Asus P5Q3 User Manual

P5Q3

Motherboard

E4139

First Edition V1 August 2008

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 ...................................................................................................... iii

Notices ........................................................................................................ vii

Safety information .................................................................................... viii

About this guide ......................................................................................... ix

P5Q3 specications summary ................................................................... xi

Chapter1: Product introduction

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

1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2

1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2

1.3.2 ASUS unique features ................................................... 1-4

1.3.3 ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features ......................... 1-7

Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

2.2 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 2-2

2.2.1 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 2-2

2.2.2 Layout contents ............................................................... 2-3

2.2.3 Placement direction ........................................................ 2-4

2.2.4 Screw holes .................................................................... 2-4

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-5

2.3.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-5

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan ................................ 2-8

2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ........................... 2-9

2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-10

2.4.1 Overview ....................................................................... 2-10

2.4.2 Memory congurations ...................................................2-11

2.4.3 Installing a DDR3 DIMM ............................................... 2-15

2.4.4 Removing a DDR3 DIMM ............................................. 2-15

2.5 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 2-16

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-16

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-16

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-17

2.5.4 PCI slots ........................................................................ 2-18

2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots ..................................................... 2-18

2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot ............................................... 2-18

iii

Contents

2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-19

2.7 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-22

2.7.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 2-22

2.7.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-24

2.8 Starting up for the rst time ...................................................... 2-36

2.9 Turning off the computer ........................................................... 2-37

2.9.1 Using the OS shut down function .................................. 2-37

2.9.2 Using the dual function power switch ............................ 2-37

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 3-1

3.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 3-1

3.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ................................................... 3-4

3.1.3 AFUDOS utility ................................................................ 3-5

3.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 3-7

3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 3-8

3.2.1 BIOS menu screen .......................................................... 3-9

3.2.2 Menu bar ......................................................................... 3-9

3.2.3 Navigation keys ............................................................... 3-9

3.2.4 Menu items ................................................................... 3-10

3.2.5 Sub-menu items ............................................................ 3-10

3.2.6 Conguration elds ....................................................... 3-10

3.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................. 3-10

3.2.8 Scroll bar ....................................................................... 3-10

3.2.9 General help ................................................................. 3-10

3.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 3-11

3.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ..................................................3-11

3.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] ........................................3-11

3.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.] .................................3-11

3.3.4 Language [English] ........................................................3-11

3.3.5 SATA 1-6 ....................................................................... 3-12

3.3.6 Storage Conguration ................................................... 3-13

3.3.7 AHCI Conguration ....................................................... 3-14

3.3.8 System Information ....................................................... 3-15

3.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................ 3-16

3.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] ............................................. 3-16

3.4.2 CPU Ratio Setting [Auto] .............................................. 3-17

Contents

3.4.3 FSB Strap to North Bridge [Auto] .................................. 3-17

3.4.4 DRAM Frequency [Auto] ............................................... 3-17

3.4.5 DRAM Timing Control [Auto] ......................................... 3-18

3.4.6 DRAM Static Read Control [Auto] ................................. 3-19

3.4.7 DRAM Read Training [Auto] .......................................... 3-20

3.4.8 DRAM Write Training [Auto] .......................................... 3-20

3.4.9 MEM. OC Charger ........................................................ 3-20

3.4.10 Ai Clock Twister [Auto] .................................................. 3-20

3.4.11 Ai Transaction Booster [Auto] ....................................... 3-20

3.4.12 CPU Voltage [Auto] ...................................................... 3-21

3.4.13 CPU GTL Reference [Auto] ........................................... 3-21

3.4.14 CPU PLL Voltage [Auto] ................................................ 3-21

3.4.15 FSB Termination Voltage [Auto] .................................... 3-21

3.4.16 DRAM Voltage [Auto] .................................................... 3-21

3.4.17 NB Voltage [Auto] .......................................................... 3-21

3.4.18 SB Voltage [Auto] .......................................................... 3-22

3.4.19 PCIE SATA Voltage [Auto] ............................................. 3-22

3.4.20 Load-Line Calibration [Auto] ......................................... 3-22

3.4.21 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto] ....................................... 3-22

3.4.22 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto] ...................................... 3-22

3.4.23 CPU Clock Skew [Auto] ................................................ 3-22

3.4.24 NB Clock Skew [Auto] ................................................... 3-23

3.4.25 CPU Margin Enhancement [Optimized] ........................ 3-23

3.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 3-23

3.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 3-23

3.5.2 Chipset .......................................................................... 3-25

3.5.3 Onboard Device Conguration ...................................... 3-26

3.5.4 USB Conguration ........................................................ 3-28

3.5.5 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 3-29

3.6 Power menu ................................................................................ 3-30

3.6.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] ................................................... 3-30

3.6.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled] ......................................... 3-30

3.6.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] ....................................... 3-30

3.6.5 APM Conguration ........................................................ 3-31

3.6.6 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 3-32

3.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 3-34

Contents

3.7.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 3-34

3.7.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 3-35

3.7.3 Security ......................................................................... 3-36

3.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 3-38

3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 .......................................................... 3-38

3.8.2 Drive Xpert Conguration .............................................. 3-39

3.8.3 Express Gate ................................................................ 3-40

3.8.4 ASUS O.C. Prole ......................................................... 3-41

3.8.5 AI NET 2........................................................................ 3-42

3.9 Exit menu .................................................................................... 3-43

Chapter 4: Software support

4.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 4-1

4.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 4-1

4.3 Software information ................................................................... 4-9

4.3.1 ASUS MyLogo™ ............................................................. 4-9

4.3.2 AI NET2 .........................................................................4-11

4.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II ......................................................... 4-12

4.3.4 Audio congurations ..................................................... 4-18

4.3.5 ASUS AI Suite ............................................................... 4-23

4.3.6 ASUS AI Nap ................................................................ 4-25

4.3.7 ASUS Fan Xpert ........................................................... 4-26

4.3.8 ASUS AI Booster ........................................................... 4-28

4.3.9 ASUS EPU—6 Engine .................................................. 4-29

4.3.10 ASUS AI Direct Link ...................................................... 4-33

4.3.11 ASUS Drive Xpert ......................................................... 4-35

4.3.12 ASUS Express Gate ..................................................... 4-39

4.4 RAID congurations .................................................................. 4-49

4.4.1 RAID denitions ............................................................ 4-49

4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ..................................... 4-50

4.4.3 Intel® RAID congurations ............................................. 4-50

4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk ....................................................... 4-58

4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS .... 4-58

4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® .................... 4-58

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.

vii

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.

viii

This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical, 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: 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 4: Software support

This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package and the software.

• 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 /iP5Q3.ROM

P5Q3

specications summary

CPU LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™2 Extreme/Core™2

Quad/ Core™2 Duo/Pentium® dual-core/Celeron® dualcore /Celeron® Processors Compatible with Intel® 05B/05A/06 processors Support Intel® 45nm Multi-Core CPU * This motherboard isdesigned with VRD11.1 power phase, and cannot be compatible with VRD10 designed CPU. Please refer to www.asus.com for “CPU support list”. * Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list

Chipset Intel® P45 / ICH10R

System Bus 1600 / 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz

Memory 4 x DIMM, max. 16GB, DDR3 1800 (O.C) / 1600 / 1333 /

1066 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory Dual channel memory architecture

* DDR3 1600 MHz or above DIMMs work only on the

Orange slots for one DIMM per channel. * When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more,

Windows® 32-bit operation system may only recognize

less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is recomended. * Please Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL

(Qualied Vendors Lists).

Expansion Slots 2 x PCIe 2.0 x16, support ATI CrossFireX™ technology

dual at x 8 link (PCIe x16_1 blue, PCIe x16_2 black*) 3 x PCIe x1 2 x PCI * PCIE x16 slot (black at max. x8 link)

Storage Intel® ICH10R Southbridge

- 6 x SATA 3Gb/s ports

- Intel® Matrix Storage, supporting SATA RAID 0,1, 5 and 10 JMicron® JMB363 SATA&PATA controllers

- 1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 for up to 2 PATA devices

- 1 x External SATA 3Gb/s port (SATA On-the-Go) JMicron® JMB322 (Drive Xpert Technology)

- 2 x SATA 3Gb/s ports

- Supports EZ Backup and Super Speed functions

LAN Realtek® 8111C PCIe Gb LAN controller, featuring AI

NET2

Audio Realtek® ALC1200 8-channel High Denition Audio

CODEC

- Supports Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-Retasking technology

- Coaxial/Optical S/PDIF out ports at back I/O

- ASUS Noise Filter

(continued on the next page)

P5Q3

specications summary

IEEE 1394 VIA6308 controller supports 2 x 1394a ports

USB Max. 12 USB2.0/1.1 ports(6 ports at mid-board, 6 ports

ASUS Unique Features ASUS Power Saving Solution:

ASUS Stylish Features ASUS MyLogo™

at back panel)

- ASUS EPU-6 Engine

- ASUS 8-phase Power Design

- ASUS AI Nap

ASUS Unique Features:

- ASUS Express Gate

- ASUS AI Direct Llink

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:

- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe solution

- ASUS Fan Xpert ASUS EZ DIY:

- ASUS Q-Shield

- ASUS Drive Xpert

- ASUS Q-Connector

- ASUS O.C. Prole

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features

xii

ASUS AI Booster utility Precision Tweaker 2:

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 6.25mV increment

- vDIMM: 64-step DRAM voltage control

- vChipset (N.B.): 55-step chipset voltage control

- vFSB Termination: 35-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

- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 180MHz at 1MHz increment

Overclocking Protection:

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

(continued on the next page)

P5Q3

specications summary

Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port

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

BIOS Features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0,

Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE, WOR by Ring,

Support CD Contents Drivers

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

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

1 x PS/2 Mouse port 1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial) 1 x S/PDIF Out (Optical) 1 x IEEE1394a 1 x RJ45 ports 1 x eSATA connector 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 8-channel Audio I/O

1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x COM connector 1 x IDE connector 1 x TPM connector 6 x SATA connectors (Red) 2 x Drive Xpert SATA connectors (Orange and white) 1 x CPU Fan connector 2 x Chassis Fan connectors 1 x Power Fan connector 1 x IEEE1394a connector Front panel audio connector 1 x S/PDIF Out Header Chassis Intrusion connector CD audio in 24-pin ATX Power connector 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connectors System Panel (Q-Connector)

SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI 2.0

Chassis Intrusion

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

xiii

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 ......................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2

ASUS P5Q3

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® P5Q3 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 P5Q3

Cables 1 x 2-port Serial ATA power cable for 2 devices 4 x Serial ATA signal cables 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable

Accessories 1 x ASUS Q-Shield (I/O shield)

1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, system panel;

Retail version only)

Application CD ASUS motherboard Support DVD

Documentation User Manual

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

ASUS P5Q3 1-1

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Intel® Core™2 Extreme / Core™ 2 Quad / Core™2 Duo Processor Support

This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme / Core™ 2 Quad / Core™ 2 Duo processors in the LGA775 package. It is excellent for multi-tasking,

multi-media and enthusiastic gamers with 1600 / 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz FSB. The

Intel® Core™ 2 series processor is one of the most powerful CPUs in the world. This motherboard also supports Intel® CPUs in the new 45nm manufacturing process.

Intel® P45 Chipset

The Intel® P45 Chipset is the latest chipset designed to support 16GB of dual-

channel DDR3 1333/1066/800 MHz memory architecture, 1333/1066/800 MHz

FSB (Front Side Bus) and multi-core CPUs. It especially includes Intel

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.

Fast

Dual-Channel DDR3 1800(O.C.) support

The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of

1800(O.C.)/1600/1333/1066/800 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements

of the latest operation system, 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR3 architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance. Furthermore, the supply voltage for the memory is reduced from 1.8 V for DDR2 to just 1.5 V for DDR3. This voltage reduction limits the power consumption and heat generation of DDR3 which makes it an ideal memory solution.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

ATI CrossFireX Technolog support

ATI's CrossFireX boosts image quality along with rendering speed, eliminating the need to scale down screen resolutions to get the high image quality you want.

CrossFire ignites with the higher antialiasing, anisotropic ltering, shading, and texture settings you desire. Adjust your display congurations, experiment with

your advanced 3D settings, and check the effect with a real-time 3D-rendered preview within ATI´s Catalyst™ Control Center to rule your CrossFireX system.

ASUS Express Gate

Taking only 5 seconds to go online from bootup, Express Gate is the one-stop

gateway to instant fun! It's a unique motherboard built-in OS. You can utilize the

most popular Instant Messengers (IM) like MSN, Skype, Google talk, QQ, and Yahoo! Messenger to keep in touch with friends, or quickly check on the weather and e-mails just before leaving your house. What's more, the user-friendly picture manager lets you view your pictures without entering Windows at anytime!

The actual boot time depends on the system conguration.

Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology

This motherboard supports the 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 2-27 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 page 2-30 for details.

S/PDIF digital sound ready

This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems via coaxial and optical S/PDIF-out (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) jacks.It allows to transfer digital audio without converting to analog format and keeps the best signal quality. See page 2-32 for details.

ASUS P5Q3 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 that simultaneously sends different audio streams to

different destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphone while playing multi-channel network games. See pages 2-22 and 2-23 for details.

100% Japan-made conductive polymer capacitors

This motherboard uses all Japan-made conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved lifespan and enhanced thermal capacity.

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/packagings to safeguard

consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.

1.3.2 ASUS unique features

ASUS Power Saving Solution

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

ASUS EPU-6 Engine

The new ASUS EPU - the world's rst power saving engine, has been upgraded

to a new six engine version, which provides total system power savings by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power in real-time. With auto phase switching for components (which includes the CPU, VGA card, memory, chipset, drives and system fan), the EPU automatically provides the most appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking - helping save power and money.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

AI Nap

With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power 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.

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

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

ASUS 8-Phase Power Design

Longer Life, & Higher Efciency!

With power efciency so important to operating temperatures, ASUS 8-phase VRM design leads the industry with its 96% power efciency. High quality power

components such as low RDS (on) MOSFETs for minimum switching loss & lower temperatures, Ferrite core chokes with lower hysteresis loss, and high quality Japanese-made conductive polymer capacitors all add up to ensure longer

component life and lower power loss - creating more energy efciency.

Fan Xpert

“ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows users to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speed according to different ambient temperature , which is caused by different climate conditions in different geographic regions and system loading.Built-in

variety of useful proles offer exible controls of fan speed to achieve a quiet and

cool environment.”

Fanless Design and Heat-pipe

The ASUS fanless design allows multi-directional heat ow from major thermal

sources in the motherboard to lower overall system temperature, resulting in quieter operation and longer system life. ASUS has devoted special efforts to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most notably in the following areas: CPU, power, VGA, Northbridge and Southbridge. The heat pipe, heatsink, and strategic board layout were tailor made to dissipate heat in the most

efcient manner.

ASUS Crystal Sound

This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game, video conference and recording.

ASUS P5Q3 1-5

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.

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.

Drive Xpert

Without drivers or BIOS setups, the ASUS exclusive Drive Xpert is ideal for anyone who needs to secure data on their hard drives or enhance hard drive performances

without the hassles of complicated congurations. With Drive Xpert's user-friendly

graphical user interface, users can easily arrange hard drive backups or enhance their hard drive transfer rates - making sure that data is looked after every moment, every day.

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.

ASUS Q-Shield

Easy and Comfortable Installations

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.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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.

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.

ASUS MyLogo™

ASUS MyLogo personalizes and adds style to your system with customizable boot

logos.

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.

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 P5Q3 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.

Chapter 2: Hardware

information

Chapter summary

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

2.2 Motherboard layout ...................................................................... 2-2

2.3 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 2-4

2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-10

2.5 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 2-16

2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-19

2.7 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-22

2.8 Starting up for the rst time ...................................................... 2-36

2.7 Turning off the computer ........................................................... 2-37

ASUS P5Q3

2.1 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.

• 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 P5Q3 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview

2.2.1 Motherboard layout

Refer to

2.7 Connectors

internal connectors.

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information

for more information about rear panel connectors and

2.2.2 Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page

1 PS2 keyboard/mouse wake-up (3-pin PS2_USBPW56)

2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-4, PS2_USBPW56, USBPW7-10, USBPW1112)

3. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)

4. LGA775 CPU socket

5. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors

(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1-2, 3-pin PWR_FAN)

6. DDR3 DIMM slots 2-10

7. CPU / Northbridge overvoltage setting

(3-pin OV_CPU, 3-pin OV_NB)

8. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE) 2-26

9. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 2-1

10. ICH10R Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-6) 2-27

11. JMicron® Serial ATA RAID connectors (7-pin SATA_E1, 7-pin SATA_E2)

12. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)

13. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) 2-33

14. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112)

15. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)

16. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)

17. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)

18. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)

19. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)

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

21. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT for

ASUS HDMI VGA card)

22. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)

2-22

2-34

2-5

2-31

2-21

2-28

2-35

2-28

2-30

2-32

2-30

2-25

2-31

2-33

2-32

2-29

ASUS P5Q3 2-3

2.2.3 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.

2.2.4 Screw holes

Place six (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

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information

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