ASUS ROG Zenith II extreme Alpha Service Manual
ROG
ZENITH II
EXTREME
ALPHA
Motherboard
E16228
First Edition
December 2019
Copyright © 2019 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
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Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless
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ii
Contents
Safety information ...................................................................................................... vi
About this guide ........................................................................................................ vii
ROG ZENITH II EXTREME ALPHA 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 switches .................................................................................... 1-12
1.8 Onboard jumpers ..................................................................................... 1-14
1.9 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................................... 1-15
1.10 Internal connectors .................................................................................. 1-17
1.11 ProbeIt ....................................................................................................... 1-32
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 ..........................................................................2-12
2.1.10 DIMM.2 installation....................................................................2-13
2.1.11 Wi-Fi antenna installation ..........................................................2-15
2.2 BIOS update utility ................................................................................... 2-16
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 first time .................................................................... 2-21
2.5 Turning off the computer ........................................................................2-21
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 PCI Subsystem Settings ...........................................................3-13
3.6.4 USB Configuration ....................................................................3-14
3.6.5 HDD/SSD SMART Information .................................................3-14
3.6.6 NVMe Configuration ..................................................................3-14
3.6.7 SATA Configuration ..................................................................3-14
3.6.8 Onboard Devices Configuration ................................................3-16
3.6.9 APM Configuration ....................................................................3-18
3.6.10 Network Stack Configuration.....................................................3-18
3.6.11 AMD CBS ..................................................................................3-18
3.6.12 AMD PBS ..................................................................................3-19
3.6.13 AMD Overclocking ....................................................................3-19
3.7 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................3-19
3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-19
3.9 Tool menu ................................................................................................. 3-21
3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility ............................................................3-21
3.9.2 Secure Erase ............................................................................3-22
3.9.3 ASUS User Profile.....................................................................3-23
3.9.4 BIOS Flashback ........................................................................3-23
3.9.5 ASUS SPD Information .............................................................3-23
3.9.6 Graphics Card Information ........................................................3-23
3.9.7 ASUS Armoury Crate ................................................................3-24
3.10 Exit menu .................................................................................................. 3-24
3.11 Updating BIOS .......................................................................................... 3-25
3.11.1 EZ Update .................................................................................3-25
3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3 ......................................................................3-26
3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ..........................................................3-28
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-11
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
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
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.
key names are linked with a plus sign (+).
viii
ROG ZENITH II EXTREME ALPHA specifications summary
AMD Socket sTRX4 for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™
CPU
Chipset
Memory
Expansion Slots
Multi-GPU Support
Storage
LAN
Wireless & Bluetooth
Desktop Processors*
* The support of these features depends on the CPU types.
* Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list.
AMD sTRX40
3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ Desktop Processors
8 x DIMM, max. 256GB, DDR4 4733+(O.C) / 4600+(O.C) / 4400(O.C)
/ 4266(O.C) / 4133(O.C) / 4000(O.C) / 3866(O.C) / 3733(O.C) /
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
4 x PCIe 4.0 x16 Safeslots (supports x16, x16/x16, x16/x8/x16, x16/x8/
x16/x8 modes)
Supports NVIDIA® 3-Way SLI® Technology
Supports AMD 3-Way CrossFireX™ Technology
3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ Desktop Processors
1 x DIMM.2 Module supports
- 2 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110
(supports PCIe 4.0 x4 and SATA modes)
2 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 (PCIe 4.0 x4
mode)*
1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 (PCIe 4.0 x4/x2
mode)**
* When the M.2_2 slot on board is operating in PCIe mode, PCIE x16_4 will
run at x4 mode
** When the M.2_3 slot on board is operating in PCIe x4 mode,
SATA6G_E1-E4 will be disabled
*** Supports PCIE RAID configurations via onboard M.2 storages.
AMD TRX40 chipset
4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
ASMedia® SATA controller
4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
Aquantia® AQC-107 10G LAN
Intel® I211-AT Gigabit LAN
Anti-surge LANGuard
ROG GameFirst Technology
Intel® WiFi 6 -AX200
2x2 MU-MIMO 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax support
dual frequency band 2.4/5 GHz
Supports channel bandwidth: HT20/HT40/HT80/HT160
Bluetooth v5.0
(continued on the next page)
ix
ROG ZENITH II EXTREME ALPHA specifications summary
ROG SupremeFX 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC S1220
- High quality 120 dB SNR stereo playback output and 108 dB SNR
recording input
- Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs
- SupremeFX Shielding Technology
- Supports: Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, and Line-in/Front Mic
Audio
USB
ROG Exclusive Features
re-tasking
- ESS™ SABRE9018Q2C High Definition DAC
Audio Features:
- LED-illuminated audio jacks
- Optical S/PDIF out port at back panel
- 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 ports at back panel[Red])
AMD TRX40 chipset:
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C® front panel connectors
- 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (2 x Type-A & 1 x USB Type-C® at back
panel)
- 3 x USB 2.0 ports (3 ports at mid-board)
ASMedia® USB 3.2 Gen 1 controller
- 8 x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports (4 ports at Mid board)
ASMedia® USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 controller
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port (1 x USB Type-C® at back panel)
Extreme Engine Digi+
- MicroFine Alloy Choke
- PowIRstage MOSFETs
- 10K Black Metallic Capacitors
Start Button
Retry Button
FlexKey button
Extreme Tweaker
Cold storage M.2 switch
LN2 Mode
ProbeIT
ROG Exclusive Software
- Mem Tweakit
- RAMCache III
- CPU-Z
- GameFirst V
- Sonic Studio III + Sonic Studio Virtual Mixer, Sonic Radar III
ROG Patented Pre-mounted I/O Shield
(continued on the next page)
x
ROG ZENITH II EXTREME ALPHA specifications summary
AURA
- Aura Lighting Control
- Aura RGB Strip Headers
- Aura Addressable Strip Headers
- Aura Lighting Effects Synchronization with compatible ASUS ROG
devices
ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 5
- 5-way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU,
DIGI+ Power control, Fan Xpert 4, and Turbo app
ASUS Exclusive Features
- OptiMem III
- Pre-mounted I/O shield
Special Features
Back I/O Ports
- AI Suite 3
- USB BIOS Flashback
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 3
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
- LiveDash
- Ai Charger
- Armoury Crate
- Clear CMOS Button
- FlexKey Button
ASUS Q-Design
- Q-Connector
- Q-DIMM
- Q-Code
- Q-LED (CPU [red], DRAM [yellow], VGA [white], Boot Device [yellow
green])
1 x Clear CMOS Button
1 x BIOS Flashback™ Button
1 x 2x2 Wi-Fi Module
1 x Aquantia AQC-107 10G LAN
1 x Anti-surge LAN (RJ45)
4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports [blue]
7 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (6 x Type-A [red] and 1 x USB Type-C®
[black])
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port (1 x USB Type-C® [black])
1 x Optical S/PDIF out
5 x LED-illuminated audio jacks
(continued on the next page)
®
xi
ROG ZENITH II EXTREME ALPHA specifications summary
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C® front panel connectors
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 3 USB 2.0 ports
8 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x DIMM.2 slot
3 x M.2 Socket 3 for M Key, supports type 2242/2260/2280 storage
devices (supports PCIE 4.0 x4 mode)
1 x 4-Pin CPU fan connector
1 x 4-Pin CPU_OPT fan connector
2 x 4-Pin W_PUMP+ connector
1 x 4-Pin VRM_HS_FAN fan connector
1 x 4-Pin Chipset fan connector
1 x 4-Pin HS fan connector
2 x Thermal sensor connectors
1 x 24-Pin EATX power connector
2 x 8-Pin EATX 12V power connectors
1 x 6-Pin EATX 12V power connector
1 x EZ Plug connector (4-pin Molex power connector)
Internal I/O Ports
1 x W_IN header
1 x W_OUT header
1 x W_FLOW header
1 x WB_SENSOR header
2 x Aura RGB headers
2 x Aura Addressable headers
1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
1 x Start button
1 x Flexkey button
1 x Safe Boot button
1 x ReTry button
1 x Slow mode Switch
1 x RSVD switch
1 x NODE connector
1 x LN2 mode jumper
1 x BIOS Switch button
7 x ProbeIt Measurement Points
1 x TPM connector
1 x M.2_3 Switch
1 x Speaker header
1 x System panel connector
(continued on the next page)
xii
ROG ZENITH II EXTREME ALPHA specifications summary
BIOS Features
Manageability
Software
Operating System
Form Factors
• Specifications are subject to change without notice.
• Visit the ASUS website for the software manual.
2 x 128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, WfM2.0, SM BIOS
3.2, ACPI 6.2
WOL, PXE
Overwolf
Anti-Virus software (1-year full subscription)
Daemon Tools Software
WinRAR
Windows® 10 64-bit
Extended ATX Form Factor, 12.2” x 10.9” (31cm x 27.7cm)
xiii
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard 1 x ROG ZENITH II EXTREME ALPHA motherboard
1 x 2-in-1 SATA 6Gb/s cables
1 x 4-in-1 SATA 6Gb/s cables
Cables
Accessories
Application drive 1 x USB drive with utilities and drivers
Documentation
1 x 3-in-1 thermistor cable
1 x 2-in-1 weave SATA 6Gb/s cable
1 x Extension Cable for RGB strips (80 cm)
1 x Extension cable for Addressable Strips (80 cm)
1 x ROG DIMM.2 with heatsink
5 x M.2 Screw Package
1 x Q-Connector
1 x ROG Coaster
1 x ROG logo plate sticker
1 x ROG Big sticker
1 x ASUS 2x2 dual band Wi-Fi moving antenna
(Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax compliant)
1 x 2-in-1 rubber for ROG DIMM.2
1 x Dual function screwdriver
1 x ROG Thank you Card
Fan Extension Card II:
1 x Fan Extension Card II (6 x 4-pin Chassis Fan
connectors, 3 x 4-pin RGB headers, 3 x 2-pin Thermal
sensor headers)
1 x Fan Extension Card II power cable
1 x Fan Extension Card II NODE connector cable
1 x Fan Extension Card II screw package
1 x User guide
1 x Fan Extension Card II Installation guide
xiv
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
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
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Product Introduction
1
1.1 Before 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 ZENITH II EXTREME ALPHA
1-1
1.2 Motherboard layout
Chapter 1
1-2
Refer to Internal connectors and Rear I/O connection for more information about rear
panel connectors and internal connectors.
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Layout contents Page
1. DIMM slots 1-5
2. CPU socket 1-4
3. DIMM.2 slot 1-19
4. Addressable Gen2 LED connector 1-29
5. AURA RGB LED connector 1-30
6. Fan and Pump connectors 1-22
7. Power connectors 1-27
8. Thermal Sensor connector 1-25
9. ProbeIt 1-32
10. USB 3.2 Gen 2 connector 1-20
11. LED connector 1-28
12. USB 3.2 Gen 1 connector 1-20
13. SATA 6Gb/s connector 1-17
14. ASMedia® SATA 6Gb/s connector
15. LN2 Mode jumper 1-14
16. Liquid Cooling System connectors 1-23
17. System Panel connector 1-26
18. Power button 1-9
19. Reset button 1-9
20. Chipset Fan connector 1-23
21. RSVD switch 1-12
22. Slow Mode switch 1-12
23. Full Speed Mode switch 1-13
24. BIOS Switch button 1-11
25. Node connector 1-24
26. ReTry button 1-10
27. Safe Boot button 1-10
28. M.2_3 switch 1-13
29. USB 2.0 connector 1-21
30. TPM connector
31. Front Panel Audio connector
32. M.2 slot
33. OLED connector
34. Water Block connector 1-24
1-18
1-28
1-25
1-18
1-31
Chapter 1
ROG ZENITH II EXTREME ALPHA
1-3
1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with an AMD Socket sTRX4 for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™
Threadripper™ Desktop Processors.
Chapter 1
• 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
1.4 System 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 ZENITH II EXTREME ALPHA
1-5
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.
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 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
1.5 Expansion 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 ZENITH II EXTREME ALPHA
1-7
Recommended VGA configuration
3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ Desktop Processors
Chapter 1
Slot Description Single VGA SLI®/CFX 3-Way SLI®/CFX
1. PCIe 4.0 x16_1 x16 x16 x16
2.
3. PCIe 4.0 x16_3 - x16 x16
4. PCIe 4.0 x16_4 - - x8*
* When the M.2_2 socket on board is operating in PCIe mode, PCIe 4.0 x16_4 will run at x4 mode.
PCIe 4.0 x16_2
- - x8
• We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI
mode.
• Ensure to connect the 8-pin and 6-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
1.6 Onboard buttons
1. Power button
Press the Power button to power up the system, or put the system into sleep or softoff mode (depending on the operating system settings).
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. FlexKey button (Reset)
Press the FlexKey button to reboot the system. You may also configure the button and
assign a quick access feature such as activating Safe Boot or turning Aura lighting on
or off to the button.
Chapter 1
This button set to [Reset] by default. You can assign a different function to this button in
the BIOS settings.
ROG ZENITH II EXTREME ALPHA
1-9
3. Safe Boot button
Chapter 1
4. ReTry button
The Safe Boot button temporarily applies safe settings to the BIOS while retaining the
overclocked settings, allowing you to modify the settings causing a boot failure. Press
this button at anytime to force the system to reboot into the BIOS safe mode.
The ReTry button is specially designed for overclockers and is most useful during
the booting process where the Reset button is rendered useless. Press this button
to force the system to reboot while retaining the same settings to be retried in quick
succession to achieve a successful POST.
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Chapter 1: Product Introduction
5. BIOS Switch button
This motherboard comes with two BIOS chips. Press the BIOS Switch button to switch
BIOS and load different BIOS settings.
The nearby BIOS_LEDs indicate which BIOS is currently selected.
Chapter 1
ROG ZENITH II EXTREME ALPHA
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1.7 Onboard switches
1. RSVD switch
Chapter 1
2. Slow Mode switch
The RSVD switch is reserved for ASUS-authorized technicians only.
Please ensure the RSVD switch is set to Disabled. Setting this switch to Enabled may
result in damages to your system.
The system may crash due to the CPU being unstable when using extreme
overclocking settings. Enable the Slow Mode switch during LN2 benching to decrease
the processor frequency and stabilize the system, allowing you to keep track of the
overclocking data.
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Chapter 1: Product Introduction
3. M.2_3 switch
The M.2_3 switch allows you to disconnect the M.2_3 slot from the system and enter
into cold storage mode when set to disabled.
• DO NOT enable and disable this switch in short intervals! Doing so may damage the
M.2 device connected to the M.2_3 slot.
• If your system does not detect the M.2_3 slot when you switch the M.2_3 switch from
disabled to enabled, please power off your system then switch it to enabled again,
and then power on your system.
The LED near this switch also lights up when the switch is set to disabled, and turned off
when this switch is set to enabled.
Chapter 1
4. Full Speed Mode switch
The Full Speed Mode switch allows you to set all connected fans to run at 100% PWM
when enabled.
ROG ZENITH II EXTREME ALPHA
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1.8 Onboard jumpers
1. LN2 Mode jumper
Chapter 1
Set to pins 1-2 to optimize the motherboard to remedy the cold-boot bug during POST
and help the system boot successfully.
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Chapter 1: Product Introduction
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