Contents

Contents
- Notices
- Safety information
- About this guide
- Rampage II GENE specifications summary
Chapter 1: Product introduction
- 1.1 Welcome!
- 1.2 Package contents
- 1.3 Special features
  - 1.3.1 Product highlights
  - 1.3.2 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features
  - 1.3.3 ROG unique features
  - 1.3.4 ASUS special features
Chapter 2: Hardware information
- 2.1 Before you proceed
- 2.2 Motherboard overview
  - 2.2.1 Motherboard layout
  - 2.2.2 Layout contents
  - 2.2.3 Placement direction
  - 2.2.4 Screw holes
- 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  - 2.3.1 Installing the CPU
  - 2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan
  - 2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan
- 2.4 System memory
  - 2.4.1 Overview
  - 2.4.2 Memory configurations
  - 2.4.3 Installing a DIMM
  - 2.4.4 Removing a DIMM
- 2.5 Expansion slots
  - 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card
  - 2.5.2 Configuring an expansion card
  - 2.5.3 Interrupt assignments
  - 2.5.4 PCI slot
  - 2.5.5 PCI Express x4 slot
  - 2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots
- 2.6 Jumper
- 2.7 Connectors
  - 2.7.1 Rear panel connectors
  - 2.7.2 Internal connectors
  - 2.7.3 Onboard switches
  - 2.7.4 Installing I/O shield and LCD Poster
- 2.8 Starting up for the first time
- 2.9 Turning off the computer
  - 2.9.1 Using the OS shut down function
  - 2.9.2 Using the dual function power switch
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
- 3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS
  - 3.1.1 ASUS Update utility
  - 3.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility
  - 3.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility
- 3.2 BIOS setup program
  - 3.2.1 BIOS menu screen
  - 3.2.2 Menu bar
  - 3.2.3 Navigation keys
  - 3.2.4 Menu items
  - 3.2.5 Submenu items
  - 3.2.6 Configuration fields
  - 3.2.7 Pop-up window
  - 3.2.8 Scroll bar
  - 3.2.9 General help
- 3.3 Extreme Tweaker menu
  - 3.3.1 Tuning Mode [Extreme OC]
  - 3.3.2 CPU Level Up [Auto]
  - 3.3.3 Memory Level Up [Auto]
  - 3.3.4 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]
  - 3.3.5 CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]
  - 3.3.6 CPU Configuration
  - 3.3.7 DRAM Frequency [Auto]
  - 3.3.8 DRAM Timing Control
  - 3.3.9 EPU II Phase Control [Full Phase]
  - 3.3.10 CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
  - 3.3.11 QPI Load-Line Calibration [Disabled]
  - 3.3.12 CPU Differential Amplitude [Auto]
  - 3.3.13 NB OCP [Enabled]
  - 3.3.14 DRAM OCP [Enabled]
  - 3.3.15 Extreme OV [Disabled]
  - 3.3.16 CPU Voltage [Auto]
  - 3.3.17 CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]
  - 3.3.18 QPI/DRAM Core Voltage [Auto]
  - 3.3.19 IOH Voltage [Auto]
  - 3.3.20 IOH PCIE Voltage [Auto]
  - 3.3.21 ICH Voltage [Auto]
  - 3.3.22 ICH PCIE Voltage [Auto]
  - 3.3.23 DRAM Bus Voltage [Auto]
  - 3.3.24 DRAM REF Voltages
  - 3.3.25 Debug Mode [String]
  - 3.3.26 Keyboard TweakIt Control [Disabled]
  - 3.3.27 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]
  - 3.3.28 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]
  - 3.3.29 CPU Clock Skew [Auto]
  - 3.3.30 IOH Clock Skew [Auto]
- 3.4 Main menu
  - 3.4.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]
  - 3.4.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]
  - 3.4.3 Language [English]
  - 3.4.4 SATA 16
  - 3.4.5 Storage Configuration
  - 3.4.6 System Information
- 3.5 Advanced menu
  - 3.5.1 CPU Configuration
  - 3.5.2 Chipset
  - 3.5.3 Onboard Device Configuration
  - 3.5.4 USB Configuration
  - 3.5.5 PCI PnP
  - 3.5.6 LCD Poster and LED Control
  - 3.5.7 iROG Configuration
- 3.6 Power menu
  - 3.6.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]
  - 3.6.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]
  - 3.6.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]
  - 3.6.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]
  - 3.6.5 APM Configuration
  - 3.6.6 Hardware Monitor
- 3.7 Boot menu
  - 3.7.1 Boot Device Priority
  - 3.7.2 Boot Settings Configuration
  - 3.7.3 Security
- 3.8 Tools menu
  - 3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2
  - 3.8.2 ASUS O.C. Profile
  - 3.8.3 TweakIt Batch File
  - 3.8.4 AI NET 2
- 3.9 Exit menu
Chapter 4: Software support
- 4.1 Installing an operating system
- 4.2 Support DVD information
  - 4.2.1 Running the support DVD
  - 4.2.2 Drivers menu
  - 4.2.3 Utilities menu
  - 4.2.4 Make disk menu
  - 4.2.5 Manual menu
  - 4.2.6 Video menu
  - 4.2.7 ASUS Contact information
  - 4.2.8 Other information
- 4.3 Software information
  - 4.3.1 ASUS MyLogo3
  - 4.3.2 Sound Blaster X-Fi audio utility
  - 4.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II
  - 4.3.4 ASUS AI Suite
  - 4.3.5 ASUS AI Nap
  - 4.3.6 ASUS Fan Xpert
  - 4.3.7 CPU Level Up
  - 4.3.8 ASUS EPU-6 Engine
  - 4.3.9 ASUS TurboV
- 4.4 RAID configurations
  - 4.4.1 RAID definitions
  - 4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks
  - 4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS
  - 4.4.4 Intel Matrix Storage Manager option ROM utility
- 4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk
  - 4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS
  - 4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
- 5.1 ATI CrossFireX technology
  - 5.1.1 Requirements
  - 5.1.2 Before you begin
  - 5.1.3 Installing CrossFireX graphics cards
  - 5.1.4 Installing the device drivers
  - 5.1.5 Enabling the ATI CrossFireX technology
- 5.2 NVIDIA SLI technology
  - 5.2.1 Requirements
  - 5.2.2 Installing SLI-ready graphics cards
  - 5.2.3 Installing the device drivers
  - 5.2.4 Enabling the NVIDIA SLI technology
Appendix: Debug code table

ASUS RAMPAGE II GENE User Manual

ASUS RAMPAGE II GENE Motherboard manual cover

Pages 176

Year 2009

Language(s)

of 176

ASUS RAMPAGE II GENE Motherboard Specification

The ASUS RAMPAGE II GENE motherboard is a high-performance micro-ATX board designed for gaming enthusiasts and overclockers, featuring a robust Intel X58 chipset. It supports Intel Core i7 processors using the LGA 1366 socket, leveraging triple-channel DDR3 memory architecture with support for up to 24GB of RAM across six DIMM slots, allowing for enhanced multitasking and system performance. The motherboard incorporates ASUS's exclusive overclocking utilities and BIOS features, providing precise control and adjustment for users seeking to push their systems to the limits. It includes two PCIe 2.0 x16 slots for NVIDIA SLI and ATI CrossFireX multi-GPU configurations, ensuring superior graphics performance for gaming and high-end applications. The integrated SupremeFX X-Fi audio technology delivers high-definition audio with EAX 4.0 and Creative ALchemy support, offering an immersive sound experience. Connectivity options are well-rounded with an array of I/O ports including USB 2.0, SATA 3Gb/s, and Gigabit Ethernet, alongside onboard eSATA and FireWire ports for versatile peripheral connections. The motherboard's design is complemented by high-quality capacitors and a robust power phase system, ensuring stability and durability even under intensive workloads. Its compact form factor does not compromise on features, making it an ideal choice for gamers looking to build powerful yet space-efficient systems. The ASUS RAMPAGE II GENE also supports ASUS's AI Suite for system monitoring and performance tuning, providing an intuitive interface for optimizing system settings and enhancing overall user experience.

ASUS RAMPAGE II GENE Motherboard F.A.Q.

How do I update the BIOS on my ASUS RAMPAGE II GENE motherboard?

To update the BIOS, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS support website. Then, use the ASUS EZ Flash utility found in the BIOS setup to update the BIOS. Make sure to back up your current BIOS and follow the on-screen instructions carefully.

What should I do if my PC won't boot with the ASUS RAMPAGE II GENE motherboard?

First, check all power connections and ensure that the RAM and CPU are seated correctly. Clear the CMOS by removing the battery or using the CLR_CMOS jumper. If the problem persists, try booting with minimal hardware components to isolate any faulty hardware.

Can I overclock my CPU with the ASUS RAMPAGE II GENE motherboard?

Yes, the ASUS RAMPAGE II GENE motherboard supports overclocking. Enter the BIOS setup and navigate to the AI Tweaker section. Here, you can adjust CPU multipliers and voltages. Always monitor temperatures and stability when overclocking.

How do I enable XMP profiles for my RAM on the ASUS RAMPAGE II GENE?

Enter the BIOS setup and go to the AI Tweaker menu. Locate the 'Ai Overclock Tuner' option and set it to 'XMP'. Choose the desired XMP profile for your RAM to automatically apply optimized memory settings.

What is the maximum RAM capacity supported by the ASUS RAMPAGE II GENE motherboard?

The ASUS RAMPAGE II GENE motherboard supports up to 24GB of DDR3 RAM, distributed across six DIMM slots. Ensure the RAM installed is compatible with the motherboard specifications.

How can I troubleshoot a non-responsive USB port on the ASUS RAMPAGE II GENE?

First, restart your computer and check if the USB port becomes responsive. Update the USB drivers from the Device Manager. If the issue persists, inspect the physical port for damage and consider testing with different devices.

Does the ASUS RAMPAGE II GENE support SLI or CrossFire configurations?

Yes, the ASUS RAMPAGE II GENE motherboard supports both NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFire multi-GPU configurations. Ensure that the necessary power connectors are connected and drivers are installed for optimal performance.

How do I reset the BIOS settings to default on my ASUS RAMPAGE II GENE?

To reset the BIOS to default settings, enter the BIOS setup and select the 'Load Setup Defaults' option. You can also clear the CMOS by removing the battery or using the CLR_CMOS jumper on the motherboard.

What are the beep codes for the ASUS RAMPAGE II GENE motherboard?

Beep codes indicate hardware issues: 1 short beep means a memory refresh timer error, 2 short beeps imply a parity error, and 3 short beeps suggest a base 64K RAM failure. Consult the motherboard manual for a comprehensive list of beep codes.

How do I connect the front panel connectors to the ASUS RAMPAGE II GENE motherboard?

Refer to the motherboard manual for the front panel connector layout. Connect the power switch, reset switch, power LED, and HDD LED according to the pin configuration provided in the manual. Ensure all connectors are firmly attached.