ASUS Maximus II Formula (Intel P45)
BIOS
The BIOS of ASUS Maximus II Formula is based on the AMI BIOS version, and its capacity is 16 Mbit.
All the memory settings are gathered in the overclocking tools section:
There is also a parameter that affects the performance - setting the memory operating frequency.
The choice of available frequencies is in direct dependence of the selected Strap:
Now move on to the section to do with the system monitoring.
This section is really powerful. First, the board is able monitoring the current temperature of the CPU and the system, as well as three temperatures from three additional thermal sensors. The user gets the unique opportunity to keep track of the temperature of any system component within reach of these sensors (unfortunately, these sensors are missing in the package bundle).
Secondly, the board monitors whatever voltages of the system
Thirdly, the board monitors the speed of all the eight(!) fans which can be plugged in,
and controls their speed using the Q-Fan feature (new name - Fan Xpert).
You can keep track of the monitoring parameters from within Windows as well: with either AI Suite (basic set of parameters) or with PC Probe II (extended set).
The BIOS version can be updated in a number of ways. First, make use of the AFUDOS (DOS) and ASUS Update (Windows) utilities, and in the latter case the POST image can be recorded into the BIOS (for that, there is the MyLogo 3 feature). Secondly, the user can resort to the EZ Flash 2 utility integrated into the BIOS. The file with the new firmware can be located not only on a regular 3" floppy but also on a hard disk or a USB flash disk.
By the way, two BIOS chips are on the motherboard:
and using the BIOS Flashback the user can reverse the firmware versions:
Traditionally for motherboards made by ASUS, the BIOS supports display of the settings in multiple languages (Multilanguages BIOS).
The BIOS also gives access to tuning all the features of modern processors:
In conclusion, we note the OC Profile technology which allows saving all the BIOS settings into memory and loading them on demand. ASUS Maximus II Formula supports two independent profiles:
We also note the option to control the external POST screen where either the current time, or a user-defined line can be displayed:
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MoBo:
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VGA Card:
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CPU & Memory:
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