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... under various Free Open Source Software licenses. to , by the applicable law. ii Product warranty or service will be much obliged if you . SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. or (2) the serial number...
... under various Free Open Source Software licenses. to , by the applicable law. ii Product warranty or service will be much obliged if you . SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. or (2) the serial number...
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...1-1 1.1.2 Motherboard layout 1-2 1.1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-4 1.1.4 System memory 1-5 1.1.5 Expansion slots 1-7 1.1.6 Onboard buttons 1-9 1.1.7 Onboard switches 1-11 1.1.8 Onboard jumpers 1-12 1.1.9 Onboard LEDs 1-13 1.1.10 Internal connectors 1-16 Chapter 2: Basic Installation 2.1 Building your PC system 2-1 2.1.1 CPU installation 2-1 2.1.2 Cooling system installation 2-2 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 2-8 2.1.7 Front I/O connector 2-9 2.1.8 Expansion card...
...1-1 1.1.2 Motherboard layout 1-2 1.1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-4 1.1.4 System memory 1-5 1.1.5 Expansion slots 1-7 1.1.6 Onboard buttons 1-9 1.1.7 Onboard switches 1-11 1.1.8 Onboard jumpers 1-12 1.1.9 Onboard LEDs 1-13 1.1.10 Internal connectors 1-16 Chapter 2: Basic Installation 2.1 Building your PC system 2-1 2.1.1 CPU installation 2-1 2.1.2 Cooling system installation 2-2 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 2-8 2.1.7 Front I/O connector 2-9 2.1.8 Expansion card...
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ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA specifications summary CPU Chipset Memory Expansion slots Multi-GPU AMD AM4 Socket for the AMD CPU support list. AMD X570 Chipset 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Processors 4 x DIMM, max. 128GB, DDR4 4600(O.C.) / 4533(O.C.) / 4400(O.C.) / 4266(O.C.) / 4133(O.C.) / 4000(O.C.) / 3866(O.C.) / 3733(O.C.) / 3600(O.C.) / 3466(O.C.) / 3200(O.C.) / 3000(O.C.) / 2933(O.C.) / 2800(O.C.) / 2666 / 2400 / 2133 MHz non-ECC, un-buffered memory 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Processors 4 x DIMM, max. 64GB, DDR4 3600(O.C.) / 3466(O.C.) / 3200(O.C.) / 3000(O.C.) / 2933(O.C.) / 2800(O.C) / 2666...
ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA specifications summary CPU Chipset Memory Expansion slots Multi-GPU AMD AM4 Socket for the AMD CPU support list. AMD X570 Chipset 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Processors 4 x DIMM, max. 128GB, DDR4 4600(O.C.) / 4533(O.C.) / 4400(O.C.) / 4266(O.C.) / 4133(O.C.) / 4000(O.C.) / 3866(O.C.) / 3733(O.C.) / 3600(O.C.) / 3466(O.C.) / 3200(O.C.) / 3000(O.C.) / 2933(O.C.) / 2800(O.C.) / 2666 / 2400 / 2133 MHz non-ECC, un-buffered memory 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Processors 4 x DIMM, max. 64GB, DDR4 3600(O.C.) / 3466(O.C.) / 3200(O.C.) / 3000(O.C.) / 2933(O.C.) / 2800(O.C) / 2666...
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... Studio Virtual Mixer - Impedance sense for 8-Channel audio. (continued on the next page) x Optical S/PDIF out port at back Panel Audio Features: - SupremeFX Shielding Technology - ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA specifications summary Storage LAN Wireless Data Network Bluetooth Audio 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Processors - 1 xM.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242 / 2260 / 2280 (PCIE 4.0 x4 and SATA modes) storage devices support 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™ / 2nd and 1st Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics Processors - 1 x M .2 Socket 3 with MU-MIMO supports dual frequency...
... Studio Virtual Mixer - Impedance sense for 8-Channel audio. (continued on the next page) x Optical S/PDIF out port at back Panel Audio Features: - SupremeFX Shielding Technology - ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA specifications summary Storage LAN Wireless Data Network Bluetooth Audio 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Processors - 1 xM.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242 / 2260 / 2280 (PCIE 4.0 x4 and SATA modes) storage devices support 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™ / 2nd and 1st Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics Processors - 1 x M .2 Socket 3 with MU-MIMO supports dual frequency...
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... Extreme Tweaker ROG Exclusive Software - RAMCache III - CPU-Z - Sonic Studio III + Sonic Studio Virtual Mixer - Safe Boot button - LN2 Mode - Sonic Radar III - MicroFine Alloy Choke - 10K Black Metallic Capacitors - DTS® Sound Unbound CrossChill EK III ROG Armor (continued on the next page) xi ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA specifications summary USB ROG Exclusive Features 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Processors - 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (4 ports at back panel, Type-A, [red]) 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™...
... Extreme Tweaker ROG Exclusive Software - RAMCache III - CPU-Z - Sonic Studio III + Sonic Studio Virtual Mixer - Safe Boot button - LN2 Mode - Sonic Radar III - MicroFine Alloy Choke - 10K Black Metallic Capacitors - DTS® Sound Unbound CrossChill EK III ROG Armor (continued on the next page) xi ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA specifications summary USB ROG Exclusive Features 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Processors - 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (4 ports at back panel, Type-A, [red]) 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™...
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ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA specifications summary Internal connectors 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 front panel connector 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 headers support additional 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports 2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports 8 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, Type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, Type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support 1 x 4-Pin CPU_Fan connector 1 x 4-Pin CPU_OPT fan connector 3 x 4-Pin CHA_Fan connectors 1 x 4-Pin AIO_PUMP connector 1 x 4-Pin W_PUMP+ connector 1 x 4-Pin H_AMP fan connector 1 x ...
ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA specifications summary Internal connectors 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 front panel connector 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 headers support additional 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports 2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports 8 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, Type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, Type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support 1 x 4-Pin CPU_Fan connector 1 x 4-Pin CPU_OPT fan connector 3 x 4-Pin CHA_Fan connectors 1 x 4-Pin AIO_PUMP connector 1 x 4-Pin W_PUMP+ connector 1 x 4-Pin H_AMP fan connector 1 x ...
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... System connectors 13. LN2 Mode jumper 20. Safe Boot button 21. USB 2.0 connector 16. Node connector 17. Front Panel Audio connector 22. DIMM slots 4. Chapter 1 Layout contents 1. SATA 6Gb/s connector 12. System Panel connector 14. USB 3.2 Gen 1 connector 11. RGB LED connector 7. Thermal Sensor connector 15. M.2 slot 23. Power connectors 2. PCH Fan connector 24. Rear I/O Cover LED connector Page 1-23 1-4 1-5 1-21 1-26 1-25 1-9 1-9 1-18 1-19 1-16 1-22 1-24 1-22 1-20 1-28 1-11 1-10 1-12 1-10 1-18 1-17 1-27 1-28 1-27 ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA 1-3
... System connectors 13. LN2 Mode jumper 20. Safe Boot button 21. USB 2.0 connector 16. Node connector 17. Front Panel Audio connector 22. DIMM slots 4. Chapter 1 Layout contents 1. SATA 6Gb/s connector 12. System Panel connector 14. USB 3.2 Gen 1 connector 11. RGB LED connector 7. Thermal Sensor connector 15. M.2 slot 23. Power connectors 2. PCH Fan connector 24. Rear I/O Cover LED connector Page 1-23 1-4 1-5 1-21 1-26 1-25 1-9 1-9 1-18 1-19 1-16 1-22 1-24 1-22 1-20 1-28 1-11 1-10 1-12 1-10 1-18 1-17 1-27 1-28 1-27 ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA 1-3
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... the onboard AMD X570 chipset. • These connectors are set , refer to the RAID Configuration Guide. Chapter 1 1.1.10 Internal connectors 1. SATA 6Gb/s connector The SATA 6Gb/s connector allows you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode Selection item in the BIOS to [RAID]. • Before creating a RAID set to connect SATA devices such as optical disc drives and hard disk drives via a SATA cable. If you to [AHCI] by default. If you installed SATA storage devices, you can download the RAID Configuration Guide from the ASUS website...
... the onboard AMD X570 chipset. • These connectors are set , refer to the RAID Configuration Guide. Chapter 1 1.1.10 Internal connectors 1. SATA 6Gb/s connector The SATA 6Gb/s connector allows you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode Selection item in the BIOS to [RAID]. • Before creating a RAID set to connect SATA devices such as optical disc drives and hard disk drives via a SATA cable. If you to [AHCI] by default. If you installed SATA storage devices, you can download the RAID Configuration Guide from the ASUS website...
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... to connect fans or pumps to connect powerful 3-pin DC fans (1A or above ) onto the H_AMP_FAN connector. • Ensure to disable Q-Fan functions if you connect powerful fans (1A or above ) onto the H_AMP_FAN connector. Chapter 1 • DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Current 1A 1A 1A 1A 1A 3A 1A 3A Max. Header CPU_FAN CPU_OPT CHA_FAN1 CHA_FAN2 CHA_FAN3 H_AMP AIO_PUMP W_PUMP+ Max. ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA 1-21...
... to connect fans or pumps to connect powerful 3-pin DC fans (1A or above ) onto the H_AMP_FAN connector. • Ensure to disable Q-Fan functions if you connect powerful fans (1A or above ) onto the H_AMP_FAN connector. Chapter 1 • DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Current 1A 1A 1A 1A 1A 3A 1A 3A Max. Header CPU_FAN CPU_OPT CHA_FAN1 CHA_FAN2 CHA_FAN3 H_AMP AIO_PUMP W_PUMP+ Max. ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA 1-21...
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.... Shut down your USB storage device. 4. In case of the USB storage device and filename/file format error. Simply insert a USB storage device to boot up, please contact your local ASUS Service Center. Rename the file as C8F.CAP, then copy it to turn off the light. • Updating BIOS may be interrupted. Press the BIOS Flashback button for three seconds, and the BIOS is completed. ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA 2-13 Chapter 2 USB BIOS Flashback button USB BIOS Flashback port 6. This may have...
.... Shut down your USB storage device. 4. In case of the USB storage device and filename/file format error. Simply insert a USB storage device to boot up, please contact your local ASUS Service Center. Rename the file as C8F.CAP, then copy it to turn off the light. • Updating BIOS may be interrupted. Press the BIOS Flashback button for three seconds, and the BIOS is completed. ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA 2-13 Chapter 2 USB BIOS Flashback button USB BIOS Flashback port 6. This may have...
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...settings such as storage device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device configuration that goes beyond the traditional keyboardonly BIOS controls to enable a more flexible and convenient mouse input. When downloading or updating the BIOS file, rename it as your operating system. Chapter 3 ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA 3-1 The term "BIOS" in the motherboard CMOS. In normal circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to instability or boot failure. Chapter 3: BIOS Setup BIOS Setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS 3 The new ASUS UEFI BIOS...
...settings such as storage device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device configuration that goes beyond the traditional keyboardonly BIOS controls to enable a more flexible and convenient mouse input. When downloading or updating the BIOS file, rename it as your operating system. Chapter 3 ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA 3-1 The term "BIOS" in the motherboard CMOS. In normal circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to instability or boot failure. Chapter 3: BIOS Setup BIOS Setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS 3 The new ASUS UEFI BIOS...
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... item. Configuration fields These fields show a QR code, scan this QR code on your mobile device to connect to display the other items on the screen. AURA (F4) This button allows you last modified and saved in the menu and change the value of a field, select it to display a list of options. ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA 3-5 Use key to capture the BIOS screen and save it and press to the removable storage device. Search...
... item. Configuration fields These fields show a QR code, scan this QR code on your mobile device to connect to display the other items on the screen. AURA (F4) This button allows you last modified and saved in the menu and change the value of a field, select it to display a list of options. ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA 3-5 Use key to capture the BIOS screen and save it and press to the removable storage device. Search...
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... Wake-on-LAN function of the onboard LAN controller or other PME options are switched off some power at S4+S5 or S5 to [Enabled], all other installed PCI-E LAN cards. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 3.6.6 PCI Subsystem Settings Allows you to the previous state before the AC power loss. When setting your system to go to set to get the system ready for ErP requirement. SR-IOV Support This option enables or disables SIngle Root IO Virtualization Support...
... Wake-on-LAN function of the onboard LAN controller or other PME options are switched off some power at S4+S5 or S5 to [Enabled], all other installed PCI-E LAN cards. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 3.6.6 PCI Subsystem Settings Allows you to the previous state before the AC power loss. When setting your system to go to set to get the system ready for ErP requirement. SR-IOV Support This option enables or disables SIngle Root IO Virtualization Support...
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... you set the Fast Boot to EZ Mode of devices that you want to launch. Setup Mode [Advanced Mode] This item allows you to go to Advanced Mode of the BIOS after POST. Configuration options: [Ignore] [Legacy only] [UEFI driver first] Chapter 3 ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA 3-21 Launch CSM [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] The system automatically detects the bootable devices and the addon devices. Boot Devices Control This item allows you to select the type of the BIOS after POST. [EZ Mode...
... you set the Fast Boot to EZ Mode of devices that you want to launch. Setup Mode [Advanced Mode] This item allows you to go to Advanced Mode of the BIOS after POST. Configuration options: [Ignore] [Legacy only] [UEFI driver first] Chapter 3 ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA 3-21 Launch CSM [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] The system automatically detects the bootable devices and the addon devices. Boot Devices Control This item allows you to select the type of the BIOS after POST. [EZ Mode...
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... of devices installed in Safe Mode, press after POST (Windows® 8 not supported). • To select the boot device during POST. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility This item allows you to configure the Windows® Secure Boot settings and manage its keys to protect the system from unauthorized access and malwares during system startup, press when the ASUS Logo appears. The number of device items that you want to launch. Boot from PCI-E/PCI Expansion Devices...
... of devices installed in Safe Mode, press after POST (Windows® 8 not supported). • To select the boot device during POST. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility This item allows you to configure the Windows® Secure Boot settings and manage its keys to protect the system from unauthorized access and malwares during system startup, press when the ASUS Logo appears. The number of device items that you want to launch. Boot from PCI-E/PCI Expansion Devices...
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... EZ Mode from the Exit menu. Select OK to load the default values for the BIOS items, and save changes and exit. Chapter 3 ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA 3-25 Discard Changes & Exit This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes to load the optimal default values for each of the available filesystem devices. Load Optimized Defaults This option allows you to save or discard your changes. Save Changes & Reset...
... EZ Mode from the Exit menu. Select OK to load the default values for the BIOS items, and save changes and exit. Chapter 3 ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA 3-25 Discard Changes & Exit This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes to load the optimal default values for each of the available filesystem devices. Load Optimized Defaults This option allows you to save or discard your changes. Save Changes & Reset...
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Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Chapter 3 ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA 3-27 Press to switch to select ASUS EZ Flash Utility and press . 2. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the Folder Info field. 7. 3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3 ASUS EZ Flash 3 allows you to download and update to the latest BIOS through the Internet varies per region and Internet conditions. To...
Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Chapter 3 ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA 3-27 Press to switch to select ASUS EZ Flash Utility and press . 2. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the Folder Info field. 7. 3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3 ASUS EZ Flash 3 allows you to download and update to the latest BIOS through the Internet varies per region and Internet conditions. To...
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.... Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB flash drive containing the BIOS file to the USB port. 3. When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 3 automatically. 4. Doing so can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the BIOS file. Chapter 3 ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA 3-29 The system requires you press to load default BIOS values. You can cause system boot failure! 3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that...
.... Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB flash drive containing the BIOS file to the USB port. 3. When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 3 automatically. 4. Doing so can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the BIOS file. Chapter 3 ROG CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA 3-29 The system requires you press to load default BIOS values. You can cause system boot failure! 3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that...
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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 CROSSHAIR VIII 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 CROSSHAIR VIII FORMULA A-3
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... DC Description USB hot plug PCI bus hot plug Clean-up from the S4 sleep state System has transitioned into ACPI mode. System has transitioned into ACPI mode. Out of Resources No Space for Legacy Option ROM No Console Output Devices are found No Console Input Devices are found Invalid password Error loading Boot Option (LoadImage returned error) Boot Option is failed (StartImage returned error) Flash update is failed Reset protocol is not available ACPI/ASL Checkpoints Code 0x01...
... DC Description USB hot plug PCI bus hot plug Clean-up from the S4 sleep state System has transitioned into ACPI mode. System has transitioned into ACPI mode. Out of Resources No Space for Legacy Option ROM No Console Output Devices are found No Console Input Devices are found Invalid password Error loading Boot Option (LoadImage returned error) Boot Option is failed (StartImage returned error) Flash update is failed Reset protocol is not available ACPI/ASL Checkpoints Code 0x01...