User Manual
Page 3
... Contents...iii Notices...viii Safety information ix About this guide x Maximus II Formula specifications summary xii 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... 1-4 1.3.3 ROG unique features 1-6 1.3.4 ASUS special features 1-7 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.1 Before you proceed 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview 2-4 2.2.1 Motherboard layout 2-4 2.2.2 SupremeFX-Fi audio card layout 2-4 2.2.3 Layout contents 2-5 2.2.4 Placement direction...
... Contents...iii Notices...viii Safety information ix About this guide x Maximus II Formula specifications summary xii 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... 1-4 1.3.3 ROG unique features 1-6 1.3.4 ASUS special features 1-7 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.1 Before you proceed 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview 2-4 2.2.1 Motherboard layout 2-4 2.2.2 SupremeFX-Fi audio card layout 2-4 2.2.3 Layout contents 2-5 2.2.4 Placement direction...
User Manual
Page 17
... is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. Thank you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it another standout in -1 ASUS Q-Connector Kit Q-Shield Cable ties Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD Documentation User guide If any of ASUS quality motherboards! ASUS Maximus II Formula 1-1 1.1 Welcome! The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it , check the...
... is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. Thank you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it another standout in -1 ASUS Q-Connector Kit Q-Shield Cable ties Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD Documentation User guide If any of ASUS quality motherboards! ASUS Maximus II Formula 1-1 1.1 Welcome! The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it , check the...
User Manual
Page 19
... higher antialiasing, anisotropic filtering, shading, and texture settings. Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology and SATA-On-The-Go This motherboard supports the next-generation hard drives based on the headphones while playing multi-channel network games. See pages 2-21 and 2-27...on the Serial ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specification, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus bandwidth for managing traffic between two separate networks. ASUS Maximus II Formula 1-3 The external SATA port located at the back I/O provides smart setup and hot-plug functions. See pages 2-22, 2-25, and ...
... higher antialiasing, anisotropic filtering, shading, and texture settings. Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology and SATA-On-The-Go This motherboard supports the next-generation hard drives based on the headphones while playing multi-channel network games. See pages 2-21 and 2-27...on the Serial ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specification, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus bandwidth for managing traffic between two separate networks. ASUS Maximus II Formula 1-3 The external SATA port located at the back I/O provides smart setup and hot-plug functions. See pages 2-22, 2-25, and ...
User Manual
Page 21
...allows advanced user control and management to optimal performance. ASUS Maximus II Formula 1-5 Extreme Tweaker Extreme Tweaker is critical during overclocking for frequency adjustment, over-voltage options, or memory timing settings, they are present on the motherboard. See page 3-12 for maximum performance achievement. It...is critical but risky. More than OC Profile with the current BIOS, or if the current BIOS fails, you full disposal of the motherboard at a hardware level. See pages 2-1 and 2-2 for CPU, NB, SB, and Memory in a separated ROM. Component Overheat Protection...
...allows advanced user control and management to optimal performance. ASUS Maximus II Formula 1-5 Extreme Tweaker Extreme Tweaker is critical during overclocking for frequency adjustment, over-voltage options, or memory timing settings, they are present on the motherboard. See page 3-12 for maximum performance achievement. It...is critical but risky. More than OC Profile with the current BIOS, or if the current BIOS fails, you full disposal of the motherboard at a hardware level. See pages 2-1 and 2-2 for CPU, NB, SB, and Memory in a separated ROM. Component Overheat Protection...
User Manual
Page 23
The motherboard uses a special design on the printed circuit board (PCB) ... continue running at minimum power and noise when you are temporarily away. Fanless Design-Stack Cool 2 ASUS Stack Cool 2 is caused by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power in variety of useful... environment. 1.3.4 ASUS special features ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking capability. ASUS Maximus II Formula 1-7 See page 4-22 for details. See page 4-28 for details. Fan Xpert ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently...
The motherboard uses a special design on the printed circuit board (PCB) ... continue running at minimum power and noise when you are temporarily away. Fanless Design-Stack Cool 2 ASUS Stack Cool 2 is caused by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power in variety of useful... environment. 1.3.4 ASUS special features ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking capability. ASUS Maximus II Formula 1-7 See page 4-22 for details. See page 4-28 for details. Fan Xpert ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently...
User Manual
Page 26
Chapter summary 2 2.1 Before you proceed 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview 2-4 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 2-7 2.4 System memory 2-13 2.5 Expansion slots 2-16 2.6 Jumpers 2-19 2.7....C.o.n.n.e.c.to.r.s 2-21 2.8 Installing accessories 2-36 2.9 Starting up for the first time 2-39 2.10 Turning off the computer 2-40 ASUS Maximus II Formula
Chapter summary 2 2.1 Before you proceed 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview 2-4 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 2-7 2.4 System memory 2-13 2.5 Expansion slots 2-16 2.6 Jumpers 2-19 2.7....C.o.n.n.e.c.to.r.s 2-21 2.8 Installing accessories 2-36 2.9 Starting up for the first time 2-39 2.10 Turning off the computer 2-40 ASUS Maximus II Formula
User Manual
Page 27
...(yellow) 1.50625-1.69375 1.63250-1.81800 Crazy (red) 1.70000- 1.83125- Refer to the illustration below for LED definition. Failure to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components. You may cause severe damage to do so may adjust the voltages in BIOS. For more information about voltage ...3.3 Extreme Tweaker menu. 1. ASUS Maximus II Formula 2-1 CPU LED The CPU LED has two voltage displays: CPU Voltage and CPU PLL Voltage; There are also an LED for hard disk drive activity and an onboard switch for power status. Onboard LEDs The motherboard comes with the component. ...
...(yellow) 1.50625-1.69375 1.63250-1.81800 Crazy (red) 1.70000- 1.83125- Refer to the illustration below for LED definition. Failure to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components. You may cause severe damage to do so may adjust the voltages in BIOS. For more information about voltage ...3.3 Extreme Tweaker menu. 1. ASUS Maximus II Formula 2-1 CPU LED The CPU LED has two voltage displays: CPU Voltage and CPU PLL Voltage; There are also an LED for hard disk drive activity and an onboard switch for power status. Onboard LEDs The motherboard comes with the component. ...
User Manual
Page 29
... to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in any motherboard component. Hard Disk LED The hard disk LED is being written into or read from the hard disk drive. ASUS Maximus II Formula 2-3 Wait till the flash stops before removing or plugging in soft‑off mode.... Power LED The motherboard comes with a power-on switch. 4. The LED does not light up to the motherboard or when the hard disk drive does not function...
... to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in any motherboard component. Hard Disk LED The hard disk LED is being written into or read from the hard disk drive. ASUS Maximus II Formula 2-3 Wait till the flash stops before removing or plugging in soft‑off mode.... Power LED The motherboard comes with a power-on switch. 4. The LED does not light up to the motherboard or when the hard disk drive does not function...
User Manual
Page 33
ASUS Maximus II Formula 2-7 ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is on the LGA775 socket. • The product warranty does not cover damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard components. ASUS will process Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with ...you see any damage to the socket contacts resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/ incorrect removal of the motherboard, make sure that all power cables are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or...
ASUS Maximus II Formula 2-7 ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is on the LGA775 socket. • The product warranty does not cover damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard components. ASUS will process Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with ...you see any damage to the socket contacts resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/ incorrect removal of the motherboard, make sure that all power cables are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or...
User Manual
Page 37
... the CPU heatsink and fan: 1. ASUS Maximus II Formula 2-11 B 2. 2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan The Intel® LGA775 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. • When you buy a CPU separately, make sure that you have installed the motherboard to the CPU heatsink or CPU... to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly. Make sure that the four fasteners match the holes on the motherboard.
... the CPU heatsink and fan: 1. ASUS Maximus II Formula 2-11 B 2. 2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan The Intel® LGA775 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. • When you buy a CPU separately, make sure that you have installed the motherboard to the CPU heatsink or CPU... to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly. Make sure that the four fasteners match the holes on the motherboard.
User Manual
Page 39
The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets: Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 ASUS Maximus II Formula 2-13 A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a 240-pin footprint compared to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket. DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. 2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.
The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets: Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 ASUS Maximus II Formula 2-13 A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a 240-pin footprint compared to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket. DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. 2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.
User Manual
Page 41
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM Make sure to both the motherboard and the components. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to avoid damaging the DIMM. 3. Align a DIMM on the socket such that it flips out with ... a notch so that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket. 1 2 DDR2 DIMM notch 1 Unlocked retaining clip A DDR2 DIMM is properly seated. ASUS Maximus II Formula 2-15 To install a DIMM 1. DO NOT force a DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in only one direction. Failure to do so...
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM Make sure to both the motherboard and the components. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to avoid damaging the DIMM. 3. Align a DIMM on the socket such that it flips out with ... a notch so that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket. 1 2 DDR2 DIMM notch 1 Unlocked retaining clip A DDR2 DIMM is properly seated. ASUS Maximus II Formula 2-15 To install a DIMM 1. DO NOT force a DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in only one direction. Failure to do so...
User Manual
Page 43
... 14 9 Primary IDE Channel * These IRQs are usually available for this motherboard A B C D E F G H PCIE1_1 shared - - - - - - - IRQ assignments for PCI devices. Marvell 6121 shared - - - - - - - USB controller 6 - - - - - USB 2.0 controller 1 - - - - - - - SATA controller 1 - - SATA controller 2 - - - PCIE1_2 shared - - - - - - - shared - - - - shared - - shared USB 2.0 controller 2 - - shared - - - - - ASUS Maximus II Formula 2-17 PCIE16_1 shared - - - - - - - PCI_2 - USB controller 4 shared...
... 14 9 Primary IDE Channel * These IRQs are usually available for this motherboard A B C D E F G H PCIE1_1 shared - - - - - - - IRQ assignments for PCI devices. Marvell 6121 shared - - - - - - - USB controller 6 - - - - - USB 2.0 controller 1 - - - - - - - SATA controller 1 - - SATA controller 2 - - - PCIE1_2 shared - - - - - - - shared - - - - shared - - shared USB 2.0 controller 2 - - shared - - - - - ASUS Maximus II Formula 2-17 PCIE16_1 shared - - - - - - - PCI_2 - USB controller 4 shared...
User Manual
Page 51
... and optical disc drives. Or you are set the Configure SATA as in the motherboard support DVD. • You must install the Windows® XP Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA hard disk drives. right angle side ASUS Maximus II Formula 2-25 See section 3.4.6 SATA Configuration for details. • Before creating a RAID set the Configure...
... and optical disc drives. Or you are set the Configure SATA as in the motherboard support DVD. • You must install the Windows® XP Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA hard disk drives. right angle side ASUS Maximus II Formula 2-25 See section 3.4.6 SATA Configuration for details. • Before creating a RAID set the Configure...
User Manual
Page 53
...Connector (1394) to the USB connectors. Connect the USB module cable to any of the system chassis. You can connect the USB cable to ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) first, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to a slot opening at the back of these connectors, then install... for USB 2.0 ports. Never connect a USB cable to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. Doing so will damage the motherboard! ASUS Maximus II Formula 2-27 5. Connect the IEEE 1394a module cable to this connector, then install the module to the IEEE 1394a connector. USB connectors (10-1 pin...
...Connector (1394) to the USB connectors. Connect the USB module cable to any of the system chassis. You can connect the USB cable to ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) first, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to a slot opening at the back of these connectors, then install... for USB 2.0 ports. Never connect a USB cable to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. Doing so will damage the motherboard! ASUS Maximus II Formula 2-27 5. Connect the IEEE 1394a module cable to this connector, then install the module to the IEEE 1394a connector. USB connectors (10-1 pin...
User Manual
Page 63
Locate the audio slot on the motherboard. The photo below shows the audio card installed on the motherboard. 3. ASUS Maximus II Formula 2-37 Take out the audio card from the package. 2. 2.8.2 Installing the audio card 1. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card sits on the slot completely. 4.
Locate the audio slot on the motherboard. The photo below shows the audio card installed on the motherboard. 3. ASUS Maximus II Formula 2-37 Take out the audio card from the package. 2. 2.8.2 Installing the audio card 1. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card sits on the slot completely. 4.
User Manual
Page 69
... the support DVD in Windows® environment.) 2. ASUS Maximus II Formula 3-1 3.1 Managing and updating your system. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 (Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk) 4. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using a floppy disk or USB flash disk.) 3. Installing ASUS Update To install ASUS Update: 1. Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk or USB...
... the support DVD in Windows® environment.) 2. ASUS Maximus II Formula 3-1 3.1 Managing and updating your system. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 (Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk) 4. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using a floppy disk or USB flash disk.) 3. Installing ASUS Update To install ASUS Update: 1. Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk or USB...
User Manual
Page 72
...that contains the BIOS file to display the following. ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.25 FLASH TYPE: WINBOND W25P/X16 Current ROM BOARD: Maximus-II Formula VER: 0114 DATE: 05/09/2008 Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: A:\ A: Note [Enter] Select or Load [Up...is found . To update the BIOS using a DOS‑based utility. 3.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. 2. Save the BIOS file to prevent system boot failure! 3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS...
...that contains the BIOS file to display the following. ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.25 FLASH TYPE: WINBOND W25P/X16 Current ROM BOARD: Maximus-II Formula VER: 0114 DATE: 05/09/2008 Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: A:\ A: Note [Enter] Select or Load [Up...is found . To update the BIOS using a DOS‑based utility. 3.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. 2. Save the BIOS file to prevent system boot failure! 3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS...
User Manual
Page 73
... BIOS file. All rights reserved. ok A:\> The utility returns to the floppy disk. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. Press . Save the BIOS file to file...... 3.1.3 AFUDOS utility The AFUDOS utility allows you to...for the extension name. done Write to a bootable floppy disk. Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB)) Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. ASUS Maximus II Formula 3-5 Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to the bootable floppy disk you created earlier. 2. A:\>afudos /...
... BIOS file. All rights reserved. ok A:\> The utility returns to the floppy disk. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. Press . Save the BIOS file to file...... 3.1.3 AFUDOS utility The AFUDOS utility allows you to...for the extension name. done Write to a bootable floppy disk. Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB)) Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. ASUS Maximus II Formula 3-5 Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to the bootable floppy disk you created earlier. 2. A:\>afudos /...