Asus E3746 Instructions for use

Motherboard
Striker II
Extreme /
Striker II
NSE

ii
E3746
Fourth Edition V4
March 2008
Copyright © 2008 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 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



iii
Contents
Contents ...................................................................................................... iii
Notices....................................................................................................... viii
Safety information ...................................................................................... ix
About this guide .......................................................................................... x
Striker II Extreme / Striker II NSE specications summary ................... xii
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-2
1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2
1.3.2 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features... 1-4
1.3.3 ROG unique features ...................................................... 1-6
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-5
2.2.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 2-5
2.2.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 2-5
2.2.3 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 2-6
2.2.4 Audio card layout ............................................................ 2-6
2.2.5 Layout contents............................................................... 2-7
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-9
2.3.1 Installing the CPU ......................................................... 2-10
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan.............................. 2-12
2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 2-14
2.3.4 Installing the optional fans ............................................ 2-16
2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-18
2.4.1 Overview ....................................................................... 2-18
 .................................................. 2-19
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-21
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-21
2.5 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-22
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-22
  ..................................... 2-22
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-23

iv
Contents
2.5.4 PCI slots........................................................................ 2-24
2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots..................................................... 2-24
2.5.6 PCI Express x16 slots................................................... 2-24
2.6 Slide switch ................................................................................ 2-26
2.7 Audio card, EL I/O shield, and LCD Poster installation.......... 2-27
2.7.1 Audio card Installation................................................... 2-27
2.7.2 EL I/O shield and LCD Poster Installation..................... 2-28
2.8 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-29
2.8.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 2-29
2.8.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-32
2.8.3 Onboard switches ......................................................... 2-43
2.8.4 Installing Fusion Block System accessory .................... 2-44
2.8.5 Installing the DIY Pedestal............................................ 2-46
Chapter 3: Powering up
3.1 Starting up for the rst time........................................................ 3-1
3.2 Turning off the computer............................................................. 3-2
3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function.................................... 3-2
3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch.............................. 3-2
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1
4.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 4-1
4.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 4-4
4.1.3 Updating the BIOS .......................................................... 4-5
 ............................................ 4-7
4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS utility ......................................... 4-8
4.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-9
4.2.1 BIOS menu screen........................................................ 4-10
4.2.2 Menu bar....................................................................... 4-10
4.2.3 Legend bar.....................................................................4-11
4.2.4 Menu items ....................................................................4-11
4.2.5 Sub-menu items.............................................................4-11
  ........................................................4-11
4.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................. 4-12
4.2.8 General help ................................................................. 4-12

v
Contents
4.3 Extreme Tweaker menu ............................................................. 4-13
  ................... 4-13
4.4 Main menu .................................................................................. 4-20
4.4.1 System Time ................................................................ 4-20
4.4.2 System Date ................................................................. 4-20
4.4.3 Language ...................................................................... 4-20
4.4.4 Legacy Diskette A ......................................................... 4-20
4.4.5 Primary IDE Master/Slave............................................. 4-21
4.4.6 SATA 1–6.........................................................................................4-23
4.4.7 HDD SMART Monitoring ............................................... 4-24
4.4.8 Installed Memory........................................................... 4-24
4.4.9 Usable Memory............................................................. 4-24
4.4.10 System Information ....................................................... 4-24
4.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-25
4.5.1 AI NET2 ........................................................................ 4-25
4.5.2 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 4-26
 ...................................... 4-26
  ........................................................ 4-27
4.5.5 IDE Function Setup....................................................... 4-28
  ............................................... 4-28
4.5.7 LCD Poster and Onboard LED Control......................... 4-29
4.6 Power menu................................................................................ 4-31
4.6.1 ACPI Suspend Type...................................................... 4-31
4.6.2 ACPI APIC Support....................................................... 4-31
 ........................................................ 4-32
4.6.4 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 4-33
4.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-37
4.7.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 4-37
4.7.2 Removable Drives......................................................... 4-38
4.7.3 Hard Disk Drives ........................................................... 4-38
4.7.4 CDROM Drives ............................................................. 4-38
  ......................................... 4-39
4.7.6 Security ......................................................................... 4-40
4.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-42
 ......................................................... 4-42

vi
Contents
4.8.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 4-44
4.9 Exit menu.................................................................................... 4-45
Chapter 5: Software support
5.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1
5.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 5-1
5.2.1 Running the support DVD ............................................... 5-1
5.2.2 Drivers menu................................................................... 5-2
5.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 5-3
5.2.4 Make Disk menu ............................................................. 5-5
5.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 5-6
5.2.6 Video menu..................................................................... 5-6
5.2.7 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 5-7
5.2.8 Other information ............................................................ 5-7
5.3 Software information ................................................................... 5-9
5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo3™........................................................... 5-9
5.3.2 AI NET 2.........................................................................5-11
5.3.3 AI Audio 2 (SoundMAX®... 5-12
5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II......................................................... 5-21
5.3.5 ASUS AI Suite............................................................... 5-27
5.3.6 ASUS EPU Utility—AI Gear 3+...................................... 5-29
5.3.7 ASUS AI Nap ................................................................ 5-31
5.3.8 ASUS Q-Fan Plus ......................................................... 5-32
5.3.9 ASUS AI Booster........................................................... 5-33
5.3.10 CPU Level Up ............................................................... 5-34
5.4 RAID congurations .................................................................. 5-35
  ............................................................ 5-35
5.4.2 NVIDIA®........................................ 5-36
5.4.4 JMicron®........................................ 5-43
5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................... 5-51
5.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS.... 5-51
5.5.2 Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows®............ 5-51
Chapter 6: NVIDIA®SLI™ technology support
6.1 Overview ....................................................................................... 6-1
Requirements................................................................................. 6-1

vii
Contents
6.2 Graphics card setup .................................................................... 6-2
6.2.1 Installing three SLI-ready graphics cards........................ 6-2
6.2.2 Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards .......................... 6-5
6.2.3 Installing the device drivers............................................. 6-6
6.2.4 Enabling the NVIDIA®SLI™ technology in Windows®.... 6-6
Appendix: CPU features
A.1 Intel®EM64T..................................................................................A-1
A.2 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep®Technology (EIST) ........................A-1
A.2.1 System requirements ......................................................A-1
A.2.2 Using the EIST................................................................A-2
A.3 Intel®Hyper-Threading Technology ...........................................A-3
Using the Hyper-Threading Technology ........................................A-3
A.4 Debug code table .........................................................................A-4

viii
Notices
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.
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.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is

to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

ix
Safety information
Electrical safety
• 
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 adpater or extension cord.
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
• Make sure 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.
• 

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, make sure 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.
• 
service technician or your retailer.
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical
and electronic equipment, and mercury-containing button cell battery) should
not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of
electronic products.

x
About this guide

the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new
technology it supports.
• Chapter 2: Hardware information
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform
when installing system components. It includes description of the switches,
jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.
• Chapter 3: Powering up
This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down
the system.
• Chapter 4: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
• Chapter 5: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package.
• Chapter 6: NVIDIA®SLI™ technology support
This chapter shows how to install SLI-ready PCI Express graphics cards.
• Appendix: CPU features
The Appendix describes the CPU features and technologies that the
motherboard supports as well as the debug code table for the LCD Poster.
Where to nd more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and
software updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty

part of the standard package.

xi
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics  
<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 (+).
Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>
Command Means that you must type the command exactly as
shown, then supply the required item or value enclosed
in brackets.
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
format A:/S
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.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a
task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a
task.

xii
Striker II Extreme / Striker II NSEStriker II NSE
specications summary
CPU LGA775 socket for Intel®Core™2 Quad /
Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Duo / Pentium®Extreme /
Pentium®D / Pentium®4 processors
Supports Intel®next-generation 45nm multi-core CPUs
Compatible with Intel®06/05B/05A processors06/05B/05A processors05B/05A processors
* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list
Chipset Striker II Extreme: NVIDIA®nForce®790i Ultra SLI™
Striker II NSE: NVIDIA®nForce®790i SLI™
System Bus 
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture supports NVIDIA®
SLI™-ready memory technologySLI™-ready memory technology
- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered
non-ECC DDR3 2000 (O.C.)/1800(O.C.)/non-ECC DDR3 2000 (O.C.)/1800(O.C.)/(O.C.)//
      
(Striker II Extreme)Striker II Extreme))
- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered
  
memory modules (Striker II NSE)
- Supports up to 8 GB system memory
*Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the
     
Expansion Slots 2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots (support NVIDIANVIDIA®SLI™
    

2 x PCIe x1 slots (PCIEX1_1 (black) is compatible with
the audio slot.)the audio slot.)
2 x PCI 2.2 slots
Scalable Link Interface
(SLI™)
Supports NVIDIA®3-way SLI graphics cards (triple at x16
mode)mode)
Storage Southbridge supports:
- 1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66/33
- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s
- NVIDIANVIDIA®MediaShield™ RAID supports RAID 0, 1,
         
drivesdrives
JMicron®JMB363 SATA controller
- 2 x External SATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA On-the-Go)
LAN Dual Gigabit LAN, both featuring AI NET 2
Supports Teaming Technology
High Denition Audio SupremeFX II Audio Card
  
- Noise Filter
Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF Out ports at back I/O
(continued on the next page)

xiii
IEEE 1394 
panel)
USB 10 x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports at midboard, 6 ports at back
panel)
ROG Exclusive
Overclocking features
Extreme Tweaker
2-Phase DDR3
Loadline Calibration
Intelligent overclocking tools:
- CPU Level Up
- ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit)
- AI Gear 3+
- AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)
- AI Booster Utility
  
Overclocking protection:
- COP EX (Component Overheat Protection -EX)
- Voltiminder LED
- Frequency LED
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
ROG Special Features Fusion Block System
LCD Poster
EL I/O
Onboard Switches: Power / Reset / Clr CMOS (at rear
panel)
ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS Q-Fan Plus
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS CrashFree BIOS
ROG BIOS Wallpaper
ASUS MyLogo 3™
Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard (purple)
1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial + Optical)
2 x External SATA ports
1 x IEEE1394a port
2 x LAN (RJ45) ports
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x Clr CMOS switch
(continued on the next page)
Striker II Extreme / Striker II NSE
specications summary

xiv
Internal I/O Connectors 2 x USB connectors support additional 4 USB ports
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector for two devices
6 x SATA connectors
8 x Fan connectors (1 x CPU / 1 x Power / 3 x Chassis /
3 x Optional)
3 x Thermal sensor connectors
1 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x Chassis Intrusion connector
24-pin ATX Power connector
8-pin ATX 12V Power connector
1 x En/Dis-able Clr CMOS switch
1 x LCD Poster connector
1 x EL I/O shield connector
1 x System panel connector
1 x ROG connector
BIOS Features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AWARD BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,
SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI 2.0a Multi-Language BIOSSM BIOS 2.4, ACPI 2.0a Multi-Language BIOS
Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, Chassis Intrusion, PXE
Accessories Fusion Block System Accessory
DIY Pedestal
LCD Poster
ASUS Optional Fan
SupremeFX II Audio Card
3-Way SLI bridge / ASUS SLI bridge
3 in 1 ASUS Q-connector kit
UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable
Floppy disk drive cable
Serial ATA cables
Serial ATA power cables
2-port USB2.0 + IEEE 1394a module
EL I/O shield
Thermal sensor cables
Cable ties
User's manual
Software The hottest DX10 game: Company of Heroes—Opposing
Fronts
Support DVD:
Drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
ASUS AI Suite
Futuremark®3DMark®06 Advanced Edition
Kaspersky®Anti-virus software
Form Factor ATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5 cm x 24.5 cm)

Striker II Extreme / Striker II NSE
specications summary

1
Chapter 1: Product
introduction
This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies
it supports.

ROG Striker II Extreme / Striker II NSE
Chapter summary 1
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-2

ROG Striker II Extreme / Striker II NSE 1-1
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®Striker II Extreme / Striker II NSE motherboard!
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it
another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the
items in your package with the list below.
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard ROG Striker II Extreme / Striker II NSE
I/O module USB 2.0 + IEEE 1394a module
Cables Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
Floppy disk drive cable
Serial ATA cables
Serial ATA power cables
Thermal sensor cablesThermal sensor cables
Accessories Fusion Block System AccessoryFusion Block System Accessory
EL I/O shield
3-Way SLI bridge
ASUS SLI bridge
ASUS Optional Fan
LCD Poster
SupremeFX II Audio Card
3-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector Kit
Cable ties
DIY Pedestal
Application DVD/CD ROG motherboard support DVD
The hottest game: Company of Heroes—Opposing
Fronts
Documentation User guide

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Republic of Gamers
The Republic of Gamers consists only the best of the best. We offer the best
hardware engineering, the fastest performance, the most innovating ideas, and we
welcome the best gamers to join in. In the Republic of Gamers, mercy rules are
only for the weak, and bragging rights means everything. We believe in making
statements and we excel in competitions. If your character matches our trait, then
join the elite club, make your presence felt, in the Republic of Gamers.
Intel®Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Duo / Core™2 Extreme
CPU support
This motherboard supports the latest Intel®Quad-core/Core™2 processor in the
LGA775 package and Intel’s next-generation 45nm multi-core processors. With
the new Intel®
FSB, the Intel®
the world. See page 2-9 for details.
NVIDIA®nForce® 790i Ultra SLI / 790i SLI chipset
The NVIDIA®nForce 790i Ultra SLI / 790i SLI chipset supports the NVIDIA®
Scalable Link Interface (SLI™) technology that allows three graphics processing
units (GPUs) in a single system. It’s designed for enthusiast, extreme overclocking

one of the fastest platform in the world. The NVIDIA®nForce 790i Ultra SLI / 790i
SLI chipset also supports six (6) Serial ATA 3 Gb/s devices, three PCI Express™
x16 slots with NVIDIA®SLI™support at full x16, x16, x16 mode, and up to 10 USB
2.0 ports.
NVIDIA®Scalable Link Interface (SLI™)
NVIDIA SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) takes advantage of the increased
bandwidth of the PCI Express bus architecture and features intelligent hardware

shattering, scalable performance.
NVIDIA®3-Way SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface)
NVIDIA 3-Way SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) takes advantage of the increased
bandwidth of the PCI Express 2.0 bus architecture and features intelligent

deliver earth-shattering, scalable performance. For some applications nearly triple
performance! See Chapter 6 for details.

ROG Striker II Extreme / Striker II NSE 1-3
Dual-channel DDR3 1333 memory support
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of

3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR3
architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system
performance. See page 2-18 for details.
PCIe 2.0
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 device for twice the current speed
and bandwidth. This enhances system performance while still providing backward
compatibility to PCIe 1.0 devices. See page 2-24 for details.
Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology and SATA-On-The-Go
This motherboard supports the next-generation hard drives based on the Serial

doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. The external
SATA port located at the back I/O provides smart setup and hot-plug functions.
Easily backup photos, videos and other entertainment contents to external devices.
See pages 2-30 and 2-33 for details.
Dual Gigabit LAN
The integrated dual Gigabit LAN design allows a PC to serve as a network

ensures rapid transfer of data from WAN to LAN without any added arbitration or
latency. See page 2-29 for details.
IEEE 1394a support
The IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video
appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals
& other PC portable devices. See pages 2-31 and 2-35 for details.
High Denition Audio
Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High


streaming technology that simultaneously sends different audio streams to different
destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphones while playing
multi-channel network games. See pages 2-30 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction

of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard

1.3.2 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features
Fusion Block System

competing followers with complicated looks. It is a hybrid thermal design that
combines the ROG’s renowned heatpipe design with the additional ability to
connect to a water cooling system. By taking the entire integrated solution into
design considerations, the user can enjoy exceptional thermal improvement to
Northbridge, Southbridge, Crosslinx, and even VRM with a single connection. The

there is on a motherboard.
CPU Level Up
Ever wish that you could have a more expansive CPU? Upgrade your CPU at no
additional cost with ROG’s CPU Level Up! Simply choose a processor you want to
OC to, and the motherboard will do the rest for you. See the new CPU speed and
enjoy the performance instantly! Overclocking is never as easy as this. See pages
4-13 and 5-34 for details.
2-Phase DDR3
With the embedded 2-Phase DDR3, this motherboard allows users to reach higher
memory frequencies and enjoy better performance. Compared with only one phase
solutions, this motherboard ensures longer power component life spans and higher

Extreme Tweaker

performance. No matter if you are looking for frequency adjustment, over-voltage
options, or memory timing settings, they are all here! See page 4-13 for details.