Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product Rampage II Gene Asus
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Motherboard Rampage II Extreme.
ii E4268 Second Edition V2 October 2008 Copyright © 2008 ASUST eK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, tr.
iii Contents Contents ...................................................................................................... iii Notices ....................................................................................................... viii Safety information .
iv Contents 2.5.4 PCI slots ........................................................................ 2-24 2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots ..................................................... 2-24 2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots ...........................
v Contents 3.2.8 Scroll bar ........................................................................3-1 1 3.2.9 General help .................................................................. 3-1 1 3.3 Extreme T weaker menu ...........................
vi Contents 3.8.2 ASUS O.C. Prole ......................................................... 3-45 3.8.3 AI NET 2 ........................................................................ 3-46 3.8.4 BIOS Flashback .....................................
vii Contents Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support 5.1 A TI ® CrossFireX™ technology .................................................... 5-1 5.1.1 Requirements .................................................................. 5-1 5.1.2 Before you begin .
viii Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference, and • This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.
ix Safety information Electrical safety • T o 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.
x Where to nd more information Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 1. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
xi Conventions used in this guide T o make sure that you perform certain tasks properly , take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. T ypography Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select. Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
xii Rampage II Extreme specications summary CPU LGA1366 socket for Intel ® Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition / Core™ i7 Processor Supports Intel ® Dynamic Speed T echnology Supports Intel ® Smart Cache * Refer to www .asus.com for Intel ® CPU support list.
xiii USB 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at midboard; 6 ports at back panel) ROG Exclusive Overclocking Features T weakIt ProbeIt Extreme Engine with ML Cap - 16-phase power design for CPU - 3-phase QPI/D.
xiv Internal I/O Connectors 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports 1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x IDE connector 6 x SA T A connectors (Blue) 1 x SA T A connector (Black) 1 x CPU Fan co.
1 Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports..
ROG Rampage II Extreme Chapter summary 1 1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1 1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1 1.3 Special features .
ROG Rampage II Extreme 1-1 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ROG Rampage II Extreme motherboard! The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout .
1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.3 Special features 1.3.1 Product highlights Republic of Gamers The Republic of Gamers consists only the best of the best. We of fer the best hardware engineering, the fastest performance, the most innovating ideas, and we welcome the best gamers to join in.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 1-3 SLI and CrossFireX on Demand Fret no longer because with the ROG motherboard, you’ll be able to run both multi-GPU setups. This motherboard features SLI and CrossFireX on Demand technology , supporting up to three graphics cards in a 3-Way SLI or CrossFireX conguration.
1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction High Denition Audio Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables h.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 1-5 1.3.2 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features T weakIt T weakIt is designed for control freaks. Following the success of the Extreme T weaker overclockin.
1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction BIOS Flashback BIOS1 BIOS2 Overclocker’s prayer to have BIOS exibility is answered! With the new BIOS Flashback, PC enthusiasts can overclock with even more condence. BIOS Flashback gives overclockers the ability to save two versions of the BIOS simultaneously .
ROG Rampage II Extreme 1-7 1.3.3 ROG unique features SupremeFX X-Fi features Y ou may enjoy good quality sound from the thoughtful design of SupremeFX card on a hardware level. Activating X-Fi CMSS3D and Crystalizer will enable accurate virtual 3D surround sound and enhancement on sound quality experience.
1-8 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.3.4 ASUS special features ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking capability . Fanless Design—Stack Cool 2 ASUS Stack Cool 2 is a fan-less and zero-noise cooling solution that lowers the temperature of critical heat generating components.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 1-9 Optional Fan The optional fan is specically designed to provide sufcient airow over the CPU power modules and chipset area when water-cooling or passive-cooling is utilized, ensuring effective heat dissipation for the entire system.
1-10 Chapter 1: Product Introduction.
2 Chapter 2: Hardware information This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.
ROG Rampage II Extreme Chapter summary 2 2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 2-6 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .
2.1 Before you proceed T ake note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.
Onboard LEDs The motherboard comes with LEDs that indicate the voltage conditions of CPU, memory , northbridge, and southbridge. Y ou may adjust the voltages in BIOS. There are also an LED for hard disk drive activit y and an onboa rd switch for power status.
2. Northbridge/Southbridge LEDs The northbridge and southbridge LEDs each have two different voltage displays. The northbridge LED displays either the IOH V oltage or the IOH PCIE V oltage. The southbridge LED shows either the ICH V oltage or the ICH PCIE V oltage.
4. Hard Disk LED The hard disk LED is designed to indicate the hard disk activity . It blinks when data is being written into or read from the hard disk drive. The LED does not light up when there is no hard disk drive connected to the motherboard or when the hard disk drive does not function.
6. BIOS LED When the BIOS backup starts, the system will enter the soft-off state and the BIOS LED will blink to indicate that the backup is proceeding.
2.2 Motherboard overview 2.2.1 Motherboard layout 2.2.2 SupremeFX X-Fi audio card layout S UPREME FX Listen with Absolutely HD X - Fi Refer to pages 2-29 and 2-37 for details about the audio jacks and connectors on this card.
Refer to 2.7 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors. 2.2.3 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Switches/Slots Page 1. CPU, chassis, power and optional fan connectors (4-pin CPU_F AN; 3-pin CHA_F AN1–3; 3-pin PWR_F AN; 3-pin OPT_F AN1–3) 2-35 2.
DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. 2.2.4 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below .
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1366 socket designed for the Intel ® Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition / Core™ i7 Processor . • Upon purchase of the motherboard, make sure that the PnP cap is on the socket and the socket contacts are not bent.
2.3.1 Installing the CPU T o install a CPU: 1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. T o prevent damage to the socket pins, do not remove the PnP cap unless you are installing a CPU. 2. Press the load lever with your thumb (A), then move it to the left (B) until it is released from the retention tab.
3. Lift the load lever in the direction of the arrow to a 135º angle. 4. Lift the load plate with your thumb and forenger to a 100º angle. Load plate 4 3 The CPU ts in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU! 6.
8. Close the load plate (A), and then push the load lever (B) until it snaps into the retention tab. A B 7. Apply several drops of thermal paste to the exposed area of the CPU that the heatsink will be in contact with, ensuring that it is spread in an even thin layer .
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan The Intel ® LGA1366 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. • When you buy a boxed Intel ® processor , the package includes the CPU fan and heatsink assembly .
3. Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_F AN. DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector . 2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan T o uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan: 1.
2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with six Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket.
2.4.2 Memory congurations Y ou may install 1GB and 2GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its SPD. Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value.
Rampage II Extreme Motherboard Qualied V endors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1800 MHz capability V endor Part No. Size SS/DS Chip No. CL Chip Brand DI MM s ock et su ppor t ( Opti ona l) A* B* Apacer BoxP/N:DH.
Rampage II Extreme Motherboard Qualied V endors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1600 MHz capability V endor Part No. Size SS/DS Chip No. CL Chip Brand DI MM s ock et su ppor t ( Opti ona l) A* B* CORSAIR Box P/N:.
Rampage II Extreme Motherboard Qualied V endors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1333 MHz capability V endor Part No. Size SS/DS Chip No. CL Chip Brand DIMM socket support (Optional) A* B* C* D* A-DA TA SC63I1B16 .
Rampage II Extreme Motherboard Qualied V endors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1066 MHz capability V endor Part No. Size SS/DS Chip No. CL Chip Brand DIMM socket support (Optional) A* B* C* D* CORSAIR CM3X1024-1066C7 1024MB DS Heat-Sink Package 7 N/A V V V Crucial CT12864BA1067.
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM Follow these steps to remove a DIMM. 1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM. 2. Remove the DIMM from the socket. Support the DIMM lightly with your ngers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it ips out with extra force.
2.5 Expansion slots In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments Standard interrupt assignments IRQ assignments for this motherboard A B C D E F G H PCI slot 1 shared – – – – – – – LAN (8056) shared – – – – – – .
2.5.4 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specications. Refer to the gure below for the location of the slot.
• In single VGA card mode, use rst the PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot (blue) for a PCI Express x16 graphics card to get better performance. • In CrossFireX™ mode, use the PCIe 2.0 x16_1 (blue) and PCIe 2.0 x16_2 (blue) slots for PCI Express x16 graphics cards to get better performance.
2.6 Jumpers 1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC_SW) This jumper allows you to enable the clr CMOS switch on the back I/O. Y ou can clear the CMOS memory and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The clr CMOS switch on the back I/O helps you easily clear the system setup information such as system passwords.
2. BIOS ash setting (6-pin BIOS_FLASHBACK) T wo sets of BIOS Flash ROM (BIOS 1 and BIOS 2) are present on this motherboard. This jumper allows you to select either BIOS as the one to boot, or back up or restore BIOS content from one ROM to the other .
2.7 Connectors 2.7.1 Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard. 2. LAN 2 (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.
5. Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player , or other audio sources. 6. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker . In 4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel conguration, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out.
2.7.2 Internal connectors 1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) This connector is for the provided oppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert one end of the cable to this connector , then connect the other end to the signal connector at the back of the oppy disk drive.
Drive jumper setting Mode of device(s) Cable connector Single device Cable-Select or Master - Black T wo devices Cable-Select Master Black Slave Gray Master Master Black or gray Slave Slave • Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the Ultra DMA cable connector .
3. ICH10R Serial A T A connectors (7-pin SA T A 1-6 [blue]) These connectors are for the Serial A T A signal cables for Serial A T A hard disk drives and optical disc drives.
5. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78; USB910; USB1 1 12) 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.
6. IEE E 1394 a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) This connector is for an IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module cable to this connector , then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector .
7. CPU, chassis, power and optional fan connectors (4 -pi n C PU_ F AN, 3- pin CH A_ F AN 1- 3, 3-p in P WR_ F AN, 3- pin OP T_F AN1 –3) The fan c onnect ors su pport co oling fans o f 350 mA ~ 2000 mA (24 W max.) or a total of 1 A ~ 7 A (84 W max.) at +12V .
8. Thermal sensor cable connectors (2-pin OPT_TEMP1/2/3) These connectors are for temperature monitoring. Connect the thermal sensor cables to these connectors and place the other ends to the devices which you want to monitor temperature. The optional fan1/2/3 can work with the temperature sensors for a better cooling effect.
10. Audio con nec tor s Optical drive audio connector: This connector allows you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner , or MPEG card. Front panel audio co nne cto r: This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard.
1 1. A TX power connectors (24-pin EA TXPWR, 8-pin EA TX12V) These connectors are for A TX 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.
12. ROG connector (3-pin ROG) This connector is for the box labeled as Republic of Gamers on the heatpipe assembly . Connect the cable of the box to this connector , and the box lights up when the system is on.
• 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.
ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) Y ou can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front panel cables in a few steps. Refer to the instructions below to install the ASUS Q-Connector . 2. Install the ASUS Q-Connector to the system panel connector , making sure the orientation matches the labels on the motherboard.
2.7.3 Onboard switches Onboard 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 switch Press the power-on switch to wake/power up the system.
2.7.4 T weakIt T weakIt, along with the LCD Poster , allows you full control over system voltages and frequency to fulll your overclocking desire during game play . Y ou can also monitor hardware information or congure BIOS boot selection and BIOS backup.
T weakIt options The following table shows T weakIt options. For detailed voltage and frequency settings, refer to 3.3 Extreme T weaker menu . For BIOS boot selection and backup settings, refer to 3.
2.7.5 ProbeIt The ROG ProbeIt feature provides a nice touch for your convenient and accurate OC settings. No time wasted fumbling around on the complicated motherboard layout, the clearly marked area gives you easier access to the measure points when a multitester is employed for more accurate measurements during your busy overclocking work.
2.8 Installing accessories 2.8.1 Installing the optional fan Install the optional fan only if you are using a passive cooler or a water cooler . Installing the optional fan with an active CPU cooler will interfere with the airow and destabilize the system.
2.8.2 Installing the audio card 1. T ake out the audio card from the package. 2. Locate the audio slot on the motherboard. 3. Align the card connector with the slot and press rmly until the card sits on the slot completely . 4. The photo below shows the audio card installed on the motherboard.
2.8.3 Installing EL I/O shield and LCD Poster 2. Ori ent th e mot her boa rd an d i nst all it to th e c ha ss is. Ma ke s ure th at th e m oth erb oa rd ex ter na l por ts t th e s hie ld op eni ngs . 1. Install the EL I/O shield to the chassis by snaping it in place from inside.
2.8.4 Installing the third party fusion block This ROG motherboard has an open standard tting specication, allowing third party vendor to design their branded “Fusion Block“. T o install the third party fusion block: 1. Remove the heatsink from the motherboard.
2.9 Starting up for the rst time 1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover . 2. Be sure 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 .
2.10 Turning off the computer 2.10.1 Using the OS shut down function If you are using Windows ® Vista™: 1. Click the Start button then select Shut Down . 2. The power supply should turn off after Windows ® shuts down. If you are using Windows ® XP: 1.
2-52 Chapter 2: Hardware information.
3 BIOS setup This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
Chapter summary 3 ROG Rampage II Extreme 3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 3-1 3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 3-9 3.3 Extreme T weaker menu ...
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-1 3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows ® environment.) 2. ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using a oppy disk or USB ash disk.
3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Quit all Windows ® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility . 3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc, or click Auto Select . Click Next . Updating the BIOS through the Internet T o update the BIOS through the Internet: 1.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-3 Updating the BIOS through a BIOS le T o update the BIOS through a BIOS le: 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows ® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate . The ASUS Update main window appears.
3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk 1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable oppy disk. DOS environment a. Insert a 1.44MB oppy disk into the drive. b. At the DOS prompt, type format A: / S then press <Enter>.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-5 3.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a oppy disk and using a DOS-based utility .
3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.1.4 AFUDOS utility The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS le in DOS environment using a bootable oppy disk with the updated BIOS le. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS le that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-7 2. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to the bootable oppy disk you created earlier . 3. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type: afudos /i[lename] wh ere [ len am e] is th e la tes t o r t he o rig ina l BI OS le on t he bo ota ble opp y d isk .
3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS le when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-9 3.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports two programmable rmware chips that you can update using the provided utility described in section 3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS . Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.
3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.2.2 Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: Extreme T weaker For changing the overclocking settings Main For changing the basic system con.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-1 1 3.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Advanced, Power , Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items.
3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.3 Extreme Tweaker menu The Extreme T weaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items. T ake caution when changing the settings of the Extreme T weaker menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-13 The following two items appear when you set Ai Overclock T uner to [Manual]. OC From CPU Level Up [Auto] After you select a CPU level and set Ai Overclock T uner to [Manual], the related parameters will be adjusted accordingly .
3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setup OC From Memory Level Up [Auto] After you select a memory level and set Ai Overclock T uner to [Manual], the related parameters will be adjusted accordingly . Con gurat ion op tions: [Aut o] [DDR3- 1600MH z] [D DR3 -18 00MHz] The following item appears only when you set Ai Overclock T uner to [X.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-15 UCLK Frequency [Auto] Allows you to set the Uncore Clock Ratio (UCLK). Conguration options: [Auto] [DDR3-1600MHz] [DDR3-2033MHz] The UCLK Frequency conguration options vary with the DRAM Frequency item settings. QPI Frequency [Auto] Allows you to set the QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) frequency .
3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock] DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] .
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-17 The following nine (9) items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric keypad and press the <Enter> key . Y ou can also use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. T o restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter> key .
3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setup CPU PLL V oltage [Auto] Allows you to select the CPU PLL voltage. The text color in the conguration eld corresponds to the onboard CPU LED color , both of which indicate voltage condition. When you set the CPU LED Selection item to [CPU PLL], the onboard CPU LED displays CPU PLL voltage condition.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-19 Blue Y ellow Red CPU V oltage 0.85000–1.5000 1.50625–1.59375 1.60000– CPU PLL V oltage 1.81592–1.89542 1.90867–1.94842 1.96167– QPI/DRAM Core V oltage 1.20000–1.39375 1.40000–1.65625 1.66250– IOH V oltage 1.
3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.4 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. 3.4.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] Allows you to set the system time. 3.4.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] Allows you to set the system date.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-21 3.4.5 S A T A 1 – 6 While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial A T A devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SA T A device. Select a device item then press <Enter> to display the SA T A device information.
3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setup DMA Mode [Auto] Selects the DMA mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2] [UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5] SMART Monitoring [Auto] Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting T echnology .
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-23 Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled] Disables or enables device write protection. This will be ef fective only if device is accessed through BIOS. Conuration option: [Disabled] [Enabled] SA T A Detect Time Out (Sec) [35] Selects the time out value for detecting A T A/A T API devices.
3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.4.8 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu. BIOS Information Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specication.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-25 3.5 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.
3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setup CPU Ratio Setting [Auto] Allows you to adjust the ratio between CPU Core Clock and BCLK Frequency . Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The valid value ranges dif ferently according to your CPU model. C1E Support [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable Enhanced Halt State support.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-27 Intel(R) C-ST A TE T ech [Disabled] Allows you enable or disable the Intel ® C-ST A TE T echnology . When enabled, the CPU idle is set to C2/C3/C4. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] C State package limit setting [Auto] This item appears only when you set the Intel(R) C-ST A TE T ech item to [Enabled].
3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Select Screen Select Item +- Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-29 LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] This item appears only when you enable the previous item. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Onboard 1394 Controller [Enabled] Allows you to enabled or disable the onboard IEEE 1394a controller .
3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.5.5 PCI PnP The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices. T ake caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-31 3.5.6 LCD Poster and LED Control LCD Poster Backlight [Turn Off] LCD Poster Backlight(S5) [Turn Off] LCD Poster Mode [HWM Information] HWM Select Mode [All Temperature] All.
3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setup EL Light [Enabled] If this item is set to [Enabled], the EL I/O shield connected to the EL_CON connector on the motherboard lights up when the system is on. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] V oltiminder LED [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the onboard V oltiminder LED.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-33 3.5.7 iROG Conguration iROG CrashBIOS Rule [Switch] When this item is set to [Switch], the system will automatically switch between BIOS1 and BIOS2 so that you are allowed to use the BIOS Flashback function.
3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.6 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-35 3.6.5 APM Conguration Restore On AC Power Loss [Power Off] When set to Power Off, the system goes into of f state after an AC power loss.
3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Hardware Monitor Voltage Monitor Temperature Monitor Fan Speed Monitor Fan Speed Control Voltage Monitor BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power 3.6.6 Hardware Monitor V oltage Monitor CPU V oltage; CPU PLL V oltage; QPI/DRAM Core V oltage; IOH V oltage; IOH PCIE V oltage; ICH V oltage; ICH PCIE V oltage; DRAM Bus V oltage; 3.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-37 Select Screen Select Item +- Change Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit Fan Speed Control CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled] Chassis Q-Fan Control [Disabled] PWRFan Control [Disabled] OPTFan1 Control [Disabled] OPTFan2 Control [Disabled] OPTFan3 Control [Disabled] CPU Q-Fan Control BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power v02.
3-38 Chapter 3: BIOS setup PWRFan Duty [50%] Allows you to set the fan duty cycle. This item appears when the POWER F AN Control item is set to [Duty Mode]. Conguration options: [40%] [50%] [60%] [70%] [80%] [90%] OPTFan1/2/3 Control [Disabled] All ows yo u to s elect the o pti onal f an con trol mod e.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-39 3.7 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. Select Screen Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.
3-40 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.7.2 Boot Settings Conguration Quick Boot [Enabled] Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST) while booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POST items.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-41 3.7.3 BIOS Boot Priority • This item appears only when you move the BIOS_FLASHBACK jumper cap to pins 1-2: BIOS MENU . • Refer to 2. BIOS ash setting (6-pin BIOS_FLASHBACK) in 2.6 Jumpers for further information. Now BIOS status Shows “BIOS1” or “BIOS2” depending on from which BIOS the system boots.
3-42 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Change Supervisor Password Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed. T o set a Supervisor Password: 1.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-43 User Access Level [Full Access] This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items. Conguration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access] [No Access] prevents user access to the Setup utility .
3-44 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.8 Tools menu The T ools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. Select Screen Select Item +- Change Field Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-45 Select Screen Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc. O.C. PROFILE Conguration O.C. Prole 1 Status :Not Installed O.C. Prole 2 Status :Not Installed O.
3-46 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.8.3 AI NET 2 Check Marvell LAN Cable [Disabled] Enables or disables checking of the LAN cable during the Power-On Self-T est (POST). Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 3-47 Select Screen Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.
3-48 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.9 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.
4 Software support This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package and the software..
ROG Rampage II Extreme Chapter summary 4 4.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 4-1 4.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 4-1 4.3 Software information .
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-1 If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer , browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP .EXE from the BIN folder . Double-click the ASSETUP .EXE to run the DVD. 4.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows ® XP/64-bit XP/Vista operating systems (OS).
4-2 Chapter 4: Software support 4.2.2 Drivers menu The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Drivers Launches the ASUS InstAll driver installation wizard.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-3 4.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. Click to display the next screen Click to display the previous screen ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities Installs all of the utilities through the Installation Wizard.
4-4 Chapter 4: Software support ASUS PC Probe II This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages, and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you keep your computer in healthy operating condition. ASUS AI Suite Installs the ASUS AI Suite.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-5 Ulead Burn.Now Installs the Ulead Burn.Now application for Audio DVD, CD and data disc creation. Ulead PhotoImpact 12 SE Installs the Ulead PhotoImpact 12 SE software. Winzip 1 1 Installs the Winzip utility for easy le-compression and protection.
4-6 Chapter 4: Software support 4.2.5 Manual menu The Manuals menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual. Most user manual les are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe ® Acrobat ® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual le.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-7 4.2.8 Other information The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the contents of the support DVD. Click an icon to display the specied information. Motherboard Info Displays the general specications of the motherboard.
4-8 Chapter 4: Software support Filelist Di spl ays th e co nte nts o f the su ppo rt D VD and a b rie f d esc ri pt ion of ea ch in te xt for mat . T echnical support form Displays the ASUS T echnical Support Request Form that you have to ll out when requesting technical support.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-9 4.3 Software information Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the installation. View the online help or readme le that came with the software application for more information.
4-10 Chapter 4: Software support 9. When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility , ash the original BIOS to load the new boot logo. 10. After ashing the BIOS, restart the computer to display the new boot logo during POST . 8. Adjust the boot image to your desired size by selecting a value on the Ratio box.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-1 1 3. Click the Run button to perform a cable test. 4.3.2 AI NET 2 The AI NET 2 features the Marvell ® Virtual Cable T ester™ (VCT). VCT is a cable diagnostic utility that reports LAN cable faults and shorts using the T ime Domain Reectometry (TDR) technology .
4-12 Chapter 4: Software support 4.3.3 Sound Blaster X-Fi audio utility With the SupremeFX X-Fi audio card installed to the motherboard, you will be able to enjoy excellent audio quality and experience realistic sound effects through the ADI AD2000B audio codec and Sound Blaster X-Fi interface.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-13 Main Panel The Main Panel displays all the features and functions your SupremeFX X-Fi audio card supports. Click each icon to congure the following settings (from left to right): Speakers and Headphone, EAX Effects, X-Fi CMSS-3D, X-Fi Crystalizer , Smart V olume Management, Graphic Equalizer , and Mixer .
4-14 Chapter 4: Software support EAX Effects Panel This panel contains environment effects that you can select to obtain a sense of realism during interactive 3D games. Click to enable EAX Effects X-Fi CMSS-3D Panel This panel allows you to congure 3D virtual surround effects.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-15 Smart V olume Management Panel Enable Smart V olume Management (SVM) to avoid large volume uctuations. Click to switch on/off SVM Graphic Equalizer Panel This panel allows you to customize equalizer settings or select an EQ presets.
4-16 Chapter 4: Software support 4.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II PC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you of any problem with these components. PC Probe II senses fan rotations, CPU temperature, and system voltages, among others.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-17 Button Function Opens the Conguration window Opens the Report window Opens the Desktop Management Interface window Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window Ope.
4-18 Chapter 4: Software support Changing the monitor panels position T o change the position of the monitor panels in the desktop, click the arrow down button of the Scheme options, then select another position from the list box. Click OK when nished.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-19 Monitoring sensor alert The monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower than the threshold value. Refer to the illustrations below . Large display Small display WMI browser Click to display the WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) browser .
4-20 Chapter 4: Software support PCI browser Click to display the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) browser . This browser provides information on the PCI devices installed on your system. Click the plus sign (+) before the PCI Information item to display available information.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-21 Memory usage The Memory tab shows both used and available physical memory . The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents the used (blue) and the available physical memory . Conguring PC Probe II Click to view and adjust the sensor threshold values.
4-22 Chapter 4: Software support 4.3.5 ASUS AI Suite ASUS AI Suite allows you to launch EPU-6 Engine, T urboV , Fan Xpert, CPU Level Up, and AI Nap utilities easily . Installing AI Suite T o install AI Suite on your computer: 1. Place the support DVD to the optical drive.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-23 Other feature buttons Click on right corner of the main window to open the monitor window . Click on right corner of the expanded window to switch the temperature from degrees Centigrade to degrees Fahrenheit.
4-24 Chapter 4: Software support 4.3.6 ASUS AI Nap This feature allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer whenever you are away . Enable this feature for minimum power consumption and a more quiet system operation.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-25 4.3.7 ASUS Fan Xpert Asu s Fan Xpert inte llige ntly allow s you to ad just both the C PU and chas sis f an spe eds a ccordi ng to differ ent a mbien t tem peratu res c aused by d ifferen t cli mate con ditio ns in differe nt ge ograp hic r egion s and your PC’s syste m loa ding.
4-26 Chapter 4: Software support Click to get the calibration between the fan rotation and fan speed ratio Click to close the Calibration window Fan prole modes • Disable: Select this mode to disable the Fan Xpert function. • Standard: This mode makes the fan adjust speed in moderate pattern.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-27 4.3.8 CPU Level Up The CPU Level Up allows you to overclock immediately with OC prole presets in WIndows ® environment without the hassle of entering BIOS.
4-28 Chapter 4: Software support 4.3.9 ASUS EPU-6 Engine ASUS EPU-6 Engine is an energy-efcient tool that satises different computing needs. This utility provides four modes that you can select to enhance system performance or save power . Selecting Auto mode will have the system shift modes automatically according to current system status.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-29 6 Engine main menu Auto Mode Runs calibration T urbo Mode High Performance Mode Medium Power Saving Mode Max. Power Saving Mode Advanced settings for each mode (refer to th.
4-30 Chapter 4: Software support Advanced settings menu Click Setting ( ) from the 6 Engine main menu to display conguration options in each mode. Some options in certain modes are dimmed, meaning that they are not available.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-31 Conguration options T urbo Mode High Performance Mode Medium Power Saving Mode Maximum Power Saving Mode CPU Frequency Overclocking +1% to +30% N/A Downclocking -1% to -.
4-32 Chapter 4: Software support 4.3.10 ASUS T urboV ASUS T urboV allows you to overclock the CPU frequency , CPU voltage, QPI/ Memory controller voltage, and DRAM voltage in WIndows ® environment and takes effect in real-time without exiting and rebooting the OS.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-33 Advanced settings menu Click More Setting from the T urboV main screen to display detailed conguration options for CPU/chip voltage, DRAM Reference voltage, and CPU ratio. • Only Intel ® Core™ i7 Extreme Edition processors support the CPU Ratio function.
4-34 Chapter 4: Software support 4.4 RAID congurations The motherboard comes with the Intel ® ICH10R Southbridge controller that supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, and RAID 5 for six independent Serial A T A channels.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-35 4.4.3 Intel ® RAID congurations This motherboard supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 and Intel ® Matrix Storage congurations for Serial A T A hard disks drives through the Intel ® ICH10R Southbridge chip.
4-36 Chapter 4: Software support Intel ® Matrix Storage Manager option ROM utility The Intel ® Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM utility allows you to create RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 (RAID 0+1), and RAID 5 set(s) from Serial A T A hard disk drives that are connected to the Serial A T A connectors supported by the Southbridge.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-37 Creating a RAID 0 set (striped) T o create a RAID 0 set: 1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID V olume and press <Enter>. The following screen appears. 2. Enter a name for the RAID 0 set and press <Enter>.
4-38 Chapter 4: Software support 6. Use the up/down arrow key to select the stripe size for the RAID 0 array , and then press <Enter>. The available stripe size values range from 4 KB to 128 KB.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-39 Creating a RAID 1 set (mirrored) T o create a RAID 1 set: 1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID V olume and press <Enter>. The following screen appears. 2. Enter a name for the RAID 1 set and press <Enter>.
4-40 Chapter 4: Software support Creating a RAID 10 set (RAID 0+1) T o create a RAID 10 set: 1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID V olume and press <Enter>. The following screen appears. 2. Enter a name for the RAID 10 set and press <Enter>.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-41 Creating a RAID 5 set (parity) T o create a RAID 5 set: 1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID V olume and press <Enter>. The following screen appears. WARNING: ALL DATA ON SELECTED DISKS WILL BE LOST. Are you sure you want to create this volume? (Y/N): 7.
4-42 Chapter 4: Software support 4. The Disks item is highlighted, press <Enter> to select the hard disk drives to congure as RAID. The following screen appears. 5. Use the up/down arrow key to highlight the drive you want to set, and then press <Space> to select.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 4-43 4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows ® T o create a RAID driver disk in Windows ® : 1. Start Windows ® . 2. Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive. 3. Go to the Make disk menu, and then click Intel ICH10R 32/64 bit RAID Driver Disk to create an Intel ® ICH10R RAID driver disk.
4-44 Chapter 4: Software support T o install the RAID driver in Windows XP: 1. During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the <F6> key to install third-party SCSI or RAID driver . 2. Press <F6> then insert the oppy disk with RAID driver into the oppy disk drive.
5 Multiple GPU technology support This chapter describes how to install and congure multiple A TI ® CrossFireX™ and NVIDIA ® SLI™ graphics cards.
ROG Rampage II Extreme Chapter summary 5 5.1 A TI ® CrossFireX™ technology .................................................... 5-1 5.2 NVIDIA ® SLI™ technology .
ROG Rampage II Extreme 5-1 5.1 ATI ® CrossFireX™ technology The motherboard supports the A TI ® CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to install multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in this section.
5-2 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support 5. Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two graphics cards separately . 6. Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card. 4. Align and rmly insert the CrossFireX bridge connector to the goldngers on each graphics card.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 5-3 5.1.4 Installing three CrossFireX graphics cards 1. Prepare three CrossFireX-ready graphics cards. 2. Insert the three graphics card into the PCIEX16 slots.
5-4 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support 5.1.5 Installing the device drivers Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device drivers. • Ensure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the A TI ® CrossFireX™ technology .
ROG Rampage II Extreme 5-5 Enabling Dual CrossFireX settings 1. In the Catalyst Control Center window , click Graphics Settings > CrossFireX > Congure . 2. From the Graphics Adapter list, select the graphics card to act as the display GPU. 3.
5-6 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support 5.2 NVIDIA ® SLI™ technology The motherboard supports the NVIDIA ® SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) technology that allows you to install multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in this section.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 5-7 5.2.2 Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards The following pictures are for reference only . The graphics cards and the motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the same. 1. Prepare two SLI-ready graphics cards.
5-8 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support 5.2.3 Installing three SLI-ready graphics cards 1. Prepare three SLI-ready graphics cards. 2. Insert the three graphics card into the PCIEX16 slots.
ROG Rampage II Extreme 5-9 5.2.4 Installing the device drivers Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device drivers.
5-10 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support B2. From the Personalization window , select Display Settings . B3. From the Display Settings dialog box, click Advanced Settings . B4. Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab, and then click Start the NVIDIA Control Panel .
ROG Rampage II Extreme 5-1 1 B5. The NVIDIA Control Panel window appears. Enabling Dual SLI settings From the NVIDIA Control Panel window , select Set SLI Conguration . Click Enable SLI and set the display for viewing SLI rendered content. When done, click Apply .
5-12 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support.
A Appendix: Debug code table The Appendix lists the debug code table for the LCD Poster ..
ROG Rampage II Extreme Chapter summary A Debug code table ...................................................................................... A-1.
ROG Rampage II Extreme A-1 Code Description CPU INIT CPU Initiation DET CPU T est CMOS R/W functionality . CHIPINIT Early chipset initialization: -Disable shadow RAM -Disable L2 cache -Program basic chipset registers DET DRAM Detect memory -Auto-detection of DRAM size, type and ECC.
A-2 Appendix: Debug code table Code Description 8254TEST T est 8254 8259MSK1 T est 8259 interrupt mask bits for channel 1. 8259MSK2 T est 8259 interrupt mask bits for channel 2. 8259TEST T est 8259 functionality . COUNTMEM Calculate total memory by testing the last double word of each 64K page.
ROG Rampage II Extreme A-3 Code Description P ASSWORD Clear EP A or customization logo. 1. Call chipset power management hook. 2. Recover the text fond used by EP A logo (not for full screen logo) 3. If password is set, ask for password. USB FINAL Initialize PnP boot devices 1.
A-4 Appendix: Debug code table.
An important point after buying a device Asus Rampage II Gene (or even before the purchase) is to read its user manual. We should do this for several simple reasons:
If you have not bought Asus Rampage II Gene yet, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the basic data on the product. First of all view first pages of the manual, you can find above. You should find there the most important technical data Asus Rampage II Gene - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, Asus Rampage II Gene you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get Asus Rampage II Gene will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of Asus Rampage II Gene, but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime Asus Rampage II Gene.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with Asus Rampage II Gene. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device Asus Rampage II Gene along with tips on how to solve them. Even if you fail to solve the problem, the manual will show you a further procedure – contact to the customer service center or the nearest service center
