Asus E3746 User Manual

Striker II  
Extreme /  
Striker II  
NSE  
 
Contents  
iii  
 
Contents  
iv  
Contents  
v
Contents  
AI Audio 2 (SoundMAX® High Definition Audio utility)... 5-12  
ASUS EPU Utility—AI Gear 3+...................................... 5-29  
NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support  
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.  
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  
Striker II Extreme / Striker II NSE  
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  
Striker II Extreme: NVIDIA® nForce® 790i Ultra SLI™  
Striker II NSE: NVIDIA® nForce® 790i SLI™  
System Bus  
Memory  
1600/1333/1066/800 MHz  
Dual-channel memory architecture supports NVIDIA®  
SLI™-ready memory technology  
-
4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered  
non-ECC DDR3 2000 (O.C.)/1800(O.C.)/  
1600(O.C.)/1333/1066/800MHz memory modules  
(Striker II Extreme)  
-
-
4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered  
non-ECC DDR3 1600(O.C.)/1333/1066/800MHz  
memory modules (Striker II NSE)  
Supports up to 8 GB system memory  
*Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the  
Memory �ꢀꢁ (�ualified ꢀendors ꢁists).  
Expansion Slots  
2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots (support NVIDIA® SLI™  
technology; blue ꢂ x16, x16 speed)  
1 x PCIe x16 slot (white ꢂ 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,  
01, 5, and BOD configuration across Serial ATA  
drives  
JMicron® JMB363 SATA controller  
2 x External SATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA On-the-Go)  
-
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 CODEC  
-
Noise Filter  
Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF Out ports at back I/O  
(continued on the next page)  
xii  
 
Striker II Extreme / Striker II NSE  
specifications summary  
IEEE 1394  
2 x IEEE 1394a ports (one at midboard; one at back  
panel)  
USB  
10 x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports at midboard, 6 ports at back  
panel)  
ROG Exclusive  
Extreme Tweaker  
Overclocking features  
2-Phase DDR3  
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  
Frequency LED  
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)  
ROG Special Features  
Fusion Block System  
LCD Poster  
EL I/O  
Onboard Switches: Power / Reset / Clr CMOS (at rear  
panel)  
ASUS Q-Connector  
ASUS Q-Fan Plus  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS  
ROG BIOS Wallpaper  
ASUS MyLogo 3™  
Back Panel I/O Ports  
1 x PS/2 Keyboard (purple)  
1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial + Optical)  
2 x External SATA ports  
1 x IEEE1394a port  
2 x LAN (RJ45) ports  
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
1 x Clr CMOS switch  
(continued on the next page)  
xiii  
Striker II Extreme / Striker II NSE  
specifications summary  
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 switch  
1 x LCD Poster connector  
1 x EL I/O shield connector  
1 x System panel connector  
1 x ROG connector  
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  
Fusion Block System Accessory  
DIY Pedestal  
LCD Poster  
ASUS Optional Fan  
SupremeFX II Audio Card  
3-Way SLI bridge / ASUS SLI bridge  
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  
EL I/O shield  
Thermal sensor cables  
Cable ties  
User's manual  
Software  
The hottest DX10 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 24.5 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 Extreme / Striker II NSE  
1.1  
Welcome!  
Thank you for buying an ASUS® Striker II Extreme / Striker II NSE 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 Extreme / Striker II NSE  
USB 2.0 + IEEE 1394a module  
Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable  
Floppy disk drive cable  
Serial ATA cables  
Serial ATA power cables  
Thermal sensor cables  
Accessories  
Fusion Block System Accessory  
EL 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  
DIY Pedestal  
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 Extreme / Striker II NSE  
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 1600/1333/1066/800 MHz  
FSB, the Intel® Core™2 is one of the most powerful and energy efficient CPUs in  
the world. See page 2-9 for details.  
NVIDIA® nForce® 790i Ultra SLI / 790i SLI chipset  
The NVIDIA® nForce 790i Ultra SLI / 790i 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 SꢁI technology support. It’s definitely  
one of the fastest platform in the world. The NVIDIA® nForce 790i Ultra SLI / 790i  
SLI chipset also supports six (6) Serial ATA 3 Gb/s devices, three PCI Express™  
x16 slots with NVIDIA® SLIsupport 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  
 
Dual-channel DDR3 1333 memory support  
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of  
1333/1066/800 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest  
3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR3  
architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system  
performance. See page 2-18 for details.  
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 2-24 for details.  
Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology and SATA-On-The-Go  
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. The external  
SATA port located at the back I/O provides smart setup and hot-plug functions.  
Easily backup photos, videos and other entertainment contents to external devices.  
See pages 2-30 and 2-33 for details.  
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 2-29 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) CODEC 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 2-30 for details.  
ROG Striker II Extreme / Striker II NSE  
1-3  
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.  
1.3.2  
ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features  
Fusion Block System  
The Fusion Block System is a more efficient thermal solution compared to  
competing followers with complicated looks. It is a hybrid thermal design that  
combines the ROG’s renowned heatpipe design with the additional ability to  
connect to a water cooling system. By taking the entire integrated solution into  
design considerations, the user can enjoy exceptional thermal improvement to  
Northbridge, Southbridge, Crosslinx, and even VRM with a single connection. The  
Fusion Block System is the most versatile, efficient, and advanced thermal system  
there is on a 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  
4-13 and 5-34 for details.  
2-Phase DDR3  
With the embedded 2-Phase DDR3, 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 life spans and higher  
overclockability due to cooler temperatures and better efficiency.  
Extreme Tweaker  
Extreme 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 4-13 for details.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
 
Loadline Calibration  
The Loadline calibration ensures stable and optimal CPU voltage when heavy  
loading.  
Voltiminder LED  
In the persuit of extreme performance, overvoltage adjustment is critical but risky.  
Acting as the “red zone” of a tachometer, the ꢀoltiminder ꢁED 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  
and 2-2 for details.  
Frequency LED  
Worried that no one knows when you have overclocked your system to the max?  
Let the motherboard do the talking! The onboard Frequency LED highlights when  
your system is under extreme overclocking or normal states—allowing you to show  
off your O.C. skills. See page 2-3 for details.  
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 5-33 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 4-42 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.  
ROG Striker II Extreme / Striker II NSE  
1-5  
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.  
ASUS EPU  
The ASUS EPU 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.  
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 ꢁCD 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 2-28 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 2-43 for details.  
1-6  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
 
1.3.4 ASUS special features  
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.  
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. See page 5-31 for details.  
ASUS Q-Fan Plus technology  
The ASUS Q-Fan Plus technology smartly adjusts the CPU, chassis, and optional  
fan speeds according to the system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient  
operation. See pages 4-35 and 5-32 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 2-16 and 2-17  
for details.  
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 4-40 for details.  
ROG Striker II Extreme / Striker II NSE  
1-7  
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 4-20 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 2-42 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 4-44 for details.  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS  
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data  
using a floppy disk that contains the BIOS file. See page 4-8 for details.  
1-8  
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  
 
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, southbridge, and FSB frequency. 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  
4.3 Extreme Tweaker menu.  
1.  
CPU LED  
The CPU ꢁED has two voltage displays: CPU ꢀoltage and CPU Pꢁꢁ ꢀoltage;  
you can select the voltage to display in BIOS. Refer to the illustration below  
for the location of the CPU ꢁED and the table below for ꢁED definition.  
CPU_CRAZY  
CPU_HIGH  
CPU_NORMAL  
STRIKER II EXTREME  
STRIKER II EXTREME/  
STRIKER II NSE CPU LED  
Normal (green)  
1.10000~1.50000  
1.50000~1.60000  
High (yellow)  
Crazy (red)  
1.70000~  
1.82000~  
CPU Voltage  
CPU PLL Voltage  
1.50625~1.69375  
1.62000~1.80000  
ROG Striker II Extreme / Striker II NSE  
2-1  
 
2.  
Memory LED  
Refer to the illustration below for the location of the memory LED and the  
table below for ꢁED definition.  
DDR_CRAZY  
DDR_HIGH  
DDR_NORMAL  
STRIKER II EXTREME  
STRIKER II EXTREME/  
STRIKER II NSE DDR LED  
Normal (green)  
High (yellow)  
Crazy (red)  
Memory Voltage  
1.50~1.90  
1.92~2.30  
2.32~  
3.  
Northbridge/Southbridge LEDs  
The northbridge LED displays either the NB Core Voltage or the CPU VTT  
ꢀoltage; you can select the voltage to display in BIOS. The southbridge ꢁED  
shows the SB Core Voltage. Refer to the illustration below for the location of  
the northbridge/southbridge ꢁEDs and the table below for ꢁED definition.  
NB_CRAZY  
NB_HIGH  
NB_NORMAL  
STRIKER II EXTREME  
SB_CRAZY  
SB_HIGH  
SB_NORMAL  
STRIKER II EXTREME/  
STRIKER II NSE North/South Bridge LED  
Normal (green)  
1.30~1.69  
High (yellow)  
1.71~1.93  
1.42~1.60  
1.65~1.75  
Crazy (red)  
1.95~  
NB Core Voltage  
CPU VTT Voltage  
SB Core Voltage  
1.20~1.40  
1.62~  
1.50~1.60  
1.80~  
2-2  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
4.  
FSB frenquency LED  
There are five ꢁEDs that light up to indicate the level of FSB frequency. One  
lit yellow ꢁED suggests that the frequency is low (default), while five lit yellow  
LEDs shows that the frequency is high (fast). Refer to the illustration below  
for the location of the FSB frenquency LEDs and the table below for LED  
definition.  
FREQUENCY  
STRIKER II EXTREME  
STRIKER II EXTREME/  
STRIKER II NSE Frequency LED  
200-299  
300-399  
400-499  
500-599  
600~  
(Default) (Overclocking) (Overclocking) (Overclocking) (Overclocking)  
CPU FSB  
200MHz  
1
2
3
4
5
(Default)  
(Fast)  
266-299  
300-399  
400-499  
500-599  
600~  
(Default) (Overclocking) (Overclocking) (Overclocking) (Overclocking)  
CPU FSB  
266MHz  
1
2
3
4
5
(Default)  
(Fast)  
333-399  
400-499  
500-549  
550-599  
600~  
(Default) (Overclocking) (Overclocking) (Overclocking) (Overclocking)  
CPU FSB  
333MHz  
1
2
3
4
5
(Default)  
(Fast)  
400-450  
451-499  
500-549  
550-599  
600~  
(Default) (Overclocking) (Overclocking) (Overclocking) (Overclocking)  
CPU FSB  
400MHz  
1
2
3
4
5
(Default)  
(Fast)  
ROG Striker II Extreme / Striker II NSE  
2-3  
5.  
Hard Disk LED  
The hard disk LED is designed to indicate the hard disk activity. It blinks when