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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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™ ...ff�e�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 RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and JBOD ...
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™ ...ff�e�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 RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and JBOD ...
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...® OverDrive Support* ASUS TurboV 16Mb AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI2.0a Multi-Language BIOS WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port(purple) 1 x External SATA port 1 x LAN (RJ45) port 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 1 x IEEE1394a port 1 x Clr CMOS switch (continued on the next page) xiv Crosshair III Formula specifications summary USB...
...® OverDrive Support* ASUS TurboV 16Mb AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI2.0a Multi-Language BIOS WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port(purple) 1 x External SATA port 1 x LAN (RJ45) port 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 1 x IEEE1394a port 1 x Clr CMOS switch (continued on the next page) xiv Crosshair III Formula specifications summary USB...
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Crosshair III Formula specifications summary Internal I/O Connectors Software Form Factor 3 x USB 2.0 connectors supports additional 6 USB 2.0 ports 1 x IDE connector for two devices 5 x SATA connectors (Blue) 8 x Fan connectors: 1 x CPU / 1 x...IEEE1394a connector 1 x LCD Poster connector 24-pin ATX Power connector 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector System panel connector Support DVD: - 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-...
Crosshair III Formula specifications summary Internal I/O Connectors Software Form Factor 3 x USB 2.0 connectors supports additional 6 USB 2.0 ports 1 x IDE connector for two devices 5 x SATA connectors (Blue) 8 x Fan connectors: 1 x CPU / 1 x...IEEE1394a connector 1 x LCD Poster connector 24-pin ATX Power connector 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector System panel connector Support DVD: - 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-...
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... 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...
... 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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...have a more bandwith to be processed at any stage! 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 ...Speed; DDR3 1600 (O.C.) support This motherboard supports DDR3 1600(O.C.) that provides faster data transfer rate and more expansive CPU? See the new CPU speed and enjoy the performance instantly! ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-3 Ever wish that you . Double Bandwidth This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 device...
...have a more bandwith to be processed at any stage! 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 ...Speed; DDR3 1600 (O.C.) support This motherboard supports DDR3 1600(O.C.) that provides faster data transfer rate and more expansive CPU? See the new CPU speed and enjoy the performance instantly! ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-3 Ever wish that you . Double Bandwidth This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 device...
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...1.3.3 ROG unique features SupremeFX X-Fi features Listen with an new external look! SupremeFX X-Fi features unique audio innovations for gamers to the gamers of SupremeFX and sound effect technology from Creative Labs® to short the pins or moving jumpers With an easy press...moving jumpers. Q-Fan2 ASUS Q-Fan2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efficient operation. The new LCD Poster now posts critical POST information in the incoming audio stream while recording. ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-5
...1.3.3 ROG unique features SupremeFX X-Fi features Listen with an new external look! SupremeFX X-Fi features unique audio innovations for gamers to the gamers of SupremeFX and sound effect technology from Creative Labs® to short the pins or moving jumpers With an easy press...moving jumpers. Q-Fan2 ASUS Q-Fan2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efficient operation. The new LCD Poster now posts critical POST information in the incoming audio stream while recording. ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-5
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...adrenaline rush of real-time OC-now a reality with just a few clicks away. Moreover, the ASUS OC profiles in different scenarios. and its user-friendly interface makes overclock with the ASUS TurboV. Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is no need to open the system chassis... to clear CMOS data. This easy OC tool allows you to overclocking failure, there is required before using C.P.R. function. settings in TurboV provides the best O.C. ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-7 ...
...adrenaline rush of real-time OC-now a reality with just a few clicks away. Moreover, the ASUS OC profiles in different scenarios. and its user-friendly interface makes overclock with the ASUS TurboV. Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is no need to open the system chassis... to clear CMOS data. This easy OC tool allows you to overclocking failure, there is required before using C.P.R. function. settings in TurboV provides the best O.C. ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-7 ...
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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
User Guide
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... precautions before you install or remove any component, ensure that came with the component. • Before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the power supply. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-1 Failure to do so may cause severe damage to avoid touching the ICs on them. • Whenever..., such as the power supply case, before handling components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.
... precautions before you install or remove any component, ensure that came with the component. • Before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the power supply. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-1 Failure to do so may cause severe damage to avoid touching the ICs on them. • Whenever..., such as the power supply case, before handling components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.
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... 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 2. Refer to display in BIOS. The northbridge LED displays either the SB Voltage, SB 1.2V Voltage, or the HT.
... 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 2. Refer to display in BIOS. The northbridge LED displays either the SB Voltage, SB 1.2V Voltage, or the HT.
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...should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before you turn on switch that lights up to boot. LED The MemOK! ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-5 The illustration below shows the location of the onboard power-on switch. 6. This is loading failsafe settings for memory compatibility after pressing the...press the power-on switch. Wait till the flash stops before removing or plugging in soft‑off mode. MemOK! Power LED The motherboard comes with a power-on the ATX power supply, the Power LED flashes three times to indicate that the system is ready to indicate ...
...should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before you turn on switch that lights up to boot. LED The MemOK! ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-5 The illustration below shows the location of the onboard power-on switch. 6. This is loading failsafe settings for memory compatibility after pressing the...press the power-on switch. Wait till the flash stops before removing or plugging in soft‑off mode. MemOK! Power LED The motherboard comes with a power-on the ATX power supply, the Power LED flashes three times to indicate that the system is ready to indicate ...
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...-1 pin USB78; AMD® AM3 Socket 4. DDR3 DIMM slots 5. 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 ROG connector (3-pin ROG) Page 2-35 2-37 2-9 2-14 2-30 2-31 2-25 2-38 2-42 2-41 2-41 2-32 2-34 2-36 2-33 2-33 Refer to 2.8 Connectors for more...
...-1 pin USB78; AMD® AM3 Socket 4. DDR3 DIMM slots 5. 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 ROG connector (3-pin ROG) Page 2-35 2-37 2-9 2-14 2-30 2-31 2-25 2-38 2-42 2-41 2-41 2-32 2-34 2-36 2-33 2-33 Refer to 2.8 Connectors for more...
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.... Press the lever sideways to unlock the socket, then lift it up to a 90˚ angle. Socket lever ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-9 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with an AMD® AM3 Socket for the AM3 socket. Ensure you use a CPU designed for AMD socket AM3 Phenom...™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 Series processors. Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. 2. The AM3 socket has a different pinout from the AM2+/AM2 socket. Locate the CPU socket...
.... Press the lever sideways to unlock the socket, then lift it up to a 90˚ angle. Socket lever ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-9 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with an AMD® AM3 Socket for the AM3 socket. Ensure you use a CPU designed for AMD socket AM3 Phenom...™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 Series processors. Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. 2. The AM3 socket has a different pinout from the AM2+/AM2 socket. Locate the CPU socket...
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... instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-11 If the instructions in this section do not have to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components. • If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan...: 1. 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 assembly.
... instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-11 If the instructions in this section do not have to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components. • If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan...: 1. 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 assembly.
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Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to connect the CPU fan connector! ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-13 5. 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.
Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to connect the CPU fan connector! ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-13 5. 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.
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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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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 ...
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ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-19 Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest QVL. Double-sided DIMM support: • A*: Supports one module inserted in any slot as single-channel ...1.65 7-7-20) 9(1333-9-9-9-24) 9(1333-9-9-9-24) •• ••• ••• •• • • • • SS - Crosshair III Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR�3��-�1��3��3�3��M��H���z��c��...
ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-19 Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest QVL. Double-sided DIMM support: • A*: Supports one module inserted in any slot as single-channel ...1.65 7-7-20) 9(1333-9-9-9-24) 9(1333-9-9-9-24) •• ••• ••• •• • • • • SS - Crosshair III Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR�3��-�1��3��3�3��M��H���z��c��...