My new PC (Aug 2015) - Asus Maximus VII Hero

[Blín D'ñero]

I have the Asus Maximus VII Hero.

• LGA1150
• Chipset: Intel Z97 Express
• Released: Q2 2014
  
  • Asus Maximus VII Hero Reviews:
    Bit-tech
    Hardocp
    Hardwareoverclock (German language)
    Kitguru
    Ocaholic
    Overclock3d
    Overclockersclub
    Techpowerup
    Techwarelabs

and the processor:

• Intel i7 4790K
  
  • Lithografy : 22 nm
  • Cores: 4
  • Threads: 8
  • CPU Socket: LGA 1150 (Haswell)
  • Memory support: Dual-channel, 4 slots, max 32GB

Full hardware list:

• Asus Maximus VII Hero
• Intel i7 4790K
• Zalman CNPS9900-A LED
• 32GB (4 x 8GB) Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR3 DRAM 2133MHz C9 Memory Kit (CMD32GX3M4A2133C9).
• Sapphire Radeon R9 290 Tri-X Crossfire
  • Sapphire Radeon R9 290 Tri-X [SKU ID: 11227-00]
  • Sapphire Radeon R9 290 Tri-X [SKU ID: 11227-00]
• Creative Soundblaster ZxR
• Corsair AX 1200W
• 3 × WD1003FZEX, 4 × WDC WD3003FZEX, 2 × WD640AALS
• Asus DRW F1ST
• Coolermaster Stacker 1
• Dell 30" UltraSharp U3011
• Corsair K95 RGB
• Razer Mamba TE
• Steelseries 9HD mousepad

Due to lack of free time it took long before i assembled it.

[Blín D'ñero]

The latest firmware / software on the support page https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/MAXIMUS_VII_HERO/HelpDesk_Download/

[Blín D'ñero]

BIOS settings, no overclock yet:

BIOS version 3103

• Extreme Tweaker
  
  Target CPU Turbo-Mode Frequency: 4400MHz
  Target DRAM Frequency: 2133MHz
  Target Cache Frequency: 4000MHz
  Target DMI/PEG Frequency: 100MHz
  Target CPU Graphics Frequency: 1300MHz
  
  • Ai Overclock Tuner: Auto
  • ASUS MultiCore Enhancement: Auto
  • CPU Core Ratio: Sync All Cores
    • 1-Core Ratio Limit: Auto
    • 2-Core Ratio Limit: Auto
    • 3-Core Ratio Limit: Auto
    • 4-Core Ratio Limit: Auto
  • Min. CPU Cache Ratio: Auto
  • Max. CPU Cache Ratio: Auto
  • Internal PLL Overvoltage: Auto
  • DRAM Frequency: DDR3-2133MHz
  • Xtreme Tweaking: Enabled
  • CPU Level UP: Auto
  • EPU Power Saving Mode: Disabled
  • DRAM Timing Control
    
    • Primary Timings
      
      • DRAM CAS# Latency: [CHA: 9, CHB: 9] : 9
      • DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay: [CHA: 11, CHB: 11] : 11
      • DRAM RAS# PRE Time: [CHA: 10, CHB: 11] : 11
      • DRAM RAS# ACT Time: [CHA: 27, CHB: 31] : 31
      • DRAMCommand Rate: [CHA: 2, CHB: 2] : 2
    • Secondary Timings
      • DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay: [CHA: 7; CHB: 7] : Auto
      • DRAM REF Cycle Time: [CHA: 171; CHB: 171] : Auto
      • DRAMRefresh Interval: [CHA: 8325; CHB: 8325] : Auto
      • DRAM WRITE Recovery Time: Auto
  • GPU.DIMM Post
    • PCIe ×16/×8 #1: ATI/AMD GPU, running at ×8 Native
    • PCIe ×8/×4 #2: ATI/AMD GPU, running at ×8 Native
      

      ---

    • DIMM CH.A1: DDR3 1333 MHz, running at 2133MHz
    • DIMM CH.A2: DDR3 1333 MHz, running at 2133MHz
    • DIMM CH.B1: DDR3 1333 MHz, running at 2133MHz
    • DIMM CH.B2: DDR3 1333 MHz, running at 2133MHz
  • External DIGI+ Power Control
    • CPU Load-line Calibration: Auto
    • CPU VRM Switching Frequency: Auto
    • VRM Spread Spectrum: Enabled
    • CPU Power Phase Control: Auto
    • CPU Power Duty Control: T.Probe
    • CPU Current Capability: Auto
    • CPU Power Thermal Control: 120
    • CPU Input Boot Voltage: Auto
    • DRAM Current Capability: 100%
    • DRAM Switching Frequency: Auto
    • DRAM Power Phase Control: Auto
  • Tweakers'Paradise
    
    • BCLK Tuning
      • VCCIN Shadow Voltage: Auto
      • Termination Anti-Aliasing: Auto
      • Initial PLL Termination Voltage
      • PLL Termination Reset Voltage: Auto
      • Eventual PLL Termination Voltage: Auto
      • PCH ICC Voltage: Auto
      • Clock Crossing Boot Voltage: Auto
      • Clock Crossing Reset Voltage: Auto
      • Clock Crossing Voltage: Auto
  • Internal CPU Power Management
    
    • Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology: Enabled
    • Turbo Mode: Enabled
      

      ---

    • Turbo Mode Parameters
      
      • Long Duration Package Power Limit: Auto
      • Package Power Time Window: Auto
      • Short Duration Package Power Limit: Auto
      • CPU Integrated VR Current Limit: Auto

      ---

    • CPU Internal Power Switching Frequency
      
      • Frequency Tuning Mode: Auto
    • CPU Internal Power Fault Control
      • Thermal Feedback: Auto

    ---

  • CPU Core Voltage: [1.040v] : Auto
  • CPU Cache Voltage: [1.176v] : Auto
  • CPU System Agent Voltage Offset Mode Sign: [0.936v] : +
  • CPU System Agent Voltage Offset: Auto
  • CPU Analog I/O Voltage Offset Mode Sign: [1.107v] : +
  • CPU Analog I/O Voltage Offset: Auto
  • CPU Digital I/O Voltage Offset Mode Sign: [1.119] : +
  • CPU Digital I/O Voltage Offset: Auto
  • SVID Support: Auto
  • Initial CPU Input Voltage: [1.856v] : Auto
  • Eventual CPU Input Voltage: Auto
  • DRAM Voltage [1.507v] : Auto
  • PCH Core Voltage [1.056v] : Auto
  • PCH VLX Voltage: [1.500v] : Auto
  • VTTDDR Voltage: [0.750v] : Auto
  • DRAM CTRL REF Voltage: Auto
  • DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA: Auto
  • DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHB: Auto
  • CPU Spread Spectrum: Auto
  • BCLK Recovery: Enabled
• Main
  • [Let's skip this section]
• Advanced
  
  • CPU Configuration
    
    • Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor: Enabled
    • Hyper-threading: Enabled
    • Active Processor Cores: All
    • Limit CPUID Maximum: Disabled
    • Execute Disable Bit: Enabled
    • Intel Virtualization Technology: Disabled
    • Hardware Prefetcher(L2 Cache): Enabled
    • Adjacent Cache Line Prefetcher: Enabled
    • Boot performance mode: Max Non-Turbo Performance
    • Dynamic Storage Accelerator: Disabled
    • CPU Power Management Configuration
      
      • Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology: Enabled
      • Turbo Mode: Enabled
      • CPU C-States: Auto
      • CFG lock: Disabled
  • PCH Configuration
    
    Intel PCH SKU Name: Z97
    
    • PCI Express Configuration
      • PCI-E Speed: Auto
    • Intel Rapid Start Technology
      • Intel Rapid Start Technology: Disabled
    • Intel Smart Connect Technology
      • Intel Smart Connect Technology Support: Enabled
      High Precision Event Timer Configuration
    • High Precision Timer: Enabled
  • PCH Storage Configuration
    • SATA Mode Selection: AHCI
    • Aggressive LPM Support: Disabled
    • S.M.A.R.T. Status Check: On
    • SATA6G_1 (Red): WDC WD1003FZEX-00MK2A0 (1000.2GB)
      Hot Plug: Disabled
    • SATA6G_2 (Red): WDC WD6001FZWX-00A2VA0 (6001.1GB)
      Hot Plug: Disabled
    • SATA6G_3 (Red): WDC WD1002FAEX-00Y9A0 (1000.2GB)
      Hot Plug: Disabled
    • SATA6G_4 (Red): WDC WD1002FAEX-00Z3A0 (1000.2GB)
      Hot Plug: Disabled
    • SATA6G_5 (Red): WDC WD3003FZEX-00Z4SA0 (3000.5GB)
      Hot Plug: Disabled
    • SATA6G_6 (Red): WDC WD3003FZEX-00Z4SA0 (3000.5GB)
      Hot Plug: Disabled
  • System Agent Configuration
    System Agent Bridge Name: Haswell
    
    • VT-d: Disabled
    • Graphics Configuration
      • Primary Display: PCIE
      • CPU Graphics Multi-Monitor: Disabled
    • DMI Configuration
      • DMI Gen 2: Enabled
    • NB PCI-E Configuration
      
      PCIEX16_1: ×8
      
      • PCIEX16_1 Link Speed: Gen3
        PCIEX16_2: ×8
      • PCIEX16_2 Link Speed: Gen3
    • Memory Configuration
      
      Memory Information
      
      • Memory Scrambler: Enabled
      • Memory Remap: Enabled
  • USB Configuration
    • Legacy USB Support: Disabled
    • Intel xHCI Mode: Smart Auto
    • EHCI Hand-off: Enabled
    • Mass Storage Devices:
      • Generic-USB3.0 CRW-CF/MD: Auto
      • Generic Ultra HS-SD/MMC: Auto
      • Generic-USB3.0 CRW-SM/xD: Auto
      • Generic-USB3.0 CRW-SD: Auto
      • Generic-USB3.0 CRW-MS: Auto
      • Generic-USB3.0 CRW-SD/MS: Auto
    • USB Single Port Control
      • < I leave them all enabled >
  • Platform Misc Configuration
    
    • PCI-E Native Power Management: Disabled
      

      ---

      
      PCI - PCI Express
    • DMI Link ASPM Control: Disabled
    • ASPM Support: Disabled
      

      ---

      
      SA - PCI Express
    • DMI Link ASPM Control: Disabled
    • PEG ASPM Support: Disabled
  • Onboard Devices Configuration
    • HD Audio Controller: Disabled
      

      ---

    • ASMedia Storage Controller (SATA6G_E12): Enabled
    • Windows Hot-plug Notification: Disabled
    • ASPM Support: Disabled
      

      ---

    • PCI Express X4_3 Slot (Black) Bandwidth: Auto Mode
      

      ---

    • Intel LAN Controller: Enabled
    • Intel LAN PXE Option ROM: Disabled
  • APM Configuration
    • ErP Ready: Disabled
    • Restore AC Power Loss: Power Off
    • Power On By PCI-E: Disabled
    • Power On By RTC: Disabled
  • Network Stack Configuration
    • Network Stack: Disabled
  • NVMe Configuration
    NVMe Controller and Drive Configuration
  • ROG Effects

    ---

    
    
    • Onboard LED: Enabled
    • ROG Logo LED: Enabled
    • SupremeFX Lighting LED: Enabled
• Monitor
  • Let's skip this section
• Boot
  • Fast Boot: Enabled
    
    • SATA Support: All Devices
    • USB Support: Full Initialization
    • PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse Support: Disabled
    • Network Stack Driver Support: Disabled
    • Next Boot after AC Power Loss: Fast Boot

    ---

    
    Boot Logo Display: Disabled
  • POST Report: 4 sec
  • Boot up NumLock State: Enabled
  • Wait for 'F1' If Error: Enabled
  • Option ROM Messages: Enabled
  • Interrupt 19 Capture: Disabled
  • Above 4G Decoding: Disabled
  • Setup Mode: Advanced Mode
  • CSM (Compatibility Support Module)
    • Launch CSM: Enabled
    • Boot Device Control: UEFI and Legacy OPROM
    • Boot from Network Devices: Legacy OPROM first
    • Boot from Storage Devices: Legacy OPROM first
    • Boot from PCI-E/PCI Expansion Devices: Legacy OPROM first
  • Secure Boot

    ---

    
    Boot Option Priorities
  • Boot Option #1: P1: WDC WD1003FZEX-00MK2A0 (953969MB)
  • Boot Option #2: E2: ASUS DRW-24F1ST a
  • CD/DVD ROM Drive BBS Priorities
    • Boot Option #1: E2
  • Hard Drive BBS Priorities
    • Boot Option #1: P1
    • Boot Option #2: P2
    • Boot Option #3: P3
    • Boot Option #4: P4
    • Boot Option #5: P5
    • Boot Option #6: P6
    • Boot Option #7: E1

    ---

    
    Boot Override
    Yeah.
• Tool
  • ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility
  • Secure Erase
  • Setup Animator: Disabled
  • Graphics Card Information
  • ASUS Overclocking Profile
  • ASUS SPD Information
  • ROG OC Panel H-Key Configure
• Exit
  
  • Load Optimized Defaults
  • Save Changes & Reset
  • Discard Changes & Reset
  • Launch EFI Shell from USB drives

[Blín D'ñero]

reserved for overclock BIOS

[Blín D'ñero]

I see three new BIOS updates since purchase (2201). https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/MAXIMUS_VII_HERO/HelpDesk_Download/

Likely all for 5th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processors compatibility. The i7-5775C validated since BIOS 2702. Anyway i won't update until i see the need.

Version 2801

Description
1.Revise help string in BIOS.
2.Improve system stability.

File Size
5.53 MBytes
update 2015/07/31

Version 2702

Description
MAXIMUS VII HERO BIOS 2702
Implement 5th-Generation Intel Core Processors code
*Full support of the new CPU requires VGA driver version 10.18.14.4206 or later
*Before using the 5th Gen Intel Core processors, we suggest that you use USB BIOS Flashback or download ”BIOS updater for 5th Gen Intel Core Processors”to update the BIOS.

File Size
5.55 MBytes
update 2015/05/27

Version 2601

Description
MAXIMUS VII HERO BIOS 2601
1. Implement 5th-Generation Intel Core Processors code
*Full support of the new CPU requires necessary driver updates.
2. Support ASUS USB 3.1 PCIE add-on card
3. Support NVMe

File Size
5.53 MBytes
update 2015/04/07

[Blín D'ñero]

New BIOS updates.

Version 3003

Description
MAXIMUS VII HERO BIOS 3003
Improve system stability.

File Size
5.55 MBytesupdate 2015/11/23

Version 2902

Description
MAXIMUS VII HERO BIOS 2902
Improve system stability.

File Size
5.55 MBytesupdate 2015/10/12

[Blín D'ñero]

I updated the BIOS to 3103...

Version 3103

Description
MAXIMUS VII HERO BIOS 3103
Improve system stability

File Size 5.55 MBytes

...using EZ-Update. Worked like a charm!

[Blín D'ñero]

Although i installed "Asmedia SATA Controller Driver V2.0.8.1 for Windows 7/8/8.1 32bit & 64bit.(WHQL)(For MAXIMUS VII HERO, MAXIMUS VII GENE, MAXIMUS VII FORMULA)",
S.M.A.R.T. Technology does not work on the HDD's connected on those 2 ports... bummer.

So. i put my DVD drive on one of those, gave me 1 S.M.A.R.T. supporting port back.

[Update july 3 2016]
Correction: turns out that it is PerfectDisk Pro 12.5 that fails to read S.M.A.R.T. from the other drive, whilst AIDA64 reads every single drive's S.M.A.R.T. data.

[Blín D'ñero]

My Akasa AK-ICR-14 USB 3.0 Internal Card Reader does not work on this (Z97) board, as long as it is connected to the internal USB3.0 header on the motherboard (which it is meant to be by design). No LED, no SD card functionality. Only the USB3 port is 'half alive', working as an old USB2 port.

Whilst the latest Intel USB drivers for the motherboard (from ASUS) are installed, and the drivers from Akasa's website.

With an adapter cable to the internal USB2 header the Akasa AK-ICR-14 works though, the SD card functionality and the USB port (as a USB2, obviously), the activity LED.

Well the same apparatus i have on my old x58 board, working through the USB2 header (with an adapter cable) as well, so let's say i'm used to it... So now ordering a second adapter cable.

[Blín D'ñero]

My Akasa AK-ICR-14 USB 3.0 Internal Card Reader does not work on this (Z97) board, as long as it is connected to the internal USB3.0 header on the motherboard (which it is meant to be by design). No LED, no SD card functionality. Only the USB3 port is 'half alive', working as an old USB2 port.

Whilst the latest Intel USB drivers for the motherboard (from ASUS) are installed, and the drivers from Akasa's website.

With an adapter cable to the internal USB2 header the Akasa AK-ICR-14 works though, the SD card functionality and the USB port (as a USB2, obviously), the activity LED.

Well the same apparatus i have on my old x58 board, working through the USB2 header (with an adapter cable) as well, so let's say i'm used to it... So now ordering a second adapter cable.

Ahhh..! I've got it to work!
All the time i had two Unknown Devices listed in Device Manager and i assumed they were unimportant. Turns out that one of them was the Intel USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller, missing a driver. I let Windows find it on the Asus DVD that came with the motherboard.
Shut down the PC and opened the case.
Plugged back in the USB 3 cable from the card reader.
Booted into Windows and am now enjoying a working card reader with a USB 3.0 port.