Asus Crosshair V Formula Z CROSSHAIRVFORMULAZ User Manual

CROSSHAIR V  
FORMULA-Z  
Contents  
iii  
iv  
AMD® Option ROM utility ............................................................5-3  
Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®....................................5-6  
AMD® CrossFireX™ technology ...............................................................6-1  
v
Safety information  
Electrical safety  
To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet  
before relocating the system.  
When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables  
for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible,  
disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.  
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all  
power cables are unplugged.  
Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices  
could interrupt the grounding circuit.  
Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not  
sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power  
company.  
If the power supply is broken, do not try to 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 package.  
Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power  
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.  
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,  
slots, sockets and circuitry.  
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area  
where it may become wet.  
Place the product on a stable surface.  
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service  
technician or your retailer.  
vii  
 
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. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the  
motherboard.  
Chapter 2: Basic Installation  
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when  
installing system components.  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.  
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.  
Chapter 4: Software support  
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the  
motherboard package and the software.  
Chapter 5: RAID support  
This chapter describes the RAID configurations.  
Chapter 6: Multiple GPU support  
This chapter describes how to install and configure multiple AMD® CrossFireX™ and  
NVIDIA® SLI™ graphics cards.  
Where to find more information  
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software  
updates.  
1.  
2.  
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.  
viii  
 
Conventions used in this guide  
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used  
throughout this manual.  
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to  
complete a task.  
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to  
complete a task  
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task..  
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.  
Typography  
Bold text  
Italics  
Indicates a menu or an item to select.  
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.  
<Key>  
Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign  
means that you must press the enclosed key.  
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or  
Return key.  
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key  
names are linked with a plus sign (+).  
ix  
CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z specifications summary  
CPU  
AMD® Socket AM3+ for AMD® FX series CPU up to 8-core  
compatible with AMD® Socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™ II /  
Athlon II™ / Sempron™ 100 series processors  
Supports AMD® 140W CPU  
AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology  
Supports AM3+ 32nm CPU  
Chipset  
AMD® 990FX / SB950  
System Bus  
Memory  
Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.0  
4 x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 2400(O.C.) / 2133(O.C) /  
1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz, ECC, Non-ECC, un-buffered Memory  
Dual channel memory architecture  
*
Refer to www.asus.com for Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List) of  
AM3+ / AM3 CPU for details.  
** Due to OS limitation, when installing a total memory of 4GB capacity  
or more, Windows® 32-bit operation system may only recognize  
less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is  
recommended.  
Expansion slots  
3 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (Dual at x16 or x16/x8/x8 mode)  
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot [red] (supports x4 mode)  
2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots  
Multi-GPU support  
Supports NVIDIA® Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology  
Supports AMD® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology  
Supports NVIDIA® 3-WAY SLI™ Technology  
Supports AMD® 3-WAY CrossFireX™ Technology  
LAN  
1 x Intel® Gigabit LAN controller  
AMD® SB950 Chipset  
Storage  
-
6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports [red] with RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10 support  
ASMedia® SATA 6Gb/s controllers  
-
-
2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports [red]  
2 x eSATA 6Gb/s ports [red]  
Audio  
SupremeFX III, built-in 8-Channel High Definition Audio  
CODEC  
-
Supports jack-detection, multi-streaming and front panel jack-  
retasking  
-
-
-
SupremeFX Shielding™ Technology  
1500 uF Audio power capacitor  
Gold-plated jacks  
Audio Features:  
-
-
-
-
Blu-ray audio layer content protection  
Optical S/PDIF out ports at rear panel  
DTS UltraPC II  
DTS Connect  
(continued on the next page)  
x
 
CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z specifications summary  
3 x ASMedia® USB 3.0 controllers  
USB  
-
-
2 x USB 3.0 ports at mid-board for front panel support  
4 x USB 3.0 ports at rear panel [blue]  
AMD® SB950 Chipset  
12 x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports at mid-board, 8 ports at rear panel)  
-
ROG Exclusive Features  
ROG Connect  
-
-
-
-
RC Diagram  
RC Remote  
RC Poster  
GPU TweakIt  
ROG Extreme Engine Digi+ II  
-
-
8+2 phase CPU power  
2 phase DRAM power  
UEFI BIOS features  
-
-
ROG BIOS Print  
GPU.DIMM Post  
GameFirst II  
iROG  
Extreme Tweaker  
Loadline Calibration  
Overclocking Protection  
-
-
COP EX (Component Overheat Protection -EX)  
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)  
Special features  
ASUS TPU  
-
CPU Level Up  
ASUS Exclusive Features:  
-
-
MemOK!  
AI Charger+  
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:  
ASUS Fan Xpert  
-
ASUS EZ DIY:  
-
-
-
-
ASUS Q-Shield  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
ASUS MyLogo3  
ASUS Q-Design  
-
-
ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)  
ASUS Q-Connector  
(continued on the next page)  
xi  
CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z specifications summary  
Rear panel I/O ports  
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port  
1 x Optical S/PDIF Output port  
2 x eSATA 6Gb/s ports [red]  
1 x ROG Connect button  
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port  
4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports [blue]  
8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (white port for ROG Connect)  
6 x 8-channel audio jacks  
1 x Clear CMOS button  
Internal I/O connectors  
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector (supports additional 2 19-pin USB  
3.0/2.0 ports)  
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors (support additional 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports)  
8 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors  
2 x CPU fan connectors (4-pin)  
3 x Optional fan connectors (4-pin)  
3 x Chassis fan connectors (4-pin)  
1 x S/PDIF Out header  
1 x DirectKey button  
1 x DRCT header  
1 x TPM header  
1 x Fast Boot switch  
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector  
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V power connector  
1 x 4-pin EATX 12V power connector  
1 x EZ Plug connector (4-pin Molex power connector)  
1 x Power-on button  
1 x Reset button  
1 x GO button  
8 x ProbeIt measurement points  
3 x Thermal sensor connectors  
Front panel audio connector  
System panel (Q-Connector)  
BIOS features  
Manageability  
64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS  
2.5, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS  
WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE  
(continued on the next page)  
xii  
CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z specifications summary  
Support DVD contents  
Drivers  
GameFirst II  
Kaspersky® Anti-virus  
DAEMON Tools Pro Standaard  
ROG CPU-Z  
ASUS WebStorage  
ASUS Utilities (AI Suite II/TurboV EVO/ASUS Update)  
Form factor  
ATX form factor: 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)  
Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
xiii  
Package contents  
Check your motherboard package for the following items.  
Motherboard  
Cables  
ROG CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
1 x ROG Connect cable  
3 x 2-in-1 SATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables  
1 x SLI bridge  
1 x 3-WAY SLI bridge  
1 x CrossFire cable  
Accessories  
I/O Shield  
1 x 12-in-1 ROG cable label  
1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit  
Application DVD  
Documentation  
ROG motherboard support DVD  
User guide  
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.  
xiv  
 
Installation tools and components  
1 bag of screws  
Philips (cross) screwdriver  
PC chassis  
Power supply unit  
AMD AM3+ CPU  
AMD AM3+ compatible CPU Fan  
SATA hard disk drive  
Graphics card  
DDR3 DIMM  
SATA optical disc drive (optional)  
The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.  
xv  
 
xvi  
Chapter 1:  
Product introduction  
Product introduction  
1
1.1  
Special features  
1.1.1  
Product highlights  
Republic of Gamers  
The Republic of Gamers offers you the best of the best. We offer the best hardware  
engineering, the fastest performance, the most innovative 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 Republic of Gamers and make your  
presence felt.  
AMD® FX™-Series/Phenom™ II/Athlon™ II/Sempron™ 100 Series Processors  
(socket AM3+/AM3)  
This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM3+ multi-core processors with up to 8-core  
native CPU cores, and AMD® CPUs in the new 32nm manufacturing process. It provides  
better overclocking capabilities with less power consumption. It features AMD® Turbo CORE  
Technology 2.0 to accelerate data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s rate via HyperTransport™ 3.0  
based system bus.  
AMD® 990FX Chipset  
AMD® 990FX Chipset is designed to support up to 5.2GT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0)  
interface speed and dual PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized with AMD® AM3+  
and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities.  
Dual-Channel DDR3 2400(O.C.) / 2133(O.C.) / 2000(O.C.) / 1800(O.C.) / 1600 /  
1333 / 1066 MHz Support  
The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR3 memory that features data transfer  
rates of DDR3 2400(O.C.) / 2133(O.C.) / 2000(O.C.) / 1800(O.C.) / 1600/ 1333 / 1066 MHz  
to boost the system’s performance, and to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of 3D  
graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications.  
SLI™/CrossFire On-Demand  
This motherboard features a unique PCIe 2.0 bridge chip to support multi-GPU SLI™/  
CrossFireX™ graphics cards for an unrivaled gaming performance. With the AMD® 990FX  
platform to optimize the PCIe allocation of multiple GPUs, it supports up to 3-WAY GPU  
SLI™ or 3-WAY GPU CrossFireX™ configuration.  
1-1  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
1.1.2  
ROG unique gaming features  
GameFirst II  
ASUS GameFirst II, with cFos Traffic Shaping technology, provides a powerful and user-  
friendly network control to easily frag in online multiplayer games. Featuring the EZ Mode for  
beginners’ setup and Advanced Mode for professionals’ tweaking, your frags comes first.  
SupremeFX III  
SupremeFX™ III is an onboard 8-channel audio solution equipped with 1500uF capacitors,  
providing you a crisp, warm sound for a better gaming audio experience. Its ROG-exclusive  
SupremeFX Shielding™ technology has a metallic EMI cover and a special PCB layout  
design that isolates analog audio signals from digital sources, and a gold-plated jack that  
provides rich notes with minimal audio distortion.  
1.1.3  
ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features  
ROG Connect  
ROG Connect allows you to monitor the status of your desktop PC and tweak its parameters  
in real-time via a notebook. 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.  
Extreme Engine Digi+ II  
The Extreme Engine Digi+ II has a digital VRM design that allows you to achieve ultimate  
performance with adjustable CPU and memory power management frequencies.  
iROG  
The iROG is a special IC that fully maximizes ROG’s unique functions, providing you with full  
control of your motherboard at any stage. It greatly increases your overclocking enjoyment,  
and offers you with advanced system control and management features purely at a hardware  
level.  
USB BIOS FlashBack  
USB BIOS Flashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for your ultimate convenience.  
Simply install a USB storage device containing the BIOS file, press the BIOS Flashback  
button for three seconds, and the UEFI BIOS is automatically updated even without entering  
the existing the BIOS or operating system. It also allows you to regularly check for UEFI  
BIOS updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically.  
CPU Level Up  
With ROG’s CPU Level Up, overclocking has never been so easy, or cost-free. Simply select  
the processor that you want to overclock to, and the motherboard will do the rest.  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
GPU.DIMM Post  
GPU.DIMM Post enables you to catch potential problems even before you enter the OS,  
saving you valuable time in detecting component failure under extreme conditions. With GPU.  
DIMM Post, quickly and easily check your graphic cards, memory modules’ statuses in the  
BIOS, and overclocking settings.  
BIOS Print  
ROG offers a whole new UEFI BIOS feature to handle the demands of an overclocking  
experience. The motherboard features ROG BIOS Print that allows you to easily share your  
BIOS settings to others with the press of a button.  
ProbeIt  
This motherboard consists of eight ProbeIt measurement points that helps you detect your  
system’s current voltage. With the use of a multimeter device, these points can help measure  
your system’s CPU, CPU/NB, VDDA, DRAM, NB, HT, and SB voltages.  
MemOK!  
MemOK!, the remarkable memory rescue tool, allows you to simply press a button to  
patch memory issues, ensure memory boot compatibility, determine fail-safe settings, and  
dramatically improve the system’s bootup.  
Extreme Tweaker  
Extreme Tweaker is the one stop shop to fine-tune your system to optimal performance.  
With Extreme Tweaker, you can adjust the system settings such as frequency, over-voltage,  
memory timing, and more.  
COP EX  
COP EX allows you to increase the chipset voltages without worrying about overheating.  
You can monitor the CPU and save it from overheating, allowing your system to achieve its  
ulitmate performance.  
Loadline Calibration  
Maintaining ample voltage support for the CPU is critical during overclocking. The  
Loadline Calibration ensures stable and optimal CPU voltage under heavy loading. It helps  
overclockers enjoy the motherboard's ultimate OC capabilities and benchmark scores.  
1.1.4  
ROG-rich bundled software  
Kaspersky® Anti-Virus  
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.  
DAEMON Tools Pro Standard  
DAEMON Tools Pro offers essential functionality to backup CD, DVD and Blu-ray discs. It  
converts optical media into virtual discs and emulates devices to work with the virtual copies.  
DAEMON Tools Pro organizes data, music, video, and photo collections on a PC, notebook,  
or netbook.  
1-3  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
ROG CPU-Z  
ROG CPU-Z, authorized by Intel’s CPU Identification (CPUID), is a customized ROG utility  
that allows you to gather information about your system’s main components. It gives you  
the current information and status of your CPU, motherboard, memory, and other main  
components. Get that ROG look of reporting your system’s current information with ROG  
CPU-Z.  
1.1.5  
Other features  
Intel® Gigabit LAN  
The LAN solution from Intel has been long known to have a better throughput, lower CPU  
utilization as well as better stability. With the Intel Gigabit LAN solutions onboard, the  
ultimate network experience can therefore be delivered to its users like never before.  
SATA 6.0 Gb/s support  
With AMD® SB950 Southbridge natively support for the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA)  
storage interface, this motherboard delivers up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer rates. It also  
provides enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, double the bandwidth of current bus  
systems.  
DTS Connect  
To get the most out of your audio entertainment across all formats and quality levels, DTS  
Connect combines two enabling technologies, DTS Neo:PC™ upmixes stereo sources (CDs,  
MP3s, WMAs, internet radio) into as many as 7.1 channels of incredible surround sound.  
Consumers can connect their PC to a home theater system. DTS Interactive is capable of  
performing mult-channel encoding of DTS bitstreams on personal computers, and sending  
encoded bitstreams out of a digital audio connection (such as S/PDIF or HDMI) designed to  
deliver audio to an external decoder.  
DTS UltraPC II  
DTS UltraPC II delivers an exceptional 7.1 surround experience through the most popular PC  
audio setups—your existing stereo speakers or headphones. In addition to virtual surround,  
it upgrades the original sound to new levels with Audio Restoration, recreating dynamic  
range of audio files. Symmetry mode improves the balance of perceived loudness across  
different input sources, and enhances boost audio quality through high hand low frequency  
equalization. With these technologies, users experience better home theater audio with ease.  
ASUS Fan Xpert  
ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds  
based on different ambient temperatures, resulting to a quiet and cool computing  
environment.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
1.2  
Motherboard overview  
Before you proceed  
1.2.1  
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change  
any motherboard settings.  
Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.  
Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded  
object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due  
to static electricity.  
Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.  
Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the  
bag that came with the component.  
Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is  
switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so  
may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.  
1-5  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
1.2.2  
Motherboard layout  
Refer to 1.2.9 Internal connectors and 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection for more information  
about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.  
1-6  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
Layout contents  
Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots  
Page  
1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V_1,  
4-pin EATX12V_2, 4 pin EZ_PLUG)  
1-43  
2. AM3+/ AM3 CPU Socket  
1-8  
3. CPU, chassis, and optional fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN;  
4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-3; 4-pin OPT_FAN1-3)  
1-41  
4. DDR3 DIMM slots  
1-9  
5. Slow Mode switch  
1-24  
1-27  
1-30  
1-23  
1-23  
1-24  
1-45  
1-38  
1-37  
1-38  
1-42  
1-44  
1-25  
1-26  
1-39  
1-40  
1-40  
1-42  
6. LN2 Mode Jumper (3 pin LN2)  
7. Q_Code LEDs  
8. START (Power-on) button  
9. Reset button  
10. GO button  
11. Thermal sensor cable connectors (2-pin OPT_TEMP1-3)  
12. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_56)  
13. AMD® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [red])  
14. ASMedia® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E12 [red])  
15. Direct Connector (2-pin DRCT)  
16. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)  
17. DirectKey button (DirectKey)  
18. Fast Boot switch (FAST_BOOT)  
19. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910; USB1112)  
20. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)  
21. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)  
22. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)  
1-7  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
1.2.3  
Central Processing Unit (CPU)  
The motherboard comes with an AM3+ socket designed for AMD® Next Generation CPU  
up to 8-core, also compatible with AMD® socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™ II/Athlon™ II/  
Sempron™ 100 Series Processors.  
Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.  
Ensure that you use a CPU designed for the AM3+/AM3 socket. 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!  
1-8  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
1.2.4  
System memory  
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules  
(DIMM) slots.  
A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module. DO NOT install a DDR  
or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot.  
Recommended memory configurations  
1-9  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
Memory configurations  
You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the  
DIMM sockets.  
Memory module with memory frequency higher than 2133 MHz and its corresponding  
timing or the loaded XMP or D.O.C.P. profile is not the JEDEC memory standard. The  
stability and compatibility of these memory modules depend on the CPU’s capabilities  
and other installed devices.  
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.  
Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimal compatibility, we  
recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or date code (D/C)  
from the same vendor. Check with the retailer to get the correct memory modules.  
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 the  
following:  
a) Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows OS.  
b) Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the  
motherboard.  
c) 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.  
1-10  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR3 2400 MHz capability  
DIMM socket  
support  
(Optional)  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
2
4
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
F3-19200CL10Q-32GBZHD  
F3-19200CL11Q-16GBZHD  
32GB  
(4x8GB)  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
10-12-12-31  
11-11-11-31  
1.65  
1.65  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
F3-19200CL9D-4GBPIS  
4G (2x2G)  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
9-11-9-28  
1.65  
1.65  
F3-19200CL9Q-16GBZMD  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
9-11-11-31  
GEIL  
GOC316GB2400C10QC  
KHX24C11K4/16X  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
10-11-11-30  
11-13-13-30  
11-11-11-30  
9-9-9-24  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
Kingston  
Patriot  
Team  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
-
-
PXD38G2400C11K  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
-
-
TXD34096M2400HC9N-L  
4GB  
SAMSUNG  
K4B2G0846D  
DDR3 2200 MHz capability  
DIMM socket  
support  
(Optional)  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
2
4
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
F3-17600CL7D-  
4GBFLS  
4G ( 2x 2G )  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
7-10-10-28  
9-10-9-28  
1.65  
1.65  
GET34GB2200C9DC  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
DDR3 2133 MHz capability  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
2
4
A-DATA  
Apacer  
AX3U2133C2G9B  
78.BAGE4.AFD0C  
2GB  
SS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
9-11-9-27  
9-9-9-24  
1.55~1.75  
-
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
CMT4GX3M2A2133C9  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-10-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
1.65  
1.5  
CMT4GX3M2B2133C9  
(Ver7.1)  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
CMT4GX3M2B2133C9  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
9-10-9-27  
11-11-11-30  
9-11-10-28  
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
F3-17000CL11Q2-  
64GBZLD  
64GB  
(8x8GB)  
1.5  
F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZH  
F3-17066CL9D-8GBPID  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
F3-17066CL9Q-  
16GBTDD  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
9-9-9-24  
(continued on the next page)  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
1-11  
DDR3 2133 MHz capability  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
2
4
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KHX2133C11D3K4/16GX  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
11-12-11-30  
9-9-9-24  
1.65  
1.6  
KHX2133C11D3T1K2/  
16GX  
16GB  
(2x8GB)  
OCZ  
OCZ3XTEP2133C9LV4GK  
PVV34G2133C9K  
2GB  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
7-7-7-20  
1.65  
1.66  
Patriot  
4GB  
9-11-9-27  
(2x2GB)  
Patriot  
Team  
PXD38G2133C11K  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
DS  
DS  
-
-
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
1.65  
1.65  
TXD34096M2133HC9N-L  
4GB  
SAMSUNG  
K4B2G0846D  
DDR3 2000 MHz capability  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
2
4
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
AEXEA  
AEXEA  
AX3U2000GB2G9B  
2GB  
4GB  
2GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-11-9-27  
1.55~1.75  
1.55~1.75  
1.65  
AX3U2000GC4G9B  
9-11-9-27  
AXA3ES2G2000LG28V  
AXA3ES4GK2000LG28V  
-
-
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
1.65  
Apacer  
78.AAGD5.9KD  
6GB  
(3x2GB)  
DS  
-
-
9-9-9-27  
-
Asint  
SLA302G08-ML2HB  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
Hynix  
-
H5TQ2G83BFRH9C  
-
9-9-9-27  
8-9-8-24  
-
CORSAIR  
CMT6GX3M3A2000C8  
6GB  
1.65  
(3x2GB)  
CORSAIR  
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
CMZ4GX3M2A2000C10  
(Ver 5.12)  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10-10-10-27  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-28  
7-7-7-20  
8-8-8-24  
-
1.5  
F3-16000CL9D-4GBTD  
GUP34GB2000C9DC  
PV736G2000ELK  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
-
4GB  
(2x2GB )  
Patriot  
6GB  
(3x2GB)  
Patriot  
PVT36G2000LLK  
6GB  
(3x2GB)  
Silicon  
Power  
SP002GBLYU200S02  
2GB  
Team  
Team  
Team  
TXD32048M2000C9  
TXD32048M2000C9-L  
TXD32048M2000C9-L  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
Team  
Team  
Team  
T3D1288RT-20  
T3D1288LT-20  
T3D1288RT-20  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
1.5  
1.6  
(continued on the next page)  
1-12  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
DDR3 1866 MHz capability  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
2
4
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
Crucial  
AX3U1866GC2G9B  
AX3U1866GC4G9B  
2GB  
4GB  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
9-11-9-27  
9-11-9-27  
9-10-9-27  
-
1.55~  
1.75  
-
-
1.55~  
1.75  
CMD16GX3M4A1866C9  
(Ver4.13)  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
-
-
1.5  
CMD8GX3M2A1866C9  
(Ver4.13)  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
-
-
1.5  
CMT32GX3M4X1866C9  
(Ver3.23)  
32GB  
(4x8GB)  
-
-
9-10-9-27  
9-10-9-27  
10-11-10-27  
9-10-9-27  
9-9-9-27  
10-11-10-30  
9-10-9-28  
9-10-9-28  
9-10-9-28  
9-9-9-24  
-
1.5  
CMZ16GX3M4X1866C9R  
(Ver8.16)  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
-
-
1.5  
CMZ32GX3M4X1866C10  
(Ver3.23)  
32GB  
(4x8GB)  
-
-
1.5  
CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
-
-
1.5  
BLE4G3D1869DE1XT0.  
16FMD  
4GB  
-
-
1.5  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
Kingston  
Patriot  
F3-14900CL10Q2-64GBZLD  
F3-14900CL9D-8GBSR  
F3-14900CL9Q-16GBXL  
F3-14900CL9Q-16GBZL  
F3-14900CL9Q-8GBFLD  
KHX1866C9D3K2/8GX  
PXD34G1866ELK  
64GB  
(8x8GB)  
-
-
1.5  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
-
-
1.5  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
-
-
1.5  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
-
-
1.5  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
-
-
1.6  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
-
-
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
-
-
9-9-9-24  
9-11-9-27  
9-11-9-27  
9-11-9-27  
Patriot  
PXD38G1866ELK  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
-
-
Patriot  
PXD38G1866ELK  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
-
-
Team  
TXD34096M1866HC9K-L  
4GB  
Hynix  
H5TC2G83BFRH9A  
DDR3 1800 MHz capability  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
2
4
G.SKILL  
F3-14400CL9D-4GBRL  
4GB (2x2GB)  
DS  
-
-
9-9-9-24  
1.6  
(continued on the next page)  
1-13  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
DDR3 1600 MHz capability  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
2
4
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
AM2U16BC2P1  
AM2U16BC4P2  
AX3U1600GC4G9  
2GB  
4GB  
4GB  
SS  
DS  
DS  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
-
3CCD-1509A  
3CCD-1509A  
-
-
-
-
-
-
1.55~  
1.75  
A-DATA  
AX3U1600PC4G8  
4GB  
DS  
-
-
8-8-8-24  
1.55~  
1.75  
A-DATA  
AMD  
AX3U1600XC4G79  
AE32G1609U1-U  
AP38G1608U2K  
4GB  
2GB  
DS  
SS  
DS  
-
-
7-9-7-21  
-
1.65  
1.5  
AMD  
-
23EY4587MB6H  
-
AMD  
8GB  
9-9-9-28  
1.65  
(2x4GB)  
Apacer  
Apacer  
Asint  
78.B1GE3.9L10C  
4GB  
4GB  
4GB  
4GB  
4GB  
8GB  
2GB  
2GB  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
Apacer  
-
AM5D5908DEQSCK  
-
-
1.65  
AHU04GFA60C9Q1D  
SLA302G08-EGG1C  
SLA302G08-EGJ1C  
SLA302G08-EGN1C  
SLB304G08-EGN1B  
SLZ302G08-EGN1C  
SLZ3128M8-EGJ1D  
AQ12M64B8BKK0S  
CMG4GX3M2A1600C6  
9-9-9-27  
1.65  
Asint  
Asint  
ASint  
ASint  
ASint  
Asint  
SAMSUNG  
-
302G08-GG1C  
302G08-GJ1C  
302G08-GN1C  
304G08-GN1B  
302G08-GN1C  
3128M8-GJ1D  
K4B2G08460  
-
9-9-9-27  
-
Asint  
9-9-9-27  
-
Asint  
-
-
Asint  
-
-
Asint  
-
-
Asint  
-
-
ATP  
-
NO  
1.65  
CORSAIR  
4GB  
6-6-6-18  
(2x2GB)  
CORSAIR  
CML16GX3M4X1600C8  
(Ver 2.12)  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
DS  
-
-
Heat-  
Sink  
1.5  
Package  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CMP6GX3M3A1600C8  
CMP6GX3M3A1600C8  
CMX6GX3M3A1600C9  
CMX6GX3M3C1600C7  
CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9  
6GB  
(3x2GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8-8-8-24  
8-8-8-24  
9-9-9-24  
7-8-7-20  
9-9-9-24  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.5  
6GB  
(3x2GB)  
6GB  
(3x2GB)  
6GB  
(3x2GB)  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
CMZ32GX3M4X1600C10  
(Ver2.2)  
32GB  
(4x8GB)  
10-10-  
10-27  
1.5  
CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8  
CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
8-8-8-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
1.5  
CMZ8GX3M4X1600C9  
(Ver 2.12)  
8GB  
(4x2GB)  
1.5  
HX3X12G1600C9  
12GB  
(6x2GB)  
1.6  
(continued on the next page)  
1-14  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
DDR3 1600 MHz capability  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
2
4
Crucial  
Crucial  
BL12864BN1608.8FF  
BL25664BN1608.16FF  
2GB  
(2x1GB)  
SS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
8-8-8-24  
8-8-8-24  
1.65  
1.65  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
Crucial  
BLT4G3D1608DT1TX0.16FM  
EKM324L28BP8-I16  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
8-8-8-24  
9
1.5  
-
EK Memory  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
EK Memory  
EKM324L28BP8-I16  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
DS  
-
-
9
-
Elixir  
M2X2G64CB88G7N-DG  
M2X4G64CB8HG5N-DG  
M2X8G64CB8HB5N-DG  
F3-12800CL7D-8GBRH  
2GB  
4GB  
8GB  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
Elixir  
Elixir  
Elixir  
-
N2CB2G80GN-DG  
N2CB2G80GN-DG  
N2CB4G80BN-DG  
-
9-9-9-28  
9-9-9-28  
9-9-9-28  
7-8-7-24  
-
Elixir  
-
Elixir  
1.5  
1.6  
G.SKILL  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.Skill  
F3-12800CL7Q-16GBXH  
F3-12800CL8D-8GBECO  
F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ  
F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL  
F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR2  
F3-12800CL9Q-16GBXL  
F3-12800CL9Q-16GBZL  
GET316GB1600C9QC  
GUP34GB1600C7DC  
GVP38GB1600C8QC  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7-8-7-24  
8-8-8-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-28  
7-7-7-24  
8-8-8-28  
1.6  
1.35  
1.5  
1.5  
1.25  
1.5  
1.5  
1.6  
1.6  
1.6  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
GEIL  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
GEIL  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
GEIL  
8GB  
(4x2GB)  
GoodRam  
Hynix  
GR1600D364L9/2G  
HMT351U6CFR8C-PB  
HMT41GU6MFR8C-PB  
FLGE85F-C8KL9A  
FLGF65F-C8KL9A  
2GB  
4GB  
8GB  
2GB  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
GoodRam  
Hynix  
GF1008KC-JN  
H5TQ2G83CFR  
H5TQ4G83MFR  
N/A  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Hynix  
Hynix  
-
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
9-9-9-28  
9-9-9-28  
N/A  
(continued on the next page)  
1-15  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
DDR3 1600 MHz capability  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
2
4
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
Kingston  
KHX1600C9D3K2/4GX  
KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX  
KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX  
KHX1600C9D3K3/6GX  
KHX1600C9D3K3/6GX  
KHX1600C9D3K3/6GX  
KHX1600C9D3K4/16GX  
KHX1600C9D3K6/24GX  
KHX1600C9D3K8/32GX  
KHX1600C9D3LK2/4GX  
KHX1600C9D3LK2/8GX  
KHX1600C9D3P1K2/8G  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.35  
1.35  
1.5  
12GB  
(3x4GB)  
9
12GB  
(3x4GB)  
-
6GB  
(3x2GB)  
9
6GB  
(3x2GB)  
9
6GB  
(3x2GB)  
9
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
9-9-9-24  
KINGSTON  
Kingston  
24GB  
(6x4GB)  
9
32GB  
(8x4GB)  
9-9-9-27  
KINGSTON  
Kingston  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
-
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
9-9-9-24  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
9
9
9
9
KHX1600C9D3T1BK3/  
12GX  
12GB  
(3x4GB)  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
KHX1600C9D3T1K3/6GX  
KHX1600C9D3X2K2/4GX  
6GB  
(3x2GB)  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
Kingston  
KVR16N11/4  
4G  
DS  
DS  
DS  
Hynix  
H5TQ2G83CFRPBC  
-
-
1.5  
KINGTIGER  
MICRON  
KTG2G1600PG3  
2GB  
4GB  
-
-
-
-
MT16KTF51264AZ-1G6M1  
MICRON  
D9PFJ  
11-11-  
11-28  
MICRON  
MICRON  
Mushkin  
MT16KTF51264AZ-1G6M1  
MT8KTF25664AZ-1G6M1  
996805  
4GB  
2GB  
DS  
SS  
DS  
MICRON  
MICRON  
-
D9PFJ  
D9PFJ  
-
-
-
-
-
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
6-8-6-24  
1.65  
Mushkin  
998805  
6GB  
(3x2GB)  
DS  
-
-
6-8-6-24  
1.65  
(continued on the next page)  
1-16  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
DDR3 1600 MHz capability  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
2
4
OCZ  
OCZ3BE1600C8LV4GK  
OCZ3OB1600LV4GK  
PGD316G1600ELK  
PGD38G1600ELK  
PGS34G1600LLKA  
PGS34G1600LLKA2  
PVV38G1600LLK  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8-8-8  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.7  
OCZ  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
9-9-9  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
16GB  
(2x8GB)  
-
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
9-9-9-24  
7-7-7-20  
8-8-8-24  
8-9-8-24  
8-9-8-24  
8-9-8-24  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
1.7  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
PX538G1600LLK  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
PX7312G1600LLK  
12GB  
(3x4GB)  
SanMax  
SMD-4G68HP-16KZ  
SMD-4G68NG-16KK  
SP002GBLTU160V02  
4GB  
4GB  
2GB  
DS  
DS  
SS  
Hynix  
H5TQ2G83BFRPBC  
J2108BDBG-GN-F  
20YT5NG  
-
-
1.5  
-
SanMax  
ELPIDA  
S-POWER  
Silicon Power  
9-11-  
11-28  
1.5  
Silicon Power  
Team  
SP004GBLTU160V02  
TED34096M1600HC11  
TXD31024M1600C8-D  
TXD32048M1600C7-L  
TXD32048M1600C8-D  
TXD32048M1600HC8-D  
TXD34096M1600HC9-D  
4GB  
4GB  
1GB  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
S-POWER  
Team  
20YT5NG  
9-9-9-24  
-
1.5  
T3D2568ET-16  
T3D1288RT-16  
T3D1288LT-16  
T3D1288RT-16  
T3D1288RT-16  
H5TC2G83BFRH9A  
-
Team  
Team  
8-8-8-24  
7-7-7-24  
8-8-8-24  
8-8-8-24  
9-9-9-24  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.5  
Team  
Team  
Team  
Team  
Team  
Team  
Team  
Hynix  
(continued on the next page)  
1-17  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
DDR3 1333 MHz capability  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
2
4
ACTICA  
ACTICA  
ACTICA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
ACT1GHU64B8F1333S  
ACT1GHU72C8G1333S  
ACT2GHU64B8G1333M  
AD63I1B0823EV  
1GB  
1GB  
2GB  
2GB  
4GB  
2GB  
4GB  
2GB  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
Micron  
K4B1G0846F  
K4B1G0846F(ECC)  
D9KPT  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
-
3CCA-1509A  
3CCA-1509A  
3CCD-1509A  
3CCD-1509A  
-
-
AD63I1C1624EV  
-
AM2U139C2P1  
-
AM2U139C4P2  
-
AXDU1333GC2G9  
9-9-9-24  
1.25~  
1.35  
A-DATA  
Apacer  
SU3U1333W8G9  
78.A1GC6.9L1  
8GB  
2GB  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
ELPIDA  
Apacer  
Apacer  
-
J4208BASE-DJ-F  
AM5D5808FEQSBG  
AM5D5908CEHSBG  
-
-
-
9
-
Apacer  
78.B1GDE.9L10C  
CMX8GX3M2A1333C9  
9
-
CORSAIR  
8GB  
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
(2x4GB)  
CORSAIR  
TW3X4G1333C9A  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
DS  
-
-
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
Elixir  
M2F2G64CB88G7N-CG  
M2F4G64CB8HD5N-CG  
EBJ41UF8BCF0-DJ-F  
F3-10600CL9D-4GBNT  
2GB  
4GB  
4GB  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
Elxir  
N2CB2G80GN-CG  
M2CB2G80DN-CG  
J2108BCSE-DJ-F  
D3 128M8CE9 2GB  
-
-
Elixir  
Elixir  
-
-
ELPIDA  
G.SKILL  
ELPIDA  
G.SKILL  
-
-
4GB  
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
(2x2GB)  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
F3-10666CL7D-8GBRH  
F3-10666CL8D-4GBHK  
F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL  
F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL  
F3-10666CL9D-8GBXL  
GB34GB1333C7DC  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
7-7-7-21  
8-8-8-21  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
7-7-7-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
7-7-7-24  
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.3  
1.3  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
-
-
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
-
-
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
-
-
8GB (  
x2x4GB)  
-
-
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
GEIL  
GL1L128M88BA15FW  
GEIL  
GET316GB1333C9QC  
GG34GB1333C9DC  
GG34GB1333C9DC  
GVP34GB1333C9DC  
GVP38GB1333C7QC  
GVP38GB1333C9DC  
16GB  
(4x4GB)  
-
-
GEIL  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
GEIL  
GL1L128M88BA115FW  
GEIL  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
GEIL  
GL1L128M88BA15B  
GEIL  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
-
-
-
-
-
-
GEIL  
8GB  
(4x2GB)  
GEIL  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
(continued on the next page)  
1-18  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
DDR3 1333 MHz capability  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
2
4
Hynix  
HMT125U6TFR8A-H9  
HMT325U6BFR8C-H9  
FLFD45F-B8KL9  
2GB  
2GB  
1GB  
DS  
SS  
SS  
Hynix  
H5TC1G83TFR  
H5TQ2G83BFR  
-
-
-
-
-
-
Hynix  
Hynix  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KFB8FNLXF-  
BNF-15A  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
FLFE85F-B8KL9  
FLFE85F-C8KL9  
FLFE85F-C8KL9  
FLFE85F-C8KM9  
FLFF65F-C8KL9  
FLFF65F-C8KL9  
FLFF65F-C8KM9  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
4GB  
4GB  
4GB  
DS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
Kingmax  
KFB8FNLXL-  
BNF-15A  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
KFC8FNLBF-  
GXX-12A  
KFC8FNLXF-  
DXX-15A  
KFC8FNMXF-  
BXX-15A  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
Kingmax  
KFC8FNLBF-  
GXX-12A  
KFC8FNLXF-  
DXX-15A  
KFC8FNMXF-  
BXX-15A  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KVR1333D3E9S/4G  
KVR1333D3N9/2G  
KVR1333D3N9/2G  
KVR1333D3N9H/8G  
KVR1333D3N9K2/4G  
4GB  
2GB  
2GB  
8GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
Elpida  
J2108ECSE-DJ-F  
D1288JPNDPLD9U  
J1108BDBG-DJ-F  
J4208EASE-DJ-F  
D1288JEMFPGD9U  
9
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
Kingston  
Elpida  
9
-
ELPIDA  
KINGSTON  
9-9-9-24  
-
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
KINGSTON  
MICRON  
KVR1333D3S8N9/2G  
2GB  
8GB  
SS  
DS  
Micron  
IFD77 D9LGK  
D9PCP  
-
-
1.5  
-
MT16JTF1G64AZ-  
1G4D1  
MICRON  
MICRON  
OCZ  
MT8JTF25664AZ-  
1G4M1  
2GB  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
MICRON  
D9PFJ  
-
-
OCZ3G1333LV4GK  
OCZ3G1333LV8GK  
OCZ3G1333LV8GK  
OCZ3RPR1333C9LV8GK  
M378B1G73AH0-CH9  
4GB  
(2x2GB)  
-
-
-
-
-
9-9-9  
9-9-9  
9-9-9  
9-9-9  
-
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
-
OCZ  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
-
OCZ  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
-
OCZ  
8GB  
(2x4GB)  
-
SAMSUNG  
8GB  
SAMSUNG  
K4B4G0846A-  
HCH9  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
M378B5273CH0-CH9  
M378B5273DH0-CH9  
M378B5673FH0-CH9  
M378B5773DH0-CH9  
4GB  
4GB  
2GB  
2GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
K4B2G0846C  
K4B2G08460  
K4B1G0846F  
K4B2G08460  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1-19  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided DIMM support:  
(1) Supports one (1) module inserted into any slot as Single-channel memory  
configuration. We suggest that you install the module into A2 slot.  
(2) Supports two (2) modules inserted into either the red slots or the black slots as one  
pair of Dual-channel memory configuration. We suggest that you install the modules  
into slots A2 and B2 for better compatibility.  
(4) Supports four (4) modules inserted into both the red and black slots as two pairs of  
Dual-channel memory configuration.  
ASUS exclusively provides hyper DIMM support function.  
Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs. Load  
the D.O.C.P. settings in the BIOS for the hyper DIMM support.  
Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.  
1-20  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.2.5  
Expansion slots  
Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may  
cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.  
Slot No. Slot Description  
1
2
3
4
5
6
PCIe 2.0 x16 slot  
PCIe 2.0 x1 slot  
PCIe 2.0 x8 slot  
PCIe 2.0 x1 slot  
PCIe 2.0 x16/x8 slot  
PCIe 2.0 x4 slot  
1-21  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
PCI 2.0 operating mode  
VGA  
configuration  
Single VGA  
SLI/CrossFireX™ 3-WAY SLI/CrossFireX™  
PCIe_x16_1  
PCIe_x8_2  
x16  
x16  
x16  
x8  
PCIe_x16/x8_3  
x16  
x8  
We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI™  
mode.  
Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1-3 when  
using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.  
When the system is running with three VGA cards, ensure to connect the EZ PLUG for  
extra PCIe power supply.  
IRQ assignments for this motherboard  
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Intel 82583V  
shared  
ASM1061_1  
shared  
ASM1061_2  
shared  
ASM1042 USB3.0_1  
ASM1042 USB3.0_2  
ASM1042 USB3.0_2  
Onchip SATA Controller  
Onchip USB1  
Onchip USB2  
Onchip USB3  
Onchip Azalia  
PCIE_X16_1  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
PCIE_X8_2  
shared  
PCIE_X16/X8_3  
PCIE_X4_4  
shared  
shared  
shared  
PCIEX1_1  
PCIEX1_2  
shared  
1-22  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.2.6  
Onboard buttons and switches  
Onboard switches and buttons 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 button  
The motherboard comes with a power-on button that allows you to power up or wake  
up the system. The button also lights up when the system is plugged to a power source  
indicating that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before  
removing or installing any motherboard component.  
2.  
Reset button  
Press the reset button to reboot the system.  
1-23  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
3.  
GO button  
Press the GO button before POST to enable MemOK! or press it to quickly load the  
preset profile (GO_Button file) for temporary overclocking when in OS.  
4.  
Slow Mode switch  
Slow Mode switch allows your system to provide better overclocking margins when  
using the LN2 cooling system. When enabled, the Slow Mode switch prevents the  
system from crashing, slows down the CPU, and the system’s tuner will make the  
adjustments.  
Ensure to set the LN2 Mode jumper to [Enable] before using the Slow Mode Switch.  
1-24  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
5.  
DirectKey button (DirectKey)  
This feature allows your system to go to the BIOS Setup program with the press of  
a button. With DirectKey, you can enter the BIOS anytime without having to press  
the <Del> key during POST. It also allows you to turn on or turn off your system and  
conveniently enter the BIOS during boot-up.  
Ensure to save your data before using the DirectKey button.  
When the system is on and you press the DirectKey button, your system will shut  
down. Press the DirectKey button again or the Power-on button to reboot and enter  
the BIOS directly.  
Turn off your system using the power-on button to allow your system to go through  
POST (without entering the BIOS) when you reboot your system.  
Refer to section 3.7 Boot Menu for details about setting the DirectKey default  
function.  
1-25  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
6.  
Fast Boot switch (FAST_BOOT)  
This feature allows you to accelerate your system’s boot speed with the use of a  
switch, allowing the system to skip POST and enter the OS at its fastest time.  
When you enable the Fast Boot in OS mode, your system will only initiate the Fast  
Boot function after you restart your system.  
When you set the Fast Boot state (enable/disable state) in BIOS Setup or ASUS Boot  
Setting utility, the Fast Boot state that you set via the Fast Boot switch will be replaced.  
Refer to section 3.7 Boot menu for details about setting the Fast Boot function.  
1-26  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.2.7  
Jumpers  
1.  
LN2 Mode Jumper (3-pin LN2)  
When enabled, the LN2 Mode jumper allows your system to eliminate the cold bugs  
in the processor during POST. It allows the processor to run at an extremely low  
temperature and helps the system boot fast.  
1-27  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
1.2.8  
Onboard LEDs  
1.  
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.  
2.  
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.  
1-28  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
3.  
Q LED  
Q LEDs check key components (CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and booting devices)  
in sequence during the motherboard booting process. If an error is found , the  
corresponding LED will continue lighting until the problem is solved. This user-friendly  
design provides an intuitive way to locate the root problem within seconds.  
4.  
Power LED  
The motherboard comes with a power-on button 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 button.  
1-29  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
5.  
Q-Code LEDs  
The Q-Code LED design provides you with a 2-digit error code that displays the system  
status. Refer to the Q-Code table on the next page for details.  
1-30  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
Q-Code table  
Code  
00  
Description  
Not used  
01  
Power on. Reset type detection (soft/hard).  
AP initialization before microcode loading  
System Agent initialization before microcode loading  
PCH initialization before microcode loading  
Microcode loading  
02  
03  
04  
06  
07  
AP initialization after microcode loading  
System Agent initialization after microcode loading  
PCH initialization after microcode loading  
Cache initialization  
08  
09  
0B  
0C – 0D  
0E  
Reserved for future AMI SEC error codes  
Microcode not found  
0F  
Microcode not loaded  
10  
PEI Core is started  
11 – 14  
15 – 18  
19 – 1C  
2B – 2F  
30  
Pre-memory CPU initialization is started  
Pre-memory System Agent initialization is started  
Pre-memory PCH initialization is started  
Memory initialization  
Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)  
Memory Installed  
31  
32 – 36  
37 – 3A  
3B – 3E  
4F  
CPU post-memory initialization  
Post-Memory System Agent initialization is started  
Post-Memory PCH initialization is started  
DXE IPL is started  
(continued on the next page)  
1-31  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
Q-Code table  
Code  
Description  
Memory initialization error. Invalid memory type or incompatible memory  
speed  
50 – 53  
54  
Unspecified memory initialization error  
Memory not installed  
55  
56  
Invalid CPU type or Speed  
57  
CPU mismatch  
58  
CPU self test failed or possible CPU cache error  
CPU micro-code is not found or micro-code update is failed  
Not used  
59  
00  
01  
Power on. Reset type detection (soft/hard).  
AP initialization before microcode loading  
System Agent initialization before microcode loading  
PCH initialization before microcode loading  
Microcode loading  
02  
03  
04  
06  
07  
AP initialization after microcode loading  
System Agent initialization after microcode loading  
PCH initialization after microcode loading  
Cache initialization  
08  
09  
0B  
0C – 0D  
0E  
Reserved for future AMI SEC error codes  
Microcode not found  
0F  
Microcode not loaded  
10  
PEI Core is started  
11 – 14  
15 – 18  
19 – 1C  
2B – 2F  
30  
Pre-memory CPU initialization is started  
Pre-memory System Agent initialization is started  
Pre-memory PCH initialization is started  
Memory initialization  
Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)  
Memory Installed  
31  
32 – 36  
37 – 3A  
CPU post-memory initialization  
Post-Memory System Agent initialization is started  
(continued on the next page)  
1-32  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
Q-Code table  
Code  
3B – 3E  
4F  
Description  
Post-Memory PCH initialization is started  
DXE IPL is started  
Memory initialization error. Invalid memory type or incompatible memory  
speed  
50 – 53  
54  
Unspecified memory initialization error  
Memory not installed  
55  
56  
Invalid CPU type or Speed  
57  
CPU mismatch  
58  
CPU self test failed or possible CPU cache error  
CPU micro-code is not found or micro-code update is failed  
Internal CPU error  
59  
5A  
5B  
Reset PPI is not available  
5C – 5F  
E0  
Reserved for future AMI error codes  
S3 Resume is stared (S3 Resume PPI is called by the DXE IPL)  
S3 Boot Script execution  
E1  
E2  
Video repost  
E3  
OS S3 wake vector call  
E4 – E7  
E8  
Reserved for future AMI progress codes  
S3 Resume Failed  
E9  
S3 Resume PPI not Found  
EA  
S3 Resume Boot Script Error  
EB  
S3 OS Wake Error  
EC – EF  
F0  
Reserved for future AMI error codes  
Recovery condition triggered by firmware (Auto recovery)  
Recovery condition triggered by user (Forced recovery)  
Recovery process started  
F1  
F2  
F3  
Recovery firmware image is found  
Recovery firmware image is loaded  
Reserved for future AMI progress codes  
Recovery PPI is not available  
F4  
F5 – F7  
F8  
(continued on the next page)  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
Q-Code table  
Code  
F9  
Description  
Recovery capsule is not found  
Invalid recovery capsule  
FA  
FB – FF  
60  
Reserved for future AMI error codes  
DXE Core is started  
61  
NVRAM initialization  
62  
Installation of the PCH Runtime Services  
CPU DXE initialization is started  
PCI host bridge initialization  
63 – 67  
68  
69  
System Agent DXE initialization is started  
System Agent DXE SMM initialization is started  
System Agent DXE initialization (System Agent module specific)  
PCH DXE initialization is started  
PCH DXE SMM initialization is started  
PCH devices initialization  
6A  
6B – 6F  
70  
71  
72  
73 – 77  
78  
PCH DXE Initialization (PCH module specific)  
ACPI module initialization  
79  
CSM initialization  
7A – 7F  
90  
Reserved for future AMI DXE codes  
Boot Device Selection (BDS) phase is started  
Driver connecting is started  
91  
92  
PCI Bus initialization is started  
PCI Bus Hot Plug Controller Initialization  
PCI Bus Enumeration  
93  
94  
95  
PCI Bus Request Resources  
PCI Bus Assign Resources  
96  
97  
Console Output devices connect  
Console input devices connect  
Super IO Initialization  
98  
99  
9A  
USB initialization is started  
9B  
USB Reset  
(continued on the next page)  
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Chapter 1: Product introduction  
Q-Code table  
Code  
9C  
Description  
USB Detect  
9D  
USB Enable  
9E – 9F  
A0  
Reserved for future AMI codes  
IDE initialization is started  
IDE Reset  
A1  
A2  
IDE Detect  
A3  
IDE Enable  
A4  
SCSI initialization is started  
SCSI Reset  
A5  
A6  
SCSI Detect  
A7  
SCSI Enable  
A8  
Setup Verifying Password  
Start of Setup  
A9  
AA  
AB  
AC  
AD  
AE  
AF  
Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)  
Setup Input Wait  
Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)  
Ready To Boot event  
Legacy Boot event  
Exit Boot Services event  
Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP Begin  
Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP End  
Legacy Option ROM Initialization  
System Reset  
B0  
B1  
B2  
B3  
B4  
USB hot plug  
B5  
PCI bus hot plug  
B6  
Clean-up of NVRAM  
B7  
Configuration Reset (reset of NVRAM settings)  
Reserved for future AMI codes  
CPU initialization error  
System Agent initialization error  
(continued on the next page)  
B8– BF  
D0  
D1  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
Q-Code table  
Code  
D2  
Description  
PCH initialization error  
D3  
Some of the Architectural Protocols are not available  
PCI resource allocation error. Out of Resources  
No Space for Legacy Option ROM  
No Console Output Devices are found  
No Console Input Devices are found  
Invalid password  
D4  
D5  
D6  
D7  
D8  
D9  
Error loading Boot Option (LoadImage returned error)  
Boot Option is failed (StartImage returned error)  
Flash update is failed  
DA  
DB  
DC  
Reset protocol is not available  
ACPI/ASL Checkpoints  
Code  
0x01  
0x02  
0x03  
0x04  
0x05  
0x10  
0x20  
0x30  
0x40  
0xAC  
0xAA  
Description  
System is entering S1 sleep state  
System is entering S2 sleep state  
System is entering S3 sleep state  
System is entering S4 sleep state  
System is entering S5 sleep state  
System is waking up from the S1 sleep state  
System is waking up from the S2 sleep state  
System is waking up from the S3 sleep state  
System is waking up from the S4 sleep state  
System has transitioned into ACPI mode. Interrupt controller is in PIC mode.  
System has transitioned into ACPI mode. Interrupt controller is in APIC mode.  
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Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.2.9  
1.  
Internal connectors  
AMD® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 �red)  
These connectors are for the Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s 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, RAID 1, RAID 5,  
or RAID 10 configuration through the onboard AMD® SB950 controller.  
These connectors are set to [AHCI Mode] by default. If you intend to create a Serial  
ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [RAID  
Mode]. Refer to section 3.5.4 SATA Configuration for details.  
Before creating a RAID set, refer to section 5.1 RAID configurations or the manual  
bundled in the motherboard support DVD.  
When creating a RAID set, set the SATA_5-6 connectors to [AHCI Mode] or [IDE  
Mode] to ensure that the system recognizes your ODD device.  
When using NCQ, set the SATA Mode in the BIOS to [AHCI Mode]. Refer to section  
3.5.4 SATA Configuration for details.  
You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial  
ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using  
Windows® XP SP3 or later versions.  
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2.  
ASMedia® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E12 �red)  
These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0  
Gb/s signal cables.  
You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial ATA  
hard disk drives.  
3.  
USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_56)  
This connector is for the additional USB 3.0 ports, and complies with the USB 3.0  
specificaton that supports up to 5.0 Gbps connection speed. If the USB 3.0 front panel  
cable is available from your system chassis, with this USB 3.0 connector, you can have  
a front panel USB 3.0 solution.  
1-38  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
4.  
USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910; USB1112)  
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.  
Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the  
motherboard!  
You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) first, and  
then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard if your chassis supports  
front panel USB ports.  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
5.  
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)  
This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. 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.  
The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.  
6.  
TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)  
This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which can securely  
store keys, digital certificates, passwords, and data. A TPM system also helps enhance  
network security, protects digital identities, and ensures platform integrity. This  
connector can also serve for G.P. Diagnosis card installation.  
1-40  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
7.  
CPU, chassis, and optional fan connectors  
(4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-3; 4-pin OPT_FAN1-3)  
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.  
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!  
The CPU_FAN connector supports the CPU fan of maximum 1A (12 W) fan power.  
If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis fan cable  
to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1, CHA_FAN2, CHA_FAN3 for better  
thermal environment.  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
8.  
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.  
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.  
If you want to connect a high-definition or an AC’97 front panel audio module to this  
connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD] or [AC97].  
9.  
Direct Connector (2-pin DRCT)  
This connector is for the chassis-mounted button that supports the DirectKey function.  
Connect the button cable that supports DirectKey, from the chassis to this connector on  
the motherboard.  
Ensure that your chassis comes with the button cable that supports the DirectKey feature.  
Refer to the technical documentation that came with the chassis for details.  
1-42  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
10. ATX power connectors  
(24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V_1; 4-pin EATX12V_2; 4-pin EZ_PLUG)  
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.  
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 350 W.  
Do not forget to connect the 4-pin/8-pin EATX12 V power plug. Otherwise, the system  
will not boot.  
Connect the 4-pin EZ_PLUG power plugs to ensure sufficient power supply when you  
install multiple graphics cards.  
We recommend that you use a PSU with a higher power output when configuring a  
system with more power-consuming devices. The system may become unstable or  
may not boot up if the power is inadequate.  
If you want to use two or more high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with  
1000W power or above to ensure the system stability.  
If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system,  
refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus.  
com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.  
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11. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)  
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.  
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.  
1-44  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
12. Thermal sensor cable connectors (2-pin OPT_TEMP1-3)  
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  
the temperature. The optional fan 1/2/3 can work with the temperature sensors for a  
better cooling effect.  
You must enable the OPT FAN 1/2/3 overheat protection in BIOS if you connect the  
thermal sensor cables to these connectors.  
The thermal sensor cables are purchased separately.  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
1.2.10  
ProbeIt  
The ROG ProbeIt allows you to detect your system’s current voltage and OC settings. Use a  
multimeter to measure the ProbeIt points even during overclocking.  
See the illustration below to locate the respective ProbeIt points.  
Using ProbeIt  
You may connect the multitester to the motherboard as shown on Figure 1.  
Figure 1  
The photos above are for reference only. The actual motherboard layout and measure  
points location may differ by models.  
1-46  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
Chapter 2:  
Basic Installation  
Basic Installation  
2
2.1  
Building your PC system  
Motherboard installation  
2.1.1  
The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with  
models, but the installation steps are the same for all models.  
1.  
Install the ASUS I/O Shield to the chassis rear I/O panel.  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
2.  
Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are aligned to  
the chassis’ rear I/O panel.  
2-2  
Chapter 2: Basic Installation  
3.  
Place nine 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.  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
2.1.2  
CPU installation  
The AMD AM3+ socket is compatible with AMD AM3+ and AM3 processors. Ensure you  
use a CPU designed for the AM3+ socket. 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!  
1
2
3
2-4  
Chapter 2: Basic Installation  
 
2.1.3  
CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation  
Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the  
CPU heatsink and CPU before you install  
the heatsink and fan if necessary.  
To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly  
1
2-5  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
2
3
4
5
2-6  
Chapter 2: Basic Installation  
2.1.4  
DIMM installation  
1
2
3
To remove a DIMM  
B
A
2-7  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
2.1.5  
ATX Power connection  
1
2
OR  
OR  
2-8  
Chapter 2: Basic Installation  
 
2.1.6  
SATA device connection  
1
OR  
2
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
2.1.7  
Front I/O Connector  
To install ASUS Q-Connector  
2
1
To install USB 2.0 connector  
To install front panel audio connector  
AAFP  
USB 2.0  
To install USB 3.0 connector  
USB 3.0  
2-10  
Chapter 2: Basic Installation  
 
2.1.8  
Expansion Card installation  
To install PCIe x16 cards  
To install PCIe x1 cards  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
2.2  
BIOS update utility  
USB BIOS Flashback  
USB BIOS Flashback allows you to easily update the BIOS without entering the existing  
BIOS or operating system. Simply insert a USB storage device to the USB port, press the  
USB BIOS Flashback button for three seconds, and the BIOS is updated automatically.  
To use USB BIOS Flashback:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website  
Extract and rename the BIOS image file to C5FZ.CAP.  
Copy C5FZ.CAP to the root directory of the USB flash disk drive.  
Turn off the system and insert the USB storage device to the ROG Connect port.  
Press the ROG Connect button and release when a flashing light appears, which  
indicates that the BIOS Flashback function is enabled.  
6.  
Wait until the light goes out, indicating that the BIOS updating process is completed.  
ROG Connect button  
USB BIOS Flashback port  
For more BIOS update utilities in BIOS setup, refer to the section 3.10 Updating BIOS in  
Chapter 3.  
DO NOT unplug portable disk, power system, or press the CLR_CMOS button while  
BIOS update is ongoing, otherwise update will be interrupted. In case of interruption,  
please follow the steps again.  
Updating BIOS may have risks. If the BIOS program is damaged during the process  
and results to the system’s failure to boot up, please contact your local ASUS Service  
Center.  
2-12  
Chapter 2: Basic Installation  
 
2.3  
Motherboard rear and audio connections  
Rear I/O connection  
2.3.1  
Rear panel connectors  
1. PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port  
7. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2  
8. ROG Connect button  
2. Clear CMOS switch  
9. USB 2.0 ports 3, 4, 5 and 6 (1 port can  
be used for ROG Connect)  
3. USB 3.0 ports 3 and 4  
4. LAN (RJ-45) port�  
10. External SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports 1 and 2  
11. USB 2.0 ports 7 and 8  
5. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2  
6. Optical S/PDIF Out port  
12. Audio I/O ports�  
*: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LEDs, and audio port definitions.  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
Press the Clear CMOS switch to clear BIOS setup information only when the system  
hangs due to overclocking.  
DO NOT insert a different connector to the external SATA port.  
Due to USB 3.0 controller limitation, USB 3.0 devices can only be used under  
Windows® OS environment and after the USB 3.0 driver installation.  
USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only.  
We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 devices to USB 3.0 ports for faster  
and better performance for your USB 3.0 devices.  
* LAN ports LED indications  
Activity Link LED  
ACT/LINK SPEED  
LED LED  
Speed LED  
Status  
Status  
Description  
No link  
Description  
OFF  
OFF  
10 Mbps connection  
100 Mbps connection  
1 Gbps connection  
ORANGE  
BLINKING  
Linked  
ORANGE  
GREEN  
LAN port  
Data activity  
** Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration  
Port  
2-channel 4-channel  
Line In  
6-channel  
8-channel  
Light Blue Line In  
Line In  
Line In  
Lime  
Line Out  
Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out  
Front Speaker Out  
Mic In  
Pink  
Mic In  
Mic In  
Mic In  
Orange  
Black  
Gray  
Center/Subwoofer  
Rear Speaker Out  
Center/Subwoofer  
Rear Speaker Out  
Side Speaker Out  
Rear Speaker Out  
2-14  
Chapter 2: Basic Installation  
2.3.2  
Audio I/O connections  
Audio I/O ports  
Connect to Headphone and Mic  
Connect to Stereo Speakers  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers  
Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers  
Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers  
2-16  
Chapter 2: Basic Installation  
Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers  
When the DTS UltraPC II and DTS Connect functions are enabled, ensure to connect the  
rear speaker to the gray port.  
2-17  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
2.4  
1.  
Starting up for the first time  
After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.  
Ensure that all switches are off.  
2.  
3.  
Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis.  
Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.  
Turn on the devices in the following order:  
4.  
5.  
a. Monitor  
b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)  
c. System power  
6.  
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 the “green” standards or if it has a  
“power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up or change from orange to green  
after the system LED turns on.  
The system then runs the power-on self tests (POST). While the tests are running, the  
BIOS beeps (refer to the BIOS beep codes table) 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  
short beeps then a pause (repeated)  
No memory detected  
One continuous beep followed by three  
short beeps  
No VGA detected  
One continuous beep followed by four  
short beeps  
Hardware component failure  
7.  
At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the  
instructions in Chapter 3.  
2.5  
Turning off the computer  
While the system is ON, press the power button for less than four seconds to put the system  
on sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Press the power switch  
for more than four seconds to let the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS  
setting.  
2-18  
Chapter 2: Basic Installation  
 
Chapter 3:  
BIOS setup  
BIOS setup  
3
3.1  
Knowing BIOS  
The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unified Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI  
architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-  
only BIOS controls to enable a more flexible and convenient mouse input. You can easily  
navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as your operating system. The  
term “BIOS” in this user manual refers to “UEFI BIOS” unless otherwise specified.  
BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage  
device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot  
device configuration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In  
normal circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure  
optimal performance. DO NOT change the default BIOS settings except in the following  
circumstances:  
An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to  
run the BIOS Setup.  
You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or  
update.  
Inappropriate BIOS settings may result to instability or boot failure. We strongly  
recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service  
personnel.  
When downloading or updating the BIOS file, rename it as C5FZ.CAP for this motherboard.  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
3.2  
BIOS setup program  
Use the BIOS Setup to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screen  
include navigation keys and brief onscreen help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup  
program.  
Entering BIOS at startup  
To enter BIOS Setup at startup:  
Press <Delete> during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you do not press <Delete>,  
POST continues with its routines.  
Entering BIOS Setup after POST  
To enter BIOS Setup after POST:  
Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete> simultaneously.  
Press the reset button on the system chassis.  
Press the power button to turn the system off then back on. Do this option only if you  
failed to enter BIOS Setup using the first two options.  
The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and  
may not exactly match what you see on your screen.  
Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to your motherboard if you want to use the  
mouse to control the BIOS setup program.  
If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default  
settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized  
Defaults item under the Exit menu or press hotkey <F5>. See section 3.9 Exit Menu  
for details.  
If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and  
reset the motherboard to the default value. See section 1.2.6 Onboard buttons and  
switches for information on how to erase the RTC RAM via the Clear CMOS button.  
The BIOS setup program does not support the bluetooth devices.  
BIOS menu screen  
The BIOS Setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode.  
You can change modes from the Exit menu or from the Exit/Advanced Mode screen.  
3-2  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.2.1  
EZ Mode  
The EZ Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to  
select the display language, system performance mode and boot device priority. To access  
the Advanced Mode, click Exit/Advanced Mode, then select Advanced Mode or press <F7>  
hot key for the advanced BIOS settings.  
The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the  
Setup Mode item in section 3.7 Boot menu for details.  
Selects the display language of the  
BIOS setup program  
Click to display all fan  
speeds if available  
Displays the CPU/motherboard temperature,  
CPU/5V/3.3V/12V voltage output, CPU/chassis/  
power fan speed  
Exits the BIOS setup program without saving  
the changes, saves the changes and resets the  
system, or enters the Advanced Mode  
Selects the Advanced  
Mode functions  
Power Saving mode  
Normal mode  
Loads optimized default  
settings  
Displays the Advanced  
mode menus  
Selects the boot device priority  
ASUS Optimal mode  
Displays the system properties of the  
selected mode on the right hand side  
The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system.  
The Boot Menu (F8) button is available only when the boot device is installed to the  
system.  
3-3  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
3.2.2  
Advanced Mode  
The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure  
the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the  
following sections for the detailed configurations.  
To access the Advanced Mode, click Exit, then select Advanced Mode or press F7 hotkey.  
Menu items  
Menu bar  
Configuration fields  
General help  
Pop-up window  
Submenu item  
Scroll bar  
Navigation keys  
Menu bar  
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:  
Extreme Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings  
Main  
For changing the basic system configuration  
Advanced  
For changing the advanced system settings  
For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing  
the fan settings.  
Monitor  
Boot  
Tool  
Exit  
For changing the system boot configuration  
For configuring options for special functions  
For selecting the exit options and loading default settings  
3-4  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
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 (Extreme Tweaker, Advanced, Monitor, Boot, Tool, and Exit) on the menu bar  
have their respective menu items.  
Back button  
This button appears when entering a submenu. Press <Esc> or use the USB mouse to click  
this button to return to the previous menu screen.  
Submenu items  
A greater than sign (>) before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a  
submenu. To display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.  
Pop-up window  
Select a menu item and press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the configuration  
options for that item.  
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 Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> / <Page Down> keys to display the  
other items on the screen.  
Navigation keys  
At the bottom right corner of the menu screen are the navigation keys for the BIOS setup  
program. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.  
General help  
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item. Use  
<F12> key to capture the BIOS screen and save it to the removable storage device.  
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 highlighted when selected. To change the value of a field, select it and  
press <Enter> to display a list of options.  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
3.3  
Extreme Tweaker menu  
The Extreme Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items.  
Be cautious when changing the settings of the Extreme Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field  
values can cause the system to malfunction.  
The configuration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you  
installed on the motherboard.  
Scroll down to display other BIOS items.  
Load Extreme OC Profile  
Press <Enter> and select Yes to load the Extreme OC profile to suit extreme overclocking.  
Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]  
Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal  
frequency. Select any of these preset overclocking configuration options:  
[Auto]  
Loads the optimal settings for the system.  
[Manual]  
[D.O.C.P.]  
Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.  
CPU Bus, CPU ratio and memory parameters will be auto optimized.  
The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner to [Manual].  
3-6  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
CPU Bus Frequency [Auto]  
Allows you to set the CPU Bus frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the PCIE  
frequency. You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad. The values  
range from 100 to 600.  
PCIE Frequency [Auto]  
Allows you to set the PCI Express frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the  
PCIE frequency. You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad. The  
values range from 100 to 150.  
CPU Level Up [CANCEL]  
Allows you to select a CPU level, and the related parameters will be automatically adjusted  
according to the selected CPU level.  
Configuration options: [CANCEL] [CPU LEVEL UP 1] [CPU LEVEL UP 2]  
CPU Ratio [Auto]  
Allows you to manually adjust the maximum non-turbo CPU ratio. Use <+> and <-> keys to  
adjust the value. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model.  
AMD Turbo CORE technology [Auto]  
Allows you to enable or disable the AMD Turbo CORE technology.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Turbo CORE Ratio [Auto]  
This item appears only when you set AMD Turbo CORE technology to [Enabled]. This  
allows you to increase or decrease the target turbo core speed. Use the <+> and <->  
keys to adjust the ratio. The speeds range from 800MHz to 7000MHz with a 100MHz  
interval.  
Memory Frequency [Auto]  
Allows you to set the memory operating frequency.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [DDR3-800MHz] [DDR3-1066MHz] [DDR3-1333MHz] [DDR3-  
1600MHz] [DDR3-1866MHz] [DDR3-2133MHz] [DDR3-2400MHz]  
Selecting a very high memory frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this  
happens, revert to the default setting.  
CPU/NB Frequency [Auto]  
Allows you to select the CPU/NB frequency.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [800MHz] [1000MHz] [1200MHz] [1400MHz] [1600MHz]  
[1800MHz] [2000MHz] [2200MHz] [2400MHz] [2600MHz] [2800MHz] [3000MHz] [3200MHz]  
[3400MHz] [3600MHz] [3800MHz] [4000MHz] [4200MHz] [4400MHz] [4600MHz] [4800MHz]  
[5000MHz] [5200MHz] [5400MHz] [5600MHz] [5800MHz] [6000MHz] [6200MHz]  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
HT Link Speed [Auto]  
Allows you to select the HyperTransport link speed.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [800MHz] [1000MHz] [1200MHz] [1400MHz] [1600MHz]  
[1800MHz] [2000MHz] [2200MHz] [2400MHz] [2600MHz]  
CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]  
[Auto]  
Automatic configuration.  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Enhances CPU bus frequency overclocking ability.  
Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.  
PCIe Spread Spectrum [Auto]  
[Auto]  
Automatic configuration.  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Enhances the PCIe overclocking ability.  
Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.  
EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
EPU Setting [Auto]  
This item only appears when you set the EPU Power Saving Mode to [Enabled]. It  
allows you to set the EPU setting to power saving modes.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Light Power Saving Mode] [Medium Power Saving Mode]  
[Max Power Saving Mode]  
Xtreme Tweaking [Disabled]  
This item may help improve some benchmarks performance.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
DRAM Timing Control  
The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features. Use the <+>  
and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard  
and press the <Enter> key.  
Changing the values in this menu may cause the system to become unstable! If this  
happens, revert to the default settings.  
Load 4GB Settings  
Allows you to load optimal settings for 4GB DRAM modules.  
Configuration options: [Yes] [No]  
Load PSC Chip Settings  
Allows you to load optimal settings for PSC chip modules.  
Configuration options: [Yes] [No]  
3-8  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
Primary Timings  
DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] – [19 CLK]  
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] – [19 CLK]  
DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] – [19 CLK]  
DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [8 CLK] – [40 CLK]  
DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] – [10 CLK]  
DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 CLK] – [9 CLK]  
DRAM WRITE to READ Delay [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] – [9 CLK]  
DRAM CAS# write Latency [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] – [12 CLK]  
DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] [8 CLK] [10 CLK] [12 CLK]  
[14 CLK] [16 CLK]  
DRAM REF Cycle Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [90ns] [110ns] [160ns] [300ns] [350ns]  
DRAM Row Cycle Time [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [10 CLK] – [56 CLK]  
DRAM READ to WRITE Delay [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] – [22 CLK]  
DRAM WRITE to READ Delay(DD) �Auto�  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 CLK] – [11 CLK]  
DRAM WRITE to WRITE Timing [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] – [11 CLK]  
DRAM READ to READ Timing [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] – [11 CLK]  
DRAM Refresh Rate [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Every 7.8ms] [Every 3.9ms]  
DRAM Command Rate [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1T] [2T]  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
DRAM Driving Control  
DCT0 Information:  
CKE drive strength [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]  
CS/ODT drive strength [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]  
ADDR/CMD drive strength [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]  
MEMCLK drive strength [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]  
Data drive strength [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]  
DQS drive strength [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]  
Processor ODT [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [240 ohms +/- 20%] [120 ohms +/- 20%]  
[80 ohms +/- 20%] [60 ohms +/- 20%]  
DCT1 Information:  
CKE drive strength [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]  
CS/ODT drive strength [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]  
ADDR/CMD drive strength [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]  
MEMCLK drive strength [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]  
Data drive strength [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]  
DQS drive strength [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]  
Processor ODT [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [240 ohms +/- 20%] [120 ohms +/- 20%]  
[80 ohms +/- 20%] [60 ohms +/- 20%]  
3-10  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
GPU.DIMM Post  
The sub-items in this menu display the status of the installed VGA cards and memory. The  
fields show N/A if there are no devices installed on the slots.  
DIGI+ Power Control  
CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]  
Load-line is defined by AMD VRM spec and affects CPU voltage. The CPU working  
voltage will decrease proportionally to CPU loading. Higher load-line calibration would  
get higher voltage and better overclocking performance, but increase the CPU and  
VRM thermal. This item allows you to adjust the voltage range from the following  
percentages to boost the system performance: 0% (Regular), 25% (Medium), 50%  
(High), 75% (Ultra High) and 100% (Extreme).  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Medium] [High] [Ultra High] [Extreme]  
The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specifiation.  
CPU Currrent Capability [Auto]  
This item provides wider total power range for overclocking. A higher value brings a  
wider total power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%]  
DO NOT remove the thermal module while changing the DIGI+ Power Control related  
parrameters . The thermal conditions should be monitored.  
Some of the following items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric  
keypad and press the <Enter> key. You can also use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the  
value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter>  
key.  
CPU Power Phase Control [Standard]  
Phase number is the number of woorking VRM phase. Increasing phase number under  
heavy system loading to get more transient and better thermal performance. Reducing  
phase number under light system loading to increase VRM efficiency  
[Standard]  
[Optimized]  
[Extreme]  
Proceeds phase control depending on the CPU loading.  
Loads the ASUS optimized phase tuning profile.  
Proceeds the full phase mode.  
[Manual Adjustment] Allows manual adjustment.  
CPU Power Switching Frequency [Auto]  
Switching frequency will affects the VRM transient response and component thermal.  
Higher frequency gets quicker transient response.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]  
VRM Fixed Frequency Mode  
This item appears only when you set the CPU Power Switching Frequency  
to [Manual]. It allows you to set a fixed frequency range for the VRM. The  
values range from 300KHz to 550KHz with a 10KHz interval.  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
CPU Power Duty Control [T.Probe]  
This item adjusts the current and thermal of every VRM phase component.  
[T.Probe]  
Maintains the VRM thermal balance.  
[Extreme]  
Maintains the VRM current balance.  
CPU Power Response Control [Auto]  
Allows you to control the CPU Power Response.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Medium] [Fast] [Ultra Fast]  
CPU Power Thermal Control [130]  
Allows you to control the CPU Power thermal value.  
Configuration options: [130] ~ [151]  
VRM Spread Spectrum [Disabled]  
This item appears only when you set the CPU Power Switching Frequency to [Auto]. It  
allows you to enable the spread spectrum to enhance system stability.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
CPU/NB Load-Line Calibration [Auto]  
Allows you to select the CPU/NB Load-Line mode.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [High] [Extreme]  
CPU/NB Currrent Capability [Auto]  
This item provides wider total DRAM controller power range for overclocking. A higher  
value brings a wider total power range and extends the overclocking frequency range  
simultaneously.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%]  
CPU/NB Power Response Control [Auto]  
Allows you to control the CPU/NB Power Response.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Medium] [Fast] [Ultra Fast]  
DRAM Current Capability [100%]  
Allows you to set the DRAM current capability.  
Configuration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%]  
DRAM Power Phase Control [Optimized]  
Allows you to set the DRAM power phase control.  
Configuration options: [Optimized] [Extreme]  
DRAM Power Switching Frequency [300KHZ]  
Allows you to set the DRAM voltage frequency.  
Configuration options: [300KHZ] [350KHZ] [400KHZ] [450KHZ] [500KHZ]  
Extreme OV [Disabled]  
This item is set to [Disabled] by default to protect the CPU from being overheated. Set this  
item to [Enabled] to choose a higher voltage to overclock, but doing so might decrease CPU  
life.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
3-12  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
CPU & NB Voltage [Offset Mode]  
[Manual Mode] Allows you to set a fixed CPU & NB voltage.  
[Offset Mode]  
Allows you to set the Offset voltage.  
Offset Mode Sign [+]  
This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage item to [Offset Mode].  
[–]  
[+]  
To offset the voltage by a negative value.  
To offset the voltage by a positive value.  
CPU Offset Voltage [Auto]  
This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage item to [Offset Mode] and  
allows you to set the Offset voltage. The values range from 0.00625V to 0.70000V with  
a 0.00625V interval.  
CPU/NB Offset Mode Sign [+]  
[+]  
[–]  
To offset the voltage by a positive value.  
To offset the voltage by a negative value.  
CPU/NB Offset Voltage [Auto]  
This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage item to [Offset Mode]  
and allows you to set the CPU/NB Offset voltage. The values range from 0.00625V to  
0.70000V with a 0.00625V interval.  
CPU Manual Voltage [Auto]  
This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage item to [Manual Mode]  
and allows you to set a fixed CPU voltage. The values range from 0.675V to 2.3V with  
a 0.00625V interval.  
Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU voltage. Setting a high voltage  
may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may make the system  
unstable.  
CPU/NB Manual Voltage [Auto]  
This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage item to [Manual Mode]  
and allows you to set a fixed CPU/NB voltage. The values range from 0.5V to 1.9V with  
a 0.00625V interval.  
CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the CPU VDDA voltage. The values range from 2.20000V to 3.187500V  
with a 0.00625V interval.  
DRAM Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 0.86V to 2.135V with a 0.005V  
interval.  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
NB Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the Northbridge voltage. The values range from 0.8V to 2V with a 0.00625V  
interval.  
NB HT Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the HyperTransport voltage. The values range from 0.8V to 2V with a  
0.00625V interval.  
NB 1.8V Voltage [Auto]  
The values range from 1.802V to 3.00775V with a 0.01325V interval.  
SB Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the Southbridge voltage. The values range from 1.11300V to 1.80200V with  
a 0.005V interval.  
VDDR [Auto]  
Allows you to set the VDDR voltage. The values range from 1.20575V to 1.80200V with a  
0.01325V interval.  
DRAM VREFDQ [Auto]  
Allows you to set the DRAM VREFDQ Voltage. The values range from 0.395V to 0.630V with  
a 0.005V interval.  
DRAM VREFCA [Auto]  
Allows you to set the DRAM VREFCA Voltage. The values range from 0.395V to 0.630V with  
a 0.005V interval.  
DRAM VREFCA on CPU [Auto]  
Allows you to set the DRAM VREFCA on CPU Voltage. The values range from 0.395V to  
0.630V with a 0.005V interval.  
NB Voltage Switching Frequency [Auto]  
Allows you to switch NB voltage frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [1X] [1.4X]  
NB 1.8V Switching Frequency [Auto]  
Allows you to switch NB 1.8V voltage frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [1X] [1.4X]  
3-14  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
3.4  
Main menu  
The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup  
program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and  
allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings.  
Security  
The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings.  
If you have forgotten your BIOS password, erase the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC)  
RAM to clear the BIOS password. See section 1.2.6 Onboard buttons and switches  
for information on how to erase the RTC RAM via the Clear CMOS button.  
The Administrator or User Password items on top of the screen show the default [Not  
Installed]. After you set a password, these items show [Installed].  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
Administrator Password  
If you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator  
password for accessing the system. Otherwise, you might be able to see or change only  
selected fields in the BIOS setup program.  
To set an administrator password:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.  
From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.  
Confirm the password when prompted.  
To change an administrator password:  
1.  
2.  
Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.  
From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press  
<Enter>.  
3.  
From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.  
4.  
Confirm the password when prompted.  
To clear the administrator password, follow the same steps as in changing an administrator  
password, but press <Enter> when prompted to create/confirm the password. After you clear  
the password, the Administrator Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed.  
User Password  
If you have set a user password, you must enter the user password for accessing the system.  
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.  
2.  
3.  
Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.  
From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.  
Confirm the password when prompted.  
3-16  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
To change a user password:  
1.  
2.  
Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.  
From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press  
<Enter>.  
3.  
From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.  
4.  
Confirm the password when prompted.  
To clear the user password, follow the same steps as in changing a user password, but press  
<Enter> when prompted to create/confirm the password. After you clear the password, the  
User Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed.  
3.5  
Advanced menu  
The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system  
devices.  
Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values  
can cause the system to malfunction.  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
3.5.1  
CPU Configuration  
The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically  
detects.  
The items in this menu may vary based on the CPU installed.  
Enhance Power Down [Auto]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Cool ‘n’ Quiet feature for CPU installed.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]  
Cool‘n’Quiet [Enable]  
This item appears only when you set Enhance Power Down to [Auto].  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
C1E [Enabled]  
Enable this feature will let your system utilize the AMD specific ACPI states to save power  
consumption. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
SVM [Enabled]  
Enable AMD virtualization in CPU. This secure virtual mode will let you run multiple OS  
(guest) on the same physical hardware by decoupling OS and physical hardware with the  
hypervisor layer.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
3-18  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
Core C6 State [Enabled]  
Allows you to reduce the CPU’s power consumption.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
HPC Mode [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable High Performance Computing (HPC) function.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
APM Master Mode [Auto]  
Allows you to enable or disable Application Power Management (APM) function.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]  
3.5.2  
North Bridge Configuration  
IOMMU [Disabled]  
Set IOMMU to Enabled to show IOMMU Mode.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
IOMMU Mode [Disabled]  
This item appears only when you set IOMMU item to [Enabled]. IOMMU is supported  
on LINUX based systems to convert 32bit I/O to 64bit MMIO.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [64MB]  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
Memory Configuration  
Bank Interleaving [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]  
Channel Interleaving [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]  
Warm Boot RAM [Enabled]  
Allows you to reuse data in RAM after warm boot to speed up boot.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Memory Clear [Disabled]  
Allows you to clear the settings saved in RAM.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ECC Mode [Enabled]  
Enables or disables the DRAM ECC mode that allows the hardware to report and  
correct memory errors.  
[Disabled]  
Disables the DRAM ECC mode.  
[Enabled]  
Set to [Enable] to adjust ECC mode automatically.  
Power Down Enable [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the DDR power down mode.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
DCT Unganged Mode [Enabled]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Initiate Graphic Adapter [PEG/PCI]  
Allows you to select which graphics controller to use as the primary boot device.  
Configuration options: [PCI/PEG] [PEG/PCI]  
3.5.3  
South Bridge Configuration  
HPET [Enabled]  
Allows you to set the HPET timer.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
3-20  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.5.4  
SATA Configuration  
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The  
SATA Port items show Not Present if no SATA device is installed to the corresponding SATA  
port.  
SB SATA Configuration  
Options for SATA Configuration.  
OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the onboard channel SATA port.  
Disables the onboard channel SATA port.  
The following items appear only when you set the OnChip SATA Channel item to  
[Enabled].  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
SATA Port1–Port4 [AHCI]  
Allows you to set the SATA configuration.  
[IDE]  
Set to [IDE] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as  
Parallel ATA physical storage devices.  
[RAID]  
[AHCI]  
Set to [RAID] when you want to create a RAID configuration from the  
SATA hard disk drives.  
Set to [AHCI] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the  
AHCI (Advanced 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.  
SATA Port5–Port6 [AHCI]  
Setting this item to [IDE] instead of [RAID] or [AHCI] allows the system to recognize the  
optical drives connected to the SATA connector 5 or 6 when installing Windows OS.  
When the SATA Port1–Port 4 and the SATA Port5–Port6 items are set to [AHCI], the  
information of the SATA connectors 1–6 can be seen only under the OS environment  
or during POST.  
For Windows® XP OS, you have to install the AHCI driver, so that you could use the  
SATA connectors 1–6 in AHCI mode under the OS environment.  
If you use a SATA optical drive to run the Windows OS installation disk, we strongly  
recommend that you install the optical drive to the SATA connector 5/6 and set them to  
[IDE] mode.  
S.M.A.R.T Status Check [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the S.M.A.R.T feature.  
Disables the S.M.A.R.T feature.  
SATA ESP on PORT1 [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
SATA ESP on PORT2 [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
SATA ESP on PORT3 [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
SATA ESP on PORT4 [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
SATA ESP on PORT5 [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
SATA ESP on PORT6 [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
3-22  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
3.5.5  
USB Configuration  
The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.  
The USB Devices item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the  
item shows None.  
Legacy USB Support [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Auto]  
Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS).  
The USB devices can be used only for the BIOS setup program.  
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.  
Legacy USB3.0 Support [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Enables the support for USB 3.0 devices on legacy operating systems  
(OS).  
[Disabled]  
Disables the function.  
EHCI Hand-off [Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off  
feature.  
[Disabled]  
Disables the function.  
SB USB Configuration  
USB PORT 1-12 [Enabled]  
This item allows you to enable or disable individual USB ports.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
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3.5.6  
CPU Core On/Off Function  
The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.  
CPU Core Activation [Auto]  
This item allows you to turn off the CPU cores manually.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]  
The number of cores vary with CPU models.  
3.5.7  
Onboard Devices Configuration  
Scroll down to view the other BIOS items.  
3-24  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
ASM1061 Storage Controller (Front) �Enabled  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the controller.  
Disables the controller.  
ASM1061 Storage OPROM [Enabled]  
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable  
or disable the ASM1061 Storage OptionROM.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
ASM1061 Storage Controller (Rear) �Enabled�  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the controller.  
Disables the controller.  
ASM1061 Storage OPROM [Enabled]  
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable  
or disable the ASM1061 Storage OptionROM.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
ASMedia USB 3.0 Controller (Rear_12) �Enabled�  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the USB 3.0 controller.  
Disables the controller.  
ASMedia USB 3.0 Controller (Front_56) �Enabled�  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the USB 3.0 controller.  
Disables the controller.  
ASMedia USB 3.0 Controller (Rear_34) �Enabled�  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the ASMedia USB 3.0 Controller.  
Disables the controller.  
ASMedia USB 3.0 Battery Charging Support [Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the ASMedia USB 3.0 Battery Charging Support fuction.  
Disables the fuction.  
S3 Video Repost [Disabled]  
Allows you to set the S3 Video Repost.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Intel 82583 LAN [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the Intel 82583 LAN controller.  
Disables the controller.  
Launch PXE OPROM [Disabled]  
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable  
or disable boot option for Legacy Network Devices.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
SB HD Azalia Configuration  
Options for SB HD Azalia.  
HD Audio Azalia Device [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the HD Audio controller.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Azalia Front Panel [HD]  
Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or  
high-definition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio  
module supports.  
[AC 97]  
Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97  
[HD]  
Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high definition  
audio.  
SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF]  
[SPDIF]  
[HDMI]  
Sets to [SPDIF] for SPDIF audio output.  
Sets to [HDMI] for HDMI audio output.  
3.5.8  
APM  
ErP Ready [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the Energy Related Products (ErP) Ready function.  
Allows BIOS to switch off some power at S5 state to get system ready for  
the ErP requirement. When set to [Enabled], power for WOL, WO_USB,  
audio and onboard LEDs will be switched off at S5 state.  
Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off]  
When set to [Power Off], the system goes into off state after an AC power loss. When set  
to [Power On], the system will reboot after an AC power loss. When set to [Last State], the  
system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was before the AC power  
loss.  
Configuration options: [Power Off] [Power On] [Last State]  
3-26  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
Power On By PS/2 Device [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the PS/2 devices from generating a wake event.  
Enables the PS/2 devices to generate a wake event.  
Power On By PME Device [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the PME devices from generating a wake event.  
Enables the PME devices to generate a wake event.  
Power On By RTC [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables RTC to generate a wake event.  
When set to [Enabled], the items RTC Alarm Date (Days) and Hour/  
Minute/Second will become user-configurable with set values.  
3.5.9  
Network Stack  
Network stack [Disabled]  
This item allows you to enable/disable UEFI network stack function.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
The following item appears only when you set the Network Stack to [Enabled].  
Ipv4/Ipv6 PXE Support [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Ipv4/Ipv6 PXE boot option.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
3.5.10  
iROG Configuration  
iROG Timer Keeper [Last State]  
Allows you to set the iROG Time Keeper operation mode.  
Configuration options: [Last State] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
3.5.11  
ROG Connect  
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]  
3-28  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.5.12  
LED Control  
The LED Control menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for the onboard  
LEDs.  
Take caution when changing the settings of the LED Control menu items. Incorrect field  
values can cause the system to malfunction.  
All LED Control [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LEDs control.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
The following items appear only when you set All LED Control to [Enabled].  
SupremeFX III Lighting LED [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the onboard SupremeFX III Lighting LED.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
3.6  
Monitor menu  
The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change  
the fan settings.  
Voltage Monitor  
CPU Voltage; 3.3V Voltage; 5V Voltage; 12V Voltage; VDDA Voltage; CPU/NB  
Voltage; DRAM Voltage; HT Voltage; NB Voltage; SB Voltage  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the  
onboard voltage regulators. Press <Enter> and select [Ignore] if you do not wish to  
display the detected temperatures.  
Temperature Monitor  
CPU Temperature; MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]; OPT1-3 Temperature;  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU, and  
motherboard. Press <Enter> and select [Ignore] if you do not wish to display the  
detected temperatures.  
NB Overheat Protection [90ºC]  
The system automatically shuts down when the NB is heated over the set temperature  
to protect it from damage.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [70ºC] [80ºC] [90ºC] [100ºC]  
SB Overheat Protection [90ºC]  
The system automatically shuts down when the SB is heated over the set temperature  
to protect it from damage.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [70ºC] [80ºC] [90ºC] [100ºC]  
OPT TEMP1/2/3 Overheat Protection [90ºC]  
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] [70ºC] [80ºC] [90ºC] [100ºC]  
3-30  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
Fan Speed Monitor  
CPU FAN Speed; CPU OPT Speed; Chassis FAN1/2/3 Speed [xxxxRPM] or  
[Ignored] / [N/A]; Opt1/2/3 Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU fan,  
chassis 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. Press <Enter> and select [Ignore] if you do not wish to display the  
detected temperatures.  
Fan Speed Control  
CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the CPU fan controller.  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the CPU Q-fan controller.  
Enables the CPU Q-fan controller.  
The following three items appear when you enable the CPU Fan Control feature.  
CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]  
Allows you to set the low speed limit of the CPU fan and the system sends warning  
message when the fan speed drops below the set value.  
Configuration options: [Ignored] [100 RPM] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM]  
[500 RPM] [600 RPM]  
Select Fan Type [PWM Fan]  
Configuration options: [PWM Fan] [DC Fan]  
CPU Fan Profile [Standard]  
Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU fan.  
[Standard]  
Sets to [Standard] to make the chassis fan automatically adjust  
depending on the CPU temperature.  
[Silent]  
[Turbo]  
[Manual]  
Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation.  
Set to [Turbo] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.  
Sets to [Manual] to display more items for you to manually adjust the  
CPU upper/lower temperature, and CPU fan upper/lower duty cycle.  
The following four items appear only when you set CPU Fan Profile to [Manual].  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
CPU Upper Temperature [70]  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature.  
The values range from 20ºC to 75ºC.  
CPU Lower Temperature [20]  
Displays the lower limit of the CPU temperature. The values range from  
20oC to 75oC.  
CPU Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) �100  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. The  
values range from 20% to 100%. When the CPU temperature reaches the  
upper limit, the CPU fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle.  
CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) �20�  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum CPU fan duty cycle. The values  
range from 20% to 100%. When the CPU temperature is under 40ºC, the CPU fan will  
operate at the minimum duty cycle.  
Chassis Q-Fan Control [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.  
Enables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.  
Chassis Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]  
This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and allows you  
to disable or set the chassis fan warning speed.  
Configuration options: [Ignore] [100 RPM] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM]  
[600 RPM]  
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]  
Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum chassis fan speed.  
[Manual]  
Sets to [Manual] to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.  
The following four items appear only when you set Chassis Fan Profile to [Manual].  
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Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
Chassis Upper Temperature [70]  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature.  
The values range from 40ºC to 90ºC.  
Chassis Lower Temperature [40]  
Displays the lower limit of the chassis temperature.  
Chassis Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) �100�  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan duty cycle.  
The values range from 60% to 100%. When the chassis temperature  
reaches the upper limit, the chassis fan will operate at the maximum duty  
cycle.  
Chassis Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) �60�  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum chassis fan duty cycle.  
The values range from 60% to 100%. When the chassis temperature is  
under 40ºC, the chassis fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.  
OPTFAN 1-3 Control [Disabled]  
Allows you to disable or set the optional fans’ warning speeds.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Duty Mode] [User Mode]  
OPTFAN 1-3 Duty [50%]  
Allows you to set the optional fans’ speed duty percentagea.  
Configuration options: [40%] [50%] [60%] [70%] [80%] [90%]  
User Mode  
Allows you to set the optional fan’s speed temperature.  
OPT1-3 Low Speed Temp [25ºC]  
Allows you to set the optional fans’ low speed temperature.  
Configuration options: [25ºC] [30ºC] [35ºC] [40ºC]  
OPT1-3 Full Speed Temp [60ºC]  
Allows you to set the optional fans’ low speed temperature.  
Configuration options: [60ºC] [70ºC] [80ºC] [90ºC]  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
3.7  
Boot menu  
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.  
Scroll down to display the other BIOS items.  
Bootup NumLock State [On]  
[On]  
[Off]  
Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [On].  
Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [Off].  
Full Screen Logo [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enables the full screen logo display feature.  
Disables the full screen logo display feature.  
Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature.  
Post Report [3 sec]  
This item appears only when you set Full Screen Logo to [Disabled]. This allows you to  
select a desired post epot waiting time. The values range from 0 to 10 seconds.  
Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables this function.  
The system waits for the <F1> key to be pressed when error occurs.  
3-34  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
Fast Boot [Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Select to accelerate the boot speed.  
Select to go back to normal boot.  
The following four items appear when you set Fast Boot to [Enabled].  
USB Support [Partial Initialization]  
[Disabled] All USB devices will not be available until OS boot up for a  
fastest POST time.  
[Full Initialization] All USB devices will be available during POST. This process will  
extend the POST time.  
[Partial  
Initialization]  
For a faster POST time, only the USB ports with keyboard and  
mouse connections will be detected.  
PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse Support [Full initialization]  
Select any of these settings when PS/2 keyboard and mouse are installed. These  
settings only apply when Fast Boot is enabled.  
[Auto]  
For a faster POST time, PS/2 devices will only be available when the  
system boots up or rebooted when the PS/2 devices have not been  
reconnected or changed. If you disconnect or change PS/2 devices  
before restarting the system, PS/2 devices will not be available and  
BIOS setup program will not be accessible via PS/2 devices.  
[Full Initialization] For full system control, PS/2 devices will be available during POST at  
any circumstances. This process will extend POST time.  
[Disabled]  
For the fastest POST time, all PS/2 devices will not be available until  
your computer enters the operating system.  
Network Stack Driver Support [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Select to skip the network stack driver from loading during POST.  
Select to load the network stack driver during POST.  
DirectKey Enabled [Go to BIOS...]  
[Disabled]  
Disables the DirectKey function. The system will only power on or  
off when you press the DirectKey button.  
[Go to BIOS Setup]  
Allows the system to power on and go to BIOS Setup directly  
when you press the DirectKey button.  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS]  
[Force BIOS] The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the boot  
sequence.  
[Keep Current] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-party  
manufacturer had set the add-on device to do so.  
INT19 Trap Response [Immediate]  
[Immediate]  
[Postponed]  
Executes the trap right away.  
Executes the trap during legacy boot.  
Next Boot after AC Power Loss [Normal Boot]  
[Normal Boot]  
[Fast Boot]  
Returns to normal boot on the next boot after AC power loss.  
Accelerates the boot speed on the next boot after AC power loss.  
CSM (Compatibility Support Module)  
Allows you to configure the CSM (Compatibility Support Module) items to fully support the  
various VGA, bootable devices and add-on devices for better compatibility.  
Launch CSM [Auto]  
[Auto]  
The system automatically detects the bootable devices and the add-  
on devices.  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
For better compatibility, enable the CSM to fully support the non-UEFI  
driver add-on devices or the Windows® UEFI mode.  
Disable the CSM to fully support the Windows® Security Update and  
Security Boot.  
The following four items appear when you set Launch CSM to [Enabled].  
Boot Devices Control [UEFI and Legacy OpROM]  
Allows you to select the type of devices that you want to boot up.  
Configuration options: [UEFI and Legacy OpROM] [Legacy OpROM only]  
[UEFI only]  
Boot from Network Devices �Legacy OpROM first�  
Allows you to select the type of network devices that you want to launch.  
Configuration options: [Legacy OpROM first] [UEFI driver first] [Ignore]  
Boot from Storage Devices �Legacy OpROM first�  
Allows you to select the type of storage devices that you want to launch.  
Configuration options: [Both, Legacy OpROM first] [Both, UEFI first]  
[Legacy OpROM first] [UEFI driver first] [Ignore]  
Boot from PCIe/PCI Expansion Devices �Legacy OpROM first�  
Allows you to select the type of PCIe/PCI expansion devices that you want  
to launch.  
Configuration options: [Legacy OpROM first] [UEFI driver first]  
3-36  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
Secure Boot parameters  
Allows you to configure the Windows® Secure Boot settings and manage its keys to protect  
the system from unauthorized access and malwares during POST.  
OS Type [Windows UEFI mode]  
Allows you to select your installed operating system.  
[Windows UEFI mode]  
[Other OS]  
Executes the Microsoft® Secure Boot check. Only  
select this option when booting on Windows® UEFI  
mode or other Microsoft® Secure Boot compliant OS.  
Get the optimized function when booting on Windows®  
non-UEFI mode, Windows® Vista/XP, or other  
Microsoft® Secure Boot non-compliant OS. Microsoft®  
Secure Boot only supports Windows® UEFI mode.  
Secure Boot Mode [Standard]  
Allows you to select how the Secure Boot prevents unauthorized firmware, operating  
systems, or UEFI drivers from running during boot time.  
[Standard]  
Allows the system to automatically load the Secure Boot keys from  
the BIOS database.  
[Custom]  
Allows you to customize the Secure Boot settings and manually load  
its keys from the BIOS database.  
This item only appears when you set OS Type item to [Windows UEFI mode]  
Key Management  
This item appears only when you set Secure Boot Mode to [Custom]. It allows you to  
manage the Secure Boot keys.  
Manage the Secure Boot Keys (PK, KEK, db, dbx)  
Install Default Secure Boot keys  
Allows you to immediately load the default Security Boot keys, Platform key  
(PK), Key-exchange Key (KEK), Signature database (db), and Revoked  
Signatures (dbx). When the default Secure boot keys are loaded, the PK  
state will change from Unloaded mode to loaded mode.  
Clear Secure Boot keys  
This item appears only when you load the default Secure Boot keys. This  
item allows you to clear all default Secure Boot keys.  
PK Management  
The Platform Key (PK) locks and secures the firmware from any permissible changes.  
The system verifies the PK before your system enters the OS.  
Load PK from File  
Allows you to load the downloaded PK from a USB storage device.  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
Copy PK to File  
Allows you to store the PK to a USB storage device.  
Delete PK  
Allows you to delete the PK from your system. Once the PK is deleted, all  
the system’s Secure Boot keys will not be active.  
Configuration options: [Yes] [No]  
The PK file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated  
variable.  
KEK Management  
The KEK (Key-exchange Key or Key Enrollment Key) manages the Signature database  
(db) and Revoked Signature database (dbx).  
Key-exchange Key (KEK) refers to Microsoft® Secure Boot Key-Enrollment Key (KEK).  
Load KEK from File  
Allows you to load the downloaded KEK from a USB storage device.  
Copy KEK to File  
Allows you to store the KEK to a USB storage device.  
Append KEK from file  
Allows you to load the additional KEK from a storage device for an  
additional db and dbx loaded management.  
Delete the KEK  
Allows you to delete the KEK from your system.  
Configuration options: [Yes] [No]  
The KEK file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated  
variable.  
db Management  
The db (Authorized Signature database) lists the signers or images of UEFI  
applications, operating system loaders, and UEFI drivers that you can load on the  
single computer.  
Load db from File  
Allows you to load the downloaded db from a USB storage device.  
Copy db from file  
Allows you to store the db to a USB storage device.  
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Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
Append db from file  
Allows you to load the additional db from a storage device so that more  
images can be loaded securely.  
Delete the db  
Allows you to delete the db file from your system.  
Configuration options: [Yes] [No]  
The db file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated  
variable.  
dbx Management  
The dbx (Revoked Signature database) lists the forbidden images of db items that are  
no longer trusted and cannot be loaded.  
Load dbx from File  
Allows you to load the downloaded dbx from a USB storage device.  
Copy dbx from file  
Allows you to store the dbx to a USB storage device.  
Append dbx from file  
Allows you to load the additional dbx from a storage device so that more  
db’s images cannot be loaded.  
Delete the dbx  
Allows you to delete the dbx file from your system.  
Configuration options: [Yes] [No]  
The dbx file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated  
variable.  
Setup Mode [Advanced Mode]  
[Advanced Mode]Sets Advanced Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup  
program.  
[EZ Mode]  
Sets EZ Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup program.  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
3.8  
Tools menu  
The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item  
then press <Enter> to display the submenu.  
3.8.1  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility  
Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation message  
appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to  
confirm your choice.  
For more details, refer to section 3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility.  
3.8.2  
ASUS SPD Information  
Allows you to view the DRAM SPD information.  
3-40  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.8.3  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.  
The O.C. Profile Configuration items show Not Installed if no profile is created.  
Label  
Allows you to input the label of the setup profiles.  
Save to Profile  
Allows you to save the current BIOS settings to the BIOS Flash, and create a profile. Key in a  
profile number from one to eight, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.  
Load from Profile  
Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the profile  
number that saved your BIOS settings, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.  
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.  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
3.8.4  
GO Button File  
Allows you to set the GO Button files and load the desired GO Button file.  
CPU Bus/PEG Frequency; PCIE Frequency; CPU Ratio; CPU Voltage; CPU/NB  
Voltage; CPU VDDA Voltage; DRAM Voltage; NB Voltage; NB HT Voltage; NB  
1.8V Voltage; SB Voltage; VDDR  
Allows you to use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the values for each item. Refer to  
3.3 Extreme Tweaker Menu for details.  
Load Default  
Allows you to load default settings.  
Save Above Settings  
Allows you to save the adjusted values for specific items as a GO Button file.  
Load from EEPROM setting  
Allows you to load from EEPROM setting.  
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Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.9  
Exit menu  
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and  
save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. You can access the EZ Mode from the Exit  
menu.  
Load Optimized 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 <F5>, a confirmation window appears.  
Select Yes to load the default values.  
Save Changes & Reset  
Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to  
ensure the values you selected are saved. When you select this option or if you press <F10>,  
a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to save changes and exit.  
Discard Changes & Exit  
This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes. When you  
select this option or if you press <Esc>, a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to  
discard changes and exit.  
ASUS EZ Mode  
This option allows you to enter the EZ Mode screen.  
Launch EFI Shell from filesystem device  
This option allows you to attempt to launch the EFI Shell application (shellx64.efi) from one of  
the available filesystem devices.  
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3.10  
Updating BIOS  
The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system  
stability, compatibility, or performance. However, BIOS updating is potentially risky. If there  
is no problem using the current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS.  
Inappropriate BIOS updating may result in the system’s failure to boot. Carefully follow the  
instructions of this chapter to update your BIOS if necessary.  
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for this  
motherboard.  
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program.  
1.  
2.  
3.  
ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.  
ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a USB flash drive.  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support DVD or a  
USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.  
4.  
ASUS BIOS Updater: Updates and back ups the BIOS in DOS environment using the  
motherboard support DVD and a USB flash disk drive.  
Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to  
restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update  
or BIOS Updater utilities.  
3.10.1  
ASUS Update  
The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard  
BIOS in Windows® environment.  
ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet  
Service Provider (ISP).  
This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.  
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Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
Launching ASUS Update  
To launch ASUS Update, click Update > ASUS Update on the AI Suite II main menu bar.  
Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.  
Updating the BIOS through the Internet  
To update the BIOS through the Internet:  
1.  
From the ASUS Update screen, select  
Update BIOS from Internet, and  
then click Next.  
2.  
Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you  
to avoid network traffic.  
If you want to enable the BIOS  
downgrade and auto backup  
functions, tick Enable BIOS  
downgrade and Automatically  
backup my current BIOS.  
3.  
Select the BIOS version that you want  
to download. Click Next.  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file  
To update the BIOS through a BIOS file:  
1.  
From the ASUS Update screen, select  
Update BIOS from file, and then  
click Next.  
2.  
Locate the BIOS file and click Next.  
3.  
4.  
You can decide whether to change  
the BIOS boot logo. Click Yes if you  
want to change the boot logo or No to  
continue.  
Follow the onscreen instructions to  
complete the update process.  
The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual BIOS information  
vary by models.  
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at  
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.  
3-46  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
3.10.2  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a bootable floppy disk  
or an OS-based utility.  
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.  
2.  
Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select  
ASUS EZ Flash Utility and press <Enter> to enable it.  
3.  
4.  
Press <Tab> to switch to the Drive field.  
Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS,  
and then press <Enter>.  
5.  
6.  
Press <Tab> to switch to the Folder Info field.  
Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the BIOS file, and then press <Enter> to perform  
the BIOS update process. Reboot the system when the update process is done.  
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This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and  
single partition only.  
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system  
boot failure!  
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select  
the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.9 Exit Menu for  
details.  
3.10.3  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3  
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the  
BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a  
corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains  
the BIOS file.  
The BIOS file in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS file published  
on the ASUS official website. If you want to use the newer BIOS file, download the file at  
support.asus.com and save it to a USB flash drive.  
Recovering the BIOS  
To recover the BIOS:  
1.  
Turn on the system.  
2.  
Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB flash drive  
containing the BIOS file to the USB port.  
3.  
The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file. When found, the utility  
reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 automatically.  
4.  
The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover the BIOS setting. To ensure  
system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you press <F5> to load default  
BIOS values.  
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause  
system boot failure!  
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Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
 
3.10.4  
ASUS BIOS Updater  
The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update the BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also  
allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or  
gets corrupted during the updating process.  
The succeeding utility screens are for reference only. The actual utility screen displays may  
not be same as shown.  
Before updating BIOS  
1.  
Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive in FAT32/16 format and  
single partition.  
2.  
Download the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater from the ASUS website at  
http://support.asus.com and save them on the USB flash drive.  
NTFS is not supported under DOS environment. Do not save the BIOS file and BIOS  
Updater to a hard disk drive or USB flash drive in NTFS format.  
Do not save the BIOS file to a floppy disk due to low disk capacity.  
3.  
Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives (optional).  
Booting the system in DOS environment  
1.  
Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to the USB port.  
2.  
Boot your computer. When the ASUS Logo appears, press <F8> to show the BIOS  
Boot Device Select Menu. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive and select the  
optical drive as the boot device.  
Please select boot device:  
SATA: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
USB XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
UEFI: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
Enter Setup  
and to move selection  
ENTER to select boot device  
ESC to boot using defaults  
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3.  
4.  
When the Make Disk menu appears, select the FreeDOS command prompt item by  
pressing the item number.  
At the FreeDOS prompt, type d: and press <Enter> to switch the disk from Drive C  
(optical drive) to Drive D (USB flash drive).  
Welcome to FreeDOS (http://www.freedos.org)!  
C:\>d:  
D:\>  
Updating the BIOS file  
To update the BIOS file using BIOS Updater:  
1.  
At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>.  
D:\>bupdater /pc /g  
2.  
The BIOS Updater screen appears as below.  
ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V2.30 [2012/06/18]  
FLASH TYPE:  
MX1C 25L1065A  
Current ROM  
Update ROM  
BOARD:UNKNOWN  
VER: UNKNOWN  
DATE: UNKNOWN  
BOARD:  
VER:  
CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
0214  
06/18/2012  
DATE:  
PATH:  
A:  
A:\  
C5F-Z.CAP  
2097152 2012-006-18 17:30:48  
Note  
[Enter] Select or Load  
[Tab] Switch  
[B] Backup  
[V] Drive Info  
[Esc] Exit  
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move  
3.  
Press <Tab> to switch between screen fields and use the <Up/Down/Home/End> keys  
to select the BIOS file and press <Enter>. BIOS Updater checks the selected BIOS file  
and prompts you to confirm BIOS update.  
Are you sure to update BIOS?  
Yes  
No  
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Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
4.  
Select Yes and press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS  
Updater. Restart your computer.  
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot  
failure!  
For BIOS Updater version 1.04 or later, the utility automatically exits to the DOS  
prompt after updating BIOS.  
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability.  
Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit BIOS menu. See Chaper 3  
of your motherboard user manual for details.  
Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS file if you have  
disconnected them.  
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3-52  
Chapter 3: BIOS setup  
Chapter 4:  
Software support  
Software support  
4
4.1  
Installing an operating system  
This motherboard supports Windows® XP/ 64-bit XP/ 7 / 64-bit 7 / 8 / 64-bit 8  
operating systems (OS).  
Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup procedures presented  
in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed  
information.  
Ensure that you install the Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before  
installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.  
4.2  
Support DVD information  
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 into the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu  
if Autorun is enabled in your computer. Click each menu tab and select the items you want to  
install.  
The Make Disk menu  
contains items to  
create the RAID/AHCI  
driver disk.  
The Manual menu contains  
the list of supplementary user  
manuals. Click an item to open  
the folder of the user manual.  
The Drivers menu shows the available  
device drivers if the system detects  
installed devices. Install the necessary  
drivers to use the devices.  
Click the Contact  
tab to display the  
ASUS contact  
information.  
The Utilities  
menu shows the  
applications and  
other software that  
the motherboard  
supports.  
Click an icon  
to display 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.  
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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.  
The software manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe®  
Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening the files.  
1.  
Click the Manual tab. Click ASUS  
Motherboard Utility Guide from  
the manual list on the left.  
2.  
The Manual folder of the support  
DVD appears. Double-click the  
folder of your selected software.  
3.  
Some software manuals are  
provided in different languages.  
Double-click the language to show  
the software manual.  
The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual software manuals  
containing in the support DVD vary by models.  
4-2  
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  
AI Suite II  
AI Suite II is an all-in-one interface that integrates several ASUS utilities and allows users to  
launch and operate these utilities simultaneously.  
Installing AI Suite II  
To install AI Suite II on your computer:  
1.  
Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab appears if your  
computer has enabled the Autorun feature.  
2.  
3.  
Click Utilities tab > AI Suite II.  
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.  
Using AI Suite II  
AI Suite II automatically starts when you enter the Windows® operating system (OS). The AI  
Suite II icon appears in the Windows® notification area. Click the icon to open the AI Suite II  
main menu bar.  
Click each button to select and launch a utility, to monitor the system, to update the  
motherboard BIOS, to display the system information, and to customize the settings of AI  
Suite II.  
Shortcut to the CPU Level Up  
under TurboV EVO  
Click to monitor sensors or  
CPU frequency  
Click to customize the  
interface settings  
Click to show the  
system information  
Click to update the motherboard BIOS  
Click to select a utility  
The applications in the Tool menu vary with models.  
The screeshots of AI Suite II in this user manual are for reference only. The actual  
screenshots vary with models.  
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website  
at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.  
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4.3.2  
TurboV EVO  
ASUS TurboV EVO includes TurboV that allows you to manually adjust the CPU frequency  
and related voltages such as CPU Level Up that offers automatic and easy overclocking and  
system level up.  
To launch AI Suite II, click Tool > TurboV EVO on the AI Suite II main menu bar.  
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at  
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.  
TurboV  
TurboV allows you to overclock the CPU Bus/PEG frequency, CPU voltage, CPU/NB voltage  
and DRAM voltage in Windows® environment and takes effect in real-time without exiting and  
rebooting the OS.  
Refer to the CPU documentation before adjusting CPU voltage settings. Setting a high  
voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may lead to an  
unstable system.  
For system stability, all changes made in TurboV will not be saved to BIOS settings and will  
not be kept on the next system boot. Use the Save Profile function to save your customized  
overclocking settings and manually load the profile after Windows starts.  
Click to select  
mode  
Load profile  
Save the current  
settings as a  
new profile  
Target values  
Current values  
Voltage  
Adjustment  
bars  
Click to show  
settings  
Undoes all the changes  
Click to restore  
all startup  
Applies all the  
changes immediately  
settings  
4-4  
Chapter 4: Software support  
 
Using Advanced Mode  
Click on the Advanced Mode tab to adjust the advanced voltage settings.  
Advanced mode  
Target values  
Voltage  
Adjustment  
bars  
Current values  
Undoes all the changes  
Click to restore all  
startup settings  
Applies all the  
changes immediately  
CPU Ratio  
Allows you to manually adjust the CPU ratio.  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Click on the CPU Ratio tab.  
Drag the adjustment bar upwards or downwards to the desired value.  
Click Apply to save the changes made.  
CPU Ratio  
Adjustment bar  
Undoes all the changes  
Applies all the  
changes immediately  
Click to restore all  
startup settings  
Set the CPU Ratio Setting item in BIOS to [Auto] before using the CPU Ratio function  
in TurboV. Refer to the BIOS chapter of your motherboard user manual for details.  
The CPU Ratio bars show the status of the CPU cores, which vary with your CPU  
model.  
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Auto Tuning  
ASUS TurboV EVO provides you with these two auto-tuning modes for the most flexible auto-  
tuning options.  
The overclocking result varies with the CPU model and the system configuration.  
We recommend that you set up a better thermal environment to prevent overheating  
from damaging the motherboard.  
Fast Tuning: fast overclocking for the system  
Extreme Tuning: extreme overclocking for the system  
Using Fast Tuning  
1.  
2.  
Click Auto Tuning tab > Fast.  
Read the warning messages and click  
Start to start the auto-overclocking  
process.  
TurboV automatically overclocks the  
CPU, saves the BIOS settings, and  
restarts the system.  
3.  
After the system restarts, a message  
appears indicating that auto-tuning is  
successful. Click OK to exit.  
4-6  
Chapter 4: Software support  
Using Extreme Tuning  
1.  
2.  
Click Auto Tuning tab > Extreme.  
Read the warning messages and click  
Start to start the auto-overclocking  
process.  
TurboV automatically overclocks the  
CPU and memory, and restarts the  
system.  
3.  
After the system has restarted, a  
message appears indicating the current  
overclocking result. To keep the result,  
click Stop.  
4.  
If you did not click Stop in the previous  
step, TurboV automatically starts further  
system overclocking and stability test.  
Click Stop if you want to cancel the  
overclocking process.  
TurboV automatically adjusts and saves  
the BIOS settings and restarts the  
system.  
5.  
After the system has restarted, a  
message appears indicating that the  
auto-tuning process is successful. Click  
OK to exit.  
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4.3.3  
DIGI+ Power Control  
ASUS DIGI+ Power Control allows you to adjust VRM voltage and frequency modulation to  
enhance reliability and stability. It also provides the highest power efficiency, generating less  
heat to prolong the component lifespan and minimize power loss.  
To launch DIGI+ Power Control, click Tool > Power Control on the AI Suite II main menu  
bar.  
Smart DIGI+ Key  
1
2
3
Function no. Function description  
1
Smart DIGI+ Key  
Quickly delivers an optimized VRM frequency, voltage, and current for  
superior CPU/DRAM overclocking performance with one click.  
2
3
OC Now!  
Adjusts the ratio settings in TurboV.  
Default  
Sets your CPU/DRAM power to default settings.  
4-8  
Chapter 4: Software support  
 
CPU Power  
CPU Power offers precise digital power control for CPU and CPU/NB to enhance efficiency,  
stability, and performance for overclocking scenarios.  
4
5
1
2
Application aids  
3
6
Applies all the  
changes immediately  
Undoes all the changes  
7
Application aids  
8
9
10  
Applies all the  
changes immediately  
Undoes all the changes  
Function no. Function description  
1
CPU Load-line Calibration  
It allows you to adjust the voltage settings and control the system  
temperature. Higher load-line calibration could get higher voltage and  
good overclocking performance but increases the CPU and VRM thermal.  
2
3
CPU Current Capability  
CPU Current Capability provides wider total power range for overclocking.  
A higher value setting gets higher VRM power consumption delivery.  
CPU Voltage Frequency  
Switching frequency will affect the VRM transient response and  
component thermal. Higher frequency gets quicker transient response.  
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Function no. Function description  
4
5
6
CPU/NB Load-line Calibration  
Set to a higher value for system performance, or to a lower value for  
better thermal solution.  
CPU/NB Current Capability  
Setting CPU/NB Current Capability to a higher value increases the  
overclocking frequency range of the DRAM Controller.  
CPU Power Phase Control  
Increase phase number under heavy system loading to get more transient  
and better thermal performance. Reduce phase number under light  
system loading to increase VRM efficiency.  
7
CPU Power Response Control  
The VRM controller provides a faster and precise power response rate for  
CPU. Apply a higher value for an extreme overclocking.  
8
CPU Power Thermal Control  
A higher temperature brings a wider CPU power thermal range, and  
extends the overclocking tolerance to enlarge overclocking potential.  
9
CPU Power Duty Control  
CPU Power Duty Control adjusts the current of every VRM phase and the  
thermal of every phase component.  
10  
CPU/NB Power Response Control  
The CPU/NB controller provides a faster and precise power response rate  
for CPU&DRAM. Apply a higher value for an extreme overclocking.  
4-10  
Chapter 4: Software support  
DRAM Power  
DRAM Power offers precise digital power control for DRAM to enhance efficiency, stability,  
and performance for overclocking scenarios.  
1
Application help  
2
3
Applies all the  
changes immediately  
Undoes all the changes  
Function no. Function description  
1
2
3
DRAM Current Capability  
A higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the  
overclocking frequency range simultaneously.  
DRAM Voltage Frequency  
Allows you to adjust the DRAM switching frequency for system stability or  
to increase OC Range.  
DRAM Power Phase Control  
Select Extreme for full phase mode to increase system performance or  
select Optimized for ASUS optimized phase tuning profile to increase  
DRAM power efficiency.  
The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specification.  
Do not remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions must be monitored.  
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4.3.4  
EPU  
EPU is an energy-processing utility that provides several power-saving modes. When set  
to the Auto Mode, the system automatically changes its power-saving mode based on the  
current system condition.  
You can also configure the system settings such as CPU frequency, GPU frequency, vCore  
Voltage, and Fan Control to customize a power-saving mode.  
Launching EPU  
To launch EPU, click Tool > EPU on the AI Suite II main menu bar.  
Displays the following message  
if no VGA power saving engine is  
detected.  
Multiple system  
operating modes  
The items lighting up  
means power saving  
engine is activated  
Displays the amount of CO2  
reduced  
*Shifts between the display  
of Total and Current CO2  
reduced  
Displays the current  
CPU power  
Advanced settings for each mode  
Displays the system  
properties of each mode  
Select From EPU Installation to show the CO2 that has been reduced since you  
installed EPU.  
�Select From the Last Reset to show the total CO2 that has been reduced since you  
click the Clear button  
.
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.  
asus.com for detailed software configuration.  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
 
4.3.5  
FAN Xpert  
Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds according to  
different ambient temperatures caused by different climate conditions in different geographic  
regions and your PC’s system loading. The built-in variety of useful profiles offer flexible  
controls of fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool environment.  
Launching FAN Xpert  
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch FAN Xpert by clicking  
Tool > Fan Xpert on the AI Suite II main menu bar.  
Using FAN Xpert  
Click Fan Name to select a fan and then click Setting to select a preset mode for your  
selected fan.  
Click to select a fan profile  
Click to select a fan type  
Click to apply the settings  
Click to discard the settings  
Fan setting  
Disable: disables the Fan Xpert function.  
Standard: adjusts fan speed in a moderate pattern.  
Silent: minimizes fan speed for quiet fan operation.  
Turbo: maximizes the fan speed for the best cooling effect.  
User: Allows you to configure the CPU fan profile under certain limitations.  
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4.3.6  
Probe II  
Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you  
of any problem with these components. Probe II senses fan rotations, CPU temperature,  
and system voltages, among others. With this utility, you are assured that your computer is  
always at a healthy operating condition.  
Launching Probe II  
To launch Probe II, click Tool > Probe II on the AI Suite II main menu bar.  
Configuring Probe II  
Click the Voltage/Temperature/Fan Speed tabs to activate the sensors or to adjust the sensor  
threshold values. The Preference tab allows you to customize the time interval of sensor  
alerts, or change the temperature unit.  
Saves your  
configuration  
Loads the default  
threshold values  
for each sensor  
Loads your saved  
Applies your  
changes  
configuration  
Click Monitor > Sensor on the AI Suite II main menu bar and the system status will  
appear on the right panel.  
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.  
asus.com for detailed software configuration.  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
 
4.3.7  
Sensor Recorder  
Sensor Recorder monitors the changes in the system voltage, temperature, and fan speed on  
a timeline. The History Record function allows you to designate specific time spans on record  
to keep track of the three system statuses for certain purposes.  
Launching Sensor Recorder  
To launch Sensor Recorder, click Tool > Sensor Recorder on the AI Suite II main menu bar.  
Using Sensor Recorder  
Click on Voltage/ Temperature/ Fan Speed tabs for the status you want to monitor. Colored  
lines will automatically appear on the diagram to indicate the immediate changes in the  
system status.  
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Using History Record  
1.  
Click the History Record tab and adjust the settings on the left for Record Interval and  
Record Duration according to need.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Click Start Recording to start measuring and recording each sensor.  
To stop recording, click Recording again.  
To track the recorded contents, set Type/ Date/ Select display items to display the  
history details.  
Click on Monitor > Sensor on the AI Suite II main menu bar and a highlight of the system  
statuses will appear on the right panel.  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
4.3.8  
USB 3.0 Boost  
ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) and  
automatically increases a USB 3.0 device’s transfer speed up to 170%.  
Launching USB 3.0 Boost  
To launch USB 3.0 Boost, click Tool > USB 3.0 Boost on the AI Suite II main menu bar.  
Configuring USB 3.0 Boost  
1.  
Connect a USB 3.0 device to the USB 3.0 port.  
USB 3.0 Boost automatically detects the property of the USB 3.0 device and switches  
to Turbo mode or UASP mode (if UASP is supported by the USB 3.0 device).  
2.  
You can manually switch the USB 3.0 mode back to Normal mode at any time.  
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.  
asus.com for detailed software configuration.  
Use the USB 3.0 devices for high performance. The data transfer speed varies with  
USB devices.  
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4.3.9  
Ai Charger+  
This utility allows you to fast-charge your portable BC 1.1� mobile devices on your computer’s  
USB port three times faster than the standard USB devices��.  
ꢀ Check your manufacturer if your USB device is a Battery Charging Specification 1.1  
(BC 1.1) compliant or compatible device.  
ꢀꢀ Actual charging speeds may vary depending on the charging rate and specifications  
of your USB device.  
To ensure normal charging function, disconnect and reconnect your USB device every  
time you enable or disable Ai Charger+.  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
 
4.3.10  
ASUS Update  
ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS  
in Windows® environment.  
Launching ASUS Update  
To launch ASUS Update, click Update > ASUS Update on the AI Suite II main menu bar.  
Using ASUS Update  
Select any of these options to update the BIOS:  
Update BIOS from Internet  
Allows you to download the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www.asus.  
com and follow the onscreen instructions to update the BIOS.  
Download BIOS from Internet  
Download the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www.asus.com and save  
it for later use.  
Update BIOS from file  
Use the BIOS file that you had downloaded and saved to update the system BIOS.  
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4.3.11  
MyLogo  
MyLogo2 allows you to customize the boot logo, which is the image that appears on the  
screen during the Power On Self Tests (POST).  
Launching MyLogo  
To launch MyLogo2, click Update > MyLogo on the AI Suite II main menu bar.  
Using MyLogo  
Select the option that you want to use to update your boot logo, click Next and follow the  
instructions below.  
Change the boot logo of a downloaded BIOS file and update (or do not update) this  
BIOS to the motherboard  
1.  
2.  
From the BIOS file field, click Browse to locate the BIOS file.  
From the Picture File field, click Browse the image for your boot logo, then click Next.  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
 
3.  
4.  
Do any of the following:  
Click Auto Tune to adjust the image size or the image resolution.  
Click Booting Preview to preview the boot image.  
Click Next.  
5.  
6.  
Click Flash to update the boot logo.  
When prompted, click Yes to reboot the system. You will see the new boot logo the  
next time you start up the system.  
Ensure to enable the Full Screen Logo in BIOS to use this feature.  
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4.3.12  
USB BIOS Flashback Wizard  
USB BIOS Flashback allows you to easily update the BIOS without entering the BIOS or  
operating system. Just connect the USB storage device containing the BIOS file to the USB  
port, press the BIOS Flashback button, and the BIOS is updated automatically.  
Current BIOS  
information  
Sets the schedule  
for BIOS Update  
download  
Click to check for  
an update BIOS  
firmware available for  
download  
Cancels all the changes  
Applies all the changes  
Scheduling the latest BIOS download  
1.  
In the Download Setting field, tick Schedule (days) and select the number of days for  
your download schedule.  
2.  
Click Apply to save the BIOS download schedule. Click Cancel to cancel the changes  
made.  
Downloading the updated BIOS  
Before you start downloading, ensure that you have installed the USB storage device to  
your computer’s USB port.  
1.  
Click Check for New BIOS Update to check for the latest BIOS version.  
Wait for the system to check the latest  
BIOS firmware.  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
 
2.  
From the Save to dropdown list, select  
the USB storage device that you want  
to save the BIOS file to, then click  
Download.  
3.  
When the download process is  
completed, click OK to exit.  
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4.3.13  
Audio configurations  
The Realtek® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio  
experience on your computer. The software provides Jack-Sensing function, S/PDIF Out  
support, and interrupt capability. The CODEC also includes the Realtek® proprietary UAJ®  
(Universal Audio Jack) technology for all audio ports, eliminating cable connection errors, and  
giving users plug and play convenience.  
Follow the installation wizard to install the Realtek® Audio Driver from the support DVD that  
came with the motherboard package.  
If the Realtek® audio software is correctly installed, you will find the Realtek® HD Audio  
Manager icon on the taskbar. Double-click on the icon to display the Realtek® HD Audio  
Manager.  
Realtek® HD Audio Manager  
A.  
Realtek HD Audio Manager with DTS Connect and DTS UltraPC II  
for Windows® 7  
Configuration option tabs (vary with the audio devices connected)  
Advanced settings  
Set default  
device button  
Control  
settings  
Analog and digital connector status  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
 
DTS Connect  
DTS Connect allows you to select an audio mode for a digital surround sound media  
entertainment.  
Volume  
Reset  
button  
bar  
About  
button  
Select  
mode  
DTS connect only works when you connect 5.1 and 7.1 channel speakers.  
DTS UltraPC II  
DTS UltraPC II allows you to enhance the audio output for playing movies, music, and  
games.  
Tick to enable the DTS UltraPC feature and customize the settings.  
Click to select a  
category to enhance  
its audio output  
Control settings  
Click to reset to its  
default settings  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
B.  
Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows® XP  
Exit button  
Configuration  
options  
Minimize button  
Control settings  
window  
Information button  
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.  
asus.com for detailed software configuration.  
To play Blu-Ray disc, make sure to use an HDCP compliant monitor.  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
4.3.14  
ROG Connect  
ROG Connect allows you to monitor and adjust the local PC through your remote PC.  
Setting up USB connection between your local and remote PC  
Install ROG Connect on the remote PC from the provided Support DVD before using  
ROG Connect.  
ROG Connect must work with ROG Connect Plus to avail full function. Ensure that  
you install ROG Connect Plus on your local PC from the provided Support DVD before  
using ROG Connect.  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Connect the provided ROG Connect cable  
to the local PC and the remote PC.  
Press the ROG Connect Button and it will  
light up into a stable glow.  
Double-click the RC TweakIt shortcut on  
the remote PC to activate the function  
Using RC TweakIt  
To use the RC TweakIt  
1.  
Use the sliders and buttons to monitor or adjust your local PC.  
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2.  
Click Function to display more options.  
RC Poster  
RC Poster shows the status of the local system  
during the POST. You can switch the display  
mode between String and Code.  
RC Remote  
RC Remote allows you to operate your local  
system through the ROG Connect cable.  
RC Diagram  
RC Diagram allows you to monitor and record  
your local system status.  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
GPU TweakIt  
GPU TweakIt allows you to control and monitor the installed GPU on the local system. Use  
the sliders to adjust the values and click Apply to save your customized settings.  
4.3.15  
GameFirst II  
GameFirst II, a traffic shaping solution, improves the Internet latency while maintaining a high  
transfer rate, and reduces delays during data transfers or playing online games. It allows you  
to set programs’ priorities and increase the bandwidth of your currently running games or  
programs.  
GameFirst II attaches itself to Windows network stack to perform packet inspection, which is  
useful to online gamers and VOIP users.  
To launch GameFirst, click Start > All Programs > ASUS > ROG GameFirst II.  
Using EZ Mode  
Click to open the  
Advanced Mode  
Network  
adapter  
information  
Click to view the  
programs under  
these utilities  
Click to delete  
the program  
from the list  
Adjust the  
slider to set the  
priority  
Current connection and bandwidth usage status  
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GameFirst II only works in Windows® operating systems.  
GameFirst II is powered by cFosSpeed software.  
cFosSpeed prioritizes the programs listed in GameFirst II.  
Using Advanced Mode  
Select any of the following settings to configure the priorities of your programs and network  
devices.  
Preferences: Allows you to control the network’s traffic to optimize the program’s  
performance, favor ping time, activate firewall, and avoid packet loss.  
Protocols: Allows you to set priority to the program’s protocol and enter a transmission  
limit.  
Programs: Allows you to set priority to the programs.  
Traffic Shaping: Allows you to set priority to the network adapter and its protocol to  
reduce delay during data transfer, and speeds up the internet access.  
Adapter Info: Allows you to view the information of the adapters in your computer.  
Online Budgets: Allows you to set an online budget time to your network adapters.  
Traffic Analysis: Allows you to assign protocols and programs in one set.  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
4.3.16  
ASUS Boot Setting  
ASUS Boot Setting utility allows you to quickly enter the BIOS setup with a click of the  
DirectBIOS button. It also allows you to select the system bootup process using Normal Boot  
or Fast Boot.  
To fully support ASUS Boot Setting on your motherboard, download the latest BIOS from  
ASUS Support site at http://www.asus.com and update the BIOS to your system.  
Click to enter  
BIOS Setup  
directly.  
Click to show  
Advanced Setup  
settings  
Click to enable or  
disable Fast Boot  
Click to select a  
bootup setting  
Using DirectBIOS button  
This button allows you to restart your system and enters directly to BIOS Setup without  
having to press the <DEL> key during POST.  
Using the DirectBIOS function may result to data loss. We recommend to save your data  
before clicking this button.  
To use DirectBIOS:  
1.  
From the ASUS Boot Setting screen, click DirectBIOS.  
2.  
On the confirmation message, click OK to restart your system and go to the BIOS  
setup directly.  
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Using Advanced setup  
Advanced setup allows you to set the bootup process of your system.  
There are two settings to boot up your system: Fast Boot and Next boot after AC power  
loss.  
Enabling or disabling Fast Boot  
This setting allows you to quickly boot your system.  
This setting will take effect after shutting down or restarting your system normally.  
To enable or disable Fast Boot:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Click Advanced Setup to show the boot setup settings.  
In Fast Boot, click Enabled. If you want to turn off Fast Boot function, click Disabled.  
On the confirmation message, click Yes to apply the setting.  
Using Next boot after AC power loss  
This setting allows you to boot your system in Fast Boot or Normal Boot under Next boot  
after AC power loss.  
To use Fast Boot under AC power loss:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Click Advanced Setup to show the boot setup settings.  
In Fast Boot, click Enabled.  
In Next boot after AC power loss, click Fast Boot.  
On the confirmation message, click Yes to apply this setting.  
To use Normal Boot under AC power loss:  
1.  
Click Advanced Setup to show the boot setup settings.  
In Next boot after AC power loss, click Normal Boot.  
On the confirmation message, click Yes to apply this setting.  
2.  
3 .  
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Chapter 4: Software support  
Chapter 5:  
RAID support  
RAID support  
5
5.1  
RAID configurations  
The motherboard comes with the AMD® SB950 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 5 and RAID 10.  
You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial  
ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using  
Windows® XP SP3 or later versions.  
Due to Windows® XP limitation, a RAID array with the total capacity over 2TB cannot  
be set as a boot disk. A RAID array over 2TB can only be set as a data disk only.  
If you want to install a Windows® operating system to a hard disk drive included in a  
RAID set, you have to create a RAID driver disk and load the RAID driver during OS  
installation. Refer to section 5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk for details.  
5.1.1  
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 complete copy of the data in the other drive. This RAID  
configuration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to the entire system. Use  
two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive for this setup. The new drive must be  
of the same size or larger than the existing drive.  
RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard disk drives. Among  
the advantages of RAID 5 configuration include better HDD performance, fault tolerance, and  
higher storage capacity. The RAID 5 configuration is best suited for transaction processing,  
relational database applications, enterprise resource planning, and other business systems.  
Use a minimum of three identical hard disk drives for this setup.  
RAID 10 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity (redundancy data) having  
to be calculated and written. With the RAID 10 configuration you get all the benefits of both  
RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations. Use four new hard disk drives or use an existing drive  
and three new drives for this setup.  
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5.1.2  
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.  
2.  
3.  
Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.  
Connect the SATA signal cables.  
Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.  
5.1.3  
Setting the RAID item in BIOS  
You must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID sets using SATA  
HDDs. To do this:  
1.  
2.  
Enter the BIOS Setup during POST.  
Go to Advanced Mode and go to the Advanced menu > SATA Configuration > SB  
SATA Configuration, and press <Enter>.  
3.  
4.  
Set the SATA Mode item to [RAID Mode].  
Save your changes, and then exit the BIOS Setup.  
Refer to Chapter 3 for details on entering and navigating through the BIOS Setup  
Due to chipset limitation, when SATA ports are 1-4 are set to RAID mode, SATA ports  
1-4 run at RAID mode at the same time.  
When creating a RAID volume using more than four HDDs, ensure that SATA ports  
5-6 are set to [RAID] mode.  
When creating a RAID set, set the SATA_5-6 connectors to [AHCI] mode or [IDE]  
mode to ensure that the system recognizes your ODD device.  
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Chapter 5: RAID support  
 
5.1.4  
AMD® Option ROM utility  
To enter the AMD® Option ROM utility:  
1.  
2.  
Turn on the system.  
During POST, press <Ctrl> + <F> to display the utility main menu.  
Option ROM Utility (c) 2009 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.  
[ Main Menu ]  
View Drive Assignments .......[ 1 ]  
LD View / LD Define Menu ......[ 2 ]  
Delete LD Menu ...............[ 3 ]  
Controller Configuration ......[ 4 ]  
[ Keys Available ]  
Press 1..4 to Select Option  
[ESC] Exit  
The Main Menu allows you to select an operation to perform. The Main Menu options include:  
View Drive Assignments: shows the status of the hard disk drives.  
LD View / LD Define Menu: displays the existing RAID set information / creates a RAID  
0, RAID 1, RAID 5 or RAID 10 configuration.  
Delete LD Menu: deletes a selected RAID set and partition.  
Controller Configuration: shows the system resources configuration.  
Press <1>, <2>, <3>, or <4> to enter the option you need; press <ESC> to exit the utility.  
The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only and may not  
exactly match the items on your screen.  
To create a RAID volume using more than four hard disk drives, ensure that the SATA  
connectors 5-6 are set to [RAID] mode.  
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Creating a RAID volume  
To create a RAID volume:  
1.  
2.  
In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the LD View / LD Define Menu function.  
Press <Ctrl> + <C>, and the following screen appears.  
Option ROM Utility (c) 2009 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.  
[ LD Define Menu ]  
LD No  
LD  
LD Name  
RAID Mode  
RAID 0  
Drv  
2
1
Logical Drive 1  
Strip Block  
Gigabyte Boundary  
64 KB  
ON  
Fast Init  
Cache Mode  
ON  
WriteThru  
[ Drives Assignments ]  
Port:ID Drive Model  
01:00 xxxxxxxxx  
02:00 xxxxxxxxx  
03:00 xxxxxxxxx  
04:00 xxxxxxxxx  
Capabilities  
xxxxxxx  
xxxxxxx  
xxxxxxx  
Capacity(GB)  
Assignment  
xxxxxx  
xxxxxx  
xxxxxx  
xxxxxx  
Y
Y
N
N
xxxxxxx  
[ Keys Available ]  
[] Up [] Down [PaUp/PaDn] Switch page [Space] Change Option  
[Ctrl-Y] Save [ESC] Exit  
3.  
4.  
Move to the RAID Mode item and press <Space> to select a RAID mode to create.  
Move to the Assignment item by using the down arrow key and set Y to select the  
hard disk drives you want to include in the RAID set.  
5.  
6.  
Press <Ctrl> + <Y> to save the setting.  
The utility prompts the following message. Press <Ctrl> + <Y> to input the LD name.  
Please press Ctrl-Y key to input the LD Name  
or press any key to exit.  
If you do not input any LD name, the default LD  
name will be used.  
7.  
8.  
Eenter an LD name, and then press any key to continue.  
Enter the LD name here:  
Press <Ctrl> + <Y> to erase the MBR, or you may press any key to abort the settings.  
Fast Initialization Option has been selected  
It will erase the MBR data of the disks.  
<Press Ctrl-Y Key if you are sure to erase it>  
<Press any other key to ignore this option>  
9.  
Press <Ctrl> + <Y> to enter the screen to modify the array capacity, or press any key to  
use the maximum capacity.  
5-4  
Chapter 5: RAID support  
Deleting a RAID configuration  
Take caution when deleting a RAID volume. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives  
when you delete a RAID volume.  
To delete a RAID volume:  
1.  
2.  
In the Main Menu, press <3> to enter the Delete LD function.  
Select the RAID item you want to delete and press <Del> or <Alt> + <D>.  
Option ROM Utility (c) 2009 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.  
[ Delete LD Menu ]  
LD No  
LD  
RAID Mode  
RAID 0  
Drv  
2
Capacity(GB)  
xxxxxx  
Status  
1
Functional  
[ Keys Available ]  
[] Up [] Down [PaUp/PaDn] Switch page [Del/Alt+D] Delete LD  
3.  
The utility prompts the following messages:  
Press Ctrl-Y to delte the data in the disk!  
or press any other key to abort...  
Press <Ctrl> + <Y> to delete the RAID volume.  
Displaying a RAID set information  
To display a RAID set information:  
1.  
2.  
In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the LD View / LD Define Menu function.  
Select a RAID item and press <Enter> to display its information.  
Option ROM Utility (c) 2009 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.  
[ View LD Defination Menu ]  
LD No  
LD  
LD Name  
xxxxx  
RAID Mode  
RAID 0  
Drv  
2
Capacity(GB)  
157.99  
1
Strip Block  
64 KB  
Cache Mode  
WriteThru  
[ Drives Assignments ]  
Port:ID Drive Model  
01:00 xxxxxxxxx  
02:00 xxxxxxxxx  
Capabilities  
xxxxxxx  
xxxxxxx  
Capacity(GB)  
xxxxxx  
xxxxxx  
Any Key To Continue.......  
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5.2  
Creating a RAID driver disk  
A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing a Windows® operating system  
on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set.  
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 5.2.4 Using a USB  
floppy disk drive.  
5.2.1  
Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS  
To create a RAID driver disk without entering the OS:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
7.  
8.  
Boot your computer.  
Press <Del> during POST to enter the BIOS setup utility.  
Set the optical drive as the primary boot device.  
Insert the support DVD into the optical drive.  
Save changes and exit BIOS.  
When the Make Disk menu appears, press <1> to create a RAID driver disk.  
Insert a formatted floppy disk into the USB floppy disk drive, then press <Enter>.  
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.  
5.2.2  
Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®  
To create a RAID driver disk in Windows®:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Start Windows®.  
Plug the USB floppy disk drive and insert a floppy disk.  
Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive.  
Go to the Make Disk menu, and then click AMD AHCI/RAID 32/64bit xxxx Driver to  
create a RAID driver disk.  
5.  
6.  
Select USB floppy disk drive as the destination disk.  
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.  
Write-protect the floppy disk to avoid a computer virus infection.  
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Chapter 5: RAID support  
 
5.2.3  
Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS  
installation  
If you use a SATA optical drive to run the Windows OS installation disk, we strongly  
recommend that you connect the optical drive to the SATA connectors 5/6 and set them to  
[IDE] mode.  
To install the RAID driver in Windows® XP:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the <F6> key to install  
third-party SCSI or RAID driver.  
Press <F6>, and then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the USB floppy disk  
drive.  
When prompted to select the SCSI adapter to install, select the RAID driver for the  
corresponding OS version.  
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.  
To install the RAID driver for Windows® Vista or later OS:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
During the OS installation, click Load Driver to allow you to select the installation  
media containing the RAID driver.  
Insert the USB flash drive with RAID driver into the USB port or the support DVD into  
the optical drive, and then click Browse.  
Click the name of the device you’ve inserted, go to Drivers > RAID, and then select  
the RAID driver for the corresponding OS version. Click OK.  
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.  
Before loading the RAID driver from a USB flash drive, you have to use another computer  
to copy the RAID driver from the support DVD to the USB flash drive.  
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5.2.4  
Using a USB floppy disk drive  
Due to OS limitation, Windows® XP may not recognize the USB floppy disk drive when you  
install the RAID driver from a floppy disk during the OS installation.  
To solve this issue, add the USB floppy disk drive’s Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID) to  
the floppy disk containing the RAID driver. Refer to the steps below:  
1.  
Using another computer, plug the USB floppy disk drive, and insert the floppy disk  
containing the RAID driver.  
2.  
Right-click My Computer on the  
Windows® desktop or start menu,  
and then select Manage from the  
pop-up window.  
or  
3.  
Select Device Manager. From the  
Universal Serial Bus controllers,  
right-click xxxxxx USB Floppy, and  
then select Properties from the pop-up  
window.  
The name of the USB floppy disk  
drive varies with different vendors.  
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.  
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Chapter 5: RAID support  
 
7.  
Use Notepad to open the file.  
8.  
9.  
Find the [HardwareIds.SCSI.Napa_i386_ahci8086] and [HardwareIds.SCSI.  
Napa_amd64_ahci] sections in the txtsetup.oem file.  
Type the following line to the bottom of the two sections:  
id = “USB\VID_xxxx&PID_xxxx”, “usbstor”  
[HardwareIds.SCSI.Napa_i386_ahci8086]  
id= “PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4392&CC_0104”,”ahcix86”  
id= “PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4391&CC_0106”,”ahcix86”  
id= “PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4393&CC_0104”,”ahcix86”  
id= “USB\VID_03EE&PID_6901”, “usbstor”  
[HardwareIds.SCSI.Napa_amd64_ahci]  
id= “PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4392&CC_0104”,”ahcix64”  
id= “PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4391&CC_0106”,”ahcix64”  
id= “PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4393&CC_0104”,”ahcix64”  
id= “USB\VID_03EE&PID_6901”, “usbstor”  
Add the same line to both sections.  
The VID and PID vary with different vendors.  
10. Save and exit the file.  
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5-10  
Chapter 5: RAID support  
Chapter 6:  
Multi GPU support  
Multiple GPU support  
6
6.1  
AMD® CrossFireX™ technology  
The motherboard supports the AMD® CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to install  
multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in  
this section.  
6.1.1  
Requirements  
In Dual CrossFireX mode, you should have two identical CrossFireX-ready graphics  
cards or one CrossFireX-ready dual-GPU graphics card that are AMD® certified.  
Ensure that your graphics card driver supports the AMD CrossFireX technology.  
Download the latest driver from the AMD website (www.amd.com).  
Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum power  
required by your system. See Chapter 1 for details.  
We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal environment.  
Visit the AMD Game website (http://game.amd.com) for the latest certified graphics  
card and the supported 3D application list.  
6.1.2  
Before you begin  
For AMD CrossFireX to work properly, you have to uninstall all existing graphics card drivers  
before installing AMD CrossFireX graphics cards to your system.  
To uninstall existing graphics card drivers:  
1.  
2.  
Close all current applications.  
For Windows XP, go to Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.  
For Windows 7, go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.  
Select your current graphics card driver/s.  
For Windows XP, select Add/Remove.  
For Windows 7, select Uninstall.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
Turn off your computer.  
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6.1.3  
Installing two 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.  
2.  
Prepare two CrossFireX-ready  
graphics cards.  
Insert the two graphics card into the  
PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard  
has more than two PCIEX16 slots,  
refer to Chapter 1 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.  
4.  
Align and firmly insert the CrossFireX  
bridge connector to the goldfingers on  
each graphics card. Ensure that the  
connector is firmly in place.  
Goldfingers  
CrossFireX bridge  
(bundled with  
graphics cards)  
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Chapter 6: Multiple GPU support  
 
5.  
6.  
Connect two independent auxiliary  
power sources from the power supply  
to the two graphics cards separately.  
Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the  
graphics card.  
6.1.4  
Installing three CrossFireX™ graphics cards  
1.  
2.  
Prepare three CrossFireX-ready graphics cards.  
Insert the three graphics card into the PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard has more  
than three PCIEX16 slots, refer to Chapter 1 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.  
4.  
Align and firmly insert the two  
CrossFireX bridge connectors to the  
goldfingers on each graphics card.  
Ensure that the connectors are firmly  
in place.  
5.  
6.  
Connect three independent auxiliary  
power sources from the power supply  
to the three graphics cards separately.  
Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the  
graphics card.  
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6.1.5  
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 AMD® CrossFireX™  
technology. Download the latest driver from the AMD website (www.amd.com).  
6.1.6  
Enabling the AMD® CrossFireX™ technology  
After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers, enable the CrossFireX™ feature  
through the AMD Vision Engine Control Center in Windows environment.  
Launching the AMD VISION Engine Control Center  
To launch the AMD VISION Engine Control Center:  
1.  
Right-click on the Windows® desktop and select AMD  
VISION Engine Control Center.  
6-4  
Chapter 6: Multiple GPU support  
 
Enabling Dual CrossFireX technology  
1.  
In the AMD Vision Engine Control Center window, click Performance > AMD  
CrossFireXTM  
.
2.  
3.  
4.  
Select Enable CrossFireXTM  
.
Select a GPU combination from the drop-down list.  
Click Apply to save and activate the GPU settings made.  
2
1
3
4
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6.2  
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.  
6.2.1  
Requirements  
In SLI mode, you should have two identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA®  
certified.  
Ensure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI technology. Download the  
latest driver from the NVIDIA website at www.nvidia.com.  
Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum power  
required by your system.  
We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal environment.  
Visit the NVIDIA zone website (http://www.nzone.com) for the latest certified graphics  
card and supported 3D application list.  
6.2.2  
Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards  
The following pictures are for reference only. The graphics cards and the motherboard  
layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the same.  
1.  
2.  
Prepare two SLI-ready graphics cards.  
Insert the two graphics card into the PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard has more than  
two PCIEX16 slots, refer to Chapter 1 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.  
6-6  
Chapter 6: Multiple GPU support  
 
4.  
5.  
6.  
Align and firmly insert the SLI bridge connector to the goldfingers on each graphics  
card. Ensure that the connector is firmly in place.  
Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two  
graphics cards separately.  
Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card.  
SLI bridge  
Goldfingers  
6.2.3  
Installing three SLI-ready graphics cards  
Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device  
drivers.  
1.  
2.  
Prepare three SLI-ready graphic a cards.  
Insert the three graphics cards into the  
PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard  
has more than two PCIEX16 slots,  
refer to Chapter 1 in this user manual  
for locations of the PCIEX16 slots  
recommended for multi-graphics card  
installation.  
3.  
Ensure that the cards are properly  
seated on the slots.  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
4.  
Align and firmly insert the 3-way SLI  
bridge connector to the goldfingers on  
each graphics card. Ensure that the  
connector is firmly in place.  
3-WAY SLI bridge  
5.  
6.  
Connect three independent auxiliary  
power sources from the power supply  
to the three graphics cards.  
Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the  
graphics card.  
6.2.4  
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 NVIDIA® SLI™ technology.  
Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia.com).  
6-8  
Chapter 6: Multiple GPU support  
 
6.2.5  
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® 7 operating system.  
Launching the NVIDIA Control Panel  
You can launch the NVIDIA Control Panel by the following two methods.  
A.  
Right click on the empty space of the Windows® desktop and select NVIDIA Control  
Panel.  
The NVIDIA Control Panel window appears (See Step  
B3).  
B1. If you cannot see the NVIDIA Control Panel item in step  
(A), select Screen Resolution.  
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B2. From the Screen Resolution window,  
click Advanced settings.  
B3. The NVIDIA Control Panel window  
appears.  
Enabling SLI settings  
From the NVIDIA Control Panel window,  
select Configure SLI, Surround, PhysX.  
In the Quad-SLI enabled, click Maximize  
3D Performance SLI to set the display for  
viewing SLI rendered content. When done,  
click Apply.  
6-10  
Chapter 6: Multiple GPU support  
Appendices  
Appendices  
Notices  
Federal Communications Commission Statement  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two  
conditions:  
This device may not cause harmful interference.  
This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause  
undesired operation.  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital  
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide  
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This  
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed  
and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference  
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur  
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or  
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user  
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is  
connected.  
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.  
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
 
IC: Canadian Compliance Statement  
Complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B specifications. This device complies with RSS  
210 of Industry Canada. This Class B device meets all the requirements of the Canadian  
interference-causing equipment regulations.  
This device complies with Industry Canada license exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is  
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2)  
this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired  
operation of the device.  
Cut appareil numérique de la Classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.  
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le  
matériel brouilleur du Canada.  
Cet appareil est conforme aux normes CNR exemptes de licence d’Industrie Canada. Le  
fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes :  
(1) cet appareil ne doit pas provoquer d’interférences et  
(2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, y compris celles susceptibles de provoquer  
un fonctionnement non souhaité de l’appareil.  
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.  
VCCI: Japan Compliance Statement  
VCCI Class B Statement  
KC: Korea Warning Statement  
A-2  
Appendices  
REACH  
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of  
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at  
ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.  
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to  
enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin  
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in  
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.  
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol  
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal  
waste.  
ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services  
ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards  
for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to  
responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging  
materials. Please go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for detailed recycling  
information in different regions.  
A-3  
ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
ASUS contact information  
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.  
Address  
Telephone  
Fax  
E-mail  
Web site  
15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259  
+886-2-2894-3447  
+886-2-2890-7798  
www.asus.com.tw  
Technical Support  
Telephone  
Online support  
+86-21-38429911  
support.asus.com  
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)  
Address  
Telephone  
Fax  
800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539, USA  
+1-812-282-3777  
+1-510-608-4555  
usa.asus.com  
Web site  
Technical Support  
Telephone  
Support fax  
+1-812-282-2787  
+1-812-284-0883  
support.asus.com  
Online support  
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)  
Address  
Fax  
Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany  
+49-2102-959911  
Web site  
Online contact  
www.asus.de  
www.asus.de/sales  
Technical Support  
Telephone  
Support Fax  
+49-1805-010923�  
+49-2102-9599-11  
support.asus.com  
Online support  
* EUR 0.14/minute from a German fixed landline; EUR 0.42/minute from a mobile phone.  
A-4  
Appendices  
 
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ASUS CROSSHAIR V FORMULA-Z  
A-6  
Appendices  

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