ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Impact operation manual

MAXIMUS VIII
IMPACT

Motherboard

E10809
First Edition

September 2015

Copyright © 2015 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
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Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the

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ii

Contents

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

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

MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT specications summary ..................................................... ix

Package contents ..................................................................................................... xiii

Installation tools and components ......................................................................... xiv

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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

1.1.1 Product highlights........................................................................1-1

1.1.2 ROG Gaming Features ...............................................................1-2

1.1.3 ROG Exclusive Features.............................................................1-3

1.1.4 ASUS Special Features ..............................................................1-4

1.1.5 ROG rich bundled software .........................................................1-4

1.2 Motherboard overview ............................................................................... 1-6

1.2.1 Before you proceed .....................................................................1-6

1.2.2 Motherboard layout .....................................................................1-7

1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................1-9

1.2.4 System memory ........................................................................1-10

1.2.5 Expansion slot ...........................................................................1-24

1.2.6 Onboard buttons .......................................................................1-26

1.2.7 Onboard LEDs ..........................................................................1-27

1.2.8 Internal connectors....................................................................1-34

1.2.9 ProbeIt.......................................................................................1-41

1.2.10 SupremeFX Impact III audio card ............................................. 1-42

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

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

2.1.1 Motherboard installation ..............................................................2-1

2.1.2 CPU installation...........................................................................2-4

2.1.3 SupremeFX Impact III audio card installation .............................2-6

2.1.4 DIMM installation.........................................................................2-7

2.1.5 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation ............................... 2-8

2.1.6 ATX Power connection..............................................................2-11

2.1.7 SATA device connection ...........................................................2-12

2.1.8 Front I/O Connector ..................................................................2-13

2.1.9 Expansion Card installation.......................................................2-14

2.1.10 Installing the Wi-Fi antenna connector ...................................... 2-15

2.2 BIOS update utility ................................................................................... 2-16

iii

2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections ............................................. 2-17

2.3.1 Rear I/O connection ..................................................................2-17

2.3.2 Audio I/O connections ...............................................................2-19

2.4 Starting up for the rst time .................................................................... 2-21

2.5 Turning off the computer ........................................................................ 2-21

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

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

3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................................. 3-2

3.2.1 EZ Mode......................................................................................3-3

3.2.2 Advanced Mode ..........................................................................3-4

3.3 My Favorites ............................................................................................... 3-7

3.4 Main menu .................................................................................................. 3-8

3.5 Extreme Tweaker menu ........................................................................... 3-11

3.6 Advanced menu ....................................................................................... 3-23

3.6.1 CPU Conguration ....................................................................3-24

3.6.2 Platform Misc Conguration ......................................................3-26

3.6.3 System Agent (SA) Conguration .............................................3-27

3.6.4 PCH Conguration ....................................................................3-29

3.6.5 PCH Storage Conguration.......................................................3-30

3.6.6 USB Conguration ....................................................................3-32

3.6.7 Network Stack Conguration.....................................................3-33

3.6.8 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................3-33

3.6.9 APM Conguration ....................................................................3-35

3.6.10 HDD/SSD SMART Information ................................................. 3-36

3.7 Monitor menu ........................................................................................... 3-37

3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................ 3-42

3.9 Tool menu ................................................................................................. 3-47

3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility ............................................................3-47

3.9.2 Secure Erase ............................................................................3-48

3.9.3 ASUS Overclocking Prole .......................................................3-49

3.9.4 ASUS SPD Information .............................................................3-50

3.9.5 Graphics Card Information ........................................................3-50

3.10 Exit menu .................................................................................................. 3-51

iv

3.11 Updating BIOS .......................................................................................... 3-52

3.11.1 EZ Update ................................................................................. 3-52

3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3 ...................................................................... 3-53

3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 .......................................................... 3-54

3.11.4 ASUS BIOS Updater ................................................................. 3-55

Chapter 4: Software Support

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

4.1.1 Windows® 7 and USB 3.0 driver for 100 Series .......................... 4-1

4.2 Support DVD information .......................................................................... 4-8

4.2.1 Running the support DVD ...........................................................4-8

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals..................................................4-9

4.3 Software information ............................................................................... 4-10

4.4 AI Suite 3 ................................................................................................... 4-10

4.5 Dual Intelligent Processors 5 .................................................................. 4-13

4.6 ROG Audio features ................................................................................. 4-44

4.7 Sonic Radar II ........................................................................................... 4-51

4.8 GameFirst III ............................................................................................. 4-53

4.9 KeyBot II....................................................................................................4-56

4.10 ASUS Media Streamer ............................................................................. 4-58

4.11 RAMDisk ................................................................................................... 4-60

4.12 MemTweakIt .............................................................................................. 4-63

4.13 ROG CPU-Z ............................................................................................... 4-65

4.14 RAMCache ................................................................................................ 4-66

Chapter 5: RAID Support

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

5.1.1 RAID denitions ..........................................................................5-1

5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ..................................................5-2

5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS ....................................................5-2

5.1.4 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility .................. 5-3

5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk.......................................................................5-7

5.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS .................. 5-7

5.2.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® .................................... 5-8

5.2.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation ........ 5-8

Appendices

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

ASUS contact information ...................................................................................... A-6

v

Safety information

Electrical safety

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

before relocating the system.

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

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

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

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

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

vi

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 website

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

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty 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

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

Indicates a menu or an item to select.

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

MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT specications summary

LGA1151 socket for 6th Generation Intel® Core™ i7/i5/i3/Pentium®/
Celeron® Processors

Supports 14nm CPU

CPU

Chipset

Memory

Expansion Slots

Graphic

Storage

LAN

Wireless

Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*

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

types.

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

Intel® Z170 Express Chipset

Dual channel memory architecture

2 x DIMM, max. 32GB DDR4 4000(OC)* /3866(OC)* /3800(OC)*
/3733(OC)* /3600(OC)* /3500(OC)* /3466(OC)* /3400(OC)*
/3333(OC)* /3300(OC)* /3200(OC)* /3000(OC)* /2800(OC)*

/2666(OC)* /2400(OC)* /2133 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. Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List)

for details.

1 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot [CPU]

Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel® HD Graphics
support

Supports HDMI 1.4b with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 24 Hz

Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D/Quick Sync Video/Clear Video HD
Technology/Insider™

Intel® Z170 Express Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and
Intel Rapid Storage Technology 14 support

1 x 32Gb/s U.2 connector

4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports

Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology*

* This function will work depending on the CPU installed

Intel® I219-V Gigabit LAN- Dual interconnect between the integrated
Media Access Controller (MAC) and physical layer (PHY)

Anti-surge LANGuard

ROG GameFirst technology

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

with MU-MIMO support

Bluetooth V4.1, 4.0LE, 3.0HS

ix

MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT specications summary

ROG SupremeFX Impact III High Denition Audio

CODEC

- ES9023P High Denition Codec

- 2VRMS Headphone Amp into (32-600Ohms)

- SupremeFX Shielding Technology

- Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, and Front Panel Jack-

Audio

USB

Back I/O Ports

ROG Exclusive Features

retasking

- Optical S/PDIF out port at back panel

- Front panel audio connector (AAFP)

Audio Feature:

- Sonic Studio II

- Sonic Radar II

- Sonic SenseAmp

- DTS Connect

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

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

Intel® USB 3.1 Controller:

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

1 x Optical S/PDIF out

1 x HDMI 1.4b

1 x Q-Code LED

1 x Start button

1 x Reset button

1 x Clear CMOS button

1 x BIOS Flashback button

4 x USB 3.0 ports [blue]

1 x ASUS Wi-Fi GO! module (Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with

MU-MIMO support and Bluetooth V4.1)

3 x Gold-plated audio jacks

1 x Anti-surge LAN (RJ-45) port

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

panel)

SupremeFX Impact III

Impact Power III

- MicroFine Alloy Choke

- PowIRStage® MOSFETs

- 10K Black Metallic Capacitors

Start button

Reset button

Clear CMOS button

LN2 Mode

Probelt

Slow Mode

(continued on the next page)

x

MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT specications summary

ROG RAMDisk

ROG RAMCache

Overwolf

KeyBot II

- One-click overclocking

- X.M.P.

- DirectKey

ROG Exclusive Features

Special Features

- Clr CMOS

- Power On

UEFI BIOS features :

- Extreme Tweaker

- Tweakers’ Paradise

- ROG SSD Secure Erase

- GPU.DIMM Post

- O.C. Prole

- Graphics Card Information Preview

ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 5

- 5-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU,

EPU, DIGI+ Power Control, Fan Xpert 3, and Turbo App

ASUS Exclusive Features

- AI Suite 3

- USB 3.1 Boost

- AI Charger+

- Push Notice

- Disk Unlocker

- PC Cleaner

- HyStream

- Media Streamer

- Mobo Connect

ASUS EZ DIY

- USB BIOS Flashback

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 3

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

ASUS Q-Design

- Q-Code

- Q-Shield

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

- Q-Slot

- Q-DIMM

xi

MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT specications summary

1 x USB 3.0 headers support additional 2 USB 3.0 ports

4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors

1 x 32Gb/s U.2 connector

1 x 4-Pin CPU fan connector

1 x 4-Pin Chassis fan connector

1 x EXT_Fan header

1 x Thermal sensor connector

1 x 24-pin EATX power connector

Internal Connectors

BIOS Features

Manageability

Software

Operating System

Form Factor

1 x 8-pin EATX 12V power connector

8 x Probelt measurement points

1 x LN2 mode jumper

1 x Slow mode jumper

1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)*

1 x System panel connector

1 x SupremeFX Impact III connector

1 x M.2 socket pre-installed with a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module.

*AAFP connector is built-in on the SupremeFX Impact III card.

1 x 128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI3.0, WfM2.0,
SM BIOS 3.0, ACPI 5.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 3,

CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My
Favorites, F9 Quick Note, Last Modied log, F12 PrintScreen, F3

Shortcut functions and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect)
memory information.

WfM2.0, DMI3.0, WOL by PME, PXE

Drivers

ROG GameFirst Technology

ROG RAMDisk

ROG CPU-Z

ROG Mem TweakIt

ROG RAMCache

Overwolf

KeyBot II

Kaspersky® Anti-Virus

DAEMON Tools Pro Standard

ASUS WebStorage

ASUS Utilities

Windows® 10* / Windows® 8.1* / Windows® 7

* 64-bit supported only

Mini-ITX Form Factor, 6.7”x 6.7” (17cm x 17cm)

Specications are subject to change without notice.

xii

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard ROG MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT

Cables 4 x SATA 6 Gb/s cables

Accessories Q Shield

1 x Panel cable

1 x 12-in-1 ROG cable label

1 x CPU Installation Tool

1 x Fan Label

1 x 2T2R dual-band Wi-Fi moving antennas

1 x Bracket for FAN extension card

1 x Thermistor cable

1 x Wafer cable

1 x FAN extension card

Application DVD ROG motherboard support DVD

Documentation User guide

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

xiii

Installation tools and components

Intel® LGA1151 compatible CPU Fan

PC chassis

Power supply unit

SATA optical disc drive (optional)

SATA hard disk drive

1 bag of screws

Intel® LGA1151 CPU

Phillips (cross) screwdriver

DIMM

Graphics card*

* Graphics card is optional.

xiv

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

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Product Introduction

1.1 Special features

1

1.1.1 Product highlights

Republic of Gamers

The Republic of Gamers offers you the best of the best. We offer the best hardware
engineering, the fastest performance, the most innovative ideas, and we welcome the best
gamers to join in. In the Republic of Gamers, mercy rules are only for the weak, and bragging
rights means everything. We believe in making statements and we excel in competitions.
If your character matches our trait, then join the elite Republic of Gamers and make your
presence felt.

LGA1151 socket for New 6th generation Intel Core processors

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

Intel® Z170 Express Chipset

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

PCI Express® 3.0

PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the PCI Express bus standard that provides twice the
performance and speed of PCIe 2.0. It provides an optimal graphics performance,
unprecedented data speed and seamless transition with its complete backward compatibility
to PCIe 1.0/2.0 devices.

Chapter 1

ASUS MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT

1-1

1.1.2 ROG Gaming Features

SupremeFX Impact III

Chapter 1

The bundled SupremeFX Impact III sound card features ROG-exclusive SupremeFX 2015

audio technology with a high-denition sound for true audiophile-grade performance that is

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

Sonic Radar II

Sonic Radar II features the exclusive audio enhancement that enhances in-game sound for
better hearing awareness. It has a customizable user interface with a stealthy overlay display
that shows what opponents and teammates are up to including information on the precise

direction and origin of gunshots, footsteps, and call-outs when playing rst person shooting

(FPS) games.

Sonic Studio II

Sonic Studio II is an audio tuning software with its virtual surround-sound function. It comes
with six superb audio controls including Reverb, Bass Boost, Equalizer, Voice Clarity, Smart
EQ (Smart Volume), and Virtual Surround.

Sonic SenseAmp

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

GameFirst technology

ASUS GameFirst technology is a network management software that features four preset

packet prioritized proles facilitating user’s need. Users can also manually allocate bandwidth

and adjust priority settings of each application to run faster and smoother.

Intel® Ethernet

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

1-2

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1.3 ROG Exclusive Features

Impact Power III

Maximus VIII Impact’s completely-digital power architecture is engineered with premium
components to provide precise power management and stable overclocking on mini-ITX.
Dynamic speed adjustments and intricate manual controls let you the push the processor and
memory further than ever — and that means the highest stability and precision.

• MicroFinealloychokes

- More stable and greater efciency at high currents

- 3X ner than standard

- 31% cooler than large-granule chokes

- 75% hysteresis reduction

• 10KJapanese-madeblackmetalliccapacitors

- 5X-longer lifespan

- 20%-greater extreme-temperature endurance

• IR3553PowIRStage®MOSFETs

- Higher efciency, lower power loss, cooler, longer lifespan

LANGuard

ROG revolutionizes the LAN port with its advanced signal-coupling technology and
premium surface-mounted components that improve throughput, while surge-protected and
electrostatic-guarded components (ESD Guards) protect your motherboard from lightning
strikes and static electricity.

ProbeIt

Your motherboard consists of ten (10) ProbeIt measurement points that help you detect the
amount of voltage currently running in your system. Use a multi-tester device to measure the
voltage of your system and its components and peripherals.

KeyBotII

KeyBot II is a built-in microprocessor that provides instant upgrade to your keyboard. You can

congure and assign macros to specic keys on your keyboard to perform specic or several
task at the same time. You can also congure your PC to wake up in CPU Level UP, XMP, or

directly to BIOS mode.

Chapter 1

This feature supports USB keyboards only.

ASUS MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT

1-3

1.1.4 ASUS Special Features

AI Suite 3

Chapter 1

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

USB3.1Boost

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

SCSI Protocol), signicantly increases a USB device’s transfer speed up to 170% faster than

the already impressive USB 3.1 transfer speed. It automatically accelerates data speeds for
compatible USB 3.1 peripherals without the need for any user interaction.

USBBIOSFlashback

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

Install a USB storage device containing the BIOS le, press the BIOS Flashback button for

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

1.1.5 ROG rich bundled software

RAMCache

ROG’s unique technology caches either whole data les or their most frequently-used

fragments, depending on your available memory — getting to work from the moment it’s
activated. RAMCache turns milliseconds into microseconds to boost game-load times to
stratospheric speeds, and minimize risk of data loss!

RAMDisk

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

place favorite app and game cache 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.

RAMDisk only supports 64-bit operating systems.

Kaspersky®Anti-Virus

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

home ofces. It is based on advanced anti virus technologies. The product incorporates the

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

1-4

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Overwolf

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

DAEMONToolsProStandard

DAEMON Tools Pro offers essential functionality to backup CD, DVD and Blu-ray discs. It
converts optical media into virtual discs and emulates devices to work with the virtual copies.
DAEMON Tools Pro organizes data, music, video, and photo collections on a PC, notebook,
or netbook.

ROGCPU-Z

ROG CPU-Z is a customized ROG version utility authorized by Intel’s CPU Identication

(CPUID) that allows you to gather information of the main devices of your system. It
gives you the information and status of your CPU, motherboard, memory, and the whole
component. Use the ROG look of reporting your system’s current information with ROG
CPU-Z.

MemTweakIt

MemTweakIt is a DRAM efciency tool that allows you to read DRAM timings 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™ up mixes stereo sources
(CDs, MP3s, WMAs, internet radio) into channels of incredible surround sound. Consumers
can connect their PC to a home theatre system. DTS Interactive is capable of performing
multichannel encoding of DTS bitstreams on personal computers, and sending encoded
bitstreams out of a digital audio connection (such as S/PDIF or HDMI) designed to deliver
audio to an external decoder.

Chapter 1

ASUS MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT

1-5

1.2 Motherboardoverview

1.2.1 Beforeyouproceed

Chapter 1

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.

1-6

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.2.2 Motherboardlayout

Chapter 1

Refer to sections 1.2.8 Internal connectors and 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection for more
information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.

ASUS MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT

1-7

Layout contents

Chapter 1

Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons/Slots Page

1. CPU, chassis and extension fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin
CHA_FAN; EXT_FAN header)

2. LGA1151 CPU Socket 1-9

3. DDR4 DIMM slots 1-10

4. ATX Power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 1-37

5. Speaker connectors (4 pin SPEAKER) 1-38

6. Front panel connectors (10-1 pin F_PANEL; ) 1-38

7. USB 3.0 connectors (20-1 pin USB3_12) 1-35

8. Intel® Z170 Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-4
[gray])

9. SupremeFX Impact III connector (26-1 pin SFX_IMPACT_III) 1-42

10. Slow Mode jumper (3-pin SLOW_MODE) 1-40

11. U.2 connector (U.2) 1-40

12. LN2 Mode jumper (3-pin LN2_MODE) 1-39

13. T_Sensor connector (2-pin T_SENSOR1) 1-35

14. Q_Code LEDs 1-28

15. START (Power-on) button 1-26

16. RESET button 1-26

1-36

1-34

1-8

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

This motherboard supports the New 6th Gen Intel® Core™ processors on the LGA1151
package, with memory and PCI Express controllers integrated to support dual-channel (2
DIMM) DDR4 memory and 16 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 lanes.

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

• Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1151 only. DO NOT install a

CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1151 socket.

• Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and

the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap
is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard
components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/
transit-related.

• Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise

Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the
LGA1151 socket.

• The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from

incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP
cap.

Chapter 1

ASUS MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT

1-9

1.2.4 System memory

The motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate 4 (DDR4) Dual Inline Memory Modules
(DIMM) slots.

Chapter 1

Recommendedmemorycongurations

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

1-10

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Memorycongurations

You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB and 16GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR4 DIMMs into
the DIMM sockets.

• Memory module with memory frequency higher than 2133 MHz and its corresponding
timing or the loaded XMP prole is not the JEDEC memory standard. The stability and

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

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system
maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel 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.

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimal compatibility, we

recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or date code (D/C)
from the same vendor. Check with the retailer to get the correct memory modules.

• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows OS, when you install 4GB

or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be
about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the
following:

a) Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows OS.

b) Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the

motherboard.

c) For more details, refer to the Microsoft® support site at http://support.microsoft.

com/kb/929605/en-us.

• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less

(Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1 Megabyte/MB).

Chapter 1

• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect

(SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.
Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a
lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked or at
a higher frequency, refer to section 3.5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 (2 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.

ASUS MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT

1-11

MAXIMUSVIIIIMPACTMotherboardQualiedVendorsList(QVL)

Chapter 1

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

G.SKILL F4-4000C19D-8GTZ 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 19-21-21-41 1.4V •

G.SKILL F4-4133C19D-8GTZ 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 19-25-25-45 1.4V •

DDR43866MHzcapability

DDR44000MHzcapability

Vendors

G.SKILL F4-3866C18D-8GTZ 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 18-22-22-38 1.35V •

DDR43800MHzcapability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

AVEXIR AVD4UZ138001804G-2CIR 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 18-20-20-40 1.35V •

AVEXIR AVD4UZ138001804G-2BZ1 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 18-20-20-40 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3800C18D-8GTZ 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 18-20-20-38 1.35V •

DDR43733MHzcapability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

ADATA AX4U3733W4G17-DWZ 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 17-18-18-38 1.35V •

AVEXIR AVD4UZ137331804G-2CIR/BZ1 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 18-20-20-40 1.35V •

AVEXIR AVD4UZ137331804G-4CIR/BZ1 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 18-20-20-40 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3733C17D-8GVK 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 17-19-19-39 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3733C17D-8GTZ 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 17-19-19-39 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3733C17Q-8GVK 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 17-19-19-39 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3733C17Q-8GTZ 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 17-19-19-39 1.35V •

ADATA AX4U3700W4G17-DWZ 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 17-18-18-38 1.35V •

ADATA AX4U3700W4G17-QWZ 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 17-18-18-38 1.35V •

Part No. Size

Brand

SS/DSChip

Brand

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage DIMMsocket

NO.

Chip

Timing Voltage

NO.

Chip

Timing Voltage DIMMsocket

NO.

Chip

Brand

Timing Voltage DIMMsocket

NO.

support
(Optional)

2

DIMMsocket

support
(Optional)

2

support
(Optional)

2

support
(Optional)

2

1-12

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

DDR43600MHzcapability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

ADATA AX4U3600W4G17-DWZ 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 17-18-18-38 1.35V •

ADATA AX4U3600W4G17-QWZ 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 17-18-18-38 1.35V •

Apacer 78.BAGN2.4020B 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 18-18-18-42 1.35V •

AVEXIR AVD4UZ136001804G-2CIR/BZ1 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 18-20-20-40 1.35V •

AVEXIR AVD4UZ136001804G-4CIR/BZ1 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 18-20-20-40 1.35V •

CORSAIR CMD16GX4M4B3600C18 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 18-19-19-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3600C17-8GVK 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 17-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3600C17-8GTZ 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 17-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3600C17-16GVK 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 17-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3600C17-16CGTZ 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 17-18-18-38 1.35V •

Team TXD416G3600HC18ADC01 16GB (2 x 8GB) SS - - 18-20-20-39 1.35V •

Team TXWD416G3600HC18ADC01 16GB (2 x 8GB) SS - - 18-20-20-39 1.35V •

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage DIMMsocket

NO.

DDR43500MHzcapability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

G.SKILL F4-3500C17Q-16GRRD 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 17-18-18-36 1.35V •

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage DIMMsocket

NO.

support
(Optional)

2

support
(Optional)

2

Chapter 1

ASUS MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT

1-13

DDR43466MHzcapacity

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip

Chapter 1

ADATA AX4U3466W4G16-DWZ 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 16-17-17-36 1.35V •

ADATA AX4U3466W4G16-QWZ 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-17-17-36 1.35V •

Apacer 78.BAGN1.4020B 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 18-18-18-42 1.35V •

AVEXIR AVD4UZ134661704G-2CIR/BZ1 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 17-18-18-38 1.35V •

AVEXIR AVD4UZ134661704G-4CIR/BZ1 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 17-18-18-38 1.35V •

CORSAIR CMD16GX4M4B3466C18 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 18-19-19-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3466C16Q-16GRRD 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

DDR43400MHzcapacity

Vendors

ADATA AX4U3400W4G16-DWZ 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 16-17-17-36 1.35V •

ADATA AX4U3400W4G16-QWZ 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-17-17-36 1.35V •

CORSAIR CMK16GX4M4B3400C16 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-18-18-40 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16Q-16GRKD 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16Q-16GRBD 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16D-16GRK 16GB (2 x 8GB) DS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16D-16GVK 16GB (2 x 8GB) DS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16D-16GTZ 16GB (2 x 8GB) DS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16Q-32GRK 32GB (4 x 8GB) DS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16Q-32GVK 32GB (4 x 8GB) DS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16Q-32GTZ 32GB (4 x 8GB) DS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16D-32GRK 32GB (2 x 16GB) DS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16D-32GVK 32GB (2 x 16GB) DS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16D-32GTZ 32GB (2 x 16GB) DS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16Q-64GRK 64GB (4 x 16GB) DS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16Q-64GVK 64GB (4 x 16GB) DS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3400C16Q-64GTZ 64GB (4 x 16GB) DS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

Part No. Size

Brand

SS/DSChip

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage

NO.

Chip

Timing Voltage

NO.

DIMMsocket

support
(Optional)

2

DIMM

socket
support
(Optional)

2

1-14

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

DDR43333MHzcapacity

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

ADATA AX4U3333W4G16-DRZ 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

ADATA AX4U3333W4G16-QRZ 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

AVEXIR AVD4UZ133331604G-2CIR/BZ1 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

AVEXIR AVD4UZ133331604G-4CIR/BZ1 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

CORSAIR CMD16GX4M4B3333C16 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-18-18-36 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3333C16Q-16GRRD 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage

NO.

DDR43300MHzcapacity

Vendors Part No.

ADATA AX4U3300W4G16-DRZ 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

ADATA AX4U3300W4G16-QRZ 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

AVEXIR AVD4U33001604G-4CIR 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-18-18-36 1.35V •

CORSAIR CMD16GX4M4B3300C16 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-18-18-36 1.35V •

CORSAIR CMK16GX4M4B3300C16 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-18-18-36 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3300C16Q-16GRKD 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3300C16Q-16GRK 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

Size

SS/DS Chip

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage

NO.

DIMMsocket

support
(Optional)

2

DIMM

socket
support
(Optional)

2

Chapter 1

ASUS MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT

1-15

DDR43200MHzcapacity

Chapter 1

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip

AVEXIR AVD4U32001604G-4CIR 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-18-18-36 1.35V •

ADATA AX4U3200W4G16-DRZ 8GB (2 x 4GB) SS - - 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

ADATA AX4U3200W4G16-QRZ 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

CORSAIR CMK16GX4M4B3200C15 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 15-17-17-35 1.35V •

CORSAIR CMD16GX4M4B3200C16 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-18-18-36 1.35V •

CORSAIR CMK32GX4M4B3200C16 32GB (4 x 8GB) DS - - 16-18-18-36 1.35V •

Kingston HX432C16PBK4/16 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-16-16-39 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16Q-16GRKD 16GB (4 x 4GB) SS - - 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16D-16GRK 16GB (2 x 8GB) DS - - 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16D-16GVK 16GB (2 x 8GB) DS - - 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16D-16GTZ 16GB (2 x 8GB) DS - - 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16Q-32GRK 32GB (4 x 8GB) DS - - 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16Q-32GVK 32GB (4 x 8GB) DS - - 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16Q-32GTZ 32GB (4 x 8GB) DS - - 16-16-16-36 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C15D-32GRK 32GB (2 x 16GB) DS - - 15-15-15-35 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C15D-32GVK 32GB (2 x 16GB) DS - - 15-15-15-35 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C15D-32GTZ 32GB (2 x 16GB) DS - - 15-15-15-35 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16D-32GRK 32GB (2 x 16GB) DS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16D-32GVK 32GB (2 x 16GB) DS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16D-32GTZ 32GB (2 x 16GB) DS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16Q-64GRK 32GB (2x 16GB) DS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16Q-64GVK 32GB (2 x 16GB) DS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

G.SKILL F4-3200C16Q-64GTZ 32GB (2 x 16GB) DS - - 16-18-18-38 1.35V •

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage DIMMsocket

NO.

support
(Optional)

2

1-16

Chapter 1: Product Introduction