Asus STRIKER II E3611 User Manual
Striker II  
Formula  
 
Contents  
Contents ...................................................................................................... iii  
Notices....................................................................................................... viii  
Safety information ...................................................................................... ix  
About this guide .......................................................................................... x  
Stricker II Formula specifications summary ........................................... xii  
Chapter 1:  
Product introduction  
1.1  
1.2  
1.3  
Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1  
Package contents......................................................................... 1-1  
Special features............................................................................ 1-2  
1.3.1  
1.3.2  
1.3.3  
1.3.4  
Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2  
ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features... 1-5  
ROG unique features...................................................... 1-7  
ASUS special features.................................................... 1-8  
Chapter 2:  
Hardware information  
2.1  
2.2  
Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1  
Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-4  
2.2.1  
2.2.2  
2.2.3  
2.2.4  
2.2.5  
Placement direction ........................................................ 2-4  
Screw holes .................................................................... 2-4  
Motherboard layout......................................................... 2-5  
Audio card layout ............................................................ 2-5  
Layout contents............................................................... 2-6  
2.3  
2.4  
2.5  
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-8  
2.3.1  
2.3.2  
2.3.3  
2.3.4  
Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-9  
Installing the CPU heatsink and fan...............................2-11  
Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 2-13  
Installing the optional fans ............................................ 2-15  
System memory ......................................................................... 2-17  
2.4.1  
2.4.2  
2.4.3  
2.4.4  
Overview....................................................................... 2-17  
Memory configurations.................................................. 2-18  
Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-22  
Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-22  
Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-23  
2.5.1  
Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-23  
2.5.2  
Configuring an expansion card ..................................... 2-23  
iii  
 
Contents  
2.5.3  
2.5.4  
2.5.5  
2.5.6  
Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-24  
PCI slots........................................................................ 2-25  
PCI Express x1 slots..................................................... 2-25  
PCI Express x16 slots................................................... 2-25  
2.6  
2.7  
Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-27  
Audio card, I/O shield, and LCD Poster installation ............... 2-28  
2.7.1  
2.7.2  
Audio card Installation................................................... 2-28  
I/O shield and LCD Poster Installation.......................... 2-29  
2.8  
Connectors ................................................................................. 2-30  
2.8.1  
2.8.2  
2.8.3  
Rear panel connectors.................................................. 2-30  
Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-32  
Onboard switches ......................................................... 2-42  
Chapter 3:  
Powering up  
3.1  
Starting up for the first time........................................................ 3-1  
3.2  
Turning off the computer............................................................. 3-2  
3.2.1  
3.2.2  
Using the OS shut down function.................................... 3-2  
Using the dual function power switch.............................. 3-2  
Chapter 4:  
4.1  
BIOS setup  
Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1  
4.1.1  
4.1.2  
4.1.3  
4.1.4  
4.1.5  
ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 4-1  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 4-4  
Updating the BIOS.......................................................... 4-5  
Saving the current BIOS file............................................ 4-7  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility ...................................... 4-8  
4.2  
BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-9  
4.2.1  
4.2.2  
4.2.3  
4.2.4  
4.2.5  
4.2.6  
4.2.7  
4.2.8  
BIOS menu screen........................................................ 4-10  
Menu bar....................................................................... 4-10  
Legend bar.....................................................................4-11  
Menu items ....................................................................4-11  
Sub-menu items.............................................................4-11  
Configuration fields ........................................................4-11  
Pop-up window ............................................................. 4-12  
General help ................................................................. 4-12  
4.3  
Main menu .................................................................................. 4-13  
iv  
Contents  
4.3.1  
4.3.2  
4.3.3  
4.3.4  
4.3.5  
4.3.6  
4.3.7  
4.3.8  
4.3.9  
System Time ................................................................. 4-13  
System Date ................................................................. 4-13  
Language...................................................................... 4-13  
Legacy Diskette A ......................................................... 4-13  
Primary IDE Master/Slave............................................. 4-14  
SATA1–6.........................................................................................4-16  
HDD SMART Monitoring............................................... 4-17  
Installed Memory........................................................... 4-17  
Usable Memory............................................................. 4-17  
4.3.10 System Information....................................................... 4-17  
4.4  
Extreme Tweaker menu ............................................................. 4-18  
4.4.1  
4.4.2  
4.4.3  
4.4.4  
4.4.5  
4.4.6  
4.4.7  
4.4.8  
4.4.9  
AI Overclock Tuner ....................................................... 4-18  
Overclocking ................................................................. 4-22  
Over Voltage ................................................................. 4-25  
Loadline Calibration ...................................................... 4-27  
NVIDIA GPU Ex ............................................................ 4-27  
SLI-Ready Memory....................................................... 4-27  
Voltiminder LED ............................................................ 4-28  
CPU LED Selection....................................................... 4-28  
NB LED Selection ......................................................... 4-28  
4.4.10 SB LED Selection ......................................................... 4-28  
4.4.11 ROG Logo..................................................................... 4-28  
4.4.12 ES Selection ................................................................. 4-28  
Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-29  
4.5  
4.6  
4.5.1  
4.5.2  
4.5.3  
AI NET2 ........................................................................ 4-29  
PCIPnP ......................................................................... 4-30  
Onboard Device Configuration...................................... 4-30  
Power menu................................................................................ 4-34  
4.6.1  
4.6.2  
4.6.3  
4.6.4  
ACPI Suspend Type...................................................... 4-34  
ACPI APIC Support....................................................... 4-34  
APM Configuration........................................................ 4-35  
Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 4-36  
4.7  
Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-40  
4.7.1  
4.7.2  
Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 4-40  
Removable Drives......................................................... 4-41  
v
Contents  
4.7.3  
4.7.4  
4.7.5  
4.7.6  
Hard Disk Drives........................................................... 4-41  
CDROM Drives ............................................................. 4-41  
Boot Settings Configuration ......................................... 4-42  
Security......................................................................... 4-43  
4.8  
4.9  
Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-45  
4.8.1  
ASUS O.C. Profile......................................................... 4-45  
4.8.3  
ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 4-47  
Exit menu.................................................................................... 4-48  
Chapter 5:  
Software support  
5.1  
5.2  
Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1  
Support DVD information............................................................ 5-1  
5.2.1  
5.2.2  
5.2.3  
5.2.4  
5.2.5  
5.2.6  
5.2.7  
5.2.8  
Running the support DVD............................................... 5-1  
Drivers menu................................................................... 5-2  
Utilities menu .................................................................. 5-3  
Make Disk menu ............................................................. 5-5  
Manuals menu ................................................................ 5-6  
Video menu..................................................................... 5-6  
ASUS Contact information.............................................. 5-7  
Other information ............................................................ 5-7  
5.3  
Software information ................................................................... 5-9  
5.3.1  
5.3.2  
5.3.3  
5.3.4  
5.3.5  
5.3.6  
5.3.7  
5.3.8  
5.3.9  
ASUS MyLogo3™ ............................................................ 5-9  
AI NET 2.........................................................................5-11  
AI Audio 2 (SoundMAX® High Definition Audio utility)... 5-12  
ASUS PC Probe II......................................................... 5-21  
ASUS AI Suite............................................................... 5-27  
ASUS EPU Utility—AI Gear 3....................................... 5-29  
ASUS AI Nap ................................................................ 5-30  
ASUS Q-Fan 2.............................................................. 5-31  
ASUS AI Booster........................................................... 5-32  
5.3.10 CPU Level Up ............................................................... 5-33  
5.4  
RAID configurations .................................................................. 5-34  
5.4.1  
RAID definitions ............................................................ 5-34  
5.4.2  
NVIDIA® RAID configurations........................................ 5-35  
5.5  
Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................... 5-42  
5.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS.... 5-42  
vi  
Contents  
5.5.2  
Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows®............ 5-42  
Chapter 6:  
NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support  
6.1  
Overview ....................................................................................... 6-1  
Requirements................................................................................. 6-1  
Graphics card setup .................................................................... 6-2  
6.2  
6.2.1  
6.2.2  
6.2.3  
6.2.4  
Installing three SLI-ready graphics cards........................ 6-2  
Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards .......................... 6-5  
Installing the device drivers............................................. 6-6  
Enabling the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology in Windows® .... 6-6  
Appendix:  
CPU features  
A.1  
A.2  
Intel® EM64T..................................................................................A-1  
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST)........................A-1  
A.2.1  
A.2.2  
System requirements......................................................A-1  
Using the EIST................................................................A-2  
A.3  
A.4  
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology ...........................................A-3  
Using the Hyper-Threading Technology ........................................A-3  
Debug code table .........................................................................A-4  
vii  
Notices  
Federal Communications Commission Statement  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the  
following two conditions:  
•
•
This device may not cause harmful interference, and  
This device must accept any interference received including interference that  
may cause undesired operation.  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a  
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are  
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a  
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio  
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s  
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,  
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If  
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,  
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is  
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following  
measures:  
•
•
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the  
receiver is connected.  
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is  
required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications  
to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance  
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.  
Canadian Department of Communications Statement  
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions  
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the  
Canadian Department of Communications.  
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.  
viii  
 
Safety information  
Electrical safety  
•
To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the  
electrical outlet before relocating the system.  
•
When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the  
power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are  
connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system  
before you add a device.  
•
•
•
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure  
that all power cables are unplugged.  
Seek professional assistance before using an adpater or extension cord.  
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.  
Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area.  
If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using,  
contact your local power company.  
•
If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a  
qualified service technician or your retailer.  
Operation safety  
•
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all  
the manuals that came with the package.  
•
Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the  
power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer  
immediately.  
•
•
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from  
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.  
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in  
any area where it may become wet.  
•
•
Place the product on a stable surface.  
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified  
service technician or your retailer.  
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical  
and electronic equipment, and mercury-containing button cell battery) should  
not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of  
electronic products.  
ix  
 
About this guide  
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring  
the motherboard.  
How this guide is organized  
This guide contains the following parts:  
•
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new  
technology it supports.  
•
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform  
when installing system components. It includes description of the switches,  
jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.  
•
•
•
Chapter 3: Powering up  
This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down  
the system.  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup  
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.  
Chapter 5: Software support  
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the  
motherboard package.  
•
•
Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support  
This chapter shows how to install SLI-ready PCI Express graphics cards.  
Appendix: CPU features  
The Appendix describes the CPU features and technologies that the  
motherboard supports as well as the debug code table for the LCD Poster.  
Where to find more information  
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and  
software updates.  
1.  
2.  
ASUS websites  
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and  
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.  
Optional documentation  
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty  
flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not  
part of the standard package.  
x
 
Conventions used in this guide  
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following  
symbols used throughout this manual.  
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself  
when trying to complete a task.  
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components  
when trying to complete a task.  
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a  
task.  
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a  
task.  
Typography  
Bold text  
Italics  
Indicates a menu or an item to select.  
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.  
<Key>  
Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign  
means that you must press the enclosed key.  
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the  
Enter or Return key.  
<Key1+Key2+Key3>  
If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the  
key names are linked with a plus sign (+).  
Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>  
Command  
Means that you must type the command exactly as  
shown, then supply the required item or value enclosed  
in brackets.  
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:  
format A:/S  
xi  
Stricker II Formula specifications summary  
CPU  
LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™2 Quad /  
Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® Extreme /  
Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 processors  
Supports Intel® next-generation 45nm multi-core CPUs  
Compatible with Intel® 06/05B/05A processors  
* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list  
Chipset  
NVIDIA® nForce® 780i SLI™  
1333/1066/800 MHz  
System Bus  
Memory  
Dual-channel memory architecture  
-
4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered  
non��CC DDR2 1066/800/667/533MHz memory  
modules  
-
Supports up to 8 GB system memory  
*Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the  
Memory ꢀꢁꢂ (ꢀualified ꢁendors ꢂists).  
Expansion Slots  
2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots (support NVIDIA® SLI™  
technology; blue ꢃ x16, x16 speed)  
1 x PCIe x16 slot (white ꢃ x16 speed)  
2 x PCIe x1 slots (PCIEX1_1 (black) is compatible with  
the audio slot.)  
2 x PCI 2.2 slots  
Scalable Link Interface  
(SLI™)  
Supports NVIDIA® 3-way SLI graphics cards (triple at x16  
mode)  
Storage  
Southbridge supports:  
-
-
-
1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66/33  
6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s  
NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID supports RAID 0, 1,  
0�1, 5, and �BOD configuration across Serial ATA  
drives  
LAN  
Dual Gigabit LAN, both featuring AI NET 2  
Supports Teaming Technology  
High Definition Audio  
SupremeFX II Audio Card  
�
ADI 1988B 8�channel High Definition Audio COD�C  
-
Noise Filter  
Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF Out ports at back I/O  
IEEE 1394  
USB  
2 x I��� 1394a ports (one at midboard; one at back  
panel)  
10 x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports at midboard, 6 ports at back  
panel)  
(continued on the next page)  
xii  
 
Stricker II Formula specifications summary  
ROG Exclusive  
Extreme Tweaker  
Overclocking features  
2-Phase DDR2  
ROG BIOS Wallpaper  
Loadline Calibration  
Intelligent overclocking tools:  
-
-
-
-
-
�
CPU Level Up  
ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit)  
AI Gear 3  
AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)  
AI Booster Utility  
O.C. Profile  
Overclocking protection:  
-
-
-
COP EX (Component Overheat Protection -EX)  
Voltiminder LED  
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)  
ROG Special Features  
LCD Poster  
Onboard Switches: Power / Reset / Clr CMOS (at rear  
panel)  
ASUS Q-Connector  
ASUS Q-Fan 2  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2  
ASUS MyLogo 3™  
Back Panel I/O Ports  
1 x PS/2 Keyboard (purple)  
1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial + Optical)  
1 x IEEE1394a port  
2 x LAN (RJ45) ports  
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
1 x Clr CMOS switch  
Internal I/O Connectors  
2 x USB connectors support additional 4 USB ports  
1 x Floppy disk drive connector  
1 x IDE connector for two devices  
6 x SATA connectors  
8 x Fan connectors (1 x CPU / 1 x Power / 3 x Chassis /  
3 x Optional)  
3 x Thermal sensor connectors  
1 x IEEE1394a connector  
1 x S/PDIF Out connector  
1 x Chassis Intrusion connector  
24-pin ATX Power connector  
8-pin ATX 12V Power connector  
1 x En/Dis-able Clr CMOS jumper  
1 x LCD Poster connector  
1 x System panel connector  
1 x Power-on switch  
1 x Reset switch  
(continued on the next page)  
xiii  
Stricker II Formula specifications summary  
BIOS Features  
8 Mb Flash ROM, Award BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,  
SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI 2.0a Multi-Language BIOS  
Manageability  
Accessories  
WOL by PME, WOR by PME, Chassis Intrusion, PXE  
LCD Poster  
ASUS Optional Fan  
SupremeFX II Audio Card  
3 in 1 ASUS Q-connector kit  
UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable  
Floppy disk drive cable  
Serial ATA cables  
Serial ATA power cables  
2-port USB2.0 + IEEE 1394a module  
I/O Shield  
Cable ties  
3-Way SLI bridge  
ASUS SLI bridge  
User's manual  
Software  
The hottest 3D game: Company of Heroes—Opposing  
Fronts  
Support DVD:  
Drivers  
ASUS PC Probe II  
ASUS Update  
ASUS AI Suite  
Futuremark® 3DMark® 06 Advanced Edition  
Kaspersky® Anti-virus software  
Form Factor  
ATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)  
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
xiv  
This chapter describes the motherboard  
features and the new technologies  
it supports.  
Chapter 1: Product  
1
introduction  
 
Chapter summary  
1
1.1  
1.2  
1.3  
Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1  
Package contents......................................................................... 1-1  
Special features............................................................................ 1-2  
ROG Striker II Formula  
1.1  
Welcome!  
Thank you for buying an ASUS® Striker II Formula motherboard!  
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it  
another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!  
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the  
items in your package with the list below.  
1.2  
Package contents  
Check your motherboard package for the following items.  
Motherboard  
I/O module  
Cables  
ROG Striker II Formula  
USB 2.0 + IEEE 1394a module  
Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable  
Floppy disk drive cable  
Serial ATA cables  
Serial ATA power cables  
Accessories  
I/O shield  
3-Way SLI bridge  
ASUS SLI bridge  
ASUS Optional Fan  
LCD Poster  
SupremeFX II Audio Card  
3-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector Kit  
Cable ties  
Application DVD/CD  
Documentation  
ROG motherboard support DVD  
The hottest game: Company of Heroes—Opposing  
Fronts  
User guide  
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
1-1  
 
1.3  
Special features  
1.3.1  
Product highlights  
Republic of Gamers  
The Republic of Gamers consists only the best of the best. We offer the best  
hardware engineering, the fastest performance, the most innovating ideas, and we  
welcome the best gamers to join in. In the Republic of Gamers, mercy rules are  
only for the weak, and bragging rights means everything. We believe in making  
statements and we excel in competitions. If your character matches our trait, then  
join the elite club, make your presence felt, in the Republic of Gamers.  
Intel® Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Duo / Core™2 Extreme  
CPU support  
This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Quad-core/Core™2 processor in the  
LGA775 package and Intel’s next-generation 45nm multi-core processors. With the  
new Intel® Core™ microarchitecture technology and 1333/1066/800 MHz FSB, the  
Intel® Core™2 is one of the most powerful and energy efficient CPUs in the world.  
See page 2-8 for details.  
NVIDIA® nForce® 780i SLI chipset  
The NVIDIA® nForce 780i SLI chipset supports the NVIDIA® Scalable Link Interface  
(SLI™) technology that allows three graphics processing units (GPUs) in a single  
system. It’s designed for enthusiast, extreme overclocking capability, ultimate  
gaming performance with SꢂI technology support. It’s definitely one of the fastest  
platform in the world. The NVIDIA® nForce 780i SLI chipset also supports six  
(6) Serial ATA 3 Gb/s devices, three PCI Express™ x16 slots with NVIDIA® SLI™  
support at full x16, x16, x16 mode, and up to 10 USB 2.0 ports.  
NVIDIA® Scalable Link Interface (SLI™)  
NVIDIA SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) takes advantage of the increased  
bandwidth of the PCI Express bus architecture and features intelligent hardware  
and software that allows two GPUs to efficiently work together to deliver earth�  
shattering, scalable performance.  
NVIDIA® 3-Way SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface)  
NVIDIA 3-Way SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) takes advantage of the increased  
bandwidth of the PCI Express 2.0 bus architecture and features intelligent  
hardware and software that allows three GPUs to efficiently work together to  
deliver earth-shattering, scalable performance. For some applications nearly triple  
performance! See Chapter 6 for details.  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
 
PCIe 2.0  
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 device for twice the current speed  
and bandwidth. This enhances system performance while still providing backward  
compatibility to PCIe 1.0 devices. See page 2-25 for details.  
Native DDR2 1066 memory support  
To attain top performance, ASUS engineers have successfully unleashed the  
true potential of DDR2 memory. While in DDR2 1066 mode, ASUS’s exclusive  
technology offers a choice of FSB 1333, providing great performance for 3D  
graphics and other memory demanding applications. See page 2-17 for details.  
Dual-channel DDR2 800 memory support  
The motherboard supports DDR2 memory that features data transfer rates of  
800/667 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D graphics,  
multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR2 architecture  
doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance,  
eliminating bottlenecks with peak bandwidths of up to 12.8 GB/s. Furthermore, this  
motherboard does not restrict the memory size across two channels. Users may  
install different memory size DIMMs into the two channels and enjoy dual�channel  
and single�channel functions at the same time. This new feature optimizes the use  
of available memory size. See page 2�17 for details.  
ASUS Super Memspeed Technology  
To attain top performance, ASUS has managed to break through current FSB  
and DRAM ratio proportions by utilizing Super Memspeed Technology–the latest  
technology that provides even more precise overclocking options to unleash the  
true potential of DDR2 memory. The DDR2 Mode maximizes system performance  
by eliminating the bottleneck when overclocking both the CPU and memory–  
providing great performance for 3D graphics and other memory demanding  
applications. See page 2-17 for details.  
Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology  
This motherboard supports the next-generation hard drives based on the Serial  
ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specification, delivering enhanced scalability and  
doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. See page  
2-33 for details.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
1-3  
Dual Gigabit LAN  
The integrated dual Gigabit LAN design allows a PC to serve as a network  
gateway for managing traffic between two separate networks. This capability  
ensures rapid transfer of data from WAN to LAN without any added arbitration or  
latency. See page 2-30 for details.  
IEEE 1394a support  
The IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video  
appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals  
& other PC portable devices. See pages 2-31 and 2-35 for details.  
High Definition Audio  
Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High  
Definition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) COD�C enables high�quality  
192KHz/24�bit audio output, jack�sensing feature, retasking functions, and multi�  
streaming technology that simultaneously sends different audio streams to different  
destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphones while playing  
multi-channel network games. See pages 2-31 for details.  
Green ASUS  
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction  
on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision  
of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard  
consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
1.3.2  
ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features  
Pin-Fin Thermal Module  
Compared with traditional stacked�fin heatpipe solution, the new generation pin�fin  
thermal design results in better thermal performance, which enlarges the “heat-  
exchange” surface area and breaks the “boundary-layer” phenomenon for effective  
airflow. The Pin�Fin Thermal Module is the most efficient thermal system ever on  
the motherboard.  
CPU Level Up  
Ever wish that you could have a more expansive CPU? Upgrade your CPU at no  
additional cost with ROG’s CPU Level Up! Simply choose a processor you want to  
OC to, and the motherboard will do the rest for you. See the new CPU speed and  
enjoy the performance instantly! Overclocking is never as easy as this. See pages  
4-19 and 5-33 for details.  
ASUS EPU  
The ASUS ꢄPU utilizes innovative technology to digitally monitor and tune the  
CPU power supply with improved VR responses in heavy or light loadings. It  
automatically provides power for higher performance or improve efficiency by 7%  
when the PC is running low intensity applications. Working together with AI Gear 3,  
this can help you attain the best possible power efficiency and energy savings up  
to 20% to help save the environment. See page 5�-29 for details.  
2-Phase DDR2  
With the embedded 2-Phase DDR2, this motherboard allows users to reach higher  
memory frequencies and enjoy better performance. Compared with only one phase  
solutions, this motherboard ensures longer power component lifespans and higher  
overclockability due to cooler temperatures and better efficiency.  
Extreme Tweaker  
ꢄxtreme Tweaker is the one stop shop to fine�tune your system to optimal  
performance. No matter if you are looking for frequency adjustment, over-voltage  
options, or memory timing settings, they are all here! See page 4-18 for details.  
Voltiminder LED  
In the persuit of extreme performance, overvoltage adjustment is critical but risky.  
Acting as the “red zone” of a tachometer, the ꢁoltiminder ꢂꢄD displays the voltage  
status for CPU, NB, SB, and Memory in a intuitive color-coded fashion. The  
Voltiminder LED allows quick voltage monitoring for overclockers. See pages 2-1  
to 2-3 for details.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
1-5  
 
Component Overheat Protection -EX (COP EX)  
The COP EX allows overclockers to increase chipset voltages without the worries  
of overheating. It can also be used to monitor and save an overheating GPU.  
The COP EX allows more freedom and less constraint for maximum performance  
achievement.  
AI Booster  
The ASUS AI Booster allows you to overclock the CPU speed in Windows®  
environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. See page 5-32 for details.  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Profile that allows users to conveniently  
store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the  
CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favorite  
settings. See page 4-45 for details.  
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)  
When the system hangs due to overclocking failure, there is no need to open the  
system chassis to clear CMOS data. Simply reboot the system, and the BIOS  
automatically restores the CPU default settings for each parameter.  
Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is required before using C.P.R.  
function.  
1-6  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
1.3.3  
ROG unique features  
Supreme FX II features  
Supreme FX II delivers an excellent high definition audio experience to the gamers  
of ROG. The SupremeFX II features unique audio innovations for gamers to spot  
enemies in 3D environment during game play. SupremeFX II also provides a  
special tool to emphasize human voices in games to help make dialogues clearer.  
Noise Filter  
This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises (non-voice signals) like  
computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates  
it in the incoming audio stream while recording.  
External LCD Poster  
The new LCD Poster now posts critical POST information in an ever friendly  
and flexible external display. When system malfunction occurs, the ꢂCD Poster  
automatically detects device failure and translates the errors on the LCD during  
POST. Unlike other competing 2 digit displays, users do not need to read  
“gibberish” to find out what is wrong. See page 2�29 for details.  
Onboard Switches  
With an easy press during overclocking, this exclusive onboard switch allows  
gamers to effortlessly fine�tune the performance without having to short the pins or  
moving jumpers. See page 2-42 for details.  
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution  
ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the  
overclocking capability.  
Fanless Design–Heat-pipe  
The ASUS fanless design allows multi�directional heat flow from major  
thermal sources in the motherboard to lower overall system temperature,  
resulting in quieter operation and longer system life. ASUS has devoted  
special efforts to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and  
most notably in the following areas: CPU, power, VGA, Northbridge and  
Southbridge. The heat pipe, heatsink, and strategic board layout were tailor  
made to dissipate heat in the most efficient manner.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
1-7  
 
Fanless Design–Stack Cool 2  
ASUS Stack Cool 2 is a fan�less and zero�noise cooling solution that lowers  
the temperature of critical heat generating components. The motherboard  
uses a special design on the printed circuit board (PCB) to dissipate heat  
these critical components generate.  
1.3.4  
ASUS special features  
AI Gear 3  
With a manual or automatic mode, AI Gear 3 allows users to choose from  
four profiles to adjust CPU frequency and vCore voltage—“Turbo Mode,”  
“High Performance Mode,” “Medium Power Saving Mode,” and “Max Power  
Saving Mode.” As a digital solution, AI Gear 3 is very precise and can  
automatically detect current CPU loading, dynamically overclocking the CPU  
speed in real time and lowering the voltage for power saving during light  
loading. With this power saving mode, users can make real-time changes in  
the operating system and can save up to 62% CPU power in light loading.  
AI Nap  
With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise  
when you are temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS  
environment, simply click the mouse or press a key.  
ASUS Q-Fan 2  
ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan  
speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efficient operation.  
See page 4-39 for details.  
Optional Fan  
The optional fan is specifically designed to provide sufficient airflow over the  
CPU power modules and chipset area when water-cooling or passive-cooling  
is utilized, ensuring effective heat dissipation for the entire system. See  
pages 2-15 and 2-16 for details.  
1-8  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
 
ASUS MyLogo 3  
ASUS MyLogo 3 is a new feature present in the motherboard that allows you  
to personalize and add style to your system with customizable and animated  
boot logos. See page 4-43 for details.  
ASUS Multi-language BIOS  
The multi-language BIOS allows you to select the language of your choice  
from the available options. The localized BIOS menus allow easier and faster  
configuration. See page 4�13 for details.  
ASUS EZ DIY  
ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer  
components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.  
ASUS Q-Connector  
The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect chassis front  
panel cables in one easy step with one complete module. This unique  
adapter eliminates the trouble of plugging in one cable at a time, making  
connection quick and accurate. See pages 2-41 for details.  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply launch this tool and  
update BIOS using a USB flash disk without entering the OS. You can update  
your BIOS in a few clicks without preparing an additional floppy diskette or  
using an OS�based flash utility. See pages 4�4 and 4�47 for details.  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2  
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data  
using the motherbaord support DꢁD that contains the BIOS file. See page  
4-8 for details.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
1-9  
1-10  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
This chapter lists the hardware setup  
procedures that you have to perform  
when installing system components. It  
includes description of the jumpers and  
connectors on the motherboard.  
Chapter 2: Hardware  
2
information  
 
Chapter summary  
2
2.1  
2.2  
2.3  
2.4  
2.5  
2.6  
2.7  
2.8  
Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1  
Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-4  
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-8  
System memory ......................................................................... 2-17  
Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-23  
Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-27  
Aduio card, I/O shield, and LCD Poster Installation ............... 2-28  
Connectors ................................................................................. 2-30  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2.1  
Before you proceed  
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components  
or change any motherboard settings.  
•
•
Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any  
component.  
Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal  
object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to  
avoid damaging them due to static electricity.  
•
•
Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.  
Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic  
pad or in the bag that came with the component.  
•
Before you install or remove any component, ensurethat the ATX power  
supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power  
supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard,  
peripherals, and/or components.  
Onboard LEDs  
The motherboard comes with LEDs that indicate the voltage conditions of CPU,  
memory, northbridge, and southbridge. You may adjust the voltages in BIOS. There  
are also an LED for hard disk drive activity and an onboard switch for power status.  
For more information about voltage adjustment, refer to 4.4 Extreme Tweaker  
menu.  
1.  
CPU LED  
The CPU ꢂꢄD has two voltage displays: CPU ꢁoltage and CPU Pꢂꢂ ꢁoltage;  
you can select the voltage to display in BIOS. Refer to the illustration below  
for the location of the CPU ꢂꢄD and the table below for ꢂꢄD definition.  
CPU_CRAZY  
CPU_HIGH  
CPU_NORMAL  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
®
STRIKER II FORMULA CPU LED  
Normal (green)  
1.10000~1.50000  
1.50000~1.60000  
High (yellow)  
Crazy (red)  
1.70000~  
1.82000~  
CPU Voltage  
1.50625~1.69375  
1.62000~1.80000  
CPU PLL Voltage  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-1  
 
2.  
Memory LED  
Refer to the illustration below for the location of the memory LED and the  
table below for ꢂꢄD definition.  
DDR_CRAZY  
DDR_HIGH  
DDR_NORMAL  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
®
STRIKER II FORMULA DDR LED  
Normal (green)  
High (yellow)  
Crazy (red)  
Memory Voltage  
1.80~2.20  
2.22~2.60  
2.62~  
3.  
Northbridge/Southbridge LEDs  
The northbridge and southbridge LEDs each have two different voltage  
displays. The northbridge LED displays either the NB Core Voltage or the  
CPU VTT Voltage. The southbridge LED shows either the SB Core Voltage or  
the 1.2V HT Voltage. You can select the voltage to display in BIOS. Refer to  
the illustration below for the location of the northbridge/southbridge LEDs and  
the table below for ꢂꢄD definition.  
NB_CRAZY  
NB_HIGH  
NB_NORMAL  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
SB_CRAZY  
SB_HIGH  
SB_NORMAL  
®
STRIKER II FORMULA North/South Bridge LED  
Normal (green)  
1.20~1.59  
High (yellow)  
1.61~1.83  
1.42~1.60  
1.65~1.75  
1.50~1.70  
Crazy (red)  
1.85~  
NB Core Voltage  
CPU VTT Voltage  
SB Core Voltage  
1.2V HT Voltage  
1.20~1.40  
1.62~  
1.50~1.60  
1.80~  
1.20~1.45  
1.75~  
2-2  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
4.  
Hard Disk LED  
The hard disk LED is designed to indicate the hard disk activity. It blinks when  
data is being written into or read from the hard disk drive. The LED does not  
light up when there is no hard disk drive connected to the motherboard or  
when the hard disk drive does not function.  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
®
HD_LED  
STRIKER II FORMULA Hard Disk LED  
5.  
Power LED  
The motherboard comes with a power-on switch that lights up to indicate  
that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder  
that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before  
removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below  
shows the location of the onboard power-on switch.  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
®
STRIKER II FORMULA Power on switch  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-3  
2.2  
Motherboard overview  
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to  
ensure that the motherboard fits into it.  
Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the  
motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage  
motherboard components.  
2.2.1  
Placement direction  
When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the  
correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis  
as indicated in the image below.  
2.2.2  
Screw holes  
Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard  
to the chassis.  
DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.  
Place this side towards  
the rear of the chassis  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
®
2-4  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
2.2.3  
Motherboard layout  
24.5cm (9.6in)  
EATX12V  
CPU_FAN  
LCD_CON  
KB_USB56  
BIOS  
SPDIF_O12  
SPDIF_OUT  
LGA775  
CLR_CMOS  
E1394  
CPU_CRAZY  
CPU_HIGH  
CPU_NORMAL  
LAN2_USB34  
LAN1_USB12  
NVIDIA®  
®
nForce 780i SLI™  
OPT_FAN2  
OPT_TEMP2  
DDR_CRAZY  
DDR_HIGH  
DDR_NORMAL  
PCIEX1_1  
NB_CRAZY  
NB_HIGH  
NB_NORMAL  
ROG  
PCIEX16_1  
88E1116  
CHA_FAN3  
NVIDIA®  
NF200  
PCIEX1_2  
CHA_FAN1  
PCIEX16_3  
88E1116  
NVIDIA®  
®
STRIKER II FORMULA  
nForce 570 SLI™  
SATA56  
SATA34  
SATA12  
CR2032 3V  
Lithium Cell  
CMOS Power  
PCI1  
®
SB_CRAZY  
SB_HIGH  
SB_NORMAL  
PCIEX16_2  
EC  
CLRTC_SW  
OPT_FAN1  
PCI2  
CHASSIS  
OPT_TEMP1  
RST_SW  
OPT_TEMP3  
PWR_SW  
USB78  
USB910  
ADH  
IE1394_2  
OPT_FAN3  
PANEL  
Refer to 2.8 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and  
internal connectors.  
2.2.4  
Audio card layout  
SUPREMEFX II  
Listen with Absolute HD  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-5  
 
2.2.5  
Layout contents  
Slots  
Page  
2-17  
2-25  
2-25  
2-25  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
DDR2 DIMM slots  
PCI slots  
PCI Express x 1 slots  
PCI Express x 16 slots  
Jumper  
Page  
1.  
Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC_SW)  
2-27  
Rear panel connectors  
Page  
2-30  
2-30  
2-30  
2-30  
2-31  
2-31  
2-31  
2-31  
2-31  
2-31  
2-31  
2-31  
2-31  
2-31  
2-31  
1.  
PS/2 keyboard port (purple)  
2.  
Coaxial S/PDIF Out port  
LAN 2 (RJ-45) port  
3.  
4.  
LAN 1 (RJ-45) port  
5.*  
6.*  
7.*  
8.*  
9.*  
10.*  
11.  
12.  
13.  
14.  
15.  
Line In port (light blue)  
Line Out port (lime)  
Microphone port (pink)  
Center/Subwoofer port (orange)  
Rear Speaker Out port (black)  
Side Speaker Out port (gray)  
USB 2.0 ports 1, 2, 3 and 4  
IEEE 1394a port  
Clear CMOS switch  
Optical S/PDIF Out port  
USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6  
*These audio ports are on the Supreme FX II audio card.  
2-6  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
Internal connectors  
Page  
2- 32  
2- 32  
2- 33  
2- 34  
2- 35  
2- 35  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
7.  
Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)  
IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE)  
Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1–6)  
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910)  
IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)  
Thermal sensor cable connectors (2-pin OPT_TEMP1/2/3)  
CPU, chassis, and optional fan connectors  
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1–3, 3-pin PWR_FAN,  
3-pin OPT_FAN1–3)  
2- 36  
8.  
9.  
Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)  
2- 37  
2- 37  
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT, for ASUS HDMI  
VGA card)  
10.  
11.  
ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)  
ROG connector (2-pin ROG)  
2- 38  
2-39  
2-40  
12.  
System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)  
Onboard switches  
Page  
2-42  
2-42  
1.  
2.  
Power-on switch  
Reset switch  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-7  
2.3  
Central Processing Unit (CPU)  
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed for the  
Intel® Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 /  
Pentium® Extreme processors.  
•
•
Make sure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.  
If installing a dual-core CPU, connect the chassis fan cable to the  
CHA_FAN1 connector to ensure system stability.  
•
Upon purchase of the motherboard, make sure that the PnP cap is on  
the socket and the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer  
immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP  
cap/socket contacts/motherboard components. ASUS will shoulder the cost  
of repair only if the damage is shipment/transit-related.  
•
•
Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return  
Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes  
with the cap on the LGA775 socket.  
The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts  
resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/  
incorrect removal of the PnP cap.  
2-8  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
2.3.1  
Installing the CPU  
To install a CPU:  
1.  
Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
®
STRIKER II FORMULA CPU Socket 775  
Before installing the CPU, make sure that the cam box is facing towards you  
and the load lever is on your left.  
2.  
Press the load lever with your thumb (A), then move it to the left (B) until it is  
released from the retention tab.  
Retention tab  
A
PnP cap  
Load lever  
B
This side of the socket box  
should face you.  
To prevent damage to the socket pins, do not remove the PnP cap unless you  
are installing a CPU.  
3.  
Lift the load lever in the direction of  
the arrow to a 135º angle.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-9  
 
4.  
Lift the load plate with your thumb  
and forefinger to a 100º angle (A),  
then push the PnP cap from the load  
plate window to remove (B).  
B
A
Load plate  
Alignment key  
5.  
Position the CPU over the  
socket, making sure that  
the gold triangle is on the  
bottom-left corner of the  
socket then fit the socket  
alignment key into the  
CPU notch.  
CPU notch  
Gold triangle mark  
The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the  
socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU!  
A
6.  
7.  
Close the load plate (A), then  
push the load lever (B) until it  
snaps into the retention tab.  
If installing a dual-core CPU,  
B
connect the chassis fan cable  
to the CHA_FAN1 connector to  
ensure system stability.  
The motherboard supports Intel® LGA775 processors with the Intel® Enhanced  
Memory 64 Technology (EM64T), Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology  
(EIST), and Hyper-Threading Technology. Refer to the Appendix for more  
information on these CPU features.  
2-10  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.3.2  
Installing the CPU heatsink and fan  
The Intel® LGA775 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan  
assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.  
•
When you buy a boxed Intel® processor, the package includes the CPU fan  
and heatsink assembly. If you buy a CPU separately, make sure that you  
use only Intel®�certified multi�directional heatsink and fan.  
•
•
Your Intel® LGA775 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design  
and requires no tool to install.  
If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make sure  
that you have properly applied Thermal Interface Material to the CPU  
heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.  
Make sure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before you  
install the CPU fan and heatsink assembly.  
To install the CPU heatsink and fan:  
1.  
Place the heatsink on top of the  
installed CPU, making sure that the  
four fasteners match the holes on  
the motherboard.  
Orient the heatsink and fan  
assembly such that the CPU fan  
cable is closest to the CPU fan  
connector.  
Motherboard hole  
Fastener  
Narrow end  
of the groove  
Make sure to orient each fastener with the narrow end of the groove pointing  
outward. (The photo shows the groove shaded for emphasis.)  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-11  
 
2.  
Push down two fasteners at a time  
in a diagonal sequence to secure  
the heatsink and fan assembly in  
place.  
B
B
A
A
A
B
B
A
3.  
Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled  
CPU_FAN.  
CPU_FAN  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
®
STRIKER II FORMULA CPU fan connector  
DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors  
can occur if you fail to plug this connector.  
2-12  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.3.3  
Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan  
To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan:  
1.  
2.  
Disconnect the CPU fan cable from  
the connector on the motherboard.  
Rotate each fastener  
counterclockwise.  
3.  
Pull up two fasteners at a time in  
a diagonal sequence to disengage  
the heatsink and fan assembly from  
the motherboard.  
B
B
A
A
A
B
B
A
4.  
Carefully remove the heatsink  
and fan assembly from the  
motherboard.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-13  
 
5.  
Rotate each fastener clockwise to  
ensure correct orientation when  
reinstalling.  
Narrow end of the groove  
The narrow end of the  
groove should point outward  
after resetting. (The photo  
shows the groove shaded for  
emphasis.)  
Refer to the documentation in the boxed or stand-alone CPU fan package for  
detailed information on CPU fan installation.  
2-14  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.3.4  
Installing the optional fans  
Install TWO optional fans when you are using a water cooler to obtain better  
heat dissipation. Installing the optional fans with an active CPU cooler will  
interfere with the airflow and destabilize the system.  
Optional fan on one side fins  
2.  
Fit the fan to the grooved edge of  
the heatsink.  
1.  
Position the fan above the pipe  
and heatsink assembly.  
3.  
Carefully push down the fan until  
it snugly fits the heatsink, then  
connect the fan cable.  
4.  
The photo shows the fan installed  
on the motherboard.  
•
•
Plug the optional fan cable in the OPT_FAN2 connector on the  
motherboard.  
Make sure the optional fan is installed correctly to prevent damage to the  
fan and motherboard components.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-15  
 
5.  
Follow Step 1 to 4 to install the other optional fan.  
6.  
The photo shows that two fans are  
installed to the motherboard.  
Plug the optional fan cable in the PWR_FAN connector on the motherboard.  
2-16  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.4  
System memory  
2.4.1  
Overview  
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory  
Modules (DIMM) sockets.  
The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
®
STRIKER II FORMULA  
240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets  
Channel  
Sockets  
Channel A  
Channel B  
DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2  
DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2  
•
This chipset officially supports DDR2�800 MHz. With the ASUS Super  
Memspeed Technology, this motherboard natively supports up to  
DDR2�1066 MHz. See the table below.  
FSB  
1333  
1333  
1333  
1066  
1066  
1066  
DDR2  
1066*  
800  
667  
1066*  
800  
667  
•
*If you install a DDR2-1066 memory module, make sure that you set  
the MEM(DDR), MHz item in BIOS to [1066]. See section 4.4 Extreme  
Tweaker menu for details.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-17  
 
2.4.2  
Memory configurations  
You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR2  
DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.  
Recommended Memory Configurations  
Sockets  
Mode  
DIMM_A1  
Populated  
–
DIMM_A2  
DIMM_B1  
–
DIMM_B2  
–
–
Single-Channel  
–
–
Populated  
Populated  
Populated  
–
–
Dual-channel (1)  
Dual-channel (2)  
Populated  
Populated  
Populated  
Populated  
•
You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The  
system maps the total size of the lower�sized channel for the dual�channel  
configuration. Any excess memory from the higher�sized channel is then  
mapped for single-channel operation.  
•
Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility,  
it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.  
•
If you install four 1 GB memory modules, the system may only recognize less  
than 3GB because the address space is reserved for other critical functions.  
This limitation appears on Windows® XP/Vista 32-bit operation system which  
does not support Physical Address Extension (PAE).  
•
•
If you install Windows® XP/Vista 32-bit operation system, a total memory of  
less than 3GB is recommended.  
This motherboard does not support memory modules made up of 128 Mb  
chips.  
Notes on memory limitations  
•
Due to chipset limitation, this motherboard can only support up to  
8 GB on the operating systems listed below. You may install a maximum of  
2 GB DIMMs on each slot.  
64-bit  
Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition  
Windows® Vista x64 Edition  
•
•
Some old-version DDR2-800 DIMMs may not match Intel®’s  
On-Die-Termination (ODT) requirement and will automatically downgrade  
to run at DDR2-667. If this happens, contact your memory vendor to check  
the ODT value.  
Due to chipset limitation, DDR2-800 with CL=4 will be downgraded to run  
at DDR2-667 by default setting. If you want to operate with lower latency,  
adjust the memory timing manually.  
2-18  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
Striker II Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR2-1066MHz capability  
DIMM support  
SS/  
DS  
Size  
Vendor  
Chip No.  
Part No.  
A* B* C*  
512MB  
KINGSTON  
MICRON  
Heat-Sink Package  
Z9JKJ  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
KHX8500D2/512  
•
•
•
1024MB  
2048MB  
1024MB  
MT8HTF12864AY-1GAEZES  
MT16HTF25664AY-1GAEZES  
CM2X1024-8500C5  
MICRON  
Z9JKJ  
CORSAIR  
Heat-Sink Package  
•
•
SS - Single-sided / DS - Double-sided  
DIMM support:  
•
•
•
A*: Supports one module inserted in any slot as Single-channel  
memory configuration.  
B*: Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the blue slots  
or the white slots as one pair of Dual�channel memory configuration.  
C*: Supports four modules inserted into both the blue and white slots  
as two pairs of Dual�channel memory configuration.  
ꢁisit the ASUS website for the latest DDR2�1066/800/667MHz ꢀꢁꢂ.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-19  
Striker II Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR2-800MHz capability  
DIMM support  
A* B* C*  
SS/  
DS  
Size  
Vendor  
Chip No.  
Part No.  
512MB  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
Qimonda  
Hynix  
K4T51083QC  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
KVR800D2N5/512  
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1024MB  
1024MB  
1024MB  
1024MB  
2048MB  
1024MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
V59C1512804QBF25  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
HYB18T512800BF25F  
HY5PS12821CFP-S5  
D9GKX  
KHX6400D2LL/1G  
KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN  
KVR800D2N5/1G  
KHX6400D2ULK2/1G  
KHX6400D2ULK2/2G  
HYS64T128020HU-25F-B  
HYMP512U64CP8-S5  
MT8HTF6464AY-80ED4  
MT16HTF12864AY-80ED4  
CM2X1024-6400C4  
BL6464AA804.8FD  
BL12864AA804.16FD  
BL12864AL804.16FD3  
BL12864AA804.16FD3  
AHU01GE800C5K1C  
M2OAD6G3H3160G1E53  
M2OAD6G3I4170I1E58  
KLDC28F-A8KI5  
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
MICRON  
MICRON  
CORSAIR  
Crucial  
1024MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
D9GKX  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
AD29608A8A-25EG  
AD26908A8A-25EG  
KKA8FEIBF-HJK-25A  
KKA8FEIBF-HJK-25A  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
NT5TU64M8BE-25C  
NT5TU64M8CE-25D  
A3R12E3HEF641B9A05  
A3R12E3HEF641B9A05  
E2508AB-GE-E  
1024MB  
1024MB  
1024MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
Crucial  
Crucial  
Crucial  
Apacer  
A-DATA  
1024MB  
512MB  
A-DATA  
•
•
•
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
Super Talent  
Super Talent  
NANYA  
1024MB  
512MB  
KLDD48F-ABKI5  
T800UA12C4  
1024MB  
1024MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
T800UB1GC4  
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
NT1GT64U8HB0BY-25C  
NT1GT64U8HCOBY-25D  
AL6E8E63B8E1K  
•
•
•
•
•
•
NANYA  
PSC  
1024MB  
256MB  
PSC  
AL7E8E63B-8E1K  
TwinMOS  
Elixir  
8G-24IK2-EBT  
1024MB  
N2TU51280BE-25C  
M2Y1G64TU8HB0B-25C  
2-20  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
Striker II Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR2-667MHz capability  
DIMM support  
A* B* C*  
SS/  
DS  
Size  
Vendor  
Chip No.  
Part No.  
512MB  
256MB  
256MB  
2048MB  
256MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
256MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
256MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
256MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
256MB  
512MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
2048MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
1024MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
256MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
2048MB  
512MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
Hynix  
D6408TEBGGL3U  
HYB18T256800AF3S  
6SBI2D9DCG  
SS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
KVR667D2N5/512  
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
KVR667D2N5/256  
KVR667D2N5/256  
•
•
•
•
E1108AB-6E-E  
KVR667D2N5/2G  
HYB18T512160BF-3S  
HYB18T512800BF3S  
HYB18T512800BF3S  
ZCE6K4T51083QC  
K4T51163QC-ZCE6  
K4T51083QC  
HYS64T32000HU-3S-B  
HYS64T64000HU-3S-B  
HYS64T128020HU-3S-B  
M378T6553CZ0-CE6  
M378T3354CZ3-CE6  
M378T6553CZ3-CE6  
M378T2953CZ3-CE6  
M378T3354EZ3-CE6  
M378T6553EZS-CE6  
M378T2953EZ3-CE6  
HYMP532U64CP6-Y5  
HYMP512U64CP8-Y5  
VS512MB667D2  
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
ZCE6K4T51083QC  
K4T51163QE-ZCE6  
K4T51083QE  
K4T51083QE  
HY5PS121621CFP-Y5  
HY5PS12821CFP-Y5  
64M8CFEG  
Hynix  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
ELPIDA  
64M8CFEG  
VS1GB667D2  
E2508AB-6E-E  
EBE25UC8ABFA-6E-E  
EBE51UD8AEFA-6E-E  
M2OAD5G3H3166I1C52  
M2OAD5G3I4176I1C52  
M2ONY5H3J4170I1C5Z  
BL6464AA663.8FD  
BL12864AA663.16FD  
BL12864AL664.16FD  
BL12864AA663.16FD2  
AU512E667C5KBGC  
AU01GE667C5KBGC  
KLCB68F-36KH5  
ELPIDA  
E5108AE-6E-E  
A-DATA  
AD29608A8A-3EG  
AD29608A8A-3EG  
NT5TU128M8BJ-3C  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
AM4B5708GQJS7E0628F  
AM4B5708GQJS7E  
N2TU51216AG-3C  
KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX  
KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
NT5TU128M8BJ-3C  
NT5TU64M8BE-3C  
A3R12E3GEF637BLC5N  
A3R12E3GEF637BLC5N  
TMM6208G8M30C  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
crucial  
crucial  
crucial  
crucial  
Apacer  
Apacer  
Kingmax  
Kingmax  
Kingmax  
Super Talent  
Super Talent  
NANYA  
KLCC28F-A8KB5  
KLCD48F-A8KB5  
T6UA512C5  
T6UB1GC5  
NT2GT64U8HB0JY-3C  
NT512T64U88B0BY-3C  
AL6E8E63B-6E1K  
NANYA  
PSC  
PSC  
AL7E8E63B-6E1K  
TwinMOS  
8D-23JK5M2ETP  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-21  
2.4.3  
Installing a DIMM  
Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other  
system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the  
motherboard and the components.  
2
To install a DIMM:  
DDR2 DIMM notch  
3
1.  
2.  
Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing  
the retaining clips outward.  
Align a DIMM on the socket  
1
such that the notch on the DIMM  
matches the break on the socket.  
1
3.  
Firmly insert the DIMM into the  
socket until the retaining clips  
snap back in place and the DIMM  
is properly seated.  
Unlocked retaining clip  
•
A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. Do  
not force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.  
•
The DDR2 DIMM sockets do not support DDR DIMMs. Do not install DDR  
DIMMs to the DDR2 DIMM sockets.  
2.4.4  
Removing a DIMM  
To remove a DIMM:  
2
1. Simultaneously press the retaining  
clips outward to unlock the DIMM.  
Support the DIMM lightly with  
your fingers when pressing the  
retaining clips. The DIMM might  
get damaged when it flips out with  
extra force.  
1
DDR2 DIMM notch  
1
2.  
Remove the DIMM from the socket.  
2-22  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
2.5  
Expansion slots  
In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections  
describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.  
Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion  
cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard  
components.  
2.5.1  
Installing an expansion card  
To install an expansion card:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with  
it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.  
Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a  
chassis).  
Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw  
for later use.  
Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is  
completely seated on the slot.  
5.  
6.  
Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.  
Replace the system cover.  
2.5.2  
Configuring an expansion card  
After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings.  
1.  
Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See  
Chapter 4 for information on BIOS setup.  
2.  
3.  
Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.  
Install the software drivers for the expansion card.  
When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share  
IRꢀ” or that the cards do not need IRꢀ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will  
arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card  
inoperable. Refer to the table on the next page for details.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-23  
 
2.5.3  
Interrupt assignments  
IRQ  
Standard function  
System timer  
0
1
Keyboard controller  
Floppy disk controller  
6
8
System CMOS/Real Time Clock  
9
IRQ holder for PCI steering  
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
19  
20  
20  
21  
21  
22  
22  
23  
23  
NVIDIA nForce PCI system management  
IRQ holder for PCI steering  
PS/2 compatible mouse port  
Numeric data processor  
Primary IDE channel  
VIA OHCI compliant IEEE 1394 host controller  
NVIDIA network bus enumerator  
NVIDIA nForce Serial ATA controller  
NVIDIA network bus enumerator  
Standard Enhanced PCI to USB host controller  
Microsoft UAA bus driver for High Definition audio  
nForce Serial ATA controller  
nForce Serial ATA controller  
Standard OpenHCD USB host controller  
IRQ assignments for this motherboard  
A
B
C
D
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
E
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
F
G
H
PCI slot 1  
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
LAN (8056)  
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
SATA (368)  
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
LAN (8056)  
–
shared  
–
–
–
–
PCIe x16_1  
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
PCIe x16_2  
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
PCIe x16_3  
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
PCIe x1_1  
–
shared  
–
–
–
–
PCIe x1_2  
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
USB controller 1  
USB controller 2  
USB controller 3  
USB controller 4  
USB controller 5  
USB controller 6  
USB 2.0 controller 1  
USB 2.0 controller 2  
SATA controller 1  
SATA controller 2  
–
–
–
–
shared  
–
–
shared  
–
–
–
–
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared  
–
–
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared  
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared  
shared  
2-24  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
2.5.4  
PCI slots  
The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other  
cards that comply with PCI specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location  
of the slots.  
2.5.5  
PCI Express x1 slots  
This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other  
cards that comply with the PCI ꢄxpress specifications. Refer to the figure below for  
the location of the slots.  
•
•
Install the audio card prior to other compatible cards to the black PCIe x1  
slot.  
Install a PCIe x1 device to a PCIe x1 slot prior to a PCIe x16 slot.  
2.5.6  
PCI Express x16 slots  
This motherboard supports three SLI™-ready Express x16 graphics cards that  
comply with the PCI ꢄxpress specifications. With three graphics cards installed,  
the motherboard enables tri-display. Two (blue slots) of the three PCI Express x16  
slots support PCIe 2.0 devices.  
Audio/PCI Express x1 slot  
PCI Express x 16 slot  
PCI Express x 1 slot  
PCI slot  
PCI Express x 16 slot  
PCI slot  
PCI Express x16 slot  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-25  
 
•
We recommend that you install a VGA card to the primary (blue) PCI  
Express x16 slots, and install any other PCI Express device to the universal  
(white) PCI Express x16 slot.  
•
•
Currently, only NVIDIA® SLI™-Ready GeForce® 8800 Ultra and GeForce®  
8800 GTX graphics cards support 3-Way SLI™ mode.  
Connect a rear chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled  
CHA_FAN1 or OPT_FAN1/3 when using multiple graphics cards for better  
thermal environment. See page 2-36 for details.  
•
•
•
In single VGA card mode, use any of the PCIe 2.0 slots (blue) for a PCI  
Express x16 graphics card to get better performance.  
In SLI™ mode, use the PCIe 2.0 slots (blue slots) for PCI Express x16  
graphics cards to get better performance.  
We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running NꢁIDIA®  
SLI™ mode. See page 2-38 for details.  
2-26  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.6  
Jumper  
1.  
Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC_SW)  
This jumper allows you to enable the clr CMOS switch. You can clear the CMOS  
memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC  
RAM data. The clr CMOS switch on the back I/O helps you easily to clear the  
system setup information such as system passwords.  
To erase the RTC RAM:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.  
Press down the clr CMOS switch.  
Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.  
Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to  
re-enter data.  
Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!  
CLRTC_SW  
1
2
2
3
STRIKER II FORMULA  
®
Disable  
Enable  
(Default)  
STRIKER II FORMULA Clear RTC RAM  
clr CMOS switch behavior  
System power state  
Clearing CMOS  
G3* S5* S0 (DOS mode) S0 (OS mode)  
S1 S3 S4  
**  
*G3: Power off without +5VSB power (AC power loss); S5: Power off with +5VSB power  
**The system shuts dowm immediately.  
•
The clr CMOS switch will not function if the jumper cap on CLRTC_SW is  
moved to the Disable position, but the shutdwon function in S0 mode (DOS  
mode) still works.  
•
•
Make sure to re-enter your previous BIOS settings after 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  
and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset CPU parameter  
settings to default values. If the system hangs due to overclocking of  
memory timing or chipset voltage and the power button fails to function,  
pressing down the clr CMOS switch will shut down the system and clear  
CMOS simultaneously.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-27  
 
2.7  
Audio card, I/O shield, and LCD Poster  
installation  
2.7.1  
Audio card Installation  
1.  
Take out the Audio card from the  
package.  
2.  
Locate the audio slot on the  
motherboard.  
3.  
Align the card connector with the  
slot and press firmly until the card  
sits on the slot completely.  
4.  
The photo below shows the  
audio card installed on the  
motherboard.  
2-28  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
2.7.2  
I/O shield and LCD Poster Installation  
1.  
Install the I/O shield to the chassis rear panel. Orient the I/O shield so that  
the openings of the ports fit the motherboard rear ports. Snaps the I/O shield  
into place.  
2.  
Position the motherboard  
I/O side toward the chassis  
rear panel and install the  
motherboard to the chassis.  
Be cautious when installing  
the I/O shield. The I/O shield  
edge springs may damage  
the I/O ports.  
3.  
Thread the LCD Poster cable  
through the opening until its  
stopper snaps into place.  
4.  
Plug the LCD Poster cable into  
the onboard connector labeled  
LCD_CON.  
5.  
This photo shows the LCD  
Poster installed. Place the  
device wherever you can  
monitor the screen.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-29  
 
2.8  
Connectors  
2.8.1  
Rear panel connectors  
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
10  
clr  
CMOS  
13  
15  
14  
12  
11  
1.  
2.  
PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.  
Coaxial S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device  
via a coaxial S/PDIF cable.  
3.  
4.  
LAN 2 (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to  
a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer  
to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.  
ACTIVITY/ SPEED  
LINK LED  
LED  
LAN 1 (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to  
a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer  
to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.  
LAN port  
32-bit OS LAN port LED indications  
Activity/Link  
OFF  
Speed LED  
OFF  
Description  
Soft-off Mode  
YELLOW*  
YELLOW*  
OFF  
During Power ON/OFF  
100 Mbps connection  
ORANGE  
* Blinking  
64-bit OS LAN port LED indications  
Activity/Link  
Speed LED  
OFF  
Description  
OFF  
Soft-off Mode  
YELLOW*  
YELLOW*  
YELLOW*  
OFF  
During Power ON/OFF  
100 Mbps connection  
1 Gbps connection  
ORANGE  
GREEN  
* Blinking  
2-30  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
5.  
6.  
Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or  
other audio sources.  
Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In  
4�channel, 6�channel, and 8�channel configuration, the function of this port  
becomes Front Speaker Out.  
7.  
8.  
Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.  
Center/Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects the center/subwoofer  
speakers.  
9.  
Rear Speaker Out port (black). This port connects the rear speakers on a  
4�channel, 6�channel, or 8�channel audio configuration.  
10. Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speakers in an  
8�channel audio configuration.  
Refer to the audio configuration table on the next page for the function of the  
audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or 8�channel configuration.  
Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration  
Headset  
2-channel  
Light Blue Line In  
Port  
4-channel  
6-channel  
8-channel  
Line In  
Line In  
Line In  
Lime  
Line Out  
Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out  
Front Speaker Out  
Mic In  
Pink  
Mic In  
Mic In  
Mic In  
Orange  
Black  
Gray  
–
–
–
–
Center/Subwoofer  
Rear Speaker Ou  
–
Center/Subwoofer  
Rear Speaker Out  
Side Speaker Out  
Rear Speaker Out  
–
11. USB 2.0 ports 1, 2, 3 and 4. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports  
are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.  
12. IEEE 1394a port. This 6-pin IEEE 1394a port provides high-speed  
connectivity for audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable  
devices.  
13. Clear CMOS switch. Press the clear CMOS switch to clear setup information  
when the system hangs due to overclocking.  
14. Optical S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device  
via an optical S/PDIF cable.  
15. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are  
available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-31  
2.8.2  
Internal connectors  
1.  
Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)  
This connector is for the provided floppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert  
one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the  
signal connector at the back of the floppy disk drive.  
Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when  
using a FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.  
FLOPPY  
NOTE: Orient the red markings on  
the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.  
PIN 1  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
®
STRIKER II FORMULA Floppy disk drive connector  
IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE)  
2.  
The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable.  
There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable:  
blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE  
connector, then select one of the following modes to configure your device.  
Mode of  
device(s)  
Drive jumper setting  
Cable connector  
Single device  
Two devices  
Cable-Select or Master  
-
Black  
Black  
Master  
Slave  
Master  
Slave  
Cable-Select  
Gray  
Master  
Slave  
Black or gray  
•
•
Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the  
Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you  
connect the IDE cable.  
Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE devices.  
If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device  
jumpers have the same setting.  
2-32  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
PRI_IDE  
NOTE: Orient the red markings  
(usually zigzag) on the IDꢄ  
cable to PIN 1.  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
®
STRIKER II FORMULA IDE connector  
Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1–6)  
3.  
These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk  
drives.  
If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID  
1, RAID 0�1, RAID 5, or �BODconfiguration with the NꢁIDIA® MediaShield™  
RAID controller.  
•
These connectors are set to [Disabled] by default. In Standard IDE mode,  
you can connect Serial ATA boot/data hard disk drives to these connectors.  
If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors,  
enable the [RAID Enabled] item in the BIOS. See section 4.5.3 Onboard  
Devices Configuration for details.  
•
•
For RAID 5, use at least three hard disk drives. For RAID 0+1, use at least  
four hard disk drives. Use two to four Serial ATA hard disk drives for each  
RAID 0 or RAID 1 set.  
Before creating a RAID set, refer to 5.4.2 NVIDIA® RAID configurations or  
the manual bundled in the motherboard support DVD.  
SATA6  
SATA4  
SATA2  
SATA5  
SATA3  
SATA1  
GND  
RSATA_TXP6  
RSATA_TXN6  
GND  
RSATA_RXP6  
RSATA_RXN6  
GND  
GND  
RSATA_TXP5  
RSATA_TXN5  
GND  
RSATA_RXP5  
RSATA_RXN5  
GND  
GND  
RSATA_TXP4  
RSATA_TXN4  
GND  
RSATA_RXP4  
RSATA_RXN4  
GND  
GND  
RSATA_TXP3  
RSATA_TXN3  
GND  
RSATA_RXP3  
RSATA_RXN3  
GND  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
GND  
RSATA_TXP2  
RSATA_TXN2  
GND  
GND  
RSATA_TXP1  
RSATA_TXN1  
GND  
®
RSATA_RXP2  
RSATA_RXN2  
GND  
RSATA_RXP1  
RSATA_RXN1  
GND  
STRIKER II FORMULA SATA connectors  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-33  
You must install the Windows® XP Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA hard  
disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature (RAID 0/RAID 1/RAID 5/RAID 10) is  
available only if you are using Windows® XP or later version.  
right angle side  
Connect the right-angle side  
of SATA signal cable to SATA  
device. Or you may connect the  
right-angle side of SATA cable to  
the onboard SATA port to avoid  
mechanical conflict with huge  
graphics cards.  
4.  
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB 78; USB 910)  
These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable  
to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the  
back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0  
specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
®
USB78  
USB910  
STRIKER II FORMULA USB 2.0 connectors  
Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the  
motherboard!  
You can connect the USB cable to ASUS ꢀ�Connector (USB, blue) first, and  
then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard.  
2-34  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
5.  
IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)  
This connector is for a IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module  
cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back  
of the system chassis.  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
IE1394_2  
®
PIN 1  
STRIKER II FORMULA IEEE 1394a connector  
Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage  
the motherboard!  
You can connect the 1394 cable to ASUS ꢀ�Connector (1394, red) first, and  
then install the Q-Connector (1394) to the 1394 connector onboard.  
6.  
Thermal sensor cable connectors (2-pin OPT_TEMP1/2/3)  
These connectors are for temperature monitoring. Connect the thermal  
sensor cables to these connectors and place the other ends to the devices  
which you want to monitor temperature. The optional fan1/2/3 can work with  
the temperature sensors for a better cooling effect.  
OPT_TEMP1  
Temperature  
Ground  
OPT_TEMP2  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
OPT_TEMP3  
®
STRIKER II FORMULA  
Thermal sensor cable connectors  
Enable OPT1/2/3 Cable Overheat Protection in BIOS if you connect thermal  
sensor cables to these connectors. Refer to page 4-38 for details.  
The thermal sensor cable is purchased separately.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-35  
7.  
CPU, chassis, and optional fan connectors  
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1–3, 3-pin PWR_FAN,  
3-pin OPT_FAN1–3)  
The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA–1000 mA (24 W max.) or  
a total of 1 A–3.48 A (41.76 W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the  
fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each  
cable matches the ground pin of the connector.  
DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air  
flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are  
not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors!  
CPU_FAN  
CPU_FAN CHA_FAN1  
OPT_FAN1  
OPT_FAN2  
OPT_FAN3  
PWR_FAN  
OPT_FAN2  
Rotation  
+12V  
GND  
CHA_FAN2  
CHA_FAN1  
CHA_FAN3  
PWR_FAN  
Rotation  
+12V  
OPT_FAN1  
OPT_FAN3  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
®
CHA_FAN3  
GND  
CHA_FAN2  
Rotation  
+12V  
GND  
STRIKER II FORMULA Fan connectors  
•
•
Only the CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN1–3, and OPT_FAN1–3 connectors support  
the ASUS Q-Fan 2 feature.  
If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the chassis fan  
cable to the motherboard connector labled CHA_FAN1 or OPT_FAN1/3 for  
better themal environment.  
2-36  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
8.  
Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)  
This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch.  
Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this  
connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to  
this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced. The signal  
is then generated as a chassis intrusion event.  
By default, the pin labeled “Chassis Signal” and “Ground” are shorted with  
a jumper cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the  
chassis intrusion detection feature.  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
®
CHASSIS  
(Default)  
STRIKER II FORMULA Chassis intrusion connector  
9.  
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT for ASUS HDMI VGA card)  
This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF)  
port(s). If you are using an ASUS HDMI-equipped graphics card, connect the  
HDMI card to this connector with a S/PDIF Out cable.  
SPDIF_OUT  
GND  
SPDIFOUT  
+5V  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
®
STRIKER II FORMULA  
Digital audio connector  
The ASUS HDMI-equipped graphics card and the S/PDIF Out cable are  
purchased separately.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-37  
10. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)  
These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs  
are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper  
orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.  
EATX12V  
EATXPWR  
+3 Volts  
Ground  
+5 Volts  
+5 Volts  
+5 Volts  
-5 Volts  
Ground  
Ground  
Ground  
PSON#  
Ground  
-12 Volts  
+3 Volts  
+12 Volts  
+12 Volts  
+5V Standby  
Power OK  
Ground  
+5 Volts  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
Ground  
®
+5 Volts  
Ground  
+3 Volts  
STRIKER II FORMULA ATX power connectors  
+3 Volts  
•
•
Make sure to remove the cap on the EATX12V connector before connecting  
an 8-pin EPS +12V power plug.  
Use only an 8-pin EPS +12V power plug for the EATX12V connector.  
•
For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power supply  
unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 ꢁ Specification 2.0 (or later version)  
and provides a minimum power of 400 W.  
•
Do not forget to connect the 4�pin/8pin ꢄATX12ꢁ power plug; otherwise,  
the system will not boot.  
•
Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when  
configuring a system with more power�consuming devices. The system  
may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.  
•
If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your  
system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator  
at http://support.asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.  
aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.  
•
The ATX 12 ꢁ Specification 2.0�compliant (400W) PSU has been tested  
to support the motherboard power requirements with the following  
configuration:  
CPU: Intel® Pentium® ꢄxtreme 3.73GHz  
Memory: 512 MB DDR2 (x4)  
Graphics card: ASUS EAX1900XT  
Parallel ATA device: IDE hard disk drive  
Serial ATA device: SATA hard disk drive (x2)  
Optical drive: DVD-RW  
•
If you want to use two high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with  
500W to 600W power or above to ensure the system stability.  
•
If you want to use 3�Way SꢂI™ configuration, visit the NꢁIDIA website  
(www.nvidia.com) for the qualified PSU vendor list.  
2-38  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
11. ROG connector (2-pin ROG)  
This connector is for the box labeled as Republic of Gamers on the heatpipe  
assembly. Connect the cable of the box to this connector, and the box lights  
up when the system is on.  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
®
STRIKER II FORMULA ROG connector  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-39  
12. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)  
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.  
PLED  
SPEAKER  
PANEL  
IDE_LED  
RESET  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
®
PWRSW  
* Requires an ATX power supply.  
STRIKER II FORMULA System panel connector  
•
•
System power LED (2-pin PLED)  
This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis  
power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when  
you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.  
Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)  
This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity  
ꢂꢄD cable to this connector. The IDꢄ ꢂꢄD lights up or flashes when data is  
read from or written to the HDD.  
•
•
System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)  
This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The  
speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.  
ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)  
This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button  
turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending  
on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds  
while the system is ON turns the system OFF.  
•
Reset button (2-pin RESET)  
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system  
reboot without turning off the system power.  
2-40  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)  
You can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front panel  
cables in a few steps. Refer to the instructions below to install the ASUS Q-  
Connector.  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Connect the front panel cables to the  
ASUS Q-Connector.  
Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector  
to know the detailed pin definitions, then  
match them to the respective front panel  
cable labels.  
Install the ASUS Q-Connector to the  
system panel connector, making sure  
the orientation matches the labels on the  
motherboard.  
The front panel functions are now enabled.  
The figure shows the ꢀ�Connector properly  
installed on the motherboard.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
2-41  
2.8.3  
Onboard switches  
Onboard switches allow you to fine�tune performance when working on a bare  
or open-case system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually  
change settings to enhance system performance.  
1.  
Power-on switch  
Press the power-on switch to wake/power up the system.  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
®
STRIKER II FORMULA Power on switch  
2.  
Reset switch  
Press the reset switch to reboot the system.  
STRIKER II FORMULA  
®
STRIKER II FORMULA Reset switch  
2-42  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
 
This chapter describes the power up  
sequence, the vocal POST messages,  
and ways of shutting down the system.  
Chapter 3: Powering up  
3
 
Chapter summary  
3
3.1  
Starting up for the first time........................................................ 3-1  
3.2  
Turning off the computer............................................................. 3-2  
ROG Striker II Formula  
3.1  
Starting up for the first time  
1.  
2.  
3.  
After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.  
Be sure that all switches are off.  
Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system  
chassis.  
4.  
5.  
Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge  
protector.  
Turn on the devices in the following order:  
a. Monitor  
b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)  
c. System power  
6.  
After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case  
lights up. For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up  
when you press the ATX power button. If your monitor complies with “green”  
standards or if it has a “power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up  
or switch between orange and green after the system LED turns on.  
The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are  
running, the BIOS beeps (see BIOS beep codes table below) or additional  
messages appear on the screen. If you do not see anything within 30  
seconds from the time you turned on the power, the system may have failed a  
power-on test. Check the jumper settings and connections or call your retailer  
for assistance.  
7.  
At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the  
instructions in Chapter 4.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
3-1  
 
3.2  
Turning off the computer  
3.2.1  
Using the OS shut down function  
If you are using Windows® XP:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Click the Start button then select Turn Off Computer.  
Click the Turn Off button to shut down the computer.  
The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down.  
If you are using Windows® Vista™:  
1.  
2.  
Click the Start button then select ShutDown.  
The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down.  
3.2.2  
Using the dual function power switch  
While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts  
the system to sleep mode or to soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting.  
Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the  
soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting. Refer to section 4.6 Power Menu for  
details.  
3-2  
Chapter 3: Powering up  
 
This chapter tells how to change  
the system settings through the BIOS  
Setup menus. Detailed descriptions  
of the BIOS parameters are also  
provided.  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4
 
Chapter summary  
4
4.1  
4.2  
4.3  
4.4  
4.5  
4.6  
4.7  
4.8  
4.9  
Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1  
BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-9  
Main menu .................................................................................. 4-13  
Extreme Tweaker menu ............................................................. 4-18  
Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-29  
Power menu................................................................................ 4-34  
Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-40  
Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-45  
Exit menu.................................................................................... 4-48  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4.1  
Managing and updating your BIOS  
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic  
Input/Output System (BIOS) setup.  
1.  
2.  
ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.)  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS in DOS using a USB flash disk or the  
motherboard support DVD.)  
3.  
4.  
Award BIOS Flash Utility (Updates the BIOS using a bootable USB flash  
disk or a CD ROM.)  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 (Updates the BIOS using the motherboard support  
DꢁD when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.)  
Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.  
Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable USB flash  
disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original  
motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or Award BIOS Flash utilities.  
4.1.1  
ASUS Update utility  
The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the  
motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you  
to:  
•
•
•
•
•
Save the current BIOS file  
Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet  
Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file  
Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and  
View the BIOS version information.  
This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard  
package.  
ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an  
Internet Service Provider (ISP).  
Installing ASUS Update  
To install ASUS Update:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears.  
Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX.  
The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-1  
 
Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.  
Updating the BIOS through the Internet  
To update the BIOS through the Internet:  
1.  
Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start  
> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update  
main window appears.  
2.  
Select Update BIOS from the  
Internet option from the drop-down  
menu, then click Next.  
3.  
Select the ASUS FTP site nearest  
you to avoid network traffic, or  
click Auto Select. Click Next.  
4-2  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4.  
5.  
From the FTP site, select the BIOS  
version that you wish to download.  
Click Next.  
Follow the screen instructions to  
complete the update process.  
The ASUS Update utility is  
capable of updating itself through  
the Internet. Always update the  
utility to avail all its features.  
Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file  
To update the BIOS through a BIOS file:  
1.  
2.  
Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start  
> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update  
main window appears.  
Select Update BIOS from a file  
option from the drop-down menu,  
then click Next.  
3.  
ꢂocate the BIOS file from the Open  
window, then click Open.  
StrikerII  
4.  
Follow the screen instructions to  
complete the update process.  
StrikerII  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-3  
4.1.2  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility  
The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to  
go through the long process of using a DOS-based utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility  
is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing <Alt> + <F2> during the  
Power-On Self Tests (POST).  
To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:  
1.  
ꢁisit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for  
the motherboard.  
2.  
Save the BIOS file to a USB flash disk, then restart the system.  
You can launch the EZ Flash 2 by two methods.  
3.  
(1) Insert the USB flash disk that contains the BIOS file to the USB port.  
Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.  
ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility B324  
FLASH TYPE: Winbond W39V080A 8Mb LPC  
Current ROM  
Update ROM  
BOARD: Unknown  
VER: Unknown  
BOARD: STRIKER II FORMULA  
VER: 0201  
DATE: 11/05/2007  
DATE: Unknown  
PATH: A:\  
A:  
Note  
[Enter] Select  
[S] Save  
[ESC] Exit  
[Tab] Switch  
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move  
(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash2  
and press <Enter> to enable it.  
You can switch between drives by pressing <Tab> before the correct file  
is found. Then press <Enter>.  
4.  
When the correct BIOS file is found, ꢄZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update  
process and automatically reboots the system when done.  
•
This function can support devices such as USB flash disk or hard disk with  
FAT 32/16/12 format only.  
•
Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent  
system boot failure!  
4-4  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
 
4.1.3  
Updating the BIOS  
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) can be updated using the AwardBIOS  
Flash Utility. Follow these instructions to update the BIOS using this utility.  
1.  
Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS web site. Rename the file to  
StrikerII.BIN and save it to a CD ROM or a USB flash disk in FAT 16/12  
format.  
Save only the updated BIOS file in the disk to avoid loading the wrong BIOS file.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Copy the AwardBIOS Flash Utility (awdflash.exe) from the Software folder of  
the support DꢁD to the CD ROM or a USB flash disk with the latest BIOS file.  
Boot the system in DOS mode using the bootable CD ROM or a USB flash  
disk you created earlier.  
Under the DOS mode, use <X:> (X stands for the name of the disk  
assignment) to switch to the folder of CD ROM or USB flash disk you saved  
the BIOS fileand AwardBIOS Flash Utility.  
5.  
At the prompt, type  
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.18  
awdflash then press  
<Enter>. The Award  
BIOS Flash Utility screen  
appears.  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
For C55XEMCP55PXE-StrikerII-00  
DATE:10/30/2007  
Flash Type - PMC Pm49FL004T LPC/FWH  
File Name to Program:  
Message: Please input File Name!  
6.  
Type the BIOS file name in  
the File Name to Program  
field, then press <ꢄnter>.  
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.18  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
For C55XEMCP55PXE-StrikerII-00  
DATE:10/30/2007  
Flash Type - PMC Pm49FL004T LPC/FWH  
File Name to Program: StrikerII.bin  
Message: Do You Want To Save Bios (Y/N)  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-5  
 
7.  
8.  
Press <N> when the utility prompts you to save the current BIOS file. The  
following screen appears.  
The utility verifies the  
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.18  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
BIOS file in the CD ROM  
or a USB flash disk and  
starts flashing the BIOS  
file.  
For C55XEMCP55PXE-StrikerII-00  
Flash Type - PMC Pm49FL004T LPC/FWH  
DATE:10/30/2007  
File Name to Program: StrikerII.bin  
Programming Flash Memory - OFE00 OK  
Write OK  
No Update  
Write Fail  
Warning: Don’t Turn Off Power Or Reset System!  
Do not turn off or reset the system during the flashing process!  
9.  
The utility displays a  
Flashing Complete  
message indicating that  
you have successfully  
flashed the BIOS file.  
Remove the disk then  
press <F1> to restart the  
system.  
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.18  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
For C55XEMCP55PXE-StrikerII-00  
DATE:10/30/2007  
Flash Type - PMC Pm49FL004T LPC/FWH  
File Name to Program: StrikerII.bin  
Flashing Complete  
Press <F1> to Continue  
Write OK  
F1 Reset  
No Update  
Write Fail  
4-6  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4.1.4  
Saving the current BIOS file  
You can use the AwardBIOS Flash Utility to save the current BIOS file. You can  
load the current BIOS file when the BIOS file gets corrupted during the flashing  
process.  
Make sure that the CD ROM or a USB flash disk has enough disk space to save  
the file.  
To save the current BIOS file using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility:  
1.  
2.  
Follow steps 1 to 6 of the  
previous section.  
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.18  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
For C55XEMCP55PXE-StrikerII-00  
DATE:10/30/2007  
Press <Y> when the utility  
prompts you to save the  
current BIOS file. The  
Flash Type - PMC Pm49FL004T LPC/FWH  
File Name to Program: 0106.bin  
Save current BIOS as:  
following screen appears.  
Message:  
3.  
Type a filename for the  
current BIOS file in the  
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.18  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
Save current BIOS as field, For C55XEMCP55PXE-StrikerII-00  
then press <Enter>.  
DATE:10/30/2007  
Flash Type - PMC Pm49FL004T LPC/FWH  
File Name to Program: 0106.bin  
Checksum: 810DH  
Save current BIOS as: 0107.bin  
Message: Please Wait!  
4.  
The utility saves the  
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.18  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
current BIOS file to the  
disk, then returns to the  
BIOS flashing process.  
For C55XEMCP55PXE-StrikerII-00  
DATE:10/30/2007  
Flash Type - PMC Pm49FL004T LPC/FWH  
File Name to Program: 0107.bin  
Now Backup System BIOS to  
File!  
Message: Please Wait!  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-7  
 
4.1.5  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility  
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore  
the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can  
update a corrupted BIOS file using the mmotherrbboard ssupportt DVꢁD that contains the  
updated BIOS file.  
Prepare the motherboard support DVD containing the updated motherboard  
BIOS before using this utility.  
Recovering the BIOS from the support DVD  
To recover the BIOS from the support DVD:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Turn on the system.  
Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive.  
The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the DVD  
for the BIOS file.  
Award BootBlock BIOS v1.0  
Copyright (c) 2000, Award Software, Inc.  
BIOS ROM checksum error  
Detecting IDE ATAPI device...  
Found CDROM, try to Boot from it... Pass  
When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted  
BIOS file.  
Award BootBlock BIOS v1.0  
Copyright (c) 2000, Award Software, Inc.  
BIOS ROM checksum error  
Detecting IDE ATAPI device...  
4.  
Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.  
•
Only the USB flash disk with FAT 32/16/12 format and single partition can  
support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2. The device size should be smaller than  
8GB.  
•
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so  
can cause system boot failure!  
4-8  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
 
4.2  
BIOS setup program  
This motherboard supports a programmable Low-Pin Count (LPC) chip that you  
can update using the provided utility described in section “4.1 Managing and  
updating your BIOS.”  
Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconfiguring  
your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to configure  
your system using this utility.  
Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the  
configuration of your computer in the future. For example, you can enable the  
security password feature or change the power management settings. This  
requires you to reconfigure your system using the BIOS Setup program so that the  
computer can recognize these changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the  
LPC chip.  
The LPC chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up the  
computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press  
<Del> during the Power�On Self�Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility; otherwise,  
POST continues with its test routines.  
If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing  
<Ctrl+Alt+Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You can  
also restart by turning the system off and then back on. Do this last option only if  
the first two failed.  
The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a  
menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various sub-menus and make  
your selections from the available options using the navigation keys.  
•
The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions  
to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after  
changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to ensure system  
compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Default item under the  
Exit Menu. See section 4.9 Exit Menu.  
•
The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes  
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.  
•
ꢁisit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for  
this motherboard.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-9  
 
4.2.1  
BIOS menu screen  
Menu items  
Menu bar  
Configuration fields  
General help  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools  
15 : 30 : 36  
Main  
Exit  
System Time  
System Date  
Select Menu  
Thu, Oct 30 2007  
[English]  
Language  
Item Specific Help  
Legacy Diskette A:  
[1.44M, 3.5 in.]  
Change the internal  
time.  
Primary IDE Master  
Primary IDE Slave  
SATA 1  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[Disabled]  
1024MB  
1023MB  
SATA 2  
SATA 3  
SATA 4  
SATA 5  
SATA 6  
HDD SMART Monitoring  
Installed Memory  
Usable Memory  
System Information  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
Sub-menu items  
Legend bar  
4.2.2  
Menu bar  
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:  
Main  
For changing the basic system configuration  
Extreme Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings  
Advanced  
Power  
For changing the advanced system settings  
For changing the advanced power management (APM)  
configuration  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
For changing the system boot configuration  
For configuring options for special functions  
For selecting the exit options and loading default  
settings  
To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard  
until the desired item is highlighted.  
•
•
The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference purposes  
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.  
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS  
information.  
4-10  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
 
4.2.3  
Legend bar  
At the bottom of the Setup screen is a legend bar. The keys in the legend bar allow  
you to navigate through the various setup menus. The following table lists the keys  
found in the legend bar with their corresponding functions.  
Navigation Key  
<F1>  
Function  
Displays the General Help screen  
Loads setup default values  
<F5>  
<Esc>  
Exits the BIOS setup or returns to the main menu from a  
sub-menu  
Left or Right arrow  
Up or Down arrow  
Page Down or – (minus)  
Page Up or + (plus)  
<Enter>  
Selects the menu item to the left or right  
Moves the highlight up or down between fields  
Scrolls backward through the values for the highlighted field  
Scrolls forward through the values for the highlighted field  
Brings up a selection menu for the highlighted field  
Saves changes and exit  
<F10>  
4.2.4  
Menu items  
The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu.  
For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items.  
The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have their  
respective menu items.  
4.2.5  
Sub-menu items  
A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a  
sub-menu. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press <Enter>.  
4.2.6  
Configuration fields  
These fields show the values for the menu items. If an item is user�configurable,  
you can change the value of the field opposite the item. You cannot select an item  
that is not user�configurable.  
A configurable field is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To  
change the value of a field, select it then press <ꢄnter> to display a list of options.  
Refer to “4.2.7 Pop-up window.”  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-11  
 
4.2.7  
Pop-up window  
Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the  
configuration options for that item.  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
Extreme Tweaker  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
System Time  
System Date  
Language  
15 : 30 : 36  
Select Menu  
Thu, Oct 30 2007  
[English]  
Item Specific Help  
Legacy Diskette A:  
Legacy Diskette A:  
e the internal  
Primary IDE Master  
Primary IDE Slave  
SATA 1  
Disabled  
..... [ ]  
..... [ ]  
..... [ ]  
720K , 3.5 in.  
1.44M, 3.5 in.  
SATA 2  
SATA 3  
SATA 4  
SATA 5  
SATA 6  
HDD SMART Monitori
Installed Memory  
Usable Memory  
System Information  
↑↓ :Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
Pop-up menu  
4.2.8  
General help  
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected  
item.  
4-12  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
 
4.3  
Main menu  
When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving  
you an overview of the basic system information.  
Refer to section 4.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen  
items and how to navigate through them.  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
Extreme Tweaker  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
System Time  
System Date  
Language  
15 : 30 : 36  
Select Menu  
Thu, Oct 30 2007  
[English]  
Item Specific Help  
Legacy Diskette A:  
[1.44M, 3.5 in.]  
Change the internal  
time.  
Primary IDE Master  
Primary IDE Slave  
SATA 1  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[Disabled]  
1024MB  
1023MB  
SATA 2  
SATA 3  
SATA 4  
SATA 5  
SATA 6  
HDD SMART Monitoring  
Installed Memory  
Usable Memory  
System Information  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
4.3.1  
System Time [xx:xx:xx]  
Allows you to set the system time.  
4.3.2  
System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]  
Allows you to set the system date.  
4.3.3  
Language [English]  
Allows you to choose the BIOS language version from the options.  
Configuration options: [ꢄnglish] [French] [Deutsch] [Chinese (Trad.)]  
[Chinese (Simp.)] [Japanese]  
4.3.4  
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]  
Sets the type of floppy drive installed.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.]  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-13  
 
4.3.5  
Primary IDE Master/Slave  
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices.  
There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then  
press <Enter> to display the device information.  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
Primary IDE Master  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
PIO Mode  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
Set a PIO mode for the  
IDE device. Mode0  
through 4 successive  
increase in  
UDMA Mode  
Primary IDE Master  
Access Mode  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
performance.  
Capacity  
0 GB  
Cylinder  
Head  
0
0
0
Sector  
Transfer Mode  
None  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items  
(Capacity, Cylinder, Head, Sector and Transfer Mode). These values are not  
user�configurable. These items show N/A if no IDꢄ device is installed in the  
system.  
PIO Mode [Auto]  
Sets the PIO mode for the IDE device.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Mode 0] [Mode 1] [Mode 2] [Mode 3] [Mode 4]  
UDMA Mode [Auto]  
Disables or sets the UDMA mode. Configuration options: [Disable] [Auto]  
Primary IDE Master/Slave [Auto]  
Select [Auto] to automatically detect an IDE hard disk drive. If automatic detection  
is successful, the BIOS automatically fills in the correct values for the remaining  
fields on this sub�menu. If the hard disk was already formatted on a previous  
system, the setup BIOS may detect incorrect parameters. Select [Manual] to  
manually enter the IDE hard disk drive parameters. If no drive is installed select  
[None]. Configuration options: [None] [Auto] [Manual]  
4-14  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
 
Access Mode [Auto]  
The default [Auto] allows automatic detection of an IDE hard disk drive.  
Select [CHS] for this item if you set the IDE Primary Master/Slave to [Manual].  
Configuration options: [CHS] [ꢂBA] [ꢂarge] [Auto]  
Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, make sure you have the  
correct configuration information supplied by the drive manufacturer. Incorrect  
settings may cause the system to fail to recognize the installed hard disk.  
Capacity  
Displays the auto�detected hard disk capacity. This item is not configurable.  
Cylinder  
Shows the number of the hard disk cylinders. This item is not configurable.  
Head  
Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not configurable.  
Sector  
Shows the number of sectors per track. This item is not configurable.  
Transfer Mode  
Shows the Transfer mode. This item is not configurable.  
After entering the IDE hard disk drive information into BIOS, use a disk utility,  
such as FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk drives. This is  
necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk. Make sure to  
set the partition of the Primary IDE hard disk drives to active.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-15  
4.3.6  
SATA1–6  
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial ATA  
devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SATA device. Select a device item  
then press <Enter> to display the SATA device information.  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
SATA 1  
Select Menu  
Extended IDE Drive  
Access Mode  
[Auto]  
Item Specific Help  
[Auto]  
0 MB  
Selects the type of  
fixed disk connected to  
the system.  
Capacity  
Cylinder  
Head  
Landing Zone  
Sector  
0
0
0
0
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items  
(Capacity, Cylinder, Head, Landing Zone and Sector). These values are not user-  
configurable. These items show 0 if no SATA device is installed in the system.  
Extended IDE Drive [Auto]  
Selects the type of fixed disk connected to the system.  
Configuration options: [None] [Auto]  
Access Mode [Auto]  
Sets the sector addressing mode. Configuration options: [ꢂarge] [Auto]  
Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, make sure you have the  
correct configuration information supplied by the drive manufacturer. Incorrect  
settings may cause the system to fail to recognize the installed hard disk.  
Capacity  
Displays the auto�detected hard disk capacity. This item is not configurable.  
Cylinder  
Shows the number of the hard disk cylinders. This item is not configurable.  
Head  
Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not configurable.  
Landing Zone  
Shows the number of landing zone per track. This item is not configurable.  
4-16  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
 
Sector  
Shows the number of sectors per track. This item is not configurable.  
After entering the IDE hard disk drive information into BIOS, use a disk utility,  
such as FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk drives. This is  
necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk. Make sure to  
set the partition of the Primary IDE hard disk drives to active.  
4.3.7  
HDD SMART Monitoring [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the HDD Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting  
Technology (SMART) feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
4.3.8  
Installed Memory [xxx MB]  
Shows the size of installed memory.  
4.3.9  
Usable Memory [xxx MB]  
Shows the size of usable memory.  
4.3.10  
System Information  
This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS  
automatically detects the items in this menu.  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
System Information  
Select Menu  
BIOS Revision  
0201  
Item Specific Help  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
BIOS revision  
Displays the auto-detected BIOS version.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-17  
 
4.4  
Extreme Tweaker menu  
The ꢄxtreme Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking�related  
items.  
Take caution when changing the settings of the Extreme Tweaker menu items.  
Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction.  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
Extreme Tweaker  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Select Menu  
AI Overclock Tuner  
Overclock Options  
System Clocks  
[Auto]  
x
x
x
x
Disabled  
Auto  
Item Specific Help  
FSB & Memory Config  
CPU Level Up  
Press [Enter] to  
select overclock  
profile.  
Overclocking  
Over Voltage  
Loadline Calibration  
NVIDIA GPU EX  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
SLI-Ready Memory  
Voltiminder LED  
CPU LED Selection  
NB LED Selection  
SB LED Selection  
ROG Logo  
[ON]  
[CPU Volt]  
[NB Volt]  
[SB Volt]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
ES Selection  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
4.4.1  
AI Overclock Tuner [Auto]  
Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal  
frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking configuration options:  
Manual  
Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.  
Loads the optimal settings for the system.  
Auto  
Standard  
AI Overclock  
Loads the standard settings for the system.  
ꢂoads overclocking profiles with optimal parameters for  
stability when overclocking.  
CPU Level Up  
Allows you to select a CPU level, and the related  
parameters will be adjusted automatically..  
The following item becomes configurable when you set AI Overclock Tuner to  
AI Overclock  
[
]
Overclock Options [Disabled]  
Allows you to set the overclocking options.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 10%] [Overclock 15%]  
[Overclock 20%]  
4-18  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
 
The following item becomes configurable when you set AI Overclock Tuner to  
CPU Level Up].  
[
CPU Level Up [Auto]  
Allows you to select a CPU level, and the related parameters will be automatically  
adjusted according to the selected CPU level.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [X6800] [ꢄ6850] [Crazy]  
•
•
The configuration options may vary depending on your CPU type.  
The option [Crazy] appears only when you use a CPU above ꢄ6600.  
The following items become configurable when you set AI Overclock Tuner to  
Manual].  
[
System Clocks  
This sub-menu allows you to adjust the system frequency-related items. Select an  
item, then press <Enter> to edit.  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Extreme Tweaker  
Select Menu  
System Clocks  
Item Specific Help  
PCIEX16_2 Frequency (MHz)  
PCIEX16_1 3 Frequency (MHz)  
SPP <-> MCP Ref Clock, MHz  
[100]  
[100]  
[Auto]  
Set MCP55 PCIE  
Overclock  
PCIꢄX16_2 Frequency (MHz) [100]  
Allows you to set the PCIEX16_2 overclocking frequency. Use the <+> and  
<-> keys to adjust the frequency. You can also type the desired frequency  
using the numeric keypad. The values range from 100 to 200.  
PCIꢄX16_1 3 Frequency (MHz) [100]  
Allows you to set the PCIEX16_1/3 overclocking frequency. Use the <+> and  
<-> keys to adjust the frequency. You can also type the desired frequency  
using the numeric keypad. The values range from 100 to 200.  
SPP <�> MCP Ref Clock, MHz [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [200.0] [200.5] [201.0] [201.5]~[500.0]  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-19  
FSB & Memory Config  
This sub-menu allows you to adjust the system frequency-related items. Select an  
item, then press <Enter> to edit.  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Extreme Tweaker  
FSB & Memory Config  
Select Menu  
CPU Level Up  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
Auto  
Item Specific Help  
FSB - Memory Clock Mode  
FSB - Memory Ratio  
FSB (QDR), MHz  
Warning: this function  
belongs to  
x
x
Auto  
overclocking, and it  
may cause instability.  
Select a CPU level, and  
the rest will be auto-  
adjusted. If you want  
to adjust more, set  
AI Overclock Tuner to  
Manual after you select  
a CPU level.  
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz  
MEM (DDR), MHz  
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz  
1333.3  
Auto  
909.1  
x
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
CPU Level Up [Auto]  
Allows you to select a CPU level, and the related parameters will be  
automatically adjusted according to the selected CPU level.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [X6800] [ꢄ6850] [Crazy]  
•
•
The configuration options may vary depending on your CPU type.  
The option [Crazy] appears only when you use a CPU above ꢄ6600.  
FSB - Memory Clock Mode [Auto]  
Allows you to set the system clock mode.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [ꢂinked] [Unlinked]  
The following items become configurable when you set the FSB-Memory Clock  
Mode item to [Linked].  
FSB - Memory Ratio [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1:1] [5:4] [3:2] [Sync Mode]  
FSB (ꢀDR), MHz [1066]  
Allows you to adjust CPU FSB frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust  
the frequency. You can also type the desired frequency using the numeric  
keypad. The values range from 533 to 3200.  
The FSB (QDR), MHz item is also configurable when you set FSB - Memory  
Clock Mode to [Unlinked].  
4-20  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz  
This item reflects the actual frequency after the system reboots.  
The following item becomes configurable when you set FSB-Memory Clock  
Mode to [Unlinked].  
MꢄM (DDR), MHz [800]  
Allows you to adjust memory frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust  
the frequency. You can also type the desired frequency using the numeric  
keypad. The values range from 400 to 2600.  
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz  
This item reflects the actual frequency after the system reboots.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-21  
4.4.2  
Overclocking  
This sub-menu allows you to adjust the system frequency-related items. Select an  
item, then press <Enter> to edit.  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Extreme Tweaker  
Overclocking  
Select Menu  
CPU Type  
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU  
Item Specific Help  
E6750 @ 2.66GHz  
2.66GHz  
4096K  
CPU Speed  
Cache RAM  
CPU Multiplier  
[8]  
Memory Timing Setting  
Spread Spectrum Control  
CPU Internal Thermal Control  
Limit CPUID MaxVal  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Enhanced C1 (C1E)  
Execute Disable Bit  
Virtualization Technology  
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech.[Disabled]  
LDT Frequency  
[5x]  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
CPU Multiplier [8]  
Use the <+> and <-> keys or the numeric keypad to enter the desired value. The  
values range from 6 to 50.  
Memory Timing Setting  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Extreme Tweaker  
Memory Timing Setting  
Select Menu  
tCL (CAS Latency)  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
Item Specific Help  
tRCD  
CAS# latency (CAS# to  
read data valid)  
tRP  
tRAS  
Command Per Clock (CMD)  
Set Memory timings  
to [Optimal] to use  
the value recommended  
by the DIMM’s  
** Advanced Memory Settings **  
tRRD  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
tRC  
tWR  
manufacturer.  
tWTR  
tREF  
tRD  
tRFC  
Async Latency  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
tCL (CAS Latency) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]  
tRCD [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]  
tRP [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]  
4-22  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
 
tRAS [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]~[31]  
Command Per Clock (CMD) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 clock] [2 clock]  
tRRD [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]~[15]  
tRC [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]~[31]  
tWR [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]  
tWTR [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]~[15]  
tREF [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2]  
tRD [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]~[15]  
tRFC [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]~[127]  
Async Latency [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.00nS] [1.25nS] [1.50nS] [1.75nS] [2.00nS]  
[2.25nS] [2.50nS]  
Spread Spectrum Control  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Extreme Tweaker  
Spread Spectrum Control  
Select Menu  
CPU Spread Spectrum  
SATA Spread Spectrum  
LDT Spread Spectrum  
[Auto]  
[Disabled]  
[Auto]  
Item Specific Help  
CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]  
SATA Spread Spectrum [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]  
LDT Spread Spectrum [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-23  
CPU Internal Thermal Control [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]  
Limit CPUID MaxVal [Disabled]  
Setting this item to [Enabled] allows legacy operating systems to boot even without  
support for CPUs with extended CPUID functions.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
Enhanced C1 (CIE) [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable C1E Support.  
Configuration options: [ꢄnabled] [Disabled]  
Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.  
Setting this item to [Disabled] forces the XD feature flag to always return to zero  
(0). Configuration options: [ꢄnabled] [Disabled]  
Virtualization Technology [Enabled]  
The ꢁirtualization Technology allows a hardware platform to run multiple operating  
systems simultaneously, enabling one system to virtually function as several  
systems. Configuration options: [ꢄnabled] [Disabled]  
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
LDT Frequency [5x]  
Configuration options: [1x] [2x] [3x] [4x] [5x] [6x] [7x] [8x]  
4-24  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4.4.3  
Over Voltage  
This sub-menu allows you to adjust the system voltage-related items. Select an  
item, then press <Enter> to edit.  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Extreme Tweaker  
Select Menu  
Over Voltage  
Item Specific Help  
CPU Voltage  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
Memory Voltage  
1.2V HT Voltage  
NB Core Voltage  
SB Core Voltage  
CPU VTT Voltage  
CPU PLL Voltage  
Set CPU VID to desired  
voltage, but it will  
cause other CPU power  
management feature  
(such as C1E, EIST, and  
TM2) fail to control  
CPU VID. Select [Auto]  
to let CPU VID keep  
original value.  
Bridge Core Voltage  
DDRII Controller Ref Voltage  
DDRII Channel A Ref Voltage  
DDRII Channel B Ref Voltage  
NB GTL_REF Ratio  
CPU GTL_REF Ratio  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
CPU Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to select the CPU voltage. The text color in the configuration field  
corresponds to the onboard CPU LED color, both of which indicate voltage  
condition. When you set the CPU LED Selection item to [CPU Volt], the onboard  
CPU LED displays CPU voltage condition. Refer to page 2-1 for CPU LED  
definition.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.10000ꢁ] [1.10625ꢁ] [1.11250ꢁ] [1.11875ꢁ]  
[1.12500V] [1.13125V] [1.13750V] [1.14375V] [1.15000V] [1.15625V] [1.16250V]  
[1.16875V] [1.17500V] [1.18125V] [1.18750V] [1.19375V] [1.20000V] [1.20625V]  
[1.21250V] [1.21875V] [1.22500V] [1.23125V] [1.23750V] [1.24375V] [1.25000V]  
[1.25625V] [1.26250V] [1.26875V] [1.27500V] [1.28125V] [1.28750V] [1.29375V]  
[1.30000V]~[1.87500V] [1.88125V] [1.88750V] [1.89375V] [1.90000V] [1.95000V]  
[1.97500V] [2.00000V] [2.025000V] [2.05000V] [2.07500V] [2.10000V]~[2.30000V]  
[2.32500V] [2.35000V] [2.37500V] [2.40000V]  
Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU voltage. Setting a  
high voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may  
make the system unstable.  
Memory Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to select the memory voltage. The text color in the configuration field  
corresponds to the onboard memory LED color, both of which indicate voltage  
condition. Refer to page 2�2 for memory ꢂꢄD definition.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.80ꢁ] [1.82ꢁ] [1.84ꢁ] [1.86ꢁ] [1.88ꢁ] [1.90ꢁ]~  
[3.32V] [3.34V] [3.36V] [3.38V] [3.40V]  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-25  
 
1.2V HT Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to select the 1.2ꢁ HT voltage. The text color in the configuration field  
indicates voltage condition. When you set the SB LED Selection item to  
[SB_HT Volt], the onboard southbridge LED displays 1.2V HT voltage condition.  
Refer to page 2�2 for southbridge ꢂꢄD definition.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.20ꢁ] [1.25ꢁ] [1.30ꢁ] [1.35ꢁ]~[1.80ꢁ] [1.85ꢁ]  
[1.90V] [1.95V]  
NB Core Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to select the northbridge voltage. The text color in the configuration field  
indicates voltage condition. When you set the NB LED Selection item to [NB Volt],  
the onboard northbridge LED displays northbridge voltage condition. Refer to page  
2�2 for northbridge ꢂꢄD definition.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.20ꢁ] [1.22ꢁ] [1.24ꢁ] [1.26ꢁ]~[2.40ꢁ] [2.42ꢁ]  
[2.44V] [2.46V]  
SB Core Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to select the southbridge voltage. The text color in the configuration  
field indicates voltage condition. When you set the SB LED Selection item to [SB  
Volt], the onboard southbridge LED displays southbridge voltage condition. Refer  
to page 2�2 for southbridge ꢂꢄD definition.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.50ꢁ] [1.55ꢁ] [1.60ꢁ] [1.65ꢁ]~[1.80ꢁ] [1.85ꢁ]  
CPU VTT Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to select the CPU ꢁTT voltage. The text color in the configuration field  
indicates voltage condition. When you set the NB LED Selection item to  
[VTT Volt], the onboard northbridge LED displays northbridge voltage condition.  
Refer to page 2�2 for northbridge ꢂꢄD definition.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.20ꢁ] [1.22ꢁ] [1.24ꢁ] [1.26ꢁ]~[2.40ꢁ] [2.42ꢁ]  
[2.44V] [2.46V]  
CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to select the CPU Pꢂꢂ voltage. The text color in the configuration  
field corresponds to the onboard CPU ꢂꢄD color, both of which indicate voltage  
condition. When you set the CPU LED item to [PLL Volt], the onboard CPU LED  
displays CPU Pꢂꢂ voltage condition. Refer to page 2�1 for CPU ꢂꢄD definition.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.50ꢁ] [1.52ꢁ] [1.54ꢁ] [1.56ꢁ] [1.58ꢁ] [1.60ꢁ]~  
[2.90V] [2.92V] [2.94V] [2.96V] [2.98V] [3.00V]  
Bridge Core Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to select the PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_3 Bridge voltage.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.20ꢁ] [1.25ꢁ] [1.30ꢁ] [1.35ꢁ]~[1.50ꢁ] [1.55ꢁ]  
4-26  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
DDRII Controller Ref Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to manually set the memory voltage, or you can set to [Auto] for the  
safe mode.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [DDR2_RꢄEF] [DDR2_RꢄEF�+30mv]  
[DDR2_REF+20mv] [DDR2_REF+10mv] [DDR2_REF-10mv] [DDR2_REF-20mv]  
[DDR2_REF-30mv]  
DDRII Channel A Ref Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to manually set the memory voltage, or you can set to [Auto] for the  
safe mode.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [DDR2_RꢄF] [DDR2_RꢄF�30mv]  
[DDR2_REF+20mv] [DDR2_REF+10mv] [DDR2_REF-10mv] [DDR2_REF-20mv]  
[DDR2_REF-30mv]  
DDRII Channel B Ref Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to manually set the memory voltage, or you can set to [Auto] for the  
safe mode.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [DDR2_RꢄF] [DDR2_RꢄF�30mv]  
[DDR2_REF+20mv] [DDR2_REF+10mv] [DDR2_REF-10mv] [DDR2_REF-20mv]  
[DDR2_REF-30mv]  
NB GTL_REF Ratio [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0.637ꢁ] [0.625ꢁ] [0.615ꢁ] [0.604ꢁ] [0.588ꢁ] [0.577ꢁ]  
[0.569V] [0.559V]  
CPU GTL_REF Ratio [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0.628] [0.612] [0.600] [0.585] [0.562] [0..552] [[00.542]  
[0.530]  
4.4.4  
Loadline Calibration [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
4.4.5  
NVIDIA GPU Ex [Disabled]  
ꢄnables or disables with the optimized NꢁIDIA ꢄx graphics driver.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]  
4.4.6  
SLI-Ready Memory [Disabled]  
Allows you to select the SPD profile for SꢂI�Ready memory modules. The  
configuration options may vary depending on the memory module you install.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [CPUOC 0%] [CPUOC 1%]~[CPUOC 5%]  
[CPUOC MAX] [Expert]  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-27  
 
4.4.7  
Voltiminder LED [ON]  
Allows you to turn on/off the onboard Voltiminder LED.  
Configuration options: [ON] [OFF]  
4.4.8  
CPU LED Selection [CPU Volt]  
Allows you to switch the onboard CPU LED display between CPU voltage  
[CPU Volt] and CPU PLL voltage [PLL Volt].  
Configuration options: [CPU ꢁolt] [Pꢂꢂ ꢁolt]  
4.4.9  
NB LED Selection [NB Volt]  
Allows you to switch the onboard northbridge LED display between NB Core  
Voltage [NB Volt] and CPU VTT Voltage [VTT Volt].  
Configuration options: [NB ꢁolt] [ꢁTT ꢁolt]  
4.4.10  
SB LED Selection [SB Volt]  
Allows you to switch the onboard southbridge LED display between SB Core  
Voltage [SB Volt] and 1.2V HT Voltage [SB_HT Volt].  
Configuration options: [SB ꢁolt] [SB_HT ꢁolt]  
4.4.11  
ROG Logo [Enabled]  
If this item is set to [Enabled], the box labeled as Republic of Gamers on the  
heatpipe assembly lights up when the system is on.  
Configuration options: [ꢄnabled] [Disabled]  
4.4.12  
ES Selection [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [WOꢂ Disabled] [WOꢂ ꢄnabled]  
4-28  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
 
4.5  
Advanced menu  
The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other  
system devices.  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
Extreme Tweaker  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Select Menu  
AI NET2  
PCIPnP  
Item Specific Help  
Onboard Device Configuration  
USB Configuration  
Press [Enter] to set.  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
4.5.1  
AI NET2  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
AI NET2  
Select Menu  
POST Check LAN Cable  
[Disabled]  
Item Specific Help  
POST Check LAN2 Cable [Disabled]  
Enable or Disable LAN  
cable check during  
POST.  
Pair  
Status  
Open  
Open  
Open  
Open  
Length  
N/A  
LAN1(1-2)  
LAN1(3-6)  
LAN1(4-5)  
LAN1(7-8)  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
LAN2(1-2)  
LAN2(3-6)  
LAN2(4-5)  
LAN2(7-8)  
Open  
Open  
Open  
Open  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
POST Check LAN/LAN2 Cable [Disabled]  
Enables or disables checking of the LAN/LAN2 cable during the Power-On  
Self�Test (POST). Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-29  
 
4.5.2  
PCIPnP  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
PCIPnP  
Select Menu  
Plug & Play O/S  
Primary Display Adapter  
[No]  
[PCI]  
Item Specific Help  
Select Yes if you are  
using a Plug and Play  
capable operating  
system. Select No if  
you need the BIOS to  
configure non-boot  
devices.  
Plug & Play O/S [No]  
When set to [No], the BIOS configures all the devices in the system. When set to  
[Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system  
configures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot.  
Configuration options: [No] [Yes]  
Primary Display Adapter [PCI]  
Allows you to select the graphics controller to use as the primary boot device.  
Configuration options: [PCI] [PCI�ꢄ]  
4.5.3  
Onboard Device Configuration  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
Select Menu  
Onboard Device Configuration  
Item Specific Help  
IDE Function Setup  
Serial-ATA Configuration  
HD Audio  
Press [Enter] to set.  
[Auto]  
Front Panel Support Type  
Onboard 1st nVidia LAN  
Onboard 2nd nVidia LAN  
Onboard LAN Boot ROM  
Onboard 1394  
[HD Audio]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Current Time]  
LCD Poster Off  
LCD Poster Backlight  
LCD Poster Mode  
LCD Poster String  
x
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
4-30  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
 
IDE Function Setup  
This sub-menu contains IDE function-related items. Select an item then press  
<Enter> to edit.  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
Select Menu  
IDE Function Setup  
Item Specific Help  
OnChip IDE Channel0  
IDE DMA transfer access  
IDE Prefetch Mode  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Press [Enter] to set.  
OnChip IDE Channel0 [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the onchip IDE channel 0 controller.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
IDE DMA transfer access [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the IDE DMA transfer access.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
IDE Prefetch Mode [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the IDE PIO read prefetch mode.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
Serial-ATA Configuration  
This sub-menu allows you to change Serial ATA settings. Select an item then press  
<Enter> to edit.  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
Serial-ATA Configuration  
Select Menu  
Serial-ATA Controller  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Disabled  
Disabled  
Disabled  
Disabled  
Disabled  
Disabled  
Item Specific Help  
RAID Enabled  
Press [Enter] to  
control onchip SATA  
controller.  
x
x
x
x
x
x
SATA1  
SATA2  
SATA3  
SATA4  
SATA5  
SATA6  
RAID  
RAID  
RAID  
RAID  
RAID  
RAID  
Serial-ATA Controller [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the onboard Serial ATA controller.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
The following item becomes configurable when you enable Serial-ATA  
Controller.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-31  
RAID Enabled [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the onboard RAID controller. When set to [Enabled], the  
succeeding items become user�configurable.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
SATA1/2/3/4/5/6 [Disabled]  
ꢄnables or disables the RAID function of the first to sixth SATA drives.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
HD Audio [Auto]  
Allows you to disable or set the High�Definition audio function.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]  
Front Panel Support Type [HD Audio]  
Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC`97  
or high�definition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio  
module supports. Configuration options: [AC97] [HD Audio]  
Onboard 1st/2nd Nvidia LAN [Enabled]  
Enables or disables the onboard NVIDIA® LAN controller.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN boot ROM.  
Configuration options: [ꢄnabled] [Disabled]  
Onboard 1394 [Enabled]  
Allows you to disable or enable the onboard 1394 device support.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
LCD Poster Off [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the LCD Poster.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
LCD Poster Backlight [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the LCD Poster backlight after POST.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
LCD Poster Mode [Current Time]  
Allows you to select the LCD Poster mode.  
Configuration options: [Current Time] [User String]  
4-32  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
The following item becomes configurable when the LCD Poster Mode item is  
set to [User String].  
LCD Poster String  
Allows you to enter a string shown on the LCD Poster after POST.  
USB Configuration  
The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an  
item then press <ꢄnter> to display the configuration options.  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
USB Configuration  
Select Menu  
USB Controller  
USB Legacy support  
USB2.0 Controller  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Item Specific Help  
Enable or disable USB  
1.1 and 2.0 Controller.  
USB Controller [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the onchip USB controller.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
USB Legacy Support [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable support for USB devices on legacy operating  
systems (OS). Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-33  
4.6  
Power menu  
The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced  
Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management  
(APM). Select an item then press <ꢄnter> to display the configuration options.  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
Extreme Tweaker  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Select Menu  
ACPI Suspend Type  
ACPI APIC support  
APM Configuration  
Hardware Monitor  
[S1&S3]  
Enabled  
Item Specific Help  
Select the ACPI state  
used for System  
Suspend.  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
4.6.1  
ACPI Suspend Type [S1&S3]  
Allows you to select the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) state  
to be used for system suspend.  
Configuration options: [S1 (POS)] [S3(STR)] [S1&S3]  
4.6.2  
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface  
(ACPI) support in the Application�Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). When set  
to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
4-34  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
 
4.6.3  
APM Configuration  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Power  
Select Menu  
APM Configuration  
Item Specific Help  
Restore on AC Power Loss  
[Power-Off]  
PWR Button < 4 secs  
Power Up On PCI/PCIE Devices  
USB Resume from S5  
[Instant-Off]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
0
Press [Enter] to  
select whether or not  
to restart the system  
after AC power loss  
Power On by RTC Alarm  
Date (of Month) Alarm  
Alarm Time (hh:mm)  
HPET Support  
Power Up By PS/2 Keyboard  
x
x
0 : 0 : 0  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
Restore on AC Power Loss [Power-Off]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Restore on AC Power Loss function.  
Configuration options: [Power�Off] [Power�On] [ꢂast State]  
PWR Button < 4 secs [Instant-Off]  
Allows you to set the event after the power button is pressed for more than 4  
seconds. Configuration options: [Suspend] [Instant�Off]  
Power Up On PCI/PCIE Devices [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the PME to wake up from S5 by PCI devices & NV  
Onboard ꢂAN. Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
USB Resume from S5 [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the support of USB keyboard or mouse resumption  
from S5. Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this item is  
set to Enabled, the items Date of Month Alarm and Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm items  
become user�configurable with set values.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
Date (of Month) Alarm [XX]  
To set the date of alarm, highlight this item and press <Enter> to display the Date  
of Month Alarm pop�up menu. Key�in a value within the specified range then press  
<ꢄnter>. ꢁalue ‘0’ means everyday. Configuration options: [Min=0] [Max=31]  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-35  
 
Alarm Time (hh:mm) [ X: X: X]  
To set the time of alarm:  
1.  
Highlight this item and press <Enter> to display a pop-up menu for the hour  
field.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Key-in a value (Min=0, Max=23), then press <Enter>.  
Press <TAB> to move to the minutes field then press <ꢄnter>.  
Key-in a minute value (Min=0, Max=59), then press <Enter>.  
HPET Support [Enabled]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
Power Up By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]  
Allows you to disable the Power On by PS/2 keyboard function or set specific  
keys on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX  
power supply that provides at least 1A on the �5ꢁSB lead. Configuration options:  
[Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-ESC] [Power Key]  
4.6.4  
Hardware Monitor  
The items in this sub-menu displays the hardware monitor values automatically  
detected by the BIOS. It also allows you to change CPU Q-Fan feature-related  
parameters. Select an item then press <ꢄnter> to display the configuration options.  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Power  
Select Menu  
Hardware Monitor  
Item Specific Help  
Voltage Monitor  
Temperature Monitor  
Fan Speed Monitor  
Fan Speed Control  
CPU Fan Speed Warning  
Press [Enter] to go  
to the sub-menu.  
[600 RPM]  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
4-36  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
 
Voltage Monitor  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Power  
Select Menu  
Voltage Monitor  
Item Specific Help  
Vcore Voltage  
Memory Voltage  
1.2V HT Voltage  
NB Voltage  
[ 1.32V]  
[ 2.00V]  
[ 1.23V]  
[ 1.26V]  
[ 1.50V]  
[ 1.52V]  
[ 1.20V]  
Press [Enter] to set.  
SB Voltage  
CPU PLL Voltage  
CPU VTT Voltage  
DDR2 Termination Voltage [ 0.99V]  
3.3V Voltage  
5V Voltage  
12V Voltage  
[ 2.89V]  
[ 4.66V]  
[11.64V]  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
Vcore, Memory, 1.2V HT, NB, SB, CPU PLL, CPU VTT, DDR2 Termination,  
3.3V, 5V, 12V Voltage  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output  
through the onboard voltage regulators.  
Temperature Monitor  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Power  
Temperature Monitor  
Select Menu  
CPU Temperature  
30ºC  
35ºC  
44ºC  
47ºC  
0ºC  
Item Specific Help  
M/B Temperature  
Set NB Over  
Temperature Warning  
Message.  
NB Temperature  
SB Temperature  
OPT1 Temperature  
OPT2 Temperature  
OPT3 Temperature  
NB Overheat Protection  
SB Overheat Protection  
0ºC  
0ºC  
[90]  
[90]  
OPT1 Cable Overheat Protection[90]  
OPT2 Cable Overheat Protection[90]  
OPT3 Cable Overheat Protection[90]  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
CPU, M/B, NB, SB, OPT1/2/3 Temperature  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU,  
motherboard, northbridge, southbridge, and OPT1/2/3 fan temperatures. These items  
are not user�configurable.  
NB Overheat Protection; SB Overheat Protection [90]  
The system automatically shuts down when the northbridge or southbridge  
chipset is heated over the set temperature to protect it from damage.  
Configuration optitons: [Disabled] [70] [80] [90]  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-37  
OPT1/2/3 Cable Overheat Protection [90]  
Allows you to set the temperature over which the system automatically shuts  
down when any of the thermal sensor cables connected to the motherboard  
detects device overheat to protect the device from damage.  
Configuration optitons: [Disabled] [50] [60] [70] [80] [90]  
Fan Speed Monitor  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Power  
Fan Speed Monitor  
Select Menu  
CPU Fan Speed  
CHA_FAN1 Speed  
CHA_FAN2 Speed  
CHA_FAN3 Speed  
OPT1 FAN Speed  
OPT2 FAN Speed  
OPT3 FAN Speed  
PWR FAN Speed  
4411 RPM  
Item Specific Help  
0 RPM  
0 RPM  
0 RPM  
0 RPM  
0 RPM  
0 RPM  
0 RPM  
CPU FAN, CHA _FAN1/2/3, OPT1/2/3 FAN, PWR FAN Speed  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU  
fan, chassis fan, optional fan, and power fan speed in rotations per minute  
(RPM). If any of the fans is not connected to the motherboard, the field shows  
0. These items are not user�configurable.  
Fan Speed Control  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Power  
Fan Speed Control  
Select Menu  
CPU FAN Control  
[Duty Cycle Mode]  
[100%]  
Item Specific Help  
CPU FAN Duty Cycle  
CHASSIS FAN Control  
CHASSIS FAN Duty Cycle  
CHASSIS FAN Q-Fan Sense  
OPT FAN1 Control  
Select Fan Control  
mode.  
[Duty Cycle Mode]  
[100%]  
x
x
x
x
CPU Temperature  
[Duty Cycle Mode]  
[100%]  
OPT FAN1 Duty Cycle  
OPT FAN1 Target Temperature 40ºC/104ºF  
OPT FAN2 Control  
[Duty Cycle Mode]  
[100%]  
OPT FAN2 Duty Cycle  
OPT FAN2 Target Temperature 40ºC/104ºF  
OPT FAN3 Control  
[Duty Cycle Mode]  
[100%]  
OPT FAN3 Duty Cycle  
OPT FAN3 Target Temperature 40ºC/104ºF  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
4-38  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
CPU FAN Control [Duty Cycle Mode]  
Allows you to select the fan control mode.  
Configuration options: [Duty Cycle Mode] [ꢀ�FAN Mode]  
CPU FAN Duty Cycle [100%]  
Allows you to set the fan duty cycle. This item becomes configurable when  
you set the CPU FAN Control item to [Duty Cycle Mode].  
Configuration options: [60%] [70%] [80%] [90%] [100%]  
CHASSIS FAN Control [Duty Cycle Mode]  
Allows you to select the fan control mode.  
Configuration options: [Duty Cycle Mode] [ꢀ�FAN Mode]  
CHASSIS FAN Duty Cycle [100%]  
Allows you to set the fan duty cycle. This item becomes configurable when  
you set the CHASSIS FAN Control item to [Duty Cycle Mode].  
Configuration options: [60%] [70%] [80%] [90%] [100%]  
CHASSIS FAN Q-Fan Sense [CPU Temperature]  
Allows the Q-Fan to sense the CPU/MB temperature and to adjust the fan  
speed. This item becomes configurable when you set the CHASSIS FAN  
Control item to [Q-FAN Mode].  
Configuration options: [CPU Temperature] [MB Temperature]  
OPT FAN1/2/3 Control [Duty Cycle Mode]  
Allows you to select the fan control mode.  
Configuration options: [Duty Cycle Mode] [ꢀ�FAN Mode]  
OPT FAN1/2/3 Duty Cycle [100%]  
Allows you to set the fan duty cycle. This item becomes configurable when  
you set the OPT FAN1/2/3 Control item to [Duty Cycle Mode].  
Configuration options: [60%] [70%] [80%] [90%] [100%]  
OPT Fan1/2/3 Target Temperature [40ºC/104ºF]  
Allows the Q-Fan to sense the temperature of fans connected to OPT  
Fan1/2/3 and to adjust the fan speed. These items become configurable  
when the OPT FAN1/2/3 Control items are set to [Q-FAN Mode].  
Configuration options: [10ºC/50ºF] [15ºC/59ºF] [20ºC/68ºF] [25ºC/77ºF]  
[30ºC/86ºF] [35ºC/95ºF] [40ºC/104ºF] [45ºC/113ºF] [50ºC/122ºF] [55ºC/131ºF]  
[60ºC/140ºF] [65ºC/149ºF] [70ºC/158ºF] [75ºC/167ºF] [80ºC/176ºF]  
[85ºC/185ºF]  
You need to connect the thermal sensor cables to the OPT_TEMP1/2/3  
connectors to enable this function.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-39  
CPU Fan Speed warning [600 RPM]  
Allows you to set the CPU fan warning speed function, which gives off a warning  
when the CPU fan speed is too low. If you set this item to [Disabled], the system  
will not warn you even if no fan is installed or if the fan is not functioning properly.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [600 RPM] [1200 RPM] [1600 RPM]  
4.7  
Boot menu  
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item  
then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
Extreme Tweaker  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Select Menu  
Boot Device Priority  
Removable Drives  
Hard Disk Drives  
CDROM Drives  
Item Specific Help  
Select Boot Device  
Priority  
Boot Settings Configuration  
Security  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
4.7.1  
Boot Device Priority  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools  
Boot Device Priority  
Main  
Exit  
Select Menu  
1st Boot Device  
[Removable]  
[Hard Disk]  
[CDROM]  
Item Specific Help  
2nd Boot Device  
3rd Boot Device  
4th Boot Device  
Select Your Boot  
Device Priority  
[Disabled]  
1st ~ 4th Boot Device [Removable]  
These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices.  
The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of  
devices installed in the system.  
Configuration options: [Removable] [Hard Disk] [CDROM] [Disabled]  
4-40  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
 
4.7.2  
Removable Drives  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools  
Removable Drives  
Main  
Exit  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
1. Floppy Disks  
Use <↑> or <↓> to  
select a device, then  
press <+> to move it  
up, or <-> to move it  
down the list. Press  
<ESC> to exit this  
menu.  
1. Floppy Disks  
Allows you to assign a removable drive attached to the system.  
4.7.3  
Hard Disk Drives  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools  
Hard Disk Drives  
Main  
Exit  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
1. SATA 1: XXXXXXXXX  
Use <↑> or <↓> to  
select a device, then  
press <+> to move it  
up, or <-> to move it  
down the list. Press  
<ESC> to exit this  
menu.  
1. SATA 1: XXXXXXXXX  
Allows you to assign hard disk drives attached to the system.  
4.7.4  
CDROM Drives  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools  
CDROM Drives  
Main  
Exit  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
1. SATA 2: XXXXXXXXX  
Use <↑> or <↓> to  
select a device, then  
press <+> to move it  
up, or <-> to move it  
down the list. Press  
<ESC> to exit this  
menu.  
1. SATA 2: XXXXXXXXX  
Allows you to assign optical drives attached to the system.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-41  
 
4.7.5  
Boot Settings Configuration  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools  
Boot Settings Configuration  
Main  
Exit  
Select Menu  
Case Open Warning  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[On]  
Item Specific Help  
Quick Boot  
Press [Enter] to  
enable or disable.  
Boot Up Floppy Seek  
Bootup Num-Lock  
Typematic Rate Setting  
[Disabled]  
x
x
Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) 6  
Typematic Delay (Msec)  
250  
OS Select For DRAM > 64MB [Non-OS2]  
Full Screen LOGO  
Halt On  
[Enabled]  
[All Errors]  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
Case Open Warning [Enabled]  
Enables or disables the chassis open status feature. Setting to Enabled, clears the  
chassis open status. Refer to section “2.8.2 Internal connectors” for setting details.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
Quick Boot [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the system quick boot feature. When Enabled, the  
system skips certain tests while booting.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
Boot Up Floppy Seek [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the chassis open status feature. Setting to Enabled, clears the  
chassis open status. Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
Bootup Num-Lock [On]  
Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock.  
Configuration options: [Off] [On]  
Typematic Rate Setting [Disabled]  
Allows you to set the keystroke rate. ꢄnable this item to configure the Typematic  
Rate (Chars/Sec) and the Typematic Delay (Msec).  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
The following two items Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) and Typematic Delay  
(Msec) become configurable when the Typematic Rate Setting is enabled.  
Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) [6]  
Allows you to select the rate at which a character repeats when you hold a key.  
Configuration options: [6] [8] [10] [12] [15] [20] [24] [30]  
4-42  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
 
Typematic Delay (Msec) [250]  
Allows you to set the delay before keystrokes begin to repeat.  
Configuration options: [250] [500] [750] [1000]  
OS Select for DRAM > 64MB [Non-OS2]  
Set this item to OS2 only when you are running on an OS/2 operating system with  
an installed RAM of greater than 64 MB. Configuration options: [Non�OS2] [OS2]  
Full Screen LOGO [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [ꢄnabled]  
Make sure that the above item is set to [Enabled] if you want to use the ASUS  
MyLogo3™ feature.  
Background Transparency [00%]  
Allows you to select the transparency of the BIOS screen background.  
Configuration options: [00%] [25%] [50%] [75%]  
Halt On [All Errors]  
Allows you to set the error report type.  
Configuration options: [All ꢄrrors] [No ꢄrrors] [All, But Keyboard] [All, But Diskette]  
[All, But Disk/Key]  
4.7.6  
Security  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
Extreme Tweaker  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Security  
Select Menu  
Supervisor Password  
User Password  
Password Check  
Clear  
Item Specific Help  
Clear  
Supervisor password  
controls full access,  
<Enter> to change  
password.  
[Setup]  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-43  
 
Supervisor Password  
User Password  
These fields allow you to set passwords:  
To set a password:  
1.  
2.  
Select an item then press <Enter>.  
Type in a password using a combination of a maximum of eight (8)  
alpha-numeric characters, then press <Enter>.  
3.  
When prompted, confirm the password by typing the exact characters again,  
then press <ꢄnter>. The password field setting is changed to Set.  
To clear the password:  
1.  
Select the password field and press <ꢄnter> twice. The following message  
appears:  
PASSWORD DISABLED !!!  
Press any key to continue...  
2.  
Press any key to continue. The password field setting is changed to Clear.  
A note about passwords  
The Supervisor password is required to enter the BIOS Setup program  
preventing unauthorized access. The User password is required to boot the  
system preventing unauthorized use.  
Forgot your password?  
If you forget your password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real Time  
Clock (RTC) RAM. The RAM data containing the password information is  
powered by the onboard button cell battery. If you need to erase the CMOS  
RAM, refer to section “2.6 Jumper” for instructions.  
Password Check  
This field requires you to enter the password before entering the BIOS setup or the  
system. Select [Setup] to require the password before entering the BIOS Setup.  
Select [System] to require the password before entering the system.  
Configuration options: [Setup] [System]  
4-44  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4.8  
Tools menu  
The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select  
an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
Extreme Tweaker  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Select Menu  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
Item Specific Help  
Press [Enter] to  
select  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
4.8.1  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
Phoenix-AwardBIOSCMOSSetupUtility
Main  
Extreme Tweaker  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Select Menu  
ASUS BIOS Profile  
Item Specific Help  
Load BIOS Profile  
Save BIOS Profile  
Press [Enter] to  
select  
Load BIOS Profile  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools  
Load BIOS Profile  
Main  
Exit  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
Load from Profile 1  
Load from Profile 2  
Load from File  
Load BIOS Profile from  
Profile 1.  
Load from Profile 1/2  
Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash.  
Press <ꢄnter> to load the file.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
4-45  
 
Load from File  
Allows you to load the previous BIOS file saved in the hard disk/floppy disk/  
USB flash disk with the FAT32/16/12 format. Follow the instructions below to  
load the BIOS file.  
1. Insert the storage devices that contains the “xxx.CMO” file.  
2. Turn on the system.  
3. Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the “Tools” menu to select “Load from  
File.” Press <Enter> then the setup screen will appear.  
4. Press <Tab> to switch between drives before the correct “xxx.CMO” file  
is found. Then press <ꢄnter> to load the file.  
5. A pop�up message will inform you when the loading process finishes.  
•
•
Suggest only to update the BIOS file coming from the same memory/CPU  
configuration and BIOS version.  
Only the “xxx.CMO” file can be loaded.  
Save BIOS Profile  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools  
Save BIOS Profile  
Main  
Exit  
Select Menu  
Save to Profile 1  
Save to Profile 2  
Save to File  
Item Specific Help  
Save current BIOS  
Profile to Profile 1.  
Save to Profle 1/2  
Allows you to save the current BIOS file to the BIOS Flash. Press <ꢄnter> to  
save the file.  
Save to File  
Allows you to save the current BIOS file to the hard disk/floppy disk/USB  
flash disk with FAT32/16/12 format. Follow the instructions below to save the  
BIOS file.  
1. Insert the storage devices with enough space.  
2. Turn on the system.  
3. Enter the BIOS setup program. Go to the “Tools” menu to select “Save to  
File.” Press <Enter> then the setup screen will appear.  
4. Press <Tab> to switch between the drives. Press hot-key <S> to save  
the file.  
5. Key in the file name. Then press <ꢄnter>.  
6. A pop�up message will inform you when the saving process finishes.  
4-46  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
ASUSTek O.C. Profile Utility B324  
Current CMOS  
Update CMOS  
BOARD: STRIKER II FORMULA  
BOARD: Unknown  
VER: Unknown  
DATE: Unknown  
VER: 0201  
DATE: 11/05/2007  
PATH: A:\  
A:  
CMOS backup is done! Press any key to Exit.  
Note  
[Enter] Select  
[Tab] Switch  
[S] Save  
[ESC]: Exit  
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move  
The BIOS file will be saved as “xxx.CMO“.  
4.8.3  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
Allows you to run ASUS ꢄZ Flash 2. When you press <ꢄnter>, a confirmation  
message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No],  
then press <ꢄnter> to confirm your choice.  
ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility B324  
FLASH TYPE: Winbond W39V080A 8Mb LPC  
Current CMOS  
BOARD: STRIKER II FORMULA  
VER: 0201  
Update CMOS  
BOARD: Unknown  
VER: Unknown  
DATE: Unknown  
DATE: 11/05/2007  
PATH: A:\  
A:  
Note  
[Enter] Select  
[Tab] Switch  
[S] Save  
[ESC]: Exit  
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move  
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4-47  
 
4.9  
Exit menu  
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the  
BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
Extreme Tweaker  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Select Menu  
Exit & Save Changes  
Exit & Discard Changes  
Load Setup Default  
Discard Changes  
Item Specific Help  
This option save data  
to CMOS and exiting  
the setup menu.  
Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options  
from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.  
Exit & Save Changes  
Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the ꢄxit  
menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. An onboard  
backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned  
off. When you select this option, a confirmation window appears. Select YꢄS to  
save changes and exit.  
If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the  
program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save your changes  
before exiting. Press <Enter> to save the changes while exiting.  
Exit & Discard Changes  
Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the  
Setup program. If you made changes to fields other than System Date, System  
Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation before exiting.  
Load Setup Default  
This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the  
Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation  
window appears. Select YES to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes  
or make other changes before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.  
Discard Changes  
This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the  
previously saved values. After selecting this option, a confirmation appears. Select  
YES to discard any changes and load the previously saved values.  
4-48  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
 
This chapter describes the contents of  
the support DVD that comes with the  
motherboard package.  
Chapter 5: Software  
5
support  
 
Chapter summary  
5
5.1  
5.2  
5.3  
5.4  
5.5  
Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1  
Support DVD information............................................................ 5-1  
Software information ................................................................... 5-9  
RAID configurations .................................................................. 5-34  
Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................... 5-42  
ROG Striker II Formula  
5.1  
Installing an operating system  
This motherboard supports Windows® XP/64-bit XP/Vista/64-bit Vista operating  
systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to  
maximize the features of your hardware.  
•
Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup  
procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS  
documentation for detailed information.  
•
Make sure that you install Windows® 2000 Service Pack 4 or the Windows®  
XP Service Pack2 or later versions before installing the drivers for better  
compatibility and system stability.  
5.2  
Support DVD information  
The support DVD that came with the motherboard package contains the drivers,  
software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard  
features.  
The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without  
notice. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for updates.  
5.2.1  
Running the support DVD  
Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the  
Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.  
Click an icon to  
display support  
DVD/motherboard  
information  
Click an item to install  
If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support  
DꢁD to locate the file ASSꢄTUP.ꢄXꢄ from the BIN folder. Double�click the  
ASSETUP.EXE to run the DVD.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
5-1  
 
5.2.2  
Drivers menu  
The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed  
devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.  
ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Drivers  
ꢂaunches the ASUS InstAll driver installation wizard.  
Nvidia Chipset Driver Program  
Installs the NVIDIA® chipset drivers for the NVIDIA® nForce® 780i SLI™ chipset.  
ASUS EPU Driver + AI Gear 3 Utility  
Installs the ASUS EPU Driver + AI Gear 3 Utility.  
Install the ASUS EPU Driver + AI Gear 3 Utility before installing ASUS AI Suite.  
USB 2.0 Driver  
Installs the Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) driver.  
5-2  
Chapter 5: Software support  
 
5.2.3  
Utilities menu  
The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard  
supports.  
Click to display  
the next screen  
Click to display  
the previous  
screen  
ASUS InstAll-Installation Wizard for Utilities  
Installs all of the utilities through the Installation Wizard.  
ASUS PC Probe II  
This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages,  
and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you keep your computer  
in healthy operating condition.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
5-3  
 
ASUS Update  
The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in Windows®  
environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a network  
or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).  
3DMark06 Software  
Installs the 3Dmark06 software.  
ASUS AI Suite  
Installs the ASUS AI Suite.  
Adobe Acrobat Reader V7.0  
Installs the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader that allows you to open, view, and print  
documents in Portable Document Format (PDF).  
Microsoft DirectX 9.0c  
Installs the Microsoft® DirectX 9.0c driver. The Microsoft DirectX® 9.0c is a  
multimedia technology that enhances computer graphics and sound. DirectX®  
improves the multimedia features of you computer so you can enjoy watching  
TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in your computer. Visit the  
Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) for updates.  
Anti-Virus Utility  
The anti�virus application scans, identifies, and removes computer viruses. ꢁiew  
the online help for detailed information.  
InterVideo MediaOne Gallary  
Installs the InterVideo Media One Gallary software.  
WinDVD Copy5 Trial  
Installs the WinDVD Copy5 Trial version.  
Ulead PhotoImpact 12 SE  
Installs the Ulead PhotoImpact 12 SE software.  
CyberLink PowerBackup  
Installs the CyberLink Powerbackup software.  
Corel Snapfire Plus SE  
Installs the Corel Snapfire Plus Sꢄ software.  
5-4  
Chapter 5: Software support  
5.2.4  
Make Disk menu  
The Make Disk menu contains items to create the NVIDIA® nForce® 570 SLI™  
SATA RAID driver disk.  
NVIDIA 32/64 bit XP/Vista SATA RAID Driver  
Allows you to create a NVIDIA® 32/64 bit XP/Vista™ SATA RAID driver disk.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
5-5  
 
5.2.5  
Manuals menu  
The Manuals menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to  
open the folder of the user manual.  
Most user manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the  
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual  
file.  
5.2.6  
Video menu  
Click the Video tab to display a list of video clips. Click the Extreme OC Clip item  
to watch how an overclocking guru breaks 3DMark world record with an ROG  
motherboard.  
5-6  
Chapter 5: Software support  
 
5.2.7  
ASUS Contact information  
Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find  
this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.  
5.2.8  
Other information  
The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the  
motherboard and the contents of the support DVD. Click an icon to display the  
specified information.  
Motherboard Info  
Displays the general specifications of the motherboard.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
5-7  
 
Browse this DVD  
Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format.  
Technical support form  
Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when  
requesting technical support.  
Filelist  
Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text  
format.  
5-8  
Chapter 5: Software support  
5.3  
Software information  
Most of the applications in the support DꢁD have wizards that will conveniently  
guide you through the installation. ꢁiew the online help or readme file that came  
with the software application for more information.  
5.3.1  
ASUS MyLogo3™  
The ASUS Myꢂogo3™ utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot logo is the  
image that appears on screen during the Power-On Self-Tests (POST). The ASUS  
MyLogo3™ is automatically installed when you install the ASUS Update utility from  
the support DVD. See section “5.2.3 Utilities menu” for details.  
•
•
Before using the ASUS MyLogo3™, use the AWARD BIOS Flash utility to  
make a copy of your original BIOS file, or obtain the latest BIOS version  
from the ASUS website. See section 4.1.3 Updating the BIOS.  
Make sure that the BIOS item Full Screen Logo is set to [Enabled] if  
you wish to use ASUS MyLogo3™. See section 4.7.5 Boot Settings  
Configuration.  
•
•
You can create your own boot logo image in GIF, or BMP file formats.  
The file size should be smaller than 150 K.  
To launch the ASUS MyLogo3™:  
1.  
Launch the ASUS Update utility. Refer to section “4.1.1 ASUS Update utility”  
for details.  
2.  
3.  
Select Options from the drop down menu, then click Next.  
Check the option Launch MyLogo to replace system boot logo before  
flashing BIOS, then click Next.  
4.  
5.  
Select Update BIOS from a file from the drop down menu, then click Next.  
When prompted, locate the new  
BIOS file, then click Next. The ASUS  
MyLogo window appears.  
6.  
From the left window pane, select the  
folder that contains the image you  
intend to use as your boot logo.  
ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula  
5-9  
 
7.  
When the logo images appear on the  
right window pane, select an image to  
enlarge by clicking on it.  
8.  
Adjust the boot image to your desired  
size by selecting a value on the Ratio  
box.  
9.  
When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility, flash the original BIOS to  
load the new boot logo.  
10. After flashing the BIOS, restart the computer to display the new boot logo  
during POST.  
5-10  
Chapter 5: Software support  
5.3.2  
AI NET 2  
The AI NET 2 features the Marvell® Virtual Cable Tester™ (VCT). VCT is a cable  
diagnostic utility that reports LAN cable faults and shorts using the Time Domain  
Reflectometry (TDR) technology. The ꢁCT detects and reports open and shorted  
cables, impedance mismatches, pair swaps, pair polarity problems, and pair skew  
problems of up to 64 ns at one meter accuracy.  
The VCT feature reduces networking and support costs through a highly  
manageable and controlled network system. This utility can be incorporated  
in the network systems sofware for ideal field support as well as development  
diagnostics.  
Using the Virtual Cable Tester™  
To use the the Marvell® Virtual Cable Tester™ utility:  
1.  
2.  
Launch the VCT utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start > All  
Programs > Marvell > Virtual Cable Tester.  
Click Virtual Cable Tester from the menu to display the screen below.  
3.  
Click the Run button to perform a cable test.  
•
The VCT only runs on systems with Windows® XP or Windows® Vista™  
operating systems.  
•
•
The VCT utility only tests Ethernet cables connected to Gigabit LAN port(s).  
The Run button on the Virtual Cable Tester™ main window is disabled if no  
problem is detected on the LAN cable(s) connected to the LAN port(s).  
•
If you want the system to check the status of the LAN cable before entering  
the OS, enable the item Post Check LAN Cable in the BIOS Setup.  
ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula  
5-11  
 
5.3.3  
AI Audio 2 (SoundMAX® High Definition Audio utility)  
The ADI AD1988 High Definition Audio CODꢄC provides 8�channel audio  
capability through the SoundMAX® audio utility with AudioESP™ software to  
deliver the ultimate audio experience on your PC. The software implements high  
quality audio synthesis/rendering, 3D sound positioning, and advanced voice-input  
technologies.  
Follow the installation wizard to install the ADI AD1988 Audio Driver from the  
support DVD that comes with the motherboard package to activate the  
SoundMAX® audio utility.  
You must use 4-channel, 6-channel or 8-channel speakers for this setup.  
If the SoundMAX® audio utility is correctly installed, you  
will find the SoundMAX®/ SoundMAX® BlackHawk icon  
on the taskbar.  
5-12  
Chapter 5: Software support  
 
A.  
SoundMAX BlackHawk (AI Audio 2)  
If you are using Windows Vista™ operating system, from the taskbar, double-click  
on the SoundMAX® BlackHawk icon to display the SoundMAX® control panel.  
Enabling AI Audio 2  
Click the power button  
to activate digital signal processing. AI Audio 2,  
with the new SoundMAX® BlackHawk by Sonic Focus, brings you more multi-  
media enjoyment.  
Fidelity Compensation  
After you click the power button, the utility will compensate for the fidelity lost in the  
compression process and make the audio output quasi-original when reverting the  
compressed audio streams back to the uncompressed condition.  
Sound Field Expansion  
AI Audio 2 also expands the stereophonic sound field to a multi�channel one with  
realistic front and rear environment.  
Surround Virtualization  
Activating this function virtualizes surround sound with the vocal clarity added for  
use with stereo speakers or headphones.  
SoundMAX BlackHawk (AI Audio2) is available only under the Windows®  
Vista™ operating system.  
ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula  
5-13  
Playback Settings  
To configure the playback settings, click the Playback button on the control  
panel. You can adjust the volume of the Speakers and SPDIF Interface or  
mute the audio.  
Preset settings  
Click and expand the drop-down menu  
to select your preferred Digital Signal  
Processing (DSP) preset. Move the sliders  
to customize the values of Voice Clarity,  
Dynamics, Brilliance, and Deep Bass  
of each preset. Click Save to save the  
changes to the current preset. Or, click  
Reset to discard the changes and restore  
the preset to the factory defaults.  
Surround settings  
Allows you to change the settings of the  
stereo speakers. Move the sliders to  
change the listener position or adjust the  
center channel volume. Press the Test  
Speakers button to perform speaker test.  
Port settings  
Click this port settings tab to display the rear panel ports configuration for the  
speakers or rear panel digital port configuration for the SPDIF interface.  
5-14  
Chapter 5: Software support  
Recording Settings  
To change the recording settings, click the Recording button on the control  
panel. You can adjust the speaker delay of Microphone or Line In by moving  
the slider rightward or leftward.  
Record testing  
Port settings  
Click the tab to perform test recording  
and play the test sample through the  
speakers or the SPDIF interface.  
Click the tab to display the rear panel  
ports for Microphone or Line In.  
ANDREA settings  
Allows you to select an enhanced  
microphone input features, including  
No Filtering, Speakerphone, Voice  
Recording, and Directional Beam.  
More Settings  
Click  
for the further configurations.  
Equalizer  
Allows you to  
configure and  
customize all  
the DSP presets  
frequencies.  
ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula  
5-15  
Speakers  
Allows you to adjust the Speaker Trim and Speaker Delay.  
Bass  
Allows you to do the Bass management.  
Preferences  
Displays the preference options for this utility, version information, AudioESP, etc.  
5-16  
Chapter 5: Software support  
B.  
SoundMAX  
If you are using Windows XP operating system, from the taskbar, double-click on  
the SoundMAX® icon to display the SoundMAX® Control Panel.  
Audio Setup Wizard  
By clicking the  
icon from the SoundMAX® control panel, you can  
easily configure your audio settings. Simply follow the succeeding screen  
instructions and begin enjoying High Definition Audio.  
ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula  
5-17  
Jack configuration  
Adjust speaker volume  
This screen helps you adjust  
speaker volume. Click the Test  
button to hear the changes you  
have made.  
This screen helps you configure  
your computer’s audio ports,  
depending on the audio devices  
you have installed.  
Adjust microphone volume  
This screen helps you adjust microphone volume. You will be asked to read  
pre�written text to allow the AudioWizard to adjust the volume as you speak.  
5-18  
Chapter 5: Software support  
Audio preferences  
Click the  
icon to go to the Preferences page. This page allows you to  
change various audio settings.  
General options  
Click the General tab to choose your playback and recording devices, enable/  
disable the AudioESP™ feature, and enable/disable digital output.  
Listening Environment options  
Click the Listening Environment tab to set up your speaker, acoustic  
environment, and enable/disable the Virtual Theater Surround function.  
ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula  
5-19  
Microphone options  
Click the Microphone tab allows you to optimize your microphone input  
settings.  
5-20  
Chapter 5: Software support  
5.3.4  
ASUS PC Probe II  
PC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects  
and alerts you of any problem with these components. PC Probe II senses fan  
rotations, CPU temperature, and system voltages, among others. Because PC  
Probe II is software-based, you can start monitoring your computer the moment  
you turn it on. With this utility, you are assured that your computer is always at a  
healthy operating condition.  
Installing PC Probe II  
To install PC Probe II on your computer:  
1.  
Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab  
appears if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature.  
If Autorun is not enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support  
DꢁD to locate the setup.exe file from the ASUS PC Probe II folder. Double�click  
the setup.exe file to start installation.  
2.  
3.  
Click the Utilities tab, then click ASUS PC Probe II.  
Follow the screen instructions to complete installation.  
Launching PC Probe II  
You can launch the PC Probe II right after installation or anytime from the  
Windows® desktop.  
To launch the PC Probe II from the Windows® desktop, click Start > All Programs  
> ASUS > PC Probe II > PC Probe II v1.xx.xx. The PC Probe II main window  
appears.  
After launching the application, the PC Probe II icon appears in the Windows®  
taskbar. Click this icon to close or restore the application.  
Using PC Probe II  
Main window  
The PC Probe II main window  
allows you to view the current  
status of your system and change  
the utility configuration. By  
default, the main window displays  
the Preference section. You can  
close or restore the Preference  
section by clicking on the triangle on the main window right handle.  
Click to close the  
Preference panel  
ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula  
5-21  
 
Button  
Function  
Opens the Configuration window  
Opens the Report window  
Opens the Desktop Management Interface window  
Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window  
Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window  
Opens the hard disk drive, memory, CPU usage window  
Shows/Hides the Preference section  
Minimizes the application  
Closes the application  
Sensor alert  
When a system sensor detects a problem, the main window right handle  
turns red, as the illustrations below show.  
When displayed, the monitor panel for that sensor also turns red. Refer to the  
Monitor panels section for details.  
Preferences  
You can customize the application using  
the Preference section in the main window.  
Click the box before each preference to  
activate or deactivate.  
5-22  
Chapter 5: Software support  
Hardware monitor panels  
The hardware monitor panels display the current value of a system sensor such as  
fan rotation, CPU temperature, and voltages.  
The hardware monitor panels come in two display modes: hexagonal (large) and  
rectangular (small). When you check the Enable Monitoring Panel option from the  
Preference section, the monitor panels appear on your computer’s desktop.  
Small display  
Large display  
Changing the monitor panels position  
To change the position of the monitor panels in the desktop,  
click the arrow down button of the Scheme options, then select  
another position from the list box. Click OK when finished.  
Moving the monitor panels  
All monitor panels move together using a magnetic effect. If  
you want to detach a monitor panel from  
the group, click the horseshoe magnet  
icon. You can now move or reposition the  
panel independently.  
Adjusting the sensor threshold value  
You can adjust the sensor threshold  
value in the monitor panel by  
clicking the or buttons. You can  
also adjust the threshold values  
Click to  
increase  
value  
using the Config window.  
Click to  
You cannot adjust the sensor  
threshold values in a small  
monitoring panel.  
decrease  
value  
ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula  
5-23  
Monitoring sensor alert  
The monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower  
than the threshold value. Refer to the illustrations below.  
Small display  
Large display  
WMI browser  
Click to display the  
WMI (Windows Management  
Instrumentation) browser. This  
browser displays various Windows®  
management information. Click an  
item from the left panel to display on  
the right panel. Click the plus sign (+)  
before WMI Information to display the  
available information.  
You can enlarge or reduce the browser size by dragging the bottom right corner  
of the browser.  
DMI browser  
Click to display the DMI  
(Desktop Management Interface)  
browser. This browser displays various  
desktop and system information.  
Click the plus sign (+) before DMI  
Information to display the available  
information.  
5-24  
Chapter 5: Software support  
PCI browser  
Click  
to display the PCI  
(Peripheral Component Interconnect)  
browser. This browser provides  
information on the PCI devices installed  
on your system. Click the plus sign  
(+) before the PCI Information item to  
display available information.  
Usage  
The Usage browser displays real-time information on the CPU, hard disk drive  
space, and memory usage. Click  
to display the Usage browser.  
CPU usage  
The CPU tab displays real-  
time CPU usage in line graph  
representation. If the CPU has  
an enabled Hyper-Threading,  
two separate line graphs display  
the operation of the two logical  
processors.  
Hard disk drive space usage  
The Hard Disk tab displays the  
used and available hard disk  
drive space. The left panel of the  
tab lists all logical drives. Click  
a hard disk drive to display the  
information on the right panel.  
The pie chart at the bottom of  
the window represents the used  
(blue) and the available HDD  
ROG Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula  
5-25  
Memory usage  
The Memory tab shows both  
used and available physical  
memory. The pie chart at the  
bottom of the window represents  
the used (blue) and the available  
Configuring PC Probe II  
Click  
to view and adjust the sensor threshold values.  
The Config window has two tabs: Sensor/Threshold and Preference. The Sensor/  
Threshold tab enables you to activate the sensors or to adjust the sensor threshold  
values. The Preference tab allows you to customize sensor alerts, or change the  
temperature scale.  
Loads the default  
Loads your saved  
configuration  
threshold values for  
each sensor  
Cancels or  
ignores your  
changes  
Applies your  
changes  
Saves your  
configuration  
5-26  
Chapter 5: Software support  
5.3.5  
ASUS AI Suite  
ASUS AI Suite allows you to launch AI Gear 3, AI Booster, AI Nap, and Q-Fan 2  
utilities easily.  
Install the ASUS EPU Driver + AI Gear 3 Utility before the ASUS AI Suite  
utility. Otherwise, ASUS AI Suite will not function properly.  
Installing AI Suite  
To install AI Suite on your computer:  
1.  
Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab  
appears if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature.  
2.  
3.  
Click the Utilities tab, then click AI Suite.  
Follow the screen instructions to complete installation.  
Launching AI Suite  
You can launch AI Suite right after installation or anytime from the Windows®  
desktop.  
To launch AI Suite from the Windows® desktop, click Start > All Programs >  
ASUS > AI Suite > AI Suite v1.xx.xx. The AI Suite main window appears.  
After launching the application, the AI Suite icon appears in the Windows® taskbar.  
Click this icon to close or restore the application.  
Using AI Suite  
Click the AI Gear 3, AI Nap, AI Booster, or Q-Fan 2 icon to launch the utility, or click  
the Normal icon to restore the system to normal state.  
Press to restore to normal  
Press to launch AI Nap  
Press to launch AI Gear 3  
Press to launch AI Booster  
Press to launch CPU Level Up  
Press to launch Q-Fan 2  
ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula  
5-27  
 
Other feature buttons  
Click on right corner of the main window to open the monitor window.  
Displays the CPU/  
system temperature,  
CPU/memory/PCIE  
voltage, and CPU/  
chassis fan speed  
Displays the FSB/CPU  
frequency  
Click  
on right corner of the expanded window to switch the temperature from  
degrees Centigrade to degrees Fahrenheit.  
5-28  
Chapter 5: Software support  
5.3.6  
ASUS EPU Utility—AI Gear 3  
ASUS AI Gear 3 is a utility designed to configure and support all ASUS ꢄnergy  
Processing Unit (EPU) features. This easy-to-use utility provides four system  
performance profiles that adjust the processor frequency and vCore voltage for  
different computing needs.  
After installing ASUS AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch  
ASUS AI Gear 3 by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on your Windows OS taskbar  
and then click the AI Gear 3 button on the AI Suite main window.  
Here are some simple ways to use AI Gear 3:  
•
Click the four gear mode buttons below, including Turbo, High Performance,  
Medium Power Saving, and Max. Power Saving, or shift the gear to the  
performance setting that you like.  
•
•
Click Calibration first, and switch to Auto mode to have AI Gear 3  
automatically adjust the system performance according to the CPU loading.  
Under Auto mode, Click Settings to set the time for the system to enter AI  
Nap mode.  
Calibration  
Auto Mode  
Settings  
Turbo Mode  
High Performance Mode  
Medium Power Saving Mode  
Max Power Saving Mode  
ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula  
5-29  
 
5.3.7  
ASUS AI Nap  
This feature allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer  
whenever you are away. Enable this feature for minimum power consumption and  
a quieter system operation.  
After installing AI Suite from the bundled Support DVD, you can launch the utility  
by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows OS taskbar and click the AI  
Nap button on the AI Suite main window.  
Click Yes on the confirmation screen.  
To exit AI Nap mode, press the system power or mouse button then click Yes on  
the confirmation screen.  
To switch the power button functions from AI Nap to shutting down, just right  
click the AI Suite icon on the OS taskbar, select AI Nap and click Use power  
button. Unclick the the item to switch the function back.  
5-30  
Chapter 5: Software support  
 
5.3.8  
ASUS Q-Fan 2  
This ASUS Q-Fan 2 Control feature allows you to set the appropriate performance  
level of the CPU ꢀ�Fan 2 or the Chassis ꢀ�Fan 2 for more efficient system  
operation. After enabling the Q-Fan 2 function, the fans can be set to automatically  
adjust depending on the temperature, to decrease fan speed, or to achieve the  
maximum fan speed.  
After installing AI Suite from the bundled Support DVD, you can launch the utility  
by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows® OS taskbar and click the Q-  
Fan 2 button on the AI Suite mAIn window.  
Click the drop-down menu button and display the fan names. Select CPU Q-Fan or  
CHASSIS Q-Fan. Click the Enabled box to activate this function.  
drop-down list  
button  
Enable Q-Fan 2  
box  
Profile list appears after clicking the Enabled box. Click the drop-down list  
button and select a profile. Optimal mode makes the fans adjust speed with  
the temperature; Silent mode minimizes fan speed for quiet fan operation;  
Performance mode boosts the fan to achieve maximal fan speed for the best  
cooling effect.  
click to display the drop-  
down list and select a  
Q-Fan 2 mode  
Click Apply at the bottom to save the setup.  
ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula  
5-31  
 
5.3.9  
ASUS AI Booster  
The ASUS AI Booster application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in  
WIndows® environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS.  
After installing AI Suite from the bundled Support DVD, you can launch the utility  
by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows® OS taskbar and click the AI  
Booster button on the AI Suite main window.  
The options on the taskbar allow you to use the default settings, adjust CPU/  
Memory/PCI-E frequency manually, or create and apply your personal overclocking  
configurations.  
5-32  
Chapter 5: Software support  
 
5.3.10  
CPU Level Up  
The CPU ꢂevel Up application allows you to overclock immediately with OC profile  
presets in WIndows® environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. This  
application provides comprehensive and detailed tuning to frequencies, voltagies,  
and even timings to create a real professional level of overclocking configuration.  
After installing AI Suite from the bundled Support DVD, you can launch the utility  
by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows® OS taskbar and click the CPU  
Level Up button on the AI Suite main window.  
The options on the taskbar allow you to select the CPU level, adjust advanced  
CPU/Memory/PCI-E frequency, or create and apply your personal overclocking  
configurations.  
ASUS Maximus Formula (Special Edition) / Maximus Formula  
5-33  
 
5.4  
RAID configurations  
The motherboard comes with the NVIDIA® nForce® 570 SLI™ Southbridge RAID  
controller that allows you to configure IDꢄ and Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID  
sets.  
5.4.1  
RAID definitions  
RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data  
in parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a single  
drive but at a sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone, thus  
improving data access and storage. Use of two new identical hard disk drives is  
required for this setup.  
RAID 1 (Data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data from one  
drive to a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array management software directs  
all applications to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of the data in  
the other drive. This RAID configuration provides data protection and increases fault  
tolerance to the entire system. Use two new drives or use an existing drive and a  
new drive for this setup. The new drive must be of the same size or larger than the  
existing drive.  
RAID 0+1 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity (redundancy  
data) having to be calculated and written. With the RAID 0�1 configuration you get  
all the benefits of both RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations. Use four new hard disk  
drives or use an existing drive and three new drives for this setup.  
RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard disk drives.  
Among the advantages of RAID 5 configuration include better HDD performance,  
fault tolerance, and higher storage capacity. The RAID 5 configuration is best suited  
for transaction processing, relational database applications, enterprise resource  
planning, and other business systems. Use a minimum of three identical hard disk  
drives for this setup.  
JBOD (Spanning) stands for Just a Bunch of Disks and refers to hard disk drives  
that are not yet configured as a RAID set. This configuration stores the same data  
redundantly on multiple disks that appear as a single disk on the operating system.  
Spanning does not deliver any advantage over using separate disks independently  
and does not provide fault tolerance or other RAID performance benefits.  
If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive included in a created RAID  
set, copy first the RAID driver from the support DꢁD to a floppy disk/USB device  
before you install an operating system to the selected hard disk drive. Refer to  
section 5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk for details.  
5-34  
Chapter 5: Software support  
 
5.4.2  
NVIDIA® RAID configurations  
The motherboard includes a high performance SATA RAID controller integrated in  
the NVIDIA® nForce® 570 SLI™ southbridge chipset. It supports RAID 0, RAID 1,  
RAID 0+1, RAID 5 and JBOD for six independent Serial ATA channels.  
Installing Serial ATA (SATA) hard disks  
The motherboard supports Ultra DMA 133/100/66 and Serial ATA hard disk drives.  
For optimal performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity  
when creating a disk array.  
To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.  
Connect the SATA signal cables.  
Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.  
Refer to the RAID controllers user manual in the motherboard support DVD for  
detailed information on RAID configurations. See section 5.2.5 Manuals menu.  
Setting the BIOS RAID items  
After installing the hard disk drives, make sure to set the necessary RAID items in  
the BIOS before setting your RAID configuration.  
To set the BIOS RAID items:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Boot the system and press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to  
enter the BIOS Setup Utility.  
Enable the RAID Enabled item in the BIOS. See section “4.5.3 Onboard  
Device Configuration > Serial�ATA Configuration” for details.  
Select and enable the SATA 1~6 drive(s) that you want to configure as RAID.  
See section “4.5.3 Onboard Device Configuration > Serial�ATA Configuration”  
for details.  
4.  
Save your changes and Exit Setup.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
5-35  
 
Make sure to re�enter your NꢁRAID settings after the CMOS is cleared;  
otherwise, the system will not recognize your RAID setup.  
For detailed descriptions on the NVIDIA® RAID configuration, refer to the  
NVIDIA RAID User Guide found in your motherboard support DVD.  
Entering the NVIDIA® RAID utility  
To enter the NVIDIA® RAID utility:  
1.  
2.  
Boot up your computer.  
During POST, press <F10> to display the main menu of the utility.  
The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only, and  
may not exactly match the items on your screen.  
NVIDIA RAID Utility Oct 5 2004  
- Define a New Array -  
RAID Mode: Striping  
Free Disks  
Striping Block:  
Array Disks  
Optimal  
Loc  
Disk Model Name  
Loc  
Disk Model Name  
1.0.M XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
1.1.M XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
2.0.M XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
2.1.M XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
[→] Add  
[←] Del  
[F6] Back [F7] Finish [TAB] Navigate [↑↓] Select [ENTER] Popup  
At the bottom of the screen are the navigation keys. These keys allow you to move  
through and select menu options.  
5-36  
Chapter 5: Software support  
Creating a RAID Volume  
To create a RAID volume:  
1.  
From the NVIDIA® RAID utility Define a New Array menu, select RAID Mode  
then press <Enter>. The following submenu appears.  
Use the up or down arrow keys to select a  
RAID mode then press <Enter>.  
Mirroring  
Striping  
Stripe Mirroring  
Spanning  
2.  
Press <TAB> select the Striping  
Block then press <Enter>. The  
following submenu appears:  
8K  
↑
16K  
32K  
64K  
128K  
Optim↓  
If you selected Striping or Stripe Mirroring, use the up or down arrow keys to  
select the stripe size for your RAID 0 array then press <ꢄnter>.The available  
values range from 8 KB to 128 KB. The default selection is 128 KB. The strip  
value should be chosen based on the planned drive usage.  
• 8 /16 KB - low disk usage  
• 64 KB - typical disk usage  
• 128 KB - performance disk usage  
TIP: For server systems, we recommend using a lower array block size. For  
multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing, we  
recommend a higher array block size for optimum performance.  
3.` Press <TAB> to select the Free Disks area. Use the left or right arrow keys to  
assign the array disks.  
4.  
Press <F7> to create RAID set. The following message box appears.  
Clear disk data?  
[Y] YES  
[N] NO  
5.  
Press <Y> to clear the selected disks or <N> to proceed without clearing the  
disks. The following screen appears.  
Take caution in using this option. All data on the RAID drives will be lost!  
ROG Striker II Formula  
5-37  
NVIDIA RAID Utility Oct 5 2004  
- Array List -  
Boot  
No  
Id Status  
Healthy  
Vendor  
NVIDIA  
Array Model Name  
MIRROR XXX.XXG  
4
[Ctrl-X]Exit [↑↓]Select [B]Set Boot [N]New Array [ENTER]Detail  
A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen.  
Press <Ctrl+X> to save settings and exit.  
6.  
Rebuilding a RAID array  
To rebuild a RAID array:  
1.  
From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID  
array then press <Enter>. The RAID Array details appear.  
Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG  
- Array Detail -  
RAID Mode: Mirroring  
Striping Width: 1  
Striping Block: 64K  
Adapt Channel M/S  
Index Disk Model Name  
Capacity  
2
1
1
0
Master  
Master  
0
1
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
XXX.XXGB  
XXX.XXGB  
[R] Rebuild [D] Delete [C] Clear Disk [ENTER] Return  
5-38  
Chapter 5: Software support  
A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen.  
Press <R> to rebuild a RAID array. The following screen appears.  
2.  
Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG  
- Select Disk Inside Array -  
RAID Mode: Mirroring  
Striping Width: 1  
Striping Block: 64K  
Adapt Channel M/S  
Index Disk Model Name  
Capacity  
2
1
1
0
Master  
Master  
0
1
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
XXX.XXGB  
XXX.XXGB  
[↑↓] Select [F6] Back [F7] Finish  
3.  
Use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array to rebuild, then press  
<F7>. The following confirmation message appears.  
Rebuild array?  
[ENTER] OK [ESC] Cancel  
4.  
5.  
Press <Enter> to start rebuilding array or press <Esc> to cancel.  
After the rebuild process, the Array list menu appears.  
You will need to enter Window® XP and run the NVIDIA utility in order to  
complete the rebuilt process.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
5-39  
Deleting a RAID array  
To delete a RAID array:  
1.  
From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID  
array then press <Enter>. The RAID Array details appear.  
Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG  
- Array Detail -  
RAID Mode: Mirroring  
Striping Width: 1  
Striping Block: 64K  
Adapt Channel M/S  
Index Disk Model Name  
Capacity  
2
1
1
0
Master  
Master  
0
1
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
XXX.XXGB  
XXX.XXGB  
[R] Rebuild [D] Delete [C] Clear Disk [ENTER] Return  
A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen.  
2.  
Press <D> to delete a RAID array. The following confirmation message  
appears.  
Delete this array?  
[Y] YES [N] No  
3.  
Press <Y> to delete array or press <N> to cancel.  
Take caution in using this option. All data on the RAID drives will be lost!  
4.  
If you selected Yes, the Define a New Array menu appears.  
5-40  
Chapter 5: Software support  
Clearing a disk data  
To clear disk data:  
1.  
From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID  
array then press <Enter>. The RAID Array details appear.  
Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG  
- Array Detail -  
RAID Mode: Mirroring  
Striping Width: 1  
Striping Block: 64K  
Adapt Channel M/S  
Index Disk Model Name  
Capacity  
2
1
1
0
Master  
Master  
0
1
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
XXX.XXGB  
XXX.XXGB  
[R] Rebuild [D] Delete [C] Clear Disk [ENTER] Return  
A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen.  
2.  
Press <C> to clear disk. The following confirmation message appears.  
Clear disk data?  
[Y] YES  
[N]  
5.  
Press <Y> to clear the disk data or press <N> to cancel.  
Take caution in using this option. All data on the RAID drives will be lost!  
ROG Striker II Formula  
5-41  
5.5  
Creating a RAID driver disk  
A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® XP  
operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. For Windows®  
ꢁista™ operating system, use either a floppy disk or a USB device with the RAID  
driver.  
5.5.1  
Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS  
To create a RAID/SATA driver disk without entering the OS:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
Boot your computer.  
Press <Del> during POST to enter the BIOS setup utility.  
Set the optical drive as the primary boot device.  
Insert the support CD into the optical drive.  
Save changes and exit BIOS.  
Press any key when the system prompts “Press any key to boot from the  
optical drive.”  
7.  
8.  
9.  
When the menu appears, press <1> to create a RAID driver disk.  
Insert a formatted floppy disk into the floppy drive then press <ꢄnter>.  
Follow succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.  
5.5.2  
Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows®  
To create a RAID driver disk in Windows®:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Start Windows®.  
Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive.  
Go to the Make Disk menu, then click NVIDIA 32/64 bit XP/Vista SATA RAID  
Driver to create a NVIDIA® 32/64 bit XP/Vista™ SATA RAID driver disk.  
4.  
Insert a floppy disk/USB device into the floppy disk drive/USB port.  
5.  
Follow succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.  
Write�protect the floppy disk to avoid computer virus infection.  
To install the RAID driver in Windows® XP:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to install  
third-party SCSI or RAID driver.  
Press <F6> then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the floppy disk  
drive.  
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.  
5-42  
Chapter 5: Software support  
 
To install the RAID driver in Windows® Vista™:  
1.  
Insert the floppy disk/USB device with RAID driver into the floppy disk drive/USB  
port.  
2.  
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.  
Due to chipset limitation, the Serial ATA ports supported by the NVIDIA chipset  
doesn’t support Serial Optical Disk Drives (Serial ODD) under DOS.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
5-43  
5-44  
Chapter 5: Software support  
This chapter tells how to install SLI-ready  
PCI Express graphics cards.  
Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™  
technology sup6port  
 
Chapter summary  
6.1  
6.2  
Overview ....................................................................................... 6-1  
Graphics card setup .................................................................... 6-2  
ROG Striker II Formula  
6.1  
Overview  
The motherboard supports the NVIDIA® SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) technology  
that allows you to install up to three identical PCI Express™ x16 graphics cards.  
Follow the installation procedures in this section.  
Requirements  
•
•
•
•
In Dual SLI mode, you should have two identical SLI-ready graphics cards  
that are NVIDIA® certified.  
In 3-way SLI mode, you should have three identical SLI-ready graphics cards  
that are NVIDIA® certified.  
Make sure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI technology.  
Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia.com).  
Make sure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the  
minimum power required by your system. See page 2-38 for details.  
•
The NVIDIA 3-way SLI technology is supported by Windows® Vista™  
operating system only.  
•
ꢁisit the NꢁIDIA zone website (http://www.nzone.com) for the latest certified  
graphics card and supported 3D application list.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
6-1  
 
6.2  
Graphics card setup  
6.2.1  
Installing three SLI-ready graphics cards  
Install only identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA®�certified.  
Different types of graphics cards will not work together properly.  
To install the graphics cards:  
1.  
Prepare three graphics cards. ꢄach graphics card should have goldfingers for  
the 3-way SLI connector.  
Goldfingers  
6-2  
Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support  
 
2.  
Insert the first graphics card into the PCIꢄX16_1 slot (blue), the second into  
the PCIEX16_3 slot (white), and the third into the PCIEX16_2 slot (blue).  
Make sure that the cards are properly seated on the slots.  
3.  
Align and firmly insert the 3�way SꢂI bridge connector to the goldfingers on  
each graphics card. Make sure that the connector is firmly in place.  
3-way SLI bridge connector  
ROG Striker II Formula  
6-3  
4.  
Connect auxiliary power source from the power supply to the three graphics  
cards separately.  
5.  
Connect a VGA or a DVI-I cable to the graphics card/s.  
We recommend that you install an additional chassis fan for better thermal  
environment.  
6-4  
Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support  
6.2.2  
Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards  
1.  
Insert one graphics card into the PCIEX16_1 slot (blue) and the other into the  
PCIEX16_2 slot (blue). Make sure that the cards are properly seated on the  
slots.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Align and insert the SꢂI connector to the goldfingers on each graphics card.  
Make sure that the connector is firmly in place.  
Connect auxiliary power source from the power supply to he two graphics  
cards separately.  
Connect a VGA or a DVI-I cable to the graphics card/s.  
We recommend that you install an additional chassis fan for better thermal  
environment.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
6-5  
 
6.2.3  
Installing the device drivers  
Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install  
the device drivers.  
•
Make sure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA®  
SLI™ technology. Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.  
nvidia.com).  
•
If you are using s 3-way SLI system, make sure to install the 3-way SLI  
driver under Windows® Vista™ OS. The NVIDIA 3-way SLI technology is  
supported by Windows® Vista™ only.  
6.2.4  
Enabling the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology in Windows®  
After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers, enable the SLI feature  
in NVIDIA® Control Panel under the Windows® Vista™ operating system.  
Launching the NVIDIA Control Panel  
You can launch the NVIDIA Control Panel by the following two methods.  
(a) Right click on the empty space of the Windows®  
desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.  
(b) If you cannot see the NVIDIA Control Panel item  
in step (a), select Personalize.  
6-6  
Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support  
 
From the Personalization window,  
select Display Settings.  
From the Display Settings dialog box,  
click Advanced Settings.  
Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab, and  
then click Start the NVIDIA Control  
Panel.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
6-7  
The NVIDIA Control Panel window  
appears.  
Enabling SLI configuration  
When installing two graphics gards:  
From the NVIDIA Control Panel window,  
select Set SLI Configuration. Click Enable  
SLI and set the display for viewing SLI  
rendered content. When done, click Apply.  
When installing three graphics gards:  
1.  
From the NVIDIA Control Panel window,  
select Set SLI Configuration, and then  
click Enable 3-way NVIDIA SLI. When  
done, click Apply.  
2.  
Select the 3D Settings tab and enable  
the Show SLI Visual Indicators item.  
When this item is enabled, a green bar  
appears on the left side of the screen  
while 3D demonstrations are rendered,  
indicating the 3-way SLI status.  
6-8  
Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support  
The Appendix describes the CPU features  
and technologies that the motherboard  
supports as well as the debug code table  
for the LCD Poster.  
Appendix: CPU features  
A
 
Chapter summary  
A
A.1  
A.2  
A.3  
A.4  
Intel® EM64T..................................................................................A-1  
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST)........................A-1  
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology ...........................................A-3  
Debug Code Table........................................................................A-4  
ROG Striker II Formula  
A.1  
Intel® EM64T  
•
The motherboard is fully compatible with Intel® LGA775 processors running  
on 32-bit operating systems.  
•
The motherboard comes with a BIOS file that supports ꢄM64T. You can  
download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website (www.asus.com/  
support/download/) if you need to update the BIOS file. See Chapter 4 for  
details.  
•
•
Visit www.intel.com for more information on the EM64T feature.  
Visit www.microsoft.com for more information on Windows® 64-bit OS.  
Using the Intel® EM64T feature  
To use the Intel® EM64T feature:  
1.  
2.  
Install an Intel® CPU that supports the Intel® EM64T.  
Install a 64-bit operating system (Windows® Vista 64-bit Edition or  
Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition).  
3.  
4.  
Install the 64-bit drivers for the motherboard components and devices from  
the support DVD.  
Install the 64-bit drivers for expansion cards or add-on devices, if any.  
Refer to the expansion card or add-on device(s) documentation, or visit the  
related website, to verify if the card/device supports a 64-bit system.  
A.2  
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep®  
Technology (EIST)  
•
The motherboard comes with a BIOS file that supports ꢄIST. You can  
download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website (www.asus.com/  
support/download/) if you need to update the BIOS. See Chapter 4 for  
details.  
•
Visit www.intel.com for more information on the EIST feature.  
A.2.1  
System requirements  
Before using EIST, check your system if it meets the following requirements:  
•
•
•
Intel® processor with EIST support  
BIOS file with ꢄIST support  
Operating system with EIST support (Windows® Vista, Windows® XP SP2/  
Linux 2.6 kernel or later versions).  
ROG Striker II Formula  
A-1  
 
A.2.2  
Using the EIST  
To use the EIST feature:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Turn on the computer, then enter the BIOS Setup.  
Go to the Advanced Menu, highlight CPU Configuration, then press <Enter>.  
Set the Enhanced Intel SpeedStep (tm) Tech. item to [Enabled], then press  
<Enter>. See page 4-24 for details.  
4.  
5.  
Press <F10> to save your changes and exit the BIOS setup.  
After the computer restarts, right click on a blank space on the desktop, then  
select Properties from the pop-up menu.  
6.  
7.  
When the Display Properties window appears, click the Screen Saver tab.  
Click the Power button on the  
Monitor power section to open the  
Power Options Properties window.  
8.  
9.  
On the Power schemes section,  
click , then select any option  
except Home/Office Desktop or  
Always On.  
Click Apply, then click OK.  
10. Close the Display Properties  
window.  
After you adjust the power scheme,  
the CPU internal frequency slightly  
decreases when the CPU loading is  
low.  
The screen displays and procedures may vary depending on the operating  
system.  
A-2  
Appendix: CPU features  
 
A.3  
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology  
•
The motherboard supports Intel® Pentium® 4 LGA775 processors with  
Hyper-Threading Technology.  
•
Hyper-Threading Technology is supported under Windows® Vista/XP and  
Linux 2.4.x (kernel) and later versions only. Under Linux, use the Hyper-  
Threading compiler to compile the code. If you are using any other  
operating systems, disable the Hyper-Threading Technology item in the  
BIOS to ensure system stability and performance.  
•
•
Installing Windows® XP Service Pack 1 or later version is recommended.  
Make sure to enable the Hyper-Threading Technology item in BIOS before  
installing a supported operating system.  
•
For more information on Hyper-Threading Technology, visit www.intel.  
com/info/hyperthreading.  
Using the Hyper-Threading Technology  
To use the Hyper-Threading Technology:  
1.  
2.  
Install an Intel® Pentium® 4 CPU that supports Hyper-Threading Technology.  
Power up the system and enter the BIOS Setup. Under the Advanced Menu,  
make sure that the item Hyper-Threading Technology is set to [Enabled].  
The BIOS item appears only if you installed a CPU that supports  
Hyper-Threading Technology.  
3.  
Restart the computer.  
ROG Striker II Formula  
A-3  
 
A.4  
Debug code table  
Code  
Description  
CPU INIT  
DET CPU  
CPU Initiation  
Test CMOS R/W functionality.  
ꢄarly chipset initialization:  
-Disable shadow RAM  
-Disable L2 cache  
CHIPINIT  
-Program basic chipset registers  
Detect memory  
DET DRAM  
DC FCODE  
�Auto�detection of DRAM size, type and ꢄCC.  
-Auto-detection of L2 cache  
Expand compressed BIOS code to DRAM  
EFSHADOW Call chipset hook to copy BIOS back to E000 & F000 shadow RAM.  
INIT IO  
Initialize IO devices.  
INIT HWM  
Initialize Hardware Monitor.  
1. Blank out screen  
2. Clear CMOS error flag  
CLR SCRN  
INIT8042  
1. Clear 8042 interface  
2. Initialize 8042 self�test  
1. Test special keyboard controller for Super I/O chips.  
2. Enable keyboard interface.  
ENABLEKB  
1. Disable PS/2 mouse interface (optional).  
2. Auto detect ports for keyboard & mouse followed by a port & interface  
swap (optional).  
DIS MS  
3. Reset keyboard for Super I/O chips.  
Test F000h segment shadow to see whether it is R/W-able or not. If test  
fails, keep beeping the speaker.  
R/W FSEG  
DET FLASH  
TESTCMOS  
Auto detect flash type to load appropriate flash R/W codes into the run time  
area in F000 for ESCD & DMI support.  
Use walking 1’s algorithm to check out interface in CMOS circuitry. Also set  
real-time clock power status, and then check for override.  
PRG CHIP  
INIT CLK  
Program chipset default values into chipset.  
Initialize clock generator.  
CHECKCPU Detect CPU information including brand, type and CPU level (586 or 686).  
INTRINIT  
INITINT9  
Initial interrupts vector table.  
Initialize INT 09 buffer  
1. Program CPU internal MTRR (Pentium class CPU) for 0-640K memory  
address.  
2. Initialize the APIC for Pentium class CPU.  
CPUSPEED 3. Program early chipset according to CMOS setup. Example: onboard IDE  
controller.  
4. Measure CPU speed.  
5. Invoke video BIOS.  
VGA BIOS  
Initialize ꢁGA BIOS  
1. Initialize multi�language  
TESTVRAM 2. Put information on screen display, including BIOS logo, CPU type, CPU  
speed .  
RESET KB  
Reset keyboard.  
A-4  
Appendix: CPU features  
 
8254TEST  
8259MSK1  
8259MSK2  
8259TEST  
Test 8254  
Test 8259 interrupt mask bits for channel 1.  
Test 8259 interrupt mask bits for channel 2.  
Test 8259 functionality.  
COUNTMEM Calculate total memory by testing the last double word of each 64K page.  
1. Program MTRR of M1 CPU  
2. Initialize ꢂ2 cache for P6 class CPU & program CPU with proper  
cacheable range.  
MP INIT  
3. Initialize the APIC for P6 class CPU.  
4. On MP platform, adjust the cacheable range to smaller one in case the  
cacheable ranges between each CPU are not identical.  
USB INIT  
Initialize USB  
TEST MEM  
SHOW MP  
PNP LOGO  
ONBD IO  
Test all memory (clear all extended memory to 0)  
Display number of processors (multi-processor platform)  
Display PnP logo  
Initialize Onboard IO devices.  
EN SETUP  
MSINSTAL  
CHK ACPI  
EN CACHE  
Okay to enter Setup utility.  
Initialize PS/2 Mouse  
Prepare memory size information for function call: INT 15h ax=ꢄ820h  
Turn on L2 cache  
Program chipset registers according to items described in Setup & Auto-  
configuration table.  
SET CHIP  
AUTO CFG  
INIT FDC  
Assign resources to devices.  
1. Initialize floppy controller  
2. Set up floppy related fields in 40:hardware.  
DET IDE  
Detect & install all IDE devices: HDD, LS120, ZIP, CDROM.  
Detect serial ports & parallel ports.  
Detect & install co-processor  
New CPU installed  
COM/LPT  
DET FPU  
CPU CHG  
EZ FLASH  
CPR FAIL  
FAN FAIL  
Execute EZ Flash  
CPR error  
Fan error  
UCODEERR UCODE error  
FLOPYERR Floppy error  
KB ERROR  
HD ERR  
Keyboard error  
HDD error  
CMOS ERR  
MS ERROR  
CMOS error  
Mouse error  
SMARTERR HDD smart function error  
HM ERROR Hard monitor error  
AINETERR  
CASEOPEN Case open  
Clear ꢄPA or customization logo.  
AI NET error  
1. Call chipset power management hook.  
2. Recover the text fond used by EPA logo (not for full screen logo)  
3. If password is set, ask for password.  
PASSWORD  
ROG Striker II Formula  
A-5  
Initialize PnP boot devices  
1. USB final Initialization  
2. NET PC: Build SYSID structure  
3. Switch screen back to text mode  
4. Set up ACPI table at top of memory.  
5. Invoke ISA adapter ROMs  
6. Assign IRQs to PCI devices  
7. Initialize APM  
USB FINAL  
8. Clear noise of IRQs.  
INIT ROM  
Initialize device option ROMs.  
1. Program daylight saving  
2. Update keyboard LED & typematic rate  
NUM LOCK  
1. Build MP table  
2. Build & update ESCD  
UPDT DMI  
INT 19H  
3. Set CMOS century to 20h or 19h  
4. Load CMOS time into DOS timer tick  
5. Build MSIRQ routing table.  
Boot attempt (INT 19h)  
A-6  
Appendix: CPU features  

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