Asus ROG MAXIMUS X HERO User manual

Motherboard
ROG
MAXIMUS
X HERO

ii
E13274
First Edition
August 2017
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iii
Contents
Safety information...................................................................................................... vi
About this guide........................................................................................................ vii
MAXIMUS X HERO specifications summary............................................................ ix
Package contents...................................................................................................... xv
Installation tools and components......................................................................... xvi
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.1 Motherboard overview............................................................................... 1-1
1.1.1 Before you proceed..................................................................... 1-1
1.1.2 Motherboard layout ..................................................................... 1-2
1.1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-4
1.1.4 System memory .......................................................................... 1-5
1.1.5 Expansion slots........................................................................... 1-7
1.1.6 Onboard buttons and switches.................................................... 1-9
1.1.7 Jumper and holes...................................................................... 1-13
1.1.8 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................... 1-14
1.1.9 Internal connectors.................................................................... 1-16
Chapter 2: Basic Installation
2.1 Building your PC system...........................................................................2-1
2.1.1 CPU installation........................................................................... 2-1
2.1.2 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation............................... 2-3
2.1.3 Motherboard installation.............................................................. 2-5
2.1.4 DIMM installation......................................................................... 2-6
2.1.5 ATX power connection................................................................ 2-7
2.1.6 SATA device connection............................................................. 2-7
2.1.7 Front I/O connector ..................................................................... 2-8
2.1.8 Expansion card installation ......................................................... 2-9
2.1.9 M.2 installation .......................................................................... 2-10
2.1.10 Fan holder installation............................................................... 2-11
2.2 BIOS update utility...................................................................................2-12
2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections .............................................2-13
2.3.1 Rear I/O connection .................................................................. 2-13
2.3.2 Audio I/O connections............................................................... 2-15
2.4 Starting up for the first time.................................................................... 2-17
2.5 Turning off the computer ........................................................................2-17

iv
Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................3-1
3.2 BIOS setup program ..................................................................................3-2
3.2.1 Advanced Mode .......................................................................... 3-3
3.2.2 EZ Mode...................................................................................... 3-6
3.2.3 QFan Control............................................................................... 3-7
3.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard ....................................................................... 3-9
3.3 My Favorites .............................................................................................3-12
3.4 Main menu ................................................................................................3-14
3.5 Extreme Tweaker menu ...........................................................................3-14
3.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................3-16
3.6.1 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 3-16
3.6.2 Platform Misc Conguration...................................................... 3-17
3.6.3 System Agent (SA) Conguration ............................................. 3-17
3.6.4 PCH Conguration .................................................................... 3-17
3.6.5 PCH Storage Conguration....................................................... 3-17
3.6.6 PCH-FW Conguration ............................................................. 3-18
3.6.7 ROG Effects.............................................................................. 3-18
3.6.8 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................ 3-18
3.6.9 APM Conguration .................................................................... 3-20
3.6.10 Network Stack Conguration..................................................... 3-20
3.6.11 HDD/SSD SMART Information ................................................. 3-20
3.6.12 USB Conguration .................................................................... 3-20
3.7 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................3-21
3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-21
3.9 Tool menu.................................................................................................3-23
3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility ............................................................ 3-23
3.9.2 Secure Erase ............................................................................ 3-24
3.9.3 ASUS Overclocking Prole ....................................................... 3-25
3.9.4 ASUS SPD Information............................................................. 3-25
3.9.5 Graphics Card Information........................................................ 3-25
3.10 Exit menu..................................................................................................3-26
3.11 Updating BIOS.......................................................................................... 3-27
3.11.1 EZ Update................................................................................. 3-27
3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3...................................................................... 3-28
3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3.......................................................... 3-30

v
Chapter 4: RAID Support
4.1 RAID configurations ..................................................................................4-1
4.1.1 RAID denitions .......................................................................... 4-1
4.1.2 Installing storage devices............................................................ 4-2
4.1.3 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology in UEFI BIOS.......................... 4-2
4.1.4 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility.................. 4-6
4.2 Creating a RAID driver disk ....................................................................4-10
4.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®................................. 4-10
Appendix
Q-Code table............................................................................................................ A-1
Notices .................................................................................................................... A-5
ASUS contact information...................................................................................... A-9

vi
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 x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
 Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.
 Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.
 To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,
slots, sockets and circuitry.
 Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area
where it may become wet.
 Place the product on a stable surface.
 If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.

vii
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring 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. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the
motherboard.
• Chapter2:BasicInstallation
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when
installing system components.
• 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:RAIDSupport
This chapter describes the RAID congurations.
Where to find more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software
updates.
1. ASUS website
The ASUS website (www.asus.com) provides updated information on ASUS hardware
and software products.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,
that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the
standard package.

viii
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to
complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to
complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
means that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key.
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
names are linked with a plus sign (+).

ix
MAXIMUS X HERO specifications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU
Intel®Socket 1151 for 8th Gen Intel®Core™ Processors
Supports 14nm CPU
Supports Intel®Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
* Intel®Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU type.
Chipset Intel®Z370 Chipset
Memory
4 x DIMM, Max. 64GB DDR4 4133+(OC)* / 4000(OC)* / 3866(OC)* /
3733(OC)* / 3600(OC)* / 3466(OC)* / 3400(OC)* / 3333(OC)* /
3300(OC)* / 3200(OC)* / 3000(OC)* / 2800(OC)* / 2666 / 2400 /
2133 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory
Dual Channel Memory Architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)
*Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of
individual CPUs.
** Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List) for details.
Expansion slots
New 8th Gen Intel®Core™ Processors
2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (supports x16, x8/x8)
Intel®Z370 Chipset
1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (max. at x4 mode)*
3 x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
* The PCIe x4_3 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIe x1_3 slot. The PCIe
x4_3 slot is set to x2 mode by default.
Graphic
Integrated Graphics Processor- Intel®HD Graphics support
Multi-VGA output support : HDMI/DisplayPort
- Supports DisplayPort 1.2 with max. resolution 4096 x 2304 @
60Hz
- Supports HDMI 1.4b with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 24Hz
Maximum shared memory of 1024MB
Multi-GPU support Supports NVIDIA®2-Way/Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology
Supports AMD®3-Way/Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
LAN
Intel®I219-V Gigabit LAN- Dual interconnect between the integrated
Media Access Controller (MAC) and physical layer (PHY)
Anti-surge LANGuard
ROG GameFirst IV

x
(continued on the next page)
Storage
Intel®Z370 Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and Intel Rapid
Storage Technology support
- 1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280
(supports PCIE 3.0 x4 and SATA modes)*
- 1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280
(supports PCIE 3.0 x4 mode)**
- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
- Supports Intel®Smart Response Technology ***
- Ready for Intel®Optane™ Memory
* When the M.2_1 Socket 3 is operating in SATA mode, SATA port 1 will
be disabled.
** When the M.2_2 Socket 3 is operating in PCIEX4 mode, SATA port 5, 6
will be disabled.
*** This function will work depending on the CPU installed.
Audio
ROG SupremeFX S1220 8-Channel High Definition Audio
CODEC
- Supports up to 32-Bit/192kHz playback*
- Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs
- ES9023P High Denition DAC
- SupremeFX Shielding Technology
- Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, and Front Panel Jack-retasking
- Optical S/PDIF out port at back panel
- High quality 120 dB SNR stereo playback output and 113 dB SNR
recording input
- Dual Headpone Ampliers
Audio Features:
- Sonic Studio III
- Sonic Radar III
* Due to limitations in HDA bandwidth, 32-Bit/192kHz is not supported for
8-channel audio.
USB
Intel®Z370 Chipset
- 6 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports ( 4 ports at back panel [blue], 2 ports at
mid-board)
- 6 x USB 2.0 ports (2 ports at back panel [black], 4 ports at mid-
board)
ASMedia®USB 3.1 Gen 2 controller
- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector
- 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (1 Type-A [red] and 1 Type-C [black] at
back panel)
MAXIMUS X HERO specifications summary

xi
(continued on the next page)
ROG Exclusive Features
Extreme Engine Digi+
- MicroFine Alloy Choke
- NexFET Power Block MOSFET
- 10K Black Metallic Capacitors
OC Zone
- Start Button
- Reset Button
- Safe Boot Button
- ReTry Button
- LN2 Mode
- Slow Mode switch
Mem TweakIt
GameFirst IV
MemOK! Button
ROG RAMDisk
ROG RAMCache II
ROG CloneDrive
ROG CPU-Z
Overwolf
ROG Aura
- Aura Lighting Control
- Aura RGB Strip Headers
- Aura Addressable RGB Header
KeyBot II
- One-click overclocking
- DirectKey
- Clr CMOS
- Power On
UEFI BIOS features:
- Extreme Tweaker
- Tweakers’ Paradise
- ROG SSD Secure Erase
- O.C. Prole
MAXIMUS X HERO specifications summary

xii
(continued on the next page)
MAXIMUS X HERO specifications summary
Special Features
ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 5
- 5-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU, DIGI+
Power Control, Fan Xpert 4, and Turbo App
ASUS Exclusive Features
- AI Suite 3
- Disk Unlocker
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 3
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
- MemOK!
ASUS Q-Design
- SafeSlot
- Q-Code
- Q-Connector
- Q-LED (CPU[red], DRAM[yellow], VGA[white], Boot Device
LED[green])
- Q-DIMM
BIOS Flashback Button
Clear CMOS Button
Pre-mounted IO Shield
Back I/O Ports
1 x Clear CMOS Button
1 x BIOS Flashback Button
1 x HDMI 1.4b
1 x DisplayPort 1.2
2 x USB 2.0 ports [black]
4 x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports [blue]
1 x Anti-surge LAN (RJ45) port
2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (1 x Type-A [red] and 1 x Type-C™ [black])
1 x Optical S/PDIF out
5 x Gold-plated audio jacks

xiii
(continued on the next page)
Internal I/O Ports
2 x AURA RGB headers
1 x AURA Addressable RGB header
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 header supports additional 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1
ports
2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports
6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
1 x M.2_1 Socket 3 for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices
support (Supports PCIE 3.0 x4 and SATA modes)
1 x M.2_2 Socket 3 for M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices
support (Supports PCIE 3.0 x4 mode)
1 x 4-Pin CPU fan connector
1 x 4-Pin CPU_OPT fan connector
3 x 4-Pin Chassis fan connectors
1 x EXT_Fan header
1 x 4-Pin W_PUMP+ connector
1 x W_IN header
1 x W_OUT header
1 x W_FLOW header
1 x 4-Pin AIO_PUMP connector
1 x H_AMP fan connector
1 x Thermal sensor connector
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V power connector
1 x Start button
1 x Reset button
1 x Safe Boot button
1 x Retry button
1 x LN2 mode jumper
1 x Slow mode switch
1 x MemOK! Button
1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
1 x TPM connector
1 x System panel connector
3 x 3D Mount screw ports
BIOS
1 x 128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI3.0, WfM2.0,
SM BIOS 3.0, ACPI 6.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash
3, CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control,
F3 My Favorites, Last Modied log, F12 PrintScreen, F3 Shortcut
functions and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory
information.
Manageability WfM2.0, DMI3.0, WOL by PME, PXE
MAXIMUS X HERO specifications summary

xiv
Software
Drivers
AURA
ROG GameFirst IV
ROG RAMDisk
ROG RAMCache II
ROG CPU-Z
ROG Mem TweakIt
Overwolf
ROG Keybot II
CloneDrive
Kaspersky®Anti-Virus
DAEMON Tools Software
Winzip
ASUS Utilities
Sonic Studio III
Sonic Radar III
Fan Xpert 4
Operating System
Support
Windows®10 64-bit
Form Factor ATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.4cm)
Specications are subject to change without notice. Please refer to the ASUS website for
the latest specications.
MAXIMUS X HERO specifications summary

xv
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard ROG MAXIMUS X HERO
Cables
1 x RGB LED extension cable
1 x RGB Addressable LED extension cable
2 x 2-in-1 SATA 6Gb/s cables
Accessories
1 x SLI™ HB Bridge(2-way-M)
1 x Q-Connector
1 x ROG Coaster
1 x 3D printing mount kit
1 x 10-in-1 ROG cable label
1 x CPU Installation Tool
2 x 2-in-1 M.2 Screw set
1 x ROG sticker
1 x Fan holder
Application DVD ROG motherboard support DVD
Documentation User guide
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

xvi
Installation tools and components
1 Bag of screws Phillips (cross) screwdriver
PC chassis Power supply unit
Intel®LGA 1151 CPU Intel®LGA 1151 compatible CPU Fan
DDR4 DIMM SATA hard disk drive
SATA optical disc drive (optional) Graphics card (optional)
The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.

ROG MAXIMUS X HERO 1-1
Chapter 1
Product Introduction
1
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
 Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.
 Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded
object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due
to static electricity.
 Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
 Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the
bag that came with the component.
 Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is
switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so
may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.
1.1 Motherboard overview
1.1.1 Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change
any motherboard settings.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
Refer to 1.1.9 Internal connectors and 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection for more information
about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.
1.1.2 Motherboard layout

ROG MAXIMUS X HERO 1-3
Chapter 1
Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots Page
1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V) 1-20
2. LGA1151 CPU Socket 1-4
3. CPU, CPU optional, high amp, extension, water pump+, AIO pump, and
chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin H_AMP;
5-pin EXT_FAN; 4-pin W_PUMP+; 4-pin AIO_PUMP; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-3)
1-19
4. AURA RGB headers (4-pin RGB_HEADER1-2) 1-23
5. DDR4 DIMM slots 1-5
6. Q-Code LED 1-15
7. MemOK! button 1-10
8. 3D Mount 1-13
9. USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector (U31G2_E3) 1-17
10. M.2 sockets (M.2_1; M.2_2) 1-25
11. Intel® Z370 Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12; SATA6G_34;
SATA6G_56) 1-16
12. Water in, water out, and water ow connectors
(2-pin W_IN; 2-pin W_OUT; 3-pin W_FLOW) 1-25
13. System panel connectors (10-1 pin F_PANEL; 4-pin SPEAKER) 1-21
14. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910; USB1112) 1-18
15. Thermal sensor connector (2-pin T_SENSOR) 1-22
16. USB 3.1 Gen 1 connector (20-1 pin U31G1_12) 1-17
17. TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM) 1-26
18. LN2 Mode jumper (3-pin LN2_MODE) 1-13
19. Slow Mode switch (SLOW_MODE) 1-12
20. ReTry button (RETRY_BUTTON) 1-11
21. Safe Boot button (SAFE_BOOT) 1-11
22. RESET button (RESET) 1-9
23. Power-on button (START) 1-9
24. Addressable RGB header (4-1 pin ADD_HEADER) 1-24
25. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-18
26. LED connector (5-pin LED2_CON1) 1-22

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
1.1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
This motherboard supports the New 8th Gen Intel® Core processors on the LGA1151
package, with memory and PCI Express controllers integrated to support dual-channel (4
DIMM) DDR4 memory and 16 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 lanes.
 Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.
 Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and
the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap
is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard
components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/
transit-related.
 Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the
LGA1151 socket.
 The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from
incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP
cap.
Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1151 socket only. DO NOT install
a CPU designed for LGA1150, LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets in the LGA1151 socket.