User's Manual

iii
Contents
Safety information ..................................................................................................... vii
About this guide ....................................................................................................... viii
MAXIMUS VII IMPACT specifications summary ....................................................... x
Package contents ..................................................................................................... xiv
Installation tools and components .......................................................................... xv
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.1 Special features..........................................................................................1-1
1.1.1 Product highlights........................................................................1-1
1.1.2 ROG Gaming Features ............................................................... 1-2
1.1.3 ROG Exclusive Features............................................................. 1-3
1.1.4 ASUS Special Features .............................................................. 1-4
1.1.5 ROG rich bundled software ......................................................... 1-5
1.2 Motherboard overview ...............................................................................1-6
1.2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-6
1.2.2 Motherboard layout ..................................................................... 1-7
1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-9
1.2.4 System memory ........................................................................ 1-10
1.2.5 Expansion slot ........................................................................... 1-23
1.2.6 Onboard buttons ....................................................................... 1-25
1.2.7 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................... 1-27
1.2.8 Internal connectors....................................................................1-35
1.2.9 ProbeIt.......................................................................................1-44
1.2.10 SupremeFX Impact II audio card .............................................. 1-45
Chapter 2: Basic Installation
2.1 Building your PC system ...........................................................................2-1
2.1.1 Motherboard installation .............................................................. 2-1
2.1.2 CPU installation...........................................................................2-4
2.1.3 SupremeFX Impact II audio card installation .............................. 2-5
2.1.4 DIMM installation......................................................................... 2-6
2.1.5 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation ............................... 2-7
2.1.6 ATX Power connection..............................................................2-10
2.1.7 SATA device connection ........................................................... 2-11
2.1.8 Front I/O Connector .................................................................. 2-12
2.1.9 Expansion Card installation....................................................... 2-13
2.1.10 Impact CoolHub Card installation.............................................. 2-13
2.1.11 mPCIe Combo IV card installation ............................................ 2-14