Asus E3001 User Manual

Striker  
Contents  
Notices........................................................................................................ vii  
Safety information .................................................................................... viii  
About this guide ......................................................................................... ix  
Striker specifications summary ................................................................ xi  
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  
Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2  
ASUS ROG unique features .......................................... 1-4  
Chapter 2:  
Hardware information  
2.1  
2.2  
Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1  
Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-2  
2.2.1  
2.2.2  
2.2.3  
2.2.4  
2.2.5  
Placement direction ........................................................ 2-2  
Screw holes .................................................................... 2-2  
ASUS Stack Cool 2......................................................... 2-3  
Motherboard layout......................................................... 2-4  
Layout contents............................................................... 2-5  
2.3  
2.4  
2.5  
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-7  
2.3.1  
2.3.2  
2.3.3  
2.3.4  
Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-8  
Installing the CPU heatsink and fan.............................. 2-10  
Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 2-12  
Installing the optional fan .............................................. 2-14  
System memory ......................................................................... 2-15  
2.4.1  
2.4.2  
2.4.3  
2.4.4  
Overview....................................................................... 2-15  
Memory configurations.................................................. 2-16  
Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-17  
Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-17  
Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-18  
2.5.1  
2.5.2  
2.5.3  
2.5.4  
Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-18  
Configuring an expansion card ..................................... 2-18  
Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-19  
PCI slots........................................................................ 2-20  
iii  
Contents  
2.5.5  
2.5.6  
PCI Express x1 slot....................................................... 2-20  
PCI Express x16 slots................................................... 2-20  
2.6  
2.7  
2.8  
Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-21  
Audio Card Installation.............................................................. 2-22  
Connectors ................................................................................. 2-23  
2.8.1  
2.8.2  
2.8.3  
Rear panel connectors.................................................. 2-23  
Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-26  
Onboard switches ......................................................... 2-38  
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  
4.1.6  
ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 4-1  
Creating a bootable floppy disk....................................... 4-4  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 4-5  
Updating the BIOS.......................................................... 4-6  
Saving the current BIOS file............................................ 4-8  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility ...................................... 4-9  
4.2  
BIOS setup program .................................................................. 4-10  
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.........................................................4-11  
Menu bar........................................................................4-11  
Legend bar.................................................................... 4-12  
Menu items ................................................................... 4-12  
Sub-menu items............................................................ 4-12  
Configuration fields ....................................................... 4-12  
Pop-up window ............................................................. 4-13  
General help ................................................................. 4-13  
4.3  
Main menu .................................................................................. 4-14  
4.3.1  
4.3.2  
4.3.3  
System Time ................................................................. 4-14  
System Date ................................................................. 4-14  
Language...................................................................... 4-14  
iv  
Contents  
4.3.4  
4.3.5  
4.3.6  
4.3.7  
4.3.8  
4.3.9  
Legacy Diskette A ......................................................... 4-14  
Primary IDE Master/Slave............................................. 4-15  
SATA1/2/3/4/5/6..............................................................................4-17  
HDD SMART Monitoring............................................... 4-18  
Installed Memory........................................................... 4-18  
Usable Memory............................................................. 4-18  
4.4  
Extreme Tweaker menu ............................................................. 4-19  
4.4.1  
4.4.2  
4.4.3  
4.4.4  
4.4.5  
4.4.6  
AI Tuning [Auto] ............................................................ 4-19  
Overclocking ................................................................. 4-22  
Over Voltage ................................................................. 4-24  
NVIDIA GPU Ex ............................................................ 4-25  
SLI-Ready Memory....................................................... 4-25  
SLI-Ready Memory CPUOC......................................... 4-25  
4.5  
4.6  
Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-26  
4.5.1  
4.5.2  
4.5.3  
AI NET2 ........................................................................ 4-26  
PCIPnP ......................................................................... 4-27  
Onboard Device Configuration...................................... 4-28  
Power menu................................................................................ 4-31  
4.6.1  
4.6.2  
4.6.3  
4.6.4  
ACPI Suspend Type...................................................... 4-31  
ACPI APIC Support....................................................... 4-31  
APM Configuration........................................................ 4-32  
Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 4-34  
4.7  
Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-38  
4.7.1  
4.7.2  
4.7.3  
4.7.4  
4.7.5  
4.7.6  
Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 4-38  
Removable Drives......................................................... 4-39  
Hard Disk Drives........................................................... 4-39  
CDROM Drives ............................................................. 4-39  
Boot Settings Configuration ......................................... 4-40  
Security......................................................................... 4-41  
4.8  
4.9  
Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-43  
4.8.1  
4.8.2  
4.8.3  
ASUS Music Alarm........................................................ 4-43  
ASUS O.C. Profile......................................................... 4-44  
ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 4-46  
Exit menu.................................................................................... 4-47  
v
Contents  
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  
Running the support DVD............................................... 5-1  
Drivers menu................................................................... 5-2  
Utilities menu .................................................................. 5-3  
Make Disk menu ............................................................. 5-5  
Manuals menu ................................................................ 5-6  
ASUS Contact information.............................................. 5-6  
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  
ASUS MyLogo3™........................................................... 5-9  
SoundMAX® High Definition Audio utility........................5-11  
ASUS PC Probe II......................................................... 5-16  
ASUS Music Alarm........................................................ 5-22  
ASUS Ai Booster........................................................... 5-25  
5.4  
RAID configurations .................................................................. 5-26  
5.4.1  
RAID definitions ............................................................ 5-26  
5.4.2  
NVIDIA® RAID configurations........................................ 5-27  
5.5  
Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................... 5-34  
Chapter 6:  
NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support  
6.1  
6.2  
Overview ....................................................................................... 6-1  
Dual graphics card setup ............................................................ 6-2  
6.2.1  
6.2.2  
6.2.3  
Installing SLI-ready graphics cards................................. 6-2  
Installing the device drivers............................................. 6-5  
Enabling the multi-GPU feature in Windows® ................. 6-5  
vi  
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.  
vii  
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.  
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) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local  
regulations for disposal of electronic products.  
viii  
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 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. Descriptions of the BIOS items 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 tells how to install SLI-ready PCI Express graphics cards.  
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.  
ix  
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  
x
Striker specifications summary  
CPU  
LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™2 Extreme / Core™2  
Duo / Pentium® Extreme / Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 /  
Celeron® D Processors  
Intel® Quad-core CPU Ready  
Compatible with Intel® 06/05B/05A processors  
Note: Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the Intel® CPU support  
list.  
Chipset  
NVIDIA® nForce 680i SLI  
-
Supports SLI-Ready Memory Technology  
Front Side Bus  
Memory  
1333** / 1066 / 800 / 533 MHz  
Dual-channel memory architecture  
-
4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support non-ECC  
unbuffered DDR2 800/667/533 MHz memory modules  
Supports up to 8 GB system memory  
-
Note: Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest Qualified  
Vendors List (QVL).  
SLI-Ready Memory  
Expansion slots  
1200 MHz  
2 x PCI Express™ x16 slots support NVIDIA®  
SLI™ technology at full x16, x16 speed (blue)  
1 x PCI Express™ 16, at x 8 speed (middle)  
1 x PCI Express™ x1  
2 x PCI 2.2  
Scalable Link Interface  
(SLI™)  
Supports two identical NVIDIA® SLI™-Ready graphics  
cards (both at x16 mode)  
Note: The blue PCI Express x 16 slots support NVIDIA® SLI™  
technology at full x16, x16 speed. The middle slot is for an add-on card at  
x8 speed.  
Storage/RAID  
Southbridge supports:  
-
-
-
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33  
6 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s  
NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID supports RAID 0, 1,  
0+1, 5 and JBOD configuration across Serial ATA  
drives  
LAN  
NVIDIA® nForce 680i SLI built-in dual Gigabit MAC with  
external Marvell PHY  
-
Supports NVIDIA® DualNet®å Technology  
(continued on the next page)  
xi  
Striker specifications summary  
High Definition Audio  
SupremeFX Audio Card  
-
-
ADI 1988B 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC  
Supports Jack-Sensing, Enumeration,  
Multi-streaming and Jack-Retasking  
Noise Filter  
-
Coaxial, Optical S/PDIF out  
DTS® Connect  
IEEE 1394  
USB  
VIA6308P controller supports:  
-
2 x IEEE 1394a connectors (1 at mid-board, 1 on  
the rear panel)  
Supports up to 10 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 at mid-board, 4  
on the rear panel)  
ASUS Exclusive  
Extreme Tweaker  
Overclocking features  
Intelligent overclocking tools:  
-
-
-
AI NOS™ (Non-delay Overclocking System)  
AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)  
AI Booster  
Overclocking protection:  
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)  
-
ASUS Unique features  
LCD Poster  
Onboard Switches: Power / Reset / Clr CMOS  
Q-Connector  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
ASUS Music Alarm  
ASUS MyLogo 3  
Rear panel  
1 x LCD Poster  
1 x PS/2 Keyboard port (purple)  
1 x PS/2 Mouse (green)  
1 x Optical S/PDIF Output port  
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Output port  
2 x LAN (RJ45) port  
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
1 x IEEE1394a port  
(continued on the next page)  
xii  
Striker specifications summary  
Internal connectors  
1 x Floppy disk drive connector  
1 x IDE connector for 2 devices  
6 x Serial ATA connectors  
3 x USB 2.0 connectors support six additional USB 2.0  
ports  
1 x IEEE 1394a port connector  
1 x Chassis intrusion connector  
1 x 24-pin ATX power connector  
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector  
1 x S/PDIF output connector  
3 x thermal sensor connectors  
8 x Fan connectors: 1 x CPU / 1 x Power / 1 x Chassis /  
5 x optional fan connectors  
System panel connector  
BIOS features  
8 Mb AWARD BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS  
2.3, Multi-Language BIOS  
Manageability  
Accessories  
WOL by PME, WOR by PME, Chasis Intrusion, PXE  
SLI bridge  
ASUS optional fan  
ASUS Q-connector Kit  
UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable  
Floppy disk drive cable  
SATA cables  
SATA power cables  
Cable ties  
2-port USB2.0 module  
IEEE1394a module  
I/O shield  
User’s manual  
Support DVD contents  
The hottest 3D game: Ghost Recon  
Device drivers  
ASUS PC Probe II  
ASUS Update  
ASUS AI Booster  
Futuremark® 3DMark® 06 Advanced Edition  
Kaspersky® Anti-virus  
NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID  
Form factor  
ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.5 cm)  
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
** available when the installed CPU is supporting 1333MHz FSB.  
xiii  
xiv  
This chapter describes the motherboard  
features and the new technologies  
it supports.  
Product  
1
introduction  
Chapter summary  
1
1.1  
1.2  
1.3  
Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1  
Package contents......................................................................... 1-1  
Special features............................................................................ 1-2  
ASUS Striker  
1.1  
Welcome!  
Thank you for buying an ASUS® Striker 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 modules  
ROG Series: ASUS Striker motherboard  
1 x 1-port IEEE 1394a module  
1 x 2-port USB 2.0 module  
Cables  
Serial ATA power and signal cables for 6 devices  
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable  
1 x Floppy disk drive cable  
Cable ties  
Accessories  
I/O shield  
1 x ASUS Optional Fan  
1 x 3-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector Kit  
(USB, IEEE 1394, system panel; Retail version only)  
1 x ASUS SLI Bridge  
Application DVD  
Documentation  
ASUS motherboard support DVD  
3D Game-Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter  
User guide  
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.  
ASUS Striker  
1-1  
1.3  
Special features  
1.3.1  
Product highlights  
Republic of Gamers (R.O.G)  
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 Processor Ready  
This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core™2 processor in the LGA775  
package. With the new Intel® Core™ microarchitecture technology and 1066 /  
800 MHz FSB, the Intel® Core™2 is one of the most powerful and energy efficient  
CPUs in the world. This motherboard also supports the latest Intel® Quad-core  
processor, which is excellent for multi-tasking, multi-media and enthusiastic  
gamers with 1066 / 800 MHz FSB. See page 2-7 for details.  
NVIDIA® nForce® 680i SLI chipset  
The NVIDIA® nForce 680i SLI chipset supports the NVIDIA® Scalable Link Interface  
(SLI™) technology that allows two graphics processing units (GPUs) in a single  
system. It’s designed for enthusiast, extreme overclocking capability, ultimate  
gaming performance with SLI technology support. It’s definitely one of the fastest  
platform in the world. See Chapter 6 for details. The NVIDIA® nForce 680i SLI  
chipset also supports six (6) Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s devices, dual PCI Express™ x16  
slots at with NVIDIA® SLIsupport at full 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.  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
DDR2 memory support  
The motherboard supports DDR2 memory that features data transfer rates  
of 800/667/533 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.  
See page 2-15 for details.  
Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology  
The motherboard fully supports the Serial ATA II 3.0 Gb/s technology through the  
Serial ATA interfaces and the NVIDIA® nForce® 680i SLI™ chipset. The Serial  
ATA 3.0 Gb/s specification provides twice the bandwidth of the current Serial ATA  
products with a host of new features, including Native Command Queueing (NCQ),  
and Power Management (PM) Implementation Algorithm. Serial ATA allows for  
thinner, more flexible cables with lower pin count and reduced voltage required.  
See page 2-28 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 2-24 and 2-30 for details.  
S/PDIF digital sound ready  
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater  
audio systems via coaxial and optical S/PDIF-out (SONY/PHILIPS Digital  
Interface) jacks.It allows to transfer digital audio without converting to analog  
format and keeps the best signal quality. See pages 2-25 and 2-35 for details.  
Dual Gigabit LAN solution  
The motherboard comes with dual Gigabit LAN controllers to provide the total  
solution for your networking needs. These network controllers use the PCI  
Express segment to provide faster data bandwidth for your wired or wireless  
Internet, LAN, and file sharing requirements. See page 2-23 for details.  
ASUS Striker  
1-3  
1.3.2  
ASUS ROG unique features  
8-phase cap-less Power design  
The 8-phase EL Capless Power Design demonstrates two hardcore commitments  
of ROG products: ultimate overclocking capability, and ultimate reliability. The 8-  
phase power design yields unparalleled superiority in the overclocking arena, while  
the cap-less design removes any worries of capacitor problems once and for all.  
Fanless Design  
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.  
Extreme Tweaker  
This feature allows you to fine tune the CPU/memory voltage and gradually  
increase the memory Front Side Bus (FSB) and PCI Express frequency at 1MHz  
increment to achieve maximum system performance.  
ASUS Q-Connector  
The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect chassis front panel  
cables in one easy step. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of plugging in  
one cable at a time, making connection quick and error-free. See page 2-36 for  
details.  
ASUS LCD Poster  
The LCD Poster displays actual boot error messages instead of codes that other  
debug cards show. This unique feature allows you to easily find out which devices  
fail during the boot process, eliminating guesswork and allowing you to solve the  
problem immediately. See page 2-23 for details  
Onboard Switches  
A power-on button, a resetbutton, and a clear CMOS button are onboard to provide  
overclockers and gamers the convenience of fine-tuning performance when  
working on a bare (open-case) system. Press the power-on button to wake up  
the system, the reset button to reboot, and the clear CMOS button to clear setup  
information when the system hangs due to overclocking. See page 2-37 for details.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
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 4-14 for details.  
ASUS MyLogo3  
This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and add  
style to your system with customizable boot logos. See page 5-9 for details.  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2  
This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the support CD when  
the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This protection eliminates the need to buy  
a replacement ROM chip. See page 4-9 for details.  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply launch this tool and update  
BIOS from a USB flash disk before entering the OS. You can update your BIOS  
only in a few clicks without preparing an additional floppy diskette or using an  
OS-based flash utility. See pages 4-5 and 4-46 for details.  
ASUS Striker  
1-5  
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)  
The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the  
BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the  
system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system  
chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the  
BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for each parameter.  
ASUS Music Alarm  
Wake up to the music of your choice instead of the irritating sound of an alarm  
clock. The ASUS Music Alarm gives you a personal wake-up call with your favorite  
CD music without having to enter the OS. See pages 4-43 and 5-22 for details.  
Supreme FX features  
This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game,  
video conference and recording.  
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. See page 5-15 for details.  
DTS® Connect  
This feature is consists of two elements: DTS interactive and DTS NEO:PC.  
DTS interactive re-encodes your stereo or multi-channel sound into a DTS  
audio signal and send it out from your PC to any DTS enabled system. While  
DTS NEO:PC turns your stereo audio such as MP3, WMA, CD, and other  
sound format into a convincing multi-channel audio experience. See page  
5-14 for details.  
1-6  
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.  
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................................................................. 2-2  
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-7  
System memory ......................................................................... 2-15  
Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-18  
Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-21  
Audio Card Installation.............................................................. 2-22  
Connectors ................................................................................. 2-23  
ASUS Striker  
2.1  
Before you proceed  
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components  
or change any motherboard settings.  
Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to  
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.  
Onboard LED  
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED 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 LED.  
SB_PWR  
®
STRIKER  
ON  
OFF  
Standby  
Power  
Powered  
Off  
STRIKER Onboard LED  
ASUS Striker  
2-1  
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  
2-2  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.2.3  
ASUS Stack Cool 2  
The motherboard comes with the ASUS Stack Cool 2 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 that critical  
components generate.  
ASUS Striker  
2-3  
2.2.4  
Motherboard layout  
24.5cm (9.6in)  
CPU_FAN  
ATX12V  
PS/2KBMS  
T: Mouse  
B: Keyboard  
SPDIF_O1  
1394a  
LGA775  
LAN1_USB12  
LAN2_USB34  
NVIDIA®  
®
NFORCE 680i SLI  
CHA_FAN1  
USB910  
Intel® Edition  
Audio slot  
OPT_FAN2  
®
OPT_TEMP2  
Marvell  
88E1116  
PCIEX16_1  
PCIEX1  
Marvell  
88E1116  
NVIDIA®  
®
PCIEX16_2  
NFORCE 680i SLI  
Intel® Edition  
STRIKER  
CR2032 3V  
Lithium Cell  
CMOS Power  
PCI1  
OPT_TEMP1  
SB_PWR  
PCIEX16_3  
8Mb  
BIOS  
OPT_FAN4  
OPT_FAN5  
OPT_FAN1  
CLRTC  
PCI2  
CHASSIS  
SPDIF_O2  
IE1394_2  
OPT_TEMP3  
ADH  
USB56  
USB78  
OPT_FAN3  
PWR_SW RST_SW  
CLR_CMOS  
PANEL  
2-4  
Chapter 2: Hardware information