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Maximus III Formula

1. system is on RR m D 4 A ROG TE g kh Zot a Er El pr Cana 1 1 2 mm MAXIMUS III FORMULA ROG connector ROG Maximus III Formula 2 33 6 GP connector 8 pin GP This connector is for ASUS OG Station connection only Connect one end of the supplied data cable to the GP connector on the OG Station and the other end to this connector and USB13 on the motherboard to enjoy easier overclocking DE S_SMBCLK_GP og BEER tp m lt Game Panel GPIO1 S SMBDATA GP Game Panel GPIO2 U O O 0p gt 3 O 2z Z 3VSB GND B gt PANEL SCLK PANEL SDAT MAXIMUS tf FORMULA GP OC STATION connector 7 IEEE 1394a port connector 10 1 pin IE1394 2 This connector is for an IEEE 1394a port Connect the IEEE 1394a module cable to this connector then install the module to a slot opening
2. H E E hin OG m er MAXIMUS Ill FORMULA CPU fan connector DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector 2 3 3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan 1 4 Disconnect the CPU fan cable from the connector on the motherboard Rotate each fastener counterclockwise Pull up two fasteners at a time ina diagonal sequence to disengage the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard Carefully remove the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 4 System memory 2 4 1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 DDR3 Dual Inline Memory Modules DIMM sockets A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket DDR3 modules are developed for better performance with less power consumption The figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets Dor Eo N Nr I mm Ig ss j
3. ug EET fn m CJ mm RR MAXIMUS III FORMULA Power on switch aN When you turn on the ATX power supply the Power LED flashes three times to indicate that the system is ready to boot Wait till the flash stops before you press the power on switch 6 GOLED Blinking Indicates that MemOK is enabled before POST Lighting Indicates that the system loads the preset profile GO_Button file for temporary overclocking when in OS GO LED K 94g OG mmc DES MAXIMUS III FORMULA GO LED Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 2 Motherboard overview 2 2 1 Motherboard layout 1 2 3 1 sg EG PWR FAN UU _ O EATX12V CPU_FAN KB_USB78 o IS 2 CLR CMOS epy SIE 313 fe le ie Q E E E E slls l sl s USB34 3 5 5 5 oO oO oO o q q vt NA N N N N Oo Oo Q a st st SSIS F_ESATA_USB56 zz amp 2 2 1 2 alla alla se m isp ap i ad ad aig a LAN1_USB12 HEAVY LOAD 3118 a a yo
4. Intel P55 chipset 29553 El Zh Zu ze ze oo Fe oo Fe EE EE EE EE 2332332 2332332 OOY O OOY O SATA1 SATA2 s 2g gg z 38 58 R amp 8 EE In Hi TIEF 43 ig 29 9332339 94404A E f B i SLLSELLS ERANA ir ry aa I SATA3 SATA4 wo lM wow oo oo MAXIMUS Ill FORMULA O 33 xx es Eee Ee EE 23323392 2332332 OLOYE O OLOYE O Lanal Tn OG mmo 983 MAXIMUS III FORMULA SATA connectors NOTE Connect the right angle side of SATA signal cable to SATA device Or you may connect the right angle side o SATA cable to the onboard SATA port to avoid mechanical conflict with huge graphics cards These connectors are set to Standard IDE mode by default In Standard IDE mode you can connect Serial ATA boot data hard disk drives to these connectors If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors set the Configure SATA as item in the BIOS to RAID See section 3 4 5 Storage Configuration for details Before creating a RAID set refer to section 4 4 RAID configurations or the manual bundled in the motherboard support DVD You must install Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before using Serial ATA hard disk drives The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using Windows XP SP2 or later versions When using hot plug and NCQ set the Configure SATA
5. Qa OO LE i gr ASUS O K em rommue E O E E E EN O Gr aa OG mmo oee MAXIMUS IlI FORMULA 240 pin DDR3 DIMM sockets Recommended memory configurations One DIMM Install one memory module in DIMM_A1 slots as a single channel operation Two DIMMs dual channel operation Four DIMMs dual channel operation DIMM_A2 DIMM_A1 DIMM_B2 DIMM_B1 ROG Maximus III Formula 2 13 2 4 2 Memory configurations You may install 1GB 2GB and 4GB unbuffered and non ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets NN You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B The system maps the total size of the lower sized channel for the dual channel configuration Any excess memory from the higher sized channel is then mapped for single channel operation Due to Intel spec definition X M P DIMMs and DDR3 1600 are supported for one DIMM per channel only According to Intel CPU spec DIMMs with voltage requirement over 1 65V may damage the CPU permanently We recommend you install the DIMMs with the voltage requirement below 1 65V Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency For optimum compatibility we recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor Due to the memory address limitation on 32 bit Windows OS when you install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard the actual usable memory for the OS can be about 3GB or less For effective use of memory we recommend that you
6. MAXIMUS III FORMULA Reset switch ROG Maximus III Formula 2 41 3 GO button Press the GO button before POST to enable MemOK or press it to quickly load the preset profile GO Button file for temporary overclocking when in Mr il i A 0 i 3 ASUS 3 C ngn OG C MAXIMUS III FORMULA GO BUTTON 2 42 Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 9 Starting up for the first time 7 After making all the connections replace the system case cover Be sure that all switches are off Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector Turn on the devices in the following order a Monitor b External SCSI devices starting with the last device on the chain c System power After applying power the system power LED on the system front panel case lights up For systems with ATX power supplies the system LED lights up when you press the ATX power button If your monitor complies with green standards or if it has a power standby featu
7. MAXIMUS IlI FORMULA ATX power connectors NN e Fora fully configured system we recommend that you use a power supply unit PSU that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2 0 or later version and provides a minimum power of 600 W Do not forget to connect the 8 pin EATX12 V power plug otherwise the system will not boot Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when configuring a system with more power consuming devices The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http support asus com PowerSupplyCalculator PSCalculator aspx SLanguage en us for details If you want to use two or more high end PCI Express x16 cards use a PSU with 1000W power or above to ensure the system stability PSU suggested list PS U suggested list SilverStone ST1000 Seasonic SS 600HT Thermaltake WO083RE Thermaltake PUREPower 600AP Silverstone SST ST75ZF EnerMAX EG701AX VE E 24P ROG Maximus III Formula 2 37 11 System panel connector 20 8 pin PANEL This connector supports several chassis mounted functions La JOB La g X Ci HARHAA m PLED PLED A f l
8. Dual channel memory architecture 4 x DIMM max 16GB DDR3 2133 0 C 2000 0 C 1800 0 C 1600 1333 1066 MHz non ECC un buffered memory modules Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs Supports Intel Extreme Memory Profile XMP Please refer to www asus com or user manual for the Memory QVL Qualified Vendors List 3 x PCle x16 slot 2xPCle 2 0 red support single at x16 or dual at x8 mode 1 x PCIe 1 0 white supports at x4 mode 2 x PCle x1 2x PCI 2 2 Supports NVIDIA SLI Technology ATI CrossFireX Technology Intel P55 Express Chipset built in 6x SATA 3 0 Gb s ports Intel Matrix Storage Technology supports RAID 0 1 5 and 10 JMicron 322 controller and 2 x JMicron 363 controllers 2X SATA 3 0 Gb s port red supporting Hardware RAID 0 and 1 SPD_HDD1 SPD_HDD2 1x External SATA 3 0 Gb s port SATA On the Go 2x SATA 3 0 Gb s port white SATA ODD1 SATA ODD2 Realtek RTL8110SC Gigabit LAN controller GameFirst SupremeFX X Fi discrete audio card 8 channel High Definition Audio CODEC EAX Advanced HD 4 0 X Fi CMSS 3D X Fi Crystalizer Creative ALchemy Supports 1 x S PDIF out header Supports Coaxial Optical S PDIF out ports on rear Blu ray support 2 X 1394a ports 1 port at back I O 1 port onboard continued on the next page xiii XIV Maximus
9. 1066 8 8 8 20 SS Single sided DS Double sided DIMM support 1 5 1 6 1 6 1 5 1 5 A Supports one module inserted in any slot as single channel memory configuration B Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the yellow slots or the black slots as one pair of dual channel memory configuration C Supports four modules inserted into both the yellow and black slots as two pairs of dual channel memory configuration Visit the ASUS website at www asus com for the latest QVL NN ROG Maximus III Formula Maximus III Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 1333MHz capability Vendor Part No AD133301GOU AD1333002GOU AD31333E002GOU 78 01GC6 420 78 01GC6 9L0 78 01GC8 422 78 A1GC6 421 78 A1GC6 9L1 78 A1GC8 423 TR3X3G1333C9 Ver2 1 CM3X1024 1333C9DHX BoxP N TWIN3X2048 1333C9 CM3X1024 1333C9 Ver1 1 BoxP N TW3X4G1333C9DHX CM3X2048 1333C9DHX Ver3 2 TR3X6G1333C9 Ver2 1 CT12864BA1339 8SFD CT25664BA1339 16SFD BL25664BA1336 16SFB1 EBJ10UE8BAWO DJ E EBJ21UE8BAWO DJ E F3 10600CL7D 2GBPI F3 10600CL8D 2GBHK F3 10666CL7T 6GBPK XMP F3 10666CL8D 4GBHK XMP F3 10666CL9T 6GBNQ GV34GB1333C7DC HMT112U6BFR8C H9 Hynix HMT125U6BFR8C H9 Hynix HMT125U6BFR8C H9 KINGMAX FLFD45F B8EE9 KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9 1G KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9 2G KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9 2G Size 1024MB 2048MB 6144MB Kit of 3 1024MB 1024MB 1024MB 2048MB 2048MB 2
10. 1333 9 9 9 24 1333 9 9 9 24 1333 9 9 9 24 6 6 6 20 1333 9 9 9 24 9 1333 9 9 9 24 9 1333 9 9 9 24 1337 7 7 7 18 1337 8 8 8 22 9 1333 9 9 9 24 9 1333 9 9 9 24 9 1333 9 9 9 24 1333 9 9 9 24 1333 9 9 9 24 1 5 1333 9 9 9 24 1 5 9 1066 8 7 7 20 1 5 Chapter 2 Hardware information MT8JTF12864AY 1G4BYES MT8JTF12864AZ 1G4F1 MT16JTF25664AZ 1G4F1 OCZ3RPX1333EB2GK OCZ3G1333LV3GK OCZ3P1333LV3GK OCZ3P13332GK OCZ3P13334GK OCZ3RPX1333EB4GK OCZ3G1333LV6GK OCZ3P1333LV6GK OCZX1333LV6GK XMP M378B2873DZ1 CH9 M378B2873EH1 CH9 M391B2873DZ1 CH9 M378B5673DZ1 CH9 M378B5673EH1 CH9 M391B5673DZ1 CH9 M378B5273BH1 CH9 W1333UX2GB XMP TS128MLK64V3U TS256MLK64V3U SLY3128M8 EDJ SLY3128M8 EDJE SLZ3128M8 EDJ SLZ3128M8 EDJE N A FSX1333D3G 1G FSH1333D3G T3G XMP FSX1333D3G 2G M2F2G64CB8HA4AN CG PDC32G1333LLK PVT33G1333ELK PVS34G1333ELK ROG Maximus III Formula 1024MB 1024MB 2048MB 1024MB 3072MB Kit of 3 3072MB Kit of 3 1024MB 4096MB Kit of 2 4096MB Kit of 2 6144MB Kit of 3 6144MB Kit of 3 6144MB Kit of 3 1024MB 1024MB 1024MB 2048MB 2048MB 2048MB 4096MB 2048MB Kit of 2 1024MB 2048MB 1024MB 1024MB 2048MB 2048MB 1024MB 1024MB 3072MB Kit of 3 2048MB 2048MB 1024MB 3072MB Kit of 3 4096MB Kit of 2 Maximus Ill Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 1333MHz capability MICRON
11. 3 3 23 PCH Voltage Auto Allows you to set the Platform Controller Hub voltage The values range from 1 00700V to 1 35150V with a 0 101325V interval The values of the IMC Voltage DRAM Voltage and CPU PLL Voltage items are labeled in different color indicating the risk levels of high voltage settings Refer to the table on the next page for details The system may need better cooling system to work stably under high voltage settings Chapter 3 BIOS setup 1 4 1 40625 1 54375 1 55 CPU PLL 1 60325 1 78875 1 802 2 00075 2 014 2 10675 2 12 1 007 1 09975 1 113 1 3515 1 36475 1 60325 1 6165 1 007 1 04675 1 06 1 15275 1 166 1 20575 1 219 Melee ee 1 3515 1 537 1 55025 1 60325 1 6165 1 78875 1 80200 3 3 24 DRAM Voltage Auto Allows you to set the DRAM voltage The values range from 1 35150V to 2 50425V with a 1 01325V interval 3 3 25 DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA B Auto Allows you to set the DRAM DATA Reference Voltage on Channel A B C The values range from 157 5mV to 200mV with a 12 5mV interval Different ratio might enhance DRAM overclocking ability 3 3 26 DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA B Auto Allows you to set the DRAM Control Reference Voltage on Channel A B The values range from 157 5mV to 200mV with a 12 5mV interval Different ratio might enhance DRAM overclocking ability 3 3 27 Keyboard Tweaklit Control Disabled Allows you to enable or disable the keyb
12. ENTERTAINMENT MODE Click to enable EAX Effects Io Drag to adjust effects amount Click to select an environment Main Display X Fi CMSS 3D Panel 30 This panel allows you to configure 3D virtual surround effects Click to enable ENTERTAINMENT MODE X Fi 3D Virtual effects Click to select an upmix mode appears when using 4 4 1 5 1 7 1 Speakers Drag to adjust effects Main Display X Fi Crystalizer Panel K Enable X Fi Crystalizer to obtain more audio dynamics ENTERTAINMENT MODE Drag to adjust effects Click to enable X Fi Crystalizer Main Display ROG Maximus III Formula 4 11 Smart Volume Management Panel am Enable Smart Volume Management SVM to avoid large volume fluctuations ENTERTAINMENT MODE Click to switch on off SVM Main Display Graphic Equalizer Panel Gi This panel allows you to customize equalizer settings or select an EQ presets ENTERTAINMENT MODE Click to Click to select enable EQ an EQ preset EQ Acoustic EQ Classical D t EQ Country Click to save rag to EGGE GS Mae settings customize nl Se effects EQ New Age EQ Pop EQ Rock EQ Vocal Main Display Mixer Panel Ht This panel allows you to select a recording device and adjust recording playback devices volume ENTERTAINMENT MODE Click to adjust Drag to adjust volume volume Click to select a recording Click to mute device m
13. HD Audio Set the front panel audio connector AAFP mode to high definition audio Realtek LAN Enabled Enabled Enables Realtek LAN Controller Disabled Disables Realtek LAN Controller LAN Boot ROM Disabled This item appears only when you enable the previous item s Disabled Disables Realtek LAN Boot ROM Enabled Enables Realtek LAN Boot ROM Onboard 1394 Controller Enabled Enabled Enables the onboard 1394 Controller Disabled Disables the controller J Micron Controller01 02 IDE Mode Disabled Disables the J Micron controller IDE Mode Set to IDE Mode when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical storage devices AHCI Mode Set to AHCI when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the AHCI Advabced Host Controller Interface The AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to internally optimize the order of commands ROG Maximus III Formula 3 25 3 26 3 5 4 USB Configuration The items in this menu allows you to change the USB related features Select an item then press lt Enter gt to display the configuration options BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced USB Configuration ne ee r Enable support for Module Version 2 24 3 13 4 all USB ports USB Devices Enabled 2 Hubs USB Functions Enabled Legacy USB Support Auto BIOS EHCI
14. Small display Large display WMI browser Click SE to display the r WMI Windows Management Instrumentation browser This mort i browser displays various Windows WMI Browser management information Click an Windows Management item from the left panel to display on Borkenes ibn the right panel Click the plus sign before WMI Information to display the available information Version 1 00 00 Copyright c 2004 ASUS P You can enlarge or reduce the browser size by dragging the bottom right corner da of the browser DMI browser oe 3 Click 424 to display the DMI Desktop Management Interface oo browser This browser displays various desktop and system information wine reais Click the plus sign before DMI Information to display the available paesan information Copyright c 2004 ASUS 4 16 Chapter 4 Software support PCI browser Click to display the PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect E DFC matin browser This browser provides PCI Browser information on the PCI devices installed i Peripheral Component on your system Click the plus sign Tierens before the PCI Information item to display available information Version 1 00 00 Copyright c 2004 ASUS Usage The Usage browser displays real time information on the CPU hard disk drive space and memory usage Click to display the Usage brow
15. e Internet w Windows Catalog D Accessories F AiBooster gt ASUS Utility A m AsusUpdate E asusupdate Windows Media Play Games MyLogo marvel T Uninstall ASUSUpdate ASUSUpdate Startup Paint i P Voice Editor Fj 2 H 00 T OD VAQOE Internet Explorer MSN Explorer C Outlook Express Voice Editor MSN Explorer r gt Remote Assistance Windows Media Player All Programs 38 Windows Messenger JP Log off O shut Down s start SUS Select Te Select ne UBARE Server Wy Select the Update Method 1 Update S ave BIOS from to a file Before Continue please make sure that your system is connected to the Internet You can then choose a web site by yourself or click AutoSelect button ASUS Update will choose the best site based on network traffic automatically for you 2 Update BIOS from the Internet Update system BIOS using a specified BIOS image file on ASUS Web Site 3 Download BIOS from the Internet Download specified BIOS image file via Internet for later usage 4 Check BIOS Information Fee Update BIOS from the Internet v Select Update BIOS from the 3 Select the ASUS FTP site nearest Internet option from the drop down you to avoid network traffic or menu then click Next click Auto Select Click Next Chapter 3 BIOS setup The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through From the FTP site selec
16. 64bit xP V ASUS Turbov Evo V1 00 12 for windows 32 64bit xP amp 32 64bit v ASUS EPU 6 Engine V1 01 20 for windows 32 64bit xP amp 32 64bit Chapter 4 Software support 4 3 Software information Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the installation View the online help or readme file that came with the software application for more information 4 3 1 Sound Blaster X Fi audio utility With the SupremeFX X Fi technology supported you will be able to enjoy excellent audio quality and experience realistic sound effects through the audio codec and Sound Blaster X Fi interface Activating X Fi s CMSS3D Crystalizer and EAX will deliver accurate virtual surround sound and enhanced audio dynamics which amount to ultimate gaming experience To install Sound Blaster X Fi 1 Place the support DVD to the optical drive The Drivers installation tab appears if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature Click the Drivers tab and click VIA Audio Driver Follow the screen instructions to complete installation Click the support DVD Drivers tab and click Sound Blaster X Fi Follow the screen instructions to complete installation Ra ae You need to install VIA Audio Driver to use Sound Blaster X Fi audio utility If the Sound Blaster X Fi audio utility is Successfully installed you will find the Volume Panel icon on the notification area Click the Vol
17. Allows you to adjust the ratio between CPU Core Clock and BCLK Frequency Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The valid value ranges differently according to your CPU model C1E Support Disabled Enabled Enables the C1E support function This item should be enabled in order to enable the Enhanced Halt Sate Disabled Disables this function Hardware Prefetcher Enabled Enabled Enables the Hardware Prefetcher function This item should be enabled in order to enable the L2 cache MLC Streamer Prefetcher for tuning performance of the specific application Disabled Disables this function Adjacent Cache Line Prefetcher Enabled Enabled Enables the Adjacent Cache Line Prefetcher function This item should be enabled in order to enable the L2 cache MLC Spatial Prefetcher for tuning performance of the specific application Disabled Disables this function Max CPUID Value Limit Disabled Enabled Allows legacy operating systems to boot even without support for CPUs with extended CPUID functions Disabled Disables this function Intel R Virtualization Tech Enabled Enabled Allows a hardware platform to run multiple operating systems separately and simultaneously enabling one system to virtually function as several systems Disabled Disables this function CPU TM Function Enabled Enabled Enables the overheated CPU to throttle its clock speed to cool down Disabled Disables this
18. C6 ROG Maximus III Formula 3 23 3 24 3 5 2 Chipset The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings Select an item then press lt Enter gt to display the sub menu BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Advanced Chipset Settings Configure North Bridge WARNING Setting wrong values in below sections features may cause system to malfunction North Bridge Configuration North Bridge Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced North Bridge Chipset Configuration Set the ECC options for cache and dram IMC Type Lynnfield scrubbing Memory Remap Feature Enabled PCI MMIO Allocation 4GB To 3072MB Memory Remap Feature Enabled Disabled Do not allow remapping of memory Enabled Allows for the segment of system memory that was previously overwritten by PCI devices to be remapped above the total physical memory Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 53 Onboard Device Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Onboard Device Configuration _ _ _E HDA Controller Enabled Front Panel Type HD Audio Enabled Realtek LAN Enabled Disabled LAN Boot ROM Disabled Onboard 1394 Controller Enabled J Micron Controller01 IDE Mode J Micron Controller02 IDE Mode HDA Controller Enabled Enabled Enables the High Definition Audio Controller Disabled Disables the controller Front Panel Type HD Audio AC97 Set the front panel audio connector AAFP mode to legacy AC 97
19. Create Shortcut 3 Select Device Manager From the Fie Action View Window Help Universal Serial Bus controllers TS ARA right click xxxxxx USB Floppy and then select Properties from the pop up window The name of the USB floppy disk a drive varies with different vendors ROG Maximus III Formula 4 33 4 34 Click Details tab The Vendor ID VID and Product ID PID are displayed Browse the contents of the RAID driver disk to locate the file txtsetup oem Double click the file A window appears allowing you to select the program for opening the oem file Use Notepad to open the file Mitsumi USB Floppy Properties General Drive amp gt Mitsumi USB Floppy 01 W5 amp 35E DASE 74082 Windows cannot open this file File txtsetup oem To open this file Windows needs to know what program createdit Windows can go online to look it up automatically or you can manually select From a list of programs on your computer What do you want to do Use the Web service to find the appropriate program Select the program From a list Open With Choose the program you want to use to open this file File txtsetup oem Programs m Recommended Programs T Notepad 7 Other Programs F Adobe Reader 8 1 Internet Explorer W Paint windows Media Player r Windows Picture and Fax Viewer WordPad Type description that you want to use
20. GPUs Configure CrossFireX IV Enable CrossFireX 3 ATi RADEON Chapter 5 Multiple GPU technology support 5 2 NVIDIA SLI technology The motherboard supports the NVIDIA SLI Scalable Link Interface technology that allows you to install multi graphics processing units GPU graphics cards Follow the installation procedures in this section 5 2 1 Requirements In SLI mode you should have two identical SLI ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA certified Ensure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI technology Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website www nvidia com Ensure that your power supply unit PSU can provide at least the minimum power required by your system See Chapter 2 for details aN We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal environment Visit the NVIDIA zone website http Avww nzone com for the latest certified graphics card and supported 3D application list 5 2 2 Installing two SLI ready graphics cards The following pictures are for reference only The graphics cards and the motherboard layout may vary with models but the installation steps remain the same Prepare two SLI ready graphics cards Insert the two graphics card into the PCIEX16 slots If your motherboard has more than two PCIEX16 slots refer to Chapter 2 in this user manual for the locations of the PCIEX16 slots recommended for multi graphi
21. MAXIMUS III FORMULA CPU DDR PCH LED Normal green High yellow Crazy red EEE OE 0 85 1 4 1 40625 1 54375 1 55 1 60325 2 00075 2 014 2 10675 2 12 79h 97h 98h 9Fh AOh 1 007 1 3515 1 36475 1 60325 1 6165 4Ch 66h 67h 79h 7Ah CPU PLL Normal green High yellow Crazy red 1 3515 1 60325 1 6165 1 78875 66h 79h 7Ah 87h DRAM Bus Voltage Normal green High yellow Crazy red 1 007 1 15275 1 166 1 20575 Chapter 2 Hardware information Hard Disk LED The hard disk LED is designed to indicate the hard disk activity It blinks when data is being written into or read from the hard disk drive The LED does not light up when there is no hard disk drive connected to the motherboard or when the hard disk drive does not function ofp a Uo aa EO ee Je HD LED co im 0 05 EN Caa 06 mmm roe MAXIMUS III FORMULA Hard Disk LED ROG Maximus III Formula 2 3 5 Power LED The motherboard comes with a power on switch that lights up to indicate that the system is ON in sleep mode or in soft off mode This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component The illustration below shows the location of the onboard power on switch r ma m L N
22. MICRON MICRON N A N A N A N A N A N A N A N A NA SAMSUNG SAMSUNG SAMSUNG SAMSUNG SAMSUNG SAMSUNG SAMSUNG N A SAMSUNG SAMSUNG Asint ELPIDA Asint ELPIDA N A N A N A N A Elixir PATRIOT N A N A Z9HWR 9FF22 DOKPT 9FF22 DOKPT Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package K4B1G0846D K4B1G0846E K4B1G0846D ECC K4B1G0846D K4B1G0846E K4B1G0846D ECC K4B2G0846B HCH9 Heat Sink Package K4B1G0846D K4B1G0846D DDAIII1208 DJ J1108BASE DJ E DDRII1208 DJ J1108BASE DJ E Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package N2CB1G80AN CG Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package 1333 9 9 9 24 9 1066 8 8 8 20 9 1066 8 8 8 20 1066 6 5 5 20 9 9 9 1066 7 7 7 20 7 7 7 1066 7 7 7 16 7 7 7 20 1333 9 9 9 24 7 1333 7 7 7 20 1 8 1066 6 5 5 9 1333 9 9 9 24 1066 8 7 7 20 9 1333 9 9 9 24 9 1333 9 9 9 24 1066 8 7 7 20 9 1333 9 9 9 24 9 1333 9 9 9 24 8 1333 8 8 8 24 1 8 9 1333 9 9 9 24 9 1333 9 9 9 24 9 9 9 24 1066 8 8 8 20 9 9 9 24 1066 8 8 8 20 1333 9 9 9 24 1066 7 7 7 20 7 7 20 0 1066 8 7 7 20 1066 7 7 7 20 1333 9 9 9 24 7 1337 7 7 7 20 1 7 Maximus III Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendo
23. consumers health while minimizing the impact on the environment Intel LGA1156 Lynnfield Processor Ready This motherboard supports the latest Intel Lynnfield processors in LGA1156 package which as memory and PCI Express controller integrated to support 2 channel 4 DIMMs DDR3 memory and 16 PCI Express 2 0 lanes providing great graphics performance Intel Lynnfield processor is one of the most powerful and energy efficient CPU in the world Refer to page 2 5 for details Intel P55 Chipset The Intel P55 Express Chipset is the latest one chipset design to support the latest 1156 socket Intel Lynnfield processors Intel P55 provides improved performance by utilizing serial point to point links allowing increased bandwidth and stability SLI CrossFireX On Demand SLI or CrossFireX Fret no longer because with the ROG Maximus 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 Chapter 1 Product Introduction Dual Channel DDR3 2133 0 C MHz The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 2133 0 C 2000 0 C 1800 0 C 1600 0 C 1333 1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest operation system 3D graphics multimedia and Internet applications The dual channel DDR3 arc
24. Auto Configuration options Auto 1 DRAM Clock 8 DRAM Clock DRAM WRITE to READ Delay SR Auto Configuration options Auto 10 DRAM Clock 22 DRAM Clock DRAM READ to WRITE Delay DD Auto Configuration options Auto 2 DRAM Clock 14 DRAM Clock DRAM READ to WRITE Delay DR Auto Configuration options Auto 2 DRAM Clock 14 DRAM Clock DRAM READ to WRITE Delay SR Auto Configuration options Auto 2 DRAM Clock 14 DRAM Clock DRAM READ to READ Delay DD Auto Configuration options Auto 2 DRAM Clock 9 DRAM Clock Chapter 3 BIOS setup DRAM READ to READ Delay DR Auto Configuration options Auto 2 DRAM Clock 9 DRAM Clock DRAM READ to READ Delay SR Auto Configuration options Auto 4 DRAM Clock 6 DRAM Clock DRAM WRITE to WRITE Delay DD Auto Configuration options Auto 2 DRAM Clock 9 DRAM Clock DRAM WRITE to WRITE Delay DR Auto Configuration options Auto 2 DRAM Clock 9 DRAM Clock DRAM WRITE to WRITE Delay SR Auto Configuration options Auto 4 DRAM Clock 6 DRAM Clock 3 3 12 CPU Clock Amplitude Auto Different AMP might enhance BCLK overclocking ability Configuration options Auto 700mV 800mV 900mV 1000mV 3 3 13 PCH Clock Amplitude Auto Configuration options Auto 700mV 800mV 900mV 1000mV 3 3 14 CPU Clock Skew Auto Adjusting this item may help enhancing BCLK overclocking ability You may
25. Clock 10 DRAM Clock DRAM RAS PRE Time Auto Configuration options Auto 3 DRAM Clock 4 DRAM Clock 9 DRAM Clock 10 DRAM Clock DRAM RAS ACT Time Auto Configuration options Auto 3 DRAM Clock 4 DRAM Clock 30 DRAM Clock 31 DRAM Clock DRAM RAS to RAS Delay Auto Configuration options Auto 1 DRAM Clock 7 DRAM Clock ROG Maximus III Formula 3 11 3 12 DRAM REF Cycle Time Auto Configuration options Auto 30 DRAM Clock 36 DRAM Clock 48 DRAM Clock 60 DRAM Clock 72 DRAM Clock 82 DRAM Clock 88 DRAM Clock 20 DRAM Clock 100 DRAM Clock 110 DRAM Clock DRAM WRITE Recovery Time Auto Configuration options Auto 1 DRAM Clock 15 DRAM Clock DRAM READ to PRE Time Auto Configuration options Auto 1 DRAM Clock 15 DRAM Clock DRAM FOUR ACT WIN Time Auto Configuration options Auto 1 DRAM Clock 63 DRAM Clock 2nd Information 1N 49 52 The values vary depending on your settings of the following sub items DRAM Timing Mode Auto Configuration options Auto 1N 2N 3N DRAM Round Trip Latency on CHA B Auto Auto Advance 15 Clock Advance 1 Clock Normal Delay 1 Clock Delay 15 Clock 3rd Information 6 6 13 9 9 9 7 6 4 7 7 4 The values vary depending on your settings of the following sub items DRAM WRITE to READ Delay DD Auto Configuration options Auto 1 DRAM Clock 8 DRAM Clock DRAM WRITE to READ Delay DR
26. General Help Save and Exit Exit v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc Restore On AC Power Loss Power Off Power Off The system goes into off state after an AC power loss Power On The system goes into on state after an AC power loss Last State The system goes into either off or on state whatever the system state was before the AC power loss Chapter 3 BIOS setup Power On By RTC Alarm Disabled Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event When this item is set to Enabled the items RTC Alarm Date RTC Alarm Hour RTC Alarm Minute RTC Alarm Second will become user configurable with set values Configuration options Disabled Enabled Disabled Disables RTC to generate a wake event Enabled When set to Enabled the items RTC Alarm Date RTC Alarm Hour RTC Alarm RTC Alarm Second will become user configurable with set values Power On By PCI Devices Disabled Disabled Disables the PME to wake up from S5 by PCI devices Enabled Allows you to turn on the system through a PCI LAN or modem card This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the 5VSB lead Power On By PCIE Devices Disabled Allows you to enable or disable the PCIE devices to generate a wake event Disabled Disables the PCIE devices to generate a wake event Enabled Enables the PCIE devices to generate a wake event Power On By PS 2 Keyboard Disabled Allows you to disab
27. Intel Corporation All Rights Reserved DISK VOLUME INFORMATION RAID Volumes None defined Physical Disks Port Drive Model Serial Size Type Status Vol ID ST3160812AS 9LSOHJA4 149 0GB 1 ST3160812AS 9LSOF4HL 149 0GB 2 ST3160812AS 3LSOJYL8 149 0GB 3 ST3160812AS 9LSOBJ5H 149 0GB 1 Select ESC Exit ENTER Select Menu 4 28 Chapter 4 Software support The navigation keys at the bottom of the screen allow you to move through the menus and select the menu options The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only and may not exactly match the items on your screen f The utility supports maximum four hard disk drives for RAID configuration Creating a RAID volume To create a RAID set 1 From the utility main menu select 1 Create RAID Volume and press lt Enter gt The following screen appears JG gt A AA P P p paiya fe QO 11 SLT BA lal L 1 gt CREATE VOLUME MENU NET ee Volume O RAID Level RAIDO Stripe Disks Select Disks Strip Size 128KB Capacity 0 0 GB Sync N A Create Volume Enter a unique volume name that has no special characters and is 16 characters or less vy 1 Change TAB Next SC Previous Menu ENTER Select 2 Enter a name for the RAID set and press lt Enter gt 3 When the RAID Level item is selected press the up down arrow key to select a RAID mode to create and then press lt Enter gt 4 When the Disks item
28. N Maximus III Formula OD Ka m QJ a an E4884 First Edition July 2009 Copyright 2009 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 O
29. 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 Appendix Debug code table The Appendix lists the debug code table for the LCD Poster Where to find 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 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 xi Conventions used in this guide To ensure that you perform certain tasks properl
30. S3 STR resume 3 6 3 ACPI 2 0 Support Disabled Disabled When set to Disabled the system will not add additional tables as per ACPI 2 0 specifications Enabled When set to Enabled the system adds additional tables as per ACPI 2 0 specifications ROG Maximus III Formula 3 29 3 30 3 6 4 ACPI APIC Support Enabled Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface ACPI support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller APIC Disabled When set to Disabled the system disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface ACPI support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller APIC Enabled When set to Enabled the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list 3 6 5 EuP Ready Disabled Disabled Disables the Energy Using Products EuP Ready function Enabled Allows BIOS to switch off some power at S5 state to get system ready for the EuP requirement When set to Enabled power for WOL WO USB audio and onboard LEDs will be switched off at 55 state 3 6 6 APM Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced APM Configuration lt Enter gt to select whether or not to Restore on AC Power Loss Power Off restart the system Power On By RTC Alarm Disabled after AC power loss Power On By PCI Devices Disabled Power On By PCIE Devices Disabled Power On By PS 2 Keyboard Disabled Select Screen Select Item Change Options
31. Saves your changes configuration 4 18 Chapter 4 Software support 4 3 3 ASUS Al Suite ASUS Al Suite allows you to launch several ASUS utilities easily Installing Al Suite To install Al Suite on your computer 1 Place the support DVD to the optical drive The Drivers installation tab appears if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature 2 Click the Utilities tab then click Al Suite 3 Follow the screen instructions to complete installation Launching Al Suite You can launch Al Suite right after installation or anytime from the Windows desktop To launch Al Suite from the Windows desktop click Start gt All Programs gt ASUS gt Al Suite gt Al Suite v1 xx xx The Al Suite main window appears After launching the application the Al Suite icon appears in the Windows notification area Click this icon to close or restore the application Using Al Suite Click each utility button to launch the utility or click the Normal button to restore system default settings ir ET Click to restore to normal Click to launch EPU Click to launch Fan Xpert Click to launch TurboV ROG Maximus III Formula 4 19 Other feature buttons Click a on right corner of the main window to open the monitor window Displays the CPU system temperature CPU memory PCIE voltage and CPU chassis fan speed Displays the FSB CPU frequency He
32. as in the BIOS to AHCI See section 3 4 5 Storage Configuration for details ROG Maximus III Formula 2 31 2 JMicron JMB322 Serial ATA connectors 7 pin SPD HDD1 red SPD_HDD2 red These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives Connect Serial ATA hard disk drives to these ports if you want to create hardware RAID og EEE TH w un rmn OG es SPD HDD1 SPD HDD2 MAXIMUS lll FORMULA SPD HDD connectors 3 JMicron JMB363 Serial ATA connectors 7 pin SATA ODD1 white SATA ODD2 white These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA optical disk drives 958889 cJ og EEG ch w un 7Sus SSI SATA ODD2 SATA ODD1 yyang orrorro SU2SQN22 SZL RSATA_TXI RSATA TX RSATA RX RSATA RX
33. asc P EE E 2 26 I O shield and Audio card Installation raxsvrxnvrnnvvrnnvrrnnernnenr 2 27 2 7 1 I O shield Installation rrsrorrnnrrrrrrerrnrvrrnnrrrrnvnrrrvvrnnnr 2 27 2 7 2 Audio card Installation enerne 2 28 MONIC CL ONS EEE E 2 29 2 8 1 Rear panel Connectors m rrrnrarvvrrnnrrranrrrernrnnvrsarnrveenn 2 29 2 8 2 Internal connectors issrrernrarvrarnnrvrnrnrvnrrnnrersnsrverssnnerennns 2 31 2 8 3 Onboard switches rrrrrrnnrrrrvvrnsvvrrnnvrrrnvvrrrnvrrenvnrrnnnenn 2 41 Starting up for the first time rrxnvrannvnnnvrnnnvrnnvrnnnvrnnvrnnnernnneennn 2 43 Turning off the Computer s rrrxnvruvnvnnnnnvnnnnvvnnnnvennnennnnnennnnennnnenr 2 44 2 10 1 Using the OS shut down function sreesvrrrrrrrrrrrnrrenn 2 44 2 10 2 Using the dual function power SWItCh rsrrrrrrrnnnnrrrn 2 44 Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 1 3 2 3 3 Managing and updating your BIOS rnrnvrernvrrnnnvrnnnvvrnnvrrrnnvnernner 3 1 3 1 1 ASUS Update utility rorrrrnnrrrrnrvrrnnvrrrnvrrrnrvrrsnvrrrsvvrrennn 3 1 3 1 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 uti L nussesnasdamsdsmdiimsaene 3 4 3 1 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility rrnrrnrnnrrrnnrrrrnrvrrnnvrrnnr 3 5 BIOS setup PO Aer 3 6 3 2 1 BIOS menu SCreen mrrsrrrnnnrrennanvrrssnnrrsrsnrvrnsnnnrssrnnnnnnnnn 3 7 3 2 2 Menu DAM EEE 3 7 32 3 Navigation KEYS scsecieverpisvescdaceavcneettsnsnnsetuxeiaertateinnssetntiadlee 3 7 3 2 4 Menu items rrrrrrvrrrrrrrrvrrrrnrrrvrrrrnnrrersrrn
34. at the back of the system chassis De m pa Jo zo G PERE O C6236 san IE1394 2 P E PIN 1 j 12V TPA2 GND TPB2 MAXIMUS if FORMULA IEEE 1394 connec et or AD Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector Doing so will damage the motherboard 2 34 Chapter 2 Hardware information 8 CPU chassis and optional fan connectors 4 pin CPU FAN 4 pin PWR FAN 4 pin CHA FAN1 3 4 pin OPT FAN1 3 The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA 2000 mA 24 W max or a total of 1 A 7 A 84 W max at 12V Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector AN DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components These are not jumpers DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors GCPU FAN GPWR FAN GOPT FAN CHA_FAN2 OPT FAN PWM OPT FAN IN OPT FAN PWR GND GCHA FAN3 GOPT FAN2 GOPT FAN3 CHA FAN1 OPT FAN PWM OPT FAN IN OPT FAN PWR GND lt oe CI MAXIMUS III FORMULA
35. do any of the following Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32 bit Windows OS Install a 64 bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the motherboard For more details refer to the Microsoft support site at http support microsoft com kb 929605 en us This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512 Mb chips or less Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit 8 Megabit Mb 1 Megabyte MB The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect SPD which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module Under the default state some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a lower frequency than the vendor marked value To operate at the vendor marked or at a higher frequency refer to section 3 5 Extreme Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency adjustment For system stability use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load 4 DIMMs or overclocking condition Chapter 2 Hardware information Maximus III Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 2133MHz capability Vendor Part No SS Chip NO Timing Voltage DIMM socket support DS Dimm Bios Optional A B Oy G SKILL F3 17066CL9T 6GB T 6144MB DS Heat Sink Package 9 9 9 24 1 65 Kit of 3 1066 8 7 7 20 Maximus Ill Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 2000MHz capability Vendor Part No Timing Voltage DIMM socket S Di
36. enable or disable the ROG Connect function Configuration options Enabled Disabled Debug Mode String Allows you to select the debug mode Configuration options String Code 3 28 Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 6 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power Management APM Select an item then press lt Enter gt to display the configuration options BIOS SETUP UTILITY Extreme Tweaker Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend Suspend Mode Auto Repost Video on S3 Resume No ACPI 2 0 Support Disabled ACPI APIC Support Enabled EuP Ready Disabled gt APM Configuration gt Hardware Monitor Select Screen Select Item Change Option General Help Save and Exit Exit v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc 3 6 1 Suspend Mode Auto Allows you to select the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface ACPI state to be used for system suspend S1 POS only Sets the APCI suspend mode to S1 POS Power On Suspend S3 only Sets the APCI suspend mode to S3 STR Suspend To RAM Auto The system automatically configures the ACPI suspend mode 3 6 2 Repost Video on S3 Resume Disabled Determines whether to invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3 STR resume Disabled When set to Disabled the system will not invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3 STR resume Enabled When set to Enabled the system invokes VGA BIOS POST on
37. for details ROG Maximus III Formula 2 29 LAN port LED indications aoe a i Activity Speed _ Activity Link Speed LED Description Ok LED OFF OFF Soft off Mode Yellow Blinking OFF During Power ON OFF Yellow Blinking ORANGE 100 Mbps connection LAN port Yellow Blinking GREEN 1 Gbps connection Audio 2 4 6 or 8 channel configuration Port Headset 4 channel 6 channel 8 channel 2 channel _ Light Blue Line In Lineln Line In Lineln Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Orange Center Subwoofer Center Subwoofer Black Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Ou Rear Speaker Out Gray Side Speaker Out Pink Mic nt Mic In Mic In Mic In 2 30 Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 8 2 1 Internal connectors Intel P55 Serial ATA connectors 7 pin SATA 1 6 These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives and optical disc drives If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives you can create a RAID 0 1 5 and 10 configuration with the Intel Matrix Storage Technology through the onboard
38. for this kind of file always use the selected program to open this kind of file Browse If the program you want is not in the list or on your computer you can look for the appropriate program on the Web Chapter 4 Software support 8 Find the Hardwarelds scsi iaAHCI PCH and Hardwarelds scsi iastor_8R9R10RDOPCH sections in the txtsetup oem file 9 Type the following line to the bottom of the two sections id USB VID_xxxx amp PID_xxxx usbstor HardwareIds scsi iaAHCI_ PCH id PCI VEN 8086 amp DEV 3A22 amp CC 0106 id USB VID O3EE amp PID 6901 usbstor HardwareIds scsi iaStor_ 8R9R10RDOPCH 8086 amp DEV 3A22 amp CC 0106 iaStor id USB VID O3EE amp PID 6901 usbstor AN Add the same line to both sections P The VID and PID vary with different vendors 10 Save and exit the file ROG Maximus III Formula 4 35 4 36 Chapter 4 Software support This chapter describes how to install and configure ATI CrossFireX graphics ATI CrossFireX technology support 5 1 ATI CrossFireX technology rrsvrvrrvvnnvrnnvrnvrnnvrnvnnnvnnvnnnennvenenr 5 1 52 NVIDIA SLI technology uaunuramesnmnmmmnennmindnisj 5 5 ROG Maximus III Formula 5 1 ATI CrossFireX technology The motherboard supports the ATI CrossFireX technology that allows you to
39. function Execute Disable Bit Capability Enabled Enabled Enables the No Execution Page Protection Technology Disabled Forces the XD feature flag to always return to zero 0 Chapter 3 BIOS setup Intel R HT Technology Enabled Enabled Enables the Intel Hyper Threading Technology Disabled Only one thread per activated CPU core is enabled Active Processor Cores All All Activate all CPU cores in the processor package 1 Activate only 1 CPU core in the processor package 2 Activate 2 CPU cores in the processor package A20M Disabled Enabled Legacy OSes and APs may need this function enabled Disabled Disables this function Intel R SpeedStep TM Tech Enabled Enabled The CPU speed is controlled by the operating system Disabled The CPU runs at its default speed Intel R TurboMode Tech Enabled Enabled Allows processor cores to run faster than marked frequency in specific condition Disabled Disables this function Intel R C STATE Tech Disabled Enabled Allows the CPU to save more power under idle mode Enable this item only when you install a C State Technology supported CPU Disabled Disables this function C State package limit setting Auto This item appears only when you set the Intel R C STATE Tech item to Enabled We recommend that you set this item to Auto for BIOS to automatically detect the C State mode supported by your CPU Configuration options Auto C1 C3
40. need to adjust the IOH Clock Skew item at the same time Configuration options Auto Normal Delay 100ps Delay 1500ps 3 3 15 PCH Clock Skew Auto Adjusting this item may help enhancing BCLK overclocking ability You may need to adjust the CPU Clock Skew item at the same time Configuration options Auto Normal Delay 100ps Delay 1500ps 3 3 16 Extreme OV Disabled Enabled Enables the Extreme OV function Disabled Disables this function 3 3 17 Full Phase Control HW TEST Configuration options HW TEST ROG Maximus III Formula 3 13 3 3 18 CPU Load Line Calibration Auto Allows you to select the CPU Load Line mode Auto BIOS automatically adjust the voltage Disabled Follows Intel specifications Enabled Improve CPU VDroop directly 3 3 19 CPU Voltage Mode Offset Allows you to set the CPU Voltage Mode Configuration options Offset VID 3 3 20 CPU Voltage Auto Allows you to set the CPU VCore voltage Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU Vcore voltage Setting a high VCore voltage may damage the CPU permanently and setting a low VCore voltage may make the system unstable 3 3 21 CPU PLL Voltage Auto Allows you to set the CPU PLL voltage The values range from 1 60325V to 2 50425V with a 0 01325V interval 3 3 22 IMC Voltage Auto Allows you to set the CPU Integrated Memory Controller voltage The values range from 1 00700V to 2 00075V with a 0 01325V interval
41. 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 LGA1156 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 2 3 1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU 1 Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard coge EI i oO OE iil lg ASUS FT EK IF 7 og E C Dugg Ea nn OG m HSaeam MAXIMUS III FORMULA CPU LGA1156 2 Press the load lever with your thumb Load lever A and then move it to the right B until it is released from the retention tab AD To prevent damage to the socket pins do not remove the PnP cap unless you are installing a CPU Retention tab Chapter 2 Hardware information Lift the load lever in the direction
42. of the arrow until the load plate is completely lifted Load plate Remove the PnP cap from the CPU socket Position the CPU over the socket ensuring that the gold triangle is on the bottom left corner of the socket and then fit the socket alignment keys into the CPU notches The CPU fits in only one correct orientation DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU ROG Maximus III Formula V GER lt 2 9 6 Apply some Thermal Interface Material to the exposed area of the CPU that the heatsink will be in contact with ensuring that it is spread in an even thin layer Some heatsinks come with pre Ea applied thermal paste If so skip this step 4 The Thermal Interface Material is toxic and inedible DO NOT eat it If it gets into your eyes or touches your skin wash it off immediately and seek professional medical help 7 Close the load plate A and then push down the load lever B ensuring that the front edge of the load plate slides under the retention knob C 8 Insert the load lever under the retention tab 2 10 Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 3 2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan The Intel LGA1156 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance When you buy a boxed Intel processor the package includes the CPU fan a
43. oo pm Ciao OG JE MAXIMUS III FORMULA SATA ODD connectors 2 32 Chapter 2 Hardware information 4 USB connectors 10 1 pin USB910 USB1112 USB13 These connectors are for USB 2 0 ports Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis These USB connectors comply with USB 2 0 specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed Or Ino wm e aaa alajn n ata n H om 21 oy Ca a CJ an P CoO MAXIMUS III FORMULA USB2 0 connectors AN Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors Doing so will damage the motherboard You can connect the USB cable to ASUS Q Connector USB blue first and then install the Q Connector USB to the USB connector onboard 5 ROG connector 3 pin ROG This connector is for the box labeled as Republic of Gamers on the heatpipe assembly Connect the cable of the box and it lights when the
44. package for the following items 1 x Multi functional module 2 port USB 2 0 ROG Maximus III Formula Motherboard and 1 port ESATA SupremeFX X Fi Audio Card 1 x ASUS Q Shield I O shield 3 x Serial ATA signal cables 1 x ROG Connect cable 1 x SLI Cable 1 x 2 in1 ASUS Q Connector Kit 1 x ROG theme label SE Z J 1 x ROG cable label E 12 in 1 Cable ties UserGuide ROG Support DVD Z 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 EEG ROG Maximus III Formula 1 3 Special features 1 3 1 Product highlights Republic of Gamers zc 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
45. panels display the current value of a system sensor such as fan rotation CPU temperature and voltages The hardware monitor panels come in two display modes hexagonal large and rectangular small When you check the Enable Monitoring Panel option from the Preference section the monitor panels appear on your computer s desktop dr CPU dr CPU EG em Small display Large display Changing the monitor panels position To change the position of the monitor panels in the desktop click the arrow down button of the Scheme options then select another position from the list box Click OK when finished Moving the monitor panels All monitor panels move together using a magnetic effect If you want to detach a monitor panel from the group click the horseshoe magnet ERU icon You can now move or reposition the panel independently Adjusting the sensor threshold value You can adjust the sensor threshold value in the monitor panel by l clicking the or buttons You can AE N also adjust the threshold values valde ee 4 using the Config window Click to p You cannot adjust the sensor decrease threshold values in a small value monitoring panel ROG Maximus III Formula 4 15 Monitoring sensor alert The monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower than the threshold value Refer to the illustrations below ETON HASSE EG Cette
46. read all the manuals that came with the package e 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 e To avoid short circuits keep paper clips screws and staples away from connectors slots sockets and circuitry e 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 50C 410F and 400C 1040F e Place the product on a stable surface e 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 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
47. scroll through the various sub menus and make your selections from the available options using the navigation keys The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions to ensure optimum performance If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS settings load the default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit Menu See section 3 9 Exit Menu The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only and may not exactly match what you see on your screen Visit the ASUS website at www asus com to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 2 1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help BIOS SETUP UTILITY Extreme Tweaker Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit P System Time 13 51 25 Use ENTER TAB System Date Thu 07 30 2009 or SHIFT TAB to Language English select a field Use or to SATA1 HDT722516DLA380 configure system Date SATA2 Not Detected SATA3 ATAPI DVD D DH1 SATA4 Not Detected SATA5 Not Detected SATA6 Not Detected Select Screen i Select Item Storage Configuration Change Field System Information Select Field General Help Save and Exit Exit vv vvvvvv v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc Sub menu items Navigation keys 3 2 2 Menu bar The menu bar on top of the scree
48. temperature exceeds 70 C e User Allows you to configure the CPU fan profile under certain limitations ROG Maximus III Formula 4 21 4 22 4 3 5 ASUS EPU 6 Engine ASUS EPU 6 Engine is an energy efficient tool that satisfies different computing needs This utility provides four modes that you can select to enhance system performance or save power g Turbo Mode Medium Power Saving Mode b High Performance Mode i Max Power Saving Mode eo Selecting Auto Mode will have the system shift modes automatically according to current system status You can also customize each mode by configuring settings like CPU frequency vCore Voltage and Fan Control Launching 6 Engine After installing EPU 6 Engine from the motherboard support DVD launch the program by double clicking the 6 Engine tray icon The first time you launch 6 Engine the following message will appear asking you to run Calibration first Running calibration allows the system to detect CPU properties to optimize power management Click Run Calibration and wait for a few seconds Then the 6 Engine main menu appears 6 Engine main menu EPU 6 Engine the complete system power saving solution Y Reduced CO2 Emission mg Convenience Energy Sav so Exit Chapter 4 Software support 4 3 6 TurboV EVO ASUS TurboV EVO introduces TurboV and Turbo Key two powerful tools that allow you to overclock your system effect
49. the keys on TurboV Remote to use the Turbo Key function 4 26 Chapter 4 Software support 4 4 RAID configurations The motherboard comes with the Intel P55 chipset that allows you to configure Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets The motherboard supports the following RAID configurations RAID 0 RAID 1 RAID 10 and RAID 5 You must install Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before using Serial ATA hard disk drives The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using Windows XP SP2 or later versions Due to Windows XP Vista limitation a RAID array with the total capacity over 2TB cannot be set as a boot disk A RAID array over 2TB can only be set as a data disk only If you want to install a Windows operating system to a hard disk drive included in a RAID set you have to create a RAID driver disk and load the RAID driver during OS installation Refer to section 4 5 Creating a RAID driver disk for details 4 4 1 RAID definitions RAID 0 Data striping optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in parallel interleaved stacks Two hard disks perform the same work as a single drive but at a sustained data transfer rate double that of a single disk alone thus improving data access and storage Use of two new identical hard disk drives is required for this setup RAID 1 Data mirroring copies and maintains an identical image of data from one drive to a second drive If
50. 0 C OPT FAN1 2 3 overheat protection 90 C Allows you to set the temperature over which the system automatically shuts down when any of the thermal sensor cables connected to the motherboard detects device overheat to protect the device from damage Configuration options Disabled 70 C 80 C 90 C 100 C Chapter 3 BIOS setup Fan Speed Monitor CPU FAN POWER Fan Chassis FAN1 2 3 Power FAN OPT FAN1 2 3 Speed xxxxRPM or Ignored N A The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU fan chassis fan power fan and optional fan speed in rotations per minute RPM If any of the fans is not connected to the motherboard the field shows N A These items are not user configurable Fan Speed Control BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power Fan Speed Control A ee eee Disable Enable CPU Q Fan Control Disabled Q Fan functions of Chassis Q Fan Function Disabled CPU fan PWRFAN Control Disabled OPTFAN1 Control Disabled OPTFAN2 Control Disabled OPTFAN3 Control Disabled CPU Q Fan Control Disabled Allows you to enable or disable the CPU fan controller Disabled Disables the CPU Q fan controller Enabled Enables the CPU Q fan controller Va The CPU Fan Profile item appears when you enable the CPU Fan Control feature a CPU Fan Profile Standard This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q Fan Control feature and allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the
51. 048MB 3072MB Kit of 3 1024MB 2048MB Kit of 2 4096MB Kit of 2 6144MB Kit of 3 1024MB 2048MB 4096MB Kit of 2 1024MB 2048MB 2048MB Kit of 2 2048MB Kit of 2 2048MB 4096MB Kit of 2 6144MB Kit of 3 4096MB Kit of 2 1024MB 2048MB 2048MB 1024MB 1024MB 2048MB 2048MB SS Chip DS Brand A DATA A DATA N A ELPIDA Apacer ELPIDA ELPIDA Apacer ELPIDA N A N A N A N A N A MICRON MICRON NA ELPIDA ELPIDA N A N A N A N A N A N A Hynix Hynix Hynix ELPIDA ELPIDA ELPIDA ELPIDA AD30908C8D 15IG AD30908C8D 15IG Heat Sink Package J1108BABG DJ E AM5D5808AEWSBG J1108BABG DJ E ECC J1108BABG DJ E AM5D5808AEWSBG J1108BABG DJ E ECC Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package MT8JF12864AY 1G4D1 D9JNM Heat Sink Package J1108BABG DJ E J1108BABG DJ E Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package H5TQ1G83BFR H5TQ1G83BFR H5TQ1G83BFRH9C J1108BASE DJ E J1108BABG DJ E J1108BABG DJ E J1108BABG DJ E DIMM socket support Optional Timing Dimm Bios Voltage AY BY 1333 9 9 9 24 1333 9 9 9 24 7 7 20 1 65 1 85 7 1333 9 9 9 24 1333 9 9 9 24 9 1333 9 9 9 24 1333 9 9 9 24 1333 9 9 9 24 9 1333 9 9 9 24 1333 9 9 9 24 9 9 9 24 1333 9 9 9 24
52. 144MB Kit of 3 6144MB Kit of 3 2048MB Kit of 2 2048MB 4096MB Kit of 2 6144MB Kit of 3 3072MB Kit of 3 4096MB Kit of 2 4096MB Kit of 2 6144MB Kit of 3 6144MB Kit of 3 2048MB DS DS SS DS SS DS DS DS SS SS SS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS SS DS DS DS DS DS Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package KFB8FNGXF ANX 12A KFB8FNGXF ANX 12A Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package N2CB1G80AN DG Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package K4B1G08460 9 9 9 24 1601 9 9 9 24 8 8 8 28 1600 8 8 8 28 9 1600 9 8 9 28 9 1600 9 8 9 28 1600 8 8 8 20 9 1066 9 9 9 24 9 1333 9 9 9 24 1066 8 8 8 20 7 6 6 24 1333 7 7 7 20 8 8 8 1066 7 7 7 20 7 7 7 1066 7 7 7 20 7 7 7 1333 7 7 7 20 7 7 6 1333 7 7 7 20 8 8 8 1066 7 7 7 20 8 8 8 1066 7 7 7 16 8 8 8 1600 8 8 8 24 8 8 8 1066 7 7 7 16 1333 8 8 8 24 7 7 7 14 1066 7 7 7 20 9 1333 9 9 9 28 7 7 7 20 9 9 9 24 1333 9 9 9 24 9 9 9 24 1066 7 7 7 20 9 9 9 24 1066 7 7 7 20 7 7 7 20 1066 7 7 7 20 9 9 9 24 1066 7 7 7 20 9 9 9 24 1600 7 7 7 20
53. 3 dad POW All SUNG EE 4 19 4 3 4 ASUS Fan Xpert cc eccesssessseessseessneesssreesseessaees 4 21 4 3 5 ASUS EPU 6 Engine scscsicissiisnccucercsiicsnsnesmevusaccsiiucesdes 4 22 2535 Tubov EVO vasre 4 23 RAID COMPGUNAU GINS srei 4 27 4 4 1 RAID definitions secsisisiesscdetsercewesicaiietdvitGaietiuweutedretiaiies 4 27 4 4 2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks wssorrsvrrrnrrrrvrrrnrerenne 4 28 4 4 3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS n se 4 28 4 4 4 Intel Matrix Storage Manager option ROM utility 4 28 Creating a RAID driver disk rrrrurnvvrnnnvrnnnnvrnnnvrnnnvvennnernvnvrennvernn 4 32 4 5 1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS 4 32 4 5 2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows 006 4 32 4 5 3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows OS installation rsrrrrnrrrnrrraversvrrrsvrrrnrrnnr 4 33 4 5 4 Using a USB floppy disk drive 4 33 Chapter 5 ATI CrossFireX technology support ATI CrossFireX technology uerravervnvvrnnvrnnvvnnnvrnnnernnvrnnnvrvnennn 5 1 5 1 1 FIC QUIFGIMIGINS scan chicirccaccnctieeeieoneicdesentdavsanetaguntmenioianidas 5 1 5 1 2 Before you DOIN co sccscandexcnsntvcstavacsceindansseavtinglandaceeasnntaaend 5 1 5 1 3 Installing CrossFireX graphics cards rrrsrrrrnvrrravvrrnnrr 5 2 5 1 4 Installing the device drivers mmmmnvrervrvrrrvrrrrrrrrrrrrernnr 5 3 5 1 5 Enabling the ATI CrossFireX technology 006 5 3 NVIDIA
54. 5 Expansion slots In the future you may need to install expansion cards The following sub sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support Ensure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components 2 5 1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card 1 Before installing the expansion card read the documentation that came with it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card 2 Remove the system unit cover if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis 3 Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use Keep the screw for later use 4 Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely seated on the slot 5 Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier 6 Replace the system cover 2 5 2 Configuring an expansion card After installing the expansion card configure it by adjusting the software settings 1 Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings if any See Chapter 3 for information on BIOS setup 2 Assign an IRQ to the card Refer to the tables on the next page 3 Install the software drivers for the expansion card When using PCI cards on shared slots ensure that the drivers support Share IRQ or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments Otherwise conflicts will arise bet
55. 66 7 7 7 20 M378B5273BH1 CF8 4096MB SAMSUNG K4B2G0846B HCF8 8 7 7 7 20 TS256MLK64V1U 2048MB ELPIDA J1108BABG AE E 7 1066 7 7 7 20 SLY3128M8 EAE 1024MB Asint DDRIII1208 AE 7 7 7 20 SLZ3128M8 EAE 2048MB Asint DDRIII1208 AE 7 7 7 20 M2F2G64CB8HAN4 BE 2048MB Elixir N2CB1G80AN BE 7 3DU3191A 10 1024MB Qimonda IDSH51 03A1F1C 10F 7 2 20 Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 4 3 Installing a DIMM AN Ensure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components DIMM notch To install a DIMM 1 Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clip outward 2 Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket Unlocked retaining clip LN A DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction DO NOT force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM 3 Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clip snaps back in place and the DIMM is properly seated Locked Retaining Clip 2 4 4 Removing a DIMM Follow these steps to remove a DIMM o g 1 Press the retaining clip outward to unlock the DIMM TI o gt Z Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clip The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force 2 Remove the DIMM from the socket ROG Maximus III Formula 2 21 2
56. 9 9 24 1333 9 9 9 24 1 65 BL12864BA1608 8SFB XMP 1024MB Heat Sink Package 1601 8 8 8 24 1 8 F3 12800CL9D 2GBNQ 2048MB Kit of 2 Heat Sink Package 1333 9 9 9 24 1 6 F3 12800CL8T 6GBHK XMP 6144MB Kit of 3 Heat Sink Package 8 8 8 21 1333 8 8 8 21 1 6 1 65 F3 12800CL8T 6GBPI XMP 6144MB Kit of 3 Heat Sink Package 8 8 8 21 1066 8 8 8 20 1 6 1 65 Chapter 2 Hardware information Maximus III Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 1600MHz capability KINGSTON KINGSTON KINGSTON KINGSTON OCZ OCZ OCZ OCZ OCZ OCZ OCZ F3 12800CL9T 6GBNQ GV34GB1600C8DC FLGD45F B8KG9 NAES FLGE85F B8KG9 NEES KHX12800D3LLK3 3GX XMP KHX12800D3K3 12GX XMP KHX12800D3K2 4G KHX12800D3LLK3 6GX XMP OCZ3P1600EB1G OCZ3G1600LV3GK OCZ3P1600LV3GK OCZ3P16004GK OCZ3P1600EB4GK OCZ3G1600LV6GK OCZ3G1600LV6GK OCZ3X1600LV6GK XMP OCZ3X1600LV6GK XMP WB160UX6GB XMP CS322271 M2F2G64CB8HA4N DG 996657 998659 XMP PVT33G1600ELK PVS34G1600ELK PVS34G1600LLKN PVT36G1600ELK PVT36G1600ELK MFADR401PA0102 XMP 6144MB Kit of 3 4096MB Kit of 2 1024MB 2048MB 3072MB Kit of 3 12288MB Kit of 3 4096MB Kit of 2 6144MB Kit of 3 1024MB 3072MB Kit of 3 3072MB Kit of 3 4096MB Kit of 2 4096MB Kit of 2 6144MB Kit of 3 6144MB Kit of 3 6144MB Kit of 3 6
57. CPU fan Standard Sets to Standard to make the CPU fan automatically adjust depending on the CPU temperature Silent Sets to Silent to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation Turbo Set to Turbo to achieve maximum CPU fan speed Chassis Q Fan Function Disabled Allows you to enable or disable the Chassis fan controller Disabled Disables the Chassis Q fan controller Enabled Enables the Chassis Q fan controller ROG Maximus III Formula 3 33 3 34 Z The Chassis Fan Profile item appears when you enable the Chassis Q Fan Function feature Chassis Fan Profile Standard This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q Fan Control feature and allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the chassis fan Standard Sets to Standard to make the chassis fan automatically adjust depending on the chassis temperature Silent Sets to Silent to minimize the fan speed for quiet chassis fan operation Turbo Set to Turbo to achieve maximum chassis fan speed PWRFAN Control Disabled Allows you to select the power fan control mode When this item is set to Duty Mode you can configure the PWRFan Duty item PWRFan Duty 50 Allows you to set the fan duty cycle This item appears when the PWRFan Control item is set to Duty Mode Configuration options 40 50 60 70 80 90 OPTFAN1 2 3 Control Disabled Allows you to select the optional fan control mode When this i
58. CZ OCZ3P18002GK 2048MB Kit of 2 Heat Sink Package 8 OCZ3P18004GK 4096MB Kit of 2 Heat Sink Package 8 TX1800KLU 2GK XMP 2048MB Kit of 2 Heat Sink Package 8 PVS32G1800LLKN EPP Maximus III Formula Motherboard 2048MB Kit of 2 Heat Sink Package Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 1600MHz capability Vendor Part No Timing Lable Bios DIMM socket support Optional Voltage A B AD31600E001GMU 3072MB Kit of 3 Heat Sink Package 8 8 8 24 1333 9 9 9 24 1 65 1 85 AD31600F002GMU XMP 6144MB Kit of 3 Heat Sink Package 7 7 7 20 1333 9 9 9 24 1 75 1 85 TR3X3G1600C8D XMP Ver2 1 3072MB Kit of 3 Heat Sink Package 8 8 8 24 1601 8 8 8 24 1 65 TR3X3G1600C8D 3072MB Kit of 3 Heat Sink Package 8 8 8 24 1600 8 8 8 24 1 65 TR3X3G1600C9 XMP Vert 1 3072MB Kit of 3 Heat Sink Package 9 9 9 24 1601 9 9 9 24 BoxP N TW3X4G1600C9DHXNV CM3X2G1600C9DHXNV Ver4 1 4096MB Kit of 2 Heat Sink Package 1333 9 9 9 24 1 65 1 80 TR3X6G1600C8D XMP Ver2 1 6144MB Kit of 3 Heat Sink Package 8 8 8 24 1601 8 8 8 24 1 65 TR3X6G1600C8D 6144MB Kit of 3 Heat Sink Package 8 8 8 24 1600 8 8 8 24 1 65 TR3X6G1600C9 XMP Ver2 1 6144MB Kit of 3 Heat Sink Package 9
59. Fan connectors _ a is CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM PWR FAN PWR PWR FAN IN PWR FAN PWM GND GND CHA FAN PWR CHA FAN IN CHA FAN PWM GND B B B AXIMUS lil FORMULA Q OPT FAN PWR OPT FAN IN OPT FAN PWM CHA FAN PWR CHA FAN IN CHA FAN PWM CHA FAN PWR CHA FAN IN CHA FAN PWM GND GND GND Bi B Ei If you install two VGA cards we recommend that you plug the chassis fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled OPT FAN1 2 3 for better thermal environment ROG Maximus III Formula 2 35 9 Thermal sensor cable connectors 2 pin OPT TEMP1 2 3 These connectors are for temperature monitoring Connect the thermal sensor cables to these connectors and place the other ends to the devices which you want to monitor temperature The optional fan1 2 3 can work with the temperature sensors for a better cooling effect Der HER h gah Q or TEMP1 B Ground IP at B OPT_TEMP2 Di Te
60. Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a DOS based utility The EZ Flash 2 utility is built in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing lt Alt gt lt F2 gt during the Power On Self Tests POST Before you start using this utility download the latest BIOS from the ASUS Ft website at www asus com To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2 1 Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port and then launch EZ Flash 2 in any of these two ways e Press lt Alt gt lt F2 gt during POST to display the following Enter the BIOS setup program Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2 and press lt Enter gt to enable it ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3 34 FLASH TYPE MONDSNIGOSN C BOARD Maximus III Formula BOARD Unknown VER 0229 VER Unknown DATE 07 29 2009 DATE Unknown PATH Bay A Enter Select or Load Tab Switch V Drive Info Up Down Home End Move B Backup Esc Exit Press lt Tab gt to switch between drives until the correct BIOS file is found When found EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update process and automatically reboots the system when done AN e This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk with FAT 32 16 format and single partition only DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system
61. Hand off Enabled Z The USB Devices Enabled item shows the auto detected values If no USB device is detected the item shows None USB Functions Enabled Enabled Enables the USB Host Controllers Disabled Disables the controllers Z The following items appear only when you set USB Functions to Enabled Legacy USB Support Auto Auto Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup If detected the USB controller legacy mode is enabled If no USB device is detected the legacy USB support is disabled Enabled Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems OS Disabled Disables the function BIOS EHCI Hand off Enabled Enabled Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand off feature Disabled Disables the function Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 5 5 LED Control The LED Control menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for the onboard LEDS AN Take caution when changing the settings of the LED Control menu items Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced LED Control All LED Control All LED Control Enabled ROG Logo Enabled Voltiminder LED Enabled CPU LED Selection CPU Select Screen Select Item General Help Save and Exit Exit v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc All LED Control Enabled Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LEDs control Config
62. I Formula 3 5 3 2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports two programmable firmware chips that you can update using the provided utility described in section 3 1 Managing and updating your BIOS Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard reconfiguring your system or prompted to Run Setup This section explains how to configure your system using this utility Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program you can change the configuration of your computer in the future For example you can enable the security password feature or change the power management settings This requires you to reconfigure your system using the BIOS Setup program so that the computer can recognize these changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the firmware chip The firmware chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility When you start up the computer the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program Press lt Del gt during the Power On Self Test POST to enter the Setup utility otherwise POST continues with its test routines If you wish to enter Setup after POST restart the system by pressing lt Cirl Alt Delete gt or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis You can also restart by turning the system off and then back on Do this last option only if the first two failed The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible Being a menu driven program it lets you
63. III Formula specifications summary USB ROG Exclusive Overclocking Features Other Special Features BIOS Features Manageability Back Panel I O Ports max 14 USB 2 0 ports 5 ports at mid board 9 ports at back panel Extreme Engine Power Design 16 phase CPU power 3 phase VTT power 3 phase Memory power ROG Connect CPU Level Up Memory Level Up Speeding HDD iROG Extreme Tweaker Loadline Calibration Intelligent overclocking tools ASUS Al Booster Utility O C Profile Overclocking Protection COP EX Component Overheat Protection EX Voltiminder LED ASUS C P R CPU Parameter Recall MemOK MemPerfect Probelt Onboard Switches Power Reset Clr CMOS at rear Q Fan Plus ASUS EPU ASUS MyLogo3 ASUS Fan Xpert ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS Q Connector ASUS Q LED CPU DRAM VGA Boot Device LED ASUS Q Slot ASUS Q DIMM 16Mb AMI BIOS PnP DMI2 0 WfM2 0 SM BIOS 2 4 ACPI2 0a Multi Language BIOS WOL by PME WOR by PME PXE 1 x PS 2 Keyboard port purple 1 x External SATA port 1 x LAN RJ45 port 9 x USB 2 0 1 1 ports 1 port for ROG Connect 1 x ROG Connect On Off switch 1 x IEEE1394a port 1 x Clr CMOS switch continued on the next page Maximus III Formula specifications summary Internal I O Connectors Software Form Factor 3 x USB 2 0 connectors support additional 5 USB 2 0 ports 1 port reserved for ROG Connect Q r
64. NLY 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 Contents NOU ene viii Safety iNommall ONN nenna ix ABOUT UNIS QUITO sene xi Maximus Ill Formula specifications summary russvrnvnvvrnnnvrnnnervvnnvrnnnnennn xiii Chapter 1 Product introduction 1 1 WEE SE 1 1 1 2 Package COEN IS uanansasakse ean 1 1 1 3 SPE EN 1 2 1 3 1 Product highlights sreonrrrnnnrrnnnrrnnrrrnnrrrnrnrrrnrnrnnrrrnnennr 1 2 1 3 2 ROG Intelligent Performance amp Overclocking features 1 3 1 3 3 ROG unique features eescssseesseeesseessseessseeeseees 1 5 1 3 4 ASUS special features rsrrrrrrrrrnrvrrnnrrrrnverrrrvrrnnrrrrnvennn 1 6 Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 1 Before YOU proceed rumnnrruvnvrrvnvvnnnnvvnnnvnnnnnvnnnnvvnnnnnennnvnnnnnennnnvnnvnenr 2 1 2 2 Motherboard OVervieWw srrursvvrunnnvnnnnnnvennnnvnnnnnnnernnnnvnnnnnnvevennerennn 2 5 2 2 1 Motherboard layout nemes 2 5 2 2 2 SupremeFX X Fi audio card layout 2 6 223 Layout cOnentSuyusumvesuamnsninmev dvd 2 6 2 2 4 Placement di
65. P55 Serial ATA connectors 7 pin SATA 1 6 Clear RTC RAM 3 pin CLRTC_SW System panel connector 20 8 pin PANEL JMicron JMB322 Serial ATA connectors 7 pin SPD_HDD1 red SPD_HDD2 red USB connectors 10 1 pin USB910 USB1112 USB13 GP connector 8 pin GP Reset switch Power on switch Thermal sensor cable connectors 2 pin OPT TEMP1 3 IEEE 1394a port connector 10 1 pin IE1394 2 N Refer to 2 8 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 2 4 Placement direction When installing the motherboard ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below 2 2 5 Screw holes Place nine 9 screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis AN DO NOT overtighten the screws Doing so can damage the motherboard ooog goog Place this side towards the rear of the chassis ROG Maximus III Formula 2 7 2 8 2 3 Central Processing Unit CPU The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1156 socket designed for the Intel Core i7 Core i5 Processors 4 Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU AN Upon purchase of the motherboard ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and the socket contacts are
66. RESET This 2 pin connector is for the chassis mounted reset button for system reboot without turning off the system power 2 38 Chapter 2 Hardware information 12 Audio connectors Optical drive audio connector This connector allows you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD ROM TV tuner or MPEG card Front panel audio connector This connector is for a chassis mounted front panel audio I O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC 97 audio standard Connect one end of the front panel audio I O module cable to this connector aN We recommend that you connect a high definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard s high definition audio capability Digital audio connector This connector is for an additional Sony Philips Digital Interface S PDIF port s Front view Xri SUPREMEFX Listen with Absolutely HD ROG Maximus III Formula Side view Optical drive audio connector Front panel audio connector Digital audio connector 2 39 13 ASUS Q Connector system panel Use the ASUS Q Connector to connect disconnect the chassis front panel cables To install the ASUS Q Connector 1 Connect the front panel cables to the ASUS Q Connector Refer to the labels on the Q Connector to know the detailed pin definitions and then match them to their respective front panel cable labels P The labels on the front panel cables
67. ROG GameFirst You can use this software to adjust network flow speed between different applications ASUS ROG Connect You can use this software to control the performance of machine remotely and to monitor its variation of each item immediately Adobe Reader 8 Installs the Adobe Reader that allows you to open view and print documents in Portable Document Format PDF Microsoft DirectX 9 0c Installs Microsoft DirectX 9 0c Chapter 4 Software support 4 2 4 Make disk menu The Make disk menu contains items to create the Intel and JMicron RAID driver disk Intel AHCI RAID Driver Please select items to install JMicron JMB36X AHCI Driver Intel AHCI RAID Driver Allows you to create an Intel AHCI RAID Driver disk JMicron JMB36X AHCI Driver Allows you to create a JMicron AHCI Driver disk 4 2 5 Manual menu The Manuals menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals Click an item to open the folder of the user manual Most user manual files are in Portable Document Format PDF Install the Adobe Acrobat Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual file vs XP Home Professiona Manual ASUS Motherboard Utility Guide Please select items to install VIA HD Audio User s Manual Intel R Matrix Storage ManagernUsers Man ROG Maximus III Formula 4 5 4 6 4 2 6 Video menu Click the Video tab to display a list of video clips Click the video titles to watch ROG
68. SLI technology r ruserrrvrrnvrnnvrnnvrnnvrnnvrnnvnnnvrnnernnernnernnnr 5 5 5 2 1 Requirements ruranvraannrvnnrnaverasavvesnsnvevsrnnresasnvvnsssnnerennns 5 5 5 2 2 Installing two SLI ready graphics Cards arrrrrrrrrrrrrnnrn 5 5 5 2 3 Installing the device driverS rrrrrnrnnrrrvnnnvrnnnnrrnrnnnnnennne 5 6 5 2 4 Enabling the NVIDIA SLIT technology ceccecee 5 6 Appendix Debug code table vii viii Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules Operation is subject to the following two conditions e This device may not cause harmful interference and e 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
69. UTILITY MemPerfect Option Select the memory a o I frequency you desire MemPerfect Disabled and let MemPerfect do the rest check your memory settings for errors and automatically fix them ensuring system stability and maximum MemPerfect Disabled MemPerfect can quickly check your memory settings and automatically fix errors Configuration options Disabled Enabled 3 8 6 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2 When you press lt Enter gt a confirmation message appears Use the left right arrow key to select between Yes or No then press lt Enter gt to confirm your choice P For more details refer to section 3 1 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V4 00b FLASH TYPE H 00 B 14 Enter Select or Load Tab Switch V Drive Info Up Down Home End Move B Backup Esc Exit ROG Maximus III Formula 3 43 3 44 3 9 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools l Exit system setup after Exit Options saving the changes F10 key can be used for Exit amp Save Changes E i this operation Exit amp Discard Changes Discard Changes Load Setup Defaults Select Screen Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02 61 C Copyr
70. a SATA RAID driver disk Windows XP may not recognize the USB floppy disk drive due to Windows XP limitation To work around this OS limitation refer to section 4 6 4 Using a USB floppy disk drive 4 5 1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS To create a RAID driver disk without entering the OS Boot your computer Press lt Del gt during POST to enter the BIOS setup utility Set the optical drive as the primary boot device Insert the support DVD into the optical drive Save changes and exit BIOS gt NG 9 gt When the Make Disk menu appears press lt 1 gt to create a 32 64bit Intel AHCI RAID driver disk 7 insert a formatted floppy disk into the USB floppy disk drive then press lt Enter gt 8 Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process 4 5 2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows To create a RAID driver disk in Windows 1 Start Windows 2 Plug the USB floppy disk drive and insert a floppy disk 3 Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive 4 Go to the Make Disk menu and then click Intel AHCI RAID Driver to create an Intel RAID driver disk Select USB floppy disk drive as the destination disk 6 Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process P Write protect the floppy disk to avoid a computer virus infection Chapter 4 Software support 4 5 3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows OS installation To i
71. an Display volume 4 12 Chapter 4 Software support 4 3 2 ASUS PC Probe II PC Probe Il is a utility that monitors the computer s vital components and detects and alerts you of any problem with these components PC Probe II senses fan rotations CPU temperature and system voltages among others Because PC Probe Il is software based you can start monitoring your computer the moment you turn it on With this utility you are assured that your computer is always at a healthy operating condition Installing PC Probe Il To install PC Probe II on your computer 1 Place the support DVD to the optical drive The Drivers installation tab appears if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature VA If Autorun is not enabled in your computer browse the contents of the support Gan DVD to locate the setup exe file from the ASUS PC Probe II folder Double click the setup exe file to start installation 2 Click the Utilities tab then click ASUS PC Probe II 3 Follow the screen instructions to complete installation Launching PC Probe II You can launch the PC Probe II right after installation or anytime from the Windows desktop To launch the PC Probe II from the Windows desktop click Start gt All Programs gt ASUS gt PC Probe II gt PC Probe Il v1 xx xx The PC Probe II main window appears After launching the application the PC Probe II icon appears in the Windows taskbar Click this icon to close or restore the applicati
72. ation wosvrrnvvrrnrrrrvrrrnrrrrrrernrrrrnrerserenne 3 20 3 4 7 System Information rasvvrrnnrrrrnnvrnsvvrrrnvvrrsnvrrrnrnrrnnnenn 3 20 Advanced MENU saa 3 21 3 5 1 CPU Corus ette 3 21 Vi Contents 3 6 3 7 3 8 3 9 392 ONPSE essnee ee eee 3 24 3 5 3 Onboard Device Configuration uasrrrvvrrnvvrrvrrrrrrenn 3 25 3 5 4 USB Configuration rrrrnvrrnvvnrnvrrnnvrravrrrnvrrnvrrrvrrnnnennn 3 26 355 BED Va 3 27 3 5 6 IROG Configuration reranvrrvvvvrnvvrrnvrrvrrrrrrrenrerrrrerrrrennr 3 28 ET HOG CONNEC sino 3 28 POWE NE 3 29 3 6 1 Suspend Mode Auto rrrrrnnrrrnrnnrrrnnarrrrnnnrrrnnnnrnnrnnnnne 3 29 3 6 2 Repost Video on S3 Resume Disabled 06 3 29 3 6 3 ACPI 2 0 Support Disabled rrrvrrrrnrrrrovvrrnrrrrrnnrnrr 3 29 3 6 6 APM Configuration rranvrrvvvrrnvvrrnvrrrrevrrrrerrerrrrrrnrenne 3 30 3 6 4 ACPI APIC Support Enabled rrnrrrrnrrrrnrrrrnrrrrrnnrrrr 3 30 3 6 5 EuP Ready Disabled rrrnnnnrrnnrnnnnrrnrnrnnnvrrrrnnnnvnnnnnn 3 30 3 6 7 Hardware Monitor rrrrrrnnnrrvnnnnanrrvnnnranrrresnrnnnrvesrrnnnnen 3 32 BOOL MENU scia 3 35 3 7 1 Boot Device Priority rarvrrannrrransrvvrnsanrvansnrvrnrnnverasnvveenn 3 35 3 7 2 Boot Settings Configuration rrrsrvrrnvrrrrvrrnrrrrvrrrnvrennr 3 36 ES DECU eee ene nee nee eet ere eee 3 37 16018 MENU Lae 3 39 3 8 1 Speeding HDD Configuration 3 39 3 8 2 ASUS O C Profile rrrrrnnrr
73. aurer i a MIDDLE_LOAD OPT FAN1 JCPU_HIGH lij CPU_NORMAL 0 DDR CRAZY 2 sw r OPT_TEMP1 erT DDR_HIGH p q lt 1 DDR NORMAL z 9 ROG CONNECT CHA FAN3 ROG m Q Q Kej C m 3 O Zz PCIEX1 1 Ics SATA ODD2 SATA ODD1 ASUS e PCIEX16_1 E HD LED ra RTL8110SC PCIEX1_2 MAXIMUS II FORMULA Lithium Cell CHA_FAN3 PCI1 CMOS Power VIA VT6308P SATA1 SATA1 SATA2 SATA2 SATA1 SATA2 Intel PCH_CRAZY P55 PCH_HIGH PCIEX16_2 lt PCH NORMAL iROG PCI2 ooo iROG mrri 17 PCIEX16_3 lt RSN LL IL EL CHA FAN1 USB910 SPD HDD1 SPD HDD1 OPT_TEMP2 OPT_TEMP3 GP OC STATION eee OPT FAN2 OPT FAN3 LL USB13 EOR ETE E Tr o PEED snr elalelal ateletel EG Fara m m alal befal fela PANEL Super I O 16 1 DUE 12 1 11 10 ROG Maximus III Formula 2 6 2 2 2 SupremeFX X Fi audio card layout Front view Side view Optical drive audio connector Front panel audio connector SuPREMEF X Listen with Absolutely HD Digital audio connector op00 APA EE 2 2 3 Layout contents Connectors Jumpers Switches Slots CPU chassis and optional fan connectors 4 pin CPU FAN 4 pin PWR FAN 4 pin CHA FAN1 2 4 pin OPT FAN1 3 ATX power connectors 24 pin EATXPWR 8 pin EATX12V LGA1156 CPU Socket DDR3 DIMM slots GO Button JMicron JMB363 Serial ATA connectors 7 pin SATA_ODD1 white SATA_ODD2 white ROG connector 3 pin ROG Intel
74. compatibility and stability Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu See section 3 9 Exit Menu for details Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 1 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the BIOS file The BIOS file in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS file published on the ASUS official website If you want to use the newer BIOS file download the file at support asus com and save it to a USB flash drive Recovering the BIOS To recover the BIOS 1 Turn on the system 2 Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive or the USB flash drive containing the BIOS file to the USB port 3 The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file When found the utility reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted BIOS file 4 Turn off the system after the utility completes the updating process and power on again 5 The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS setting To ensure system compatibility and stability we recommend that you press lt F2 gt to load default BIOS values A DO NOT shut down or reset the system while recovering the BIOS Doing so can cause system boot failure ROG Maximus II
75. cs card installation Ensure that the cards are properly seated on the slots ROG Maximus III Formula 5 5 4 Align and firmly insert the SLI bridge connector to the goldfingers on each graphics card Ensure that the connector is firmly in place 5 Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two graphics cards separately 6 Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card Goldfingers 5 2 3 Installing the device drivers Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device drivers aN Ensure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI technology Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website www nvidia com 5 2 4 Enabling the NVIDIA SLI technology After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers enable the SLI feature in NVIDIA Control Panel under the Windows Vista operating system Launching the NVIDIA Control Panel You can launch the NVIDIA Control Panel by the following two methods A Right click on the empty space of the Windows desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel The NVIDIA Control Panel window appears See Step B5 5 6 E y Personalize View b Sort By Refresh Paste Paste Shortcut NVIDIA Control Panel New gt l Chapter 5 Multiple GPU technology support B1 If you cannot see the NVIDIA Control Panel item in View step A se
76. d Allows you to enable or disable the Quick Boot function Disabled When set to Disabled BIOS performs all the POST items Enabled When set to Enabled BIOS skips some power on self tests POST while booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system Full Screen Logo Enabled This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature Enabled Enables the full screen logo display feature Disabled Disables the full screen logo display feature PP Set this item to Enabled to use the ASUS MyLogo3 feature AddOn ROM Display Mode Force BIOS Sets the display mode for option ROM Force BIOS Keep Current Bootup Num Lock On Allows you to select the power on state for the NumLock On Sets the power on state of the NumLock to On Off Sets the power on state of the NumLock to Off Wait for F1 If Error Enabled When set to Enabled the system waits for the lt F1 gt key to be pressed when error occurs Hit DEL Message Display Enabled When set to Enabled the system displays the message Press DEL to run Setup during POST 3 36 Chapter 3 BIOS setup POST State LEDs Enabled Enabled Turn on onboard device LEDs in the order of the device POST Sequence Disabled Disables this function 3 73 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings Select an item then press lt Enter gt to display the configuration o
77. d accordingly to achieve quiet and efficient cooling Kaspersky Anti Virus The best protection from viruses and spyware Kaspersky Anti Virus Personal offers premium antivirus protection for individual users and home offices It is based on advanced antivirus technologies The product incorporates the Kaspersky Anti Virus engine which is renowned for malicious program detection rates that are among the industry s highest 1 3 4 ASUS special features ASUS EZ DIY ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer components update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings ASUS Q Shield The specially designed ASUS Q Shield does without the usual fingers making it convenient and easy to install With better electric conductivity it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference EMI ASUS Q Connector The ASUS Q Connector allows you to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in one easy step with one complete module This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of plugging in one cable at a time making connection quick and accurate Chapter 1 Product Introduction ASUS O C Profile The motherboard features the ASUS O C Profile that allows users to conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS or a separate file giving users freedom to share and distribute the
78. d select it then press lt Enter gt to display a list of options Refer to 3 2 7 Pop up window 3 2 7 Pop up window Select a menu item then press lt Enter gt to display a pop up window with the configuration options for that item 3 2 8 Scroll bar A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that do not fit on the screen Press the Scroll bar Up Down arrow keys or lt Page Up gt Pop up window lt Page Down gt keys to display the other items on the screen 3 2 9 General help At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 3 Extreme Tweaker menu The Extreme Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking related items A N Take caution when changing the settings of the Extreme Tweaker menu items Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction The default values of the following items vary depending on the CPU and memory modules you install on the motherboard BIOS SETUP UTILITY Extreme Tweaker Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Configure System Frequency Voltage Tuning Mode is the BIOS menu switch for Target CPU Frequency 2128MHZ different purpose Target DRAM Frequency 1066MHZ Extreme OC offers the max tuning degree CPU Level Up Auto of freedom to the Memory Level Up extreme Gaming provides the Ai Overclock Tuner majo
79. d by the difference RAID function For example RAID 0 and RAID 1 set can be created by using only two identical hard disk drives ROG Maximus III Formula 4 27 4 42 Installing Serial ATA hard disks The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives For optimal performance install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration 1 Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays 2 Connect the SATA signal cables 3 Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive 4 43 Setting the RAID item in BIOS You must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID set s using SATA HDDs To do this Enter the BIOS Setup during POST Go to the Main menu gt Storage Configuration and then press lt Enter gt Set the Configure SATA as item to RAID Save your changes and then exit the BIOS Setup DR Ie ee Z Refer to Chapter 3 for details on entering and navigating through the BIOS Setup LN Due to chipset limitation when set any of SATA ports to RAID mode all SATA ports run at RAID mode together 4 44 Intel Matrix Storage Manager option ROM utility To enter the Intel Matrix Storage Manager option ROM utility 1 Turn on the system 2 During POST press lt Cirl gt lt I gt to display the utility main menu Intel R Matrix Storage Manager option ROM v8 9 0 1014 PCH D wRAID5 Copyright C 2003 09
80. ds and the motherboard layout may vary with models but the installation steps remain the same 1 Prepare two CrossFireX ready graphics cards 2 Insert the two graphics card into the PCIEX16 slots 3 Ensure that the cards are properly seated on the slots 4 Align and firmly insert the CrossFireX bridge connector to the goldfingers on each graphics card Ensure that the connector is firmly in place Goldfingers CrossFireX bridge 5 Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two graphics cards separately 6 Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card Chapter 5 Multiple GPU technology support 5 1 4 Installing the device drivers Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device drivers NN 5 1 5 Ensure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the ATI CrossFireX technology Download the latest driver from the AMD website www amd com Enabling the ATI CrossFireX technology After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers enable the CrossFireX feature through the ATI Catalyst Control Center in Windows environment Launching the ATI Catalyst Control Center To launch the ATI Catalyst Control Center 1 Right click on the Windows desktop and select Catalyst TM Control Center You can also right click the ATI icon in the Windows notification area and se
81. e onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to internally optimize the order of commands If you want to create a RAID 0 RAID 1 RAID 5 RAID 10 or the Intel Matrix Storage Technology configuration from the Serial ATA hard disk drives set this item to RAID Hard Disk Write Protect Disabled Disables or enables device write protection This will be effective only if the device is accessed through BIOS Configuration option Disabled Enabled IDE Detect Time Out Sec 35 Selects the time out value for detecting ATA ATAPI devices Configuration options 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 ROG Maximus III Formula 3 19 3 46 AHCI Configuration This menu is the section for AHCI configuration It appears only when you set the item Configure SATA as from the sub menu of SATA Configuration to AHCI BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main AHCI Settings While entering setup SATA Portl Detected BIOS auto detects SATA Port2 Detected the presence of SATA Port3 Detected SATA devices This SATA Port4 Detected displays the status SATA Port5 Detected of auto detection of SATA Port6 Detected SATA devices SATA Port1 6 XXXX Displays the status of auto detection of SATA devices BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main SATA Portl Select the type Device Not Detected of devices connected to the system SATA Portl Auto SMART Monitoring E
82. ear 10 x SATA connectors 2 x Speeding HDD SATA connectors Red 2 x SATA ODD White 6 x standard SATA connectors Gray 8 x Fan connectors 1 x CPU 1 x PWR 3 x Chassis 3 x Optional 3 x thermal sensor connectors 1 x IEEE1394a connector 1 x 24 pin ATX Power connector 1 x 8 pin ATX 12V Power connector 1 x En Dis able Clr CMOS header 5 x Probelt measurement points 1 x ROG light connector 1 x Go Button System panel connector Support DVD Drivers and applications Sound Blaster X Fi Utility Kaspersky Anti Virus ASUS TurboV utility ASUS PC Probe II ASUS Update ASUS Al Suite ATX Form Factor 12 x 9 6 30 5cm x 24 4cm Specifications are subject to change without notice XV xvi This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it Supports Product Introduction 1 1 Welcome vasse 1 1 1 2 Package ConleniSuuuaavdaausmammntmeanukea nnt 1 1 13 Special fedues massar 1 2 ROG Maximus III Formula 1 1 Welcome Thank you for buying an ROG Maximus 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
83. ecifications Install a PCle x1 device to a PCle x1 slot prior to a PCle x16 slot 2 5 6 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard has one PCI Express x16 slot that supports PCI Express x16 cards complying with the PCI Express specifications Refer to the figure below for the location of the slot 2 5 7 PCI Express 2 0 x16 slots This motherboard has two PCI Express 2 0 x16 slots that support PCI Express x16 2 0 graphic cards complying with the PCI Express specifications Refer to the figure below for the location of the slots Visnes ij A bY KA MI PCI slot PCI slot PCI Express x16_3 slot PCI Express x16_2 slot PCI Express x1_2 slot PCI Express x16_1 slot PCI Express x1_1 slot Chapter 2 Hardware information aN e In single VGA card mode use first the PCle 2 0 x16_1 slot for a PCI Express x16 graphics card to get better performance In CrossFireX or SLI mode use the PCle 2 0 x16_1 and PCle 2 0 x16_2 red slots for PCI Express x16 graphics cards to get better performance We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX or SLI mode See page 2 37 for details Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA FAN1 2 3 when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment ROG Maximus III Formula 2 25 2 26 2 6 Jumper Clear RTC RAM 3 pin CLATC SW This jumper allows you to enable the clr CMOS switch on the back I O You can clear the CMOS
84. ect 2 Delete RAID Volume and press lt Enter gt The following screen appears DELETE VOLUME MENU Drives Capacity Status Bootable HELP Deleting a volume will reset the disks to non RAID ALL DISK DATA WILL BE DELETED This does not apply to Recovery volumes 1 Select ESC Previous Menu DEL Delete Volume 2 Use the up down arrow key to select the RAID set you want to delete and then press lt Del gt The following warning message appears _ ALL DATA IN THE VOLUME WILL BE LOST oply to 3 Press lt Y gt to delete the RAID set and return to the utility main menu or press lt N gt to return to the DELETE VOLUME menu Exiting the Intel Matrix Storage Manager To exit the utility 1 From the utility main menu select 5 Exit and then press lt Enter gt The following warning message appears a dar rede KE i I a A I INTA ou sure vou want O X1 N 2 Press lt Y gt to exit or press lt N gt to return to the utility main menu ROG Maximus III Formula 4 31 4 32 4 5 Creating a RAID driver disk A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows XP operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set For Windows Vista or later operating systems use either a floppy disk or a USB flash drive with the RAID driver The motherboard does not provide a floppy drive connector You have to use a USB floppy disk drive when creating
85. ed dan the SATA signal cables and installed SATA hard disk drives to the SPD HDD1 and SPD HDD2 connectors e You can only make one Speeding HDD change a time before you save BIOS settings and restart the computer Speeding HDD Group Current Mode Displays the current Speeding HDD mode Changed Mode This item appears only when you select a Speeding HDD mode to update and displays the Speeding HDDt mode that you have changed Ultra Space This item appears only when you have created a drive partition using the Ultra Space function ROG Maximus III Formula 3 39 3 40 Speeding HDD Mode Update Update To Normal Mode Press Enter Allows you to use the SPD HDD1 red and SPD HDD red connectors as normal SATA connectors When using only one hard disk in Normal Mode connect the hard disk to the SPD HDD1 red connector on the motherboard Speeding HDD Device s List SPD HDD1 Red SPD HDD Red Press lt Enter gt to display the information of the hard disks which are connected to the SPD HDD1 red and SPD HDD1 red connectors on the motherboard 3 8 2 ASUS O C Profile This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings BIOS SETUP UTILITY Tools PROFILE Configuration Typing your profile name 0 9 a z A Z Profile are acceptable 1 Status Not Installed Profile 2 Status Not Installed Profile 3 Status Not Installed Profile 4 Status Not Installed Profile 5 Status Not Insta
86. either one of the preset overclocking configuration options Manual Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters Auto Loads the optimal settings for the system X M P If you install memory module s supporting the eXtreme Memory Profile X M P Technology choose this item to set the profile s supported by your memory module s for optimizing the system performance CPU Level Up Allows you to select a CPU level and the related parameters will be adjusted automatically Memory Level Up Allows you to select a memory level and the related parameters will be adjusted automatically 3 3 2 eXtreme Memory Profile High Performance This item appears only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to X M P and allows you to select the X M P mode supported by your memory module Configuration options High Performance High Frequency 3 3 3 OC From CPU Memory Level Up Auto These item appear only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to Manual 3 3 4 CPU Ratio Setting Auto Allows you to adjust the ratio between CPU Core Clock and FSB Frequency Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The valid value ranges differently according to your CPU model 3 3 5 Intel R SpeedStep TM Tech Enabled When set to Disabled the CPU runs at its default soeed When set to Enabled the CPU speed is controlled by the operating system Configuration options Disabled Enabled 3 3 6 Intel R TurboM
87. ely ROG Maximus III Formula 4 23 Z Set the CPU Ratio Setting item in BIOS to Auto before using the CPU Ratio function in TurboV See Chapter 3 for details For advanced overclock ability adjust first the BIOS items and then proceed more detailed adjustments using TurboV Using ASUS TurboV Auto Tuning Mode The Auto Tuning Mode allows smart auto overclocking Follow the instructions below to let TurboV EVO detect and overclock your system 1 Click the Auto Tuning tab and EE lirbov Evo then click Start You can also click More Setting first to configure more overclocking parameters before starting auto overclocking TurboV 2 Read through the warning messages and click Yes to start auto overclocking 4 24 Chapter 4 Software support 3 An animation appears indicating the overclocking process Click Stop if you want to cancel the current Overclocking process Ab After pressing Start the system starts performance tuning and may reboot 2 to 3 times Please do not operate or manually restart the computer during the tuning process After restarting OS a message appears indicating the current overclocking result You can click Stop to save the current overclocking setting or wait for TurboV EVO to continue system tuning for higher system performance The auto tuned system performance varies on the installed device ex CPU and DRAM The auto tuning function overclocks your system settings Installa
88. emovable Media Device if your device is either a ZIP LS 120 or MO drive LBA Large Mode Auto Enables or disables the LBA Logical Block Addressing mode Auto Select Auto to enable the LBA mode Logical Block Addressing mode if the device supports this mode and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA mode disabled Disabled Disable this function ROG Maximus III Formula 3 17 Block Multi Sector Transfer M Auto Enables or disables data multi sectors transfers Auto When set to Auto the data transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multi sector transfer feature Disabled When set to Disabled the data transfer from and to the device occurs one sector at a time PIO Mode Auto Auto Allows automatic selection of the PIO Programmed input output modes which correspond to different data transfer rates 0 1 4 Set the PIO mode to Mode 0 1 2 3 or 4 DMA Mode Auto DMA Direct Memory Access allows your computer to transfer data to and from the hardware devices installed with much less CPU overhead The DMA mode consists of SDMA single word DMA MDMA multi word DMA and UDMA Ultra DMA Setting to Auto allows automatic selection of the DMA mode or you can select from the following options SWDMA1 SWDMA2 MWDMAO MWDMA1 MWDMA2 UDMAOQ UDMA1 UDMA2 UDMAQ3 UDMA4 UDMA5 SMART Monitoring Auto Auto Allow
89. et ask for password Initialize PnP boot devices 1 USB final Initialization 2 NET PC Build SYSID structure 3 Switch screen back to text mode USSR SVs 4 Set up ACPI table at top of memory 5 Invoke ISA adapter ROMs 6 Assign IRQs to PCI devices 7 Initialize APM 8 Clear noise of IRQs INIT ROM Initialize device option ROMs 1 Program daylight saving heli cate 2 Update keyboard LED amp typematic rate 1 Build MP table 2 Build amp update ESCD UPDT DMI 3 Set CMOS century to 20h or 19h 4 Load CMOS time into DOS timer tick 5 Build MSIRQ routing table INT 19H Boot attempt INT 19h PASSWORD ASUSTek COMPUTER INC Address City No 150 LI TE RD PEITOU TAIPEI 112 TAIWAN R O C Country TAIWAN Authorized Representative in Europe ASUS COMPUTER GmbH Address City HARKORT STR 21 23 40880 RATINGEN GERMANY ROG Maximus III Formula Appendix Debug code table
90. f the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash drive in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility 3 1 1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage save and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows environment The ASUS Update utility allows you to Save the current BIOS file Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file Update the BIOS directly from the Internet and View the BIOS version information This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider ISP Installing ASUS Update To install ASUS Update 1 Place the support DVD in the optical drive The Drivers menu appears 2 Click the Utilities tab then click Install ASUS Update VX XX XX 3 The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system ROG Maximus III Formula 3 1 Z Quit all Windows applications before you update the BIOS using this utility s Updating the BIOS through the Internet To update the BIOS through the Internet 1 2 Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows desktop by clicking Start gt Programs gt ASUS gt ASUSUpdate gt ASUSUpdate The ASUS Update main window appears Internet Explorer Windows Update PY E mail Outlook Express
91. g 3D games Using any application that renders hardware accelerated Direct3D or OpenGL content System information ae Chapter 5 Multiple GPU technology support The Appendix lists the debug code table for the LCD Poster Debug code t ble Debug Ode table use A 1 ROG Maximus III Formula Debug code table Code CPU INIT DET CPU CHIPINIT DET DRAM DC FCODE EFSHADOW INIT IO INIT HWM CLR SCRN INIT8042 ENABLEKB DIS MS R W FSEG DET FLASH TESTCMOS PRG CHIP INIT CLK CHECKCPU INTRINIT INITINT9 CPUSPEED VGA BIOS TESTVRAM RESET KB Description CPU Initiation Test CMOS R W functionality Early chipset initialization Disable shadow RAM Disable L2 cache Program basic chipset registers Detect memory Auto detection of DRAM size type and ECC Auto detection of L2 cache Expand compressed BIOS code to DRAM Call chipset hook to copy BIOS back to E000 amp F000 shadow RAM Initialize IO devices Initialize Hardware Monitor 1 Blank out screen 2 Clear CMOS error flag 1 Clear 8042 interface 2 Initialize 8042 self test 1 Test special keyboard controller for Super I O chips 2 Enable keyboard interface 1 Disable PS 2 mouse interface optional 2 Auto detect ports for keyboard amp mouse followed by a port amp interface swap optional 3 Reset keyboard for Super I O chips Test FOOOh segment shadow to see whether it is R W able or not If test fails
92. hat 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 ROG Maximus III Formula 2 1 2 2 Onboard LEDs The motherboard comes with LEDs that indicate the voltage conditions of CPU memory and PCH You may adjust the voltages in BIOS There are also an LED for hard disk drive activity and an onboard switch for power status For more information about voltage adjustment refer to 3 3 Extreme Tweaker menu 1 CPU LED The CPU LED has three voltage displays CPU Voltage CPU PLL and IMC Voltage you can select the voltage to display in BIOS Refer to the illustration below for the location of the CPU LED and the table below for LED definition 2 Memory LED Refer to the illustration below for the location of the memory LED and the table below for LED definition 3 PCH LED The PCH LED shows the PCH Voltage Refer to the illustration below for the location of the PCH LED and the table below for LED definition CPU_CRAZY CPU HIGH CPU NORMAL DDR CRAZY DDR HIGH DDR NORMAL PCH CRAZY PCH HIGH PCH NORMAL
93. hitecture double the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance PCle 2 0 Double Speed Double Bandwidth This motherboard supports the latest PCle 2 0 device for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance 1 3 2 ROG Intelligent Performance amp Overclocking features ROG Connect Plug and Overclock Tweak it the hardcore way Monitor the status of your desktop PC and tweak its parameters in real time via a notebook just like a race car engineer with ROG Connect ROG Connect links your main system to a notebook through a USB cable allowing you to view real time POST code and hardware status readouts on your notebook as well as make on the fly parameter adjustments at a purely hardware level a GameFirst The speed you need to pwn Low Internet latency allows you to frag more and get fragged less That s why ROG has introduced GameFirst a feature that manages the flow of traffic according to your needs so that you can still listen to online music download and upload files and engage in Internet chats without sacrificing the low ping times you need to pwn your opponents MemPerfect amp Optimize your memory without lifting a finger Why risk crippling your system with poorly tuned memory Now with ROG s exclusive MemPerfect optimizing your memory performance is a simple matter of selecting the frequency you desire and letting MemPerfect do the rest MemPerfect quickly checks yo
94. ight 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc PP Pressing lt Esc gt does not immediately exit this menu Select one of the options from this menu or lt F10 gt from the legend bar to exit Exit amp Save Changes Once you are finished making your selections choose this option from the Exit menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM An onboard backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned off When you select this option a confirmation window appears Select YES to save changes and exit VA If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes the program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save your changes before exiting Press lt Enter gt to save the changes while exiting Exit amp Discard Changes Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the Setup program If you made changes to fields other than System Date System Time and Password the BIOS asks for a confirmation before exiting Discard Changes This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the previously saved values After selecting this option a confirmation appears Select YES to discard any changes and load the previously saved values Load Setup Defaults This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus When you select this option or if you press lt F5 gt a confirmati
95. im al llah parfornaree Click aa on right corner of the expanded window to switch the temperature from degrees Centigrade to degrees Fahrenheit 4 20 Chapter 4 Software support 4 3 4 ASUS Fan Xpert Asus Fan Xpert allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds according to different ambient temperatures and your PC s system loading The various fan profiles offer flexible controls of fan speeds to achieve a quiet and cool system environment Launching Fan Xpert After installing Al Suite from the motherboard support DVD launch Fan Xpert by double clicking the Al Suite tray icon and then clicking the Fan Xpert button F amp 1 on the Al Suite main window Using Fan Xpert Click to open the Calibration window a Fan Kpert Fan Name Click to select a fan CPU Fan Protile Click to select Click to display a fan profile the current CPU temperature and the fan speed ratio Click to apply Click to the settings cancel the settings Fan profiles e Disable disables the Fan Xpert function Standard adjusts fan speed in a moderate pattern Silent minimizes fan speed for quiet fan operation Turbo maximizes the fan speed for the best cooling effect e Intelligent automatically adjusts the CPU fan speed according to the ambient temperature Stable fixes the CPU fan speed to avoid noise caused by the unsteady fan rotation The fan will speed up when the
96. install multi graphics processing units GPU graphics cards Follow the installation procedures in this section 5 1 1 Requirements You should have two identical CrossFireX ready graphics cards or one CrossFireX ready dual GPU graphics card that are ATI certified Ensure that your graphics card driver supports the ATI CrossFireX technology Download the latest driver from the AMD website at www amd com Ensure that your power supply unit PSU can provide at least the minimum power required by your system See page 2 41 for details N We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal environment Visit the ATI Game website at http game amd com for the latest certified graphics card and the supported 3D application list 5 1 2 Before you begin For ATI CrossFireX to work properly you have to uninstall all existing graphics card drivers before installing ATI CrossFireX graphics cards to your system To uninstall existing graphics card drivers 1 Close all current applications 2 For Windows XP go to Control Panel gt Add Remove Programs For Windows Vista go to Control Panel gt Programs and Features 3 Select your current graphics card driver s 4 For Windows XP select Add Remove For Windows Vista select Uninstall 5 Turn off your computer ROG Maximus III Formula 5 1 5 1 3 Installing CrossFireX graphics cards aN The following pictures are for reference only The graphics car
97. ion e Only the CMO file can be loaded ROG Maximus III Formula 3 41 3 8 3 GO Button File This menu allows you to set the GO Button files and load the desired GO Button file BIOS SETUP UTILITY Tools GO Button File Save GO Button File Save File to None Load File From None FSB Frequency Controller Auto CPU Voltage Auto CPU PLL Voltage Auto IMC Voltage Auto PCH Voltage Auto DRAM Voltage Auto Select Screen Select Item Change Option General Help Save and Exit Exit v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc Save File to Allows you to save the adjusted values for specific items as a GO Button file Configuration options None File Load File to Allows you to load the desired GO Button file Configuration options None File FSB Frequency Controller CPU Voltage CPU PLL Voltage IMC Voltage PCH Voltage DRAM Voltage Allows you to use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the values for each item Refer to 3 3 Extreme Tweaker Menu for details 3 8 4 AINET 2 BIOS SETUP UTILITY Tools Ai Net 2 Pair Status Length Check Realtek LAN cable during POST It will take 3 to 10 Check Realtek LAN cable Disabled sr diagnose Check Realtek LAN cable Disabled Enables or disables checking of the LAN cable during the Power On Self Test POST Configuration options Disabled Enabled 3 42 Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 8 5 MemPerfect BIOS SETUP
98. ir favorite settings ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a USB flash disk containing the BIOS file ASUS EZ Flash 2 EZ Flash 2 is a user friendly BIOS update utility Simply launch this tool and update BIOS using a USB flash disk without entering the OS You can update your BIOS in a few clicks without preparing an additional floppy diskette or using an OS based flash utility ASUS EPU System Level Energy Saving The new ASUS EPU the world s first power saving engine has been upgraded to a new 6 engine version which provides total system power savings by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power in real time With auto phase switching for components which includes the CPU VGA card memory chipset hard drives and CPU cooler system fans the EPU automatically provides the most appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking helping save power and money C P R CPU Parameter Recall When the system hangs due to overclocking failure there is no need to open the system chassis to clear CMOS data Simply reboot the system and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default settings for each parameter aN Due to the chipset behavior AC power off is required before using C P R function ROG Maximus III Formula 1 7 1 8 Chapter 1 Product Int
99. is Deutsch English Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 44 SATA1 6 While entering Setup the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial ATA devices There is a separate sub menu for each SATA device Select a device item then press lt Enter gt to display the SATA device information BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main SATA 1 Select the type Devices Hard Disk of device connected Vendor HDT722516DLA380 to the system Size 164 7GB LBA Mode Supported Block Mode 16Sectors PIO Mode 4 Async DMA MultiWord DMA 2 Ultra DMA Ultra DMA 5 SMART Monitoring Supported Type Auto LBA Large Mode Auto Select Screen Block Multi Sector Transfer M Auto Select Item PIO Mode Auto Change Field DMA Mode Auto General Help SMART Monitoring Auto Save and Exit 32Bit Data Transfer Enabled Exit v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items Device Vendor Size LBA Mode Block Mode PIO Mode Async DMA Ultra DMA and SMART monitoring These values are not user configurable These items show Auto if no IDE device is installed in the system Type Auto Allows you to select the type of IDE drive installed Not Installed Select this option if no IDE drive is installed Auto Allows automatic selection of the appropriate IDE device type CDROM Select this option if you are specifically configuring a CD ROM drive ARMD Select ARMD ATAPI R
100. is selected press lt Enter gt to select the hard disk drives you want to include in the RAID set The SELECT DISKS screen appears ROG Maximus III Formula 4 29 4 30 Use the up down arrow key to select a drive and then press lt Space gt to select A small triangle marks the selected drive Press lt Enter gt after completing your selection Use the up down arrow key to select the stripe size for the RAID array for RAID 0 10 and 5 only and then press lt Enter gt The available stripe size values range from 4 KB to 128 KB The following are typical values RAID 0 128KB RAID 10 64KB RAID 5 64KB We recommend a lower stripe size for server systems and a higher stripe size for multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing When the Capacity item is selected enter the RAID volume capacity that you want and press lt Enter gt The default value indicates the maximum allowed capacity When the Create Volume item is selected press lt Enter gt The following warning message appears Are you sure you want to create this volume Y N Press lt Y gt to create the RAID volume and return to the main menu or lt N gt to go back to the CREATE VOLUME menu Chapter 4 Software support Deleting a RAID set Take caution when deleting a RAID set You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when you delete a RAID set To delete a RAID set 1 From the utility main menu sel
101. it on the screen BI monitor flicker refresh rate Monitor Drag the icons to match your monitors 1 Generic PnP Monitor on NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS v This is my main monitor Extend the desktop onto this monitor Resolution Colors Low Q High Highest 32 bit v 1920 by 1200 pixels How do I get the best display ox cancel 5 7 B4 Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab and e Generic PnP Monitor and NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS Properties x then click Start the NVIDIA Control waa Monitor sbleshag pa _ pp w Mey VIDIA Looking forthe NVIDIA Display Control Panel All of the NVIDIA control panels have been consolidated into a single application the NVIDIA Control Panel It can be launched from the Windows Control Panel or by right clicking on the Windows desktop en Start the NVIDIA Control Panel B5 The NVIDIA Control Panel window S NVIDIA Control Pane File Edit View 3D Settings Help Q rx Q Advanced Settings v appears rn 7 5 30 Settings 7 Adjust image settings with preview Kr Mani settings You can change the global 3D settings and create overrides for specific programs The overrides will be used automatically each time the specified programs are launched y Change resolution Pra I would like to use the following 3D settings Adjust desktop color set
102. ively Install ASUS TurboV EVO from the support DVD that came with the motherboard package If the TurboV EVO is correctly installed you will find the TurboV EVO icon on the Windows notification area Click on the icon to display the TurboV EVO control panel P Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www asus com for detailed software configuration Using ASUS TurboV ASUS TurboV allow you to overclock the BCLK frequency CPU voltage IMC voltage and DRAM Bus voltage in Windows environment and takes effect in real time without exiting and rebooting the OS Refer to the CPU documentation before adjusting CPU voltage settings Setting AN a high voltage may damage the CPU permanently and setting a low voltage may make the system unstable For system stability all changes made in ASUS TurboV except for Auto Tuning will not be saved to BIOS settings and will not be kept on the next system boot Use the Save Profile function to save your customized overclocking settings and manually load the profile after Windows starts Easy Mode Auto Tuning Mode PE Urbo V EVO Manual Mode Save the Load profile current Target values settings as a new profile Start up values Voltage Adjustment bars Advanced CPU chipset and DRAM voltage settings Click to show hide Click to restore all Undoes all changes without applying more settings start up settings Applies all changes immediat
103. keep beeping the speaker Auto detect flash type to load appropriate flash R W codes into the run time area in F000 for ESCD amp DMI support Use walking 1 s algorithm to check out interface in CMOS circuitry Also set real time clock power status and then check for override Program chipset default values into chipset Initialize clock generator Detect CPU information including brand type and CPU level 586 or 686 Initial interrupts vector table Initialize INT 09 buffer 1 Program CPU internal MTRR Pentium class CPU for 0 640K memory address 2 Initialize the APIC for Pentium class CPU 3 Program early chipset according to CMOS setup Example onboard IDE controller 4 Measure CPU speed 5 Invoke video BIOS Initialize VGA BIOS 1 Initialize multi language 2 Put information on screen display including BIOS logo CPU type CPU speed Reset keyboard ROG Maximus III Formula A 1 A 2 Code 8254TEST 8259MSK1 8259MSK2 8259TEST COUNTMEM MP INIT USB INIT TEST MEM SHOW MP PNP LOGO ONBD IO EN SETUP MSINSTAL CHK ACPI EN CACHE SET CHIP AUTO CFG INIT FDC DET IDE COM LPT DET FPU CPU CHG EZ FLASH CPR FAIL FAN FAIL UCODEERR FLOPYERR KB ERROR HD ERR CMOS ERR MS ERROR SMARTERR HM ERROR AINETERR CASEOPEN Debug code table Description Test 8254 Test 8259 interrupt mask bits for channel 1 Test 8259 interrupt mask bits for channel 2 Test 8259 functionality Calculate total mem
104. le or enable the Power On by PS 2 keyboard function Disabled Disables the Power On by PS 2 keyboard function Enabled Sets specific keys on the PS 2 keyboard to turn on the system This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the 5VSB lead ROG Maximus III Formula 3 31 3 32 3 6 7 Hardware Monitor BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Hardware Monitor Voltage Monitor gt Voltage Monitor gt Temperature Monitor gt FAN Speed Monitor gt FAN Speed Control Select Screen Select Item General Help Save and Exit Exit v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc Voltage Monitor CPU Voltage CPU PLL Voltage PCH Voltage IMC Voltage DRAM Voltage DRAM Termination Voltage 3 3V Voltage 5V Voltage 12V Voltage The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators Temperature Monitor CPU Temperature PECI PCH Temperature MB Temperature OPT FAN1 2 3 Temperature xxx C xxx F The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU northbridge southbridge motherboard power and the assigned devices temperatures Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures PCH overheat protection The system automatically shuts down when the northbridge chipset is heated over the set temperature to protect it from damage Configuration optitons Disabled 70 C 80 C 90 C 10
105. lect Cayalist Control Center c An we Cee 3 20 PM EZ Catalyst TM Control Center View r Sort By r Refresh Paste Shortcut New r y Personalize The Catalyst Control Center Setup Assistant appears when the system detects the existance of multi graphics cards Click Go to continue to the Catalyst Control Center Advanced View window ROG Maximus III Formula PILKI ITELE othe utimate gam edelt ELA motherboard you can plu ane cues ZII Catalyst Control Center Setup Assistant ATI CrossFireX is a multi GPU performance open gaming platform that will offer ing experience BLW fhe ATI green cai ified compatible ATI certified goa s cards which will ta tenne kal qual performance and multi GPU rendering on all applicati Corfigu Please z one of the following Catalyst Control Center Advanced View Use default settings fa 5 3 5 4 Enabling CrossFireX settings 1 In the Catalyst Control Center window click Graphics Settings gt CrossFireX gt Configure 2 From the Graphics Adapter list select the graphics card to act as the display GPU 3 Select Enable CrossFireX 4 Click Apply and then click OK to exit the window Zi Catalyst Control Center f View X YP Hotkeys v amp Proties Gp Preferences v G bd CrossFireX delivers exceptional performance on a single display by ing the processing power of two or more Graphics Processing Units
106. lect Personalize B2 From the Personalization window select Display Settings B3 From the Display Settings dialog box click Advanced Settings ROG Maximus III Formula Sort By Refresh Paste Paste Shortcut Undo Copy Ctrl Z g m Appearance and Personalization gt Personalization 4 Search Tasks Personalize appearance and sounds Change desktop icons Window Color and Appearance Adjust font size DPI i s Fine tune the color and style of your windows MMB Desktop Background Choose from available backgrounds or colors or use one of your own pictures to decorate the desktop R Screen Saver Change your screen saver or adjust when it displays A screen saver is a picture or animation that covers your screen and appears when your computer is idle for a set period of time 33 Sounds Change which sounds are heard when you do everything from getting e mail to emptying your Recycle Bin R Mouse Pointers Pick a different mouse pointer You can also change how the mouse pointer looks during such activities as clicking and selecting Theme Change the theme Themes can change a wide range of visual and auditory elements at one time including the appearance of menus icons backgrounds screen savers some computer sounds See also afd mouse Taskbar and Start Menu By biplysetings Ease of Access Adjust your monitor r fation which changes the view so more or fewer items f
107. lled 6 Status Not Installed 7 Status Not Installed 8 Status Not Installed Profile Profile Profile AAAAAAANOA AB O O O O O O O O O Add Your CMOS Profile Name Default Profile Save To Uninstalled Select Screen Load CMOS Profiles Select Item Load From Blank General Help Save and Exit Start O C Profile Exit v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc Add Your CMOS Profile Allows you to save the current BIOS file to the BIOS Flash In the Name sub item type your profile name and press lt Enter gt and then choose a profile number to save your CMOS settings in the Save to sub item Load CMOS Profiles Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash Press lt Enter gt and choose a profile to load Start O C Profile Allows you to run the utility to save and load CMOS Press lt Enter gt to run the utility Chapter 3 BIOS setup ASUSTek O C Profile Utility V2 00b BOARD BOARD VER VER DATE DATE PATH ddo o oe ed Select or Load Tab Switch V Drive Info oe ed Move B Backup Esc Exit VA e This function supports devices such as a USB flash disk FAT 32 16 format Z or a floppy disk with single partition only DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the system boot failure We recommend that you update the BIOS file only coming from the same memory CPU configuration and BIOS vers
108. m 3545 er Places s ar Software ER 32 ig My Computer Icon 3 My Documents Autorun 4 Filelist Shared Documents ing Inf LG i D E My Network Places E MIIF ROM 27 readme ASUS eas EOD aa zo ROG Maximus III Formula Filelist Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text format P Filelist Notepad File Edit Format View Help EEK File list for the included support software for motherboard Drivers Chipset Audio Lan RTL81105C Novell NDIS2 RAID IMB36x Install Driver Disk IMSM Install Driver Disk Turbovevo Epu6ENngine Intel R Chipset Software Installation Utility V9 1 1 1015 fo VIA Audio Driver V6 0 1 7330 for Windows 32 64bit xP amp 32 64b VIA Audio Driver V6 0 1 7330 for windows 32 64bit windows 7 Realtek Realtek Realtek Realtek Realtek Micron Micron JMicron RTL8111B C 10 100 1000M LAN Driver v5 687 225 2008 fo RTL8111B C 10 100 1000M LAN Driver V6 223 525 2009 fo RTL8111B C 10 100 1000M LAN Driver V7 3 522 2009 for Novell v1 00 NDIS2 V1 24 3MB36XCIMB363 IMB322 Controller Driver vV1 17 49 4 fo IMB36X IMB363 3MB322 Controller Driver Disk for wind JMB36X IMB363 IMB322 Controller Driver Disk for wind Intel R Matrix Storage Manager Driver V8 9 0 1023 for window Intel AHCI RAID Driver Disk for windows xP Vista amp 64bit xXP V Intel AHCI RAID Driver Disk for windows xP Vista amp
109. m m m_o Mmm o o o o PWR fa o Ground far 5V o Ground Reset fa Ground Ground m_m Speaker PANEL PIN 1 IDE LED IDE LED rc MT oe MAXIMUS III FORMULA System panel connector System power LED 2 pin PLED This 2 pin connector is for the system power LED Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power and blinks when the system is in sleep mode Hard disk drive activity LED 2 pin IDE_LED This 2 pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED Connect the HDD Activity LED cable to this connector The IDE LED lights up or flashes when data is read from or written to the HDD System warning speaker 4 pin SPEAKER This 4 pin connector is for the chassis mounted system warning speaker The speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings ATX power button soft off button 2 pin PWRSW This connector is for the system power button Pressing the power button turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft off mode depending on the BIOS settings Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds while the system is ON turns the system OFF Reset button 2 pin
110. may vary depending on the o chassis model 2 Install the ASUS Q Connector to the system panel connector ensuring the orientation matches the labels on the motherboard 3 The front panel functions are now enabled The figure shows the Q Connector is properly installed on the motherboard 2 40 Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 8 3 Onboard switches Onboard switches allow you to fine tune performance when working on a bare or open case system This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to enhance system performance 1 Power on switch Press the power on switch to wake power up the system De E Mieialaeeila T om ut m 2 Reset switch Press the reset switch to reboot the system nine JOSE a fs afa a a aata TH w J ga og
111. memory and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data The clr CMOS switch on the back I O helps you easily clear the system setup information such as system passwords To erase the RTC RAM 1 Press down the clr CMOS switch on the back I O 2 Hold down the lt Del gt key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re enter data ja co CLRTC_SW Eeg 1 2 2 3 Ee em Enable Disable K Default OG mma Fa MAXIMUS III FORMULA Clear RTC RAM clr CMOS switch behavior System power state S0 DOS mode S0 OS mode Clearing CMOS G3 Power off without 5VSB power AC power loss S5 Power off with 5VSB power The system shuts dowm immediately The clr CMOS switch will not function if the CLRTC SW jumper is moved to the Disable position Ensure to re enter your previous BIOS settings after you clear the CMOS You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to CPU overclocking With the C P R CPU Parameter Recall feature shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset CPU parameter settings to default values Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 7 I O shield and Audio card Installation 2 7 1 O shield Installation 1 Install the I O shield to the chassis by snapping it in place from inside 2 O
112. ment Loadline Calibration e Optimal power boost for extreme CPU overclocking Maintaining ample voltage support for the CPU is critical during overclocking The Loadline calibration ensures stable and optimal CPU voltage under heavy loading It helps overclockers enjoy the motherboard s ultimate OC capabilities and benchmark scores 1 3 3 ROG unique features SupremeFX X Fi features EG P lt a Listen with absolute HD Play in extreme fidelity SupremeFX X Fi delivers an excellent high definition audio experience to the gamers of ROG The SupremeFX X Fi features unique audio innovations for gamers to spot enemies in 3D environment during game play SupremeFX X Fi also provides gamers a special tool to emphasize human voices in games to help make dialogues clearer and more audible ROG Maximus III Formula 1 5 1 6 Noise Filter Eliminate background noise while recording This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises like computer fans air conditioners and other background noises then eliminates it in the incoming audio stream while recording Onboard Switches No more shorting pins or moving jumpers With an easy press during overclocking this exclusive onboard switch allows gamers to effortlessly fine tune the performance without having to short the pins or moving jumpers Q Fan Plus Optimized quietness and cooling for more devices The Q Fan function automatically detects temperature and adjusts fan spee
113. mm Bios support Optional B C 78 0AGCQ CBZ XMP 3072MB Kit of 3 Heat Sink Package BL12864BE2009 8SFB3 EPP 1024MB Heat Sink Package F3 16000CL7T 6GBPS XMP 6144MB Kit of 3 Heat Sink Package G SKILL F3 16000CL9T 6GBPS XMP 6144MB Kit of 3 Heat Sink Package KINGSTON KHX16000D3K2 2GN EPP 2048MB Kit of 2 Heat Sink Package KINGSTON KHX16000D3K3 3GX XMP 3072MB Kit of 3 Heat Sink Package 9 1333 9 9 9 24 KINGSTON KHX16000D3ULT1K3 6GX XMP 6144MB Kit Of 3 Heat Sink Package 8 1066 8 8 8 20 KINGSTON KHX16000D3T1K3 6GX XMP 6144MB Kit of 3 Heat Sink Package 9 1066 8 8 8 20 OCZ OCZ3FXT20002GK 2048MB kit of 2 Heat Sink Package OCZ3P20002GK EPP 2048MB Kit of 2 Heat Sink Package 9CAASS37AZZ01D1 2048MB Heat Sink Package ROG Maximus III Formula Maximus Ill Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 1800MHz capability Vendor Part No Timing Lable Bios Voltage 78 0AGCD CDZ XMP 2048MB Kit of 2 Heat Sink Package DIMM socket support Optional BoxP N TW3X4G1800C8DF CM3X2G1800C8D XMP Ver4 1 4096MB Kit of 2 Heat Sink Package KHX14400D3 1G 1024MB Heat Sink Package KINGSTON KHX14400D3K2 2GN EPP 2048MB Kit of 2 Heat Sink Package KINGSTON KHX14400D3K3 3GX XMP 3072MB Kit of 3 Heat Sink Package 1800 9 9 9 27 O
114. mperature Ground MAXIMUS III FORMULA Thermal sensor cable connectors OPT TEMP3 fet Temperature Ground Enable OPT FAN1 2 3 overheat protection in BIOS if you connect thermal sensor cables to these connectors Z The thermal sensor cable is purchased separately 2 36 Chapter 2 Hardware information 10 ATX power connectors 24 pin EATXPWR 8 pin EATX12V These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs The power supply plugs are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit GEATX12V EATXPWR 3888 3 Volts GND AAAs 12 Volts 5 Volts 12 Volts 5 Volts 5V Standby 5 Volts i Power OK 5 Volts ig GND GND PIN 1 Q 5 Q a 5 Volts GND A pi 55065 GND GND FJ 5 Volts PSON GND GND MAXIMUS m FORMULA 3 Volts 12 Volts Q F 3 Volts 3 Volts H PIN 1 Ra OG ain
115. n has the following main items SGA VEE LG For changing the overclocking settings For changing the basic system configuration Advanced For changing the advanced system settings For changing the advanced power management APM configuration For changing the system boot configuration For configuring options for special functions For selecting the exit options and loading default settings 3 2 3 Navigation keys At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings Z Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another ROG Maximus III Formula 3 7 3 2 4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu For example selecting Main shows the Main menu items The other items Advanced Power Boot and Exit on the menu bar have their respective menu items 3 2 5 Submenu items A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the iteam has a submenu To display the submenu select the item and press lt Enter gt 3 2 6 Configuration fields These fields show the values for the menu items If an item is user configurable you can change the value of the field opposite the item You cannot select an item that is not user configurable A configurable field is enclosed in brackets and is highlighted when selected To change the value of a fiel
116. nabled SATA Port1 Auto Allows you to select the type of device connected to the system Configuration options Auto Not Installed SMART Monitoring Enabled Allows you to set the Self Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology Configration options Disabled Enabled 3 4 7 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main BIOS Information Version 0227 Build Date 07 29 09 Processor Type Genuine Intel R CPU 2 13GHz Speed 21393MHz System Memory Usable Size 1015MB Select Screen Select Item Change Field General Help Save and Exit Exit v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc 3 20 Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 5 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices BIOS SETUP UTILITY Extreme Tweaker Main Advanced Power Boot Kolot ik Exit Configure CPU CPU Configuration Chipset Onboard Devices Configuration USB Configuration LED Control iROG Configuration ROG Connect gt gt gt gt gt gt gt lt gt Select Screen tt Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc 3 5 1 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU related information that the BIOS au
117. nd heatsink assembly If you buy a CPU separately ensure that you use only Intel certified multi directional heatsink and fan Your Intel LGA1156 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push pin design and requires no tool to install Use an LGA1156 compatible CPU heatsink and fan assembly only The LGA1156 socket is incompatible with the LGA775 and LGA1366 sockets in size and dimension AN If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly ensure that the Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly Z Ensure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before you install the CPU fan and heatsink assembly To install the CPU heatsink and fan 1 Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU ensuring that the four fasteners match the holes on the Q motherboard 4 DNN 2 Push down two fasteners at a time in a diagonal sequence to secure the heatsink and fan assembly in er place P Orient the heatsink and fan assembly such that the CPU fan cable is closest to the CPU fan connector ROG Maximus III Formula 2 11 2 12 Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU FAN Der CPU FAN CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN PWM Cd m CHEERS CPU FAN IN GND
118. nrrrrrnnrrrnrnrrrrrrnnvrrrnnrrernnnr 3 13 3 3 16 Extreme OV Disabled rrrnvrrrrrnnrrrnnnrrrrrsnnvrrrnnrrennnnr 3 13 3 3 17 Full Phase Control HW TEST rrorrrnnnrrrrrrarrrrrnrrrrrnns 3 13 3 3 18 CPU Load Line Calibration Auto rrrrrnrorrrnnrrnrn 3 14 3 3 19 CPU Voltage Mode Offset rrrrrrrrrnnrrrrnnvrrrvvrrnnnnnr 3 14 3 3 20 CPU Voltage Auto rmrrnrrrnnnrrnnnnvrnnnvrrrnvvrrnnvrrrnrnrrnnnenn 3 14 3 3 21 CPU PLL Voltage AUO riscon 3 14 3 3 22 IMC Voltage Auto tisscncrcxssuect atetscctercocrssntuantennatewentes 3 14 3 3 23 PCH Voltage Auto rmrnnrrnrnnrrnnnnvrnnnvrrnnvvrrnnvrrrnvnnrnnnenn 3 14 3 3 24 DRAM Voltage Auto rrnrrrrnanrrnnrnnvvrnnnvrrrnrnnrnrrsnnrerennr 3 15 3 3 25 DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA B Auto 3 15 3 3 26 DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA B Auto 3 15 3 3 27 Keyboard Tweaklt Control Disabled ernnnrrnrrne 3 15 3 3 28 CPU Spread Spectrum Auto rrnrrnrnnrrrrnnvrrnnvnrrnnnrnn 3 15 3 3 29 PCIE Spread Spectrum Auto rrnrrrrnnrrrrnnrrrovrrrrnnnrrn 3 15 Man Nea 3 16 3 4 1 System Time XX XX XX rrrrrrerrrrrrrnrrrrrnrrrrnrrrrnrrrrrnrrnnnnne 3 16 3 4 2 System Date Day xx XXDOQX rrrrorrrrnrvrrnnrrrrnnvrrrrrrrrnnnnnn 3 16 3 4 3 Language English sserrrnnvernnvrernvrrrnnvrernnrersrerennern 3 16 NN 3 17 3 4 5 Storage Configuration srusrvrrnrvrrvrrrnvrrrrvrnvrrrrerrrerenne 3 19 3 4 6 AHCI Configur
119. nstall the RAID driver for Windows XP 1 During the OS installation the system prompts you to press the F6 key to install third party SCSI or RAID driver 2 Press lt F6 gt and then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the USB floppy disk drive 3 When prompted to select the SCSI adapter to install ensure that you select Intel R ICH8RACH9R ICH10R DO PCH SATA RAID Controller 4 Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation To install the RAID driver for Windows Vista or later OS 1 Insert the floppy disk or USB flash drive with RAID driver into the USB floppy disk drive or USB port 2 During the OS installation select Intel R ICH8R 1CH9R ICH10R DO PCH SATA RAID Controller 3 Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation 4 5 4 Using a USB floppy disk drive Due to OS limitation Windows XP may not recognize the USB floppy disk drive when you install the RAID driver from a floppy disk during the OS installation To solve this issue add the USB floppy disk drive s Vendor ID VID and Product ID PID to the floppy disk containing the RAID driver Refer to the steps below 1 Using another computer plug the USB floppy disk drive and insert the floppy disk containing the RAID driver 2 Right click My Computer on the Windows desktop or start iil menu and then select Manage Map Net Drive from the pop up window Disconnect Network Drive
120. oard Tweaklt control Configuration options Disabled Enabled 3 3 28 CPU Spread Spectrum Auto Disabled Enhances the BCLK overclocking ability Auto Sets to Auto for EMI control 3 3 29 PCIE Spread Spectrum Auto Disabled Enhances the PCIE overclocking ability Auto Sets to Auto for EMI control ROG Maximus III Formula 3 15 3 16 3 4 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program the Main menu screen appears giving you an overview of the basic system information Refer to section 3 2 1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them BIOS SETUP UTILITY Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot olof E Exit Use ENTER TAB or SHIFT TAB to select a field System Time 13 51 25 System Date Thu 07 30 2009 Language English vse oe es SATA1 HDT722516DLA380 configure system Time SATA2 Not Detected SATA3 ATAPI DVD D DH1 SATA4 Not Detected SATA5 Not Detected SATA6 Not Detected Storage Configuration gen fre System Information Change Field Select Field General Help Save and Exit Exit v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc 3 4 1 System Time xx xx xx Allows you to set the system time 3 4 2 System Date Day xx xx xxxx Allows you to set the system date 3 4 3 Language English Allows you to choose the BIOS language version from the options Configuration options EPX f 4P3z Hi Fran a
121. ode Tech Enabled This item appears only if you set the CPU Ratio Setting item to Auto Turbo mode allows processor cores to run faster than marked frequency in specific condition Configuration options Disabled Enabled Chapter 3 BIOS setup P The following two items do not appear when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to Auto 3 3 7 BCLK Frequency XXX Allows you to adjust the Internal Base Clock BCLK Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value You can also type the desired value using the numeric keypad The values range from 80 to 500 3 3 8 PCIE Frequency XXX Allows you to set the PCI Express frequency Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the PCIE frequency The values range from 100 to 200 3 3 9 QPI Frequency Auto Configuration options Auto 4270MHz 4800MHz 3 3 10 DRAM Frequency Auto Allows you to set the DDR3 operating frequency Configuration options Auto 800MHz 1066MHz 1333MHz 3 3 11 DRAM Timing Control The configuration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs you install on the motherboard 1st Information 6 6 6 15 4 36 6 5 16 The values vary depending on your settings of the following sub items DRAM CAS Latency Auto Configuration options Auto 3 DRAM Clock 4 DRAM Clock 10 DRAM Clock 11 DRAM Clock DRAM RAS to CAS Delay Auto Configuration options Auto 3 DRAM Clock 4 DRAM Clock 9 DRAM
122. on Using PC Probe II Main window 99 The PC Probe II main window PC PROBE I AEE X allows you to view the current ct verge I PS status of your system and change Enable Sound Effect the utility configuration By na default the main window displays COTTE the Preference section You can close or restore the Preference section by clicking on the triangle on the main window right handle Click to close the Preference panel ROG Maximus III Formula 4 13 4 14 Function Opens the Configuration window Opens the Report window Opens the Desktop Management Interface window Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window Opens the hard disk drive memory CPU usage window Shows Hides the Preference section Minimizes the application Closes the application Sensor alert When a system sensor detects a problem the main window right handle turns red as the illustrations below show When displayed the monitor panel for that sensor also turns red Refer to the Monitor panels section for details Preferences You can customize the application using a aay Preference the Preference section in the main window Click the box before each preference to Always on Top activate or deactivate Enable Monitoring Panel Scheme Right Small Enable Sound Effect Run in Boot up Session Chapter 4 Software support Hardware monitor panels The hardware monitor
123. 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 e Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver e Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected e Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help 4 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 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 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 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
124. on window appears Select YES to load default values Select Exit amp Save Changes or make other changes before saving the values to the non volatile RAM Chapter 3 BIOS setup This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package and the software Software support 4 1 4 2 4 3 4 4 4 5 Installing an operating system Support DVD information seranvrnnvrnnvrnnvrnnvrnnennnvnnvrnnvvnnnnrnnennnnnner 4 1 Software information EE EE 4 9 RAID CONTQUPAUOINS vsar 4 27 Creating a RAID driver disk rsernnnvrnnnvnnnvnnnnvnnnvennnvennvrnnnvennevenr 4 32 ROG Maximus III Formula 4 1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows XP 64 bit XP Vista operating systems OS Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware Z Motherboard settings and hardware options vary Use the setup procedures presented in this chapter for reference only Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information Ensure that you install Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability 4 2 Support DVD information The support DVD that came with the motherboard package contains the drivers software applications and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features P The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any
125. one drive fails the disk array management software directs all applications to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of the data in the other drive This RAID configuration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to the entire system Use two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive for this setup The new drive must be of the same size or larger than the existing drive RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard disk drives Among the advantages of RAID 5 configuration include better HDD performance fault tolerance and higher storage capacity The RAID 5 configuration is best suited for transaction processing relational database applications enterprise resource planning and other business systems Use a minimum of three identical hard disk drives for this setup RAID 10 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity redundancy data having to be calculated and written With the RAID 10 configuration you get all the benefits of both RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations Use four new hard disk drives or use an existing drive and three new drives for this setup Intel Matrix Storage The Intel Matrix Storage technology supported by the P55 chip allows you to create a RAID 0 RAID 1 RAID 5 and RAID 10 function to improve both system performance and data safety You can also combine two RAID sets to get higher performance capacity or fault tolerance provide
126. ory by testing the last double word of each 64K page 1 Program MTRR of M1 CPU 2 Initialize L2 cache for P6 class CPU amp program CPU with proper cacheable range 3 Initialize the APIC for P6 class CPU 4 On MP platform adjust the cacheable range to smaller one in case the cacheable ranges between each CPU are not identical Initialize USB Test all memory clear all extended memory to 0 Display number of processors multi processor platform Display PnP logo Initialize Onboard IO devices Okay to enter Setup utility Initialize PS 2 Mouse Prepare memory size information for function call INT 15h ax E820h Turn on L2 cache Program chipset registers according to items described in Setup amp Auto configuration table Assign resources to devices 1 Initialize floppy controller 2 Set up floppy related fields in 40 hardware Detect amp install all IDE devices HDD LS120 ZIP CDROM Detect serial ports amp parallel ports Detect amp install co processor New CPU installed Execute EZ Flash CPR error Fan error UCODE error Floppy error Keyboard error HDD error CMOS error Mouse error HDD smart function error Hard monitor error AI NET error Case open Appendix Debug code table Debug code table Description Clear EPA or customization logo 1 Call chipset power management hook 2 Recover the text fond used by EPA logo not for full screen logo 3 If password is s
127. ptions BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot lt Enter gt to change D a T EE Supervisor Password Not Installed lt Enter gt again to User Password Not Installed disabled password Change Supervisor Password Change User Password Select Screen Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen General Help Save and Exit v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc Change Supervisor Password Select this item to set or change the supervisor password The Supervisor Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed After you set a password this item shows Installed To set a Supervisor Password 1 Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press lt Enter gt 2 From the password box type a password composed of at least six letters and or numbers then press lt Enter gt 3 Confirm the password when prompted The message Password Installed appears after you successfully set your password To change the supervisor password follow the same steps as in setting a user password To clear the supervisor password select the Change Supervisor Password then press lt Enter gt The message Password Uninstalled appears aN If you forget your BIOS password you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real Time Clock RTC RAM See section 2 6 Jumper for information on how to erase the RTC RAM ROG Maximus III Formula 3 37 3 38 After you have set a supervisor password the other items appear
128. r tuning settings CPU Ratio Setting for system gt CPU Configuration performance boot Intel R SpeedStep TM Tech Enabled Intel R Turbo Mode Tech Enabled lt gt Select Screen QPI Frequency Auto 1 Select Item i Change Field P DRAM Timing Control F1 General Help i F10 Save and Exit CPU Clock Amplitude Auto ESC Exit PCU Clock Amplitude Auto CPU Clock Skew Auto v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc Scroll down to display the following items PCU Clock Skew Auto A xkkxkkkkkk Please key in numbers directly x Current Voltage 1 078V 1 799V 1 118V CPU Temperature 33 C 91 F Extreme OV Disabled Full Phase Control HW TEST Load Line Calibration Auto CPU Voltage Mode VID CPU Voltage Auto CPU PLL Voltage Auto IMC Voltage Auto Current Voltage 1 058V PCH Temperature 38 C 100 F PCH Voltage Auto Current Voltage 1 535V DRAM Voltage Auto DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA Auto DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA Auto DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHB Auto Select Item Keyboard Tweakit Control Disabled Change Option General Help kkkkkkkk Spread Spectrum and Clock Skew xxxxx Save and Exit CPU Spread Spectrum Auto Exit PCIE Spread Spectrum Auto v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc ROG Maximus III Formula 3 9 3 3 1 Ai Overclock Tuner Auto Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency Select
129. re the monitor LED may light up or switch between orange and green after the system LED turns on The system then runs the power on self tests or POST While the tests are running the BIOS beeps see BIOS beep codes table below or additional messages appear on the screen If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on the power the system may have failed a power on test Check the jumper settings and connections or call your retailer for assistance BIOS Beep Description One short beep VGA detected Quick boot set to disabled No keyboard detected One continuous beep followed by two No memory detected short beeps then a pause repeated One continuous beep followed by three No VGA detected short beeps One continuous beep followed by four Hardware component failure short beeps At power on hold down the lt Delete gt key to enter the BIOS Setup Follow the instructions in Chapter 3 ROG Maximus III Formula 2 43 2 10 Turning off the computer 2 10 1 Using the OS shut down function If you are using Windows Vista 1 Click the Start button then select Shut Down 2 The power supply should turn off after Windows shuts down If you are using Windows XP 1 Click the Start button then select Turn Off Computer 2 Click the Turn Off button to shut down the computer 3 The power supply should turn off after Windows shuts down 2 10 2 Using the dual function power switch While
130. rection srrrarnrvnrnnarvransnrernrnnresasnvvesnsnverennns 2 7 2 25 Screw holes cccccescecescecsseecseeeesseeeeseeeesseeesseneessnseess 2 7 2 3 Central Processing Unit CPU rrrannvvrrnnnnvrnnnnvrrnnnnnrnnnnnvrsnnneenr 2 8 2 3 1 Installing the CPU emserrsvervrrrvrersverrnrrrsrerrsrersrrersreernee 2 8 2 3 2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan ssseesorerororvrrnrrrn 2 11 2 3 3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan cseeees 2 12 2 4 SJETNE 10 sacia ancutes aus onesemstcermeccnseeeeacadiconsauts 2 13 2 4 1 NM 2 13 2 4 2 Memory configurationS srrrvrrrrrrrvnrnrrrnrnrnrrrnrrrnrernnnn 2 14 243 Installing DIMM LLasassianeimesasndnemumieisemssddiaste 2 21 2 4 4 Removing a DIMM ssrnrenrrnnnnrrnrnvrnnrvrnernrrnrrrrrrersrernnrens 2 21 2 5 Expansion SOS ss wscinsiss cc ccrnntcvecesencennsecicaciecsisencenevacscexedantsstenctsesecers 2 22 2 5 1 Installing an expansion card ssrresnrrnorrrnnvnrrnrnvrnrrnnnnenr 2 22 2 5 2 Configuring an expansion card reranrrrvrrrnverrvernrenenn 2 22 2 5 3 Interrupt assignments rrserrrnnvernnvnnrnvnrrnnvrvrnnrersvervnsern 2 23 2 5 4 PSN oaa scent aeniesitioceseoacce 2 24 Contents 2 6 2 7 2 8 2 9 2 10 2 5 5 PCI Express x1 SIlotS mnsrrravvrrvrrrsrvrrrnvrrrorvrrrrrrrnnrenn 2 24 2 5 6 PCI Express X16 S0Luanmrunesme smnismmtkedtee 2 24 2 5 7 PCI Express 2 0 x16 SlotS rerrnrvrrnnrrrrnrvrrorvrrsnrvrrnnrnnn 2 24 UTI Gi
131. rient the motherboard and install it to the chassis Make sure that the motherboard external ports fit the I O openings SPDIF OUT FA FG ed Eae kg e 4 u SATA e 0 o 1396 5 1 Mg m a i Ki ar a 1 al Mens J 3 Be cautious when installing the motherboard The I O shield edge springs may damage the I O ports Z The photos above are for reference only the actual I O shield may differ by models ROG Maximus III Formula 2 27 Audio card Installation 2 1 2 Take out the Audio card from the package 1 p p s BES DN NON HE NN AO Locate the audio slot on the motherboard 2 nnd Wey l ANN wW qui unt gus ans Align the card connector with the 3 slot and press firmly until the card sits on the slot completely The photo below shows the audio 4 card installed on the motherboard The photos above are for reference only Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 28 2 8 Connectors 2 8 1 Rear panel connectors Rear panel connectors PS 2 keyboard port purple l Clear CMOS switch USB 2 0 ports 3 and 4 i IEEE 1394a port USB 2 0 ports 5 and 6 l External SATA port LAN RJ 45 port USB 2 0 ports 1 and 2 Audio Ports l ROG Connect switch USB 2 0 ports 7 and 8 USB 2 0 port 14 aN To use hot plug set the Controller Mode in the BIOS settings to AHCI mode See section 3 5 3 Onboard Devices Configuration
132. rnnrrnrsrvrnsnrrnsnvrrnnnversnrrernnrenn 3 40 3 8 3 GO Button File rrsrrrrnrrrrnnrersarrrrorrrnsnrrrsnvrrrnnvrrsnrrsrnvrenn 3 42 er ALNET Z eei nee eee eee eee 3 42 3 8 5 MemPerfect ccccsccscssecsssseesesseesssseeessseeessseeeeens 3 43 386 ASUS EZ Fl sh2 mseimessesdesiemimeidsimisnsem 3 43 FUNN 3 44 Chapter 4 Software support 4 1 4 2 Installing an operating system erraxnvvrrnnnnvennnnvnennnnvennnnvvennnnerenn 4 1 Support DVD information raxsvrnnvvrnnvrnnnvnnnvvnnnvnnnvrnnvennnersnnensneenn 4 1 4 2 1 Running the support DVD rerarnrvvrrnarvrsnsnrvrnrnnverssnrresnsns 4 1 4 2 2 Drivers MENU ess cxsnsaneaisdaceccpseesatiscwnandananssidedtedades 4 2 4 2 3 Utilities MENU rrrrsrnnrrrrrrnnnvrrrrrnnvnrrrsnnrnnnsnrnnrnnrnsrannnnennnn 4 3 4 2 4 Make disk menu mmsrrvrrsnvvrrrnvvrrrrnnvrrrsnrrerrrnrvrrrnnresrennen 4 5 4 2 5 Manual Menu ererrrrnrrvrrrrsnnvrrrsssnnvvrsrssarvvrsrssnrvrrsrssrrvnsrnnn 4 5 42 6 Video menu rrsrvrrrrrnrvvrrrrnrrrvrrrrnrrersrrnnrrersrrnnrvnssrrnnnnnn 4 6 4 3 4 4 4 5 5 1 5 2 4 2 7 ASUS Contact information rrrvvvrarrrvvrrnnrrevrrnnnvrnvnnnreennn 4 6 4 28 Other information rarerrnrrrrnnrvrrnnvrronvrrnnvvrrnnvrrsnvnrrnvnernnn 4 7 Software Information 2 aresearsnnmnnmnGaaandia ie 4 9 4 3 1 Sound Blaster X Fi audio utility rnrrrrnrrrnnrrrrnrrrrsnvrnrr 4 9 4 3 2 ASUS PC Probe Il rrnrnrsnrrrrnnrrnnnnvrnsnvrrsnvvrrsnversnrnrrnvnenn 4 1
133. roduction This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard El rd Wea re information 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 5 2 6 2 7 2 8 2 9 2 10 Before VOU proceed svake sen 2 1 Motherboard OVervieW ruxsvrrvavvrnnnvnnnnvnnnnnvnnnnvvnnnnvennnvnnnnnennnnvennnenn 2 5 Central Processing Unit CPU errnnnvrnnnnvrnnvvnrnnvrnnnnvrnnnensnnenennn 2 8 System MONO vaav2vv4vv4vesrpeeseenee 2 13 Expansion Slots sisisi 2 22 MUMIA Gl ssar 2 26 I O shield and Audio card Installation rrxseranvvrnnvrnnnvrnnvrnnnnr 2 27 CONMOCIONS a vrede 2 29 Starting up for the first time rrserasvrnnvrnnvrnnvrnnvrnnvrnnvrnnvrnnernnenn 2 43 Turning off the Computer s rrunnvrnvnnvnnnnvrnanvnnvnnvrnnnnennnvvennnennnnnnr 2 44 ROG Maximus III Formula 2 1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings A 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 t
134. rrersrsnnrrnssrsnnvnnn 3 8 3 2 5 Submenuitems rrrrrarrrrnnnvrnnnnrvrnsnnvrrrnnrrrrnrarrrrnnnrrsrnnnnn 3 8 3 2 6 Configuration fields rrrrsnvrrnvrrnvrrrrrrvrrrrrrrrvrerrreennens 3 8 3 2 7 Pop up WINdOW een 3 8 328 SODA EE eee eee eee 3 8 329 General help acrus 3 8 Extreme Tweaker menu rrursnnvvrrrnnnnnvnvennnnnvnvennnnvvnnnnnnnvvnennnnnvnnennnn 3 9 3 3 1 Ai Overclock Tuner Auto orrrrrnrrrrrnnnrrnrrnrrrrnnnrnrnnnnr 3 10 3 3 2 eXtreme Memory Profile High Performance 3 10 3 3 3 OC From CPU Memory Level Up Auto cce 3 10 3 3 4 CPU Ratio Setting Auto rrrnrrrrnnrrrsnrrrrovvrrnvvvrrnvrnrn 3 10 Contents 3 4 3 9 3 3 5 Intel R SpeedStep TM Tech Enabled 0 3 10 3 3 6 Intel R TurboMode Tech Enabled c cccccceee 3 10 3 3 7 BOLK Frequency XXX ccccccsccsssesssessseesseessereess 3 11 3 3 8 PCIE Frequency XXX cccccssscsssseeessesssseesseessnreess 3 11 3 3 9 QPI Frequency Auto rrrrnnrrrnnnnrrrnnorrrrrnnrrennnnrvrrnnnnnr 3 11 3 3 10 DRAM Frequency Auto 3 11 3 3 11 DRAM Timing Control usrrrsnrrrvvrernrrrrrernrerrnrerrrrernreennnr 3 11 3 3 12 CPU Clock Amplitude Auto rrrnnrrrrrnrrrrrrarrrrrnnrrernnnr 3 13 3 3 18 PCH Clock Amplitude Auto rrrnrrrrrnrrrrrsarrrrrsrrernnns 3 13 3 3 14 CPU Clock Skew Auto rrrrnnrrrrrnnrrrnnnrrrrrsnnvrrrnnrrernnnr 3 13 3 3 15 PCH Clock Skew Auto rrrrrn
135. rs Lists QVL DDR3 1333MHz capability PVS34G1333LLK 4096MB Heat Sink Package Kit of 2 PVT36G1333ELK 6144MB N A Heat Sink Package Kit of 3 SP001GBLTU133502 1024MB S POWER 10YT3EO 9 1333 9 9 9 24 SP002GBLTU133S02 2048MB S POWER I0YT3E0 9 1333 9 9 9 24 Maximus Ill Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 1066MHz capability Vendor Part No Size SS Timing Voltage DIMM socket DS Dimm Bios support Optional A B C CM3X1024 1066C7 1024MB N A Heat Sink Package CT12864BA1067 85FD 1024MB MICRON D9JNL CT25664BA1067 16SFD 2048MB MICRON D9JNL 7 EBJ10UE8BAWO AE E 1024MB ELPIDA J1108BABG DJ E 7 1066 7 7 7 20 EBJ11RD8BAFA AE E 1024MB ELPIDA J5308BASE AC E ECC 7 EBJ11UD8BAFA AG E 1024MB ELPIDA J5308BASE AC E 8 EBJ21UE8BAWO AE E 2048MB ELPIDA J1108BABG DJ E 7 1066 7 7 7 20 Hynix HMT112U6AFP8C G7NO 1024MB HYNIX H5TQ1G83AFPG7C 7 Hynix HYMT112U64ZNF8 G7 1024MB HYNIX HY5TQ1G831ZNFP G7 7 Hynix HMT125U6AFP8C G7NO 2048MB HYNIX H5TQ1G83AFPG7C 7 Hynix HYMT125U64ZNF8 G7 2048MB HYNIX HY5TQ1G831ZNFP G7 7 KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7 1G 1024MB ELPIDA J1108BABG DJ E 1066 7 7 7 20 KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7 2G 2048MB ELPIDA J1108BABG DJ E 1066 7 7 7 20 KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7 4G 4096MB SAMSUNG K4B2G0846B HCF8 1066 7 7 7 20 MICRON MT8JTF12864AY 1G1D1 1024MB MICRON 7VD22 7 MICRON MT8JTF12864AZ 1G1F1 1024MB MICRON 8ZF22 D9KPV 7 1066 7 7 7 20 MICRON MT16JTF25664AY 1G1D1 2048MB MICRON 7VD22 7 MT16JTF25664AZ 1G1F1 2048MB MICRON 8ZF22 D9KPV 7 10
136. s automatic selection of the S M A R T Smart Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology Enabled Enable the S M A R T feature Disabled Disable the S M A R T feature 32Bit Data Transfer Enabled Enabled Sets the IDE controller to combine two 16 bit reads from the hard disk into a single 32 bit double word transfer to the processor This makes more efficient use of the PCI bus as fewer transactions are needed for the transfer of a particular amount of data Disabled Disable this function Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 4 5 Storage Configuration The items in this menu allow you to set or change the configurations for the SATA devices installed in the system Select an item then press lt Enter gt if you want to configure the item BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Rin ec a L SATA Configuraton Enhanced Configure SATA as IDE Disabled Enabled Hard Disk Write Protect Disabled IDE Detect Time Out Sec 35 SATA Configuration Enhanced Configuration options Disabled Compatible Enhanced Configure SATA as IDE Sets the configuration for the Serial ATA connectors supported by the Southbridge chip Configuration options IDE RAID AHCI LN e If you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical storage devices keep the default setting IDE If you want the Serial ATA hard disk drives to use the Advanced Host Controller Interface AHCI set this item to AHCI The AHCI allows th
137. ser CPU usage The CPU tab displays real time CPU usage in line graph representation If the CPU has ie an enabled Hyper Threading two separate line graphs display the operation of the two logical processors CPU Usage 9 Hard disk drive space usage The Hard Disk tab displays the used and available hard disk drive space The left panel of the tab lists all logical drives Click a hard disk drive to display the information on the right panel The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents the used blue and the available HDD space ROG Maximus III Formula 4 17 Memory usage The Memory tab shows both used and available physical memory The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents _ Available the used blue and the available physical memory Configuring PC Probe II Click V9 to view and adjust the sensor threshold values The Config window has two tabs Sensor Threshold and Preference The Sensor Threshold tab enables you to activate the sensors or to adjust the sensor threshold values The Preference tab allows you to customize sensor alerts or change the temperature scale GI Config Preference Temperature Voltage Enabled Sensor Name Nominal value Current Value Threshold K 7 leo v M 34 0 45 DE Loads the default threshold values for Cancels or Loads your saved each sensor ignores your configuration Applies your changes
138. stalls ASUS EPU 6 Engine driver and utility Chapter 4 Software support 4 2 3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports Utilities ASUS InstAll Anti Virus Utility Please select items to install Speeding HDD ASUS PC Probe Il ASUS Update ASUS Al Suite ASUS Al Direct Link ASUS ROG GamerFirst ASUS ROG Connect Adobe Reader 8 Microsoft DirectX 9 0c Anti Virus Utility The anti virus application scans identifies and removes computer viruses View the online help for detailed information Speeding HDD ASUS Speeding HDD helps secure data on the hard drives and enhance the hard drive performance ASUS PC Probe II This smart utility monitors the fan speed CPU temperature and system voltage and alerts you of any detected problems This utility helps you keep your computer in healthy operating condition ASUS Update The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in Windows environment This utility requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider ISP ASUS Al Suite Installs the ASUS Al Suite ROG Maximus III Formula 4 3 4 4 ASUS Al Direct Link The ASUS Al Direct Link provides up to 70 transferring speed improvement when compared to traditional USB 2 0 and is the easiest and fastest way for users to enjoy large sized data exchange of files such as movies music etc ASUS
139. 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 lf 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 AN 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 TYPE AN RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE BATTERY RELATED INSTRUCTIONS Operation safety e Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it carefully
140. t the BIOS version that you wish to download Click Next Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process the Internet Always update the utility to avail all its features Please choose 1005 05 17 2002 11007 09 12 2002 i 1008 09 13 2002 EE Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file To update the BIOS through a BIOS file 1 Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows desktop by clicking Start gt Programs gt ASUS gt ASUSUpdate gt ASUSUpdate The ASUS Update main window appears Select Update BIOS from a file option from the drop down menu then click Next 1 Update Save BIOS from to a file 2 Update BIOS from the Internet Update system BIOS using specified BIOS image file on ASUS Web Site 3 Download BIOS from the Internet Download 4 specified BIOS image file via Internet for later usage 4 Check BIOS Information F Update BIOS from a file a o Save current BIOS to a file 2 Update BIOS from file Ri Update BIOS from the Internet Ea ER Download BIOS from the Internet Check BIOS Information Locate the BIOS file from the Open window then click Open Look in 8 3 Foe east ER Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process File name MAXIMUSIIIFORMULA Files of type BIOS Files awdz bin ami rom Cancel ROG Maximus III Formula 3 3 3 4 3 1 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ
141. t to Setup BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility When set to Always BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting the system Configuration options Setup Always Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 8 Tools menu The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions Select an item then press lt Enter gt to display the sub menu BIOS SETUP UTILITY Extreme Tweaker Main Advanced Power Boot Press ENTER to run gt Speeding HDD Configuration the utility to select gt ASUS O C Profile and update BIOS gt GO Button File This utility supports gt AI NET 2 1 FAT 12 16 32 r w gt MemPerfect 2 NTFS read only 3 CD DISC read only ASUS EZ Flash 2 Select Screen Select Item Go to Sub Screen General Help Save and Exit Exit v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc 3 8 1 Speeding HDD Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Tools Speeding HDD configuration Update Speeding HDD EEEE E a a a gt Mode changes after Speeding HDD Group saving changes and Current Mode Normal Mode exiting BIOS setup Speeding HDD Mode Update Discard Speeding HDD Mode changes after Update To Normal Mode Press Enter exiting BIOS setup l without saving any Speeding HD Device s List changes gt SPD HDD1 Red ST380817AS gt SPD HDD2 Red ST380817AS P Before using the Speeding HDD function ensure that you have connect
142. tem is set to Duty Mode you can configure the OPTFan1 2 3 Duty item If you set this item to User Mode you are allowed to configure the OPTFan1 2 3 Low Speed Temp and OPTFan1 2 3 Full Speed Temp item Configuration options Disabled Duty Mode User Mode PP You need to connect the thermal sensor cables to the OPT TEMP1 2 3 connectors to enable this function OPTFan1 2 3 Duty 50 Allows you to set the fan duty cycle This item appears when the OPTFan1 2 Control item is set to Duty Mode Configuration options 40 50 60 70 80 90 OPTFan1 2 3 Low Speed Temp 25 C Allows you to set the temperature at which the power fan rotates at low speed This item appears when the OPTFan1 2 Control item is set to User Mode Configuration options 25 C 30 C 35 C 40 C OPTFan1 2 3 Full Speed Temp 60 C Allows you to set the temperature at which the power fan rotates at full speed This item appears when the OPTFan1 2 Control item is set to User Mode Configuration options 60 C 70 C 80 C 90 C Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 7 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options Select an item then press lt Enter gt to display the sub menu BIOS SETUP UTILITY Extreme Tweaker Main Advanced Power Tools Exit Specifies the Boot Device Priority sequence Boot Settings gt Boot Device Priority A virtual floppy disk drive Floppy Drive B may appear when you set
143. the CD ROM drive as the first boot device gt Boot Settings Configuration gt Security gt Select Screen Til Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen General Help Save and Exit Exit v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc 3 7 1 Boot Device Priority BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Specifies the boot sequence from the availabe devices Boot Device Priority Ist Boot Device Hard Drive 2nd Boot Device Removable Dev 3rd Boot Device ATAPI CD ROM A device enclosed in parenthesis has been disabled in the corresponding type menu Select Screen Select Item Go to Sub Screen General Help Save and Exit Exit v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc 1st xxth Boot Device xxx Drive These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system Configuration options xxx Drive Disabled ROG Maximus III Formula 3 35 3 7 2 Boot Settings Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Boot Settings Configuration MMI Allows BIOS to skip Quick Boot Enabled certain tests while Full Screen Logo Enabled booting This will AddOn ROM Display Mode Force BIOS decrease the time Bootup Num Lock On needed to boot the Wait for Fl if Error Enabled system Hit DEL Message Display Enabled POST State LEDs Enabled Quick Boot Enable
144. the system is ON pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts the system to sleep mode or to soft off mode depending on the BIOS setting Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the soft off mode regardless of the BIOS setting Refer to section 3 6 Power Menu in Chapter 3 for details 2 44 Chapter 2 Hardware information This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided BIOS setup 3 1 3 2 3 3 3 4 3 5 3 6 3 7 3 8 3 9 Managing and updating your BIOS errsvrrnvrrnvrnnvrnnvrnnvrnnvrnnnrnner 3 1 BIOS setup progr ai coscire inion ararasan aaiae 3 6 Extreme Tweaker menu nnvvvnnrrrnnnnnvvnnvrnnnnnnnnnnnnnrennnnnnnnnnnsennnnnnnnr 3 9 M ne 3 16 Advanced MENU Lunn gren aaan 3 21 PrNal ve 3 29 BOO MEN une 3 35 TOOLS MENU spede 3 39 ENN 3 45 ROG Maximus III Formula 3 1 Managing and updating your BIOS The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input Output System BIOS setup 1 ASUS Update Updates the BIOS in Windows environment 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk or USB flash disk 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities Save a copy o
145. time without notice Visit the ASUS website at www asus com for updates FP 4 2 1 Running the support DVD Place the support DVD to the optical drive The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer Click an icon to display support ASUS InstAll DVD motherboard ntel Chipset Driver Please select items to install information IA Audio Driver Bound Blaster X Fi Micron JMB36X Controller Driver ASUS TurboV EVO ASUS EPU 6 Engine Click an item to install V If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer browse the contents of the support a DVD to locate the file ASSETUP EXE from the BIN folder Double click the ASSETUP EXE to run the DVD ROG Maximus III Formula 4 1 4 2 4 2 2 Drivers menu The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices ASUS InstAll Intel Chipset Driver Please select items to install VIA Audio Driver Sound Blaster X Fi JMicron JMB36X Controller Driver ASUS TurboV EYO ASUS EPU 6 Engine Intel Chipset Driver Installs the Intel chipset drivers VIA Audio Driver Installs the VIA Audio driver Sound Blaster X Fi Installs the Sound Blaster X Fi driver JMicron JMB36X Controller Driver Installs the JMicron controller driver ASUS TurboV EVO Installs ASUS TurboV the advanced overclocking tool for extreme O C record ASUS EPU 6 Engine In
146. tings oe Rotate display Global Settings Program Settings Set up multiple displays E Video amp Television s Adjust video color settings Feature Setting rE net Anisotropic filtering Application controlled Antialiasing Gamma correction on Application controlled Application controlled nsparency Off Conformant texture damp Use hardware Extension limit off Force mipmaps None Multi display mixed GPU acceleration Multiple display performance mode Stereo Display mode Use on board DIN connector Texture filtering Anisotropic sample opti Off Texture filtering Negative LOD bias Allow Texture filterina Quality Quality Description Typical usage scenarios System Information I Enabling SLI settings From the NVIDIA Control Panel window select Set SLI Configuration Click 3D Settings Help Q 0 Standard Settings v J NVIDIA Control File Edit View E Ld Your graphics cards feature NVIDIA SLI technology for significant improvements in rendering performance of Direct3D nable and set the display tor EE Change fiat panel scaling g Adjust desktop color settings 1 Select the SLI configuration for your system viewing SLI rendered content When 00 Adjust video color done click Apply adr a E ee Description All NVIDIA GPUs work together with SLI technology to increase the rendering performance of your 30 applications Typical usage scenarios Playin
147. tion of advanced cooling systems is recommended The auto tuned settings will be stored in system BIOS and will be applied in the next boot Using ASUS Turbo Key ASUS Turbo Key allows the user to set a group of hot keys into physical overclocking buttons After the easy setup Turbo Key can boost performances without interrupting ongoing work or games with just one touch If the TurboV EVO is correctly installed you will find the TurboV EVO icon on the Windows notification area Click on the icon to display the TurboV EVO control panel Click the Turbo Key tab to switch to the Turbo Key interface ROG Maximus III Formula 4 25 Configuring ASUS Turbo Key YES Turbo EVO Turbo Key 1 Select your desired hotkey combination 2 You can decide the performance boost level by selecting Turbo Key Profile You can also load personal profiles saved in the ASUS TurboV utility 3 Choose whether to show Turbo Key OSD and status 4 Click Apply to save Turbo Key settings AN You have to press the assigned hotkeys to use the Turbo Key function Configuring ASUS Turbo Key with TurboV Remote installed PIS MurboV EVO Turbov Turbo Key 1 If your motherboard comes with a bundled TurboV Remote you can assign a Turbo Key Profile to work with the hotkeys on the TurboV Remote You can also load personal profiles saved in the ASUS TurboV utility 2 Click Apply to save Turbo Key settings You have to press
148. to allow you to change other security settings BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Security Settings lt Enter gt to change Supervisor Password Installed password User Password Installed lt Enter gt again to disabled password Change Supervisor Password User Access Level Full Access Change User Password Password Check Setup User Access Level Full Access This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items Configuration options No Access View Only Limited Full Access No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility View Only allows access but does not allow change to any field Limited allows changes only to selected fields such as Date and Time Full Access allows viewing and changing all the fields in the Setup utility Change User Password Select this item to set or change the user password The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed After you set a password this item shows Installed To set a User Password 1 Select the Change User Password item and press lt Enter gt 2 On the password box that appears type a password composed of at least six letters and or numbers then press lt Enter gt 3 Confirm the password when prompted The message Password Installed appears after you set your password successfully To change the user password follow the same steps as in setting a user password Password Check Setup When se
149. tomatically detects The items shown in this screen may be different due to the CPU you installed BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Sets the ratio between CPU Core Clock and the FSB Frequency Manufacturer Intel NOTE If an invalid Brand String Genuine Intel R CPU ratio is set in CMOS Configure advanced CPU settings Module Version 01 04 Frequency BCLK Speed Cache L1 2 13GHz 133MHz 128 KB then actual and setpoint values may differ Cache L2 1024 KB Cache L3 8192 KB Ratio Status Unlocked Min 09 Max 16 Ratio Actual Value 16 NOTE Please key in ratio numbers directly CPU Ratio Setting Auto lt Select Screen C1E Support Enabled 1 Select Item Hardware Prefetcher Enabled Fl General Help Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch Enabled F10 Save and Exit Max CPUID Value Limit Disabled ESC Exit v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc Scroll down to display the following items Intel R Virtualization Tech Enabled CPU TM Function Enabled Execute Disable Bit Capability Enabled Intel R HT Technology Enabled Active Processor Cores A11 A20M Disabled Select Screen Select Item Change Option General Help Save and Exit Disabled Exit Intel R SpeedStep TM Tech Enabled Intel R Turbo Mode Tech Enabled Intel R C STATE Tech v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc ROG Maximus III Formula 3 21 3 22 CPU Ratio Setting Auto
150. ume Panel icon to display a list of Creative media utilities that help you manage and play your media files Click Help in each utility control panel to know more about them Double click the Volume Panel icon to ENTERTAINMENT MODE launch the Mixer control panel Click Main Display to go to the Main Panel ROG Maximus III Formula 4 9 Main Panel The Main Panel displays all the features and functions the SupremeFX X Fi supports Click each icon to configure the following settings from left to right Speakers and Headphone EAX Effects X Fi CMSS 3D X Fi Crystalizer Smart Volume Management Graphic Equalizer and Mixer ENTERTAINMENT MODE Minimize Exit Help Click each icon to configure further settings Gi Mistar doma Default Drag to adjust volume Click to restore default settings Click to mute volume Speakers and Headphone Panel S This panel allows you to configure speakers headphone settings including bass management and speaker volume You can also test each speaker channel ENTERTAINMENT MODE Click to select a Click to test speaker speaker type sound in turn Click to adjust bass Click to adjust volume of each speaker Click to test speaker noise in turn Master Volume AS LJ Default 4 10 Chapter 4 Software support EAX Effects Panel F This panel contains environment effects that you can select to obtain a sense of realism during interactive 3D games
151. up and running in no time The technology is able to determine failsafe settings that can dramatically improve system booting success Extreme Tweaker a One stop performance tuning shop Extreme Tweaker is the one stop shop to fine tune your system to optimal performance No matter if you are looking for frequency adjustment over voltage options or memory timing settings they are all here Chapter 1 Product Introduction Probelt Get all hands on with hardware based overclocking Probelt takes the guesswork out of locating the motherboard s measurement points identifying them clearly in the form of 5 sets of detection points so you ll know exactly where to get quick yet accurate readings using a multitester Voltiminder LED Friendly reminder on Voltage Settings In the pursuit of extreme performance overvoltage adjustment is critical but risky Acting as the red zone of a tachometer the Voltiminder LED displays the voltage status for CPU PCH and Memory in a intuitive color coded fashion The Voltiminder LED allows quick voltage monitoring for overclockers Component Overheat Protection EX COP EX Maximum OG with confidence with burn proof protection to chipsets and GPU The COP EX allows overclockers to increase chipset voltages without the worries of overheating It can also be used to monitor and save an overheating GPU The COP EX allows more freedom and less constraint for maximum performance achieve
152. ur memory settings for errors and automatically fixes them ensuring system stability and maximum efficiency ROG Maximus III Formula 1 3 1 4 Speeding HDD QB Wait less Play more Double your hard disk drive performance easily and affordably with Speeding HDD a remarkable ROG feature that utilizes a dual channel design to enhance HDD transfer rates Wait less play more IROG Intelligent multiple control at hand IROG is a special IC which enables several ROG highlighted functions that give you full disposal of the motherboard at any stage This design allows advanced user control and management to be processed at a hardware level iROG greatly increases fun during overclocking for PC enthusiasts and it provides system maintenance and management with more control and efficiency CPU Level Up ov A simple click for instant upgrade Ever wish that you could have a more expansive CPU Upgrade your CPU at no additional cost with ROG s CPU Level Up Simply pick the 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 MemOK Any memory is A OK Memory compatibility is among the top concerns when it comes to computer upgrades Worry no more MemOK is the fastest memory booting solution today This remarkable memory rescue tool requires nothing but a push of a button to patch memory issues and get you system
153. uration options Enabled Disabled Z The following items appear only when you set All LED Control to Enabled ROG Logo Enabled Allows you to enable or disable the onboard ROG light box Configuration options Disabled Enabled Voltiminder LED Enabled Allows you to enable or disable the onboard Voltiminder LED Configuration options Enabled Disabled CPU LED Selection CPU Allows you to switch the onboard CPU LED display between CPU voltage CPU CPU PLL voltage CPU PLL and IMC voltage IMC Configuration options CPU CPU PLL IMC ROG Maximus III Formula 3 27 3 5 6 IROG Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced iROG Configuration iROG Timer Keeper DST EET System will record iROG ID Number Information using time every 1 iROG 1 ID Number 54 minute iROG 2 ID Number 9 iROG Timer Keeper Last State Current Operation time Total Operation time Select Screen Select Item General Help Save and Exit Exit v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc iROG Timer Keeper Last State Allows you to set the iROG Time Keeper operation mode Configuration options Last State Disabled Enabled 3 5 7 ROG Connect BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced ROG Connect Enabled Debug Mode String Enabled Disabled Select Screen Select Item General Help Save and Exit Exit v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc ROG Connect Enabled Allows you to
154. users outstanding performances with ROG motherboards lid S Please select items to install THE BATTLE Extreme OC Clip 4 2 7 ASUS Contact information Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information You can also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide Contact ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC Address 15 Li Te Road Peitou Taipei Taiwan 11259 Telephone 886 2 2894 3447 Fax 886 2 2890 7798 Email info asus com tw Web site http may asus com bwv Chapter 4 Software support 4 2 8 Other information The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the contents of the support DVD Click an icon to display the specified information Motherboard Info Displays the general specifications of the motherboard ASUS InstAll Intel Chipset Driver Please select items to install VIA Audio Driver Sound Blaster X Fi JMicron JMB36X Controller Driver ASUS TurboV EVO ASUS EPU 6 Engine Browse this DVD Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format lt MB Support CD D File Edit View Favorites Tools Help ky gt gt 3 Me Search 53 Folders E Address D Go ROM File Text Document 2 048 KB 1 KB m E 5 File and Folder Tasks 2 Bin 2 Drivers Publish this Folder to the Web E Share this folder aa LinuxDrivers Gal Manual Other PI pp
155. ween the two PCI groups making the system unstable and the card inoperable Refer to the table on the next page for details 2 22 Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 5 3 Interrupt assignments Standard interrupt assignments IRQ Priority Standard function System Timer Keyboard Controller Redirect to IRQ 9 Communications Port COM1 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering Reserved Reserved System CMOS Real Time Clock IRQ Holder for PCI Steering IRQ Holder for PCI Steering IRQ Holder for PCI Steering Reserved Numeric Data Processor Primary IDE Channel 0 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 These IRQs are usually available for PCI devices IRQ assignments for this motherboard PCIEX16 1 PCIEX16 2 shared PCIEX16 3 shared shared E shared USB 2 0 controller1 shared USB 2 0 controller2 LAN1 shared SATA controller shared Onboard ATA controller shared 1394 Controller shared HD Audio shared Onboard ATA controller II shared ROG Maximus III Formula 2 23 2 24 2 5 4 PCI slot The PCI slot supports cards such as a LAN card SCSI card USB card and other cards that comply with PCI specifications Refer to the figure below for the location of the slot 2 5 5 PCI Express x1 slots This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express sp
156. y take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual task task Qe gt gt Typography Bold text Italics lt Key gt lt Key1 Key2 Key3 gt Command 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 IMPORTANT Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a NOTE Tips and additional information to help you complete a Indicates a menu or an item to select Used to emphasize a word or a phrase Keys enclosed in the less than and greater than sign means that you must press the enclosed key Example lt Enter gt means that you must press the Enter or Return key If you must press two or more keys simultaneously the key names are linked with a plus sign Example lt Ctrl Alt D gt 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 iMAIIIFOR ROM Maximus III Formula specifications summary Chipset Memory Expansion Slots Multi GPU Technology Storage LAN High Definition Audio IEEE 1394a Supports the Intel Core i7 and Intel Core i5 Processor in the LGA1156 package Supports Intel Turbo Boost Technology Refer to www asus com for Intel CPU support list Intel P55 Express Chipset

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