Asus P5Q SE PLUS User Manual

P5Q SE Plus

Motherboard

E4182

First Edition V1 September 2008

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

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

product is defaced or missing.

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.

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

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

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

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

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

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

P5Q SE Plus specications summary ...................................................... xi

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 .................................................... 1-4

1.3.3 ASUS Stylish features ..................................................... 1-6

1.3.4 ASUS Intelligent Overclocking features .......................... 1-6

1.4 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-7

1.5 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 1-8

1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 1-8

1.5.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 1-8

1.5.3 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 1-9

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................. 1-10

1.6.1 Installing the CPU ..........................................................1-11

1.6.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan .............................. 1-14

1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 1-15

1.7 System memory ......................................................................... 1-16

1.7.1 Overview ....................................................................... 1-16

1.7.2 Memory congurations .................................................. 1-17

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-23

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-23

1.8 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 1-24

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-24

1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 1-24

1.8.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 1-25

1.8.4 PCI slots ........................................................................ 1-26

1.8.5 PCI Express x1 slots ..................................................... 1-26

1.8.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot ............................................... 1-26

1.9 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 1-27

iii

Contents

1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-29

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 1-29

1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-30

1.11 Starting up for the rst time ...................................................... 1-39

1.12 Turning off the computer ........................................................... 1-40

1.12.1 Using the OS shut down function .................................. 1-40

1.12.2 Using the dual function power switch ............................ 1-40

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 oppy 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 Conguration elds ....................................................... 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 Conguration ................................................... 2-15

2.3.6 System Information ....................................................... 2-16

2.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................ 2-17

2.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner ....................................................... 2-17

2.4.2 FSB Strap to North Bridge ........................................... 2-18

2.4.3 DRAM Frequency ........................................................ 2-18

Contents

2.4.4 DRAM Timing Control .................................................. 2-18

2.4.5 DRAM Static Read Control .......................................... 2-20

2.4.6 DRAM Read Training ................................................... 2-20

2.4.7 MEM. OC Charger ....................................................... 2-20

2.4.8 Ai Clock Twister ............................................................ 2-20

2.4.9 Ai Transaction Booster ................................................. 2-21

2.4.10 CPU Voltage ............................................................... 2-21

2.4.11 FSB Termination Voltage .............................................. 2-21

2.4.12 Memory Voltage ........................................................... 2-21

2.4.13 North Bridge Voltage .................................................... 2-21

2.4.14 South Bridge Voltage ................................................... 2-22

2.4.15 Load-Line Calibration ................................................... 2-22

2.4.16 CPU GTL Reference .................................................... 2-22

2.4.17 CPU Spread Spectrum ................................................ 2-22

2.4.18 PCIE Spread Spectrum ................................................ 2-22

2.4.19 CPU Clock Skew .......................................................... 2-22

2.4.20 NB Clock Skew ............................................................ 2-22

2.4.21 CPU Margin Enhancement ........................................... 2-22

2.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 2-23

2.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 2-23

2.5.2 Chipset .......................................................................... 2-25

2.5.3 OnBoard Devices Conguration ................................... 2-26

2.5.4 USB Conguration ........................................................ 2-27

2.5.5 PCI PnP ........................................................................ 2-28

2.6 Power menu ................................................................................ 2-29

2.6.1 Suspend Mode ............................................................. 2-29

2.6.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ........................................ 2-29

2.6.3 ACPI 2.0 Support .......................................................... 2-29

2.6.4 ACPI APIC Support ....................................................... 2-29

2.6.5 APM Conguration ........................................................ 2-30

2.6.6 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 2-31

2.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-33

2.7.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 2-33

2.7.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 2-34

2.7.3 Security ......................................................................... 2-35

Contents

2.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-37

2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 .......................................................... 2-37

2.8.2 Express Gate ................................................................ 2-38

2.8.3 AI NET 2........................................................................ 2-38

2.8.4 ASUS O.C. Prole ......................................................... 2-39

2.9 Exit menu .................................................................................... 2-40

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 Manual menu .................................................................. 3-6

3.2.5 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 3-6

3.2.6 Other information ............................................................ 3-7

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

•

This device may not cause harmful interference, and

•

This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio

frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s

instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

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

•

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

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

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

to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance

could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

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

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

vii

Safety information

Electrical safety

•

To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the

electrical outlet before relocating the system.

•

When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

•

Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables are unplugged.

•

Seek professional assistance before using an adpater or extension cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.

•

Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company.

•

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

service technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

•

Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals that came with the package.

•

Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.

•

To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.

•

Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area where it may become wet.

•

Place the product on a stable surface.

•

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

service technician or your retailer.

viii

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

About this guide

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

the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. This chapter 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 CD that comes with the motherboard package.

Where to nd more information

Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.

1. ASUS websites

The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty

yers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not

part of the standard package.

Conventions used in this guide

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

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself

when trying to complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components

when trying to complete a task.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a

task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a

task.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.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 commandMeans 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 /iP5QSEPLU.ROM

P5Q SE Plus specications summary

CPU

LGA775 socket for Intel® Core�2 Extreme /Core�2 Extreme / Core�2 Quad / Core�2 Duo / PentiumCore�2 Quad / Core�2 Duo / Pentium® dual-core / Celeron® dual-core / Celeron® processors Compatible with Intel® 05B/05A/06 processors Supports Intel® 45nm Multi-Core CPU

Chipset

Intel® P45 / ICH10 with Intel® Fast Memory Access TechnologyTechnology

System Bus

Memory

1600 / 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz

Dual-channel memory architecture

- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered non-ECC DDR2 1200 / 1066 / 800 / 667 MHz memory modules

- Supports up to 16GB system memory

• Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List.)

• Due to chipset limitation, when installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows® 32-bit operation system may only

recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of

less than 3GB is recommended.

Expansion Slots

1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot 2 x PCI Express x1 slots 3 x PCI slots

Storage

Southbridge

- 6 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s ports JMicron® JMB368

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

ASUS Unique Features ASUS Power Saving Solution:

- ASUS 8-Phase Power Design

- ASUS EPU-4 Engine

- ASUS AI Nap ASUS Exclusive Feature:

- ASUS Express Gate

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:

- ASUS Fan Xpert

- ASUS Fanless Design: Heatsink Solution ASUS EZ DIY:

- ASUS Q-Connector

- ASUS O.C. Prole

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

Other Features

LAN

Audio

ASUS MyLogo2

Realtek Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET 2

VIA® AVT1708s, 8-channel High-Denition Audio CODEC

- Supports Multi-streaming

- Optical S/PDIF out port at back I/O

- ASUS Noise Filtering

(continued on the next page)

P5Q SE Plus specications summary

USB

ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features

Back Panel I/O Ports

Internal I/O Connectors

Manageability

BIOS Features

Support DVD

BIOS Features

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

Intelligent overclocking tools:

- ASUS AI Booster utility Precision Tweaker:

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 6.25mV increment

- vDIMM: 6-step DRAM voltage control SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):

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

- Memory tuning from 667MHz up to 1333MHz for

DDR2

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

Overclocking protection:

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

1 x PS/2 keyboard port 1 x PS/2 mouse port 1 x optical S/PDIF Out port 1 x RJ-45 port 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel audio I/O ports

3 x USB connectors support 6 additional USB ports 1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x IDE connector 6 x Serial ATA connectors 1 x CPU/ Chassis/ Power fan 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 1 x 24-pin ATX power connector 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector System panel connector (Q-Connector)

WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE

8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.3, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

Drivers ASUS PC Probe II ASUS Update ASUS AI Suite Anti-Virus software (OEM version)

ATX form factor: 12 in x 7.8 in (30.5 cm x 19.8 cm)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

xii

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

Chapter 1: Product

introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® P5Q SE Plus 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 SE Plus motherboard

Cables 2 x Serial ATA cables

1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable

Accessories 1 x I/O shield

2 in 1 Q-Connector (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

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Green ASUS

This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision

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

consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.

Intel® Core�2 Extreme / Core�2 Quad /Core�2 Extreme / Core�2 Quad / Core�2 Duo CPU support

This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core�2 processor in the LGA775

package and Intel’s 45nm multi-core processors. With the new Intel® Core� microarchitecture technology and 1333/1066/800 MHz FSB, the Intel one of the most powerful and energy efcient CPUs in the world. See page 1-10

for details.

Intel® P45 Chipset

The Intel® P45 Express Chipset is designed to support dual-channel DDR2

1066/800/667MHz architecture, 1333/1066/800 FSB (Front Side Bus), PCIe

2.0, and multi-core CPUs. It supports Intel Fast Memory Access technology that

signicantly optimizes the use of available memory bandwidth and reduces the

latency of the memory accesses.

Core�2 is

PCI Express 2.0 support

The motherboard supports the latest PCI Express 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance. See page 1-26 for details.

FSB 1600 support

ASUS’s exclusive overclocking design now unleashes the ultimate potential of the

Intel® Core�2 processor. With the new Intel 45nm micro-architecture technology

and FSB 1600 / 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz, this motherboard allows you to enjoy the latest technology supported by one of the most powerful and energy efcient CPUs

in the world.

Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology

This motherboard supports the hard drives based on the Serial ATA (SATA)

3Gb/s storage specication, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus

bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. See page 1-32 for details.See page 1-32 for details.

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

1-3

1.3.2 ASUS unique features

ASUS Exclusive features

Express Gate

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

stop gateway to instant fun! It’s a unique motherboard built-in OS. You can utilize the most popular Instant Messengers (IM) like MSN, Skype, Google

talk, QQ, and Yahoo! Messenger to keep in touch with friends, or quickly

check on the weather and e-mails just before leaving your house. What’s

more, the user-friendly picture manager lets you view your pictures without entering Windows at anytime!

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

• File downloading and uploading progresses through USB devices only.

ASUS Power Saving Solution

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

ASUS 8-Phase Power Design

ASUS 8-Phase Power Design keeps CPU and power module away from suffering risk of high power stress, which makes CPU lifetime much longer and system more stable. With High quality power components such as low RDS (on) MOSFETs for minimum switching loss & lower temperatures, Ferrite core chokes with lower hysteresis loss and high quality conductive

polymer capacitors, it provides high efciency operation to generate less heat

than conventional power solutions and consequently achieve cool system environment.

1-4

ASUS EPU-4 Engine

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

upgraded to a new four-engine version, which provides total system power savings by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power in real-time. The EPU automatically provides the most appropriate power usage for the CPU, VGA card, hard drives, CPU fan, and chassis fan

- helping save power and money.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

AI Nap

With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise when you are temporarily away. To wake 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.

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.

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 1-38 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 2-39 for details.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

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

from a USB ash disk containing the BIOS le. See page 2-9 for details.

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

1-5

ASUS EZ Flash 2

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

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

OS-based ash utility. See pages 2-6 and 2-37 for details.

1.3.3 ASUS Stylish features

ASUS MyLogo2�

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 2-34 for details.

1.3.4 ASUS Intelligent 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

This feature allows you to ne tune the CPU/memory voltage and gradually increase the memory Front Side Bus (FSB) and PCI Express frequency at 1MHz

increment to achieve maximum system performance. See page 2-21 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.

1-6

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.4 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.

Onboard LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that 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 SE Plus

1-7

1.5 Motherboard overview

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

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

1.5.1 Placement direction

When installing the motherboard, ensure 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.

1.5.2 Screw holes

Place six (6) 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.

1-8

Place this side towards the rear of the chassis

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.5.3 Motherboard layout

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

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

1-9

1.6 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.

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

• Connect the chassis fan cable to the CHA_FAN connector to ensure system stability.

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

above.

•

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

•

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

Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes

with the cap on the 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.

1-10

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.6.1 Installing the CPU

To install a CPU:

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

Before installing the CPU, ensure that the socket 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).

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

Retention tab

Load lever

PnP cap

Load plate

1-11

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

then t the socket alignment key

into the CPU notch.

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 pre-applied 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.

Gold triangle mark

Alignment key

1-12

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

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

1-13

1.6.2 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.thermal condition and performance.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, ensure 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.

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

Ensure 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 that 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.

The type of CPU heatsink and fan assembly may differ, but the installation steps and fucntions should remain the same. The illustration above is for reference only.

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Chapter 1: Product introduction

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.

1.6.3 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.

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

heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard.

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

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

1-15

1.7 System memory

1.7.1 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 not notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.

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

1-16

Channel Sockets

Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.7.2 Memory congurations

You may install 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB, and 4 GB unbuffered 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.

• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows OS, when you install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you install a 64-bit Windows OS when having 4GB or more memory installed on the motherboard.

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

• 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 he vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendormarked or at a higher frequency, see section 2.4 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency adjustment.

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

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

1-17

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

Chip

Size Vendor Part No. CL

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

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

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

512MB Kingston KVR1066D2N7/512 N/A Elpida SS E5108AJBG-1J-E • • •

512MB Kingston KHX8500D2K2/1GN N/A Kingston SS Heat-Sink Package • • •

1G Kingston KHX8500D2K2/2GN N/A Kingston DS Heat-Sink Package • • •

1G Qimonda HYS64T128020EU-19F-C 6 Qimonda DS HYB18T512800CF19FFSS24313 • • •

1G Corsair CM2X1024-8500C5D 5-5-5-15Corsair SS Heat-Sink Package • • •

1G Transcend TX1066QLJ-2GK1GB 5 Transced DS Heat-Sink Package • • •

1G Kingmax KLED48F-A8K15 N/A Kingmax DS KKA8FFIXF-JFS-18A • • •

2G(kit

OCZ OCZ2N1066SR2DK 5-5-5-15OCZ DS Heat-Sink Package(EPP) • • •

of 2)

1G GEIL GB22GB8500C5DC 5 GEIL SS GL2L128M88BA25AB • • •

1G GEIL GB24GB8500C5QC 5 GEIL SS GL2L128M88BA25AB • • •

1G GEIL GE22GB1066C5DC 5 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • • •

1G GEIL GE24GB1066C5QC 5 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • •

2G GEIL GB24GB8500C5DC 5 GEIL DS GL2L128M88BA25AB • •

2G(kit

G.SKILL F2-8500CL5D-2GBPK 5-5-5-15N/A DS Heat-Sink Package • • •

of 2)

4G(kit

G.SKILL F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK 5-5-5-15N/A DS Heat-Sink Package • • •

of 2)

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

512MB Kingbox EP512D21066PS N/A Micron SS 6QD22D9GCT •

1G AENEON AXT760UD00-19DC97X 5 AENEON DS Heat-Sink Package • • •

Brand

SS/ DS

Chip No.

DIMM support

A* B* C*

DDR2-800 MHz capability

Size Vendor Part No. CL Chip Brand

1G Kingston KHX6400D2LL/1G N/A Kingston DS Heat-Sink Package • • •

512MB Kingston KVR800D2N5/512 N/A Promos SS V59C1512804QCF25SY0324

512MB Kingston KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN N/A Kingston SS Heat-Sink Package • • •

512MB Kingston KVR800D2N6/512 N/A Elpida SS E5108AJBG-8E-E • • •

1G Kingston KVR800D2N5/1G N/A Elpida DS E5108AJBG-8E-E • • •

2G Kingston KHX6400D2/2G N/A Kingston DS Heat-Sink Package • • •

1G Kingston KVR800D2N6/1G N/A Elpida DS E5108AJBG-8E-E • • •

1G Samsung K4T1G084QQ-HCF7 6 Samsung SS M378T2863QZS-CF7 • • •

2G Kingston KVR800D2N5/2G N/A Elpida DS E1108ACBG-8E-E • • •

(continued on the next page)

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SS/ DS

Chip No.

06PECPA

Chapter 1: Product introduction

DIMM support

A* B* C*

• • •

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