User Guide
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... Motherboard overview 2-6 2.2.1 Motherboard layout 2-6 2.2.2 SupremeFX X-Fi audio card layout 2-7 2.2.3 Layout contents 2-7 2.2.4 Placement direction 2-8 2.2.5 Screw holes 2-8 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 2-9 2.3.1 Installing the CPU 2-9 2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan 2-11 2.4 System memory 2-14 2.4.1 Overview 2-14 2.4.2 Memory configurations 2-16 2.4.3 Installing a DIMM 2-20 2.5.4 Removing a DIMM 2-20 2.5 Expansion slots 2-21 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card 2-21 2.5.2 Configuring an expansion card 2-21 2.5.3 Interrupt assignments 2-22 2.5.4 PCI slot 2-23 iii
... Motherboard overview 2-6 2.2.1 Motherboard layout 2-6 2.2.2 SupremeFX X-Fi audio card layout 2-7 2.2.3 Layout contents 2-7 2.2.4 Placement direction 2-8 2.2.5 Screw holes 2-8 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 2-9 2.3.1 Installing the CPU 2-9 2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan 2-11 2.4 System memory 2-14 2.4.1 Overview 2-14 2.4.2 Memory configurations 2-16 2.4.3 Installing a DIMM 2-20 2.5.4 Removing a DIMM 2-20 2.5 Expansion slots 2-21 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card 2-21 2.5.2 Configuring an expansion card 2-21 2.5.3 Interrupt assignments 2-22 2.5.4 PCI slot 2-23 iii
User Guide
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...Fi audio utility 4-11 4.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II 4-15 4.3.4 ASUS AI Suite 4-21 4.3.5 ASUS Q-Fan 2 4-23 4.3.6 CPU Level Up 4-24 4.3.7 ASUS TurboV 4-25 4.4 RAID configurations 4-27 4.4.1 RAID definitions 4-27 4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks 4-28 4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS 4-28 4.4.4 AMD® Option ROM Utility 4-28 4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk 4-32 4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS.... 4-32 4.5.2 Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows 4-32 4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation 4-32 4.5.4 Using a USB floppy...
...Fi audio utility 4-11 4.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II 4-15 4.3.4 ASUS AI Suite 4-21 4.3.5 ASUS Q-Fan 2 4-23 4.3.6 CPU Level Up 4-24 4.3.7 ASUS TurboV 4-25 4.4 RAID configurations 4-27 4.4.1 RAID definitions 4-27 4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks 4-28 4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS 4-28 4.4.4 AMD® Option ROM Utility 4-28 4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk 4-32 4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS.... 4-32 4.5.2 Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows 4-32 4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation 4-32 4.5.4 Using a USB floppy...
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...;X Technology graphics cards SB750 South Bridge: - 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) **Due to OS limitation, when installing total memory of less than 3GB. A RAID array over 2TB cannot be set as a data disk only. Crosshair III Formula specifications summary CPU Chipset System Bus Memory Expansion Slots Multi-GPU Technology Storage LAN High Definition Audio IEEE 1394 AMD socket AM3 Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 Series processors Supports 45nm CPU AMD...
...;X Technology graphics cards SB750 South Bridge: - 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) **Due to OS limitation, when installing total memory of less than 3GB. A RAID array over 2TB cannot be set as a data disk only. Crosshair III Formula specifications summary CPU Chipset System Bus Memory Expansion Slots Multi-GPU Technology Storage LAN High Definition Audio IEEE 1394 AMD socket AM3 Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 Series processors Supports 45nm CPU AMD...
User Guide
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... ROG Crosshair III Formula motherboard! ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-1 Before you for the following items. ROG Crosshair III Formula Motherboard 1 x Multi-functional module (2-port USB 2.0 and 1-port IEEE 1394a) Supreme FX X-Fi Audio Card External LCD Poster 5 x Serial ATA signal cables 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x ASUS Q-Shield (I/O shield) User Manual 1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit Cable ties User Guide ROG Support DVD • If any of the above table are for reference only. Actual product specifications may vary with the list...
... ROG Crosshair III Formula motherboard! ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-1 Before you for the following items. ROG Crosshair III Formula Motherboard 1 x Multi-functional module (2-port USB 2.0 and 1-port IEEE 1394a) Supreme FX X-Fi Audio Card External LCD Poster 5 x Serial ATA signal cables 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x ASUS Q-Shield (I/O shield) User Manual 1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit Cable ties User Guide ROG Support DVD • If any of the above table are for reference only. Actual product specifications may vary with the list...
User Guide
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... in Windows® environment.) 2. ROG Crosshair III Formula 3-1 Installing ASUS Update To install ASUS Update: 1. ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted. Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash drive in the support DVD that allows you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The Drivers menu appears. 2. Click the Utilities...
... in Windows® environment.) 2. ROG Crosshair III Formula 3-1 Installing ASUS Update To install ASUS Update: 1. ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted. Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash drive in the support DVD that allows you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The Drivers menu appears. 2. Click the Utilities...
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... latest BIOS file to the USB port, and then launch EZ Flash 2 in the BIOS chip so it . ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.34 FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L1605A Current ROM BOARD: Crosshair-III-Formul VER: 0205 DATE: 01/13/2009 Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: A:\ A: Note [Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit 2. Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu...
... latest BIOS file to the USB port, and then launch EZ Flash 2 in the BIOS chip so it . ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.34 FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L1605A Current ROM BOARD: Crosshair-III-Formul VER: 0205 DATE: 01/13/2009 Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: A:\ A: Note [Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit 2. Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu...
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.... DO NOT shut down or reset the system while recovering the BIOS! ROG Crosshair III Formula 3-5 3.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you press to load default BIOS values. Turn on the system. 2. You can cause system boot failure! If you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS setting. When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted BIOS file. 4. The system requires you want to the USB port. 3.
.... DO NOT shut down or reset the system while recovering the BIOS! ROG Crosshair III Formula 3-5 3.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you press to load default BIOS values. Turn on the system. 2. You can cause system boot failure! If you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS setting. When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted BIOS file. 4. The system requires you want to the USB port. 3.
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...Level Up [Auto] AI Overclock Tuner [Auto] CPU Ratio [Auto] CPU Configuration DRAM Frequency [Auto] DDR3 Memory Profile [Disabled] CPU/NB Frequency [Auto] HT Link Speed [Auto] ******** Please key in numbers directly! ******** Extreme OV [Disabled] CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto] Current Voltage: 1.237V 1.535V 1.204V CPU Temperature: 33˚C/91˚F CPU Voltage [Auto] CPU/NB Voltage [Auto] Tuning Mode is the BIOS menu switch for system performance boot. ←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item +- ROG Crosshair III Formula 3-9 Gaming provides...
...Level Up [Auto] AI Overclock Tuner [Auto] CPU Ratio [Auto] CPU Configuration DRAM Frequency [Auto] DDR3 Memory Profile [Disabled] CPU/NB Frequency [Auto] HT Link Speed [Auto] ******** Please key in numbers directly! ******** Extreme OV [Disabled] CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto] Current Voltage: 1.237V 1.535V 1.204V CPU Temperature: 33˚C/91˚F CPU Voltage [Auto] CPU/NB Voltage [Auto] Tuning Mode is the BIOS menu switch for system performance boot. ←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item +- ROG Crosshair III Formula 3-9 Gaming provides...
User Guide
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...) mode. [Auto] [Disabled] Select [Auto] to display the SATA device information. Disable this option if no IDE device is installed in the system. There is either a ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive. ROG Crosshair III Formula 3-19 These items show [Auto] if no IDE drive is installed. [Auto] Allows automatic selection of the appropriate IDE device type. [CDROM] Select this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA mode disabled. Main BIOS SETUP UTILITY SATA 1 Device :Hard Disk Vendor :HDT722516DLA380 Size :164.7GB LBA Mode :Supported...
...) mode. [Auto] [Disabled] Select [Auto] to display the SATA device information. Disable this option if no IDE device is installed in the system. There is either a ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive. ROG Crosshair III Formula 3-19 These items show [Auto] if no IDE drive is installed. [Auto] Allows automatic selection of the appropriate IDE device type. [CDROM] Select this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA mode disabled. Main BIOS SETUP UTILITY SATA 1 Device :Hard Disk Vendor :HDT722516DLA380 Size :164.7GB LBA Mode :Supported...
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...Exit CPU Configuration Chipset Onboard Devices Configuration USB Configuration PCIPnP Configure CPU. LCD Poster and LED Control iROG Configuration ←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item Enter Go to the CPU you to Change Freq. : Yes uCode Patch Level : None Required GART Error Reporting [Disabled] Microcode Updation [Enabled] Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled] Cool'n'Quiet [Disabled] ACPI SRAT Table [Enabled] C1E Support [Disabled] Advanced Clock Calibration [Disabled] Sets the ratio between CPU Core Clock and the FSB Frequency. NOTE: Please key...
...Exit CPU Configuration Chipset Onboard Devices Configuration USB Configuration PCIPnP Configure CPU. LCD Poster and LED Control iROG Configuration ←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item Enter Go to the CPU you to Change Freq. : Yes uCode Patch Level : None Required GART Error Reporting [Disabled] Microcode Updation [Enabled] Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled] Cool'n'Quiet [Disabled] ACPI SRAT Table [Enabled] C1E Support [Disabled] Advanced Clock Calibration [Disabled] Sets the ratio between CPU Core Clock and the FSB Frequency. NOTE: Please key...
User Guide
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... of ACPI SRAT table. [Disabled] Disables this function. GART Error Reporting [Disabled] [Enabled] This option should be enabled in order to enable the Enhanced Halt Sate. [Disabled] Disables this function. Microcode Updation [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the microcode updation. [Disabled] Disables this function. This item should remain disabled for testing purpose. [Disabled] Disables this function. Advanced Clock Calibration [Disabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] [All Cores] [Per Core] 3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup The driver developer may enable it...
... of ACPI SRAT table. [Disabled] Disables this function. GART Error Reporting [Disabled] [Enabled] This option should be enabled in order to enable the Enhanced Halt Sate. [Disabled] Disables this function. Microcode Updation [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the microcode updation. [Disabled] Disables this function. This item should remain disabled for testing purpose. [Disabled] Disables this function. Advanced Clock Calibration [Disabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] [All Cores] [Per Core] 3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup The driver developer may enable it...
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.... The CPU Fan Mode item appears when you to the motherboard, the field shows [N/A]. OPT Fan1/2/3 Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU fan, chassis fan, power fan, and optional fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). CPU Q-Fan Mode [Silent] Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the fans is not connected to enable or disable the Chassis fan controller. [Disabled] Disables the Chassis Q-fan controller. [Enabled] Enables the Chassis Q-fan controller. ROG Crosshair III Formula 3-37 POWER Fan;
.... The CPU Fan Mode item appears when you to the motherboard, the field shows [N/A]. OPT Fan1/2/3 Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU fan, chassis fan, power fan, and optional fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). CPU Q-Fan Mode [Silent] Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the fans is not connected to enable or disable the Chassis fan controller. [Disabled] Disables the Chassis Q-fan controller. [Enabled] Enables the Chassis Q-fan controller. ROG Crosshair III Formula 3-37 POWER Fan;
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... RAM. To set or change password. ROG Crosshair III Formula 3-41 BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Security Settings Supervisor Password User Password :Not Installed :Not Installed Change Supervisor Password Change User Password to change the supervisor password. again to disabled password ←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item Enter Go to display the configuration options. To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then press . Change Supervisor Password Select this item shows Installed. The message "Password Installed" appears...
... RAM. To set or change password. ROG Crosshair III Formula 3-41 BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Security Settings Supervisor Password User Password :Not Installed :Not Installed Change Supervisor Password Change User Password to change the supervisor password. again to disabled password ←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item Enter Go to display the configuration options. To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then press . Change Supervisor Password Select this item shows Installed. The message "Password Installed" appears...
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... file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Use the setup procedures presented in your OS documentation for detailed information. • Ensure that you install Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before installing the drivers for reference only. The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at www.asus.com for updates. 4.2.1 Running the support DVD Place the support DVD to avail all motherboard features. ROG Crosshair III Formula...
... file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Use the setup procedures presented in your OS documentation for detailed information. • Ensure that you install Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before installing the drivers for reference only. The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at www.asus.com for updates. 4.2.1 Running the support DVD Place the support DVD to avail all motherboard features. ROG Crosshair III Formula...
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4.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). ASUS PC Probe II This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltage, and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you to update the motherboard BIOS in healthy operating condition. ROG Crosshair III Formula 4-3 ASUS Update The ASUS Update utility allows you keep your computer in Windows® environment...
4.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). ASUS PC Probe II This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltage, and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you to update the motherboard BIOS in healthy operating condition. ROG Crosshair III Formula 4-3 ASUS Update The ASUS Update utility allows you keep your computer in Windows® environment...
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... install VIA Audio Driver to go ROG Crosshair III Formula 4-11 Click the Volume Panel icon to display a list of Creative® media utilities that help you will be able to the Main Panel. Place the support DVD to launch the Mixer control panel. Double-click the Volume Panel icon to the optical drive. 4.3.2 Sound Blaster X-Fi audio utility With the SupremeFX X-Fi technology supported, you manage and play your computer has an enabled...
... install VIA Audio Driver to go ROG Crosshair III Formula 4-11 Click the Volume Panel icon to display a list of Creative® media utilities that help you will be able to the Main Panel. Place the support DVD to launch the Mixer control panel. Double-click the Volume Panel icon to the optical drive. 4.3.2 Sound Blaster X-Fi audio utility With the SupremeFX X-Fi technology supported, you manage and play your computer has an enabled...
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... the BIOS Setup before creating RAID volume(s) using SATA HDDs. During POST, press + to the power connector on entering and navigating through the BIOS Setup. 4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install identical drives of SATA ports to chipset limitation, when set any of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array. Save your computer. 2. Refer to Select Option ESC] Exit Chapter 4: Software support Connect a SATA power cable to display the utility main menu. Option ROM Utility...
... the BIOS Setup before creating RAID volume(s) using SATA HDDs. During POST, press + to the power connector on entering and navigating through the BIOS Setup. 4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install identical drives of SATA ports to chipset limitation, when set any of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array. Save your computer. 2. Refer to Select Option ESC] Exit Chapter 4: Software support Connect a SATA power cable to display the utility main menu. Option ROM Utility...
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... The motherboard does not provide a floppy drive connector. When the Make Disk menu appears, press or to section 4.5.3 Using a USB floppy disk drive. 4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS To create a RAID/SATA driver disk without entering the OS 1. Start Windows®. 2. To work around this OS limitation, refer to create a 32/64bit ATI RAID/AHCI controller driver disk for Windows XP/Vista. 7. Set the optical drive as the primary boot device. 4. Insert the support DVD into the floppy disk drive. 5. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to Windows®...
... The motherboard does not provide a floppy drive connector. When the Make Disk menu appears, press or to section 4.5.3 Using a USB floppy disk drive. 4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS To create a RAID/SATA driver disk without entering the OS 1. Start Windows®. 2. To work around this OS limitation, refer to create a 32/64bit ATI RAID/AHCI controller driver disk for Windows XP/Vista. 7. Set the optical drive as the primary boot device. 4. Insert the support DVD into the floppy disk drive. 5. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to Windows®...
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... DET FLASH TESTCMOS PRG CHIP INIT CLK CHECKCPU INTRINIT INITINT9 CPUSPEED VGA BIOS TESTVRAM RESET KB Description CPU Initiation Test CMOS R/W functionality. Clear 8042 interface 2. Enable keyboard interface. 1. If test fails, keep beeping the speaker. Initialize 8042 self-test 1. Example: onboard IDE controller. 4. Detect CPU information including brand, type and CPU level (586 or 686). Reset keyboard. Initialize IO devices. Early chipset initialization: -Disable shadow RAM -Disable L2 cache -Program basic chipset registers Detect memory -Auto-detection of DRAM size, type...
... DET FLASH TESTCMOS PRG CHIP INIT CLK CHECKCPU INTRINIT INITINT9 CPUSPEED VGA BIOS TESTVRAM RESET KB Description CPU Initiation Test CMOS R/W functionality. Clear 8042 interface 2. Enable keyboard interface. 1. If test fails, keep beeping the speaker. Initialize 8042 self-test 1. Example: onboard IDE controller. 4. Detect CPU information including brand, type and CPU level (586 or 686). Reset keyboard. Initialize IO devices. Early chipset initialization: -Disable shadow RAM -Disable L2 cache -Program basic chipset registers Detect memory -Auto-detection of DRAM size, type...
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...-processor platform) Display PnP logo Initialize Onboard IO devices. Set up floppy related fields in Setup & Autoconfiguration table. Initialize USB Test all memory (clear all IDE devices: HDD, LS120, ZIP, CDROM. Initialize floppy controller 2. Detect & install co-processor New CPU installed Execute EZ Flash CPR error Fan error UCODE error Floppy error Keyboard error HDD error CMOS error Mouse error HDD smart function error Hard monitor error AI NET error Case open A-2 Appendix: Debug code table Test 8259 interrupt mask bits for channel 1. Initialize PS/2 Mouse Prepare memory size...
...-processor platform) Display PnP logo Initialize Onboard IO devices. Set up floppy related fields in Setup & Autoconfiguration table. Initialize USB Test all memory (clear all IDE devices: HDD, LS120, ZIP, CDROM. Initialize floppy controller 2. Detect & install co-processor New CPU installed Execute EZ Flash CPR error Fan error UCODE error Floppy error Keyboard error HDD error CMOS error Mouse error HDD smart function error Hard monitor error AI NET error Case open A-2 Appendix: Debug code table Test 8259 interrupt mask bits for channel 1. Initialize PS/2 Mouse Prepare memory size...