ASUS ROG Strix TRX40-XE Gaming Service Manual

ROG		Motherboard
STRIX
TRX40-XE
GAMING

E16267

First Edition

February 2020

Copyright © 2020 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

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

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

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

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

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.

Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software

This product contains copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”), under the Lesser General Public License Version (“LGPL”) and/or other Free Open Source Software Licenses. Such software in this product is distributed without any warranty to the extent permitted by the applicable law. Copies of these licenses are included in this product.

Where the applicable license entitles you to the source code of such software and/or other additional data, you may obtain it for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product, either

(1)for free by downloading it from https://www.asus.com/support/

or

(2)for the cost of reproduction and shipment, which is dependent on the preferred carrier and the location where you want to have it shipped to, by sending a request to:

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

Legal Compliance Dept.

15 Li Te Rd.,

Beitou, Taipei 112

Taiwan

In your request please provide the name, model number and version, as stated in the About Box of the product for which you wish to obtain the corresponding source code and your contact details so that we can coordinate the terms and cost of shipment with you.

The source code will be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under the same license as the corresponding binary/object code.

This offer is valid to anyone in receipt of this information.

ASUSTeK is eager to duly provide complete source code as required under various Free Open Source Software licenses. If however you encounter any problems in obtaining the full corresponding source code we would be much obliged if you give us a notification to the email address [e-mail], stating the product and describing the problem (please DO NOT send large attachments such as source code archives, etc. to this email address).

ii

Contents

Safety information......................................................................................................	vi
About this guide.........................................................................................................	vii
ROG STRIX TRX40-XE GAMING specifications summary......................................	ix
Package contents.....................................................................................................	xiv
Installation tools and components...........................................................................	xv

Chapter 1:		Product Introduction
1.1	Before you proceed....................................................................................		1-1
1.2	Motherboard layout....................................................................................		1-2
1.3	Central Processing Unit (CPU)..................................................................		1-4
1.4	System memory..........................................................................................		1-5
1.5	Expansion slots..........................................................................................		1-7
1.6	Onboard buttons.........................................................................................		1-9
1.7	Onboard jumpers......................................................................................		1-10
1.8	Onboard LEDs...........................................................................................		1-11
1.9	Internal connectors..................................................................................		1-13

Chapter 2:		Basic Installation
2.1	Building your PC system...........................................................................		2-1
	2.1.1	CPU installation...........................................................................	2-1
	2.1.2	Cooling system installation..........................................................	2-4
	2.1.3	Motherboard installation..............................................................	2-5
	2.1.4	DIMM installation.........................................................................	2-6
	2.1.5	ATX power connection.................................................................	2-7
	2.1.6	SATA device connection..............................................................	2-8
	2.1.7	Front I/O connector......................................................................	2-9
	2.1.8	Expansion card installation........................................................	2-10
	2.1.9	M.2 installation...........................................................................	2-11
	2.1.10	Wi-Fi antenna installation..........................................................	2-13
2.2	BIOS update utility....................................................................................		2-14
2.3	Motherboard rear and audio connections..............................................		2-15
	2.3.1	Rear I/O connection...................................................................	2-15
	2.3.2	Audio I/O connections................................................................	2-17
2.4	Starting up for the first time....................................................................		2-19
2.5	Turning off the computer.........................................................................		2-19

iii

Chapter 3:		BIOS Setup
3.1	Knowing BIOS.............................................................................................		3-1
3.2	BIOS setup program...................................................................................		3-2
	3.2.1	Advanced Mode...........................................................................	3-3
	3.2.2	EZ Mode......................................................................................	3-6
	3.2.3	Q-Fan Control..............................................................................	3-7
3.3	My Favorites................................................................................................		3-9
3.4	Main menu.................................................................................................		3-11
3.5	Ai Tweaker menu......................................................................................		3-11
3.6	Advanced menu........................................................................................		3-12
	3.6.1	AMD fTPM configuration............................................................	3-12
	3.6.2	CPU Configuration.....................................................................	3-12
	3.6.3	USB Configuration.....................................................................	3-13
	3.6.4	HDD/SSD SMART Information..................................................	3-13
	3.6.5	SATA Configuration...................................................................	3-14
	3.6.6	Onboard Devices Configuration.................................................	3-15
	3.6.7	APM Configuration.....................................................................	3-16
	3.6.8	Network Stack Configuration.....................................................	3-16
3.7	Monitor menu............................................................................................		3-17
3.8	Boot menu.................................................................................................		3-17
3.9	Tool menu..................................................................................................		3-19
	3.9.1	ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility.............................................................	3-19
	3.9.2	Secure Erase.............................................................................	3-20
	3.9.3	ASUS User Profile.....................................................................	3-21
	3.9.4	ASUS SPD Information..............................................................	3-21
	3.9.5	ASUS Armoury Crate.................................................................	3-21
3.10	Exit menu...................................................................................................		3-22
3.11	Updating BIOS..........................................................................................		3-23
	3.11.1	EZ Update..................................................................................	3-23
	3.11.2	ASUS EZ Flash 3.......................................................................	3-24
	3.11.3	ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3..........................................................	3-25

iv

Chapter 4:		RAID Support
4.1	AMD RAID Array configurations		...............................................................4-1
	4.1.1	RAID definitions ...........................................................................	4-1
Appendix
Q-Code table		.............................................................................................................	A-1
Notices	.....................................................................................................................		A-5
ASUS contact ....................................................................................information			A-12

v

Safety information

Electrical safety

•To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system.

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

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

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

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

•If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

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

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

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

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

•Place the product on a stable surface.

•If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.

vi

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

•Chapter 1: Product Introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.

•Chapter 2: Basic Installation

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

•Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

•Chapter 4: RAID Support

This chapter describes the RAID configurations.

Where to find more information

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

1.ASUS website

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

2.Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.

vii

Conventions used in this guide

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

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

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

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

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

Typography

Bold text	Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics	Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key>	Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
	means that you must press the enclosed key.
	Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter
	or Return key.
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3>	If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the
	key names are linked with a plus sign (+).

viii

ROG STRIX TRX40-XE GAMING specifications summary

		AMD Socket sTRX4 for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™
	CPU	Desktop Processors*
		* The support of these features depends on the CPU types.
		* Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list.
	Chipset	AMD TRX40
		3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ Desktop Processors
		8 x DIMM, max. 256GB, DDR4 4666+(O.C) / 4400(O.C) / 4266(O.C) /
		4133(O.C) / 4000(O.C) / 3866(O.C) / 3800(O.C) / 3733(O.C) /
	Memory	3600(O.C) / 3466(O.C) / 3400(O.C) / 3200 / 3000 / 2933 / 2800 /
		2666 / 2400 / 2133 MHz ECC and non-ECC, Unbuffered memory*
		Quad Channel Memory Architecture
		* Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) on www.asus.com
		for details.
		3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ Desktop Processors
	Expansion Slots	3 x PCIe 4.0 x16 Safeslots (supports x16/x16/x16 mode)
		AMD TRX40 Chipset
		1 x PCIe 4.0 x4
	Multi-GPU Support	Supports NVIDIA® 2-Way SLI® Technology
		Supports AMD 2-Way CrossFireX™ Technology
		3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ Desktop Processors
		1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage
		devices support (PCIe 4.0 x4 mode)
		1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage
	Storage	devices support (PCIe 4.0 x4 mode)
		AMD TRX40 chipset
		1 x M.2_3 Socket 3 with vertical M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110
		storage devices support (both SATA & PCIe 4.0 x4 modes)
		8 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
		* Supports NVMe RAID configuration via onboard M.2 storages.
		Realtek RTL8125-CG 2.5G LAN
	LAN	Intel® Ethernet Controller I211-AT
		Anti-surge LANGuard
		ROG GameFirst Technology
		Intel® WiFi 6 AX200
		2 x 2 Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) with MU-MIMO
	Wireless & Bluetooth	supports dual frequency band 2.4/5 GHz
		Supports channel bandwidth: HT20/HT40/HT80/HT160
		Up to 2.4 Gbps transfer speed
		Bluetooth v5.0
		(continued on the next page)

ix

ROG STRIX TRX40-XE GAMING specifications summary

		ROG SupremeFX 8-Channel High Definition Audio S1220 CODEC
		- Supports up to 32-Bit/192kHz playback
		- High quality 120 dB SNR stereo playback output and 108 dB SNR
		recording input
		- SupremeFX Shielding Technology
	Audio	- Dual Op Amplifiers
		- Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, and Line-in/Front Mic retasking
		- Optical S/PDIF out port at back panel
		Audio Features:
		- Sonic Studio III + Sonic Studio Virtual Mixer
		- Sonic Radar III
		- DTS® Sound Unbound
		3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ Desktop Processors
		- 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (4 Type-A at back panel)
		AMD TRX40 chipset:
	USB	- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 front panel connector
		- 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (3 x Type-A & 1 x Type-C™ at back panel)
		- 8 x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports at mid-board & 4 ports at back panel)
		ASMedia® 1074 USB controller
		- 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (4 ports at mid-board)
		ROG GameFirst V
		ROG CPU-Z
		ROG RAMCache III
	ROG Exclusive Features	ROG Overwolf
		Sonic Studio III + Sonic Studio Virtual Mixer
		Sonic Radar III
		FlexKey
		(continued on the next page)

x

ROG STRIX TRX40-XE GAMING specifications summary

		ASUS Exclusive Software Features
		Armoury Crate
		AURA
		- Aura Lighting Control
		- Aura Addressable Gen 2 Header(s)
		- Aura RGB Strip Headers
		- Aura Lighting Effects Synchronization with compatible ASUS ROG
		devices
		AI Suite 3
		ASUS EZ DIY
		- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
		- ASUS EZ Flash 3
		ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 5
		5-way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU,
		DIGI+ Power control, Fan Xpert 4, and Turbo app
	Special Features	ASUS Exclusive Hardware Features
		- ROG patented pre-mounted I/O shield
		- ASUS NODE: hardware control interface
		- BIOS FlashBack™ button
		LiveDash OLED
		ASUS Q-Design
		- Q-Connector
		- Q-DIMM
		- Q-Slot
		- Q-LED
		Gamer’s Guardian
		- DRAM Overcurrent Protection
		- ESD Guards on LAN, Audio, and USB ports
		- Highly Durable Components
		- SafeSlot
		- Procool
		- DIGI+ VRM
		(continued on the next page)

xi

ROG STRIX TRX40-XE GAMING specifications summary

1 x BIOS FlashBack™ Button

1 x 2x2 Wi-Fi Module

1 x Anti-surge 2.5G LAN (RJ45) port

Back I/O Ports

1 x Anti-surge LAN (RJ45) port

8 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (7 x Type-A [red] and 1 x Type-C™ [black])

4 x USB 2.0 ports

1 x Optical S/PDIF out

5 x Audio jacks

1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 front panel connector

2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header supports additional 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports

2 x USB 2.0 header supports additional 4 USB 2.0 ports 8 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors

2 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, supports type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices (supports PCIe 4.0 x4 mode)

1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, supports type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices (both SATA & PCIe 4.0 x4 modes)

1 x 4-Pin CPU fan connector

1 x 4-Pin CPU_OPT fan connector 3 x 4-Pin Chassis fan connectors 1 x 4-Pin AIO_PUMP fan connector 1 x 4-Pin W_PUMP+ connector

Internal I/O Ports 1 x 4-Pin VRM_HS fan connector 1 x 4-Pin CHIPSET fan connector 1 x NODE connector

1 x Thermal sensor connector

1 x 24-Pin EATX power connector

2 x 8-Pin EATX 12V power connectors

2 x Aura RGB headers

2 x Aura Addressable Gen 2 headers

1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)

1 x Power-on button

1 x TPM connector

1 x Speaker header

1 x Clear CMOS header

1 x System panel connector

(continued on the next page)

xii

ROG STRIX TRX40-XE GAMING specifications summary

BIOS Features		128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 3.2,
		ACPI 6.2
Manageability		WOL, PXE
		Drivers
Software		ASUS Utilities
		EZ Update
		Anti-Virus software (OEM version)
Operating System		Windows® 10 64-bit
Form Factors		Extended ATX Form Factor, 12” x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.4cm)
•	Specifications are subject to change without notice.
•	Visit the ASUS website for the software manual.

xiii

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

	Motherboard	1 x ROG STRIX TRX40-XE GAMING motherboard
		1 x 4-in-1 SATA 6Gb/s cable
	Cables	1 x Thermal sensor cable
		1 x RGB LED extension cable
		1 x RGB Addressable LED extension cable
		1 x M.2 Screw Package
		1 x M.2 vertical bracket
		1 x Q-Connector kit
		1 x Pack of cable ties
	Accessories	1 x ROG STRIX door hanger
		1 x ROG STRIX sticker
		1 x ASUS 2T2R dual band Wi-Fi moving antenna
		(Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax compliant)
		1 x ROG Thank you Card
		1 x Cablemod coupon
	Application drive	1 x USB drive with utilities and drivers
	Documentation	1 x User guide

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

xiv

Installation tools and components

1 Bag of screws

Screwdriver

PC chassis

Power supply unit

AMD Socket sTRX4 CPU

AMD Socket sTRX4 compatible CPU Fan

DDR4 DIMM

SATA hard disk drive

SATA optical disc drive (optional)

Graphics card (optional)

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

xv

xvi

Product Introduction

1

1.1Before you proceed

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

Components shown in this section may require additional purchase. Refer to Package contents section for more information about the contents of your motherboard package.

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

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

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

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

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

Chapter 1

ROG STRIX TRX40-XE GAMING

1-1

1.2Motherboard layout

1 Chapter

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

1-2	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Layout contents

1.Power connectors

2.DIMM slots

3.CPU socket

4.Fan and Pump connectors

5.Addressable Gen2 LED connector

6.AURA RGB LED connector

7.VRM HS Fan connector

8.M.2 slots

9.USB 3.2 Gen 2 front panel connector

10.USB 3.2 Gen 1 connector

11.SATA 6Gb/s connectors

12.System Panel connector

13.Power button

14.Clear RTC Ram jumper

15.USB 2.0 connector

16.Node connector

17.TPM connector

18.Thermal Sensor connector

19.Front Panel Audio connector

Page

1-21

1-5

1-4

1-17

1-23

1-24

1-18

1-14

1-15

1-15

1-13

1-20

1-9

1-10

1-16

1-18

1-22

1-19

1-19

Chapter 1

ROG STRIX TRX40-XE GAMING

1-3

1.3Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with an AMD Socket sTRX4 for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ Desktop Processors.

1 Chapter

•The Socket sTRX4 has a different pinout design. Ensure that you use a CPU designed for the Socket sTRX4.

•The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the CPU and damaging the CPU.

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

•Overclocking AMD processors, including without limitation, altering clock frequencies / multipliers or memory timing / voltage, to operate beyond their stock specifications will void any applicable AMD product warranty, even when such overclocking is enabled via AMD hardware and/or software. This may also void warranties offered by the system manufacturer or retailer. Users assume all risks and liabilities that may arise out of overclocking AMD processors, including, without limitation, failure of or damage to hardware, reduced system performance and/or data loss, corruption or vulnerability.

1-4	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.4System memory

The motherboard comes with Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots designed for DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4) memory modules.

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

Recommended memory configurations

Chapter 1

ROG STRIX TRX40-XE GAMING

1-5

1 Chapter

Memory configurations

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

You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A, Channel B, Channel C, and Channel D. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the quad-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module. Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value.

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

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

•Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

1-6	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.5Expansion slots

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

Chapter 1

ROG STRIX TRX40-XE GAMING

1-7

1 Chapter

Recommended VGA configuration

3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ Desktop Processors

Slot Description		Single VGA		SLI®/CFX
1.	PCIEX16_1	X16	X16		X16
2.	PCIEX16_2	-	-		X16
3.	PCIEX16_3	-	X16		-

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

mode.

•Ensure to connect both 8-pin power plugs when running CrossFireX™ or SLI® mode.

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

1-8	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.6Onboard buttons

1.	Power button
	Press the Power button to power up the system, or put the system into sleep or soft-	1
	off mode (depending on the operating system settings).
		Chapter

ROG STRIX TRX40-XE GAMING		1-9

1.7Onboard jumpers

		1. Clear RTC RAM jumper
	1Chapter	The Clear RTC RAM jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM
		in the CMOS, which contains the date, time, system passwords, and system setup
		parameters.

To erase the RTC RAM:

1.Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.

2.Short-circuit pin 1-2 with a metal object or jumper cap for about 5-10 seconds.

3.Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.

4.Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to reenter data.

DO NOT short-circuit the pins except when clearing the RTC RAM. Short-circuiting or placing a jumper cap will cause system boot failure!

If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard button cell battery and move the jumper again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After clearing the CMOS, reinstall the button cell battery.

1-10	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.8Onboard LEDs

1.	Q LEDs
	The Q LEDs check key components (CPU, DRAM, VGA, and booting devices) during	1
	the motherboard booting process. If an error is found, the critical component’s LED
	stays lit up until the problem is solved.	Chapter

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

2.Storage Device Activity LED

The Storage Device Activity LED lights up or blinks when data is read from or written to the storage device or storage device add-on card.

ROG STRIX TRX40-XE GAMING

1-11

3.8-pin Power Plug LED

The 8-pin Power Plug LED lights up to indicate that the 8-pin power plug is not connected.

1 Chapter

•Ensure to connect both 8-pin power plugs.

•Due to the CPU minimum power consumption requirement, we recommend using a PSU with 850W or above.

1-12	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.9Internal connectors

1. SATA 6Gb/s connectors
The SATA 6Gb/s connectors allow you to connect SATA devices such as optical disc	1
drives and hard disk drives via a SATA cable.
	Chapter

If you installed SATA storage devices, you can create a RAID 0, 1, and 10 configuration through the onboard AMD TRX40 chipset.

•These connectors are set to [AHCI] by default. If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode Selection item in the BIOS to

[RAID].

•Before creating a RAID set, refer to the RAID Configuration Guide. You can download the RAID Configuration Guide from the ASUS website.

ROG STRIX TRX40-XE GAMING

1-13

2.M.2 slots

The M.2 slots allow you to install M.2 devices such as M.2 SSD modules.

1 Chapter

•M.2_1 and M.2_2 sockets support PCIe 4.0 x4 M Key design and type 2242 / 2260 / 2280 / 22110 storage devices.

•M.2_3 socket supports PCIe 4.0 x4 and SATA mode vertical M Key design and type 2242 / 2260 / 2280 / 22110 storage devices.

•The M.2 SSD module is purchased separately.

•Use the bundled bracket to install a vertical M.2 SSD module to the M.2_3 socket.

Refer to the M.2 installation section for more details.

1-14	Chapter 1: Product Introduction