Asus STRIX X99 GAMING User’s Manual

STRIX X99 GAMING

<![if ! IE]>

<![endif]>Motherboard

E11712

Revised Edition V2

May 2016

Copyright© 2016 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.

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Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software

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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.

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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
STRIX X99 GAMING specifications summary..........................................................	ix
Package contents.....................................................................................................	xiii
Installation tools and components..........................................................................	xiv

Chapter 1:		Product Introduction
1.1	Motherboard overview...............................................................................		1-1
	1.1.1	Before you proceed.....................................................................	1-1
	1.1.2	Motherboard layout......................................................................	1-2
	1.1.3	Central Processing Unit (CPU)....................................................	1-4
	1.1.4	System memory...........................................................................	1-5
	1.1.5	Expansion slots............................................................................	1-8
	1.1.6	Onboard buttons and switches..................................................	1-10
	1.1.7	Jumpers.....................................................................................	1-13
	1.1.8	Onboard LEDs...........................................................................	1-15
	1.1.9	Internal connectors....................................................................	1-22

Chapter 2:		Basic Installation
2.1	Building your PC system...........................................................................		2-1
	2.1.1	Motherboard installation..............................................................	2-1
	2.1.2	CPU installation...........................................................................	2-3
	2.1.3	CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation................................	2-4
	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	Wi-Fi antenna installation..........................................................	2-12
2.2	BIOS update utility....................................................................................		2-13
2.3	Motherboard rear and audio connections..............................................		2-14
	2.3.1	Rear I/O connection...................................................................	2-14
	2.3.2	Audio I/O connections................................................................	2-16
2.4	Starting up for the first time....................................................................		2-18
2.5	Turning off the computer.........................................................................		2-19

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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
	3.2.3	QFan Control...............................................................................	3-7
	3.2.4	EZ Tuning Wizard........................................................................	3-9
3.3	My Favorites..............................................................................................		3-12
3.4	Main menu.................................................................................................		3-14
3.5	Ai Tweaker menu......................................................................................		3-15
3.6	Advanced menu........................................................................................		3-19
	3.6.1	CPU Configuration.....................................................................	3-20
	3.6.2	PCH Configuration.....................................................................	3-21
	3.6.3	PCH Storage Configuration.......................................................	3-22
	3.6.4	System Agent Configuration......................................................	3-24
	3.6.5	USB Configuration.....................................................................	3-24
	3.6.6	Platform Misc Configuration.......................................................	3-25
	3.6.7	Onboard Devices Configuration.................................................	3-25
	3.6.8	APM Configuration.....................................................................	3-28
	3.6.9	Network Stack Configuration.....................................................	3-28
	3.6.10	HDD/SSD SMART Configuration...............................................	3-29
	3.6.11	NVMe Configuration..................................................................	3-29
3.7	Monitor menu............................................................................................		3-30
3.8	Boot menu.................................................................................................		3-32
3.9	Tool menu..................................................................................................		3-35
	3.9.1	ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility.............................................................	3-35
	3.9.2	Secure Erase.............................................................................	3-36
	3.9.3	ASUS Overclocking Profile........................................................	3-37
	3.9.4	ASUS SPD Information..............................................................	3-38
3.10	Exit menu...................................................................................................		3-39
3.11	Updating BIOS..........................................................................................		3-40
	3.11.1	EZ Update..................................................................................	3-40
	3.11.2	ASUS EZ Flash 3.......................................................................	3-40
	3.11.3	ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3..........................................................	3-43

iv

Chapter 4:		RAID Support
4.1	RAID configurations...................................................................................		4-1
	4.1.1	RAID definitions...........................................................................	4-1
	4.1.2	Installing Serial ATA hard disks...................................................	4-2
	4.1.3	Intel® Rapid Storage Technology in UEFI BIOS..........................	4-2
	4.1.4	Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility...................	4-6
4.2	Creating a RAID driver disk.....................................................................		4-10
	4.2.1	Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® .................................	4-10
Appendix
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 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:

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: 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

STRIX X99 GAMING specifications summary

		New Intel® Core™ i7 X-Series Processors on LGA 2011-v3 Socket
	CPU	Supports 14nm CPU
		Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0*
		* The support of these features depends on the CPU types.
	Chipset	Intel® X99 Chipset
		8 x DIMM DDR4 max at 128 GB
		3333 (O.C.)* / 3300 (O.C.)* / 3000 (O.C.)* / 2800 (O.C.)* /
		2666 (O.C.)* / 2400 (O.C.)* / 2133 MHz, non-ECC unbuffered
		memory
	Memory	Quad channel memory architecture
		Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
		* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of
		individual CPUs. Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists)
		on www.asus.com for details.
		3 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots
		(support x16, x16/x16, x8/x16/x8 mode with 40-LANE CPU;
		x16, x16/x8, x8/x8/x8 mode with 28-LANE CPU)*
		1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (max. at x4 mode)**
	Expansion Slots	2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot***
		* The PCIEX16_2 slot supports x8 devices only with 28-LANE CPU.
		** The PCIEX4_1, PCIEX1_2, and USB3.1_EC1EA2 connectors share
		the same bandwidth. By default, the PCIEX4_1 slot and PCIEX1_2
		slot automatically run at x1 mode with USB3.1_EC1 and USB3.1_EA2
		enabled for best resource optimization.
		*** PCIEX1_1 slot shares bandwidth with WI-FI port at back panel.
	Multi-GPU Support	Supports NVIDIA® 3-Way/2-Way SLI® Technology
		Supports AMD® 3-Way/2-Way CrossFireX™ Technology
		New Intel® Core™ i7 X-Series Processors
		- 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage
		devices support (supports PCIE SSDs only)*
		- 1 x U.2 port (supports PCIe 3.0 x4 NVM Express storage)*
		* The M.2 slot shares bandwidth with U.2 slot.
	Storage	Intel® X99 Chipset
		- 1 x SATA Express port, compatible with 2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
		- 8 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
		- Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid
		Recovery Technology*
		* These functions will work depending on the CPU installed.
		Intel® I218-V Gigabit LAN-Dual interconnect between the integrated
	LAN	Media Access Controller (MAC) and physical layer (PHY)
		Anti-surge LANGuard
		ROG GameFirst technology
		(continued on the next page)

ix

STRIX X99 GAMING specifications summary

		Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac supports dual frequency band 2.4/5 GHz
	Wireless & Bluetooth	with MU-MIMO support
		Bluetooth v4.1, 4.0LE, 3.0+HS
		SupremeFX 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
		-	SupremeFX Shielding Technology
	Audio	-	Dual Headphone Amplifiers
		- Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, and Front Panel Jack-retasking
		Audio Features
		-	Sonic Radar II
		Intel® X99 Chipset - supports ASUS USB 3.0 Boost
		- 5 x USB 3.0 ports (1 port at back panel [blue], 4 ports at
			mid-board)
		- 8 x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports at back panel, 4 ports at mid-board)*
		ASMedia® USB 3.0 controller - supports ASUS USB 3.0 Boost
	USB	- 3 x USB 3.0 ports at back panel [blue]
		ASMedia® USB 3.1 controller - supports ASUS USB 3.1 Boost
		- 2 x USB 3.1 ports
			(1 x Type-A [red] and 1 x Type-C ports at back panel)**
		* 2 x USB 2.0 ports at mid-board share with ROG extension (ROG_EXT)
			port.
		** USB3.1_EC1 and USB3.1_EA2 ports at back panel will be disabled
			when the PCIEX4_1 slot is occupied by a X4 bandwidth device.
	ROG Exclusive Features	ROG RAMCache
		ROG CPU-Z
		Media Streamer
		ASUS Exclusive Features
		-	Ai Suite 3
		-	USB 3.1 Boost
		-	Ai Charger+
		-	Push Notice
		-	Disk Unlocker
		ASUS EZ DIY
		-	USB BIOS Flashback
	Special Features	-	ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
		-	ASUS EZ Flash 3
		- MemOK!
		ASUS Q-Design
		-	Q-Code
		-	Q-Shield
		-	Q-Connector
		-	Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
		-	Q-Slot
		-	Q-DIMM

(continued on the next page)

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STRIX X99 GAMING specifications summary

1 x USB BIOS Flashback button

1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port

4 x USB 2.0 ports

4 x USB 3.0 ports [blue]

Back I/O Ports 2 x USB 3.1 ports (1 x Type-A [red] and 1 x Type-C ports) 1 x Anti-surge LAN (RJ45) port

1 x ASUS Wi-Fi GO! module (Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth v4.1)

5 x Audio jacks

2 x USB 3.0 connectors support additional 4 USB 3.0 ports

2 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports (one connector via ROG_EXT header)

1 x SATA Express connector (compatible with 2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports)

8 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors

1 x ROG extension (ROG_EXT) header

1 x 4-pin Water pump connector 1 x 4-pin H_AMP fan connector 1 x 4-pin CPU fan connector

1 x 4-pin CPU_OPT fan connector 2 x 4-pin Chassis fan connectors 1 x 5-pin Extension fan connector 1 x 24-pin EATX power connector

1 x 8-pin EATX 12V power connector

1 x 4-pin EATX 12V power connector

Internal I/O Ports

1 x Power-on button

1 x Reset button

1 x MemOK! button

1 x M.2 Socket 3 for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (supports PCIE SSD only)

1 x U.2 port (supports PCIe 3.0 x4 NVM Express storage)

1 x 5-pin Thunderbolt header for ASUS ThunderboltEX III series support

1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)

1 x COM connector

1 x RGB header

1 x TPM connector

1 x System panel connector

1 x Thermal sensor connector

1 x CPU OverVoltage (OV) header

1 x DirectKey (DRCT) connector

1 x 2-pin Clear CMOS jumper

1 x XMP switch

(continued on the next page)

xi

STRIX X99 GAMING specifications summary

		128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 3.0,
		ACPI 5.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, CrashFree BIOS
	BIOS Features	3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Quick
		Note, Last Modified Log, F12 PrintScreen function, F3 Shortcut
		function, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory
		information
	Manageability	WfM 2.0, WOL by PME, PXE
		Drivers
	Software	Anti-virus software (OEM version)
		ASUS Utilities
		Windows® 10*
	Operating System	Windows® 8.1
		Windows® 7
		* 64-bit supported only.
	Form Factors	ATX Form Factor, 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

The specifications are subject to change without notice.

xii

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items:

	Motherboard	STRIX X99 GAMING
		2 x 2-in-1 SATA 6 Gb/s cables
	Cables	1 x SLI® cable
		1 x 80 cm RGB LED extension cable
		1 x I/O Shield
		1 x 1-in-1 Q-Connector kit
		1 x CPU installation tool for Broadwell-E CPU
		1 x ASUS 2T2R dual band Wi-Fi moving antennas
	Accessories	(Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac compliant)
		1 x ROG cable label
		1 x ROG fan label
		1 x M.2 screw package
		1 x Pack of cable ties
		1 x Pack of customizable color decals
	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® LGA2011-v3 CPU

Intel® LGA2011-v3 compatible CPU Fan

PC chassis

SATA hard disk drive

Philips (cross) screwdriver

1 bag of screws

DIMM

Power supply unit

SATA optical disc drive (optional)

Graphics card

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

xiv

Product Introduction	1

1.1Motherboard overview

1.1.1Before you proceed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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1.1.2Motherboard layout

Refer to 1.1.9 Internal connectors and 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.

1-2	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots		Page
1.	DDR4 DIMM slots	1-5
2.	CPU, CPU optional, water pump, high amp, extension, and chassis fan	1-26
	connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin W_PUMP; 4-pin
	H_AMP_FAN; 5-pin EXT_FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-2)
3.	LGA2011-v3 CPU socket	1-4
4.	ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V_1; 4-pin	1-27
	EATX12V_2)
5.	MemOK! button	1-11
6.	Intel® Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12, SATA6G_34,	1-22
	SATA6G_56/SATAEXPRESS, SATA6G_78, SATA6G_910)
7.	USB 3.0 connectors (20-1 pin USB3_12, USB3_34)	1-24
8.	M.2 Socket 3	1-23
9.	CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV)	1-14
10.	U.2 connector	1-23
11.	EZ XMP switch	1-12
12.	Thunderbolt header (5-pin TB_HEADER)	1-30
13.	Clear RTC RAM jumper (2-pin CLRTC)	1-13
14.	System panel connector (20-3 pin PANEL)	1-28
15.	DirectKey connector (2-pin DRCT)	1-29
16.	USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112, USB1314)	1-25
17.	ROG Extension connector (18-1 pin ROG_EXT)	1-32
18.	T_Sensor connector (2-pin T_SENSOR1)	1-30
19.	TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM)	1-29
20.	Q-Code LEDs	1-17
21.	Reset button	1-10
22.	Power-on button	1-10
23.	RGB header (4-pin RGB_HEADER)	1-31
24.	Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM)	1-32
25.	Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)	1-33

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1.1.3Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA2011-v3 socket designed for Intel® Core™ i7 processors.

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

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

•Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA2011-v3 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.

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1.1.4System memory

The motherboard comes with eight (8) DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4) Quad Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots.

A DDR4 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.

Ensure to install at least one of the memory modules into the A1*/B1*/C1*/D1* slot.

Recommended memory configurations

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• Side(s): SS - Single-sided

DS - Double-sided DIMM support:

Supports one (1) module inserted into any slot as single-channel memory configuration. We suggest that you install the module into D1* slot.

Supports two (2) modules inserted into one pair of the slots as quad-channel memory configuration. We suggest that you install the modules into slots B1* and D1* for better compatibility.

Supports four (4) modules inserted into two pairs of the slots as quad-channel memory configuration. We suggest that you install the modules into slots A1*, B1*, C1*, and D1* for better compatibility.

Supports six (6) modules inserted into the slots as three pairs of quad-channel memory configuration. We suggest that you install the modules into slots A1*, B1*, B2*, C1*, D1*, and D2* for better compatibility.

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

• ASUS exclusively provides hyper DIMM support function.

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

•Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

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1-6	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Memory configurations

You may install 2 GB, 4 GB and 8 GB unbuffered 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 quadchannel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

•According to Intel® CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65 V is recommended to protect the CPU.

•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 4 GB or more on the motherboard.

c)For more details, refer to the Microsoft® support site at http://support.microsoft. com/kb/929605/en-us.

• 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 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency adjustment.

•For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (8 DIMMs) 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.

•The design of the DIMM fan may vary. Ensure that the DIMM fan fits to the motherboard.

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1.1.5Expansion slots

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

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40-LANE CPU	PCI Express 3.0 operating mode
VGA configuration	PCIEX16/X8_1	PCIEX16_2		PCIEX8_3
	x16
Single VGA/PCIe card	(single VGA	N/A		N/A
	recommended)
Dual VGA/PCIe cards	x16	x16		N/A
Triple VGA/PCIe cards	x8	x16		x8

28-LANE CPU		PCI Express 3.0 operating mode
VGA configuration		PCIEX16/X8_1	PCIEX16_2		PCIEX8_3
		x16
Single VGA/PCIe card		(single VGA	N/A		N/A
		recommended)
Dual VGA/PCIe cards		x16	x8		N/A
Triple VGA/PCIe cards		x8	x8		x8

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

•Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1-2 when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.

•PCIEX4_1 is set to x1 mode by default.

•Wi-Fi Controller/PCIEX1_1 is set to [Enabled] by default. Set this item in BIOS to [Disabled] to enable auto detection of PCIEX1_1 device.

•If the x1 device is not detected on PCIEX8_3 slot, set the PCIEX8_3 Slot Bandwidth item in BIOS to [X8 Mode]. Refer to section 3.6.7 Onboard Devices Configuration for details.

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1.1.6Onboard buttons and switches

Onboard buttons and switches allow you to fine-tune performance when working on a bare or open-case system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to enhance system performance.

1.Power-on button

The motherboard comes with a power-on button that allows you to power up or wake up the system. The LED near 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.

Refer to section 1.1.8 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the PWR_LED.

2.Reset button

Press the reset button to reboot the system.

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3.MemOK! button

Installing DIMMs that are not compatible with the motherboard may cause system boot failure. If the system fails to boot during POST stage and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! button lights continuously, press the MemOK! button until the DRAM_LED starts blinking. System will begin automatic memory compatibility tuning and reboot for successful boot.

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Refer to section 1.1.8 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.

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

The MemOK! button does not function under Windows® OS environment.

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

Due to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each timing set is tested. If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) in this user manual or at www.asus.com.

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

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

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

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4.EZ XMP switch

Enable this switch to overclock the installed DIMMs, allowing you to enhance the DIMM’s speed and performance.

The EZ XMP LED (XLED1) lights up when you enable the EZ XMP switch. Refer to section 1.1.8 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the XLED1.

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1.1.7Jumpers

1.Clear RTC RAM jumper (2-pin CLRTC)

This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which includes system setup information such as system passwords.

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 for about 5-10 seconds.

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

4.Hold down the <Delete> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data.

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

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

•You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

•Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is required to enable C.P.R. function. You must turn off and on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before rebooting the system.

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2.CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV)

The CPU Over Voltage jumper allows you to set a higher CPU voltage for a flexible overclocking system, depending on the type of the installed CPU. To gain more CPU voltage setting, insert the jumper to pins 2-3. To go back to its default CPU voltage setting, insert the jumper to pins 1-2.

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1.1.8Onboard LEDs

1.POST State LEDs

The POST State LEDs provide the status of these key components during POST (Power-On Self-Test): CPU, memory modules, VGA card, and hard disk drives. If an error is found, the critical component’s LED stays lit up until the problem is solved.

2.EZ XMP LED (XLED1)

This LED lights up when you enable the EZ XMP switch.

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3.Standby Power LED (PWR_LED)

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

LED.

4.PCIE LEDs

The PCIE LEDs light up to indicate the PCIe slots that share lane with the CPU.

PCIEX4_1 slot will not light up as it shares lane with the PCH controller.

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