Asus P5Q-E User Manual

P5Q-E

Motherboard

E3914

Second Edition
May 2008

Copyright © 2008 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),
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.

ii

Contents

Contents ...................................................................................................... iii

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

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

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

P5Q-E specications summary ................................................................ xii

Chapter 1: 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 .................................................... 1-3

1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and

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 ........................................................... 2-6

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan ................................ 2-9

2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 2-10

2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-11

2.4.1 Overview ........................................................................2-11

2.4.2 Memory congurations .................................................. 2-12

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-17

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-17

2.5 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 2-18

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-18

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-18

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-19

2.5.4 PCI slots ........................................................................ 2-20

iii

Contents

2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots ..................................................... 2-20

2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots ............................................. 2-20

2.5.7 Universal PCI Express x16 slot ..................................... 2-20

2.6 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 2-22

2.7 Onboard switches ...................................................................... 2-24

2.8 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-25

2.8.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 2-25

2.8.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-27

2.9 Starting up for the rst time ...................................................... 2-40

2.10 Turning off the computer ........................................................... 2-41

2.10.1 Using the OS shut down function .................................. 2-41

2.10.2 Using the dual function power switch ............................ 2-41

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

3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 3-7

3.2.1 BIOS menu screen .......................................................... 3-8

3.2.2 Menu bar ......................................................................... 3-8

3.2.3 Navigation keys ............................................................... 3-8

3.2.4 Menu items ..................................................................... 3-9

3.2.5 Sub-menu items .............................................................. 3-9

3.2.6 Conguration elds ......................................................... 3-9

3.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................... 3-9

3.2.8 Scroll bar ......................................................................... 3-9

3.2.9 General help ................................................................... 3-9

3.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 3-10

3.3.1 System Time ................................................................. 3-10

3.3.2 System Date ................................................................. 3-10

3.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ......................................................... 3-10

3.3.4 Language ...................................................................... 3-10

3.3.5 SATA 1-6 ........................................................................3-11

3.3.6 Storage Conguration ................................................... 3-12

3.3.7 AHCI Conguration ....................................................... 3-13

iv

Contents

3.3.8 System Information ....................................................... 3-14

3.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................ 3-15

3.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner ....................................................... 3-15

3.4.2 CPU Ratio Setting ........................................................ 3-16

3.4.3 FSB Strap to North Bridge ........................................... 3-16

3.4.4 DRAM Frequency ........................................................ 3-16

3.4.5 DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A1/A2/B1/B2 ................ 3-17

3.4.6 DRAM Timing Control .................................................. 3-17

3.4.7 DRAM Static Read Control .......................................... 3-18

3.4.8 DRAM Read Training ................................................... 3-19

3.4.9 MEM. OC Charger ........................................................ 3-19

3.4.10 Ai Clock Twister ............................................................ 3-19

3.4.11 Ai Transaction Booster ................................................. 3-19

3.4.12 CPU Voltage ............................................................... 3-20

3.4.13 CPU GTL Voltage Reference(0/2) ................................ 3-20

3.4.14 CPU GTL Voltage Reference(1/3) ................................ 3-20

3.4.15 CPU PLL Voltage ......................................................... 3-20

3.4.16 FSB Termination Voltage .............................................. 3-20

3.4.17 DRAM Voltage ............................................................. 3-20

3.4.18 NB Voltage ................................................................... 3-20

3.4.19 NB GTL Voltage Reference .......................................... 3-21

3.4.20 SB Voltage ................................................................... 3-21

3.4.21 PCIE SATA Voltage ...................................................... 3-21

3.4.22 Load-Line Calibration ................................................... 3-21

3.4.23 CPU Spread Spectrum ................................................ 3-21

3.4.24 PCIE Spread Spectrum ................................................ 3-22

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

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

3.5.2 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 3-24

3.5.3 Chipset .......................................................................... 3-26

3.5.4 Onboard Device Conguration ...................................... 3-27

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

3.5.6 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 3-29

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

3.6.1 Suspend Mode ............................................................. 3-30

v

Contents

3.6.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ........................................ 3-30

3.6.3 ACPI 2.0 Support .......................................................... 3-30

3.6.4 ACPI APIC Support ....................................................... 3-30

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

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

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

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 Control ...................................................... 3-39

3.8.3 Drive Xpert Mode Update ............................................. 3-39

3.8.4 Express Gate ................................................................ 3-40

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

3.8.6 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

4.2.1 Running the support DVD ............................................... 4-1

4.2.2 Drivers menu ................................................................... 4-2

4.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 4-3

4.2.4 Make disk menu .............................................................. 4-5

4.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 4-6

4.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 4-6

4.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 4-7

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

4.3.1 ASUS MyLogo3™ ........................................................... 4-9

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

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

4.3.4 ASUS AI Suite ............................................................... 4-18

4.3.5 ASUS AI Nap ................................................................ 4-20

4.3.6 ASUS Fan Xpert ........................................................... 4-21

4.3.7 ASUS AI Booster ........................................................... 4-23

vi

Contents

4.3.8 ASUS EPU—6 Engine .................................................. 4-24

4.3.9 ASUS AI Direct Link ...................................................... 4-28

4.3.10 AI Audio 2 (SoundMAX® High Denition Audio utility) ... 4-30

4.3.11 ASUS Drive Xpert ......................................................... 4-39

4.3.12 ASUS Express Gate ..................................................... 4-50

4.4 RAID congurations .................................................................. 4-60

4.4.1 RAID denitions ............................................................ 4-60

4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ..................................... 4-61

4.4.3 Intel® RAID congurations ............................................. 4-61

4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk ....................................................... 4-69

4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS .... 4-69

4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®...................... 4-69

Appendix: CPU features

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

Using the Intel® EM64T feature ......................................................A-1

A.2 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST) ........................A-1

A.2.1 System requirements ......................................................A-1

A.2.2 Using the EIST ................................................................A-2

A.3 Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology ...........................................A-3

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

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,
electronic equipment and mercury-containing button cell battery) should not
be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic
products.

ix

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 DVD 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.

x

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 /iP5Q-E.ROM

xi

P5Q-E specications summary

CPU LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™2 Extreme /

Chipset Intel® P45 / ICH10R with Intel® Fast Memory Access

System Bus 1600 / 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz

Memory 4 x DIMM, max. 16GB, DDR2 1200 / 1066 / 800 /

Expansion Slots 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots, support ATI CrossFireX™

Multi-GPU Support Supports ATI CrossFireX™ technology, up to Quad

Storage Intel® ICH10R Southbridge:

LAN Dual Gigabit LAN controllers

IEEE 1394 LSI® L-FW3227 controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports

Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® dual-core /
Celeron® dual-core / Celeron® Processors
Compatible with Intel® 05B/05A/06 processors
Intel® 45nm Multi-Core CPU support
* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list

Technology

667 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory
Dual channel memory architecture
* Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the
Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists).
** When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more,
Windows 32-bit operation system may onlyl recognize
less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less
than 3GB is recommended.

technology at x8 link (PCIe x16_1 blue, PCIe x16_2
black*)
1 x PCI Express x16 slot at max. x4 link (black)
2 x PCI Express x1 slots
2 x PCI slots
*PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slot (black, at max. x8 link)

CrossFireX™

- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports

- Intel® Matrix Storage supporting SATA RAID 0,1,
5, and 10
Marvell 88SE6121 controller:

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

- 1 x External SATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA On-the-Go)

Silicon Image SIL5723 controller (Drive Xpert
technology):

- 2 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports

- Supports EZ Backup and Super Speed

Marvell® 88E8056 / 88E8001 Gigabit LAN controller
featuring AI NET2, Teaming and Redundant

(one at midboard; one at back panel)

(continued on the next page)

xii

P5Q-E specications summary

Audio ADI® AD2000B 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC

USB 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at back

ASUS Unique Features ASUS Exclusive Features:

ASUS Stylish Features ASUS MyLogo3™

ASUS Exclusive
Overclocking Features

- Supports Jack-Detecting, Multi-streaming, and Front
Panel Jack-Retasking

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

- ASUS AI Audio 2

- ASUS Noise-Filtering

panel)

- ASUS 8-Phase Power Design

- ASUS Express Gate

ASUS Power Saving Solution:

- ASUS EPU-6 Engine

- ASUS AI Nap

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:

- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe solution

- ASUS Fanless Design: Stack Cool 2

- ASUS Fan Xpert

ASUS EZ DIY:

- ASUS Drive Xpert

- ASUS DieHard BIOS

- ASUS Q-Shield

- ASUS Q-Connector

- ASUS O.C. Prole

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

- ASUS AI Direct Llink

- ASUS Onboard Switch

ASUS AI Booster utility
Precision Tweaker 2:

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.00625V
increment

- vDIMM: 64-step DRAM voltage control

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

- vCPU PLL: 64-step CPU PLL voltage control

- vFSB Termination: 40-step 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)

xiii

P5Q-E specications summary

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

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

BIOS Features 16 Mb AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.4

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

Support DVD 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 S/PDIF Out (Coaxial + Optical) port
1 x External SATA port
1 x IEEE1394a port
2 x RJ45 ports
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel Audio I/O ports

1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x COM connector
1 x IDE connector
6 x SATA connectors (Red)
1 x CPU Fan connector
3 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
2 x Drive Xpert SATA connectors (Orange)
24-pin ATX Power connector
8-pin ATX 12V Power connectors
System Panel (Q-Connector)
1 x TPM connector
1 x Power on switch
1 x Reset switch

Chassis Intrusion

ASUS Express Gate
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
ASUS AI Suite
Image-Editing Suite
Anti-virus software

(OEM version)

xiv

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

introduction

Product

1

Chapter summary

1

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

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

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

ASUS P5Q-E

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® P5Q-E 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 P5Q-E

I/O modules 1 x 2-port USB 2.0 and 1-port 1394 (4-pin) module

Cables 1 x 2-port Serial ATA power cables
6 x Serial ATA signal cables
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable

Accessories 1 x ASUS Q-Shield (I/O shield)
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 P5Q-E 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/packagings to safeguard

consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.

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. See page 2-5 for details.

Intel P45 Chipset

The Intel® P45 Express Chipset is the latest chipset designed to support dual­channel DDR2 800 / 667 architecture, 1333 / 1066 / 800 FSB (Front Side Bus),
PCIe 2.0, 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. See page 2-20–2-21 for details.

Serial ATA 3 Gb/s technology and SATA-On-The-Go

This motherboard supports hard drives based on the Serial ATA (SATA) 3 Gb/s

storage specication, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus

bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. The external SATA port located
at the back I/O provides smart setup and hot-plug functions. Easily backup photos,
videos and other entertainment contents to external devices. See page 2-26 and
2-29 for details.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Dual Gigabit LAN solution

The integrated dual Gigabit LAN design allows a PC to serve as a network

gateway for managing trafc between two separate networks. This capability

ensures rapid transfer of data from WAN to LAN without any added arbitration or
latency. See page 2-25 for details.

1.3.2 ASUS unique features

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! See
page 3-40 and 4-50 for details.

ASUS 8-Phase Power Design

Longer life & higher efciency!

With power efciency so important to operating temperature, 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
temperature, 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.

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 6 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, hard drives and CPU cooler / system
fans), the EPU automatically provides the most appropriate power usage via
intelligent acceleration and overclocking - helping save power and money.
See page 4-24 for details.

ASUS P5Q-E 1-3

AI Nap

With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise
when you are temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS
environment, simply click the mouse or press a key. See page 4-20 for
details.

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

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

Fanless Design—Stack Cool 2

ASUS Stack Cool 2 is a fan-less and zero-noise cooling solution that lowers

the temperature of critical heat generating components. The motherboard
uses a special design on the printed circuit board (PCB) to dissipate heat
these critical components generate.

Fanless Design—Heat-pipe solution

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.

For optimal cooling performance, remove the protect lm attached on the

ICH10R southbridge before use.

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. See page 4-21 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

ASUS Crystal Sound

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

ASUS 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. See page 4-30 for details.

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 4-33 for details.

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 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. See page 3-39, 4-39 and 4-58
for details.

ASUS DieHard BIOS

The AUS DieHard BIOS consists of two BIOS chips, a main BIOS and a
backup BIOS. The ASUS DieHard BIOS can restore corrupted main BIOS
data from the backup BIOS automatically. The technology saves users the

hassle of recovering the BIOS le or buying a replacement BIOS chip.

ASUS Onboard Switch

With an easy press during overclock, this exclusive onboard switch allows

gamer to effortless ne-tune the performance without having to short the pins

or moving jumpers! See page 2-24 for details.

ASUS P5Q-E 1-5

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 4-28 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 2-39 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 3-41 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 page 3-4 for details.

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 3-35 and 4-9 for details.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and 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. See page 4-23 for details.

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 3-20–3-21 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 P5Q-E 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

2

Chapter summary

2

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

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

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

2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-11

2.5 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 2-18

2.6 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 2-22

2.7 Onboard switches ...................................................................... 2-24

2.8 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-25

2.9 Starting up for the rst time ...................................................... 2-40

2.10 Turning off the computer ........................................................... 2-41

ASUS P5Q-E

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, 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, and/or components.

ASUS P5Q-E 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview

2.2.1 Motherboard layout

Refer to

2.8 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. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin ATX12V) 2-36

2. LGA775 CPU Socket 2-6

3. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN;
3-pin CHA_FAN1-3; 3-pin PWR_FAN)

4. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-11

5. CPU / Northbridge overvoltage setting (3-pin OV_CPU; 3-pin
OV_NB)

6. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) 2-34

7. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2-27

8. ICH10R Serial ATA connectors [red] (7-pin SATA1-6) 2-29

9. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE) 2-28

10. SIL5723 Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA_E1 [orange, port 0];
SATA_E2 [white, port 1]

11. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 2-22

12. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 2-38

13. Power-on and Reset switch 2-24

14. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) 2-27

15. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910) 2-31

16. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 2-34

17. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) 2-32

18. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) 2-37

19. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 2-35

20. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 2-37

2-33

2-23

2-30

ASUS P5Q-E 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 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

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed for the Intel®
Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® dual-core / Celeron® dual-core /
Celeron® Processors.

• Make sure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.

• If installing a dual-core CPU, connect the chassis fan cable to the
CHA_FAN1 connector to ensure system stability.

• Due to the chipset limitation, we recommend you use FSB 800MHz CPU or

above.

• Upon purchase of the motherboard, make sure 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 LGA775 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.

ASUS P5Q-E 2-5

2.3.1 Installing the CPU

To install a CPU:

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

Before installing the CPU, make sure that the cam box is facing towards you
and the load lever is on your left.

2. Press the load lever with your
thumb (A), then move it to the left
(B) until it is released from the
retention tab.

To prevent damage to the socket
pins, do not remove the PnP cap
unless you are installing a CPU.

3. Lift the load lever in the direction of
the arrow to a 135º angle.

4. Lift the load plate with your thumb

and forenger to a 100º angle (4A),

then push the PnP cap from the
load plate window to remove (4B).

Retention tab

A

B

Load lever

PnP cap

Load plate

4B

4A

3

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information

5. Position the CPU over the socket,
making sure that the gold triangle
is on the bottom-left corner of the

socket then t the socket alignment

key into the CPU notch.

The CPU ts in only one correct

orientation. DO NOT force the
CPU into the socket to prevent
bending the connectors on the
socket and damaging the CPU!

6. Apply several drops of thermal paste
to the exposed area of the CPU that
the heatsink will be in contact with,
ensuring that it is spread in an even
thin layer.

Some heatsinks come with pre­applied thermal paste. If so, skip
this step.

CPU notch

Gold
triangle
mark

Alignment key

The Thermal Interface Material is toxic and inedible. If it gets into your eyes
or touches your skin, ensure to wash it off immediately, and seek professional
medical help.

To prevent contaminating the paste, DO NOT spread the paste with your nger

directly.

ASUS P5Q-E 2-7

7. Close the load plate (A), then push
the load lever (B) until it snaps into
the retention tab.

The motherboard supports Intel® LGA775 processors with the Intel® Enhanced
Memory 64 Technology (EM64T), Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology
(EIST), and Hyper-Threading Technology. Refer to the Appendix for more
information on these CPU features.

A

B

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan

The Intel® LGA775 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan
assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.

• When you buy a boxed Intel® processor, the package includes the CPU fan
and heatsink assembly. If you buy a CPU separately, make sure that you
use only Intel®-certied multi-directional heatsink and fan.

• Your Intel® LGA775 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design
and requires no tool to install.

Make sure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before you
install the CPU fan and heatsink assembly.

If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that the
Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU
before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.

To install the CPU heatsink and fan

1. Place the heatsink on top of the
installed CPU, making sure that the
four fasteners match the holes on
the motherboard.

2. Push down two fasteners at a time
in a diagonal sequence to secure
the heatsink and fan assembly in
place.

A

B

B

A

Orient the heatsink and fan assembly such that the CPU fan cable is closest to
the CPU fan connector.

A

B

B

A

1

1

ASUS P5Q-E 2-9

3. Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled
CPU_FAN.

DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors
can occur if you fail to plug this connector.

2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan

1. Disconnect the CPU fan cable from
the connector on the motherboard.

2. Rotate each fastener
counterclockwise.

B

A

B

3. Pull up two fasteners at a time in a
diagonal sequence to disengage the

A

heatsink and fan assembly from the
motherboard.

A

B

B

A

4. Carefully remove the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard.

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.4 System memory

2.4.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory
Modules (DIMM) sockets.

A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a
240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched
differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.

The gure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:

Channel Sockets

Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2

Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2

ASUS P5Q-E 2-11

2.4.2 Memory congurations

You may install 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB and 4GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR2
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.

• It is recommended to install the memory modules from the yellow slots for
better overclocking capability.

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum
compatibility, it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from the
same vendor.

• If you install four 1 GB memory modules, the system may only recognize

less than 3GB because the address space is reserved for other critical
functions. This limitation appears on Windows® XP/Vista 32-bit operation
system which does not support Physical Address Extension (PAE).

• If you install Windows® XP/Vista 32-bit operation system, a total memory of
less than 3GB is recommended.

• This motherboard does not support memory modules made up of 128 Mb
chips.

• Due to chipset limitation, this motherboard can only support up to 16 GB
on the operating systems listed below. You may install a maximum of 4 GB
DIMMs on each slot.

Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition

• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its SPD. Under
the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a
lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor­marked or at a higher frequency, see section
manual memory frequency adjustment.

• The memory modules may require a better cooling system to work stably
under full loading (4 DIMMs) or overclocking setting.

Windows

64-bit

®

Vista x64 Edition

3.4 Ai Tweaker menu

for

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information

P5Q-E Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR2-1066MHz capability

Size Vendor Chip No. CL Chip

1GB APACER N/A N/A APACER DS 78.0AG9S.9KF • •

2GB (Kit of 2) CORSAIR Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 N/A DS Box P/N: TWIN2X2048-8500C5

4GB (Kit of 2) CORSAIR Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 N/A DS Box P/N:TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF

1GB CORSAIR

1GB CRUCIAL 100258 N/A CRUCIAL SS BL12864AL1065.8FE5 •

1GB CRUCIAL 97533 N/A CRUCIAL DS BL12864AA1065.16FD5 •

2GB (Kit of 2) G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 N/A DS F2-8500CL5D-2GBPK • • •

4GB (Kit of 2) G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 N/A DS F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK •

1GB G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 N/A DS F2-8500CL5S-1GBPK • • •

1GB

2GB (Kit of 2) GEIL Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 N/A SS GE22GB1066C5DC • •

4GB (Kit of 4) GEIL Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 N/A SS GE24GB1066C5QC • •

2GB GEIL GL2L128M88BA25AB 5-5-5-15 GEIL DS GB24GB8500C5DC • •

1GB GEIL GL2L128M88BA25AB 5-5-5-15 GEIL DS GB24GB8500C5QC • •

4GB (Kit of 2) GEIL Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A DS GE24GB1066C5DC • •

4GB (Kit of 2)

512MB HYNIX HY5PS12821F N/A HYNIX SS HYMP564U64FP8-G7 AB • • •

1GB Hynix HY5PS12821FFP-G7 N/A HYNIX DS HYMP 512U64FP8-G7 • • •

2GB KINGMAX KKB8FFBXF-CFP-18A N/A KINGMAX DS KLEE88F-B8KB5 •

512MB Kingston Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A SS KHX8500D2/ 512 •

1GB (Kit of 2) Kingston Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A SS KHX8500D2K2/1G • •

1GB (Kit of 2) Kingston Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A SS KHX8500D2K2/1GN(EPP) • •

1GB Kingston Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A DS KHX8500D2/1G •

2GB (Kit of 2) Kingston Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A DS KHX8500D2K2/2GN(EPP) •

1GB Kingston E5108AJBG -1J-E N/A N/A DS KVR1066D2N7/1G •

2GB (Kit of 2) Kingston N/A N/A Kingston DS KVR1066D2N7K2/2G •

1GB MICRON Z9JKJ N/A N/A SS MT8HTF12864AY-1GAEZES • •

2GB OCZ N/A N/A N/A DS HOCZ2RPR10662GK • • •

2GB (Kit of 2) OCZ Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A DS OCZ2N1066SR2GK(EPP) • •

512MB Qimonda HYB18T 512800CF19F N/A QIMONDA SS HYS64T64000EU-19F-C • • •

1GB Qimonda HYB18T 512800CF19 N/A QIMONDA DS HYS64T128020EU-1.9-C • • •

1GB Qimonda HYB18T 512800CF19F N/A N/A DS HYS64T128020EU-19F-C • • •

2GB (Kit of 2) Transcend Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A SS TX1066QLU-2GK • •

1GB Elixir N2TU 51280CE-BD N/A ELIXIR DS M2Y1G64TU8HC4B-BD • •

1GB KINGBOX N/A N/A MICRON DS 7YDI2 • •

1GB mushikin N/A N/A N/A DS 996535 • •

512MB PQI Heat-Sink Package N/A PQI SS PQI28500-1024DB •

Heat-Sink Package N/A

GEIL GL2L128M88BA25AB

GEIL Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 N/A DS GX24GB8500C5UDC • •

5-5-5-15 GEIL

SS/DSPart No. DIMM socket support

Brand

(CM2X1024-8500C5)(EPP)

(CM2X2048-8500C5D)(EPP)

DS CM2X1024-8500C5D(EPP)

N/A

GB22GB8500C5DC •

SS

(Optional)

A* B* C*

•

• •

•

•

ASUS P5Q-E 2-13

P5Q-E Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR2-800MHz capability

Size Vendor Chip No. CL Chip Brand SS/DSPart No. DIMM socket

512MB A-DATA AD29608A8A-25EG N/A N/A SS M2OAD6G3H3160G1E53 • • •

1GB A-DATA AD26908A8A-25EG N/A N/A DS M2OAD6G3I4170I1E58 • •

2GB A-DATA AD20908A8A-25EG N/A A-DATA DS M2OAD6H3J4171Q1E52 • •

512MB Apacer

1GB Apacer AM4B5808CQJS8E N/A APACER SS 78.01GA0.9K5 • •

2GB Apacer AM4B5808CQJS8E 5 APACER DS 78.A1GA0.9K4 • •

1GB CORSAIR Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A DS CM2X1024-6400C4 • •

1GB Crucial Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A DS BL12864AA804.16FD • • •

1GB Crucial Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A DS BL12864AL804.16FD3 • • •

1GB Crucial Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A DS BL12864AA804.16FD3 • • •

1GB G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A DS F2-6400CL4D-2GBPK • • •

1GB G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A DS F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ • •

1GB G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A DS F2-6400PHU2-2GBNR • • •

1GB

4GB (Kit of 2) G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A DS F2-6400CL4D-4GBPK • • •

4GB (Kit of 2) G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package 6 N/A DS F2-6400CL6D-4GBMQ • • •

4GB (Kit of 2) G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package 5 N/A DS F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ • • •

2GB GEIL GE24GB800C5DC 5-5-5-15 N/A DS Heat-Sink Package • •

2GB GEIL GE28GB800C5QC 5-5-5-15 N/A DS Heat-Sink Package • •

2GB GEIL GE28GB800C4QC 4-4-4-12 N/A DS Heat-Sink Package • •

2GB GEIL GE24GB800C4DC 4-4-4-12 N/A DS Heat-Sink Package • • •

2GB GEIL GB24GB6400C5DC 5-5-5-15 GEIL DS GL2L128M88BA25AB • • •

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821CFP-S5 5-5-5 Hynix SS HYMP564U64CP8-S5 • • •

1GB Hynix HY5PS12821CFP-S5 5-5-5 Hynix DS HYMP512U64CP8-S5 •

512MB KINGMAX KKA8FEIBF-HJK-25A N/A KINGMAX SS KLDC28F-A8KI5 • • •

1GB KINGMAX KKA8FEIBF-HJK-25A N/A KINGMAX DS KLDD48F-ABKI5 • •

2GB KINGMAX KKB8FFBXF-CFA-25A N/A KINGMAX DS KLDE88F-B8KB5 • •

512MB KINGSTON E5108AJBG-8E-E N/A ELPIDA SS KVR800D2N5/512 • •

512MB KINGSTON E5108AJBG-8E-E N/A ELPIDA SS KVR800D2N6/512 • •

1GB KINGSTON Heat-Sink Package 4-4-4-12 N/A SS KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN(EPP) • •

1GB KINGSTON Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A SS KHX6400D2ULK2/1G • •

1GB KINGSTON V59C1512804QBF25 N/A N/A DS KVR800D2N5/1G • • •

1GB KINGSTON E5108AJBG-8E-E N/A ELPIDA DS KVR800D2N6/1G • • •

2GB KINGSTON E1108ACBG-8E-E N/A ELPIDA DS KVR800D2N5/2G • • •

512MB NANYA NT5TU64M8BE-25C 5 NANYA SS NT512T64U880BY-25C • • •

1GB NANYA NT5TU64M8BE-25C 5 NANYA DS NT1GT64U8HB0BY-25C • •

1GB NANYA NT5TU64M8CE-25D N/A NANYA DS NT1GT64U8HCOBY-25D • • •

2GB NANYA NT5TU128M8CE-AC 5 NANYA DS NT2GT64U8HC0BY-AC • •

2GB OCZ Heat-Sink Package 5-4-4-15 N/A DS OCZ2P8004GK • • •

2GB (Kit of 2) OCZ Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A DS OCZ2P800R22GK • •

4GB (Kit of 2) OCZ Heat-Sink Package 5-4-4 N/A DS OCZ2P8004GK • • •

2GB PSC A3R1GE3CFF734MAA0E 5 PSC DS AL8E8F73C-8E1 • • •

2GB Qimonda HYB18T1G800C2F-25F 5 QIMONDA DS HYS64T256020EU-25F-C2 • •

2GB Qimonda HYB18T1G800C2F-2.5 6 QIMONDA DS HYS64T256020EU-2.5-C2 • • •

512MB SAMSUNG K4T51083QG 6 SAMSUNG SS M378T6553GZS-CF7 • •

1GB SAMSUNG K4T1G084QQ 6 SAMSUNG SS M378T2863QZS-CF7 • • •

1GB SAMSUNG K4T51083QG 6 SAMSUNG DS M378T2953GZ3-CF7 • •

4GB SAMSUNG K4T2G084QA-HCF7 6 SAMSUNG DS M378T5263AZ3-CF7 • • •

2GB SAMSUNG K4T1G084QQ 6 SAMSUNG DS M391T5663QZ3-CF7 • • •

512MB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A SS T800UA12C4 • • •

1GB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A DS T800UB1GC4 • • •

1GB Aeneon AET03R25DC 5 Aeneon SS AET760UD00-25DC08X • •

1GB Aeneon AET93R25DB N/A Aeneon DS AET760UD00-25DB97X • • •

AM4B5708JQJS8E N/A

G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package

N/A

APACER

N/A DS

SS 78.91G9I.9K5

F2-6400CL4D-2GBHK •

support (Optional)

A* B* C*

• •

•

•

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information

P5Q-E Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR2-800MHz capability (cont.)

Size Vendor Chip No. CL Chip Brand SS/DSPart No. DIMM socket support

2GB Aeneon AET03R25DC 5 Aeneon DS AET860UD00-25DC08X • • •

1GB Asint DDRII1208-GE N/A Asint SS SLY2128M8-JGE • •

2GB Asint DDRII1208-GE N/A Asint DS SLZ2128M8-JGE • • •

CENTURY HY5PS12821BFP-S5

512MB

1GB CENTURY HY5PS12821BFP-S5 N/A Hynix DS 28VOH8 •

1GB Elixir N2TU51280BE-25C 5 Elixir DS M2Y1G64TU8HB0B-25C • • •

1GB Oci 64M8PC6400 5 Jnnity DS 04701G16CZ5D2A • •

512MB Patriot PM64M8D2BU-25EC N/A N/A SS PSD251280081 • • •

1GB Patriot PM64M8D2BU-25PAC 5 Patriot DS PSD21G8002 • •

2GB Patriot

1GB UMAX U2S12D30TP-8E N/A UMAX DS D48001GP3-63BJU • • •

2GB UMAX U2S12D30TP-8E N/A UMAX DS D48002GP0-73BCU • •

PM128M8D2BU-25KC 5

N/A

Hynix SS

Patriot

28V2H8 •

DS PSD22GB002

(Optional)

A* B* C*

•

• •

•

•

P5Q-E Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR2-667MHz capability

Size Vendor Chip No. CL Chip Brand SS/DSPart No. DIMM socket support

512MB A-DATA AD29608A8A-3EG 5 A-DATA SS M2OAD5G3H3166I1C52 • • •

1GB A-DATA AD29608A8A-3EG 5 A-DATA DS M2OAD5G3I4176I1C52 • • •

2GB A-DATA NT5TU128M8BJ-3C N/A N/A DS M2ONY5H3J4170I1C5Z • • •

512MB Apacer AM4B5708JQJS7E N/A APACER SS 78.91G92.9K5 • • •

1GB Apacer AM4B5808CQJS7E N/A APACER SS 78.01G9O.9K5 • • •

2GB Apacer AM4B5808CQJS7E N/A APACER DS 78.A1G9O.9K4 • •

512MB CORSAIR 64M8CFEG N/A N/A SS VS512MB667D2 • •

1GB CORSAIR 64M8CFEG N/A N/A DS VS1GB667D2 • •

512MB crucial Heat-Sink Package 3 N/A SS BL6464AA663.8FD • •

1GB crucial Heat-Sink Package 3 N/A DS BL12864AA663.16FD •

1GB crucial Heat-Sink Package 3 N/A DS BL12864AL664.16FD • •

512MB ELPIDA E5108AE-6E-E 5 ELPIDA SS EBE51UD8AEFA-6E-E • • •

1GB Hynix HY5PS12821CFP-Y5 5 Hynix DS HYMP512U64CP8-Y5 • • •

512MB Kingmax KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX 5 KINGMAX SS KLCC28F-A8KB5 • • •

1GB Kingmax KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX 5 KINGMAX DS KLCD48F-A8KB5 • • •

512MB KINGSTON D6408TEBGGL3U 5 KINGSTON SS KVR667D2N5/512 • •

1GB KINGSTON E5108AGBG-6E-E N/A KINGSTON DS KVR667D2N5/1G • •

2GB KINGSTON E1108AB-6E-E N/A ELPIDA DS KVR667D2N5/2G • •

2GB KINGSTON HY5PS1G831CFP-Y5 N/A Hynix DS KVR667D2N5/2G • •

512MB NANYA NT5TU64M8BE-3C 5 NANYA SS NT512T64U88B0BY-3C • • •

2GB NANYA NT5TU128M8BJ-3C 5 NANYA DS NT2GT64U8HB0JY-3C • •

1GB PSC A3R12E3JFF719A9T02 5 PSC DS AL7E8E63J-6E1 • • •

2GB Qimonda HYB18T1GB00C2F-3S 5 QIMONDA DS HYS64T256020EU-3S-C2 • • •

512MB SAMSUNG K4T51083QE 5 SAMSUNG SS M378T6553EZS-CE6 • • •

1GB SAMSUNG K4T51083QE 5 SAMSUNG DS M378T2953EZ3-CE6 • • •

4GB SAMSUNG K4T2G084QA-HCE6 5 SAMSUNG DS M378T5263AZ3-CE6 • • •

512MB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package 5 N/A SS T6UA512C5 • •

1GB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package 5 N/A DS T6UB1GC5 • • •

512MB TwinMOS TMM6208G8M30C 5 TwinMOS SS 8D-23JK5M2ETP • •

512MB Aeneon AET93R300B 5 AENEON SS AET660UD00-30DB97X • •

1GB Aeneon AET93R30DB 5 AENEON DS AET760UD00-30B97X • •

2GB Aeneon AET03F30DB 5 AENEON DS AET860UD00-30DB08X • • •

(Optional)

A* B* C*

ASUS P5Q-E 2-15

P5Q-E Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR2-667MHz capability (cont.)

Size Vendor Chip No. CL Chip Brand SS/DSPart No. DIMM socket support

512MB Asint DDRII6408-6E N/A Asint SS SLX264M8-J6E • • •

1GB Asint DDRII1208-6E N/A Asint SS SLY2128M8-J6E • • •

512MB CENTURY HY5PS12821CFP-Y5 5 Hynix SS 26V2H8 • • •

1GB CENTURY

1GB Kingbox EPD264082200E-4 N/A Kingbox DS N/A • • •

512MB MDT 18D51280D-30648 4 MDT SS M512-667-8 • •

1GB MDT 18D51280D-30646E 4 MDT DS M924-667-16 • •

512MB Patriot PM64M8D2BU-3KC N/A N/A SS PSD251266781 • • •

1GB Patriot PM64M8D2BU-3PAC 5 Patriot DS PSD21G6672 • • •

UMAX U2S12D30TP-6E

1GB

2GB UMAX U2S24D30TP-6E N/A UMAX DS D46702GP0-73BCU • • •

HY5PS12821CFP-Y5

5 Hynix

N/A

UMAX DS

DS 26VOH8

D46701GP3-63BJU •

(Optional)

A* B* C*

• •

•

•

•

Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided
DIMM support:

• A*: Supports one module inserted into either slot as Single-channel

memory conguration.

• B*: Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the yellow slots or the

black slots as one pair of Dual-channel memory conguration.

• C*: Supports four modules inserted into both the yellow slots and the

black slots as two pairs of Dual-channel memory conguration.

Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM

Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or
other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both
the motherboard and the components.

1. Unlock a DDR2 DIMM socket
by pressing the retaining clips
outward.

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

Unlocked retaining clip

A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it ts in only one direction. DO NOT

force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.

2

DDR2 DIMM notch

1

1

3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the

3

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

Locked Retaining Clip

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM

Follow these steps to remove a DIMM.

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

Support the DIMM lightly with your ngers when pressing the retaining clips.
The DIMM might get damaged when it ips out with extra force.

1

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

ASUS P5Q-E 2-17

2

1

DDR2 DIMM notch

2.5 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.

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

2.5.1 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.

2.5.2 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 3 for information on BIOS setup.

2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.

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. Refer to the table on the next page for details.

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments

Standard interrupt assignments

IRQ Priority Standard function

0 1 System Timer

1 2 Keyboard Controller

2 – Redirect to IRQ#9

4 12 Communications Port (COM1)*

5 13 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

6 14 Floppy Disk Controller

7 15 Reserved

8 3 System CMOS/Real Time Clock

9 4 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

10 5 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

11 6 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

12 7 Reserved

13 8 Numeric Data Processor

14 9 Primary IDE Channel

* These IRQs are usually available for PCI devices.

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

A B C D E F G H

PCIE1_1 – – shared – – – – –
PCIE1_2 – – – shared – – – –
PCIE16_1 shared – – – – – – –
PCIE16_2 shared – – – – – – –
PCIE16_3 shared – – – – – – –
LAN (8056) – shared – – – – – –
LAN (8001) – – shared – – – – –
Marvell 6121 shared – – – – – – –
PCI_1 shared – – – – – – –
PCI_2 – shared – – – – – –
USB controller 1 – – – – – – – shared
USB controller 2 – – – shared – – – –
USB controller 3 – – shared – – – – –
USB controller 4 shared – – – – – – –
USB controller 5 shared – – – – – – –
USB controller 6 – – – – – shared – –
USB 2.0 controller 1 – – – – – – – shared
USB 2.0 controller 2 – – shared – – – – –
SATA controller 1 – – shared – – – – –
SATA controller 2 – – – shared – – – –
Audio Azalia – – – – – – shared –

ASUS P5Q-E 2-19

2.5.4 PCI slots

The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other

cards that comply with PCI specications. Refer to the gure below for the location

of the slots.

2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots

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

cards that comply with the PCI Express specications. Refer to the gure below for

the location of the slots.

2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots

This motherboard has two PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots that support PCI Express

2.0 x16 graphic cards complying with the PCI Express specications. Refer to the

gure below for the location of the slots.

2.5.7 Universal PCI Express x16 slot

This motherboard also supports one Universal PCI Express x16 slot with a

maximum speed of x4 link. Refer to the gure below for the location of the slot.

Universal PCIe x16_3 slot (black, at max. x4 link)

PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slot (black, at max. x8 link)

PCI2 slot

PCIe x1_2 slot

PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot (blue)

PCI1 slot

PCIe x1_1 slot

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information

• In single VGA card mode, use rst the PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot (blue) for a PCI

Express x16 graphics card to get better performance.

• In CrossFireX™ mode, use the PCIe 2.0 x16_1 (blue) and PCIe 2.0 x16_2
(black) slots for PCI Express x16 graphics cards to get better performance.

• Use the two PCIe 2.0 x16 slots and the universal PCIe x16 slot for 3-Way
CrossFireX™ mode.

• We recommend that you provide sufcient power when running
CrossFireX™ mode. See page 2-36 for details.

• If one of the PCIe x1 slots is occupied, the universal PCI Express x16 slot
(black) will downgrade to max. x1 speed.

• Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled
CHA_FAN1/2/3 when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal
environment. See page 2-33 for details.

ASUS P5Q-E 2-21

2.6 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.

2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on
pins 2-3 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 the CMOS
clearance, 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 C.P.R. (CPU
Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS
can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

• Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is required to enable C.P.R.
function. You must turn off and on the power supply or unplug and plug the
power cord before rebooting the system.

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2. CPU / Northbridge overvoltage setting (3-pin OV_CPU; 3-pin OV_NB)

These jumpers allow you to enable or disable the advanced CPU and
Northbridge overvoltage settings in BIOS. Read the following information
before you change the jumper settings. Set to pins 1-2 to activate the
advanced CPU / Northbridge overvoltage feature.

OV_CPU OV_NB

Pins 2-3 (Default) up to 1.70V up to 1.9V

Pins 1-2 (OV Enabled) up to 2.10V up to 2.2V

• Before you change the jumper settings for extra-high overvoltage ability,
use the BIOS items introduced in
CPU and Northbridge performance. Make sure your system function well
under the highest BIOS voltage settings before you change the setting of
these two jumpers.

• Refer to

• DO NOT set the OV_CPU jumper to pins 1-2 when you install a new CPU

• The system may need a better cooling system (for example, a water-cooling

3.4 Ai Tweaker

overvoltage settings.

and have not booted for the rst time. Doing so may cause the system to

halt. For system failure due to the wrong setting of the OV_CPU jumper,
shut down the computer and move the cap back to pins 2-3.

system) to work stably under high voltage settings.

for more information about CPU and Northbridge

3.4 Ai Tweaker

rst to adjust the desired

ASUS P5Q-E 2-23

2.7 Onboard switches

Onboard switches allow you to power on or reboot system quickly and conveniently

when you want to ne-tune performance on a bare or open-case system.

1. Power-on switch

Press the power-on switch to wake/power up the system.

2. Reset switch

Press the reset switch to reboot the system.

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.8 Connectors

2.8.1 Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port. This port is for a PS/2 keyboard or

mouse.

2. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device

via a coaxial S/PDIF cable.

3. LAN 2 (RJ-45) port. Supported by Marvell® LAN controller, this port allows

Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.

4. IEEE 1394a port. This 6-pin IEEE 1394a port provides high-speed

connectivity for audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable
devices.

5. LAN 1 (RJ-45) port*. Supported by Marvell® LAN controller, this port allows

Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.

*To compliant with Energy Star 4.0, this port does not support WOL

(Wake on LAN) function.

LAN port LED indications

Activity Link LED Speed LED
Status Description Status Description

OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection

ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection

BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection

ACT/LINK

LED

LAN port

SPEED

LED

6. Center/Subwoofer port (orange).

This port connects the center/subwoofer

speakers.

7. Rear Speaker Out port (black).

This port connects the rear speakers in a

4-channel, 6-channel, or 8-channel audio conguration..

8. Line In port (light blue).

This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or

other audio sources.

9. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In

4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel conguration, the function of this port

becomes Front Speaker Out.

ASUS P5Q-E

2-25

10. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.

11. Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speakers in an

8-channel audio conguration.

Refer to the audio conguration table below for the function of the audio ports in
2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration.

Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration

Port Headset

2-channel

Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In

Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In

Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer

Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

Gray – – – Side Speaker Out

12. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are

available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

13. External SATA port. This port connects to an external Serial ATA hard disk

drive.

DO NOT insert different connectors to the external SATA ports.

14. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are

available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

15. Optical S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device

via an optical S/PDIF cable.

16. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are

available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.8.2 Internal connectors

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

This connector is for the provided oppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert

one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the

signal connector at the back of the oppy disk drive.

Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when
using a FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.

2. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) [Optional]

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

securely store keys, digital certicates, passwords, and data. A TPM system

also helps enhance network security, protects digital identities, and ensures
platform integrity.

ASUS P5Q-E

The TPM module is purchased separately.

2-27

3. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE)

The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100 signal cable. There
are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100 signal cable: blue, black,

and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector,
then select one of the following modes to congure your device.

Drive jumper setting Mode of

device(s)

Single device Cable-Select or Master - Black

Two devices Cable-Select Master

Slave Gray

Master Master Black or gray

Slave Slave

• Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the
Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you
connect the IDE cable.

• Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100 IDE devices.

If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device
jumpers have the same setting.

Cable connector

Black

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information

4. ICH10R Serial ATA connectors [red] (7-pin SATA1-6)

These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk
drives and optical disc drives.

If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5,

and 10 conguration with the Intel® Matrix Storage Technology through the

onboard Intel® ICH10R RAID controller.

••

These connectors are set to Standard IDE mode by default. In Standard
IDE mode, you can connect Serial ATA boot/data hard disk drives to these
connectors. If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these
connectors, set the Congure SATA as item in the BIOS to [RAID]. See
section 3.3.6 Storage Conguration for details.

• Before creating a RAID set, refer to 4.4.3 Intel RAID congurations or the

manual bundled in the motherboard support CD.

•

You must install the Windows® XP Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA
hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature (RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10) is
available only if you are using Windows® XP or later version.

•

When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the Congure SATA as in the BIOS to
[AHCI]. See section 3.3.6 Storage Conguration for details.

ASUS P5Q-E

right angle side

Connect the right-angle side of SATA
signal cable to SATA device. Or you may
connect the right-angle side of SATA
cable to the onboard SATA port to avoid

mechanical conict with huge graphics

cards.

2-29

5. SIL5723 Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA_E1 [orange, port 0];
SATA_E2 [white, port 1])

These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard
disk drives. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a EZ
Backup or a Super Speed conguration with the Drive Xpert Technology
through the onboard Silicon Image® SIL5723 controller.

SATA_E1 (orange, Port 0)

SATA_E2 (white, Port 1)

• The SATA_E1 (orange, port 0) and SATA_E2 (white, port 1) ports are for
SATA hard drives only. ATAPI device is not supported.

• Make necessary backup before using the Drive Xpert function:
All original data of the SATA_E2 (white, port1) hard drive will be erased for
EZ Backup setup.
All original data of the two hard drives will be erased for Super Speed
setup.

Before using the Drive Xpert technology, make sure that you have connected
the SATA signal cables and installed SATA hard disk drives.

Refer to 4.3.11 ASUS Drive Xpert for detailed application instructions.

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information

6. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB 78, USB 910, USB1112_WFG)

These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable
to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the
back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0

specication that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the
motherboard!

If your chassis supports front panel USB ports, you can attach a front panel
USB cable to these connectors. Connect the USB cable to ASUS Q-Connector

(USB, blue) rst, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector

onboard.

ASUS P5Q-E

2-31

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

This connector is for a IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module
cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back
of the system chassis.

Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage
the motherboard!

You can attach a FireWire/1394 cable to this connector if your chassis suppots
the front panel IEEE1394 port. Connect the 1394 cable to ASUS Q-Connector

(1394, red) rst, and then install the Q-Connector (1394) to the 1394 connector

onboard.

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information

8. CPU, chassis and power fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1-3, 3-pin PWR_FAN)

The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA ~ 2000 mA (24 W max.)
or a total of 1 A ~ 7 A (84 W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the
fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each
cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufcient air
ow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are

not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the fan connectors!

• Only the CPU-FAN and CHA-FAN 1-3 connectors support the ASUS Q-Fan
feature.

• If you install two or more VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the
rear chassis fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1,
CHA_FAN2 or CHA_FAN3 for better thermal environment.

ASUS P5Q-E

2-33

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

This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch.
Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this
connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to
this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced. The signal
is then generated as a chassis intrusion event.

By default , the pin labeled “Chassis Signal” and “Ground” are shorted with
a jumper cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the
chassis intrusion detection feature.

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

This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module
cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back
of the system chassis.

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

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, make sure that the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS is set
to [HD Audio]. If you want to connect an AC' 97 front panel audio module
to this connector, set the item to [AC97]. Refer to 3.5.4 Onboard Device
Conguration for details.

ASUS P5Q-E 2-35

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

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 12 V Specication 2.0 (or later version)

and provides a minimum power of 400 W.

• Do not forget to connect the 8-pin EATX12V power plug; otherwise, the

system will not boot.

• Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when

conguring a system with more power-consuming devices. The system

may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

• If you want to use two high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with
500W to 600W power or above to ensure the system stability.

• 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.

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

This connector allows you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources
such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.

14. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF)

This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF)
port(s).

The S/PDIF out cable is purchased separately.

ASUS P5Q-E 2-37

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

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

•

System power LED (2-pin PLED)

This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis
power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when
you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.

•

Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)

This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity

LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or ashes when data is

read from or written to the HDD.

•

System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The
speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

•

ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)

This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button
turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending
on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds
while the system is ON turns the system OFF.

•

Reset button (2-pin RESET)

This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system
reboot without turning off the system power.

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware information

16. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)

You can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front
panel cables in a few steps. Refer to the instructions below to install the
ASUS Q-Connector.

1. Connect the front panel cables to the
ASUS Q-Connector.

Refer to the labels on the Q-

Connector to know the detailed pin

denitions, then match them to the

respective front panel cable labels.

2. Install the ASUS Q-Connector to the
system panel connector, making sure
the orientation matches the labels on
the motherboard.

3. The front panel functions are now

enabled. The gure shows the Q-

Connector properly installed on the
motherboard.

ASUS P5Q-E 2-39

2.9 Starting up for the rst time

1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.

2. Be sure that all switches are off.

3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system
chassis.

4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge
protector.

5. Turn on the devices in the following order:

a. Monitor

b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)

c. System power

6. After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case
lights up. For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up
when you press the ATX power button. If your monitor complies with “green”
standards or if it has a “power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up
or switch between orange and green after the system LED turns on.

The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are

running, the BIOS beeps (see BIOS beep codes table below) or additional
messages appear on the screen. If you do not see anything within 30
seconds from the time you turned on the power, the system may have failed
a power-on test. Check the jumper settings and connections or call your
retailer for assistance.

BIOS Beep Description

One short beep VGA detected

One continuous beep followed by two
short beeps then a pause (repeated)

One continuous beep followed by three
short beeps

One continuous beep followed by four
short beeps

Quick boot set to disabled
No keyboard detected

No memory detected

No VGA detected

Hardware component failure

7. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the
instructions in Chapter 3.

2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.10 Turning off the computer

2.10.1 Using the OS shut down function

If you are using Windows® XP:

1. Click the Start button then select Turn Off Computer.

2. Click the Turn Off button to shut down the computer.

3. The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down.

If you are using Windows® Vista:

1. Click the Start button then select ShutDown.

2. The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down.

2.10.2 Using the dual function power switch

While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts
the system to sleep mode or to soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting.
Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the
soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting. Refer to section 3.6 Power Menu in
Chapter 3 for details.

ASUS P5Q-E 2-41

2-42 Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

BIOS setup

3

Chapter summary

3

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

3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 3-7

3.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 3-10

3.4 Ai Tweaker .................................................................................. 3-15

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

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

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

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

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

ASUS P5Q-E

3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic
Input/Output System (BIOS) setup.

1. ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.)

2. ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using a oppy disk or USB ash disk.)

3. ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS using a bootable oppy disk)

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk or
USB ash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the

original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities.

3.1.1 ASUS Update utility

The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the
motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you
to:

• Save the current BIOS le

• Download the latest BIOS le from the Internet

• Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS le

• Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and

• View the BIOS version information.

This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard
package.

ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an
Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Installing ASUS Update

To install ASUS Update:

1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears.

2. Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX.

3. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.

ASUS P5Q-E 3-1

Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.

Updating the BIOS through the Internet

To update the BIOS through the Internet:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start
> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update
main window appears.

2. Select Update BIOS from the
Internet option from the drop-down
menu, then click Next.

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest

you to avoid network trafc, or

click Auto Select. Click Next.

4. From the FTP site, select the BIOS
version that you wish to download.
Click Next.

5. Follow the screen instructions to
complete the update process.

The ASUS Update utility is
capable of updating itself through
the Internet. Always update the
utility to avail all its features.

Updating the BIOS through a BIOS le

To update the BIOS through a BIOS le:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start
> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update
main window appears.

2. Select Update BIOS from a le
option from the drop-down menu,
then click Next.

3. Locate the BIOS le from the Open

window, then click Open.

4. Follow the screen instructions to

P5Q-E.ROM

complete the update process.

P5Q-E

ASUS P5Q-E 3-3

3.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility

The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go

through the long process of booting from a oppy disk and using a DOS-based

utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing
<Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self Tests (POST).

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2

1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for

the motherboard.

2. Save the BIOS le to a oppy disk or a USB ash disk, then restart the

system.

3. You can launch the EZ Flash 2 by two methods.

(1) Insert the oppy disk / USB ash disk that contains the BIOS le to the

oppy disk drive or the USB port.

Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.25

FLASH TYPE: WINBOND W25P/X16

Current ROM

BOARD: P5Q-E
VER: 0306
DATE: 05/13/2008

PATH: A:\

A:

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit

(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash2

and press <Enter> to enable it.

You can switch between drives by pressing <Tab> before the correct le

is found. Then press <Enter>.

4. When the correct BIOS le is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update

process and automatically reboots the system when done.

• This function can support devices such as a USB ash disk or a oppy disk

with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only.

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent
system boot failure!

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1.3 AFUDOS utility

The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS le in DOS environment using
a bootable oppy disk with the updated BIOS le. This utility also allows you to
copy the current BIOS le that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets

corrupted during the updating process.

Copying the current BIOS

To copy the current BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility

• Make sure that the oppy disk is not write-protected and has at least
1024KB free space to save the le.

• The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS
screen displays may not be same as shown.

1. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to

the bootable oppy disk you created earlier.

2. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:

afudos /o[lename]

where the [lename] is any user-assigned lename not more than eight
alphanumeric characters for the main lename and three alphanumeric

characters for the extension name.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

Main lename Extension name

3. Press <Enter>. The utility copies the current BIOS le to the oppy disk.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reading ash ..... done

Write to le...... ok

A:\>

The utility returns to the DOS prompt after copying the current BIOS le.

Updating the BIOS le

To update the BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:

1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS le for
the motherboard. Save the BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk.

ASUS P5Q-E 3-5

Write the BIOS lename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS
lename at the DOS prompt.

2. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to

the bootable oppy disk you created earlier.

3. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:

afudos /i[lename]

where [lename] is the latest or the original BIOS le on the bootable oppy

disk.

A:\>afudos /iP5Q-E.ROM

4. The utility veries the le and starts updating the BIOS.

A:\>afudos /iP5Q-E.ROM

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

WARNING!! Do not turn off power during ash BIOS

Reading le ....... done

Reading ash ...... done

Advance Check ......

Erasing ash ...... done

Writing ash ...... 0x0008CC00 (9%)

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent
system boot failure!

5. The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is
completed. Reboot the system from the hard disk drive.

A:\>afudos /iP5Q-E.ROM

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

WARNING!! Do not turn off power during ash BIOS

Reading le ....... done

Reading ash ...... done

Advance Check ......

Erasing ash ...... done

Writing ash ...... done

Verifying ash .... done

Please restart your computer

A:\>

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.2 BIOS setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable rmware chip that you can update

using the provided utility described in section 3.1 Managing and updating your
BIOS.

Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconguring
your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to congure

your system using this utility.

Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the

conguration of your computer in the future. For example, you can enable the

security password feature or change the power management settings. This

requires you to recongure your system using the BIOS Setup program so that the
computer can recognize these changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the

SPI chip.

The rmware chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up

the computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program.

Press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility;

otherwise, POST continues with its test routines.

If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing
<Ctrl+Alt+Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You can
also restart by turning the system off and then back on. Do this last option only if

the rst two failed.

The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a
menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various sub-menus and make
your selections from the available options using the navigation keys.

• The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions
to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after
changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to ensure system
compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the
Exit Menu. See section 3.9 Exit Menu.

• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

• Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for

this motherboard.

ASUS P5Q-E 3-7

3.2.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu bar

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [11:55:25]
System Date [Wed 04/16/2008]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Language [English]

SATA1 [Not Detected]
SATA2 [Not Detected]
SATA3 [Not Detected]
SATA4 [Not Detected]
SATA5 [Not Detected]
SATA6 [Not Detected]

Storage Conguration
System InformationSystem Information

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

Sub-menu items

Conguration eldsMenu items

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

General help

Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a eld.

Use [+] or [-]
to congure the
System Time.

Select Screen

Select Item

+- Change Field

Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Navigation keys

3.2.2 Menu bar

The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:

Main For changing the basic system conguration

Ai Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings

Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

Power For changing the advanced power management (APM)

conguration

Boot For changing the system boot conguration

Tools For conguring options for special functions

Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default

settings

To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard
until the desired item is highlighted.

3.2.3 Navigation keys

At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that
particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change
the settings.

The navigation keys may differ from one screen to another.

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.2.4 Menu items

The highlighted item on the menu bar

displays the specic items for that

menu. For example, selecting Main
shows the Main menu items.

The other items (Advanced, Power,
Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have
their respective menu items.

System Time [11:56:54]
System Date [Wed 04/16/2008]
Floppy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Language [English]

SATA1 [Not Detected]
SATA2 [Not Detected]
SATA3 [Not Detected]
SATA4 [Not Detected]
SATA5 [Not Detected]
SATA6 [Not Detected]

Storage Conguration
System Information

Use [ENTER], [TAB], or
[SHIFT-TAB] to select
a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to
congure system Time.

3.2.5 Sub-menu items

Main menu items

A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the iteam has a
sub-menu. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press <Enter>.

3.2.6 Conguration elds

These elds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user- congurable,
you can change the value of the eld opposite the item. You cannot select an item
that is not user-congurable.

A congurable eld is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To
change the value of a eld, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options.

Refer to 3.2.7 Pop-up window.

3.2.7 Pop-up window

Select a menu item then press <Enter>
to display a pop-up window with the

conguration options for that item.

3.2.8 Scroll bar

A scroll bar appears on the right side of a
menu screen when there are items that do
not t on the screen. Press the
Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> /<Page
Down> keys to display the other items on
the screen.

Pop-up window

Scroll bar

3.2.9 General help

At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected
item.

ASUS P5Q-E 3-9

3.3 Main menu

When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving
you an overview of the basic system information.

Refer to section 3.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen
items and how to navigate through them.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [11:55:25]
System Date [Wed 04/16/2008]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Language [English]

SATA1 [Not Detected]
SATA2 [Not Detected]
SATA3 [Not Detected]
SATA4 [Not Detected]
SATA5 [Not Detected]
SATA6 [Not Detected]

Storage Conguration
System InformationSystem Information

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to
congure System Time.

Select Screen

Select Item

+- Change Field

Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

3.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]

Allows you to set the system time.

3.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]

Allows you to set the system date.

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

Sets the type of oppy drive installed.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

3.3.4 Language [English]

Allows you to select the display language for the BIOS setup screen.

Conguration options: [Chinese(BIG5)] [Chinese(GB)] [Japanese] [Français]

[German] [English]

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.3.5 SATA 1-6

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial ATA
devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SATA device. Select a device item
then press <Enter> to display the SATA device information.

Main

SATA 1

Device : Hard Disk
Vendor : WDC WD800JD-00LSA0
Size : 80.0GB
LBA Mode : Supported
Block Mode : 16Sectors
PIO Mode : 4
Async DMA : MultiWord DMA-2
Ultra DMA : Ultra DMA-5
SMART Monitoring: Supported

Type [Auto]
LBA/Large Mode [Auto]
Block(Multi-Sector Transfer)M [Auto]
PIO Mode [Auto]
DMA Mode [Auto]
SMART Monitoring [Auto]
32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device,

Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and
SMART monitoring). These values are not user-congurable. These items show

N/A if no IDE device is installed in the system.

Type [Auto]

Selects the type of IDE drive. Setting to [Auto] allows automatic selection of the

appropriate IDE device type. Select [CDROM] if you are specically conguring a

CD-ROM drive. Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device is
either a ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive.

Conguration options: [Not Installed] [Auto] [CDROM] [ARMD]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select the type of
device connected to
the system.

Select Screen

Select Item

+- Change Option

F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]

Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the
device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA
mode disabled.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) M [Auto]

Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to [Auto], the data
transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device
supports multi-sector transfer feature. When set to [Disabled], the data transfer
from and to the device occurs one sector at a time.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

PIO Mode [Auto]

Allows you to select the data transfer mode.

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]

ASUS P5Q-E 3-11

DMA Mode [Auto]

Selects the DMA mode.

Conguration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0]

[MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2] [UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5]

SMART Monitoring [Auto]

Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

3.3.6 Storage Conguration

The items in this menu allow you to set or change the congurations for the SATA

devices installed in the system. Select an item then press <Enter> if you want to

congure the item.

Main

Storage Conguration

SATA Conguraton [Enhanced]
Congure SATA as [IDE]

Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled]
IDE Detect Time Out (Sec) [35]

SATA Conguration [Enhanced]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Compatible] [Enhanced]

Configure SATA as [IDE]

Sets the conguration for the Serial ATA connectors supported by the
Southbridge chip. Conguration options: [IDE] [RAID] [AHCI]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options

Disabled
Compatible
Enhanced

• If you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical
storage devices, keep the default setting [IDE].

• If you want the Serial ATA hard disk drives to use the Advanced Host
Controller Interface (AHCI), set this item to [AHCI]. The AHCI allows
the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that
increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive

to internally optimize the order of commands.

• If you want to create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, or the Intel

®

Matrix Storage Technology conguration from the Serial ATA hard disk

drives, set this item to [RAID].

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled]

Disables or enables device write protection. This will be effective only if the device
is accessed through BIOS.

Conguration option: [Disabled] [Enabled]

IDE Detect Time Out (Sec) [35]

Selects the time out value for detecting ATA/ATAPI devices.

Conguration options: [0] [5] [10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35]

3.3.7 AHCI Conguration

This menu is the section for AHCI conguration. It appears only when you set the

item Congure SATA as from the sub-menu of SATA Conguration to [AHCI].

Main

AHCI Settings

AHCI CD/DVD Boot Time out [15]

AHCI Port1 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port2 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port3 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port4 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port5 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port6 [Not Detected]

AHCI CD/DVD Boot Time out [15]

Selects the boot time out value for ACHI CD/DVD devices.
Congifuration options: [0] [5] [10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35]

AHCI Port1~6 [XXXX]

Displays the status of auto-detection of SATA devices.

Main

AHCI Port1

Device :Not Detected

SATA Port1 [Auto]
SMART Monitoring [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Some SATA CD/DVD in
AHCI mode need to
wait ready longer.

Select the type
of devices connected
to the system.

SATA Port1 [Auto]

Allows you to select the type of device connected to the system.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Not Installed]

SMART Monitoring [Enabled]

Allows you to set the Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology.

Congration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS P5Q-E 3-13

3.3.8 System Information

This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS

automatically detects the items in this menu.

Main

Bios Information

Version : 0121
Build Date : 04/17/08

Processor

Type : Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU @ 3.00GHz
Speed : 3000MHz
Count : 2

System Memory

Usable Size : 1024MB

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

Bios Information

Displays the auto-detected BIOS information.

Processor

Displays the auto-detected CPU specication.

System Memory

Displays the auto-detected system memory.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select Screen

Select Item
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.4 Ai Tweaker menu

The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.

Take caution when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items.

Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction.

The default values of the following items vary depending on the CPU and
memory modules you install on the motherboard.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Congure System Performance Settings

Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]
CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]
FSB Strap to North Bridge [Auto]
DRAM Frequency [Auto]
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A1 [Auto]
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A2 [Auto]
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B1 [Auto]
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B2 [Auto]
DRAM Timing Control [Auto]

1st Information : 4-4-4-15-3-36-5-3
2nd Information : 8-3-5-4-6-4-6
3rd Information : 12-5-1-4-4

DRAM Static Read Control [Auto]
DRAM Read Training [Auto]
MEM. OC Charger [Auto]
Ai Clock Twister [Auto]
Ai Transaction Booster [Auto]

C/P : B1 B2 B3 B4

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

Scroll down to display the following items:

LVL : 11 11 11 11

******** Please key in numbers directly! ********

CPU Voltage [Auto]
CPU GTL Voltage Reference(0/2) [Auto]
CPU GTL Voltage Reference(1/3) [Auto]
CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]
FSB Termination Voltage [Auto]
DRAM Voltage [Auto]
NB Voltage [Auto]
NB GTL Reference [Auto]
SB Voltage [Auto]
PCIE SATA Voltage [Auto]

*************************************************

Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]
PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options

Manual

Auto

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

3.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]

Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal

frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking conguration options:

Manual Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.

Auto Loads the optimal settings for the system.

ASUS P5Q-E 3-15

3.4.2 CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]

Allows you to adjust the ratio between CPU Core Clock and FSB Frequency. Use
the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Conguration options: [Auto] [06.0] [07.0] [08.0] [09.0]

The following two items appear only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item
to [Manual].

FSB Frequency [XXX]

Displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus.
The value of this item is auto-detected by the BIOS. Use the <+> and <-> keys to
adjust the FSB frequency. You can also type the desired CPU frequency using the
numeric keypad. The values range from 200 to 800. Refer to the table below for
the correct Front Side Bus and CPU External Frequency settings.

FSB/CPU External Frequency Synchronization

Front Side Bus FSB 1600 FSB 1333 FSB 1066 FSB 800

CPU External Frequency 400 MHz 333 MHz 266 MHz 200 MHz

PCIE Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the PCI Express frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust
the PCIE frequency. The values range from 100 to 180.

3.4.3 FSB Strap to North Bridge [Auto]

When set to [Auto], the FSB Strap will be adjusted automatically by FSB
Frequency and DRAM Frequency.

Congifuration options: [Auto] [200 MHz] [266 MHz] [333 MHz] [400 MHz]

3.4.4 DRAM Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the DDR2 operating frequency.

Conguration options: [Auto] [DDR2-667 MHz] [DDR2-800 MHz] [DDR2-835MHz]
[DDR2-887 MHz] [DDR2-1002MHz] [DDR2-1066MHz] [DDR2-1111] [DDR2­1335MHz]

The DRAM Frequency conguration options vary with the FSB Frequency
item settings.

Selecting a very high DRAM frequency may cause the system to become
unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting.

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.4.5 DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A1/A2/B1/B2 [Auto]

Adjusting these items may help enhancing DRAM overclocking ability.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Advance 350ps] [Advance 300ps] [Advance 250ps]

[Advance 200ps] [Advance 150ps] [Advance 100ps] [Advance 50ps] [Normal]
[Delay 50ps] [Delay 100ps] [Delay 150ps] [Delay 200ps] [Delay 250ps] [Delay
300ps] [Delay 350ps]

3.4.6 DRAM Timing Control [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]

• The following sub-items apprear only when you set the DRAM Timing
Control item to [Manual].

• The conguration options for some of the following items vary depending

on the DIMMs you install on the motherboard.

1st Information: 4-4-4-15-3-36-5-3

The values vary depending on your settings of the following sub-items:

CAS# Latency [ 5 DRAM Clocks]

Conguration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks] [5 DRAM Clocks]
[6 DRAM Clocks] [7 DRAM Clocks] [8 DRAM Clocks] [9 DRAM Clocks]
[10 DRAM Clocks] [11 DRAM Clocks]

DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [ 5 DRAM Clocks]

Conguration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks] – [17 DRAM

Clocks] [18 DRAM Clocks]

DRAM RAS# Precharge [ 5 DRAM Clocks]

Conguration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks] – [17 DRAM

Clocks] [18 DRAM Clocks]

DRAM RAS# Activate to Precharge Time [15 DRAM Clocks]

Conguration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks] – [33 DRAM

Clocks] [34 DRAM Clocks]

RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] – [15 DRAM Clocks]

Row Refresh Cycle Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [20 DRAM Clocks] [25 DRAM Clocks]
[30 DRAM Clocks] [35 DRAM Clocks] [42 DRAM Clocks]

Write Recovery Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] – [15 DRAM Clocks]

Read to Precharge Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] – [15 DRAM Clocks]

ASUS P5Q-E 3-17

2nd Information: 8-3-5-4-6-4-6

The values vary depending on your settings of the following sub-items:

READ to WRITE Delay(S/D) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] – [15 DRAM Clocks]

Write to Read Delay(S) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] – [15 DRAM Clocks]

WRITE to READ Delay(D) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] – [15 DRAM Clocks]

READ To READ Delay(S) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] – [15 DRAM Clocks]

READ To READ Delay(D) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] – [15 DRAM Clocks]

WRITE To WRITE Delay(S) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] – [15 DRAM Clocks]

WRITE To WRITE Delay(D) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] – [15 DRAM Clocks]

3rd Information: 12-5-1-4-4

The values vary depending on your settings of the following sub-items:

WRITE to PRE Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] – [31 DRAM Clocks]

READ to PRE Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] – [15 DRAM Clocks]

PRE to PRE Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] – [3 DRAM Clocks]

ALL PRE to ACT Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] – [15 DRAM Clocks]

ALL PRE to REF Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] – [15 DRAM Clocks]

3.4.7 DRAM Static Read Control [Auto]

Adjusting this item might enhance DRAM overclocking ability.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.4.8 DRAM Read Training [Auto]

Allows you to set DRAM read data timing optimization. Setting this item to

[Disabled] may help enhance DRAM overclocking ability.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

3.4.9 MEM. OC Charger

Allows you to enable or disable the memory overclocking charger feature. Setting
this item to [Enabled] may help enhance DRAM overclock ability.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

3.4.10 Ai Clock Twister [Auto]

Allows you to set the DRAM performance. Set this item to [Light] or [Lighter]
to enhance DRAM compatibility, or [Strong] or [Stronger] to accelerate DRAM
performance.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Lighter] [Light] [Moderate] [Strong] [Stronger]

3.4.11 Ai Transaction Booster [Auto]

Allows you to set the system performance.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]

The following two sub-items appear only when you set the Ai Transaction
Booster item to [Manual].

Common Performance Level [05]

Set this item to a higher level for better compatibility or a lower level for better
performance. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values
range from 1 to 31.

Pull-In of CHA/B PH1/2/3/4 [Disabled]

Set this item to [Enabled] to apply enhancement on DRAM Channel A and B,
Phase 1 to 4. The number of phases is determined by DRAM frequency and
FSB strap.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following ten (10) items on the next page are adjusted by typing the desired
values using the numeric keypad and press the <Enter> key. You can also use
the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type
[auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter> key.

ASUS P5Q-E 3-19

3.4.12 CPU Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU VCore voltage. The values range from 0.85000V to

2.10000V* with a 0.00625V interval.

• Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU Vcore voltage.
Setting a high VCore voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and
setting a low VCore voltage may make the system unstable.

• The value [2.10000V] of the CPU Voltage item is supported only if the
OV_CPU jumper is enabled, otherwise the maximum voltage supported is
[1.70000V]. See 2. CPU / Northbridge overvoltage setting on page 2-19
for details.

3.4.13 CPU GTL Voltage Reference(0/2) [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU GTL voltage reference. The values range from 0.370x
to 0.760x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance CPU overclocking
ability.

3.4.14 CPU GTL Voltage Reference(1/3) [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU GTL voltage reference. The values range from 0.410x
to 0.800x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance CPU overclocking
ability.

3.4.15 CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU PLL voltage. The values range from 1.50V to 2.78V with
a 0.02V interval.

3.4.16 FSB Termination Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the front side bus termination voltage. The values range from

1.20V* to 1.90V with a 0.02V interval.

The minimum value of this item becomes 1.10V when a 45nm CPU is installed.

3.4.17 DRAM Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.80V to 3.08V with a

0.02V interval.

3.4.18 NB Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the North Bridge voltage. The values range from 1.10V to 2.2V*
with a 0.02V interval.

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

• The value [2.2V] of the NB Voltage item is supported only if the OV_NB

jumper is enabled, otherwise the maximum voltage supported is [1.9V]. See

2. CPU / Northbridge overvoltage setting on page 2-19 for details.

• Setting the CPU PLL Voltage, FSB Termination Voltage, DRAM Voltage
and NB Voltage items to a high level may damage the chipset, memory
module and CPU permanently. Proceed with caution.

• Some values of the CPU PLL Voltage, FSB Termination Voltage, DRAM
Voltage and NB Voltage items are labeled in different color, indicating the
risk levels of high voltage settings. Refer to the table below for details.

• The system may need better cooling system to work stably under high
voltage settings.

Blue Yellow Purple Red

CPU PLL Voltage 1.50V~1.78V 1.80V~2.00V 2.02V~2.20V 2.22V~2.78V

FSB Termination Voltage 1.20V~1.38V 1.40V~1.90V N/A N/A

DRAM Voltage 1.80V~1.98V 2.00V~2.20V 2.22V~2.40V 2.42V~3.08V

NB Voltage 1.10V~1.26V 1.28V~1.40V 1.42V~1.58V 1.60V~2.2V

3.4.19 NB GTL Voltage Reference [Auto]

Allows you to set the Northbridge GTL voltage reference. Different ratio might
enhance CPU overclocking ability. The values range from 0.370x to 0.760x with a

0.005x interval.

3.4.20 SB Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the South Bridge voltage. The values range from 1.10V to 1.40V
with a 0.10V interval.

3.4.21 PCIE SATA Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the PCI Express SATA voltage. The values range from 1.50V to

1.80V with a 0.10V interval.

3.4.22 Load-Line Calibration [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU Load-Line mode. Set to [Disabled] to follow Intel

specications, or to [Enabled] to improve CPU VDroop directly.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

3.4.23 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]

Set to [Disabled] to enhance FSB overclocking ability or [Auto] for EMI control.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]

ASUS P5Q-E 3-21

3.4.24 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]

Set to [Disabled] to enhance PCIE overclocking ability or [Auto] for EMI control.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5 Advanced menu

The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other
system devices.

Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect

eld values can cause the system to malfunction.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

TPM Conguration
CPU Conguration
Chipset
Onboard Devices Conguration
USB Conguration
PCIPnP

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

3.5.1 TPM Conguration

The items in this menu allow you to set the TPM (Trusted Platform Module)

features. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

The TPM Conguration item appears only when a TPM module is installed in
this motherboard.

Advanced

TPM Conguration

TCG/TPM SUPPORT [NO]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Congure CPU.

Select Screen

Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Enable/Disable TPM
TCG (TPM 1.1/1.2)
supp in BIOS

TCG/TPM SUPPORT [YES]

Allows you to enable or disalbe TCG/TPM setting.

Conguration options: [YES] [NO]

The following items appear only when you set the TCG/TPM SUPPORT item to
[YES].

Execute TPM COMMAND [Last setting]

Allows you to enable or disable the TPM security chip.

Conguration options: [Last setting] [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS P5Q-E 3-23

TPM Enable / Disable Status [No State]

The item is not congurable.

TPM Owner Status [No State]

The item is not congurable

To enable the TPM function, set the Execute TPM Command item to [Enabled]
and then save the change (see 3.9 Exit menu for details). After the system

reboots, the TPM Conguration menu will change into the following one.

Advanced

TPM Conguration

Execute TPM Command [Last setting]

TPM Enable/Disable Status [Enabled]

Clearing the TPM [Press Enter]

TPM Owner Status [UnOwned]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Enable (Activate)/
Disable (Deactivate)
Command to TPM

Clearing the TPM [Press Enter]

Allows you to clear the user information saved in the TPM security chip.
When you press <Enter>, a warning message will appear to ask if you want
to clear the user information in the security chip. Use the left/right arrow key

to select between [OK] and [Cancel], and then press <Enter> to conrm your

choice.

After you select [OK] to execute the Clearing the TPM function, the data saved
in the TPM security chip will be cleared and can never be restored.

3.5.2 CPU Conguration

The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS
automatically detects.

The items shown in this screen may be different due to the CPU you installed.

Advanced

Congure advanced CPU settings

Manufacturer:Intel
Brand String:Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU @ 3.00GHz
Frequency :3.01GHz
FSB Speed :1340 MHz
Cache L1 :64 KB
Cache L2 :4096 KB
Ratio Status: Unlocked (Min:06, Max:09)
Ratio Actual Value:9
CPUID :6F9

CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]
C1E Support [Enabled]
Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled]
Intel(R) Virtualization Tech [Enabled]
CPU TM function [Enabled]
Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]
Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [Enabled]
Intel(R) C-STATE Tech [Enabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Sets the ratio between
CPU Core Clock and the
FSB Frequency.
NOTE: If an invalid
ratio is set in CMOS
then actual and
setpoint values may
differ.

Select Screen

Select Item

+- Change Option

F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]

Allows you to adjust the ratio between CPU Core Clock and FSB Frequency. Use
the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Conguration options: [Auto] [06.0] [07.0] [08.0] [09.0]

C1E Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable Enhanced Halt State support.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled]

Setting this item to [Enabled] allows legacy operating systems to boot even without
support for CPUs with extended CPUID functions.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Intel(R) Virtualization Tech [Enabled]

The Intel® Virtualization Technology allows a hardware platform to run multiple
operating systems separately and simultaneously, enabling one system to virtually
function as several systems.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

CPU TM function [Enabled]

This function enables the overheated CPU to throttle the clock speed to cool down.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.

Setting this item to [Disabled] forces the XD feature ag to always return to zero

(0).

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following items appear only when you set the CPU Ratio Control item to
[Auto].

Intel(R) SpeedStep (TM) Tech [Enabled]

When set to [Disabled], the CPU runs at its default speed. When set to [Enabled],
the CPU speed is controlled by the operating system.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Intel(R) C-STATE Tech [Enabled]

Allows you enable or disable the Intel® C-STATE Technology. When enabled, the
CPU idle is set to C2/C3/C4.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS P5Q-E 3-25

3.5.3 Chipset

The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an
item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Advanced

Advanced Chipset Settings

WARMING: Setting wrong values in below sections
may cause system to malfunction.

North Bridge Conguration

North Bridge Chipset Conguration

Advanced

North Bridge Chipset Conguration

Memory Remap Feature [Enabled]

PCI MMIO Allocation: 4GB To 3328MB

Memory Hole [Disabled]

Initiate Graphic Adapter [PEG/PCI]

Memory Remap Feature [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the remapping of the overlapped PCI memory
above the total physical memory. Enable this option only when you install
64-bit operating system.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Memory Hole [Disabled]

Allows you to set the memory hole mode.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [15MB-16MB]

Initiate Graphic Adapter [PEG/PCI]

Allows you to decide which graphics controller to use as the primary boot
device.

Conguration options: [PCI/PEG] [PEG/PCI]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Congure North Bridge
features.

ENABLE: Allow
remapping of
overlapped PCI memory
above the total
physical memory.

DISABLE: Do not allow
remapping of memory.

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5.4 Onboard Device Conguration

Advanced

Onboard Device Conguration

High Denition Audio [Enabled]
Front Panel Type [HD Audio]
Marvell IDE [Enabled]
PCIE IDE Boot ROM [Enabled]
Marvell LAN1 [Enabled]
LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
Marvell LAN2 [Enabled]
LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
LSI Firewire 1394 [Enabled]

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

High Denition Audio [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the High Denition Audio Controller.
Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Front Panel Type [HD Audio]

Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy

AC’97 or high-denition audio depending on the audio standard that the front
panel audio module supports. Conguration options: [AC97] [HD Audio]

Marvell IDE [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the onboard Marvell IDE controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

PCIE IDE Boot ROM [Enabled]

This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled].

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Enable or Disable
High Denition Audio
Controller

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

MarvelI LAN1/2 [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the onboard Marvell LAN port1/2.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

This item appears only when you enable the previous item.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Agere Firewire 1394 [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]

ASUS P5Q-E 3-27

3.5.5 USB Conguration

The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an

item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

Advanced

USB Conguration

USB Devices Enabled:

1 Mouse

USB Functions [Enabled]
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]
USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]
BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Enabled]
Legacy USB Support [Auto]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

The USB Devices Enabled item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB
device is detected, the item shows None.

USB Functions [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB Host Controllers.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following items appear only when you set USB Functions to [Enabled].

USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options

Disabled
Enabled

Select Screen

Select Item

+- Change Option

F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]

Allows you to set the USB 2.0 controller mode to HiSpeed (480 Mbps) or
FullSpeed (12 Mbps).

Conguration options: [FullSpeed] [HiSpeed]

The USB 2.0 Controller Mode item appears only when you enable the USB

2.0 Controller.

BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Enabled]

Allows you to enable the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off
feature.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Legacy USB Support [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable the support for legacy USB devices. Setting to
[Auto] allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If
detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected,
the legacy USB support is disabled.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

3.5.6 PCIPnP

The PCIPnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP
devices.

Advanced

Advanced PCI/PnP Settings

WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections
may cause system to malfunction.

Plug And Play O/S [No]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

Plug And Play O/S [No]

When set to [NO], BIOS congures all the devices in the system. When set to

[YES] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system

congures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot.
Conguration options: [No] [Yes]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

NO: lets the BIOS
congure all the
devices in the system.
YES: lets the
operating system
congure Plug and
Play (PnP) devices not
required for boot if
your system has a Plug
and Play operating
system.

Select Screen

Select Item

+- Change Option

F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

ASUS P5Q-E 3-29

3.6 Power menu

The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced
Power Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the

conguration options.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Suspend Mode [Auto]
Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]
ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

APM Conguration
Hardware Monitor

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

3.6.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]

Allows you to select the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) state

to be used for system suspend.

Conguration options: [S1 (POS) Only] [S3 Only] [Auto]

3.6.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]

Determines whether to invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR resume.

Conguration options: [No] [Yes]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select the ACPI state
used for System
Suspend.

Select Screen

Select Item

+- Change Option

F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

3.6.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]

Add additional tables as per ACPI 2.0 specications.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

3.6.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface

(ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). When
set to [Enabled], the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setup