MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA Users manual English
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...vi About this guide...vii MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA specifications summary ix Package contents...xiv Installation tools and components xv Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.1 Special features 1-1 1.1.1 Product highlights 1-1 1.1.2 ROG gaming features 1-3 1.1.3 ROG exclusive features 1-4 1.1.4 ASUS special features 1-4 1.1.5 ROG rich bundled software 1-5 1.2 Motherboard overview 1-6 1.2.1 Before you proceed 1-6 1.2.2 Motherboard layout 1-7 1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-9 1.2.4 System memory 1-10 1.2.5 Expansion slots 1-21 1.2.6 Onboard buttons and switches 1-23...
...vi About this guide...vii MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA specifications summary ix Package contents...xiv Installation tools and components xv Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.1 Special features 1-1 1.1.1 Product highlights 1-1 1.1.2 ROG gaming features 1-3 1.1.3 ROG exclusive features 1-4 1.1.4 ASUS special features 1-4 1.1.5 ROG rich bundled software 1-5 1.2 Motherboard overview 1-6 1.2.1 Before you proceed 1-6 1.2.2 Motherboard layout 1-7 1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-9 1.2.4 System memory 1-10 1.2.5 Expansion slots 1-21 1.2.6 Onboard buttons and switches 1-23...
MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA Users manual English
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... II...4-48 4.10 ASUS Media Streamer 4-50 4.11 RAMDisk...4-52 4.12 MemTweakIt 4-55 4.13 ROG CPU-Z 4-57 4.14 RAMCache 4-58 4.15 Aura...4-59 Chapter 5: RAID Support 5.1 RAID configurations 5-1 5.1.1 RAID definitions 5-1 5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks 5-2 5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS 5-2 5.1.4 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility 5-3 5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk 5-7 5.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS 5-7 5.2.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows 5-8 5.2.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS...
... II...4-48 4.10 ASUS Media Streamer 4-50 4.11 RAMDisk...4-52 4.12 MemTweakIt 4-55 4.13 ROG CPU-Z 4-57 4.14 RAMCache 4-58 4.15 Aura...4-59 Chapter 5: RAID Support 5.1 RAID configurations 5-1 5.1.1 RAID definitions 5-1 5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks 5-2 5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS 5-2 5.1.4 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility 5-3 5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk 5-7 5.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS 5-7 5.2.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows 5-8 5.2.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS...
MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA Users manual English
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... functions will work depending on the next page) ix ATAPI devices are not supported. (continued on the CPU installed. ****These SATA ports are for details. New 6th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (supports x16, x8/x8) Intel® Z170 Express Chipsets 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (max. Intel® HD Graphics support Multi-VGA output support: HDMI/DisplayPort - MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA specifications summary CPU Chipset Memory Expansion slots Graphic...
... functions will work depending on the next page) ix ATAPI devices are not supported. (continued on the CPU installed. ****These SATA ports are for details. New 6th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (supports x16, x8/x8) Intel® Z170 Express Chipsets 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (max. Intel® HD Graphics support Multi-VGA output support: HDMI/DisplayPort - MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA specifications summary CPU Chipset Memory Expansion slots Graphic...
MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA Users manual English
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...Panel Jack-retasking - Sonic Studio II - supports ASUS USB 3.1 Boost: - 2 x U SB 3.1 ports (1 x Type-A [red] and 1 x Type-C [black] at back panel) * 2 x USB 2.0 ports at back panel Audio Features: - DTS Connect Intel® Z170 Express Chipset - module (Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth v4.1) (continued on the next page) x Optical S/PDIF out port at mid-board share with ROG extension (ROG_EXT) port. 1 x BIOS Flashback button 1 x Clear CMOS button 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port 2 x USB 2.0 ports 2 x USB 3.0 ports [blue] 2 x USB 3.1 ports (1 Type-A [red] and 1 Type-C [black...
...Panel Jack-retasking - Sonic Studio II - supports ASUS USB 3.1 Boost: - 2 x U SB 3.1 ports (1 x Type-A [red] and 1 x Type-C [black] at back panel) * 2 x USB 2.0 ports at back panel Audio Features: - DTS Connect Intel® Z170 Express Chipset - module (Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth v4.1) (continued on the next page) x Optical S/PDIF out port at mid-board share with ROG extension (ROG_EXT) port. 1 x BIOS Flashback button 1 x Clear CMOS button 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port 2 x USB 2.0 ports 2 x USB 3.0 ports [blue] 2 x USB 3.1 ports (1 Type-A [red] and 1 Type-C [black...
MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA Users manual English
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... Black Metallic Capacitors LN2 Mode Jumper Slow Mode Jumper ReTry button Safe Boot button Start button Reset button BIOS Flashback Button Clear CMOS button ROG RAMDisk ROG RAMCache Overwolf KeyBot II - Power On UEFI BIOS features: - O.C. PC Cleaner - Media Streamer - MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA specifications summary ROG Exclusive Features Special Features OC Design - Full BCLK range for extreme overclocking performance Extreme Engine Digi+ - X.M.P. - ROG SSD Secure Erase - Graphics Card Information Preview ROG Aura - Aura effects (LOGO RGB lighting) - 2 x Aura Strip Headers ASUS...
... Black Metallic Capacitors LN2 Mode Jumper Slow Mode Jumper ReTry button Safe Boot button Start button Reset button BIOS Flashback Button Clear CMOS button ROG RAMDisk ROG RAMCache Overwolf KeyBot II - Power On UEFI BIOS features: - O.C. PC Cleaner - Media Streamer - MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA specifications summary ROG Exclusive Features Special Features OC Design - Full BCLK range for extreme overclocking performance Extreme Engine Digi+ - X.M.P. - ROG SSD Secure Erase - Graphics Card Information Preview ROG Aura - Aura effects (LOGO RGB lighting) - 2 x Aura Strip Headers ASUS...
MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA Users manual English
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... storage devices support (Supports both SATA & PCIE 3.0 mode)* 1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP) 1 x System panel connector 2 x Aura Strip Headers** * The M.2 x4 shares bandwidth with PCIE_X4_3. ** Support standard 12V RGB strips. (continued on the next page) xii Q-Code - Q-Slot - ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall) - Multi-colored Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED) - MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA specifications summary Special Features Internal I/O Ports ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 5 - 5-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU, DIGI+ Power Control, Fan Xpert...
... storage devices support (Supports both SATA & PCIE 3.0 mode)* 1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP) 1 x System panel connector 2 x Aura Strip Headers** * The M.2 x4 shares bandwidth with PCIE_X4_3. ** Support standard 12V RGB strips. (continued on the next page) xii Q-Code - Q-Slot - ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall) - Multi-colored Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED) - MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA specifications summary Special Features Internal I/O Ports ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 5 - 5-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU, DIGI+ Power Control, Fan Xpert...
MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA Users manual English
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... Drivers ROG GameFirst Technology ROG RAMDisk ROG CPU-Z ROG Mem TweakIt Overwolf ROG RAMCache ROG Keybot II Aura (Lighting Control) Kaspersky® Anti-Virus DAEMON Tools Pro Standard ASUS WebStorage ASUS Utilities Windows® 10 Windows® 8.1 Windows® 7 * 64-bit supported only ATX Form Factor, 12" x 9.6" (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm) Specifications are subject to change without notice. MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA specifications summary BIOS Manageability Software Operating System Support Form Factor 1 x 128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI3.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS...
... Drivers ROG GameFirst Technology ROG RAMDisk ROG CPU-Z ROG Mem TweakIt Overwolf ROG RAMCache ROG Keybot II Aura (Lighting Control) Kaspersky® Anti-Virus DAEMON Tools Pro Standard ASUS WebStorage ASUS Utilities Windows® 10 Windows® 8.1 Windows® 7 * 64-bit supported only ATX Form Factor, 12" x 9.6" (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm) Specifications are subject to change without notice. MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA specifications summary BIOS Manageability Software Operating System Support Form Factor 1 x 128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI3.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS...
MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA Users manual English
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... Intel CPU and chipset. Its unique Red Line Shielding and special metallic cover provides pristine sound and a highly attractive look for all your gaming and multimedia activities. It has a customizable user interface with the ROG style. Users can also manually allocate bandwidth and adjust priority settings of gunshots, footsteps, and call-outs when playing first person shooting (FPS) games. ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA 1-3 It...
... Intel CPU and chipset. Its unique Red Line Shielding and special metallic cover provides pristine sound and a highly attractive look for all your gaming and multimedia activities. It has a customizable user interface with the ROG style. Users can also manually allocate bandwidth and adjust priority settings of gunshots, footsteps, and call-outs when playing first person shooting (FPS) games. ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA 1-3 It...
MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA Users manual English
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... system. ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA 1-5 It converts optical media into as many as S/PDIF or HDMI) designed to deliver audio to an external decoder. Chapter 1 USB BIOS Flashback USB BIOS Flashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for individual users and home offices. and all formats and quality levels, DTS Connect combines two enabling technologies, DTS Neo:PC™ up in the game, so you play - DAEMON Tools Pro organizes...
... system. ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA 1-5 It converts optical media into as many as S/PDIF or HDMI) designed to deliver audio to an external decoder. Chapter 1 USB BIOS Flashback USB BIOS Flashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for individual users and home offices. and all formats and quality levels, DTS Connect combines two enabling technologies, DTS Neo:PC™ up in the game, so you play - DAEMON Tools Pro organizes...
MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA Users manual English
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... same vendor. b) Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you are using a 32-bit Windows OS. The stability and compatibility of 3GB system memory if you want to the Microsoft® support site at a lower frequency than 2133 MHz and its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module. ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA 1-11 Chapter 1 Memory configurations You may install 1 GB...
... same vendor. b) Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you are using a 32-bit Windows OS. The stability and compatibility of 3GB system memory if you want to the Microsoft® support site at a lower frequency than 2133 MHz and its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module. ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA 1-11 Chapter 1 Memory configurations You may install 1 GB...
MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA Users manual English
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... up when the system is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to reboot the system. ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA 1-23 This is plugged to a power source indicating that allows you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or installing any motherboard component. 2. The button also lights up the system. Power-on button (START) The motherboard comes with a power-on a bare or open-case system.
... up when the system is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to reboot the system. ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA 1-23 This is plugged to a power source indicating that allows you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or installing any motherboard component. 2. The button also lights up the system. Power-on button (START) The motherboard comes with a power-on a bare or open-case system.
MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA Users manual English
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... NVRAM settings) Reserved for Legacy Option ROM No Console Output Devices are found Invalid password Error loading Boot Option (LoadImage returned error) Boot Option is failed (StartImage returned error) Flash update is failed Reset protocol is not available PCI bus hot plug ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA 1-31 BF D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 DA DB DC B5 Description Start of Setup Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes...
... NVRAM settings) Reserved for Legacy Option ROM No Console Output Devices are found Invalid password Error loading Boot Option (LoadImage returned error) Boot Option is failed (StartImage returned error) Flash update is failed Reset protocol is not available PCI bus hot plug ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA 1-31 BF D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 DA DB DC B5 Description Start of Setup Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes...
MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA Users manual English
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... USB 2.0. With an installed USB 3.0 module, you to install the related driver to Serial ATA 6 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6 Gb/s signal cables. The USB 3.0 module is purchased separately. • These connectors are based on the operating system's setting. ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA 1-35 USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12; 2. ASMedia® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E12) These connectors connect to fully use the USB 3.0 ports under Windows® 7, Windows® 8, and Windows® 8.1. • The plugged USB 3.0 device...
... USB 2.0. With an installed USB 3.0 module, you to install the related driver to Serial ATA 6 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6 Gb/s signal cables. The USB 3.0 module is purchased separately. • These connectors are based on the operating system's setting. ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA 1-35 USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12; 2. ASMedia® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E12) These connectors connect to fully use the USB 3.0 ports under Windows® 7, Windows® 8, and Windows® 8.1. • The plugged USB 3.0 device...
MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA Users manual English
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... antenna installation Installing the ASUS 2T2R dual band W-Fi antenna Connect the bundled ASUS 2T2R dual band Wi-Fi antenna connector to install the Bluetooth driver before installing the Wi-Fi GO! Chapter 2 2-12 Chapter 2: Basic Installation software. • Ensure that the ASUS 2T2R dual band Wi-Fi antenna is at the back of the chassis. The I/O port layout may vary with models, but...
... antenna installation Installing the ASUS 2T2R dual band W-Fi antenna Connect the bundled ASUS 2T2R dual band Wi-Fi antenna connector to install the Bluetooth driver before installing the Wi-Fi GO! Chapter 2 2-12 Chapter 2: Basic Installation software. • Ensure that the ASUS 2T2R dual band Wi-Fi antenna is at the back of the chassis. The I/O port layout may vary with models, but...
MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA Users manual English
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... modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode. BIOS menu screen The BIOS Setup program can change modes from Setup Mode in Boot menu or by pressing the hotkey. Entering BIOS at startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup, press during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you want to use the mouse to control the BIOS setup program. • If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and reset the motherboard to the default value. See section Onboard buttons and switches...
... modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode. BIOS menu screen The BIOS Setup program can change modes from Setup Mode in Boot menu or by pressing the hotkey. Entering BIOS at startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup, press during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you want to use the mouse to control the BIOS setup program. • If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and reset the motherboard to the default value. See section Onboard buttons and switches...
MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA Users manual English
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...%. Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] DRAM CLK Period [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [40] Memory Scrambler [Enabled] Set this item to 4 for best memory overclocking. Select from levels 1 to 8 to adjust the CPU power voltage from 2 to enhance the DRAM overclocking capability. Misc. Disable this item to enhance the stability of your CPU specification. DO NOT remove the thermal module. MRC Fast Boot [Auto] Allows you to CPU loading. Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [7] External DIGI+ Power Control CPU...
...%. Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] DRAM CLK Period [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [40] Memory Scrambler [Enabled] Set this item to 4 for best memory overclocking. Select from levels 1 to 8 to adjust the CPU power voltage from 2 to enhance the DRAM overclocking capability. Misc. Disable this item to enhance the stability of your CPU specification. DO NOT remove the thermal module. MRC Fast Boot [Auto] Allows you to CPU loading. Configuration options: [Auto] [1] - [7] External DIGI+ Power Control CPU...
MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA Users manual English
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... manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program. 1. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Restores the BIOS using a USB flash drive. 3. ASUS BIOS Updater: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment. • EZ Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an ISP (Internet Service Provider). • This utility is no problem using the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash disk drive. 3.11.1 EZ Update The EZ Update is a utility that comes with the motherboard package. If there is available in the support DVD that allows you to boot. The following utilities...
... manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program. 1. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Restores the BIOS using a USB flash drive. 3. ASUS BIOS Updater: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment. • EZ Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an ISP (Internet Service Provider). • This utility is no problem using the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash disk drive. 3.11.1 EZ Update The EZ Update is a utility that comes with the motherboard package. If there is available in the support DVD that allows you to boot. The following utilities...
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... Tool menu to the Drive field. 4. ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA 3-55 Press to switch to select ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility and press . Press to switch to confirm your choice. Before you to update the BIOS without having to use a bootable floppy disk or an OS‑based utility. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Chapter 3 3. Reboot the system when the update process is done. Press the Up/Down arrow keys...
... Tool menu to the Drive field. 4. ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA 3-55 Press to switch to select ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility and press . Press to switch to confirm your choice. Before you to update the BIOS without having to use a bootable floppy disk or an OS‑based utility. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Chapter 3 3. Reboot the system when the update process is done. Press the Up/Down arrow keys...
MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA Users manual English
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... enters the ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility automatically. 4. • This function can cause system boot failure! Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. Turn on the ASUS official website. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for the BIOS file. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB flash drive containing the BIOS file to ensure system compatibility and stability. You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive...
... enters the ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility automatically. 4. • This function can cause system boot failure! Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. Turn on the ASUS official website. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for the BIOS file. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB flash drive containing the BIOS file to ensure system compatibility and stability. You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive...
MAXIMUS VIII HERO ALPHA Users manual English
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... the USB port or the support DVD into the optical drive. 4. Click the name of the device you to the USB flash drive. 5-8 Chapter 5: RAID Support Follow the succeeding screen instructions to avoid a computer virus infection. 5.2.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation To install the RAID driver for the corresponding OS version. Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive, and then click Browse. 3. Write-protect the floppy disk...
... the USB port or the support DVD into the optical drive. 4. Click the name of the device you to the USB flash drive. 5-8 Chapter 5: RAID Support Follow the succeeding screen instructions to avoid a computer virus infection. 5.2.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation To install the RAID driver for the corresponding OS version. Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive, and then click Browse. 3. Write-protect the floppy disk...
