Asus Computer Hardware E8181 User Manual

MAXIMUS VI  
HERO  
Contents  
iii  
iv  
Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®....................................5-8  
v
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 adapter or extension cord. These devices  
could interrupt the grounding circuit.  
Ensure 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, ensure 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.  
vi  
 
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. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the  
motherboard.  
Chapter 2: Basic Installation  
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when  
installing system components.  
Chapter 3: 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 4: Software support  
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the  
motherboard package and the software.  
Chapter 5: RAID support  
This chapter describes the RAID configurations.  
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.  
vii  
 
Conventions used in this guide  
To ensure 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 (+).  
viii  
MAXIMUS VI HERO specifications summary  
LGA1150 socket for 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i7/ i5/ i3/  
Pentium®/ Celeron® processors  
Supports 22nm CPU  
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*  
CPU  
*
The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU  
types.  
** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list  
Intel® Z87 Express Chipset  
Chipset  
Memory  
Dual channel memory architecture  
4 x DIMM, max. 32GB, DDR3 2800(O.C.) / 2666(O.C.) / 2600(O.C.)  
/ 2500 (O.C.) / 2400 (O.C.) / 2200(O.C.) / 2133(O.C.) / 2000(O.C.) /  
1866(O.C.) / 1800(O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered  
memory  
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)  
*
Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of  
individual CPUs.  
** Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List) for details.  
2 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (Red, single at x16 or dual at  
x8/x8 mode)  
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (Black, max. at x4 mode)*  
3x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot**  
Expansion slots  
*
The PCIe 2.0 x16 slot (PCIEX4_3) shares bandwidth with PCIe 2.0 x1  
slots. The default setting is x1 mode.  
** The PCIe 2.0 x1 slots (PCIEX1_1/2/3) will be disabled when PCIe 2.0 x16  
slot (PCIEX4_3 ) operates under x4 speed.  
Integrated Intel® HD Graphics Processor  
HDMI with max. resolution of 4096 x 2160 at 24Hz / 2560 x 1600  
@ 60Hz  
VGA  
Intel® InTru™ 3D/ Quick Sync Video/ Clear Video HD Technology/  
Insider™  
Multi-GPU support  
Support NVIDIA® SLI® Technology / AMD CrossFireX™ Technology  
Intel® Z87 Express Chipset:  
6 x SATA 6 Gb/s ports*  
-
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology 12 supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and  
10  
-
Intel® Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start  
Technology, and Intel® Smart Connect Technology*  
Storage  
ASMedia® SATA 6Gb/s controller:  
2 x SATA 6 Gb/s ports **  
-
* The functions support depends on the CPU types.  
** These SATA ports are for data hard drives only. ATAPI devices are not  
supported.  
(continued on the next page)  
ix  
 
LAN  
1 x Intel® I217-V Gigabit LAN Controller  
ROG SupremeFX Audio 8-Channel High Definition  
Audio  
- SupremeFX Shielding Technology  
- ELNA® Premium Audio Capacitors  
- Front DAC playback Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 112  
dB  
- ADC recording Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 104 dB  
Audio  
- Content Protection for Full Rate lossless DVD Audio, Blu-ray  
DVD, and HD-DVD audio content playback  
- Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking  
- Optical S/PDIF out port at back panel  
Audio Feature:  
- Sonic Radar  
- DTS Connect  
Intel® Z87 Express Chipset  
6 x USB 3.0 ports (4 ports at back panel [blue], 2 ports at mid-board  
[red]*)  
8 x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports at back panel, for ROG Connect; 4 ports  
at mid-board**)  
USB  
*
Supports ASUS USB3.0 Boost, UASP standard on the Intel® native USB  
3.0 is only supported under Windows® 8.  
** 2 x USB2.0 ports at mid-board shares with ROG extension (ROG_EXT)  
port.  
1 xPS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port  
4 x USB 2.0 ports  
1 x USB BIOS Flashback button  
1 x Optical S/PDIF out  
1 x HDMI port  
Back I/O Ports  
4 x USB 3.0 ports [blue]  
1 x LAN (RJ45) port  
6 x Audio jacks  
(continued on the next page)  
x
Extreme Engine Digi+ III  
-
-
-
-
Full digital 8+2 phase CPU/DRAM power  
NexFETTM Power Block MOSFET  
60A BlackWing Chokes  
10K Black Metallic Capacitors  
ROG GameFirst II  
ROG RAMDisk  
CPU Level Up  
ROG Exclusive Features  
UEFI BIOS features  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Extreme Tweaker  
Tweaker’s Paradise  
ROG SSD Secure Erase  
BIOS Print  
GPU.DIMM Post  
O.C. Profile  
ROG Pulse  
ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 4  
-
4-way Optimization Tuning Key, consolidating DIGI+ Power  
Control, TPU, EPU, and Fan Xpert 2  
ASUS Exclusive Features  
-
-
-
-
-
AI Suite III  
USB 3.0 Boost  
USB Charger+  
AI Charger  
Disk Unlocker  
ASUS EZ DIY  
Special Features  
-
-
-
-
USB BIOS Flashback  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)  
ASUS Q-Design  
- ASUS Q-Code  
- ASUS Q-Shield  
- ASUS Q-Connector  
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)  
- ASUS Q-Slot  
- ASUS Q-DIMM  
(continued on the next page)  
xi  
1 x USB 3.0 connector (supports additional 2 USB 3.0 ports)  
2 x USB 2.0 connectors (support additional 4USB 2.0 ports, 1  
connector shares with ROG_EXT header)  
1 x ROG Extension (ROG_EXT) header  
8 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors  
1 x 4-pin CPU fan connector for smart DC/PWM mode control  
1 x 4-pin CPU optional fan connector  
3 x 4-pin Chassis fan connector  
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector  
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector  
1 x Clear CMOS jumper  
Internal Connectors  
1 x Power-on button  
1 x Reset button  
1 x MemOK! button  
1 x Directkey button  
1 x DRCT (DirectKey) header  
1 x S/PDIF out header  
1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)  
1 x System panel connector  
1 x TPM connector  
64 Mb UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI  
2.0a, Multi-language BIOS  
BIOS Features  
Manageability  
WfM2.0, DMI2.0, WOL by PME, PXE  
Drivers  
ROG GameFirst II  
ROG RAMDisk  
ROG CPU-Z  
Software  
ROG Mem TweakIt  
Kaspersky® Anti-Virus  
DAEMON Tools Pro Standard  
ASUS WebStorage  
ASUS Utilities  
Form Factor  
ATX Form Factor, 12” x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.4cm)  
Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
xii  
Package contents  
Check your motherboard package for the following items.  
Motherboard  
Cables  
ROG MAXIMUS VI HERO  
3 x 2-in-1 SATA 6 Gb/s cables  
1 x SLI® bridge  
Accessories  
I/O Shield  
1 x 12-in-1 ROG cable label  
1 x 2-in-1 Q-Connector kit  
1 x ROG Door Hanger  
Application DVD  
Documentation  
ROG motherboard support DVD  
User guide  
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.  
xiii  
 
Installation tools and components  
1 bag of screws  
Philips (cross) screwdriver  
PC chassis  
Power supply unit  
Intel LGA 1150 CPU  
Intel LGA 1150 compatible CPU Fan  
DDR3 DIMM  
SATA hard disk drive  
SATA optical disc drive (optional)  
Graphics card (optional)  
The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.  
xiv  
 
Chapter 1:  
Product Introduction  
Product introduction  
1
1.1  
Special features  
1.1.1  
Product highlights  
Republic of Gamers  
The Republic of Gamers offers you the best of the best. We offer the best hardware  
engineering, the fastest performance, the most innovative 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 Republic of Gamers and make your  
presence felt.  
LGA1150 socket for 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 / Intel® Core™ i5 /  
Intel® Core™ i3, Pentium® and Celeron® Processors  
This motherboard supports 4th generation Intel® Core™ i7/ Intel® Core™ i5/ Intel® Core™  
i3, Pentium® and Celeron® processors in the LGA1150 package. It provides great graphics  
and system performance with its GPU, dual-channel DDR3 memory slots, and PCI Express  
2.0/3.0 expansion slots.  
Intel® Z87 Express Chipset  
Intel® Z87 Express Chipset is a single-chipset that supports the LGA1150 socket 4th  
generation Intel® Core™ i7/ Intel® Core™ i5/ Intel® Core™ i3, Pentium® and Celeron®  
processors. It utilizes the serial point-to-point links, which increases bandwidth and enhances  
the system’s performance. It natively supports up to six USB 3.0 ports for up to ten times  
faster transfer rate than USB 2.0, and enables the iGPU function for Intel® integrated graphics  
performance.  
PCI Express® 3.0  
PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the latest PCI Express bus standard with improved encoding  
schemes that provide twice the performance of current PCIe 2.0. Total bandwidth for a x16  
link reaches a maximum of 32GB/s, double the 16GB/s of PCIe 2.0 (in x16 mode). As such,  
PCIe 3.0 provides users unprecedented data speeds, combined with the convenience and  
seamless transition offered by complete backward compatibility with PCIe 1.0 and PCIe  
2.0 devices. PCIe 3.0 will become a must-have feature for users who wish to improve and  
optimize graphic performance, as well as have the latest technology available to them.  
SLI®/CrossFire™ On-Demand  
This motherboard features a unique PCIe 3.0 bridge chip to support multi-GPU SLI®/  
CrossFireX  
platform to optimize the PCIe allocation of multiple GPUs, it supports up to 4-WAY GPU SLI®  
or CrossFireX configuration.  
graphics cards for an unrivaled gaming performance. With the Intel® Z87  
1-1  
ASUS MAXIMUS VI HERO  
 
1.1.2  
ROG Gaming Features  
SupremeFX  
ROG-exclusive SupremeFX audio technology has been re-engineered using a new and  
unique circuit design. It offers 8-channel HD audio that’s equal in power, clarity, and range to  
dedicated sound cards.  
We achieve near-lossless audio quality with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 112dB via use  
of multi-approach shielding. First, Red Line Shielding isolates audio hardware from the rest  
of the board to block cross-component interference. It is then added to by a special metallic  
cover placed over the SupremeFX chip to deflect EMI. These result in pristine sound and a  
highly attractive look for the motherboard in keeping with ROG style.  
A Japan-made premium ELNA capacitor ensures warm natural sound with exceptional clarity  
and fidelity for all your gaming and multimedia. This is the first-ever onboard sound capable  
of true audiophile-grade performance, set to revolutionize the way you hear games, movies,  
music, and even other people via chat. Discover a whole new dimension of superior audio  
and get ready to rule.  
Sonic Radar  
Sonic awareness can make or break online combat, so we’ve developed a stealthy overlay  
that shows you what opponents and teammates are up to. Gunshots, footsteps, and call outs  
appear with precise directioning on the on-screen radar, which gives you the advantage of  
better intelligence and avoiding sneaky opponent surprises. Even snipers can’t get away that  
easy!  
GameFirst II  
Offering powerful, yet easy-to-use network control, ROG GameFirst II with cFos Traffic  
Shaping technology is revamped with a more intuitive ROG user interface. Featuring both  
an exclusive EZ Mode for beginners to setup and Advanced Mode for professional users to  
tweak, it means whatever your PC does in the background; your fragging will always come  
first!  
Intel Gigabit LAN  
The LAN solution from Intel has been long known to have a better throughput, lower CPU  
utilization as well as better stability. With the Intel Gigabit LAN solutions onboard, the  
ultimate network experience can therefore be delivered to its users like never before.  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
1.1.3  
ROG Exclusive Features  
Extreme Engine Digi+ III  
Exclusive engineering and totally digital CPU/memory voltage regulation enable industry-  
leading voltage control on a true manual level for pinpoint tuning accuracy. Among Intelxzc  
Z87-based motherboards, only ROG offers fully manual voltage tuning, making our boards  
perfect for overclocking.  
NexFET™ Power Block MOSFETs combine great durability and up to 90% efficiency under  
normal operation, and new BlackWing chokes handle the pressure with ease, rated up to  
60A, or double generic chokes! A special fin design results in 3-5C lower choke temps for  
added stability, which is increased exponentially by use of highly conductive and efficient  
gold-treated coating. This translates into minimal-loss power delivery.  
Super-premium 10K Black Metallic solid state capacitors are forged for overclocking and  
the most extreme demands, lasting up to five times longer than generic capacitors with  
20% better low temp tolerance. Exclusive ROG engineering further allows for aggressive  
CPU overvolting, making the most of new Intel® Core processors with bigger overclocking  
headroom.  
RAMDisk  
RAMDisk reserves part of system memory and turns it into actual storage, so you can  
place favorite app and game cache files in it to enjoy high-speed RAM performance while  
accessing them. Plus, this extends SSD lifespan and keeps your main storage optimized for  
really important tasks, and you get auto data backup and restore.  
CPU Level Up  
With ROG’s CPU Level Up, overclocking has never been so easy, or cost-free. Simply select  
the processor that you want to overclock to, and the motherboard will do the rest.  
1.1.4  
ASUS Special Features  
AI Suite 3  
With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite 3 consolidates all the exclusive ASUS  
features into one simple-to-use software package. It allows you to supervise fan speed  
control, voltage and sensor readings. This all-in-one software offers diverse and ease to use  
functions, with no need to switch back and forth between different utilities.  
USB BIOS FlashBack  
USB BIOS Flashback must be the most convenient way to flash BIOS ever! It allows  
overclockers to try their BIOS with the simplist way one can imagine. No need to enter the  
BIOS or the operating system, just plug the thumb drive into the ROG Connect port & push  
the ROG Connect button for 3 seconds, BIOS would be automatically flashed under standby  
power. It’s no doubt that USB BIOS Flashback gives overclockers the ultimate convenience!  
1-3  
ASUS MAXIMUS VI HERO  
 
1.1.5  
ROG rich bundled software  
Kaspersky® Anti-Virus  
Kaspersky® Anti-Virus Personal offers premium antivirus protection for individual users and  
home offices. It is based on advanced antivirus technologies. The product incorporates the  
Kaspersky® Anti-Virus engine, which is renowned for malicious program detection rates that  
are among the industry’s highest.  
DAEMON Tools Pro Standard  
DAEMON Tools Pro offers essential functionality to backup CD, DVD and Blu-ray discs. It  
converts optical media into virtual discs and emulates devices to work with the virtual copies.  
DAEMON Tools Pro organizes data, music, video, and photo collections on a PC, notebook,  
or netbook.  
ROG CPU-Z  
ROG CPU-Z is a customized ROG version authorized by CPUID. It has the same  
functionality and credibility as the original version, with a unique design. Use the whole new  
look of ROG CPU-Z to truly report your CPU related information and your uniqueness.  
MemTweakIt  
MemTweakIt is a DRAM efficiency tool that allows you to read DRAM timings and allows you  
to post and share your DRAM configuration scores to the ROG website.  
DTS Connect  
To get the most out of your audio entertainment across all formats and quality levels, DTS  
Connect combines two enabling technologies, DTS Neo:PC™ upmixes stereo sources (CDs,  
MP3s, WMAs, internet radio) into as many as 7.1 channels of incredible surround sound.  
Consumers can connect their PC to a home theater system. DTS Interactive is capable of  
performing mult-channel encoding of DTS bitstreams on personal computers, and sending  
encoded bitstreams out of a digital audio connection (such as S/PDIF or HDMI) designed to  
deliver audio to an external decoder.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
1.2  
Motherboard overview  
Before you proceed  
1.2.1  
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.  
Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded  
object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, 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, ensure that 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, or components.  
1-5  
ASUS MAXIMUS VI HERO  
 
1.2.2  
Motherboard layout  
Refer to 1.2.9 Internal connectors and 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection for more information  
about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.  
1-6  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
Layout contents  
Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots  
Page  
1-43  
1-42  
1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)  
2. CPU, chassis, and optional fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin  
CPU_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-3)  
3. LGA1150 CPU Socket  
1-8  
4. DDR3 DIMM slots  
1-9  
5. Q_Code LEDs  
1-31  
1-26  
1-25  
1-25  
1-39  
1-38  
1-39  
1-45  
1-44  
1-27  
1-28  
1-41  
1-46  
1-46  
1-40  
1-40  
6. MemOK! button  
7. START (Power-on) button  
8. RESET button  
9. USB 3.0 connectors (20-1 pin USB3_12)  
10. Intel® Z87 Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [red])  
11. ASMedia® Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E12/E34 [red])  
12. DirectKey connector (2-pin DRCT)  
13. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)  
14. DirectKey button  
15. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)  
16. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB1112; USB1314)  
17. ROG Extension connector (18-1 pin ROG_EXT)  
18. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)  
19. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)  
20. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)  
1-7  
ASUS MAXIMUS VI HERO  
1.2.3  
Central Processing Unit (CPU)  
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1150 socket designed for the 4th  
Generation Intel® Core™ i7 / Intel® Core™ i5 / Intel® Core™ i3, Pentium®, and Celeron®  
processors.  
Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.  
Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1150 only. DO NOT install a  
CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1150 socket.  
Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure 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  
LGA1150 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.  
1-8  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
1.2.4  
System memory  
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules  
(DIMM) slots.  
A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module. DO NOT install a DDR  
or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot.  
Recommended memory configurations  
1-9  
ASUS MAXIMUS VI HERO  
 
Memory configurations  
You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the  
DIMM sockets.  
Memory module with memory frequency higher than 2133 MHz and its corresponding  
timing or the loaded XMP profile is not the JEDEC memory standard. The stability and  
compatibility of these memory modules depend on the CPU’s capabilities and other  
installed devices.  
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.  
According to Intel CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect  
the CPU.  
Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimal compatibility, we  
recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or date code (D/C)  
from the same vendor. Check with the retailer to get the correct memory modules.  
Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows OS, when you install 4GB  
or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be  
about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the  
following:  
a) Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows OS.  
b) Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the  
motherboard.  
c) For more details, refer to the Microsoft® support site at http://support.microsoft.  
com/kb/929605/en-us.  
This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less  
(Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1 Megabyte/MB).  
The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect  
(SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.  
Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a  
lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked or at  
a higher frequency, refer to section 3.4 Extreme Tweaker menu for manual memory  
frequency adjustment.  
For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full  
memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.  
1-10  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
MAXIMUS VI HERO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR3 2800 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip  
NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
2
4
AVEXIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
AVD3U28001204G-4CI  
CMD16GX3M4A2800C11  
CMD16GX3M4A2800C12  
F3-2800C11D-8GTXD  
F3-2800C11Q-16GTXD  
F3-2800C11D-8GTXDG  
F3-2800C11Q-16GTXDG  
F3-2800C12Q-32GTXG  
F3-2800C10D-8GBTXD  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
32GB (4 x 8GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12-14-14-35  
11-14-14-35  
12-14-14-36  
11-13-13-35  
11-13-13-35  
11-14-14-35  
11-13-13-35  
12-13-13-35  
10-13-13-35  
1.65V  
1.65V  
1.65V  
1.65V  
1.65V  
1.65V  
1.65V  
1.65V  
1.65V  
DDR3 2666 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip  
NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
2
4
Apacer  
Apacer  
Apacer  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
78.BAGFF.AFC0C(XMP)  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
16GB ( 2x 8GB )  
32GB ( 4x 8GB )  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
32GB ( 4x 8GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
16GB ( 2x 8GB )  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12-13-13-35  
12-13-13-35  
12-13-13-35  
-
-
78.BAGFR.AFD0C(XMP)  
-
78.CAGFF.AFD0C(XMP)  
-
F3-2666C11Q-32GTXD(XMP)  
F3-2666CL10Q-16GBZHD(XMP)  
GOC332GB2666C11QC(XMP)  
TXD34G2666HC11CBK(XMP)  
TXD38G2666HC11CBK(XMP)  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
10-12-12-31  
11-13-13-32  
11-13-13-35  
11-13-13-35  
Team  
Team  
DDR3 2600 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip  
NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
2
4
A-DATA  
AX3U2600GW8G11(XMP)  
16GB ( 2x 8GB )  
DS  
-
-
11-13-13-35  
1.65  
1-11  
ASUS MAXIMUS VI HERO  
DDR3 2500 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip  
NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
2
4
G.SKILL  
F3-20000CL10Q-16GBZHD(XMP)  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
DS  
-
-
10-11-11-31  
1.65  
DDR3 2400 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip  
NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
2
4
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
Apacer  
AX3U2400GC4G10(XMP)  
AX3U2400GW8G11(XMP)  
78.BAGFL.AFD0C(XMP)  
783BAGF3.AFD0C(XMP)  
CMGTX8(XMP)  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10-12-12-31  
11-13-13-35  
11-12-12-30  
11-11-11-30  
10-12-10-30  
10-12-12-31  
1.65  
1.65  
-
16GB ( 2x 8GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
8GB ( 4x 2GB )  
16GB ( 2x 8GB )  
Apacer  
-
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
1.65  
1.65  
CMZ16GX3M2A2400C10  
(Ver4.21)  
CORSAIR  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
CMZ16GX3M4A2400C9R  
(Ver4.13)(XMP)  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
32GB ( 4x 8GB )  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
4G ( 2x 2G )  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2400 9-11-11-31  
10-12-12-31  
11-11-11-31  
11-11-11-31  
9-11-9-28  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
F3-19200CL10Q-  
32GBZHD(XMP)  
F3-19200CL11Q-  
16GBZHD(XMP)  
F3-19200CL11Q-  
16GBZHD(XMP)  
F3-19200CL9D-  
4GBPIS(XMP)  
F3-19200CL9Q-  
16GBZMD(XMP)  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
8GB ( 4x 2GB )  
9-11-11-31  
GET34GB2400C9DC  
(XMP)  
9-11-9-27  
GEIL  
GOC316GB2400C10QC  
(XMP)  
10-11-11-30  
11-11-11-30  
11-13-11-30  
GEIL  
GOC316GB2400C11QC  
(XMP)  
Kingston  
KHX2400C11D3K4/  
8GX(XMP)  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
Patriot  
KHX24C11K4/16X(XMP)  
KHX24C11T2K2/8X(XMP)  
KHX24C11T3K4/32X(XMP)  
PVV34G2400C9K(XMP)  
PXD38G2400C11K(XMP)  
PXD38G2400C11K(XMP)  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
32GB ( 4x 8GB )  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
8GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
11-13-13-30  
-
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.66  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
9-9-9-24  
9-11-9-27  
11-11-11-30  
2400 11-11-11-30  
10-12-12-31  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Team  
TXD38G2400HC10QBK  
(XMP)  
1-12  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
DDR3 2200 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip  
NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
2
4
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
F3-17600CL7D-4GBFLS(XMP)  
GET34GB2200C9DC(XMP)  
GET38GB2200C9ADC(XMP)  
4G ( 2x 2G )  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
7-10-10-28  
9-10-9-28  
9-11-9-28  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
GEIL  
DDR3 2133 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip  
NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
2
4
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
Apacer  
AX3U2133XC4G10(XMP)  
AX3U2133XW8G10(XMP)  
AX3U2133XW8G10(XMP)  
78.BAGE4.AFD0C(XMP)  
AHU04GFB33CAQ3R(XMP)  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10-11-11-30  
10-11-11-30  
10-11-11-30  
9-9-9-24  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
-
16GB ( 2x 8GB )  
8GB  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
4GB  
Apacer  
11-13-13-31  
9-11-10-27  
-
CORSAIR  
CMD8GX3M2A2133C9  
(Ver1.5)(XMP)  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
1.5  
CORSAIR  
CMT4GX3M2B2133C9(Ver  
7.1)(XMP)  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
DS  
-
-
9-10-9-27  
1.5  
CORSAIR  
G.SKILL  
CMT4GX3M2B2133C9(XMP)  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
64GB ( 8x 8GB )  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
9-10-9-27  
1.5  
1.5  
F3-17000CL11Q2-  
64GBZLD(XMP)  
11-11-11-30  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
F3-17000CL9Q-  
16GBXLD(XMP)  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-11-9-28  
9-11-10-28  
9-9-9-24  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
F3-17000CL9Q-  
16GBZH(XMP)  
F3-17066CL9D-  
8GBPID(XMP)  
F3-17066CL9Q-  
16GBTDD(XMP)  
9-9-9-24  
G.SKILL  
F3-2133C11Q-32GZL(XMP)  
32GB ( 4x 8GB )  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
11-11-11-31  
11-12-11-30  
1.5  
KINGSTON  
KHX2133C11D3K4/  
16GX(XMP)  
1.65  
KINGSTON  
OCZ  
KHX21C11T3FK8/64X(XMP)  
OCZ3XTEP2133C9LV4GK  
PV316G213C1K(XMP)  
64GB ( 8x 8GB )  
2GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
7-7-7-20  
1.65  
1.5  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
16GB ( 2x 8GB )  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
11-11-11-30  
9-11-9-27  
9-9-9-24  
PVV34G2133C9K(XMP)  
PXD38G2133C11K(XMP)  
PXD38G2133C11K(XMP)  
1.66  
1.65  
1.5  
2133 11-11-  
11-27  
Team  
Team  
TLD38G2133HC11ABK  
(XMP)  
8GB  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
11-11-11-31  
11-11-11-31  
1.65  
1.65  
TXD34096M2133HC11A-  
V(XMP)  
1-13  
ASUS MAXIMUS VI HERO  
DDR3 2000 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
2
4
AEXEA  
AEXEA  
AXA3ES2G2000LG28V  
(XMP)  
2GB  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
1.65  
1.65  
AXA3ES4GK2000LG28V  
(XMP)  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
Apacer  
Asint  
78.AAGD5.9KD (XMP)  
6GB ( 3x 2GB )  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
-
-
9-9-9-27  
9-9-9-27  
-
-
SLA302G08-ML2HB  
(XMP)  
Hynix  
H5TQ2G83BFRH9C  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
GEIL  
F3-16000CL9D-4GBRH  
(XMP)  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-28  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
F3-16000CL9D-4GBTD  
(XMP)  
GUP34GB2000C9DC  
(XMP)  
Patriot  
Patriot  
Patriot  
PV736G2000ELK (XMP)  
PVT36G2000LLK (XMP)  
6GB ( 3x 2GB )  
6GB ( 3x 2GB )  
12GB ( 3x 4GB )  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
7-7-7-20  
8-8-8-24  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
PX7312G2000ELK  
(XMP)  
9-11-  
9-27  
Silicon  
Power  
SP002GBLYU200S02  
(XMP)  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
2GB  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
Team  
Team  
Team  
TXD32048M2000C9  
(XMP)  
Team  
Team  
Team  
T3D1288RT-20  
T3D1288LT-20  
T3D1288RT-20  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
9-9-9-24  
1.5  
1.5  
1.6  
TXD32048M2000C9-L  
(XMP)  
TXD32048M2000C9-L  
(XMP)  
1-14  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
DDR3 1866 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip  
NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
2
4
A-DATA  
AX3U1866XW8G10(XMP)  
16GB ( 2x 8GB )  
16GB ( 2x 8GB )  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
10-11-10-30  
1.5  
1.5  
CORSAIR  
CMD16GX3M2A1866C9  
(Ver5.29)(XMP)  
1866 9-9-9-27  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CMD16GX3M4A1866C9  
(Ver4.13)(XMP)  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
32GB ( 4x 8GB )  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
32GB ( 4x 8GB )  
32GB ( 4x 8GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-10-9-27  
9-10-9-27  
-
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
CMD16GX3M4A1866C9  
(Ver8.16)(XMP)  
CMD8GX3M2A1866C9  
(Ver4.13)(XMP)  
CMD8GX3M2A1866C9  
(Ver5.12)(XMP)  
9-10-9-27  
9-10-9-27  
9-10-9-27  
9-10-9-27  
9-10-9-27  
10-11-10-27  
10-11-10-27  
9-10-9-27  
9-10-9-27  
CMD8GX3M2A1866C9  
(Ver8.16)(XMP)  
CMT32GX3M4X1866C9(Ver3  
.23)(XMP)  
CMZ16GX3M4X1866C9R  
(Ver8.16)(XMP)  
CMZ16GX3M4X1866C9R(Ver  
8.16)(XMP)  
CMZ32GX3M4X1866C10  
(Ver3.23)(XMP)  
CMZ32GX3M4X1866C10(Ver  
3.23)(XMP)  
CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9  
(Ver8.16)(XMP)  
CORSAIR  
CORSAIR  
CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9(XMP)  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
1.5  
1.5  
CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9G  
(Ver5.12)(XMP)  
1866 9-10-  
9-27  
Crucial  
BLE4G3D1869DE1XT0.16F  
MD(XMP)  
4GB  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
9-9-9-27  
1.5  
1.5  
G.SKILL  
F3-14900CL10Q2-  
64GBZLD(XMP)  
64GB ( 8x 8GB )  
10-11-10-30  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
KINGSTON  
Patriot  
F3-14900CL9D-8GBSR(XMP)  
F3-14900CL9Q-16GBXL(XMP)  
F3-14900CL9Q-16GBZL(XMP)  
F3-14900CL9Q-8GBFLD(XMP)  
F3-1866C9Q-32GXM(XMP)  
KHX1866C9D3K2/8GX(XMP)  
PXD34G1866ELK(XMP)  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
16GB ( 4x 4GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
32GB ( 4x 8GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
8GB ( 2x 4GB )  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9-10-9-28  
9-10-9-28  
9-10-9-28  
9-9-9-24  
9-10-9-28  
-
1.5  
1.5  
1.5  
1.6  
1.5  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.65  
1.5  
9-9-9-24  
9-11-9-27  
9-11-9-27  
Patriot  
PXD38G1866ELK(XMP)  
Patriot  
PXD38G1866ELK(XMP)  
Patriot  
PXD38G1866ELK(XMP)  
1866 9-10-  
9-27  
Team  
Team  
Team  
Team  
TED34G1866HC13BK  
4GB  
8GB  
4GB  
8GB  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
TED38G1866HC-13BK  
-
-
TLD34G1866HC9KBK(XMP)  
TLD38G1866HC10SBK(XMP)  
9-11-9-27  
1.5  
1.5  
10-11-10-30  
1-15  
ASUS MAXIMUS VI HERO  
DDR3 1800 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip  
NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
2
4
G.SKILL  
F3-14400CL9D-4GBRL(XMP)  
4GB ( 2x 2GB )  
DS  
-
-
9-9-9-24  
1.65  
DDR3 1600 MHz capability  
Vendors  
Part No.  
Size  
SS/  
DS  
Chip  
Brand  
Chip NO.  
Timing  
Voltage  
DIMM  
socket  
support  
(Optional)  
2
4
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
AD3U1600C2G11  
AD3U1600C4G11  
AD3U1600W4G11  
AD3U1600W8G11  
2GB  
4GB  
4GB  
8GB  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
MICRON  
MICRON  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
-
D9PFJ  
D9PFJ  
11-11-11-28  
11-11-11-28  
11-11-11-28  
11-11-11-28  
9-9-9-24  
-
-