Asus MAXIMUS III EXTREME User manual

Motherboard
Maximus III
Extreme

ii
E5279
First Edition
January 2010
Copyright © 2010 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
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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
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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
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LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
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SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
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copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or explanation and to the
owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.

iii
Contents
Notices....................................................................................................... viii
Safety information ..................................................................................... xii
About this guide ....................................................................................... xiv
Maximus III Extreme specications summary ....................................... xvi
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... 1-3
1.3.3 ROG unique features ...................................................... 1-6
1.3.4 ASUS special features .................................................... 1-6
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-6
2.2.1 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 2-6
2.2.2 Layout contents............................................................... 2-7
2.2.3 Placement direction ........................................................ 2-8
2.2.4 Screw holes .................................................................... 2-8
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-9
2.3.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-9
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan.............................. 2-12
2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 2-13
2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-14
2.4.1 Overview ....................................................................... 2-14
2.4.2 Memory configurations.................................................. 2-15
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-22
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-22
2.5 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-23
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-23
2.5.2 Configuring an expansion card ..................................... 2-23
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-24
2.5.4 PCI slot ......................................................................... 2-25
2.5.5 PCI Express x16 slots................................................... 2-25
2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-27

iv
Contents
2.7 RC Bluetooth card...................................................................... 2-29
2.8 I/O shield Installation................................................................. 2-30
2.9 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-31
2.9.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 2-31
2.9.2 ROG Connect switch and RC Bluetooth switch ............ 2-32
2.9.3 Audio I/O connections................................................... 2-34
2.9.4 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-37
2.9.5 Onboard switches ......................................................... 2-47
2.9.6 ProbeIt .......................................................................... 2-50
2.10 Starting up for the rst time...................................................... 2-51
2.11 Turning off the computer........................................................... 2-52
2.11.1 Using the OS shut down function.................................. 2-52
2.11.2 Using the dual function power switch............................ 2-52
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 3-1
3.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 3-1
3.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 3-4
3.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 3-5
3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 3-6
3.2.1 BIOS menu screen.......................................................... 3-7
3.2.2 Menu bar......................................................................... 3-7
3.2.3 Navigation keys............................................................... 3-7
3.2.4 Menu items ..................................................................... 3-8
3.2.5 Submenu items ............................................................... 3-8
3.2.6 Configuration fields ......................................................... 3-8
3.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................... 3-8
3.2.8 Scroll bar......................................................................... 3-8
3.2.9 General help ................................................................... 3-8
3.3 Extreme Tweaker menu ............................................................... 3-9
3.3.1 CPU Level Up [Auto]..................................................... 3-10
3.3.2 Memory Level Up [Auto] ............................................... 3-10
3.3.3 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] ............................................. 3-10
3.3.4 eXtreme Memory Profile [Disabled] .............................. 3-10
3.3.5 OC From CPU/Memory Level Up [Auto] ....................... 3-10
3.3.6 CPU Ratio Setting [Auto] ...............................................3-11
3.3.7 Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [Enabled] ........................3-11

v
Contents
3.3.8 BCLK Frequency [XXX] .................................................3-11
3.3.9 DRAM Frequency [Auto] ................................................3-11
3.3.10 QPI Frequency [Auto] ....................................................3-11
3.3.11 Start auto tuning.............................................................3-11
3.3.12 OC Tuner [Good Performance] ......................................3-11
3.3.13 DRAM Timing Control ................................................... 3-12
3.3.14 CPU Clock Amplitude [Auto] ......................................... 3-13
3.3.15 PCH Clock Amplitude [Auto] ......................................... 3-13
3.3.16 CPU Clock Skew [Auto] ................................................ 3-13
3.3.17 PCH Clock Skew [Auto] ................................................ 3-13
3.3.18 Extreme OV [Disabled] ................................................. 3-13
3.3.19 CPU Vltage OCP [Enabled] .......................................... 3-14
3.3.20 PWM VGD [Auto] .......................................................... 3-14
3.3.22 CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]................................. 3-14
3.3.23 CPU Voltage Mode [VID] ............................................. 3-14
3.3.24 CPU Voltage [Auto] ...................................................... 3-14
3.3.25 CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]................................................ 3-14
3.3.26 IMC Voltage [Auto] ....................................................... 3-14
3.3.27 PCH Voltage [Auto] ....................................................... 3-14
3.3.28 DRAM Voltage [Auto] .................................................... 3-15
3.3.29 DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/B [Auto] ................. 3-15
3.3.30 DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA/B [Auto]................. 3-15
3.3.31 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto] ....................................... 3-15
3.3.32 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto] ...................................... 3-15
3.3.33 ASUS O.C. Profile......................................................... 3-15
3.4 Main menu .................................................................................. 3-16
3.4.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ................................................. 3-16
3.4.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]....................................... 3-16
3.4.3 Language [English] ....................................................... 3-16
3.4.4 SATA 1–6.........................................................................................3-17
3.4.5 Storage Configuration ................................................... 3-19
3.4.6 AHCI Configuration ....................................................... 3-20
3.4.7 System Information ....................................................... 3-20
3.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 3-21
3.5.1 CPU Configuration ........................................................ 3-21
3.5.2 Chipset.......................................................................... 3-24

vi
Contents
3.5.3 Onboard Device Configuration...................................... 3-25
3.5.4 USB Configuration ........................................................ 3-27
3.5.5 LED Control .................................................................. 3-28
3.5.6 iROG Configuration....................................................... 3-29
3.5.7 ROG Connect ............................................................... 3-29
3.6 Power menu................................................................................ 3-30
3.6.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] ................................................... 3-30
3.6.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No] ................................ 3-30
3.6.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled] ......................................... 3-30
3.6.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]....................................... 3-31
3.6.5 EuP Ready [Disabled]................................................... 3-31
3.6.6 APM Configuration........................................................ 3-31
3.6.7 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 3-33
3.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 3-36
3.7.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 3-36
3.7.2 Boot Settings Configuration .......................................... 3-37
3.7.3 Security ......................................................................... 3-38
3.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 3-40
3.8.1 ASUS O.C. Profile......................................................... 3-40
3.6.2 GO_Button File ............................................................. 3-42
3.6.3 AI NET 2........................................................................ 3-42
3.6.4 ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 3-43
3.9 Exit menu.................................................................................... 3-44
Chapter 4: Software support
4.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 4-1
4.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 4-1
4.2.1 Running the support DVD ............................................... 4-1
4.2.2 Drivers menu................................................................... 4-2
4.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 4-3
4.2.4 Make disk menu.............................................................. 4-4
4.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 4-4
4.2.6 Video menu..................................................................... 4-5
4.2.7 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 4-5
4.2.8 Other information ............................................................ 4-6
4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals ..................................... 4-8
4.3 Software information ................................................................... 4-9

vii
4.3.1 VIA®High Definition Audio utility ..................................... 4-9
4.3.2 ASUS PC Probe II..........................................................4-11
4.3.3 ASUS AI Suite............................................................... 4-17
4.3.4 ASUS Fan Xpert ........................................................... 4-19
4.3.5 CPU Level Up ............................................................... 4-20
4.3.6 TurboV EVO.................................................................. 4-21
4.3.7 ROG Connect ............................................................... 4-22
4.4 RAID congurations .................................................................. 4-24
4.4.1 RAID definitions ............................................................ 4-24
4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ..................................... 4-25
4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS ...................................... 4-25
4.4.4 Intel®Matrix Storage Manager option ROM utility......... 4-25
4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................... 4-29
4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS.... 4-29
4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®...................... 4-29
4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver
during Windows®OS installation................................... 4-30
4.5.4 Using a USB floppy disk drive....................................... 4-30
Chapter 5: ATI®CrossFireX™ technology support
5.1 ATI®CrossFireX™ technology .................................................... 5-1
5.1.1 Requirements.................................................................. 5-1
5.1.2 Before you begin............................................................. 5-1
5.1.3 Installing CrossFireX graphics cards .............................. 5-2
5.1.4 Installing the device drivers............................................. 5-3
5.1.5 Enabling the ATI®CrossFireX™ technology ................... 5-3
5.2 NVIDIA®SLI™ technology ........................................................... 5-5
5.2.1 Requirements.................................................................. 5-5
5.2.2 Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards .......................... 5-5
5.2.3 Installing the device drivers............................................. 5-6
5.2.4 Enabling the NVIDIA®SLI™ technology ......................... 5-6
Appendix: Reference information
A.1 Debug code table .........................................................................A-1
A.2 Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) for BIOS FlashBack..................A-4
A.3 Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) for RC Bluetooth.......................A-4
A.4 Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) for
500W Power Supply or above ....................................................A-5
Contents

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.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is
required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications
to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
FCC Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Caution Statement
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment. “The
manufacture declares that this device is limited to Channels 1 through 11 in the
2.4GHz frequency by specified firmware controlled in the USA.”
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. To maintain compliance with FCC RF exposure
compliance requirements, please avoid direct contact to the transmitting antenna
during transmitting. End users must follow the specific operating instructions for
satisfying RF exposure compliance.

ix
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.
Declaration of Conformity (R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC)
The following items were completed and are considered relevant and sufficient:
• Essential requirements as in [Article 3]
• Protection requirements for health and safety as in [Article 3.1a]
• Testing for electric safety according to [EN 60950]
• Protection requirements for electromagnetic compatibility in [Article 3.1b]
• Testing for electromagnetic compatibility in [EN 301 489-1] & [EN 301 489-17]
• Effective use of the radio spectrum as in [Article 3.2]
• Radio test suites according to [EN 300 328-2]
CE Marking
CE marking for devices without wireless LAN/Bluetooth
The shipped version of this device complies with the requirements of the EEC
directives 2004/108/EC “Electromagnetic compatibility” and 2006/95/EC “Low
voltage directive”.
CE marking for devices with wireless LAN/ Bluetooth
This equipment complies with the requirements of Directive 1999/5/EC of the
European Parliament and Commission from 9 March, 1999 governing Radio and
Telecommunications Equipment and mutual recognition of conformity.

x
Wireless Operation Channel for Different Domains
N. America 2.412-2.462 GHz Ch01 through CH11
Japan 2.412-2.484 GHz Ch01 through Ch14
Europe ETSI 2.412-2.472 GHz Ch01 through Ch13
France Restricted Wireless Frequency Bands
Some areas of France have a restricted frequency band. The worst case maximum
authorized power indoors are:
• 10mW for the entire 2.4 GHz band (2400 MHz–2483.5 MHz)
• 100mW for frequencies between 2446.5 MHz and 2483.5 MHz
Channels 10 through 13 inclusive operate in the band 2446.6 MHz to 2483.5
MHz.
There are few possibilities for outdoor use: On private property or on the private
property of public persons, use is subject to a preliminary authorization procedure
by the Ministry of Defense, with maximum authorized power of 100mW in the
2446.5–2483.5 MHz band. Use outdoors on public property is not permitted.
In the departments listed below, for the entire 2.4 GHz band:
• Maximum authorized power indoors is 100mW
• Maximum authorized power outdoors is 10mW
Departments in which the use of the 2400–2483.5 MHz band is permitted with an
EIRP of less than 100mW indoors and less than 10mW outdoors:
01 Ain 02 Aisne 03 Allier 05 Hautes Alpes
08 Ardennes 09 Ariège 11 Aude 12 Aveyron
16 Charente 24 Dordogne 25 Doubs 26 Drôme
32 Gers 36 Indre 37 Indre et Loire 41 Loir et Cher
45 Loiret 50 Manche 55 Meuse 58 Nièvre
59 Nord 60 Oise 61 Orne 63 Puy du Dôme
64 Pyrénées Atlantique 66 Pyrénées Orientales
67 Bas Rhin 68 Haut Rhin 70 Haute Saône 71 Saône et Loire
75 Paris 82 Tarn et Garonne 84 Vaucluse
88 Vosges 89 Yonne 90 Territoire de Belfort
94 Val de Marne
This requirement is likely to change over time, allowing you to use your wireless
LAN card in more areas within France. Please check with ART for the latest
information (www.art-telecom.fr)
Your WLAN Card transmits less than 100mW, but more than 10mW.