Asus ROG CG8890 User manual

ASUS Gaming Desktop PC
ROG CG8890
User Manual

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Copyright © 2012 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, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
E7592
First Edition
July 2012

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Contents
Notices .......................................................................................................... 5
Safety information.......................................................................................... 7
Conventions used in this guide...................................................................... 8
Where to nd more information ..................................................................... 8
Package contents .......................................................................................... 9
Chapter 1 Getting started
Welcome!......................................................................................................11
Getting to know your computer.....................................................................11
Setting up your computer............................................................................. 16
Turning your computer ON/OFF .................................................................. 18
Chapter 2 Using Windows®7
Starting for the rst time............................................................................... 19
Using Windows®7 desktop.......................................................................... 20
Managing your les and folders................................................................... 22
Restoring your system settings.................................................................... 24
Protecting your computer............................................................................. 25
Getting Windows®Help and Support ........................................................... 26
Chapter 3 Connecting devices to your computer
Connecting a USB storage device............................................................... 27
Connecting microphone and speakers ........................................................ 28
Connecting multiple external displays ......................................................... 31
Connecting an HDTV................................................................................... 33
Chapter 4 Using your computer
Proper posture when using your Desktop PC.............................................. 35
Using the memory card reader .................................................................... 36
Using the optical drive ................................................................................. 37
Using the ASUS ROG U9N Gaming Keyboard............................................ 38
Using the ASUS GX900 Gaming Mouse ..................................................... 39
Chapter 5 Connecting to the Internet
Wired connection......................................................................................... 47
Wireless connection (on selected models only)........................................... 49

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Contents
Chapter 6 Using the utilities
AI Suite II ..................................................................................................... 51
System Level Up.......................................................................................... 52
Probe II ........................................................................................................ 53
Sensor Recorder.......................................................................................... 56
Ai Charger+ ................................................................................................. 58
USB 3.0 Boost ............................................................................................. 59
ASUS Update .............................................................................................. 61
USB BIOS Flashback .................................................................................. 62
MyLogo2...................................................................................................... 63
Audio congurations .................................................................................... 64
Sound Blaster X-Fi MB 2 ............................................................................. 65
ASUS AI Manager........................................................................................ 69
Nero 9 ........................................................................................................ 74
Recovering your system .............................................................................. 79
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................... 81
ASUS contact information............................................................................ 88

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Notices
REACH
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at
ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference; and
• This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required
to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications to this unit not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.

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RF exposure warning
This equipment must be installed and operated in accordance with provided instructions and
the antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of
at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with
any other antenna or transmitter. End-users and installers must be provide with antenna
installation instructions and transmitter operating conditions for satisfying RF exposure
compliance.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Macrovision Corporation Product Notice
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method
claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision
Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be
authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing
uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering
or disassembly is prohibited.
Lithium-Ion Battery Warning
CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the
same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries
according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services
ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards
for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to
responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging
materials. Please go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for the detailed recycling
information in different regions.

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Safety information
Disconnect the AC power and peripherals before cleaning. Wipe the Desktop PC using a
clean cellulose sponge or chamois cloth dampened with solution of nonabrasive detergent
and a few drops of warm water then remove any extra moisture with a dry cloth.
• DO NOT place on uneven or unstable work surfaces. Seek servicing if the casing has
been damaged.
• DO NOT expose to dirty or dusty environments. DO NOT operate during a gas leak.
• DO NOT place or drop objects on top and do not shove any foreign objects into the
Desktop PC.
• DO NOT expose to strong magnetic or electrical elds.
• DO NOT expose to or use near liquids, rain, or moisture. DO NOT use the modem during
electrical storms.
• Battery safety warning: DO NOT throw the battery in re. DO NOT short circuit the
contacts. DO NOT disassemble the battery.
• Use this product in environments with ambient temperatures between 0˚C (32F)and
35˚C (95F).
• DO NOT cover the vents on the Desktop PC to prevent the system from getting
overheated.
• DO NOT use damaged power cords, accessories, or other peripherals.
• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet
before relocating the system.
• Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices
could interrupt the grounding circuit.
• Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not
sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power
company.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.

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Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.
Where to nd more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software
updates.
ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software
products. Refer to the ASUS website www.asus.com.
ASUS Local Technical Support
Visit ASUS website at http://support.asus.com/contact for the contact information of
local Technical Support Engineer.
DANGER/WARNING:Information to prevent injury to yourself when completing
a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when completing a
task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.

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ASUS ROG Gaming
Desktop PC
ASUS ROG U9N Gaming
Keyboard package x1
ASUS GX900 Gaming
Mouse x1
Installation Guide
Power cord x1 Nero 9 burning software DVD
x1
Installation Guide x1
Warranty card x1 Support DVD x1 Recovery DVD x1
(optional)
OR
Wi-Fi Ring moving antenna x2
(optional)
Antenna x1 (optional)
Package contents
•If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may vary
with different models.
• For details on using the bundled gaming keyboard and mouse, refer to sections Using
the ASUS ROG Gaming Keyboard and Using the ASUS GX900 Gaming Mouse.

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ASUS CG8890 11
Chapter 1
Getting started
Getting to know your computer
Front panel
Illustrations are for reference only. The ports and their locations, and the chassis color vary
with different models.
Welcome!
Thank you for purchasing the ASUS ROG CG8890 Gaming Desktop PC!
The ASUS ROG CG8890 Gaming Desktop PC provides cutting-edge performance,
uncompromised reliability, and user-centric utilities. All these values are encapsulated in a
stunningly futuristic and stylish system casing.
Read the ASUS Warranty Card before setting up your ASUS Desktop PC.
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1. Power button. Press this button to turn on your computer.
2. Secure Digital™ / MultiMediaCard slot. Insert a Secure Digital™ card or
MultiMediaCard into this slot.
3. Optical disk drive bay. There is an optical disk drive in this bay.
4. Hot Swap Bay (empty). Allows you to install an additional HDD in this bay.
5. Power LED. This LED lights up when you turn on your computer.
6. Memory Stick™ / Memory Stick Pro™ card slot. Insert a Memory Stick™ / Memory
Stick Pro™ card into this slot.
7. CompactFlash® / Microdrive™ card slot. Insert a CompactFlash® / Microdrive™ card
into this slot.
8. OC Button. This button adjusts the System Level Up prole of your computer.
9. USB 3.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 3.0 (USB 3.0) ports connect to USB 3.0
devices such as a mouse, printer, scanner, camera, PDA, and others.
•DO NOT connect a keyboard / mouse to any USB 3.0 port when installing Windows®
operating system.
• Due to USB 3.0 controller limitation, USB 3.0 devices can only be used under Windows®
OS environment and after the USB 3.0 driver installation.
• USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only.
• We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 devices to USB 3.0 ports for faster
and better performance for your USB 3.0 devices.
10. USB 2.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) ports connect to USB 2.0
devices such as a mouse, printer, scanner, camera, PDA, and others.
11. Microphone port. This port connects to a microphone.
12. Headphone port. This port connects to a headphone or speaker.

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E-SATA
Rear panel
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1. USB 2.0 ports.USB 2.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) ports connect to USB 2.0
devices such as a mouse, printer, scanner, camera, PDA, and others.
2. Clear CMOS switch. Press the Clear CMOS switch to clear BIOS setup information
only when the system hangs due to overclocking.
3. Optical S/PDIF_OUT port. This port connects to an external audio output device via
an optical S/PDIF cable.
4. ROG Connect switch. Allows you to monitor and adjust the local PC through your
remote PC.
5. USB 2.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) ports connect to USB 2.0
devices such as a mouse, printer, scanner, camera, PDA, and others.
6. USB 3.0 ports, support ASUS USB 3.0 Boost UASP Mode. These Universal Serial
Bus 3.0 (USB 3.0) ports connect to USB 3.0 devices such as a mouse, printer,
scanner, camera, PDA, and others.
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• The USB 3.0 ports only support Windows®7 or later versions. UASP standard only
supports Windows®8.
• DO NOT connect a keyboard / mouse to any USB 3.0 port when installing Windows®
operating system.
• Due to USB 3.0 controller limitation, USB 3.0 devices can only be used under Windows®
OS environment and after the USB 3.0 driver installation.
• USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only.
• We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 devices to USB 3.0 ports for faster
and better performance for your USB 3.0 devices.
7. External SATA ports.External SATA ports. These external SATA ports connects to SATA storage devices.
8. USB 3.0 ports, support ASUS USB 3.0 Boost UASP Mode. These Universal Serial
Bus 3.0 (USB 3.0) ports connect to USB 3.0 devices such as a mouse, printer,
scanner, camera, PDA, and others.
9. Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects to the side speakers in an 8-channel
audio conguration.
10. Rear Speaker Out port (black).
Rear Speaker Out port (black). This port connects to the rear speakers in a 4, 6, and
8-channel audio conguration.
11. Center/Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects to the center/subwoofer
speakers.
12. Microphone port (pink).
Microphone port (pink). This port connects to a microphone.
13. Line Out port (lime).
Line Out port (lime). This port connects to a headphone or speaker. In a 4, 6, or
8-channel conguration, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out.
14. Line In port (light blue).
Line In port (light blue). This port connects to a tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio
sources.
Refer to the audio conguration table below for the function of the audio ports in a 2, 4, 6,
or 8-channel conguration.
Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration
Port Headset
2-channel 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel
Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In
Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In
Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer
Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out
Gray – – – Side Speaker Out

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15. PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse combo port. This port is for a PS/2 keyboard or mouse.
16. LAN (R�-45) port.LAN (R�-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN)
through a network hub.
Activity/Link LED Speed LED
Status Description Status Description
OFF No link OFF 10Mbps connection
ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100Mbps connection
BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1Gbps connection LAN port
SPEED
LED
ACT/LINK
LED
LAN port LED indications
17. Expansion slot bracket.Expansion slot bracket. Remove the expansion slot bracket when installing an
expansion card.21.
18. Sound card ports (removable). These ports connect to your output devices such as
microphone, headset and speakers.
19. ASUS Graphics Card (optional).
ASUS Graphics Card (optional). The display output ports on this optional ASUS
Graphics Card may vary with different models.
20. Power switch. Switch to turn ON/OFF the power supply to your computer.
21. Power connector (input rated: 100~120/200~240Vac, 60/50Hz, 10/5A). Plug the
power cord to this connector.
22 . Air vents. These vents allow air ventilation.

16 Chapter 1: Getting started
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Setting up your computer
This section guides you through connecting the main hardware devices, such as the external
monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord, to your computer.
Connecting an external monitor
Using the ASUS Graphics Card (on selected models only)
Connect your monitor to the display output port on the discrete ASUS Graphics Card.
To connect an external monitor using the ASUS Graphics Card:
1. Connect a monitor to a display output port on the ASUS Graphics Card.
2. Plug the monitor to a power source.
The display output ports on the ASUS Graphics Card may vary with different models.
• If your computer comes with an ASUS Graphics Card, the graphics card is set as the
primary display device in the BIOS. Hence, connect your monitor to a display output port
on the graphics card.
• To connect multiple external monitors to your computer, refer to Connecting multiple
external monitors in Chapter 3 of this user manual for details.
E-SATA

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ASUS CG8890 17
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Connecting a USB keyboard and a USB mouse
Connect a USB keyboard and a USB mouse to the USB ports on the rear panel of your
computer.
Connecting the power cord
Connect one end of the power cord to the power connector on the rear panel of your
computer and the other end to a power source.
E-SATA
The pre-installed setup utility for the bundled ASUS GX900 Gaming Mouse can be
accessed only when connecting the mouse to your computer before starting Windows®
7 for the rst time. Otherwise, you will have to manually install the setup utility from the
bundled Support DVD. Refer to section Using the ASUS GX900 Gaming Mouse of
Chapter 4 for details.
E-SATA

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Turning your computer ON/OFF
This section describes how to turn on/off your computer after setting up your computer.
Turning your computer ON
To turn your computer ON:
1. Turn your monitor ON.
2. Turn the power switch ON, then press the power button on your computer.
Turning your computer OFF
To turn your computer OFF:
1. Close all running applications.
2. Click on the Windows®desktop.
3. Click to shut down the operating system.
3. Wait until the operating system loads automatically.
Power button
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ASUS CG8890 19
Chapter 2
Using Windows®7
Starting for the rst time
When you start your computer for the rst time, a series of screens appear to guide you in
conguring the basic settings of your Windows®7 operating system.
To start for the rst time:
1. Turn your computer on. Wait for a few minutes until the Set Up Windows screen
appears.
2. From dropdown list, select your language, then click Next.
3. From the dropdown lists, select your Country or region, Time and currency, and
Keyboard layout, then click Next.
4. Key in uniques names for the user name and computer name, then click Next.
5. Key in the necessary information to set up your password, then click Next. You may
also click Next to skip this step without entering any information.
6. Carefully read the license terms. Tick I accept the license terms and click Next.
7. Select Use recommended settings or Install important updates only to set up the
security settings for your computer. To skip this step, select Ask me later.
8. Review your date and time settings. Click Next. The system loads the new settings and
restarts. You may now start using your computer.
If you want to set up a password for your account later, refer to the section Setting up a
user account and password in this chapter.

20 Chapter 2: Using Windows®7
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Using Windows®7 desktop
Using the Start menu
The Start menu gives you access to programs, utilities, and other useful items on your
computer. It also provides you with more information about Windows 7 through its Help and
Support feature.
Launching items from the Start menu
To launch items from the Start menu:
1. From the Windows®taskbar, click the Start icon .
2. From the Start menu, select the item that you want to launch.
You may pin programs that you want constantly displayed on the Start menu. For more
details, refer to the section Pinning programs on the Start menu or taskbar on this
chapter.
Click the Start icon > Help and Support to obtain more information about Windows®7.
Using the Getting Started item
The Getting Started item on the Start menu contains information about some basic tasks
such as personalizing Windows®, adding new users, and transferring les to help you to
familiarize yourself with using Windows®7.
To use the Getting Started item:
1. From the Windows®taskbar, click the Start icon to launch the Start menu.
2. Select Getting Started. The list of available tasks appears.
3. Select the task that you want to do.
Using the taskbar
The taskbar allows you to launch and manage programs or items installed on your computer.
Launching a program from the taskbar
To launch a program from the taskbar:
• From the Windows®taskbar, click an icon to launch it. Click the icon again to hide the
program.
You may pin programs that you want constantly displayed on the taskbar. For more details,
refer to the section Pinning programs on the Start menu or taskbar on this chapter.