Asus P5Q-EM User Manual

P5Q-EM

Motherboard

E3726

First Edition V1

July 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, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing byASUS; 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 identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.

ii

Contents

Contents.......................................................................................................	iii
Notices.........................................................................................................	vi
Safety information......................................................................................	vii
About this guide........................................................................................	viii
P5Q-EM specifications summary................................................................	x

Chapter 1:		Product introduction
1.1	Welcome!.......................................................................................		1-2
1.2	Package contents.........................................................................		1-2
1.3	Special features............................................................................		1-3
	1.3.1	Product highlights............................................................	1-3
	1.3.2	ASUS unique features.....................................................	1-5

1.3.3ASUS Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features.. 1-7

1.4	Before you proceed......................................................................		1-9
1.5	Motherboard overview...............................................................		1-10
	1.5.1	Motherboard layout........................................................	1-10
	1.5.2	Layout contents..............................................................	1-11
	1.5.3	Placement direction.......................................................	1-12
	1.5.4	Screw holes...................................................................	1-12
1.6	Central Processing Unit (CPU)..................................................		1-13
	1.6.1	Installing the CPU..........................................................	1-14
	1.6.2	Installing the CPU heatsink and fan..............................	1-17
	1.6.3	Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan..........................	1-18
1.7	System memory..........................................................................		1-19
	1.7.1	Overview........................................................................	1-19
	1.7.2	Memory configurations..................................................	1-20
	1.7.3	Installing a DIMM...........................................................	1-24
	1.7.4	Removing a DIMM.........................................................	1-24
1.8	Expansion slots..........................................................................		1-25
	1.8.1	Installing an expansion card..........................................	1-25
	1.8.2	Configuring an expansion card......................................	1-25
	1.8.3	Interrupt assignments....................................................	1-26
	1.8.4	PCI slot..........................................................................	1-27
	1.8.5	PCI Express x1 slots.....................................................	1-27
	1.8.6	PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot...............................................	1-27
1.9	Jumpers	.......................................................................................	1-28

iii

Contents

1.10	Connectors..................................................................................		1-30
	1.10.1	Rear panel connectors..................................................	1-30
	1.10.2	Internal connectors........................................................	1-34
1.11 Starting up for the first time......................................................			1-45
1.12	Turning off the computer...........................................................		1-46
	1.12.1 Using the OS shut down function..................................		1-46
	1.12.2 Using the dual function power switch............................		1-46

Chapter 2:		BIOS setup
2.1	Managing and updating your BIOS.............................................		2-2
	2.1.1	ASUS Update utility.........................................................	2-2
	2.1.2	Creating a bootable floppy disk.......................................	2-5
	2.1.3	ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility...................................................	2-6
	2.1.4	AFUDOS utility................................................................	2-7
	2.1.5	ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility.......................................	2-9
2.2	BIOS setup program...................................................................		2-10
	2.2.1	BIOS menu screen.........................................................	2-11
	2.2.2	Menu bar........................................................................	2-11
	2.2.3	Navigation keys..............................................................	2-11
	2.2.4	Menu items....................................................................	2-12
	2.2.5	Sub-menu items............................................................	2-12
	2.2.6	Configuration fields........................................................	2-12
	2.2.7	Pop-up window..............................................................	2-12
	2.2.8	Scroll bar.......................................................................	2-12
	2.2.9	General help..................................................................	2-12
2.3	Main menu...................................................................................		2-13
	2.3.1	System Time..................................................................	2-13
	2.3.2	System Date..................................................................	2-13
	2.3.3	Legacy Diskette A .........................................................	2-13
	2.3.4	SATA 1–6.......................................................................	2-14
	2.3.5	Storage Configuration....................................................	2-15
	2.3.6	AHCI Configuration........................................................	2-16
	2.3.7	System Information........................................................	2-17
2.4	Ai Tweaker menu........................................................................		2-18
	2.4.1	Configure System performance Settings.......................	2-18
2.5	Advanced menu..........................................................................		2-25

iv

Contents

	2.5.1	CPU Configuration.........................................................	2-25
	2.5.2	Chipset..........................................................................	2-27
	2.5.3	Onboard Devices Configuration....................................	2-28
	2.5.4	USB Configuration.........................................................	2-29
	2.5.5	PCIPnP..........................................................................	2-30
2.6	Power menu................................................................................		2-31
	2.6.1	Suspend Mode..............................................................	2-31
	2.6.2	Repost Video on S3 Resume........................................	2-31
	2.6.3	ACPI 2.0 Support...........................................................	2-31
	2.6.4	ACPI APIC Support.......................................................	2-31
	2.6.5	APM Configuration........................................................	2-32
	2.6.6	Hardware Monitor..........................................................	2-33
2.7	Boot menu...................................................................................		2-35
	2.7.1	Boot Device Priority.......................................................	2-35
	2.7.2	Boot Settings Configuration...........................................	2-36
	2.7.3	Security..........................................................................	2-37
2.8	Tools menu..................................................................................		2-39
	2.8.1	ASUS EZ Flash 2..........................................................	2-39
	2.8.2	Express Gate.................................................................	2-40
	2.8.3	ASUS O.C. Profile.........................................................	2-41
	2.8.4	AI Net 2..........................................................................	2-42
2.9	Exit menu.....................................................................................		2-43

Chapter 3:		Software support
3.1	Installing an operating system....................................................		3-2
3.2	Support DVD information.............................................................		3-2
	3.2.1	Running the support DVD................................................	3-2
	3.2.2	Drivers menu...................................................................	3-3
	3.2.3	Utilities menu...................................................................	3-4
	3.2.4	Make disk menu..............................................................	3-6
	3.2.5	Manual menu...................................................................	3-7
	3.2.6	ASUS Contact information...............................................	3-7
	3.2.7	Other information.............................................................	3-8
3.3	ASUS Express Gate....................................................................		3-10
3.4	Creating a RAID driver disk.......................................................		3-19
	3.4.1	Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS....	3-19
	3.4.2	Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®......................	3-19

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 modifications 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.

vi

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 fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified 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 qualified service technician or your retailer.

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

vii

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

•Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. It also lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.

•Chapter 2: 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 3: Software support

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

Where to find 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 flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.

viii

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 connected with a plus sign (+).

Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<D>

Command Means that you must type the command exactly as shown.

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

afudos /iP5QEM.ROM

ix

P5Q-EM specifications summary

CPU

Chipset

System bus

Memory

VGA

Expansion slots

Storage

LAN

Audio

IEEE 1394

USB

LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® dual-core / Celeron® dualcore / Celeron® processors

Compatible with Intel® 05B/05A/06 processors Supports Intel® 45nm multi-core CPUs

Intel® G45 / ICH10R with Intel® Fast Memory Access Technology

1600/1333/1066/800 MHz

Dual-channel memory architecture

- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered non-ECC DDR2 1066(O.C.)/800/667MHz memory

modules

- Supports up to 16 GB system memory

*When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows® 32-bit operation system may only recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3 GB is recommended.

**Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the

Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists).

Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD integrated Multi-VGA output support: HDMI, DVI-D, and RGB

- HDMI with max. resolution 1920 x 1080 @ 60 Hz - DVI with max. resolution 1920 x 1080 @ 60 Hz - RGB with max. resolution 2048 x 1536 @ 75 Hz

Maximum shared memory of 1849 MB Supports Microsoft® DirectX®10, OpenGL®2.1,

Pixel Shader 4.0

1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slot

2 x PCIe x1 slot

1 x PCI slot

Southbridge

- 6 x Serial ATA 3 Gb/s ports

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

Marvell® 6102 controller

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

Realtek® 8111C PCIe Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET2

Realtek® ALC1200 8-channel High-DefinitionAudio codec

- Supports Jack-detection, Multi-streaming - ASUS Noise Filtering

Agere L-FW3227 controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports

(one at midboard; one at back panel)

12 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 at mid-board, 6 at back panel)

(continued on the next page)

P5Q-EM specifications summary

ASUS Unique features

Other features

ASUS Exclusive Overclocking features

Rear panel connectors

ASUS Power Saving solution:

- ASUS EPU-4 Engine - AI Nap

ASUS Express Gate

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:

- ASUS Fanless Design

- ASUS Fan Xpert

ASUS Crystal Sound:

- ASUS Noise Filtering

ASUS EZ DIY:

- ASUS Q-Connector

- ASUS O.C. Profile

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS MyLogo 2™

Precision Tweaker 2:

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.00625V increment

- vDIMM: 45-step DRAM voltage control

- vChipset (N.B.): 30-step chipset voltage control - vCPU PLL: 35-step CPU PLL voltage control

- vFSB Termination: 25-step reference 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)

1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse combo port

1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port

1 x D-Sub port

1 x DVI port

1 x HDMI port

1 x IEEE1394a

1 x LAN (RJ-45) port

6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports

8-channel audio ports

(continued on the next page)

xi

P5Q-EM specifications summary

Internal connectors

BIOS features

Manageability

Support DVD contents

Form factor

3 x USB connectors support 6 additional USB ports

1 x Floppy disk drive connector

1 x IDE connector

6 x SATA connectors

1 x CPU / 1 x Chassis / 1 x Power fan connectors 1 x IEEE1394a connector

1 x COM connector

1 x S/PDIF Out header

1 x Chassis intrusion connector

1 x Front panel audio connector

1 x CD audio in connector

24-pin ATX power connector

4-pin ATX 12 V power connector System panel connector (Q-Connector)

8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, ASUS EZ Flash 2

WOL by PME, WOR by PME, WOR by Ring, Chassis Intrusion, PXE

Drivers

ASUS Express Gate

ASUS PC Probe II

ASUS Update

ASUS AI Suite

Anti-virus software (OEM version)

Image-Editing Suite

uATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.6 in (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm)

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

xii

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

Product1 introduction

1.1Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® P5Q-EM 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.

1.2Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard	ASUS P5Q-EM
Cables	3 x SATA signal cables
	2 x SATA power cables for 3 devices
	1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
	1 x Floppy disk drive cable
Accessories	1 x I/O Shield
	1 x eSATA module
	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.

1-2	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.3Special features

1.3.1Product 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 theASUS 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 processors in LGA775 package. It can also support Intel® 45nm multi-core CPUs. With new Intel® Core™ microarchitecture technology and 1600/1333/1066/800MHz FSB, Intel® Core™2 processor is one of the most powerful and energy efficient CPUs in the world.

Intel G45 Chipset

The Intel® G45 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 provides digital home entertainment of full 1080p highdefinition video playback, including Blu-ray disc movies, with the next-generation

Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD. The Intel® G45 Express Chipset delivers optimized 3D graphics performance and support for Microsoft DirectX

10, Shader Model 4.0 and OpenGL 2.1. It especially includes Intel® Fast Memory

Access technology that significantly 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 1-27 for details.

Serial ATA 3 Gb/s technology

This motherboard supports hard drives based on the Serial ATA (SATA) 3 Gb/s storage specification, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. The onboard Intel® ICH10R allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 configurations for six SATA connectors. See page 1-36 for details.

ASUS P5Q-EM

1-3

HDMI/DVI/D-Sub Interface

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a set of digital video standards that delivers multi-channel audio and uncompressed digital video through a single cable for full HD 1080p visuals. Supporting HDCP copy protection such as HD DVD and Blu-ray Discs, HDMI provides you with the highest-quality home theater experience. DVI (Digital Visual Interface) provides high quality visuals for digital display devices like LCD monitors. See page 1-31 for details.

IEEE 1394a support

The IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals & other PC portable devices. See pages 1-30 and 1-38 for details.

High Definition Audio

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

DefinitionAudio, previously codenamedAzalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output that simultaneously sends different audio streams to different destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphone while playing multi-channel network games. See page 1-30 for details.

S/PDIF digital sound ready

This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems via the coaxial (mid-board) and optical S/PDIF (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) Out interface. It allows digital audio transferring without converting it to analog format, and therefore well preserves signal quality. See pages 1-32 and 1-40 for details.

1-4	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.3.2ASUS 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 any time! See pages 3-10 to 3-18 for details.

The actual boot time depends on the system configuration.

ASUS Power Saving Solution

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

ASUS EPU-4 Engine

The newASUS EPU—the world’s first power saving engine, has been upgraded to a new 4-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, hard drives, and CPU cooler/system fan), the EPU automatically provides the most appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking—helping save power and money.

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.

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

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

ASUS P5Q-EM

1-5

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 profiles offer flexible controls of fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool environment.

ASUS Crystal Sound

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

Noise Filtering

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

ASUS EZ DIY

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

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 1-44 for details.

ASUS O.C. Profile

The motherboard features theASUS O.C. Profile that allows users to conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favorite settings. See page 2-41 for details.

ASUS EZ Flash 2

EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predefined 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 flash utility. See pages 2-6 and 2-39 for details.

1-6	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a

USB flash disk containing the BIOS file. See page 2-9 for details.

ASUS MyLogo 2™

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.

1.3.3ASUS Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features

AI Booster

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

Precision Tweaker 2

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

Voltage and the DRAM Voltage in 0.02v steps to finetune voltages to achieve the most precise setting for the ultimate customized overclocking configuration.

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-EM

1-7

1-8	Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.4Before 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.

Onboard LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft off mode. This is a

reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.

ASUS P5Q-EM

1-9

1.5Motherboard overview

1.5.1Motherboard layout

Refer to 1.10 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.

1-10	Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.5.2Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots		Page
1.	Keyboard power (3-pin PS2_USBPW56)	1-29
2.	ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)	1-42
3.	LGA775 CPU Socket	1-14
4.	DDR2 DIMM slots	1-19
5.	CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN;	1-39
	3-pin CHA_FAN1; 3-pin PWR_FAN)
6.	Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)	1-34
7.	Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)	1-38
8.	IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE)	1-35
9.	ICH10R Serial ATA connectors [red] (7-pin SATA1-6)	1-36
10.	Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)	1-28
11.	System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)	1-43
12.	Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)	1-40
13.	Onboard LED (SB_PWR)	1-9
14.	USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78; USB910; USB1112)	1-37
15.	USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-4; USB7-10; USB1112)	1-29
16.	IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)	1-38
17.	Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)	1-41
18.	Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)	1-41
19.	Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)	1-40

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1.5.3Placement 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.

1.5.4Screw holes

Place eight (8) 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

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1.6Central 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

MerchandiseAuthorization (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.

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1.6.1Installing 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.

Retention tab

A

B

Load lever

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

4.Lift the load plate with your thumb and forefinger to a 100º angle (4A), then push the PnP cap from the load plate window to remove (4B).

PnP cap Load plate

4B

4A

3

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5.	Position the CPU over the socket,	CPU notch
	making sure that the gold triangle
	is on the bottom left corner of the
	socket then fit the socket alignment
	key into the CPU notch.

The CPU fits 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!

Alignment key

Gold triangle mark

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.

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 finger directly.

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

A

B

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.

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1.6.2Installing 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® certified 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		A
	installed CPU, making sure that the		B
	four fasteners match the holes on
			B
	the motherboard.
	2. Push down two fasteners at a time in
	a diagonal sequence to secure the		A
	heatsink and fan assembly in place.
	A	B
			1
	B	A	1

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

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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.

1.6.3Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan:

	1.	Disconnect the CPU fan cable from		A
		the connector on the motherboard.		B
	2.	Rotate each fastener
				B
		counterclockwise.
	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

BA

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

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