Asus WS X299 User Manual

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WS X299 SAGE

Motherboard

E13519

First Edition

November 2017

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.

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Contents

Safety information......................................................................................................	vi
About this guide.........................................................................................................	vii
WS X299 SAGE 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............................................................................	1-7
	1.1.6	Onboard buttons and switches....................................................	1-9
	1.1.7	Jumpers.....................................................................................	1-12
	1.1.8	Onboard LEDs...........................................................................	1-13
	1.1.9	Internal connectors....................................................................	1-15

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................................	2-5
	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	ASUS fan holder 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.........................................................................		2-18

iii

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......................................................................................		3-14
3.6	Advanced menu........................................................................................		3-16
	3.6.1	CPU Configuration.....................................................................	3-16
	3.6.2	Platform Misc Configuration.......................................................	3-16
	3.6.3	System Agent (SA) Configuration..............................................	3-16
	3.6.4	PCH Configuration.....................................................................	3-17
	3.6.5	PCH Storage Configuration.......................................................	3-17
	3.6.6	CPU Storage Configuration.......................................................	3-18
	3.6.7	Onboard Devices Configuration.................................................	3-18
	3.6.8	APM Configuration.....................................................................	3-19
	3.6.9	Network Stack Configuration.....................................................	3-19
	3.6.10	HDD/SSD SMART Information..................................................	3-19
	3.6.11	USB Configuration.....................................................................	3-19
	3.6.12	Thunderbolt(TM) Configuration..................................................	3-20
	3.6.13	PCH-FW Configuration..............................................................	3-20
3.7	Monitor menu............................................................................................		3-20
3.8	Boot menu.................................................................................................		3-20
3.9	Tool menu..................................................................................................		3-22
	3.9.1	ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility.............................................................	3-22
	3.9.2	Secure Erase.............................................................................	3-23
	3.9.3	ASUS Overclocking Profile........................................................	3-24
	3.9.4	ASUS SPD Information..............................................................	3-24
	3.9.5	Graphics Card Information.........................................................	3-24
3.10	Exit menu...................................................................................................		3-25
3.11	Updating BIOS..........................................................................................		3-26
	3.11.1	EZ Update..................................................................................	3-26
	3.11.2	ASUS EZ Flash 3.......................................................................	3-27
	3.11.3	ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3..........................................................	3-29

Chapter 4:		RAID Support
4.1	RAID configurations...................................................................................		4-1
	4.1.1	RAID definitions...........................................................................	4-1
	4.1.2	Installing storage devices............................................................	4-2
	4.1.3	Intel® Rapid Storage Technology in UEFI BIOS..........................	4-2
	4.1.4	Intel® Virtual Raid on CPU in UEFI BIOS.....................................	4-6
	4.1.5	Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility.................	4-12
4.2	Creating a RAID driver disk.....................................................................		4-16
	4.2.1	Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® .................................	4-16

Chapter 5:		Multi GPU Support
5.1	AMD® CrossFireX™ technology................................................................		5-1
	5.1.1	Requirements ..............................................................................	5-1
	5.1.2	Before you begin ..........................................................................	5-1
	5.1.3	Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards .................................	5-2
	5.1.4	Installing three CrossFireX™ graphics cards ..............................	5-3
	5.1.5	Installing four CrossFireX™ graphics cards ................................	5-4
	5.1.6	Installing the device drivers .........................................................	5-5
	5.1.7	Enabling the AMD ® CrossFireX™ technology .............................	5-5
5.2	NVIDIA® SLI™ technology.........................................................................		5-7
	5.2.1	Requirements ..............................................................................	5-7
	5.2.2	Installing two SLI - ready graphics cards .......................................	5-7
	5.2.3	Installing three SLI - ready graphics cards ....................................	5-8
	5.2.4	Installing four SLI - ready graphics cards ......................................	5-9
	5.2.5	Installing the device drivers .......................................................	5-10
	5.2.6	Enabling the NVIDIA ® SLI™ technology ....................................	5-10
Appendix
WS X299 SAGE block diagram...............................................................................			A-1
Q-Code table		.............................................................................................................	A-2
Notices	.....................................................................................................................		A-5
ASUS contact ......................................................................................information			A-9

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.

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.

5.Chapter 5: Multi GPU support

This chapter describes how to install and configure multiple AMD® CrossFire™ and NVIDIA® SLI™ graphics cards.

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

WS X299 SAGE specifications summary

		LGA2066 Socket for Intel® Core™ X-Series Processors
		Supports 14nm CPU
	CPU	Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0**
		* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.
		** Support of these features depends on the CPU types.

	Chipset	Intel® X299 Chipset
		Intel® Socket 2066 Core™ X-series Processors (6-core or above)
		- 8 x DIMM, Max. 128GB, DDR4 4200(O.C.)* / 4133(O.C.)* / 4000(O.C.)* /
		3600(O.C.)* / 2666 / 2400 / 2133 MHz, non-ECC, unbuffered memory
		Intel® Core™ X-Series Processors (4-core)
	Memory	- 4 x DIMM, Max. 64GB, DDR4 4200(O.C.)* / 4133(O.C.)* / 4000(O.C.)* /
	Memory	3600(O.C.)* / 2666 / 2400 / 2133 MHz, non-ECC, unbuffered memory

		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 List) for details.
		** Supported memory capacity depends on both CPU installed and memory
		installed.

	Expansion slots	7 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 Slots (Single at x16, Dual at x16 / x16, Quad at
	Expansion slots	x16/ x16/ x16/ x16, Seven at x16/ x8/ x8/ x8/ x8 x8/ x8)
		x16/ x16/ x16/ x16, Seven at x16/ x8/ x8/ x8/ x8 x8/ x8)
		Supports AMD® 4-Way CrossFireX™ Technology
	Multi-GPU	Supports NVIDIA® 4-Way SLI™ Technology*
	support	* Actual number of multi-graphic support differs per vendors’ graphic cards.

		Please check with Vendor beforehand.

		Intel® X299 Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and Intel Rapid Storage
		Technology 15 support
		- 1 x M.2_1 (Gen 3 x4) socket3, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage
		devices support (PCIe mode)
		- 1 x M.2_2 (Gen 3 x4) socket3, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices
		support (PCIe mode)
		- 8 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s Ports
	Storage	- 2 x U.2 connector (supports U.2 NVMe device)*
		- Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready
		- Intel® Virtual RAID (VROC) support for CPU RAID**
		* The U.2 connectors are only supported on 44-Lane CPUs.
		** Intel® VROC is supported via RSTe, and Intel® VROC_HW_key. VROC_HW_Key
		is purchased separately. NVMe RAID type and function will depend on the Intel®
		VROC_HW_key installed. PCIEX16_1 to PCIEx16_3 & PCIEX16_4 to PCIEx16_7
		support Intel® VROC separately.
	LAN	1 x Intel® I210-AT Gigabit LAN controller
	LAN	1 x Intel® I219-LM Gigabit LAN controller
		1 x Intel® I219-LM Gigabit LAN controller
		(continued on the next page)

WS X299 SAGE specifications summary

		Realtek® ALC S1220A 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC featuring
		Crystal sound 3
		- Power pre-regulator reduces power input noise to ensure consistent
		performance.
		- Separate layer for left and right track, ensuring both sound deliver equal
		quality
		- Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs
		- Audio Shielding: Ensures precision analog/digital separation and greatly
		reduced multi-lateral interference
		- Internal audio Amplifier to enhance the highest quality sound for
		headphone and speakers
	Audio	- Unique de-pop circuit: Reduces start-up popping noise to audio outputs
		- Premium Japanese-made audio capacitors provides warm, natural and
		immersive sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity
		- High quality 120dB SNR stereo playback output (Line-out@back) & 113dB
		SNR input (Line-in) support
		- Supports up to 32-Bit/192kHz playback*
		- DTS Connect
		- DTS Headphone:X
		- Supports: Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking(MIC)
		- Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel
		* Due to limitations in HAD bandwidth, 32-Bit/192kHz is not supported for
		8-channel audio. 32-Bit/192kHz is only available under Windows® 10.
		1 x USB BIOS Flashback Button
		2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (Type C & Type A)
	Back Panel I/O	6 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports (Blue)
	Back Panel I/O	4 x USB 2.0 ports (1 Supports USB BIOS Flashback)
	Ports	4 x USB 2.0 ports (1 Supports USB BIOS Flashback)
	Ports	1 x Optical S/PDIF Out Port
		1 x Optical S/PDIF Out Port
		2 x Intel® LAN (RJ45) Ports
		8-channel Audio I/O Ports
		Supporting ASUS Control Center (ACC) Management IT software
		OC Design - ASUS PRO Clock Technology
		- Full BCLK range for extreme overclocking performance.
		5-Way Optimization
		- Whole system optimization with a single click! Perfectly consolidates better
		CPU performance, power saving, digital power control, system cooling and
		app usages.
	Features	DIGI+ Power Control
	Features	- CPU Power: Digital 8-phase power design
		- CPU Power: Digital 8-phase power design
		- DRAM Power: Digital 2-phase power design
		TPU
		- Auto Tuning, TPU
		EPU
		Fan Xpert 4 with FAN Extension Card support
		Turbo Core App
		(continued on the next page)

WS X299 SAGE specifications summary

		Intel Virtual RAID on CPU (VROC) ready
		Intel Virtual RAID on CPU (VROC) ready
		ASMedia USB 3.1 Gen 2 Controller supports Multiple-Ins function
		Thunderbolt 3 support
		- Blistering-fast 40 Gb/s data transfers upgrades with ThunderboltEX 3 cards
		M.2 and U.2 Onboard (The Latest Transfer Technology with up to
		32Gb/s Data-transfer Speeds for M.2 and U.2)
		Vertical M.2 design with bracket set, up to 22110
		ASUS SafeSlot and SafeSlot Core:
		Fortified PCIe Slot preventing damages
		ASUS Overvoltage Protection:
		World-class circuit-protecting power design
		ASUS Enhanced DRAM Overcurrent Protection
		- Short circuit damage prevention
		ASUS Stainless-Steel Back I/O:
		3X corrosion-resistance for greater durability!
		ASUS ESD Guards - Enhanced ESD protection
		AURA Sync
		- Aura RGB Strip Headers
	Features	- Aura Addressable Strip Header
	Features	Ai Charger +
		Ai Charger +
		File Transfer
		ASUS Q-Design:
		- ASUS Q-Shield
		- ASUS Q-Code
		- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
		- ASUS Q-Slot
		- ASUS Q-DIMM
		- ASUS Q-Connector
		ASUS USB BIOS Flashback
		Onboard Button: Power/Reset
		UEFI BIOS
		- CrashFree BIOS 3
		- EZ Flash3
		- EZ Tuning Wizard
		- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode
		- Multi-language BIOS
		MemOK!
		AI Suite 3
		(continued on the next page)

WS X299 SAGE specifications summary

		Intel® X299 Chipset
		- 8 x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports (6 ports @ rear, 2 ports @ front)
	USB	- 4 x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports @ rear)
	USB	ASMedia® USB3.1 Gen 2 Controller
		ASMedia® USB3.1 Gen 2 Controller
		- 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports @ rear (1 x Type A; 1 x Type C)
		- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 @ front (optional Type A or Type C)

		1 x Aura Addressable Strip Header
		1 x AAFP connector
		1 x Aura RGB Strip Header
		1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports
		1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector
		1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support
		(PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
		1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices
		support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
		8 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
		1 x VROC_HW_Key
		2 x CPU Fan connectors
		2 x Channel Fan connectors
		1 x PUMP Fan connector
		1 x AIO_PUMP connector
	Internal I/O	1 x Thunderbolt header
	connectors	1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
		1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
		2 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connectors
		1 x 6-pin ATX 12V Power connector
		1 x EZ XMP switch
		1 x M.2 Fan connector
		1 x System panel
		1 x 5-pin EXT_FAN(Extension Fan) connector
		1 x MemOK! button
		1 x Thermal sensor connector
		1 x Power-on button
		1 x Reset button
		1 x Clear CMOS button
		2 x U.2 connectors
		1 x CPU_OV jumper
		1 x COM port header
	Operating	Windows® 10 64-bit
	system support	Windows® 10 64-bit
	system support
	Form factor	CEB Form Factor, 12”x 10.5” (30.5cm x 26.7cm)

• Specifications are subject to change without notice.

• Visit the ASUS website for the software manual.

xii

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

	Motherboard	1 x WS X299 SAGE motherboard
		8 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s cables
	Cables	1 x USB2.0 bracket cable
		1 x Extension cable for Addressable LED

		1 x M.2 screws kit
		1 x Vertical M.2 bracket set
		1 x ASUS 3-Way SLI™ bridge
		1 x ASUS 4-Way SLI™ bridge
		1 x ASUS HB SLI™ bridge
	Accessories	1 x COM port bracket
		1 x I/O shield
		1 x ASUS fan holder
		2 x Fan screws
		1 x 40mm*40mm fan kit
		1 x Q-Connector

	Application DVD	1 x Motherboard support DVD

	Documentation	1 x User guide
	Documentation	1 x ASUS CONTROL CENTER QSG
		1 x ASUS CONTROL CENTER QSG

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

xiii

Installation tools and components

Intel® LGA 2066 CPU

Intel® LGA 2066 compatible CPU Fan

SATA hard disk drive	Phillips (cross) screwdriver
PC chassis

1 bag of screws	DIMM

Power supply unit

SATA optical disc drive (optional)

Graphics card

M.2 SSD module (optional)

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

xiv

Product Introduction

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.

Chapter 1

ASUS WS X299 SAGE

1-1

1.1.2Motherboard layout

1 Chapter

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.	ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V1-2; 6-pin	1-19
	EATX12V3)
3.	LGA2066 CPU socket	1-4
4.	CPU, CPU optional, AIO pump, water pump+, extension, M.2, and chassis	1-18
	fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin AIO_PUMP;
	4-pin W_PUMP+; 4-pin M.2_FAN; 5-pin EXT_FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-2)
5.	U.2 connector (U.2_1-2)	1-21
6.	M.2 sockets (M.2_1(Socket 3); M.2_2(Socket 3))	1-22
7.	MemOK! button	1-10
8.	Intel® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12; SATA 6G_34;	1-15
	SATA 6G_56; SATA 6G_78)
9.	USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector (U31G2_E3)	1-16
10.	System panel connector (20-3 pin PANEL)	1-20
11.	Thermal sensor connector (2-pin T_SENSOR)	1-23
12.	VROC_HW_KEY connector (4-pin VROC_KEY)	1-26
13.	USB 3.1 Gen 1 connectors (20-1 pin U31G1_12)	1-17
14.	CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV)	1-12
15.	TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM1)	1-26
16.	RGB header (4-pin RGB_HEADER1)	1-24
17.	Addressable RGB header (4-pin ADD_HEADER)	1-25
18.	Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)	1-23
19.	EZ XMP switch	1-11
20.	Clear CMOS button (CLR_CMOS)	1-11
21.	Q-Code LEDs	1-14
22.	Reset button	1-9
23.	Power-on button	1-9
24.	Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)	1-16
25.	Thunderbolt header (5-pin TB_HEADER)	1-21

Chapter 1

ASUS WS X299 SAGE

1-3

1.1.3Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA2066 socket designed for the Intel® Core™ X-series Processors.

1 Chapter

•Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA2066 socket only. DO NOT install a CPU designed for other sockets on the LGA2066 socket.

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

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

•Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA2066 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 DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4) Dual 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.

Recommended memory configurations

Intel® Core™ X-series Processors (6-core or above)

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Intel® Core™ X-series Processors (4-core)

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Memory configurations

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

•For Intel® Core™ X-Series Processors (4-core), you may install varying memory sizes in Channel C and Channel D. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

•For Intel® Core™ X-Series Processors (6-core or above), 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 (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.

•Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

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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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Slot No. Slot Description

1PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot

2PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_2 slot (x0/x8 mode)

3PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_3 slot (x16/x8 mode)

4PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_4 slot (x0/x8 mode)

5PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_5 slot (x16/x8 mode) 6 PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_6 slot (x0/x8 mode)

7PCIE 3.0/2.0 x16_7 slot (x16/x8 mode)

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		PCI Express 3.0 operating mode

VGA	PCIe 3.0/2.0	PCIe	PCIe	PCIe	PCIe	PCIe	PCIe
		3.0/2.0	3.0/2.0	3.0/2.0	3.0/2.0	3.0/2.0	3.0/2.0
configuration	x16_1
		x16_2	x16_3	x16_4	x16_5	x16_6	x16_7


Single VGA/	x16 (single
	VGA	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
PCIe card
	recommended)

Dual VGA/PCIe	x16	N/A	N/A	N/A	x16	N/A	N/A
cards


Triple VGA/	x16	N/A	x16	N/A	x16	N/A	N/A
PCIe cards

Quad VGA/	x16	N/A	x16	N/A	x16	N/A	x16
PCIe cards


Septuple VGA/	x16	x8	x8	x8	x8	x8	x8
PCIe cards

•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.

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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.

Power-on button

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The motherboard comes with a power-on button that allows you to power up or wake

up the system. The button also lights up when the system is plugged to a power source

indicating that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before

removing or installing any motherboard component.

2.Reset button

Press the reset button to reboot the system.

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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
	1Chapter	starts blinking. System will begin automatic memory compatibility tuning and reboot for
	1Chapter	successful boot.
		successful boot.

•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) 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.Clear CMOS button (CLR_CMOS)

Press this button to clear the BIOS setup information only when the systems hangs due to overclocking.

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5.EZ XMP switch

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

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1.1.7Jumpers

	1.	CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV)
		The CPU Over Voltage jumper allows you to set a higher CPU voltage for a flexible
	1Chapter	overclocking system, depending on the type of the installed CPU. To gain more CPU
	1Chapter	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	1
	error is found, the critical component’s LED stays lit up until the problem is solved.	1
		Chapter
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The POST State 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.EZ XMP LED (XLED1)

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

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3.Q-Code LEDs

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

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•The Q-Code 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.

•Please refer to the Q-Code table in the Appendix section for more details.

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1.1.9Internal connectors

Intel® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12; SATA 6G_34;

SATA 6G_56; SATA 6G_78)

These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6 Gb/s

signal cables.

Chapter

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

configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel®

X299 chipset.

These connectors are set to [AHCI Mode] by default. If you intend to create a Serial ATA

RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [Intel RST

Premium With Intel Optane System Acceleration (RAID)].

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

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

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

3.USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector (U31G2_E3)

This connector allows you to connect a USB 3.1 Gen 2 module for additional USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports. The latest USB 3.1 Gen 2 connectivity provides data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps.

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