusion event.

By default, the pin labeled “Chassis Signal” and “Ground” are shorted with a jumper cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the chassis intrusion detection feature.

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14. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 4-pin EATX12V_1; 4-pin EZ_PLUG;

8-pin EATX12V_2)

These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designed to

t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down rmly until the connectors completely t.

• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specication 2.0 (or later version) and provides a

minimum power of 450 W.

• Do not forget to connect the 4-pin/8-pin EATX12 V power plug; otherwise, the system

will not boot.

• Connect the 4-pin EZ_PLUG power plugs to ensure sufcient power supply when you

install multiple graphics cards.

• Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when conguring a system

with more power-consuming devices. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

• If you want to use two or more high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with 1000W power or above to ensure the system stability.

• If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at

http://support.asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx? SLanguage=en-us for details.

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Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

• System power LED (2-pin PLED)

This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.

• Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)

This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable

to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or ashes when data is read from or written to

the HDD.

• System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

• ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)

This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds while the system is ON turns the system OFF.

• Reset button (2-pin RESET)

This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without turning off the system power.

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1.2.10 ProbeIt

The ROG ProbeIt allows you to detect your system’s current voltage and OC settings. Use a multimeter to measure the ProbeIt points even during overclocking.

See the illustration below to locate the respective ProbeIt points.

Using ProbeIt

You may connect the multitester to the motherboard as shown on the following gure.

Chapter 1

1-50

The illustration above are for reference only, the actual motherboard layout and measure points location may differ by models.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

Basic Installation

2.1 Building your PC system

2.1.1 Motherboard installation

The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps are the same for all models.

1. Install the ASUS Q-Shield to the chassis rear I/O panel.

2. Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are aligned to the chassis’ rear I/O panel.

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

Chapter 2

2-1

3. Place nine screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.

Chapter 2

2-2

DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.1.2 CPU installation

Please note the order in opening/ closing the double latch. Follow the instructions printed on the metal sealing hatch or the illustrations shown below in this manual. The plastic cap will pop up automatically once the CPU is in place and the hatch properly sealed down.

1 2

3 4

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Chapter 2

2-3

5 6

7 8

Triangle mark

Chapter 2

2-4

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation

Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you install the heatsink and fan, if necessary.

To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly

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Chapter 2

2-5

To replace the LGA2011 CPU pad (X-Socket)

• The X-Socket is a unique ROG feature that allows user to use their LGA 1366 cooler on the LGA 2011 motherboard.

• For the detailed QVL list, visit

http://event.asus.com/2011/rog/X-Socket/.

1 2

3 4

Chapter 2

2-6

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.1.4 DIMM installation

To remove a DIMM

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

Chapter 2

2-7

2.1.5 ATX Power connection

OR OR

Chapter 2

2-8

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.1.6 SATA device connection

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

Chapter 2

2-9

2.1.7 Front I/O Connector

To install ASUS Q-Connector

To install USB 2.0 connector To install front panel audio connector

AAFP

To install USB 3.0 connector

Chapter 2

2-10

USB 2.0

USB 3.0

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.1.8 Expansion Card installation

To install PCIe x16 cards

To install PCIe x1 cards

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2-11

2.1.9 Wi-Fi antenna installation

POWER eSATA 6G

S/PDIF

USB3.0

USB BIOS Flashback

USB3.0

REAR

SPK

CTR

BASS

LINE

FRONTMIC IN

IO Shield

Installing the ASUS 2T2R dual band W-Fi antenna

Connect the bundled ASUS 2T2R dual band Wi-Fi antenna connector to the Wi-Fi ports at the back of the chassis.

• Ensure that the ASUS 2T2R dual band Wi-Fi antenna is securely installed to the Wi-Fi ports.

• Ensure to install the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi driver before installing the Wi-Fi GO! software.

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Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.2 BIOS update utility

USB BIOS Flashback

USB BIOS Flashback allows you to easily update the BIOS without entering the existing BIOS or operating system. Simply insert a USB storage device to the USB port specially allocated for the USB BIOS Flashback feature then press the ROG Connect button for three seconds. The BIOS will be updated automatically.

To use USB BIOS Flashback:

1. Download the latest BIOS le from the ASUS website

2. Extract and rename the BIOS image le to

3. Copy

4. Turn off the system and insert the USB storage device to the ROG Connect port.

5. Press the ROG Connect button and release when a ashing light appears, which

6. Wait until the light goes out, indicating that the BIOS updating process is completed.

R4BE.CAP to the root directory of the USB ash disk drive.

indicates that the BIOS Flashback function is enabled.

USB BIOS Flashback/ ROG Connect portROG Connect button

R4BE.CAP.

For more BIOS update utilities in BIOS setup, refer to the section Updating BIOS in Chapter 3.

• DO NOT unplug portable disk, power system, or press the CLR_CMOS button while BIOS update is ongoing, otherwise update will be interrupted. In case of interruption, please follow the steps again.

• Updating BIOS may have risks. If the BIOS program is damaged during the process and results to the system’s failure to boot up, please contact your local ASUS Service Center.

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2-13

2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections

2.3.1 Rear I/O connection

Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 mouse and keyboard port

2. Clear CMOS button

3. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4 (The ROG Connect port is the port on top.)

4. USB 3.0 ports 3 and 4

5. Intel® LAN (RJ-45) port**

6. Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth V4.0*

7. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2

8. ROG Connect button

Chapter 2

USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2

10. External SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports 1 and 2

11. USB 3.0 ports 5 and 6

12. Audio I/O ports with Optical S/PDIF Out port***

*, **, and ***: Refer to the tables on the next page for Bluetooth/Wi-Fi module LEDs, LAN port LEDs, and audio port

denitions.

2-14

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

• USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only.

• We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 devices to USB 3.0 ports for faster and better performance for your USB 3.0 devices.

• When using the external SATA port, ensure that you use a compatible connector.

*Bluetooth and Wi-Fi module LED indications

Wi-Fi LED Bluetooth LED

Status Description Status Description

Off No link Off No link

Green Linked Blue Linked

Blinking Data activity

* The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such mark by ASUSTeK

Computer Inc. is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

Wi-Fi

LED

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth v4.0/3.0 + HS

Bluetooth

LED

** LAN ports LED indications

Activity Link LED Speed LED

Status Description Status Description

Off

Orange

Orange (Blinking)

Orange (Blinking then steady)

No link Off 10 Mbps connection

Linked Orange 100 Mbps connection

Data activity Green 1 Gbps connection

Ready to wake up from S5 mode

ACT/LINK

LED

LAN port

SPEED

LED

** Audio 2, 4, 6 or 8-channel conguration

Port

Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Side Speaker Out

Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In

Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer

Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

ASUS RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION

Headset

2-channel

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

Chapter 2

2-15

2.3.2 Audio I/O connections

Audio I/O ports

Connect to Headphone and Mic

Connect to Stereo Speakers

Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers

Chapter 2

2-16

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers

Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers

Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers

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Chapter 2

2-17

2.4 OC Panel

OFFONOFF

Start

Clear

Reset

Start

Clear

Reset

OFFONOFF

Start

Clear

Reset

The OC Panel is a device that allows you to perform overclocking without the need to go to the BIOS settings or use software utilities. You can setup the OC Panel in an available 5.25inch drive bay on your computer chassis (Normal Mode) or as an external handheld console on an “open-air” OC test bench (Extreme Mode.)

These modes are further explained in the succeeding subsections.

• Ensure that your system has adequate cooling designed for overclocking before using the OC Panel.

• Ensure to update your OC Panel’s rmware. Visit www.asus.com for the latest rmware and updates about the OC Panel.

• Ensure that you have installed ROG Connect Plus driver for the NORMAL Mode of the OC Panel.

• When updating the OC Panel rmware, you have to disable the USB XHCI function in

BIOS. To do this, click Advanced > USB Conguration > Intel xHCI Mode then set Intel xHCI Mode to [Disabled].

2.4.1 OC Panel Overview

Normal/Extreme

Mode Switch

CPU Level Up

Start Button

Value up Button

Left Arrow button

Clear button

Fan connectors 1,2

VGA hotwire connectors

VGA hotwire

Chapter 2

2-18

LCM Power Button FanSpeed Control button

Subzero Sense

OK button

connector

Right Arrow button

Reset button

Value Down button

Fan connectors 3,4

Pause/Slow Mode

OC Panel cover

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

OC Panel LCM Display in Normal Mode

OC Panel LCM Display in Extreme Mode

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2-19

2.4.2 Setting up your OC Panel in Normal Mode

eset

Clear

R eset

Ensure that you have installed ROG Connect Plus driver for the NORMAL Mode of the OC Panel.

The OC Panel in Normal Mode mainly provides easy access buttons for increasing your

CPU’s frequency level, adjusting fan speeds and customizing overclocking proles. It also

displays vital information about your computer’s CPU temperature, ratio, base clock, CPU fan speed (RPM).

To set up your OC Panel in Normal Mode:

1. Tilt the OC Panel LCM display until it is perpendicular to the body of OC Panel.

2. Get the bundled OC Panel 5.25-inch drive bay metal case and set of two (2) screws.

3. Align and insert the OC Panel into the OC Panel 5.25-inch drive bay metal case.

The OC Panel ts in one orientation

only. If it does not t, try reversing it.

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Chapter 2: Basic Installation

4. Secure the OC Panel to the OC Panel

5.25-inch drive bay metal case with the two (2) screws.

Ensure that the OC Panel ts snugly

into the OC Panel 5.25-inch drive bay metal case.

5. Shut down your computer.

6. Open your computer chassis and remove the front cover of an available 5.25-inch drive bay.

7. Align and insert the OC Panel and the OC Panel 5.25-inch drive bay metal case assembly into the drive bay.

8. Secure the OC Panel and the OC Panel

5.25-inch drive bay metal case assembly into the drive bay with four (4) screws.

9. Connect the OC Panel data cable (A) and a SATA Power cable (B) to the OC Panel.

10. Locate the ROG_EXT connector on the motherboard and connect the OC Panel cable.

11. Boot your computer.

12. Press the OC Panel LCM Power button to turn on the OC Panel LCM display.

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2.4.3 Setting up your OC Panel in Extreme Mode

The OC Panel in Extreme Mode is setup with an open chassis system or “open-air” OC test bed assembly and enjoyed as a handheld console to perform overclocking and voltage tuning.

When in Extreme Mode, you can enjoy more features including Subzero Sense and VGA

Hotwire. It also comes with some of the most commonly used voltage tuning presets that are

precongured for your convenience and optimum overclocking experience.

To setup the OC Panel in Extreme Mode:

1. Shut down your computer.

2. Connect the OC Panel cable (A) and a SATA Power cable (B) to the OC Panel.

3. Locate the ROG_EXT connector on the motherboard and connect the OC Panel cable.

4. Boot your computer.

5. Press the OC Panel power button to turn on the OC Panel LCM display.

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Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.5 Starting up for the rst time

1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.

2. Ensure that all switches are off.

3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis.

4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.

5. Turn on the devices in the following order:

a. Monitor

b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)

c. System power

6. After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case lights up. For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up when you press the ATX power button. If your monitor complies with the “green” standards or if it has a “power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up or change from orange to green after the system LED turns on.

The system then runs the power-on self tests (POST). While the tests are running, the

BIOS beeps (refer to the BIOS beep codes table) or additional messages appear on the screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Check the jumper settings and connections or call your retailer for assistance.

BIOS Beep Description

One short beep VGA detected

One continuous beep followed by two short beeps then a pause (repeated)

One continuous beep followed by three short beeps

One continuous beep followed by four short beeps

Quick boot set to disabled No keyboard detected

No memory detected

No VGA detected

Hardware component failure

7. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the instructions in Chapter 3.

2.6 Turning off the computer

While the system is ON, press the power button for less than four seconds to put the system on sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Press the power switch for more than four seconds to let the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting.

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Chapter 2

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Chapter 2

2-24

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

BIOS setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS

The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unied Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI

architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-

only BIOS controls to enable a more exible and convenient mouse input. You can easily

navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as your operating system. The

term “BIOS” in this user manual refers to “UEFI BIOS” unless otherwise specied.

BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage

device conguration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device conguration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In

normal circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure optimal performance. DO NOT change the default BIOS settings except in the following circumstances:

An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to

•

run the BIOS Setup.

•

You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or update.

Inappropriate BIOS settings may result to instability or boot failure. We strongly

recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service personnel.

When downloading or updating the BIOS le, rename it as R4BE.CAP for this motherboard.

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Chapter 3

3-1

3.2 BIOS setup program

Use the BIOS Setup to update the BIOS or congure its parameters. The BIOS screen

include navigation keys and brief onscreen help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program.

Entering BIOS at startup

To enter BIOS Setup at startup, press <Delete> during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you do not press <Delete>, POST continues with its routines.

Entering BIOS Setup after POST

To enter BIOS Setup after POST:

• Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete> simultaneously.

• Press the reset button on the system chassis.

• Press the DirectKey button on the motherboard. You can perform this option if the

DirectKey item is enabled in BIOS Setup. See the section about Boot Menu on Chapter 3 for more information in enabling the DirectKey function in BIOS.

• Press the power button to turn the system off then back on. Do this option only if you failed to enter BIOS Setup using the previous options.

- The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

- Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to your motherboard if you want to use the mouse to control the BIOS setup program.

- If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized

Defaults item under the Exit menu or press hotkey <F5>. See the section about Exit menu on Chapter 3 for more information.

- If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and reset the motherboard to the default value. See the section about Rear I/O Connection on Chapter 2 for information on how to erase the RTC RAM via the Clear CMOS button.

BIOS menu screen

Chapter 3

The BIOS Setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode. You can change modes from the Exit menu or from the Exit/Advanced Mode screen.

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- The BIOS setup program does not support bluetooth devices.

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.2.1 EZ Mode

The EZ Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select the display language, system performance mode and boot device priority. To access the Advanced Mode, click Exit/Advanced Mode, then select Advanced Mode or press <F7> hot key for the advanced BIOS settings.

The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. For more information, see the Setup Mode item of the Boot menu section on Chapter 3.

Displays the CPU temperature and CPU voltage output

Displays the shortcut items

Selects the boot device priority

Power Saving mode

Displays the installed DIMMs

Displays the Advanced mode menus

Selects the display language of the BIOS setup program

Normal mode

SATA

Information

ASUS Optimal

mode

Click to display all fan

speeds if available

Exits the BIOS setup program without saving the changes, saves the changes and resets the system, or enters the Advanced Mode

Boot Menu

Loads optimized default settings

Displays the system properties of the selected mode

• The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system.

• The

Boot Menu (F8) button is available only when the boot device is installed to the

system.

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3.2.2 Advanced Mode

The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to congure the BIOS settings. The gure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed congurations.

To access the Advanced Mode, click Exit, then select Advanced Mode or press F7 hotkey.

Menu items

Menu barSubmenu items

Pop-up window

Conguration elds

Scroll bar

Menu bar

The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:

General help

Navigation keys

My Favorites

Chapter 3

Extreme Tweaker Main For changing the basic system conguration

Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

Monitor

Boot For changing the system boot conguration Tool For conguring options for special functions Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings

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For saving the frequently-used system settings and conguration

For changing the overclocking settings

For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing the fan settings

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Menu items

The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example,

selecting Main shows the Main menu items.

The other items (My Favorites, Extreme Tweaker, Advanced, Monitor, Boot, Tool, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items.

Back button

This button appears when entering a submenu. Press <Esc> or use the USB mouse to click this button to return to the previous menu screen.

Submenu items

A greater than sign (>) before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a submenu. To display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.

Pop-up window

Select a menu item and press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the conguration

options for that item.

Scroll bar

A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that do not t on

the screen. Press the Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> / <Page Down> keys to display the other items on the screen.

Navigation keys

At the bottom right corner of the menu screen are the navigation keys for the BIOS setup program. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.

If you delete all shortcut items from the F3: Shortcut list, the default shortcut items will reappear after your next startup.

General help

At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item. Use <F12> key to capture the BIOS screen and save it to the removable storage device.

Conguration elds

These elds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-congurable, you can change the value of the eld opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not user-congurable.

A congurable eld is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a eld, select it and

press <Enter> to display a list of options.

Quick Note button

This button allows you to enter notes of the activities that you have done in BIOS.

• The Quick Note function does not support the following keyboard functions: delete, cut, copy and paste.

• You can only use the alphanumeric characters to enter your notes.

Last Modied button

This button shows the items that you last modied and saved in BIOS Setup.

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3.3 My Favorites

MyFavorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite BIOS items.

Adding items to My Favorites

To add frequently-used BIOS items to My Favorites:

1. Use the arrow keys to select an item that you want to add. When using a mouse, hover the pointer to the item.

2. Press <F4> on your keyboard or right-click on your mouse to add the item to My Favorites page.

Chapter 3

You cannot add the following items to My Favorites:

• Items with submenu options

• User-congurable items such as language and boot device order

• Conguration items such as Memory SPD Information, system time and date

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Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.4 Extreme Tweaker menu

The Extreme Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.

Be cautious when changing the settings of the Extreme Tweaker menu items. Incorrect eld

values can cause the system to malfunction.

The conguration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you

installed on the motherboard.

Scroll down to display other BIOS items.

Load Air-cooled Gamer’s OC Prole/ Load Water-cooled Gamer’s OC Prole Load 160BCLK OC Prole/ Load 170BCLK OC Prole/ Load 180BCLK OC Prole/ Load 190BCLK OC Prole

Select any of these preset overclocking proles to load your preferred overclocking option.

The proles appearing on the BIOS screen may vary depending on the CPU installed on

your motherboard.

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Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal

frequency. Select any of these preset overclocking conguration options:

[Auto] Loads the optimal settings for the system.

[Manual] Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.

[X.M.P.] If you install memory modules supporting the eXtreme Memory Prole

(X.M.P.) Technology, choose this item to set the proles supported by your memory modules for optimizing the system performance.

The [X.M.P.] conguration option appears only when you install memory modules supporting the eXtreme Memory Prole (X.M.P.) Technology.

CPU Level Up [Disabled]

Allows you to select a CPU level, and the related parameters will be automatically adjusted according to the selected CPU level.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto] [4.800G] [4.600G] [4.400G]

The conguration option and its values may vary depending on the CPU installed on your

motherboard.

CPU Core Ratio [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU ratio and sync automatically, per core or all cores.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Sync All Cores] [Per Core]

When the CPU Core Ratio is set to [Sync All Cores], the following item appears.

1-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]

Allows you to set the 1-Core Ratio Limit.

[Auto] Select to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting. [Manual] Select to manually assign a value for the 1-Core Ratio limit. The values of 2-core, 3-core, 4-core, 5-core, and 6-core ratio limits will be automatically set to be lower than or equal to the value of the 1-core Ratio limit.

1-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]

Allows you to set the 1-Core Ratio Limit.

[Auto] Select to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting.

Chapter 3

[Manual] Select to manually assign a 1-Core Ratio Limit value that is higher than or equal to the 2-Core Ratio Limit.

2-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]

Allows you to set the 2-Core Ratio Limit.

[Auto] Select to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting. [Manual] Select to manually assign a 2-Core Ratio Limit value that is higher than or equal to the 3-Core Ratio Limit. 1-Core Limit must not be set to [Auto].

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When the CPU Core Ratio is set to [Per Core], the following item appears:

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]

Allows you to set the 3-Core Ratio Limit.

[Auto] Select to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting. [Manual] Select to manually assign a 3-Core Ratio Limit value that is higher han or equal to the 4-Core Ratio Limit. 1-Core/2-Core Ratio Limit must not be set to [Auto].

4-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]

Allows you to set the 4 Core Ratio Limit

[Auto] Select to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting [Manual] Select to manually assign a 4-Core Ratio Limit value that is higher than or equal to the 3-Core Ratio Limit. 1-Core/2-Core/3-Core Limit must not be set to [Auto].

5-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]

Allows you to set the 5-Core Ratio Limit.

[Auto] Select to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting. [Manual] Select to manually assign a 5-Core Ratio Limit value that is higher han or equal to the 4-Core Ratio Limit. 1-Core/2-Core/3-Core/4-Core Ratio Limit must not be set to [Auto].

6-Core Ratio Limit [Auto]

Allows you to set the 6 Core Ratio Limit

[Auto] Select to apply the CPU default Turbo Ratio setting [Manual] Select to manually assign a 6-Core Ratio Limit value that is higher than or equal to the 5-Core Ratio Limit. 1-Core/2-Core/3-Core / 4-Core/5-Core Limit must not be set to [Auto].

Internal PLL Overvoltage [Auto]

Allows you to enable the internal PLL voltage for K-SKU CPUs to get the extreme overclocking capability.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]

DRAM Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the memory operating frequency. The conguration options vary with the

BCLK/CPU Strap Frequency item settings.

Xtreme Tweaking [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable Xtreme Tweaking that helps improve some benchmark performance.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

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EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following item only appears when you set EPU Power Saving Mode to [Enabled].

EPU Setting [Auto]

Allows you to select the EPU power saving function. Conguration options: [Auto] [Light Power Saving] [Medium Power Saving]

[Max Power Saving]

DRAM Timing Control

The subitems in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter> key.

Memory Presets

This item allows you to select and load a memory preset or timing prole from a redened list. The congurations of the memory presets are provided by the ROG OC expert team. Users can load the proles before performing overclocking or DRAM

tweaking.

Rampage Tweak [Auto]

This item allows you to choose the mode that is supported by Rampage Tweak when

you want to ne tune the DRAM of the system. Mode 1 helps you with the DRAM

performance, Mode 2 helps you in overclocking and system performance, and Mode 3 is suitable for Ivy Biridge-E.

[Auto] Automatically selects the mode. [Mode 1] Memory compatibility. [Mode 2] Overclocking and performance. [Mode 3] Ivy Bridge-E compatability

Primary Timings

DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]

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DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [31]

DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [15]

DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [63]

DRAM Command Rate [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1] – [3]

Changing the values in this menu may cause the system to become unstable! If this happens, revert to the default settings.

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Asus RAMPAGE IV BLACK EDITION User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

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About this guide

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Installation tools and components