User Guide
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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...
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... EX (Component Overheat Protection - Voltiminder LED - 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 at mid-board, 6 ports at ��b�a�c�k�p�a�n�e�l�) MemOK! ASUS TurboV - O.C Profile Overclocking Protection: - Extreme Tweaker Power...
... EX (Component Overheat Protection - Voltiminder LED - 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 at mid-board, 6 ports at ��b�a�c�k�p�a�n�e�l�) MemOK! ASUS TurboV - O.C Profile Overclocking Protection: - Extreme Tweaker Power...
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... 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 ASUS quality motherboards! The motherboard delivers a host...
... 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 ASUS quality motherboards! The motherboard delivers a host...
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...hardware level. CPU Level Up A simple click for PC enthusiasts and it provides system maintenance and management with ROG's CPU Level Up! ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-3 Simply pick the processor you want to OC to increase memory computing efficiency, enhancing system performance in 3D...greatly increases fun during overclocking for instant upgrade! DDR3 1600 (O.C.) support This motherboard supports DDR3 1600(O.C.) that give you full disposal of the motherboard at 65ºC) This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for you could have a more ...
...hardware level. CPU Level Up A simple click for PC enthusiasts and it provides system maintenance and management with ROG's CPU Level Up! ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-3 Simply pick the processor you want to OC to increase memory computing efficiency, enhancing system performance in 3D...greatly increases fun during overclocking for instant upgrade! DDR3 1600 (O.C.) support This motherboard supports DDR3 1600(O.C.) that give you full disposal of the motherboard at 65ºC) This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for you could have a more ...
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...gamers to effortlessly fine-tune the performance without having to offer games exceptional game sound with an new external look! SupremeFX X-Fi combines the technological quality design of ROG. Onboard Switches No more shorting pins or moving jumpers With an easy press during POST. ROG Crosshair III Formula... jumpers. 1.3.3 ROG unique features SupremeFX X-Fi features Listen with absolute HD Play in 3D environment during game play. SupremeFX X-Fi features unique audio innovations for gamers to ensure quiet, cool and efficient operation. Q-Fan2 ASUS Q-Fan2 technology ...
...gamers to effortlessly fine-tune the performance without having to offer games exceptional game sound with an new external look! SupremeFX X-Fi combines the technological quality design of ROG. Onboard Switches No more shorting pins or moving jumpers With an easy press during POST. ROG Crosshair III Formula... jumpers. 1.3.3 ROG unique features SupremeFX X-Fi features Listen with absolute HD Play in 3D environment during game play. SupremeFX X-Fi features unique audio innovations for gamers to ensure quiet, cool and efficient operation. Q-Fan2 ASUS Q-Fan2 technology ...
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ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-7 Moreover, the ASUS OC profiles in different scenarios. Simply reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default settings for each parameter. settings in TurboV provides the best O.C. Due to clear CMOS data. and its user-friendly interface makes overclock with the ASUS TurboV. C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) When the system hangs...
ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-7 Moreover, the ASUS OC profiles in different scenarios. Simply reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default settings for each parameter. settings in TurboV provides the best O.C. Due to clear CMOS data. and its user-friendly interface makes overclock with the ASUS TurboV. C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) When the system hangs...
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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
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... wall socket 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. •.... • Before you install motherboard components or change any component. • Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, before touching any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the power supply. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-1
... wall socket 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. •.... • Before you install motherboard components or change any component. • Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, before touching any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the power supply. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-1
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...-1.39125 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 Refer to display in BIOS. Northbridge/Southbridge LEDs The northbridge and southbridge LEDs each have two different voltage displays. The southbridge LED shows either the...
...-1.39125 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 Refer to display in BIOS. Northbridge/Southbridge LEDs The northbridge and southbridge LEDs each have two different voltage displays. The southbridge LED shows either the...
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...on switch that lights up to indicate that the system is ready to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in any motherboard component. LED The MemOK! 5. switch. When you press the power-on the ATX power supply, the Power LED flashes three times to boot... blinks while the system is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before you turn on switch. 6. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-5 Power LED The motherboard comes with a power-on switch. This is loading failsafe settings for memory compatibility after pressing the MemOK!
...on switch that lights up to indicate that the system is ready to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in any motherboard component. LED The MemOK! 5. switch. When you press the power-on the ATX power supply, the Power LED flashes three times to boot... blinks while the system is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before you turn on switch. 6. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-5 Power LED The motherboard comes with a power-on switch. This is loading failsafe settings for memory compatibility after pressing the MemOK!
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... 2-36 2-33 2-33 Refer to 2.8 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors. DDR3 DIMM slots 5. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 6. MemOK! ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-7 System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 9. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC_SW) 8. AMD® AM3 Socket 4. CPU, chassis, and optional fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin PWR_FAN...
... 2-36 2-33 2-33 Refer to 2.8 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors. DDR3 DIMM slots 5. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 6. MemOK! ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-7 System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 9. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC_SW) 8. AMD® AM3 Socket 4. CPU, chassis, and optional fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin PWR_FAN...
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...that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90˚ angle. Otherwise, the CPU will not fit in only one correct orientation. Socket lever ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-9 DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to a 90˚ angle. The AM3 socket has a different pinout from the AM2+/AM2 socket...AM3 Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 Series processors. The CPU fits in completely. Press the lever sideways to unlock the socket, then lift it up to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. 2. Locate the CPU socket on the socket and damaging the CPU! ...
...that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90˚ angle. Otherwise, the CPU will not fit in only one correct orientation. Socket lever ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-9 DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to a 90˚ angle. The AM3 socket has a different pinout from the AM2+/AM2 socket...AM3 Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 Series processors. The CPU fits in completely. Press the lever sideways to unlock the socket, then lift it up to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. 2. Locate the CPU socket on the socket and damaging the CPU! ...
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... heatsink on top of the installed CPU, ensuring that the heatsink fits properly on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-11 Retention bracket lock Retention bracket CPU fan CPU heatsink Retention module base Your boxed ... assembly. 2.3.2 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 use only AMD-certified heatsink and fan ...
... heatsink on top of the installed CPU, ensuring that the heatsink fits properly on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-11 Retention bracket lock Retention bracket CPU fan CPU heatsink Retention module base Your boxed ... assembly. 2.3.2 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 use only AMD-certified heatsink and fan ...
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5. Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. • This connector is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. • DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-13 When the fan and heatsink assembly is backward compatible with old 3-pin CPU fan.
5. Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. • This connector is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. • DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-13 When the fan and heatsink assembly is backward compatible with old 3-pin CPU fan.
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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 Recommended memory configurations One DIMM: You may install one memory module in any slot as a single-channel operation.
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Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest QVL. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-19 Crosshair III Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR�3��-�1��3��3�3��M��H���z��c��...
Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest QVL. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-19 Crosshair III Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR�3��-�1��3��3�3��M��H���z��c��...
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...page for details. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-21 Ensure to the tables on BIOS setup. 2. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that you may cause you removed earlier. 6. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 2.5.1 ... an expansion card: 1. Install the software drivers for information on the next page. 3. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. Turn on the slot. 5. Otherwise, conflicts will...
...page for details. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-21 Ensure to the tables on BIOS setup. 2. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that you may cause you removed earlier. 6. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 2.5.1 ... an expansion card: 1. Install the software drivers for information on the next page. 3. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. Turn on the slot. 5. Otherwise, conflicts will...
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Refer to the figure below for the location of the slot. 2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that support PCI Express x16 2.0 ... and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. Refer to a PCIe x16 slot. 2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots This motherboard has two PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots that comply with PCI specifications. Install a PCIe x1 device to a PCIe x1 slot prior to... Express x16_2 slot PCI Express x1_2 slot PCI Express x16_1 slot PCI Express x1_1 slot ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-23
Refer to the figure below for the location of the slot. 2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that support PCI Express x16 2.0 ... and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. Refer to a PCIe x16 slot. 2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots This motherboard has two PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots that comply with PCI specifications. Install a PCIe x1 device to a PCIe x1 slot prior to... Express x16_2 slot PCI Express x1_2 slot PCI Express x16_1 slot PCI Express x1_1 slot ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-23
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... to the Disable position. • Ensure to re-enter your previous BIOS settings after you easily clear the system setup information such as system passwords. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-25 The clr CMOS switch on the back I/O. To erase the RTC RAM: 1. With the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature, shut down the clr CMOS switch...
... to the Disable position. • Ensure to re-enter your previous BIOS settings after you easily clear the system setup information such as system passwords. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-25 The clr CMOS switch on the back I/O. To erase the RTC RAM: 1. With the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature, shut down the clr CMOS switch...
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Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card sits on the motherboard. 3. Locate the audio slot on the slot completely. 4. Take out the Audio card from the package. 2. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-27 The photo below shows the audio card installed on the motherboard. 2.7.2 Audio card Installation 1.
Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card sits on the motherboard. 3. Locate the audio slot on the slot completely. 4. Take out the Audio card from the package. 2. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-27 The photo below shows the audio card installed on the motherboard. 2.7.2 Audio card Installation 1.