User Guide
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... you to the source code of reproduction and shipment, which you want to have it from https://www.asus.com/support/ or (2) for identification or explanation and to the owners' benefit, without intent to infringe. SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT...
... you to the source code of reproduction and shipment, which you want to have it from https://www.asus.com/support/ or (2) for identification or explanation and to the owners' benefit, without intent to infringe. SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT...
User Guide
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... and switches 1-9 1.1.7 Onboard LEDs 1-13 1.1.8 Jumper 1-14 1.1.9 Internal connectors 1-15 Chapter 2: Basic Installation 2.1 Building your PC system 2-1 2.1.1 CPU installation 2-1 2.1.2 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation 2-3 2.1.3 Motherboard installation 2-5 2.1.4 DIMM installation 2-6 2.1.5 ATX power connection 2-7 2.1.6 SATA device connection 2-7 2.1.7 Front I/O connector 2-8 2.1.8 Expansion card installation 2-9 2.1.9 M.2 installation 2-10 2.1.10 Wi-Fi antenna installation 2-11 2.2 BIOS update utility 2-12 2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections...
... and switches 1-9 1.1.7 Onboard LEDs 1-13 1.1.8 Jumper 1-14 1.1.9 Internal connectors 1-15 Chapter 2: Basic Installation 2.1 Building your PC system 2-1 2.1.1 CPU installation 2-1 2.1.2 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation 2-3 2.1.3 Motherboard installation 2-5 2.1.4 DIMM installation 2-6 2.1.5 ATX power connection 2-7 2.1.6 SATA device connection 2-7 2.1.7 Front I/O connector 2-8 2.1.8 Expansion card installation 2-9 2.1.9 M.2 installation 2-10 2.1.10 Wi-Fi antenna installation 2-11 2.2 BIOS update utility 2-12 2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections...
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...-GPU SLI™ Technology Supports AMD® 3-Way/Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology Intel® Z370 Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and Intel Rapid Storage Technology support - 1 x M .2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 (PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA modes_M.2_1)* - 1 x M .2 Socket 3 with PCIe x1_3. Supports DisplayPort 1.2 with max. at x2 mode by default. resolution 4096 x 2304 @ 60Hz - Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready - ROG MAXIMUS X FORMULA specifications summary CPU Chipset Memory Expansion slots Graphic Multi-GPU support Storage Intel® Socket 1151...
...-GPU SLI™ Technology Supports AMD® 3-Way/Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology Intel® Z370 Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and Intel Rapid Storage Technology support - 1 x M .2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 (PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA modes_M.2_1)* - 1 x M .2 Socket 3 with PCIe x1_3. Supports DisplayPort 1.2 with max. at x2 mode by default. resolution 4096 x 2304 @ 60Hz - Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready - ROG MAXIMUS X FORMULA specifications summary CPU Chipset Memory Expansion slots Graphic Multi-GPU support Storage Intel® Socket 1151...
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... RGB headers Start Button Reset Button Safe Boot Button ReTry Button BIOS Flashback Button Clear CMOS Button MemOK! Clr CMOS - Graphics Card Information Preview (continued on the next page) xi X.M.P. - NexFET MOSFETs - 10K Black Metallic Capacitors Crosschill EK II ROG RGB Armor Pre-mounted I/O Shield LiveDash OLED 1.3" ROG Aura - Power On UEFI BIOS features: - board [black]) ASMedia® USB 3.1 controller - 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector - 2 x U SB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (1 Type-A [red] and 1 Type-C [black] at mid- MicroFine Alloy Choke - Button LN2 Mode ROG...
... RGB headers Start Button Reset Button Safe Boot Button ReTry Button BIOS Flashback Button Clear CMOS Button MemOK! Clr CMOS - Graphics Card Information Preview (continued on the next page) xi X.M.P. - NexFET MOSFETs - 10K Black Metallic Capacitors Crosschill EK II ROG RGB Armor Pre-mounted I/O Shield LiveDash OLED 1.3" ROG Aura - Power On UEFI BIOS features: - board [black]) ASMedia® USB 3.1 controller - 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector - 2 x U SB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (1 Type-A [red] and 1 Type-C [black] at mid- MicroFine Alloy Choke - Button LN2 Mode ROG...
User Guide
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...xiii ROG MAXIMUS X FORMULA specifications summary Internal I/O Ports 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 header supports additional 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports 1 x USB 2.0 header supports additional 2 USB 2.0 ports 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (both SATA & PCIe 3.0 mode) 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (PCIe 3.0 mode) 1 x 4-Pin CPU fan connector 1 x 4-Pin CPU_OPT fan connector 3 x 4-Pin Chassis fan connectors 1 x EXT_Fan header 1 x 4-Pin W_PUMP+ connector...
...xiii ROG MAXIMUS X FORMULA specifications summary Internal I/O Ports 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 header supports additional 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports 1 x USB 2.0 header supports additional 2 USB 2.0 ports 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (both SATA & PCIe 3.0 mode) 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (PCIe 3.0 mode) 1 x 4-Pin CPU fan connector 1 x 4-Pin CPU_OPT fan connector 3 x 4-Pin Chassis fan connectors 1 x EXT_Fan header 1 x 4-Pin W_PUMP+ connector...
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button until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic memory compatibility tuning for the exact location of failsafe settings. button does not function under Windows® OS environment. • During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot and load the BIOS default settings. button (MemOK!) Installing DIMMs that you download and update to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! Turn off the system and...
button until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic memory compatibility tuning for the exact location of failsafe settings. button does not function under Windows® OS environment. • During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot and load the BIOS default settings. button (MemOK!) Installing DIMMs that you download and update to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! Turn off the system and...
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... latest BIOS version for this user manual refers to "UEFI BIOS" unless otherwise specified. BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device configuration that are needed for system startup in this motherboard. • BIOS settings and options may result to ensure optimal performance. In normal circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to instability or boot failure. Chapter 3 ROG MAXIMUS X FORMULA 3-1 We...
... latest BIOS version for this user manual refers to "UEFI BIOS" unless otherwise specified. BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device configuration that are needed for system startup in this motherboard. • BIOS settings and options may result to ensure optimal performance. In normal circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to instability or boot failure. Chapter 3 ROG MAXIMUS X FORMULA 3-1 We...
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... change the settings. To change the value of the ASUS support website. General help At the bottom of the selected item. A configurable field is a brief description of the menu screen is highlighted when selected. Use the navigation keys to select items in BIOS Setup. Chapter 3 ROG MAXIMUS X FORMULA 3-5 You can change the value of a field, select it to the removable storage device. Press the Up/Down arrow keys or / keys to display...
... change the settings. To change the value of the ASUS support website. General help At the bottom of the selected item. A configurable field is a brief description of the menu screen is highlighted when selected. Use the navigation keys to select items in BIOS Setup. Chapter 3 ROG MAXIMUS X FORMULA 3-5 You can change the value of a field, select it to the removable storage device. Press the Up/Down arrow keys or / keys to display...
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... to view the saved BIOS items. Chapter 3 ROG MAXIMUS X FORMULA 3-13 Go to My Favorites menu to My Favorite items: • Items with submenu options • User-managed items such as language and boot order • Configuration items such as favorite from the BIOS screen to close Setup Tree Map screen. 5. Adding items to default favorite items 3. Main menu panel Selected shortcut items Submenu panel Delete all favorite...
... to view the saved BIOS items. Chapter 3 ROG MAXIMUS X FORMULA 3-13 Go to My Favorites menu to My Favorite items: • Items with submenu options • User-managed items such as language and boot order • Configuration items such as favorite from the BIOS screen to close Setup Tree Map screen. 5. Adding items to default favorite items 3. Main menu panel Selected shortcut items Submenu panel Delete all favorite...
User Guide
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...when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). Configuration options: [Auto] [Gen1] [Gen2] [Gen3] 3.6.5 PCH Storage Configuration While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of commands. Configuration options: [On] [Off] Chapter 3 ROG MAXIMUS X FORMULA 3-17 SATA Controller(s) This item allows you to automatically select the PCI Express port speed. SMART Self Test SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is installed to enable or disable the SATA Device. PCIe Speed This item allows your...
...when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). Configuration options: [Auto] [Gen1] [Gen2] [Gen3] 3.6.5 PCH Storage Configuration While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of commands. Configuration options: [On] [Off] Chapter 3 ROG MAXIMUS X FORMULA 3-17 SATA Controller(s) This item allows you to automatically select the PCI Express port speed. SMART Self Test SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is installed to enable or disable the SATA Device. PCIe Speed This item allows your...
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... configure the firmware TPM. 3.6.7 ROG Effects The items in this menu allow you to switch between PCIe Lanes and configure onboard devices. SATA6G_6(Gray) SATA6G_1(Gray) - Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Q-Code LED Function [Auto] Automatically display POST (Power-On Self-Test) code and CPU temperature on Q-Code LED. [POST Code Only] Show POST (Power-On Self-Test) code on Q-Code LED. 3.6.8 Onboard Devices Configuration The items in this menu allow you to configure the LEDs on your motherboard and the functions for the Q-Code LED. If a SATA device is set to [AHCI...
... configure the firmware TPM. 3.6.7 ROG Effects The items in this menu allow you to switch between PCIe Lanes and configure onboard devices. SATA6G_6(Gray) SATA6G_1(Gray) - Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Q-Code LED Function [Auto] Automatically display POST (Power-On Self-Test) code and CPU temperature on Q-Code LED. [POST Code Only] Show POST (Power-On Self-Test) code on Q-Code LED. 3.6.8 Onboard Devices Configuration The items in this menu allow you to configure the LEDs on your motherboard and the functions for the Q-Code LED. If a SATA device is set to [AHCI...
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... 3-pin chassis fan. [PWM mode] Enable the Water Pump control in this item to its normal boot speed. Next Boot after an AC power loss. USB Single Port Control This item allows you set the Fast Boot to change the USB-related features. Q-fan Configuration Q-fan Tuning Click this menu allow you to change the system boot options. Chapter 3 3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup AIO PUMP/W_PUMP+ Control [Disabled] Disable the Water Pump control feature. [Auto] Detects the type of the USB ports. 3.7 Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the...
... 3-pin chassis fan. [PWM mode] Enable the Water Pump control in this item to its normal boot speed. Next Boot after an AC power loss. USB Single Port Control This item allows you set the Fast Boot to change the USB-related features. Q-fan Configuration Q-fan Tuning Click this menu allow you to change the system boot options. Chapter 3 3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup AIO PUMP/W_PUMP+ Control [Disabled] Disable the Water Pump control feature. [Auto] Detects the type of the USB ports. 3.7 Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the...
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... the Windows® UEFI mode. Configuration options: [Ignore] [Legacy only] [UEFI driver first] Boot from unauthorized access and malwares during POST. Launch CSM [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] The system automatically detects the bootable devices and the addon devices. The following items appear only when you to go to Advanced Mode of the BIOS after POST. Chapter 3 ROG MAXIMUS X FORMULA 3-21 For better compatibility, enable the CSM to fully support the non-UEFI driver add-on devices or the Windows® UEFI mode. Boot Devices Control...
... the Windows® UEFI mode. Configuration options: [Ignore] [Legacy only] [UEFI driver first] Boot from unauthorized access and malwares during POST. Launch CSM [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] The system automatically detects the bootable devices and the addon devices. The following items appear only when you to go to Advanced Mode of the BIOS after POST. Chapter 3 ROG MAXIMUS X FORMULA 3-21 For better compatibility, enable the CSM to fully support the non-UEFI driver add-on devices or the Windows® UEFI mode. Boot Devices Control...
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... on the number of devices installed in the system. • To access Windows® OS in Safe Mode, press after POST (Windows® 8 not supported). • To select the boot device during system startup, press when the ASUS Logo appears. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the Advanced mode menu. Boot Override These items displays the available devices. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility This item allows you...
... on the number of devices installed in the system. • To access Windows® OS in Safe Mode, press after POST (Windows® 8 not supported). • To select the boot device during system startup, press when the ASUS Logo appears. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the Advanced mode menu. Boot Override These items displays the available devices. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility This item allows you...
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... to switch to use a bootable floppy disk or an OS‑based utility. 3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3 ASUS EZ Flash 3 allows you to download and update to the latest BIOS through the Internet without having to the Folder Info field. 7. Press to switch to the Drive field. 5. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Chapter 3 ROG MAXIMUS X FORMULA 3-27 Updating through the Internet. Check your local Internet connection before updating through the...
... to switch to use a bootable floppy disk or an OS‑based utility. 3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3 ASUS EZ Flash 3 allows you to download and update to the latest BIOS through the Internet without having to the Folder Info field. 7. Press to switch to the Drive field. 5. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Chapter 3 ROG MAXIMUS X FORMULA 3-27 Updating through the Internet. Check your local Internet connection before updating through the...
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... to a USB flash drive. Chapter 3 ROG MAXIMUS X FORMULA 3-29 You can cause system boot failure! Doing so can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that you want to use the newer BIOS file, download the file at https://www.asus.com/support/ and save it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. 3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to enter BIOS Setup to recover the BIOS setting. DO...
... to a USB flash drive. Chapter 3 ROG MAXIMUS X FORMULA 3-29 You can cause system boot failure! Doing so can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that you want to use the newer BIOS file, download the file at https://www.asus.com/support/ and save it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. 3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to enter BIOS Setup to recover the BIOS setting. DO...
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... RAID mode together. Chapter 4 4-2 Chapter 4: RAID Support Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on entering and navigating through the BIOS Setup Due to chipset limitation, when SATA ports are set the item to the Advanced menu > PCH Storage Configuration, then press . 3. Enter the BIOS Setup during POST. 2. Go to the Boot menu > CSM (Compatibility Support Module) > Launch CSM, then set to Chapter 3 for a RAID configuration: 1. For optimal performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array. Set the SATA Controller...
... RAID mode together. Chapter 4 4-2 Chapter 4: RAID Support Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on entering and navigating through the BIOS Setup Due to chipset limitation, when SATA ports are set the item to the Advanced menu > PCH Storage Configuration, then press . 3. Enter the BIOS Setup during POST. 2. Go to the Boot menu > CSM (Compatibility Support Module) > Launch CSM, then set to Chapter 3 for a RAID configuration: 1. For optimal performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array. Set the SATA Controller...
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... set up a Windows® UEFI operating system under RAID mode, ensure to the utility main menu. 4.2 Creating a RAID driver disk 4.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® To install the RAID driver for your optical drive. Exit, and then press . Insert the support USB drive with RAID driver into the USB port, and then click Browse. 3. Click OK. 4. Chapter 4 4-10 Chapter 4: RAID Support Press to exit or press to return to load the UEFI driver for Windows® OS: 1. During the OS installation...
... set up a Windows® UEFI operating system under RAID mode, ensure to the utility main menu. 4.2 Creating a RAID driver disk 4.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® To install the RAID driver for your optical drive. Exit, and then press . Insert the support USB drive with RAID driver into the USB port, and then click Browse. 3. Click OK. 4. Chapter 4 4-10 Chapter 4: RAID Support Press to exit or press to return to load the UEFI driver for Windows® OS: 1. During the OS installation...
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... is started IDE Reset IDE Detect IDE Enable SCSI initialization is started SCSI Reset SCSI Detect SCSI Enable Setup Verifying Password Start of Setup Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below) Setup Input Wait Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below) Ready To Boot event Legacy Boot event Exit Boot Services event Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP Begin Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP End Legacy Option ROM Initialization System Reset (continued on the next page) ROG MAXIMUS X FORMULA A-3
... is started IDE Reset IDE Detect IDE Enable SCSI initialization is started SCSI Reset SCSI Detect SCSI Enable Setup Verifying Password Start of Setup Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below) Setup Input Wait Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below) Ready To Boot event Legacy Boot event Exit Boot Services event Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP Begin Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP End Legacy Option ROM Initialization System Reset (continued on the next page) ROG MAXIMUS X FORMULA A-3
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... Configuration Reset (reset of NVRAM settings) Reserved for future AMI codes CPU initialization error System Agent initialization error PCH initialization error Some of Resources No Space for Legacy Option ROM No Console Output Devices are found No Console Input Devices are not available PCI resource allocation error. System has transitioned into ACPI mode. Interrupt controller is in PIC mode. A-4 Appendix Out of the Architectural Protocols are found Invalid password Error loading Boot Option (LoadImage returned error) Boot Option...
... Configuration Reset (reset of NVRAM settings) Reserved for future AMI codes CPU initialization error System Agent initialization error PCH initialization error Some of Resources No Space for Legacy Option ROM No Console Output Devices are found No Console Input Devices are not available PCI resource allocation error. System has transitioned into ACPI mode. Interrupt controller is in PIC mode. A-4 Appendix Out of the Architectural Protocols are found Invalid password Error loading Boot Option (LoadImage returned error) Boot Option...