Home

ASUS MAXIMUS_III_EXTREME Owner's Manual

1. EME ot EO HE MAXIMUS III EXTREME Power on switch 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 ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 5 2 2 Motherboard overview 2 2 1 Motherboard layout DO 4 2 5 3 CUm uE KB_USB78 DOUDOU carxav CPU_FAN ar fo PWR_FAN l CLR CMOS Q_RESET RC Bluetooth USB34 T T 2 2 2 2 sPDIF 02 3181 1313 E E E E amp F ESATA USB56 Ken a st DU N N N N a Q Q Q 9 st st st st 5 ee oe 5 M Q LAN1 USB12 a ll a ll 2 o purs X 2 SVS 2 12 Ww CPU CRAZY 12 13 In CPU HIGH 23 rjelefefeje L CPU NORMAL zilegi lelle allal lalla 2 allallalla oOo ai 2 D EE m 5 E DDR CRAZY lt old DDR_HIGH oa AUDIO ol amp DDR NORMAL 3 q ae NF200 O fe TEL Oo E oO G orm u mz 3 PCIEX16 1 9 BF a Son N mem So ul ke O 16 RTL8112L I PEX8608 Lithium Cell ICS JMB363 CMOS Power al HD LED amp S PCIEX16_2 S 2 EE 9 nw SEPANG PCIEX16 3 lt oN PCH_CRAZY lt lt 5 MAXIMUS II EXTREME EpcH HIGH Intel aod PCH_NORMAL gg P55
2. EN 0000 m un ve BO MAXIMUS lil EXTREME Reset switch ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 47 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 OS EE o LI mel 8 GO_BUTTON jam f o j Bae 4 R a ol s E oh E AH MAXIMUS Ill EXTREME H DE 1 mo ides RSS mm mm cr MAXIMUS III EXTREME GO BUTTON BIOS button The motherboard comes with two BIOS Press the BIOS button to switch BIOS and load different BIOS settings The nearby BIOS LEDs indicate t
3. o B Sr ag LN2 MODE OG 3 FC MAXIMUS II EXTREME E 1 aa Disable Enable Default 0 ae S MAXIMUS III EXTREME LN2_MODE 2 28 Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 7 RC Bluetooth card RC Bluetooth card layout 1 Antenna Receives the Bluetooth signal The plastic cap on the antenna protects it from possible damage 2 Bluetooth Switch Toggles the RC Bluetooth function ON and OFF When the RC Bluetooth is OFF the normal Bluetooth connection is still available 3 Bluetooth Connector Connects the RC BLUETOOTH connector on the motherboard RC Bluetooth card installation 1 Locate the RC Bluetooth connector on the motherboard 2 Orient the RC Bluetooth card and firmly install it to the connector ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 29 2 8 I O shield Installation 1 Install the I O shield to the chassis by snapping it in place from inside 2 Orient the motherboard and install it to the chassis Make sure that the motherboard external ports fit the I O openings Be cautious when installing the motherboard The 1 0 shield edge springs may damage the I O ports P The photos above are for reference only the actual I O shield may differ by models 2 30 Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 9 Connectors 2 9 1 Rear panel co
4. O FE D e E oO 1 TO o OG Ja KG HD LED EG E MAXIMUS ll EXTREME a L 5 L a Seo mi x nC TMs MAXIMUS III EXTREME Hard Disk LED 5 BIOS LED The BIOS LEDs help indicate the BIOS activity Press the BIOS button to switch between BIOS1 and BIOS2 and the LED lights up when the corresponding BIOS is in use TI fe O F 4 jeg O Qna5O0O0 BIOS1 BIOS2 ona Lan K C MFDINUS MI EXTREM de 1 3 o CH BIOS1 LED BIOS2 LED m mi aA x D CL Inn MAXIMUS III EXTREME BIOS LED ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 3 2 4 GO LED 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 HE EI Ed 1 O II i o j i B i og J EP GO LED Ca g on E AXIMUS Ill EXTREME Og E EN ne DS mr tao mm mma
5. MAXIMUS III EXTREME GO LED Q LED Q LEDs check key components CPU DRAM VGA card and booting devices in sequence during motherboard booting process If an error is found the LED next to the error device will continue lighting until the problem is solved This user friendly design provides an intuitional way to locate the root problem within a second a m TE ET Q LED JE BOOT DEVICE i VGA a DRAM DE CPU OU mi Pr r me fae MAXIMUS III EXTREME CPU DRAM VGA BOOT DEVICE LED Chapter 2 Hardware information 8 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 RER m w
6. ASUS Motherboard Installation Guide PE select iteme to install ASUS Motherboard UtilityjGuide Intel Matrix Storage Manager User s Manual Chapter 4 Software support 4 2 6 Video menu Click the Video tab to display a list of video clips Click the video titles to watch ROG users outstanding performances with ROG motherboards THE BATTLE Please select items to install 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 x 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 lmwwasus com tw ROG Maximus III Extreme 4 5 4 6 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 Realtek RTL8112L LAN Driver VIA Audio Driver ASUS Turbo EVO Browser Configuration Utility USB 2 0 Driver USB 3 0 Host Controller Driver Bluetooth Driver JMicron JMB36X Controller Driver Browse this DVD Displays the suppor
7. 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 0r 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 UDMAO UDMA1 UDMA2 UDMAQ3 UDMA4 UDMA5 SMART Monitoring Auto Auto Allows 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 th
8. 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 LN Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system 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 th
9. 14 DRAM Clock 15 DRAM Clock DRAM RAS PRE Time Auto Configuration options Auto 3 DRAM Clock 4 DRAM Clock 14 DRAM Clock 15 DRAM Clock DRAM RAS ACT Time Auto Configuration options Auto 3 DRAM Clock 4 DRAM Clock 16 DRAM Clock 17 DRAM Clock DRAM RAS to RAS Delay Auto Configuration options Auto 1 DRAM Clock 7 DRAM Clock DRAM REF Cycle Time Auto Configuration options Auto 48 DRAM Clock 60 DRAM Clock 72 DRAM Clock 82 DRAM Clock 88 DRAM Clock 90 DRAM Clock 100 DRAM Clock 110 DRAM Clock 114 DRAM Clock 118 DRAM Clock 122 DRAM Clock 126 DRAM Clock 130 DRAM Clock 134 DRAM Clock 138 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 3 DRAM Clock 15 DRAM Clock DRAM FOUR ACT WIN Time Auto Configuration options Auto 1 DRAM Clock 63 DRAM Clock 2nd Information 1N The values vary depending on your settings of the following sub items DRAM Timing Mode Auto Configuration options Auto 1N 2N 3 12 Chapter 3 BIOS setup 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 DR Auto Configuration options Auto 1 DRAM Clock 8 DRAM Clock DRAM WRITE to READ Delay SR Auto Configuration options Auto 10 D
10. 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 Fa cables may vary depending on the 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 Z P F LU a Lil M Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 9 5 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 MAXIMUS HI EXTREME Power on switch 2 Reset switch Press the reset switch to reboot the system
11. 3 3 20 PWM VGD Auto Configuration options Auto 6V 7V 8V 9V 10V 3 3 22 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 23 CPU Voltage Mode VID Allows you to set the CPU Voltage Mode Configuration options Offset VID 3 3 24 CPU Voltage Auto Allows you to set the CPU VCore voltage AN 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 25 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 26 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 3 3 27 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 e 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 0 85 1 50
12. Available the used blue and the available physical memory Configuring PC Probe Il Click exe 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 l 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 Saves your changes configuration 4 16 Chapter 4 Software support 4 3 3 ASUS Al Suite ASUS AI 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
13. P The S PDIF module is purchased separately 11 Front panel audio connector 10 1 pin AAFP 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 e RETUR SENSE2_RETUR HER AGND a fa mj NC am NC m o m NC N GND m PRESENCE AL PORT2R fa SENSE1 m o a PORT2L H AAFP PIN 1 PIN 1 MIC2 MICPWR NC Line out L Line out R PORT1L PORTIR SENSE SEND HD audio compliant Legacy AC 97 pin definition compliant definition O MAXIMUS i EXTREME Analog front panel connector e 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 e f you want to connect a high definition front panel audio module to this connector set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to HD Audio if you want to connect an AC 97 front panel audio module to this conn
14. SS SS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS DS SS 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 1 5 1 6 8 8 8 28 1600 8 8 8 28 1 6 9 1600 9 8 9 28 1 5 9 1600 9 8 9 28 1 5 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 1066 8 8 8 20 aN SS Single sided DS Double sided DIMM support NN memory configuration Supports one module inserted in any slot as single channel Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the yellow slots
15. Maximus III Extreme D Sm Oo Ka J oD Ken hd E5279 First Edition January 2010 Copyright 2010 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC All Rights Reserved No part of this manual including the products and software described in it may be reproduced transmitted transcribed stored in a retrieval system or translated into any language in any form or by any means except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC ASUS Product warranty or service will not be extended if 1 the product is repaired modified or altered unless such repair modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS or 2 the serial number of the product is defaced or missing ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL AS IS WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS ITS DIRECTORS OFFICERS EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT SPECIAL INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS LOSS OF BUSINESS LOSS OF USE OR DATA INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATI
16. 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 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 screen has the following main items UT UE 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 m ROG Maximus III Extreme 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 ite
17. 2 12 2 3 3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan cccceees 2 13 2 4 SYSTEM MEMNON sise etes 2 14 2 4 1 NPE 2 14 2 4 2 Memory configurations 2 15 2 4 3 Installing a DIMM 2 22 2 4 4 Removing a DIMM 2 22 2 5 EXPANSION SIOUS sssini aapi 2 23 204 Installing an expansion card eseresnrnarrnarernrnrnvernernneenn 2 23 2 5 2 Configuring an expansion card useanrrsrrnnrnrrrnnrnrvernnenr 2 23 2 5 3 Interrupt assignments asrernnvrrnrersnrernvrrrnrernnrrrnrensnerenne 2 24 25A PU OR epen teeaee cooing deseenneateessataeacattaenacoeattaniecse 2 25 255 PO E S X16 SSID nain 2 25 2 6 MUNIN PE Havre 2 27 Contents 2 7 2 8 2 9 2 10 2 11 RC Bluetooth CAF ns aus 2 29 I O shield Installation 2 30 EE Je 2 31 2 9 1 Rear panel connectors 2 31 2 9 2 ROG Connect switch and RC Bluetooth switch 2 32 293 Audio O CONN CIONS 222 2 34 2 9 4 Internal connectors ccecccsssccsseessteesseessseeesseessnees 2 37 295 Onboard VIES sage 2 47 2060 M RO ERE 2 50 Starting up for the first time ss 2 51 Turning off the computer nissan 2 52 2 11 1 Using the OS shut down function 2 52 2 11 2 Using the dual function power switch 2 52 Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 1 3 2 3 3 Managing and updating your BIOS ns 3 1 3 1 1 ASUS Update utility 3 1 3 1 2 ASUS EZ Flash 20e 3 4 3 1 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility orrrrnrrnnrrnrrrrrrrsrers
18. 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 Click to restore to normal Click to launch TurboV Click to launch Fan Xpert Click to launch CPU Level Up ROG Maximus III Extreme 4 17 Other feature buttons Click id on right corner of the main window to open the monitor window Cy Displays the CPU system temperature AI SUITE red ds 0 rpm 0 rpm chassis fan speed Displays the FSB CPU ER AIC frequency aa Normal Kg I i pa an ae HZ Es 0132 62 x 090 Click gq on right corner of the expanded window to switch the temperature from degrees Centigrade to degrees Fahrenheit A D Len Gi3se i6 xX ei 4 18 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 on the Al Suite main window Using Fan X
19. 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 Ctrl 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 scroll through the various sub menus and make your selections from the available options using the navigation keys e 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 e The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only and may not exactly match what you see on your screen e 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 i M System Time 13 51 25 Use ENTER TAB System Date Mon 12 14 2009 or SHIFT TAB to Language English select a field Use or
20. 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 ZOHWR 9FF22 D9KPT 9FF22 D9KPT 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 DDRIII1208 DJ J1108BASE DJ E DDRIII1208 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 Chapter 2 Hardware information 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 1 85 9 9 9 1 65 1066 7 7 7 20 7 7 7 1066 7 7 7 20 8 8 8 1066 7 7 7 16 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 7 20 1066 8 7 7 20 1066 7 7 7 20 1333 9 9 9 24 7 1337 7 7 7 20 1 7 Maximus lll Extreme Motherboard Qualified Vendors
21. can provide at least the minimum power required by your system See Chapter 2 for details LN e We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal environment e Visit the NVIDIA zone website http www nzone com for the latest certified graphics card and supported 3D application list 5 2 2 Installing two SLI ready graphics cards RB 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 1 Prepare two SLI ready graphics cards 2 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 graphics card installation 3 Ensure that the cards are properly seated on the slots ROG Maximus III Extreme 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 Ensure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI techno
22. 1 85 1 65 1 65 1 5 1 5 1 5 2 20 MT8JTF12864AY 1G4BYES MT8JTF12864AZ 1G4F1 MT16JTF25664AZ 1G4F1 OCZ3RPX1333EB2GK OCZ3G1333LV3GK OCZ3P 1333LV3GK OCZ3P 13332GK OCZ3P 13334GK OCZ3RPX1333EB4GK OCZ3G1333LV6GK OCZ3P 1333LV6GK 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 M2F2G64CB8HA4N CG PDC32G1333LLK PVT33G1333ELK PVS34G1333ELK Maximus Ill Extreme Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 1333MHz capability 1024MB SS MICRON 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 SS DS SS SS SS DS DS DS DS DS DS SS SS SS DS DS DS DS SS SS DS SS SS DS DS DS SS SS DS DS SS SS DS MICRON MICRON N A N A N A N A N A N A N A N A NA SAMSUNG SAMSUNG
23. 3 x 2 in 1 SATA 3 0Gb s Signal Cables 1 x 2 port USB2 0 ESATA Module Accessories 1 x RC Bluetooth Card 1 x I O Shield 1 x Optional Fan 1 x 2 in 1 ASUS Q Connector Kit 1 x Thermal Sensor Cables Pack 1 x Cable Ties Pack 1 x ROG Theme Label 1 x 12 in 1 ROG Cable Label Application DVD ROG motherboard support DVD Documentation User guide V e f 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 PE ROG Maximus III Extreme 1 1 1 2 1 3 Special features 1 3 1 Product highlights Republic of Gamers s 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 aie Green ASUS Sma 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 envi
24. Adapter Monitor rebleshag im Gs a Looking for the 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 nada di dd TE nVIDIA ee Start the NVIDIA Control Panel S NVIDIA Control Pane File Edit View 3D Settings Help Q sx Q Advanced Settings Select a Task 3D Settings You can change the global 3D settings and create overrides for spectfic programs The overrides will be used automatically each time the specfied programs are launched I would like to use the following 3D settings Global Settings Program Settings Force Texture filtering Anisotropic sample opti Off Texture filtering Negative LOD bias Allow Texture fiterina Quality Quality escription Ypical usage scenario 2 NVIDIA Control Panel File Edit View 3D Settings Help Q Back 0 Standard Settings Bn Peel Rotate di Adjust video color settings Change the signal or HD format o 3 Your graphics cards feature NVIDIA SLI technology for significant improvements in rendering performance of Direct3D and OpenGL applications 1 Select the SLI configuration for your system lay to view SLI rend
25. BIOS Information Version 0209 Build Date 12 09 09 Processor Type Genuine Intel R CPU 2 80GHz Speed 2800MHz System Memory Usable Size 2040MB 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 Tools 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 automatically detects AN 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 80GHz 133MHz 128 KB then actual and setpoint values may differ C
26. Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using contact your local power company If the power supply is broken do not try to fix it by yourself Contact a qualified service technician or your retailer The optical S PDIF is an optional component may or may not be included in your motherboard and is defined as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT 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 RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE BATTERY RELATED INSTRUCTIONS Operation safety e Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it carefully 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
27. Ensure that your power supply unit PSU can provide at least the minimum power required by your system See page 2 44 for details LN e 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 Extreme 5 1 5 1 3 Installing CrossFireX 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 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 pl
28. GmbH Address City HARKORT STR 21 23 40880 RATINGEN GERMANY ROG Maximus III Extreme A 5 A 6 Appendix Reference information
29. Product Introduction El sara B 66 SATA 6Gb s Support Experience the Future of Storage Supporting next generation Serial ATA SATA storage interface this motherboard delivers up to 6 0Gb s data transfer rates Additionally get enhanced scalability faster data retrieval double the bandwidth of current bus systems 8 O C Profile ME Conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings Freely share and distribute favorite overclocking settings 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 their favorite overclocking settings 10 channel Audio 1 Enjoy High End 10 channel sound system on your PC The onboard 10 channel HD audio High Definition Audio previously codenamed Azalia CODEC enables high quality 192KHz 24 bit audio output jack sensing feature retasking functions and multi streaming technology that simultaneously sends different audio streams to different destinations This motherboard now adopts the future standard to deliver the most vivid audio enjoyment 3DMark Vantage Advanced Edition FOMARK The Gamers Benchmark 3DMarkVantage is the new industry standard PC gaming performance benchmark from Futuremark newly designed for Windows Vista and DirectX10 It includes two new graphics tests two new CPU tests several new
30. QVL Qualified Vendors List 5 x PCle x16 slots Supports single at x16 dual at x16 triple at x 16 x16 and x8 quad at x8 or 5 at x8 1 x 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 363 controllers 1x SATA 3 0 Gb s port Red 1x External SATA 3 0 Gb s port SATA On the Go Marvell PCle SATA 6Gb s controller 2x SATA 6 0 Gb s ports Realtek RTL8112L Gigabit LAN controller VIA VT2020 10 channel High Definition Audio CODEC Supports Blu ray audio layer content protection Supports 1 Optical S PDIF out port at back I O Supports 1 x S PDIF out header Supports Jack Detection Multi streaming Front Panel Jack Retasking 2 x 1394a ports 1 port onboard 1 port at back I O continued on the next page Maximus III Extreme specifications summary NEC USB 3 0 controller 2 x USB 3 0 2 0 ports at back I O Intel P55 Express Chipset 11 USB 2 0 ports 4 ports at mid board 7 ports at back I O Bluetooth Module Bluetooth V2 0 V2 1 EDR Accessory Card RC Bluetooth On Off Switch ROG Exclusive ROG Connect Overclocking Features RC Bluetooth Extreme Engine Power Design with digital VARM 8 phase CPU digital VRM power 3 phase VTT digital VARM power 3 phase Memory power ML Cap on CPU Probelt IROG Extreme
31. 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 NOTE Connect the right angle side of GZ SATA signal cable to SATA device e Before creating a RAID set refer to section 4 4 RAID configurations or the manual bundled in the motherboard support DVD e 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 e When using hot plug and NCQ set the Configure SATA as in the BIOS to AHCI See section 3 4 5 Storage Configuration for details ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 37 2 Marvell Serial ATA 6 0 Gb s connectors 7 pin SATA 6G 1 2 red These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6 0 Gb s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6 0 Gb s signal cables HE m fo RA i a Fa gt CE
32. Tweaker BIOS Flashback 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 Other Special Features CPU Level Up MemOK Onboard Button Power Reset Clr CMOS at back IO 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 BIOS Features 16Mb AMI BIOS PnP DMI2 0 WfM2 0 SM BIOS 25 ACPI2 0a Multi Language BIOS Manageability WOL by PME WOR by PME PXE continued on the next page xvil Maximus III Extreme specifications summary Back Panel I O Ports 1 x PS 2 Keyboard port purple 2 x USB 3 0 2 0 ports 7 x USB 2 0 ports 1 port also for ROG Connect 1 x External SATA port 1 x LAN RJ45 port 1 x Clr CMOS switch 1 x ROG Connect On Off switch 1 x S PDIF Out Optical 1 x IEEE1394a port 10 channel Audio I O Internal I O Connectors 2 x USB 2 0 connectors support additional 4 USB 2 0 ports 9 x SATA connectors 2 x SATA 6 0Gb s connectors Red 6 x standard SATA connectors Black 1 x SATA_E Red 8 x Fan connectors 1 x CPU 1 x PWR 3 x Chassis 3 x Optional 5 x Probelt Measurement Points 3 x Thermal Sensor Connectors 1 x IEEE1394a Connector 1 x SPDIF_Out Connector 1 x 24 pin ATX Power Connec
33. Very much like the SaveGame function one BIOS can be used for the overclocking adventure while the other BIOS is to be stored with any previous version BIOS Flashback brings the ultimate convenience to overclockers By pushing BIOS button overclockers can easily choose which BIOS ROM they want to save amp boot from CPU Level Up ov 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 wanted to OG to and the motherboard will do the rest See the new CPU speed and enjoy that performance instantly Overclocking is never as easy as this Extreme Tweaker a One stop performance tuning shop Extreme Tweakers is the one stop shop to fine tune your system to optimal performance No matter if you re looking for frequency adjustment over voltage options or memory timing settings they re all here 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 ROG Maximus III Extreme 1 5 1 6 1 3 3 ROG unique features COP EX Maximum OC with confidence with burn proof protection to chipsets and GP
34. drive audio connector 4 pin CD These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD ROM TV tuner or MPEG card Left Audio Channel Right Audio Channel E MAXIMUS I ul EXTREME Internal audio connector 2 42 Chapter 2 Hardware information 10 Digital audio connector 4 1 pin SPDIF OUT This connector is for an additional Sony Philips Digital Interface S PDIF port s Connect the S PDIF Out module cable to this connector then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis oj wane jo muuj AE SPDIFOUT GND gt fe Fos SPDIF_OUT MAXIMUS III EXTREME Digital audio connector
35. entering the OS To create a RAID driver disk without entering the OS 1 Boot your computer 2 Press lt Del gt during POST to enter the BIOS setup utility 3 Set the optical drive as the primary boot device 4 Insert the support DVD into the optical drive 5 Save changes and exit BIOS 6 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 Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process Do Z Write protect the floppy disk to avoid a computer virus infection ROG Maximus III Extreme 4 29 4 5 3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows OS installation To install 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
36. feature tests and support for the latest hardware 3DMark Vantage is based on a completely new rendering engine developed specifically to take full advantage of DirectX10 the new graphics API from Microsoft Kaspersky Anti Virus lt amp 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 ROG Maximus III Extreme 1 7 1 8 Chapter 1 Product Introduction 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 fed 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 2 11 Before VOL proceed iconii rs nn a nii ei 2 1 Motherboard OVerVieW rrrrnvvrrrnnvnnnnnnvrnnnnvnnennnnensnnnennnnnnnnensnnnennn 2 6 Central Processing Unit CPU ns 2 9 System MOOV a i 2 14 Expansion SOS 2 23 JUMPE ae 2 27 FAC Bluetooth CAT nn oem 2 29 VO shield Installation scsuccsseccsieiswcivencansaxinnsnccnsaxcestenemertennesnacaees 2 30 Comes Ludde 2 31 Starting up for the first time 2 51 Turning off the computer
37. floppy disk drive 3 When prompted to select the SCSI adapter to install ensure that you select Intel R ICH8R ICH9R CH10R 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 ICH9R CH10R 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 m the Windows desktop or start vo menu and then select Manage from the pop up window 3 Select Device Manager From the Universal Serial Bus controllers right click xxxxxx USB Floppy and 2 then select Properties from the pop up window The name of the USB floppy disk pa drive varies with different vendors Chapter 4 Software suppor
38. 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 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 onl
39. may become wet This motherboard should only be used in environments with ambient temperatures between 5 C 41 F and 40 C 104 F e Place the product on a stable surface e f you encounter technical problems with the product contact a qualified service technician or your retailer 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 K DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste This product has been Es 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 xiii XIV About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard How this guide is organized This guide contains the following parts Chapter 1 Product introduction This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports Chapter 2 Hardware information This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components It includes description of the switches jumpers and connectors on the motherboard Chapter 3 BIOS setup This chapter tells how to change system settings throu
40. press lt Space gt to select small triangle marks the selected drive Press lt Enter gt after completing your selection 6 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 aN 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 7 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 8 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 9 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 ROG Maximus III Extreme 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 select 2 Delete RAID Volume and press lt Enter gt The following screen appears rage Manager option ROM v8 9 0 1014 PCH D wRAID5 DELETE VOLUME MENU Drives Capacity Status Bootable HELP Deleting a volume will re
41. 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 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 Configuration options Enabled Disabled Z The following items appear only when you set All LED Control to 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 Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 5 6 IROG Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced iROG Configuration iROG Timer Keeper ass 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 Config
42. 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 Hardwarelds 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 03EE amp PID 6901 usbstor Add the same line to both sections V The VID and PID vary with different vendors 10 Save and exit the file Chapter 4 Software support This chapter describes how to install and configure ATI CrossFireXTM graphics ATI CrossFirex technology support 5 1 ATI CrossFireX technology nine 5 1 52 NVIDIA SLI technology mas mumenennsemnmaminnnendenninj te 5 5 ROG Maximus III Extreme 5 1 ATI CrossFireX technology The motherboard supports the ATI CrossFireXT technology that allows you to 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
43. using a magnetic effect If you want to detach a monitor panel from the group click the horseshoe magnet CPU icon You can now move or reposition the panel independently Adjusting the sensor threshold val You can adjust the sensor threshold value in the monitor panel by clicking the or buttons You can oe also adjust the threshold values value using the Config window Click to You cannot adjust the sensor decrease threshold values in a small value monitoring panel ROG Maximus III Extreme 4 13 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 dr CHASSIS A FcHasss E S Small display Large display WMI browser Click ME to display the 7 WMI Windows Management Instrumentation browser This ee browser displays various Windows WMI Browser management information Click an Windows Management item from the left panel to display on Dubomesio 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 on of the browser DMI browser SET Click to display the DMI Desktop Management Interface a browser This browser displays vari
44. 072MB 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 5 3 Onboard Device Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Onboard Device Configuration Get your best Onboard Devices Standard overclocking record Onboard Device is HDA Controller Enabled to disable all the Front Panel Type HD Audio unnecessary devices Realtek LAN Enabled when you want to reach LAN Boot ROM Disabled your best overclocking Onboard 1394 Controller Enabled record But it will J Micron Controller IDE Mode keep 1 lan port alive Marvell 9123 Controller IDE Mode to submit your score Marvell 9123 Boot ROM Auto Onboard USB 3 0 Controller Enabled 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 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 13
45. 1 50625 1 59375 1 6 1 8 CM 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 70925 1 007 1 04675 1 06 1 15275 1 166 1 20575 1 219 1 25875 1 20575 1 537 1 55025 1 60325 1 6165 1 78875 1 80200 2 00075 3 3 28 DRAM Voltage Auto Allows you to set the DRAM voltage The values range from 1 20575V to 2 50425V with a 1 01325V interval 3 3 29 DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA B Auto Allows you to set the DRAM DATA 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 30 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 31 CPU Spread Spectrum Auto Disabled Enhances the BCLK overclocking ability Auto Sets to Auto for EMI control 3 3 32 PCIE Spread Spectrum Auto Disabled Enhances the PCIE overclocking ability Auto Sets to Auto for EMI control 3 3 33 ASUS O C Profile Refer to page 3 40 3 41 for details ROG Maximus III Extreme 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 scree
46. 144MB 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 Chip NO 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 H5TQ1G83BFRHIC J1108BASE DJ E J1108BABG DJ E J1108BABG DJ E J1108BABG DJ E Timing Dimm Bios 1333 9 9 9 24 1333 9 9 9 24 7 7 7 20 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 1333 9 9 9 24 1333 9 9 9 24 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 1333 9 9 9 24 9 1066 8 7 7 20 Voltage DIMM socket support Optional A B C 1 65
47. 32 for details ROG Maximus III Extreme 1 3 1 4 USB BIOS FlashBack No worry of BIOS crash anytime USB BIOS Flashback must be the most convenient way to flash BIOS ever It allows overclockers to try their BIOS with the simplist way one can imagine No need to enter the BIOS or the operating system just plug the thumb drive into the ROG Connect port amp push the ROG Connect button for 2 seconds BIOS would be automatically flashed under standby power It s no doubt that USB BIOS Flashback gives overclockers the ultimate convenience Refer to page 2 32 for details Extreme Engine Digi Say hello to the next generation design Extreme Engine a next generation dynamic multi phase power management system equipped with high performance digital Voltage Regulator Mudule VRM design Through digital power management the board can easily achieve the ultimate performance with adjustable CPU PWM frequency Super Conductor FETs expedite heat dissipation amp achieve better electric conduction ML Cap ensures a Stable power supply during overvoltage by lowering Equivalent Series Resistance ESR keeping critical components reliable This means you ll be able to push your spanking new Intel CPU to the limit hitting benchmark scores that others only dream of Extreme Engine balances the need for voltage and the desire for rock solid performance to bring the ultimate user experience MemOK Any memory is A OK Memory compatibility is am
48. 5 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 3 40 Chapter 3 BIOS setup ASUSTek O C Profile Utility V2 00b BOARD BOARD VER VER DATE DATE PATH jo ESS oe Select or Load Tab Switch V Drive Info ESS oe Move B Backup Esc Exit TA e This function supports devices such as a USB flash disk FAT 32 16 format A 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 version e Only the CMO file can be loaded ROG Maximus III Extreme 3 41 3 6 2 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 V
49. 5308BASE AC E ECC J5308BASE AC E J1108BABG DJ E H5TQ1G83AFPG7C HY5TQ1G831ZNFP G7 H5TQ1G83AFPG7C HY5TQ1G831ZNFP G7 J1108BABG DJ E J1108BABG DJ E K4B2G0846B HCF8 7VD22 8ZF22 D9KPV 7VD22 8ZF22 D9KPV K4B2G0846B HCF8 J1108BABG AE E DDRIII1208 AE DDRIII1208 AE N2CB1G80AN BE IDSH51 03A1F1C 10F Timing Dimm Bios Voltage DIMM socket support Optional A B C 7 1066 7 7 7 20 7 8 7 1066 7 7 7 20 7 7 7 7 1066 7 7 7 20 1066 7 7 7 20 1066 7 7 7 20 7 7 1066 7 7 7 20 7 7 1066 7 7 7 20 8 7 7 7 20 7 1066 7 7 7 20 7 7 7 20 7 7 7 20 7 7 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 the retaining clip outward Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the DIMM slot key on the socket DIMM slot key Unlocked retaining clip DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction DO NOT force a DIMM into a socket in the wrong direction to avoid damaging the DIMM Hold the DIMM by both of its ends then insert the DIMM vertically into the socket Apply force to both ends of the DIMM simultaneously until the retaining clip snaps back into place and the DIMM cannot be pushed in any further to ensure proper sitting of the DIMM AN Always insert the DIMM into the socket
50. 9 2 50 2 9 6 Probelt The ROG Probelt feature provides a nice touch for your convenient and accurate OC settings No time wasted fumbling around on the complicated motherboard layout the clearly marked area gives you easier access to the measure points when a multitester is employed for more accurate measurements during your busy overclocking work Refer to the following illustration for Probelt location 1 ae a Probelt Ou ma ro e GND p E e CPU se j el IMC r 0 QOS UR J DRAM r ae 0 PCH MAXIMUS III EXTREME E e CPU_PLL K fe GND Ge DES if tT ro Oe om mme j MAXIMUS III EXTREME Probelt Using Probelt You may connect the multitester to the motherboard as shown The photos above are for reference only the actual motherboard layout and measure points location may differ by models Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 10 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
51. 94 Controller Enabled Enabled Enables the onboard 1394 Controller Disabled Disables the controller J Micron Controller 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 Extreme 3 25 Marvell 9123 Controller IDE Mode Disabled Disables the Marvell 9123 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 Marvell 9123 Boot ROM Auto This item appears only when you enable the previous item s Enabled Enables Marvell 9123 Boot ROM Disabled Disables Marvell 9123 Boot ROM Auto Onboard USB 3 0 Controller Enabled Enabled Enables the onboard USB 3 0 Con
52. AM DATA REF Voltage on CHB Auto DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHB Auto Select Screen Select Item Change Option General Help Save and Exit Exit Spread Spectrum and Clock Skew CPU Spread Spectrum Auto PCIE Spread Spectrum gt ASUS O C Profile v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc ROG Maximus III Extreme 3 9 3 3 1 CPU Level Up Auto Allows you to select a CPU level and the related parameters will be automatically adjusted according to the selected CPU level If you want to manually configure the settings in detail set Ai Overclock Tuner to Manual after selecting a CPU level Configuration options Auto i3 530 2 93G i3 540 3 06G i5 650 3 2G 3 3 2 Memory Level Up Auto Allows you to select a memory level and the related parameters will be automatically adjusted according to the selected memory level If you want to manually configure the settings in detail set Ai Overclock Tuner to Manual after selecting a memory level Configuration options Auto DDR3 1600MHz DDR3 1800MHz DDR3 1866MHz DDR3 2000MHz DDR3 2133MHz DDR3 2200MHz P You are allowed to select either a CPU level or a memory level at one time 3 3 3 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
53. Auto The system automatically configures the ACPI suspend mode 3 6 2 Repost Video on S3 Resume No Determines whether to invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3 STR resume No When set to No the system will not invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3 STR resume Yes When set to Yes the system invokes VGA BIOS POST on 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 Chapter 3 BIOS setup 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 APIG 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 55 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 S5 state 3 6 6 APM Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced APM Configuration lt Enter gt to s
54. Center Advanced View window Configuration Please select one of the following Catalyst Control Center Advanced View Use default settings Close ROG Maximus III Extreme 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 Click Apply and then click OK to exit the window ZI Catalyst Control Center Fo l ef View X YP Hotkeys v Proties d Preferences v Qtr v CrossFireX delivers exceptional performance on a single display by ing the processing power of two or more Graphics Processing Units GPUs Configure CrossFireX IV Enable CrossFireX 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 SLl 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
55. DVD Drive E Manual 4 Search PI File Edit View Tools Help Gees v 44 Search p Nai v Date modified Type Size English File Folder Simplified Chinese File Folder Sema Sean German Japanese File Folder File Fol J Folders a 6 items jM Computer The screenshots in this section are for reference only The actual software manuals containing in the support DVD vary by models 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 VIA High Definition Audio utility The VIA High Definition Audio CODEC provides 10 channel audio capability Windows Vista 7 only to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your computer The software provides Jack Detection Multi Streaming Front Panel Jack Retasking and S PDIF Out support Follow the installation wizard to install the VIA Audio Driver from the support CD DVD that came with the motherboard package If the VIA audio software is correctly installed you will find the VIA HD Audio Deck icon on the Windows notification area Click on the icon to display the VIA HD Audio Deck VIA HD Audio Deck A VIA HD Audio Deck for Windows Vista Windows 7 Volume control B
56. Deg ES O SATA 6G 1 SATA 6G 2 35 GND GND O RSATA_TXP1 RSATA_TXP2 T A RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXN2 MAXIMUS JI EXTREME Pr GND GND RSATA RXP1 RSATA RXP2 RSATA RXN1 RSATA RXN2 GND GND 7 LE ri 500 CJ I MAXIMUS III EXTREME SATA_6G connectors aN e These connectors are set to Standard IDE mode by default In Standard IDE mode you can connect Serial ATA data hard disk drives to these connectors e You must install Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before using Serial ATA hard disk drives e When using hot plug and NCQ set the Marvell Controller item in the BIOS to AHCI Mode Refer to section 3 5 3 Onboard Devices Configuration for details 3 JMicron JMB363 Serial ATA connector 7 pin SATA E1 This connector connects to a Serial ATA hard disk drive or optical disc drive via a Serial ATA signal cable ve BRER 0000 w Ho j og S FA sara e mi 1 500 ial minne MAXIMUS III EXTREME SATA_E1 connector 2 38 Chapt
57. EE 1394a connector Doing so will damage the motherboard The IEEE 1394a module is purchased separately N e 2 40 Chapter 2 Hardware information 7 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 mi Gin menne CPU FAN GPWR FAN GOPT FAN3 OPT_FAN1 g 2 g OPT FAN PWM OPT FAN PWM iza aZza OPT FAN IN OPT FAN IN Z Z Z zzz OPT FAN PWR OPT FAN PWR fic Lis GND GND QODDD le 53353 N Zaaa Zoaa pg 00600 OOOO aal j glo Gas GCcHA FAN3 GOPT FAN2 CHA FAN2 CHA FAN1 LE OPT FAN PWM x 2 x x OPT FAN IN zzz z Pee OPT FAN PWR 222 222 zzz JM GND rir iz re GHEH OHHH QLI Zaaa Za
58. Gam Ratio function in TurboV See Chapter 3 for details e For advanced overclock ability adjust first the BIOS items and then proceed more detailed adjustments using TurboV ROG Maximus III Extreme 4 21 4 3 7 ROG Connect ROG Connect allows you to monitor and adjust your system through your another PC or laptop RC Tweaklt To use RC Tweaaklt 1 Connect the provided ROG Connect cable to your system and your another PC or laptop Double click the RC Tweaklt shortcut on the desktop to activate the function Use the sliders and buttons to monitor or adjust your system PCIE CPU IMC DRAM CPU PLL L Function Temperature 4 Click Function to display more options 4 22 Profile Display Setting Fan Speed Frequency 117100 v 1 11800 1 55400 w 1 79900 1 05800 BCLK PCIE CPU IMC DRAM CPU PLL Chapter 4 Software support RC Poster RC Poster shows status during the POST You can switch the display mode between String and Code Information Poster Mode String RC Remote len RC Remote allows you to operate your system through the ROG Connect cable RC Diagram RC Diagram allows you to monitor and record your system status RC BIOS FlashBack RC BIOS FlashBack allows you to switch the BIOS and update the latest BIOS Switch BIOS Sew gate ROG Maximus III Extreme 4 23 4 4 RAID configurations The mother
59. Install ASUS Update VX XX XX 3 The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system ROG Maximus III Extreme 3 1 3 2 Z Quit all Windows applications before you update the BIOS using this utility Pt Updating the BIOS through the Internet To update the BIOS through the Internet 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 e nene bond W Windows Catalog Internet Explorer Windows Update Ga E mail Outlook Express A Accessories DIN FA AiBooster gt ASUS Utility fn AsusUpdate asusupdate Windows Media Play Games MyLogo m Marvell ri Uninstall ASUSUpdate 4 ASUSUpdate Startup EJ Voice Editor F Ai Booster v2 00 18 Internet Explorer M MSN Explorer Voice Editor C Outlook Express Paint MSN Explorer p Remote Assistance Windows Media Player gt All Programs gt Windows Messenger s start AUS Select 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 b Before Continue please make sure that your 1 Update Save BIOS from to a file system is comes to the Internet You can then choose a web site by yourself or click AutoSelect 2 Update BIOS from the Internet button ASUS Update will choose the bes
60. Lists QVL DDR3 1333MHz capability PVS34G1333LLK PVT36G1333ELK SP001GBLTU133502 SP002GBLTU133502 Maximus lll Extreme Motherboard 4096MB Kit of 2 6144MB Kit of 3 1024MB 2048MB N A N A S POWER S POWER Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package IOYT3EO IOYT3EO 9 1333 9 9 9 24 9 1333 9 9 9 24 Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 1066MHz capability Vendor Part No CM3X1024 1066C7 CT12864BA1067 8SFD CT25664BA1067 16SFD EBJ10UE8BAWO AE E EBJ11RD8BAFA AE E ELPIDA EBJ11UD8BAFA AG E ELPIDA EBJ21UE8BAWO AE E Hynix HMT112U6AFP8C G7NO Hynix HYMT112U64ZNF8 G7 Hynix HMT125U6AFP8C G7NO Hynix HYMT125U64ZNF8 G7 KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7 1G KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7 2G KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7 4G MICRON MT8JTF12864AY 1G1D1 MICRON MT8JTF12864A7 1G1F1 MICRON MT16JTF25664AY 1G1D1 MT16JTF25664AZ 1G1F1 M378B5273BH1 CF8 TS256MLK64V1U SLY3128M8 EAE LZ3128M8 EAE M2F2G64CB8HAN4 BE 3DU3191A 10 ROG Maximus III Extreme 1024MB 1024MB 2048MB 1024MB 1024MB 1024MB 2048MB 1024MB 1024MB 2048MB 2048MB 1024MB 2048MB 4096MB 1024MB 1024MB 2048MB 2048MB 4096MB 2048MB 1024MB 2048MB 2048MB 1024MB Chip Brand N A MICRON MICRON ELPIDA ELPIDA ELPIDA ELPIDA HYNIX HYNIX HYNIX HYNIX ELPIDA ELPIDA SAMSUNG MICRON MICRON MICRON MICRON SAMSUNG ELPIDA Asint Asint Elixir Qimonda Chip NO Heat Sink Package D9JNL D9JNL J1108BABG DJ E J
61. MB 2048MB Kit of 2 3072MB Kit of 3 2048MB Kit of 2 4096MB Kit of 2 Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package Heat Sink Package 1800 9 9 9 27 TX1800KLU 2GK XMP 2048MB Kit of 2 Heat Sink Package PVS32G1800LLKN EPP 2048MB Kit of 2 Heat Sink Package Maximus Ill Extreme Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 1600MHz capability DIMM socket support Optional Vendor Part No Timing Lable Bios SS Chip NO Voltage DS A B AD31600E001GMU 3072MB Kit of 3 SS Heat Sink Package 8 8 8 24 1333 9 9 9 24 1 65 1 85 AD31600F002GMU XMP 6144MB Kit of 3 DS Heat Sink Package 7 7 7 20 1333 9 9 9 24 1 75 1 85 TR3X3G1600C8D XMP Ver2 1 3072MB Kitof 3 SS Heat Sink Package 8 8 8 24 1601 8 8 8 24 1 65 TR3X3G1600C8D 3072MB Kit of 3 SS Heat Sink Package 8 8 8 24 1600 8 8 8 24 1 65 TR3X3G1600C9 XMP Vert 1 3072MB Kitof3 SS Heat Sink Package 9 9 9 24 1601 9 9 9 24 1 65 BoxP N TW3X4G1600C9DHXNV 4096MB Kit of 2 DS CM3X2G1600C9DHXNV Verd 1 Heat Sink Package 1333 9 9 9 24 1 80 TR3X6G1600C8D XMP Ver2 1 6144MB Kitof 3 DS Heat Sink Package 8 8 8 24 1601 8 8 8 24 1 65 TR3X6G1600C8D 6144MB Kit of 3 DS Heat Sink Package 8 8 8 24 1600 8 8 8 24 1 65 TR3X6G1600C9 XMP Ver2 1 6144MB Kit of 3 DS Heat Sink Package 9 9 9 24 1333 9 9 9 24 1 65 BL12864BA1608 8SFB XMP 1024MB SS Heat Sink Package 1601 8 8 8 24 1 8 F3 12800CL9D 2GBNQ 2048MB Kit of 2 SS Heat Sink P
62. O mon c es Poe HEMNE MAXIMUS lll EXTREME 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 RESET This 2 pin connector is for the chassis mounted reset button for system reboot without turning off the system power ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 45 14 ASUS Q Connector system panel Use the ASUS Q Connector to connect disconnect the chassis front panel cables To install the ASUS Q Connector
63. ONAL USE ONLY AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies and are used only for identification or explanation and to the owners benefit without intent to infringe Contents NOU CGS ene viii Safety MTOM IN ALON Lassen ET xii ABOUT NIS GUI sne XIV Maximus Ill Extreme specifications summary xvi Chapter 1 Product introduction 1 1 WEE SE 1 1 1 2 Package CONLIN en een 1 1 1 3 Special En 1 2 1 3 1 gd 010 Ves TIGRE amsn 1 2 1 3 2 ROG Intelligent Performance amp Overclocking features 1 3 1 3 3 ROG unique features 1 6 1 3 4 ASUS special features sesiis iirinn 1 6 Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 1 Before YOU proceed runnnrrnvnvrrnnvvnnnnvvnnnvnnnnnvnnnnvennnnnennnvnnnnnevnnnernnenr 2 1 2 2 Motherboard Overview rrrarsvvrunnnvnnnnnnvennnnnnnnnnnnernnnnvnnnnnnvevennvrennn 2 6 2 2 1 Motherboard layout 2 6 222 Boe crsa ennn Es rEg 2 7 2 2 3 Placement direction rrsrrrnnvrrnrrrnnvrrnvrrnnvrrsnrrrnversnrnrnvenn 2 8 2 2 4 SCI N holes ns cartes sr 2 8 2 3 Central Processing Unit CPU ns 2 9 2 3 1 Installing the CPU a 2 2 9 2 3 2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan
64. PCIEX16 4 E lt lt EE 10 nn No iROG 2e EE lt lt nn LI LI LI LI U Li LU L E DOG annnlnnnn 2 CLRTC SW BIOST LEDE E PEPE SPDIF_OUT 16 1394 2 CHA FAN2 fre EE 2 22 CD ET er em RN CS STATION USB1314 USB1112 CHA FAN1 mer ERE C rit le EERE GERE Gel ITA BIOS_BUTTON VIA VT2020 OS2_ LED SATA E1 PCIEX16 5 a ee 3 1 OC Us W US 15 14 13 12 2 6 Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 2 2 Layout contents Connectors Jumpers Switches Slots Q reset button CPU chassis and optional fan connectors 4 pin CPU FAN 4 pin PWR FAN 4 pin CHA FAN1 3 4 pin OPT FAN1 3 ATX power connectors 24 pin EATXPWR 8 pin EATX12V 4 pin EZ PLUG1 2 LGA1156 CPU Socket DDR3 DIMM slots LN2 Mode jumper 3 pin LN2 GO button Thermal sensor cable connectors 2 pin OPT TEMP1 3 Marvell Serial ATA 6 0 Gb s connectors 7 pin SATA 6G 1 2 red Intel P55 Serial ATA connectors 7 pin SATA 1 6 JMicron JMB363 Serial ATA connector 7 pin SATA E1 BIOS button System panel connector 20 8 pin PANEL Clear RTC RAM 3 pin CLRTC SW USB connectors 10 1 pin USB1112 USB1314 OC Station connector 8 pin OC STATION Reset switch Power on switch IEEE 1394a port connector 10 1 pin IE1394 2 Optical drive audio connector 4 pin CD Front panel audio connector 10 1 pin AAFP Digital audio connector 4 1 pin SPDIF OUT RC Bluetooth connector 12 1 pin RC Bluetooth LN Refer to 2 9 Connectors for more information about rear
65. PU 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 ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 13 2 4 System memory 2 4 1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 DDR3 Dual Inline Memory Modules DIMM sockets 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 DIMM_B1 DIMM A DIMM A2 DIMM B2 MAXIMUS III EXTREME 240 pin DDR3 DIMM sockets Recommended memory configurations One DIMM Install only one memo
66. RAM Clock 22 DRAM Clock DRAM READ to WRITE Del D JA Configuration options Auto 2 DRAM Clock 14 DRAM Clock DRAM READ to READ Delay DR A Configuration options Auto 2 DRAM Clock 9 DRAM Clock DRAM READ to READ Delay SR A Configuration options Auto 4 DRAM Clock 6 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 14 CPU Clock Amplitude Auto Different AMP might enhance BCLK overclocking ability Configuration options Auto 700mV 800mV 900mV 1000mV 3 3 15 PCH Clock Amplitude Auto Configuration options Auto 700mV 800mV 900mV 1000mV 3 3 16 CPU Clock Skew Auto Adjusting this item may help enhancing BCLK overclocking ability You may need to adjust the IOH Clock Skew item at the same time Configuration options Auto Normal Delay 100ps Delay 1500ps 3 3 17 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 18 Extreme OV Disabled Enabled Enables the Extreme OV function Disabled Disables this function ROG Maximus III Extreme 3 13 3 14 3 3 19 CPU Vitage OCP Enabled Configuration options Disabled Enabled
67. ST 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 memory 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 UB 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
68. Sandisk CZ8 16GB 16GB 4GB Transcend JetFlash V60 8GB Transcend TS16GJFV60 16GB iMate combo driver 32G A 3 Qualified Vendors Lists QVL for RC Bluetooth Visit the ASUS website at www asus com for the latest QVL Appendix Reference information A 4 AcBel PC7030 AcBel API5PC36 AcBel API4PC24 Aelta GPS 550AB ASUS P 50GA ASUS P 55GA ASUS U 65GA ASUS U 75HA Seventeam ST 522HLP Seventeam ST550EAJ 05F hermaltake W0132RE hermaltake W0171 2A 3A 3A 4A 6A 3 5A 3 5A Win7 Ultimate 2007 12 11 Win7 64timate Win7 64timate Win7 Ultimate Win7 Ultimate Win7 Ultimate Win7 Ultimate Win7 Ultimate Win7 Ultimate Win7 64timate Win7 Ultimate Win7 Ultimate Win7 Ultimate Win7 Ultimate Win7 Ultimate Win7 64timate Win7 64timate Win7 64timate Win7 64timate Win7 64timate Win7 64timate Win7 64timate Win7 64timate Win7 64timate Win7 64timate Win7 64timate Qualified Vendors Lists QVL for 500W Power Supply or above 800W 80 PLUS 400W 80 PLUS 550W 550W 500W 550W 650W 750W 850W 1200W 80 PLUS 650W 80 PLUS 850W 80 PLUS MR 620W MR 1000W Gameing MB 1000W 850W 850W 900W 500W 550W 850W 80 PLUS 850W 80 PLUS 1000W 1200W 1100W MR 1000W 80 PLUS 1500W 80 PLUS Visit the ASUS website at www asus com for the latest QVL 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
69. U 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 achievement Loadline Calibration 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 Onboard Switches No more shorting pins or moving jumpers With an easy press during overclock this exclusive onboard switch allows gamer to effortlessly fine tune the performance without having to short the pins or moving jumpers ASUS Q Connector ss Make connections quick and accurate The 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 1 3 4 ASUS special features USB 3 0 Support 10X Faster Date Rates Experience ultra fast data transfers at 4 8Gbps with USB 3 0 the latest connectivity standard Built to connect easily with next generation components and peripherals USB 3 0 transfers data 10X faster and is also backward compatible with USB 2 0 components Chapter 1
70. VERTICALLY to prevent DIMM notch damage 2 4 4 Removing a DIMM 1 Press the retaining clip outward to unlock the DIMM Remove the DIMM from the E socket po e Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 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 Insta
71. VIA High Definition Audio utility 4 9 432 ASUS PC Probe Wresciseccesccsconsncsacccecesssanssonendescentennesdertees 4 11 233 ASUS Al SUIS ne 4 17 ASA ASUS Fan Xpert 2 ndanns 4 19 4 3 5 CPU Level Up 4 20 20 NE eee tee tener errr oe ee eee eee 4 21 4 3 7 ROG Connect 4 22 4 4 RAID COMPGUNAUOINS 2 4 24 4 4 1 RAID definitions 2 22 4 24 4 4 2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks sesnorsnrnnrrrrrnnrnrrernren 4 25 4 4 3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS 4 25 4 4 4 Intel Matrix Storage Manager option ROM utility 4 25 4 5 Creating a RAID driver disk rrrunnvvrnnnvvnnnnvrnnnvrrnnvvnnnnvrnvnvnvnneeenn 4 29 4 5 1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS 4 29 4 5 2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows 4 29 4 5 3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows OS installation 4 30 4 5 4 Using a USB floppy disk drive 4 30 Chapter 5 ATI CrossFireX technology support 5 1 ATI CrossFireX technology uerravvrrvvrnnvrnnvvnnnvrnnnernnvrnnnvrvneen 5 1 5 1 1 REMEN Nasse 5 1 5 12 BIOS you DEN siens 5 1 5 1 3 Installing CrossFireX graphics cards srrrnrrnnnversvrrrnrnrn 5 2 5 1 4 Installing the device drivers 5 3 5 1 5 Enabling the ATI CrossFireX technology 00 5 3 5 2 NVIDIA SLI technology r ruserrsvrrnvrnnvrnnvrnnvrnnvrnnvnnnvrnnernnersnernnnr 5 5 5 2 1 Requirements 5 5 5 2 2 Installing two SLI ready graphics cards sr
72. ace 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 Ensure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the ATI CrossFireX technology Download the latest driver from the AMD website www amd com 5 1 5 Enabling the ATI CrossFireX technology After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers enable the CrossFireXTM 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 View You can also right click the ATI icon in ne Sort B y the Windows notification area and select ag x res Cayalist Control Center Paste Shortcut New r r A 3 20 PM y Personalize ZII Catalyst Control Center Setup Assistant ATI CrossfireX is a multi GPU performance open gaming platform that will offer 2 The Catalyst Control Center Setup Assistant appears when the system Pie detects the existance of multi een graphics cards Click Go to continue to the Catalyst Control
73. ache L2 512 KB Cache L3 4096 KB Ratio Status Unlocked Min 09 Max 21 Ratio Actual Value 21 CPUID 20651 NOTE Please key in ratio numbers directly lt gt Select Screen CPU Ratio Setting Auto td Select Item C1E Support Enabled F1 General Help Hardware Prefetcher Enabled F10 Save and Exit Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch Enabled ESC Exit Max CPUID Value Limit Disabled 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 Intel R SpeedStep TM Tech Enabled General Help Intel R C STATE Tech Enabled Save and Exit C State package limit setting Auto Exit Select Screen Select Item Change Option v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc ROG Maximus III Extreme 3 21 3 22 CPU Ratio Setting Auto 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
74. ack Front C LFE Back Side 9 10 Channels O Output source 4 select Digital out Li Li 41 14 14 E Output jack SPDIF2 E Front Panel A A indicator Stereo Mix ke te es te lt x FE Out e Default sn Fold unfold oe 6 a interface er X B vene at Aii information Configuration options Advanced Options ROG Maximus III Extreme 4 9 B VIA HD Audio Deck for Windows XP Display panel and volume control Minimize button Configuration options Speaker 2 Channel Control settings r window lon B R Channel 8 Channel Z Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www asus com for detailed software configuration 4 10 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 V If Autorun is not enabled in your computer browse the conten
75. ackage 8 8 8 21 1333 8 8 8 21 Heat Sink Package 1333 9 9 9 24 1 6 F3 12800CL8T 6GBHK XMP 6144MB Kitof3 DS 1 6 1 65 F3 12800CL8T 6GBPI XMP 6144MB Kit of 3 DS Heat Sink Package 8 8 8 21 1066 8 8 8 20 1 6 1 65 ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 17 2 18 Maximus Ill Extreme 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 6144MB 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
76. asier overclocking Messen 2d l m BEE Ep Do 9 ip m By D AA m El 0 9 0 re g Bug gt 8 gap 2xH eg Heg fos lt l EEP ASUS E NME O a Salad al OC_STATION MAXIMUS JI EXTREME E PIN 1 TR GEKE a aa Z Z mot Er mn MAXIMUS IT EXTREME OC STATION connector 6 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 at the back of the system chassis Fc IE1394 2 HU Le m EE PIN 1 SAR amp On MAXIMUS it EXTREME IEEE 1394 connector N lt x a 03 Never connect a USB cable to the IE
77. aterial is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly P 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 2 Push down two fasteners at a time in a diagonal sequence to secure Q the heatsink and fan assembly in place P Orient the heatsink and fan assembly such that the CPU fan cable is closest to the CPU fan connector 2 12 Chapter 2 Hardware information Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU FAN CPU FAN CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM GND i ORKI C ri ino Oe mn MAXIMUS III EXTREME CPU fan connector a aN 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 C
78. b menu BIOS SETUP UTILITY Extreme Tweaker Main Advanced Power Tools Exit Specifies the Boot Boot Settings Device Priority sequence gt Boot Device Priority A virtual floppy disk drive Floppy Drive B may appear when you set the CD ROM drive as the first boot device gt Boot Settings Configuration gt Security Select Screen Select Item 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 renee Specifies the boot Boot Device Priority sequence from the 1st Boot Device Hard Drive availabe devices 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 3 36 Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 7 2 Boot Settings Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Boot Settings Configuration ES ee Allows BIOS to skip Quick Boot Enabled certain tests while Full Screen Logo Enabled booting This wi
79. below for the location of the slot 2 5 5 PCI Express x16 slots This motherboard has five PCI Express x16 slots that support PCI Express x16 cards complying with the PCI Express specifications Refer to the figure below for the location of the slot PCI slot PCI Express x16_5 slot PCI Express x16_4 slot PCI Express x16_3 slot PCI Express x16_2 slot PCI Express x16_1 slot ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 25 e When you install three graphics cards the PCIE slots support x16 x16 and x8 link When you install four graphics cards the PCIE slots support x8 link each Refer to the following configuration table for installation Three graphics cards Four graphics cards PClex16_1 slot PClex16_2 slot PClex16_3 slot PClex16_4 slot PCI slot PClex16_5 slot e We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX or SLI mode See page 2 44 for details e Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA FAN1 2 3 when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment 2 26 Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 6 Jumper 1 Clear RTC RAM 3 pin CLRTC SW This jumper 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 clear the system setup information such as system passwords To erase the RTC RAM 1 Press down the clr CMOS switch on
80. board 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 aN e 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 7 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 e 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 one drive fails the disk array management software directs all applications to the surviving drive as it contains a com
81. ce drivers if the system detects installed devices Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices Drivers ASUS InstAll Intel Chipset Driver Please select items to install Realtek RTL8112L LAN Driver VIA Audio Driver ASUS TurboV EYO Browser Configuration Utility USB 2 0 Driver USB 3 0 Host Controller Driver Bluetooth Driver JMicron JMB36X Controller Driver Intel Chipset Driver Installs the Intel chipset drivers Realtek RTL8112L LAN Driver Installs Realtek LAN driver VIA Audio Driver Installs the VIA Audio driver ASUS TurboV EVO Installs ASUS TurboV the advanced overclocking tool for extreme O G record Browser Configuration Utility Installs the Browser Configuration utility USB 2 0 Driver Installs USB 2 0 driver USB 3 0 Host Controller Driver Installs USB3 0 driver Bluetooth Driver Installs the Bluetooth driver JMicron JMB36X Controller Driver Installs the JMicron controller driver 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 ASUS Update Please select items to install ASUS PC Probe Il ASUS Al Suite Adobe Reader 9 Microsoft DirectX 9 0c Anti Virus Utility ASUS ROG Connect 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
82. cet er esee mens drss ace seras 3 30 3 6 1 Suspend Mode Auto 3 30 3 6 2 Repost Video on S3 Resume No 3 30 3 6 3 ACPI 2 0 Support Disabled eects eeeee 3 30 3 6 4 ACPI APIC Support Enabled 3 31 3 6 5 EuP Ready Disabled 3 31 3 6 6 APM Configuration 3 31 3 6 7 Hardware Monitor rsrrrranvrrnnvvrrnrvrrsnvrrrnnvrrsnvrrrnrvrrnnnenn 3 33 BOT MON de a ie a 3 36 3 7 1 Boot Device Priority rrnnrrrrvvrnnvvrrnnvrrnnnvrrsvvrrsnvnrrnnnenn 3 36 3 7 2 Boot Settings Configuration 3 37 T NN 3 38 190015 MENU ee 3 40 381 ASUS OC Profile uunmnsnustennmednetnideit 3 40 3 6 2 GO BIN File ae 3 42 EN MER ee eee eee 3 42 364 ASUS EZ F ne 3 43 DEE 3 44 Chapter 4 Software support 4 1 4 2 4 3 Installing an operating system sis 4 1 Support DVD information 4 1 4 2 1 Running the support DVD 4 1 4 2 2 Drivers MET ics ssasdnaasdetaadoatnmnnntnanssdsnnaniaciatorabistantinanseandans 4 2 4 23 Utilities menu cece ccecesceecesseeeeseesesseeseseessaeeessaeens 4 3 4 24 Make disk menu ns 4 4 225 Manual MENU ccccdecacsavadeacsitarssassauavtadeateiasetdcnisnevnassannanian 4 4 4 2 6 Video menu 4 5 4 2 7 ASUS Contact information 4 5 4 2 8 Ofer information ae stars 4 6 4 2 2 Obtaining the software manuals eects 4 8 Software information rrrnnvvrarnvvnnnnnvrnnnnnvnnnnnnvnesnnvensnnnennsnnnensnnnenne 4 9 Contents 4 3 1
83. ch screen control For mobile phone with Windows Mobile OS you need to click the COM Port tab and add RC Bluetooth The default pairing code for RC Bluetooth is 0000 When you use RC Bluetooth we recommend you stop running applications including ASUS PC Probe II and Ai Suite ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 33 2 9 3 Audio I O connections Audio 2 4 6 8 or 10 channel configuration Headset 4 channel 6 channel 8 channel 10 channel 2 channel Additional Line In Line In Line In Line In Side Speaker Out Front Speaker Front Speaker Front Speaker Front Speaker Out Out Out Out Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In B Center Center Center Line Out Mic In Subwoofer Subwoofer Subwoofer Rear Speaker Rear Speaker Rear Speaker Rear Speaker Out Out Out Out Side Speaker Side Speaker Out Out 2 34 Chapter 2 Hardware information Connect to Stereo 2 1 channel Speakers INPUTS AUDIO AUDIO INPUTS INPUTS ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 35 2 36 Connect to 7 1 channel Speakers Connect to 9 1 channel Speakers 000 8 il O WL Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 9 4 Internal connectors 1 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 Int
84. dware information 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 Va 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 ROG Maximus III Extreme 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 aN When you buy a boxed Intel processor the package includes the CPU fan and heatsink assembly If you buy a CPU separately ensure that you use only Intel certified multi directional heatsink and fan e Your Intel LGA1156 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push pin design and requires no tool to install e 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 M
85. e 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 AN DO NOT shut down or reset the system while recovering the BIOS Doing so can cause system boot failure ROG Maximus III Extreme 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
86. e CPU Fan Profile item appears when you enable the CPU Fan Control feature e 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 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 hassis Q Fan Control Disabl Allows you to enable or disable the Chassis fan controller Disabled Disables the Chassis Q fan controller Enabled Enables the Chassis Q fan controller Chapter 3 BIOS setup B 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 cyc
87. e 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 Z The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice Visit the ASUS website at www asus com for updates 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 eta DVD motherboard Intel Chipset Driver Please select items to install information Realtek RTL8112L LAN Driver VIA Audio Driver ASUS Turbo EYO Browser Configuration Utility USB 2 0 Driver USB 3 0 Host Controller Driver Bluetooth Driver JMicron JMB36X Controller Driver Click an item to install V If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer browse the contents of the support CA DVD to locate the file ASSETUP EXE from the BIN folder Double click the ASSETUP EXE to run the DVD ROG Maximus III Extreme 4 1 4 2 4 2 2 Drivers menu The drivers menu shows the available devi
88. ector set the item to AC97 By default this connector is set to HD Audio ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 43 12 ATX power connectors 24 pin EATXPWR 8 pin EATX12V 4 pin EZ PLUG1 2 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 NN 2 44 m QEATX12V OEATXPWR EZ PLUGI OOOO CACA 3 Volts GND red IARA 12 Volts 5 Volts S 12 Volts 5 Volts 12V H e 5V Standby 5 Volts Power OK 5 Volts E le GND GND ns a o e o 5 Volts GND 5566 GND GND 5 Volts PSON eo GND GND 3 Volts 12 Volts OEZ PLUG2 3 volts 3 Volts PIN 1 g DFS 3293 Nan OE pi pr OO S Ill EXTREME ATX power connectors For a 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 ot
89. ed 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 options Disabled 70 C 80 C 90 C 100 C OPT TEMP1 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 ROG Maximus III Extreme 3 33 3 34 Fan Speed Monitor CPU FAN Chassis FAN1 2 3 Power FAN Speed 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 ee Disable Enable CPU Q Fan Control Disabled Q Fan functions of Chassis Q Fan Control 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 PP Th
90. el Matrix Storage Technology through the onboard P55 chipset Intel chipset HE m ae GND SATA1 GND SATA2 RSATA_TXP1 RSATA_TXP2 z RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXN2 x GND GND Sa RSATA_RXP1 RSATA_RXP2 i z RSATA RXN1 RSATA RXN2 FR bot GND GND 4 meld J 2 B i GND SATA3 GND SATA4 K RSATA_TXP3 RSATA_TXP4 SUS RSATA TXN3 RSATA TXN4 O GND GND RSATA RXP3 RSATA RXP4 ET RSATA_RXN3 RSATA RXN4 q GND GND MAXIMUS II EXTREME E GND SATA5 GND SATA6 RSATA_TXP5 RSATA_TXP6 RSATA_TXN5 RSATA TXN6 GND GND lt ET RSATA_RXP5 RSATA_RXP6 RSATA_RXN5 RSATA RXN6 cx 000 m 1 a GND 7 GND MAXIMUS III EXTREME SATA connectors Or you may connect the right angle side of be SATA cable to the onboard SATA port to nauni manhoaninnal annflint varit aN e 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
91. elect whether or not to restart the system after AC power loss Restore on AC Power Loss Power Off Power On By RTC Alarm Disabled 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 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 ROG Maximus III Extreme 3 31 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 55 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
92. eme 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 of 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 e Save the current BIOS file Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet e Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file e 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
93. ement 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 ee ee 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 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 Tou EBD 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
94. en 2 Clear CMOS error flag 1 Clear 8042 interface 2 Initialize 8042 self test 1 Test special keyboard controller for Super 1 0 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 FO00h segment shadow to see whether it is R W able or not If test fails 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 Extreme A 1 A 2 Code 8254TEST 8259MSK1 8259MSK2 8259TEST COUNTMEM MP INIT USB INIT TE
95. equipment must be installed and operated in accordance with provided instructions and the antenna s used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter End users and installers must be provide with antenna installation instructions and transmitter operating conditions for satisfying RF exposure compliance Declaration of Conformity R amp TTE directive 1999 5 EC The following items were completed and are considered relevant and sufficient Essential requirements as in Article 3 Protection requirements for health and safety as in Article 3 1a Testing for electric safety according to EN 60950 Protection requirements for electromagnetic compatibility in Article 3 1b Testing for electromagnetic compatibility in EN 301 489 1 amp EN 301 489 17 Effective use of the radio spectrum as in Article 3 2 Radio test suites according to EN 300 328 2 CE Marking CE CE marking for devices without wireless LAN Bluetooth The shipped version of this device complies with the requirements of the EEC directives 2004 108 EC Electromagnetic compatibility and 2006 95 EC Low voltage directive CEO CE marking for devices with wireless LAN Bluetooth This equipment complies with the requirements of Directive 1999 5 EC of the European Parliament and Commis
96. er 2 Hardware information 4 USB connectors 10 1 pin 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 EH T ve BRER 0000 m un 3 7 am LL 3 n D nm 2 00 MAXIMUS III EXTREME USB2 0 connectors motherboard You can connect the USB cable to ASUS Q Connector USB blue first and AN Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors Doing so will damage the NN then install the Q Connector USB to the USB connector onboard ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 39 5 OC station connector 8 pin OC Station This connector is for ASUS OC Station connection only Connect one end of the supplied data cable to the GP connector on the OC Station and the other end to this connector and USB13 on the motherboard to enjoy e
97. ered content on CE tion All NVIDIA GPUs work together with SLI technology to increase the rendering performance of your 30 applications Typical usage scenarios Playing 3D games Using any application that renders hardware accelerated Direct3D or OpenGL content Chapter 5 Multiple GPU technology support This appendix includes additional information that you may refer to when configuring the motherboard Reference information ness A 1 DEBUG COGS LADIES A 1 A 2 Qualified Vendors Lists QVL for BIOS FlashBack A 4 A 3 Qualified Vendors Lists QVL for RC Bluetooth A 4 A 4 Qualified Vendors Lists QVL for 500W Power Supply OF ONS a nee a eu A 5 ROG Maximus III Extreme A 1 Code CPU INIT DET CPU CHIPINIT DET DRAM DC FCODE EFSHADOW INIT 10 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 Debug code table 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 scre
98. et 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 oo Hi mi in Oe mn a 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 AN To prevent damage to the socket pins do not remove the PnP cap unless you are installing a CPU Retention tab ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 9 Lift the load lever in the direction of the arrow until the load plate is completely lifted Remove the PnP cap from the CPU socket by lifting the tab only AN 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 Chapter 2 Har
99. 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 TT E O a p A Q CPU CRAZY E CPU HIGH CPU NORMAL j DDR CRAZY DDR HIGH DDR NORMAL PCH CRAZY PCH HIGH PCH NORMAL mai FnOQ0unmmng mma MAXIMUS III EXTREME CPU DDR PCH LED Normal green High yellow Crazy red CPU Voltage default 0 85 1 4 1 40625 1 54375 1 55 CPU PLL 1 60325 2 00075 2 014 2 10675 2 12 1 007 1 3515 1 36475 1 60325 Normal green High yellow Crazy red PRP NE ER ete 1 3515 1 60325 1 6165 1 78875 Normal green High yellow Crazy red PCH Voltage 1 007 1 15275 1 166 1 20575 Chapter 2 Hardware information 4 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
100. ges 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 confirmation 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 4 1 Software information EE ee oc 4 9 RAID CONTIQUFATIONS cena 4 24 Creating a RAID driver disk 4 29 ROG Maximus III Extreme 4 1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows XP 64 bit XP Vista 7 operating systems OS Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware Z Motherboard settings and hardwar
101. gh 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 Reference information This appendix includes additional information that you may refer to when configuring the motherboard 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 Conventions used in this guide To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual DANGER WARNING Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task CAUTION Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task IMPORTANT Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task Z NOTE Tips and additional information to help yo
102. he BIOS you are using MAXIMUS III EXTREME E BIOS BUTTON j 5 Fron nm nee co me gt g MAXIMUS III EXTREME BIOS BUTTON H Chapter 2 Hardware information 5 Qreset button When the LN2_Mode jumer does not work and your CPU cannot resume function press the Q reset button to temporarily stop the power supply to the CPU and help the CPU recover from a frozen condition Hl H De Q RESET SOO i SS MAXIMUS Ill EXTREME Q RESET BUTTON 0 ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 4
103. herwise the system will not boot Connect the 4 pin EZ PLUG1 and EZ PLUG2 power plugs to ensure sufficient power supply when you install multiple graphics cards 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 Refer to the Appendix for the certified 500W power supply or above If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system refer to tne Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http support asus com PowerSupplyCalculator PSCalculator aspx SLanguage en us for details Chapter 2 Hardware information 13 System panel connector 20 8 pin PANEL This connector supports several chassis mounted functions a 0000 m PLED PLED lt gt a0 CID ao ao PWR a Ground fa m 5V a Ground Reset fa Ground Ground fa Speaker O PANEL De T PIN 1 E LE1D TT nm fa m ge Di ay E of O
104. 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 Reference information Debug code table PASSWORD USB FINAL INITROM NUM LOCK UPDT DMI INT 19H 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 set ask for password Initialize PnP boot devices 1 USB final Initialization 2 NET PC Build SYSID structure 3 Switch screen back to text mode 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 Initialize device option ROMs 1 Program daylight saving 2 Update keyboard LED amp typematic rate 2 1 Build MP table 2 Build amp update ESCD 3 Set CMOS century to 20h or 19h 4 Load CMOS time into DOS timer tick 5 Build MSIRQ routing table ROG Maximus III Extreme A 3 A 4 A 2 Qualified Vendors Lists QVL for BIOS FlashBack O S Environment Remark Adata MyFlash S 2GB Ready Boost Apacer AH221 16GB Kingston DLT 8GBEF 8GB PATRIOT XPORTER MAGNUM 210X 64GB Ready Boost Adata C801 32GB AIGO L8206 1GB Apacer HA202 2GB Corsair CMFUSBSRVR 16GB IENOVO T160 2GB NETAC U215 1GB OCZ Z2B818 32GB PATRIOT PEF32GUSB 32GB
105. is 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 Storage comiguration _ SATA Configuraton Enhanced i 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 nfigure 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 e Ifyou want the Serial ATA hard disk drives to use the Advanced Host Controller Interface AHCI set this item to AHCI 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 e 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 on
106. isk drives Chapter 4 Software support 4 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 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 44 3 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 sl oS SS 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 4 4 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 Ctrl 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 Intel Corporation All Rights Reserved RAID Volumes None defined Physical Disks Port Drive Model Serial Size T
107. le 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 item 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 You need to connect the thermal sensor cables to the OPT TEMP1 2 3 connectors to enable this function AE 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 ROG Maximus III Extreme 3 35 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 su
108. 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 disable 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 Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 6 7 Hardware Monitor BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Hardware Monitor Voltage Monitor 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 3 3V Voltage 5V Voltage 12V Voltage The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators Temperature Monitor PU Temperature PECI PCH Temperature MB Temperatur PT FAN1 2 3 Temperature xxx C xxx F The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU PCH motherboard power and the assigned devices temperatures Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detect
109. lect an item then press lt Enter gt to display the configuration options BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot f lt Enter gt to change sert ee a a lt Enter gt again to Supervisor Password Not Installed PARNER j disabled password User Password Not Installed Change Supervisor Password Change User Password Select Screen tl 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 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 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 Cha
110. ll 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 Quick Boot Enabled 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 P 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 ROG Maximus III Extreme 3 37 3 38 3 7 3 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings Se
111. ll 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 between the two PCI groups making the system unstable and the card inoperable Refer to the table on the next page for details ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 23 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 OT 0 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 OO MIO BR Co These IRQs are usually available for PCI devices IRQ assignments for this motherboard PCIEX16 1 shared PCIEX16 2 shared PCIEX16 3 PCIEX16 4 shared PCIEX16 5 shared shared shared USB 2 0 controller _ USB 2 0 controller2 _ USB 3 0 controller Onboard SATA controller shared Onboard SATA 6G controller shared 1394 Controller shared HD Audio shared 2 24 Chapter 2 Hardware information 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
112. logy 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 View gt desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel Sort By a The NVIDIA Control Panel window appears See mea Step Bd ine Shortcut New gt y Personalize 5 6 Chapter 5 Multiple GPU technology support Bi If you cannot see the NVIDIA Control Panel item in View step A select Personalize B2 From the Personalization window select Display Settings B3 From the Display Settings dialog box click Advanced Settings ROG Maximus III Extreme 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 Fine tune the color and style of your windows Desktop Background Choose from available backgrounds or colors or use one of your own pictures to decorate the desktop Screen Saver Change your screen saver or adjust when it displays screen saver is a
113. ly 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 Extreme 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 AHC 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 Enabled SATA Port1 Auto Allows you to select the type of device connected to the system Configuration options Auto Not Installed MART Monitoring Enabl 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
114. m 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 field 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 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 motherb
115. me OV Disabled rrrnrrrnrrrnrornrrrnrernrrrnrernrenrnrnn 3 13 3 3 19 CPU Vitage OCP Enabled rnrrrnrernvrrnrrrnrrrnvrrnvernnn 3 14 3 3 20 PWM VOD Auto uvenn 3 14 3 3 22 CPU Load Line Calibration Auto 3 14 3 3 23 CPU Voltage Mode VID rrrnrrnnrrrrnrrrnnrrrnvrrnnrernvrnnnne 3 14 3 3 24 CPU Voltage Auto rmrrnrrrnrrrnnrrrnnvrrnvrrnnrernrrrnnversnrnnnn 3 14 3325 CPU PLL Voltage PG Lunestad 3 14 3 3 26 IMC Voltage Auto rrrrnrrrnrrrnnrrrnnrrrnvrrnnvrrnrrrnnrrrnnrnrnn 3 14 3 3 27 PCH Voltage Auto 3 14 3 3 28 DRAM Voltage ADO 3 15 3 3 29 DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA B Auto 3 15 3 3 30 DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA B Auto 3 15 3 3 31 CPU Spread Spectrum AUTO 3 15 3 3 32 PCIE Spread Spectrum Auto ronrernrrrnrrrnrrrnrernrnnnrnn 3 15 3 3 33 ASUS O C PTONIE 2 arreter 3 15 Man EE 3 16 3 4 1 System Time XX OX er iesasstinensennes 3 16 3 4 2 System Date Day xx XxX XXXX renrrrrrrnnrrrnnrrrnvrrnnvrrvnnnnn 3 16 3 48 Language English 3 16 ENN nee 3 17 3 4 5 Storage Configuration 3 19 3 4 6 AHCI Configuration menant 3 20 3 4 7 System Information 3 20 Advanced MENT nn mue sions 3 21 3 9 1 CPU Configuration un ni 3 21 De OISE ee eee 3 24 Vi Contents 3 6 3 7 3 8 3 9 3 5 8 Onboard Device Configuration 3 25 3 5 4 USB Configuration 3 27 D Nr 3 28 3 5 6 ROG CONHIOUTAIONS E nn 3 29 357 ROG EN ee 3 29 POWER MONS denses
116. mined by turning the equipment off and on the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures e 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 The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user s authority to operate this equipment FCC Radio Frequency RF Exposure Caution Statement Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible 4 for compliance could void the user s authority to operate this equipment The manufacture declares that this device is limited to Channels 1 through 11 in the 2 4GHz frequency by specified firmware controlled in the USA This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment To maintain compliance with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements please avoid direct contact to the transmitting antenna during transmitting End users must follow the specific operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance RF exposure warning This
117. mp 32 64bi IMB36X oa JMicron JMB3SX Controller Driver V1 17 52 2 for windows 32 64 Marve Install Marve11 9123 Controller Driver V1 0 0 1027 for windows 32 64b Driver Make Marvell 9123 Controller Driver Disk for windows 32 64bit Disk Marvell 9123 Controller Driver Disk for windows 32 64bit xP amp Tur bovevo ASUS Turbov EVO V1 01 14 for windows 32 64bit xP amp 32 64bit v BCU Browser Configuration utility v1 0 10 0 for windows 32 64bit USB2 USB2 0 Driver Installation for windows XP USB3 NEC Electronics USB 3 0 Host Controller Driver v1 0 17 0 for 4 lt 2 ROG Maximus III Extreme 4 8 4 2 2 Obtaining the software manuals The software manuals are included in the support DVD Follow the instructions below to get the necessary software manuals Click the Manual tab Click ASUS Motherboard Utility Guide from the manual list on the left The Manual folder of the support DVD appears Double click the folder of your selected software Some software manuals are provided in different languages Double click the language to show the software manual The software manual files are in Portable Document Format PDF Install the Adobe Acrobat Reader from the Utilities menu before opening the files ASUS Motherboard Installation Guide Please select items to install ASUS Motherboard Utility Guide Intel Matrix Storage Manager User sjManual gO gt Computer
118. n items and how to navigate through them ne BIOS SETUP UTILITY Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Use ENTER TAB or SHIFT TAB to System Time 13 51 25 el ct a feld System Date Mon 12 14 2009 Language English Use or to configure system Time SATA1 HDT722516DLA380 SATA2 Not Detected SATA3 ATAPI DVD D DH1 SATA4 Not Detected SATA5 Not Detected SATA6 Not Detected Select Screen Select Item Storage Configuration Change Field System Information select Fiald General Help Save and Exit Exit gt gt gt gt gt gt gt gt 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 348413 fr HAE Fran ais Deutsch English Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 4 4 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 Device Hard Disk of device connected Vendor HDT722516DLA380 to the system Size 164 7GB LBA Mode Supported Block Mode 16Sectors PIO Mode 4 As
119. na ZIITI 0000 0000 0000 L ri e co i MAXIMUS III EXTREME Fan connectors B B B cable to the motherboard connector labeled OPT_FAN1 2 3 for better thermal environment Z If you install two VGA cards we recommend that you plug the chassis fan ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 41 8 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 E H Temperature Ground a 52 lo opt_temps i E 9 p kilo or TEMP1 Ei om Temperature Ground Ei Temperature pt JO opt_temp2 E MAXIMUS iff EXTREME Thermal sensor cable connectors AN Enable OPT FAN1 2 3 overheat protection in BIOS if you connect thermal sensor cables to these connectors 9 Optical
120. nce including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device To prevent radio interference to the licensed service i e co channel Mobile Satellite systems this device is intended to be operated indoors and away from windows to provide maximum shielding Equipment or its transmit antenna that is installed outdoors is subject to licensing The user is cautioned that this device should be used only as specified within this manual to meet RF exposure requirements Use of this device in a manner inconsistent with this manual could lead to excessive RF exposure conditions This device and its antenna s must not be co located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter Country Code selection feature to be disabled for products marketed to the US CANADA xi xii Safety information Electrical safety To prevent electrical shock hazard disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system When adding or removing devices to or from the system ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected If possible disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard ensure that all power cables are unplugged Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit
121. network or an Internet Service Provider ISP ASUS PC Probe Il 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 Al Suite Installs the ASUS Al Suite 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 Anti Virus Utility The anti virus application scans identifies and removes computer viruses View the online help for detailed information ASUS ROG Connect You can use this software to control the performance of machine remotely and to monitor its variation of each item immediately ROG Maximus III Extreme 4 3 4 4 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 EE items to install Marvell 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
122. nine 2 52 ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings AN Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component Before handling components use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object such as the power supply case to avoid damaging them due to static electricity Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them Whenever you uninstall any component place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component Before you install or remove any component ensure that the ATX power Supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard peripherals or components ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 1 22 Onboard LEDs The motherboard comes with a set of 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 CPULED 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
123. nnectors PS 2 keyboard port purple Optical S PDIF Out port USB 2 0 ports 3 and 4 IEEE 1394a port USB 2 0 ports 5 and 6 External SATA port LAN RJ 45 port USB 2 0 ports 1 and 2 RC Bluetooth switch ROG Connect switch USB 2 0 port 14 ROG Connect port Clear CMOS switch Audio ports USB 2 0 ports 7 and 8 To use hot plug set the Controller Mode in the BIOS settings to AHCI mode See section 3 5 3 Onboard Devices Configuration for details ROG Maximus III Extreme LAN port LED indications Activity Link Speed LED Description OFF Soft off Mode Yellow Blinking OFF During Power ON OFF Activity Speed Link LED LED Yellow Blinking ORANGE 100 Mbps connection Yellow Blinking GREEN 1 Gbps connection LAN port 2 9 2 ROG Connect switch and RC Bluetooth switch ROG Connect switch The ROG Connect function allows you to monitor and control remotely with the other computer through the provided ROG Connect cable This switch also features USB BIOS FlashBack which enables you to flash the BIOS in standby power To use ROG Connect 1 Connect one end of the ROG Connect cable to the ROG Connect port and the other to your notebook or netbook 2 Press the switch to start to connection To use USB BIOS FlashBack 1 Download the latest BIOS from ASUS support website Rename it M3E ROM save it to a USB flash drive and place it in the root directory Connect the USB fla
124. nternet applications The dual channel DDR3 architecture 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 devices for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance 1 3 2 ROG Intelligent Performance amp Overclocking features Os RC Bluetooth amp Overwhelm your acknowledgement with wireless overclocking experience Still overclocking in old fashioned way Let RC Bluetooth bring you the whole new idea of how to do Just simply push the button from the Back 10 on the RC Bluetooth card overclockers can real time monitor the desktop PC system status amp tweak its parameters such as voltages and frequency on the fly When users want to use oridinary bluetooth functions just simply push the button once again amp enjoy all the wireless convenience brought from RC Bluetooth Refer to page 2 33 for details 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 Diagram power reset button flash BIOS through notebook Refer to page 2
125. oard BIOS SETUP UTILITY Extreme Tweaker Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Configure System Frequency Voltage Warning this function belongs to overclock Target CPU Frequency 2128MHZ ing and it may cause Target DRAM Frequency 1066MHZ instability Select a CPU level CPU Level Up Auto and the rest will be Memory Level Up auto adjusted If you want to adjust more Ai Overclock Tuner set Ai Overclcok Tuner CPU Ratio Setting to Manual after you CPU Configuration select a CPU level Intel R SpeedStep TM Tech Enabled QPI Frequency Auto lt gt Select Screen Start aua tuning ry Select Item oc Tuner Turbo Profile ne Change Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit DRAM Timing Control CPU Clock Amplitude Auto v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc Scroll down to display the following items PCU Clock Amplitude Auto CPU Clock Skew Auto PCU Clock Skew Auto xkxkxkkkkkk Please key in numbers directly x Current Voltage 1 078V 1 799v 1 118V CPU Temperature 33 C 91 F Extreme OV Disabled CPU Voltage OCP Enabled PWM VGD Auto 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 DR
126. ollow the instructions in Chapter 3 ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 51 2 11 Turning off the computer 2 11 1 Using the OS shut down function If you are using Windows Vista Windows 7 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 11 2 Using the dual function power switch While 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 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 nine 3 9 M ne 3 16 Advanced MENU 2 ccsaiee aan 3 21 POVEL NG 3 30 FINE he 3 36 TOOLS MEN ane 3 40 3 41400 11111 EE EE E EA 3 44 ROG Maximus III Extr
127. oltage 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 6 3 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 EE 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 6 4 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 Z 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 Swi
128. ong 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 your system up and running in no time The technology is able to determine failsafe settings that can dramatically improve system booting success IROG Intelligent multiple control at hand The iROG is a special IC which enables several ROG highlitghted functions that gives users full disposal of the motherboard at any stage This design allows advanced user control and management to be processed purely at a hardware level iROG greatly increases fun during overclocking for PC enthusiasts and it offers system maintainence and management with more control and efficiency 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 BIOS FlashBack e Two BIOS ROM Two BIOS settings Twice the overclocking flexibility Overclocker s prayer to have BIOS flexibility is answered With the new BIOS Flashback PC enthusiasts can overclock with even more confidence BIOS Flashback gives overclockers the ability to save two versions of the BIOS simultaneously
129. or the black slots as one pair of dual channel memory configuration e A gt B gt 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 Chapter 2 Hardware information Maximus Ill Extreme Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 1333MHz capability Vendor AD133301GOU AD1333002GOU AD31333E002G0U 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 ROG Maximus III Extreme Size 1024MB 2048MB 6144MB Kit of 3 1024MB 1024MB 1024MB 2048MB 2048MB 2048MB 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 6
130. ous desktop and system information ee pe Click the plus sign before DMI Information to display the available rise information Copyright c 2004 ASUS Chapter 4 Software support PCI browser Click FF to display the PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect 2 DPC matin browser This browser provides PCI Browser information on the PCI devices installed Peripheral Component on your system Click the plus sign Seen DP 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 browser CPU usage The CPU tab displays real time CPU usage in line graph ae representation If the CPU has i 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 Extreme 4 15 Memory usage The Memory tab shows both used and available physical memory The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents on
131. panel connectors and internal connectors ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 7 2 2 3 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 4 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 Place this side towards the rear of the chassis 2 8 Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 3 Central Processing Unit CPU The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1156 socket designed for the Intel Core i7 Core i5 Core i3 Processors 4 Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU A e Upon purchase of the motherboard ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and the socket contacts are not bent Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing or if you see any damage to the PnP cap socket contacts motherboard components ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment transit related e 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 e The product warranty does not cover damage to the sock
132. pert Click to open the Calibration window 8 ox Fan Kpert Fan Name Click to select a fan CPU Fan Click to select Click to display a fan profile the current CPU temperature and the fan speed ratio Click to apply Cancel Click to the settings cancel the settings Fan profiles e Disable disables the Fan Xpert function Standard adjusts fan speed in a moderate pattern e Silent minimizes fan speed for quiet fan operation e Turbo maximizes the fan speed for the best cooling effect e Intelligent automatically adjusts the CPU fan speed according to the ambient temperature e Stable fixes the CPU fan speed to avoid noise caused by the unsteady fan rotation The fan will soeed up when the temperature exceeds 70 C e User Allows you to configure the CPU fan profile under certain limitations ROG Maximus III Extreme 4 19 4 3 5 CPU Level Up The CPU Level Up allows you to overclock immediately with OG profile presets in Windows environment without the hassle of entering BIOS After installing Al Suite from the bundled Support DVD launch the utility by double clicking the Al Suite icon in the Windows notification area and click the CPU Level Up button on the Al Suite main window Click to select a CPU level Click to exit the utlity Click to apply the selected CPU level Chapter 4 Software support 4 3 6 TurboV EVO ASUS TurboV EVO introduces TurboV that allows you to overclock yo
133. picture or animation that covers your screen and appears when your computer is idle for a set period of time LID Sounds Change which sounds are heard when you do everything from getting e mail to emptying your Recycle Bin 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 and mouse po Taskbar and Start Menu By Sins Ease of Access Adjust your monitor r fation which changes the view so more or fewer items fit 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 then click Start the NVIDIA Control Panel B5 The NVIDIA Control Panel window appears Enabling SLI settings From the NVIDIA Control Panel window select Set SLI Configuration Click Enable SLI and set the display for viewing SLI rendered content When done click Apply 5 8
134. plete 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 provided by the difference RAID function For example RAID 0 and RAID 1 set can be created by using only two identical hard d
135. port Optional A Bt 78 0AGCQ CBZ XMP 3072MB Kit of 3 SS Heat Sink Package BL12864BE2009 8SFB3 EPP 1024MB SS Heat Sink Package F3 16000CL7T 6GBPS XMP 6144MB Kitof3 DS Heat Sink Package G SKILL F3 16000CL9T 6GBPS XMP 6144MB Kitof3 DS Heat Sink Package KINGSTON KHX16000D3K2 2GN EPP 2048MB Kit of 2 SS Heat Sink Package KINGSTON KHX16000D3K3 3GX XMP 3072MB Kit of 3 SS Heat Sink Package 9 1333 9 9 9 24 KINGSTON KHX16000D3ULT1K3 6GX XMP 6144MB Kit Of 3 DS Heat Sink Package 8 1066 8 8 8 20 KINGSTON KHX16000D3T1K3 6GX XMP 6144MB Kit of 3 DS Heat Sink Package 9 1066 8 8 8 20 1 65 OCZ3FXT20002GK 2048MB Kit of 2 SS Heat Sink Package OCZ3P20002GK EPP 2048MB Kit of 2 SS Heat Sink Package 9CAASS37AZZ01D1 2048MB DS Heat Sink Package 2 16 Chapter 2 Hardware information Maximus Ill Extreme Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 1800MHz capability DIMM socket support Optional Vendor Chip NO Timing Lable Bios Voltage Part No SS DS B C 78 0AGCD CDZ XMP 2048MB Kit of 2 Heat Sink Package BoxP N TW3X4G1800C8DF CM3X2G1800C8D XMP Verd 1 4096MB Kit of 2 Heat Sink Package KINGSTON KINGSTON KINGSTON OCZ KHX14400D3 1G KHX14400D3K2 2GN EPP KHX14400D3K3 3GX XMP OCZ3P 18002GK OCZ3P 18004GK 1024
136. ps as in setting a user password Password Check Setup When set 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 ROG Maximus III Extreme 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 gt ASUS O C Profile gt GO Button File gt AI NET 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Select Screen tl Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen General Help Save and Exit Exit v02 61 C Copyright 1985 2009 American Megatrends Inc 3 8 1 ASUS O C Profile This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings BIOS SETUP UTILITY Tools PROFILE Configuration Typing your profile Profile 1 Status Not Installed Jeg a Al Profile 2 Status Not Installed p j Profile 3 Status Not Installed Profile 4 Status Not Installed Profile 5 Status Not Installed Profile 6 Status Not Installed Profile 7 Status Not Installed Profile 8 Status Not Installed 000000001 10 AnAAAAANA BA 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 198
137. pter 3 BIOS setup 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 nr ae 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 ste
138. renrnrrrrnrennn 5 5 5 2 3 Installing the device drivers 5 6 5 2 4 Enabling the NVIDIA SLI technology c0ceee 5 6 Appendix Reference information A 1 Debug code table 5 ni nt sense die ssmnsonnnse A 1 A2 Qualified Vendors Lists QVL for BIOS FlashBack A 4 A 3 Qualified Vendors Lists QVL for RC Bluetooth A 4 A 4 Qualified Vendors Lists QVL for 500W Power Supply or above runvrranervnvernnvrnnvennnvrnnnernnvrnnnervneen A 5 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 deter
139. ronment ae Suppo orts 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 amp say INTEC PSS inside Intel P55 Chipset The Intel P55 Express Chipset i 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 hd SLI CrossFireX On Demand tl ke Why choose when you can have both SLI or CrossFireX Fret no longer because with the ROG Maximus III Extreme 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 2200 0 C MHz 2 The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 2200 0 C 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 I
140. ry module in slot A1 or B1 as a single channel operation Two DIMMs dual channel operation Four DIMMs dual channel operation Chapter 2 Hardware information 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 According to Intel spec definition DDR3 1600 is supported for one DIMM per channel only ASUS exclusively provides two DDR3 1600 DIMM support for each memory channel According to Intel CPU spec DIMM voltage below 1 65V is recommended to protect the CPU According to Intel CPU spec CPUs with a core frequency of 2 66G support the maximum DIMM frequency of up to DDR3 1333 To use DIMMs of a higher frequency with a 2 66G CPU enable the DRAM O C Profile feature in BIOS Refer to section 3 3 3 Ai Overclock Tuner for details 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 do any of
141. se 58 Ni vre 59 Nord 60 Oise 61 Orne 63 Puy du D me 64 Pyr n es Atlantique 66 Pyr n es Orientales 67 BasRhin 68 Haut Rhin 70 Haute Sa ne 71 Sa ne et Loire 75 Paris 82 Tarn et Garonne 84 Vaucluse 88 Vosges 89 Yonne 90 Territoire de Belfort 94 Val de Marne This requirement is likely to change over time allowing you to use your wireless LAN card in more areas within France Please check with ART for the latest information www art telecom fr V Your WLAN Card transmits less than 100mW but more than 10mW ES 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 Cet appareil num rique de la classe B est conforme la norme NMB 003 du Canada IC Radiation Exposure Statement for Canada This equipment complies with IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment To maintain compliance with IC RF exposure compliance requirements please avoid direct contact to the transmitting antenna during transmitting End users must follow the specific operating instructions for Satisfying RF exposure compliance Operation is subject to the following two conditions This device may not cause interference and This device must accept any interfere
142. set the disks to non RAID ALL DISK DATA WILL BE DELETED This does not apply to Recovery volumes 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 og EE NE NT ee ALL DATA IN THE VOLUME WILL BE LOST This does not apply to Rec very vo lumes 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 I EEE i 2 Press lt Y gt to exit or press lt N gt to return to the utility main menu 4 28 Chapter 4 Software support 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 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
143. sh drive to the ROG Connect port 3 Press and hold the ROG Connect switch until it starts blinking with standby power 4 When the blinking stops the BIOS flash completes Z Refer to the Appendix for the qualified vendor list for the USB flash disk before using the USB BIOS FlashBack function Chapter 2 Hardware information RC Bluetooth switch The RC Bluetooth function allows you to control your system wirelessly through your mobile smartphone To use RC Bluetooth 1 Install the application from the motherboard support DVD to your mobile phone Ensure that the Bluetooth function of your mobile phone is activated Press the RC Bluetooth switch 4 Search the available Bluetooth enabled devices nearby and add RC Bluetooth 5 Pair your mobile phone and the system and start using RC Bluetooth function Refer to the Appendix for the qualified vendor list for the mobile phone before using the RC Bluetooth function The RC Bluetooth is designed for the following mobile phone operating systems Visit the ASUS website at www asus com for the latest supported operating system list Mobile phone OS Version Windows Mobile 6 5 6 1 6 0 Professional at display resolution 480 800 Symbian 560 3rd edition feature pack 2 feature pack 1 Android Google Android 2 0 or later version For mobile phone with Symbian OS RC Bluetooth supports keypad control only RC Bluetooth is not available for phones with tou
144. sion from 9 March 1999 governing Radio and Telecommunications Equipment and mutual recognition of conformity Wireless Operation Channel for Different Domains N America 2 412 2 462 GHz Ch01 through CH11 Japan 2 412 2 484 GHz Ch01 through Ch14 Europe ETSI 2 412 2 472 GHz Ch01 through Ch13 France Restricted Wireless Frequency Bands Some areas of France have a restricted frequency band The worst case maximum authorized power indoors are 10mW for the entire 2 4 GHz band 2400 MHz 2483 5 MHz 100mW for frequencies between 2446 5 MHz and 2483 5 MHz Z Channels 10 through 13 inclusive operate in the band 2446 6 MHz to 2483 5 MHZ There are few possibilities for outdoor use On private property or on the private property of public persons use is subject to a preliminary authorization procedure by the Ministry of Defense with maximum authorized power of 100mW in the 2446 5 2483 5 MHz band Use outdoors on public property is not permitted In the departments listed below for the entire 2 4 GHz band Maximum authorized power indoors is 100mW Maximum authorized power outdoors is 10mW Departments in which the use of the 2400 2483 5 MHz band is permitted with an EIRP of less than 100mW indoors and less than 10mW outdoors 01 Ain 02 Aisne 03 Allier 05 Hautes Alpes 08 Ardennes 09 Ari ge 11 Aude 12 Aveyron 16 Charente 24 Dordogne 25 Doubs 26 Dr me 32 Gers 36 Indre 37 Indre et Loire 41 Loir et Cher 45 Loiret 50 Manche 55 Meu
145. t 4 Click Details tab The Vendor ID VID and Product ID PID are displayed 5 Browse the contents of the RAID driver disk to locate the file txtsetup oem 6 Double click the file A window appears allowing you to select the program for opening the oem file 7 Use Notepad to open the file ROG Maximus III Extreme Mitsumi USB Floppy Properties ymm General Drivey Details fer Mitsumi USB Floppy IDevite Instance Id 11 WBR35EDAGE 74082 Windows cannot open this file File txtsetup oem To open this file Windows needs to know what program created it 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 C 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 9 Recommended Programs I Notepad A Other Programs A Adobe Reader 8 1 Internet Explorer y Paint windows Media Player r Windows Picture and Fax Viewer WordPad Type a description that you want to use 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 4 31 4 32 8 Find
146. t DVD contents in graphical format MB Support CD D EEK File Edit View Favorites Tools Help ay D 3 Search 53 Folders EJ File and Folder Tasks En rivers Publish this folder to the Web E Share this folder Other Places ig My Computer my Documents Shared Document ts My Network Places 16 x 16 Setup Information con 1KB boot catalog FILELIST CATALOG File Text Document 2KB 7 KB MILE ROM Readme ROM File Text Document 2 048 KB EJ 1 KB Setup exe manifest GF Setup a MANIFEST File 1 KB VER TAG TAG File 1 KB Chapter 4 Software support Filelist Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text format DB FILELIST Notepad DEAR File Edit Format View Help File list for the included support software for motherboard Drivers Chipset Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility v9 1 1 1020 for w udio VIA Audio Driver v6 0 1 7600 for windows 32 64bit xP amp 32 64b LAN XP Realtek RTL8112L Ethernet Driver v5 728 604 2009 for windows vista Realtek RTL8112L Ethernet Driver V6 223 525 2009 for windows windows7 Realtek RTL8112L Ethernet Driver V7 3 522 2009 for windows 32 RAID IMSM Install Intel R Matrix Storage Manager Driver V8 9 0 1023 for window Driver Make Intel AHCI RAID Driver Disk for windows 32 64bit xP amp 32 Disk Intel AHCI RAID Driver Disk for windows 32 64bit XP a
147. t site Update system BIOS using specified BIOS image file based on network traffic automatically for you on ASUS Web Site 3 Download BIOS from the Internet Download specified BIOS image file via Internet for later usage 4 Check BIOS Information Chapter 3 BIOS setup 4 From the FTP site select the BIOS version that you wish to download Click Next 5 Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet Always update the utility to avail all its features Please choose 1005 05 17 2002 11007 09 12 2002 1008 EEE 42002 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 2 Select Update BIOS from a file option from the drop down menu then click Next 3 Locate the BIOS file from the Open window then click Open 4 Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process ROG Maximus III Extreme a Le Select the Update Method 1 Update Save BIOS from to 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 specified BIOS image file
148. tch V Drive Info Up Down Home End Move B Backup Esc Exit ROG Maximus III Extreme 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 3 Exit system setup after Exit Options saving the changes F10 key can be used for Exit amp Save Changes J 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 Copyright 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 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 Chan
149. the back I O 2 Hold down the lt Del gt key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re enter data 093590 LA IT Lo ax or zt D g Bae cen p ba i eg n m a O IL 7 p E CLRTC SW op 7 H 2 2 5 2 L Enable Disable m a ea Default MAXIMUS III EXTREME 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 LN e The clr CMOS switch will not function if the CLRTC_SW jumper is moved to the Disable position e Ensure to re enter your previous BIOS settings after you clear the CMOS e 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 ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 2 2 LN2 Mode jumper 3 pin LN2 This jumper functions to help the CPU recover from a frozen condition caused by an extremely low temperature
150. 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 512Mb 64MB 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 3 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 ROG Maximus III Extreme 2 15 Maximus III Extreme 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 C 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 III Extreme Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 2000MHz capability SS Chip NO Timing Voltage DIMM socket DS Dimm Bios sup
151. 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 4 eXtreme Memory Profile Disabled 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 5 OC From CPU Memory Level Up Auto These item appear only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to Manual Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 3 6 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 7 Intel R SpeedStep TM Tech Enabled When set to Disabled the CPU runs at its default speed When set to Enabled the CPU speed is controlled by the operating system Configuration options Disabled Enabled P The following two items do not appear when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to Auto 3 3 8 BCLK Frequency XXX Allows you to adj
152. 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 feature 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 F
153. tor 1 x 8 pin ATX 12V Power Connector 1 x En Dis able Clr CMOS Switch 1 x LN2 Mode Header 1 x Power on Switch 1 x Reset Switch 2 x EZ Plug Connectors 1 x OC Station Header 1 x RC Bluetooth Header 1 x Go Button 1 x BIOS Button 1 x System Panel Connector Software Support DVD Drivers and Applications Futuremark 3DMark Vantage Advanced Edition Kaspersky Anti Virus ASUS TurboV EVO Utility ASUS PC Probe Il ASUS Update ASUS AI Suite Form Factor ATX Form Factor 12 x 9 6 30 5cm x 24 4cm Specifications are subject to change without notice XVIII This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports Product introduction 1 1 NAME vu 1 1 1 2 Package ConleniSuuuaavdvusmamnteanukea nnt 1 1 13 Special fedues massar 1 2 ROG Maximus III Extreme 1 1 Welcome Thank you for buying an ROG Maximus III Extreme motherboard The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards Before you start installing the motherboard and hardware devices on it check the items in your package with the list below 1 2 Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items Motherboard ROG Maximus III Extreme Cables 1 x ROG Connect Cable 1 x SLI Cable 1 x 3 Way SLI Cable 1 x 2 in 1 SATA 6 0Gb s Cables
154. troller Disabled Disables the controller Chapter 3 BIOS setup 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 re ESS S 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 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 ROG Maximus III Extreme 3 27 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
155. ts of the support se 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 Il gt 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 taskbar Click this icon to close or restore the application Using PC Probe II Main window The PC Probe II main window PC PROBE 1 NN allows you to view the current a E Panel V R za f Scheme Right e status of your system and change the utility configuration By g eonrre NE default the main window displays eaten 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 Enable Sound Effect Run in Boot up Session ROG Maximus III Extreme 4 11 4 12 Button Function conrra Opens the Configuration window Opens the Report window Opens the Desktop Management Interface window Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window Opens the Windows Manag
156. u complete a task Typography Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase lt Key gt 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 lt Key1 Key2 Key3 gt If you must press two or more keys simultaneously the key names are linked with a plus sign Example lt Ctrl Alt D gt Command Means that you must type the command exactly as shown then supply the required item or value enclosed in brackets Example At the DOS prompt type the command line afudos iM3E ROM XV Maximus III Extreme specifications summary Chipset Memory Expansion Slots Multi GPU Technology Storage LAN High Definition Audio IEEE 1394a XVI Supports the Intel Core 7 Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i3 Processor in the LGA1156 package Supports Intel Turbo Boost Technology Refer to www asus com for Intel CPU support list Intel P55 Express Chipset Dual channel memory architecture 4 x DIMM max 16GB DDR3 2200 0 C 2133 0 C 2000 0 C 1800 O 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
157. ur system effectively 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 Z 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 a high voltage may damage the CPU permanently and setting a low voltage 1 Refer to the CPU documentation before adjusting CPU voltage settings Setting may make the system unstable For system stability all changes made in ASUS TurboV will not be saved to aN 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 PES Turbo EVO 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 immediately P Set the CPU Ratio Setting item in BIOS to Auto before using the CPU
158. uration options Last State Disabled Enabled 3 5 7 ROG Connect BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced RC Poster 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 enable or disable the ROG Connect function Configuration options Enabled Disabled RC Poster Mode String RC Poster describes what occurs during the POST Configuration options String Code ROG Maximus III Extreme 3 29 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 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
159. ust 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 9 DRAM Frequency Auto Allows you to set the DDR3 operating frequency Configuration options Auto 800MHZ 1066MHz 1333MHz 3 3 10 QPI Frequency Auto Configuration options Auto 3200MHz 3733MHz 4800MHz 3 3 11 Start auto tuning Press lt Enter gt to start auto tuning It takes around 5 minutes and the system will reboot for several times before the tuning completes After the tuning the C State will be disabled 3 3 12 OC Tuner Good Performance OC Tuner automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of CPU and DRAM Choose Good Performance or Better Performance as a stable setting for daily use Choose Turbo Profile as an advanced overclocking setting for special purposes Configuration options Turbo Profile ROG Maximus III Extreme 3 11 3 3 13 DRAM Timing Control The configuration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs you install on the motherboard 1st Information 9 9 9 24 4 74 10 5 20 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
160. vernne 3 5 BIOS setup Program avsendere 3 6 3 2 BIOS menu screen 3 7 EE MoU EE EN 3 7 3 2 3 NAVIGATION KO 3 7 3 24 Menuitems rrrrrsnrrrrnsvrvrrsnvvrnnrnrvrnnanvrrrsnrrrsnsarnrssnnrssrnnnnne 3 8 GE Ve EG EE oct 3 8 3 2 6 Configuration fields ssrrnrrrnvrnrrrnrrnvrrvrrnvrrvrrsrrrnrrnvennn 3 8 3 2 7 Pop up WINDOW sanden 3 8 326 SCO Dar sesiis anena 3 8 3 2 9 General help 3 8 Extreme Tweaker menu rrrrsnnvvrrrnnnnnvnvrnnnnnvnvnnnnnevnennnnnvvnrsnnnnevnnnnnn 3 9 3 3 1 CPU LEVEL Up AUTON Lunnan 3 10 3 3 2 Memory Level Up Auto rernrnrnrnnnrrnnrnrnrrrrrnrnnnenenr 3 10 3 3 3 Ai Overclock Tuner AUTO 3 10 3 3 4 eXtreme Memory Profile Disabled rrrrnrrnrrnrrn 3 10 3 3 5 OC From CPU Memory Level Up Auto 3 10 3 3 6 CPU Ratio Setting Auto ssrrrnrrnnrrrnvrrnrrrrrrrrrrrvnrnnen 3 11 3 3 7 Intel R SpeedStep TM Tech Enabled oo0000e 3 11 Contents 3 4 3 5 3 3 8 BCLK Frequency XXX cccccceccsecsesseesseesseesseeeees 3 11 3 3 9 DRAM Frequency Auto 3 11 3 3 10 QPI Frequency AUTO un 3 11 3 3 11 Sagen 3 11 3 3 12 OC Tuner Good Performance 3 11 3313 DRAM Timing Gontroluu usmnnemnagmmseenmimm 3 12 3 3 14 CPU Clock Amplitude Auto rernrrrnrrrnrrrnrrrnvrrnvernnnn 3 13 3 3 15 PCH Clock Amplitude Auto rernrrrnrrrnrrrnrrrnvrrnvernrnn 3 13 3 3 16 CPU Clock Skew AUTO 3 13 3 3 17 PCH Clock Skew AUTO 3 13 3 3 18 Extre
161. via Internet for later usage 4 Check BIOS Information F Update BIOS from a file Save current BIOS to a file 3 Ri Update BIOS from the Internet ER Download BIOS from the Internet Check BIOS Information Be Look in J 3 Floppy 4 e c m l MAXIMUSIIIFORMULA ROM File name MAXIMUSIIIFORMULA Files of type eios Files awd bin ami rom Cancel 2 3 3 3 4 3 1 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ 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 Z Before you start using this utility download the latest BIOS from the ASUS 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 BOARD Maximus III Extreme BOARD MUAknonn 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
162. y 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 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 C6 ROG Maximus III Extreme 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 Uncore Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Uncore Chipset Configuration Set the ECC options for cache and dram IMC Type Clarkdale scrubbing Memory Remap Feature Enabled PCI MMIO Allocation 4GB To 3
163. ync 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 Removable 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 Extreme 3 17 Block Multi Sector Transfer M Auto Enables or disables data multi sectors transfers
164. ype Status Vol ID 0 ST3160812AS 9LS0HJA4 149 0GB 1 ST3160812AS 9LSOF4HL 149 0GB 2 ST3160812AS 3LSOJYL8 149 0GB 3 ST3160812AS 9LSOBJ5H 149 0GB 1 Select ESC Exit ENTER Select Menu ROG Maximus III Extreme 4 25 The navigation keys at the bottom of the screen allow you to move through the menus and select the menu options BW 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 pyright C 2003 09 Intel CREATE VOLUME MENU Name VolumeQ 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 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 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 t TT D LAN I 4 26 Chapter 4 Software support 5 Use the up down arrow key to select a drive and then

ASUS MAXIMUS_III_EXTREME Owner's Manual

Contents

Download Pdf Manuals

Related Search

Related Contents