Asus H81M2 User Manual

H81M2

Motherboard

E8588
First Edition V1

August 2013

Copyright © 2013 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the

product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS

OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
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DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
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Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or

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owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software

This product contains copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”),
under the Lesser General Public License Version (“LGPL”) and/or other Free Open Source Software
Licenses. Such software in this product is distributed without any warranty to the extent permitted by the
applicable law. Copies of these licenses are included in this product.

Where the applicable license entitles you to the source code of such software and/or other additional data,
you may obtain it for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product, either

(1) for free by downloading it from http://support.asus.com/download
or
(2) for the cost of reproduction and shipment, which is dependent on the preferred carrier and the location

where you want to have it shipped to, by sending a request to:

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
Legal Compliance Dept.
15 Li Te Rd.,
Beitou, Taipei 112
Taiwan

In your request please provide the name, model number and version, as stated in the About Box of the
product for which you wish to obtain the corresponding source code and your contact details so that we
can coordinate the terms and cost of shipment with you.

The source code will be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under the same license as
the corresponding binary/object code.

This offer is valid to anyone in receipt of this information.
ASUSTeK is eager to duly provide complete source code as required under various Free Open Source

Software licenses. If however you encounter any problems in obtaining the full corresponding source
code we would be much obliged if you give us a notication to the email address [e-mail], stating
the product and describing the problem (please DO NOT send large attachments such as source code
archives, etc. to this email address).

ii

Contents

Safety information ...................................................................................... iv

About this guide ......................................................................................... iv

Package contents ....................................................................................... vi

H81M2 specications summary ................................................................ vi

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Motherboard overview .................................................................

1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................

1.4 System memory ...........................................................................

1.5 Expansion slots ............................................................................

1.6 Jumpers ......................................................................................

1.7 Connectors .................................................................................

1.8 Onboard LEDs ............................................................................

1.9 Software support ........................................................................

Chapter 2: BIOS information

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-1

2.2 BIOS setup program ....................................................................

2.3 My Favorites ...............................................................................

2.4 Main menu ..................................................................................

2.5 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................

2.6 Advanced menu .........................................................................

2.7 Monitor menu .............................................................................

2.8 Boot menu ..................................................................................

2.9 Tools menu .................................................................................

2.10 Exit menu ....................................................................................

1-1
1-3
1-7

1-9
1-10
1-12
1-20
1-21

2-6
2-10
2-11
2-13
2-22
2-31
2-34
2-40
2-41

Appendices

Notices .......................................................................................................A-1

ASUS contact information .......................................................................A-3

iii

Safety information

Electrical safety

To 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. If possible,
disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all

•
power cables are unplugged.

Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices

•
could interrupt the grounding circuit.

Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not

•
sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power
company.

If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service

•
technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

Before installing the motherboard and adding components, carefully read all the manuals

•
that came with the package.

Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power

•
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.

To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,

•
slots, sockets and circuitry.

Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area

•
where it may be exposed to moisture.

Place the product on a stable surface.

•

If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service

•
technician or your retailer.

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the

motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports. It includes descriptions of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the
motherboard.

• Chapter 2: BIOS information

This chapter discusses changing system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions fo the BIOS parameters are also provided.

iv

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.

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,

that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the
standard package.

Conventions used in this guide

To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when
completing a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when
completing a task

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italics

<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign

<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

means that you must press the enclosed key.

Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key.

names are linked with a plus sign (+).

v

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard ASUS H81M2 motherboard

Cables 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables

Accessories 1 x I/O Shield

Application DVD Support DVD

Documentation User Guide

If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

H81M2 specications summary

CPU LGA1150 socket for 4th Generation Intel® CoreTM i7/i5/i3, Pentium®,

Celeron® Processors

Supports Intel® 22nm CPU

Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*

* The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU types.
** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.

Chipset Intel® H81 Express Chipset
Memory 2 x DIMM, max. 16GB, DDR3 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz, non-ECC, un-

buffered memory*

Dual-channel memory architecture

Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)

* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs.

Please refer to the Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List) for details.

** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List).

*** Due to Intel

®

modules on XMP mode will run at the maximum transfer rate of DDR3 1600MHz.

chipset limitation, the DDR3 1600MHz and higher memory

Graphics Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel® HD Graphics support

Multi-VGA output support: DVI-D , DVI-I ports

- Supports DVI-D with max.resolution of 1920 x 1200 @60Hz

- Supports DVI-I with max. resolution of 1920 x 1200 @60Hz

Maximum shared memory of 1024 MB

Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot

1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot

2 x PCI slots

Storage Intel® H81 Express Chipset:

- 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connector (yellow)

- 2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connector (dark brown)

- Supports Intel

®

Rapid Technology and Intel® Smart Connect

Technology*

* Due to the limitation of the Intel® H81 chipset, Intel® Rapid Start Technology can

be congured only from the BIOS Setup program.

(continued on the next page)

vi

H81M2 specications summary

Audio Realtek® ALC887 7.1-channel Audio CODEC

LAN

USB Intel® H81 Express Chipset

ASUS unique
features

Rear panel I/O
ports

- Supports jack-detection, multi-streaming, front panel jack-restasking

* Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support aå 7.1-channel

audio output.

Realtek 8111G Gigabit LAN controller

- Supports ASUS USB 3.0 Boost

- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at back panel (blue)

- 8 x USB2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at midboard, 4 ports at back panel)

ASMedia® ASM1042A USB 3.0 controller

- Supports ASUS USB 3.0 Boost

- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at midboard for front panel support

ASUS Exclusive Features

- ASUS EPU

- ASUS GPU Boost

- ASUS Anti-Surge Protection

- ASUS AI Suite 3

- ASUS Network iControl

- ASUS AI Charger

- ASUS USB 3.0 Boost

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

- ASUS FAN Xpert

ASUS EZ DIY

- ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)

- ASUS MyLogo 2

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)

1 x PS/2 mouse port (green)

2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports

4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports

1 x DVI-D port

1 x DVI-I port

1 x LAN (RJ-45) port

3 x Audio jacks support 8-channel audio output

(continued on the next page)

vii

H81M2 specications summary

Internal
connectors

BIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.6,

Manageability

Support DVD Drivers

Operating
System
Support

Form factor

2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports

1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports

2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors

2 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors

1 x 4-pin CPU fan connector

1 x 4-pin Chassis fan connector

1 x Front panel audio connector

1 x COM Header

1 x LPT Header

1 x TPM Header

1 x 24-pin ATX power connector

1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector

1 x Speaker connector

1 x System panel connector

ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFreen BIOS
3, F12 Printscreen function, F3 Shortcut function and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial
Presence Detect) memory information

WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, PXE

ASUS utilities

EZ Update

Anti-virus software (OEM version)

Windows® 8

Windows® 7

uATX form factor: 9.6”x 7.8” (24.4cm x 19.8cm)

viii

Specications are subject to change without notice.

Product introduction

1

1.1 Before you proceed

Take 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.

• Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded
object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due
to static electricity.

• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.

• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the
bag that came with the component.

• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is
switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so
may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.

1.2 Motherboard overview

Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the
motherboard ts.

Unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can
cause you physical injury and damage to motherboard components.

1.2.1 Placement direction

When installing the motherboard, 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.

1.2.2 Screw holes

Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.

Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

ASUS H81M2

1-1

H81M2

H81M2

PCIEX16

PCIEX1_1

PCI1

PCI2

RTL

8111G

COM

TPM

AAFP

EATXPWR

CPU_FAN

BATTERY

Super

I/O

ALC

887-VD2

ASM
1083

KBMS

8MB
BIOS

SB_PWR

CLRTC

USBPWF

KB_USBPWB

SPEAKER

19.8cm(7.8in)

DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

SATA6G_1 SATA6G_2 SATA3G_1 SATA3G_2

AUDIO

LAN_USB3_12

USB3456

CHA_FAN

24.4cm(9.6in)

LGA1150

DIGI

+VRM

Intel

®

H81

ATX12V

F_PANEL

USB1112 USB910

DVI

DVI-I

LPT

USB3_E12

21 43 65 1

15 1012161718 14 13

3

7

8

9

11

Place this side

towards the rear

of the chassis

1.2.3 Motherboard layout

1-2

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.2.4 Layout contents

H81M2

H81M2 CPU socket LGA1150

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page

1. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN) 1-16

2. Keyboard and USB device wake-up (KB_USBPWB) 1-11

3. ATX power connectors (24-pin ATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 1-14

4. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM) 1-17

5. Intel® LGA1150 CPU socket 1-3

6. DDR3 DIMM slots 1-7

7. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_E12) 1-19

8. Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER) 1-19

9. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) 1-18

10. Intel® H81 Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s connector (7-pin SATA3G_1~2 [dark brown]) 1-15

11. Intel® H81 Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s connector (7-pin SATA6G_1~2 [yellow]) 1-15

12. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910, USB1112) 1-17

13. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-10

14. USB device wake-up (USBPWF) 1-12

15. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) 1-19

16. Onboard LED (SB_PWR) 1-20

17. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-15

18. TPM header (20-1 pin TPM) 1-14

1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

This motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1150 socket designed for the Intel® 4th
generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium® , Celeron® processors.

ASUS H81M2

1-3

A

B

Unplug all power cables before installing the CPU.

• Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for the LGA1150 socket only. DO
NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1150
socket.

• Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and
the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap
is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard
components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/
transit-related.

• Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise

Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the

LGA1150 socket.

• The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from
incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP
cap.

1.3.1 Installing the CPU

1

1-4

2

3

Chapter 1: Product introduction

A

B

C

4

5

1.3.2 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation

Apply the Thermal Interface Material
to the CPU heatsink and CPU
before you install the heatsink and
fan if necessary.

ASUS H81M2

1-5

To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly

1

B

A

B

A

3 4

2

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly

1

1-6

2

B

A

B

A

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.4 System memory

H81M2

H81M2 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets

DIMM_A1

DIMM_B1

1.4.1 Overview

This motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Module
(DIMM) sockets. A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module. DO
NOT install a DDR or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot.

According to Intel® CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect the
CPU.

Channel Sockets

Channel A DIMM_A1

Channel B DIMM_B1

1.4.2 Memory congurations

You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM
sockets.

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps
the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel conguration. Any excess
memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

• Due to Intel

mode will run at the maximum transfer rate of DDR3 1600MHz.

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimal compatibility, we
recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or date code (D/C)
from the same vendor. Check with the retailer to get the correct memory modules.

• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows
or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be
about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the
following:

- Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows

- Install a 64-bit Windows

• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less.

®

chipset limitation, DDR3 1600MHz and higher memory modules on XMP

®

OS, when you install 4GB

®

OS if you want to install 4GB or more on the

motherboard.

®

OS.

ASUS H81M2

1-7

• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect
(SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.
Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a
lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked
or at a higher frequency, refer to section 2.5 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory
frequency adjustment.

• For system stability, use a more efcient memory cooling system to support a full

memory load (2 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

• Visit the ASUS website at:

1.4.3 Installing a DIMM

Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components.
Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components.

www.asus.com for the latest QVL.

1. Press the retaining clips
outward to unlock a DIMM
socket.

2. Align a DIMM on the socket
such that the notch on the
DIMM matches the DIMM
slot key on the socket.

1

Unlocked retaining clip

A DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it ts in only one direction. DO NOT force a DIMM into

a socket in the wrong direction to avoid damaging the DIMM.

3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the

DIMM slot key

3

socket until the retaining clips snap
back in place and the DIMM is
properly seated.

1.4.4 Removing a DIMM

Locked Retaining Clip

To remove a DIMM:

1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM.

2

DIMM notch

1

1-8

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

1

DIMM notch

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

1.5 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.

Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may
cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

1.5.1 Installing an expansion card

To install an expansion card:

1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and
make the necessary hardware settings for the card.

2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis).

3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw for later
use.

4. Align the card connector with the slot and press rmly until the card is completely

seated on the slot.

5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.

6. Replace the system cover.

1

1.5.2 Conguring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, congure it by adjusting the software settings.

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 2 for
information on BIOS setup.

2. Assign an IRQ to the card.

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that

the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conicts will arise between the two PCI

groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable.

ASUS H81M2

1-9

1.5.3 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots

H81M2

H81M2 Clear RTC RAM

1 2 2 3

Normal

(Default)

Clear RTC

CLRTC

This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that

comply with the PCI Express specications.

1.5.4 PCI Express x16 slot

This motherboard has a PCI Express x16 slot that supports PCI Express x16 graphic cards

complying with the PCI Express specications.

1.5.3 PCI slots

The PCI slot supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that

comply with PCI specications.

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

A B C D E F G H

LAN
PCIE x16_1
PCIE x1_1
PCIE x1_2
PCIE x1_3
Intel PCH SATA Controller
HD Audio
USB2.0_1
USB2.0_2
USB3.0

– – shared – – – – –

shared – – – – – – –

– – shared – – – – –
– – – shared – – – –

shared – – – – – – –

– – – shared – – – –
– – – – – – shared –
– – – – – – – shared
– – – – shared – – –
– – – – – shared – –

1.6 Jumpers

1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)

This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can
clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing
the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in
CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords.

To erase the RTC RAM:

1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.

1-10

Chapter 1: Product introduction

2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3

H81M2

H81M2 Keyboard and USB device wake up

1 2

2 3

+5V

+5VSB

(Default)

KB_USBPWB

for about 5-10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2. 3. Plug the
power cord and turn ON the computer.

4. Hold down the <

Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-

enter data.

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default
position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

• If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper
again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After clearing the CMOS, reinstall the
battery.

• You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For
system failure due to overclocking, use the CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R.) feature.
Shut down and reboot the system, then the BIOS automatically resets parameter
settings to default values.

2. Keyboard and USB device wake-up (KB_USBPWB)

This jumper allows you to enable or disable the P/S 2 device wake-up feature. When
you set this jumper to pins 2-3 (+5VSB), you can wake up the computer by pressing a
key on the P/S 2 keyboard or by clicking on the P/S 2 mouse. This feature requires an
ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding
setting in the BIOS.

ASUS H81M2

1-11

3. USB device wake-up (USBPWF)

H81M2

H81M2 USB device wake up

21

2 3

+5V

(Default)

+5VSB

USBPWF

3

7

4 5

6

1

10

9 8

2

This jumper allows you to enable or disable the USB device wake-up feature. When
you set this jumper to pins 2-3 (+5VSB), you can wake up the computer by pressing a
key on the USB keyboard or by clicking on the USB mouse. This feature requires an
ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding
setting in the BIOS.

1.7 Connectors

1.7.1 Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.

2. USB 2.0 ports.

devices.

3. LAN (RJ-45) port.

through a network hub.

LAN port LED indications

Activity/Link LED Speed LED
Status Description Status Description

Off No link OFF 10Mbps connection
Orange Linked ORANGE 100Mbps

Orange (Blinking) Data activity GREEN 1Gbps connection
Orange (Blinking

then steady)

1-12

These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB 2.0/1.1

This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN)

LED

LAN port

Speed

LED

connection

Activity Link

Ready to wake
up from S5 mode

Chapter 1: Product introduction

4. Line In port (light blue). This port connects to the tape, CD, DVD player, or other

audio sources.

5. Line Out port (lime).

This port connects to a headphone or a speaker. In the 4.1, 5.1

and 7.1-channel congurations, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out.

6. Microphone port (pink). This port connects to a microphone.

Refer to the audio conguration table for the function of the audio ports in 2.1, 4.1, 5.1, or

7.1-channel conguration.

Audio 2.1, 4.1, 5.1, or 7.1-channel conguration

output.

Headset

2.1-

channel

4.1-channel 5.1-channel 7.1-channel

Port

Light Blue (Rear panel) Line In Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out
Lime (Rear panel) Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
Pink (Rear panel) Mic In Mic In Bass/Center Bass/Center
Lime (Front panel) - - - Side Speaker Out

To congure an 7.1-channel audio output:

Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an 7.1-channel audio

7. USB 3.0 ports These two 9-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB 3.0

devices.

• DO NOT connect a keyboard / mouse to any USB 3.0 port when installing Windows
operating system.

• Due to USB 3.0 controller limitations, USB 3.0 devices can only be used under a
Windows® OS environment and after USB 3.0 driver installation.

• USB 3.0 devices can only be used for data storage.

• We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 devices to USB 3.0 ports for faster
and better performance from your USB 3.0 devices.

®

8. DVI-I port. This port is for any DVI-I compatible device and are HDCP compliant,

allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray, and other protected content.

9. DVI-D port. This port is for any DVI-D compatible device. DVI-D can’t be converted to

output RGB Signal to CRT and is not compatible with DVI-I male solder connector.

10. PS/2 keyboard port (purple).

ASUS H81M2

This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.

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1.7.2 Internal connectors

H81M2

H81M2 ATX power connectors

EATXPWR

PIN 1

GND
+5 Volts
+5 Volts
+5 Volts

-5 Volts
GND
GND
GND
PSON#
GND

-12 Volts
+3 Volts

+3 Volts

+12 Volts
+12 Volts

+5V Standby

Power OK

GND

+5 Volts

GND

+5 Volts

GND
+3 Volts
+3 Volts

ATX12V

PIN 1

+12V DC

+12V DC

GND

GND

H81M2

H81M2 TPM Connector

PIN 1

TPM

SB_SUS_STAT

GND

+3VSB

SMBSCL

LAD0

+3V

LAD3

PCIRST#

FRAME

PCICLK

RESET

GPIO

SERIRQ

SMBSDA

GND

LAD1

LAD2

PWROWN

GND

1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)

These connectors are for ATX 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.

•

For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit
(PSU) that complies with ATX 12V Specication 2.0 (or later version) and provides a

minimum power of 350W.

•

DO NOT forget to connect the 4-pin ATX +12V power plug. Otherwise, the system will
not boot up.

• We recommend that you use a PSU with higher power output when conguring a

system with more power-consuming devices or when you intend to install additional
devices. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is
inadequate.

•

If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system,
refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus.
com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.

2. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)

This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which securely

store keys, digital certicates, passwords and data. A TPM system also helps enhance

network security, protect digital identities, and ensures platform integrity.

The TPM module is purchased separately.

1-14

Chapter 1: Product introduction

3. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)

H81M2

H81M2 Front panel audio connector

AAFP

AGNDNCSENSE1_RETUR

SENSE2_RETUR

PORT1 L

PORT1 R

PORT2 R

SENSE_SEND

PORT2 L

HD-audio-compliant

pin definition

PIN 1

AGNDNCNC

NC

MIC2

MICPWR

Line out_R

NC

Line out_L

Legacy AC’97

compliant definition

SATA6G_1

GND

RSATA_RXP1

RSATA_RXN1

GND

RSATA_TXN1

RSATA_TXP1

GND

SATA6G_2

GND

RSATA_RXP2

RSATA_RXN2

GND

RSATA_TXN2

RSATA_TXP2

GND

H81M2

H81M2 SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors

This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports
either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel
audio I/O module cable to this connector.

• We recommend that you connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this
connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-denition audio capability.

• If you want to connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this connector,

set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD]. If you want to connect an
AC’97 front panel audio module to this connector, set the item to [AC97]. By default,
this connector is set to [HD]. See section 2.6.7 Onboard Devices Conguration for
details.

4. Intel® H81 Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s connector (7-pin SATA6G_1~2 [yellow])

This connector connects to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s
signal cables.

• You must install Windows. XP Service Pack 3 or later version before using Serial ATA
hard disk drives.

• When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the SATA Mode Selection item in the BIOS to [AHCI].
See section 2.6.3 SATA Conguration for details.

ASUS H81M2

1-15