User Guide
Page 3
Contents Notices...viii Safety information ix About this guide xi Crosshair III Formula specifications summary xiii Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome 1-1 1.2 Package contents 1-1 1.3 Special features 1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights 1-2 1.3.2 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features... 1-3 1.3.3 ROG unique features 1-5 1.3.4 ASUS special features 1-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.1 Before you proceed 2-1 2.2 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...
Contents Notices...viii Safety information ix About this guide xi Crosshair III Formula specifications summary xiii Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome 1-1 1.2 Package contents 1-1 1.3 Special features 1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights 1-2 1.3.2 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features... 1-3 1.3.3 ROG unique features 1-5 1.3.4 ASUS special features 1-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.1 Before you proceed 2-1 2.2 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...
User Guide
Page 13
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® Cool 'n' Quiet™ Technology AMD...65533;r�e�d��m���e����m����o��r�y *Refer to www.asus.com or user manual for up to 2 PATA devices - 5 x SATA 3Gb/s ports with the total capacity over 2TB ...
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® Cool 'n' Quiet™ Technology AMD...65533;r�e�d��m���e����m����o��r�y *Refer to www.asus.com or user manual for up to 2 PATA devices - 5 x SATA 3Gb/s ports with the total capacity over 2TB ...
User Guide
Page 14
Crosshair III Formula specifications summary USB ROG Exclusive Overclocking Features Other Special Features BIOS Features Manageability Back Panel I/O Ports max. 12 USB 2.0 ports (6 ports... Up Keyboard-TweakIt iROG Loadline Calibration Intelligent overclocking tools: - EX) - ASUS TurboV - O.C Profile Overclocking Protection: - Voltiminder LED - ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall) External LCD Poster ASUS Q-Connector ASUS Q-Shield ASUS Q-Fan 2 ASUS EZ Flash 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS MyLogo 3 AMD® OverDrive Support* ASUS TurboV 16Mb AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI2...
Crosshair III Formula specifications summary USB ROG Exclusive Overclocking Features Other Special Features BIOS Features Manageability Back Panel I/O Ports max. 12 USB 2.0 ports (6 ports... Up Keyboard-TweakIt iROG Loadline Calibration Intelligent overclocking tools: - EX) - ASUS TurboV - O.C Profile Overclocking Protection: - Voltiminder LED - ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall) External LCD Poster ASUS Q-Connector ASUS Q-Shield ASUS Q-Fan 2 ASUS EZ Flash 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS MyLogo 3 AMD® OverDrive Support* ASUS TurboV 16Mb AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI2...
User Guide
Page 15
Drivers and applications * ASUS PC Probe II * ASUS Update * ASUS AI Suite * AMD OverDrive Utility (AOD) * Sound Blaster X-Fi Utility * Futuremark® 3DMark® 06 Advanced Edition * Kaspersky® Anti-Virus ATX Form Factor, 12"x 9.6" (30.5cm x 24.5cm) *Specifications are subject to change without notice. Crosshair III Formula specifications summary Internal I/O Connectors Software Form Factor 3 x USB...
Drivers and applications * ASUS PC Probe II * ASUS Update * ASUS AI Suite * AMD OverDrive Utility (AOD) * Sound Blaster X-Fi Utility * Futuremark® 3DMark® 06 Advanced Edition * Kaspersky® Anti-Virus ATX Form Factor, 12"x 9.6" (30.5cm x 24.5cm) *Specifications are subject to change without notice. Crosshair III Formula specifications summary Internal I/O Connectors Software Form Factor 3 x USB...
User Guide
Page 19
... above table are for buying an ROG Crosshair III Formula motherboard! Before you for reference only. ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-1 Thank you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it another standout...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 ASUS quality motherboards...
... above table are for buying an ROG Crosshair III Formula motherboard! Before you for reference only. ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-1 Thank you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it another standout...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 ASUS quality motherboards...
User Guide
Page 21
...overclocking for instant upgrade! Upgrade your CPU at a hardware level. Simply pick the processor you want to OC to, and the motherboard will do the rest for durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity. 1.3.2 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features iROG Intelligent multiple... and management with ROG's CPU Level Up! See the new CPU speed and enjoy the performance instantly! ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-3 DDR3 1600 (O.C.) support This motherboard supports DDR3 1600(O.C.) that you could have a more expansive CPU? Ever wish that provides faster data transfer rate...
...overclocking for instant upgrade! Upgrade your CPU at a hardware level. Simply pick the processor you want to OC to, and the motherboard will do the rest for durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity. 1.3.2 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features iROG Intelligent multiple... and management with ROG's CPU Level Up! See the new CPU speed and enjoy the performance instantly! ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-3 DDR3 1600 (O.C.) support This motherboard supports DDR3 1600(O.C.) that you could have a more expansive CPU? Ever wish that provides faster data transfer rate...
User Guide
Page 23
Q-Fan2 ASUS Q-Fan2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan speeds according to system loading to spot enemies in ...from Creative Labs® to offer games exceptional game sound with an new external look! SupremeFX X-Fi features unique audio innovations for gamers to ensure quiet, cool and efficient operation. The new LCD Poster now posts critical POST information in the incoming audio stream while recording...jumpers. 1.3.3 ROG unique features SupremeFX X-Fi features Listen with absolute HD Play in 3D environment during game play. ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-5
Q-Fan2 ASUS Q-Fan2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan speeds according to system loading to spot enemies in ...from Creative Labs® to offer games exceptional game sound with an new external look! SupremeFX X-Fi features unique audio innovations for gamers to ensure quiet, cool and efficient operation. The new LCD Poster now posts critical POST information in the incoming audio stream while recording...jumpers. 1.3.3 ROG unique features SupremeFX X-Fi features Listen with absolute HD Play in 3D environment during game play. ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-5
User Guide
Page 25
settings in TurboV provides the best O.C. function. and its user-friendly interface makes overclock with the ASUS TurboV. C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) When the system hangs due to overclocking failure, there is no need to open the system chassis to the .... This easy OC tool allows you to overclock without exiting or rebooting the OS; ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-7 Simply reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default settings for each parameter. Moreover, the ASUS OC profiles in different scenarios. TurboV Feel the adrenaline rush of real-time OC-now a...
settings in TurboV provides the best O.C. function. and its user-friendly interface makes overclock with the ASUS TurboV. C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) When the system hangs due to overclocking failure, there is no need to open the system chassis to the .... This easy OC tool allows you to overclock without exiting or rebooting the OS; ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-7 Simply reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default settings for each parameter. Moreover, the ASUS OC profiles in different scenarios. TurboV Feel the adrenaline rush of real-time OC-now a...
User Guide
Page 28
Chapter summary 2 2.1 Before you proceed 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview 2-6 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 2-9 2.4 System memory 2-14 2.5 Expansion slots 2-21 2.6 Jumper 2-25 2.7 I/O shield, LCD Poster and Audio card Installation 2-26 2.8 Connectors 2-28 2.9 Starting up for the first time 2-43 2.10 Turning off the computer 2-44 ROG Crosshair III Formula
Chapter summary 2 2.1 Before you proceed 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview 2-6 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 2-9 2.4 System memory 2-14 2.5 Expansion slots 2-21 2.6 Jumper 2-25 2.7 I/O shield, LCD Poster and Audio card Installation 2-26 2.8 Connectors 2-28 2.9 Starting up for the first time 2-43 2.10 Turning off the computer 2-44 ROG Crosshair III Formula
User Guide
Page 29
ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-1 2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before handling components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to avoid touching the ICs on them. .... • Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the power supply.
ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-1 2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before handling components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to avoid touching the ICs on them. .... • Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the power supply.
User Guide
Page 31
... High (yellow) 1.60325-1.84175 1.90800-1.94775 1.60325-1.84175 1.36475-1.49725 1.40450-1.65625 Crazy (red) 1.85500-2.05400 1.96100-3.00775 1.85500-2.00075 1.51050-1.60325 1.66950-2.00075 ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-3 The southbridge LED shows either the NB Voltage or the NB 1.8 Voltage.
... High (yellow) 1.60325-1.84175 1.90800-1.94775 1.60325-1.84175 1.36475-1.49725 1.40450-1.65625 Crazy (red) 1.85500-2.05400 1.96100-3.00775 1.85500-2.00075 1.51050-1.60325 1.66950-2.00075 ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-3 The southbridge LED shows either the NB Voltage or the NB 1.8 Voltage.
User Guide
Page 33
.... LED blinks while the system is ready to indicate that you turn on switch. Power LED The motherboard comes with a power-on switch. 6. MemOK! LED The MemOK! ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-5 This is a reminder that the system is loading failsafe settings for memory compatibility after pressing the MemOK! Wait till the flash stops before...
.... LED blinks while the system is ready to indicate that you turn on switch. Power LED The motherboard comes with a power-on switch. 6. MemOK! LED The MemOK! ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-5 This is a reminder that the system is loading failsafe settings for memory compatibility after pressing the MemOK! Wait till the flash stops before...
User Guide
Page 35
...) 13. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) 16. CPU, chassis, and optional fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin PWR_FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-2; 4-pin OPT_FAN1-3) 2. USB910; ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-7 Reset switch 11. Thermal sensor cable connectors (2-pin OPT_TEMP1-3) 15. MemOK! USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78; ROG connector (3-pin ROG) Page 2-35 2-37 2-9 2-14 2-30...
...) 13. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) 16. CPU, chassis, and optional fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin PWR_FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-2; 4-pin OPT_FAN1-3) 2. USB910; ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-7 Reset switch 11. Thermal sensor cable connectors (2-pin OPT_TEMP1-3) 15. MemOK! USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78; ROG connector (3-pin ROG) Page 2-35 2-37 2-9 2-14 2-30...
User Guide
Page 37
...730; angle. Ensure you use a CPU designed for AMD socket AM3 Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 Series processors. The CPU fits in completely. Socket lever ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-9 Locate the CPU socket on the socket and damaging the CPU! 2.3.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1. Otherwise, the ... CPU into the socket to a 90˚ angle. Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. 2. 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with an AMD® AM3 Socket for the AM3 socket.
...730; angle. Ensure you use a CPU designed for AMD socket AM3 Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 Series processors. The CPU fits in completely. Socket lever ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-9 Locate the CPU socket on the socket and damaging the CPU! 2.3.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1. Otherwise, the ... CPU into the socket to a 90˚ angle. Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. 2. 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with an AMD® AM3 Socket for the AM3 socket.
User Guide
Page 39
...purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that a Thermal Interface Material is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter. Ensure that the heatsink...Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD socket AM3 Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 Series processors requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan... instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-11
...purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that a Thermal Interface Material is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter. Ensure that the heatsink...Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD socket AM3 Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 Series processors requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan... instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-11
User Guide
Page 41
ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-13 Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to connect the CPU fan connector! When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. • DO NOT forget to plug this connector. • This connector is backward compatible with old 3-pin CPU fan. 5.
ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-13 Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to connect the CPU fan connector! When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. • DO NOT forget to plug this connector. • This connector is backward compatible with old 3-pin CPU fan. 5.
User Guide
Page 43
Recommended memory configurations One DIMM: You may install one memory module in any slot as a single-channel operation. Two DIMMs (dual-channel operation): Four DIMMs (dual-channel operation): ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-15
Recommended memory configurations One DIMM: You may install one memory module in any slot as a single-channel operation. Two DIMMs (dual-channel operation): Four DIMMs (dual-channel operation): ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-15
User Guide
Page 46
Crosshair III Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR�3��-�1��3��3�3��M��H���z... SAMSUNG M378B2873DZ1-CH9 SAMSUNG M391B2873DZ1-CH9 SAMSUNG M378B5673DZ1-CH9 SAMSUNG M391B5673DZ1-CH9 SAMSUNG M378B5273BH1-CH9 Transcend TS128MLK64V3U Transcend TS256MLK64V3U Asint SLY3128M8-EDJ Asint SLZ3128M8-EDJ ASUS N/A BUFFALO FSX1333D3G-2G Elixir M2F2G64CB8HA4N-CG 1024MB SS MICRON MT8JF12864AY-1G4D1 (1333-9-9-9-24) 2048MB DS MICRON D9JNM (1333-9-9-9-24) 4096MB DS NA ...
Crosshair III Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR�3��-�1��3��3�3��M��H���z... SAMSUNG M378B2873DZ1-CH9 SAMSUNG M391B2873DZ1-CH9 SAMSUNG M378B5673DZ1-CH9 SAMSUNG M391B5673DZ1-CH9 SAMSUNG M378B5273BH1-CH9 Transcend TS128MLK64V3U Transcend TS256MLK64V3U Asint SLY3128M8-EDJ Asint SLZ3128M8-EDJ ASUS N/A BUFFALO FSX1333D3G-2G Elixir M2F2G64CB8HA4N-CG 1024MB SS MICRON MT8JF12864AY-1G4D1 (1333-9-9-9-24) 2048MB DS MICRON D9JNM (1333-9-9-9-24) 4096MB DS NA ...
User Guide
Page 47
...) 9(1333-9-9-9-24) •• ••• ••• •• • • • • SS - ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-19 Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest QVL. Single-sided DS - Crosshair III Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR�3��-�1��3��3�3��M��...
...) 9(1333-9-9-9-24) •• ••• ••• •• • • • • SS - ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-19 Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest QVL. Single-sided DS - Crosshair III Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR�3��-�1��3��3�3��M��...