Asus RAMPAGE III FORMULA User manual

Motherboard
Rampage III
Formula

ii
E5997
First Edition
August 2010
Copyright © 2010 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless
such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
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 identification or explanation and to the
owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.

iii
Contents
Notices....................................................................................................... viii
Safety information ...................................................................................... ix
About this guide ......................................................................................... xi
 ...................................... xiii
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 .................................................... 1-7
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 .......................................................... 2-25
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-25
2.5 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-26
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-26
2.5.2 Configuring an expansion card ..................................... 2-26
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-27
2.5.4 PCI slot ......................................................................... 2-28
2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots..................................................... 2-29
2.5.6 PCI Express x16 slots................................................... 2-29

iv
Contents
2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-30
2.7 I/O shield Installation................................................................. 2-32
2.8 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-33
2.8.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 2-33
2.8.2 ROG Connect switch .................................................... 2-34
2.8.3 Audio I/O connections................................................... 2-35
2.8.4 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-38
2.8.5 Onboard switches ......................................................... 2-48
2.8.6 ProbeIt .......................................................................... 2-51
 ...................................................... 2-52
2.10 Turning off the computer........................................................... 2-53
2.10.1 Using the OS shut down function.................................. 2-53
2.10.2 Using the dual function power switch............................ 2-53
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 Sync Mode [Enabled].................................................... 3-10
3.3.3 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] ............................................. 3-10
3.3.4 CPU Ratio Setting [Auto] .............................................. 3-10
3.3.5 CPU Turbo Power Limit [Disabled] ................................3-11
3.3.6 CPU Configuration .........................................................3-11

v
Contents
3.3.7 BCLK Frequency [XXX] .................................................3-11
3.3.8 PCIE Frequency [XXX] ..................................................3-11
3.3.9 DRAM Frequency [Auto] ................................................3-11
3.3.10 UCLK Frequency [Auto] .................................................3-11
3.3.11 QPI Link Data Rate [Auto]..............................................3-11
3.3.12 DRAM Timing Control ................................................... 3-12
3.3.13 CPU Differential Amplitude [Auto] ................................. 3-13
3.3.14 CPU Clock Skew [Auto] ................................................ 3-14
3.3.15 IOH Clock Skew [Auto] ................................................. 3-14
3.3.16 Digi+ PWR Mode [T-Balanced] ..................................... 3-14
3.3.17 PWM Volt. Control [Auto] .............................................. 3-14
3.3.18 Load-Line Calibration [Auto] ......................................... 3-14
3.3.19 CPU Voltage OCP [Enabled]......................................... 3-14
3.3.20 CPU PWM Frequency [Auto] ........................................ 3-14
3.3.21 Extreme OV [Disabled] ................................................. 3-14
3.3.22 Extreme OC [Disabled] ................................................. 3-14
3.3.23 CPU Voltage [Auto] ...................................................... 3-15
3.3.24 CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]................................................ 3-15
3.3.25 QPI/DRAM Core Voltage [Auto] .................................... 3-15
3.3.26 DRAM Bus Voltage [Auto]............................................. 3-15
3.3.27 DRAM REF Voltages .................................................... 3-15
3.3.28 IOH Voltage [Auto] ........................................................ 3-15
3.3.29 IOH PCIE Voltage [Auto]............................................... 3-15
3.3.30 ICH Voltage [Auto] ........................................................ 3-16
3.3.31 ICH PCIE Voltage [Auto] ............................................... 3-16
3.3.32 ASUS O.C. Profile......................................................... 3-16
3.3.33 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto] ....................................... 3-16
3.3.34 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto] ...................................... 3-16
3.4 Main menu .................................................................................. 3-17
3.4.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ................................................. 3-17
3.4.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]....................................... 3-17
3.4.3 Language [English] ....................................................... 3-17
3.4.4 SATA 1–6.........................................................................................3-18
3.4.5 Storage Configuration ................................................... 3-20
3.4.6 AHCI Configuration ....................................................... 3-21
3.4.7 System Information ....................................................... 3-22

vi
Contents
3.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 3-23
3.5.1 CPU Configuration ........................................................ 3-23
3.5.2 Chipset.......................................................................... 3-26
3.5.3 Onboard Devices Configuration.................................... 3-27
3.5.4 USB Configuration ........................................................ 3-29
3.5.5 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 3-30
3.5.6 LED Control .................................................................. 3-31
3.5.7 iROG Configuration....................................................... 3-32
3.5.8 ROG Connect ............................................................... 3-32
3.6 Power menu................................................................................ 3-33
3.6.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] ................................................... 3-33
3.6.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No] ................................ 3-33
3.6.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled].......................................... 3-33
3.6.6 APM Configuration........................................................ 3-34
3.6.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]....................................... 3-34
3.6.5 EuP Ready [Disabled]................................................... 3-34
3.6.7 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 3-36
3.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 3-39
3.7.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 3-39
3.7.2 Boot Settings Configuration .......................................... 3-40
3.7.3 Security ......................................................................... 3-41
3.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 3-43
3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 3-43
3.8.2 ASUS O.C. Profile......................................................... 3-44
3.8.3 GO_Button File ............................................................. 3-46
3.8.4 BIOS FlashBack............................................................ 3-47
3.8.5 Drive Xpert Configuration.............................................. 3-48
3.9 Exit menu.................................................................................... 3-50
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

vii
Contents
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
4.3 Software information ................................................................... 4-8
4.3.1 ASUS AI Suite II.............................................................. 4-8
4.3.2 TurboV EVO.................................................................... 4-9
4.3.3 FAN Xpert ......................................................................4-11
4.3.4 Probe II ......................................................................... 4-12
4.3.5 Sensor Recorder........................................................... 4-14
4.3.6 Sound Blaster X-Fi MB 2 ............................................. 4-15
  .................................................................. 4-18
4.4.1 RAID definitions ............................................................ 4-18
4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ..................................... 4-19
4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS ...................................... 4-19
4.4.4 Intel®Matrix Storage Manager option ROM utility......... 4-20
4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................... 4-25
4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS.... 4-25
4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®...................... 4-25
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

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
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.
REACH
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and
Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical
substances in our products at ASUS website at http://green.asus.com/english/
REACH.htm.

ix
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.
• The optical S/PDIF is an optional component (may or may not be included in
your motherboard) and is defined as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT.
INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION, AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM.
• Never dispose of the battery in fire. It could explode and release harmful
substances into the environment.
• Never dispose of the battery with your regular household waste. Take it to a
hazardous material collection point.
• Never replace the battery with an incorrect battery type.
• RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT
TYPE.
• DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE
BATTERY-RELATED INSTRUCTIONS.

x
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.
This motherboard should only be used in environments with ambient
temperatures between 5ºC (41ºF) and 40ºC (104ºF).
• Place the product on a stable surface.
• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified
service technician or your retailer.
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been
designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the
crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical and electronic
equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for
disposal of electronic products.
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste.
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not
be placed in municipal waste.

xi

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
flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not
part of the standard package.
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:
• 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: 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 4: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package and the software.
• Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
This chapter describes how to install and configure multiple ATI®
CrossFireX™ and NVIDIA®SLI™ graphics cards.

xii
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.
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure 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 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 (+).
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:
afudos /iR3F.ROM

xiii
Rampage III Formula specications summary
CPU LGA1366 socket for Intel®Core™ i7 Processor Extreme
Edition / Core™ i7 Processor
- Support Intel®Turbo Boost Technology
* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel®CPU support list
Chipset Intel®X58/ICH10R
System Bus Up to 6.4 GT/s with QuickPath Interconnection
Memory Triple channel memory architecture
6 x DIMM, max. 24GB, DDR3 2200(O.C.)/
2133(O.C.)/2000(O.C)/1800(O.C.)/1600/1333/10662133(O.C.)/2000(O.C)/1800(O.C.)/1600/1333/1066
MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory modulesMHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory modules
- Supports IntelSupports Intel®Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
*Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical
characteristics of individual CPUs.characteristics of individual CPUs.
*Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the
Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lidts).Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lidts).
Expansion Slots 3 x PCIe2.0 x16 slots, support x16; x16/x16; x16/x8/x8
configurationsconfigurations
2 x PCIe x1
1 x PCI 2.2
Multi-GPU Technology Support NVIDIA 3-Way SLI™ / ATI CrossFireX™
TechnologyTechnology
Storage ICH10R Southbridge:
- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports
- Intel Matrix Storage Technology supports RAID 0, 1,
5 and 10
JMicron®363 controller:
- 2 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s port (1 x SATA On-the-Go, 1 x
power eSATA port)
Marvell®9128 PCIe SATA 6Gb/s controller
- 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports
LAN Intel®Ethernet 82567V Gigabit LAN
GameFirst
 SupremeFX X-Fi 2 onboard
- 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC
- EAX®Advanced™ HD 5.0
- THX®TrueStudio PRO™
- X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity™
- Creative ALchemy
- Supports Blu-ray audio layer content protection
- Supports Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front
Panel Jack-retasking
- Supports Optical S/PDIF out ports on rear
IEEE 1394a 2 x 1394a ports (1 port at back I/O, 1 port onboard)
(continued on the next page)

xiv
USB NEC®USB 3.0 controller
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (at back panel)
Intel®ICH10R Southbridge
- 12 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports: 6 +1 (ROG Connect) at I/O,
4 (2 USB connectors for 4 ports) + 1 (USB11 also
for OC station header)
ROG Exclusive
Overclocking Features
ROG Connect
ROG Extreme Engine Digi+
- 8-phase CPU power8-phase CPU power
- 3-phase QPI/DRAM power3-phase QPI/DRAM power
- 2-phase NB power2-phase NB power
- 2-phase Memory power2-phase Memory power
ProbeIt
iROG
Extreme Tweaker
BIOS Flashback with onboard BIOS switch button
Loadline Calibration
ROG Extreme OC kit
- LN2 ModeLN2 Mode
- Q ResetQ Reset
Intelligent overclocking tools:
- ASUS AI Booster UtilityASUS AI Booster Utility
- O.C ProfileO.C Profile
Overclocking Protection:
- COP EX (Component Overheat Protection - EX)COP EX (Component Overheat Protection - EX)
- Voltiminder LEDVoltiminder LED
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
Other Special Features CPU Level Up
MemOK!
Onboard Switches: Power / Reset / Clr CMOS (at rear)
ASUS MyLogo3
ASUS Fan Xpert
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
Q-Fan Plus
ROG BIOS Wallpaper
ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
ASUS Q-Slot
ASUS Q-DIMM
BIOS Features 16Mb AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.5,
ACPI2.0a Multi-Language BIOS
(continued on the next page)
Rampage III Formula specications summary

xv
Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE
Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port (purple)
1 x Clr CMOS switch
1 x Optical S/PDIF out port
1 x IEEE 1394a connector
2 x External SATA ports
1 x LAN (RJ45) port
1 x ROG Connect On/Off switch
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (Blue)
7 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (1 port also for ROG Connect)
8-channel Audio I/O
Internal I/O Connectors 2 x USB 2.0 connector supports additional 4 USB 2.0
portsports
8 x SATA connectors: 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
(Red); 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (Grey)(Red); 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (Grey)
8 x Fan connectors: 1 x CPU / 1 x PWR / 3 x Chassis / 3
x Optionalx Optional
8 x ProbeIt Measurement Points
3 x Thermal sensor connectors
1 x QPI Loadline calibration switch jumper (QPI_LL_SW)
1 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x SPDIF_Out Connector
1 x 24-pin ATX Power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector
1 x En/Dis-able Clr CMOS header
1 x LN2 Mode Header
1 x START (Power On) button
1 x RESET button
1 x EZ Plug connector (4-pin Molex Power connector)
1 x OC Station header (including 1 USB port)
1 x Go Button
1 x BIOS Switch button
1 x Audio front panel
1 x System panel connector
Software Support DVD:
- Drivers and Applications
Sound Blaster X-Fi MB2 Utility
ROG GameFirst Utility
Kaspersky Anti-Virus
ASUS TurboV EVO Utility
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
ASUS AI Suite II
Form Factor ATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.4cm)

Rampage III Formula specications summary

xvi

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

ROG Rampage III Formula
Chapter summary 1
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-2

ROG Rampage III Formula 1-1
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ROG Rampage III Formula 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.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard ROG Rampage III Formula
Cables 1 x ROG Connect cable1 x ROG Connect cable
1 x 3-Way SLI Bridge
1 x SLI Cable
3 x 2-in-1 SATA 3.0 Gb/s cables
1 x 2-in-1 SATA 6.0 Gb/s cables
1 x CrossFire cable
Accessories 1 x 2 in 1 ASUS Q-Connector Kit1 x 2 in 1 ASUS Q-Connector Kit
1 x I/O Shield
1 x Cable Ties Pack
1 x Optional Fan
1 x 12-in-1 ROG Cable Label
Application DVD ROG motherboard support DVD
Documentation User guide
• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
• The item illustrations in above table are for reference only. Actual product
specifications may vary with different models.

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.
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction
on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision
of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard
consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.
LGA1366 Intel®Core™ i7 Ready
This motherboard supports the latest Intel®Core™ i7 processors in LGA1366
package with integrated memory controller to support 3-channel (6 DIMMs) DDR3
memory. Supports Intel®QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) with a system bus of up to
6.4 GT/s and a max bandwidth of up to 25.6 GB/s. Intel®Core™ i7 processor is
one of the most powerful and energy efficient CPUs in the world.
Intel®X58 Chipset
The Intel®X58 Express Chipset is one of the most powerful chipset designed to
support the Intel®Core™ i7 Processors with LGA1366 package and Intel® next
generation system interconnect interface, Intel®QuickPath Interconnect (QPI),
providing improved performance by utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing
increased bandwidth and stability. It also supports up to 36 PCI Express 2.0 lanes
providing better graphics performance.
SLI/CrossFireX On-Demand
Why choose when you can have both?
SLI or CrossFireX? Fret no longer because with the ROG Rampage III Formula,
you'll be able to run both multi-GPU setups. The board features SLI/CrossFireX
on Demand technology, supporting SLI or CrossFireX configuration. Whichever
path you take, you can be assured of jaw-dropping graphics at a level previously
unseen.