User Guide
Page 3
... guide...vii MAXIMUS VIII HERO 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 ... ATX Power connection 2-8 2.1.6 SATA device connection 2-9 2.1.7 Front I/O Connector 2-10 2.1.8 Expansion Card installation 2-11 2.2 BIOS update utility 2-12 2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections 2-13 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection 2-13 2.3.2 Audio I/O connections 2-14 2.4...
... guide...vii MAXIMUS VIII HERO 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 ... ATX Power connection 2-8 2.1.6 SATA device connection 2-9 2.1.7 Front I/O Connector 2-10 2.1.8 Expansion Card installation 2-11 2.2 BIOS update utility 2-12 2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections 2-13 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection 2-13 2.3.2 Audio I/O connections 2-14 2.4...
User Guide
Page 4
Chapter 3: BIOS Setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS 3-1 3.2 BIOS setup program 3-2 3.2.1 EZ Mode 3-3 3.2.2 Advanced Mode 3-4 3.3 My Favorites 3-7 3.4 Main menu 3-8 3.5 Extreme Tweaker menu 3-11 3.6 Advanced menu 3-23 3.6.1 CPU ...12 Intel(R) ThunderBolt 3-37 3.7 Monitor menu 3-38 3.8 Boot menu 3-43 3.9 Tool menu 3-48 3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility 3-48 3.9.2 Secure Erase 3-48 3.9.3 ASUS Overclocking Profile 3-50 3.9.4 ROG OC Panel H-Key Configure 3-51 3.9.5 ASUS SPD Information 3-52 3.9.6 Graphics Card Information 3-52 3.10 Exit menu 3-53 3.11 Updating BIOS 3-54 iv
Chapter 3: BIOS Setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS 3-1 3.2 BIOS setup program 3-2 3.2.1 EZ Mode 3-3 3.2.2 Advanced Mode 3-4 3.3 My Favorites 3-7 3.4 Main menu 3-8 3.5 Extreme Tweaker menu 3-11 3.6 Advanced menu 3-23 3.6.1 CPU ...12 Intel(R) ThunderBolt 3-37 3.7 Monitor menu 3-38 3.8 Boot menu 3-43 3.9 Tool menu 3-48 3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility 3-48 3.9.2 Secure Erase 3-48 3.9.3 ASUS Overclocking Profile 3-50 3.9.4 ROG OC Panel H-Key Configure 3-51 3.9.5 ASUS SPD Information 3-52 3.9.6 Graphics Card Information 3-52 3.10 Exit menu 3-53 3.11 Updating BIOS 3-54 iv
User Guide
Page 7
...; Chapter 5: RAID Support This chapter describes the RAID configurations. ASUS website The ASUS website (www.asus.com) provides updated information on the motherboard. • Chapter 2: Basic Installation This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that may have to perform when installing system components. • Chapter 3: BIOS Setup This chapter tells how to the following parts...
...; Chapter 5: RAID Support This chapter describes the RAID configurations. ASUS website The ASUS website (www.asus.com) provides updated information on the motherboard. • Chapter 2: Basic Installation This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that may have to perform when installing system components. • Chapter 3: BIOS Setup This chapter tells how to the following parts...
User Guide
Page 21
...is a DRAM efficiency tool that are among the industry's highest. It also allows you to regularly check for UEFI BIOS updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically. 1.1.5 ROG rich bundled software Kaspersky® Anti-Virus Kaspersky® Anti-Virus Personal offers premium anti virus...into as many as S/PDIF or HDMI) designed to deliver audio to work with ROG CPU-Z. ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO 1-5 Install a USB storage device containing the BIOS file, press the BIOS Flashback button for your system's current information with the virtual copies. and all formats and quality ...
...is a DRAM efficiency tool that are among the industry's highest. It also allows you to regularly check for UEFI BIOS updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically. 1.1.5 ROG rich bundled software Kaspersky® Anti-Virus Kaspersky® Anti-Virus Personal offers premium anti virus...into as many as S/PDIF or HDMI) designed to deliver audio to work with ROG CPU-Z. ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO 1-5 Install a USB storage device containing the BIOS file, press the BIOS Flashback button for your system's current information with the virtual copies. and all formats and quality ...
User Guide
Page 38
... the MemOK! function. • The MemOK! MemOK! button lights continuously. button until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to boot and load the BIOS default settings. If the test fails, the system reboots and test the next set of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes. •... not compatible with ones recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) in this user manual or at www.asus.com. • If you download and update to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each timing set is not properly installed. If the installed...
... the MemOK! function. • The MemOK! MemOK! button lights continuously. button until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to boot and load the BIOS default settings. If the test fails, the system reboots and test the next set of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes. •... not compatible with ones recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) in this user manual or at www.asus.com. • If you download and update to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each timing set is not properly installed. If the installed...
User Guide
Page 70
...BIOS file from the ASUS website. 2. Press the USB BIOS Flashback button. USB BIOS Flashback button USB BIOS Flashback port • For more BIOS update utilities in BIOS setup, refer to the section Updating BIOS in Chapter 3. • Connect your USB keyboard on the KeyBot port if you to easily update the BIOS without entering the existing BIOS...storage device to the root directory of updating the BIOS is enabled. To use the KeyBot feature. Copy M8H.CAP to the USB BIOS Flashback port. 5. The light goes out when the process of your local ASUS Service Center. 2-12 Chapter 2: ...
...BIOS file from the ASUS website. 2. Press the USB BIOS Flashback button. USB BIOS Flashback button USB BIOS Flashback port • For more BIOS update utilities in BIOS setup, refer to the section Updating BIOS in Chapter 3. • Connect your USB keyboard on the KeyBot port if you to easily update the BIOS without entering the existing BIOS...storage device to the root directory of updating the BIOS is enabled. To use the KeyBot feature. Copy M8H.CAP to the USB BIOS Flashback port. 5. The light goes out when the process of your local ASUS Service Center. 2-12 Chapter 2: ...
User Guide
Page 77
... may result to ensure optimal performance. Chapter 3 ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO 3-1 BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and ... except in the motherboard CMOS. We strongly recommend that you to run the BIOS Setup. • You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or update. Chapter 3: BIOS Setup BIOS Setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS 3 The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unified Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI architecture, offering a user-...
... may result to ensure optimal performance. Chapter 3 ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO 3-1 BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and ... except in the motherboard CMOS. We strongly recommend that you to run the BIOS Setup. • You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or update. Chapter 3: BIOS Setup BIOS Setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS 3 The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unified Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI architecture, offering a user-...
User Guide
Page 78
...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 update the BIOS or configure its routines. Chapter 3 3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup See section Onboard buttons for reference... purposes only, and may not exactly match what you in using the first two options. • The BIOS setup screens shown in Boot ...
...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 update the BIOS or configure its routines. Chapter 3 3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup See section Onboard buttons for reference... purposes only, and may not exactly match what you in using the first two options. • The BIOS setup screens shown in Boot ...
User Guide
Page 88
... [Auto] This item allows you to default core ratio settings. Configuration options: [Auto] [Sync All Cores] [Per Core] Chapter 3 3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup When the Ai Overclock Tuner is set the speed at which each clock rises and falls. Use the or to get more accurate base... clocks. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disable] [32us/MHz] [64us/MHz] [128us/MHz] [512us/MHz] ASUS MultiCore Enhancement [Auto] [Auto] This item allows you to set to set frequency update rate. Initial BCLK Frequency [Auto] This item allows you to set the initial BCLK (base clock) frequency to ...
... [Auto] This item allows you to default core ratio settings. Configuration options: [Auto] [Sync All Cores] [Per Core] Chapter 3 3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup When the Ai Overclock Tuner is set the speed at which each clock rises and falls. Use the or to get more accurate base... clocks. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disable] [32us/MHz] [64us/MHz] [128us/MHz] [512us/MHz] ASUS MultiCore Enhancement [Auto] [Auto] This item allows you to set to set frequency update rate. Initial BCLK Frequency [Auto] This item allows you to set the initial BCLK (base clock) frequency to ...
User Guide
Page 130
... current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS. EZ Update: Updates the BIOS in this motherboard. ASUS BIOS Updater: Updates the BIOS in the support DVD that allows you to update your BIOS when necessary. 3.11 Updating BIOS The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to download the latest BIOS file for this chapter to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program. 1. However, BIOS updating is no problem...
... current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS. EZ Update: Updates the BIOS in this motherboard. ASUS BIOS Updater: Updates the BIOS in the support DVD that allows you to update your BIOS when necessary. 3.11 Updating BIOS The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to download the latest BIOS file for this chapter to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program. 1. However, BIOS updating is no problem...
User Guide
Page 131
...Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port. 2. ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO 3-55 Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Press to switch to perform the BIOS update process. Press to switch to confirm your choice. Chapter 3 3. Press... the Up/Down arrow keys to find the BIOS file, and then press to the ...
...Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port. 2. ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO 3-55 Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Press to switch to perform the BIOS update process. Press to switch to confirm your choice. Chapter 3 3. Press... the Up/Down arrow keys to find the BIOS file, and then press to the ...
User Guide
Page 132
... to ensure system compatibility and stability. DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and enters the ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility automatically. 4. The system requires you press to a USB flash drive. ...16 format and single partition only. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to the USB port. 3. Turn on the ASUS official website. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. You can restore a...
... to ensure system compatibility and stability. DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and enters the ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility automatically. 4. The system requires you press to a USB flash drive. ...16 format and single partition only. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to the USB port. 3. Turn on the ASUS official website. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. You can restore a...
User Guide
Page 133
... in DOS environment. 3.11.4 ASUS BIOS Updater ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update the BIOS in DOS: 1. Before updating BIOS • Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive. • D ownload the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater from http://support.asus.com and save them in this... section are for reference only and may not be exactly the same as the boot device. Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to boot using defaults Chapter 3 ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO...
... in DOS environment. 3.11.4 ASUS BIOS Updater ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update the BIOS in DOS: 1. Before updating BIOS • Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive. • D ownload the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater from http://support.asus.com and save them in this... section are for reference only and may not be exactly the same as the boot device. Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to boot using defaults Chapter 3 ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO...
User Guide
Page 134
...pressed within five (5) seconds to FreeDOS (http://www.freedos.org)! Drives panel ASUSTeK BIOS Updater for DOS V1.30 [2014/01/01] Current ROM BOARD: MAXIMUS VIII HERO VER: 0210 (H :00 B :00) DATE: 02/05/2015 PATH: C:\ Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown C: FORMAN~1 D: M8H.CAP 8390626... [Tab] Switch [Esc] Exit [V] Drive Info 3. Press to switch from Files panel to select the BIOS file and press . Welcome to enter FreeDOS prompt. On the BIOS Updater screen, press to switch from Drives panel to Files panel then press keys to Drives panel then select D:....
...pressed within five (5) seconds to FreeDOS (http://www.freedos.org)! Drives panel ASUSTeK BIOS Updater for DOS V1.30 [2014/01/01] Current ROM BOARD: MAXIMUS VIII HERO VER: 0210 (H :00 B :00) DATE: 02/05/2015 PATH: C:\ Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown C: FORMAN~1 D: M8H.CAP 8390626... [Tab] Switch [Esc] Exit [V] Drive Info 3. Press to switch from Files panel to select the BIOS file and press . Welcome to enter FreeDOS prompt. On the BIOS Updater screen, press to switch from Drives panel to Files panel then press keys to Drives panel then select D:....
User Guide
Page 135
... ensure system compatibility and stability. Restart your computer. Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to update the BIOS? Select Yes then press . Chapter 3 ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO 3-59 When BIOS update is not supported due to exit BIOS Updater. 6. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit BIOS menu. 4. Yes No The BIOS Backup feature is done, press to security regulations. 5.
... ensure system compatibility and stability. Restart your computer. Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to update the BIOS? Select Yes then press . Chapter 3 ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO 3-59 When BIOS update is not supported due to exit BIOS Updater. 6. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit BIOS menu. 4. Yes No The BIOS Backup feature is done, press to security regulations. 5.
User Guide
Page 151
... of the AI Suite 3 main menu, then click EZ Update on the AI Suite 3 main menu bar. EZ Update screen Click to update the BIOS Chapter 4 ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO 4-15 With this utility, you can also manually update the BIOS and select the boot logo that allows you to automatically update your motherboard's driver, software and firmware Click to search...
... of the AI Suite 3 main menu, then click EZ Update on the AI Suite 3 main menu bar. EZ Update screen Click to update the BIOS Chapter 4 ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO 4-15 With this utility, you can also manually update the BIOS and select the boot logo that allows you to automatically update your motherboard's driver, software and firmware Click to search...