Safety information
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
- 1.1 Motherboard overview
  - 1.1.1 Before you proceed
Chapter 2: Basic Installation
Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
Chapter 4: RAID Support
- 4.1 RAID configurations
  - 4.1.1 RAID definitions
- 4.2 Creating a RAID driver disk
  - 4.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®
Appendix
- Notices
- ASUS contact information

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO User Manual

Displayed below is the user manual for MAXIMUS IX HERO by ASUS which is a product in the Motherboards category. This manual has pages.

Related Manuals

ASUS ROG MAXIMUS IX HERO Manual

ASUS MAXIMUS VIII HERO Manual

ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XI HERO (WI-FI) Manual

ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XI HERO Manual

ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XI HERO (WI-FI) Call of Duty - Black Ops 4 Edition Manual

ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XII HERO (WI-FI) Manual

ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO Manual

Motherboard

MAXIMUS

IX HERO

E12186

Revised Edition V2

September 2016

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,

transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any

means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written

permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless

such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the

product is defaced or missing.

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS

OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF

MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS

DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,

INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,

LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),

EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY

DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR

INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,

AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO

RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS

MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or

copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the

owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software

This product contains copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”),

under the Lesser General Public License Version (“LGPL”) and/or other Free Open Source Software

Licenses. Such software in this product is distributed without any warranty to the extent permitted by the

applicable law. Copies of these licenses are included in this product.

Where the applicable license entitles you to the source code of such software and/or other additional data,

you may obtain it for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product, either

(1) for free by downloading it from https://www.asus.com/support/

(2) for the cost of reproduction and shipment, which is dependent on the preferred carrier and the location

where you want to have it shipped to, by sending a request to:

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

Legal Compliance Dept.

15 Li Te Rd.,

Beitou, Taipei 112

Taiwan

In your request please provide the name, model number and version, as stated in the About Box of the

product for which you wish to obtain the corresponding source code and your contact details so that we

can coordinate the terms and cost of shipment with you.

The source code will be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under the same license as

the corresponding binary/object code.

This offer is valid to anyone in receipt of this information.

ASUSTeK is eager to duly provide complete source code as required under various Free Open Source

Software licenses. If however you encounter any problems in obtaining the full corresponding source

code we would be much obliged if you give us a notication to the email address gpl@asus.com, stating

the product and describing the problem (please DO NOT send large attachments such as source code

archives, etc. to this email address).

iii

Contents

Safety information ...................................................................................................... vi

About this guide ........................................................................................................ vii

MAXIMUS IX HERO specifications summary........................................................... ix

Package contents ..................................................................................................... xiv

Installation tools and components .......................................................................... xv

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.1 Motherboard overview ...............................................................................1-1

1.1.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-1

1.1.2 Motherboard layout ..................................................................... 1-2

1.1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-4

1.1.4 System memory .......................................................................... 1-5

1.1.5 Expansion slots ........................................................................... 1-7

1.1.6 Onboard buttons and switches.................................................... 1-9

1.1.7 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................... 1-13

1.1.8 Jumper ...................................................................................... 1-19

1.1.9 Internal connectors....................................................................1-20

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.1 Building your PC system ...........................................................................2-1

2.1.1 Motherboard installation .............................................................. 2-1

2.1.2 CPU installation...........................................................................2-3

2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation ............................... 2-5

2.1.4 DIMM installation......................................................................... 2-7

2.1.5 ATX power connection ................................................................ 2-8

2.1.6 SATA device connection ............................................................. 2-8

2.1.7 Front I/O connector ..................................................................... 2-9

2.1.8 Expansion card installation ....................................................... 2-10

2.1.9 M.2 installation .......................................................................... 2-11

2.1.10 3D printing part installation........................................................ 2-12

2.2 BIOS update utility ................................................................................... 2-13

2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections .............................................2-14

2.3.1 Rear I/O connection .................................................................. 2-14

2.3.2 Audio I/O connections ............................................................... 2-16

2.4 Starting up for the first time ....................................................................2-18

2.5 Turning off the computer ........................................................................2-18

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................3-1

3.2 BIOS setup program ..................................................................................3-2

3.2.1 EZ Mode......................................................................................3-3

3.2.2 Advanced Mode .......................................................................... 3-4

3.2.3 QFan Control...............................................................................3-7

3.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard ....................................................................... 3-9

3.3 My Favorites .............................................................................................3-12

3.4 Main menu ................................................................................................3-14

3.5 Extreme Tweaker menu ...........................................................................3-14

3.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................3-16

3.6.1 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 3-16

3.6.2 Platform Misc Conguration ...................................................... 3-17

3.6.3 System Agent (SA) Conguration ............................................. 3-17

3.6.4 PCH Conguration .................................................................... 3-17

3.6.5 PCH Storage Conguration....................................................... 3-17

3.6.6 PCH-FW Conguration ............................................................. 3-18

3.6.7 Thunderbolt(TM) Conguration ................................................. 3-18

3.6.8 ROG Effects .............................................................................. 3-18

3.6.9 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................ 3-19

3.6.10 APM Conguration .................................................................... 3-20

3.6.11 Network Stack Conguration..................................................... 3-20

3.6.12 HDD/SSD SMART Information ................................................. 3-20

3.6.13 USB Conguration .................................................................... 3-20

3.7 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................3-21

3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-21

3.9 Tool menu ................................................................................................. 3-23

3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility ............................................................ 3-23

3.9.2 Secure Erase ............................................................................ 3-24

3.9.3 ASUS Overclocking Prole ....................................................... 3-25

3.9.4 ROG OC Panel H-Key Congure .............................................. 3-25

3.9.5 ASUS SPD Information ............................................................. 3-25

3.9.6 Graphics Card Information ........................................................ 3-26

3.10 Exit menu .................................................................................................. 3-26

3.11 Updating BIOS ..........................................................................................3-27

3.11.1 EZ Update ................................................................................. 3-27

3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3 ...................................................................... 3-28

3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 .......................................................... 3-30

Chapter 4: RAID Support

4.1 RAID configurations ..................................................................................4-1

4.1.1 RAID denitions .......................................................................... 4-1

4.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks .................................................. 4-2

4.1.3 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology in UEFI BIOS .......................... 4-2

4.1.4 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility .................. 4-6

4.2 Creating a RAID driver disk ....................................................................4-10

4.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® ................................. 4-10

Appendix

Notices .................................................................................................................... A-1

ASUS contact information ...................................................................................... A-5

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 x it by yourself. Contact a qualied 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 qualied service

technician or your retailer.

vii

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring 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:RAIDSupport

This chapter describes the RAID congurations.

Where to find more information

Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software

updates.

1. ASUS website

The ASUS website (www.asus.com) provides updated information on ASUS hardware

and software products.

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,

that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the

standard package.

viii

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 Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italics

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 (+).

MAXIMUS IX HERO specifications summary

(continued on the next page)

CPU

Intel® Socket 1151 for 7th / 6th Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 /

Core™ i3 / Pentium® / Celeron® Processors

Supports 14nm CPU

Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*

* Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU type

Chipset Intel® Z270 Chipset

Memory

4 x DIMM, max. 64GB DDR4 4133+(OC)* / 4000(OC)* / 3866(OC)*

/ 3733(OC)* / 3600(OC)* / 3466(OC)* / 3400(OC)* / 3333(OC)* /

3300(OC)* / 3200(OC)* / 3000(OC)* / 2800(OC)* / 2666(OC)* /

2400(OC)* / 2133

MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory

Dual channel memory architecture

Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)

* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of

individual CPUs.

** Please refer to Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List) for details.

Expansion slots

New 7th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors

2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (supports x16, x8/x8)

Intel® Z270 Chipset

1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (max. at x4 mode)

3 x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots

Graphic

Integrated Graphics Processor- Intel® HD Graphics support

Multi-VGA output support : HDMI/DisplayPort

- Supports DisplayPort 1.2 with max. resolution 4096 x 2304 @

60Hz

- Supports HDMI 1.4b with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 24Hz

Maximum shared memory of 1024MB

Storage

Intel® Z270 Chipset with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and Intel Rapid

Storage Technology 14 support

1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices

support (both SATA & PCIE mode)

1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage

devices support(PCIE mode)

- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports**

- Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology***

- Ready for Intel® Optane Memory****

* When the M.2_1 Socket 3 is operating in SATA mode, SATA port

SATA6G_1 will be disabled. When the M.2_2 Socket 3 is operating in

PCIEX4 mode, SATA port SATA6G_56 will be disabled.

** These SATA ports are for data hard drives only. ATAPI devices are not

supported.

*** This function will work depending on the CPU installed.

**** Intel® Optane Technology only supported when using 7th Generation

Intel® Processors. Before using Intel® Optane memory modules,

ensure that you have updated your motherboard drivers and BIOS to

the latest version from ASUS support website.

(continued on the next page)

LAN

Intel® I219-V Gigabit LAN- Dual interconnect between the integrated

Media Access Controller (MAC) and physical layer (PHY)

Anti-surge LANGuard

ROG GameFirst IV

Multi-GPU support Supports NVIDIA® 2-Way/Quad-GPU SLI® Technology

Supports AMD® 3-Way/Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology

Audio

ROG SupremeFX S1220 8-Channel high-definition CODEC

- Supports up to 32-Bit/192kHz playback*

- Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs

- ES9023P High Denition DAC

- SupremeFX Shielding Technology

- Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, and Front Panel Jack-retasking

- Optical S/PDIF out port at back panel

Audio Features:

- Sonic Studio III

- Sonic Radar III

* Due to limitations in HDA bandwidth, 32-Bit/192kHz is not supported for

8-Channel audio

USB

Intel® Z270 Chipset:

- 6 x USB 3.0 ports ( 4 ports at back panel [blue], 2 ports at mid-

board [grey])

- 6 x USB 2.0 ports ( 4 ports at back panel [black], 2 ports at mid-

board [black])*

ASMedia® USB 3.1 controller:

- 1 x USB 3.1 front panel connector

- 2 x USB 3.1 ports ( 1 Type-A [red] and 1 Type-C [black] at back

panel)

* 2 x USB 2.0 ports at mid-board share with ROG extension (ROG_EXT)

port.

Back I/O Ports

1 x Clear CMOS Button

1 x BIOS Flashback Button

1 x M.2 Wi Slot*

1 x HDMI 1.4b

1 x DisplayPort 1.2

4 x USB 2.0 ports [black]

4 x USB 3.0 ports [blue]

1 x Anti-surge LAN (RJ45) port

2 x USB 3.1 ports (1 x Type-A [red] and 1 x Type-C [black])

1 x Optical S/PDIF out

5 x Gold-plated audio jacks

* The M.2 Wifi module is purchased separately.

MAXIMUS IX HERO specifications summary

(continued on the next page)

ROG Exclusive Features

Extreme Engine Digi+

- MicroFine Alloy Choke

- NexFET MOSFETs

- 10K Black Metallic Capacitors

Start Button

Reset Button

Safe Boot Button

Retry Button

BIOS Flashback Button

Clear CMOS Button

MemOK! Button

LN2 Mode

ROG RAMDisk

ROG CloneDrive

ROG RAMCache II

KeyBot II

- One-click overclocking

- X.M.P.

- DirectKey

- Clr CMOS

- Power On

UEFI BIOS features :

- Extreme Tweaker

- Tweakers’ Paradise

- ROG SSD Secure Erase

- GPU.DIMM Post

- O.C. Prole

- Graphics Card Information Preview

MAXIMUS IX HERO specifications summary

xii

(continued on the next page)

Internal I/O Ports

1 x USB 3.1 front panel connector

1 x USB 3.0 header supports additional 2 USB 3.0 ports

1 x USB 2.0 header supports additional 2 USB 2.0 ports [ via

ROG_EXT header]

6x SATA 6Gb/s ports

1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices

support (both SATA & PCIE mode)

1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage

devices support(PCIE mode)

1 x ROG extension (ROG_EXT) header

1 x 4-Pin CPU fan connector

1 x 4-Pin CPU_OPT fan connector

3 x 4-Pin Chassis fan connectors

1 x EXT_Fan header

1 x 4-Pin W_PUMP+ connector

1 x W_IN header

1 x W_OUT header

1 x W_FLOW header

1 x 4-Pin AIO_PUMP connector

1 x H_AMP fan connector

1 x Thermal sensor connector

1 x 24-pin EATX power connector

1 x 8-pin EATX 12V power connector

1 x Start button

1 x Reset button

1 x Safe Boot button

1 x Retry button

1 x LN2 mode jumper

1 x Slow mode switch

1 x MemOK! Button

1 x Clear CMOS Button

1 x Thunderbolt header (5-pin) for ASUS ThunderboltEX III series

support

1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)

1 x TPM connector

1 x System panel connector

2 x AURA RGB headers

BIOS

1 x 128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI3.0, WfM2.0,

SM BIOS 3.0, ACPI 6.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash

3, CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control,

F3 My Favorites, Last Modied log, F12 PrintScreen, F3 Shortcut

functions and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory

information.

Manageability WfM2.0, DMI3.0, WOL by PME, PXE

MAXIMUS IX HERO specifications summary

xiii

Special Features

ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 5

- 5-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU,

DIGI+ Power Control, Fan Xpert 3, and Turbo App

ASUS Exclusive Features

- AI Suite 3

- Disk Unlocker

ASUS EZ DIY

- USB BIOS Flashback

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 3

- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)

- MemOK!

ASUS Q-Design

- Q-Code

- Q-Shield

- Q-Connector

- Q-LED (CPU [RED], DRAM [YELLOW], VGA [WHITE], Boot

Device LED [YELLOW GREEN]

- SafeSlot

- Q-DIMM

Software

Drivers

ROG GameFirst IV

ROG RAMDisk

ROG RamCache II

ROG CPU-Z

ROG Mem TweakIt

Overwolf

ROG Keybot II

Kaspersky® Anti-Virus

Daemon Tools Software

ASUS WebStorage

ASUS Utilities

Operating System

Support

Windows® 10 64-bit

Windows® 8.1 64-bit*

Windows® 7*

* Windows® 8.1 64-bit and Windows® 7 32/64-bit are only supported when

using 6th Generation Intel® Processors

Form Factor ATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.4cm)

Specications are subject to change without notice.

MAXIMUS IX HERO specifications summary

xiv

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard ROG MAXIMUS IX HERO

Cables 2 x 2-in-1 SATA 6 Gb/s cables

1 x SLI HB BRIDGE(2-WAY-M)

Accessories

1 x I/O Shield

1 x Q-Connector

1 x ROG Coaster

1 x 10-in-1 ROG cable label

1 x CPU Installation Tool

1 x M.2 Screw Package

1 x ROG sticker

1 x 3D Printing Mount Screw Package

1 x Extension Cable for RGB Strips (80cm)

Application DVD ROG motherboard support DVD

Documentation User guide

If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

Installation tools and components

1 Bag of screws Phillips (cross) screwdriver

PC chassis Power supply unit

Intel® LGA 1151 CPU Intel® LGA 1151 compatible CPU Fan

DDR4 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.

xvi

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 1-1

Chapter 1

Product Introduction

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

• 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.

1.1 Motherboard overview

1.1.1 Before you proceed

Takenoteofthefollowingprecautionsbeforeyouinstallmotherboardcomponentsorchange

anymotherboardsettings.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1

Referto1.1.9Internal connectorsand 2.3.1 Rear I/O connectionformoreinformation

aboutrearpanelconnectorsandinternalconnectors.

1.1.2 Motherboard layout

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 1-3

Chapter 1

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots Page

1. ATXpowerconnectors(24-pinEATXPWR;8-pinEATX12V) 1-25

2. LGA1151CPUSocket 1-4

3. CPU,CPUoptional,highamp,extension,waterpump+,AIOpump,and

chassisfanconnectors(4-pinCPU_FAN;4-pinCPU_OPT;4-pinH_AMP;

5-pinEXT_FAN;4-pinW_PUMP+;4-pinAIO_PUMP;4-pinCHA_FAN1-3)

1-24

4. AURARGBheaders(4-pinRGB_HEADER1-2) 1-28

5. DDR4DIMMslots 1-5

6. Q_CodeLED 1-13

7. MemOK!button 1-10

8. 3Dprintingmount 2-12

9. USB3.1frontpanelconnector(USB3.1_E1) 1-21

10. M.2sockets(M.2_1;M.2_2) 1-29

11. Intel®Z270SerialATA6Gb/sconnectors(7-pinSATA6G_12;SATA6G_34;

SATA6G_56) 1-20

12. Waterin,waterout,andwaterowconnectors(2-pinW_IN;2-pinW_OUT;

3-pinW_FLOW) 1-31

13. Systempanelconnectors(10-1pinF_PANEL;4-pinSPEAKER) 1-26

14. Thermalsensorconnector(2-pinT_SENSOR) 1-27

15. USB2.0connector(10-1pinUSB1314) 1-22

16. ROGExtensionconnector(18-1pinROG_EXT) 1-27

17. USB3.0connector(20-1pinUSB3_12) 1-21

18. TPMconnector(14-1pinTPM) 1-30

19. LN2Modejumper(3-pinLN2_MODE) 1-19

20. SlowModeswitch(SLOW_MODE) 1-12

21. ReTrybutton(RETRY_BUTTON) 1-11

22. SafeBootbutton(SAFE_BOOT) 1-11

23. RESETbutton(RESET) 1-9

24. Power-onbutton(START) 1-9

25. Thunderboltheader(5-pinTB_HEADER) 1-30

26. Frontpanelaudioconnector(10-1pinAAFP) 1-23

27. LEDconnectors(5-pinRGB_LED_STRIP2) 1-29

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1

1.1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

ThismotherboardsupportstheNew7thGenIntel®Core™processorsontheLGA1151

package,withmemoryandPCIExpresscontrollersintegratedtosupportdual-channel(4

DIMM)DDR4memoryand16PCIExpress3.0/2.0lanes.

• EnsurethatallpowercablesareunpluggedbeforeinstallingtheCPU.

• 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

LGA1151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.

EnsurethatyouinstallthecorrectCPUdesignedforLGA1151socketonly.DONOTinstall

aCPUdesignedforLGA155andLGA1156socketsintheLGA1151socket.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 1-5

Chapter 1

Recommended memory configurations

1.1.4 System memory

ThemotherboardcomeswithfourDoubleDataRate4(DDR4)DualInlineMemoryModules

(DIMM)slots.

ADDR4moduleisnotcheddifferentlyfromaDDR,DDR2,orDDR3module.DONOT

installaDDR,DDR2,orDDR3memorymoduletotheDDR4slot.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1

• 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conguration.Any

excessmemoryfromthehigher-sizedchannelisthenmappedforsingle-channel

operation.

• 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4GB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512Mb(64MB)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.

• Forsystemstability,useamoreefcientmemorycoolingsystemtosupportafull

memoryload(4DIMMs)oroverclockingcondition.

• AlwaysinstalltheDIMMSwiththesameCASLatency.Foranoptimumcompatibility,

werecommendthatyouinstallmemorymodulesofthesameversionordatacode

(D/C)fromthesamevendor.Checkwiththevendortogetthecorrectmemory

modules.

Memory configurations

Youmayinstall2GB,4GB,8GB,and16GBunbufferedandnon-ECCDDR4DIMMsinto

theDIMMsockets.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 1-7

Chapter 1

1.1.5 Expansion slots

Unplugthepowercordbeforeaddingorremovingexpansioncards.Failuretodosomay

causeyouphysicalinjuryanddamagemotherboardcomponents.

Slot No. Slot Description

1PCIe3.0x1_1slot

2PCIe3.0x16/x8_1slot

3PCIe3.0x1_2slot

4 PCIe3.0x8_2slot

5PCIe3.0x1_3slot

6PCIe3.0x4_3slot

1-8 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1

• WerecommendthatyouprovidesufcientpowerwhenrunningCrossFireX™orSLI®

mode.

• Connectchassisfanstothemotherboardchassisfanconnectorswhenusingmultiple

graphicscardsforbetterthermalenvironment.

VGA Configuration

PCIe operating mode

PCIe_x16/x8_1 PCIe_x8_2

SingleVGA/PCIecard x16(RecommendforsingleVGA) N/A

DualVGA/PCIecard x8 x8

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

A B C D E F G H

PCIEX16/X8_1 Shared -------

PCIEX8_2 -Shared ------

PCIEX4_3 Shared -------

I.G.F.X Shared -------

IntelLANController Shared -------

SATAController Shared -------

HighDenitionAudio Shared -------

ASMedia2142-1 Shared -------

ASMedia2142-2 - - Shared -----

M.2_1 Shared -------

M.2_2 Shared -------

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 1-9

Chapter 1

1.1.6 Onboard buttons and switches

Onboardbuttonsandswitchesallowyoutone-tuneperformancewhenworkingonabareor

open-casesystem.Thisisidealforoverclockersandgamerswhocontinuallychangesettings

toenhancesystemperformance.

1. Power-on button (START)

Themotherboardcomeswithapower-onbuttonthatallowsyoutopoweruporwake

upthesystem.Thebuttonalsolightsupwhenthesystemispluggedtoapowersource

indicatingthatyoushouldshutdownthesystemandunplugthepowercablebefore

removingorinstallinganymotherboardcomponent.

2. RESET button (RESET)

Presstheresetbuttontorebootthesystem.

1-10 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1

• Refertosection1.1.7 Onboard LEDs fortheexactlocationoftheDRAM_LED.

• TheDRAM_LEDalsolightsupwhentheDIMMisnotproperlyinstalled.Turnoffthe

systemandreinstalltheDIMMbeforeusingtheMemOK!function.

• TheMemOK!buttondoesnotfunctionunderWindows®OSenvironment.

• Duringthetuningprocess,thesystemloadsandtestsfailsafememorysettings.It

takesabout30secondsforthesystemtotestonesetoffailsafesettings.Ifthetest

fails,thesystemrebootsandtestthenextsetoffailsafesettings.Theblinkingspeed

oftheDRAM_LEDincreases,indicatingdifferenttestprocesses.

• Duetomemorytuningrequirement,thesystemautomaticallyrebootswheneach

timingsetistested.IftheinstalledDIMMsstillfailtobootafterthewholetuning

process,theDRAM_LEDlightscontinuously.ReplacetheDIMMswithones

recommendedintheMemoryQVL(QualiedVendorsLists)inthisusermanualorat

www.asus.com.

• IfyouturnoffthecomputerandreplaceDIMMsduringthetuningprocess,thesystem

continuesmemorytuningafterturningonthecomputer.Tostopmemorytuning,turn

offthecomputerandunplugthepowercordforabout5–10seconds.

• IfyoursystemfailstobootupduetoBIOSoverclocking,presstheMemOK!button

tobootandloadtheBIOSdefaultsettings.AmessagewillappearduringPOST

remindingyouthattheBIOShasbeenrestoredtoitsdefaultsettings.

• WerecommendthatyoudownloadandupdatetothelatestBIOSversionfrom

www.asus.comafterusingtheMemOK!function.

3. MemOK! button (MemOK!)

InstallingDIMMsthatarenotcompatiblewiththemotherboardmaycausesystem

bootfailure,andtheDRAM_LEDneartheMemOK!buttonlightscontinuously.Press

andholdtheMemOK!buttonuntiltheDRAM_LEDstartsblinkingtobeginautomatic

memorycompatibilitytuningforsuccessfulboot.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 1-11

Chapter 1

4. Safe Boot button (SAFE_BOOT)

TheSafeBootbuttoncanbepressedanytimetoforcethesystemtorebootintothe

BIOSsafemode.ThisbuttontemporarilyappliessafesettingstotheBIOSwhile

retaininganyoverclockedsettingsallowingyoutomodifythesettingscausingboot

failure.Usethisbuttonwhenoverclockingortweakingthesettingsofyoursystem.

5. ReTry button (RETRY_BUTTON)

TheReTrybuttonisspeciallydesignedforoverclockersandismostusefulduringthe

bootingprocesswheretheResetbuttonisrendereduseless.Whenpressed,itforces

thesystemtorebootwhileretainingthesamesettingstoberetriedinquicksuccession

toachieveasuccessfulPOST.

1-12 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1

6. Slow Mode Switch (SLOW_MODE)

SlowModeSwitchisemployedduringLN2benching.Thesystemmaycrashdueto

theCPUbeingunstablewhenusingextremeoverclocking,enablingslowmodewill

decreasetheprocessorfrequencyandstabilizethesystem,allowingoverclockersto

keeptrackoftheiroverclockingdata.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 1-13

Chapter 1

1.1.7 Onboard LEDs

1. Q LEDs (BOOT_DEVICE_LED, VGA_LED, DRAM_LED, CPU_LED)

QLEDscheckkeycomponents(CPU,DRAM,VGAcard,andbootingdevices)in

sequenceduringmotherboardbootingprocess.Ifanerrorisfound,thecorresponding

LEDremainslituntiltheproblemissolved.Thisuser-friendlydesignprovidesan

intuitivewaytolocatetherootproblemwithinseconds.

2. Q-Code LED

TheQ-CodeLEDdesignprovidesyouwitha2-digiterrorcodethatdisplaysthesystem

status.RefertotheQ-Codetableonthefollowingpagefordetails.

1-14 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1

Q-Code table

(continuedonthenextpage)

Code Description

00 Notused

01 Poweron.Resettypedetection(soft/hard).

02 APinitializationbeforemicrocodeloading

03 SystemAgentinitializationbeforemicrocodeloading

04 PCHinitializationbeforemicrocodeloading

06 Microcodeloading

07 APinitializationaftermicrocodeloading

08 SystemAgentinitializationaftermicrocodeloading

09 PCHinitializationaftermicrocodeloading

0B Cacheinitialization

0C – 0D ReservedforfutureAMISECerrorcodes

0E Microcodenotfound

0F Microcodenotloaded

10 PEICoreisstarted

11 – 14 Pre-memoryCPUinitializationisstarted

15 – 18 Pre-memorySystemAgentinitializationisstarted

19 – 1C Pre-memoryPCHinitializationisstarted

2B – 2F Memoryinitialization

30 ReservedforASL(seeASLStatusCodessectionbelow)

31 MemoryInstalled

32 – 36 CPUpost-memoryinitialization

37 – 3A Post-MemorySystemAgentinitializationisstarted

3B – 3E Post-MemoryPCHinitializationisstarted

4F DXEIPLisstarted

50 – 53 Memoryinitializationerror.Invalidmemorytypeorincompatiblememory

speed

54 Unspeciedmemoryinitializationerror

55 Memorynotinstalled

56 InvalidCPUtypeorSpeed

57 CPUmismatch

58 CPUselftestfailedorpossibleCPUcacheerror

59 CPUmicro-codeisnotfoundormicro-codeupdateisfailed

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 1-15

Chapter 1

Q-Code table

(continuedonthenextpage)

Code Description

5A InternalCPUerror

5B ResetPPIisnotavailable

5C – 5F ReservedforfutureAMIerrorcodes

E0 S3Resumeisstared(S3ResumePPIiscalledbytheDXEIPL)

E1 S3BootScriptexecution

E2 Videorepost

E3 OSS3wakevectorcall

E4 – E7 ReservedforfutureAMIprogresscodes

E8 S3ResumeFailed

E9 S3ResumePPInotFound

EA S3ResumeBootScriptError

EB S3OSWakeError

EC – EF ReservedforfutureAMIerrorcodes

F0 Recoveryconditiontriggeredbyrmware(Autorecovery)

F1 Recoveryconditiontriggeredbyuser(Forcedrecovery)

F2 Recoveryprocessstarted

F3 Recoveryrmwareimageisfound

F4 Recoveryrmwareimageisloaded

F5 – F7 ReservedforfutureAMIprogresscodes

F8 RecoveryPPIisnotavailable

F9 Recoverycapsuleisnotfound

FA Invalidrecoverycapsule

FB – FF ReservedforfutureAMIerrorcodes

60 DXECoreisstarted

61 NVRAMinitialization

62 InstallationofthePCHRuntimeServices

63 – 67 CPUDXEinitializationisstarted

68 PCIhostbridgeinitialization

69 SystemAgentDXEinitializationisstarted

6A SystemAgentDXESMMinitializationisstarted

6B – 6F SystemAgentDXEinitialization(SystemAgentmodulespecic)

1-16 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1

Code Description

70 PCHDXEinitializationisstarted

71 PCHDXESMMinitializationisstarted

72 PCHdevicesinitialization

73 – 77 PCHDXEInitialization(PCHmodulespecic)

78 ACPImoduleinitialization

79 CSMinitialization

7A – 7F ReservedforfutureAMIDXEcodes

90 BootDeviceSelection(BDS)phaseisstarted

91 Driverconnectingisstarted

92 PCIBusinitializationisstarted

93 PCIBusHotPlugControllerInitialization

94 PCIBusEnumeration

95 PCIBusRequestResources

96 PCIBusAssignResources

97 ConsoleOutputdevicesconnect

98 Consoleinputdevicesconnect

99 SuperIOInitialization

9A USBinitializationisstarted

9B USBReset

9C USBDetect

9D USBEnable

9E – 9F ReservedforfutureAMIcodes

A0 IDEinitializationisstarted

A1 IDEReset

A2 IDEDetect

A3 IDEEnable

A4 SCSIinitializationisstarted

A5 SCSIReset

A6 SCSIDetect

A7 SCSIEnable

A8 SetupVerifyingPassword

(continuedonthenextpage)

Q-Code table

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 1-17

Chapter 1

Code Description

A9 StartofSetup

AA ReservedforASL(seeASLStatusCodessectionbelow)

AB SetupInputWait

AC ReservedforASL(seeASLStatusCodessectionbelow)

AD ReadyToBootevent

AE LegacyBootevent

AF ExitBootServicesevent

B0 RuntimeSetVirtualAddressMAPBegin

B1 RuntimeSetVirtualAddressMAPEnd

B2 LegacyOptionROMInitialization

B3 SystemReset

B4 USBhotplug

B6 Clean-upofNVRAM

B7 CongurationReset(resetofNVRAMsettings)

B8– BF ReservedforfutureAMIcodes

D0 CPUinitializationerror

D1 SystemAgentinitializationerror

D2 PCHinitializationerror

D3 SomeoftheArchitecturalProtocolsarenotavailable

D4 PCIresourceallocationerror.OutofResources

D5 NoSpaceforLegacyOptionROM

D6 NoConsoleOutputDevicesarefound

D7 NoConsoleInputDevicesarefound

D8 Invalidpassword

D9 ErrorloadingBootOption(LoadImagereturnederror)

DA BootOptionisfailed(StartImagereturnederror)

DB Flashupdateisfailed

DC Resetprotocolisnotavailable

B5 PCIbushotplug

Q-Code table

1-18 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1

ACPI/ASL Checkpoints

Code Description

0x01 SystemisenteringS1sleepstate

0x02 SystemisenteringS2sleepstate

0x03 SystemisenteringS3sleepstate

0x04 SystemisenteringS4sleepstate

0x05 SystemisenteringS5sleepstate

0x10 SystemiswakingupfromtheS1sleepstate

0x20 SystemiswakingupfromtheS2sleepstate

0x30 SystemiswakingupfromtheS3sleepstate

0x40 SystemiswakingupfromtheS4sleepstate

0xAC SystemhastransitionedintoACPImode.InterruptcontrollerisinPICmode.

0xAA SystemhastransitionedintoACPImode.InterruptcontrollerisinAPICmode.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 1-19

Chapter 1

1.1.8 Jumper

1. LN2 Mode jumper (3-pin LN2_MODE)

WithLN2modeactivated,theROGmotherboardisoptimizedtoremedythecold-boot

bugduringPOSTandhelpthesystembootsuccessfully.

1-20 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1

1.1.9 Internal connectors

1. Intel® Z270 Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12; SATA6G_34;

SATA6G_56)

TheseconnectorsconnecttoSerialATA6Gb/sharddiskdrivesviaSerialATA6Gb/s

signalcables.

IfyouinstalledSerialATAharddiskdrives,youcancreateaRAID0,1,5,and10

congurationwiththeIntel®RapidStorageTechnologythroughtheonboardIntel®

Z270chipset.

• Theseconnectorsaresetto[AHCI]bydefault.IfyouintendtocreateaSerialATA

RAIDsetusingtheseconnectors,settheSATAModeSelectionitemintheBIOSto

[Intel RST Premium With Intel Optane System Acceleration (RAID)].

• BeforecreatingaRAIDset,refertosectionRAID configurationsorthemanual

bundledinthemotherboardsupportDVD.

• WhenusingNCQ,settheSATAModeintheBIOSto[AHCI].RefertosectionSATA

Configurationfordetails.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 1-21

Chapter 1

3. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12)

ThisconnectorallowsyoutoconnectaUSB3.0moduleforadditionalUSB3.0front

orrearpanelports.WithaninstalledUSB3.0module,youcanenjoyallthebenetsof

USB3.0includingfasterdatatransferspeedsofupto5Gbps,fasterchargingtimefor

USB-chargeabledevices,optimizedpowerefciency,andbackwardcompatibilitywith

USB2.0.

TheUSB3.0moduleispurchasedseparately.

2. USB 3.1 front panel connector (USB3.1_E1)

ThisconnectorallowsyoutoconnectaUSB3.1moduleforadditionalUSB3.1ports.

ThelatestUSB3.1connectivityprovidesdatatransferspeedsofupto10Gbps.The

next-generationstandardiscompletelybackward-compatiblewithyourexistingUSB

devices.

• EnsuretoinstalltherelateddrivertofullyusetheUSB3.0portsunderWindows®7.

• ThepluggedUSB3.0devicemayrunonxHCIorEHCImodedependingonthe

operatingsystem’ssetting.

1-22 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1

Neverconnecta1394cabletotheUSBconnectors.Doingsowilldamagethe

motherboard!

4. USB 2.0 connector (10-1 pin USB1314)

TheseconnectorsareforUSB2.0ports.ConnecttheUSBmodulecabletoanyof

theseconnectors,theninstallthemoduletoaslotopeningatthebackofthesystem

chassis.TheseUSBconnectorscomplywithUSB2.0specicationthatsupportsupto

480MBpsconnectionspeed.

1xUSB2.0port(USB1314)atmid-boardshareswithROGextension(ROG_EXT)port.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 1-23

Chapter 1

5. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)

Thisconnectorisforachassis-mountedfrontpanelaudioI/Omodulethatsupports

HDAudiostandard.ConnectoneendofthefrontpanelaudioI/Omodulecabletothis

connector.

Werecommendthatyouconnectahigh-denitionfrontpanelaudiomoduletothis

connectortoavailofthemotherboard’shigh-denitionaudiocapability.

1-24 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1

6. CPU, CPU optional, high amp, water flow, extension, water pump+, AIO pump,

and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin H_AMP;

3-pin W_FLOW; 5-pin EXT_FAN; 4-pin W_PUMP+; 4-pin AIO_PUMP; 4-pin CHA_

FAN1-3)

Connectthefancablestothefanconnectorsonthemotherboard,ensuringthatthe

blackwireofeachcablematchesthegroundpinoftheconnector.

• DONOTforgettoconnectthefancablestothefanconnectors.Insufcientairow

insidethesystemmaydamagethemotherboardcomponents.Thesearenotjumpers!

Donotplacejumpercapsonthefanconnectors!

• Ensuretofullyinsertthe4-pinCPUfancabletotheCPUfanconnector.

• ForbetterQ-Fanfunctions,werecommendusing4-pinPWMfanswhenyouconnect

powerfulfans(1Aorabove)ontotheH_AMP_FANconnector.

• EnsuretodisableQ-Fanfunctionsifyouwanttoconnectpowerful3-pinDCfans(1A

orabove)ontotheH_AMP_FANconnector.

• W_PUMP+functionsupportdependsonwatercoolingdevice.

Header Max. Current Max. Power Default Speed Shared Control

CPU_FAN 1A 12W Q-FanControlled A

CPU_OPT 1A 12W Q-FanControlled A

CHA_FAN1 1A 12W Q-FanControlled -

CHA_FAN2 1A 12W Q-FanControlled -

CHA_FAN3 1A 12W Q-FanControlled -

AIO_PUMP 1A 12W FullSpeed B

W_PUMP+ 3A 36W FullSpeed B

H_AMP 3A 36W Q-FanControlled -

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 1-25

Chapter 1

• Forafullyconguredsystem,werecommendthatyouuseapowersupplyunit

(PSU)thatcomplieswithATX12VSpecication2.0(orlaterversion)andprovidesa

minimumpowerof350W.

• Donotforgettoconnectthe4-pin/8-pinEATX12Vpowerplug.Otherwise,thesystem

willnotboot.

• WerecommendthatyouuseaPSUwithahigherpoweroutputwhenconguringa

systemwithmorepower-consumingdevices.Thesystemmaybecomeunstableor

maynotbootupifthepowerisinadequate.

• Ifyouwanttousetwoormorehigh-endPCIex16cards,useaPSUwith1000W

powerorabovetoensurethesystemstability.

7. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)

TheseconnectorsareforATXpowersupplyplugs.Thepowersupplyplugsare

designedtottheseconnectorsinonlyoneorientation.Findtheproperorientationand

pushdownrmlyuntiltheconnectorscompletelyt.

1-26 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1

• SystempowerLED(2-pinPLED)

This2-pinconnectorisforthesystempowerLED.ConnectthechassispowerLED

cabletothisconnector.ThesystempowerLEDlightsupwhenyouturnonthesystem

power,andblinkswhenthesystemisinsleepmode.

• HarddiskdriveactivityLED(2-pinHDD_LED)

This2-pinconnectorisfortheHDDActivityLED.ConnecttheHDDActivityLEDcable

tothisconnector.TheHDDLEDlightsuporasheswhendataisreadfromorwritten

totheHDD.

• Systemwarningspeaker(4-pinSPEAKER)

This4-pinconnectorisforthechassis-mountedsystemwarningspeaker.Thespeaker

allowsyoutohearsystembeepsandwarnings.

• ATXpowerbutton/soft-offbutton(2-pinPWRBTN)

Thisconnectorisforthesystempowerbutton.Pressingthepowerbuttonturns

thesystemonorputsthesysteminsleeporsoft-offmodedependingontheBIOS

settings.PressingthepowerbuttonformorethanfoursecondswhilethesystemisON

turnsthesystemOFF.

• Resetbutton(2-pinRESET)

This2-pinconnectorisforthechassis-mountedresetbuttonforsystemrebootwithout

turningoffthesystempower.

8. System panel connectors (10-1 pin F_PANEL; 4-pin SPEAKER)

Theseconnectorssupportsseveralchassis-mountedfunctions.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 1-27

Chapter 1

• TheOCPanelI/IIandFrontBasearepurchasedseparately.

• SupportforOCPanelI/IIandFrontBasevariesoverdifferentplatforms.

• Visitwww.asus.comformoreinformationaboutthedevicesandthelatestcompatibility

list.

9. ROG extension connector (18-1 pin ROG_EXT)

ThisconnectorisfortheOCPanelI/II.

10. Thermal sensor connector (2-pin T_SENSOR)

Thisconnectorisforthethermistorcablethatallowsyoutomonitorthetemperatureof

yourmotherboard’scriticalcomponentsandconnecteddevices.

1-28 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1

TheRGBheadersupports5050RGBmulti-colorLEDstrips(12V/G/R/B),withamaximum

powerratingof2A(12V),andnolongerthan2m.

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.

• ActuallightingandcolorwillvarywithLEDstrip.

• IfyourLEDstripdoesnotlightup,checkiftheRGBLEDextensioncableandthe

RGBLEDstripisconnectedinthecorrectorientation,andthe12Vconnectoris

alignedwiththe12Vheaderonthemotherboard.

• TheLEDstripwillonlylightupwhenthesystemisoperating.

• TheLEDstripispurchasedseparately.

11. AURA RGB headers (4-pin RGB_HEADER1-2)

TheseconnectorsareforRGBLEDstrips.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 1-29

Chapter 1

12. M.2 sockets (M.2_1; M.2_2)

ThesesocketsallowyoutoinstallM.2SSDmodules.

13. LED connector (5-pin RGB_LED_STRIP2)

ThisLEDconnectorisforconnectingLEDstripsonyourcover.

• M.2_1socketsupportsPCIe3.0x4andSATAmodeMKeydesignandtype2242/

2260/2280PCIestoragedevices.

• M.2_2socketsupportsPCIe3.0x4MKeydesignandtype2242/2260/2280/22110

PCIestoragedevices.

• ThesesocketssupportIRST(Intel®RapidStorageTechnology).

TheM.2SSDmoduleispurchasedseparately.

1-30 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1

14. TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM)

ThisconnectorsupportsaTrustedPlatformModule(TPM)system,whichsecurely

storeskeys,digitalcerticates,passwordsanddata.ATPMsystemalsohelps

enhancenetworksecurity,protectdigitalidentities,andensuresplatformintegrity.

TheTPMmoduleispurchasedseparately.

15. Thunderbolt header (5-pin TB_HEADER)

Thisconnectorisfortheadd-onThunderboltI/OcardthatsupportsIntel’sThunderbolt

Technology,allowingyoutoconnectuptosixThunderbolt-enableddevicesanda

DisplayPort-enableddisplayinadaisy-chainconguration.

Theadd-onThunderboltI/OcardandThunderboltcablesarepurchasedseparately.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 1-31

Chapter 1

16. Water in, water out, and water flow connectors (2-pin W_IN; 2-pin W_OUT;

3-pin W_FLOW)

Theseconnectorsallowyoutoconnectsensorstomonitorthetemperatureandow

rateofyourliquidcoolingsystem.Youcanmanuallyadjustthefansandwaterpumpto

optimizethethermalefciencyofyourliquidcoolingsystem.

1-32 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 1

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 2-1

Chapter 2

Basic Installation

2.1 Building your PC system

The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with

models, but the installation steps are the same for all models.

2.1.1 Motherboard installation

1. Install the ASUS Q-Shield to the chassis rear I/O panel.

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2. Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are aligned to

the chassis’ rear I/O panel.

2-2 Chapter 2: Basic Installation

Chapter 2

3. Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to

the chassis.

DO NOT over tighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 2-3

Chapter 2

2.1.2 CPU installation

Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1151 socket only. DO NOT install

a CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1151 socket.

Top of CPU

Bottom of CPU

2-4 Chapter 2: Basic Installation

Chapter 2

Top of CPU

• TheCPUInstallationToolisonlycompatibleonASUSmotherboardswithaIntel®

LGA1151 socket.

• EnsurethattheCPUisrmlyclickedintoplacebeforeinstallingitontotheCPUsocket

on the motherboard.

• UsetheCPUInstallationToolforinstallingtheCPUonly.DONOTdamageorbend

the CPU Installation Tool.

• AlwaysrmlyholdbothsidesoftheCPUInstallationToolwheninstalling,removing,or

picking up the CPU Installation Tool.

• EnsuretouseasoftstablesurfacewheninstallingtheCPUtotheCPUInstallation

Tool to prevent CPU damage.

• ASUSwillnotcoverdamagesresultingfromincorrectCPUinstallation/removal,

incorrect CPU orientation/placement, or other damages resulting from negligence by

the user.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 2-5

Chapter 2

2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation

Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the

CPU heatsink and CPU before you install

the heatsink and fan, if necessary.

To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly

2-6 Chapter 2: Basic Installation

Chapter 2

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 2-7

Chapter 2

2.1.4 DIMM installation

To remove a DIMM

2-8 Chapter 2: Basic Installation

Chapter 2

2.1.5 ATX power connection

Ensure to connect the 8-pin power plug.

2.1.6 SATA device connection

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 2-9

Chapter 2

2.1.7 Front I/O connector

To install ASUS Q-Connector

USB 2.0

AAFP

To install USB 2.0 connector

To install front panel audio connector To install system speaker connector

USB 3.0

To install USB 3.0 connector

USB 3.1

To install USB 3.1 connector

Thisconnectorwillonlytinone

orientation. Push the connector until it

clicks into place.

2-10 Chapter 2: Basic Installation

Chapter 2

2.1.8 Expansion card installation

To install PCIe x16 cards

To install PCIe x1 cards

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 2-11

Chapter 2

2.1.9 M.2 installation

Supported M.2 type varies per motherboard.

2-12 Chapter 2: Basic Installation

Chapter 2

2.1.10 3D printing part installation

Installing the 3D printing part onto the 3D Mount

A 3D printing part may be installed onto your motherboard into the 3D Mount shown in the

illustration below.

For more details regarding the installation of the 3D printing part on your motherboard, please

refer to the product page of your motherboard on the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

You may use the screw package included to secure the 3D printing part to the 3D Mount.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 2-13

Chapter 2

2.2 BIOS update utility

USB BIOS Flashback

USB BIOS Flashback allows you to easily update the BIOS without entering the existing

BIOS or operating system. Simply insert a USB storage device to the USB port, press the

USB BIOS Flashback button for three seconds, and the BIOS is updated automatically.

To use USB BIOS Flashback:

1. DownloadthelatestBIOSlefromtheASUSwebsite.

2. ExtractandrenametheBIOSimageletoM9H.CAP.

3. Copy M9H.CAP to the root directory of your USB storage device.

4. Turn off the system and connect the USB storage device to the USB BIOS Flashback

port.

5. Press the USB BIOS Flashback button.

AashinglightindicatesthattheBIOSFlashbackfunctionisenabled.Thelightgoesout

when the process of updating the BIOS is complete.

• FormoreBIOSupdateutilitiesinBIOSsetup,refertothesectionUpdating BIOS in

Chapter 3.

• ConnectyourUSBkeyboardontheKeyBotportifyouwanttousetheKeyBotfeature.

Updating BIOS may have risks. If the BIOS program is damaged during the process and

results to the system’s failure to boot up, please contact your local ASUS Service Center.

USB BIOS Flashback button USB BIOS Flashback port

2-14 Chapter 2: Basic Installation

Chapter 2

2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections

2.3.1 Rear I/O connection

* and ** : Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port LEDs, and audio port definitions.

Rear panel connectors

1. Clear CMOS button (CLR_CMOS). Press this button to clear the BIOS setup

information only when the systems hangs due to overclocking.

2. DisplayPort

3. Intel® USB 2.0 ports 7, 8, 9, and 10. Second port from the bottom supports the

KeyBotIIfeature.

4. Intel® USB 3.0 ports 3, 4, 5, and 6

5. LAN (RJ-45) port*

6. USB BIOS Flashback button

7. HDMI port

8. USB 3.1 Type-A port EA3

9. USB 3.1 Type-C port EC2

10. Optical S/PDIF OUT port

11. Audio I/O ports**

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 2-15

Chapter 2

* LAN ports LED indications

• DuetoUSB3.0controllerlimitation,USB3.0devicescanonlybeusedunder

Windows® 7 and after the USB 3.0 driver installation.

• USB3.0devicescanonlybeusedasdatastorageonly.

• WestronglyrecommendthatyouconnectUSB3.0devicestoUSB3.0portsforfaster

and better performance for your USB 3.0 devices.

• DuetothedesignoftheIntelchipset,allUSBdevicesconnectedtotheUSB2.0and

USB 3.0 ports are controlled by the xHCI controller. Some legacy USB devices must

updatetheirrmwareforbettercompatibility.

• WhenKeyBotIIisactivated,USBhotplugfunctionoftheKeyBotport(USB2.0port8)

will be temporarily disabled.

** Audio 2, 4, 6 or 8-channel configuration

SPEED

LED

ACT/LINK

LED

LAN port

Activity Link LED Speed LED

Status Description Status Description

OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection

ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection

BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection

Port Headset

2-channel 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Side Speaker Out

Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In

Orange – – Center/Sub

woofer

Center/Sub

woofer

Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

2-16 Chapter 2: Basic Installation

Chapter 2

2.3.2 Audio I/O connections

Audio I/O ports

Connect to Headphone and Mic

Connect to Stereo Speakers

Connect to 2 Speakers

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 2-17

Chapter 2

Connect to 4 Speakers

Connect to 6 Speakers

Connect to 8 Speakers

2-18 Chapter 2: Basic Installation

Chapter 2

2.4 Starting up for the first time

1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.

2. Ensure that all switches are off.

3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis.

4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.

5. Turn on the devices in the following order:

a. Monitor

b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)

c. System power

6. After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case lights up.

For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up when you press the

ATX power button. If your monitor complies with the “green” standards or if it has a

“power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up or change from orange to green

after the system LED turns on.

The system then runs the power-on self tests (POST). While the tests are running, the

BIOS beeps (refer to the BIOS beep codes table) or additional messages appear on

the screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on

the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Check the jumper settings and

connections or call your retailer for assistance.

BIOS Beep Description

One short beep

VGA detected

Quick boot set to disabled

No keyboard detected

One continuous beep followed by two

short beeps then a pause (repeated) No memory detected

One continuous beep followed by three

short beeps No VGA detected

One continuous beep followed by four

short beeps Hardware component failure

7. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the

instructions in Chapter 3.

2.5 Turning off the computer

While the system is ON, press the power button for less than four seconds to put the system

on sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Press the power button

for more than four seconds to let the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS

setting.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 3-1

Chapter 3

BIOS Setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS

The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unied Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI

architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-

only BIOS controls to enable a more exible and convenient mouse input. You can easily

navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as your operating system. The

term “BIOS” in this user manual refers to “UEFI BIOS” unless otherwise specied.

BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage

device conguration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot

device conguration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In

normal circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure

optimal performance. DO NOT change the default BIOS settings except in the following

circumstances:

• An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to

run the BIOS Setup.

• You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or

update.

Inappropriate BIOS settings may result to instability or boot failure. We strongly

recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service

personnel.

When downloading or updating the BIOS le, rename it as M9H.CAP for this motherboard.

Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Chapter 3

• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and

may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

• Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to your motherboard if you want to use the

mouse to control the BIOS setup program.

• If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default

settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized

Defaults item under the Exit menu or press hotkey <F5>. See section 3.10 Exit Menu

for details.

• If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and

reset the motherboard to the default value. See section 1.1.6 Onboard buttons and

switches for information on how to erase the RTC RAM via the Clear CMOS button.

• The BIOS setup program does not support the Bluetooth devices.

Please visit ASUS website for the detailed BIOS content manual.

BIOS menu screen

The BIOS Setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode.

You can change modes from Setup Mode in Boot menu or by pressing the <F7> hotkey.

3.2 BIOS setup program

Use the BIOS Setup to update the BIOS or congure its parameters. The BIOS screen

include navigation keys and brief onscreen help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup

program.

Entering BIOS at startup

To enter BIOS Setup at startup, press <Delete> or <F2> during the Power-On Self Test

(POST). If you do not press <Delete> or <F2>, POST continues with its routines.

Entering BIOS Setup after POST

To enter BIOS Setup after POST:

• Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete> simultaneously.

• Press the reset button on the system chassis.

• Press the power button to turn the system off then back on. Do this option only if you

failed to enter BIOS Setup using the rst two options.

After doing either of the three options, press <Delete> key to enter BIOS.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 3-3

Chapter 3

3.2.1 EZ Mode

By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ

Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select

the display language, system performance, mode and boot device priority. To access the

Advanced Mode, select Advanced Mode or press the <F7> hotkey for the advanced BIOS

settings.

The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the

Setup Mode item in section Boot menu for details.

The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system.

Selects the display language

of the BIOS setup program

Displays the CPU/motherboard temperature,

CPU voltage output, CPU/chassis/power fan

speed, and SATA information

Displays the system properties of the selected mode.

Click < or > to switch EZ System Tuning modes

Loads optimized

default settings

Creates storage RAID and

configures system overclocking

Displays the CPU Fan’s speed. Click

the button to manually tune the fans

Enables or disables the SATA RAID mode

for Intel Rapid Storage Technology Saves the changes

and resets the system

Click to display boot devices

Selects the boot device priority

Click to go to Advanced mode

Search on the FAQ

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Chapter 3

3.2.2 Advanced Mode

The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to congure

the BIOS settings. The gure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the

following sections for the detailed congurations.

To switch from EZ Mode to Advanced Mode, click Advanced Mode(F7) or press the <F7>

hotkey.

Menu items General help

Menu bar Language Hot Keys

Qfan Control(F6)

MyFavorite(F3) EZ Tuning Wizard(F11)

Scroll barPop-up Menu

Configuration fields

Last modified settings Go back to EZ Mode

Displays the CPU temperature,

CPU, and memory voltage output

Search on the FAQ

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 3-5

Chapter 3

Menu bar

The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:

My Favorites For saving the frequently-used system settings and conguration.

Main For changing the basic system conguration

Extreme Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings

Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

Monitor For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing

the fan settings.

Boot For changing the system boot conguration

Tool For conguring options for special functions

Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings

Menu items

The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example,

selecting Main shows the Main menu items.

The other items (My Favorites, Ai Tweaker, Advanced, Monitor, Boot, Tool, and Exit) on the

menu bar have their respective menu items.

Submenu items

A greater than sign (>) before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a

submenu. To display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.

Language

This button above the menu bar contains the languages that you can select for your BIOS.

Click this button to select the language that you want to display in your BIOS screen.

My Favorites(F3)

This button above the menu bar shows all BIOS items in a Tree Map setup. Select frequently-

used BIOS settings and save it to MyFavorites menu.

Refer to section 3.3 My Favorites for more information.

Q-Fan Control(F6)

This button above the menu bar displays the current settings of your fans. Use this button to

manually tweak the fans to your desired settings.

Refer to section 3.2.3 QFan Control for more information.

EZ Tuning Wizard(F11)

This button above the menu bar allows you to view and tweak the overclocking settings of

your system. It also allows you to change the motherboard’s SATA mode from AHCI to RAID

mode.

Refer to section 3.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard for more information.

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Chapter 3

Search on FAQ

Move your mouse over this button to show a QR code, scan this QR code on your mobile

device to connect to the BIOS FAQ web page of the ASUS support website. You can also

scan the following QR code:

Hot keys

This button above the menu bar contains the navigation keys for the BIOS setup program.

Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.

Scroll bar

A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that do not t

on the screen. Press the Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> / <Page Down> keys to display

the other items on the screen.

General help

At the bottom of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item. Use <F12> key

to capture the BIOS screen and save it to the removable storage device.

Configuration fields

These elds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-congurable, you can

change the value of the eld opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not

user-congurable.

A congurable eld is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a eld, select it and

press <Enter> to display a list of options.

Last Modified button

This button shows the items that you last modied and saved in BIOS Setup.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 3-7

Chapter 3

3.2.3 QFan Control

The QFan Control allows you to set a fan prole or manually congure the operating speed of

your CPU and chassis fans.

Click to select a fan to be

configured Click to activate

PWM Mode

Click to undo the

changes

Click to apply the fan setting

Click to go back to main menu

Select a profile to

apply to your fans

Click to activate DC Mode

Select to manually configure

your fans

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Chapter 3

Configuring fans manually

Select Manual from the list of proles to manually congure your fans’ operating speed.

To congure your fans:

1. Select the fan that you want to congure and to view its current status.

2. Click and drag the speed points to adjust the fans’ operating speed.

3. Click Apply to save the changes then click Exit (ESC).

Speed points Select to manually

configure your fans

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 3-9

Chapter 3

3.2.4 EZ Tuning Wizard

EZ Tuning Wizard allows you to easily overclock your CPU and DRAM, computer usage, and

CPU fan to their best settings. You can also set RAID in your system using this feature.

RAID setup

OC Tuning

To start OC Tuning:

1. Press <F11> on your keyboard or click from the BIOS screen to open

EZ Tuning Wizard screen.

2. Click OC

then click Next.

3. Select a PC scenario Daily Computing or Gaming/Media Editing, then click Next.

OC setup

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Chapter 3

Creating RAID

To create RAID:

1. Press <F11> on your keyboard or click from the BIOS screen to open

EZ Tuning Wizard screen.

2. Click RAID

then click Next.

• Ensure that your HDDs have no existing RAID volumes.

• Ensure to connect your HDDs to Intel® SATA connectors.

3. Select the port that you want to set to [RAID] mode, PCIE or SATA, then click Next.

4. Select a Main Cooling System BOX cooler, Tower cooler, Water cooler, or I’m not

sure, then click Next.

5. After selecting the Main Cooling System, click Next then click Yes to start the OC

Tuning.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 3-11

Chapter 3

5. After selecting the type of RAID, click Next then click Yes to continue the RAID setup.

6. After the RAID setup is done, click Yes to exit the setup then click OK to reset your

system.

You can only select Easy Backup (RAID 10) if you connect four (4) HDDs.

b. For Super Speed, click Next then select from Super Speed (RAID0) or Super

Speed (RAID5).

a. For Easy Backup, click Next then select from Easy Backup (RAID1) or Easy

Backup (RAID10).

4. Select the type of storage for your RAID, Easy Backup or Super Speed, then click

Next.

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Chapter 3

3.3 My Favorites

My Favorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite

BIOS items.

My Favorites comes with several performance, power saving, and fast boot related items by

default. You can personalize this screen by adding or removing items.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 3-13

Chapter 3

Adding items to My Favorites

To add BIOS items:

1. Press <F3> on your keyboard or click from the BIOS screen to open

Setup Tree Map screen.

2. On the Setup Tree Map screen, select the BIOS items that you want to save in My

Favorites screen.

3. Select an item from main menu panel, then click the submenu that you want to save as

favorite from the submenu panel and click or press <Enter> on your keyboard.

You cannot add the following items to My Favorite items:

• Items with submenu options

• User-managed items such as language and boot order

• Conguration items such as Memory SPD Information, system time and date.

4. Click Exit (ESC) or press <Esc> key to close Setup Tree Map screen.

5. Go to My Favorites menu to view the saved BIOS items.

Main menu panel

Submenu panel

Selected shortcut

items

Delete all favorite

items

Recover to default

favorite items

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Chapter 3

3.4 Main menu

The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup

program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and

allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings.

Security

The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings.

• If you have forgotten your BIOS password, erase the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC)

RAM to clear the BIOS password. See section 1.1.6 Onboard buttons and switches

for information on how to erase the RTC RAM via the Clear CMOS button.

• The Administrator or User Password items on top of the screen show the default [Not

Installed]. After you set a password, these items show [Installed].

3.5 Extreme Tweaker menu

The Extreme Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.

Be cautious when changing the settings of the Extreme Tweaker menu items. Incorrect

eld values can cause the system to malfunction

The conguration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you

installed on the motherboard.

Ai Overclock Tuner

Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal

frequency. Conguration options:

[Auto] Loads the optimal settings for the system.

[Manual] Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.

[X.M.P.] If you install memory modules supporting the eXtreme Memory Prole

(X.M.P.) Technology, choose this item to set the proles supported by your

memory modules for optimizing the system performance.

The [X.M.P.] conguration option appears only when you install memory modules

supporting the eXtreme Memory Prole(X.M.P.) Technology.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 3-15

Chapter 3

The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner to [Manual].

BCLK Frequency

This item allows you to set the BCLK (base clock) frequency to enhance the system

performance. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. The values range from 40.0 MHz

to 650.0 MHz.

We recommend you to set the value based on the CPU specication, as high BCLK

frequencies may damage the CPU permanently.

ASUS MultiCore Enhancement

[Auto] This item allows you to maximize the oveclocking performance optimized

by ASUS core ratio settings.

[Disabled] This item allows you to set to default core ratio settings.

CPU Core Ratio

This item allows you to set the CPU core ratios.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Sync All Cores] [Per Core]

DRAM Frequency

This item allows you to set the memory operating frequency. The congurable options vary

with the BCLK (base clock) frequency setting. Select the auto mode to apply the optimized

setting.

Conguration options: [Auto] [DDR4-320MHz] - [DDR4-1706MHz]

TPU

This item allows you to automatically overclock the CPU and DRAM frequencies and voltage

for an enhanced system performance.

[Keep Current Settings] Keep the current settings without changing anything.

[TPU I] Applies air cooling overclocking conditions.

[TPU II] Applies water cooling overclocking conditions.

Ensure to use water cooling device before selecting [TPU II].

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Chapter 3

Internal CPU Power Management

The subitems in this menu allow you to set the CPU ratio and features.

Intel(R) SpeedStep(tm)

Allows the operating system to dynamically adjust the processor voltage and cores

frequency to decrease the average power consumption and decrease average heat

production.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]

Turbo Mode

Allows you to enable your processor cores to run faster than the base operating

frequency when it is below power, current and specication limit. Conguration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled]

3.6 Advanced menu

The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system

devices.

Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values

can cause the system to malfunction.

Hyper-threading

This item allows a hyper-threading processor to appear as two logical processors, allowing

the operating system to schedule two threads or processors simultaneously.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

CPU Power Management Configuration

This item allows you to manage and congure the CPU’s power.

Intel(R) SpeedStep(tm)

This item allows more than two frequency to be supported.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]

Turbo Mode

This item allows you to automatically set the CPU cores to run faster than the base

operating frequency when it is below the operating power, current and temperature

specication limit.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

CPU C-States

This item allows you to set the power saving of the CPU states.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

3.6.1 CPU Configuration

The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically

detects.

The items in this menu may vary based on the CPU installed.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 3-17

Chapter 3

3.6.2 Platform Misc Configuration

The items in this menu allow you to change the ASPM for PCH and SA PCI Express.

3.6.3 System Agent (SA) Configuration

The items in this menu allow you to adjust the Link Speed for PEG Port and Multi-Monitor.

3.6.4 PCH Configuration

The items in this menu allow you to adjust the PCH PCI Express speed.

PCI Express Configuration

This item allows you to congure the PCI Express slots.

PCIe Speed

This item allows your system to automatically select the PCI Express port speed.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Gen1] [Gen2] [Gen3]

3.6.5 PCH Storage Configuration

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The

SATA Port items show Not Present if no SATA device is installed to the corresponding SATA

port.

SATA Controller(s)

This item allows you to enable or disable the SATA Device.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

SATA Mode Selection

This item allows you to set the SATA conguration.

[AHCI] Set to [AHCI] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the AHCI

(Advanced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard storage

driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage

performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to internally

optimize the order of commands.

[RAID] Set to [RAID] when you want to create a RAID conguration from the SATA

hard disk drives.

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Chapter 3

SMART Self Test

SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitoring system that

shows a warning message during POST (Power-on Self Test) when an error occurs in the

hard disks.

Conguration options: [On] [Off]

SATA6G_1(Gray) - SATA6G_6(Gray)

This item allows you to enable or disable the selected SATA port.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Hot Plug

These items appears only when the SATA Mode Selection is set to [AHCI] and allows

you to enable or disable SATA Hot Plug Support.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

3.6.8 ROG Effects

The items in this menu allow you to congure the LEDs on your motherboard and the

functions for the Q-Code LED.

Onboard LED

This item allows you to enable all the onboard LEDs.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Q-Code LED Function

[Auto] Automatically display POST (Power-On Self-Test) code and CPU

temperature on Q-Code LED.

[POST Code Only] Show POST (Power-On Self-Test) code on Q-Code LED.

Thunderbolt(TM) Support

This item allows you to disable or enable the Intel Thunderbolt Technology.

Conguration options: [Fully Disabled] [Disabled] [Enabled]

ThunderBolt(TM) PCIe Support

This item allows you to disable or enable the ThunderBolt PCIe Support.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

3.6.6 PCH-FW Configuration

This item allows you to congure the rmware TPM.

3.6.7 Thunderbolt(TM) Configuration

The items in this menu allow you to congure Thunderbolt settings.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 3-19

Chapter 3

3.6.9 Onboard Devices Configuration

The items in this menu allow you to switch between PCIe Lanes and congure onboard

devices.

HD Audio Controller

This item allows you to use the Azalia High Denition Audio Controller

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

M.2_1 Configuration: [Auto][SATA mode][PCIE mode]

[Auto] Auto-detects the M.2 device mode. If a SATA device is detected,

SATA6G_1 will be disabled.

[SATA mode] Only supports M.2 SATA devices. Please note that SATA6G_1 port cannot

be used in this mode.

[PCIE mode] Only supports M.2 PCIE devices.

M.2_2 PCIe Bandwidth Configuration: [X2][X4]

[X2] Run at X2 mode with SATA6G_56 enabled.

[X4] Run at X4 mode for higher performance with SATA6G_56 disabled.

USB Type C Power Switch

[Auto] The system will automatically detect your USB Type C devices and provide

suitable power if needed.

[Enabled] The USB Type C port will always provide power to your devices.

RGB LED lighting

This item allows you to turn the RGB LED lighting on or off.

Conguration options: [On] [Off]

Intel LAN Controller

This item allows you to enable or disable the Intel LAN controllers.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Chapter 3

3.6.10 APM Configuration

The items in this menu allow you to set system wake and sleep settings.

ErP Ready [Disabled]

This item allows you to switch off some power at S4+S5 or S5 to get the system ready for

ErP requirement. When set to [Enabled], all other PME options are switched off.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enable(S4+S5)] [Enable(S5)]

3.6.11 Network Stack Configuration

The items in this menu allow you to congure Ipv4 / Ipv6 PXE support.

3.6.12 HDD/SSD SMART Information

This menu displays the SMART information of the connected devices.

NVM Express devices do not support SMART information.

3.6.13 USB Configuration

The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.

The Mass Storage Devices item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is

detected, the item shows None.

USB Single Port Control

This item allows you to enable or disable the individual USB ports.

Refer to section 1.1.2 Motherboard layout for the location of the USB ports.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 3-21

Chapter 3

3.7 Monitor menu

The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change

the fan settings.

Scroll down to display the other BIOS items.

Qfan Configuration

Qfan Tuning

Click this item to automatically detect the lowest speed and congure the minimum

duty cycle for each fan.

AIO PUMP/W_PUMP+ Control

[Disabled] Disable the Water Pump control feature.

[Auto] Detects the type of water pump installed and automatically switches

the control modes.

[DC mode] Enable the Water Pump control in DC mode for 3-pin chassis fan.

[PWM mode] Enable the Water Pump control in PWM mode for 4-pin chassis fan.

3.8 Boot menu

The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.

Fast Boot

[Disabled] Allows your system to go back to its normal boot speed.

[Enabled] Allows your system to accelerate the boot speed.

The following items appear only when you set the Fast Boot to [Enabled].

Next Boot after AC Power Loss

[Normal Boot] Returns to normal boot on the next boot after an AC power loss.

[Fast Boot] Accelerates the boot speed on the next boot after an AC power loss.

Setup Mode

[Advanced Mode] This item allows you to go to Advanced Mode of the BIOS after POST.

[EZ Mode] This item allows you to go to EZ Mode of the BIOS after POST.

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Chapter 3

CSM (Compatibility Support Module)

This item allows you to congure the CSM (Compatibility Support Module) items to fully

support the various VGA, bootable devices and add-on devices for better compatibility.

Launch CSM

[Auto] The system automatically detects the bootable devices and the add-

on devices.

[Enabled] For better compatibility, enable the CSM to fully support the non-UEFI

driver add-on devices or the Windows® UEFI mode.

[Disabled] Disable the CSM to fully support the non-UEFI driver add-on devices

or the Windows® UEFI mode.

The following items appear only when you set the Launch CSM to [Enabled].

Boot Devices Control [UEFI and Legacy OPROM]

This item allows you to select the type of devices that you want to boot.

Conguration options: [UEFI and Legacy OPROM] [Legacy OPROM only]

[UEFI only]

Boot from Network Devices [Legacy only]

This item allows you to select the type of network devices that you want to

launch.

Conguration options: [Ignore] [Legacy only] [UEFI driver rst]

Boot from Storage Devices [Legacy only]

This item allows you to select the type of storage devices that you want to

launch.

Conguration options: [Ignore] [Legacy only] [UEFI driver rst]

Boot from PCI-E/PCI Expansion Devices [Legacy only]

This item allows you to select the type of PCI-E/PCI expansion devices that

you want to launch.

Conguration options: [Legacy only] [UEFI driver rst]

Secure Boot

This item allows you to congure the Windows® Secure Boot settings and manage its keys to

protect the system from unauthorized access and malwares during POST.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 3-23

Chapter 3

Boot Option Priorities

These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The

number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices

installed in the system.

• To access Windows® OS in Safe Mode, press <F8> after POST (Windows® 8 not

supported).

• To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when the ASUS Logo

appears.

Boot Override

These items displays the available devices. The number of device items that appears on

the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. Click an item to start

booting from the selected device.

3.9 Tool menu

The Tool menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then

press <Enter> to display the submenu.

Setup Animator

This item allows you to enable or disable the Setup animator.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility

This item allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 3. When you press <Enter>, a conrmation

message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press

<Enter> to conrm your choice.

For more details, refer to section 3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3.

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Chapter 3

3.9.2 Secure Erase

SSD speeds may lower over time as with any storage medium due to data processing.

Secure Erase completely and safely cleans your SSD, restoring it to factory performance

levels.

Secure Erase is only available in AHCI mode. Ensure to set the SATA mode to AHCI. Click

Advanced > PCH Storage Configuration > SATA Mode Selection > AHCI.

To launch Secure Erase, click Tool > Secure Erase on the Advanced mode menu.

Check the ASUS support site for a full list of SSDs tested with Secure Erase. The drive may

become unstable if you run Secure Erase on an incompatible SSD.

• The time to erase the contents of your SSD may take a while depending on its size.

Do not turn off the system during the process.

• Secure Erase is only supported on Intel SATA port. For more information about Intel

SATA ports, refer to section 1.1.2 Motherboard layout of this manual.

Status definition:

• Frozen. The frozen state is the result of a BIOS protective measure. The BIOS

guards drives that do not have password protection by freezing them prior to booting.

If the drive is frozen, a power off or hard reset of your PC must be performed to

proceed with the Secure Erase.

• Locked. SSDs might be locked if the Secure Erase process is either incomplete

or was stopped. This may be due to a third party software that uses a different

password dened by ASUS. You have to unlock the SSD in the software before

proceeding with Secure Erase.

Displays the

available SSDs

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 3-25

Chapter 3

Load from Profile

This item allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the

prole number that saved your BIOS settings, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the

system boot failure!

• We recommend that you update the BIOS le only coming from the same memory/

CPU conguration and BIOS version.

Profile Name

This item allows you to key in a prole name.

Save to Profile

This item allows you to save the current BIOS settings to the BIOS Flash, and create a

prole. Key in a prole number from one to eight, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.

Load/Save Profile from/to USB Drive

This item allows you to load or save prole from your USB drive, load and save prole to your

USB drive.

3.9.3 ASUS Overclocking Profile

This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.

Load Default

This item allows you to load the default values of the CPU Core Voltage, VCCSA Voltage,

BCLK Frequency, CPU ratio, and Cache ratio.

Save Above Settings

This item allows you to save the new values of the CPU Core Voltage, VCCSA Voltage,

BCLK Frequency, CPU ratio, and Cache ratio.

Load from profile

This item allows you to load the previous values of the CPU Core Voltage, VCCSA Voltage,

BCLK Frequency, CPU ratio, and Cache ratio.

3.9.4 ROG OC Panel H-Key Configure

The ROG OC Panel H-Key Congure allows you to input and save values on the CPU core

voltage, VCCSA voltage, BCLK Frequency, CPU ratio, and Cache ratio in the UEFI BIOS.

The saved values can be synchronized to a compatible OC Panel device and these values

can be tweaked or congured using the OC Panel without going to the BIOS menu.

3.9.5 ASUS SPD Information

This item allows you to view the DRAM SPD information.

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Chapter 3

3.9.6 Graphics Card Information

This item displays the information about the graphics card installed in your system.

GPU Post

This item displays the information and recommended conguration for the PCIE slots that the

graphics card is installed in your system.

This feature is only supported on selected ASUS graphics cards.

Bus Interface

This item allows you to select the bus interface.

Conguration options: [PCIEX16_1] [PCIEX16_2]

3.10 Exit menu

The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and

save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. You can access the EZ Mode from the Exit

menu.

Load Optimized Defaults

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup

menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a conrmation window appears.

Select OK to load the default values.

Save Changes & Reset

Once you are nished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to

ensure the values you selected are saved. When you select this option or if you press <F10>,

a conrmation window appears. Select OK to save changes and exit.

Discard Changes & Exit

This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes. When you

select this option or if you press <Esc>, a conrmation window appears. Select Yes to

discard changes and exit.

Launch EFI Shell from filesystem device

This item allows you to attempt to launch the EFI Shell application (shellx64.e) from one of

the available lesystem devices.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 3-27

Chapter 3

3.11 Updating BIOS

The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system

stability, compatibility,and performance. However, BIOS updating is potentially risky. If

there is no problem using the current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS.

Inappropriate BIOS updating may result to system’s failure to boot. Carefully follow the

instructions in this chapter to update your BIOS when necessary.

Visit http://www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS le for this motherboard.

The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program.

1. EZ Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.

2. ASUS EZ Flash 3: Updates the BIOS using a USB ash drive.

3. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support DVD or a

USB ash drive when the BIOS le fails or gets corrupted.

3.11.1 EZ Update

The EZ Update is a utility that allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in Windows®

environment.

• EZ Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an ISP

(Internet Service Provider).

• This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Chapter 3

3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3

ASUS EZ Flash 3 allows you to download and update to the latest BIOS through the Internet

without having to use a bootable oppy disk or an OS-based utility.

Updating through the Internet varies per region and Internet conditions. Check your local

Internet connection before updating through the Internet.

To update the BIOS by USB:

1. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select

ASUS EZ Flash Utility and press <Enter>.

2. Insert the USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS le to the USB port.

3. Select by USB.

4. Press <Tab> to switch to the Drive eld.

5. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to nd the USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS,

and then press <Enter>.

6. Press <Tab> to switch to the Folder Info eld.

7. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to nd the BIOS le, and then press <Enter> to perform

the BIOS update process. Reboot the system when the update process is done.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 3-29

Chapter 3

• This function can support devices such as a USB ash disk with FAT 32/16 format and

single partition only.

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system

boot failure!

Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select

the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for

details.

To update the BIOS by Internet:

1. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select

ASUS EZ Flash Utility and press <Enter>.

2. Select by Internet.

3. Press the Left/Right arrow keys to select an Internet connection method, and then

press <Enter>.

Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select

the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for

details.

4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update.

5. Reboot the system when the update process is done.

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup

Chapter 3

3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the

BIOS le when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a

corrupted BIOS le using the motherboard support DVD or a USB ash drive that contains

the BIOS le.

The BIOS le in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS le published

on the ASUS ofcial website. If you want to use the newer BIOS le, download the le at

https://www.asus.com/support/ and save it to a USB ash drive.

Recovering the BIOS

To recover the BIOS:

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB ash drive

containing the BIOS le to the USB port.

3. The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS le. When found, the utility

reads the BIOS le and enters ASUS EZ Flash 3 automatically.

4. The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover the BIOS setting. To ensure

system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you press <F5> to load default

BIOS values.

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause

system boot failure!

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 4-1

Chapter 4

RAID Support

4.1 RAID configurations

The motherboard supports Intel® Rapid Storage Technology with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5,

and RAID 10 solution.

If you want to install a Windows® operating system to a hard disk drive included in a RAID

set, you have to create a RAID driver disk and load the RAID driver during OS installation.

Refer to section 4.2 Creating a RAID driver disk for details.

4.1.1 RAID definitions

RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in

parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a single drive but at a

sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone, thus improving data access

and storage. Use of two new identical hard disk drives is required for this setup.

RAID 1 (Data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data from one drive to

a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array management software directs all applications

to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of the data in the other drive. This RAID

conguration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to the entire system. Use

two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive for this setup. The new drive must be

of the same size or larger than the existing drive.

RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard disk drives. Among

the advantages of RAID 5 conguration include better HDD performance, fault tolerance, and

higher storage capacity. The RAID 5 conguration is best suited for transaction processing,

relational database applications, enterprise resource planning, and other business systems.

Use a minimum of three identical hard disk drives for this setup.

RAID 10 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity (redundancy data) having

to be calculated and written. With the RAID 10 conguration you get all the benets of both

RAID 0 and RAID 1 congurations. Use four new hard disk drives or use an existing drive

and three new drives for this setup.

Chapter 4: RAID Support

4-2 Chapter 4: RAID Support

Chapter 4

4.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks

The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install

identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array.

To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration:

1. Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.

2. Connect the SATA signal cables.

3. Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.

4.1.3 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology in UEFI BIOS

To enter the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology in UEFI BIOS:

1. Enter the BIOS Setup during POST.

2. Go to the Advanced menu > PCH Storage Configuration, then press <Enter>.

3. Set the SATA Controller Mode Selection item to [RAID Mode].

4. Go to the Boot menu > CSM (Compatibility Support Module) > Launch CSM, then

set the item to [Disabled].

5. Save your changes and exit the BIOS Setup, then enter the BIOS Setup again.

6. Go to the Advanced menu > Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology, then press <Enter>

to display the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology menu.

Refer to Chapter 3 for details on entering and navigating through the BIOS Setup

Due to chipset limitation, when SATA ports are set to RAID mode, all SATA ports run at

RAID mode together.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 4-3

Chapter 4

Creating a RAID set

To create a RAID set:

1. From the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology menu, select Create RAID Volume and

press <Enter>. The following screen appears:

2. When the Name item is selected, enter a name for the RAID set and press <Enter>.

3. When the RAID Level item is selected, press <Enter> to select the RAID level to

create, and then press <Enter>.

4. Under Select Disks, press <Enter> and select X for the disks you want to include in the

RAID set.

4-4 Chapter 4: RAID Support

Chapter 4

5. When the Strip Size item is selected, press <Enter> to select strip size for the RAID

array (for RAID 0, 10 and 5 only), and then press <Enter>. The available strip size

values range from 4 KB to 128 KB. The following are typical values:

- RAID 0: 128 KB

- RAID 10: 64 KB

- RAID 5: 64 KB

We recommend a lower strip size for server systems, and a higher strip size for multimedia

computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing.

6. When the Capacity (MB) item is selected, enter the RAID volume capacity that you

want and press <Enter>. The default value indicates the maximum allowed capacity.

7. When the Create Volume item is selected, press <Enter> to create the RAID volume

and return to the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology menu.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 4-5

Chapter 4

Deleting a RAID set

Be cautious when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when

you delete a RAID set.

To delete a RAID set:

1. From the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology menu, select the RAID volume you want to

delete and press <Enter>. The following screen appears:

2. When the Delete item is selected, press <Enter>, then select Yes to delete the RAID

volume and return to the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology menu, or select No to

cancel.

4-6 Chapter 4: RAID Support

Chapter 4

4.1.4 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility

To enter the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility:

1. Turn on the system.

2. During POST, press <Ctrl> + <I> to display the utility main menu.

The navigation keys at the bottom of the screen allow you to move through the menus

and select the menu options.

The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only and may not

exactly match the items on your screen.

The utility supports maximum four hard disk drives for RAID conguration.

RAID Volumes:

None defined.

Physical Devices:

Port Device Model Serial # Size Type/Status(Vol ID)

0 ST3160812AS 9LS0HJA4 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk

1 ST3160812AS 9LS0F4HL 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk

2 ST3160812AS 3LS0JYL8 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk

3 ST3160812AS 9LS0BJ5H 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 4-7

Chapter 4

Creating a RAID set

To create a RAID set:

1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The

following screen appears:

2. Enter a name for the RAID set and press <Enter>.

3. When the RAID Level item is selected, press the up/down arrow key to select a RAID

level to create, and then press <Enter>.

4. When the Disks item is selected, press <Enter> to select the hard disk drives you want

to include in the RAID set. The SELECT DISKS screen appears:

Enter a unique volume name that has no special characters

and is 16 characters or less.

[HELP]

Name: Volume 0

RAID Level: aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Disks: dssdsdsds

Strip Size:aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Capacity:aaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Sync:aaaaaaaaaa

Create volume

[SELECT DISKS]

Port Device Model Serial # Size Status

0 ST3160812AS 9LS0HJA4 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk

1 ST3160812AS 9LS0F4HL 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk

2 ST3160812AS 3LS0JYL8 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk

3 ST3160812AS 9LS0BJ5H 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk

Select 2 to 6 to use in creating the volume.

[↑↓]-Prev/Next [SPACE]-SelectDisk [ENTER]-Done

4-8 Chapter 4: RAID Support

Chapter 4

5. Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press <Space> to select. A

small triangle marks the selected drive. Press <Enter> after completing your selection.

6. Use the up/down arrow key to select the strip size for the RAID array (for RAID 0, 10

and 5 only),and then press <Enter>. The available strip size values range from 4KB to

128KB. The following are typical values:

• RAID 0: 128KB

• RAID 10: 64KB

• RAID 5: 64KB

We recommend a lower strip size for server systems, and a higher strip size for multimedia

computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing.

7. When the Capacity item is selected, enter the RAID volume capacity that you want

and press <Enter>. The default value indicates the maximum allowed capacity.

8. When the Create Volume item is selected, press <Enter>. The following warning

message appears:

9. Press <Y> to create the RAID volume and return to the main menu, or <N> to go back

to the CREATE VOLUME menu.

WARNING: ALL DATA ON SELECTED DISKS WILL BE LOST.

Are you sure you want to create this volume? (Y/N)

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO 4-9

Chapter 4

Deleting a RAID set

Be cautious when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when

you delete a RAID set.

To delete a RAID set:

1. From the utility main menu, select 2. Delete RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The

following screen appears:

2. Use the up/down arrow key to select the RAID set you want to delete, and then press

<Delete>. The following warning message appears:

3. Press <Y> to delete the RAID set and return to the utility main menu, or press <N> to

return to the DELETE VOLUME menu.

Deleting a volume will reset the disks to non-RAID.

WARNING: ALL DISK DATA WILL BE DELETED.

(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)

[HELP]

[DELETE VOLUME MENU]

Name Level Drives Capacity Status Bootable

Volume0 RAID0 (Stripe) 2 298.0GB Normal Yes

[↑↓]-Select [ESC]-Previous Menu [DEL]-Delete Volume

ALL DATA IN THE VOLUME WILL BE LOST!

(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)

Are you sure you want to delete “Volume0”? (Y/N):

[DELETE VOLUME VERIFICATION]

4-10 Chapter 4: RAID Support

Chapter 4

Exiting the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility

To exit the utility:

1. From the utility main menu, select 5. Exit, and then press <Enter>. The following

warning message appears:

Are you sure you want to exit? (Y/N):

[CONFIRM EXIT]

2. Press <Y> to exit or press <N> to return to the utility main menu.

4.2 Creating a RAID driver disk

4.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®

To install the RAID driver for Windows® OS:

1. During the OS installation, click Load Driver to allow you to select the installation

media containing the RAID driver.

2. Insert the support USB drive with RAID driver into the USB port, and then click

Browse.

3. Click the name of the device you’ve inserted, go to Drivers > RAID, and then select

the RAID driver for the corresponding OS version. Click OK.

4. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.

To set up a Windows® UEFI operating system under RAID mode, ensure to load the UEFI

driver for your optical drive.

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO A-1

Appendix

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.

• 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modicationstothisunitnot

expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority

to operate this equipment.

A-2 Appendix

Appendix

IC: Canadian Compliance Statement

ComplieswiththeCanadianICES-003ClassBspecications.ThisdevicecomplieswithRSS

210 of Industry Canada. This Class B device meets all the requirements of the Canadian

interference-causing equipment regulations.

This device complies with Industry Canada license exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is

subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2)

this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired

operation of the device.

Cut appareil numérique de la Classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le

matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Cet appareil est conforme aux normes CNR exemptes de licence d’Industrie Canada. Le

fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes :

(1) cet appareil ne doit pas provoquer d’interférences et

(2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, y compris celles susceptibles de provoquer

un fonctionnement non souhaité de l’appareil.

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.

VCCI: Japan Compliance Statement

Class B ITE

KC: Korea Warning Statement

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO A-3

Appendix

REACH

Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of

Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at

ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.

DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to

enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. 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.

DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol

of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal

waste.

ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services

ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards

for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to

responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging

materials. Please go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for detailed recycling

information in different regions.

Regional notice for California

WARNING! This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause

cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

Google™ License Terms

LicensedundertheApacheLicense,Version2.0(the“License”);youmaynotusethisle

except in compliance with the License. You may obtain a copy of the License at:

http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0

Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software distributed under the

License is distributed on an “AS IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF

ANY KIND, either express or implied.

SeetheLicenseforthespeciclanguagegoverningpermissionsandlimitationsunderthe

License.

A-4 Appendix

Appendix

Română ASUSTeK Computer Inc. declară că acest dispozitiv se conformează

cerinţelor esenţiale şi altor prevederi relevante ale directivelor conexe. Textul

complet al declaraţiei de conformitate a Uniunii Europene se găseşte la:

www.asus.com/support

Srpski ASUSTeK Computer Inc. ovim izjavljuje da je ovaj uređaj u saglasnosti

sa osnovnim zahtevima i drugim relevantnim odredbama povezanih

Direktiva. Pun tekst EU deklaracije o usaglašenosti je dostupan da adresi:

www.asus.com/support

Slovensky Spoločnosť ASUSTeK Computer Inc. týmto vyhlasuje, že toto

zariadenie vyhovuje základným požiadavkám a ostatým príslušným

ustanoveniam príslušných smerníc. Celý text vyhlásenia o zhode pre štáty EÚ

je dostupný na adrese: www.asus.com/support

Slovenščina ASUSTeK Computer Inc. izjavlja, da je ta naprava skladna z

bistvenimi zahtevami in drugimi ustreznimi določbami povezanih direktiv.

Celotno besedilo EU-izjave o skladnosti je na voljo na spletnem mestu:

www.asus.com/support

Español Por la presente, ASUSTeK Computer Inc. declara que este dispositivo

cumple los requisitos básicos y otras disposiciones pertinentes de las

directivas relacionadas. El texto completo de la declaración de la UE de

conformidad está disponible en: www.asus.com/support

Svenska ASUSTeK Computer Inc. förklarar härmed att denna

enhet överensstämmer med de grundläggande kraven och andra

relevanta föreskrifter i relaterade direktiv. Fulltext av EU-försäkran om

överensstämmelse nns på: www.asus.com/support

Українська ASUSTeK Computer Inc. заявляє, що цей пристрій відповідає

основним вимогам та іншим відповідним положенням відповідних

Директив. Повний текст декларації відповідності стандартам ЄС

доступний на: www.asus.com/support

Türkçe AsusTek Computer Inc., bu aygıtın temel gereksinimlerle ve ilişkili

Yönergelerin diğer ilgili koşullarıyla uyumlu olduğunu beyan eder. AB

uygunluk bildiriminin tam metni şu adreste bulunabilir:

www.asus.com/support

Bosanski ASUSTeK Computer Inc. ovim izjavljuje da je ovaj uređaj usklađen

sa bitnim zahtjevima i ostalim odgovarajućim odredbama vezanih direktiva.

Cijeli tekst EU izjave o usklađenosti dostupan je na: www.asus.com/support

English ASUSTeK Computer Inc. hereby declares that this device is in

compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of

related Directives. Full text of EU declaration of conformity is available at:

www.asus.com/support

Français AsusTek Computer Inc. déclare par la présente que cet appareil est

conforme aux critères essentiels et autres clauses pertinentes des directives

concernées. La déclaration de conformité de l’UE peut être téléchargée à

partir du site Internet suivant : www.asus.com/support.

Deutsch ASUSTeK Computer Inc. erklärt hiermit, dass dieses Gerät mit

den wesentlichen Anforderungen und anderen relevanten Bestimmungen

der zugehörigen Richtlinien übereinstimmt. Der gesamte Text der EU-

Konformitätserklärung ist verfügbar unter: www.asus.com/support

Italiano ASUSTeK Computer Inc. con la presente dichiara che questo

dispositivo è conforme ai requisiti essenziali e alle altre disposizioni pertinenti

con le direttive correlate. Il testo completo della dichiarazione di conformità

UE è disponibile all’indirizzo: www.asus.com/support

Русский Компания ASUS заявляет, что это устройство соответствует

основным требованиям и другим соответствующим условиям

соответствующих директив. Подробную информацию, пожалуйста,

смотрите на www.asus.com/support

Български С настоящото ASUSTeK Computer Inc. декларира, че това

устройство е в съответствие със съществените изисквания и другите

приложими постановления на свързаните директиви. Пълният текст на

декларацията за съответствие на ЕС е достъпна на адрес:

www.asus.com/support

Hrvatski ASUSTeK Computer Inc. ovim izjavljuje da je ovaj uređaj sukladan

s bitnim zahtjevima i ostalim odgovarajućim odredbama vezanih direktiva.

Cijeli tekst EU izjave o sukladnosti dostupan je na: www.asus.com/support

Čeština Společnost ASUSTeK Computer Inc. tímto prohlašuje, že toto

zařízení splňuje základní požadavky a další příslušná ustanovení souvisejících

směrnic. Plné znění prohlášení o shodě EU je k dispozici na adrese:

www.asus.com/support

Dansk ASUSTeK Computer Inc. erklærer hermed, at denne enhed er i

overensstemmelse med hovedkravene og andre relevante bestemmelser i de

relaterede direktiver. Hele EU-overensstemmelseserklæringen kan ndes på:

www.asus.com/support

Nederlands ASUSTeK Computer Inc. verklaart hierbij dat dit apparaat

voldoet aan de essentiële vereisten en andere relevante bepalingen van

de verwante richtlijnen. De volledige tekst van de EU-verklaring van

conformiteit is beschikbaar op: www.asus.com/support

Eesti Käesolevaga kinnitab ASUSTeK Computer Inc, et see seade vastab

asjakohaste direktiivide oluliste nõuetele ja teistele asjassepuutuvatele

sätetele. EL vastavusdeklaratsiooni täielik tekst on saadaval järgmisel

aadressil: www.asus.com/support

Suomi ASUSTeK Computer Inc. ilmoittaa täten, että tämä laite on

asiaankuuluvien direktiivien olennaisten vaatimusten ja muiden tätä

koskevien säädösten mukainen. EU-yhdenmukaisuusilmoituksen koko teksti

on luettavissa osoitteessa: www.asus.com/support

Ελληνικά Με το παρόν, η AsusTek Computer Inc. δηλώνει ότι αυτή η

συσκευή συμμορφώνεται με τις θεμελιώδεις απαιτήσεις και άλλες σχετικές

διατάξεις των Οδηγιών της ΕΕ. Το πλήρες κείμενο της δήλωσης συμβατότητας

είναι διαθέσιμο στη διεύθυνση: www.asus.com/support

Magyar Az ASUSTeK Computer Inc. ezennel kijelenti, hogy ez az eszköz

megfelel a kapcsolódó Irányelvek lényeges követelményeinek és egyéb

vonatkozó rendelkezéseinek. Az EU megfelelőségi nyilatkozat teljes szövege

innen letölthető: www.asus.com/support

Latviski ASUSTeK Computer Inc. ar šo paziņo, ka šī ierīce atbilst saistīto

Direktīvu būtiskajām prasībām un citiem citiem saistošajiem nosacījumiem.

Pilns ES atbilstības paziņojuma teksts pieejams šeit: www.asus.com/support

Lietuvių „ASUSTeK Computer Inc.“ šiuo tvirtina, kad šis įrenginys atitinka

pagrindinius reikalavimus ir kitas svarbias susijusių direktyvų nuostatas. Visą

ES atitikties deklaracijos tekstą galima rasti: www.asus.com/support

Norsk ASUSTeK Computer Inc. erklærer herved at denne enheten er i

samsvar med hovedsaklige krav og andre relevante forskrifter i relaterte

direktiver. Fullstendig tekst for EU-samsvarserklæringen nnes på:

www.asus.com/support

Polski Firma ASUSTeK Computer Inc. niniejszym oświadcza, że

urządzenie to jest zgodne z zasadniczymi wymogami i innymi właściwymi

postanowieniami powiązanych dyrektyw. Pełny tekst deklaracji zgodności UE

jest dostępny pod adresem: www.asus.com/support

Português A ASUSTeK Computer Inc. declara que este dispositivo está em

conformidade com os requisitos essenciais e outras disposições relevantes

das Diretivas relacionadas. Texto integral da declaração da UE disponível em:

www.asus.com/support

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO A-5

Appendix

ASUS contact information

ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.

Address 4F, No. 150, Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei 112, Taiwan

Telephone +886-2-2894-3447

Fax +886-2-2890-7798

Web site www.asus.com

Technical Support

Telephone +86-21-38429911

Fax +86-21-5866-8722, ext. 9101#

Online support http://qr.asus.com/techserv

ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)

Address 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539, USA

Telephone +1-510-739-3777

Fax +1-510-608-4555

Web site http://www.asus.com/us/

Technical Support

Support fax +1-812-284-0883

Telephone +1-812-282-2787

Online support http://qr.asus.com/techserv

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)

Address Harkort Str. 21-23, 40880 Ratingen, Germany

Fax +49-2102-959931

Web site http://www.asus.com/de

Online contact http://eu-rma.asus.com/sales

Technical Support

Telephone +49-2102-5789555

Support Fax +49-2102-959911

Online support http://qr.asus.com/techserv

A-6 Appendix

Appendix

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Per FCC Part 2 Section 2. 1077(a)

Responsible Party Name: Asus Computer International

Address: 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539.

Phone/Fax No: (510)739-3777/(510)608-4555

hereby declares that the product

Product Name : Motherboard

Model Number : MAXIMUS IX HERO

Conforms to the following specifications:

FCC Part 15, Subpart B, Unintentional Radiators

Supplementary Information:

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the

following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference,

and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference

that may cause undesired operation.

Representative Person’s Name : Steve Chang / President

Signature :

Date : Oct. 07, 2016

Ver. 140331

Table of Contents

ASUS MAXIMUS IX HERO User Manual

Related Manuals