Asus P5E User Manual

P5E

Motherboard

E3392

First Edition V1 September 2007

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), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY 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 RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or

copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

Contents

Notices ....................................................................................................... viii

Safety information ...................................................................................... ix

About this guide .......................................................................................... x

P5E specications summary .................................................................... xii

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Package contents .........................................................................

1.3 Special features ............................................................................

1.3.1 Product highlights ...........................................................

1.3.2 ASUS AI Lifestyle unique features ..................................

1.3.3 ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features .........................

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1

Onboard LED ................................................................................. 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview .................................................................

2.2.1 Placement direction ........................................................

2.2.2 Screw holes ....................................................................

2.2.3 Motherboard layout .........................................................

2.2.4 Audio card layout ............................................................

2.2.5 Layout contents ...............................................................

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................

2.3.1 Installing the CPU ...........................................................

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan ................................

2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ..........................

2.3.4 Installing the optional fans ............................................

2.4 System memory .........................................................................

2.4.1 Overview .......................................................................

2.4.2 Memory congurations ..................................................

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................

2.5 Expansion slots ..........................................................................

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card .....................................

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ...................................................

1-1

1-2

1-4

1-7

2-2

2-3

2-4

2-6

2-7

2-9

2-11

2-13

2-14

2-15

2-18

2-19

2-20

iii

Contents

2.5.4 PCI slots ........................................................................ 2-21

2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots .....................................................

2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots .............................................

2.6 Switch ..........................................................................................

2.7 Audio card installation ..............................................................

2.7.1 Audio card Installation ...................................................

2.8 Connectors .................................................................................

2.8.1 Rear panel connectors ..................................................

2.8.2 Internal connectors .......................................................

Chapter 3: Powering up

3.1 Starting up for the rst time ........................................................ 3-1

3.2 Turning off the computer .............................................................

3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function ....................................

3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch ..............................

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1

4.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................

4.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk .......................................

4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ...................................................

4.1.4 AFUDOS utility ................................................................

4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ......................................

4.2 BIOS setup program ....................................................................

4.2.1 BIOS menu screen ........................................................

4.2.2 Menu bar .......................................................................

4.2.3 Navigation keys .............................................................

4.2.4 Menu items ....................................................................

4.2.5 Sub-menu items .............................................................

4.2.6 Conguration elds ........................................................

4.2.7 Pop-up window ..............................................................

4.2.8 Scroll bar ........................................................................

4.2.9 General help ..................................................................

4.3 Main menu ..................................................................................

4.3.1 System Time .................................................................

4.3.2 System Date .................................................................

2-21

2-22

2-23

2-24

2-26

3-2

4-1

4-4

4-5

4-6

4-8

4-9

4-10

4-11

4-12

Contents

4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ..............................................................................4-12

4.3.4 Language ......................................................................

4.3.5 SATA 1-6 .......................................................................

4.3.6 SATA Conguration .......................................................

4.3.7 AHCI Conguration .......................................................

4.3.8 System Information .......................................................

4.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................

4.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner ........................................................

4.4.2 CPU Ratio Control ........................................................

4.4.3 FSB Strap to North Bridge ............................................

4.4.4 DRAM Frequency .........................................................

4.4.5 DRAM Timing Control ...................................................

4.4.7 DRAM Static Read Control ...........................................

4.4.8 Transaction Booster ......................................................

4.4.6 DRAM Command Rate .................................................

4.4.9 CPU Spread Spectrum .................................................

4.4.10 PCIE Spread Spectrum .................................................

4.5 Advanced menu .........................................................................

4.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................

4.5.2 Chipset ..........................................................................

4.5.3 Onboard Device Conguration ......................................

4.5.4 USB Conguration ........................................................

4.5.5 PCIPnP .........................................................................

4.6 Power menu ................................................................................

4.6.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] ...................................................

4.6.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ........................................

4.6.3 ACPI 2.0 Support ..........................................................

4.6.4 ACPI APIC Support .......................................................

4.6.5 APM Conguration ........................................................

4.6.6 Hardware Monitor .........................................................

4.7 Boot menu ..................................................................................

4.7.1 Boot Device Priority ......................................................

4.7.2 Boot Settings Conguration ..........................................

4.7.3 Security .........................................................................

4-12

4-13

4-14

4-15

4-16

4-17

4-18

4-19

4-20

4-22

4-23

4-25

4-26

4-27

4-28

4-29

4-30

4-31

4-33

4-34

4-35

Contents

4.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-37

4.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ..........................................................

4.8.2 ASUS O.C. Prole .........................................................

4.8.3 Ai Net 2 .........................................................................

4.9 Exit menu ....................................................................................

Chapter 5: Software support

5.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1

5.2 Support DVD information ............................................................

5.2.1 Running the support DVD ...............................................

5.2.2 Drivers menu ...................................................................

5.2.3 Utilities menu ..................................................................

5.2.4 Make Disk menu .............................................................

5.2.5 Manuals menu ................................................................

5.2.6 ASUS Contact information ..............................................

5.2.7 Other information ............................................................

5.3 Software information ...................................................................

™

5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo3

5.3.2 AI NET 2

5.3.3 AI Audio 2 (SoundMAX

5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II .........................................................

5.3.5 ASUS AI Suite ...............................................................

5.3.6 ASUS AI Gear 3 ............................................................

5.3.7 ASUS AI Nap ................................................................

5.3.8 ASUS Q-Fan 2 ..............................................................

5.3.9 ASUS AI Booster ...........................................................

5.3.10 ASUS AI Direct Link ......................................................

5.4 RAID congurations ..................................................................

5.4.1 RAID denitions ............................................................

5.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks .....................................

5.4.3 Intel

RAID congurations ............................................. 5-36

5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk .......................................................

5.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS ....

5.5.2 Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows

............................................................ 5-9

.........................................................................5-11

High Denition Audio utility) ... 5-12

............ 5-44

4-37

4-38

4-39

4-40

5-1

5-2

5-3

5-5

5-6

5-7

5-9

5-21

5-27

5-29

5-30

5-31

5-32

5-33

5-35

5-36

5-44

Chapter 6: ATI® CrossFire™ technology support

6.1 Overview ....................................................................................... 6-1

6.1.1 Requirements ..................................................................

6.1.2 Before you begin .............................................................

6.2 Installing CrossFire™ graphics cards .......................................

6.3 Software information ...................................................................

6.3.1 Installing the device drivers .............................................

6.3.2 Using the Catalyst™ Control Center ...............................

6-1

6-2

6-5

6-7

Appendix: CPU features

A.1 Intel® EM64T ..................................................................................A-1

A.2 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep

A.2.1 System requirements ......................................................

A.2.2 Using the EIST ................................................................

A.3 Intel

Hyper-Threading Technology ...........................................A-3

Using the Hyper-Threading Technology ........................................ A-3

A.4 Debug Code Table ........................................................................

Technology (EIST) ........................A-1

A-1

A-2

A-4

vii

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.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

•

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is

required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications

to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

viii

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 adpater or extension cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.

•

Make sure 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 devices on it, carefully read all the manuals that came with the package.

•

Before using the product, make sure 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 become wet.

•

Place the product on a stable surface.

•

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

service technician or your retailer.

This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment, and mercury-containing button cell battery) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

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.

• 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 switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.

• Chapter 3: Powering up

This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down the system.

• Chapter 4: BIOS setup

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

• Chapter 5: Software support

This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.

• Chapter 6: ATI CrossFire™ support

This chapter describes the ATI CrossFire™ feature and shows the graphics card installation procedures.

• Appendix: CPU features

The Appendix describes the CPU features and technologies that the motherboard supports.

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 make sure 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 trying to complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components

when trying to complete 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

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

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

means that you must press the enclosed key.

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

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

key names are linked with a plus sign (+).

Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>

Command Means that you must type the command exactly as

shown, then supply the required item or value enclosed in brackets.

Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:

afudos /i[lename]

afudos /iP5E.ROM

P5E specications summary

CPU LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™2 Quad /

Chipset Intel® X38 / ICH9R with Intel® Fast Memory Access

System Bus 1333/1066/800 MHz

Memory Dual-channel memory architecture

Expansion Slots 2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots (both @ x16 mode) support

Storage Southbridge

LAN Marvell 88E8056® PCIe Gigabit LAN controller featuring

High Denition Audio SupremeFX II Audio Card

IEEE 1394 VIA VT6308P controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports

USB 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at midboard, 6 ports at back

Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® Extreme / Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 Processors Supports Intel® next-generation 45nm multi-core CPUs Compatible with Intel® 06/05B/05A processors * Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list

Technology

- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support ECC/non-ECC, unbuffered DDR2 1066*/800/667MHz memory modules

- Supports up to 8 GB system memory

* The chipset ofcially supports the memory frequency up to DDR2 800MHz. Tuned by the ASUS Super Memspeed

Technology, this motherboard natively supports up to

DDR2 1066MHz. Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists).

CrossFire Technology 3 x PCIe x1 (PCIEX1_1 [black] is compatible with the audio slot.) 2 x PCI 2.2 slots

- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports

- Intel® Matrix Storage Technology supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10

JMicron® JMB368 PATA controller

- 1 x UltraDMA 133/100 for up to 2 PATA devices

AI NET 2

- ADI 1988B 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC

- Supports Jack-Sensing, Enumeration, Multi streaming, AI Audio 2, and ASUS Noise Filter Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF Out ports at back I/O

(one at midboard; one at back panel)

panel)

(continued on the next page)

xii

P5E specications summary

ASUS AI Lifestyle Unique features

ASUS Stylish Features ASUS MyLogo3™

ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features

ASUS Power Saving Solution:

- ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit)

- ASUS AI Gear 3 (ASUS EPU Utility)

- ASUS AI Nap

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:

- ASUS New Generation 8-Phase Power Design

- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe solution

- ASUS Fanless Design: StackCool 2

- ASUS Q-Fan 2

- ASUS Optional Fan for Water-cooling or Passive Cooling only

ASUS EZ DIY:

- ASUS AI Direct Llink

- ASUS Q-Shield

- ASUS Q-Connector

- ASUS O.C. Prole

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

- ASUS AI Slot Detector

Multi-language BIOS

Intelligent overclocking tools:

- ASUS AI Booster utility

Precision Tweaker 2:

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0625V increment

- vDIMM: 43-step DRAM voltage control

- vChipset (N.B.): 25-step DRAM voltage control

- vFSB Termination: 15-step reference voltage control

- vCPU PLL: 64-step CPU PLL voltage control

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)

- FSB tuning from 200MHz up to 800MHz at 1MHz increment

- Memory tuning from 667MHz up to 3200MHz

- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 150MHz at 1MHz increment

Overclocking Protection:

- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)

(continued on the next page)

xiii

P5E specications summary

Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard (purple)

Internal I/O Connectors 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports

BIOS Features 16 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,

Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE

Software Support DVD:

Form Factor ATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial + Optical) 1 x IEEE1394a port 1 x LAN (RJ45) port 6 x USB 2.0 ports

1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x IDE connector for two devices 6 x SATA connectors 4 x Fan connectors (1 x CPU / 1 x Power / 2 x Chassis) 3 x Thermal sensor connectors 1 x IEEE1394a connector 1 x S/PDIF Out connector 1 x Chassis Intrusion connector 24-pin ATX Power connector 2 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector 1 x En/Dis-able Clr CMOS 1 x System panel connector

SM BIOS 2.3, ACPI 2.0a Multi-Language BIOS

Drivers ASUS PC Probe II ASUS Update ASUS AI Suite Anti-virus software (OEM version) Image-Editing Suite

xiv

This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.

Product

introduction

Chapter summary

1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Package contents .........................................................................

1.3 Special features ............................................................................

1-1

1-2

ASUS P5E

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® P5E motherboard!

The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!

Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below.

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard ASUS P5E

I/O modules 1 x Multi-function module (1-port IEEE 1394a module and 2-port USB 2.0 module)

Cables 1 x Serial ATA power cable for 2 devices 6 x Serial ATA signal cable 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100 cable 1 x Floppy disk drive cable

Accessories ASUS Q-Shield (Advance I/O shield) ASUS Optional Fan SupremeFX II Audio Card 1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, 1394, system

panel; Retail version only)

Application DVD ASUS motherboard Support DVD

Documentation User guide

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

ASUS P5E 1-1

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Green ASUS

This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction

on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision

of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard

consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.

Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Processor ready

This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core™ 2 Quad processors in the LGA775 package and Intel’s next-generation 45nm multi-core processors. It is excellent for multi-tasking, multi-media and enthusiastic gamers with

1333/1066/800 MHz FSB. Intel® Core™ 2 Quad processor is one of the most

powerful CPU in the world. See page 2-9 for details.

Intel® Core™2 Duo/ Intel® Core™2 Extreme CPU support

This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core™2 processor in the LGA775 package and Intel’s next-generation 45nm multi-core processors. With the new Intel® Core™ microarchitecture technology and 1333/1066/800 MHz FSB, the Intel® Core™2 is one of the most powerful and energy efcient CPUs in the world. See page 2-9 for details.

Intel® X38 Chipset

The Intel® X38 Express Chipset is the latest chipset designed to support 8GB of

dual-channel DDR2 800/667 MHz memory architecture, 1333/1066/800 FSB (Front

Side Bus), dual PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphics and multi-core CPUs. It especially includes Intel® Fast Memory Access technology that signicantly optimizes the use of available memory bandwidth and reduces the latency of the memory accesses.

PCIe 2.0

This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 device for twice the current speed and bandwidth. This enhances system performance while still providing backward compatibility to PCIe 1.0 devices.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Native DDR2 1066 memory support

To attain top performance, ASUS engineers have successfully unleashed the true potential of DDR2 memory. While in DDR2 1066 mode, ASUS’s exclusive technology offers a choice of FSB 1333, providing great performance for 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications. See page 2-19 for details.

Dual-channel DDR2 800 memory support

The motherboard supports DDR2 memory that features data transfer rates of

800/667 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D graphics,

multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR2 architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance, eliminating bottlenecks with peak bandwidths of up to 12.8 GB/s. Furthermore, this

motherboard does not restrict the memory size across two channels. Users may install different memory size DIMMs into the two channels and enjoy dual-channel and single-channel functions at the same time. This new feature optimizes the use of available memory size. See page 2-19 for details.

ASUS Super Memspeed Technology

To attain top performance, ASUS has managed to break through current FSB

and DRAM ratio proportions by utilizing Super Memspeed Technology–the latest

technology that provides even more precise overclocking options to unleash the

true potential of DDR2 memory. The DDR2 Mode maximizes system performance by eliminating the bottleneck when overclocking both the CPU and memory–

providing great performance for 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications. See page 2-19 for details.

Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology

This motherboard supports the next-generation hard drives based on the Serial

ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specication, delivering enhanced scalability and

doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. See page 2-29 for details.

IEEE 1394a support

The IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals & other PC portable devices. See pages 2-26 and 2-30 for details.

ASUS P5E 1-3

High Denition Audio

Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High

Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output, jack-sensing feature, retasking functions, and multi-

streaming technology that simultaneously sends different audio streams to different destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphones while playing multi-channel network games. See pages 2-25 and 2-26 for details.

1.3.2 ASUS AI Lifestyle unique features

ASUS Power Saving Solution

ASUS Power Saving solution intelligently and automatically provides balanced computing power and energy consumption.

ASUS EPU

The ASUS EPU utilizes innovative technology to digitally monitor and

tune the CPU power supply with improved VR responses in heavy or light loadings. It automatically provides power for higher performance or improve

efciency by 7% when the PC is running low intensity applications. Working

together with AI Gear 3, this can help you attain the best possible power

efciency and energy savings up to 58.6% to help save the environment. See

page 5-20 for details.

AI Nap

With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power consumption and noise when you are temporarily away. To wake up the system and return to the OS environment, simply click the mouse or press a key. See page 5-21 for details.

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking capability.

New Generation 8-Phase Power Design

The ASUS 8-Phase Power Design provides highly efcient operation to

generate less heat (at least 18°C (32.4°F)) than other conventional power solutions. It reduces input ripple current and output ripple voltage, which keeps CPU and power module from suffering the risk of high power stress. It has the advantages of quick transient response and stability, especially

benecial when CPU requires more current immediately under heavy loading

or overclocking mode.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Q-Fan 2

ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis

fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efcient

operation. See page 4-28 and 5-23 for details.

Fanless Design - Pure Copper Heat-pipe

The Heat Pipe design effectively directs the heat generated by the chipsets to the heatsink near the back IO ports, where it can be carried away by existing

airow from CPU fan or bundled optional fan. The purpose of the innovative

heat pipe design on this motherboard is that the groundbreaking fanless design does not have lifetime problems as a chipset fan does. Furthermore, it

provides options for users to install side-ow fan or passive cooler. The Heat

Pipe design is the most reliable fanless thermal solution to date.

DO NOT uninstall the heat-pipe by yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and affect the heat dissipation performance.

Optional Fan (for Water-Cooling or Passive-Cooling only)

The optional fan is specically designed to provide sufcient airow over the

CPU power modules and chipset area when water-cooling or passive-cooling

is utilized, ensuring effective heat dissipation for the entire system. See page

2-13 for details.

Gaming Level Audio Design: Supreme FX II

Supreme FX II delivers an excellent high denition audio experience to the gamers

of ROG. The SupremeFX II features unique audio innovations for gamers to spot enemies in 3D environment during game play. SupremeFX II also provides a

special tool to emphasize human voices in games to help make dialogues clearer.

See page 2-24 for details.

AI Audio 2

AI Audio 2 creates a virtual center channel that expands the overall sound

eld without introducing a picket fencing effect. Preserving the dialogue or

solo performances with downmixing from multichannels will allow you to experience true-to-life high quality audio.

Noise Filter

This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises (non-voice signals) like computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates it in the incoming audio stream while recording. See page 5-29 for details.

ASUS P5E 1-5

ASUS EZ DIY

ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.

ASUS AI Direct Link

AI Direct Link can easily and efciently transfer large amounts of data via the network cable - saving up to 70% of the total time taken. With AI Direct Link, it becomes easy to backup or share large data les like movies or other

media content. See page 5-30 for details.

ASUS Q-Shield

The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual “ngers”

-- making it convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).

ASUS Q-Connector

ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the trouble of connecting the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding wrong cable connections. See page 2-35 for details.

ASUS O.C. Prole

The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows users to

conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be

stored in the CMOS or a separate le, giving users freedom to share and

distribute their favorite settings. See page 4-35 for details.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data

from a USB ash disk containing the BIOS le. See page 4-7 for details.

ASUS EZ Flash 2

EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predened

hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering the OS. Update your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or using an

OS-based ash utility. See pages 4-4 and 4-34 for details.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Smart Support DVD

It provides a checklist to allow the user to see which drivers are already installed, as well as those that aren’t. When using ASUS PC Probe II, you can easily see the critical parts of the computer.

ASUS MyLogo3™

This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for a more colorful and vivid image on your screen. See page 4-31 and 5-9 for details.

ASUS Multi-language BIOS

The multi-language BIOS allows you to select the language of your choice from the

available options. The localized BIOS setup menu helps you congure your system

easier and faster. See page 4-11 for details.

1.3.3 ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features

AI Booster

The ASUS AI Booster allows you to overclock the CPU speed in Windows environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS.

Precision Tweaker 2

Allows the user to adjust the NB Voltage, FSB termination Voltage, CPU PLL

Voltage and the DRAM Voltage in 0.02v steps to netune voltages to achieve the most precise setting for the ultimate customized overclocking conguration. See

page 4-20 for details.

C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for each parameter.

ASUS P5E 1-7

1-8 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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.

information

Hardware

Chapter summary

2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview .................................................................

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................

2.4 System memory .........................................................................

2.5 Expansion slots ..........................................................................

2.6 Switch ..........................................................................................

2.7 Aduio card Installation ..............................................................

2.8 Connectors .................................................................................

2-2

2-6

2-14

2-19

2-22

2-23

2-24

ASUS P5E

2.1 Before you proceed

P5E WS PRO

P5E WS Professional Onboard LED

SB_PWR

Standby

Power

OFF

Powered

Off

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.

• Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling components 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, ensurethat 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, and/or components.

Onboard LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.

ASUS P5E 2-1

P5E

2.2 Motherboard overview

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

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

2.2.1 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.

2.2.2 Screw holes

Place nine (9) 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.

Place this side towards

the rear of the chassis

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.3 Motherboard layout

PANEL

P5E

CHASSIS

24.5cm (9.6in)

30.5cm (12.0in)

CPU_FAN

DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit,240-pin module)

FLOPPY

Super

I/O

CLRTC_SW

Intel

ICH9R

EATXPWR

CR2032 3V Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

Intel

X38

KB_USB56

USB34

JMB368

CHA_FAN1

SPDIF_OUT

LGA775

IE1394_2

USB78

EATX12V

PWR_FAN

DDR2 DIMM_A2 (64 bit,240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64 bit,240-pin module)

CHA_FAN2

BIOS

PCIEX1_2

PCIEX1_3

PCI1

PCIEX16_1

PCIEX16_2

PCI2

SATA56

SATA34

SATA12

LAN1_USB12

VIA

VT6308P

ADH

USB910

PRI_EIDE

SPDIF_O12

E1394

HD_LED

PCIEX1_1

88E8056

ASAP

SB_PWR

ADI

3228

ICS

SUPREMEFX II

Listen with Absolute HD

Refer to

2.8 Connectors

internal connectors.

2.2.4 Audio card layout

ASUS P5E 2-3

for more information about rear panel connectors and

2.2.5 Layout contents

Slots Page

1. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-14

2. PCI slots

3. PCI Express x 1 slots

4. PCI Express 2.0 x 16 slots 2-21

Onboard switch Page

1. Clear RTC RAM (Gaming Level Switch Design) 2-22

Rear panel connectors Page

1. PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 2-24

2. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port

3. LAN (RJ-45) port

4. Line In port (light blue)

5. Line Out port (lime)

6. Microphone port (pink)

7. Center/Subwoofer port (orange)

8. Rear Speaker Out port (black)

9. Side Speaker Out port (gray)

10. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2

11. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4

12. IEEE 1394a port

13. Optical S/PDIF Out port

14. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6

2-21

2-24

2-25

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information

+ 146 hidden pages

Asus P5E User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual