Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver
Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL Manual
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Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL manual content summary:
- Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 1
Motherboard Maximus Formula (Special Edition)/ Maximus Formula - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 2
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 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 3
iii Notices...vii Safety information viii About this guide ix Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula specifications summary...xi Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome 1-1 1.2 Package contents 1-1 1.3 Special System memory 2-16 2.4.1 Overview 2-16 2.4.2 Memory configurations - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 4
2 utility 4-5 4.1.4 AFUDOS utility 4-6 4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility 4-8 4.2 BIOS setup program 4-9 4.2.1 BIOS menu screen 4-10 4.2.2 Menu bar 4-10 4.2.3 Navigation keys 4-10 4.2.4 Menu items 4-11 4.2.5 Sub-menu items 4-11 4.2.6 Configuration fields 4-11 4.2.7 Pop-up window 4-11 iv - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 5
PnP 4-28 4.6 Power menu 4-29 4.6.1 Suspend Mode 4-29 4.6.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume 4-29 4.6.3 ACPI Version 4-29 4.6.4 ACPI APIC Support 4-29 4.6.5 APM Configuration 4-30 4.6.6 Hardware Monitor 4-31 4.7 Boot menu 4-34 4.7.1 Boot Device Priority 4-34 4.7.2 Boot Settings Configuration 4-35 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 6
Contents Chapter 5: Software support 5.1 Installing an operating system 5-1 5.2 Support DVD information 5-1 5.2.1 Running the support DVD 5-1 5.2.2 Drivers menu 5-2 5.2.3 Utilities menu 5-3 5.2.4 Make Disk menu 5-5 5.2.5 Manuals menu 5-6 5.2.6 Video menu 5-6 5.2.7 ASUS Contact information - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 7
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 of Communications. This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. vii - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 8
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. Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals that came with the - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 9
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 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 10
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 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 11
Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula specifications summary CPU Chipset System Bus Memory Expansion Slots CrossFire™ Technology Storage LAN High Definition Audio IEEE 1394 USB LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® Extreme / Pentium® D / - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 12
Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula specifications summary ROG Exclusive Overclocking features ROG Special Features Back Panel I/O Ports Internal I/O Connectors Fusion Block System (for Special Edition only) Extreme Tweaker 2-Phase DDR2 Loadline Calibration Intelligent overclocking - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 13
cable Serial ATA cables Serial ATA power cables 2-port USB2.0 + IEEE 1394a module I/O Shield Cable ties User's manual The hottest 3D game: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Support DVD: Drivers ASUS PC Probe II ASUS Update ASUS AI Suite Futuremark® 3DMark® 06 Advanced Edition Kaspersky® Anti-virus software ATX Form - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 14
xiv - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 15
This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports. 1Product introduction - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 16
Chapter summary 1 1.1 Welcome 1-1 1.2 Package contents 1-1 1.3 Special features 1-2 ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 17
Special Edition only) LCD Poster SupremeFX II Audio Card 3-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector Kit Cable ties ROG motherboard support DVD The hottest game: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. User guide If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 18
enthusiastic gamers with 1333/1066/800 MHz FSB. Intel® Quad-core processor is one of the most powerful CPU in the world. See page 2‑8 for details. Intel® Core™2 Duo/ Intel® Core™2 Extreme CPU support This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core™2 processor in the LGA775 package and Intel's next - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 19
overclocking both the CPU and memory- providing great performance for 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications. See page 2‑16 for details. Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology This motherboard supports . See page 2-27 for details. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 1- - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 20
details. Green ASUS This motherboard and ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard consumers' health while minimizing the impact on the environment. 1.3.2 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features Fusion Block System (for Special Edition - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 21
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 settings. See page 4-39 for details. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 22
the system hangs due to overclocking failure, there is no need to open the system chassis to clear CMOS data. Simply reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default settings for each parameter. Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is required before using C.P.R. function - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 23
page 5-30 for details. ASUS Q-Fan 2 ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efficient operation. See pages 4-31, 4-32, and 5-31 for details. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 1- - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 24
designed to provide sufficient airflow over the CPU power modules and chipset area when water-cooling or passive-cooling is utilized, ensuring effective heat dissipation for the entire system. See pages 2-15 and 2-33 for details. ASUS MyLogo 3 ASUS MyLogo 3 is a new feature present in the - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 25
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. 2 Hardware information - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 26
Before you proceed 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview 2-4 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 2-8 2.4 System memory 2-16 2.5 Expansion slots 2-21 2.6 Switch 2-22 2.7 Aduio card, I/O shield, and LCD Poster Installation 2-25 2.8 Connectors 2-27 ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 27
to display in BIOS. Refer to the illustration below for the location of the CPU LED and the table below for LED definition. CPU_CRAZY CPU_HIGH CPU_NORMAL ® MAXIMUS FORMULA MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS FORMULA CPU LED CPU Voltage CPU PLL Voltage Normal (green) 1.10000~1.50000 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 28
Refer to the illustration below for the location of the memory LED and the table below for LED definition. ® MAXIMUS FORMULA DDR_CRAZY DDR_HIGH DDR_NORMAL MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS FORMULA DDR LED DRAM Voltage Normal (green) 1.80~2.20 High (yellow) 2.22~2.60 Crazy (red) 2.62 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 29
unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard power-on switch. MAXIMUS FORMULA MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS FORMULA Power on switch ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2- - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 30
below. 2.2.2 Screw holes Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis MAXIMUS FORMULA ® 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 31
CMOS Power MAXIMUS FORMULA PCIEX1_3 USB1112 CLRTC_SW Intel® ICH9R HD_LED SATA12 OPT_TEMP2 Super I/O OPT_FAN3 PCIEX16_2 PCI2 IE1394_2 BIOS and internal connectors. 2.2.4 Audio card layout SUPREMEFX II Listen with Absolute HD ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2- - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 32
(black) 10.* Side Speaker Out port (gray) 11. USB 2.0 ports 1, 2, 3 and 4 12. IEEE 1394a port 13. Clear CMOS switch 14 . Optical S/PDIF Out port 15. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6 *These audio ports are on the Supreme FX II audio card. Page 2-16 2-23 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 33
10. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT, for ASUS HDMI VGA card) 11. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) Onboard switches 1. Power-on switch 2. Reset switch Page 2- 29 2- 29 2- 30 2- 31 2- 32 2- 32 2- 33 2- 34 2- 34 2- 35 2-36 Page 2-38 2-38 ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 34
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed for the Intel® Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 / Pentium® Extreme processors. • Make sure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU. • If - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 35
2.3.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. ® MAXIMUS FORMULA MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS FORMULA CPU Socket 775 Before installing the CPU, make sure that the cam box is facing towards you and the load lever is on your left. 2. Press the - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 36
socket, making sure that the gold triangle is on the bottom‑left corner of the socket then fit the socket into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging motherboard supports Intel® LGA775 processors with the Intel® Enhanced Memory 64 Technology (EM64T), Enhanced Intel - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 37
Intel®‑certified multi‑directional heatsink and fan. • Your Intel® LGA775 Motherboard hole Fastener Make sure to orient each fastener with the narrow end of the groove pointing outward. (The photo shows the groove shaded for emphasis.) ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 38
fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. CPU_FAN ® GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM MAXIMUS FORMULA MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS FORMULA CPU fan connector DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 39
. 3. Pull up two fasteners at a time in a diagonal sequence to disengage the heatsink and fan assembly from B the motherboard. A A B A B B A 4. Carefully remove the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard. ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-13 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 40
5. Rotate each fastener clockwise to ensure correct orientation when reinstalling. The narrow end of the groove should point outward after resetting. (The photo shows the groove shaded for emphasis.) Narrow end of the groove Refer to the documentation in the boxed or stand-alone CPU fan package - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 41
the fan cable. • Plug the optional fan cables to any of the CHA_FAN1, CHA_FAN3, and PWR_FAN connectors on the motherboard. • Make sure the optional fan is installed correctly to prevent damage to the fan and motherboard components. ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-15 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 42
MAXIMUS FORMULA MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS FORMULA 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 • This chipset officially supports DDR2-800 MHz. With the ASUS Super Memspeed Technology, this motherboard natively supports - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 43
, contact your memory vendor to check the ODT value. • Due to chipset limitation, DDR2-800 with CL=4 will be downgraded to run at DDR2-667 by default setting. If you want to operate with lower latency, adjust the memory timing manually. ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-17 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 44
Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800 pair of Dual-channel memory configuration. • C*: Supports 4 modules inserted into both the blue and white slots as two pairs of Dual-channel memory configuration. Visit the ASUS website for the - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 45
-6E1K TMM6208G8M30C SS 8D-23JK5M2ETP DIMM support A* B* C* •• ••• ••• ••• ••• •• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• •• •• •• • • • ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• •• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-19 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 46
Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. To install a DIMM: 1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. 2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 47
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. ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 48
Printer port (LPT1)* 8 3 System CMOS/Real Time Clock 9 4 IRQ holder for PCI steering* 10 5 IRQ holder for PCI steering* 11 IDE (legacy mode) 15 10 SATA Secondary IDE (legacy mode) * These IRQs are usually available for PCI devices. IRQ assignments for this motherboard A B C D E - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 49
that support CrossFire™ mode. • If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/3 for better thermal environment. See page 2-36 for the connector location. ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 50
the back I/O. 2. Hold down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data. ® CLRTC_SW MAXIMUS FORMULA Enable (Default) MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS FORMULA Clear RTC RAM Disable clr CMOS switch behavior System power state G3* S5* S0 (DOS mode) S0 (OS - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 51
the package. 2. Locate the audio slot on the motherboard. 3. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card sits on the slot completely. 4. The photo below shows the audio card installed on the motherboard. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-25 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 52
. Orient the I/O shield so that the openings of the ports fit the motherboard rear ports. Snaps the I/O shield into place. 2. Position the motherboard I/O side toward the chassis rear panel and install the motherboard to the chassis. Be cautious when installing the I/O shield. The I/O shield edge - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 53
Power ON/OFF 100 Mbps connection 64-bit OS LAN port LED indications Activity/Link OFF YELLOW* YELLOW* YELLOW* Speed LED OFF OFF ORANGE GREEN Description Soft-off Mode During Power ON/OFF 100 Mbps connection 1 Gbps connection * Blinking ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 54
6-pin IEEE 1394a port provides high-speed connectivity for audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable devices. 13. Clear CMOS switch. Press the clear CMOS switch to clear setup information when the system hangs due to overclocking. 14. Optical S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 55
on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1. MAXIMUS FORMULA PIN 1 MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS FORMULA Floppy disk drive connector 2. IDE connector the blue connector to the motherboard's IDE connector, then select one of the following modes to configure your device. Single device Two - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 56
creating a RAID set, refer to 5.4.3 Intel® RAID configurations or the manual bundled in the motherboard support DVD. SATA2 GND RSATA_TXP2 RSATA_TXN2 GND RSATA_RXP2 RSATA_RXN2 GND SATA4 GND RSATA_TXP4 RSATA_TXN4 GND RSATA_RXP4 RSATA_RXN4 GND MAXIMUS FORMULA SATA6 GND RSATA_TXP6 RSATA_TXN6 GND - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 57
+ GND MAXIMUS FORMULA USB910 MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS FORMULA USB 2.0 connectors USB+5V USB_P9USB_P9+ GND USB78 USB+5V USB_P7USB_P7+ GND Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! You can connect the USB cable to ASUS Q-Connector - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 58
12V TPB1GND TPA1- MAXIMUS FORMULA IE1394_2 PIN 1 +12V TPB1+ GND TPA1+ MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS FORMULA IEEE 1394a connector Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage the motherboard! You can connect the 1394 cable to ASUS Q-Connector (1394, red - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 59
GND OPT_FAN3 MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS FORMULA Fan connectors • Only the CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN1~3, and OPT_FAN1~3 connectors support the ASUS Q-Fan 2 feature. • If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the chassis fan cable to the motherboard connector labled CHA_FAN1 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 60
GND GND GND GND +12V DC +12V DC +12V DC +12V DC Ground +5 Volts Ground +5 Volts Ground MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS FORMULA ATX power connectors +3 Volts +3 Volts Ground +5 Volts +5 Volts +5 Volts -5 Volts Ground Ground Ground PSON# Ground -12 Volts +3 Volts • Make sure to - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 61
support the motherboard power requirements with the following configuration: CPU: Intel® Pentium® Extreme 3.73GHz Memory: 512 MB DDR2 (x4) Graphics card: ASUS GND SPDIFOUT +5V MAXIMUS FORMULA MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS FORMULA Digital audio connector The ASUS HDMI-equipped graphics - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 62
supports several chassis-mounted functions. PLED SPEAKER PANEL PLED+ PLED+5V Ground Ground Speaker ® IDE_LED+ IDE_LED- PWR Ground Reset Ground MAXIMUS FORMULA IDE_LED RESET PWRSW * Requires an ATX power supply. MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS FORMULA BIOS settings. Pressing the power - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 63
the ASUS Q-Connector to the system panel connector, making sure the orientation matches the labels on the motherboard. 3. The front panel functions are now enabled. The figure shows the Q-Connector properly installed on the motherboard. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-37 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 64
-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 FORMULA MAXIMUS FORMULA(Special Edition)/ MAXIMUS FORMULA Power on switch 2. Reset switch Press the - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 65
2.8.4 Installing Fusion Block System accessory Install your watercooling system to the motherboard using the bundled accessories to obtain the best thermal solution. Package contents 3/8" ID tubes x the coolant into the reservoir. 1 2 ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 2-39 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 66
that both tubes are well connected to prevent leak, and then fill the coolant into the reservoir. The picture shows a watercooling system installed to the motherboard. 5 6 2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware information - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 67
This chapter describes the power up Powerin3g up sequence, the vocal POST messages, and ways of shutting down the system. - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 68
Chapter summary 3 3.1 Starting up for the first time 3-1 3.2 Turning off the computer 3-2 ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 69
VGA detected Quick boot set to disabled No keyboard detected No memory detected No VGA detected Hardware component failure 7. At power on, hold down the key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the instructions in Chapter 4. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 3- - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 70
after Windows® shuts down. 3.2.2 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 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 71
This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided. 4 BIOS setup - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 72
summary 4 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS 4-1 4.2 BIOS setup program 4-9 4.3 Main menu 4-12 4.4 Extreme Tweaker menu 4-17 4.5 Advanced menu 4-23 4.6 Power menu 4-29 4.7 Boot menu 4-34 4.8 Tools menu 4-38 4.9 Exit menu 4-41 ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 73
Installing ASUS Update To install ASUS Update: 1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears. 2. Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX. 3. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 74
update the BIOS using this utility. 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 > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. 2. Select Update BIOS - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 75
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. Maximus Formula Maximus Formula ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 76
the DOS prompt, type format A:/S then press . Windows® XP environment a. Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk to the floppy disk drive. b. Click Start from the Windows® desktop, then select My Start. 2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the bootable floppy disk. 4- Chapter - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 77
system when done. • This function can support devices such as USB flash disk, or floppy 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! ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4- - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 78
utility returns to the DOS prompt after copying the current BIOS file. Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: 1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk. 4- Chapter - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 79
. WARNING!! Do not turn off power during flash BIOS Reading file ....... done Reading flash ...... done Advance Check ...... Erasing flash ...... done Writing flash ...... done Verifying flash .... done Please restart your computer A:\> ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4- - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 80
BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or the USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 81
Menu. • The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen. • Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4- - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 82
configuration Extreme Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings Advanced For changing the advanced system settings Power For changing the advanced power management (APM) configuration Boot For changing the system boot configuration Tools For Configuring options for special - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 83
Power, Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. 4.2.5 Sub-menu items System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A Language SATA 1 SATA 2 SATA 3 SATA 4 SATA 5 SATA 6 SATA Configuration item. Pop-up window Scroll bar ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-11 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 84
through them. Main Extreme Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A Language [10:55:25] [ [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field. Use [+] or [-] to configure system Time. Select Screen Select Item +- Change Field Tab Select Field F1 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 85
supports multi-sector transfer feature. When set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to the device occurs one sector at a time. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] PIO Mode [Auto] Selects the PIO mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 86
onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to internally optimize the order of commands. If you want to create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, or the Intel® Matrix Storage Technology configuration from - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 87
15] Configuration options: [0] [5] [10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35] ACHI Port1~6 [XXX] Displays the auto-detected SATA devices. AHCI Port1 Device :Not Detected SATA Port1 [Auto] SMART Monitoring [Enabled] Select the type of devices connected to the system. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 88
automatically detects the items in this menu. Main BIOS SETUP UTILITY ASUS BIOS Version : 0116 Build Date : 08/27/07 Processor Type Speed Count : Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6300 @ 1.86GHz : 1876MHz : 2 System Memory Available : 2048 MB Select Screen Select Item F1 General Help F10 Save and - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 89
to [Manual] after selecting a CPU level. Configuration options: [Auto] [E6400] [E6550] [E6600] [E6700] [X6800] [E6850] [Crazy] • The configuration options may vary depending on your CPU type. • The option [Crazy] appears only when you use a CPU above E6600. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 90
on which option you select. eXtreme Memory Profile [Profile #1] Allows you to select the memory profile during overclocking between [Profile #1] (high performance) and [Profile #2] (high frequency). This item appears only when you set Ai Overclock Tuner to [X.M.P.]. Configuration options: [Profile - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 91
[ 5 DRAM Clocks] Configuration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks]~[17 DRAM Clocks] [18 DRAM Clocks] RAS# Active Time [15 DRAM Clocks] Configuration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks]~[33 DRAM Clocks] [34 DRAM Clocks] ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-19 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 92
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]~[15 DRAM Clocks] Write to Read Delay [Auto] Configuration CPU voltage. The text color in the configuration field corresponds to the onboard CPU LED for CPU LED definition. Configuration options: [Auto] [1.10000V set Ai Overclock Tuner to [Manual]. Refer - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 93
. Refer to page 2-2 for southbridge LED definition. Configuration options: [Auto] [1.050V] [1.075V] [1.110V] [1.125V] [1.150V] [1.175V] [1.200V] [1.225V] Loadline Calibration [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-21 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 94
60V] [0.57V] [0.56V] [0.53V] [0.51V] [0.49V] DDR2 Channel A REF Voltage [Auto] Allows you to manually set the memory voltage, or you can set to [Auto] for the safe mode. Configuration options: [DDR2_REF-30mv] [DDR2_REF-20mv] [DDR2_REF-10mv] [DDR2_REF] [DDR2_REF+10mv] [DDR2_REF+20mv] [DDR2_REF+30mv - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 95
Onboard Devices Configuration USB Configuration PCIPnP Configure CPU. Select Screen Select Item +- Change Field Tab Select Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-23 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 96
CPU Ratio Control is set to [Manual]. Ratio CMOS Setting [7] Whether this item is configurable depends on your CPU type. The valid value ranges differently according to your CPU type. If this item is configurable, enter the value using the numeric keypad. C1E Support [Enabled] Allows you to enable - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 97
install 64bit operating system. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Initiate Graphic Adapter [PEG/PCI] Allows you to decide which graphics controller to use as the primary boot device. Configuration options: [PCI/PEG] [PEG/PCI] ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-25 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 98
front panel audio module supports. Configuration options: [AC97] [HD Audio] J-Micron PATA Controller [Enabled] Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Marvell GigaBit LAN 1/2 [Enabled] Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 99
Mode [HiSpeed] Allows you to set the USB 2.0 controller mode to HiSpeed (480 Mbps) or FullSpeed (12 Mbps). Configuration options: [FullSpeed] [HiSpeed] The USB 2.0 Controller Mode item appears only when you enable the USB 2.0 Controller. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-27 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 100
is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is disabled. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto] 4.5.5 PCI PnP The lets the BIOS configure all the devices in the system. YES: lets the operating system configure Plug and Play (PnP) devices not required for boot if - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 101
Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). When set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 102
4.6.5 APM Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power APM Configuration Restore on AC Power Loss Power On By RTC Alarm Power On By PCI Devices Power On By PCIE Devices Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Power Off] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] to select whether or not - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 103
to the motherboard, the field shows N/A. CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the CPU Q-Fan controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The CPU Fan Profile item appears when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 104
: [50%] [60%] [70%] [80%] [90%] [100%] Power Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the chassis fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the field shows N/A. 4-32 Chapter 4: BIOS setup - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 105
onboard voltage regulators. OPT Q-Fan and Temperature BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power OPT_Fan 1 Reading OPT_Fan1 Q-Fan Control Duty CYCLE], this item does not appear. Configuration options: [16] [24] [32] [40] [48] [56] [64] [72] ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-33 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 106
. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Main Extreme Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Boot Device Priority Boot Settings Configuration Security Specifies the Boot Device Priority sequence. A virtual floppy disk drive (Floppy Drive B:) may appear - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 107
DEL to run Setup" during POST. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-35 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 108
press to display the configuration options. Security Settings BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Supervisor Password User Password :Not Installed message "Password Uninstalled" appears. If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section 2.6 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 109
you to change other security settings. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Security Settings Supervisor Password User Password allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items. Configuration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-37 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 110
allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Main Extreme Tweaker ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS O.C. Profile AI Net 2 BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Press ENTER to run the utility to select and update BIOS. This utility - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 111
Home/End] Move • This function can support devices such as USB flash disk or floppy disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the system boot failure! ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-39 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 112
N/A 3-6 N/A 4-5 N/A 7-8 N/A 1-2 N/A 3-6 N/A 4-5 N/A 7-8 N/A BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced [Disabled] Check LAN cable during POST. Select Screen Select Item +- the LAN cable during the Power-On Self‑Test (POST). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 4-40 Chapter 4: BIOS setup - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 113
BIOS items. Main Extreme Tweaker Exit Options Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes Load Setup Defaults BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot saved to the CMOS RAM. An onboard backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 4-41 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 114
4-42 Chapter 4: BIOS setup - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 115
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package. 5 Software support - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 116
Chapter summary 5 5.1 Installing an operating system 5-1 5.2 Support DVD information 5-1 5.3 Software information 5-9 5.4 RAID configurations 5-33 5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk 5-42 ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 117
support DVD/motherboard information Click an item to install If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to run the DVD. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 118
necessary drivers to activate the devices. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Drivers Launches the ASUS InstAll driver installation wizard. Intel Chipset Inf Update Program Installs the Intel® chipset inf update program. SoundMAX ADI Audio Driver Installs the SoundMAX® ADI1988 audio driver and - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 119
menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. Click to display the next screen ASUS InstAll-Installation Wizard for Utilities Installs all of the CPA applications. Click to display the previous screen ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 5- - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 120
voltages, and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you keep your computer in healthy operating condition. ASUS AI Suite Installs the ASUS AI Suite. ASUS Update The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. This utility requires an - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 121
RAID/AHCI driver disk. Intel ICH9 32/64 bit RAID/AHCI Driver Allows you to create an ICH9R 32/64bit RAID/AHCI driver disk. JMicron JMB36X 32/64 bit RAID/AHCI Driver Allows you to create a JMicron JMB368 32/64bit RAID/AHCI driver disk. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 5- - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 122
® Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual file. 5.2.6 Video menu Click the Video tab to display a list of video clips. Click the Extreme OC Clip item to watch how an overclocking guru breaks 3DMark world record with an ROG motherboard. 5- Chapter 5: Software support - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 123
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. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 5- - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 124
Browse this DVD Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format. Technical support form Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when requesting technical support. Filelist Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 125
the drop down menu, then click Next. 5. When prompted, locate the new BIOS file, then click Next. The ASUS MyLogo window appears. 6. From the left window pane, select the folder that contains the image you intend to use as your boot logo. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 5- - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 126
image to your desired size by selecting a value on the Ratio box. 9. When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility, flash the original BIOS to load the new boot logo. 10. After flashing the BIOS, restart the computer to display the new boot logo during POST. 5-10 Chapter 5: Software support - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 127
window is disabled if no problem is detected on the LAN cable(s) connected to the LAN port(s). • If you want the system to check the status of the LAN cable before entering the OS, enable the item Post Check LAN Cable in the BIOS Setup. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 5-11 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 128
, 3D sound positioning, and advanced voice-input technologies. Follow the installation wizard to install the ADI AD1988 Audio Driver from the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package to activate the SoundMAX® audio utility. You must use 4-channel, 6-channel or 8-channel speakers for this - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 129
BlackHawk icon to display the SoundMAX® control panel. Enabling AI Audio 2 Click the power button to activate digital signal processing. AI Audio 2, with the new SoundMAX® BlackHawk by only under the Windows® Vista™ operating system. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 5-13 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 130
Playback Settings To configure the playback settings, click the Playback button on the control panel Click this port settings tab to display the rear panel ports configuration for the speakers or rear panel digital port configuration for the SPDIF interface. 5-14 Chapter 5: Software support - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 131
input features, including No Filtering, Speakerphone, Voice Recording, and Directional Beam. More Settings Click for the further configurations. Equalizer Allows you to configure and customize all the DSP presets frequencies. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 5-15 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 132
Speakers Allows you to adjust the Speaker Trim and Speaker Delay. Bass Allows you to do the Bass management. Preferences Displays the preference options for this utility, version information, AudioESP, etc. 5-16 Chapter 5: Software support - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 133
SoundMAX® Control Panel. Audio Setup Wizard By clicking the icon from the SoundMAX® control panel, you can easily configure your audio settings. Simply follow the succeeding screen instructions and begin enjoying High Definition Audio. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 5-17 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 134
This screen helps you configure your computer's audio ports, depending on the audio devices you have installed. Adjust speaker volume This screen helps you adjust speaker be asked to read pre-written text to allow the AudioWizard to adjust the volume as you speak. 5-18 Chapter 5: Software support - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 135
output. Listening Environment options Click the Listening Environment tab to set up your speaker, acoustic environment, and enable/disable the Virtual Theater Surround function. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 5-19 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 136
Microphone options Click the Microphone tab allows you to optimize your microphone input settings. 5-20 Chapter 5: Software support - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 137
the utility configuration. By default, the main window displays the Preference section. You can close or restore the Preference section by clicking on the triangle on the main window right handle. Click to close the Preference panel ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 5-21 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 138
Button Function Opens the Configuration window Opens the Report window Opens the Desktop Management Interface window Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window Opens the hard disk drive, memory, CPU usage window Shows/Hides the Preference - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 139
values using the Config window. You cannot adjust the sensor threshold values in a small monitoring panel. Click to increase value Click to decrease value ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 5-23 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 140
Interface) browser. This browser displays various desktop and system information. Click the plus sign (+) before DMI Information to display the available information. 5-24 Chapter 5: Software support - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 141
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 realtime CPU represents the used (blue) and the available HDD ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 5-25 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 142
bottom of the window represents the used (blue) and the available physical memory. Configuring PC Probe II Click to view and adjust the sensor threshold values. The Config window or ignores your changes Loads your saved configuration Saves your configuration 5-26 Chapter 5: Software support - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 143
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 AI Suite. 3. Follow the screen instructions AI Nap Press to launch Q-Fan 2 ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 5-27 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 144
Other feature buttons Click on right corner of the main window to open the monitor window. Displays the CPU/ system temperature, CPU/memory/PCIE voltage, and CPU/ chassis fan speed Displays the FSB/CPU frequency Click on right corner of the expanded window to switch the temperature from - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 145
. • Under Auto mode, Click Settings to set the time for the system to enter AI Nap mode. Auto Mode Turbo Mode High Performance Mode Medium Power Saving Mode Max Power Saving Mode ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula Calibration Settings 5-29 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 146
5.3.7 ASUS AI Nap This feature allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer whenever you are away. Enable this feature for minimum power consumption and a quieter system operation. After installing AI Suite from the bundled Support DVD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 147
fan speed. After installing AI Suite from the bundled Support DVD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking the cooling effect. click to display the dropdown list and select a Q-Fan 2 mode Click Apply at the bottom to save the setup. ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 148
allows you to overclock the CPU speed in WIndows® environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. After installing AI Suite from the bundled Support DVD, you CPU/ Memory/PCI-E frequency manually, or create and apply your personal overclocking configurations. 5-32 Chapter 5: Software support - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 149
in a created RAID set, copy first the RAID driver from the support DVD to a floppy disk/USB device before you install an operating system to the selected hard disk drive. Refer to section 5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk for details. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 5-33 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 150
cable to the power connector on each drive. 5.4.3 Intel® RAID configurations This motherboard supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 (0+1) and Intel® Matrix Storage configurations for Serial ATA hard disks drives through the Intel® ICH8R Southbridge chip. Setting the RAID item in BIOS You must set - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 151
navigation keys at the bottom of the screen allow you to move through the menus and select the menu options. The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only and may not exactly match the items on your screen. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 5-35 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 152
Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM v5.0.0.1032 ICH9R wRAID5 Copyright(C) 2003-05 Intel . This name is case sensitive and cannot contain special characters. [↑↓]-Change [TAB]-Next [ESC]-Previous Menu to select the hard disk drives to configure as RAID. This pop‑up screen appears support - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 153
server systems, and a higher stripe size for multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing. 7. Key in the RAID volume capacity that you want, then press . The or to go back to the Create Volume menu. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 5-37 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 154
This screen appears. Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM v5.0.0.1032 ICH9R wRAID5 Copyright(C) 2003-05 Intel Corporation. All Rights the RAID volume. This name is case sensitive and cannot contain special characters. [↑↓]-Change [TAB]-Next [ESC]-Previous Menu [Enter]-Select support - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 155
for multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing. 5. Key in the RAID volume capacity that you want then press when the Capacity item is highlighted. The default value indicates the maximum allowed capacity. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 5-39 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 156
This screen appears. Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM v5.0.0.1032 ICH9R wRAID5 Copyright(C) 2003-05 Intel Corporation. All Rights identify the RAID volume. This name is case sensitive and cannot contain special characters. [↑↓]-Change [TAB]-Next [ESC]-Previous Menu [Enter]-Select - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 157
press to select the hard disk drives to configure as RAID. The following pop‑up screen appears. stripe size for multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing. 7. Key in the RAID volume capacity that you want, Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula 5-41 - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 158
Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive. 3. Go to the Make Disk menu, then click Intel ICH9R 32/64bit RAID Driver to create an Intel® ICH9R RAID driver disk. 4. Insert a floppy disk/USB device into the floppy disk drive/USB port. 5. Follow succeeding screen instructions to complete - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 159
driver in Windows® Vista™: 1. Insert the floppy disk/USB device with RAID driver into the floppy disk drive/USB port. 2. During the OS installation, select Intel ICH9R. 3. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 160
5-44 Chapter 5: Software support - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 161
CPU featAures The Appendix describes the CPU features and technologies that the motherboard supports as well as the debug code table for the LCD Poster. - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 162
Chapter summary A A.1 Intel® EM64T A-1 A.2 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST A-1 A.3 Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology A-3 A.4 Debug Code Table A-4 ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 163
is fully compatible with Intel® LGA775 processors running on 32-bit operating systems. • The motherboard comes with a BIOS file that supports EM64T. You can download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website (www.asus.com/ support/download/) if you need to update the BIOS file. See Chapter 4 for - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 164
computer, then enter the BIOS Setup. 2. Go to the Advanced Menu, highlight CPU Configuration, then press . 3. Set the Intel(R) SpeedStep Technology item to Click Apply, then click OK. 10. Close the Display Properties window. After you adjust the power scheme, the CPU internal frequency - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 165
Power up the system and enter the BIOS Setup. Under the Advanced Menu, make sure that the item Hyper‑Threading Technology is set to [Enabled]. The BIOS item appears only if you installed a CPU that supports Hyper‑Threading Technology. 3. Restart the computer. ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 166
chipset hook to copy BIOS back to E000 & F000 shadow RAM. Expand the Xgroup codes locating in physical address 1000:0 Initial Superio_Early_Init switch. 1. Blank out screen 2. Clear CMOS error flag 1. Clear 8042 interface 2. Initialize 8042 self-test 1. Test special keyboard controller for Winbond - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 167
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 & parallel ports. Detect & install co-processor ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula A- - Asus MAXIMUS FORMULA SPECIAL | Maximus Formula user's manual English Edition Ver - Page 168
INT 19H CPU change CPR error Fan error UCODE error Floppy error Keyboard error HDD error CMOS error Mouse error 80 port error Boot device change HDD smart function error Hard monitor error AI NET error Case open Clear EPA or customization logo. 1. Call chipset power management hook. 2. Recover the
Motherboard
Maximus Formula
(Special Edition)/
Maximus Formula