Asus P5Q SE PLUS User Manual

P5Q SE Plus

Motherboard

E4182

First Edition V1
September 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 ........................................................................................................ 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

iv

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

v

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

vi

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.

ix

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

x

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)

xi

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

1

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

A

B

Load lever

PnP cap

Load plate

4B

4A

3

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.

A

B

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.

A

B

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.

1-14

B

A

A

B

B

A

1

1

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.

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.

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)

1-18

SS/
DS

Chip No.

06PECPA

Chapter 1: Product introduction

DIMM support

A* B* C*

• • •

DDR2-800 MHz capability

Size Vendor Chip No. CL Chip Brand

4G Kingston E2108ABSE-8G-E N/A Elpida DS N/A • • •

1G Samsung K4T51083QG-HCF7 6 Samsung DS M378T2953GZ3-CF7 • • •

2G Samsung K4T1G084QQ-HCF7 6 Samsung DS M37875663QZ3-CF7 • • •

Samsung K4T51083QG-HCF7 6 Samsung SS M378T6553GZS-CF7 • • •

512MB

4G Samsung K4T2G084QA-HCF7 6 Samsung DS M378T5263AZ3-CF7 • • •

1G Qimonda HYB18T512800B2F25F

512MB

1G Corsair Heat-Sink Package 4 Corsair DS XMS2-6400 • • •

1G Corsair Heat-Sink Package 5 Corsair DS XMS2-6400 • • •

2G(Kit
of 2)

2G(Kit
of 2)

1G HY HY5PS12821CFPS5 5 Hynix DS HYMP512U64CP8-S5 AB • • •

512MB

512MB

1G Apacer AM4B5808CQJS8E0749D 5 Apacer SS 78.01GA0.9K5 • • •

2G Apacer AM4B5808CQJS8E0747D 5 Apacer DS 78.A1GA0.9K4 • • •

512MB

2G Apacer AM4B5808CQJS8E0740E 5 Apacer DS 78.A1GA0.9K4 • • •

512MB

512MB

512MB

512MB

1G ADATA AD29608A8A-

1G VDATA VD29608A8A-

1G PSC A3R1GE3CFF734MAA0E 5 PSC SS AL7E8F73C-8E1 • • •

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

1G GEIL GL2L64M088BA30EB 4 GEIL DS GB22GB6400C4DC • • •

1G GEIL GL2L64M088BA30EB 4 GEIL DS GB24GB6400C4QC • • •

1G GEIL GL2L64M088BA30EB 5 GEIL DS GB22GB6400C5DC • • •

1G GEIL GL2L64M088BA30EB 5 GEIL DS GB24GB6400C5QC • • •

1G GEIL Heat-Sink Package 5 GEIL DS GX22GB6400DC • • •

1G GEIL Heat-Sink Package 4 GEIL DS GE22GB800C4DC • • •

SS28380

Qimonda HYB18T512800B2F25F

SS28380

Corsair Heat-Sink Package 5 Corsair DS CM2X2048-6400C5DHX • • •

Corsair Heat-Sink Package 5 Corsair DS CM2X2048-6400C5 • • •

HY HY5PS12821CFP-S5 5 Hynix SS HYMP564U64CP8-S5 AB • • •

Kingmax KKA8FF1XF-JFS-25A N/A Kingmax SS KLDC28F-A8KI5 • • •

Apacer AM4B5708JQJS8E0751C 5 Apacer SS 78.91G91.9K5 • • •

Transcend 7HD22 D9GMH N/A Micron SS TS128MLQ64V8J512MB • • •

Transcend Heat-Sink Package N/A Transcend SS TS64MLQ64V8J512MB • • •

ADATA AD29608A8A-

25EG80812

VDATA VD29608A8A-

25EG20813

25EG80810

25EG80813

6 Qimonda DS HYS64T128020EU-2.5-B2 • •

6 Qimonda SS HYS64T64000EU-2.5-B2 • • •

N/A ADATA SS M2OAD6G3H3160Q1E58 • • •

N/A VDATA SS M2GVD6G3H3160Q1E52 • • •

N/A ADATA DS M2OAD6G314170Q1E58 • • •

N/A VDATA DS M2GVD6G314170Q1E58 • • •

SS/
DS

Part No.

DIMM support

A* B* C*

(continued on the next page)

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

1-19

DDR2-800 MHz capability

Size Vendor Chip No. CL Chip Brand

1G GEIL Heat-Sink Package 4 GEIL DS GE24GB800C4QC • • •

1G GEIL Heat-Sink Package 4 GEIL DS GX22GB6400UDC • • •

1G GEIL Heat-Sink Package 5 GEIL DS GE22GB800C5DC • • •

1G GEIL Heat-Sink Package 5 GEIL DS GE24GB800C5QC • • •

2G GEIL GL2L128M88BA25AB 4 GEIL DS GB24GB6400C4DC • • •

2G GEIL GL2L128M88BA25AB 5 GEIL DS GB24GB6400C5DC • • •

2G GEIL GL2L128M88BA25AB 5 GEIL DS GB28GB6400C5QC • • •

2G GEIL GL2L128M88BA25AB 4 GEIL DS GB28GB6400C4QC • • •

2G GEIL Heat-Sink Package 5 GEIL DS GX22GB6400LX • • •

2G GEIL Heat-Sink Package 5 GEIL DS GX24GB6400DC • • •

2G GEIL Heat-Sink Package 5 GEIL DS GE28GB800C5QC • • •

2G GEIL Heat-Sink Package 4 GEIL DS GX22GB6400CUSC • • •

2G GEIL Heat-Sink Package 4 GEIL DS GE24GB800C4DC • • •

2G GEIL Heat-Sink Package 5 GEIL DS GE24GB800C5DC • • •

1G Super

Talent

2G G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package 5 G.SKILL DS F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ • • •

4G G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package 5 G.SKILL DS F2-6400CL5Q-16GNQ • • •

1G G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package 5 G.SKILL DS F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ • •

1G G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package 4 G.SKILL DS F2-6400CL4D-2GBPK • • •

1G G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package 4 G.SKILL DS F2-6400CL4D-2GBHK • • •

2G G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package 4 G.SKILL DS F2-6400CL4D-4GBPK • • •

512MB(Kit

G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15G.SKILL SS F2-6400CL5D-1GBNQ • • •

of 2)

2G OCZ Heat-Sink Package 5 OCZ DS OCZ2P8004GK • •

1G OCZ Heat-Sink Package 4 OCZ DS OCZ2RPR8002GK • • •

1G OCZ Heat-Sink Package 5 OCZ DS OCZ2G800R22GK • • •

1G OCZ Heat-Sink Package 4 OCZ DS OCZ2P800R22GK • • •

1G OCZ Heat-Sink Package 6 OCZ DS OCZ2VU8004GK • • •

1G Elixir N2TU51280BE-

512MB AENEON AET93F25DB 0621 N/A AENEON SS AET660UD00-25DB98X • • •

1G AENEON AET93R25DB 0640 5 AENEON DS AET760UD00-25DB97X • • •

2G AENEON AET03R250C 0732 5 AENEON DS AET860UD00-25DC08X • • •

1G AENEON AET03R250C 0732 5 AENEON SS AET760UD00-25DC08X • • •

512MB MDT 18D51280D-2.50726F 5 MDT SS MDT 512MB • • •

1G MDT 18D51280D-2.50726E 5 MDT DS MDT 1024MB • • •

1G Century HY5PS12821CFP-S5 5 Hynix DS 28V0H8 • •

1G ASINT DDRII1208-GE 8115 N/A ASINT SS SLY2128M8-JGE • • •

Heat-Sink Package 4 Super Talent DS T800UB1GC4 • • •

25C802006Z1DV

5 Elixir DS M2Y1G64TU8HB0B-25C • • •

SS/
DS

Part No.

DIMM support

A* B* C*

(continued on the next page)

1-20

Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR2-800 MHz capability

Size Vendor Chip No. CL Chip Brand

2G ASINT DDRII1208-GE 8115 N/A ASINT DS SLZ2128M8-JGE • • •

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

512MB TAKEMS MS18T51280-2.5P0710 5 takeMS SS TMS51B264C081-805EP • • •

SS/
DS

Part No.

DIMM support

A* B* C*

DDR2-667 MHz capability

Size Vendor Chip No. CL Chip Brand

512MB Kingston HY5PS12821EFP-Y5 N/A Hynix SS KVR667D2N5/512 • • •

1G Kingston HY5PS12821EFP-Y5 N/A Hynix DS KVR667D2N5/1G • • •

2G Kingston 7RE22 D9HNL N/A Micron DS KVR667D2N5/2G • • •

4G Samsung K4T2G084QA-HCE6 5 Samsung DS M378T5263AZ3-CE6 • • •

512MB Qimonda HYB18T512B00B2F3SF

1G Qimonda HYB18T512B00B2F3SF

1G Corsair MID095D62864M8CEC N/A Corsair DS VS1GB667D2 • • •

1G Corsair Heat-Sink Package 4 Corsair DS XMS2-5400 • • •

512MB Kingmax KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX N/A Kingmax SS KLCC28F-A8KB5 • • •

1G Kingmax KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX N/A Kingmax DS KLCD48F-A8KB5 • • •

512MB Apacer AM4B5708MIJS7E0627B 5 Apacer SS AU512E667C5KBGC • • •

512MB Apacer AM4B5708GQJS7E06332F 5 Apacer SS AU512E667C5KBGC • • •

512MB Apacer AM4B5708JQJS7E0751C 5 Apacer SS 78.91G92.9K5 • • •

1G Apacer AM4B5808CQJS7E0751C 5 Apacer SS 78.01G9O.9K5 • • •

1G Apacer AM4B5708GQJS7E0636B N/A Apacer DS AU01GE667C5KBGC • • •

1G Apacer AM4B5708MIJS7E0627B 5 Apacer DS AU01GE667C5KBGC • • •

2G Apacer AM4B5808CQJS7E0749B 5 Apacer DS 78.A1G9O.9K4 • • •

1G GEIL Heat-Sink Package 3 GEIL DS GX21GB5300SX • • •

2G GEIL Heat-Sink Package 5 GEIL DS GX24GB5300LDC • • •

2G(kit

G.SKILL D2 64M8CCF 0815 C7173S 5-5-5-15G.SKILL DS F2-5400PHU2-2GBNT • • •

of 2)

4G(kit

G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15G.SKILL DS F2-5300CL5D-4GBMQ • • •

of 2)

1G Transcend E5108AJBG-6E-E 5 Elpida DS 506010-4894 • • •

512MB ADATA AD29608A8A-3EG20813 N/A ADATA SS M2OAD5G3H3160Q1C52 • • •

1G ADATA AD29608A8A-3EG80814 N/A ADATA DS M2OAD5G314170Q1C58 • • •

2G ADATA AD20908A8A-3EG 30724 N/A ADATA DS M2OAD5H3J4170I1C53 • • •

512MB PSC A3R12E3JFF717B9A00 5 PSC SS AL6E8E63J-6E1 • • •

1G PSC A3R12E3JFF717B9A01 5 PSC DS AL7E8E63J-6E1 • • •

1G PSC A3R1GE3CFF734MAA0J 5 PSC SS AL7E8F73C-6E1 • • •

SS28171

SS28171

5 Qimonda SS HYS64T64000EU-3S-B2 • • •

5 Qimonda DS HYS64T128020EU-

SS/
DS

Part No.

3S-B2

DIMM support

A* B* C*

• • •

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

(continued on the next page)

1-21

DDR2-667 MHz capability

Size Vendor Chip No. CL Chip Brand

2G PSC A3R1GE3CFF733MAA00 5 PSC DS AL8E8F73C-6E1 • • •

512MB Nanya NT5TU64M8AE-3C N/A Nanya SS NT512T64U88A1BY-3C • • •

1G Nanya NT5TU64M8BE-

1G Super

512MB Twinmos A3R12E3GEF633ACAOY 5 PSC SS 8D-A3JK5MPETP • • •

1G ELIXIR M2TU51280AE-

1G ELIXIR N2TU51280BE-

1G Leadmax HY5PS12821CFP-Y5 C

512MB MDT 18D51201D-30726E 4 MDT DS DDRII 512 PC667 • • •

1G MDT 18D51280D-30646E 4 MDT DS MDT 1024MB • • •

1G AENEON AET93R300B 0639 5 AENEON DS AET760UD00-30DB97X • • •

2G AENEON AET03F30DB 0730 5 AENEON DS AET860UD00-30DB08X • • •

512MB AENEON AET93R300B 0634 5 AENEON SS AET660UD00-30DB97X • • •

1G TAKEMS MS18T51280-3SP0717A 5 takeMS DS TMS1GB264C081-

512MB TAKEMS MS18T51280-3 5 takeMS SS TMS51B264C081-665QI • • •

512MB TAKEMS MS18T51280-3S0627D 5 takeMS SS TMS51B264C081-665AP • • •

1G TAKEMS MS18T51280-3SEA07100 5 takeMS DS TMS1GB264C081-

1G ASINT DDRII1208-6E 8115 N/A ASINT SS SLY2128M8-J6E • • •

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

1G Century HY5PS12821AFP-Y5 N/A Hynix DS CENTURY 1G •

1G Century NT5TU64M8AE-3C N/A Nanya DS CENTURY 1G •

512MB Century NT5TU64M8AE-3C N/A Nanya SS CENTURY 512MB • • •

1G UMAX U2S12D30YP-6E N/A UMAX DS D46701GP3-63BJU • • •

2G UMAX U2S24D30TP-6E 5 UMAX DS D46702GP0-73BCU • • •

512MB KINGBOX EPD264082200-4 N/A KINGBOX SS 512MB 667MHz • • •

3C72155700CP

PG 64M8-800 0750 5 Super Talent DS T667UB1GV • • •

Talent

3C717095R28F

3C639009W1CF

702AA

5 Nanya DS NT1GT64U8HB0BY-3C • • •

5 ELIXIR DS M2Y1G64TU8HA2B-3C • • •

5 ELIXIR DS M2Y1G64TU8HBOB-3C • • •

N/A Hynix DS LRMP512U64A8-Y5 • • •

SS/
DS

Part No.

665AP

665AE

DIMM support

A* B* C*

• • •

• • •

1-22

If you install a DDR2-1066 memory module whose SPD is DDR2-800, ensurewhose SPD is DDR2-800, ensure, ensure
that you set the DRAM Frequency item in BIOS to [DDR2-1066MHz]. See
section 4.4 Ai Tweaker Menu for details.

SS - Single-sided / DS - Double - sided
DIMM support:

• A*: Supports one module inserted in any 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 and black slots as

two pairs of Dual-channel memory conguration.

Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR2-1066/800/667 MHz QVL.1066/800/667 MHz QVL. MHz QVL.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM

Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other
system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the
motherboard and the components.

1. Unlock a 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.

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.

3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the
socket until the retaining clips snap
back in place and the DIMM is
properly seated.

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM:

2

DIMM notch

1

1

Unlocked retaining clip

3

Locked retaining clip

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 SE Plus

2

1

DIMM notch

1-23

1.8 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.

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

1.8.1 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.

1.8.2 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 4 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.

1-24

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.8.3 Interrupt assignments

IRQ Standard function

0 System timer
1 Standard 101/102-key or Microsoft natural keyboard
2 Free
3 Free
4 Commnications Port (COM1)*
5

Free
6 Standard oppy
7 (Free)
8 System CMOS/Real Time Clock
9 Microsoft ACPI-Compliant system

10 Free
11 (Free)
12 Microsoft PS/2 port mouse
13 Numeric data processor
14 Free
15 Intel® ICH10 Family SM bus controller-3A30

* These IRQs are usually available for PCI devices.

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

A B C D E F G H

PCIEx1_1 slot shared shared shared shared – – – –
PCIEx1_2 slot shared shared shared shared – – – –
PCIEx16 slot shared shared shared shared – – – –
USB 1.1 controller 1 – – – – – – – shared
USB 1.1 controller 2 – – – shared – – – –
USB 1.1 controller 3 – – shared – – – – –
USB 1.1 controller 4 shared – – – – – – –
USB 1.1 controller 5 shared – – – – – – –
USB 1.1 controller 6 – – – – – shared – –
USB 1.1 controller 7 – – shared – – – – –
USB 2.0 controller 1 – – – – – – – shared
USB 2.0 controller 2 – – shared – – – – –
IDE port shared – – – – – – –
HD audio – – – – – – shared –
LAN – shared – – – – – –
Onchip SATA 1 – – shared shared – – – –
Onchip SATA 2 – – shared – – – – –
PCI card 1 shared shared shared shared – – – –
PCI card 2 shared shared shared shared – – – –
PCI card 3 shared shared shared shared – – – –

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

1-25

1.8.4 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.

1.8.5 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.

1.8.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot

This motherboard has one PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot that supports 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.

1-26

PCIe x1_2 slot

PCI3 slot

PCI2 slot

PCI1 slot

PCIe x1_1 slot

PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot (blue)

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.9 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 limitation, AC power off is required prior using C.P.R.
function. You must turn off and on the power supply or unplug and plug the
power cord before reboot the system.

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

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2. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR)

This jumper allows you to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up feature.

When you set this jumper to pins 2–3 (+5VSB), you can wake up the
computer by pressing a key on the keyboard (the default is the Space Bar)s.
This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the
+5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in the BIOS.

3. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-5, 3-pin USBPW6-11)

Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode
(CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using
the connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to wake up from S3 and S4 sleep
modes (no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in reduced
power mode).

1-28

• The USB device wake-up feature requires a power supply that can provide

500mA on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; otherwise, the system would

not power up.

• The total current consumed must NOT exceed the power supply capability
(+5VSB) whether under normal condition or in sleep mode.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.10 Connectors

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 mouse port (green)PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.

2. LAN (RJ-45) port. Supported by Gigabit 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.

LAN port LED indications

LED

LAN port

SPEED

LED

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

3. Center/Subwoofer port (orange).

This port connects the center/subwoofer

ACT/LINK

speakers.

4. Rear Speaker Out port (black).

This port connects the rear speakers in a

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

5. Line In port (light blue).

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

other audio sources.

6. 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.

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

8. 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 on the next page for the function of the
audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration.

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

1-29

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

Port

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 Ou Rear Speaker Out

Gray – – – Side Speaker Out

Headset

2-channel

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

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

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

10. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

11. PS/2 keyboard port (purple)PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.

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

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

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

via a optical S/PDIF cable.

1.10.2 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.

1-30

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

Chapter 1: Product introduction

2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE)

The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable.
There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 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 133/100/66 IDE devices.

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

Cable connector

Black

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

1-31

3. ICH10 Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-6)

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

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.

right angle side

4. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)

This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF)
port(s). Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install
the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

1-32

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

5. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB 910, USB1112)

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.

You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB,

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

onboard if your chassis supports front panel USB ports.

The USB module cable is purchased separately.

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

These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources
such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

1-33

7. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin
CHA_FAN, 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 connector support the ASUS Q-FAN feature.

8. 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.

1-34

The serial port module is purchased separately.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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. 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, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD Audio];
if you want to connect an AC'97 front panel audio module to this connector,
set the item to [AC97]. By default, this connector is set to [HD Audio]. See
section 2.5.3 Onboard Devices Conguration for details.

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

1-35

11. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)

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 12V Specication 2.0 (or later version)

and provides a minimum power of 400 W.

• Do not forget to connect the 4-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 are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your

system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Waltage Calculator
at http://support.asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.
aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.

1-36

Chapter 1: Product introduction

12. 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.

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

1-37

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, ensuring the
orientation matches the labels on the
motherboard.

Enable the front panel functions.

The gure shows the Q-Connector properly

installed on the motherboard.

1-38

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.11 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.

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

1-39

1.12 Turning off the computer

1.12.1 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.

1.12.2 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 2.6 Power Menu in
Chapter 2 for details.

1-40

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2

2.1 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.

4. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Updates the BIOS using a bootable oppy disk,

USB ash disk or the motherboard support DVD when the BIOS le fails or

gets corrupted.

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.

2.1.1 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.

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

2-2

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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.

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest

you to avoid network trafc, or

click Auto Select. Click Next.

2-3

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
complete the update process.

2-4

P5QSEPLU.rom

P5QSEPLU

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk

1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable oppy disk.

DOS environment

a. Insert a 1.44MB oppy disk into the drive.

b. At the DOS prompt, type

Windows® XP environment

a. Insert a 1.44 MB oppy disk to the oppy disk drive.

b. Click Start from the Windows® desktop, then select My Computer.

c. Select the 3 1/2 Floppy Drive icon.

d. Click File from the menu, then select Format. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy

Disk window appears.

e. Select Create an MS-DOS startup disk from the format options eld,

then click Start.

Windows® Vista environment

a. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB oppy disk to the oppy disk

drive.

b. Click from the Windows® desktop, then select Computer.

c. Right-click Floppy Disk Drive then click Format to display the

Format 3 1/2 Floppy dialog box.

d. Select the Create an MS-DOS startup disk check box.

e. Click Start.

format

A:/S then press <Enter>.

2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS le to the bootable oppy

disk.

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

2-5

2.1.3 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/X80

Current ROM

BOARD: P5Q SE PLUS
VER: 0105 (H:00 B:00)
DATE: 09/05/2008

PATH: C:\

A:

C:

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 USB ash disk, or oppy disk

2-6

with

FAT 32/16

• Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent
system boot failure!

format and single partition only.

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.1.4 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:

• Ensure 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 SE Plus

2-7

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 /iP5QSEPLU.ROM

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

A:\>afudos /iP5QSEPLU.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 /iP5QSEPLU.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:\>

2-8

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore

the BIOS le when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can
update a corrupted BIOS le using the motherboard support DVD or a USB ash
disk that contains the updated BIOS le.

• Prepare the motherboard support DVD or the USB ash disk containing the

updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.

• For the P5Q SE Plus motherboard, this utility will not function when you use
a PATA optical drive.

• Always connect the SATA cable to the SATA1 / SATA 2 connector;

otherwise, the utility will not function.

Recovering the BIOS from the support DVD

To recover the BIOS from the support DVD:

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive.

3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the DVD

for the BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...

Checking for oppy...

When found, the utility reads the BIOS le and starts ashing the corrupted

BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for oppy...
Floppy found!
Reading le “P5QSEPLU.ROM”. Completed.
Start ashing...

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

Recovering the BIOS from a USB ash disk

To recover the BIOS from a USB ash disk:

1. Insert a USB ash disk that contains BIOS le to the USB port.

2. Turn on the system.

3. The utility will automatically checks the devices for the BIOS le When found,
the utility reads the BIOS le and starts ashing the corrupted BIOS le.

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

• Only the USB ash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition can
support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. The device size should be smaller than

8GB.

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so
can cause system boot failure!

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

2-9

2.2 BIOS setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) chip
that you can update using the provided utility described in section “2.1 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 SPI 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, reboot the system by doing any of the
following procedures:

• Restart using the OS standard shut-down procedure.

• Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> simultaneously.

• Press the reset button on the system chassis.

• Press the power button to turn the system off then back on.

Using the power button, reset button, or the <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> keys to
force reset from a running operating system can cause damage to your data
or system. We recommend to always shut-down the system properly from the
operating system.

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 Default Settings item under the
Exit Menu. See section “2.9 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.

2-10

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.2.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu bar

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [00:36:36]
System Date [Fri 09/02/2008]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]

SATA 1 [WDC WD800JD-00LSA0]
SATA 2 [Not Detected]
SATA 3 [Not Detected]
SATA 4 [Not Detected]
SATA 5 [Not Detected]
SATA 6 [Not Detected]

Storage Coniguration

System 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 system Time.

Select Screen

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

Navigation keys

2.2.2 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 system performance 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.

2.2.3 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.

Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another.

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

2-11

2.2.4 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.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [06:22:54]
System Date [Tue 09/02/2008]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]

SATA 1 [Not Detected]
SATA 2 [Not Detected]
SATA 3 [Not Detected]SATA 3 [Not Detected] [Not Detected]
SATA 4 [Not Detected]SATA 4 [Not Detected] [Not Detected]
SATA 5 [Not Detected]SATA 5 [Not Detected] [Not Detected]
SATA 6 [Not Detected]SATA 6 [Not Detected] [Not Detected]

Storage Conguration

System Information

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

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

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

Main menu items

2.2.5 Sub-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>.

2.2.6 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 “2.2.7 Pop-up window.”

2.2.7 Pop-up window

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

conguration options for that item.

2.2.8 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

2.2.9 General help

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

2-12

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.3 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 2.2.1 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 [00:36:02]
System Date [Fri 09/02/2008]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]

SATA 1 [WDC WD800JD-00LSA0]
SATA 2 [Not Detected]
SATA 3 [Not Detected]
SATA 4 [Not Detected]
SATA 5 [Not Detected]
SATA 6 [Not Detected]

SATA Coniguration

System 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

2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]

Allows you to set the system time.

2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]

Allows you to set the system date.

2.3.3 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.]

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

2-13

2.3.4 SATA 1–6

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

Main

SATA 1

Device : Hard Disk
Vendor : WDC WD800JD-00LSA0
Size : 80.0GB
LBA Mode : Supported
Block Mode : 16 Sectors
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]

Selects the PIO mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]

2-14

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

DMA Mode [Auto]

Selects the DMA mode. Conguration options: [Auto]

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]

2.3.5 Storage Conguration

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

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

want to congure the item.

Storage Conguration

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

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

Options

Disabled
Compatiable
Enhanced

SATA Conguration [Enhanced]

Allows you to enable or disable SATA conguration.
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:Conguration options: [IDE] [AHCI]

Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled]

Disables or enables device write protection. This will be effective only if 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]

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

2-15

2.3.6 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 : 0103
Build Date : 09/02/08

Processor

Type : Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6300 @ 1.86GHz
Speed : 1866 MHz
Count : 2

System Memory

Installed Size: 512MB
Usable Size : 512MB

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

AMI BIOS

Displays the auto-detected BIOS information.

Processor

Displays the auto-detected CPU specication.

System Memory

Displays the auto-detected system memory.

Select Screen

Select Item
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

2-16

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.4 Ai Tweaker menu

The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to change the settings for system
performance.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Congure System Performance Settings

Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]
FSB Strap to North Bridge [Auto]
DRAM Frequency [Auto]
DRAM Timing Control [Auto]

1st Information: 5-5-5-15-3-36-5-3
2nd Information: 8-3-5-4-6-4-6
3rd Information: 13-5-1-5-5

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

C/P: A1 A2 A3 A4
LUL: 09 09 09 09

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

CPU Voltage [Auto]
FSB Termination voltage [Auto]

Memory Voltage [Auto]
North Bridge Voltage [Auto]
South Bridge Voltage [Auto]

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

Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
CPU GTL REference [Auto]
CPU Spread Sepctrum [Auto]
PCIE Spread Sprectrum [Auto]
CPU Clock Skew [Auto]
NB Clock Skew [Auto]
CPU Margin Enhancement [Optimized]

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options

MANUAL

Auto

Select Screen

Select Item

+- Change Field

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

2.4.1 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

Auto

Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.

Loads the optimal settings for the system.

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.

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

2-17

FSB/CPU External Frequency Synchronization

Front Side Bus CPU External Frequency

FSB 1600 400 MHz

FSB 1333 333 MHz

FSB 1066 266 MHz

FSB 800 200 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.

2.4.2 FSB Strap to North Bridge [Auto]

When set to [Auto], the FSB Strap will be adjusted automatically by FSB Frequency
and DRAM Frequency. Conguration options: [Auto] [200MHz] [266MHz] [333MHz]
[400 MHz]

2.4.3 DRAM Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the DDR2 operating frequency.

Conguration options: [Auto] [DDR2-533 MHz] [DDR2-639 MHz] [DDR2-667 MHz]
[DDR2-709 MHz] [DDR2-800 MHz] [DDR2-852 MHz] [DDR2-887 MHz] [DDR2­1066 MHz] [DDR2-*1200 MHz*]

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.

2.4.4 DRAM Timing Control [Auto]

Allows you to set the DRAM timing control. Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]

• The following sub-items appear 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.

2-18

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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

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]

RAS# Activate to Precharge [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] [40 DRAM Clocks] [45 DRAM Clocks]
[50 DRAM Clocks] [55 DRAM Clocks] [60 DRAM Clocks] [65 DRAM Clocks]
[70 DRAM Clocks] [80 DRAM Clocks] [85 DRAM Clocks] [105 DRAM Clocks]
[132 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]

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]

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

2-19

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: 13-5-1-5-5

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]

2.4.5 DRAM Static Read Control [Auto]

Adjusting this item might enhance DRAM overclocking ability.

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

2.4.6 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]

2.4.7 MEM. OC Charger [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable the memory overclocking charger feature. Setting

this item to [Enabled] may help enhance DRAM overclocking ability. Conguration
options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.4.8 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]

2-20

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.4.9 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.

2.4.10 CPU Voltage [Auto]

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

1.50000V 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.

2.4.11 FSB Termination Voltage [Auto]

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

1.20V* to 1.50V with a 0.10V interval.

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

2.4.12 Memory Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the Memory voltage. The values range from 1.80V to 2.30V with
a 0.10V interval.

2.4.13 North Bridge Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the North Bridge voltage. The values range from 1.10V to 1.40V*
with a 0.10V interval.

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

2-21

• Setting the CPU Voltage, FSB Termination Voltage, Memory Voltage
and North Bridge Voltage items to a high level may damage the chipset,
memory module and CPU permanently. Proceed with caution.

• The system may need better cooling system to work stably under high
voltage settings.

2.4.14 South Bridge Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the South Bridge voltage. The values range from 1.50V to 1.70V
with a 0.20V interval.

2.4.15 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]

2.4.16 CPU GTL Reference [Auto]

Allows you to enable or set CPU GTL Reference. Set a very high voltage may
damage the component permanently, set a very low voltage may cause the

system to become unstable. Conguration options: [Auto] [0.667V] [0.65V] [0.63V]
[0.615V]

2.4.17 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]

Set to [Disabled] to enhance FSB overclocking ability or [Auto] for EMI control.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]

2.4.18 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]

Set to [Disabled] to enhance PCIE overclocking ability or [Auto] for EMI control.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]

2.4.19 CPU Clock Skew [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Normal] [Delay 100ps] [Delay 200ps] [Delay 300ps]
[Delay 400ps] – [Delay 1400ps] [Delay 1500ps]

2.4.20 NB Clock Skew [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Normal] [Delay 100ps] [Delay 200ps] [Delay 300ps]
[Delay 400ps] – [Delay 1400ps] [Delay 1500ps]

2.4.21 CPU Margin Enhancement [Optimized]

Allows you to set the CPU Margin Enhancement.

Conguration options: [Optimized] [Compatible] [Performance Mode]

2-22

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.5 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

CPU Conguration
Chipset
Onboard Devices Conguration
USB Conguration
PCIPnP

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Congure settings
related to Trusted
Computing innovations.

Select Screen

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

2.5.1 CPU Conguration

The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS
automatically detects.

Advanced

Congure advanced CPU settings

Manufacturer:Intel
Brand String:Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6300 @ 1.86GHz
Frequency :1.87GHz
FSB Speed :1068 MHz
Cache L1 :64 KB
Cache L2 :2048 KB
Ratio Status:Unlocked (Min:06, Max:08)
Ratio Actual Value:7
CPUID :6F2

CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]
C1E Support [Enabled]
Max CPUID Value Limit: [Disabled]
Intel(R) Virtualization Tech [Enabled]
CPU TM function [Enabled]
Execute-Disable Bit Capability [Enabled]
Inte;(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [Enabled]

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

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

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]

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

2-23

C1E Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable Inter CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) function, a CPU
power-saving function in system halt state. When enable, the CPU core frequency
and voltage will be reduced during the system halt state to decrease power

consumption. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled]

Allows you to determine whether to limit CPUID maximum value. Set this item to

[Disabled] for Windows XP operating system; set this item to [Enabled] for legacy

operating system such as Windows NT4.0. (Default: Disabled)

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Intel(R) Virtualization Tech [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable Intel® Virtualization Technology. Virtualization
enhanced by Intel® Virtualization Technology allows a platform to run multiple

operating systems and applications in independent partitons. With virtualization,

one computer system can function as multiple virtual systems.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

CPU TM Function [Enabled]

Enables or disables Intel® CPU Thermal Monitor (TM) function, a CPU overheating
protection function. When enabled, the CPU core frequency and voltage are

reduced when the CPU overheats. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Execute-Disable Bit Capability [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable Intel® Execute Disable Bit Capability. This function
enhance protection of your computer, reducing exposure to viruses and malicious

buffer overow attacks when working with its supporting software and system.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following item appears only when you installed an Intel® Pentium® 4 or later
CPU that supports the Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST).

Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [Enabled]

Allows you to use the Enhanced Intel® SpeedStepTM Technology. When set to

[Enabled], you can adjust the system power settings in the operating system to
use the EIST feature. Set this item to [Disabled] if you do not want to use the EIST.
Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

2-24

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.5.2 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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Congure North Bridge
features.

North Bridge 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 enabled 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 enable or disable the Memory Hole.

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

ENABLE: Allow
remapping of
overlapped PCI memory
above the total
physical memory.

DISABLE: Do not allow
remapping of memory.

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

2-25

2.5.3 OnBoard Devices Conguration

Advanced

Onboard Device Conguraiton

High Denition Audio [Enabled]
Front Panel Type [HD Audio]
J-Micron eSATA/PATA Controller [Enabled]
Onboard PCIE LAN [Enabled]
Onboard PCIE LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

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. The following item
appears only when you enable this item. 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]

J-Micron eSATA/PATA Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to disable or enable the onboard JMicron® eSATA/PATA controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

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

Onboard PCIE LAN [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the onboard PCIE LAN.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Onboard PCIE LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

This item appears only when you enable the previous item.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

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]

2-26

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.5.4 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:

None

USB Functions [Enabled]
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]
USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]
BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Enabled]
Legacy USB Support [Auto]

The USB Devices Enabled item shows auto-detected values. If no USB device
is detected, the item shows None.

USB Functions [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB functions. The following sub-items appear

when this item is set to [Enabled]. Conguration options: [Disabled] [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

Disabled
Enhanced

Options

USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]

Allows you to set the USB 2.0 controller mode to HiSpeed (480 Mbps) or
FullSpeed (12 Mbps). This item appears only when you enable the USB 2.0

Controller item. Conguration options: [FullSpeed ] [HiSpeed ]

BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Enabled]

Allows you to enable support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off

feature. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Legacy USB Support [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable 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]

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

2-27

2.5.5 PCI PnP

The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP
devices.

Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect

eld values can cause the system to malfunction.

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.

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

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]

2-28

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.6 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 Twealer 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.

2.6.1 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]

2.6.2 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

2.6.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]

Allows you to select the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) 2.0
support. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled][Enabled]

2.6.4 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]

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

2-29

2.6.5 APM Conguration

Power

APM Conguration

Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]

Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]
Power On By External Modems [Disabled]
Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled]
Power On By PCIE Devices [Disabled]
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]
Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]

Restore On AC Power Loss [Power Off]

When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC power loss.
When set to Power On, the system goes on after an AC power loss. When set to
Last State, the system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state

was before the AC power loss. Conguration options: [Power Off] [Power On] [Last
State]

Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this item is
set to Enabled, the items RTC Alarm Date/ RTC Alarm Hour/ RTC Alarm Minute/

RTC Alarm Second will become user-congurable with set values.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

<Enter> to select
whether or not to
restart the system
after AC power loss.

Power On By External Modems [Disabled]

This allows either settings of [Enabled] or [Disabled] for powering up the computer

when the external modem receives a call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and

applications are fully running. Thus, connection cannot be made on the rst

try. Turning an external modem off and then back on while the computer is off

causes an initialization string that turns the system power on.

Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the PME to wake up from S5 by PCI devices.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power On By PCIE Devices [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2-30

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]

Allows you to disable the Power On by PS/2 keyboard function or set specic keys

on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power
supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-Esc] [Power Key]

Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Power On by PS/2 mouse function.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.6.6 Hardware Monitor

Power

Hardware Monitor

CPU Temperature [25ºC/77ºF]
MB Temperature [34ºC/93ºF]

CPU Fan Speed [4440RPM]
CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled]

Chassis Fan Speed [4440RPM]
Chassis Q-Fan Control [Disabled]

Power Fan Speed [N/A]

CPU Voltage [ 1.080V]

3.3V Voltage [ 3.232V]
5V Voltage [ 5.040V]
12V Voltage [12.208V]

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

CPU Temperature

Select Screen

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

CPU Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]
MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard

and CPU temperatures. Select [Ignored] if you do not wish to display the detected

temperatures.

CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU
fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the

motherboard, the eld shows N/A.

CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the CPU Q-Fan controller.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The CPU Fan Prole item appears when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control
feature.

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

2-31

CPU Fan Prole [Standard]

Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan. When

set to [Standard], the CPU fan automatically adjusts depending on the CPU
temperature. Set this item to [Silent] to minimize fan speed for quiet CPU fan
operation, or [Turbo] to enable slight quiet operation for heavy-loading computing.
Conguration options: [Standard] [Silent] [Turbo][Standard] [Silent] [Turbo][Turbo]

Chassis Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the chassis
fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the

motherboard, the eld shows N/A.

Chassis Q-Fan Control [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the chassis Q-Fan controller.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The Chassis Fan Prole item appears when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan
Control feature.

Chassis Fan Ratio [Standard]

Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the Chassis Q-Fan. When

set to [Standard], the chassis fan automatically adjusts depending on the chassis
temperature. Set this item to [Silent] to minimize fan speed for quiet chassis fan
operation, or [Turbo] to enable slight quiet operation for heavy-loading computing.
Conguration options: [Standard] [Silent] [Turbo][Standard] [Silent] [Turbo][Turbo]

Power Fan Speed (RPM) [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the power
fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the

motherboard, the eld shows N/A.

CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through

the onboard voltage regulators. Select [Ignored] if you do not want to detect this

item.

2-32

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.7 Boot menu

The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item
then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Boot Settings

Boot Device Priority

Boot Settings Conguration
Security

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

2.7.1 Boot Device Priority

Boot

Boot Device Priority

1st Boot Device [1st FLOPPY DRIVE]
2nd Boot Device [HDD:PM-WDC WD800JD]
3rd Boot Device [ATAPI CD-ROM]
4th Boot Device

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Species the Boot
Device Priority
sequence.

A virtual oppy disk
drive (Floppy Drive B:)
may appear when you set
the CD-ROM drive as the
rst boot device.

Select Screen

Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Species the boot
sequence from the
availabe devices.

A device enclosed
in parenthesis has
been disabled in
the corresponding
menu.

Select Screen

Select Item

Change Option

+-

F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

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

1st ~ xxth Boot Device [xxx Drive]

These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices.
The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of

devices installed in the system. Conguration options: [1st FLOPPY DRIVE] [Hard
Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM] [Disabled]

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

2-33

2.7.2 Boot Settings Conguration

Boot

Boot Settings Conguration

Quick Boot [Enabled]
Full Screen Logo [Enabled]
AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]
Bootup Num-Lock [On]
Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]

Quick Boot [Enabled]

Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST) while

booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When set to [Disabled],
BIOS performs all the POST items. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature. Conguration
options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature.

Add On ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]

Sets the display mode for option ROM. Conguration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep
Current]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Allows BIOS to skip
certain tests while
booting. This will
decrease the time
needed to boot the
system.

Bootup Num-Lock [On]

Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock.

Conguration options: [Off] [On]

Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]

When set to Enabled, the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error

occurs. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]

When set to Enabled, the system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup”

during POST. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2-34

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.7.3 Security

The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select

an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

Boot

Security Settings

Supervisor Password :Not Installed
User Password :Not Installed

Change Supervisor Password
Change User Password

Change Supervisor Password

Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor
Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a
password, this item shows Installed.

To set a Supervisor Password:

1. Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>.

2. From the password box, type a password composed of at least six letters
and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

The message “Password Installed” appears after you successfully set your
password.

To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a user
password.

To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then
press <Enter>. The message “Password Uninstalled” appears.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

<Enter> to change
password.
<Enter> again to
disabled password.

If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear clear it by erasing the CMOS
Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section “2.6 Jumpers” for information on how
to erase the RTC RAM.

After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to
change other security settings.

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

2-35

Boot

Security Settings

Supervisor Password :Installed
User Password :Installed

Change Supervisor Password
User Access Level [Full Access]
Change User Password
Clear User Password
Password Check [Setup]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

<Enter> to change
password.
<Enter> again to
disabled password.

User Access Level [Full Access]

This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items.

Conguration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access]

No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility.

View Only allows access but does not allow change to any eld.

Limited allows changes only to selected elds, such as Date and Time.

Full Access allows viewing and changing all the elds in the Setup utility.

Change User Password

Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on
top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this
item shows Installed.

To set a User Password:

1. Select the Change User Password item and press <Enter>.

2. On the password box that appears, type a password composed of at least six
letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

The message “Password Installed” appears after you set your password
successfully.

To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.

Clear User Password

Select this item to clear the user password.

Password Check [Setup]

When set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup
utility. When set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing
Setup and booting the system. Conguration options: [Setup] [Always]

2-36

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.8 Tools menu

The Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select

an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

ASUS EZ Flash 2

Express Gate [Enabled]
Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds]
Reset User Data [No]

AI NET 2
ASUS O.C. Prole

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

2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2

Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a conrmation
message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No],
then press <Enter> to conrm your choice. See section 2.1.3 for details.

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.25

FLASH TYPE: WINBOND W25P/X80

Current ROM

BOARD: P5Q SE
VER: 0105 (H:00 B:00)
DATE: 09/05/2008

PATH: C:\

A:

C:

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown

Update ROM

Press ENTER to run
the utility to select
and update BIOS.
This utility doesn't
support :

1.NTFS format

Select Screen

Select Item

Change Field

+-

Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Note

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info

[Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit

2-37

2.8.2 Express Gate [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable Express Gate.Conguration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]

Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds]

Allows you to set the countdown duration that the system waits at the Express

Gate’s rst screen before starting Windows or other installed OS.
Conguration options: [Prompt User] [1 Second] [3 Seconds] [5 Seconds] [10
Seconds] [15 Seconds] [20 Seconds] [30 Seconds]

Reset User Data [No]

Allows you reset user date. When set to [Reset], user data will be cleared, and
reboot to Express Gate. Conguration options: [No] [Reset]

2.8.3 AI NET 2

Tools

AI NET 2
Pair Status Length

Check Realtek LAN cable [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Atheros Check LAN
cable during POST.

Check Realtek LAN cable [Disabled]

Enables or disables checking of the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On

Self-Test (POST). Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2-38

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.8.4 ASUS O.C. Prole

This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.

Tools

O.C. PROFILE Conguration

O.C. Prole 1 Status :Not Installed
O.C. Prole 2 Status :Not Installed

Save to Prole 1
Load from Prole 1

Save to Prole 2
Load from Prole 2

Start O.C. Prole

Save to Proe 1/2

Allows you to save the current BIOS le to the BIOS Flash. Press <Enter> to save
the le.

Load from Prole 1/2

Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Press

<Enter> to load the le.

Start O.C. Prole

Allows you to run the utility to save and load CMOS. Press <Enter> to run the
utility.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Save BIOS settings
to Prole 1

BOARD: P5Q SE
VER: 0105 (H:00 B:00)
DATE: 09/05/2008

PATH: C:\

A:

C:

Note

• This function can support devices such as USB ash disk or 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 the system boot failure!

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

ASUSTek O.C. Prole Utility V1.25

Current CMOS

[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info

[Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit

Restore CMOS

BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown

2-39

2.9 Exit menu

The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the
BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Exit & Save Changes
Exit & Discard Changes
Discard Changes

Load Setup Defaults

Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options
from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.

Exit & Save Changes

Once you are nished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit

menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. An onboard
backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned
off. When you select this option, a conrmation window appears. Select OK to save
changes and exit.

If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the
program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save your changes
before exiting. Press <Enter> to save the changes while exiting.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Exit system setup
after saving the
changes.

F10 key can be used
for this operation.

Exit & Discard Changes

Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to

the Setup program. If you made changes to elds other than System Date, System
Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a conrmation before exiting.

Discard Changes

This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the

previously saved values. After selecting this option, a conrmation appears. Select

OK to discard any changes and load the previously saved values.

Load Setup Defaults

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the

Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a conrmation

window appears. Select OK to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes
or make other changes before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.

2-40

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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

Chapter 3: Software

3

support

3.1 Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows® XP/64-bit XP/Vista/64-bit Vista operating
systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to

maximize the features of your hardware.

• Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup
procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS
documentation for detailed information.

• Ensure that you install the Windows® XP Service Pack2 or later versions
before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.

3.2 Support DVD information

The support DVD that came with the motherboard package contains the drivers,
software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard
features.

The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without
notice. Visit the ASUS website(www.asus.com) for updates.

3.2.1 Running the support DVD

Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the
Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.

3-2

Click an icon to
display support
DVD/motherboard
information

Click an item to install

If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support

DVD to locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the

ASSETUP.EXE to run the DVD.

Chapter 3: Software support

3.2.2 Drivers menu

The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed
devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.

ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Anti-Virus and Drivers Utility

Launches the ASUS installation wizard for anti-virus and drivers utility.

Norton Internet Security 2008

Installs the Norton Internet Security 2008.

Intel Chipset Driver Inf Update Program

Installs the Intel chipset driver inf update program.

Realtek RTL8111B/C LAN Drivers

Installs the Realtek LAN drivers.

VIA Audio Driver

Installs the VIA audio driver.

ASUS EPU - 4 Engine

Installs the ASUS EPU - 4 Engine driver and utility.

ASUS Express Gate Installer

Installs the ASUS Express Gate utility.

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

3-3

3.2.3 Utilities menu

The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard
supports.

Click to display
the next page

Click to return
to the previous
page

ASUS InstAll-Installation Wizard for Utilities

Installs all of the utilities through the Installation Wizard.

ASUS Update

The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in Windows®
environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a network or
an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

3-4

Chapter 3: Software support

ASUS PC Probe II

This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages,
and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you keep your computer
in healthy operating condition.

ASUS AI Suite

An innovative application to do overclocking, fan control, power saving and quiet
thermal control.

Adobe Acrobat Reader 8

Installs Adobe Acrobat Reader that allows you to open, view and print documents
in Portable Document Format (PDF).

Microsoft DirectX 9.0c

Installs the Microsoft® DirectX 9.0c driver. The Microsoft DirectX® 9.0c is a
multimedia technology that enhances computer graphics and sound. DirectX®
improves the multimedia features of you computer so you can enjoy watching
TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in your computer. Visit the
Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) for updates.

Corel MediaOne Starter

Installs the Corel MediaOne Starter application to easily manage, edit share and
protect your multimedia data.

CyberLink PowerBackup

Installs the CyberLink PowerBackup to back up and restore your data easily.

WinZip 11

Installs the Winzip utility for easy le-compression.

Ulead Burn Now

Installs the Ulead Burn. Now application for audio DVD, CD and data disc creation.

Ulead Photolmpact 12 SE

Installs the PhotoImpact image editing software.

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

3-5

3.2.4 Manual menu

The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to
open the folder of the user manual.

Most user manual les are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the

Adobe® Acrobat® Reader from the Support DVD before opening a user manual

le.

3.2.5 ASUS Contact information

Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also nd

this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.

3-6

Chapter 3: Software support

3.2.6 Other information

The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the
motherboard and the contents of the support DVD. Click an icon to display the

specied information.

Motherboard Info

Displays the general specications of the motherboard.

Browse this DVD

Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format.

ASUS P5Q SE Plus

3-7

Technical support Form

Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to ll out when

requesting technical support.

3-8

Chapter 3: Software support