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...
User Guide
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... 3: BIOS setup 3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS 3-1 3.1.1 ASUS Update utility 3-1 3.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility 3-4 3.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility 3-5 3.2 BIOS setup program 3-6 3.2.1 ...BIOS menu screen 3-7 3.2.2 Menu bar 3-7 3.2.3 Navigation keys 3-7 3.2.4 Menu items 3-8 3.2.5 Submenu items 3-8 3.2.6 Configuration fields 3-8 3.2.7 Pop-up window 3-8 3.2.8 Scroll bar 3-8 3.2.9 General help 3-8 3.3 Extreme Tweaker menu 3-9 3.3.1 CPU Level Up [Auto 3-10 3.3.2 Ai Overclock...
... 3: BIOS setup 3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS 3-1 3.1.1 ASUS Update utility 3-1 3.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility 3-4 3.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility 3-5 3.2 BIOS setup program 3-6 3.2.1 ...BIOS menu screen 3-7 3.2.2 Menu bar 3-7 3.2.3 Navigation keys 3-7 3.2.4 Menu items 3-8 3.2.5 Submenu items 3-8 3.2.6 Configuration fields 3-8 3.2.7 Pop-up window 3-8 3.2.8 Scroll bar 3-8 3.2.9 General help 3-8 3.3 Extreme Tweaker menu 3-9 3.3.1 CPU Level Up [Auto 3-10 3.3.2 Ai Overclock...
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... 1 x IEEE1394a port 1 x Clr CMOS switch (continued on the next page) xiv Voltiminder LED - ASUS TurboV - Extreme Tweaker Power Design: - 8+2 phase CPU power design CPU Level Up Keyboard-TweakIt iROG Loadline Calibration Intelligent overclocking tools: - Crosshair III Formula specifications summary USB ROG Exclusive Overclocking Features Other Special Features BIOS Features Manageability Back Panel I/O Ports max. 12 USB...
... 1 x IEEE1394a port 1 x Clr CMOS switch (continued on the next page) xiv Voltiminder LED - ASUS TurboV - Extreme Tweaker Power Design: - 8+2 phase CPU power design CPU Level Up Keyboard-TweakIt iROG Loadline Calibration Intelligent overclocking tools: - Crosshair III Formula specifications summary USB ROG Exclusive Overclocking Features Other Special Features BIOS Features Manageability Back Panel I/O Ports max. 12 USB...
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... ideas, and we excel in competitions. In the Republic of the best. Green ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with a real-time 3D...8482; 100 Series processors support This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM3 multi-core processors with unique L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities with ...motherboard also supports AMD® CPUs in line with AMD®'s latest AM3 and multi-core CPUs to join in the Republic of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). We believe in making statements and we welcome the best gamers to provide excellent system performance and overclocking...
... ideas, and we excel in competitions. In the Republic of the best. Green ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with a real-time 3D...8482; 100 Series processors support This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM3 multi-core processors with unique L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities with ...motherboard also supports AMD® CPUs in line with AMD®'s latest AM3 and multi-core CPUs to join in the Republic of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). We believe in making statements and we welcome the best gamers to provide excellent system performance and overclocking...
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... provides system maintenance and management with ROG's CPU Level Up! ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-3 Upgrade your CPU at 65ºC) This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for double speed and bandwidth which enables several ROG highlighted functions that give you . Overclocking is a special IC which enhances system performance. 100% high-quality Japan...
... provides system maintenance and management with ROG's CPU Level Up! ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-3 Upgrade your CPU at 65ºC) This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for double speed and bandwidth which enables several ROG highlighted functions that give you . Overclocking is a special IC which enhances system performance. 100% high-quality Japan...
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...system up and running in a intuitive color-coded fashion. Loadline Calibration Optimal power boost for maximum performance achievement. It helps overclockers enjoy the motherboard's ultimate OC capabilities and benchmark scores. 1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction is A-OK! Component Overheat Protection-EX (COP EX) ... looking for CPU, NB, SB, and Memory in no more freedom and less constraint for extreme CPU overclocking! The COP EX allows overclockers to increase chipset voltages without the worries of a button to optimal performance. It can dramatically improve system ...
...system up and running in a intuitive color-coded fashion. Loadline Calibration Optimal power boost for maximum performance achievement. It helps overclockers enjoy the motherboard's ultimate OC capabilities and benchmark scores. 1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction is A-OK! Component Overheat Protection-EX (COP EX) ... looking for CPU, NB, SB, and Memory in no more freedom and less constraint for extreme CPU overclocking! The COP EX allows overclockers to increase chipset voltages without the worries of a button to optimal performance. It can dramatically improve system ...
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... and translates the errors on the LCD during overclocking, this exclusive onboard switch allows gamers to effortlessly fine-tune the performance without having to spot enemies in the incoming audio stream while recording. SupremeFX X-Fi combines the technological quality design of ROG. ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-5 Q-Fan2 ASUS Q-Fan2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and...
... and translates the errors on the LCD during overclocking, this exclusive onboard switch allows gamers to effortlessly fine-tune the performance without having to spot enemies in the incoming audio stream while recording. SupremeFX X-Fi combines the technological quality design of ROG. ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-5 Q-Fan2 ASUS Q-Fan2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and...
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ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-7 Due to overclock without exiting or rebooting the OS; TurboV Feel the adrenaline rush of real-time OC-now a reality with just a few clicks away. function. settings in .... Simply reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default settings for each parameter. C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) When the system hangs due to overclocking failure, there is required before using C.P.R. Moreover, the ASUS OC profiles in different scenarios. and its user-friendly interface makes...
ROG Crosshair III Formula 1-7 Due to overclock without exiting or rebooting the OS; TurboV Feel the adrenaline rush of real-time OC-now a reality with just a few clicks away. function. settings in .... Simply reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default settings for each parameter. C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) When the system hangs due to overclocking failure, there is required before using C.P.R. Moreover, the ASUS OC profiles in different scenarios. and its user-friendly interface makes...
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... total size of 256 megabit (Mb) chips or less. • The default memory operation frequency is dependent on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for overclocking may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. For optimum compatibility, it is recommended to install the memory ... you install a 64-bit Windows OS when having 4GB or more memory installed on the motherboard. • This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of the lower-sized channel for better overclocking capability. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. Under the default state...
... total size of 256 megabit (Mb) chips or less. • The default memory operation frequency is dependent on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for overclocking may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. For optimum compatibility, it is recommended to install the memory ... you install a 64-bit Windows OS when having 4GB or more memory installed on the motherboard. • This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of the lower-sized channel for better overclocking capability. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. Under the default state...
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... the CMOS memory and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. Press down the clr CMOS switch on the back I /O. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-25 You can automatically reset CPU parameter settings to default values. 2.6 Jumper Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC_SW) This jumper allows you to enable the... on the back I /O helps you clear the CMOS. • You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to CPU overclocking. With the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature, shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data. • ...
... the CMOS memory and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. Press down the clr CMOS switch on the back I /O. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-25 You can automatically reset CPU parameter settings to default values. 2.6 Jumper Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC_SW) This jumper allows you to enable the... on the back I /O helps you clear the CMOS. • You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to CPU overclocking. With the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature, shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data. • ...
User Guide
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6. GP connector (8-pin GP) This connector is for ASUS OC Station connection only. �C�o�n�n��e�c�t�o�n�e��e�n�d� of the supplied data cable to the GP connector on the OC Station and the other end to this connector and USB78 on the motherboard to enjoy easier overclocking. 2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information
6. GP connector (8-pin GP) This connector is for ASUS OC Station connection only. �C�o�n�n��e�c�t�o�n�e��e�n�d� of the supplied data cable to the GP connector on the OC Station and the other end to this connector and USB78 on the motherboard to enjoy easier overclocking. 2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information
User Guide
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2.8.3 Onboard switches Onboard switches allow you to fine-tune performance when working on switch to wake/power up the system. 2. Power-on switch Press the power-on a bare or open-case system. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-41 Reset switch Press the reset switch to enhance system performance. 1. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to reboot the system.
2.8.3 Onboard switches Onboard switches allow you to fine-tune performance when working on switch to wake/power up the system. 2. Power-on switch Press the power-on a bare or open-case system. ROG Crosshair III Formula 2-41 Reset switch Press the reset switch to enhance system performance. 1. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to reboot the system.
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... Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: Extreme Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings Main For changing the basic system configuration Advanced For changing the advanced system settings Power For changing the advanced power .... 3.2.3 Navigation keys At the bottom right corner of the navigation keys differ from one screen to select a field. ROG Crosshair III Formula 3-7 3.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help BIOS SETUP UTILITY Extreme Tweaker Main Advanced Power Boot ...
... Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: Extreme Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings Main For changing the basic system configuration Advanced For changing the advanced system settings Power For changing the advanced power .... 3.2.3 Navigation keys At the bottom right corner of the navigation keys differ from one screen to select a field. ROG Crosshair III Formula 3-7 3.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help BIOS SETUP UTILITY Extreme Tweaker Main Advanced Power Boot ...
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...Frequency/Voltage Target CPU Frequency: 2800MHZ Target DRAM Frequency: 800MHZ CPU Level Up [Auto] AI Overclock Tuner [Auto] CPU Ratio [Auto] CPU Configuration DRAM Frequency [Auto] DDR3 Memory Profile [...motherboard. Change Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc. Gaming provides the major tuning settings for different purpose. ROG Crosshair III Formula 3-9 3.3 Extreme Tweaker menu The Extreme Tweaker menu items allow you install on the CPU and memory modules you to configure overclocking...
...Frequency/Voltage Target CPU Frequency: 2800MHZ Target DRAM Frequency: 800MHZ CPU Level Up [Auto] AI Overclock Tuner [Auto] CPU Ratio [Auto] CPU Configuration DRAM Frequency [Auto] DDR3 Memory Profile [...motherboard. Change Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc. Gaming provides the major tuning settings for different purpose. ROG Crosshair III Formula 3-9 3.3 Extreme Tweaker menu The Extreme Tweaker menu items allow you install on the CPU and memory modules you to configure overclocking...
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...65533;�a�p�p�e��a�r�s�w��h�e�n��y�o�u� set Ai Overclock Tuner to [Manual]. 3.3.4 PCIE Frequency [XXX] Allows you to set the DDR3 operating frequency. Use the and keys ... your CPU model. 3.3.6 CPU Configuration The items in this function. 3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setup This item appears when you set overclocking parameters. Disables this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. Configuration options: [Auto] [Phenom II-925] ...
...65533;�a�p�p�e��a�r�s�w��h�e�n��y�o�u� set Ai Overclock Tuner to [Manual]. 3.3.4 PCIE Frequency [XXX] Allows you to set the DDR3 operating frequency. Use the and keys ... your CPU model. 3.3.6 CPU Configuration The items in this function. 3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setup This item appears when you set overclocking parameters. Disables this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. Configuration options: [Auto] [Phenom II-925] ...
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...[Auto] [XOR of Address bits [20:16, 9]] Enable Clock to All DIMMs [Disabled] Allows you to set Ai Overclock Tuner to [Manual] or [CPU Level Up] Extreme Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY DRAM Controller configuration Bank Interleaving Channel Interleaving Enable Clock... ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc. Channel Interleaving [Auto] Enables or disables the channel memory interleaving. ROG Crosshair III Formula 3-11 Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled] [Enabled] Enables MemClk Tri-Stating during C3 and Alt VID...
...[Auto] [XOR of Address bits [20:16, 9]] Enable Clock to All DIMMs [Disabled] Allows you to set Ai Overclock Tuner to [Manual] or [CPU Level Up] Extreme Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY DRAM Controller configuration Bank Interleaving Channel Interleaving Enable Clock... ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc. Channel Interleaving [Auto] Enables or disables the channel memory interleaving. ROG Crosshair III Formula 3-11 Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled] [Enabled] Enables MemClk Tri-Stating during C3 and Alt VID...
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...] TRDRD [Auto] TRFC0 [Auto] TRFC1 [Auto] Enable Bank Interleaving ←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item +- This item appears only when you set Ai Overclock Tuner to [Manual] or [CPU Level Up] Extreme Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY DRAM Timing/Driving Config. DCT Unganged Mode [Auto] [Auto] Selects the DRAM mode...
...] TRDRD [Auto] TRFC0 [Auto] TRFC1 [Auto] Enable Bank Interleaving ←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item +- This item appears only when you set Ai Overclock Tuner to [Manual] or [CPU Level Up] Extreme Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY DRAM Timing/Driving Config. DCT Unganged Mode [Auto] [Auto] Selects the DRAM mode...
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...ratio might enhance DRAM overclocking ability ←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item +- Configuration options: [String] [Code] 3.3.28 Keyboard TweakIt Control [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the keyboard TweakIt control. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ROG Crosshair III Formula 3-17 DRAM DATA REF...CPU [Auto] Min = -157.5mV Max = +200.0mV +/- : Raise/Reduce Note: Different ratio might enhance CPU overclocking ability.� The values range from -157.5mV to +200.0V. 3.3.25 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto] [Disabled] [Auto] Enhances FSB...
...ratio might enhance DRAM overclocking ability ←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item +- Configuration options: [String] [Code] 3.3.28 Keyboard TweakIt Control [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the keyboard TweakIt control. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ROG Crosshair III Formula 3-17 DRAM DATA REF...CPU [Auto] Min = -157.5mV Max = +200.0mV +/- : Raise/Reduce Note: Different ratio might enhance CPU overclocking ability.� The values range from -157.5mV to +200.0V. 3.3.25 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto] [Disabled] [Auto] Enhances FSB...
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...and removes computer viruses. Microsoft DirectX 9.0c Installs Microsoft DirectX 9.0c. AMD OverDrive Utility Installs AMD OverDrive utility. ASUS AI Direct Link The ASUS AI Direct Link provides up to 70% transferring speed improvement when compared to traditional USB 2.0 and is the easiest... and fastest way for extreme O.C. ASUS EPU Installs the ASUS EPU driver and utility. 4-4 Chapter 4: Software support ASUS TurboV Installs ASUS TurboV, the advanced overclocking tool for users to enjoy large-sized data exchange of files such as movies,...
...and removes computer viruses. Microsoft DirectX 9.0c Installs Microsoft DirectX 9.0c. AMD OverDrive Utility Installs AMD OverDrive utility. ASUS AI Direct Link The ASUS AI Direct Link provides up to 70% transferring speed improvement when compared to traditional USB 2.0 and is the easiest... and fastest way for extreme O.C. ASUS EPU Installs the ASUS EPU driver and utility. 4-4 Chapter 4: Software support ASUS TurboV Installs ASUS TurboV, the advanced overclocking tool for users to enjoy large-sized data exchange of files such as movies,...
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Click to select a CPU level Click to apply the selected CPU level Click to overclock immediately with OC profile presets in ��d�o�w�s�® notification area a��n�d��c�l�ic�k�...
Click to select a CPU level Click to apply the selected CPU level Click to overclock immediately with OC profile presets in ��d�o�w�s�® notification area a��n�d��c�l�ic�k�...