User Guide
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..., model number and version, as source code archives, etc. ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT...
..., model number and version, as source code archives, etc. ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT...
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... 4-2 4.3 Software information 4-3 4.4 AI Suite 3...4-3 4.5 Dual Intelligent Processors 5 4-6 4.6 ROG Audio features 4-22 4.7 Sonic Radar II 4-28 4.8 GameFirst III 4-30 4.9 KeyBot...4-33 4.10 ASUS Media Streamer 4-35 4.11 ASUS Disk Unlocker 4-37 4.12 RAMDisk...4-38 4.13 MemTweakIt 4-41 4.14 ROG CPU-Z 4-43 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...
... 4-2 4.3 Software information 4-3 4.4 AI Suite 3...4-3 4.5 Dual Intelligent Processors 5 4-6 4.6 ROG Audio features 4-22 4.7 Sonic Radar II 4-28 4.8 GameFirst III 4-30 4.9 KeyBot...4-33 4.10 ASUS Media Streamer 4-35 4.11 ASUS Disk Unlocker 4-37 4.12 RAMDisk...4-38 4.13 MemTweakIt 4-41 4.14 ROG CPU-Z 4-43 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...
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.... Chapter 1 ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 1-1 It provides great graphics and system performance with its GPU, dual-channel DDR3 memory slots, and PCI Express 2.0/3.0 expansion slots. With the Intel® Z97 platform to 2-WAY GPU SLI® or CrossFireX™ configuration. It also enables the iGPU function for an unrivalled gaming performance. Intel® Z97 Express Chipset Intel® Z97 Express Chipset is the PCIe bus standard that supports the LGA1150 socket for 4th...
.... Chapter 1 ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 1-1 It provides great graphics and system performance with its GPU, dual-channel DDR3 memory slots, and PCI Express 2.0/3.0 expansion slots. With the Intel® Z97 platform to 2-WAY GPU SLI® or CrossFireX™ configuration. It also enables the iGPU function for an unrivalled gaming performance. Intel® Z97 Express Chipset Intel® Z97 Express Chipset is the PCIe bus standard that supports the LGA1150 socket for 4th...
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... to post and share your keyboard. DTS Connect To get the most out of incredible surround sound. Consumers can also configure your CPU, motherboard, memory, and the whole component. Chapter 1 ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 1-5 MemTweakIt MemTweakIt is a customized ROG version utility authorized by Intel's CPU Identification (CPUID) that allows you to read DRAM timings and allows you the information and status of your PC to wake up...
... to post and share your keyboard. DTS Connect To get the most out of incredible surround sound. Consumers can also configure your CPU, motherboard, memory, and the whole component. Chapter 1 ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 1-5 MemTweakIt MemTweakIt is a customized ROG version utility authorized by Intel's CPU Identification (CPUID) that allows you to read DRAM timings and allows you the information and status of your PC to wake up...
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... you are using a 32-bit Windows OS. The stability and compatibility of 3GB system memory if you want to install 4GB or more details, refer to the Microsoft® support site at a higher frequency, refer to section 3.4 Extreme Tweaker menu for single-channel operation. • According to Intel CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. Chapter 1 ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 1-11...
... you are using a 32-bit Windows OS. The stability and compatibility of 3GB system memory if you want to install 4GB or more details, refer to the Microsoft® support site at a higher frequency, refer to section 3.4 Extreme Tweaker menu for single-channel operation. • According to Intel CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. Chapter 1 ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 1-11...
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... Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 24 9-9-9-24 1.5 •• 9 - •• 9 - •• 9 - •• - - •• - - •• 9 - •• 9-9-9-24 - •• 9-9-9-24 - •• - - •• - - •• - - •• Side(s): SS - Load the X.M.P. Chapter 1 ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 1-23 Patriot RiDATA RiDATA SAMSUNG NANYA S-POWER S-POWER S-POWER Team Transcend MICRON - We suggest that you install the modules into slots...
... Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) 24 9-9-9-24 1.5 •• 9 - •• 9 - •• 9 - •• - - •• - - •• 9 - •• 9-9-9-24 - •• 9-9-9-24 - •• - - •• - - •• - - •• Side(s): SS - Load the X.M.P. Chapter 1 ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 1-23 Patriot RiDATA RiDATA SAMSUNG NANYA S-POWER S-POWER S-POWER Team Transcend MICRON - We suggest that you install the modules into slots...
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... 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 USB hot plug PCI bus hot plug (continued on the next page) Chapter 1 ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 1-37
... 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 USB hot plug PCI bus hot plug (continued on the next page) Chapter 1 ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 1-37
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... USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency, and backward compatibility with USB 2.0. With an installed USB 3.0 module, you to 5Gbps, faster charging time for additional USB 3.0 front or rear panel ports. We recommend you to install the related driver to Serial ATA 6 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6 Gb/s signal cables. 3. ASMedia® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E1/2 [red]) 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-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency, and backward compatibility with USB 2.0. With an installed USB 3.0 module, you to 5Gbps, faster charging time for additional USB 3.0 front or rear panel ports. We recommend you to install the related driver to Serial ATA 6 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6 Gb/s signal cables. 3. ASMedia® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E1/2 [red]) 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...
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... the BIOS setup program Creates storage RAID and configures system overclocking Chapter 3 Enables or disables the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Displays the CPU Fan's speed. To access the Advanced Mode, click Exit/Advanced Mode, then select Advanced Mode or press hot key for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Click < or > to switch EZ System Tuning modes Selects the display language of the selected mode. ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 3-3 Click the button to manually tune the fans Loads optimized default settings Saves the changes and resets the...
... the BIOS setup program Creates storage RAID and configures system overclocking Chapter 3 Enables or disables the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Displays the CPU Fan's speed. To access the Advanced Mode, click Exit/Advanced Mode, then select Advanced Mode or press hot key for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Click < or > to switch EZ System Tuning modes Selects the display language of the selected mode. ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 3-3 Click the button to manually tune the fans Loads optimized default settings Saves the changes and resets the...
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... ID. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] S.M.A.R.T. SATA6G_6 (Red) Press to enable or disable SATA Hot Plug Support. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Aggressive LPM Support [Disabled] This item is set to [AHCI] and allows you to rename the Intel SATA ports. Status Check [On] S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitoring system that increases storage performance on Self Test) when an error occurs in the hard disks. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Chapter 3 3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setup SATA Mode Selection [AHCI] This...
... ID. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] S.M.A.R.T. SATA6G_6 (Red) Press to enable or disable SATA Hot Plug Support. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Aggressive LPM Support [Disabled] This item is set to [AHCI] and allows you to rename the Intel SATA ports. Status Check [On] S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitoring system that increases storage performance on Self Test) when an error occurs in the hard disks. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Chapter 3 3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setup SATA Mode Selection [AHCI] This...
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... run at PCI-E 2.0 speed. Memory Configuration Allows you to configure the NB PCI Express settings. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Chapter 3 3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] CPU Graphics Multi-Monitor [Disabled] Enable this item for the Intel graphics render standby support to reduce the iGPU power consumption when the system is idle. CPU Graphics Memory [Auto] Allows you to select the amount of the PCI-EX16_1 /2 speed. DMI Gen 2 [Enabled] Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] NB PCI-E Configuration Allows you...
... run at PCI-E 2.0 speed. Memory Configuration Allows you to configure the NB PCI Express settings. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Chapter 3 3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] CPU Graphics Multi-Monitor [Disabled] Enable this item for the Intel graphics render standby support to reduce the iGPU power consumption when the system is idle. CPU Graphics Memory [Auto] Allows you to select the amount of the PCI-EX16_1 /2 speed. DMI Gen 2 [Enabled] Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] NB PCI-E Configuration Allows you...
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... the USB ports. If detected, the USB controller legacy mode is detected, the item shows None. Support EHCI by EHCI drivers for operating systems without EHCI support. ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 3-35 Chapter 3 If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is set to the Motherboard layout section for the location of USB devices at USB 3.0 mode when the xHCI driver is installed in operating systems. [Disabled] [Enabled] Support EHCI by BIOS for operating systems with EHCI support. Intel xHCI Mode [Smart Auto] [Smart Auto] Once...
... the USB ports. If detected, the USB controller legacy mode is detected, the item shows None. Support EHCI by EHCI drivers for operating systems without EHCI support. ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 3-35 Chapter 3 If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is set to the Motherboard layout section for the location of USB devices at USB 3.0 mode when the xHCI driver is installed in operating systems. [Disabled] [Enabled] Support EHCI by BIOS for operating systems with EHCI support. Intel xHCI Mode [Smart Auto] [Smart Auto] Once...
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... panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC'97 SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF] [SPDIF] Sets to an SPDIF audio output. [HDMI] Sets to view the other BIOS items. Chapter 3 HD Audio Controller [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the High Definition Audio Controller. [Disabled] Disables the controller. The following items appear only when you set the HD Audio Controller to [Enabled]. SA - ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 3-37 Configuration options: [Disabled] [L0s] [L1s] [L0sL1] PEG ASPM Control [Disabled] Select the ASPM states for energy saving support. PCI Express DMI Link ASPM Control [Disabled...
... panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC'97 SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF] [SPDIF] Sets to an SPDIF audio output. [HDMI] Sets to view the other BIOS items. Chapter 3 HD Audio Controller [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the High Definition Audio Controller. [Disabled] Disables the controller. The following items appear only when you set the HD Audio Controller to [Enabled]. SA - ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 3-37 Configuration options: [Disabled] [L0s] [L1s] [L0sL1] PEG ASPM Control [Disabled] Select the ASPM states for energy saving support. PCI Express DMI Link ASPM Control [Disabled...
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... [Disabled] [Disabled] Disables RTC to activate Power On. ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 3-39 Chapter 3 3.6.8 APM Configuration ErP Ready [Disabled] Allows you can use to generate a wake event. [Enabled] Generates a wake event and configure the real-time clock (RTC) alarm date. Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled] Allows you to disable or specify the keys in the PS/2 keyboard that you to switch off . Configuration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-Esc] [Power Key] Power On By PCI-E [Disabled] [Disabled] Disables the PCIE/PCI devices to generate a wake-on-LAN...
... [Disabled] [Disabled] Disables RTC to activate Power On. ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 3-39 Chapter 3 3.6.8 APM Configuration ErP Ready [Disabled] Allows you can use to generate a wake event. [Enabled] Generates a wake event and configure the real-time clock (RTC) alarm date. Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled] Allows you to disable or specify the keys in the PS/2 keyboard that you to switch off . Configuration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-Esc] [Power Key] Power On By PCI-E [Disabled] [Disabled] Disables the PCIE/PCI devices to generate a wake-on-LAN...
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... boot speed on the onboard DRCT header to support this function. All USB devices will be available during POST. PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse Support [Auto] Allows you set the Fast Boot to [Enabled]. You have full system control of the chassis reset button cable on the next boot after an AC power loss. SATA Support [All Devices] [All Devices] [Hard Drive Only] [Boot Drive Only] All devices connected to SATA ports are detected during POST. Only hard drives connected to SATA ports are available during POST. For a faster POST time, only USB ports...
... boot speed on the onboard DRCT header to support this function. All USB devices will be available during POST. PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse Support [Auto] Allows you set the Fast Boot to [Enabled]. You have full system control of the chassis reset button cable on the next boot after an AC power loss. SATA Support [All Devices] [All Devices] [Hard Drive Only] [Boot Drive Only] All devices connected to SATA ports are detected during POST. Only hard drives connected to SATA ports are available during POST. For a faster POST time, only USB ports...
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... connection either through a network or an ISP (Internet Service Provider). • This utility is potentially risky. Chapter 3 3-56 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Inappropriate BIOS updating may result to system's failure to provide enhancements on system stability, compatibility,and performance. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted. 4. The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program. 1. Visit http://www.asus...
... connection either through a network or an ISP (Internet Service Provider). • This utility is potentially risky. Chapter 3 3-56 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Inappropriate BIOS updating may result to system's failure to provide enhancements on system stability, compatibility,and performance. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted. 4. The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program. 1. Visit http://www.asus...
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... device: E1: ASUS DVD-E818A6T (4069MB) USB DISK 2.0 (3824MB) UEFI: (FAT) USB DISK 2.0 (3824MB) Enter Setup and to move selection ENTER to select boot device ESC to the USB port. 2. NTFS is in single partition and in your computer has a DVD optical drive. Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to boot using defaults Chapter 3 ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 3-59 3.11.4 ASUS BIOS Updater ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to launch the select boot device screen. 3. Before updating BIOS • Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive...
... device: E1: ASUS DVD-E818A6T (4069MB) USB DISK 2.0 (3824MB) UEFI: (FAT) USB DISK 2.0 (3824MB) Enter Setup and to move selection ENTER to select boot device ESC to the USB port. 2. NTFS is in single partition and in your computer has a DVD optical drive. Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to boot using defaults Chapter 3 ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 3-59 3.11.4 ASUS BIOS Updater ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to launch the select boot device screen. 3. Before updating BIOS • Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive...
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...are set to the power connector on each drive. 5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS You must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID sets using SATA HDDs. Connect the SATA signal cables. 3. Connect a SATA power cable to RAID mode, all SATA ports run at RAID mode together. Save your changes, and then exit the BIOS Setup. Refer 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. 5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk...
...are set to the power connector on each drive. 5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS You must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID sets using SATA HDDs. Connect the SATA signal cables. 3. Connect a SATA power cable to RAID mode, all SATA ports run at RAID mode together. Save your changes, and then exit the BIOS Setup. Refer 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. 5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk...
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... enter the BIOS setup utility. 3. Boot your computer. 2. Chapter 5 ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 5-7 Exit, and then press . Press during POST to exit? (Y/N): 5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing a Windows® operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to create a RAID driver disk. 7. Insert a formatted floppy disk into the optical drive. 5. From the utility main menu, select 5. Exiting the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility...
... enter the BIOS setup utility. 3. Boot your computer. 2. Chapter 5 ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO 5-7 Exit, and then press . Press during POST to exit? (Y/N): 5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing a Windows® operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to create a RAID driver disk. 7. Insert a formatted floppy disk into the optical drive. 5. From the utility main menu, select 5. Exiting the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility...
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... the support DVD to select the installation media containing the RAID driver. 2. Go to the Make Disk menu, and then click Intel AHCI/RAID Driver Disk to complete the process. Chapter 5 5-8 Chapter 5: RAID support Click OK. 4. Select USB floppy disk drive as the destination disk. 6. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to create a RAID driver disk. 5. During the OS installation, click Load Driver to allow you to the USB flash drive. 5.2.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® To create a RAID driver disk in Windows®: 1. Plug the USB floppy disk drive and...
... the support DVD to select the installation media containing the RAID driver. 2. Go to the Make Disk menu, and then click Intel AHCI/RAID Driver Disk to complete the process. Chapter 5 5-8 Chapter 5: RAID support Click OK. 4. Select USB floppy disk drive as the destination disk. 6. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to create a RAID driver disk. 5. During the OS installation, click Load Driver to allow you to the USB flash drive. 5.2.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® To create a RAID driver disk in Windows®: 1. Plug the USB floppy disk drive and...