Summary of Contents for Asus Maximus Formula - Republic of Gamers Motherboard
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Maximus Formula (Special Edition)/ Maximus Formula...
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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.
Product highlights ............1-2 1.3.2 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features ... 1-4 1.3.3 ROG unique features ............1-6 1.3.4 ASUS special features ............ 1-7 Chapter 2: Hardware information Before you proceed ..............2-1 Motherboard overview ..............2-4 2.2.1 Placement direction ............2-4 2.2.2...
4.1.1 ASUS Update utility ............4-1 4.1.2 Creating a bootable floppy disk ........4-4 4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ........... 4-5 4.1.4 AFUDOS utility ..............4-6 4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ........4-8 BIOS setup program ..............4-9 4.2.1...
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Boot Device Priority ............4-34 4.7.2 Boot Settings Configuration .......... 4-35 4.7.3 Security ................. 4-36 Tools menu ................. 4-38 4.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............4-38 4.8.2 ASUS O.C. Profile ............4-39 4.8.3 AI Net 2 ................. 4-40 Exit menu ..................4-41...
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® 5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II ............5-21 5.3.5 ASUS AI Suite ............... 5-27 5.3.6 ASUS EPU Utility—AI Gear 3 ........5-29 5.3.7 ASUS AI Nap ..............5-30 5.3.8 ASUS Q-Fan 2 .............. 5-31 5.3.9 ASUS AI Booster ............5-32 RAID configurations ..............
Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference, and • This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Safety information Electrical safety • To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system. • When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected.
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 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.
Conventions used in this guide To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task.
4 processors ® ® Supports Intel next-generation 45nm multi-core CPUs ® Compatible with Intel 06/05B/05A processors ® * Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list Chipset Intel X38 / ICH9R with Intel Fast Memory Access ® ® Technology System Bus...
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- AI Booster Utility - O.C. Profile Overclocking protection: - COP EX (Component Overheat Protection -EX) - Voltiminder LED - ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) ROG Special Features LCD Poster Onboard Switches: Power / Reset / Clr CMOS (at rear panel)
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Accessories Fusion Block System Accessory (for Special Edition only) LCD Poster ASUS Optional Fan SupremeFX II Audio Card 3 in 1 ASUS Q-connector kit UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable Floppy disk drive cable Serial ATA cables Serial ATA power cables 2-port USB2.0 + IEEE 1394a module...
This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports. Product introduction...
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Chapter summary Welcome! ..................1-1 Package contents ................. 1-1 Special features ................1-2 ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula...
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.
Special features 1.3.1 Product highlights Republic of Gamers The Republic of Gamers consists only the best of the best. We offer the best hardware engineering, the fastest performance, the most innovating ideas, and we welcome the best gamers to join in. In the Republic of Gamers, mercy rules are only for the weak, and bragging rights means everything.
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Native DDR2 1066 memory support To attain top performance, ASUS engineers have successfully unleashed the true potential of DDR2 memory. While in DDR2 1066 mode, ASUS’s exclusive technology offers a choice of FSB 1333, providing great performance for 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications. See page 2-16 for details.
Green ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.
The COP EX allows more freedom and less constraint for maximum performance achievement. AI Booster The ASUS AI Booster allows you to overclock the CPU speed in Windows environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. See page 5-32 for details. ASUS O.C. Profile The motherboard features the ASUS O.C.
See page 2-38 for details. ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking capability. Chapter 1: Product Introduction...
Fanless Design–Stack Cool 2 ASUS Stack Cool 2 is a fan-less and zero-noise cooling solution that lowers the temperature of critical heat generating components. The motherboard uses a special design on the printed circuit board (PCB) to dissipate heat these critical components generate.
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2-15 and 2-33 for details. ASUS MyLogo 3 ASUS MyLogo 3 is a new feature present in the motherboard that allows you to personalize and add style to your system with customizable and animated boot logos. See page 5-9 for details.
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. Hardware information...
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Chapter summary Before you proceed ..............2-1 Motherboard overview ..............2-4 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ........... 2-8 System memory ................. 2-16 Expansion slots ................2-21 Switch ..................2-22 Aduio card, I/O shield, and LCD Poster Installation ....2-25 Connectors ................. 2-27 ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula...
Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. • Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity.
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Memory LED Refer to the illustration below for the location of the memory LED and the table below for LED definition. DDR_CRAZY DDR_HIGH DDR_NORMAL MAXIMUS FORMULA MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS FORMULA DDR LED Normal (green) High (yellow) Crazy (red) DRAM Voltage 1.80~2.20 2.22~2.60 2.62~...
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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.
Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it. Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage 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 LGA775 socket.
2.3.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. MAXIMUS FORMULA MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS FORMULA CPU Socket 775 Before installing the CPU, make sure that the cam box is facing towards you and the load lever is on your left. Press the load lever with your thumb (A), then move it to the left (B) until it is released from the retention tab.
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Lift the load plate with your thumb and forefinger to a 100º angle (A), then push the PnP cap from the load plate window to remove (B). Load plate Alignment key Position the CPU over the socket, making sure that the gold triangle is on the bottom-left corner of the socket then fit the socket...
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan The Intel ® LGA775 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 ®...
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Push down two fasteners at a time in a diagonal sequence to secure the heatsink and fan assembly in place. Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. CPU_FAN MAXIMUS FORMULA MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS 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.
Pull up two fasteners at a time in a diagonal sequence to disengage the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard. Carefully remove the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard. ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-13...
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Rotate each fastener clockwise to ensure correct orientation when reinstalling. Narrow end of the groove The narrow end of the groove should point outward after resetting. (The photo shows the groove shaded for emphasis.) Refer to the documentation in the boxed or stand-alone CPU fan package for detailed information on CPU fan installation.
Plug the optional fan cables to any of the CHA_FAN1, CHA_FAN3, and PWR_FAN connectors on the motherboard. • Make sure the optional fan is installed correctly to prevent damage to the fan and motherboard components. ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-15...
Sockets Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 • This chipset officially supports DDR2-800 MHz. With the ASUS Super Memspeed Technology, this motherboard natively supports up to DDR2-1066 MHz. See the table below. DDR2 1333 1066* 1333...
• Due to chipset limitation, DDR2-800 with CL=4 will be downgraded to run at DDR2-667 by default setting. If you want to operate with lower latency, adjust the memory timing manually. ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-17...
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Dual-channel memory configuration. • C*: Supports 4 modules inserted into both the blue and white slots as two pairs of Dual-channel memory configuration. Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR2-800/667MHz QVL. 2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information...
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NT5TU128M8BJ-3C NT2GT64U8HB0JY-3C • • • 512MB NANYA NT5TU64M8BE-3C NT512T64U88B0BY-3C • • • 512MB A3R12E3GEF637BLC5N AL6E8E63B-6E1K • • • 1024MB A3R12E3GEF637BLC5N AL7E8E63B-6E1K • • • 512MB TwinMOS TMM6208G8M30C 8D-23JK5M2ETP • • • ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-19...
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. To install a DIMM: DDR2 DIMM notch Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.
IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. Refer to the table on the next page for details. ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-21...
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments Priority Standard function System timer Keyboard controller – Re-direct to IRQ#9 IRQ holder for PCI steering* Communications port (COM1)* IRQ holder for PCI steering* Floppy disk controller Printer port (LPT1)* System CMOS/Real Time Clock IRQ holder for PCI steering* IRQ holder for PCI steering* IRQ holder for PCI steering* PS/2 compatible mouse port*...
If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/3 for better thermal environment. See page 2-36 for the connector location. ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-23...
Switch Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC_SW) This onboard switch allows you to enable the clr CMOS switch on the back I/O. You can clear the CMOS memory and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The clr CMOS switch on the back I/O helps you easily to clear the system setup information such as system passwords.
Audio card, I/O shield, and LCD Poster installation 2.7.1 Audio card Installation Take out the Audio card from the Locate the audio slot on the package. motherboard. Align the card connector with the The photo below shows the slot and press firmly until the card audio card installed on the sits on the slot completely.
2.7.2 I/O shield and LCD Poster Installation Install the I/O shield to the chassis rear panel. Orient the I/O shield so that the openings of the ports fit the motherboard rear ports. Snaps the I/O shield into place. Position the motherboard I/O side toward the chassis rear panel and install the motherboard to the chassis.
Connectors 2.8.1 Rear panel connectors CMOS PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device via a coaxial S/PDIF cable. LAN 2 (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
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Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio sources. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In 4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel configuration, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out.
2.8.2 Internal connectors Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) This connector is for the provided floppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the signal connector at the back of the floppy disk drive. Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when using a FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.
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PRI_EIDE NOTE: Orient the red markings (usually zigzag) on the IDE cable to PIN 1. MAXIMUS FORMULA MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS FORMULA IDE connector ICH9R Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1~6) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives.
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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. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula...
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Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage the motherboard! You can connect the 1394 cable to ASUS Q-Connector (1394, red) first, and then install the Q-Connector (1394) to the 1394 connector onboard. Thermal sensor cable connectors (2-pin OPT_TEMP1/2/3) These connectors are for temperature monitoring.
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MAXIMUS FORMULA Fan connectors • Only the CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN1~3, and OPT_FAN1~3 connectors support the ASUS Q-Fan 2 feature. • If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the chassis fan cable to the motherboard connector labled CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN3 for better themal environment.
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Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch. Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced.
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If you want to use two high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with 500W to 600W power or above to ensure the system stability. 10. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT for ASUS HDMI VGA card) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s).
11. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. PLED SPEAKER PANEL RESET IDE_LED MAXIMUS FORMULA PWRSW Requires an ATX power supply. MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS FORMULA System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED.
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ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) You can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front panel cables in a few steps. Refer to the instructions below to install the ASUS Q- Connector. Connect the front panel cables to the ASUS Q-Connector.
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. Power-on switch Press the power-on switch to wake/power up the system. MAXIMUS FORMULA MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS FORMULA Power on switch...
2.8.4 Installing Fusion Block System accessory Install your watercooling system to the motherboard using the bundled accessories to obtain the best thermal solution. Package contents 3/8” ID tubes x 2 1/2” to 3/8” ID fittings x 2 10mm to 3/8” ID fittings x 2 1/2”...
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For watercooling system with 1/2” or 10mm ID tubes Insert a fitting (1/2” to 3/8” ID or 10mm to 3/8” ID) into the tube. Your watercooling system may come with tube clips. Use the clips to fasten the fittings and the tubes together. Connect a supplied 3/8”...
This chapter describes the power up sequence, the vocal POST messages, and ways of shutting down the system. Powering up...
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Chapter summary Starting up for the first time ............3-1 Turning off the computer ............. 3-2 ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula...
Starting up for the first time 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.
Turning off the computer 3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function If you are using Windows ® Click the Start button then select Turn Off Computer. Click the Turn Off button to shut down the computer. The power supply should turn off after Windows ®...
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...
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Chapter summary Managing and updating your BIOS ..........4-1 BIOS setup program ..............4-9 Main menu .................. 4-12 Extreme Tweaker menu ............. 4-17 Advanced menu ................. 4-23 Power menu ................4-29 Boot menu .................. 4-34 Tools menu ................. 4-38 Exit menu ..................4-41 ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula...
ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows environment.) ® ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk or USB flash disk.) ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk.) ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 (Updates the BIOS using a bootable USB flash disk or the motherboard support DVD when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.)
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To update the BIOS through the Internet: desktop by clicking Start Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows ® > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. Select Update BIOS from the Select the ASUS FTP site nearest...
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To update the BIOS through a BIOS file: desktop by clicking Start Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows ® > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. Select Update BIOS from a file option from the drop-down menu, then click Next.
4.1.2 Creating a bootable floppy disk Do either one of the following to create a bootable floppy disk. DOS environment a. Insert a 1.44MB floppy disk into the drive. b. At the DOS prompt, type format A:/S then press <Enter>. Windows XP environment ®...
4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using a DOS-based utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing <Alt>...
Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk. Chapter 4: BIOS setup...
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A:\>afudos /iFormula.ROM The utility verifies the file and starts updating the BIOS. A:\>afudos /iFormula.ROM AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB)) Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved. WARNING!! Do not turn off power during flash BIOS Reading file ..
4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 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 update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or the USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file.
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 (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula...
4.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit System Time [10:55:25] Use [ENTER], [TAB] or System Date [Wed 08/22/2007] [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field. Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in] Language [English]...
4.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar Use [ENTER], [TAB], System Time [06:22:54] or [SHIFT-TAB] to System Date [Wed 08/22/2007] displays the specific items for that select a field. Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in] Language [English] Use [+] or [-] to menu.
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 4.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Extreme Tweaker...
4.3.5 SATA 1-6 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 <Enter> to display the SATA device information. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main SATA 1 Select the type of...
If you want the Serial ATA hard disk drives to use the Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI), set this item to [AHCI]. Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled] Disables or enables device write protection. This will be effective only if device is accessed through BIOS.
4.3.8 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 ASUS BIOS Version : 0116 Build Date : 08/27/07 Processor Type : Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6300 @ 1.86GHz...
Extreme Tweaker menu The Extreme Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items. Take caution when changing the settings of the Extreme Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot...
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Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking configuration options: Manual Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters. Auto Loads the standard settings for the system. X.M.P Loads the optimal settings for the system.
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FSB/CPU External Frequency Synchronization Front Side Bus CPU External Frequency FSB 1333 333 MHz FSB 1066 266 MHz FSB 800 200 MHz FSB Strap to North Bridge [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [200MHz] [266MHz] [333MHz] [400MHz] PCIE Frequency [Auto] Allows you to set the PCI Express frequency. Configuration options: [100] [101]~[149] [150] DRAM Frequency [Auto] Allows you to set the DDR2 operating frequency.
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RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]~[15 DRAM Clocks] ROW Refresh Cycle Time [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [20 DRAM Clocks] [25 DRAM Clocks] [30 DRAM Clocks] [35 DRAM Clocks] [42 DRAM Clocks] Write Recovery Time [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]~[15 DRAM Clocks] Write to Read Delay [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]~[15 DRAM Clocks]...
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CPU PLL Voltage [Auto] Allows you to select the CPU PLL voltage. The text color in the configuration field corresponds to the onboard CPU LED color, both of which indicate voltage condition. When you set the CPU LED item to [PLL Volt], the onboard CPU LED displays CPU PLL voltage condition.
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CPU Voltage Refernece [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [0.63V] [0.61V] [0.59V] [0.57V] North Bridge Voltage Refernece [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [0.67V] [0.63V] [0.60V] [0.57V] [0.56V] [0.53V] [0.51V] [0.49V] DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage [Auto] Allows you to manually set the memory voltage, or you can set to [Auto] for the safe mode.
SB LED Selection [SB Volt] Allows you to switch the onboard southbridge LED display between southbridge voltage [SB Volt] and southbridge 1.5V voltage [SB 1.5 Volt]. Configuration options: [SB 1.5 Volt] [SB Volt] CPU LED [CPU Volt] Allows you to switch the onboard CPU LED display between CPU voltage [CPU Volt] and CPU PLL voltage [PLL Volt].
4.5.1 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Configure advanced CPU settings Options Manufacturer:Intel Auto Brand String:Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6300@ 1.86GHz Manual Frequency :1.86GHz FSB Speed :1066 MHz Cache L1 :64 KB Cache L2...
Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled] Setting this item to [Enabled] allows legacy operating systems to boot even without support for CPUs with extended CPUID functions. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Inter(R) SpeedStep (TM) Tech. [Enabled] The following item appears when the CPU Ratio Control item is set to [Auto]. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 4.5.2 Chipset...
PEG Port Control [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] PEG Force x1 [Disabled] This item appears when the PEG Port Control item is set to [Auto]. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 4.5.3 OnBoard Devices Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Onboard Device Configuration Enable or Disable High Definition Audio Controller...
LCD Poster Backlight [Disabled] Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] LCD Poster Off [Disabled] Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] ES [Disabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [WOL Disabled] [WOL Enabled] 4.5.4 USB Configuration The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then press <Enter>...
BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Enabled] Allows you to enable the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Port 64/60 Emulation [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the I/O port 60h/64h emulation support. This item should be enabled for the complete USB keyboard legacy support for non-USB aware OSes.
Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Select the ACPI state Suspend Mode [Auto]...
4.6.5 APM Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power APM Configuration <Enter> to select whether or not to restart the system Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] after AC power loss. Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled] Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled] Power On By PCIE Devices [Disabled]...
4.6.6 Hardware Monitor BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power Hardware Monitor CPU Temperature CPU Temperature [38.5ºC/102ºF] MB Temperature [36ºC/96.5ºF] NB Temperature [35ºC/95ºF] SB Temperature [43ºC/109ºF] OPT1 Temperature [N/A] OPT2 Temperature [N/A] OPT3 Temperature [N/A] Chipset Thermal Shutdown Temper [90] CPU Fan Speed [2986RPM] CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled]...
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CPU Fan Profile [Optimal] Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan. When set to [Optimal], the CPU fan automatically adjusts depending on the CPU temperature. Set this item to [Silent Mode] to minimize fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation, or [Performance Mode] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.
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VCORE Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage, CPU VTT Voltage, NB Voltage, MEM Voltage, VTT DDR Voltage, South Bridge Voltage, SB Voltage2 The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. OPT Q-Fan and Temperature BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power Fan configuration...
Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Specifies the Boot Boot Device Priority Device Priority sequence.
Full Screen Logo [Enabled] This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 3 feature. ™ AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Sets the display mode for option ROM.
4.7.3 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Security Settings <Enter> to change password. <Enter> again to Supervisor Password :Not Installed disabled password.
After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change other security settings. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Security Settings <Enter> to change password. <Enter> again to Supervisor Password :Not Installed disabled password. User Password :Not Installed Change Supervisor Password User Access Level...
4.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to confirm your choice. Please see page 4-5, section 4.1.3 for details.
4.8.2 ASUS O.C. Profile This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Tools O.C. PROFILE Configuration Save to Profile 1 O.C. Profile 1 Status :Not Installed O.C. Profile 2 Status :Not Installed Save to Profile 1...
4.8.3 AI Net 2 BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced POST Check LAN cable [Disabled] Check LAN cable during POST. AI Net 2 Pair Status Length N/A N/A N/A N/A Select Screen N/A Select Item N/A Change Field Select Field General Help Save and Exit Exit v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.
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 Exit Exit Options Exit system setup...
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package. Software support...
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Chapter summary Installing an operating system ........... 5-1 Support DVD information ............5-1 Software information ..............5-9 RAID configurations ..............5-33 Creating a RAID driver disk ............5-42 ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula...
The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for updates. 5.2.1 Running the support DVD Place the support DVD to the optical drive.
The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Drivers Launches the ASUS InstAll driver installation wizard. Intel Chipset Inf Update Program Installs the Intel chipset inf update program.
Click to display the next screen Click to display the previous screen ASUS InstAll-Installation Wizard for Utilities Installs all of the utilities through the Installation Wizard. Marvell Yukon VCT Application Installs the Marvell Yukon VCT applications. Marvell Yukon CPA Application Installs the Marvell Yukon CPA applications.
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ASUS AI Suite Installs the ASUS AI Suite. 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).
5.2.4 Make Disk menu The Make Disk menu contains items to create the Intel ICH9R or JMicron JMB368 ® RAID/AHCI driver disk. Intel ICH9 32/64 bit RAID/AHCI Driver Allows you to create an ICH9R 32/64bit RAID/AHCI driver disk. JMicron JMB36X 32/64 bit RAID/AHCI Driver Allows you to create a JMicron JMB368 32/64bit RAID/AHCI driver disk.
5.2.5 Manuals 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 ®...
5.2.7 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. 5.2.8 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.
Browse this DVD Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format. Technical support form Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when requesting technical support. Filelist Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text format.
Before using the ASUS MyLogo 3 , use the AFUDOS utility to make a copy ™ of your original BIOS file, or obtain the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website. See section 4.1.4 AFUDOS utility. • Make sure that the BIOS item Full Screen Logo is set to [Enabled] if you wish to use ASUS MyLogo 3™.
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Ratio box. When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility, flash the original BIOS to load the new boot logo. 10. After flashing the BIOS, restart the computer to display the new boot logo during POST.
5.3.2 AI NET 2 The AI NET 2 features the Marvell Virtual Cable Tester™ (VCT). VCT is a cable ® diagnostic utility that reports LAN cable faults and shorts using the Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) technology. The VCT detects and reports open and shorted cables, impedance mismatches, pair swaps, pair polarity problems, and pair skew problems of up to 64 ns at one meter accuracy.
5.3.3 AI Audio 2 (SoundMAX High Definition Audio utility) ® The ADI AD1988 High Definition Audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability through the SoundMAX audio utility with AudioESP™ software to ® deliver the ultimate audio experience on your PC. The software implements high quality audio synthesis/rendering, 3D sound positioning, and advanced voice-input technologies.
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SoundMAX BlackHawk (AI Audio 2) If you are using Windows Vista™ operating system, from the taskbar, double-click on the SoundMAX BlackHawk icon to display the SoundMAX control panel. ® ® Enabling AI Audio 2 Click the power button to activate digital signal processing. AI Audio 2, with the new SoundMAX BlackHawk by Sonic Focus, brings you more multi- ®...
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Playback Settings To configure the playback settings, click the Playback button on the control panel. You can adjust the volume of the Speakers and SPDIF Interface or mute the audio. Preset settings Click and expand the drop-down menu to select your preferred Digital Signal Processing (DSP) preset.
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Recording Settings To change the recording settings, click the Recording button on the control panel. You can adjust the speaker delay of Microphone or Line In by moving the slider rightward or leftward. Record testing Port settings Click the tab to perform test recording Click the tab to display the rear panel and play the test sample through the ports for Microphone or Line In.
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Speakers Allows you to adjust the Speaker Trim and Speaker Delay. Bass Allows you to do the Bass management. Preferences Displays the preference options for this utility, version information, AudioESP, etc. 5-16 Chapter 5: Software support...
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SoundMAX If you are using Windows XP operating system, from the taskbar, double-click on the SoundMAX icon to display the SoundMAX Control Panel. ® ® Audio Setup Wizard By clicking the icon from the SoundMAX control panel, you can ® easily configure your audio settings.
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Jack configuration Adjust speaker volume This screen helps you configure This screen helps you adjust speaker volume. Click the Test your computer’s audio ports, depending on the audio devices button to hear the changes you you have installed. have made. Adjust microphone volume This screen helps you adjust microphone volume.
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Audio preferences Click the icon to go to the Preferences page. This page allows you to change various audio settings. General options Click the General tab to choose your playback and recording devices, enable/ disable the AudioESP™ feature, and enable/disable digital output. Listening Environment options Click the Listening Environment tab to set up your speaker, acoustic environment, and enable/disable the Virtual Theater Surround function.
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Microphone options Click the Microphone tab allows you to optimize your microphone input settings. 5-20 Chapter 5: Software support...
To launch the PC Probe II from the Windows ® > ASUS > PC Probe II > PC Probe II v1.xx.xx. The PC Probe II main window appears. After launching the application, the PC Probe II icon appears in the Windows ®...
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Button 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...
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Hardware monitor panels The hardware monitor 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.
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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. Small display Large display WMI browser Click to display the WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) browser. This browser displays various Windows®...
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PCI browser Click to display the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) browser. This browser provides information on the PCI devices installed on your system. Click the plus sign (+) before the PCI Information item to display available information. Usage The Usage browser displays real-time information on the CPU, hard disk drive space, and memory usage.
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Memory usage The Memory tab shows both used and available physical memory. The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents the used (blue) and the available physical memory. Configuring PC Probe II Click to view and adjust the sensor threshold values. The Config window has two tabs: Sensor/Threshold and Preference.
5.3.5 ASUS AI Suite ASUS AI Suite allows you to launch AI Gear 3, AI Booster, AI Nap, and Q-Fan 2 utilities easily. Install the ASUS EPU + AI Gear 3 Driver before the ASUS AI Suite utility. Otherwise, ASUS AI Suite will not function properly.
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Other feature buttons Click 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 Click on right corner of the expanded window to switch the temperature from degrees Centigrade to degrees Fahrenheit.
5.3.6 ASUS EPU Utility—AI Gear 3 ASUS AI Gear 3 is a utility designed to configure and support all ASUS Energy Processing Unit (EPU) features. This easy-to-use utility provides four system performance profiles that adjust the processor frequency and vCore voltage for different computing needs.
5.3.7 ASUS AI Nap This feature allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer whenever you are away. Enable this feature for minimum power consumption and a quieter system operation. After installing AI Suite from the bundled Support DVD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows OS taskbar and click the AI Nap button on the AI Suite main window.
5.3.8 ASUS Q-Fan 2 This ASUS Q-Fan 2 Control feature allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan 2 or the Chassis Q-Fan 2 for more efficient system operation. After enabling the Q-Fan 2 function, the fans can be set to automatically adjust depending on the temperature, to decrease fan speed, or to achieve the maximum fan speed.
5.3.9 ASUS AI Booster The ASUS AI Booster application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in WIndows environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. ® After installing AI Suite from the bundled Support DVD, you can launch the utility...
RAID configurations The motherboard comes with the Intel ICH9R Southbridge RAID controller that ® allows you to configure IDE and Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets. 5.4.1 RAID definitions RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in parallel, interleaved stacks.
5.4.2 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: Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.
Intel Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM Utility ® The Intel Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM utility allows you to create RAID 0, ® RAID 1, RAID 10 (RAID 0+1), and RAID 5 set(s) from Serial ATA hard disk drives that are connected to the Serial ATA connectors supported by the Southbridge. To enter the Intel ®...
Creating a RAID 0 set (striped) To create a RAID 0 set: From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume, then press <Enter>. This screen appears. Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM v5.0.0.1032 ICH9R wRAID5 Copyright(C) 2003-05 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. [ CREATE ARRAY MENU ] Name:...
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Use the up/down arrow key to select the stripe size for the RAID 0 array, then press <Enter>. The available stripe size values range from 4 KB to 128 KB. The default stripe size is 128 KB. TIP: 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.
Creating a RAID 1 set (mirrored) To create a RAID 1 set: From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume, then press <Enter>. This screen appears. Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM v5.0.0.1032 ICH9R wRAID5 Copyright(C) 2003-05 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. [ CREATE ARRAY MENU Name: Volume1...
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Creating a RAID 10 set (RAID 0+1) To create a RAID 10 set: From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume, then press <Enter>. This screen appears. Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM v5.0.0.1032 ICH9R wRAID5 Copyright(C) 2003-05 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. [ CREATE ARRAY MENU Name: Volume10...
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Press <Enter> when the Create Volume item is highlighted. This warning message appears. WARNING: ALL DATA ON SELECTED DISKS WILL BE LOST. Are you sure you want to create this volume? (Y/N): Press <Y> to create the RAID volume and return to the main menu or <N> to go back to the Create Volume menu.
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The Disks item is highlighted, press <Enter> to select the hard disk drives to configure as RAID. The following pop-up screen appears. [ SELECT DISKS Port Drive Model Serial # Size Status 0 XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XX.XGB Non-RAID Disk 1 XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XX.XGB Non-RAID Disk 2 XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX...
Creating a RAID driver disk A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows ® operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. For Windows ® Vista™ operating system, use either a floppy disk or a USB device with the RAID driver.
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To install the RAID driver in Windows Vista™: ® Insert the floppy disk/USB device with RAID driver into the floppy disk drive/USB port. During the OS installation, select Intel ICH9R. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 5-43...
The Appendix describes the CPU features and technologies that the motherboard supports as well as the debug code table for the LCD Poster. CPU features...
32-bit operating systems. • The motherboard comes with a BIOS file that supports EM64T. You can download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website (www.asus.com/ support/download/) if you need to update the BIOS file. See Chapter 4 for details.
A.2.2 Using the EIST To use the EIST feature: Turn on the computer, then enter the BIOS Setup. Go to the Advanced Menu, highlight CPU Configuration, then press <Enter>. Set the Intel(R) SpeedStep Technology item to [Automatic], then press <Enter>. See page 4-25 for details. Press <F10>...
® Intel Hyper-Threading Technology • The motherboard supports Intel Pentium 4 LGA775 processors with ® ® Hyper-Threading Technology. • Hyper-Threading Technology is supported under Windows ® Vista/XP and Linux 2.4.x (kernel) and later versions only. Under Linux, use the Hyper- Threading compiler to compile the code.
Debug Code Table Code Description CPU INIT CPU Initiation DET CPU Test CMOS R/W functionality. Early chipset initialization: -Disable shadow RAM CHIPINIT -Disable L2 cache (socket 7 or below) -Program basic chipset registers Detect memory DET DRAM -Auto-detection of DRAM size, type and ECC. -Auto-detection of L2 cache (socket 7 or below) DC FCODE Expand compressed BIOS code to DRAM...
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1. Program CPU internal MTRR (P6 & PII) for 0-640K memory address. 2. Initialize the APIC for Pentium class CPU. CPUSPEED 3. Program early chipset according to CMOS setup. Example: onboard IDE controller. 4. Measure CPU speed. 5. Invoke video BIOS. 1.
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CPU CHG CPU change CPR FAIL CPR error FAN FAIL Fan error UCODEERR UCODE error FLOPYERR Floppy error KB ERROR Keyboard error HD ERR HDD error CMOS ERR CMOS error MS ERROR Mouse error 80P ERR 80 port error BOOT CHG Boot device change SMARTERR HDD smart function error...
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